larryblanks Reviews

Jarhead: Law of Return (2019 Video)

Poorly Researched

[1/10 · 29 December 2019]

Being a former US Marine, I couldn't believe how poorly researched the wardrobe department did on the military uniforms. Ben Cross was suppose to be a General, but was wearing enlisted (E-7) Gunnery Sgt chevrons on the sleeves of his blouse. This had to be a joke and deliberate, right? No way this could have been accidentally done and approved by a military advisor . This was a STUPID error.

The Gun Hawk (1963)

Could Have Been A Contender

[3/10 · 10 December 2019]

Some great actors were hired, the story line was good, but a terrible director in the end ruined the final product. These experienced actors like Rory Calhoun, Rod Cameron, Morgan Woodward and Ruta Lee were more than capable of making this into an entertaining movie, but something happened with the director not using their talents. Too bad, I still like it.

La danse à-gogo (1964)

My Old Band Went Big Time! (for a brief moment)

[5/10 · 30 December 2005]

Having been one of the founding members of "The Squires" in 1959 in Chattanooga, TN, I had left the group in 1962 to join the Marine Corps. Two members, Jimmy Harris and Alan Lutes (not Ludes), carried on and got a gig to play at the Bistro-A-Go-Go in Chicago in 1964. This is were this film was made and they were featured in promoting the Go-Go trend at the time.

It's a fun look back into the music scene during that time. What might sound corny today, were top hits in the mid-60's. It's an enjoyable, yet campy look back. The music still beats the hip-hop crap we are currently cursed by.

The Clones (1973)

"Humans Are Not Like Frogs"

[1/10 · 18 July 2005]

I've been looking for a video of this film for many years. Mainly so I can give it as a gag gift to a buddy of mine that saw it with me back in 1973.

The bad part was, it had been my idea to see this particular film. To me it has the potential of a good plot and even though there wasn't a big name cast, I really thought it would be okay.

I can honestly say that there is not one single redeeming part of this film that would have me recommend it

One line in the film is uttered by a man running through a swamp and falls. As he lays there he is looking at a frog sitting across from him and in his mind is saying, "Humans are not like frogs....." My verbal comment was, "Yeah, a frog wouldn't pay three dollars to come and see this stupid movie!" at which time we left. (my line got a better audience reaction than the whole film) Sorry, not something I can recommend.

Shaughnessy (1996 TV Movie)

Very Enjoyable - Wish It Were Available on DVD

[8/10 · 23 March 2005]

In reading the book, "The Iron Marshal", I was a little disappointed that the director didn't follow the plot better in the film. The book is excellent but the movie is okay as well. I enjoyed the story line, the acting and the photography. The director did a pretty good job with the actors and the camera work. The final cut was good and the story flowed thru pretty well.

I've been looking for this movie to be released onto video so I can add to my collection, but so far nothing has been done.

If you happen to run upon it, I think you'll enjoy the movie.... I'm a big Louis L'Amour fan and I thought they did a pretty fair job on the movie.

Trouble Along the Way (1953)

Winning Isn't Everything, It's the only thing - John Wayne, Not Vince Lombardi

[8/10 · 21 January 2005]

The quote "Winning isn't everything, it's the only thing" was actually a quote made by John Wayne in this 1953 film, "Trouble Along The Way". John Wayne does a fine job playing a college football coach, Steve Williams, who get's incorrectly caught up in a recruiting scandal. Sherry Jackson plays his daughter who idolizes him and demonstrates her excellent acting ability. I'm not a big football fan, but really enjoyed this film. Not only for the nostalgic look at the days when college football was fun and not the principal business of the university, but for the ethics that were around during that period of time.

Wayne makes the statement in the film many years before Vince Lombardi is credited with it.

Two Rode Together (1961)

Not One Of Jimmy Stewarts Best

[7/10 · 20 December 2004]

John Ford attempted to recapture the essence of "The Searchers" with this look-alike film. Using a similar plot and some of the same cast from the first classic film, Ford created a distant cousin at best. Jimmy Steward's character was just too mean, and Stewart was awkward in playing it. His mannerisms seemed unnatural and his dialog was spoken with an angry tone. Richard Widmark turns in a good performance with a believable character. As a stand-alone, it's not a half bad film with some beautiful scenery (typical John Ford). However, if you are a fan of The Searchers (as I am), you'll not help but draw a comparison all during this film, with this being the weaker of the two.

Brimstone (1949)

One of My Favorite B Films

[7 April 2004]

This is one of the B Western films that has everything, great stars, great plot, surprises, good guys, bad guys, etc.

Brennen does an excellent job as Brimstone, a grizley old man that is bad to the bone and expects his moron sons to be just as bad. The exception being James Brown.

Rod Cameron plays a great part but in my opinion, Guinn "Big Boy" Williams steals the show.

"Gracious, I always talk Spanish when I'm eatin', makes the food taste better"

Watch it, tape it and watch it again. You'll always find some hidden part or line that'll connect for you.