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The Wizard of Oz
Steel Magnolias
The Maltese Falcon
Casablanca
Rebecca
Pi
Pirates of the Caribbean
Out of Africa
The Die Hard Series
Gone with the Wind
Cats and Dogs
The Gangs of New York
Glory
Titanic
The Abyss
The Professional
Crimson River
Nosferatu (original)
The Fugitive
Men in Black (both)
Blazing Saddles
High Anxiety
Young Frankenstein
We Were soldiers
Star Trek 2, the Wrath of Khan
The Green Mile
The Long Kiss Goodnight
Pulp Fiction
Freeway
The Libertine
Lost Boys
Nick of Time
Sleepy Hollow
Edward Scissorhands
Ice Age
V For Vendetta
The Matrix (First one only)
The Great Escape
Stalag 17
Capote
Ghostbusters
Reviews
FUBAR (2023)
A Comedy With Action
I've seen a lot of blistering reviews from people who apparent.y mistook this film for an action piece when it's really a comedy with plenty of action -- and it's s nice to see Arnold back on the screen. As many have said, it harkens back to those 80's action movies, heavy on the unbelievable events, but with fun action and humor.
So many series today are full of dark storylines and similarly dark characters, but once in a while I crave action with laugh out loud quips. This is a perfect series to just relax and enjoy the ride. It reminds me somewhat of Burn Notice (which will always be in my top ten shows). Yes, it drags a little in spots and I wasn't familiar with most of the actors but the scripts are tight and the action doesn't stop.
I'd watch a 2nd season in a heartbeat, Netflix!
Rabbit Hole (2023)
BOOM! Kiefer is Back and How!
I only saw a very few ads for this show, but the fact that Kiefer Sutherland has returned to TV land made this a must-watch show, and it doesn't dissapoint! As other viewers have stated, it's 24 but not 24, and if the rest of the episodes are as good as the first 2, getting a 2nd season shouldn't be an issue.
Fast paced, complex plot without confusion, and the best acting yet from Mr. Sutherland makes this a must-see. Inventive, creative series, spiced with splashes of sophisticated humor.
I don't often Bingewatch an entire season of a show in one sitting, but had the episodes all been posted, I would have sat through all of them at one time. Twists and turns galore! Don't miss this one!
Supernatural: Monster Movie (2008)
In my top three favorite episodes!
This is one of my favorite episodes in the entire Supernatural series, and in my opinion one of the best. In this episode, the writers take a break from building the Supernatural mythology, and give us a funny, light episode, and still manage to integrate a monster of the week. Points for creativity, by basing the episode on the old 1930s monster movies, with a heavy camp emphasis. It's one of the funniest episodes in the series, led by a knockout performance by actor Todd stashwick, who portrays a shapeshifter, who has adopted the personas of the monster movies of the 1930s, complete with hilarious bad acting of that time period.
Inventive, hilarious, creative, and poignant. Should have won an Emmy. 10/10.
Criminal Minds: The Big Wheel (2009)
Should have won an Emmy
I probably haven't seen this episode since it first aired, but I was just as impressed tonight as I was the very first time I saw it. I always thought this particular episode should have won an Emmy both for the storyline and for Alex O'Laughlin, not to mention the young boy who is the actual focus of the story. It is empathetic, poignant and a little sad, and it is pretty much impossible to hate the bad guy. It's focus is primarily on the fact that sometimes people who are serial killers are not evil, they're just very damaged. And in no sense does that justify what they do, but it gives you a lot to think about. 10/10. Might be the best episode of Criminal Minds, ever.
Star Trek: Discovery: ...But to Connect (2021)
Seriously?
If I thought the self-sentient computer jumped the shark, the fact that it refused an order was all too predictable. *Sigh* I'm not sure even David Cronenburg appeances and the cat can save this for me.
I started with TOS and have been dog loyal to this franchise but if the writing and plots dont improve and the other spinoffs are better, I'm terminating this one for good.
Too much emotional drivel and not enough voices of logic, and unlike its prior iterations, not one scintilla of humor. Not one.
And that's unforgivable.
If I could give it zero stars, I would.
