tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18689910754322446682024-02-20T11:54:59.267-08:00BIGGAFF'S OLDER MOVIE REVIEWSUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1868991075432244668.post-44311154917249724612010-03-24T10:00:00.000-07:002010-03-24T10:02:39.426-07:00WAITRESSTHE WAITRESS IS ABOUT A VERY BEAUTIFUL GIRL, WHO IS A PRISONER OF HER HUSBAND'S INSANE NEED TO CONTROL HER LIFE. <br />THIS IS A COMEDY, A ROMANCE AND A COMING OF AGE FILM,<br />ALL ROLLED INTO A WONDERFUL PACKET. <br /><br /> IF YOU CAN WATCH THIS FILM AND NOT WANT TO KILL THE HUSBAND, YOU ARE IN LINE FOR SAINTHOOD. I WANTED TO MURDER THE GUY AND CELEBRATE WITH A NICE STEAK AND A GOOD BOTTLE OF WINE. KERI RUSSELL OF FELICITY TELEVISION FAME IS THE WAITRESS AND JEREMY SISTO IS THE HUSBAND AND MAYBERRY'S FAVORITE SON, ANDY GRIFFITH HAS A VERY FINE ROLE IN THIS FILM.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1868991075432244668.post-56973549323622032672010-03-24T09:57:00.000-07:002010-03-24T10:00:37.178-07:00MOTORCYCLE DIARIESTHE FIRST STORY IS ABOUT TWO FRIENDS DRIVING ACROSS SOUTH AMERICA TO CELEBRATE THEIR MANHOOD AND INDEPENDENCE.<br />IT IS IN SUB-TITLES AND IT IS A WONDERFUL AND TRUE STORY. THE GREATNESS OF THE FILM IS THAT IT AVOIDS DRAMA AND TELLS THE STORY IN A VERY REALISTIC MANNER. THE DRAMA IS IN THE MATERIAL, WITHOUT ANY NEED TO ALERT US THAT THIS IS IMPORTANT OR THAT IS IMPORTANT --- THIS MOVIE DEMANDS YOUR ATTENTION, DON'T WATCH IT IF YOU CAN'T CONCENTRATE ON WHAT YOU ARE WITNESSING.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1868991075432244668.post-71915573173653366542010-03-24T09:54:00.000-07:002010-03-24T09:57:12.602-07:00OCEAN'S 13The job of the cast of an "Ocean" picture is to be cute. I don't mean <br />this in a negative way -- this franchise is built on the audience liking the <br />characters on Mister Ocean's team. The specific plot is not the issue - Ocean's <br />team will always be trying to right an injustice - that is why the audience is <br />on their side. The cute factor and the crusading factor are at the center of <br />all these pictures. This current edition is representative of the template.<br /><br /> THE FIRST OF THE GEORGE CLOONEY SERIES WOULD HAVE BEEN BETTER IF THEY DID NOT TRY SO HARD TO CREATE A ROLE FOR JULIA ROBERT'S -- AN ACTRESS I LIKED, UNTIL SHE WON THE ACADEMY AWARD AND ACTED LIKE A SPOILED CHILD IN ACCEPTING THE HONOR. I FELL OUT WITH HER THAT NIGHT -- THOUGH I DOUBT SHE IS LOSING A GREAT DEAL OF SLEEP OVER OUR BREAK-UP.<br /> <br /> THE SECOND PICTURE HAD CATHERINE ZETA JONES AND THAT IS A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION FOR ANY FILM.<br /><br /> THIS ONE HAS ELLEN BARKIN AND DOES NOT GO OUT OF THE WAY TO FEATURE HER AND THAT IS A GOOD DECISION - THIS SERIES IS ABOUT THE GOOD OLD BOYS AND HOW WE WOULD LIKE TO HANG OUT WITH THEM - THEY KNOW HOW TO HAVE A GOOD TIME.<br /><br /> I was glad to see a loose end tied up in the very last scene - I thought they had neglected giving a character his just due AND SINCE THIS SERIES IS ABOUT DETAILED PLANNING, THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN A HUGE ERROR.<br /><br /> I THINK THE OCEAN SERIES WILL HAVE TO MAKE BIG CHANGES IF IT IS TO CONTINUE -- THEY CAN'T KEEP ROBBING LAS VEGAS WHILE DRIVING AROUND THE CASINO FLOOR IN THEIR LITTLE RASCAL CARTS.<br />***************************************************************<br /> I WOULD LIKE TO RECOMMEND TWO MOVIES TO CATCH ON DVD, IF NOT IN A THEATRE.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1868991075432244668.post-35695442599724216892010-03-24T09:53:00.000-07:002010-03-24T09:54:07.472-07:00TRANSFORMERSI was not eager to see this movie or the star, Shia LaBeouf. After the first hour, I was pleased with the movie and the star's performance. Thirty minutes later I rated this film three stars. Then the proverb about, " too much of a good thing," came into play. The movie seemed to run out of things to say and the fighting became redundant and over the top. The last 30 minutes didn't do anything to improve the film and was proof that, once started, it is difficult to end such a huge production. I am a senior citizen evaluating a movie for young people, but even my two grandkids, ANGELA and FRANKIE felt it ran too long. <br /> It was good, but shorter would have been better.<br /> ********<br />COMMENTS FOR ETHEL TYUS -->><br /> Film technology for visual & sound effects is the star of Transformers. <br />The attempt at a plot is a courtesy for the parents & grandparents in the audience.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1868991075432244668.post-37411111079396766232010-03-24T09:51:00.000-07:002010-03-24T09:52:51.643-07:00LIVE FREE OR DIE HARDIn order to accept Barry Bonds as the homerun champion of baseball, you have to ignore the laws of physics and believe that people get older and stronger. <br /> In order to enjoy Die Hard 4, you have to accept the concept that vehicles run well with bullet holes in the engire - that shots fired by bad guys have a natural tendency to miss their targets - that explosions are noisy, but harmless.<br /> I reject Barry Bonds, but I am willing to concede Bruce Willis, each and every supernatural power he requires to complete his mission. This is a fine action picture, with humor and wisecracks adding to the enjoyment and taking some of the sting out of the senseless violence. Please, don't be a person who is upset by movie violence, yet, goes to see a film that is only about violence - that is just plain dumb.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1868991075432244668.post-9903479293023128362010-03-24T09:50:00.000-07:002010-03-24T09:51:35.551-07:00NANCY DREWShow" is the key word. <br />Parents can feel secure about sending their children to see this updated version of the great teenage detective's latest adventure. There is not a word of profane language or a hint of lewd conduct. There is more violence on the popcorn line, than in this show. This was a well written and interesting show. The cameo appearance of Bruce Willis added some much needed Hollywood glamour to the show. My only problem was this -- I feel as if I saw an after-school special on television and not a theatrical film. It was a good show, but it was not a film - it was a television show without commercials. Still, I enjoyed it.