B-Movie Gazette: KEVIN KLINE, DANNY GLOVER, MARY MCDONNELL & A HOST OF OTHERS ARE ALL HEADED TO THE "GRAND CANYON" (1991)

B-MOVIE OF THE MONTH - THE DEATH OF RITCHIE (TV 1977)

Looks like a lot of fun to me, I don't know. Seriously and for those that don't know, The Death Of Ritchie is one of the most iconic TV movies of the entire '70's decade. I was roughly 15 when it aired and i can tell you that both Robby Benson and teens taking drugs were very hot topics at the time. The film is based on a true story where a father who couldn't control his teen's behavior from drug abuse was forced to take the law into his own hands. The father here is good ole Ben Gazzara and he is at his Gazzara best with a ferocious intensity, his scenes with Benson as father and son a perfect chemistry. At the time more emphasis was on Benson as a model but his performance here is really amazing. Streams free on Tubi, Freevee, Roku and Plex, if this was being rated on the standard scale I would give it five stars, 'nuff said. 2.75 stars/2.75

Sunday, July 24, 2022

KEVIN KLINE, DANNY GLOVER, MARY MCDONNELL & A HOST OF OTHERS ARE ALL HEADED TO THE "GRAND CANYON" (1991)

Some say hit, some say miss, Lawrence Kasdan's Grand Canyon movie certainly doesn't get as much love as his other multi-character flicks The Big Chill and The Accidental Tourist. Set in LA during the turbulent Rodney King era, the script's undertones of black vs white are exemplified in the two main characters, Danny Glover's "Simon" and Kevin Kline's "Mack." Many other characters and subplots all revolve around those two who meet by chance after Mack gets lost driving home from a Lakers game at the Forum. Steve Martin also excels here in a highly dramatic role demonstrating once again his amazing diversity of genuine talent.

I happen to be of the opinion this is not only better than Big Chill or Accidental Tourist but in many ways Kasdan's masterpiece. Kline once again is incredible and Glover's performance is one of my favorites of his of all time. Their scenes together are to watch two masters at the top of their game and making it look easy. McDonnell's performance is literally Oscar-worthy, she shines in every scene. And look for a young Jeremy Sisto in his feature debut as Mack's teenage son who is coming of age. Grand Canyon also features a most unique and surreal dream sequence where both Mack and then his wife fly, yes fly, around Los Angeles.

So, obviously, this movie lover sees it as a hit. One of the best films of 1991? Absolutely.

Currently streaming only on Max Go or take the DVD route. 4.0 stars/5