2P2: Revisted

Or: A Boy Raised by (Stuffed) Wolves
a kate west revisit
(original review here)

As a child, Bill Olson believed everything around him was alive, with actual feelings. Especially his stuffed animals (to let you in on a little secret: HE STILL BELIEVES THIS.) More on this later.

Bill grew up (if you can really call it that) to be an actor, a juggler, a teacher of the Alexander Technique and a puppeteer with Lunatique Fantastique. He likes to say he misspent his adulthood with decades of acting, directing, writing and producing. But it paid off (another little secret: NOT WITH MONEY - do you see where this is going?)
 Bill did what anyone would do (right?) and put his imagination on film (this is the later part).

Enter the stuffed animals. Again. Proving the world is big enough for any type of imagination. Influenced by Jim Henson and Warner Brothers’ Looney Tunes, Bill found the perfect outlet for his artistic bent by forming Two Plush Two Productions (2P2). What is it? According to 2P2’s Mission Statement, it is "a video production team founded to create quality entertainment for everyone through a unique form of storytelling; presenting the world as it should be, through the eyes of stuffed animals." 

How does this work? Essentially, he and his crew manipulate stuffed animals on camera into simple stories, set to different soundtracks. And just so we’re clear, it’s important to see the hand manipulation, because we need to see the blend of fantasy and reality. Remember playing with stuffed animals as a kid? It's like that, but more poignant. And funnier. And on video.

And infectious. Because Two Plush Two (2P2) is increasingly getting requests for videos. Chris Ballew, lead singer of The Presidents of the United States of America, was so excited by the video “More Bad Times”, which interpreted the Presidents' song, that he asked 2P2 to do a video for a children's song he recorded as Caspar Babypants. He says he was struck by an excellently done slow motion shot in one of the earlier videos so he commissioned 2P2 to do “Baby’s Getting Up” (later followed by "The Frogs"). This success was followed by a request from Seattle musician Jonathan Shue to illustrate his lovely lyrical ballad, “Bartholomew”, that celebrates following dreams. He had so much fun with 2P2 that he wrote his own version of "Deck the Halls" for the stuffed animals to act out. Musicians seem to love the way 2P2 interprets their themes and images.

In fact, these “critter” stories really do speak to everyone. From the classic tortoise and the hare tale, to beloved toys missing their owner (she’s off at college), it’s riveting storytelling. And it really is a unique point of view. To give you a small example, in one scene, the animals want to mail a letter, but don’t know how. They get the concept of mail, just not how it’s delivered. Their solution is adorably touching.  Oh and by the way, only one of them actually talks. That would be C.C. the black cat and unofficial spokesperson for 2P2 (watch him at a recent red carpet event here). Nothing will change Bill’s mind about this.

See for yourself in this exclusive Kate West interview:
Bill never lets go of this magic. That’s what makes it work, and makes everyone around him believe it too. Which is why the “critters” seem so real. They feel acutely and get the message of the story across in a fun and direct way. Its gentle Henson-like humor is never mean, and usually quite sweet. The greatest appeal is the way the "critters" deal with challenges - their creativity and teamwork present an idealized version of humanity. It’s obvious the 2P2 crew love what they are doing too. Bill and his human cast often share “Eureka” moments on set, which he generally voices with a pleased yelp, to the great amusement of his fellow plush fans.

The other reason it works is because we want to let our guards down a little and pretend again for a little while. To see the world from a younger, more innocent place. That’s definitely worth paying attention to. Plus (plush) it's pretty dang cute.

Thanks listening. And watching, if you’re inclined. Links to all below.

About Two Plush Two Productions
Some of us never grow up. Or at least we still know how to feed that inner child. We hold on tight to that sense of wonder. If you’ve ever felt your toys were real - if you remember loving them as true friends, and you fervently want to keep believing in childhood magic, we can help you. Two Plush Two Productions is a video production company started by friends just for fun. We make awesome videos starring stuffed animals (that we all still love and adore) acting out simple stories. Intrigued? Check us out on YouTube.


2P2 on YouTube
2P2 on Facebook
2P2 on Twitter @TwoPlushTwo
Earlier 2P2 review here


Bill Olson (the mad Pied Piper behind the critters) would like to thank:
Village Stationers
Sugar Shack
Leaf and Petal

Read more!

