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gilliansl
Reviews
Billy Jack (1971)
Billy Jack
First, I like the movie because my dad, when he was much younger, looked exceptionally like Tom Laughlin. He too was part Native American, as am I.
The content of the movie is as valid now as when it was made almost 40 years ago. People that are different, regardless of hippie, or whatever, are looked at with suspicion,suppressed, ridiculed. The Native American in many cases is treated barely better today than they were when this movie was made. I think an excellent example of what this movie tried to teach are in the words of the theme song, 'One Tin Soldier' and by an excerpt from the movie itself.
Jean: You just can't keep making your own laws. There's got to be one set of laws fair for everyone, including you. Billy Jack: That's fine. When that set of laws is applied to everyone, then I'll turn the other cheek too. Jean: There's got to be a better way to change those people. Billy Jack: CHANGE those people? You worked with King, didn't you? Jean: Yes! Billy Jack: Where is he? Jean: Dead. Billy Jack: And where's Bob and Jack Kennedy? Jean: Dead. Billy Jack: Not "dead", their brains blown out! Because YOUR people wouldn't even put the same controls on their guns as they do on their dogs, their bicycles, their cats, and their automobiles.
This was a time of turmoil, seeking... and if you did not live through this era, you have no real idea what it was like, for books simply cannot tell you. This movie gives a very realistic view and is still valid today for each and every one of us.
Tarzan (2003)
The Abruptly Aborted 'Tarzan' Series
While like so many WB shows that are 'hyped' and then abruptly aborted in mid-stride, while trying to find their stride; 'Tarzan', with a new, up-to-date take on the character, was canceled with the flick of a pen, just as it was finding itself.
The on-screen chemistry between the two lead characters was wonderful and Travis Fimmel's portrayal of an innocent, intense man lost in a new world, was excellent. If only the rest of humanity could see their fellows in such shade of right and wrong...
Of course, the long haired, firm bodied Fimmel had women drooling during the show, as well as since. After all, who wouldn't like to have such a guy just drop in their bedroom window at will? (A la Angel or Spike!)
It's a shame that the WB chose to axe this show as it was finding it's footing, much as they did 'Birds Of Prey;, however I suppose that's better that taking one out at its peak as they so cruelly did to Joss Whedon's 'Angel'
Fimmel might have made an excellent 'villian' on 'Angel'. What a 'beef-cake' sampler platter THAT would have been!
AVP: Alien vs. Predator (2004)
I, for one, enjoyed the movie
I never made it past the dinner scene in 'Alien'. I did not see 'Aliens'. I did see and enjoyed #3 and #4 was tolerable even after the production company did a hatchet job on the repairs made by Joss Whedon. (PLEASE! Leave the man alone and let him write! He does it SO well!)
I saw and enjoyed both 'Predator' movies. In fact, after the second one, I commented to someone that it would be a 'kick' to see the 'Predator' go after the 'Aliens'. Now we have, and it was well worth seeing again and adding to my collection later.
I didn't go expecting intelligence, but a kick-a$$ action flick, which is exactly what I got. As a BtVS and AtS fan, I really hate the simpering, whining, screaming female that makes all of us look so bad. The heroine was in a bad place and made the best of it. (She would have made Joss proud!)
I thought the ending as it was handled for both species left the door open for possible sequels and I hope at least one or more of them eventually are explored.
Then too, it was nice seeing someone other than 'Cousin Sigourney' get to battle the slimy, nasty, multi-jawed Giger Alien.