Word: simonal
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TITLE: NEIL SIMON'S LOST IN YONKERS...
WRITER: NEIL SIMON...
...Neil Simon's adaptation of his Pulitzer prizewinning play is, as one might expect, entirely respectful of the original (his boldest creative stroke is working his own name into the movie's title). Director Coolidge, who did a fine job with another eccentric family in Rambling Rose, moves quite gracefully within the confines of a piece only minimally "opened up" for the screen. Ruehl has two poignant arias announcing her realization of what her mother has done to her. Dreyfuss spritzes high-spirited resentment, and Worth's steely old woman, determined not to show softness to anyone, is a powerful...
...their rather chilly creator brought some real compassion to these sealed-off lives, we might take them more readily to heart. If they suggested some generalized insights about lower-middle-class life, we might more readily forgive their dreary excesses. And if wishing could make it so, Neil Simon would be Anton Chekov's authentic, instead of his merely aspiring, heir. Which would make this a much better world to live...
...dialogue of broken hearts; Dylan co-writing and singing with Nelson on a fine new song, Heartland, which has the aura and impact of a Woody Guthrie Dust Bowl ballad; Nelson singing on his own, cutting loose on a joyous Willie Dixon blues and having a great time visiting Simon's Graceland...