Where The Wild Things Are

a kate west review dedicated to and inspired by
Sam Bronson Page (www.peacelovelunges.com)

book by Maurice Sendak
film by Spike Jonze

Max is angry. Wild. He is wildly angry, in fact. A fierce, raging little boy, Max is sadly misunderstood and runs away from home right into a fantastical world of fierce, raging monsters. Anyone familiar with Maurice Sendak's children's book "Where The Wild Things Are" knows that's pretty much it, plot-wise. First published in 1963, the book was dark and controversial and eventually turned into a world renowned classic (and winner of the Caldecott Medal). Parents worried that it promoted misbehavior, but most people knew it encouraged imaginative dreaming, a key developmental step in child-rearing. Besides, Max comes home peacefully in the end.

Now independent filmmaker Spike Jonze (Sofia Coppola's ex) has added his creative ravings to the beloved story. His deeply personal relation to the rebel boy is obvious. Fleshing out the bare bones story with Dave Eggers, he shows us an in-depth look at the famous monsters, giving them unique names, history, personalty disorders and every emotion found in the heart of a child. And his depiction of childish rage and perplexity is spot-on. A fascinating mix of live action, suitmation, animatronics and CGI, the film is dark and sad, and rather long, but does offer special illumination into the mind of a small intense boy.

Max (Max Records) rages that his sister Claire (Pepita Emmerichs) ignores him and that his mother (Catherine Keener) is finding love again (Mark Ruffalo). Lashing out against the unpleasantness found in life, he bites his mother and runs away into the night. In the book, he is sent to his room without supper and finds himself whisked off to a magical land in a boat. Here, Max runs down the dark streets of his neighborhood until he stumbles across a boat. The mysterious sea brings him straight to a craggy forest full of enormously cranky monsters.

Somehow he convinces them he is a king and they decide not to eat him, since they'd probably be better off with a little more royalty in their lives anyway. Carroll (James Gandolfini) is the first to befriend him, admiring their common interest in mischievous destruction and the others soon fall into line. Some are less trusting than others, most notably Judith (Catherine O'Hara), but Max is able to control them up to a point and they all find joy in playing rough and sleeping in big piles. Lauren Ambrose as KW is an especially sweet and gentle giant who helps to guide Max back down the road from anger to love. And once Max realizes that the monster world is no more free from strife than his old one, he knows it's time to move on.

Obvious great care was taken to style the non-humans into the likeness of the literary characters. They all look exactly like Sendak's delightful illustrations and Max, in his warrior wolf suit, could also be taken right out of the book's pages. Jonze created a bit of a back story to hint at the reason for Max's unhappiness. Nothing disturbing - more like normal modern life kid anxiety. Max is of an age where he will have to learn to deal with his emotions. He has a loving mother, who feeds and clothes him, but it isn't enough for him at first, until he is able to look outside himself and discover that yes, it is more than enough. He is finally ready to start growing up.

The main problem with the film itself though, is its overall melancholy tone. It is admirable to have such a rich look at the monster's lives, and oftentimes quite amusing, but overall they live a joyless existence, until Max brings some brief life back to their souls. The voice actors are all great (Forest Whitaker, Chris Cooper, Paul Dano, Gandolfini, etc.) and the cinematic technology and wonderful costumes allow for amazingly expressive faces, but all that does not always overcome the general weepy mood. Max does go to a pretty dark place for a while, illustrated by the interaction with the monsters, and he does survive stronger and happier than ever, but parents should be aware of the blackness at the core, and some very disturbing images to boot. Then again, no one ever said the book was a happy one either.

Still, it is a remarkable artistic achievement and definitely worth catching on the big screen. The anticipatory build up in the trailer depicts the incredible cinematography and visionary sets pretty well, but just so you know, Arcade Fire's fun "Wake Up" song is not featured in the actual movie. See it for the rebellious child in each of us. Questioning authority is not always a bad thing and sometimes it will lead you to understanding the world a little better in the end. For Max, after all that storming and raving, he was able to come back home "... where he found his supper still waiting for him and it was still hot."

