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

Monday, November 13, 2023

REPOST WEEK! - JON GRIES & GARRETT MORRIS ARE HEADED FOR A "JACKPOT" (2001) - HOWEVER, THEY IS NOT GAMBLING, THEY ARE SINGING IN KARAOKE CONTESTS!

"If you like Pina Coladas....and getting caught in the rain.."
Sing it, Jon!
"Candy" scene

Sonny Holiday (Jon Gries) is a dreamer. He wants to be a karaoke star but he's really a legend in his own mind. He chucks his wife and kid to go on the road with Lester Irving (Garrett Morris) who is supposed to be Sonny's manager but he's got his own delusions going. They travel from town to town living a meager existence and running into various characters, making this one part road movie as well. 

Gries really digs deep into his part and has an appealing voice in the music scenes. Morris has a lot of lines in this one and it's nice to see him stretch out in a combo comedic and dramatic role. The late, great Mac Davis has a short but enjoyable cameo and the film's highest marks come in it's editing which is indie perfect. The Polish Brothers are the duo behind this one and you know how we love lifting up overlooked films on this blog. This one's a dandy! 3.0 stars/5 Only available on DVD. 


Jackpot

Theatrical Trailer from Sony Pictures Classics

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