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1868991075432244668.post-63952834335795922992010-03-24T09:48:00.000-07:002010-03-24T09:50:35.674-07:00A MIGHTY HEARTA Mighty Heart, has all the bells and whistles - a very worthwhile, contemporary, factual story to tell. There are elements of: despair, depression, love, hope, death, mystery, birth, suspense, conspiracy, religious conflict, justice, injustice, torture, political intrigue, loyalty, perseverance, fine acting, great cinematography. This should be a wonderful tear-jerker of a movie, it was not. I have been more emotionally moved by a cell phone commercial on television. I was a neutral observer, of a movie designed to stir your emotions. This was a check list of fine scenes, that never became a good movie.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1868991075432244668.post-45610804928181588042010-03-24T09:46:00.000-07:002010-03-24T09:48:37.249-07:00SIMPSON MOVIEIt is fair to say that, the Simpsons are almost always amusing. I enjoyed this movie, especially the early going. The self deprecating potshots that the writers took at their own theatrical production, were flat out hilarious. Still the film seemed to hit a wall about three quarters of the way in and pretty much limped to the finish line. I really don't see how this was any different than the regular television <br />offerings, except for the added length. It was actually less controversial than most of the TV episodes. I liked it well enough, but I question why folks should pay to see it on the big screen.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1868991075432244668.post-11149738340038111252010-03-24T09:44:00.000-07:002010-03-24T09:45:49.101-07:00NANNY DIARIESThe soulless plight of the rich and privileged is the basic topic of this film. While we all have problems, regardless of which rung on the economic ladder we find ourselves, I think the majority of the audience is not going to shed too many tears over women who are traumatized by having to figure out which diamond necklace best accents their designer gown. <br /><br /> I TRULY BELIEVE THAT MONEY CAN'T BUY HAPPINESS, BUT MONEY CAN MAKE BEING UNHAPPY A LOT BETTER. I CAN BE SAD ON FULTON STREET IN BROOKLYN OR DEPRESS IN MY CONDO OVERLOOKING THE BEACH AT MEGAN'S BAY, IN ST. THOMAS.<br /><br /> Seeing the callous way these upper-class socialites treat their employees and their own children is upsetting, but the fact that they made bad choices in child rearing, is not as compelling as the story of the lower-classes, who are forced into situations, not of their own making. <br /><br /> This film is trying to say a great many things about the social structure of the haves and the have-nots, but it is too ambitious and tries to touch too many emotional bases, but it is worth seeing.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1868991075432244668.post-34687189646796420472010-03-24T09:43:00.000-07:002010-03-24T09:44:31.414-07:00MISTER WOODCOCKYou take a television sit-com plot and cast two superior performers, such as Billy Bob Thornton and Susan Sarandon in key roles and throw in Bill Macy ( Maude's husband on the old TV show ) and label it a feature film. <br /><br />You write in some crude, but hilarious pizza parlor dialogue and create a burned out, loser character, named Nedderman, to bounce jokes off and you have "Mr. Woodcock." <br /><br /> I enjoyed this standard television show, presented on the big screen, but I can't find a good reason to suggest you leave your home and pay to see this very routine time killer. <br /> <br /> I liked it, but it is not much of a feature film and you should be able to catch it on TV in about 40 days.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1868991075432244668.post-46017756867620376692010-03-24T08:56:00.000-07:002010-03-24T08:57:53.333-07:00SIN CITYFILM NOIR - FRENCH MEANING = BLACK FILM ---- A TYPE OF MOTION PICTURE, ESPECIALLY OF THE 1940's & 1950's, FATALISTIC, PESSIMISTIC, OR CYNICAL IN MOOD AND OFTEN DEALING MELODRAMATICALLY WITH URBAN CRIME AND CORRUPTION. <br />**************************************** <br /> YOU ARE ALWAYS IN TROUBLE, IF YOU ARE AT A MOVIE THAT REQUIRES YOU TO HAVE A LOT OF BACKGROUND INFORMATION TO KNOW WHAT IS GOING ON. MOST PEOPLE DON'T WANT TO DO RESEARCH IN ORDER TO ENJOY A MOVIE THAT SELDOM IS AS CHEAP TO VIEW AS THE SIX DOLLARS I PAY IN SIMPSONVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA. <br /><br /> SIN CITY WORKS BETTER FOR YOU, IF YOU KNOW THE DEFINITION OF FILM NOIR AND IF YOU ARE AWARE OF THE COMIC BOOK / ILLUSTRATED NOVEL NATURE OF THIS PRODUCTION. <br /><br /> SIN CITY IS A SORT OF COMIC BOOK STORY WITH HUMAN CHARACTERS, NOT ANIMATION. THE BACKGROUND IS LIKE GOTHAM CITY OR METROPOLIS IN A BATMAN OR SUPERMAN COMIC. <br /><br /> THIS A VERY CREATIVE PRODUCTION AND I WANT TO LOVE IT FOR THE CREATIVITY, BUT I HAVE PROBLEMS WITH IT AND MY AFFECTION IS NOT AS GREAT AS I WOULD HAVE WISHED IT TO BE. <br /><br /> * IT IS TOO LONG. <br /> * IT THROWS IN TOO MUCH POINTLESS PLOT / STORY LINES. <br /> * IT SEEMS TO USE BRUCE WILLIS, JUST BECAUSE HE IS BRUCE WILLIS - <br /> HIS EPISODE IS DRAWN OUT FOR NO REASON BEYOND <br /> MAKING HIM THE STAR BY INCREASING HIS ON SCREEN TIME. <br /> MICKEY ROURKE IS THE REAL STAR AND THERE IS A LET DOWN <br /> WHEN HE IS NOT ON THE SCREEN. <br /> THE VILLAINS ARE NOT REALLY SO BAD, WHEN YOU REALIZE THEY <br /> LIVE IN A WORLD OF VIOLENCE AND VILLAINY. <br /><br /> THE GUY WHO KILLED TEN PEOPLE IS NOT SO EVIL, WHEN HIS NEIGHBOR HAS KILLED TWENTY. <br /><br /> THIS FILM IS WORTH SEEING, IF YOU ARE A FILM FAN WHO WOULD APPRECIATE ELIJAH WOOD BEING WEIRDER THAN BENICIO DEL TORO - ANY FILM THAT HAS A CHARACTER CREEPIER THAN BENICIO DEL TORO IN IT, IS AN EVENT THAT REQUIRES <br />THE PRESS BE ALERTED. <br /><br /> THIS FILM IS NOT FOR EVERYONE, ANYONE WHO DID NOT LIKE KILL BILL 1&2 OR THE MATRIX 1 -- SHOULD AVOID THIS FILM LIKE THE PLAGUE. <br /> <br /> WHILE I SEEM TO BE NEGATIVE ABOUT THIS FILM, I AM REALLY BEING CAUTIOUS; KNOWING THAT IT IS NOT FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC, IT IS DESIGNED FOR A SMALL AUDIENCE OF HARDCORE FILM FANS AND VIDEO GAME PLAYERS AND STAR TREK TYPES. IF YOU DO GO - DON'T MISS THE TWO OR THREE MINUTE OPENING SCENE ON THE BALCONY, IT DOESN'T SEEM TO MEAN MUCH TO THE STORY, BUT IT IS BEAUTIFULLY DONE.