Comedy

REVIEW:  Wolf With Benefits by Shelley Laurentson

REVIEW: Wolf With Benefits by Shelley Laurentson

Dear Shelley Laurentson: Dear Ms. Laurentson: Your trademark humor and lively set up was evident in this story but the overwhelming cast of characters and slow development made this book a chore for me to read. Toni Jean-Louis Parker is a jackal shifter born into a family of prodigies. Her mother is a world famous(…)

REVIEW:  The Talisman Ring by Georgette Heyer

REVIEW: The Talisman Ring by Georgette Heyer

Dear Readers, We did a series of reviews of Georgette Heyer novels here last year and it dawned on me just how many I hadn’t read. A recent comment here about this book mentioned that it was funny and when I remembered that it is a Georgian, that made up my mind as to which(…)

REVIEW:  Reluctant Bride by Joan Smith

REVIEW: Reluctant Bride by Joan Smith

Dear Ms. Smith, I read this book years ago based on reviews and posts at the regency listserv and I loved it. I will say, however, that it’s not going to be for everyone. To begin with, you made it first person and secondly, it’s fairly realistic in it’s portrayal of the fact that even(…)

REVIEW:  Bath Scandal by Joan Smith

REVIEW: Bath Scandal by Joan Smith

Dear Ms. Smith, Several of your Regencies reside on my LOL keeper shelf. “Imprudent Lady,” “Aunt Sophie’s Diamonds,” and “Gather Ye Rosebuds” are fabulously funny. After I started and then stopped a number of other books that didn’t grab my attention by the third chapter, I scanned through my current Sony library and decided a(…)

Friday Film Review: Men in Black

Friday Film Review: Men in Black

Men in Black (1997) Genre: SF comedy Grade: B+ We’re “them.” We’re “they.” We are the Men in Black. I thought I’d throw another bromance onto the review heap. Not that Agent J and Dr. Laurel Weaver’s flirting isn’t enjoyable but the real strength of this film is how well Tommy Lee Jones and Will(…)

Friday Film Review: Galaxy Quest

Friday Film Review: Galaxy Quest

Galaxy Quest (1999) Genre: SF/Homage Grade: B+ “Never give up, never surrender!” There’s been a lot of talking about fanfic lately and Sunita had the brainstorm for me to review “Galaxy Quest.” I hadn’t watched it in a couple of months so it was youtube to the rescue again. It all came back to me(…)

Friday Film Review: My Best Girl

Friday Film Review: My Best Girl

My Best Girl (1927) Genre: Romance/Comedy/Silent Film Grade: B+ This movie is so cute I just want to scoop it up and hug it. Mary Pickford’s last silent film, it showcases her charm and talent and proves why she was America’s sweetheart. The plot is nothing new or exciting. Maggie Johnson (Pickford) is a stock(…)

REVIEW: You Suck by Christopher Moore

REVIEW: You Suck by Christopher Moore

Being undead sucks. Literally. Just ask C. Thomas Flood. Waking up after a fantastic night unlike anything he’s ever experienced, he discovers that his girlfriend, Jody, is a vampire. And surprise! Now he’s one, too. For some couples, the whole biting-and-blood thing would have been a deal breaker. But Tommy and Jody are in love,(…)

Friday Film Review: Foul Play

Friday Film Review: Foul Play

Foul Play (1978) Genre: Comedy/Thriller Grade: Cute “Far out.” Yes, I remember this movie when it was first shown on HBO. I know that dates me but, what the hell. It’s kind of a comedy crossed with a thriller crossed with a view of life back in 1978 when people said “shake your booty” and(…)

Friday Film Review: Operation Petticoat

Friday Film Review: Operation Petticoat

Operation Petticoat (1959) Genre: War comedy Grade: B Since today is Veteran’s Day in the U.S. and Remembrance Day in many other countries, I decided to pick a film to pay tribute to those who’ve served. But I didn’t want preachy so that ruled out such things as “The Americanization of Emily.” And it had(…)

Friday Film Review: Arsenic and Old Lace

Friday Film Review: Arsenic and Old Lace

Arsenic and Old Lace (made 1942, released 1944) Genre: Screwball Comedy Grade: B “This is developing into a very bad habit!” – Mortimer Brewster I had always heard great things about “Arsenic and Old Lace,” but the first time I sat down and tried to watch this film years ago my reaction was a rip(…)

Friday Film Review: A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Forum

Friday Film Review: A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to the Forum

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (1966) Genre: musical, slapstick comedy Grade: B- “Forum,” yet another old favorite of mine, hasn’t weathered the years quite as well as others but is still good for some laughs once it gets going. It’s based on a Broadway production of the same name and(…)

Friday Film Review: Roxanne

Friday Film Review: Roxanne

Roxanne (1987) Genre: Romantic Comedy Grade: B When I reviewed “Cyrano de Bergerac,” some of you said you couldn’t watch or didn’t want to watch it or hated it because of the tragic ending. I can understand that. More often I’m in the mood for a HEA too. So here one is in the form(…)

REVIEW: Powder and Patch by Georgette Heyer

REVIEW: Powder and Patch by Georgette Heyer

Dear Readers, Tuesday August 16th would be La Heyer’s 109 birthday and to celebrate Jane urged us to dust off our copies of her books and write reviews. I pondered and thought and recalled how much I’ve always enjoyed “Powder and Patch.” I know it’s not one of the best beloved of her books but(…)

Friday Film Review: The Reluctant Debutante

Friday Film Review: The Reluctant Debutante

The Reluctant Debutante (1958) Genre: Comedy/Romance Grade: B We read so many books here about “The Season” that I thought it appropriate to review this movie set during the last official one before the Queen pulled the plug on it in 1958. Though it was probably watched more for Sandra Dee and John Saxon during(…)