Friday, October 28, 2011

My Weekend Crush

I feel like I’ve been watching Martha Plimpton my whole life. Probably because I pretty much have. I mean she was in “Goonies” – “Goonies,” people. Then there were her River Phoenix years where unfortunately her relationship sometimes overshadowed her great work in movies like “Running on Empty” and “Parenthood.” Heck, she even gayed it up for us (with Ally Sheedy no less) in “Chantilly Lace.” Granted, I can’t recommend the film – it was one of those forgettable rentals during my Watch All The Lezzie Movies phase. But still, it’s always a nice gesture, regardless. And through the years she just kept popping up again and again. She went from mainstream movies to indie flicks, TV to Broadway. Working steadily and just doing what she does best. She is a master at playing not your average pretty girl. She was the smart girl, the funny girl, the interesting girl, the different girl.

And now, well now she’s found a home playing the hilarious mom (and grandma – don’t worry, a young grandma) on “Raising Hope.” I can’t say enough about how much I enjoy this show. I had less than zero expectations about and only started watching because I was too lazy to turn the channel after “Glee.”. But week after week it just continues to impress and make me smile. What’s great about it, and Martha’s character, isn’t just the zaniness. But while lots of shows can be zany, this one does it with real heart. These characters, who could easily just be tired stereotypes of hapless poor folks, are fleshed out. We really like them, warts and all. They’re endearing and charming and just an all-around hoot. And it’s Martha’s uncanny ability to be both over-the-top and totally relatable that holds the show together. She’s crazy, but in a believable way. Like, you know, family. Which is why having her back on my TV again week after week just feels right, like coming home. Happy Halloween weekend, all.

14 comments:

  1. Florence2:41 AM

    Ah I'm so happy about this Weekend Crush because I love Martha Plimpton.
    Had never heard of her before I saw her as a guest star in several episodes of The Good Wife. She was so awesome in it that I decided to watch her new show. Well best idea ever because Raising Hope is hilarious.

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  2. Andréa6:55 AM

    She was also a kick-ass Amazon warrior on Xena Warrior Princess!

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  3. Anonymous7:24 AM

    I'm happy to see you giving Martha some love... she's one of Hollywoods most underrated actresses.

    I grew up watching Martha on the big screen in 'The Goonies', 'Running on Empty', 'Parenthood'. I'm glad that she's one of the child stars that made it to adulthood unscathed by Hollywood.

    Martha is fantastic on 'Raising Hope' and has made a memorable impression in her appearances on 'The Good Wife' as well.

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  4. Picture Day!!

    Love this show. When I can find it.

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  5. Anonymous9:52 AM

    She looks amazing! In my head she will always be married to Keanu Reeves.

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  6. Anonymous4:38 PM

    If you have never seen the 1987 movie Shy People, you should try to find it ASAP. She has always been an actress I have kept my eye on, but now I feel obligated to Hulu Raising Hope. Thanks for the Martha shout out.

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  7. thegrrl83387:54 PM

    DOROTHY... thank me later.

    http://i.imgur.com/n7GKk.jpg

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  8. She's done a few (rave review) turns on stage as well. My son has a story about seeing her on a bus in Chicago, "siting there like she isn't MARTHA PLIMPTON!!". lol. Love. Her.

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  9. Anonymous1:07 PM

    "Watch All The Lezzie Movies phase." lol I am still there - I am an ace at reading subtitles as well subtext!

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  10. Anonymous12:44 PM

    you, too,
    happy halloween!

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  11. Raising hope is my favorite show....does this mean Maw Maw might make naked lady monday on day?

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  12. Late to the party here, but had to chime in. Have you seen the movie, 200 Cigarettes? It has a huge ensemble cast of then-up-and-comers and Martha is abso-fricken-lutely hilarious in it. My daughter and I have some favorite lines and gestures that we only have to reference and we are laughing like fools. Great stuff!

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  13. Anonymous4:25 PM

    I once lived in an illegal sublet in her building. She was rumpled and adorable whenever I saw her in the lobby.

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  14. Anonymous3:27 PM

    I took up raising hope after seeing your post and i am glad i did. Great show and Martha Plimpton's performance is amazing. Her acting makes the character feel so real and sympathetic despite the craziness. Quite an achievement.

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