(Reviewed by JD Jung)
“Every week you tell fifty million people that actors are less than human and deserve to be treated like Shit!”
That is what Micah Bailey “the actors’ manager who hated actors”, is noted for doing as he emcees the hit reality game show, Starbash 2020. This is where celebrities, ( mostly those no longer relevant, or those in and out of rehab) perform embarrassing challenges in order to be the last one standing and the winner of the Greasy Dishrag and a ten-million dollar movie deal.
Bailey is also the live-in manager of Lenora Danmore, a ruthless, eighty-seven year old Oscar winning actress. Not only is her money behind this show, but she is also building the Lenora Danmore Museum, a tribute to herself.
The beautiful Cassandra Moreaux, hardly a “has-been”, has decided to appear on the show for the sole purpose of getting back at Lenora for having her mother blacklisted in the early 1950’s. Moreaux has her own enemies though, like Brandi Bonacore who wants to get even for her own personal reasons.
Death of a Movie Star is innocent satire playing off of the backstabbing of the current day —or I should say 2020— film industry as well as that of the Hollywood of yesteryear. Though it conveys the message of tolerance, it’s quick and light with nothing objectionable, even for those easily offended.
That said, I have to admit that I enjoyed this story. It starts out quickly and doesn’t let up until the end. Yes, some of the characters are stereotypical actors, but that adds to the fun.
Death of a Movie Star provides a welcome escape and diversion from the seriousness of today’s events.
