If you go to this movie without some advance knowledge,you might encounter negatives to you to the point of polarizing to a 1 rating. Because it is difficult to do otherwise than WARNING you that you might consider it containing SPOILERS. I went thinking this was going to be a run of the mill violent war film. It turns out that this is about family, freedom, and Christianity. It casts a light of Truth on the way liberals are increasingly turning the US into a second class socialistic country. It was produced by the same people who are successfully showing "2016 Obama" If you saw that you are in the same area of beliefs this film displays. If you are a liberal, stay home. If you are a right winger, DON'T miss it! Bring your handkerchiefs with you!
Reviews
67 Reviews
Last Ounce of Courage
(2012)
A realistic film that pulls no punches.
21 September 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Absurdly unreal and over the top!
31 December 2011
If you like this kind of action film featuring everything that utilizes the latest in filming technology, then you will enjoy this. Obviously based on the 33,300 plus votes, a whole lot of you rate this right up there with the truly good movies. Close analysis reveals that the target audience is extremely unbalanced with males, especially those age 18 to 44. While people over 45 constitute a large potential audience, only 1264 rated this film.
If you are 45 or over, you might want to evaluate my own review. I am 77 and been a movie buff for 65 years. I have seen black and white, Cinerama, CinemaScope, 360 (as at Epcot), IMAX in Smithsonian, and many other places, and 3-D at a number of amusement parks. I thoroughly enjoyed all of these leading edge technologies, primarily because of the technology plus they portrayed real people doing real things.
I went to our local 12plex because they had remodeled two of the 12 theaters to show IMAX and 3D. Not wanting to see animated films, we finally saw this one because I did enjoy the original MI TV series.
This was in my opinion a terrible script depicting old James Bond movies with regard to primary plot. You have to suspend judgement to even come close to relating to the film.
As it turned out the theater had installed a crystal clear screen and projecting equipment. The real problem for me was this ultra good sound system. For about half of the rather long film the sound system was running at full blast. Most involved showing something on the screen that literally shook the theater. It was impressive , at first, but got to be very old and disturbing.
For older folks I suggest you pass on this. They have 3-D digital TV systems that you have control of. You won't be seeing movies anything like How the West was Won, Sound of Music, etc. in this era and media.
If you are 45 or over, you might want to evaluate my own review. I am 77 and been a movie buff for 65 years. I have seen black and white, Cinerama, CinemaScope, 360 (as at Epcot), IMAX in Smithsonian, and many other places, and 3-D at a number of amusement parks. I thoroughly enjoyed all of these leading edge technologies, primarily because of the technology plus they portrayed real people doing real things.
I went to our local 12plex because they had remodeled two of the 12 theaters to show IMAX and 3D. Not wanting to see animated films, we finally saw this one because I did enjoy the original MI TV series.
This was in my opinion a terrible script depicting old James Bond movies with regard to primary plot. You have to suspend judgement to even come close to relating to the film.
As it turned out the theater had installed a crystal clear screen and projecting equipment. The real problem for me was this ultra good sound system. For about half of the rather long film the sound system was running at full blast. Most involved showing something on the screen that literally shook the theater. It was impressive , at first, but got to be very old and disturbing.
For older folks I suggest you pass on this. They have 3-D digital TV systems that you have control of. You won't be seeing movies anything like How the West was Won, Sound of Music, etc. in this era and media.
Outsourced
(2009)
Worth seeing, if you can find it!
8 January 2010
This film is not one you are likely to find at your local theater. It does however belong there, in my opinion. It is an Independent film filmed entirely on location in Seattle and mostly India.
The title describes the plot line. This film is an exceptionally accurate, except for normal film exaggeration. It is billed as a romantic comedy, which it is. It is also much more than that. It is a contemporary treatment of just one of many worldwide situations facing us today. Acting is good and the sets are fabulous, as they are all real! Anyone who has dialed an 800 number for help and wound up talking to somebody on the other side of the world should see this movie. I have personal knowledge as one of my older children (as in 50) has been in an Indian classroom depicted in the film and continues to supervise people in India doing computer work via internet and voice.
The film was included as the feature film in Volume 9, 2009 of Stephen Simon's Spiritual Cinema Circle, a distributor of independent films and shorts to members of the Circle. All the films he includes on monthly DVDs are polar opposites of the genres seen in the mainstream.
The title describes the plot line. This film is an exceptionally accurate, except for normal film exaggeration. It is billed as a romantic comedy, which it is. It is also much more than that. It is a contemporary treatment of just one of many worldwide situations facing us today. Acting is good and the sets are fabulous, as they are all real! Anyone who has dialed an 800 number for help and wound up talking to somebody on the other side of the world should see this movie. I have personal knowledge as one of my older children (as in 50) has been in an Indian classroom depicted in the film and continues to supervise people in India doing computer work via internet and voice.
The film was included as the feature film in Volume 9, 2009 of Stephen Simon's Spiritual Cinema Circle, a distributor of independent films and shorts to members of the Circle. All the films he includes on monthly DVDs are polar opposites of the genres seen in the mainstream.
Illusion
(2004)
A classic film, still available, still great
16 June 2009
This is an outstanding film that will probably be seen by very few people. It is a film festival type movie. That translates in this case to a movie that is thoughtful, well written and performed exceptionally well.
I found this movie and many others like it, including a lot of short films, through the Spiritual Cinema Circle, which I have recently joined. Illusion was on their monthly DVD - Volume 5 2007.
