Film Forum

Episode Recap

Episode 3

January 24, 2006

Films Reviewed: Transamerica and Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World

Commentary: The Screen Actors Guild Awards

Featurette: Behind the scenes of The Producers

Regarding Transamerica:

Matt: Felicity Huffman delivers the performance of her career in this film about a pre-operative transsexual making a cross country trip with the son she fathered a long time ago.  The film itself merits a “really good” rating, but Felicity’s performance is “perfect”.  Ergo, I give it three and a half stars.

Aron: Yes, Felicity Huffman is fantastic in this feature.  Her supporting cast, including Graham Greene and Burt Young, aren’t up to the level that Felicity gives, but it’s still worth seeing just for her.  Three and a half stars from me as well.

Average Rating: ***1/2 (out of ****)

Regarding Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World:

Aron: A good idea for a movie (have Albert Brooks visit India and Pakistan to discover what makes the Nation of Islam laugh) given a very mediocre execution.  The film left me wanting a lot more than what was on screen.  Two stars.

Matt: Yes.  What Aron said.  Having Albert Brooks play himself was a terrible idea and the “real life” cameos the film boasts detracted from my enjoyment.  I want to know what makes the Nation of Islam laugh, but this sure as heck wasn’t it.  Two stars.

Average Rating: ** (out of ****)

Commentary: Since we are in the midst of awards season, we took a look at what is up to win at the Screen Actors Guild Awards on 1/29.

Featurette: Behind the scenes of The Producers, which we may review on next week’s show.