atangey

I enjoyed watching "Mike and Molly" very much. Billy Gardell and Melissa McCarthy lead a superb cast while delving into a rather touchy subject. Let me say uncandidly my wife and I both deal with weight problems, and for the first time I felt the issues were centered without being insulting. The jokes are "laugh with me" style rather then "laugh at me". Needless to say, dealing with these issues can make a person self conscious, and we see that portrayed in Mike as he is smitten with Molly (and I can certainly see why) but hesitates to make the move to ask her out.

Katy Mixon and the always delightful Swoosie Kurtz make a fantastic addition as Molly's family, and the references to her late father where we learn the genetic connection to her weight issues. The ultra thin pair eating a huge piece of cake in front of an exercising Molly is a great demonstration of how fighting weight isn't always the same issue for 2 different people.

As a matter of fact, it is refreshing to see Mike and Molly both trying to take their weight seriously with the participation in Overeaters Annoymous...and Mike announces his loss of 3 pounds, putting perfect perception into how the battle for weight loss is just that, and without a sense of being preachy for those that may be in the same battles.

I also was pleased with an entertaining performance by Reno Wilson as Mike's partner on the police force. He joked with his friend about his weight, but you could tell it was done with love...not shying away from some of his own relationship issues that I am sure we will soon see expounded. And even with the friendship in the jokes, he also proves to be a real friend in general to Mike.

I hope "Mike and Molly" lasts and continues to follow the lead of the pilot and keep things in the proper perspective. Don't shy from the weigthty problems of protagonists without becoming a holier then though preachy "you better deal with your weight" attitude. As a fan of Chuck Lorre's previous efforts, I am sure we are in for another treat.

Not the kind of story one would think of when thinking H G Welles, but this rags to riches to rags love story is fascinating, well constructed and features one of England's preimere talents, Tommy Steele. The tale of the oprhan Kips who aquires an amazing inheritance and nearly throws away true love after tasting the luxury of high society. Fantastic score too, includes "If the Rains Going to Fall". Great fun.

One of the all time greats that never loses its appeal. The story of Dorothy Gale of Kansas and her spectacular trip to the land of Munchkins, good and bad witches, wizards, tin men, talking scarecrows and the cowardly lion is just as charming after the many times I have seen it as it was when I first saw it as a very small youth. One thing, no matter how many times you have seen this on TV, don't miss an opportunity to this classic on the big screen. You will be enthralled all over again.