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

Saturday, December 17, 2022

TIM ROBBINS, MICHAEL PENA & RACHEL ADAMS ARE THREE SOLDIERS WHO MEET AT JFK AND TAKE A SPONTANIOUS ROAD TRIP IN "THE LUCKY ONES" (2007)

An interesting post-war character-driven dramedy from Neil Burger, the guy who brought us The Illusionist. The various issues and situations soldiers have to deal with when coming back after an extended leave is woven into the plot and dialog but don't expect any huge revelations or statements on war or the soldier's role. When said and done The Lucky Ones is at best an entertaining road trip movie driven by the nice diversity of the three main characters and of course a triplet of acting stalwarts. 

Despite this none of these three performances are particularly noteworthy or above-level although Adams does shine the best of the three, face it, she's great to look at and has a bubbly charisma that's hard to resist. Robbins is a master of the craft and even though he kicks it way back here (even more than usual) in his assumption of the role, the gentle giant vibe of who he is will always show through. 

As a road trip movie it checks off a lot of appeasable boxes including locations and photography but falters with pacing, one of the movie's other big problems. I still recommend The Lucky Ones and strangely enough it would probably be a good choice for a family or friends gathering. We must always remember the ones who serve our country have the same problems as those who don't, they make mistakes just like everybody else. 

The Lucky Ones is currently streaming on Tubi, Pluto or VOD.  3.0 stars/5


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