Alan Arkin

Popi
$14.98
I saw this movie back in 1988, when i was only 8. I spent all my life until last year trying to find a copy of it. I think i did backflips when i found this one on Amazon. This is a movie that will make you laugh,and then make you cry at times, and then laugh until you cry.

Joshua Then & Now [VHS]
$29.98
It's probably been at least twenty years since I last saw this film. Yet just the thought of it makes me smile. It's a really wonderful "small" film, but as with anything with Alan Arkin in it, it's nothing but a pleasure to view.

It's criminal that this isn't available on DVD. I've been patiently waiting the better part of those twenty years to get it on DVD, to watch it again. Sigh. I guess I'll have to break down and buy a used VHS.

Simon (1980) [VHS]
$19.98
I remember 'Simon' fondly for two reasons. First, it was simply a wonderful comedy with a deeper message. Second, I knew many people in the cast personally. For example, the head of the Church of Television was played by Adolf Green who lived in the same elevator line in the building where I grew up. And this is the same man who co-wrote 'Singin' In The Rain'. Everyone of a certain age remembers Judi Grobart from 'The Electric Company'. Among other characters, she was Jennifer of the Jungle ("OYOYOYOYOYOYO!).

The film itself is about a man named Simon who is doing sensory deprivation research. An exclusive think-tank of the four most brilliant minds in the world invite him to become one of them, but with a sinister motive. They leave him in the tank for a full week and he emerges with a mind regressed to that of "a bacterium". Alan Arkin re[evolving to the human level is one of the funniest sequences ever filmed. While his mind is still maleable, the think-tank members brainwash Simon into believing that he is actually the child of extraterrestrial parents who are machines. After waking up from hypnosis, Simon tearfully declares "I'm a toaster!!". Simon is then used to start a kind of peace movement which gets way out of hand. His wife eventually breaks him out and things get really interesting. There is so much more to this film but I don't want to ruin it for you. The last thing I will say is Austin Pendleton stroking a computer shaped like a gigantic Princess phone with a sexy voice.

It has been a real disappointment to me that this film has yet to be released on DVD. Maybe if we all ask nicely? Or do we have to imitate Simon doing an impression of a jungle cat? Either way, this gem really ought to be transferred. And with as many extras as possible!!!

Pretty please with sugar, whipped cream, ten cherries and a pile of gummi bears!

CHU CHU AND THE PHILLY FLASH
$8.95
This is an utterly delightful comedy, featuring Carol Burnett at her best. The Carmen Miranda impersonation is in itself worth the price of the film. Unfortunately, the movie's reputation has been damaged by Leonard Maltin, perhaps the most superficial and unreliable of all film critics. Buy the film: you'll love it.