The Peacemaker Reviews

Columbo: An Exercise in Fatality (1974) Season 4, Episode 1

One of the best Columbos ever

[30 March 2001]

One of the most clever murders in the Columbo series were stud Robert Conrad breaks his victim's neck and rigs it up to look like he was lifting weights which killed him. He also tries to mask the time of death by forging a phone call. When Peter Falk shows up to investigate, boy, do the enemies ever get sick of each other fast. In a hospital-set scene, Columbo even yells that he believes Conrad is responsible for the death- rare for Columbo, who tries to hide that fact normally. Interesting watching the lieutenant sort through the clues, and the office-set conclusion has the viewer hooked. Highly recommended.

Columbo: Any Old Port in a Storm (1973) Season 3, Episode 2

My least favourite Columbo

[30 March 2001]

OK, I know people are going to yell at me, but I think this film has a poor conclusion which doesn't really make sense anyway. Everything else in this film was good, but it was so uncharacteristic. In this one, Columbo takes on Ernst Stravo Blofeld- well, Donald Pleasence, anyway. Starts off interesting enough: Pleasence murders his brother, Gary Conway, and hides away his body for some time in his wine chambers. Columbo weaves his net in an interesting way, but I found the scenes were Donald and his secretary or whatever discussed marriage were exceeding boring. Watch other NBC epsiodes instead, even the new ABC ones, even read Willaim Harrington's novels (except for Columbo: The Hoffa Connection, even this is better than that) but avoid this one.

Les exploits d'Arsène Lupin (1996)

Clever Attempt to introduce Lupin to kids

[3 December 2000]

The gentleman burglar and his sidekick, Gainard, come to the small screen in a one-season cartoon that once aired on teletoon and is now on a-channel at 11:00 am (in Alberta). Lupin is in his same old style, charming, gentlemanly, and clever. However, it's slightly changed from Maurice LeBlanc. It now takes place in the 1930s, the stories are updated (and re-written, to a degree, though fortunately a descendant of Leblanc works on the show), and new characters (such as May Hem) are introduced. "Max" Leblanc is turned into an orphan living with Kelly Kincaid. Also, in several episodes a sort of cameo appears. Ever heard of Lupin's most famous story, 813? That number appears on boxes, turns up on Lupin's hotel room, is the time on the smashed clock- even Gainard's licence plate!-try to find out how many you can catch!

The show aired in French as Les Exploits'd Arsene Lupin, as well. A Japanese Animator named "Monkey Punch" made a show called "Lupin III" about the burglar's grandson. Just a bit of trivia!

As you may or may not know, Sherlock Holmes appeared in the stories. However, due to Conan Doyle's objection, they were translated into English as "Herlock Sholmes", and usually in French that's what he's called, too. Having read the whole Holmes canon, I noticed LeBlanc made Holmes do some uncharacteristic things, but he still paid him respect, even letting the great detective catch Lupin (he, of course, escaped) and the first episode of the series: Elementary, My Dear Lupin; has Sholmes and Watson (as Wilson) humbling Lupin. An interesting show. Some changes, a few technical errors, and Lupin's hair is changed to brown, but I recommend it to Lupin fans.

Episode Guide:

ENGLISH FRENCH 1 Elementary, My Dear Lupin 1 Élémentaire, Mon Cher Lupin 2 The Modern Weapon 2 L'Arme Moderne 3 The Von Luppo Affair 3 L'Affaire Von Luppo 4 $20 Million Beneath the Sea 4 20 Millions Sous les Mers 5 The Empire Karst Building 5 L'Empire Karst Building 6 Sam The Golden Hand 6 René Les Doigts d'Or 7 The Diva's Diamonds 7 L'Aire des Bijoux 8 The Secret of the Golden Scarab 8 Le Secret du Scarabée d'Or 9 A Prince on the Orient Express 9 Un Prince dans l'Orient Express 10 The Archduke of Austrovia 10 L'Archiduc d'Austrovie 11 The South African Mine Shakedown 11 Mains Basses Sur les Mines 12 Operation Iris 12 Operation Iris 13 The Mystery of Captain Blade 13 Le Secret du Capitaine Blade 14 Lupin Takes Pole Position 14 Pôle Position Pour Lupin 15 The Pearl of Simbad 15 La Perle de Simbad 16 Lupin Hits Seventy 16 100 À l'Heure 17 When Lupin Steps into Action 17 Quand Lupin S'en Mele 18 Lady M 18 Lady M 19 The Green Star 19 L'Étoile Verte 20 The Dove of Peace 20 La Colombe de la Paix 21 President's Oil 21 Le Pétrole du Président 22 Sicilian Power 22 Des Bulles d'Air Électriques 23 A Fistful of Gold 23 Une Poignée d'Or 24 The Arkinite Crystal 24 Le Cristal d'Arkinite 25 Karst for President 25 Karst President 26 To Catch Lupin 26 Chantage Pour Lupin

