Desperation Boulevard

Rating:
Summary: Hysterical Take On Fame
Review: "I'm not an angel, but I play one on TV"

Where has this little gem of a film been hiding since 1998? To see Burt Ward, Erin Moran, Dana Plato, and Ken Osmond playing cards and discussing infomercials (even the director's cuts of those -- "It's colon cleanser...just SPRINKLE it!") they've done is quite a hoot, and that scene alone is worth the price of seeing this film! Ah, when the stars have to come down from the hill and have to live with the rest of us...it's also eerie that this was one of Plato's last appearences in a film with a title as Desperation Boulevard, but there's a loving "In Memory Of" for her at the end credits.

While the Comedy Central TV show STRIP MALL with Julie Brown showed a more zany take on the life of a has-been former child actor, her character was a bit self-centered (though I worship Ms. Brown of course!). In Desperation Boulevard, Judy Tenuta's character of Joan, a has-been former child actor is quite different in the fact that you really feel for her plight, and she is actually a likeable gal. I was amazed to see Tenuta showing quite a bit of sincerity in her role, which gave this film a bit of reality in the midst of silly stunts she tried to get back in the public eye once again. At times wacky, then charming, there's a nice balance that will have you smiling even if you're not laughing out loud.

Michael Lerner is fine as the oblivious agent, and Will Shriner shows some compassion as a former Joan's former love. There are fun appearances by Burt Ward, Erin Moran, Dana Plato, Ken Osmond, Weird Al Yankovic, Emo Philips, Rhonda Shear, and Melanie Hutsell that work well with the story instead of just being a "spot the pseudo-celebrity" type of thing. I found myself laughing hard when Erin Moran had such a look of glee on her face for taking credit for a liquor store robbery that Tenuta tried to pull off! The scenes from the girl scout horror film were an absolute stitch as well: "She earned her merit badge in TERROR!"

Even though the "gift of the magi" ending is a bit tidied up, it's still satisfying and and the hired stalker gives a boost to any scene he just happens to be standing in! There's a lot of heartfelt charm to this film as well as the comedy, and it was interesting to see the mild level of language instead of trying for a hard "R-rated" theme. It has just enough to make it pleasing to adults.

I've always been a fan of Judy Tenuta, and seeing her play more than a wacky gal is really a nice surprise. Desperation Boulevard is a pleasant low-budget escape from a sea of big-budget wastes of time. This one is definitely worth your while if you appreciate a good take on fame and selflessness. Not since Christopher Guest's THE BIG PICTURE have I enjoyed such a take on Hollywood.

Be sure to stick through the end credits to see some outtakes and a tap-dancing Anne Frank play! It has to be seen to be believed!

Rating:
Summary: Judy! Judy! Judy!
Review: An overlooked gem! Until I ran across this howler, I was no Judy Tenuta fan (all that braying turned me off) but she won me over with her amped-down (and oddly poignant) turn as a kiddie star has-been trying to make a tabloid comeback. Very funny stuff--and it probably plays much better on TV than in a moviehouse, where it's low-budget roots would have been more glaring. Because the movie is essentially a comic version of Dana Plato's much-publicized crash 'n' burn (Plato actually appears in a self-depreciating cameo role, along with fellow former child stars Erin Moran, Ken Osmond, etc.), I'd love to know what was going through the filmmakers' minds when Plato fatally OD'ed before the film's release. Even though the movie is a basic mockery of Plato's life (right down to a low-rent "look-at-me" mini-mart stick-up), there was no way Plato's cameo could be cut entirely because she appears prominently in a poker-game sequence crucial to the rest of the movie. The answer? An end credit, dedicating the film to Plato--an ironic tribute if ever there was one. That said, Judy's performance in a loony lesbian scene and as the star of a Girl Scout slasher flick are worth the price of the DVD alone!!!

