SpuffyWeb Sadly Over-hyped

Yash Wade Close shines in drama with strong language, adult themes.

Brenda The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

Philippa All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.

michaelglaab While celebrating a THANKSGIVING holiday I contemplate its purpose and strive to appreciate its significance. Accordingly, I reflect upon the many varied factors that influence beneficially, to varying degrees, the development of an individual's character, his or her personality and outlook. For, we are influenced and/or conditioned by our environment, genes, education, circumstance and the passage of time.Some influences are transitory and quickly dissipate. Others impact deeply and endure. Included among the diverse factors that tend to influence and shape us all are the products of the entertainment industry. This particular industry ostensibly entertains people and encourages them to purchase commodities, for better or for worse.The entertainment industry produces a vast cornucopia of products typically presumed to be essentially trivial and inconsequential distractions. However, seemingly insignificant distractions sometimes have unexpected and/or disproportionate impacts. For example, they may educate and refine: civilize. They may soothe, solace and comfort the weary, weak and/or sick. While the impetuous and hasty may be inspired to reflect and consider first - before acting recklessly. Contrariwise, the hesitant and uncertain may be energized and inspired to act decisively. Those who have surrendered pessimistically to the vagaries of life may be encouraged and revitalized thus enabling them to endure, overcome and succeed. The vast potential of the entertainment industry to impact our civilization beneficially merits objective and serious consideration. Therefore, the beneficial contributions to our society by the more idealistic members of that industry truly merit our appreciation and gratitude for they serve to educate, refine and civilize.As an encouraging example, I cite the Empty Nest television program which consistently maintained high entertainment standards while presenting moral lessons to its audience - in an entertaining manner suitable for family viewing. Obvious preaching and sermonizing were avoided. Nevertheless, moral standards of decency were upheld and affirmed. This amusing, but also instructive, comedy program dealt with a diverse and broad range of topics and situations typically encountered and experienced by families. In addition, it dared to confront and consider a variety of pertinent and relevant topics such as employee/employer relations, the women's liberation movement, health care and its impact upon patients as well as upon medical practitioners, etc. This comedy frequently transitioned seamlessly and almost instantaneously from delightful comedy to insightful drama - and back again. Exceptional practitioners of this were Mr. Richard Mulligan and Ms. Kristy McNichol.Although Richard Mulligan had ventured boldly into drama with an innovative and striking performance in Little Big Man he had truly excelled in comedy. Similar to Cary Grant, Buster Keaton and Charley Chaplin he had developed a remarkable ability to portray characters struggling successfully in preposterous situations to "do the right thing" with a composed, dignified and upright demeanor. Kristy McNichol, prior to her appearance on Empty Nest, was a youthful but accomplished veteran of several powerfully moving dramatic performances. However, in Empty Nest she demonstrated, similar to Richard Mulligan, amazing comedic sense and timing. With the assistance of their capable fellow performers, both frequently displayed their versatility and immense talents with an almost uncanny ability to alternate quickly between comedy and drama. It is probable that even these stellar performers collaborated synergistically with their fellows to produce quality art. Their achievements serve as object lessons to us all.In conclusion, I gratefully extend a sincere THANK YOU to ALL OF THOSE INDIVIDUALS WHO CONTRIBUTED TO THIS JOYOUS CELEBRATION of the intrinsic value and capacity of human beings to endure and surmount obstacles whilst simultaneously improving themselves and learning to interact with their fellow human beings with tolerance, fairness, justice, compassion and understanding.

Bolesroor Backstory: "Golden Girls" was a huge hit on Saturday nights for NBC and programmers wanted to expand on that success to create an entire night of comedy. (If you think "spin-off" is a dirty word you'll probably want to stop reading here.) The second season finale of GG features a married couple (Paul Dooley & Rita Moreno) who had never been on the show before dealing with the future of their marriage now that their children had grown up and moved out. Dooley & Moreno had zero chemistry and the idea of a show based on such a depressing mess must have scared producers sober, so they "re-tooled." The next season "Empty Nest" premiered right after "Golden Girls" with lightweight goon Richard Mulligan as Harry, a widowed doctor with two adult daughters still living in his home. (NOTE: This is the only part of the series that bothered me: How can you call a show 'Empty Nest' in which both adult daughters live at home? I guess producers liked the premise but found the execution too depressing. The title "Full House" would have made just as much sense.)Dinah Manoff was the semi-bangable neurotic and Kristy McNicol the semi-bangable tough cookie. Park Overall is Harry's nurse/receptionist with a Southern accent and husky voice. David Leisure plays neighbor Charlie, a variant on his smooth-talking, lying "Joe Isuzu" character. A Golden Girl stops by twice a season to borrow an egg and remind us they live right next door and life goes on..."Empty Nest" had decent laughs, decent performances... it was a pleasant filler to pass the time. I long for the days when television could afford to be this gentle... today most shows begin with the discovery of a corpse and end with confessions of lurid sex. It's cheap, and common, and inspires less viewer loyalty than a goofy sitcom in which the dog's name appears in the credits. Farewell "Empty Nest"...GRADE: B-

Brian-272 I am sad as I'm sure many others are to learn of the death of Richard Mulligan (1932-2000), he died this past year of cancer at 67. When I read the news I felt somber then I remembered the good times the "Empty Nest" days and I type this comment as a tribute to him. "Empty Nest" was one of the few TV-series: in my lifetime that I watched together with my family and received enjoyment. A Saturday night tradition. Having struck ratings gold with the Miami-based "Miami Vice" and "The, Golden Girls", NBC scored again with this sunny sitcom based in the Sunshine City. Like "The, Golden Girls", it featured a star of the 70's Richard Mulligan as a generous and heartwarming worrywart Dr. Harry Weston, and his only family consisted of two grown daughters Carol Weston (Dinah Manoff) and Barbara Weston (Kristy McNichol). Rounding the cast out were Harry's hick hillbilly southern nurse LaVerne (Park Overall) and a nerd and inept neighbor Charley (David Leisure) who supposedly worked on a cruise ship but would always splash and deadbeat into the Weston's kitchen. "Empty Nest" was a great comedy I know I got annoyed from time to time by putting up with the neurotic Carol and sarcastic LaVerne. Put those minor problems aside Richard Mulligan made this show a hit with his wit and comedic ability at the same time being the generous and serious Dr. Harry Weston. I know people think that producers just go to some little town and find a dippy person, but acting takes great skill and Richard Mulligan proved that on "Empty Nest". I also wish that this show like it's Miami counterpart "The, Golden Girls" would receive Lifetime airings as well it sure deserves it. The theme song of "Empty Nest" describes it all not just for the show but everyday life as well no matter what mysteries, problems, or things we find in life we will get the answer no matter how hard remember "Life Goes On". Finally I know we will all miss Richard Mulligan and his many talents we must remember no matter how much sadness we can find the answers and "Life Goes On".

JennLynn This show always was one of the better ones. Right up in my top 20. At times, Carol's character got annoying, but there are people like that. And her sisters, Barbara and Emily, had great portrayers. Park Overall as Lavern was a great part of the show. Too bad it got thrown off primetime!