Illusion is a delightful departure from the computer graphics, violence, and sameness prevalent in current popular movies. If you are a true movie buff like me and want to enter the world of very different movies, this is a great place to start.
I found this movie and many others like it, including a lot of short films, through the Spiritual Cinema Circle, which I have recently joined. Illusion was on their monthly DVD - Volume 5 2007.
Illusion is a delightful departure from the computer graphics, violence, and sameness prevalent in current popular movies. If you are a true movie buff like me and want to enter the world of very different movies, this is a great place to start.
Taking Chance
(2009 TV Movie)
Outstanding tribute
21 February 2009
I saw this riveting film tonight when it premiered on HBO. Both my wife and I were totally into the film from the beginning to the end. We saw it nonstop although with a DVR we could have paused. There was not a single point in the film where we wanted to pause.
Like others, we were thankful there was no political bias. It was simply the true story of the respect that has been paid to everyone who died in defense of our freedom.
I served in the military on an aircraft carrier on station in the Mediteranean Sea in 1957. We lost 14 people in crashes and an on board fire during our 7 month cruise. About half of them were given burial at sea services. In addition, I have attended the military services of a number of others and even participated in the military service of one of our church members who died at Paris Island in a training accident.
In spite of all that exposure, I was totally unaware that KIAs were given the kind of personal respect and treatment depicted in the film. I was very impressed and moved, as I am sure most will be. Many have died, including one of my cousins, to preserve our freedom that has allowed me to live for 75 years so far. I relate more to Kevin Bacon's character as I was a supply officer. Had I the chance, I too would have volunteered for escort duty.
A must see movie. If you don't get HBO, look for the DVD sure to follow.
Like others, we were thankful there was no political bias. It was simply the true story of the respect that has been paid to everyone who died in defense of our freedom.
I served in the military on an aircraft carrier on station in the Mediteranean Sea in 1957. We lost 14 people in crashes and an on board fire during our 7 month cruise. About half of them were given burial at sea services. In addition, I have attended the military services of a number of others and even participated in the military service of one of our church members who died at Paris Island in a training accident.
In spite of all that exposure, I was totally unaware that KIAs were given the kind of personal respect and treatment depicted in the film. I was very impressed and moved, as I am sure most will be. Many have died, including one of my cousins, to preserve our freedom that has allowed me to live for 75 years so far. I relate more to Kevin Bacon's character as I was a supply officer. Had I the chance, I too would have volunteered for escort duty.
A must see movie. If you don't get HBO, look for the DVD sure to follow.
JAG
(1995–2005)
Reruns are on now better than ever in HD! NOW ON USA (03-08)
13 March 2008
I became a JAG fan in 2002 and saw as many as I could until it ended in 2005. I won't spoil that but it is worth seeing. I am not sure when it happened but at some point early this year on DIRECTV I noticed that they had USAHD (channel 242). I checked it out and found that they were running two episodes at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM Eastern time every Monday through Friday.
I immediately put the series on Record All Episodes on my DVR, the greatest new technology to come along. Since I can fast forward the commercials, I can watch a one hour episode in about 40 minutes. That allows me to keep pretty current with seven days to watch ten 40-minute episodes.
When I started, they were running episodes from 1999. It was great getting to watch episodes that happened before I started watching, especially at the rate I have been watching. At this accelerated rate, Today I just caught up to an episode I had seen in 2002. At this point they are running a lot of episodes pertaining to post 9/11 current (then) events in Afghanistan.
I do not know if they are going to keep on running them, but as long as they do I will be recording and watching. Even if you do not get HD, they are running them on the normal USA channel.
I highly recommend you record this series and watch it from here on. It gets better and better.
I immediately put the series on Record All Episodes on my DVR, the greatest new technology to come along. Since I can fast forward the commercials, I can watch a one hour episode in about 40 minutes. That allows me to keep pretty current with seven days to watch ten 40-minute episodes.
When I started, they were running episodes from 1999. It was great getting to watch episodes that happened before I started watching, especially at the rate I have been watching. At this accelerated rate, Today I just caught up to an episode I had seen in 2002. At this point they are running a lot of episodes pertaining to post 9/11 current (then) events in Afghanistan.
I do not know if they are going to keep on running them, but as long as they do I will be recording and watching. Even if you do not get HD, they are running them on the normal USA channel.
I highly recommend you record this series and watch it from here on. It gets better and better.
Redacted
(2007)
100% left wing bias of the worst sort
16 November 2007
This movie was absolutely terrible from a photographic, editing, acting, directing and entertainment point of view. Nearly everyone agrees with that in every comment made by people from all points on the political spectrum.
Given that, I can only comment on the blatantly biased point of view presented. No civilized person of sound mind with even the least bit of morals can argue FOR an actual war, and the horrors that go along with that war. It is very easy to say that we should all have peace and for many of us, that peace WILL come in the next life.
It is however ludicrous to imagine that after war and violence has continually existed since Cain and Abel that there is a magic silver bullet that will end it now, barring an apocalyptic end to this minute planet in this large and wonderful Universe.
By comparison to previous wars in my 73 years on this planet, this "war" pales by comparison. If you want to talk about and depict horror, then talk about Hitler and the holocaust; Truman (a Democrat) demolishing two Japanese cities in a single minute; the killing fields after we "cut and ran" from Viet Nam; and the continuing horrible condition of oppressed peoples all over the world.
As for the USA, the few thousand Americans who have died in Iraq do not come close to the hundreds of thousands right here in the states that have perished over the last six years either directly or indirectly as a result of drugs or alcohol. However, not a single American has died in the US itself since 9/11 as a result of terrorism.
