Ep 83. "The Campaign", "Hope Springs", and "Total Recall"

In season 1, episode 83 of "Maltin on Movies", film critic Leonard Maltin and his daughter Jessie discuss three films: "The Campaign", "Hope Springs", and "Total Recall".

First up is "The Campaign", a political comedy starring Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis. Maltin appreciates the film's biting satire of the American political system, but notes that some of the humor falls flat. He praises the performances of Ferrell and Galifianakis, but finds that the supporting cast is underused. Jessie agrees with her father's assessment, but adds that she found the movie to be uneven in tone.

Next, the pair discusses "Hope Springs", a drama about a middle-aged couple (played by Meryl Streep and Tommy Lee Jones) who attend a weeklong couples' therapy retreat. Maltin and Jessie both speak highly of Streep's performance and the film's treatment of its sensitive subject matter. They note that the movie is both touching and funny, and praise the chemistry between Streep and Jones. Overall, they recommend the movie as a mature, thoughtful exploration of relationships.

Finally, Maltin and Jessie turn their attention to the sci-fi action film "Total Recall". Despite the film's impressive visuals and exciting action sequences, Maltin finds the plot to be convoluted and confusing. He also notes that the characters are underdeveloped and difficult to care about. Jessie agrees with her father's assessment, but adds that she found the film to be an entertaining popcorn flick nonetheless.

Throughout the episode, Maltin and Jessie engage in lively conversation about each of the films, offering their own perspectives and opinions on the strengths and weaknesses of each. The episode provides an in-depth look at each of the movies, and offers insight into what makes them worth watching (or not). Fans of film criticism are sure to enjoy this thoughtful and engaging episode of "Maltin on Movies".