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1868991075432244668.post-56856611624451365922010-03-24T08:55:00.000-07:002010-03-24T08:56:49.904-07:00THE INTERPRETERI GUESSED AT A MAJOR PLOT DEVELOPMENT / TWIST IN THIS FILM, JUST FROM WATCHING THE COMING ATTRACTION TRAILERS ON TELEVISION. I WAS CLOSE TO THE RIGHT TURN OF EVENTS. <br /> THAT IS SORT OF BAD NEWS; TO FIGURE OUT THE MYSTERY IN A MYSTERY, BEFORE YOU ARRIVE AT THE THEATRE. THE GOOD NEWS IS, I HAD TO WAIT TO THE END TO SEE IF I WAS ON THE CORRECT TRACK; THAT WAS THE MYSTERY; THERE WERE ENOUGH TURNS AND CURVES TO MAKE ANYONE UNCERTAIN ABOUT WHERE THIS WAS GOING. <br /> NICOLE KIDMAN IS NOT THAT GREAT / GOOD AN ACTRESS, BUT SHE IS NOT A PROBLEM IN THIS FILM - SHE DOES NOT RUIN IT AND THAT IS HIGH PRAISE FOR HER. <br /> SEAN PENN IS A FINE ACTOR, BUT EVERY SCENE HE IS IN CAN'T BE A DRAMATIC HIGHLIGHT - SOMETIMES ORDERING A CUP OF COFFEE OR WAITING FOR A TRAFFIC LIGHT TO CHANGE IS JUST ORDERING COFFEE OR WAITING FOR THE GREEN SIGNAL - NOT THE LAST ACT OF HAMLET. <br /> SOMETIMES YOU BLAME THE DIRECTOR FOR THIS HIGH MELODRAMA AND SOMETIMES THE ACTOR - SYDNEY POLLACK IS A FINE DIRECTOR - LET'S DUMP THIS FLAW ON NICOLE, HOWEVER UNFAIRLY, SHE IS USE TO BEING DEMEANED. <br /> THE USE OF LANGUAGE IN THE EXCHANGES BETWEEN PENN AND KIDMAN IS VERY INTELLIGENT AND ENGROSSING - EACH WORD IS FULL OF NUANCE.<br /> ACTOR, GEORGE HARRIS, WHO PLAYED KUMAN KUMAN, AN AFRICAN <br />POLITICIAN / STATESMAN IN EXILE, WAS JUST WONDERFUL IN HIS BRIEF TIME ON THE SCENE.<br /> I WANTED TO SEE AND HEAR MORE FROM / ABOUT THIS CHARACTER. <br /> THE BROOKLYNITES, ( WE DON'T DIE, WE MULTIPLY ), ARE WELL REPRESENTED IN THIS FILM, WITH SCENES SHOT ON NOSTRAND AVENUE. <br /> THE CONCEPT IS PROMOTED, THAT A CHARACTER LEAVING MANHATTAN TO TRAVEL TO THE BORO OF KINGS, IS GOING OUT TO ANOTHER GALAXY. WHILE BROOKLYN IS A UNIQUE PLACE, IN ALL THE WORLD, IT IS STILL A PART OF THIS EARTHY SPHERE. <br /> YOU WOULD THINK THE CHARACTERS ARE BOARDING THE STARSHIP ENTERPRISE AND NOT JUST CROSSING A GRAND BRIDGE, TO REACH THE FORMER HOME OF THE REAL DODGER BASEBALL TEAM AND WINGATE HIGH, AND JUNIOR HIGH 35, AND PUBLIC SCHOOLS 44 AND THE BABY GRAND BAR AND CONEY ISLAND AND THE BEDFORD BOWLING ALLEY AND FREDDIE FITZSIMMONS BOWLING ALLEY AND PROSPECT PARK AND CONEY ISLAND AND THE HOMETOWN OF SPIKE LEE AND CHRIS ROCK AND ARTIST ONNAWAY K. MILLAR -- BUT I DIGRESS. <br /> WHILE GUILTY OF CONTRIVED SITUATIONS AND ODD COINCIDENCES, THIS IS NOT A BAD MOVIE, IT IS VERY "WATCHABLE" - IT WON'T WIN ANY AWARDS, BUT IT CONSTANTLY GIVES YOU THINGS TO FACTOR IN AND CAUSE DOUBTS ABOUT WHERE THE PLOT IS GOING AND WHO THE GOOD GUYS ARE OR IF THERE ARE ANY GOOD GUYSUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1868991075432244668.post-14430369772056560342010-03-24T08:53:00.000-07:002010-03-24T08:55:32.487-07:00HITCHHIKERS GUIDE TO THE GALAXYTHIS IS A VERY CREATIVE AND CLEVER FILM, ABOUT WHAT, I DON'T KNOW. IT IS A VERY CREATIVE AND CLEVER MOVIE THAT EXIST TO SHOW THAT THE PEOPLE INVOLVED COULD MAKE A VERY CREATIVE AND CLEVER MOVIE. <br /><br /> IT IS BEAUTIFUL TO LOOK AT AND UNLIKE THE WONDERFUL, BIG FISH, WHICH WAS ALSO CREATIVE AND CLEVER, THERE IS NOTHING COMPELLING ABOUT GALAXY. <br /><br /> THE VISUAL IDEAS AND CINEMATOGRAPHY ARE GRAND - BUT I FELL ASLEEP TWICE ON THIS FILM AND YET, I DON'T GET THE IMPRESSION THAT I MISSED ANYTHING. IT IS NOT A BAD FILM AND IT MIGHT BE A VERY GOOD FILM, BUT EXCEPT FOR THE BEAUTIFUL PICTURES AND OFF BEAT THOUGHTS EXPRESSED; IT IS NOT ENOUGH TO GET PEOPLE WHO NEVER READ THE BOOK TO GO TO THE THEATRE. <br /><br /> YOU CAN TAKE THE YOUNG KIDS AND I AM NOT SURE THIS IS NOT MORE FOR THEM THAN ANY OTHER AGE GROUP. <br /><br /> FOLKS WHO READ THE BOOK WILL SAY, I DIDN'T GET IT AND I WOULD AGREE WITH THEM ---- SOMETHING CREATIVE AND CLEVER WAS GOING ON UPON THE SCREEN AND I MAY HAVE MISSED IT -- OR THE EMPEROR REALLY DID NOT HAVE ANY CLOTHES ON. <br /><br /> THIS FILM MAY HAVE BEEN A STEPCHILD OF MONTY PYTHON / WOODY ALLAN AND NOT AS ORIGINAL AS IT APPEARS AT FIRST GLANCE. I KEPT FEELING PYTHON AND ALLAN COMING TO MIND AS I HEARD SOME OF THE LINES.<br /><br /> I HAVE TO SINGLE OUT MOS DEF, WHO IS FAST BECOMING ONE OF THE MOST VERSATILE ACTORS PERFORMING BELOW THE BIG HYPE RADAR --- AND ALONG WITH JEFFREY WRIGHT AND TERRENCE HOWARD, BRINGING IN A NEW ERA OF MEGA-TALENTS TO THE BIG SCREEN.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1868991075432244668.post-85942764089830739302010-03-24T08:52:00.000-07:002010-03-24T08:53:43.695-07:00MINDHUNTERSTHE PLOT IS UNLIKELY - A TEAM OF F.B.I. ARE PUT ON AN ISOLATED ISLAND TO TEST THEIR ABILITY TO WORK TOGETHER TO SOLVE A CRIME. <br /> THE AGENTS SOON FIGURE OUT THAT SOMETHING HAS GONE VERY WRONG AND THEY ARE BEING KILLED BY ONE OF THEIR FELLOW AGENTS. THE PROBLEM IS, WHICH ONE, WHO CAN BE TRUSTED? THIS IS ALMOST THE EXACT SAME IDEA USED IN THE CLASSIC-- TEN LITTLE INDIANS AND THE MORE RECENT USHER PICTURE, THE FACULTY. <br /> WHILE THE PLOT IS FULL OF HOLES AND EVENTS TAKE PLACE THAT ARE JUST PLAIN INCREDIBLE - THIS WAS A VERY ENTERTAINING FILM - THE MYSTERY RUNS RIGHT UP TO THE LAST MINUTE - YOU REALLY GETS YOUR MONEY'S WORTH FROM THIS FILM, IF YOU LIKE WHO DONE IT MOVIES AND A STEADY SUPPLY OF GORY VICTIMS. <br /><br /> THE ONLY KNOWN ACTORS ARE VAL KILMER AND CHRISTIAN SLATER - ONLY IN LONG ENOUGH FOR A CUP OF COFFEE AND L.L. COOL J - IN FOR A LONGER RUN.<br />***************************<br /> THIS FILM OPENED IN SOUTH CAROLINA TODAY, BUT IT HAS BEEN PLAYING IN OTHER STATES ALMOST A YEAR --- <br /> WHAT IS THAT ALL ABOUT - IS SOUTH CAROLINA THAT FAR OFF THE BEATEN PATH??????? <br /> IS THIS SOME SORT OF PUNISHMENT FOR BEING ON THE LOSING SIDE IN <br />THE WAR OF NORTHERN AGGRESSION?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1868991075432244668.post-22799789970242772132010-03-24T08:50:00.002-07:002010-03-24T08:52:37.813-07:00COUNT OF MONTE CRISTOI HAVE NETFLICKS, THANKS TO MY GENEROUS NIECE, DONNA, AND I RECENTLY SENT AWAY FOR THE MOVIE MENTIONED ABOVE. AFTER THE DVD ARRIVED, I STARTED TO THINK THAT MY FAVORITE VERSION OF THIS OFTEN TOLD TALE IS THE ONE WITH <br />ROBERT DONAT, MADE IN 1934. I WAS GOING TO SKIP ON WATCHING THIS ONE AND JUST SHIP IT BACK. <br /> THAT WOULD HAVE BEEN A BIG MISTAKE, THIS IS A FINE VERSION OF THE STORY. IT IS VERY SMOOTHLY WRITTEN -- IT ALL MAKES SENSE AND NEVER GOES OFF TRACK.