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Reviews
Murdoch Mysteries (2008)
Offensive to Catholics and Pro-Life Viewers
Within the first two seasons the Catholic detective capitulates on abortion and other intrinsically evil acts. To make the show more offensive, the acceptance of these acts is transported to the beginning of the 20th century when they were still recognized as evil by society. The program is a direct And deliberate attack on the Catholic Faith
Wallander (2008)
Dumbest Cop on the Planet
I have to agree with "bpotte's" review from 2012. Wallander is the dumbest cop in Europe. Hopefully he is the dumbest cop in the world or we America is in danger of extinction. I have only watched one episode, but it is mind boggling that anyone could be so self absorbed as to endanger the entire population of Sweeden by your active incompetence. By the end of the first season he will need to move and ravage a new country as there will be no-one left alive in Sweeden. But if the show is at all accurate, getting killed in Sweeden should be considered mercy killing. What a depressingly sterile country. The only reason for their relatively average suicide rate is the apathy the must engulf the entire population.
The program is well acted. I am a great fan of Brannah. Despite these positives, i can't bear to watch another episode. It would be like watching an NBA game because you had faith that all the officials in the league could not be incompetent. The again, I am a Cubs fan so maybe I will convince myself that the next episode is the one where he brilliantly catches the killer after only a handful of deaths.
For Greater Glory: The True Story of Cristiada (2012)
Ignore RottenTomatoes - this is a great movie w/great message
As a Catholic very concerned about the anti-Catholic direction of our society, I wanted to see For Greater Glory. But after reading the reviews on RottenTomatoes, I assumed it would be a good message poorly presented. I could not have been farther from the truth. This was a excellent movie - especially for a directorial debut. Even if you are not Catholic you will find this movie very moving and well done.
Andy Garcia is excellent - he even shows intense emotions. Mauricio Kuri had an outstanding rookie performance. Nestor Carbonell's role was perfect for him. Peter O'Toole was a wonderful surprise if short lived.
Ignore RottenTomatoes - you will not be disappointed!
Bella (2006)
Wonderful first feature effort
I truly enjoyed ?Bella". It is a wonderfully made film with a wonderful story. I am sorry for those who hate it because it has a pro-life message. Nonetheless, it is one of the few films in recent history with a Christian and/or pro-life message that is really a film. In recent memory, "The Passion of the Christ", and "Into Great Silence" are the only films that come to mind.
Is it one of the finest films ever made No. But as a first feature film effort it is remarkable. "Bella" has very attractive compelling characters. You cannot fail to Love Jose's family, especially Manny in the end. Some parts of the movie don't hold together well, such as the mother questioning and scolding Jose. The only other flaw that some others have identified is the abrupt ending. It is a clever touch but leaves you with the suspicion that the production ran out of money, or the director/writer did not know how to end the movie so he just did. It left me wondering both what happened and there must be a "Bell II" with a flashback scene.
Other than the ending, "Bella" is a wonderful film with a wonderful cast and crew. Beautiful!
Crash (2004)
Very good first attempt. All time top 10 scene.
Very good first attempt, especially for one crossing over from television. Not certain I would rate it a 9 from someone more accomplished. Some very skillful movie-making but it does not hang together completely. As opposed to Garden State, which was totally engaging throughout, I found myself occasionally looking at my watch during Crash. It has some amazing scenes, and as opposed to Garden State has one scene that is well within the all-time top 10. Won't elaborate as it would give away a key plot element. Casting is mixed. Ludicrous was the most entertaining part of movie. Sandra Bullock was the least. Excellent performance by Matt Dillon. Can't wait to see what Mr. Haggis does next on film.
I'll Sleep When I'm Dead (2003)
British revenge?
Talk about a film that never takes off. I'll sleep when I'm dead was AOA (asleep on arrival). Clearly the revenge action thriller is not a British staple. This film was like combining Dirty Harry with Miss Marple. By now I should know to stay away from "two thumbs way up".
And what a waste of an impressive cast. What a waste of anger. Clive Owen does his best with a script that gives him one good line in the entire movie. Charlotte Rampling does nothing with nothing. In the end I think she was killed, but this film is so screwed up I am not sure. And finally the most ridiculous thing is why the villain commits the original offense. I won't reveal it although if that is what it takes to keep you from wasting your life on this snoozer it would be justified. Anyway, the only revenge you will want to experience is seeing the screenwriter and director working at Wendys on your next late night visit.
Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)
I just don't get Kubrick. Can't figure out how to end a film
Can't believe this is #10. That puts us in league with Leonard Maltin(**** out of ****). Maybe it was way tooooo sophisticated for me but this movie left me underwhelmed!