THAT is what Iraq is really about. It is not "Bush's illegal war" however much the far left would have you believe it. Yes it is a fact that some very few Americans have committed atrocities in Iraq. They have been punished. The war in Afgananistan (which continues) was authorized by almost every person in Congress after 9/11. The war in Iraq was the direct result of Saddam Hussein thumbing his nose at the UN, who passed resolutions that led to invasion by an international UN force, composed largely of US soldiers and equipment, as has always been the case when bad guys needed to be eradicated.
When we examine what we should have done after the initial objective was accomplished, we wind up in a morass of opinions and alternatives. Bush 41 pulled back quickly and ten years later we were back.
Only one thing is sure here. This movie does absolutely NOTHING in terms of proposing any viable solution. It does however clearly provide our obvious enemies with a great propaganda piece to help train more suicide mission personnel designed to kill every one in sight, regardless of political position, age, sex, or ethnicity as was the case 9/11/2001.
I consider myself an apolitical, centrist, moral libertarian. This movie insults my sensibilities on this basis and on a technical movie making basis.
If you liked this, you probably really liked 8MM, and vice versa.
Given that, I can only comment on the blatantly biased point of view presented. No civilized person of sound mind with even the least bit of morals can argue FOR an actual war, and the horrors that go along with that war. It is very easy to say that we should all have peace and for many of us, that peace WILL come in the next life.
It is however ludicrous to imagine that after war and violence has continually existed since Cain and Abel that there is a magic silver bullet that will end it now, barring an apocalyptic end to this minute planet in this large and wonderful Universe.
By comparison to previous wars in my 73 years on this planet, this "war" pales by comparison. If you want to talk about and depict horror, then talk about Hitler and the holocaust; Truman (a Democrat) demolishing two Japanese cities in a single minute; the killing fields after we "cut and ran" from Viet Nam; and the continuing horrible condition of oppressed peoples all over the world.
As for the USA, the few thousand Americans who have died in Iraq do not come close to the hundreds of thousands right here in the states that have perished over the last six years either directly or indirectly as a result of drugs or alcohol. However, not a single American has died in the US itself since 9/11 as a result of terrorism.
THAT is what Iraq is really about. It is not "Bush's illegal war" however much the far left would have you believe it. Yes it is a fact that some very few Americans have committed atrocities in Iraq. They have been punished. The war in Afgananistan (which continues) was authorized by almost every person in Congress after 9/11. The war in Iraq was the direct result of Saddam Hussein thumbing his nose at the UN, who passed resolutions that led to invasion by an international UN force, composed largely of US soldiers and equipment, as has always been the case when bad guys needed to be eradicated.
When we examine what we should have done after the initial objective was accomplished, we wind up in a morass of opinions and alternatives. Bush 41 pulled back quickly and ten years later we were back.
Only one thing is sure here. This movie does absolutely NOTHING in terms of proposing any viable solution. It does however clearly provide our obvious enemies with a great propaganda piece to help train more suicide mission personnel designed to kill every one in sight, regardless of political position, age, sex, or ethnicity as was the case 9/11/2001.
I consider myself an apolitical, centrist, moral libertarian. This movie insults my sensibilities on this basis and on a technical movie making basis.
If you liked this, you probably really liked 8MM, and vice versa.
Georgia Rule
(2007)
Much better than I expected
11 May 2007
Georgia Rule has been pushed by the three main stars, Jane Fonda, Felicity Huffman and Lindsey Lohan in all the talk shows during the past week. I saw a lot of clips and figured it was just another repeat performance of Fonda"s role in Monster in Law, which I thought was just average.
Besides my wife's insistence, I was persuaded to attend the opening today by the presence of Garry Marshall in the project. Turns out I was delightfully surprised. All three female leads were exceptionally well cast and acted together superbly. They represented the three generations perfectly.
This is billed as a Comedy/Drama and that it is. The comedy was better than most and the drama built up as the characters' true selves and their strengths and weaknesses evolved. This is by far the best of its genre to come in a long time. Don't miss it!
Besides my wife's insistence, I was persuaded to attend the opening today by the presence of Garry Marshall in the project. Turns out I was delightfully surprised. All three female leads were exceptionally well cast and acted together superbly. They represented the three generations perfectly.
This is billed as a Comedy/Drama and that it is. The comedy was better than most and the drama built up as the characters' true selves and their strengths and weaknesses evolved. This is by far the best of its genre to come in a long time. Don't miss it!
The Break-Up
(2006)
WARNING!!! Romantic Comedy Lovers STAY HOME!!!
2 June 2006
Hollywood has sunk to new lows when they manage to turn even a "romantic comedy" into a huge dreadful waste of time. I like romantic comedies. I like the predictability and feel good enjoyment. The difference between them lies in the writing, situations, settings, gimmicks and especially the chemistry between the stars.
Break-up scores a big fat ZERO on all counts. The pairing of Vaughn and Anniston on screen simply does not work. It does not help that the entire movie is played more like "Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolfe" than say "You've Got Mail." I simply cannot imagine the alleged off screen romance of the two.
Try this for a perspective. I have never walked out of a movie in my life, especially a romantic comedy. If I was not sitting in the center of an aisle, I would have left this one about half way through if not sooner. I continued to increasingly suffer until thankfully it abruptly ended. I only saw the first credit as there was really no credit to be passed out for this horrible mess.
Break-up scores a big fat ZERO on all counts. The pairing of Vaughn and Anniston on screen simply does not work. It does not help that the entire movie is played more like "Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolfe" than say "You've Got Mail." I simply cannot imagine the alleged off screen romance of the two.
