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Frank Oz: From Worst to Best

I've finished my Frank Oz filmography a while back and hadn't had the time to post here the rank and some thoughts about his work. Let's try to refresh my memory and give you some of my opinions... man. Frank Oz is a true legend. At 81, he's not just a brilliant filmmaker but also a puppeteer and writer whose characters, from the Muppets to Sesame Street, have touched countless lives. His directing career is full of outstanding, entertaining movies; out of 14 films, there's really only one rotten apple in the bunch. I'm not sure if he's planning to make any more movies, but I'd love to see him try his hand at a serious drama, just to see him flex a different creative muscle. I wouldn't like to be that famous, I value my privacy. Mind you, Miss Piggy enjoys every moment of it. If it were not for me, she would spend all her time in the limelight. Frank OZ This is his entire fi...

Muppet Guys Talking (2017)

Plot Summary: *Muppet Guys Talking* is a delightful and intimate documentary where legendary Muppet performers come together to share behind-the-scenes stories, their creative process, and heartfelt memories of working with Jim Henson. Directed by Frank Oz, this candid conversation between the original Muppet team offers humor, nostalgia, and a deep appreciation for the art of puppetry and storytelling. Director: Frank Oz Producers: Victoria Labalme, Frank Oz Cast: Frank Oz as Himself Jerry Nelson as Himself Fran Brill as Herself Bill Barretta as Himself Dave Goelz as Himself   Sesame Street and My Childhood Escape To wrap up Frank Oz’s filmography, what better way than with the ultra-casual, heartwarming documentary Muppet Guys Talking? Now, I’ve mentioned before that I was never a hardcore Muppets fan, but Sesame Street? That was a different stor...

The Score (2001)

Plot Summary: Nick Wells, a veteran safe-cracker ready to retire and settle with his girlfriend Diane, is pulled into one last heist by his fence Max. Partnered with ambitious thief Jack Teller, they aim to steal a priceless French scepter from the Montreal Customs House, facing tension, trust issues, and betrayal. Director: Frank Oz Producers: Gary Foster, Lee Rich Screenplay: Kario Salem (story and screenplay), Daniel E. Taylor (story), Lem Dobbs, Scott Marshall Smith Starring: Robert De Niro as  Nick Wells Edward Norton as Jack Teller/Brian Marlon Brando as Max,  Angela Bassett as Diane   ***SPOILER ALERT*** A Heist Worth the Hype Finally got around to continuing my Frank Oz film journey, and tonight’s pick was The Score. A two-hour-and-forty-minute heist flick that I had been saving for when I had some serious s...

The Stepford Wives (2004)

Plot Summary: Joanna Eberhart moves to Stepford, where wives are eerily perfect. She soon discovers a dark secret behind their submissive behavior and fights to uncover the truth. Director: Frank Oz Producer: Scott Rudin Screenplay: Paul Rudnick Starring: Nicole Kidman as Joanna Eberhart Matthew Broderick as Walter Kresby Bette Midler as Bobbie Markowitz Glenn Close as Claire Wellington Christopher Walken as Mike Wellington Roger Bart as Roger Bannister   ***SPOILER ALERT*** The Stepford Faceplant We carry on our trip through Oz’s filmography, but this time, we crash headfirst into a flaming pile of cinematic garbage. This movie is really, really bad. So bad, it almost feels insulting, like the writers thought their audience was made up of complete dumbasses who wouldn’t notice the absolute nonsense they were trying to pass off as a ...

The Indian in the Cupboard (1995)

Plot Summary: A young boy named Omri discovers that his ordinary cupboard and a simple key have the power to bring small plastic toys to life. When his miniature toy Indian, Little Bear, comes to life, Omri embarks on a journey of friendship, responsibility, and understanding as he learns the true weight of caring for a living being. A heartwarming story of adventure and growth unfolds, combining the wonder of childhood imagination with meaningful life lessons. Director: Frank Oz Producer: Kathleen Kennedy Screenplay: Melissa Mathison, based on the novel by Lynne Reid Banks Starring: Hal Scardino as Omri Litefoot as Little Bear David Keith as Boone Rishi Bhat as Patrick Lindsay Crouse as Jane Richard Jenkins as Victor Steve Coogan as Tommy Atkins   ***SPOILER ALERT*** Frank Oz: What Happened Here? Here we are again, exploring m...

In & Of Itself (2020)

Plot Summary: *In & Of Itself* is a thought-provoking theatrical experience that blends storytelling, illusion, and personal introspection. Derek DelGaudio leads the audience on a journey to explore identity, meaning, and the human connection. Through a series of mesmerizing performances and deeply emotional moments, the show challenges viewers to confront the question: "Who am I?" Director: Frank Oz Producer: Jake Friedman Writer & Performer: Derek DelGaudio Starring: Derek DelGaudio as Himself   Magic is alive! Let me start with WOW! I don’t even know what to say. This is a mind-blowing "movie" of a theater show, and I would give anything to go back in time and see it live, after somehow magically wiping it from my memory. Oh, wait, I’d still be broke and unable to travel to New York. Never mind. No spoilers here—this is a must-watch. I...

In & Out (1997)

Plot Summary: Howard Brackett, a beloved English teacher in a small Midwestern town, finds his life turned upside down when a former student-turned-Hollywood star publicly "outs" him during an Academy Awards acceptance speech. With his wedding just days away, Howard must confront the unexpected revelation, leading to a comedic journey of self-discovery, societal expectations, and acceptance. Director: Frank Oz Producer: Scott Rudin Screenplay: Paul Rudnick Starring: Kevin Kline as Howard Brackett Joan Cusack as Emily Montgomery Tom Selleck as Peter Malloy Matt Dillon as Cameron Drake Debbie Reynolds as Berniece Brackett Wilford Brimley as Frank Brackett   ***SPOILER ALERT*** A Frank Oz Comedy Inspired by Real-Life Events We’re back exploring Frank Oz’s filmography, and today’s feature is In & Out, a 90s comedy with a uniqu...

Death at a Funeral (2007)

Plot Summary: Chaos ensues at a family funeral when secrets, misunderstandings, and unexpected revelations come to light. What starts as a somber gathering quickly turns into a farcical series of events, including the accidental ingestion of hallucinogens, a blackmail attempt involving a shocking secret about the deceased, and escalating comedic disasters. This black comedy perfectly balances absurdity and emotion, offering plenty of laughs and heartfelt moments. Director: Frank Oz Producer: Sidney Kimmel Screenplay: Dean Craig Starring: Matthew Macfadyen as Daniel Rupert Graves as Robert Alan Tudyk as Simon Peter Dinklage as Peter Keeley Hawes as Jane Ewen Bremner as Justin   ***SPOILER ALERT*** A British Black Comedy Gem British Black Comedy—do I even need to say more? You already know it’s going to be good, especially with Frank O...