Staged (2020)
I Am Dead!
I don't remember the last time I watched a show so hilarious I missed half the dialogue because I was laughing so loud and long I couldn't hear anything for a minute or two. At it's essence, Staged is a show about absolutely nothing and everything on earth. The McGuffin is two actors (playing themselves) using Zoom to rehearse a play during the current pandemic. As for anything else, just watch it. Tennant and Sheen aren't mere gold, they are pure diamonds! It is stunningly funny.
The Stand (2020)
What happened? Omg awful!
I'm about 1/2 hour into the 1st episode, and I can't imagine how anyone who hasn't seen the earlier film or read the book can follow the story. I was so confused by the opening scene (the events actually take place smack in the middle of the story) that I twice paused to make sure I was actually starting at the beginning of the series. The storytelling approach of constant flash backs and forwards destroys the horror and dread of the story and makes understanding the many characters and their place within the story almost impossible. Character development? It may be here, but where and how it's rendered I have no idea.
I was so looking forward to this reboot, honestly I can't ever remember being this excited over a reboot (normally I don't like them) and disappointment does not begin to cover my feelings.
If I make it through to the end of the 1st episode I won't be back -- I'll just rematch my DVD of the original (or reread the book for the 11 billionth time) and get the taste of this rancid mess out of my mind. Not even Alexander Skarsgard can save this mess. What a disaster. Actually, it's a tragedy. SMDH.
Joyful Noise (2012)
Found A Gem
Normally this is the type of movie I'd click past but the draw of Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton together in a film was too much for my curiosity to pass up.
Cheesey? A little!! Predictable? In spots!
Enjoyable and refreshing? Absolutely!!!!
I'll leave the fine details for other reviewers, but on the whole, when I find this little gem repeated, I'll delightfully watch it again for the great family story it reflects. It's a nice way to spend 2 hours and something the whole family can enjoy.
The Cleaner (2008)
A Hidden Treasure
This show will not appeal to all audiences and in fact it has taken me the entire first season and 3 episodes of the 2nd season for me to truly appreciate how good this show really is. I would call it a Thinking Person's Drama, because it's not your typical run of the mill procedural or action show.
By this time, most people probably know what the show is about: the superior Benjamin Bratt portrays a recovering addict William Banks, who is trying to save other addicts, with varying degrees of success, while trying to deal with the wreckage his addiction caused in his own family, also with varying degrees of success. Doesn't sound very appealing, does it? I first became interested in the show because I had a close relative who died from her addiction at a young age, so you'd think this not be a show I'd watch, right? Wrong. Turns out, even if sometimes watching this show is like pulling the scab off an unhealed wound, it really is enjoyable for the viewer who wants a viewing experience that leaves you really thinking deeply about the human condition, whether afflicted with addiction or not.
I like that the show is accurate about the actions of addicts and the effects of addiction on the addict's family and friends. I also enjoy the fact that not every story is a success. A complex relationship exists between Banks and his family, who learn that the cure they wished to happen does not guarantee that the family will survive as a unit. Banks himself is still struggling with his addiction and wonders if his commitment to saving other addicts has just replaced one addiction with another - a position held by his wife and family.
There's obviously a lot to see here and the production qualities, cast and writing are first-rate. I think the show works for any viewer who enjoys a good story and believable characters with complex relationships to themselves and each other. You don't have to be a recovering addict or someone coping with a family or friend with addiction to appreciate the show and in fact it's a great teaching tool for those who don't know much about the topic.
This is a unique show with a unique view that delves into a topic that is the unspoken curse of many people: the monster of addiction. It drags into the light a topic that most families wrongfully will not discuss and admit: the addiction issues of a loved one.
After long consideration (and jettisoning of my own personal garbage), I give it a 10/10. Give it a chance.
Life on Mars (2008)
I Give This Two Thumbs Up! Delightful!
Please don't listen to the naysayers who are blasting this show because it's not the British Version. I don't know why people are here on this board doing that, and are not content to let the show try to stand on its own and take a novel idea and try it on for size in a comparable American era.