<br /> IT IS WELL CAST & ACTED: <br /> JAMES CAVIEZEL ( JESUS IN THE PASSION OF CHRIST MOVIE ) AS <br /> EDMUND DANTES <br /> RICHARD HARRIS - THE LATE AND GREAT TALENT, AS THE <br /> IMPRISONED PRIEST AT THE CHATEAU D'IF <br /> LUIS GUZMAN, WHOM YOU WILL KNOW WHEN YOU SEE HIM, <br /> BUT NOT PLAYING HIS USUAL COP OR STREET HOOD IN THIS <br /> PERIOD PIECE <br /> DAGMARA -- IS THE FEMALE LEAD'S NAME AND SHE IS EQUAL TO <br /> THE TASK OF BEING WORTH A TWO DECADE WAIT TO ROMANCE<br /> GUY PEARCE -- THE STRAIGHT ARROW COP IN L.A. CONFIDENTIAL, IS <br /> AS CROOKED AS THEY COME IN THIS FILM. <br /> THE CHATEAU D'IF -- THE PRISON ITSELF, IS A CHARACTER IN THE FILM <br /> AFTER IT WAS ALL OVER, I REALIZED I LIKED THIS FILM BECAUSE THEY TOOK LIBERTIES WITH THE ORIGINAL STORY AND THE MAIN LIBERTY WAS NOT AGING THE CHARACTERS VERY MUCH -- THE PASSION THAT EDMUND HAS, IS BEST DEMONSTRATED BY A YOUNG MAN - SO THEY KEPT HIM AND HIS LADY FRIEND YOUNG AND THAT MAKES THE PLOT MORE OPTIMISTIC, WHILE STILL GETTING IN THE REVENGE ANGLE THAT DRIVES THE STORY. <br /> THIS IS NOT SOMETHING YOU HAVE TO SEE, BUT IT IS WELL MADE AND MOVES ALONG FASTER THAN THE GERARD DEPARDIEU VERSION, MADE FOR TELEVISION A FEW YEAR BACK - YOU WON'T GO WRONG IF YOU CATCH THIS OR THE 1939 VERSION AND THEN PRETEND YOU ACTUALLY READ THE BOOK. <br /> A LITTLE HISTORY ABOUT THE AUTHOR<br /> Alexandre Dumas was born in Villes-Cotterêts. His grandfather was a French nobleman, who had settled in Santo Domingo (now part of Haiti); his paternal grandmother, Marie-Cessette, was an Afro-Caribbean, who had been a black slave in the French colony (now part of Haiti). Dumas's father was a general in Napoleon's army, who had fallen out of favor. <br /> Dumas did not generally define himself as a black man, and there is not much evidence that he encountered overt racism during his life. However, his works were popular among the 19th-century African-Americans, partly because in The Count of Monte-Cristo, the falsely imprisoned Edmond Dantès, may be read as a parable of emancipation.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1868991075432244668.post-5880163816712315222010-03-24T08:50:00.001-07:002010-03-24T08:50:43.125-07:00UNLEASHEDTHIS FILM IS IN THE TRADITION OF THE REPLACEMENT KILLERS, LOCK, STOCK AND TWO SMOKING BARRELS, SNATCH , RUSH HOUR -- IF YOU SAW THOSE FILMS AND LIKED THEM, YOU WILL LIKE THIS MOVIE. <br /><br /> IT IS NOT GIVING AWAY ANY SECRET INFORMATION TO TELL YOU THAT A BOY WAS RAISED LIKE A DOG, SO HE COULD FIGHT THE ENEMIES OF HIS MASTER, A GLASGOW, MINI GANGSTER, PLAYED BY BOB HOSKINS. THINK OF JACK NICHOLSON'S JOKER IN BATMAN, TO GET AN IDEA OF THIS VILLAINOUS CHARACTER. <br /><br /> MORGAN FREEMAN GIVES THE FILM A LOT OF SUBSTANCE AND CREDENCE AS A NEW FOUND AND ONLY, FRIEND OF THE UNFORTUNATE DOGMAN. <br /><br />JET LI IS TOO OLD TO PLAY THIS DOGMAN ROLE, THAT IS OBVIOUS, BUT IT IS A GOOD ROLE AND HE DOES A GOOD JOB, DESPITE YOU KNOWING HE MIGHT HAVE A SON, WHO IS THE RIGHT AGE FOR THIS PART. <br /><br /><br /> BEFORE SEEING IT, I DISMISSED THIS FILM AS JUST ANOTHER KARATE PICTURE - I WAS LUCKY, MY NEIGHBOR TOLD ME, IT HAS A FULLY DRAWN PLOT AND IF YOU DON'T WORRY ABOUT THE RAPID MEDICAL RECOVERY TIME OF THE MUCH WOUNDED CHARACTERS, THIS IS A GOOD ACTION PICTURE. <br /><br /> PLEASE DON'T GO IF VIOLENCE ON THE BIG SCREEN UPSETS YOU - VIOLENCE IS AT THE HEART OF THIS STORY - FREEDOM AND CONTROLLING VIOLENCE IS THE THEME. AT TIMES, THE FILM IS ALMOST COMIC BOOKISH AND YET, AT TIMES, IT IS ON A HIGHER PLANE ---> THE MORGAN FREEMAN INFLUENCE AT WORK. <br /><br /> A SECOND PIECE OF ADVICE - DON'T MOVE TO GLASGOW, IF YOU BELIEVE IN POLICE PROTECTION -- I DON'T THINK ONE POLICEMAN IS SHOWN IN THIS FILM, THOUGH FIGHTS AND GUNFIRE GO ON FOR TWENTY MINUTES AT A TIME IN PUBLIC PLACES.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1868991075432244668.post-78453487819464690802010-03-24T08:48:00.000-07:002010-03-24T08:50:00.183-07:00MR. AND MRS. SMITHTAKE THE WAR OF THE ROSES AND PRIZZI'S HONOR AND A LITTLE BIT OF BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID AND YOU HAVE THE CONCEPT / PREMISE INGREDIENTS OF MR. & MRS. SMITH. <br /> IT HAS A GOOD IDEA FOR A STORY - IT HAS ALL THE PRODUCTION VALUES IN THE WORLD, THEY SPENT THE MONEY, BUT AS GODFATHER III PROVED, PRODUCTION VALUES ARE NOT ENOUGH TO MAKE A MOVIE WORK. <br /> VINCE VAUGHN IS ON THE SCENE, DOING HIS VINCE VAUGHN ROUTINE AND I NORMALLY LIKE HIS ROUTINE, BUT THIS ENTIRE FILM HAS NO CHEMISTRY - YOU SIT THERE AND CAN'T GET INVOLVED WITH WHAT IS HAPPENING ON THE SCREEN. I CAN'T WRITE ANYMORE ABOUT THIS FILM, I CAN'T GET INVOLVED IN REACTING TO IT -- IT JUST DOES NOT WORK --- I CAN'T FIND A WAY TO GIVE IT A PASS -- THE COMMERCIAL FOR THE FILM IS BETTER THAN THE FILM ITSELF. <br /> THIS FILM, LIKE THE AMERICAN ECONOMY UNDER THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION ---- JUST DOES NOT WORK.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1868991075432244668.post-26173345418226855022010-03-24T08:47:00.000-07:002010-03-24T08:48:47.711-07:00CINDERELLA MANTHIS IS AN EXCELLENT FILM - NO ONE IS SAYING ANYTHING, BUT GOOD THINGS ABOUT IT. YOUR FRIENDS WILL TELL YOU IT IS A FINE FILM AND YOU CAN TRUST YOUR FRIENDS. <br /> RON HOWARD IS A VERY PROFESSIONAL DIRECTOR, TO ME, HIS NAME ON A FILM IS A GOOD SIGN THE FILM WILL BE WORTH SEEING - HE IS NOT A PERSON GIVEN TO WASTING HIS TIME ON TRASH. <br /> RUSSELL CROWE IS A VERY PROFESSIONAL ACTOR, HIS NAME ON A FILM IS A GOOD SIGN THE FILM WILL BE WORTH SEEING - HE IS NOT A PERSON GIVEN TO WASTING HIS TIME ON TRASH. <br /> WHAT STRUCK ME ABOUT THIS FILM WAS THE STARK / BLEAK <br />MANNER THAT THE DEPRESSION OF THE DEPRESSION WAS PRESENTED - YOU COULD FEEL THE HARD TIMES THE PEOPLE WERE EXPERIENCING. <br /> THE PAIN AND SUFFERING OF BEING WITHOUT FUNDS IN A SOCIETY BUILT ON THE EXCHANGE OF GOODS AND SERVICES FOR CASH IS CLEAR AND DEEPLY FELT BY THE VIEWERS.<br /> THE DEPRESSION WAS A CHARACTER IN THIS STORY - WITHOUT THE DEPRESSION TO DRIVE HIM, THE CENTRAL CHARACTER, JAMES J. BRADDOCK, WOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN THE MAN, HE TURNED OUT TO BE. <br /> THE CONCEPT OF FAMILY VALUES AND SELF SACRIFICE AND LOVE, NOT TALK AND NOT SILLY NOTES ABOUT GROUP HUGS, BUT LOVE OF OTHERS, BEYOND SELF, IS A CHARACTER IN THIS STORY, IT IS NOT A PLOT LINE, IT IS EMPIRICALLY VISIBLE IN EVERY SCENE. <br /> YOU HAVE TO ADMIRE HOW THEY TURNED THE HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION, MAX BAER, INTO THE SHARK FROM JAWS. I WAS IN THE 15th ROW AT THE THEATRE AND I WAS AFRAID OF MAX BAER.