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The Big Bang Theory: The Cooper-Nowitzki Theorem (2008)
Great episode!
The premise of this episode is inherently funny: how a woman could be so infatuated with an emotionally aloof character who isn't particularly attractive physically. In Sheldon's case, he's totally unaware of that, which adds to the humor. I think Gene Roddenberry wrote someplace that he knew enough about women to realize some of them would be attracted to Spock.
Another bit of comedy is having the other guys looking on in disbelief and confusion. Often the funniest part of an absurd situation isn't the situation, but others' reaction to it.
Naturally, as the situation develops, Ramona tries to keep Sheldon focused on his project, but Sheldon doesn't like being on the short leash and panics a bit.
Sheldon immediately dismisses Ramona when she asks to share credit, which for him is way over the line. We all knew he'd do this, but it was extreme enough to be funny.
Finally, the pinky swear when Ramona jealously and insincerely asks Penny to be "sisters" is revealed a few minutes later as a setup for the punch line when Ramona exits, hurt and angry: Penny extends her pinky and asks "sisters?" The pinky could also be interpreted as a small version of the middle finger!
I *love* setup jokes like that, and it was very well done.
Lewis: The Lions of Nemea: Part 2 (2014)
a good episode, but one problem.
The major problem is that we never know how Flaxmore planned to get away with his con.
Publication of a previously unknown Euripides play would be a major news story. It would be featured on the BBC and might even get a front-page mention on the Times of London, the Telegraph, and the New York Times. It would be an absolute sensation among classics scholars, and many would be clamoring to see the manuscript. Some of them who read his published version would certainly see the error Flaxmore's own student found.
The only speculation that makes any sense to me is that Flaxmore was waiting for a large advance on his book from the publisher and would vanish when he got it. But there's no evidence for that or for any other explanation in the episode.
Inspector Morse: The Way Through the Woods (1995)
Best Morse episode!
I'm rating this 10/10 due mostly to the very dramatic ending. Also, Morse's career is under serious attack from several fronts, leaving you totally uncertain as to whether he will be able to solve the crimes, the only way to save his professional life.
For me, the choice of music in the opening scenes is absolute genius. The episode starts with the string quartet playing the placid but somewhat depressing third movement of Debussy's quartet. Then when the action changes, the music changes to match it with the incredible, agitated and almost brutal end of the first movement.
A less noticeable but appropriate music choice is during Morse's dinner with Claire when he speaks about getting old and being forced to retire. The music is Debussy's prelude, "Footprints in the snow", a bleak little piece that perfectly matches the bleak subject.
The Dick Van Dyke Show: All About Eavesdropping (1963)
Several excellent things.
1. Exposing the resentments that can crop up in relationships. Rob and Laura out of character as eavesdroppers, then hostile and resentful people and finally ashamed and apologetic, restoring relations between the friends.
2. The physical comedy of Rob and Laura sitting down on the Halpers' sofa *and* crossing their legs in *perfect* unison!
3. Rob and Laura's resentful remarks about the things they've given the Halpers as a very drawn-out setup for Buddy's *brilliant* pay-off punch line, delivered with *perfect* timing: "You didn't give them the house?"
Exorcist II: The Heretic (1977)
So cheesy it's funny!
I rated it 3 stars just for being so hilariously bad! Other reviewers have covered the main points. The film accidentally becomes self-descriptive when Father Lamont says, "It was horrible, utterly horrible... and fascinating!" He could've added, "and hilarious"! It really is worth watching once, when you're in the mood, just to see how cheesy it is.
A Christmas Carol (1984)
misses all over the place
There doesn't seem to be a coherent vision uniting all the performances.
Dickens' story is NOT some nuanced, psychological portrayal of Scrooge; it's closer to a fairy tale. Dickens initially paints Scrooge as totally hateful and feared by all. This is a dramatic necessity; without it, the disclosing of his past and the accomplishing of his redemption do not have anywhere near the same force. Scott interprets Scrooge TOO realistically, too early. Still worse, rather than cringing when speaking to Scrooge, Cratchit doesn't seem to be very afraid of him. The same goes for Tiny Tim when he meets Scrooge early in the film (and the novel does not explicitly describe any meeting between them).
On the other hand, Scott NEVER really seems afraid, even when he tells the last spirit he fears him more than the others. He seems perhaps dazed instead.
Roger Rees gives an annoyingly wooden performance. Tiny Tim looks not like he's weak and ill, but more like he had died and was resurrected as a zombie. The Ghost of Christmas Present berates Scrooge too early and far too much. The sound effect for the Ghost of Christmas Yet To Come is over the top. And so forth.
I've only seen the entire film once, when it was originally broadcast. But I went back and checked some clips on YouTube.
One thing I came across was the dialog with Cratchit as Scrooge leaves the office. Warner's portrayal is not very good, but Scott's interpretation is subtle and well done. It would've been excellent in the context of a Scrooge previously consistently shown as much angrier if it were just a little bit harsher. It's an ultimately frustrating glimpse of what his overall performance and this film could have been.
The Sim version is my choice. It's a standard, classic interpretation.
The Stan Freberg Commercials (1999)
Brilliant work from the father of the funny commercial!
Stan Freberg is the genius who created the funny commercial, as well as humor and satire such as Green Chri$tma$, Elderly Man River, and many other routines. This collection is representative of his excellent work.