tiekbane

Back in the 70s' revenge movies were big (heck there were 29 Death Wish flicks werent there?). Well, some people with half a talent convinced some people with a whole lotta money to make a revenge movie: this movie. This time, with the novel idea of brother against brother in the ultimate sibling rivalry. The dialog is rather snappy (check out Aarons' reason for killing Victoria Principle), the characters shallow (thankfully), and the action features actual stunt-man work, and the finale probly has some Hollywood magic of the time: no CGI but some stock footage or other trickery. There definitely is some cleverness in the finale with Americans against 'Redcoats.' No, this movie is not classic, at least in our lifetime. But it's some silly fun along the dark humor vein. If its raining outside on a Saturday afternoon & your internet is down & this is on tv, watch it.

This is not the story of a Nazi & what his goals & beliefs are. This is the story of a boy who was a victim. Forget the synopsis, this review is about the writing & direction of the episode. Ed Asner gives his usual compelling performance mentoring green reporter Billy in developing the story. And after Billy discovers that Stiker was originally Jewish, they decide to run with the story. But there is another angle to this episode. Is it news to discover such a personal background story and print it without the subjects' approval or is it just a tabloid hit piece they might sell some papers? Peter Weller gives a gut wrenching performance worthy of an Emmy. The writing is snappy, crisp & contemporary.

This is Good television.

Most of the characters were successful in their lives but were in decline for various reasons. A few of the characters were still successful, even during The Depression enough to exploit the down trodden High Society. One down trodden couple, mainly the wife (in denial) wanted to maintain the Aristocracy by hosting a dinner party for wealthy guests to maintain her own Aristocracy. Simple enough. But then the movie delves into the lives of the guests, some comedic, some poignant, some tragic. This movie will actually make you feel sorry for arrogant narcissists. The movie plays like a stage play & the acting is hopelessly dated, but it will grab you if you give it a try.