Try this for a perspective. I have never walked out of a movie in my life, especially a romantic comedy. If I was not sitting in the center of an aisle, I would have left this one about half way through if not sooner. I continued to increasingly suffer until thankfully it abruptly ended. I only saw the first credit as there was really no credit to be passed out for this horrible mess.
Brassed Off
(1996)
One of the best ever... if you like Brass Bands
31 May 2006
After playing my DVD (which replaced my VHS) for the 20th time, I decided to review some of the user comments. I was surprised that a disproportionate share came from outside the US. I suppose it has gotten more play there.
Many comments focus on the story of coal mines being closed because of many factors relating to other energy sources. Many also focus on it being a political issue (What isn't).
From my point of view the displacement and plight of the coal miners is a touching and true story but altogether too familiar since the start of the industrial revolution. The current equivalent in the USA is the rampant "outsourcing" of technical jobs all over the world. On the other hand colliery brass bands (now very professional) is a very unique British phenomenon that this movie celebrates. That is what turns me on. It is quite a treat to have an entire movie revolve around a brass band. While the ending of the movie suggests that the band disbands (unintended word play), the Grimethorpe band who did the music still lives today.
I agree with a comment that suggested the scene where Gloria joins the band and they play Rodrigo's Concerto is one of his favorite scenes. In fact, the reason I just watched that scene again for the 50th time is that I recently returned from a cruise that featured a classical guitarist as one of the entertainers. I was surprised that he played the same music in the scene. It did not seem right to me but then I discovered that Rodgrigo was one of the world's greatest guitarists and wrote this concerto for a guitar not a fluglehorn.
The presence of Tara Fitzgerald at her prime and Ewan McGregor in a far different role from his superb performance in Moulin Rouge are extra bonuses as is the oft-mention acting skill of Pete Prostelwaithe.
Still if you don't like Brass Bands, pass this by. The music is the real difference between this exceptional movie and the similar themed Full Monty, which I detested.
Many comments focus on the story of coal mines being closed because of many factors relating to other energy sources. Many also focus on it being a political issue (What isn't).
From my point of view the displacement and plight of the coal miners is a touching and true story but altogether too familiar since the start of the industrial revolution. The current equivalent in the USA is the rampant "outsourcing" of technical jobs all over the world. On the other hand colliery brass bands (now very professional) is a very unique British phenomenon that this movie celebrates. That is what turns me on. It is quite a treat to have an entire movie revolve around a brass band. While the ending of the movie suggests that the band disbands (unintended word play), the Grimethorpe band who did the music still lives today.
I agree with a comment that suggested the scene where Gloria joins the band and they play Rodrigo's Concerto is one of his favorite scenes. In fact, the reason I just watched that scene again for the 50th time is that I recently returned from a cruise that featured a classical guitarist as one of the entertainers. I was surprised that he played the same music in the scene. It did not seem right to me but then I discovered that Rodgrigo was one of the world's greatest guitarists and wrote this concerto for a guitar not a fluglehorn.
The presence of Tara Fitzgerald at her prime and Ewan McGregor in a far different role from his superb performance in Moulin Rouge are extra bonuses as is the oft-mention acting skill of Pete Prostelwaithe.
Still if you don't like Brass Bands, pass this by. The music is the real difference between this exceptional movie and the similar themed Full Monty, which I detested.
Failure to Launch
(2006)
A real pleasant surprise!
10 March 2006
I just could not see McConaughey and Parker together in a romantic situation. I could not even imagine McConaughey in a comic role and did not believe I could picture Parker as anybody but Carrie, or maybe Annie! What a surprise! I was completely swept up in their characters and this fast moving, well written, romantic comedy.
They, and all of the rather large supporting cast were outstanding. This is a must see if only to see Terry Bradshaw as you have never seen him before. I am watching arguably the best NFL quarterback ever, making me forget that completely. Kathy Bates turns in a performance 180 degrees from her role in Misery.
Again I could rely on the dependability of the local critics. They gave this a C- which was a sure sign that it had no redeeming qualities other than being a formula run of the mill escapist romantic comedy (but very entertaining by my standards). By definition, they (and the Academy) can only rate a move highly if it has a "message" that is usually negative and often depraved.
If you were pleased with the Academy 2005 best movie selections, avoid this movie. On the other hand if you want to forget all the problems of the world and just have some good laughs and walk out feeling good, this should be your cup of tea.
They, and all of the rather large supporting cast were outstanding. This is a must see if only to see Terry Bradshaw as you have never seen him before. I am watching arguably the best NFL quarterback ever, making me forget that completely. Kathy Bates turns in a performance 180 degrees from her role in Misery.
Again I could rely on the dependability of the local critics. They gave this a C- which was a sure sign that it had no redeeming qualities other than being a formula run of the mill escapist romantic comedy (but very entertaining by my standards). By definition, they (and the Academy) can only rate a move highly if it has a "message" that is usually negative and often depraved.
If you were pleased with the Academy 2005 best movie selections, avoid this movie. On the other hand if you want to forget all the problems of the world and just have some good laughs and walk out feeling good, this should be your cup of tea.
The Family Stone
(2005)
Just so-so
16 December 2005
Warning: Spoilers
The ensemble cast reminded me of The Royal Tenenbaums in that a lot of star power was involved and all were acting a bit out of their norm. The movie was also disjointed and full of multiple undeveloped sub-plots and dark comedy.