I've never watched the British Version, nor do I intend to until this show has hopefully had a long successful run. Who doesn't love Michael Imperioli or Harvey Kietel, and the show is lucky to have both. But the man at center stage is someone I've hoped and waited for a lasting prime time gig for what seems like forever: a little known Jason O'Mara.
I've read some complaints on the message boards about his "wooden" acting in the pilot and other shows; I can only attribute that to bad writing or direction. I direct you to only one character to see the brilliance of his acting, that of William a/k/a Billy Croelick, in two separate episodes of "The Closer," and if that doesn't change your mind about him, then I suppose you think Al Pacino is "wooden," also. Given the right script and direction (or maybe very little direction), this guy is a superstar waiting to happen.
The pilot had it's uneven places as do all pilot shows, and I won't go into the premise as most folks who are this far in the process are familiar with that part of the show. If you've lived through the 70's you'll have a lot of "let's remember fun" and "let's remember oh my god did we really do that?" moments; if you didn't, you'll learn things you could never learn in a history class about way back then.
The sets and costumes seem to be sadly the way I remember things looking and the music is terrific; all original artists. If the show succeeds in any realm other than just a fun joy ride, it will explore the cultural upheavals going on in the 70's from an American point of view, and there were many: race, feminism, Nam, Drugs; the good and the bad of what our 2008 culture has become.
Give our version a chance; just because it's not the British Version doesn't mean it isn't worthy of a little of your time. You might not be disappointed. After all, this is the USA, and this is our version 1973, not theirs.
I'm coming back for every episode ABC will give me. 10/10 Stars
Moonlight (2007)
If Michael Mann Did "Dracula"
****possible spoilers ahead***** If Michael Mann did "Dracula," Moonlight is what you'd have. Take one dark, brooding, tortured, conflicted, lonely, imperfect protagonist; add exemplary mood-setting filming, fabulous modernistic sets where necessary, add offbeat quirky characters, one sexy potential unresolved love interest, a dash of humor, stir in a mystery to solve every week and what you've got is near-perfection.
Forget all the inane comparisons to Forever Knight,Buffy and especially Angel; all of those were much campier and dealt mostly with mortals fighting all sorts of strange demons or vampires fighting worse demons; this is something entirely different. This is "Beauty and the Beast" meets "Miami Vice" (3rd Season or Movie) Meets "Dracula" (1979 film version) all put in a blender with the best elements strained and recombined to make a "what if" series that has a little something for everyone.
If you're a mystery buff, tune in for that; a true romantic, you've got a "Beauty and the Beast" romance in the works; if you hike horror/sci-fi without the blood and gore, this is for you. The acting is terrific, the stories engaging, and the chemistry between the two leads is authentic. The back story between the two leads leaves a lot of room to explore different facets of the relationship and how it may or may not evolve over time. Alex O'Loughlin and Sophie Myles are both outstanding as leads; particularly O'Loughlin is amazing in his understated performance.
Give it a chance, my advice is to record it, to my way of thinking it's the type of quality show that normally gets yanked before getting a chance to build an audience.
Donnie Darko (2001)
Most Overrated Movie on IMDb
Completely and totally overrated.
Disjointed, silly plot, poor cinematography, plot holes big enough to drive a truck through, it is the most over-rated and over-intellectualized movie I've ever seen.
Save yourself some time: A teenager who fears death above all things, dreams of his impending death and comes to the epiphany during this dream sequence that death is nothing to fear.
Now, that's not the explanation the director gives, but I'm not even sure the director understands his own movie. There's a huge plot hole at the outset of the movie that he tries to explain his way around, but a plot hole is a plot hole is a plot hole. Notice in the trivia that Kubrick passed on this film, and there's darn good reasons.
That's it. Don't get distracted by the "time warp/paradox" discussions on the message board, the "time corruption" plot point is simply a construct for Donnie to accept his fate without fear.
The concept is novel, the execution is horrific.
The director tried to out-Kubrick Stanly Kubrick and make a story with it's own peculiar mythology (which gets tedious over-explanation during the movie), but this director missed by a mile.