"WILD THING!" "I'LL EAT YOU UP!"
Directed by	Spike Jonze
	Screenplay: Spike Jonze Dave Eggers Starring
	Max Records Catherine Keener Mark Ruffalo Pepita Emmerichs Paul Mouzakis Voices of: Lauren Ambrose (KW) Chris Cooper (Douglas) James Gandolfini (Carroll) Catherine O'Hara (Judith) Forest Whitaker (Ira) Paul Dano (Alexander) Michael Berry Jr. (The Bull)
Music by	Karen O Carter Burwell
Cinematography	Lance Acord
Editing by	Eric Zumbrunnen

The Book:
Where the Wild Things Are

Bringing It To The Stage:
http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-19133-LA-Performing-Arts-Examiner~y2009m10d18-WHERE-THE-WILD-THINGS-SHOULD-BE Read more!

Tin Man

Tin Man
a Sci-fi Channel Mini Series
a kate west review





The Sci-fi Channel "Tin Man" six hour mini series is an odd and very loose adaptation of L. Frank Baum's "Wizard of Oz" stories. An unfortunate cross between "Mad Max" and "Battlestar Galactica", it fails as both a uniquely interesting adaptation and as an original piece.

The movie concerns a girl named D.G. (named after ancestor Dorothy Gale) who accidentally discovers she is heir to a throne in the alternate dimension, the Outer Zone, or the O.Z. (yes, like the trendy O.C.). Zooey Deschanel plays the waitress-turned-princess alternating between stoicism and wide-eyed surprise, her two main looks apparently. Her childhood dreams of magic turn out to be real memories and her parents turn out to be robots placed by her real mother in order to take care of her and to shield her from her evil older sister, Azkadellia (Kathleen Robertson), whose body is taken over by a witch (Karin Konoval). She's got to get to Central City to find the Mystic Man (Richard Dreyfus). Along the way she meets up with Glitch (Alan Cumming), a former royal aide whose brain has been viciously removed. They in turn rescue a man in an iron prison suit named Cain (Neal McDonough) or the Tin Man, since he used to be an officer of the law. Last but not least, is the fluffy and timid creature named Raw (Raoul Trujillo).

Many adventures ensue, while Azkadellia's Gestapo-like Longcoats pursue the gang relentlessly, especially Zero (Callum Keith Rennie), the main person responsible for torturing the Tin Man's family and forcing him to watch from behind his metal hell. They even run into a shape shifter from DG's past who turns into a dog. She used to call him Toto, when she couldn't say Tutor (Blu Mankuma). The filmmakers make some bizarre choices, including having Azkadelia's flying monkeys literally spring from her tattooed chest. The Mystic Man proves to be a disappointment, as he is addicted to the vapors and a help to no one. The gang ultimately save their universe from destruction and the original royal family is restored. But it simply isn't an engaging enough interpretation and the look itself is drab and apocalyptic depressing.

The problem with the movie is not that it detracts from the Judy Garland film, as that in itself was an adaptation, but that it adds nothing to the original Oz books. There is no real new dimension or illumination and while there is nothing inherently wrong with making alternate endings or variations of beloved characters (Shakespeare did it, after all), this doesn't quite cut it. And it can be done quite well, as demonstrated in both the hit novel and musical "Wicked". But in this case, "Tin Man" makes little impression on the Oz universe. So you can save the room on your TIVO.

Created by
Craig Van Sickle
Steven Long Mitchell
Directed by
Nick Willing

Starring
Zooey Deschanel
Neal McDonough
Alan Cumming
Raoul Trujillo
Kathleen Robertson
Richard Dreyfuss
Blu Mankuma
Callum Keith Rennie

Composer
Simon Boswell

Alternatives:
The Annotated Wizard of Oz (Centennial Edition)

The Wizard of Oz (Three-Disc Collector's Edition) Read more!

The Simpsons Movie

The Simpsons Movie
a kate west favorite

It's only been a couple of decades in the making, but The Simpsons Movie is finally here! My brother and I have pretty much every episode memorized, between the two of us, so this is big deal for me. So much of my daily vocabulary is thanks to them. Mmmmm! D'oh! Woo-hoo! Mmh-mmh-mmh? (how does one spell that, anyway?) Excellent! Hah-hah! And HA! I'm a fan, in the very fanatic sense of the word. I even went to a Kwik-E-Mart early one Saturday morning to try a squishee. And the next day I had a pink doughnut. Mmmmm. Sometimes I'm mercilessly drawn to pop culture consumerism. I designed a Simpsons character for Kate West. See?