The spoilers are built into the movie as ALMOST everything is telegraphed way ahead as other reviewers have noted. Nevertheless if you just want to be entertained by a predictable, happy/sad, multiple romantic comedy/farce, enjoy this film.
What is best is Rachael McAdams who in recent films has shown a tremendous range. Least used talent was a waste of Claire Danes considerable abilities in a ridiculously truncated romantic interlude. I personally prefer Sarah Jessica as a blonde with a little more weight. I don't think I will ever be able to see her as anybody but Carrie Bradshaw.
Merry Christmas!
The spoilers are built into the movie as ALMOST everything is telegraphed way ahead as other reviewers have noted. Nevertheless if you just want to be entertained by a predictable, happy/sad, multiple romantic comedy/farce, enjoy this film.
What is best is Rachael McAdams who in recent films has shown a tremendous range. Least used talent was a waste of Claire Danes considerable abilities in a ridiculously truncated romantic interlude. I personally prefer Sarah Jessica as a blonde with a little more weight. I don't think I will ever be able to see her as anybody but Carrie Bradshaw.
Merry Christmas!
Titanic
(1996)
A Hidden Gem!
22 November 2005
I just found this great film in the Walmart $5.50 DVD bin. I bought it based on the superb cast and the fact that it had a Hallmark credit. I am assuming it is a three hour no commercial version of a two night four hour Hallmark Hall of Fame miniseries. I will refer to this version of Titanic as the CZJ version for Catherine Zeta-Jones one of its most shining stars.
I was far from being disappointed. The CZJ version was very different from its 1997 Cameron Academey Award winning successor. Whereas THE Titanic movie had great music, a single overarching love story and very expensive sets and special effects, the CZJ version gives the big boy a run for its money.
CZJ has two love stories, adequate graphics and effects, ordinary music and average sets and costuming. Where the CZJ version shines is in the concentration of the story on a much broader range of characters and a lot more scenes portraying details of what actually happened from April 9-16, 1914 on the Titanic, California and Carpathia.
Where CZJ really shines is in its casting and the performances of the stars. The well known stars: CZJ, Peter Gallagher, George C. Scott, Marilu Henner and Eva Marie Saint live up to their performances before and after this relatively unknown TV turn. The lesser known young players do an extremely credible job as well.
As I am writing this I can't help comparing these performances to the ones it the big Titanic. In the big Titanic as far as I'm concerned the only decent performances were by players in the "overstory" i.e. the discovery and exploration of the sunken Titanic. These would be performances by Gloria Stuart and Bill Paxton. As far as Kate Winslet and Leornardo DeCrapio are concerned they were badly miscast and stunk up the whole film for me. Actually the real stars of big Titanic were James Cameron and Celine Dion.
Overall,I rated both these versions just about equal. I highly recommend you go to Your local Wal-Mart DVD bin or Amazon.com and find yourself a copy of this overlooked gem. you won't be sorry!
I was far from being disappointed. The CZJ version was very different from its 1997 Cameron Academey Award winning successor. Whereas THE Titanic movie had great music, a single overarching love story and very expensive sets and special effects, the CZJ version gives the big boy a run for its money.
CZJ has two love stories, adequate graphics and effects, ordinary music and average sets and costuming. Where the CZJ version shines is in the concentration of the story on a much broader range of characters and a lot more scenes portraying details of what actually happened from April 9-16, 1914 on the Titanic, California and Carpathia.
Where CZJ really shines is in its casting and the performances of the stars. The well known stars: CZJ, Peter Gallagher, George C. Scott, Marilu Henner and Eva Marie Saint live up to their performances before and after this relatively unknown TV turn. The lesser known young players do an extremely credible job as well.
As I am writing this I can't help comparing these performances to the ones it the big Titanic. In the big Titanic as far as I'm concerned the only decent performances were by players in the "overstory" i.e. the discovery and exploration of the sunken Titanic. These would be performances by Gloria Stuart and Bill Paxton. As far as Kate Winslet and Leornardo DeCrapio are concerned they were badly miscast and stunk up the whole film for me. Actually the real stars of big Titanic were James Cameron and Celine Dion.
Overall,I rated both these versions just about equal. I highly recommend you go to Your local Wal-Mart DVD bin or Amazon.com and find yourself a copy of this overlooked gem. you won't be sorry!
Prime
(2005)
Save your money and time!
28 October 2005
Warning: Spoilers
Those who do not understand why movie theater attendance is on the decline should examine this lousy movie - unfortunately one of many bad movies so far this year. Hopefully they will release something decent soon now that awards time is drawing near.
The title should be Rancid, not Prime. If you were enticed by the trailers and TV hype, save your money and stay home. You have already seen the best in the movie. The rest is all downhill.
A very small example of the lameness of this movie: why did they feel it was necessary to widen the age difference of the female lead over the male lead character to 37 to 23 (14 tears) instead of using the actual age difference of the actors which is 35 to 27 (8 years). I suppose they were trying to justify the arcane notion that these two people were way too different in age to ever have love, marriage, etc work out. First that is ridiculous in real life: for example Demi Moore and Ashton Kuscher. Three of my sons are married to older women the biggest age difference being 51 to 40. With respect to the way the actors come across in the film, they appear to be very close in age and maturity.
The only one who comes across out of place age wise is Meryl Streep who looks old enough to play the grandmother yet acts more immature and unprofessional than the younger leads.
Forget about this bomb!!!!
The title should be Rancid, not Prime. If you were enticed by the trailers and TV hype, save your money and stay home. You have already seen the best in the movie. The rest is all downhill.
