Harris Online Blog
Daily throughts from Paul Harris
Broadway: “John Proctor Is The Villain”
Here’s my review of a new play that gets its inspiration from Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible,” and is attracting an under-35 audience to see its star, Sadie Sink of “Stranger Things.”
Passengers vs. Crew
Every news report about the six women launched into space Monday by Jeff Bezos referred to them as “crew.” No, they weren’t. Let me explain.
Broadway: “Maybe Happy Ending”
A musical about two robots falling in love? We almost skipped this show based solely on that description, but were glad we changed our minds. Here’s my review.
Broadway: “Operation Mincemeat”
This new musical farce is based on a real story of British spies fooling Hitler about where the Allies would mount an assault on the beaches of Sicily in 1943. I loved it on Broadway last week. Here’s my review.
Broadway: “Glengarry Glen Ross”
I went to see the Broadway revival of David Mamet’s classic play, starring Kieran Culkin, Bob Odenkirk, Michael McKean, and Bill Burr. Here’s my review.
Better Poker For Old Folks
I have an idea for a new tournament the World Series Of Poker should run that would give older players a better chance.
Bad Toothpaste
I have never owned a tube of toothpaste long enough for it to expire, so I was surprised when I saw what came out of one I bought two years ago.
Naked Movie Greed
Some Hollywood geniuses have decided to reboot “The Naked Gun,” with Liam Neeson ostensibly playing the Leslie Nielsen role. Here are several reasons why that’s such a bad idea.
Bad Decision, Journalists
The White House Correspondents Association is having a bad time under Trump, but its decision to cancel Amber Ruffin’s appearance at its annual dinner is a self-inflicted idiotic move. Here’s why.
A Streaming Recommendation
Since I wrote yesterday about how disappointed I was in a new Apple TV+ series, let me recommend a different streaming show I really enjoyed — on Netflix.
Stop With The Shouting
We were looking for something new to binge-watch and gave “Dope Thief” a try. But by the third episode, it was clear there was a problem. Let me explain.
Not Andy Kaufman Again
With the release of a new documentary about Andy Kaufman, I’ve pulled from my archives a piece explaining how he wasn’t a comic genius, but rather a coddled and spoiled brat.
Review: “Bob Trevino Likes It”
This is the kind of small indie movie I like to champion. It’s about a young woman who can’t please her narcissistic father, but finds a connection with another man who has the same name.
Broadway Video
More Broadway productions, including George Clooney’s “Good Night and Good Luck,” are incorporating video into the proceedings. Having experienced it at another show, let me explain why it’s such a bad idea.
MYMNK: “By Design: The Joe Caroff Story”
If you’re looking for something to stream, check out this documentary about graphic designer Joe Caroff, who created logos and artwork for some of the most iconic movie posters, ads, and promotional items of the last seventy years.
A No On “Anora”
Now that it’s on Hulu, I finally watched “Anora,” which won the Oscar this year for Best Picture. But here’s why it didn’t deserve the award — or all the other praise lavished on it.
Best Thing I’ve Read Today
Here’s an excerpt from a good piece by Rick Ellis, “Why Are We Still Listening To Anything Bill Maher Says?”
Reel Spoilers: “Novocaine”
I returned to the Reel Spoilers podcast this week with Tom, Joe, and Kevin to review “Novocaine.” You can watch us discuss it here — complete with tangents aplenty — or download the audio version.