Anyway, I had great fun at the movie. It's one big long episode, really, but that's the fun of The Simpsons. We love them and want to see them in their element, with Homer doing something colossally stupid, this time on pretty much a national scale. He ruins the environment in Springfield, causing the evil government, run by Arnold Schwarzenegger (NOT Rainier Wolfcastle), to put a dome over the town. His family escapes through a sinkhole before the town can lynch him and they end up in Alaska, of all places. The main voice actors are featured, and I'm sure many people will complain about not seeing enough of their favorites, but the movie runs under two hours, so they can't fit everyone in. It's nice to see Bart appreciating Flanders, for once, and to see Marge being open and emotional with Homer. (You know all will be forgiven in the end, right?) The regular scenes are morphed into bigger emotional arcs, fit for the big screen. Fun sight gags and satirical references (you'll love "Spider-Pig" - so gloriously dumb), and of course you have to stay for the end credits. Well, I didn't, but that's not your problem.

Voice Actors in the Movie:
Julie Kavner as Marge

Nancy Cartwright as Bart/Maggie/Ralph/Nelson/Todd Flanders/TV Daughter/Woman on Phone

Yeardley Smith as Lisa

Harry Shearer as Scratchy/Mr. Burns/Rev. Lovejoy/Ned Flanders/Lenny/Skull/President Arnold Schwarzenegger/Kent Brockman/Principal Skinner/Dr. Hibbert/Smithers/Toll Booth Man/Guard/Otto/Kang

Hank Azaria as Professor Frink/Comic Book Guy/Moe/Chief Wiggum/Lou/Carl/Cletus/Bumblebee Man/Male EPA Worker/Dome Depot Announcer/Kissing Cop/Carnival Barker/Counter Man/Apu/Drederick Tatum/Sea Captain/EPA Passenger/Robot/Dr. Nick

Marcia Wallace as Mrs. Krabappel

Billie Joe Armstrong as Himself
Tre Cool as Himself (Green Day) (voice) (as Frank Edwin Wright III)
Mike Dirnt as Himself (voice) (as Michael Pritchard)

Tress MacNeille as Sweet Old Lady/Colin/Mrs. Skinner/Nelson's Mother/Pig/Cat Lady/Female EPA Worker/G.P.S. Woman/Cookie Kwan/Lindsey Naegle/TV Son/Medicine Woman/Girl on Phone

Pamela Hayden as Milhouse/Rod Flanders

Joe Mantegna as Fat Tony

Albert Brooks as Russ Cargill (voice) (as A. Brooks)

Russi Taylor as Martin

Directed by
David Silverman

Writing credits
James L. Brooks (screenplay) &
Matt Groening (screenplay) &
Al Jean (screenplay) &
Ian Maxtone-Graham (screenplay) &
George Meyer (screenplay) &
David Mirkin (screenplay) &
Mike Reiss (screenplay) &
Mike Scully (screenplay) &
Matt Selman (screenplay) &
John Swartzwelder (screenplay) &
Jon Vitti (screenplay)
Joel Cohen (consultant writer) &
John Frink (consultant writer) &
Tim Long (consultant writer) &
Michael Price

Worth seeing for Simpsons fans. And if you are one of the remaining holdouts and have never seens a Simpsons episode, you may as well start with this:

The Simpsons - The Complete First Season

www.simpsonsmovie.com
www.simpsonizeme.com Read more!

Spider-Man and Stan Lee

a kate west reflection

My favorite superhero is Spider-man, originally created by Stan Lee and Steve Ditko. He seemed to show up everywhere, from his own animated television series and special appearances on "The Electric Company" to major motion pictures. I loved it all. He was created the same decade I was born too, in the 1960's. I never read many comic books as a kid, but always held a fascination for the webbed man, funny considering my slight arachnophobia. Maybe it's because he's a climber, and I'm in love with rock climbing (love scaling those walls and cliffs). Or maybe it was the idea of teenage angst finding a noble outlet.

It's also great to have a "real" character in a real city (I heart New York) working for a newspaper, all things I dig. Brings it all closer to home. Peter Parker is full of doubts, in both comic book form and film versions. Bitten by a radioactive spider, why wouldn't a bookish teenager become even more petulant at times? That would wreak havoc with anyone's hormones. Raised by his aunt and uncle, he loses one of them (Uncle Ben) to a carjacking thief, prompting him to fight crime for the rest of his life. He's directly responsible for this in the movie, which comprises most of his agonizing self-doubt. Another cinematic change is that his web is organic, rather than scientifically made as in the comic books, a really cool improvement. Plus he goes through many different relationships (Mary Jane Watson, Gwen Stacy, etc), another realistic aspect. (But please, Director Raimi, stop allowing him to reveal his identity while rescuing the same girl over and over in each and every film. New story needed!)

