Clear History

CLEAR HISTORY
NR
Director: Greg Mottola
Writers: Larry David, Alec Berg, David Mandel, Jeff Schaffe
Jon Hamm, Michael Keaton, Larry David

Cast
Jon Hamm...Will Haney
Kate Hudson...Rhonda
Larry David... Raleigh/Nathan Flahm

Today I'm  reviewing CLEAR HISTORY. It's not what it sounds like. This isn't about a pedophile that unsuccessfully deletes his browser history, during his sixth grade English class.

Will Haney and Nathan Flahm  start out as business partners in the early days of an electric car company. Nathan sells his 10 percent share of the company back to Will, because he thought 'Howard' was a bad name for a car. Unable to deal with being ostracized and humiliated for being that guy that blew a billion dollars. Nathan loses his hair, and gains a new identity, 'Raleigh'.

What follows is an epic revenge on a former business partner. We already know nothing will work out for him. But how bad will things get? If you want a hint, watch the REVENGE episode of SEINFELD. Where George puts a Mickey in his old boss's cocktail.

In case you were wondering, the electric car is named 'Howard', after the college featured in Bill Cosby's show, A DIFFERENT WORLD, and not after William Howard Taft.

'I must right this wrong.'

Jon Hamm was the best part. I thought that was true of SUCKER PUNCH as well. I can't help but notice how he brings a little Don Draper to all his roles. The way John Wayne brings alcoholism to all of his titles.

Michael Keaton, wow, he always was a comedian, it's easy to forget sometimes. It took awhile, but I think he's finally moved past BATMAN and a whole host of other bad films.

Is there enough content for a movie?

Comedically, Larry David is beyond talented. But being funny doesn't make you a good film maker.  They rarely coexist, just look at Martin Lawrence.

CLEAR HISTORY felt like an overly long CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM EPISODE. While it was funny, it just didn't feel like a movie. Ultimately, I have to judge made for TV movies by a lower standard.  Seeing this at a theater would have disappointed me. Additionally, I must doc points for the CHICAGO soundtrack. For clarification, I'm not talking about the soundtrack to the film, CHICAGO, but rather the musical stylings of THE CHICAGO TRANSIT AUTHORITY.

But on a Saturday night, sitting on a couch, with nothing to do, but write a movie review, I would be pleasantly surprised with what I saw.

Final Verdict: 80 out of 100

Phil Spector (Mini-Review)

PHIL SPECTOR
NR (HBO)
Director: David Memet
Writer: David Memet
Al Pacino, Helen Mirren, Jeffery Tambor

Cast
Al Pacino...Phil Spector
Helen Mirren... Linda Kenney Baden
Jeffrey Tambourine...Bruce Cutler

'Overdue book? This is the biggest frame-up since OJ! Wait a minute, blood in the Bronco, the cuts on the hands, those Jay Leno monologues. Oh my god he did it! '
-Homer Simpson THE SIMPSONS, DABF08

Is a genius ever responsible for his or her supposed crimes?
Absolutely not.
Look at Einstein, without his discoveries, atomic bombs wouldn't have dropped on Hiroshima. That man is a monster.

Say Hello To My Little Friend

Like a rapper on trial. The only thing Phil Spector is guilty of is being a thug. The merits of the case are never called into question, because his music is on trial.

Let Me Play DEVIL'S ADVOCATE

Al Pacino was in both the GODFATHER and GILI. This man has an enormous range. He's capable of perfection and utter failure as well.

Physically, Al Pacino has an uncanny resemblance to Phil. He even got all the mannerisms down. The only problem is Al Pacino always sounds like Al Pacino.

The scene where Spector pointed a loaded gun at Leonard Cohen in a recording session. This is glossed over, even though it was completely relevant to the trial.

This movie isn't bad, but the story is incomplete. It could use some bad reenactments, like the ones you would see on AMERICA'S MOST WANTED. You'd also need John Walsh's voice to go along with these reenactments.

I like where they ended the movie. To pay homage to Hendrix. Spector walks into the courtroom with an afro wig. I think it's how Jimi would have wanted it, leaving this world in style.

Final Verdict: 50 out of 100