Ep 16. "Burlesque", "Tangled", and "Love and Other Drugs"

In season 1 episode 16 of "Maltin on Movies", film critis Leonard Maltin and his daughter Jessie dive into three different films: "Burlesque", "Tangled", and "Love and Other Drugs". In "Burlesque", starring Cher and Christina Aguilera, Maltin notes the film's "old fashioned" concept of a small-town girl pursuing her dreams in the big city. He praises the music and the performances by the two leads, but criticizes the lack of character development and the predictable plot. Jessie, on the other hand, argues that the film is enjoyable and uplifting, highlighting the strong female relationships and fun musical numbers.

Moving on to "Tangled", the Disney animated film based on the story of Rapunzel, Maltin and Jessie both express admiration for the film's stunning animation and catchy songs. They praise the film's messages about following your dreams and finding your true identity, and appreciate the strong character development of Rapunzel and her love interest Flynn Rider. Maltin notes that the film marks a return to the classic Disney formula of a princess movie with a charming prince, but with a new twist and modern sensibility that makes it enjoyable for audiences of all ages.

Finally, the pair discusses "Love and Other Drugs", a romantic dramedy starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Anne Hathaway. Maltin notes that the film tackles serious issues such as the commercialization of medicine and the impact of illness on personal relationships, but ultimately falls short in its execution. He criticizes the film's uneven tone and characterizations, as well as its reliance on stereotypes and crude humor. Jessie agrees with some of these criticisms, but also appreciates the film's attempts to address important topics and the chemistry between Gyllenhaal and Hathaway.

Throughout the episode, Maltin and Jessie engage in insightful discussions about the films and their impact, offering their own unique perspectives and opinions. Fans of film criticism and analysis will enjoy the thoughtful commentary and lively debates presented on "Maltin on Movies".