Lunch

I'm a TV junkie, so I grew up on all these fabulous shows. All of my favorite TV writers are in this film, from Arthur Marx (Alice, Maude), to Hal Kantor (All in the Family). It was great listening to Ben Starr talk about the idea behind Mister Ed, how it was important to create a horse character that both adults and children could relate to. I love all the projects that Carl Reiner has been a part of (especially The Jerk) but I had no idea that he was also a writer of children's books. They've got to be awesome. These truly talented gentlemen understand, as long as your brain is kept active, there's plenty of living to be done. If you love TV as much as I do, this is a great film to watch.

For the past four decades, a group of writers and directors, of film and television, have met for an informal lunch every other Wednesday. Over the years, the attendees have changed as have the meeting locales, with this day's get together at Factor's Famous Deli.

Many of the men you can see are physically aging, and several of the attendees have passed on since the filming of the documentary, thus the youngest of the group John Rappoport half-jokingly states he's been named the "designated cane" of the group. However, the minds of these legends are laser sharp, as they tell jokes, spin witty stories, and gently kibbitz with one another.

This is not a "can you top this" environment, as it's more laid back and friendly than anything else. There are also side interviews, away from the lunch table, where these brilliant men can relate some fascinating tidbits form their lives and careers.

The director of the film, Donna Kanter, has given us a light-hearted, interesting, and humorous movie that I enjoyed, as I was sitting and eating lunch with these legends.

"Lunch" is a documentary of a bunch of legendary comedy writers who have a weekly bi-weekly lunch at Factor's deli in Los Angeles. They meet talk about politic, talk about the past and give each other a hard time. In between the filmed footage of the lunch each member is interviewed and their back story is flushed out and their current situation is examined. This was my favorite part of the film. It was kinda sad watching these legends of comedy struggle to find traction in a modern world that has determined them to be over the hill. The great thing is these aren't the type to mope, they get up dust of the computer and continue to write. A must view for anyone who loves the classic comedies. I throughly enjoyed this film!

I live for comedy. A good laugh gets me through the day and I love it how a funny guest can liven up any party. The documentary "Lunch" is like having a dinner party with some of the most lively, entertaining guests imaginable. "Lunch" follows a group of legendary comedy writers who meet for lunch every other week in Los Angeles. At easch lunch they discuss the old days, current events and what its like being old. Each subject is handles with wit and grace and each member is interviewed and their current situations are shared. The documentary breezes by and I was left wanting more. This documentary is a must for any fan of classic TV. You won;t regret it.

For the last 40 years, a group of elderly comedy writers and entertainers have gathered to have lunch every other Wednesday. There are some legends and old-timers from various aspects of entertainment. They tell jokes, reminisce about old times, and remember fallen comrades. Monty Hall talks about his history starting from Winnipeg. Arthur Marx talks about his father Groucho. Arthur Hiller talks about his directing most memorably about Paddy Chayefsky. Sid Caesar is a bit frail but he's still very present and does do his foreign language bit. There are quite a few jokes, discussion about Jewish humor and some Irish humor. This is simply a great fly-on-the-wall documentary. Their speech may be a little bit halting now but they are still very sharp.