Boffo! Tinseltown's Bombs and Blockbusters

Easily the dumbest documentary HBO has ever been involved in this is a "look" at what makes a hit or a flop. Using loose subject headings various people talk about how we can never know what will hit or what will miss. We see how the rules of one moment don't apply to the next. There is also a good deal of discussion about how all film making is a crap shoot since what should work very often doesn't.

Actually what this film is lots of stars and studio execs sitting in chairs telling "witty stories" about the films that worked and the films that failed all the while trying to come across as "gee whiz" nice guys. While the stories are interesting the film quickly reveals that there isn't much of a point, or if there is one, the point doesn't require 75 minutes to have it beaten into your head. Its the sort of movie where some one says Howard the Duck and expects it to get big laughs. We also get rapid fire clips from the various movies that are suppose to illustrate the point but are too brief and fleeting to be much beyond a visual reference. Its so many people talking so briefly about so many different movies, or speaking so generally that you get no real information about anything. Yes, there are some telling remarks about life in Tinseltown but its much ado about nothing since its the equivalent to reading a book of quotes on the movies with nothing beyond the quotes. Personally, I was bored and after half an hour I picked up a magazine and began to read.

If you like movies give it a try,after all there are some good lines and confessions (George Clooney on responsibility and Brian Grazer on wishing someone else's failure) but its too long and never adds up to anything worth anything.

Much more than just another compilation of film clips, this celebration of movie magic made me smile from start to finish. With personalities ranging from George Clooney to Bob Evans to Richard Zanuck, it's a privilege to listen in on these insiders discuss why we love movies, and what makes them hits or bombs. We see Jodie Foster and Charlize Theron talking about why they have made their role choices, and what drives them to take the difficult parts no one thought they could do. We see Morgan Freeman commenting on his involvement with big flops (Bonfire of the Vanities) and huge but unexpected hits (Unforgiven, Driving Miss Daisy, March of the Penguins). Best of all, we do see wonderful clips of some of the best and worst films in cinema history.

This was an excellent documentary on the ups and downs of the film industry. I was among the first to view this film and it changed my outlook on a lot of things pertaining to film making. I also had the honor of meeting the director. He knows his stuff. I know for sure that film is what I want to do now, because I saw this film. It was honest and in your face. The talent that graced the screen and gave their first hand confessions about the industry also opened my eyes to the film world. Everyone, if you have a chance, check it out! It might be a great experience for those who are interested in film and who want to get the real(or, reel)deal on the industry.

Excellent documentary exploring the dichotomy, mystery and miracles of film-making. It's funny, serious, whimsical, self-contradictory, and full of the width and breath of personalities that rule Hollywood...behind or in front of the camera. Filmmakers from Sidney Pollack to George Clooney all take the stage in all their glory and personality to explain to the view the tricks, formulas, secrets, mysteries and miracles of film-making. We see that not as the A-List superstars they are, but as mere cogs in the Hollywood system deftly juggling creativity with the economics and politics of film-making. I highly recommend adding this to your library if you are a filmmaker in any sense of the word.

I really enjoyed this documentary. I don't believe HBO ever meant for it to be a 'how to guide' for anyone wanting to get into the business. Instead, it is just an interesting look at how the movie making industry works. The studios are often formulaic and pump out movies as if they were on an assembly line just to make big bucks, and this documentary gives examples of how all the planning in the world sometimes bombs while other times weird unplanned series of events can result in making a blockbuster. I found it rather enlightening to know that there is still an element of 'luck' involved sometimes in movie-making. It helps those of us who want to 'escape' when going to the movies instead of just being weighed down by the business end of film-making that can suck all the enjoyment out of the experience. I encourage everyone to watch this, but remember to just sit back, relax, and enjoy yourselves! Definitely don't view this too seriously because it is obvious that even though the people being interviewed sometimes talking about serious issues, they are enjoying themselves as well.