INTRODUCTION
Lucky
you! You’ve wandered into the Bette Midler in Films, TV and Theater
review section.
I have to say that I have mixed emotions about this part of the
website. I am filled with equal amounts of excitement and trepidation.
The excitement of course, is from being able to share even more
writings about the Divine Miss M with you. The apprehension that
I feel, comes from worrying about what might result from these
offerings.
After
all, if any of these reviews motivate you to turn off the computer
and tune in to one of these classic Bette movies and specials,
then you will no longer be at my website.
And, if you are not online visiting me, then, where am I and what
am *I* doing?! So you see? My misgivings are not unfounded.
Still,
who among us can resist the magnetic pull, the glitz and glamour
of the big screen, the little screen, and all the screens to be
seen in-between those screens? ;o) And, speaking of screens, who
are these people that screen upcoming film releases and then write
about them? And, what is it that makes what they have to say so
important? How much value can be placed on their opinions and
observations??
I’ve
been an avid reader of reviews since I picked up my first Rolling
Stone magazine. I won’t say how long ago that was, but I
think it cost me a quarter. ;o) When I was younger, I took the
reviews much more seriously than I do now. I experienced feelings
of elation and pride when I read a review about Bette that was
glowing and I would become indignant and outraged by reviews that
I felt were unkind or unflattering.
I
still love reading and comparing reviews, but I don’t get quite
as emotionally involved with their assessments anymore. Maybe
I’ve mellowed with age. Or, maybe I’ve become wiser; developed
a greater perspective. The more reviews I read, the more familiar
I become with, and appreciate, the distinct personalities of each
critic. They all have their own likes and dislikes. Some are extremely
good at constructive criticism, while others seem to have particular
biases that are all too apparent in their writing.
But,
on reflection, being a movie critic probably isn’t as easy as
one would guess. Have you ever contemplated sitting all day in
one of those glute-numbing theater seats? That would be enough
to make any person cranky, I would think. Also, hours on end spent
gorging on outrageously price-inflated candies is bound to produce
a sour disposition along with a sour tummy. And, as respected
as a critic might be, there will always be some wiseacres that
greet the review with the ever annoying, "yes, but Ebert
said..." (unless, of course, you are Ebert, and in that case,
I would just like to say that it’s an honor, sir, and is the Chicago
Sun-Times hiring?) ;o)
Critics...what
more can be said? We love em, we hate em. Some seem exceptionally
brilliant and insightful (those being the ones that share our
views) and others appear to be unbelievably moronic (those whose
opinions are in direct opposition to ours). I could on and on
about reviews and critics in general (and I do, in the music and
concerts section) but right now I’m thinking that we should make
some popcorn. Yes, we will definitely need popcorn. Because, once
we start reading these reviews, both positive and negative, we
will not be able to suppress the urge to turn away from the computer
(sigh), turn on the televison and DVD player and re-watch our
favorite Bette movies and television specials.
So,
I guess that means...I’ll see you after the show?
Love,
Mr D
(with a little spit and polish from Snook; mostly spit!)
;o)