A very small example of the lameness of this movie: why did they feel it was necessary to widen the age difference of the female lead over the male lead character to 37 to 23 (14 tears) instead of using the actual age difference of the actors which is 35 to 27 (8 years). I suppose they were trying to justify the arcane notion that these two people were way too different in age to ever have love, marriage, etc work out. First that is ridiculous in real life: for example Demi Moore and Ashton Kuscher. Three of my sons are married to older women the biggest age difference being 51 to 40. With respect to the way the actors come across in the film, they appear to be very close in age and maturity.
The only one who comes across out of place age wise is Meryl Streep who looks old enough to play the grandmother yet acts more immature and unprofessional than the younger leads.
Forget about this bomb!!!!
A disappointment to me
30 September 2005
Warning: Spoilers
I went to this movie with great expectations. That's never a good ides and was especially so in this disappointing film. First of all the only spoiler I can tell you is that there are no spoilers! If you have seen the trailers and know the true story, then that's it.
The golfing scenes take up way to much time and are a very poor knock of the scenes from Legend of Bagger Vance, my gold standard for sports movies in general and golf movies specifically. Photograohy is mediocre, the story line is very weak, trite and not well developed and the acting very average or worse.
With no star power I expected a great story line and directing. Unfortunately the acting, if you can call it that, was akin to a bunch of extras and C-level actors struggling for something that was simply not there. Too bad Bill Paxton did not appear in the movie instead of his son. Bill should give up directing and stick to acting! The sparse "love story" is given very little development and absolutely NO denouement. The "what happened to statements" printed at the end provide incomplete closure at best.
The golfing scenes take up way to much time and are a very poor knock of the scenes from Legend of Bagger Vance, my gold standard for sports movies in general and golf movies specifically. Photograohy is mediocre, the story line is very weak, trite and not well developed and the acting very average or worse.
With no star power I expected a great story line and directing. Unfortunately the acting, if you can call it that, was akin to a bunch of extras and C-level actors struggling for something that was simply not there. Too bad Bill Paxton did not appear in the movie instead of his son. Bill should give up directing and stick to acting! The sparse "love story" is given very little development and absolutely NO denouement. The "what happened to statements" printed at the end provide incomplete closure at best.
Just Like Heaven
(2005)
The best of its genre EVER made!
16 September 2005
Without a doubt this is the best pure metaphysical romantic comedy/dramas ever made. I never see supernatural horror suspense thrillers and never will. On the other hand I have seen every benign supernatural movie made e.g. Powder, Phenomenon, Ghost, Here Comes Mr. Jordan and its Warren Beatty copy, etc. I especially like ones that have a strong love theme and a sound metaphysical basis.
On the surface this is another chick flick love story with ghosts or life beyond death involved. I enjoyed others of this genre e.g. Kiss Me Goodbye (Sally Field and James Caan), Heart and Souls (Robert Downey, Jr and others), Hello Again (Shelly Long and Gabriel Byrne), Defending Your life (Albert Brooks and Meryl Streep), City of Angels (Meg Ryan and Nicholas Cage), etc. This excellently written, photographed and directed film surpasses all of the above by a considerable margin in my opinion.
I am not about to begin to spoil this in any way. I refuse to watch previews or read detail reviews before a film as increasingly they give too much away ruining the movie. I recommend that you do the same. This film surprised me at every turn with very different twists on a basically similar theme.
If this genre is your cup of tea, you will probably want to see this one twice and buy the DVD. There is the obvious on the surface love story, but there are many sub-plots, undercurrents and questions raised that give this film its added punch for me.
Last but not least, Just Like Heaven uses 21st century computer digital film technology in an outstanding manner to enhance the flow of the whole movie. I am definitely NOT talking about the Star Wars or disaster movie harshness but rather using the special effects to make it seem that what you are seeing is really happening.
Some of us do believe that some or all elements of the events that you will see could actually be possible at some time on some plane. Who knows!
On the surface this is another chick flick love story with ghosts or life beyond death involved. I enjoyed others of this genre e.g. Kiss Me Goodbye (Sally Field and James Caan), Heart and Souls (Robert Downey, Jr and others), Hello Again (Shelly Long and Gabriel Byrne), Defending Your life (Albert Brooks and Meryl Streep), City of Angels (Meg Ryan and Nicholas Cage), etc. This excellently written, photographed and directed film surpasses all of the above by a considerable margin in my opinion.
I am not about to begin to spoil this in any way. I refuse to watch previews or read detail reviews before a film as increasingly they give too much away ruining the movie. I recommend that you do the same. This film surprised me at every turn with very different twists on a basically similar theme.
If this genre is your cup of tea, you will probably want to see this one twice and buy the DVD. There is the obvious on the surface love story, but there are many sub-plots, undercurrents and questions raised that give this film its added punch for me.
Last but not least, Just Like Heaven uses 21st century computer digital film technology in an outstanding manner to enhance the flow of the whole movie. I am definitely NOT talking about the Star Wars or disaster movie harshness but rather using the special effects to make it seem that what you are seeing is really happening.
Some of us do believe that some or all elements of the events that you will see could actually be possible at some time on some plane. Who knows!
Bewitched
(2005)
WARNING- This is the truth! It REALLY is that bad!
30 June 2005
There are many negative comments that have been posted that I second wholeheartedly. The one I like is the one that says Bewitched had the look and feel of a movie made by a corporate committee. Only a committee could take three Academy Award Winners and the current top SNL graduate to movies and screw things up so badly! I have never seen a bad movie with either Nicole Kidman, Michael Caine or Shirley MacLaine in it and generally anything Penny Marshall is associated with is at least good. I can't imagine how the train ran off the tracks so badly in this one. Has to be a committee, politics, or something not evident to me. The story is awful and the editing is bottom of the barrel. It is jerky and unfunny.