I became a Stan Lee fan because of Spidey, in spite of some comic world grumblings over his alleged unscrupulousness. Even to the point of watching the over-the-top "reality show" silliness that is "Who Wants To Be A Superhero?" It led me to his other creations like the X-Men, another fascinating world of conflict. Tobey Maguire makes a fine young Peter Parker and although the three Spider-man films are unevenly matched, I can't help watching every last one of them. Such is the power of Stan Lee. And Spider-man, of course. Everyone from my generation, please feel free to sing along:

Spider-man, Spider-man
Does whatever a spider can
Spins a web, any size
Catches thieves, just like flies
Look out! Here comes the Spider-man!

Is he strong? Listen, Bud!
He's got radioactive blood.
Can he swing from a thread?
Take a look overhead.
Hey there, there goes the Spider-man!

In the chill of night,
At the scene of the crime
Like a streak of light
He arrives just in time

Spider-man, Spider-man
Friendly neighborhood Spider-man
Wealth and fame, he's ignored
Action is his reward

To him, life is a great big bang-up
Wherever there's a hang-up
You'll find the Spider-man!


The Movies:
Spider-Man - The Motion Picture Trilogy (Spider-Man / Spider-Man 2 / Spider-Man 3)

The Comic Books:
Amazing Spider-Man Omnibus, Vol. 1 (Variant Version) Read more!

Powerpuff Girls

a kate west reflection

The Powerpuff Girls are three super hero little girls made of sugar, spice, everything nice and an accidental dose of Chemical X, a mysterious component from Professor Utonium's laboratory. Blossom (fearless, smart leader), Buttercup (feisty, dark-haired favorite, guess why?) and Bubbles (silly, blonde, fun one) are Townsville's trio of saviors. The Professor just wanted companionship, but got more than he bargained for not only with three adorable daughters, but a daily method of saving the world too. Super powers often conflict with school, super villains like Mojo Jojo often conflict with bedtime and the incompetent Mayor Mayer keeps getting everyone into trouble.

A good role model for little girls everywhere, check out the Cartoon Network for your local listings now.

Checking Them Out:
The Powerpuff Girls - The Complete First Season

The Powerpuff Girls - The Movie Read more!

Walt Disney and Disneyland

Disneyland
a kate west reflection







When I first moved to Los Angeles, the first thing I did was visit Disneyland to see if it was every bit as magically wonderful as I remembered from my teenage years. It helped that I actually worked for Disney and could get into the park free. My brother and I used to visit my Aunt down here every Spring when we lived in the Bay Area and we usually took that mandatory trip to the Magic Kingdom so I couldn't wait to go every chance I had. And it was even better than I thought it'd be.

First of all, if you work for Disney, you get to start work at the Disney University in the studio lot during orientation (and all you jaded cynics can stop reading here). Yes it's cheesy (was that a mouse joke?), but if you're a Disney fan, it's also delightful. I know people refer to Disney as "Mauswitz" and worse, but at the time, I really bought into it and it's easy to do since you're surrounded daily by like-minded people. True, Disney can be intimidatingly strict, but they have a mighty product to protect and their legal department is fiercely loyal to that cause. As they should be. Besides, what other corporation has a department called Imagineering (where they plan and build for the theme parks)?

Secondly, you really get to know the inner workings of Disney and all about Walt's history, etc. And it's all fascinating. From the first Oscar-winning Animated film, "Snow White and the Seven Dwarves" to the "Lion King", they've consistently been the best in their genre. Their success in animation eventually led to launching a theme park, something radically different from a boardwalk amusement locale. Whatever you may think of him today, Walt was a true visionary and wanted Disneyland to be something special and you can't deny that in that respect, he succeeded beyond expectation. You can't tell me our generation wasn't riveted by "The Mickey Mouse Club" or "The Wonderful World of Disney" on television every week.