Rating:
Summary: Desperation Blvd. - do you like B- movies?
Review: I love Judy Tenuta, and she is pretty good in this movie. There are cameos by two of my other favorite comedians, "Weird Al" Yankovic and Emo Phillips. All this made me want to see this movie very much, and I even read some good reviews of it somewhere. It seemed the only way I was going to see it was to buy it - so I did. Well, I had my curiosity satisfied but that is all. The plot idea is a good one, and the editing of the trailer makes it look pretty clever. The editing of the film, however, leaves much to be desired. Every scene seems to drag. They draw everything out trying to make this into a feature length film. There are a small handful of great moments - they last seconds. But the rest of the film is tiresome. I really wanted to like this movie but I can't recommend it.

Rating:
Summary: Funny and Kinda Sweet
Review: I rented this film because it sounded like an interesting concept and I have to say, I really liked it. I laughed out loud a number of times and thought it kept a nice balance between over the top and believability that is rare in Hollywood comedies. The performance were pretty good, especially Michael Lerner as a deluded talent agent. The scene where the main character, a grown up former child actress, poses as a lesbian in an effort to get publicity for her stalled career is worth the price of the film alone. I can honestly recommend this film and be sure to watch the closing credits to see a tap dancing Anne Frank musical scene that's truly funny.

Rating:
Summary: A Near Classic
Review: I saw this film at a screening in Chicago several years back and am glad to see it finally is available on DVD. This film is a hoot! Judy Tenuta plays a former child actress who seen better days and tries a number of schemes to get back on top. Watch for Erin Moran, of Happy Days playing an evil version of herself! Too many funny moments to talk about here - the only negative is the cheesy ending but still a very funny film.

Rating:
Summary: JUDY CAN ACT!!!!!
Review: I won't repeat what the other positive reviwers have said. This is a cute movie. What surprised me is how great Judy can act. She is funny, touching, moving, and gives a great performance. I think most of the people who will buy it will be Judy fans. While I was expecting more "raw" Judy, it was a pleasant surprise to see her much more mellow. Many fans will be disappointed to not see Judy being as acidic as usual, but you have to give her credit-SHE IS A GOOD ACTRESS. If you want the bitchy Judy, BUTCH CAMP is the DVD for you. Otherwise go into this with an open mind and enjoy her sweet and inspired performance.

Rating:
Summary: Judy can act, and the movie is good too!
Review: This could have easily been a movie of the week on network TV. There is very minimal profanity and is very touching. Judy can act (who knew?), and is very funny without "trying to hard."
The entire cast did a great job. It's a small film, but with a big punch. Some of the scenes were so truthful, it hurt at times to watch it. Judy was very sincere, and I totally believed her in this role. Great cameos throughout the movie. It is like an demented version of Sunset Blvd and Andy Warhol's Heat. If you liked those movies, you will certainly enjoy this one. I rented it (very hard to find in a rental capacity here in Orlando), but plan to buy it. It's a small cult-classic-to-be. The addition of Dana Plato's cameo added resinence and punch to the themes and plot lines. I can't say enough about this movie. It is worth it, and more. Bravo!

Rating:
Summary: Judy can act, and the movie is good too!
Review: This could have easily been a movie of the week on network TV. There is very minimal profanity and is very touching. Judy can act (who knew?), and is very funny without "trying to hard."
The entire cast did a great job. It's a small film, but with a big punch. Some of the scenes were so truthful, it hurt at times to watch it. Judy was very sincere, and I totally believed her in this role. Great cameos throughout the movie. It is like an demented version of Sunset Blvd and Andy Warhol's Heat. If you liked those movies, you will certainly enjoy this one. I rented it (very hard to find in a rental capacity here in Orlando), but plan to buy it. It's a small cult-classic-to-be. The addition of Dana Plato's cameo added resinence and punch to the themes and plot lines. I can't say enough about this movie. It is worth it, and more. Bravo!

Rating:
Summary: VERY FUNNY!
Review: What can I say? It's a very funny, very cleverly written, very well-acted film, with lots of laughs, lots of surprises, lots of heart. I've enjoyed it over a dozen times. My friends have all loved it too. It seriously is one of the best comedy films of the past few years.