GREAT EXPECTATIONS (1998, 111 min.)

This seventies take on Charles Dicken�s great story is quite special to me, having visited the production site at the Ringling Museum several times when it was being filmed here. The movie itself pleases me, as well.  But a few of its fine attributes: Gwyneth Palthrow at her smartest, sexiest best; the gorgeous Florida settings; funny, strong performances by Robert DeNiro and Ann Bancroft; plus some keen satire of the Big Apple art scene. Great expectations? Maybe not too great, but even moderate ones should provide a session of fine video viewing.

THE JERK (1979, 94 min.)

I identify quite a lot with Steve Martin�s character in THE JERK.  At times he is brilliant, at others, thick as a brick.  Also, he lacks a sense of rhythm and can�t dance.  Me too!  I do appreciate the grace and ease of those who do dance well, however, and the bittersweet little Japanese comedic drama SHALL WE DANCE? is one of my favorites.

10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU (1999, 94 min.)

My favorite of many wild scenes in the generally panned 10 THINGS occurs during the closing credits, when the band, Letters from Cleo, rocks out on a high school rooftop with the Cheap Trick tune, �I Want You to Want Me.�  There is much sharp humor in this modern rendition of Shakespeare�s �Taming of the Shrew,� but, unlike so many movies about adolescence, it is seldom shallow or gross.

WORKING GIRL (1988, 115 min.)

Melanie Griffith, in WORKING GIRL, is herself a gorgeous piece of work, innocently winsome in her ways.  Mike Nichol�s direction and wonderful performances by Sigourney Weaver and Harrison Ford complete this movies classy pizzazz!

Of Marilyn Monroe, John Huston said, �She had no techniques. It was all the truth.� Of herself, she said, �I am not interested in money. I just want to be wonderful.� 

� GLORIA STEINEM in �Marilyn: Norma Jean�

�I used to be Snow White, but I drifted.�

LEAP OF FAITH (1992, 108 min.) 

The movie goes with hilarious precision to the very beating heart of religious emotionalism. It�s a riot! Steve Martin blends superbly with the persona of a hotshot evangelistic, loaded with suave charisma and hi-tech, back-up support from sophisticated associate, Debra Winger. It�s a convoy of trailer trucks and a tent full of fancy tricks, all backed up by the most wonderful black choral band that anyone could ever hope to encounter! With unerring intelligence, raw-edged comedic flair, and actual redeeming grace, LEAP OF FAITH is the �genuine article.�

COMEDIES

In the realm of humor, I also like GROUNDHOG DAY and GREEN CARD. �BJ

�My future is all behind me.�  �MELVIN THE (LATE) HUMAN BLOCKHEAD, Gibsonton, Florida

P. O. Box 3411 / Sarasota, Florida 34230

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MISS NITA KREBS

Nita Krebs used to point the way for tourists at Sarasota�s former Circus Hall of Fame. �Just follow the yellow brick line,� she laughed and said -- quite appropriately, too, as she had been one of the major Munchkins in THE WIZARD OF OZ!  This little German show lady also had starred in THE TERROR OF TINY TOWN, a western in which all the actors were little people. And so, I rented it in 16mm and invited a few friends, including � especially � Nita, to see it. She sat in the front row and giggled hilariously, commenting about the film as it rolled off in front of us. She had only seen the movie once, back when it was made in a few short weeks during the grand phase of mass-produced Hollywood westerns. This was a magic evening when distant illusions of the silver screen merged into delightful reality for us in the presence of dear little Miss Nita Krebs. � Bill Joyner

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