818

Once the star of hit prime-time television series, “HMO Nurse,” Alyssa Rampart-Pillage is now the has-been wife of Bernie, the “Kool King” of air conditioning in Southern California. Although the only role Alyssa can nab these days is the “Kool Queen” of air conditioning, she’s determined to prove she’s no ordinary has-been, as she tells her agent, “You have no idea what I’m capable of.” Truly, we don’t. When Alyssa’s tree-hugging daughter Topanga dies an accidental death, Bernie starts seeing her ghost and undergoes a spiritual change, altering everything in his life – including his will. Alyssa proves to be not so sacrificial and will do what she must in order to hang on to the life she has, not to mention the Jag she drives. After successfully conspiring a plan to get rid of Bernie, Alyssa continues down a path of deceit, betrayal, and kitchen knives, dragging the rest of her family with her. (818) is a guilty pleasure of a film that gleefully mocks the world of Hollywood and fame. With Beth Broderick leading a great cast, this L.A. comedy is full of kitschy dialogue and teaches us that justice has nothing on celebrity. – M.M.