Rating: 
Summary: I love this one!
Review: To my way of thinking, this is the highest form of comedy: it is the kind of comedy that makes us laugh and cry at the same time; it is the kind of comedy that captures something about who we are, and presents it in such a forgiving and loving light that we simultaneously laugh and ache. For me, the quintessential example of this is the boxing scene in City Lights, which is as tragic as it is hilarious. "Prisoner of Second Avenue" is, in a sense, an entire play about this boxing scene: it is about the struggle to survive in a cold and almost brutal world. The only difference is that, in the boxing scene, the hero chooses to take a beating in order to save someone else, while here the two heroes struggle to survive as a team. In the final scene, we know that this team has won, not because a new job has been located, but because this team will prevail. What a wonderful homage to the strength of the human spirit! Couple this with the exceptional (as always) performances of two great actors: Anne Bancroft and Jack Lemon, and you have what I think is a true gem.By the way...it's time to bring this in DVD!
Rating:
Summary: Check out Prisoner! Great movie!
Review: When I was in my second semester in college, I took an acting class. For my final, I had to perform as Mel Edison in Neil Simon's The Prisoner of Second Avenue. Upon taking the role, I decided to watch the film to learn a little bit more about my character and the supporting ones. Well, I was absolutely amazed. The Prisoner of Second Avenue is one of my favorite films of all time. It stars Jack Lemmon as an aging businessman who looses his job, as well as his mind. Along the way, his wife, played by Anne Bancroft, is the only one who can "splash the water" in his face and tell him things will be ok. The movie is an amazing display of acting talent. Mr. Lemmon was really screwed by the Academy. He wasn't even nominated! I feel that this is one of his best performances. Everything about the film, from the cast to the plot was great. I also think the music score by Marvin Hamlisch is one of his best! Too bad this film is so overlooked. Lets hope for a DVD release soon! After seeing this film for the first time, I knew I would have a ball playing the character of Mel Edison. Of course, I couldn't come close to Jack Lemmon's portrayal.
Rating:
Summary: Check out Prisoner! Great movie!
Review: When I was in my second semester in college, I took an acting class. For my final, I had to perform as Mel Edison in Neil Simon's The Prisoner of Second Avenue. Upon taking the role, I decided to watch the film to learn a little bit more about my character and the supporting ones. Well, I was absolutely amazed. The Prisoner of Second Avenue is one of my favorite films of all time. It stars Jack Lemmon as an aging businessman who looses his job, as well as his mind. Along the way, his wife, played by Anne Bancroft, is the only one who can "splash the water" in his face and tell him things will be ok. The movie is an amazing display of acting talent. Mr. Lemmon was really screwed by the Academy. He wasn't even nominated! I feel that this is one of his best performances. Everything about the film, from the cast to the plot was great. I also think the music score by Marvin Hamlisch is one of his best! Too bad this film is so overlooked. Lets hope for a DVD release soon! After seeing this film for the first time, I knew I would have a ball playing the character of Mel Edison. Of course, I couldn't come close to Jack Lemmon's portrayal.
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