We haven't been hearing too much on this film thus far, so this is the first official look at the film. It was in a screening of just 35 people, so I'm proud to have had at least one seat occupied by a pair of Ain't It Cool Eyes and Ears, especially Jackie Coogan's. SO here ya go folks, Ron Howard's latest flick...
Though it happened last tuesday, this has been the first opportunity I've had to write to you about my chance to be in the first audience for Ron Howard's new film "EdTV."
There were about thirty five of us civilians at the Disney Screening room in Manhattan. The film was projected on video, as I believe it was a "rough cut."
Anyway, Howard has scored again with this crowd pleaser. The film tells the story of Ed (Matthew McConaughey), an average joe. When a major television network decides to hold auditions for their new "TrueTV" network, Ed inadvertantly auditions when his ham-of-a-brother, Ray, (Woody Harrelson) introduces him. The TV Execs (Ellen DeGeneres-- terrific performance) and the more reluctant head of the network (Rob Reiner-- always funny) decide that Ed seems best for the lucky job and when Ed signs the papers, EdTV begins. He wakes the next morning and the cameras are in his face-- a priceless scene-- and Ed's life is turned upside down. Thrust in to the limelight, Ed must deal with what this "success" brings, both good and bad.
Of course, this film could be classified as a romantic comedy, as the film is also about the troubles that Ed has with his love interest, played by Jenna Elfman. Elfman is actually Woody Harrelson's girlfriend when the film begins, but they break up (on-air) when Ed stumbles on Ray with another woman (again on-air). Everyone in the world is watching the private lives of these people, and Ed was the only one who volunteered to be on the show. The show seems to be betraying everyone connected to Ed, and therefore they can no longer trust him. Anyway, when Ed and Jenna Elfman (I forget her character's name) finally realize they should be together, Jenna begins to have doubts about their love-life being played out in front of the cameras and for the world to see-- especially when newspaper polls claim she's ugly and not good enough for Ed.
The love story plays out very well, as does the entire film. The film will invariably (and unfairly) be compared to "The Truman Show" and in a sense it's similar-- only in the idea that the it's the story of a man on television. That's it. This is a totally different movie. First of all, the guy volunteers. Second, no one's "in on it." There's no conspiracy. The film is more the story of Ed's relationship with Jenna Elfman and the troubles of unexpected fame and the people it affects.
I really enjoyed the film, as did the rest of the audience. The script is smart and funny. The cast is great, with supporting roles from Martin Landau, Sally Kirkland, Clint Howard (great), Adam Goldberg (super, as always), Liz Hurley, Dennis Hopper, and more. Hey it's even got Ralph Mouth in it! Loyal, that Ron Howard is.
There was a discussion afterwards, which unfortunaley, I was not asked to be a part of, but judging from the audience's response, the probably had only good things to say.
So get ready for EdTV, it's gonna be big.
I've written before, so I'm still Jackie Coogan.
