bfm_1017

Just saw this on DVD and thoroughly enjoyed the love story. Beautiful cinematography, fine acting, lovely women to watch in this story of embracing mid life and retirement. A couple of thoughts - Juan's story is just like he says in the meeting with the judge, Juan in fact struggles with the truth of his life with an unfaithful mother and a father who had just one claim to fame - being dance king of Astoria. An underwhelming life. It's possible Dr. Mickler (Don Octavio) becomes a replacement for Don Juan's real father. Mickler of course becomes DOn Octavio as he is drawn deeper into Don Juan's world. If your reality is not so good, we tend to fill it in with good fantasies. Or, just enjoy it like Neverland or Pirates - a fantasy - a pleasant romantic movie with Depp and a group of fine looking ladies. I prefer to accept Johnny as Don Juan, just as Dr. Mickler did, and to enjoy the fantasy ride. The irony is most of us can identify with Dr. Mickler - having lost our youthful enthusiasm in the midst of raising a family and putting kids through college, still not able to rub two nickles together in our personal life. Like Mickler, we can CHOOSE to live a more romantic, fun, lively existence - all we have to do is choose to do so, give ourselves permission to enjoy. Many middle age men still remember their "Don Juan" days, many years ago, but not out of reach. Many of us would be pleasantly surprised how our spouses are just waiting for us to rediscover the romantic side of our personality. It's still there, just a bit rusty from non-use, and buried perhaps in tuition bills, mortgage payments, car payments, the office, church and community commitments, etc. We have to give ourselves some 'breathing room' just as Don Juan tells Mickler needs. Love the movie, and love the Bryan Adams song, revived this year on Ameircan Idol with Kris Allen.

I found this film on TCM one day recently, and decided to check it out mostly because it was made during the war and had John Wayne in the cast. I'm not much of a Joan Crawford fan, but she did a very good job in this story of patriotism during German occupation of France. The lead actor was very handsome and hard to figure out until later in the movie. Wayne was not the star of the movie, and did a very good acting job as the RAF American volunteer downed pilot. While the story seems implausible, most war films do. Of course there were a lot of heroic people in WW II, on all sides, and in the 'occupied' countries such as France. The fact that the Germans were not completely one dimensional gave some depth to the movie. As any German from that time will tell you, not all the German people were in lock step with the regime, but they had to stay alive. Many fought on several levels, many of those we will never hear of. I do think the caricature of the Gestapo was perhaps a little cartoon like in the movie, and John Carradine epitomizes that caricature. From what I have read over the years, the Gestapo was a very dangerous organization and usually left nothing to chance. I love the twists and turns in the movie, and will not spoil it for others. Suffice it to say I recommend this movie for its storyline, and its acting. A great wartime film in my book.

With so much junk on TV these days, and so much serious drama, it is refreshing to see good old comedy again. I loved Seinfeld, Cheers, Curb, Frasier - but this show is none of these. I watch The Office, and this is not The Office. It's a straight rapid fire comedy, no brains required, just sit back and enjoy. Gorgeous Paula Marshall has maybe found a show that will stick, and Jay Mohr is excellent as the struggling Dad, but Max Gail is the highlight for me and provides the crossover character I need. Unlike some of the other comedies on TV, the language is mainstream and not offensive. Even of we are not divorced, we can enjoy the banter between Paula Marshall and Jay Mohr, the same banter many happily married couples have. Ed Begley, Jr. adds a great foil for Mohr, and Jaime King is great to look at. Al Madrigal has a bit part, and I would love to see his character develop more. Finally the son, Ryan Malgarini has great comic timing, something many adults in comedies have trouble with. You can almost hear him thinking "Wait for it....", then deliver his line. I hope the show is renewed and catches on. Not in the same league as The Office or Curb Your Enthusiasm, but much better than How I Married... or Two and a Half... IMO