Every ride is practically a cinematic experience and although the park has been through a lot of for-better-or-worse changes (like the ludicrous political correct attempt at messing with the Pirates of the Caribbean), it's still one of the most visited places in the entire world and children are still drawn to it like little consumer magnets. If you have any remote memories of liking Disney, you will thrive there, whether during a delightful stroll down Main Street USA or passing through the gates of Sleeping Beauty Castle. Your imagination will spark and there is room for every age, from Fantasyland's gentle rides for the very young to Tomorrowland's speedy rides for the braver and older kids. Adults will be happy everywhere (except maybe colorfully noisy Toon Town - that's a ten minute visit, tops). If you have only a short time, don't miss Indiana Jones, the Pirates, the Haunted Mansion, Space Mountain and maybe a few smaller rides. Don't bother with California Adventure since a mere few miles away you can see the real thing. But Downtown Disney is fairly diverting.

Nothing beats the original park though (or the even more developed Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida) and during the summer you get some pretty spectacular shows that may have you believing in Pixie Dust again. Work with me, you have to WANT to believe in it, which is the key to any happiness in life, right?

Backstage at the Park:
Walt Disney Treasures - Disneyland - Secrets, Stories & Magic

The Whole Alphabet:
Disney A to Z: The Official Encyclopedia (Third Edition)

The Nine Old Men:
Walt Disney's Nine Old Men and the Art of Animation Read more!

Toy Stories

Toy Story I & II
a kate west favorite

Once Upon A Time, Pixar and Walt Disney were good friends. And now they're not. But back when they were, they sure made some beautiful magic together - mainly the two "Toy Story" movies. John Lasseter, head honcho at Pixar, put himself on the map of fame forever with those computer animated films.

Woody (Tom Hanks) is a toy cowboy, in charge of a loyal roomful of toys. His reign is threatened when a brand new toy arrives, Buzz Lightyear (Tim Allen), an astronaut, the updated modern hero replacing outdated cowboys. The magic of these films is in the computer effects, certainly, but more importantly, in the poignant depth of character organically written into the story. Woody learns about leadership when Buzz threatens to take over and this challenge ultimately makes him a better person (or toy) and we all need that nemesis to wake us up a little. Buzz too learns about himself and how to be a part of a real community. The sight gags are hilarious and each character contributes something important and we love them all.

Ditto with "Toy Story 2", a real accomplishment in a sequel. This story adds Jessie, a vintage cowgirl doll, who has yet another lesson in self worth for Woody. He's a collectible and worth money too. It still speaks to childhood and friendship, as well as offering a more sophisticated story for adults, the humor appealing to young and old alike. Yet another triumph for Pixar. And of course, the voice talents of Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, John Ratzenberger, Kelsey Grammer, Don Rickles and many more are a divine delight.

Well worth renting, or better yet, adding to your home collection, speaking of collectibles. And the best part is these toys aren't lead-based or made in China.

Toy Story:
Directed by
John Lasseter

Writing Credits
John Lasseter (story)
Pete Docter (story)
Andrew Stanton (story)
Joe Ranft (story)
Joss Whedon (screenplay)
Andrew Stanton (screenplay)
Joel Cohen (screenplay)
Alec Sokolow (screenplay)

Cast
Tom Hanks ... Woody (voice)
Tim Allen ... Buzz Lightyear (voice)
Don Rickles ... Mr. Potato Head (voice)
Jim Varney ... Slinky Dog (voice)
Wallace Shawn ... Rex (voice)
John Ratzenberger ... Hamm (voice)
Annie Potts ... Bo Peep (voice)
John Morris ... Andy (voice)
Erik von Detten ... Sid (voice)
Laurie Metcalf ... Andy's Mom (voice)
R. Lee Ermey ... Sergeant (voice)
Sarah Freeman ... Hannah (voice)

Toy Story 2:
Directed by
John Lasseter
Ash Brannon (co-director)
Lee Unkrich (co-director)

Writing Credits
John Lasseter (story)
Pete Docter (story)
Ash Brannon (story)
Andrew Stanton (story)
Andrew Stanton (screenplay)
Rita Hsiao (screenplay)
Doug Chamberlain (screenplay)
Chris Webb (screenplay)

