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

Friday, October 27, 2023

PATTON OSWALT IS A HARDCORE NY GIANTS FAN WHO HAS A CHANCE ENCOUNTER WITH HIS FAVORITE PLAYER IN "BIG FAN" (2009)

 

Comedian and actor Patton Oswalt gives a damn impressive performance and plays against type as a disgruntled New York Giants fan who snaps a circuit. He likes to call a sports talk show on the radio and rail against Philadelphia Eagles fans. He's 34 and still lives with his mom, works in a parking garage, his brother and family all think he's a loser. His one best friend (Kevin Corrigan) is a hanger-on. 

One night he spots his favorite player, a defensive back, in a gas station. He and his best friend follow him to a couple places. When he finally gets to meet his sports idol, let's just say things don't go too well. The rest of this quirky little indie focuses on how he handles the misfired encounter.

Not only is this a great little indie, it's excellently edited and the passion for the project shines though nicely. It's a football movie that doesn't take place on the field of play but firmly belongs in the genre as a soon-to-be sports classic. Highly recommend!  2.75 stars/2.75

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