Any movie which relies on it's primary schema and plot point, a book which is explained in the movie, which **explains** the movie, well, is cheap and lazy film-making. When the movie got to the part wherein the viewer is asked to read the text of the book on the screen, I thought "no, please, they're not going to do that!!" but there it was. If you think you can buy into that type of film, then give it a try. I couldn't buy it.
Good performances all round and not a bad concept, but lousy lousy lousy execution. Very clearly, there were valid reasons Kubrick chose NOT to make this movie.
I rated it 1. I would rate it -1 if that were available as a choice.
Capote (2005)
Brilliant Film About A Brilliant Man
I watched this movie last night and find that I'm still processing what I saw. Current accolades aside, I firmly believe this film will go down in history as perhaps the best biopic of all time.
***spoilers** The movie traces the four-five years that Capote spent writing "In Cold Blood," and how writing his most important creation also served to be his undoing.
Capote, the toast of literary writing circles after his first few novels are published, decides to write about the murder of the Clutter family in Kansas. Manipulating his way into unrestricted access to all sides of the crime, the victims, the killers, the investigators and the "collateral damage (the family and friends of both victims and killers)," he goes about writing the masterpiece that will not only change him, but will invent an entire new genre of writing: the true crime novel. In doing so, he paves the way for such modern writers as Ann Rule and other similar authors.
However, unlike most other true crime writers, who generally begin their careers in law enforcement and are trained to deal with the emotional impact of their work, Capote comes to this work wholly unprepared for the impact it will have on his psyche. The proof of his gift as a writer is evidenced by the fact that he finished the work at all.
While Capote is a master manipulator, he is also an extremely caring person. As he is drawn deeper into the facts of the crime, and the lives of the people affected by it, he is also drawn into caring about all of persons about whom he writes, especially Perry Smith, with whom he shares a certain commonality of background. While he is repulsed by what Smith and Hickock have done, he is also digging for an answer as to "why?"
Phillip Seymour Hoffman's brilliant and nuanced portrayal of Capote carries the film, which is supported by a superb screenplay, supporting actors and cinematography; all of which combine to document the story of a brilliant writer who was destroyed by his groundbreaking masterpiece.
10/10
Living with the Dead (2002)
I can't believe how good this was!
I'd had this movie recommended to me by a friend, but didn't have a lot of faith in Ted Dansen's ability to carry a role such as this. I can say, however, that I was not only pleased, but astounded by his performance.
His reactions to his character's abilities were played on a pitch-perfect note. I can't imagine living inside the head of anyone who could actually "see dead people" but Danson's portrayal rang true for me. I can imagine being just as "freaked out," scared out of my mind, and wondering if I were indeed insane. It's a wonderful and terrible burden, I'm sure, if true.
And even if Van Praagh doesn't have the abilities as described, this made-for-TV movie was one of the best I've ever seen. The pacing was excellent, the dialog believable, and the characters and their interrelationships well-developed - and it was also a great, old-fashioned creepy "whodunit," good enough to keep most folks fooled until the very end.
I highly recommend this movie for anyone who not only likes a good story of the supernatural, but anyone who likes a good, old-fashioned murder mystery.
Cradle 2 the Grave (2003)
Loved this little flick
Hey, it's not Fellini, but I didn't expect Fellini. It's a good, old-fashioned, good guys vs bad guys kind of flick. One that's fairly predictable, you can sit back, grab the popcorn, and just wait for the guys in the white hats to kick the butts of the guys with the black hats.
So, the actors aren't the best I've ever seen, but I was actually surprised and pleased with DMX's performance, probably because I didn't expect much and I don't care for his 'music' at all. If nothing else, his character did come across as likable and he may surprise us all and improve with time. Both the movies I've seen him in, he at least portrays the "bad guy who's not a bad guy at all," and at least gets a couple of points from me for trying to be a positive role model. I've seen Oscar winners who had worse performances, and people are being pretty hard on him on this board, but I think he did more than OK for the material he had to work with.
The movie is provided with the obligatory comic relief with Tom Arnold and Anthony Anderson, and some other supporting actors with whom I'm not familiar, and of course the Jet Li fight sequences are always worth watching. How anyone can move that fast is incredible and I could watch him read the Yellow pages aloud just to watch the fights.