<br /> IN THE CIRCA 1948 FILM, THE HUCKSTERS, WITH CLARK GABLE, HE BUMPS INTO A FRIEND ON FIFTH AVENUE AND BORROWS $50 -- WHEN THAT WAS LIKE $250 NOW. HE TELLS THE FRIEND TO WAIT A MINUTE AND GOES INTO A STORE; WHEN HE RETURNS, HE IS WEARING A $50 HAND PAINTED NECKTIE.<br /> GABLE RELATES THAT HE IS BROKE, CAN'T PAY HIS RENT, IS OUT OF WORK AND GOING FOR A JOB INTERVIEW IN TEN MINUTES. THE FRIEND THINKS GABLE HAS LOST HIS MIND.<br /> CLARK EXPLAINS--->> WHEN I WALK IN WEARING THIS TIE, NO ONE WILL THINK I AM DOING BAD AND THEY WILL FIGURE THEY NEED TO MAKE ME A GOOD OFFER TO GET ME AWAY FROM A JOB THAT ALLOWS ME TO BUY $50 TIES. A VERSION OF THIS SCENE IS WONDERFULLY DONE IN CINDERELLA MAN. <br />************************************************************************************** I COULD NOT HELP BUT WONDER, IF THE WHITE FOLKS WERE SUFFERING THIS MUCH, HOW WERE THEIR BLACK BROTHERS AND SISTERS DOING IN THIS DESPERATE ERA -- >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><br /> IF THE SHIP IS SINKING AND THE FOLKS ON THE TOP DECK ARE WADING IN THE WATER UP TO THEIR WAIST --- WHAT IS THE CONDITION OF THE FOLKS ON THE LOWER DECKS? <br /> WITH ALI, A FEW YEARS AGO, MILLION DOLLAR BABY, LAST YEAR AND CINDERELLA MAN NOW, THE JOE LOUIS STORY ( DONE BACK IN THE LATE 1940s ), IS DUE FOR A REMAKE.<br /> I JUST HOPE THAT THE JOE LOUIS STORY, WON'T BE SEEN AS A BLACK FILM, WHILE CINDERELLA MAN IS SEEN AS A UNIVERSAL FILM ON THE HUMAN CONDITION. ONCE THE BLACK FILM TAG IS HUNG ON A PRODUCTION, IT CUTS 40% OFF THE BOX OFFICE AND IF A FINE FILM ABOUT UNKNOWN JAMES J. BRADDOCK IS BIG BOX OFFICE, A FILM ABOUT SUPERSTAR, JOSEPH LOUIS BARROW, SHOULD BE A MEGA HIT.<br /> THESE RACIAL POINTS WERE NOT THE FOCUS OF THE MOVIE, BUT I KEPT WONDERING ABOUT THESE ISSUES? <br />***************************************************************************************<br /> THERE IS NO NEED TO WRITE MUCH ABOUT CINDERELLA MAN - IT IS ONE OF THOSE FILMS THAT IS OF SUCH QUALITY, IT SPEAKS FOR ITSELF AND YOU WILL SEE IT BECAUSE, IF YOU WERE NOT A FILM FAN, YOU WOULD NEVER HAVE READ THIS FAR AND IF YOU READ THIS FAR AND WOULD PASS UP THIS FILM, I HAVE TO WONDER, WHY ? WHAT DO YOU WANT IN A FILM, THAT THIS FILM DOES NOT DELIVER?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1868991075432244668.post-58703538325316398012010-03-24T08:46:00.002-07:002010-03-24T08:47:48.142-07:00BATMAN BEGINS - REACTIONSGaff, <br /> I had heard nothing but good things about this movie, so I went into the theater with high expectations. <br />Not only were these expectations met, they were far exceeded. This is the best Batman movie to date, no doubt. <br />I am a huge Tim Burton fan. He has the ability to create amazingly lush fantasy environments and get you lost in them. Having said this, my hat is off to writer/ director, Christopher Nolan. For over two hours, I was interested and engaged by a storyline that was realistic, creative, exciting, but had a sense of familiarity that made me feel like I had been there before. <br /> The famous Batman sense of humor was done well and more importantly, was not overdone. <br /> The villains were awesome. Cillian Murphy, the evil Doctor, is a fantastic actor and I look forward to seeing him in more films. His 28 Days Later was a great movie and the best zombie movie I have ever seen. I was a little disappointed in his unceremonious downfall, however, I think I can let<br />that slide.<br /> I could probably go on about this film at length, but I will just say , I agree with the comment that this is the best superhero movie ever made, Batman or otherwise, and Christian Bale stands easily <br />with Micheal Keaton as the best Batman. <br /> I say this because , this film was done in a much different style than Tim Burton's <br />Batman and I think Bale and Keaton were the correct choices for each brand of Batman. <br /> BATMAN BEGINS, now stands as the best movie I have seen all summer and probably this whole year.<br />**************************************************************************************<br />**************************************************************************************<br /> ONCE AGAIN, I AM UNABLE TO WRITE MY OWN REACTION, DUE TO THE WONDERFUL INSIGHTS OF ANOTHER. <br /> I HAVE YET TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE OF WHERE CAM GOT THE FAITH TO REALIZE THAT THE BOSTON RED SOCKS COULD BEAT THE NEW YORK YANKEES, FOUR STRAIGHT GAMES, AFTER LOSING THE FIRST THREE WORLD SERIES GAMES IN 2004. CAM WAS IN MY CLASS OVER A YEAR - NORMALLY, I CAN DESTROY ANYONE'S ABILITY OR WILL TO THINK, GIVEN THAT MUCH TIME; SO OBVIOUSLY, HE IS BRIGHTER THAN MOST OR MY POWERS OF EDUCATIONAL EVIL HAVE BEEN OVER-RATED. <br /> TOO BAD CAM ATTENDS THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA AND HAS SO FEW CLASSMATES WHO CAN READ WELL ENOUGH TO APPRECIATE WHAT HE HAS WRITTEN OR CAN EARN ENOUGH WASHING CARS AND DISHES, TO AFFORD TO SEE THIS FILM, BEFORE IT REACHES DVD STATUS. <br /> STILL, MOST OF HIS U. OF GEORGIA FRIENDS REMAIN FREE ON BAIL AND FOR THAT WE SHOULD ALL BE GRATEFUL --- THEY ARE SHOWING IMPROVEMENT AND A DESIRE TO REHABILIATE THEMSELVES, GIVEN THE PROPER LEVEL OF SUPERVISION.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1868991075432244668.post-33887834606765055082010-03-24T08:46:00.001-07:002010-03-24T08:46:24.552-07:00BATMAN BEGINSYEARS AGO, WHEN THE FIRST FILM IN THE BATMAN SERIES CAME OUT - MAML AND I STOOD IN LINE FOR HOURS OUTSIDE A THEATRE IN BAYSIDE, QUEENS, WAITING TO GET INTO THE JAM PACKED SHOW. BATMAN WITH KEATON AND NICHOLSON WAS WELL WORTH THE WAIT -- JUST AS THE GODFATHER, HAD BEEN WORTH A SIMILAR WAIT YEARS BEFORE.<br />MAML ATTENDED THE MIDNIGHT PREMIER OF THIS PRODUCTION.<br /> 12 HOURS BEFORE I AM OFF TO SEE THIS NEW INCARNATION OF A CHARACTER THAT HAS NOT BEEN FULLY REALIZED SINCE THE ORIGINAL -- MAML HAS BEEN DEPUTIZED TO BRING US THE WORD FROM THE MOUNT -- I DISLIKE THE FACT THAT HE HAS DONE IT IN A MANNER FAR SUPERIOR TO MY OWN; I CAN'T HAVE PEOPLE ABUSE MY SITE, BY WRITING BETTER THAN I DO - BUT I WILL LET IT GO THIS TIME AND HOPE THIS IS NOT THE START OF A TREND AMONG MY FRIENDS - IF THEY WISH TO REMAIN MY FRIENDS..