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Laughter On The 23Rd Floor

2000, Movie, R, 102 mins

Laughter On The 23Rd Floor: Review

LAUGHTER ON THE 23RD FLOOR
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Many of Neil Simon’s plays have made the transition to film with great success (THE ODD COUPLE and BAREFOOT IN THE PARK to name but a few). Others, including this one, have been less successful. Loosely based on the playwright’s tenure as a writer on “Sid Caesar’s Show of Shows,” the story unfolds through the eyes (and narration) of young Lucas Nader (Mackenzie Astin), a fledgling writer new to the staff of “The Max Prince Show.” Max (Nathan Lane), the Caesar character, is a hard-drinking pill-popping comic genius who is at constant odds with the network brass over his sinking ratings. His loyal writing staff, led by Russian-born Val (Mark Linn Baker), grows increasingly worried about the boss’s escalating erratic behavior and possibly imminent layoffs. The network brass insist on meddling with the show, which drives Max further into the booze and pills. So when they finally pull the plug it’s more relief than tragedy. Lane’s supporting cast, which reads like a who’s who of sitcom supporting actors, are, for the most part, adequate. Astin possesses a likeable boyish charm, Dan Castellaneta is (as always) hilarious, and Richard Portnow is quite convincing as Max’s stoic, co-dependent brother Harry. It’s really Nathan Lane's performance that’s the problem here. His over-the-top histrionics are far better suited to the stage. On the small screen of TV he is merely irritating. leave a comment --Susan Mcguire
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