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

Wednesday, May 15, 2024

REPOST WEEK! - KEVIN SPACEY IS A POT-SMOKING BURNT-OUT HOLLYWOOD PSYCHOLOGIST, A JADED THERAPIST TO THE STARS IN "SHRINK" (2009)

 

Merely a blip on most people's screens, this indie that premiered at Sundance stars Kevin Spacey in an excellent performance. The film's basically an interweaving characters drama with Spacey at the center as he tries to solve his own problems along with his patients. Most notable among the large supporting cast is Dallas Roberts as a neurotic talent agent. The only one that doesn't fit, strangely enough, is Robin Williams. He's not so much miscast in his role as he is just out of place with the other actors. Even the scenes with him and Spacey lack chemistry. 

Having grown up in the Hollywood Hills, I loved the scenery in this, there's some great spots including Griffith Park and the Hollywood Sign. 

If you're looking for a good indie, this one's worth checking out folks. 3.25 stars/5

Editor's note - as of 5/15/24, Shrink is available on Plex, Freevee, Roku and good ole Tubi

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