<br />************************************************************************************<br />George: <br /> To see this movie ....... is to believe! <br /><br /> Christian Bale is "The Batman". <br /> I loved Michael Keaton's brooding characterization of the caped crusader, but Bale just doesn’t don the outfit, he builds the outfit to fit himself. <br /> In this film you always see the man (Bruce Wayne) behind the mask, as he tries to get it right. He worries that he can be killed and that makes this version of Batman, a "man" and not a Superman. We see Batman learning who, what, where and how to use his mental and physical discipline to put the fear of an unknown bat like creature that can vanish literally before their eyes, against the criminal element of GOTHAM CITY. <br /> We believe, because the storyline is fabulous. <br /> We believe because Christopher Nolan's brilliant direction puts us in Wayne Manor as Bruce Wayne invents his alter ego Batman. <br /> We believe because the story is what drives this puppy home. The special effects and gizmos can be felt, but the storyline and the characters do all the heavy lifting in this, the best of all the superhero films to date. <br /> Gene Roddenberry always said, “If the people love and hate the characters, you'll have a great film.” Every character in this film lifts their own weight; no one is carried by another actor, each sets the tone for things to come. <br /> The whole origin of Batman is now understood, and told within an adult storyline; even the great one-liners are still there. <br /> By the way, if you like fight scenes, the last one of the film is a dilly. <br /> I will be seeing it again. <br />*************************************************************************************<br />*************************************************************************************<br /> I RENTED KINSEY AND IT IS A GOOD FILM - TOO LONG AND DRAGS AT THE END, TRYING TO GET YOU TO COME TO THE CONCLUSION THEY WANT YOU TO HAVE, WHATEVER THAT MIGHT BE, I AM NOT SURE - BUT IT GETS A LITTLE HEAVY HANDED AT THE END. <br />IT IS WORTH SEEING - THE TOPIC IS THE STUDY OF HUMAN SEXUALITY - WHO CAN ARGUE WITH THE SUBJECT OF THIS PRODUCTION?<br /> I AM TAKING A PASS ON GOING TO SEE: <br />THE HONEYMOONERS AND THE LONGEST YARD ( EVEN WITH CHRIS ROCK IN THE CAST ) -- THEY BOTH SEEM LIKE TELEVISION FARE.<br />HIGH TENSION WAS TRASHED BY T.C.J. AND HE IS USUALLY ON THE MONEY.<br />AFTER THE FIRST THREE STAR WARS, I LOST INTEREST, SO NO STAR WARS ON THIS SITE., NO REFLECTION ON THE FILM, IT MAY BE GREAT, BUT I AM NOT UP TO THE JOURNEY.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1868991075432244668.post-80725096316287138552010-03-24T08:41:00.002-07:002010-03-24T08:43:34.471-07:00LAND OF THE DEADTHIS IS A ZOMBIE MOVIE - THIS IS SUPPOSE TO BE FANTASY - THIS IS SUPPOSE TO BE SHOCKING AND YOU ARE SUPPOSE TO SEE THINGS YOU CAN'T BELIEVE ARE TRUE.<br />*************************************************************************************<br /> LET'S HOLD OFF ON THE MOVIE FOR A FEW MOMENTS, WHILE I MENTION SOMETHING THAT I FOUND FANASTIC, SHOCKING AND UNBELIEVABLE AT THE THEATRE. <br /> I USUALLY CARRY A BOTTLE OF WATER INTO THE THEATRE WITH ME. I NEVER BUY ANYTHING FOR MYSELF AT THE THEATRE -- I GO TO SEE THE FILM, BUT EATING. OVERPRICED CANDY AND FOOD "COOKED" BY KIDS WHO ARE WORKING PART TIME TO EARN SUMMER CASH, DOES NOT STIMULATE MY APPETITE. I CAN NORMALLY SURVIVE TWO HOURS ON THE POORLY CONCEALED BODY FAT I CARRIED WITH ME TO THE THEATRE. <br /> TODAY, I FORGOT MY WATER AND FIGURED I WOULD PICK UP A ONE PINT BOTTLE AT THE REFRESHMENT COUNTER. A PINT OF WATER WAS $3.50. <br /><br /> NOW, I AM A LIMITED INDIVIDUAL, I AM LIMITED TO LIVING ON THE PLANET EARTH -- MAYBE, IF I WAS A SPACE CREATURE, PASSING THRU OR A ZOMBIE, $3.50 FOR A PINT OF WATER WOULD NOT SEEM UNREASONABLE - BUT HAVING BEEN BORN AND RAISED ON THIS PLANET -- I AM AWARE THAT WATER IS NOT A RARE SUBSTANCE - IT IS A NECESSARY AND VALUABLE RESOURCE, BUT THAT VALUE SHOULD NOT INCREASE TEN FOLD AT THE ENTRANCE TO A MOVIE THEATRE. <br /> <br /> THE GASOLINE THAT HELPED ME REACH THIS THEATRE DID NOT COST $3.50 A PINT - I AM GETTING OVER A CHEST COLD AND THE ANTIBIOTICS WERE NOT MUCH MORE THAN THE WATER AT THIS THEATRE. WHAT THE HELL WAS IN THIS WATER THAT MADE IT WORTH $3.50 A PINT? - THE LARGE BOTTLE, OF COURSE WAS MORE - $4.50 FOR A PINT AND A HALF - A BARGAIN BY MOVIE WATER PRICING STANDARDS. <br /><br /> I HAVE FRIENDS WITH NICE HOUSES, NICE CARS, FINE JEWELRY AND FIRST RATE CLOTHES - YET, I DON'T THINK I HAVE A FRIEND WHO CAN REACH IN THEIR POCKET AND PAY $3.50 FOR A PINT OF WATER AND NOT THINK THAT SOMETHING IS ROTTEN IN THE STATE OF DENMARK - I CAME IN WITH TRUMAN AS PRESIDENT AND THE JAPANESE STILL A FEW MONTHS FROM SURRENDER -- SO, MAYBE I AM BEHIND THE TIMES AND $3.50 FOR A PINT OF WATER IS THE NORM / ACCEPTABLE; ANYWAY, I HAVE NEW RESPECT FOR <br />H2o. <br /> I HAVE TO BELIEVE THAT PONCE DE LEON, KNEW SOMETHING ABOUT ALL THIS <br />AND THAT, IS WHY HE SEARCHED SO DILIGENTLY FOR THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH - AT <br />$3.50 A PINT, YOU WOULD NEED TO REMAIN YOUNG AND EMPLOYED TO PAY FOR A DRINK.<br /> SOME OF MY DOWN ON THEIR LUCK ASSOCIATES, REPORT THAT THE RED CROSS DOES NOT PAY MUCH MORE THAN THE COST OF SACRED THEATRE WATER <br />TO BLOOD DONORS.<br /> <br />***************************************************************************************<br /> BACK TO THE MOVIE -- ZOMBIE PICTURES ARE NOT FOR EVERYONE - IF YOU ARE NOT A ZOMBIE FAN, YOU DON'T NEED TO GO TO SEE THIS FILM - IF YOU ARE A ZOMBIE FAN -- YOU DON'T NEED TO MISS TO THIS FILM - IT IS AN EXCELLENT GEORGE ROMERO PRODUCTION - THE GODFATHER OF ZOMBIE FILMS IS AT HIS BEST WITH ALL THE ELEMENTS IN PLACE - ONLY JOHN LEGUIZAMO AND DENNIS HOPPER ARE KNOWN MEMBERS OF THE CAST - BUT WHO NEEDS STARS IN A ZOMBIE PICTURE - EXTRAS EATING ENTRAILS HAVE ALL THE MEATY PARTS IN THE MOVIE.<br /> THERE IS NOTHING MORE TO WRITE - ZOMBIE FANS, THIS IS A GEM, BUT BRING YOUR OWN BEVERAGE OR A MAJOR CREDIT CARD.