Conference bookie::movies

466.0. "Blank Check" by TLE::FRIDAY (DEC Fortran: a gem of a language) Tue Feb 15 1994 14:18

Wait until this alleged comedy comes out on video; don't waste time at
the theater. Better yet, don't waste time renting it; wait for it to
be shown on TV so the commercials can provide spots of comic relief.

Blank Check is the story of a young boy who is given a blank check,
fills in $1,000,000 as the amount, cashes it, and proceeds to spend it
all in just six days.

Although the premise wasn't so bad, everything else brought
credibility to an exquisitely low level.

Preston, the lad who gets the check is your typical
dumped-on-and-laughed-at kid. His parents and brothers are incredibly
obnoxious and idiotic, without the slightest hint of possessing any
redeeming qualities. Personally, I found the "family" scenes
disturbing and thought they were inappropriate for my son (almost 8)
to see; at least those scenes were only a minor part of the movie.

There were a few scenes in the movie that were enjoyable; for example,
the scene with him and his "date" in the middle of a fountain was
memorable.

The movie plods on and on and on, eventually finishing with one of the
lamest endings I've ever seen.  Gentle reader, do yourself a favor and
carry on past the <FF> into the spoiler; maybe it will help you be
prepared so you can avoid barfing if you ever see this turkey.

The utter contempt of Preston for his brothers, and conversely, is
unabated throughout the entire movie.  Ditto for his miserable excuse
for parents.  There is no sign of any reconciliation during the entire
movie.  Yet in the final scene they're suddently all lubby-dubby
together as Preston says that they're the most important and wonderful
things in his life.

    This has Miguel Ferrer in it, which is the only reason I'd watch
    (definitely waiting for cable though).  He always plays such a solemn 
    sourpuss.  But, even with his usually bad haircuts, he's still kinda 
    fun to watch.
    
    
    kim