Man on the Moon (1999)

 

The life and career of legendary comedian of Andy Kaufman.

A great director and Jim Carrey do their best to explain this strange comedian's appeal,  but alas, Andy Kaufman's humor never sparks a laugh, and he appears to have been a rather disagreeable fellow.

Halliwell*: "An intriguing story of an unusual an uncomfortable talent, with a good performance from Carrey; those who were never exposed to Kaufman's comedy are likely to need more convincing that he is worth this elaborate treatment."

Maltin**: "Carrey perfectly embodies his subject, but it's impossible to get inside Kaufman's head and understand what made him so very, very strange, on-stage and off...if indeed it's worth the effort."

New acquisition: Man on the Moon (1999)

 

Hair (1979)

In New York City for the first time while on his way to enlist in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War, an Oklahoma farm hand meets up with a freewheeling group of Central Park hippies.

From memory: First-rate adaptation of the successful 1968 musical is quite entertaining, but was produced way beyond its expiring date.  

Halliwell*: "Slick, vigorous but eventually unsatisfying version of a quickly dated musical frolic with some obvious points to make."

Maltin**1/2: "...hit musical play celebrated the '60s as the Age of Aquarius; unfortunately, it's now a period piece and its impact considerably muffled...has exciting musical moments, but doesn't hang together." 

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)

A criminal pleads insanity after getting into trouble again and once in the mental institution rebels against the oppressive nurse and rallies up the scared patients.

A masterpiece of anti-establishment entertainment, excellently staged and with an unforgettable cast, still manages to captivate, although it does reveal a strong streak of misogyny.

Halliwell****: "Wildly and unexpectedly commercial film of a project which had lain dormant for fourteen years, this amusing and horrifying film conveniently sums up anti-government attitudes as well as make love not war and all that. It's certainly impossible to ignore."

Maltin****: "Ken Kesey's script is a triumph of human spirit..."

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)

On the set: Jack Nicholson and Milos Forman

One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)

Upon admittance to a mental institution, a brash rebel rallies the patients to take on the oppressive head nurse.