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1868991075432244668.post-82625370359400524592010-03-24T08:41:00.001-07:002010-03-24T08:41:30.069-07:00WAR OF THE WORLDSI WAS GOING TO MENTION THE GREAT PRODUCTION VALUES OF THIS FILM, BUT WHEN I MENTION PRODUCTION VALUES, IT IS CODE TO THOSE WHO KNOW ME, THAT THE FILM WAS NOT THAT GOOD. <br /> I SYMPATHIZE WITH THE MAKERS OF THIS MOVIE. THEIR PROBLEM IS, IF YOU SHOW CREATURES FROM SPACE KILLING BUNCHES OF PEOPLE, IT HAS NO MEANING. <br /> IF ONE MAN IS KILLED STANDING ON A MOTEL BALCONY OR DRIVING ON A STREET IN DALLAS, IT IMPACTS US. IF THOUSANDS ARE KILLED BY A TIDAL WAVE IN THE PACIFIC, WE DON'T FULLY CONNECT WITH THE LOST - WE NEED A NAME, A FACE, TO BRING THE TRAGEDY CLOSER TO HOME. <br /> THEY GAVE TOM CRUISE, WHO WE ALL KNOW, A FAMILY; HOW THIS FAMILY ENDURES THE ALIEN ATTACK IS PAINTED AGAINST THE PANORAMA OF THE WORLD AND SPECIFICALLY, NORTHEASTERN AMERICA, BEING UNDER ATTACK. <br /> NOW, THIS HAS TO BE DONE, YOU CAN'T MAKE A MOVIE ABOUT WAR WORLD II - BUT YOU CAN MAKE A MOVIE ABOUT GENERAL PATTON IN WWII OR PRIVATE RYAN IN <br />WWII - WE NEED THOSE FACES AND NAMES TO IDENTIFY WITH AND ROOT FOR.<br /> THE MAJOR MISTAKE IN TITANIC, WAS THE STORY THEY TOLD WAS OF A GIRL HAVING TO MARRY A BILLIONAIRE THAT SHE WAS NOT HOT TO TROT WITH - I WOULD MARRY A BILLIONAIRE OF EITHER GENDER AND FIND A BILLION WAYS TO GRIN AND<br />BEAR IT. <br /> THIS WAS A FOOLISH CHOICE OF STORY LINE TO FOCUS ON, GIVEN THE ALMOST 3000 PEOPLE ON THE SHIP, THEY COULD HAVE USED TO PERSONALIZE THE TERROR OF THAT EVENT, WHY PICK A FOOLISH, SELFISH GIRL, NO ONE COULD RELATE TO?<br /> I THINK THEY PICKED THE WRONG FAMILY TO FOCUS ON IN THIS FILM -- TOM WAS THE CENTERPIECE AND THAT WORKED, BUT I HATED HIS KIDS AND WANTED TO SEE THEM DIE AND ALLOW THE STORY TO WIDEN OUT AND INVOLVE MORE PEOPLE. THESE WHINY <br />KIDS TURNED ME OFF, BUT MY DISLIKE FOR THEM IS SO PERSONAL, THAT I AM, MOST LIKELY BEING UNFAIR TO THE FILM -- IF YOU LIKE THE KIDS, YOU WILL ROOT FOR THEM AND LIKE THE STORY, MORE THAN I DID.<br /> EVEN FOR A SCI-FI STORY, THE ADVENTURES THIS ONE FAMILY HAS ARE TOO CONTRIVED AND TOO FARFETCHED, THEY HAD TO EXPERIENCE EVERYTHING, SINCE IT IS THRU THEIR EYES THAT WE ARE SEEING THE ATTACK. IT WOULD HAVE WORKED BETTER IF MORE PEOPLE WERE INVOLVED AND ABLE TO SPREAD THE STORY OUT AMONG THEM, INSTEAD OF EVERYTHING HAPPENING TO THESE THREE PEOPLE -- SUPERMAN WOULD HAVE A HARD TIME GETTING THRU SOME OF THE TRIALS THEY FACE ON THEIR JOURNEY AND THE JOURNEY IS RATHER SILLY. IF IT IS HURRICANE SEASON, I ALTER MY ORIGINAL PLANS TO VISIT THE BAHAMAS. THESE PEOPLE TRAVEL WHERE THEY WANT, WHEN THEY WANT. <br />*************************************************************************************** <br /> EVERYONE SHOULD SEE THIS PICTURE FOR THE MAGNIFICENT SPECIAL EFFECTS - THE SPECIAL EFFECTS ARE WORTH THE PRICE OF ADMISSION - EVEN THOUGH I DID NOT LIKE THE "HEROES," STILL, I WOULD NOT MISS THIS PICTURE AND I WOULD NOT MISS IT ON THE WIDE THEATRE SCREEN - NO REAL MOVIE FAN WOULD WAIT FOR DVD TO SEE THIS FILM. IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THIS ON THE WIDE SCREEN, WHAT MOVIE WOULD YOU GO TO SEE IN A THEATRE?<br /> I PREFER THE 1953 VERSION OF THE STORY, STARRING GENE BARRY, WHO MAKES A 1O SECOND CAMEO APPEARANCE AT THE END OF THIS 2005 FILM. THAT FILM FOLLOWED THE STORY FROM THE VIEWPOINT OF A SCIENTIST WORKING WITH THE MILITARY TO FIND A WEAPON TO USE ON THE ALIENS. TOM CRUISE AND STEVEN SPIELBERG HAVE TRIED TO PERSONALIZE IT WITH THE FAMILY THEME AND IF THE KIDS WERE WRITTEN BETTER, IT WOULD HAVE WORKED BETTER<br /> AGAIN, I THINK YOU SHOULD SEE THE FILM AND HOPEFULLY YOU WON'T HATE THE KIDS LIKE I DID, BUT IF YOU DO, YOU CAN STILL ROOT FOR A TREE TO<br />FALL ON THEM .<br />**************************************************************************************<br /> DAKOTA FANNING IS THE LITTLE GIRL FROM, MAN ON FIRE, WITH DENZEL WASHINGTON, WHO PLAYED HER BODYGUARD IN MEXICO. THIS GIRL SHOT HER LOAD IN THAT FILM - SHE WAS NOT A GOOD CHOICE TO TRY TO ONCE AGAIN BE <br />THE DAMSEL IN DISTRESS.<br /> CASTING HER TO PLAY THE SAME ROLE WAS NOT A GOOD IDEA - SHE IS A ONE TRICK PONY IN THIS SITUATION - BUT HEY, AGAIN, I DISLIKED HER CHARACTER'S FAILURE TO SNAP OUT OF IT AND GET WITH THE REALITY OF THE SITUATION, BUT I EXPECT TO BE ALONE IN THIS VIEW - MOST WILL SEE HER IN A SYMPATHETIC LIGHT.<br />************************************************************************************<br /> SPOILER --- DON'T READ THIS UNTIL AFTER YOU SEE THE FILM.<br />************************************************************************************<br /> SPIELBERG HAS ALMOST TURNED THIS INTO A CHILDREN'S STORY - AND YOU WILL REALIZE THAT IN THE LAST 90 SECONDS - WHICH IS NICE FOR KIDS, BUT DOES NOT WORK FOR ADULTS.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1868991075432244668.post-74967343396315565032010-03-24T08:39:00.000-07:002010-03-24T08:40:41.819-07:00WEDDING CRASHERSTWO GUYS GET BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON WEDDINGS AND THEY PICK UP THE SINGLE WOMEN WHO ARE AT THE CEREMONY. THE BEST PART OF THE FILM IS WHEN THEY SHOW A MONTAGE OF ABOUT SIX OR SO RECEPTIONS, WITH DIFFERENT RELIGIOUS AND ETHNIC GROUPS CELEBRATING IN THEIR OWN SPECIAL WAYS. <br /> I NEVER LIKE TO SEE OWEN WILSON ON THE SCREEN FOR MORE THAN TEN MINUTES IN A FILM - HE IS NOT A LEADING MAN, BUT HERE HE DID OKAY.<br /> VINCE VAUGHN DID HIS USUAL WILD MAN ACT AND IT WAS GOOD, HE WAS VINCE VAUGHN.<br /> CHRIS WALKEN WAS NOT A BIG PART OF THE FILM - HIS ROLE WAS PRETTY SMALL, SO HE NEVER GOT TO BE CHRIS WALKEN.<br /> THIS IS REALLY SOMETHING YOU CAN WAIT TO SEE ON TELEVISION, I CAN'T FIND ANY REASON TO TRAVEL TO A THEATRE FOR THIS ONE. ANDREA MCDOWELL AND HUGH GRANT HAVE DONE THIS TYPE OF PICTURE BEFORE - HARMLESS AND FORGETTABLE.