So, if it's a good, old-fashioned throwback to the good guys vs bad guys movie you're in the mood for, check it out.
I doubt you'll be disappointed.
A Little Thing Called Murder (2006)
OMG Judy Davis Should Get an Emmy For This Performance
And truth is definitely stranger than fiction.
Richard Benjamin hit just the perfect note in making this story a campy comedy rather than trying to make it a serious study of what are serious crimes. I'm not sure that Sante's and Kenny's behaviors and crimes could have been portrayed realistically (I didn't see the Mary Tyler Moore version) and have the viewer actually buy into how Sante and Kenny really lived, particularly since these were mother and son crimes rather than husband and wife crimes.
The entire production was a laugh riot simply because Sante's outrageous behavior was portrayed by a pitch perfect Judy Davis. Her portrayal of Sante's fainting spell in the courtroom wherein she managed to go down for the count while making sure to hold her wig in place is surely one of the most artfully orchestrated short scenes in film.
When the film ended it was hard for me to believe that I'd sat rooted to the couch for two hours because it felt like only about 30 minutes had passed.
For lovers of true crime and/or just general lovers of great stories and/or just terrific performances, this movie is for you. 10/10.
Hollywood Homicide (2003)
Glad I gave this movie a chance
I've seen a lot of negative comments about this movie and I'm not sure I understand why. Sure, it's not a perfect 10 but I was impressed with Harrison Ford's comedic skills which heretofore had only been touched upon in his Indiana Jones movies. Hartnett was a joy to watch also.
My opinion is that the crux of the movie is nothing less than a parody of spoiled stars in the movie and music industry, and the fact that everyone always seems to have a part time job doing something until they are success in their "real" career. The "buddy cops" chasing the bad guys is just the excuse for the parody. Ford's chasing Isaiah Washington across the roof is nothing less than a take off of Ford's rooftop chase in "The Fugitive," and his chase of Washington and use of different vehicles a takeoff on the chase scenes in the Indiana Jones Movies.
I think this is a movie the makers hoped would take off in the mass market but instead became a hit only with people like me who are fans of movies in general, and especially movies that don't take themselves too seriously.
The cameos by people in the music industry were a nice touch - some of the rappers I didn't recognize (being more in Harrison Ford's generation than Hardnett's), but all in all I spent two hours laughing and enjoyed the action scenes.
The Life of David Gale (2003)
Wow. 10 out of 10 stars
THIS ENTIRE COMMENTARY IS A SPOILER, so if you don't want to know about the story in advance, stop now.
I'm writing this commentary only to counterbalance what I see (in my humble opinion) are comments that are way off the mark about what the movie is REALLY about.
It's not about the death penalty, and it's certainly not a movie to see if you want happy endings, but if you want a movie that makes you think about life, death, and all that falls in between, then you'll love this movie, because the movie is REALLY about a man seeking redemption and forgiveness from people he has hurt, and a way to give purpose to what he perceives as a wasted, self-indulgent life.
I have noted in the comments almost a universal disappointment amongst viewers with the last scene of the movie, but the purpose of the reporter's search for a tape that can exonerate Gale isn't about saving his life, it's about telling Gale's loved ones that even in his death, he is trying to make up for what he perceives as his failures. In that, the movie ends with an emotional wallop, exactly as intended.
There are many layers to this movie that the close viewer will be thinking about long after the movie's end.
Definitely 10 out of 10 stars.
Twister (1996)
One of the Best Movies, Ever!
Why this movie only has been rated 5.9 out of 10 I just don't understand. It has everything: action, humor, drama, a decent story; OK, so, the love story part may be improbable but it has a ton of things going for it. The performances are stellar for an action movie, and even though Helen Hunt and Bill Paxton are the nominal "stars," the ensemble cast works wonderfully. Phillip Seymour Hoffman's "Dusty" is pratically a scene-stealer, he brings his character completely to life. Everybody eventually knows a Dusty, and Hoffman delivers.
I can't say enough about the special effects, and if you've never been in a tornado - there's more science than science fiction here.
