They May Be Drinkers, Robin, But They're Still Human Beings

RIP Frank Gorshin (1933-2005)

The Riddler died earlier this week. Nominated for an Emmy in 1966 for his work on what is arguably the greatest television series in history, Batman, Gorshin had a long career, spanning from bit parts in the 50s to a bit part in Terry Gilliam's Twelve Monkeys (1995). But he is most known for saying, "Riddle me this, Batman."

Well here's a riddle ... What's the best thing that can happen when you beat a dead horse? That's right--the answer is "it'll make a good Star Wars film!" Star Wars 6 is certainly no better than any of the first three films, as those critics whose judgments have been clouded by the Dark Side of the Force have been claiming. But it is hands-down the best of the second set of films. The pacing is excellent, there is a very clear sense of who you are supposed to love, hate, and feel sorry for (as opposed to the previous two films, where issues of character development were sacrificed to the drudgery of the laborious plot) and the special effects are better--improved by the relative lack of CG characters (Yoda excepted). I will not offer any more than these generalities so as not to spoil the film's more notable plotpoints. Honestly, it does lose some bite since every viewer knows what will happen. Presumably, they've seen Star Wars (1977).

So what do you think, Cat? I give it a "Surf's Up!" (here, a reference to the most beautiful recording ever produced under the name of the Beach Boys, as it appears on disc two--performed solo by Brian Wilson--of the Good Vibrations: Thirty Years of the Beach Boys [1993] box set). It's by no means a masterpiece, but it is a worthy installment in the ultimate dork filmcycle--and I say that with pride!