Cast
Tom Hanks ... Woody (voice)
Tim Allen ... Buzz Lightyear (voice)
Joan Cusack ... Jessie, the Yodeling Cowgirl (voice)
Kelsey Grammer ... Stinky Pete the Prospector (voice)
Don Rickles ... Mr. Potato Head (voice)
Jim Varney ... Slinky Dog (voice)
Wallace Shawn ... Rex the Green Dinosaur (voice)
John Ratzenberger ... Hamm the Piggy Bank (voice)
Annie Potts ... Bo Peep (voice)
Wayne Knight ... Al the Toy Collector (voice)
John Morris ... Andy (voice)
Laurie Metcalf ... Andy's Mom (voice)
Estelle Harris ... Mrs. Potato Head (voice)
Jodi Benson ... Tour Guide Barbie / Barbie on Backpack (voice)
Joe Ranft ... Wheezy the Penguin (voice)
Andrew Stanton ... Evil Emperor Zurg (voice)
R. Lee Ermey ... Army Sarge (voice)
Jonathan Harris ... Geri the Cleaner (voice)
Jeff Pidgeon ... Green Aliens (voice)

The Set:
Toy Story & Toy Story 2 (2 Pack)

More Fun Pixar:

Monsters, Inc. (Two-Disc Collector's Edition)

Finding Nemo (Two-Disc Collector's Edition)

The Incredibles (Two-Disc Collector's Edition)

Most Recent Best:
Ratatouille Read more!

Pee-wee and Poltergeist

Pee-wee's Big Adventure
and Poltergeist
a kate west reflection





The 1980's were the cinematic frivolous response to the heavy hitting 70's power movies. And my generation loved them. In particular, my brother and I loved "Pee-wee's Big Adventure" and "Poltergeist". To this date, we can pretty much quote every line. To view them again as an adult is to trip down nostalgia lane and find that they still stand the test of time.

Tim Burton is now an established Gothic director and his "Pee-wee" film is as far away from that style as you can get, but still holds fascination. It is a well-made version of the manic Pee-wee world, created from the "Pee'wee's Playhouse" television show and as a character from the reputable Groundlings Theatre main show.

Basically, Pee-wee is a child in a grownup's body, living in a world as a child might see it, with scary bad people trying to steal his bicycle, the one possession he holds most dear. The colorful universe he exists in delights the viewer and all those quotable lines ("I know you are, but what am I?" "I love that story!" "I like you Dottie, LIKE!") are embedded in our collective consciousness forever, for better or for worse. Objectively, it's a fine cinematic achievement and kudos to Burton for capturing that voice so well.

The late beloved Phil Hartman (also of the Groundlings, as well as Saturday Night Live) has a fun little cameo, as do many other notable celebs. That fact that the entire storyline revolves around Pee-wee's adventures in searching for his bike is yet another indication of the brilliant simplicity of the film. Plus it's just plain great fun.

Tobe Hooper supposedly directed the modern ghost classic "Poltergeist" but we all know that Producer Steven Spielberg had a heavy hand in it's execution as evidenced by many a suspenseful scene. The quintessential closeup of horror-stricken faces and the old-fashioned special effects may seem dated but again, are so powerfully engrained in our memories that we love them anyway.

The Freeling household needs to be purged of poltergeists when daughter Carol Anne (the late Heather O'Rourke) is missing. Apparently, she's still in the house, just in another dimension. Aided by supernatural experts, played by Zelda Rubinstein and the late Beatrice Straight, frantic mother Diane (JoBeth Williams) is finally able to get her baby back, after battling many dead things. It may seem tame by today's standards, but back then it was pretty scary stuff, especially little brother Robbie's (Oliver Robins) fight with a demented clown doll (shiver!)

Just be wary of those eerie words, "They're here!"