Like one other reviewer, I have NEVER walked out of a move. I would however have walked out on this one, but I did not want to wake my wife up to do it.
All the 1 votes and reviews like this from a romantic comedy lover like me should raise red flags for you. Let's put it this way - I have watched Sleepless in Seattle, You've Got Mail, Moulin Rouge, Cider House Rules, Guarding Tess, and many others involving these principals at least 20-30 times each. I will never watch Bewitched again.
Like one other reviewer, I have NEVER walked out of a move. I would however have walked out on this one, but I did not want to wake my wife up to do it.
All the 1 votes and reviews like this from a romantic comedy lover like me should raise red flags for you. Let's put it this way - I have watched Sleepless in Seattle, You've Got Mail, Moulin Rouge, Cider House Rules, Guarding Tess, and many others involving these principals at least 20-30 times each. I will never watch Bewitched again.
Comedy?? Excuse me!
22 January 2005
I suppose I have to be classified a contrarian now because I like the way movies once were. These days it seems by far the vast majority of the films the critics rave about are ones that are "different". Movies that are there just for enjoyment just don't seem to get made as often these days.
I missed this film because it only played at our local art theater. I never do see anything there because the movies are always given extremely favorable ratings but are always lousy (IMHO) films from an enjoyment standpoint.
I finally broke down and rented the DVD of this because of the number of Golden Globe nominations and good stars involved. When will I ever learn that if it is considered great by the critics and the "in crowd" in Hollywood, it is practically guaranteed to be a waste of time as entertainment. If I could give a zero rating, this would get it for sure. The fact it is so high in the IMDb all time ratings is to me a sad commentary on the state of our world.
I may be old and I may come from another era but one thing I know for sure. By definition a comedy is supposed to be funny, like ha-ha laugh out loud funny - especially if it has Jim Carrey. To classify Spotless Mind as a comedy requires someone with a very twisted mind indeed. I can concede the acting was good and that it was well filmed and quite different. There is no way however that it is a comedy. Comedy is Chaplin, Abbot & Costello, Lemmon and Matthau, et. al.
If you are expecting to laugh or find anything funny in this piece of trash, save your time and money. I suppose they are making so few real comedies now that they have to stretch like Jim Carrey in Mask to call fantasy/sci-fi drama a comedy.
I missed this film because it only played at our local art theater. I never do see anything there because the movies are always given extremely favorable ratings but are always lousy (IMHO) films from an enjoyment standpoint.
I finally broke down and rented the DVD of this because of the number of Golden Globe nominations and good stars involved. When will I ever learn that if it is considered great by the critics and the "in crowd" in Hollywood, it is practically guaranteed to be a waste of time as entertainment. If I could give a zero rating, this would get it for sure. The fact it is so high in the IMDb all time ratings is to me a sad commentary on the state of our world.
I may be old and I may come from another era but one thing I know for sure. By definition a comedy is supposed to be funny, like ha-ha laugh out loud funny - especially if it has Jim Carrey. To classify Spotless Mind as a comedy requires someone with a very twisted mind indeed. I can concede the acting was good and that it was well filmed and quite different. There is no way however that it is a comedy. Comedy is Chaplin, Abbot & Costello, Lemmon and Matthau, et. al.
If you are expecting to laugh or find anything funny in this piece of trash, save your time and money. I suppose they are making so few real comedies now that they have to stretch like Jim Carrey in Mask to call fantasy/sci-fi drama a comedy.
Spanglish
(2004)
Save your money and time!
18 December 2004
Warning: Spoilers
This movie will get its share of awful votes. Some will be disappointed Adam Sandler fans. This is not your normal Adam Sandler! A few will be disappointed in the way over the top performance of Tea Leone.
My problem is with the writers. This is the least entertaining screenplay I have ever seen. It may be making a bunch of social statements but I do not find them entertaining. Worst of all every improbable piece of every slowly developing story line just never plays out to any reasonable conclusion. I found my self so dis-satisfied that after the movie stops (it has no ending per se, it just stops), I walk out trying to write my own fairale stopend to Spanglish, a comdram I could have done without! I got it - illegal immigrant gets Bachelor's from Princeton, Master's from Yale and PhD from Harvard, becomes President of the US. She changes law so that Sandler's character can marry her mother while still married to his own wife.
This movie should be rated D for Dumbest Sandler effort to date.
My problem is with the writers. This is the least entertaining screenplay I have ever seen. It may be making a bunch of social statements but I do not find them entertaining. Worst of all every improbable piece of every slowly developing story line just never plays out to any reasonable conclusion. I found my self so dis-satisfied that after the movie stops (it has no ending per se, it just stops), I walk out trying to write my own fairale stopend to Spanglish, a comdram I could have done without! I got it - illegal immigrant gets Bachelor's from Princeton, Master's from Yale and PhD from Harvard, becomes President of the US. She changes law so that Sandler's character can marry her mother while still married to his own wife.
This movie should be rated D for Dumbest Sandler effort to date.
The Experts
(1989)
A Classic for one reason!
23 March 2004
This is by no means any more of a good film than the ratings show, however I am personally a collector of films where the people playing the principal characters first met and later became an item, or better yet married, and better yet happily and lastingly.