I give it 10 out of 10 stars!
Independence Day (1996)
One of the Best Movies of All Time
Yes, I know some of you don't like it; yes, I know the critics trashed it, but I think the critics missed the point: it's the best parody of alien invasion movies that's ever been made; it's just serious enough to apparently fool a lot of folks. It even comes complete with Brent Spiner's send-up of his own image (Data, Star Trek NG) as Area 51's mad scientist, Dr Oaken (sp?), Randy Quaid's parody of Crazy Cousin Eddie in the Vacation movies, Jeff Goldblum's send-up of the eccentric nerd, and a whole cast of familiar stereotypes from other alien movies.
The "deal" with this movie is that if you're not a Sci-Fi fan with a history of watching classic Sci-Fi movies, the arcane references will most likely fly over your head.
There's something for every Sci-Fi fan, lines and references lifted straight from "War of the Worlds," "2001, A Space Odessy," and several others.
Watch the movie with a sense of humor and tongue planted firmly in cheek, and if nothing else, set yourself up for a hilarious and sterling performance by Will Smith, in one of his first high visibility roles.
That alone is worth the price of the rental.
Red Dragon (2002)
Well, it ain't "Manhunter"
A huge budget, a cast full of big-name actors, and virtually unlimited time to film this remake of Michael Man's "Manhunter" probably holds interest for those who haven't seen the original, but offers nothing but disappointment for those who've seen William Peterson's exceptional turn as Agent Will Graham, and therein lies the downfall of this movie.
I watched this movie twice, to be sure of my reaction before posting comments, wondering if I'd gone into it with perhaps too high a set of expectations. My thinking was that Ed Norton, while not my favorite of actors, could at least muster some of the intensity and conflict of Agent Graham,however, Norton sleepwalks through the role.
**potential spoiler here**
I also expected a further fleshing out of Reba and Dolarhyde's characters, but alas, that didn't happen, either. In point of fact, one scene crucial to the relationship between Dolarhyde and Reba was so mishandled in this version that they might as well have left it on the cutting room floor: the tiger scene. In the original version, Reba (portrayed expertly by Joan Allen) exhibits no fear of the tiger, caressing it's fur, running her hands along it's body, even to it's face and around it's mouth, finally lying her head down on it's body to listen to it's heartbeat, obviously showing no fear, while a transfixed and obviously aroused Dolarhyde watches. In this version, Reba is timid and somewhat reluctant to touch the beast, leaving me to wonder why Dolarhyde bothered with her at all, and most of all, wondering why they bothered to leave the scene in the film at all.
Michale Mann captured more of the relationship between the two characters with this 30 seconds of film than was explained by Ratner in a solid hour.
Not even Hopkin's repeat of Lector saved this film from falling into the "why'd they do it?" realm of film making.
Ralf Fiennes is OK as Dolarhyde; and some of the scenes and particularly the sets did benefit from updating, however, the heart of the story is supposed to be Agent Graham's tortured and conflicted pursuit of the Tooth Fairy, and unfortunately, the heart isn't beating in this rendition. While Norton is barely watchable, you can barely look away from Petersen.
And to add insult to injury, I don't see why or how Ted Tally got any credit for the screenplay, because with very few exceptions, the dialog and scenes matched almost word for word with Mann's.
If you've seen Manhunter, don't bother with this version of the story unless you're just a fan of Hopkins as Lector; and if you haven't seen Manhunter, give it a chance.
Despite the very 80's look, it stands the test of time.
Gladiator (2000)
Braveheart Does Rome
The title of this movie should be "Braveheart Does Rome, And not nearly as Well." If it weren't for Joaquin Phoenix, I'd have never made it to the end of the move.
From the beginning of the movie where the beautiful wife and home are faded in, then, to where the wife dies, and until the end, with the fade-in of the beautiful home and wife, it's a copycat of Braveheart.
Why so many people raved about this movie, and how Russell Crowe won a best actor Oscar for it (while snubbing Mel for Bravehart) is beyond me.
If you've seen Braveheart, you've seen this; and Russell Crowe is no Mel Gibson.
One star.