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1868991075432244668.post-35223648336314541402010-03-24T08:38:00.000-07:002010-03-24T08:39:40.933-07:00HUSTLE AND FLOW REACTIONS**************************************************************************************<br />GAFF --- I am going to see the film tomorrow so I am not reacting to your review, but to two of your comments: <br />1.) "This film will be labeled as a black film, so that will cut the gate." <br /> So many ( a large majority) white people think that black people can't <br />tell them anything "New." They know everything we know ( except, maybe <br />when it comes to dancing or music). Even when it comes to sports, they think our ability to analyze (i.e., coach) is secondary to theirs. Black people only know black material. - I remember when Dr. King came out against the Vietnam War, he was criticized because people thought it would hurt the Civil Rights movement. There are even other blacks who believe that we should only be concerned with racial issues, as if we are not members of the human race, the nation or our work forces. Others may look at me first, <br />and foremost, and see a black man. But I know, that I am all that that encompasses and MORE! <br />2) I do not sympathize with those who are unable to get past the depravity, the language and nastiness in order to watch a great film. There is a hint of intolerance in that concept. "If I don't like the way someone dresses, or speaks, I'm not going to listen to his message." Chief, don't make excuses <br />for people like that. How far away is that from not listening because of one's race, speech accent, posture. <br /> Sometimes, the larger society tries to impose "standards that are <br />discriminatory in nature" and have nothing to do with the task at hand. <br />*** If I am applying for job, I need to dress and act a certain way. <br /> ***If I am presenting a lifestyle in a literary piece or a film, I have license to express that lifestyle as I see fit.<br /> If Hustle and Flow had nice, pleasant language, it might have lost some of its realism, and lost some its "gate" anyway. <br /> I remember a teacher at IS 271 in BROOKLYN, who was praised because his contained special education class of 6 unruly boys always sat quietly in class and read their books. 6 months later, when they found out that he had given them paperback pornography to read, he was transferred (equivalent to being fired in NYC). The fact that all his kids made drastic improvements in their reading scores was not mentioned. So you see, bad words can lead to good things. <br />RJ<br />*************************<br />RJ - <br /> ONCE AGAIN, I HAVE TO AGREE WITH YOU -- BUT IF YOU DON'T HAVE FAITH THAT TERRENCE HOWARD AND JOHN SINGLETON ( IN HIS ROLE AS A PRODUCER, HE DIDN'T DIRECT ) ARE NOT IN THIS BUSINESS TO DEGRADE AND DEMEAN THEIR OWN HERITAGE; YOU COULD WRONGLY ASSUME THAT THIS FILM HAS NO HIGHER PURPOSE IN MIND AND YOU COULD SEE IT AS A NEEDLESS EXPLOITATION OF THE MOST UNEDUCATED / POVERTY STRICKEN MEMBERS OF SOCIETY. <br /> IN OTHER WORDS, IF THE FOUL LANGUAGE AND RAW SITUATIONS, ARE THERE ONLY TO DEGRADE THE CHARACTERS, WITH NO MOVEMENT TOWARD INTELLECTUAL GROWTH AND SOCIAL AWARENESS -- LIKE A SCENE IN WHICH A 2 YEAR OLD CHILD IS TOSSED INTO THE STREETS AT 3 AM, WITH NO REGARD FOR THEIR SAFETY OR WELL BEING - THAT IS MORE THAN JUST A DISLIKE FOR CRUDE LANGUAGE. THAT IS UNACCEPTABLE TO ANY RATIONAL PERSON, OR ANY LEVEL OF THE SOCIAL PECKING ORDER. I FELT A NEED TO WARN PEOPLE NOT TO JUMP THE GUN - AND AFTER A SCENE LIKE THIS, IT IS NOT UNREASONABLE THAT SOME MIGHT BE INCLINED TO JUMP SHIP. <br /> YOUR STATEMENTS MADE ME THINK OF: <br /> 1. THE BASEBALL / SPORTS CONCEPT OF THE CLEAN SHAVEN ATHLETE ---- A RULE THAT MANY TEAMS HAD UNTIL A STAR PLAYER SHOWED UP WITH A BEARD OR LONG HAIR , DREADLOCKS, OR BRAIDS. THEN THE RULE WAS SEEN AS UNNECESSARY AND IRRELEVANT. <br /> 2. THE INFAMOUS ALVIN DARK STATEMENT, ABOUT PEOPLE OF COLOR, LACKING THE NECESSITIES TO MANAGE A TEAM. <br /> 3. I WAS BLESSED AND IT WAS A BLESSING, TO HAVE SEEN THE BROADWAY PRODUCTION OF DAVID MAMET'S, GLEN GARY, GLEN ROSS. THE PLAY OPENS WITH TWO REAL ESTATE SALESMEN, SITTING IN BOOTH AT A CHINESE RESTAURANT AND CURSING FOR THE FIRST FOUR MINUTES OF THE PLAY -- THERE IS NO CLUE ABOUT WHAT THEY ARE CURSING AT OR ABOUT -- IT IS NOT EACH OTHER, BUT A JOINTLY HELD GREIVANCE THEY ARE EXPRESSING. AFTER ABOUT TWO MINUTES OF THIS ANGRY TALK, YOU START TO REALIZE THAT <br />1. THIS IS BROADWAY - 2. THIS IS DAVID MAMET - 3. THIS IS AN AWARD WINNING PLAY - <br />4. THIS IS A FIRST RATE CAST --- 5. THEY HAVE MY $50 DOLLARS -- 6. I BETTER SIT TIGHT AND SEE WHERE ALL THIS HOSTILITY IS GOING. THAT IS WHAT FOLKS NEED TO DO WITH THIS FILM - GIVE IT THE SAME CHANCE I GAVE THE PLAY. <br />*******************************************<br />GAFF-<br /> You get my point. We are on the same page. <br />Am I slipping...or are you really getting brighter!!! <br /> R.J.<br />***************************************************<br />R.J.<br /> I HAVE STARTED SMOKING CRACK RECENTLY, SOMETHING I PICKED UP FROM WATCHING BOBBY<br />AND WHITNEY 16 HOURS A DAY. <br /> SO, THAT MIGHT ACCOUNT FOR MY THINKING ALIGNING ITSELF WITH YOUR VIEWS ------ - <br />THAT WOULD EXPLAIN US BEING ON THE SAME PAGE. <br /> AN AREA OF DISAGREEMENT - IF YOU ARE AT ROCK BOTTOM -- THERE IS NO PLACE TO <br />SLIP FURTHER DOWN - THUS, YOU ARE NOT SLIPPING--------<br /> WHILE I AM APPARENTLY IN AN INTELLECTUAL FREE FALL.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1868991075432244668.post-45815217666355426472010-03-24T08:34:00.000-07:002010-03-24T08:35:27.054-07:00MICHAEL CLAYTONI don't have the space to give credit to all those who deserve praise for bringing Michael Clayton to the big screen. The writing was superior, the acting was equal to the writing and the direction pulled it all together. This movie is COMPELLING, it forces you to care. Few of us are big time New York attorneys, few of us are heads of billion dollar corporations. This film recognizes that all of us are human beings and have a duty to improve society, defend the weak and to seek justice where we see injustice. If you can see this film and leave the theatre as a neutral observer, you have taken a wrong turn somewhere. <br /> <br /> GEORGE CLOONEY HIT A HOMERUN WITH THIS ROLE AND THIS MOVIE. <br /> TIM WILKINSON DOES A FINE JOB AND GETS THIS FILM ROLLING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. <br /> SYDNEY POLLACK IS A WONDERFUL DIRECTOR, BUT HE IS ALSO A TREMENDOUS ACTOR WHEN HE PLAYS THESE ROLES THAT ALLOW HIM TO BE THE VOICE OF REASON. I DON'T KNOW HOW HE WOULD PLAY A CRAZED KILLER OR A VILLAIN IN COMBAT WITH BATMAN, BUT GIVE HIM A ROLE WHERE PEOPLE TURN TO HIM FOR GUIDANCE AND HE IS THE RIGHT MAN FOR THE PART.<br /> TILDA SWINTON WAS OUTSTANDING AND REPUGNANT, AS <br />AN ATTORNEY FROM HELL., <br /><br /> THIS FILM HAS ELEMENTS OF:<br />A CIVIL ACTION<br />CLASS ACTION<br />THE INSIDER<br />THE PELICAN BRIEF<br />WALL STREET<br /><br /> ALL FILMS I LIKED.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0