Pee-wee
Directed by:
Tim Burton

Writing Credits:
Phil Hartman
Paul Reubens
Michael Varhol

Cast:
Paul Reubens ... Pee-wee Herman
Elizabeth Daily ... Dottie
Mark Holton ... Francis
Diane Salinger ... Simone
Judd Omen ... Mickey
Irving Hellman ... Mr. Crowtray
Monte Landis ... Mario
Damon Martin ... Chip
David Glasser ... BMX Kid
Gregory Brown ... BMX Kid
Mark Everett ... BMX Kid
Daryl Keith Roach ... Chuck (as Daryl Roach)
Bill Cable ... Policeman #1
Peter Looney ... Policeman #2
Starletta DuPois ... Sgt. Hunter
Professor Toru Tanaka ... Butler
Ed Herlihy ... Mr. Buxton
Ralph Seymour ... Francis' Accomplice
Lou Cutell ... Amazing Larry
Raymond Martino ... Gang Member
Erica Yohn ... Madam Ruby
Bill W. Richmond ... Highway Patrolman
Alice Nunn ... Large Marge
Ed Griffith ... Trucker
Simmy Bow ... Man in Diner
Jon Harris ... Andy
Carmen Filpi ... Hobo Jack
Jan Hooks ... Tina
John Moody ... Bus Clerk
John O'Neill ... Cowboy #1
Alex Sharp ... Cowboy #2
Chester Grimes ... Biker #1
Luis Contreras ... Biker #2
Lonnie Parkinson ... Biker #3
Howard Hirdler ... Biker #4
Cassandra Peterson ... Biker Mama
Jason Hervey ... Kevin Morton
Bob McClurg ... Studio Guard
John Paragon ... Movie Lot Actor
Susan Barnes ... Movie Lot Actress
Zachary Hoffman ... Director
Lynne Marie Stewart ... Mother Superior
George Sasaki ... Japanese Director
Richard Brose ... Tarzan
Drew Seward ... Kid #1
Brett Fellman ... Kid #2
Bob Drew ... Fireman
John Gilgreen ... Policeman at Pet Shop
Noreen Hennessey ... Reporter (as Noreen Hennessy)
Phil Hartman ... Reporter
Michael Varhol ... Photographer
David Rothenberg ... Hobo
Patrick Cranshaw ... Hobo (as Pat Cranshaw)
Sunshine Parker ... Hobo
Gilles Savard ... Pierre
James Brolin ... Himself - as 'PeeWee'
Morgan Fairchild ... Herself - as 'Dottie'
Tony Bill ... Terry Hawthorne
Dee Snider ... Twisted Sister / Dee Snider (as Twisted Sister)
Milton Berle ... Himself (uncredited)


Poltergeist Cast

• Craig T. Nelson, Steven "Steve" Freeling
  
• JoBeth Williams, Diane Freeling
  
• Oliver Robins, Robert "Robbie" Freeling
  
• Heather O'Rourke, Carol Anne Freeling
• Dominique Dunne, Dana Freeling
  
• Zelda Rubinstein, Tangina Barrons, Clairvoyant
• Beatrice Straight, Dr. Lesh
  
• Richard Lawson, Ryan
  
• Martin Casella, Dr. Marty Casey
  

Watch It:
Pee-wee's Big Adventure (Widescreen)

My Other Obsession:
Poltergeist (25th Anniversary Edition)

www.groundlings.com Read more!

The Partidge Family

The Partridge Family
a kate west favorite





The Partridge Family is such a childhood classic for those of us who frolicked youthfully in the seventies. And still kind of hip. A single mom who led her five children to become pop musicians. They really had one over on the Brady Bunch in the cool factor. David Cassidy had no idea his real life Step Mother Shirley Jones would be playing his TV Mom until he was committed to the project. And they all had such great rapport with each other on screen. Now that's quality family time.

Shirley Partridge (Shirley Jones) has to find a way to support her kids and since they're all musically endowed, they pick up a manager, Ruben Kincaid (Dave Madden), paint a school bus psychedelic colors and hit the road, whenever they don't have to go to school, that is. They get fans and a following and every week something funny happens, usually followed by a lesson for everyone involved. Danny Partridge (Los Angeles DJ Danny Banaduce) is the smart aleck red-headed financially savvy one on guitar, Keith (David Cassidy) is the heartbreaker lead singer and his sister Laurie (Susan Dey) is the feminist sweet one on keyboard. We don't hear much from Tracy (Suzanne Crough) or Chris (alternatively played by Jeremy Gelbwaks and Brian Forster), the youngest, quietest pair of family singers, on tambourine and drums respectively. Mom does piano. And it all seems to work. Plus we get topical lessons, still applicable today like equality for women and conserving energy (should we be worried that all those issues are still unresolved in over three decades?)

We loved this show. And looking back on it, it still strikes a chord, so to speak, especially when listening to Keith's still sexy "I Think I Love You".

Created by
Bernard Slade


Starring
Shirley Jones
David Cassidy
Danny Bonaduce
Susan Dey
Suzanne Crough
Jeremy Gelbwaks (1970-1971)
Brian Forster (1971-1974)
Dave Madden

The Series:
The Partridge Family - The Complete First Season

The Songs:
Come on Get Happy! The Very Best of the Partridge Family Read more!