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, January 29, 2023

DAVID LYNCH TELLS "THE STRAIGHT STORY" (1999) FOR A CHANGE IN THIS DISNEY CHARMER STARRING RICHARD FARNSWORTH IN HIS FINAL ROLE

 

David Lynch directs Disney? That's right and what a film it is. 

Richard Farnsworth in his final role plays the true story of Alvin Straight, an elderly man determined to ride a lawnmower across Iowa to Wisconsin. He's trying to visit his brother who just had a stroke and mend their broken relationship before they die. Farnsworth was dying from terminal cancer during shooting and threw himself headlong into what he knew was his last performance and earned a well- deserved Oscar nomination. 

Sissy Spacek is also awesome in this and it seems the professional reviews through the years haven't mentioned that enough. Gorgeous cinematography and a dreamy score by Angelo Badalamenti round out a film that really it's hard to say anything bad about. G-rated and suitable for the whole darn family plus a great pick for a diverse crowd (like Thanksgiving lol) to please the whole room. Straight Story is of course available with a Disney subscription but also on all the VOD outlets. Enjoy, it's a must-see.  5 stars/5

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