Edtv (1999)

Texas home video store clerk Matthew McConaughey (as Ed Pekurny) attracts the attention of "True TV" producer Ellen DeGeneres (as Cynthia Topping). She wants to star Mr. McConaughey in a 24-hour reality show. At first, big executive Rob Reiner (as Whitaker) seems reluctant, but Ms. DeGeneres is a persuading advocate for "Ed TV". The TV show is a huge hit, as you may have guessed. The cameras capture McConaughey when he wakes up reaching for himself in sweatpants, and throughout his days. Release forms are signed by McConaughey's friends and relatives. Most often seen are worked-out older brother Woody Harrelson (as Ray) and UPS truck driver girlfriend Jenna Elfman (as Shari)...Everyone loves "Ed" but me. Look at all the fans. All ages, classes, regions, races, creeds, colors and gender preferences are portrayed as avid "Ed" supporters. Granted, McConaughey is a good looking man, but what is his character's appeal? He and his morning "chubby" are a bore. His romantic comedy adventures are not fun or funny. We could see Howard Beale's appeal in "Network" (1976) and get "The Truman Show" (1998). Now, perhaps director Ron Howard and the writers are making a point about US television viewers. If so, the years have proved them accurate."Ed" may intentionally be made a "common man." That's fine, but it still lacks a satirical bite...If you're interested in "movie, movie" making, "Ed TV" has an added interest in that it is a movie about motion pictures (albeit television). The production values are very high, with outstanding cinematography by John Schwartzman. The lighting technicians are especially skillful. Many scenes feature incredibly artful lighting. On televisions in the movie, the visuals are less than lackluster...Long-time followers of Mr. Howard will see his old "Happy Days" pal Donny Most in a minor role. Among the others is the director's brother Clint Howard. For some reason, the camera zooms in on Clint's hair transplant. By the way, we're shown a close-up of McConaughey clipping his toenails, but have no idea how he maintains that perfectly maintained stubble. Veterans Sally Kirkland and Martin Landau are Ed's parents. They do a fine job, and Harrelson is more than convincing as the brother. In fact, Woody looks like Matt's brother. Semi-sexual attraction includes the brothers appearing half-dressed and an arousing woman in thong. Beating all is Elizabeth Hurley (as Jill), who radiates sex...So, maybe "Ed TV" was about watching him have sex, all along. If so, you won't learn or see much.***** Ed TV (1999-03-26) Ron Howard ~ Matthew McConaughey, Jenna Elfman, Woody Harrelson, Ellen DeGeneres

Matthew McConaughey stars as Ed, a young ordinary single guy. When a television network decides to make a reality show to follow a man's life, Ed gets chosen for the show.Ed likes the idea but his family and friends disagree with him. As time goes by he slowly realizes how much this show effects his life. He has met the girl of his dreams and their relationship gets complicated because of all the cameras and people following him around.This movie was OK and fun to watch, it might have been a very good movie at the time it was released because people were really hyped on the new phenomenon called 'reality TV', a term that has grown mainstream to this day.

Light hearted. Funny. Movitational. Smart. A Class movie. I was laughing throughout. Smiling at the end wanting more. Brilliant and realistic performance by Mathew, Woody and everyone. Very good script. Superb direction. No vulgarity. No special effects. No big stars. Some parts of the movie are even better than The Truman Show. "A nobody looser, accidentally chosen for a reality show becomes a superstar. Finds true love, respect of family and brother. Then has to choose between relationships and stardom." Best scenes are: when Ed's video is reviewed and selected; Ed gets up and a camera is on his face. When he and his brother are about to fight; The cameras following Ed's every move; Ed's final revelation and pulling the plug.

I might have given this movie a 3 instead of a 2 if it didn't have an agenda besides being pretty friggin' bad. Flush this one, WOW !! what a waste of time and money. I just can't say enough bad things about this movie. The only real question left is how did they get so much good talent to sign on to this loser ? The story line is just bankrupt of any mature thought. There is no moral. A movie this bad should at least have a message. I am sorry, I must have missed it. I believe some people have been living in the plastic universe of Southern Cal too long. I would be ashamed if I put the money up for this stinker. I may reconsider and drop this to a 1.