cd1515 starts us off:
Why does seemingly every movie have the “no way in hell“ moment in the first 5 to 10 minutes, where the main character insists there is no way in hell he’ll do whatever the plot of the movie has him doing (climbing Mount Everest, teaching third grade, meeting his ex for lunch, etc)?
We know he’s going to do it. There’s no movie if he doesn’t do it. Couldn’t we skip this part and just get to the story?
I couldn’t agree more. It’s such a cliché and you’re right, the audience KNOWS he’s going to do it. We call that “schmuck bait.” The MADAM SECRETARY pilot was like that. She was offered the job, she didn’t want to take it, but that’s the title of the series so you KNOW she is going to take it.
Similarly, in sitcoms when someone quits their job or gets fired – you know they’ll be back.
Rich wonders:
Do you think the new Matthew Broderick/Sarah Jessica Parker production of "Plaza Suite" will work on Broadway, or is the comedy too specific to the 1960's/70's?
Well, assuming it ever gets on – I think parts will work better than others. There are three acts with Matthew & Sarah playing three different characters.
The last act is a killer – that’s the one where the bride locks herself in the bathroom. It’s uproariously funny.
The second one about the agent and his reunion with an old flame may come off musty.
And the first act about a marriage breaking up probably will still work.
I will say this, George C. Scott played it originally on Broadway It’s hard to picture Matthew Broderick and George C. Scott in the same role.
From Dave H:
Is there a topic on your blog about old shows that have not aged well? Where you cant believe that people thought they were funny.
LAUGH-IN. I thought it was hysterical at the time (like everyone else), but it is painfully unfunny.
GET SMART got stupid.
THE MONKEES. I still love their music but their show is hard to watch.
And finally, BATMAN. Hilarious for two months and then just awful.
And finally, from Glenn:
What do you think of the sitcom "Night Court"? Some of the actors admit they had the reputation for being too lowbrow or silly, but damn if the show wasn't hilarious. (The character of Dan Fielding is one of my all time favorites.)
NIGHT COURT was broad and silly but always made me laugh. They had some great goofy characters and the writers serviced them beautifully. I miss the days when shows just tried to make you laugh out loud.
What’s your Friday Question?
from By Ken Levine
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