This movie sure fills the bill because the dance and love scenes between Preston and Travolta look real to me because they obviously were!! HOT as only real can really be. After seeing this, I still liked "For the Love of the Game" because of Preston, the baseball theme, Costner doing what he really does which is playing baseball and golf, but the chemistry between Costner and Preston fades from weak to nothing.
This movie sure fills the bill because the dance and love scenes between Preston and Travolta look real to me because they obviously were!! HOT as only real can really be. After seeing this, I still liked "For the Love of the Game" because of Preston, the baseball theme, Costner doing what he really does which is playing baseball and golf, but the chemistry between Costner and Preston fades from weak to nothing.
Eye of the Beholder
(1999)
The DVD alternate ending makes a BIG difference
10 January 2004
I had not seen this movie when originally released because of bad reviews. I did however recently pick up the DVD in the $5.99 rack at Target mainly because I really like Ewan McGregor and Ashley Judd. They did do their usual fine job of acting but I must admit that the plot was convoluted and illogical and the first time through watching it normally, I was disappointed in the lingering confusion.
I then watched the one deleted scene and the alternate ending and it changed my whole perspective. Sometimes alternate endings do not really change much but this was the most dramatically different alternate ending I have ever seen. It wrapped up everything for me and made the whole thing crystal clear and satisfying.
I can not imagine why they left out this long segment that does not so much result in an alternate ending per se, but rather fills in a lot of the holes that I had in my head. It is worth your time to rent the DVD and see this alternate ending. It may change your mind about the movie.
I then watched the one deleted scene and the alternate ending and it changed my whole perspective. Sometimes alternate endings do not really change much but this was the most dramatically different alternate ending I have ever seen. It wrapped up everything for me and made the whole thing crystal clear and satisfying.
I can not imagine why they left out this long segment that does not so much result in an alternate ending per se, but rather fills in a lot of the holes that I had in my head. It is worth your time to rent the DVD and see this alternate ending. It may change your mind about the movie.
Something's Gotta Give
(2003)
This time it's the critics that have to give.
13 December 2003
With a stellar cast led by three Multiple Academy Award winners/nominees and backed up by one of the top grossing stars of today and an up and coming beauty, how can you go wrong?
All the principles in the love quadrangle (Nicholson 66, Keaton 57, Reeves 39 and Peet 31)play characters of just about their own age actual age (minus 2 or three years) which in itself is refreshing.
This romantic comedy, though predictable, is smart and well done from beginning to end. The acting is superb and the multiple clips shown in trailers and on talk shows don't spoil the movie at all as many do these days. Dianne Keaton is at her best turning a performance that in my book tops that of her Academy Award winning role in Annie Hall.
It is great to see a couple of senior citizens like me show that love and sex do not end at 55 or even 65. Great entertainment for people of all ages!
Surprisingly the local critics gave this feel good movie a B+!
All the principles in the love quadrangle (Nicholson 66, Keaton 57, Reeves 39 and Peet 31)play characters of just about their own age actual age (minus 2 or three years) which in itself is refreshing.
This romantic comedy, though predictable, is smart and well done from beginning to end. The acting is superb and the multiple clips shown in trailers and on talk shows don't spoil the movie at all as many do these days. Dianne Keaton is at her best turning a performance that in my book tops that of her Academy Award winning role in Annie Hall.
It is great to see a couple of senior citizens like me show that love and sex do not end at 55 or even 65. Great entertainment for people of all ages!
Surprisingly the local critics gave this feel good movie a B+!
Love Actually
(2003)
Best Ever
16 November 2003
I could not believe that I could ever sit through a romantic comedy/drama of this length but I did and enjoyed every single minute of it. I personally thought all the stories were very well done, cut and edited very well and blended to form an artistic montage of love at many, many levels - some I had never considered.
I loved the music, the portrayals, the filming, everything. I would have to say this is one of the best, if not THE best, of this genre I have ever seen.
Don't miss it!
I loved the music, the portrayals, the filming, everything. I would have to say this is one of the best, if not THE best, of this genre I have ever seen.
Don't miss it!
Bruce Almighty
(2003)
Great entertainment!!
24 May 2003
Jim Carey is back on the beam in this movie that keeps the house in almost continuous laughter, which I am told is good for the body and soul.
Morgan Freeman gives the best portrayal of God since George Burns.
I suppose if you like Friends, you will enjoy Anniston in this movie. She does not do it for me, however my own personal favorite TV actress, Catherine Bell, JAG's female lead comes off great in this movie giving a real good performance in a small role against the tough type she has been displaying recently on JAG.
I highly recommend this great comedy!
Morgan Freeman gives the best portrayal of God since George Burns.
I suppose if you like Friends, you will enjoy Anniston in this movie. She does not do it for me, however my own personal favorite TV actress, Catherine Bell, JAG's female lead comes off great in this movie giving a real good performance in a small role against the tough type she has been displaying recently on JAG.
I highly recommend this great comedy!
Down with Love
(2003)
Campy throwback that works
16 May 2003
This film is strictly a direct spoof of the old Rock Hudson - Doris Day movies. There is an especially funny sequence spoofing Pillow Talk. If you are too young to remember the type movie being spoofed, then you will miss a lot. You won't however miss the double entendres as the film is loaded with them.
Quite enjoyable escapism any way you look at it. If you like Reene or Ewan, you will live this light hearted romantic comedy. The filming is sharp and colorful and the music classic.
Quite enjoyable escapism any way you look at it. If you like Reene or Ewan, you will live this light hearted romantic comedy. The filming is sharp and colorful and the music classic.
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