#james frawley

[michaelcoffeysthoughts]

Columbo: Murder, A Self Portrait (1989)

This is a solid episode that is among the series' most unique entries. The story has many of the familiar elements, but the interpersonal drama between the killer and his polycule and the heavy use of dreams allow for some new conflicts and style experiments compared to other episodes of this era. The central mystery generally works and the clues are organically introduced while giving the episode some fun bits throughout. The opening with Columbo and Dog at the Basset hound festival is a cute start and the runner with him getting a portrait from the killer leads to some great interactions. The killer gets some interesting developments while the three women in his life get some fun resolutions that play with audience expectations well. Peter Falk remains good as Columbo while the supporting cast works for the series' tone and central mystery. The direction continues the revival's style while the focus on dreams and art results in some fun, surreal flourishes that creates a distinct mood. The photography has the glossier look of the revival with the heavy shadows, but the locations are used to great effect and color gets used in some evocative ways. The score has some memorable themes and it fits with the series' aesthetic. This is a good finale to the season and an enjoyable mystery on its own.

[movie-titlecards]

The Big Bus (1976)

My rating: 5/10

Man, Americans really will do anything except invest in rail infrastructure.

[michaelcoffeysthoughts]

Columbo: Sex and the Married Detective (1989)

This is a solid episode that continues the trademark humor of the series while playing with the formula in interesting ways. The central mystery is generally engaging and the killer's identity issues gives a psychological aspect that stands out from many of the other killers in the series, even if the gotcha moment is a bit too similar to the previous episode. The story is surprisingly forward about sex for a network tv movie of this era, but it does not feel too out of place compared to the rest of the series. Columbo gets some decent bits of humor here and Peter Falk is still good in the role. Lindsay Crouse is very good as the killer and handles the character's inner conflict well and the supporting cast does well playing off the leads. The direction builds a distinct atmosphere while allowing for a more easygoing approach compared to the previous two episodes. The visuals continue the revival's style and make great use of shadows throughout. The score has some memorable themes and fits with the steamier subject matter. This is a solid episode that helps this new era stand out from the original one.

[michaelcoffeysthoughts]

Columbo: Murder, Smoke and Shadows (1989)

This is a solid episode that continues the series' revival in interesting ways. The story uses the film industry setting in some fun ways and the emphasis on illusions adds a new dimension to Columbo's dynamic with the killer. The story can feel slow at points, but the major set pieces are inventive and the comedic moments largely land. Columbo gets some memorable character bits here and Falk keeps the story's tone upbeat, while Fisher Stevens is also good as the manipulative and hyperactive director playing off him. The direction works with the artificiality of the film studio location and allow the episode to have some amusing flourishes. The visuals keep the high-contrast look of the previous episode and this look works with some major scenes like the murder and the final gotcha moment. The use of the Universal backlot allows for some nice touches including to a return to the Jaws section of the tram tour like Fade Into Murder. The score works with the episode's visual style and has some clever uses of familiar music. This is a good episode that helps the revival have its own sensibilities from the original run.

[heartbreakfeelsgoodinablog]

More entertaining than humanly possible

[bens-things]

The Muppet Movie (1979) dir. James Frawley

[michaelcoffeysthoughts]

Columbo: How to Dial a Murder (1978)

This is a very good episode that keeps up the season's high quality. The story moves at a good pace and the mystery is given some clever solutions that use the characters personalities in interesting ways. The clues are dolled out in reasonable ways and there are some great bits that play on the series formula in fun ways, from a running gag where Columbo keeps interrupting the killer from doing other murders to a climax where Columbo seems to be in danger in a way the series rarely does. Columbo gets some great interactions with the killer and supporting cast and there are some nods to Mrs. Columbo and a scene with Dog which are fantastic. The killer is given a memorable personality and his motive is revealed in interesting ways. Peter Falk remains great while Nicol Williamson brings gravitas to the psychologist killer while showing some hidden layers that make the scenes with Falk interesting. The supporting cast does well against the leads, with great turns from Tricia O'Neil and Kim Cattrall. The direction gives the story some tense set pieces and uses the variety of settings to strong effect. The locations are distinct with the killer's film museum mansion and the abandoned western town ranch being particular highlights here. The score is used well and helps the major emotional beats. This is a very good installment in the series that goes in unexpected directions based on the premise.

[michaelcoffeysthoughts]

Columbo: Make Me a Perfect Murder (1978)

This is a great episode that plays with the series' format in effective and emotionally resonate ways. The story uses the longer length to form an interesting dynamic between Columbo and the murderer and allows the two to intersect in some organic ways. The episode starting with both characters separately provides a nice contrast between the more comedic elements of Columbo's plot while setting up the motive and clues for later on. Columbo's bits with his neck and the TV are very fun, but he gets some sweet moments with the other characters that add some dimension to him. The killer is given an interesting and nuanced portrayal here and her story is a rare case of a killer's downfall having the catharsis of the series best while being genuinely tragic on its own. Peter Falk and Trish Van Devere are fantastic here and keep the story's tone balanced while having an interesting dynamic. The supporting cast get some memorable moments and their plots are just as interesting as the central case. The direction builds some tense set pieces very well with the murder and Columbo's final confrontation being among the series' best. The visuals do a great job heightening the tension while feeling consistent with the rest of the series. The editing plays with the TV network setting in clever ways and allow the episode to have some Hitchcockian beats of tension. The score has some memorable themes and helps with the more intimate character moments. This is a brilliant murder mystery that represents some of the series' best qualities while taking it to some new directions.