Columbo: Fade in to Murder (1976) Season 6, Episode 1

Great Mystery

[11 August 2000]

William Shatner (James Kirk) plays an actor who murders a woman for revenge. He has an entire plot planned, with his roommate drunk and a baseball game taped, and a "borrowed" gun used only for the crime. Shatner plays a detective on TV who was Columbo's role model, and the lieutenant is over re-joiced that he will work with Shatner on the mystery. Great mystery with a completely obvious clue to the solving (when it's explained) unseen by anyone but Columbo (when I say anyone, I mean the audience, too), a real treat (just as all the Columbo movies are).

The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas (2000)

Mmmmmmmmm.....it's OK

[19 July 2000]

I thought it was a good movie, but not because of the laughs. It can teach kids that when they grow up, they don't have to marry rich and famous people, just whoever comes naturally. Some of the jokes suck, in fact, I never laughed the entire film, I just thought it was OK.

For sexual content, well, it's hard to tell if Fred slept with Wilma (the same with Barney and Wilma), and there is a gay (literally) joke where Gazoo (voiced by Alan Cumming, that annoying bird from the first one), who must observe our mating rituals and dosen't understand that it is boys and girls, asks Barney and Fred to mate. I didn't think they had enough "character development" on Rock Vegas, and I wish they had told more about the flight there. But all in all, it's an OK film (though not much of a comedy), Beetles fans look out for a spoof of them, too.

Extreme Measures (1996)

OK. Not very good Grant.

[16 July 2000]

The actors are put in unsuitable roles, and the plot, though not slow, was dull and poorly executed, with some action scenes and a scene with two naked men, a fat, clean-shaven, white man and a thin, black bearded man. Not the best movie to see, if you're bored or not.

GoldenEye 007 (1997 Video Game)

Still As Good

[3 July 2000]

A Great Game, very enjoyable (if you know how to use it), recommended (espesially for Bond fans), all that old good comment review stuff. Let me add it is much better than the 80s game of Octopussy, where James Bond is a stick figure and all you do is scale trains. I'm sure Pierce Brosnan is proud, and Ian Fleming is chuckling in his grave. I bet he never knew how much his life-inspired character would influence the world- and how much violence would be added to it. I think he'd be amused by the latter, however.

Mr. Magoo (1997)

Uh... I have one question.

[3 July 2000]

WHAT'S the BIG joke? Sure, Nileson has a great voice for Magoo. Point being? Agreed, if this had been a cartoon it was good. Even the cartoon was more REALISTIC! If Nielson knew that it would be movies like "Wrongfully Accused" that would make him famous, he never would have kissed the script? Please pass.

Poirot: Lord Edgware Dies (2000) Season 7, Episode 2

Stays True To The Plot

[25 June 2000]

Unlike "The Murder of Roger Ackroyd", as far as I remember it stays EXACTLY the same as the book. As usual, the ending is quite a suprise. David Suchet (who played Japp himself, without a script, and admires Philip Jackson) shines as usual, but I thought Hugh Fraser looked somewhat plumper. A re-make of a stupid TV movie called "Agatha Christie's Thirteen at Dinner", which had an aging Peter Ustinov as Poirot and, as I before mentioned, Suchet as Japp. Enjoyable whodunit.

Sherlock Holmes and the Voice of Terror (1942)

Come ON!

[18 June 2000]

After the opening credits, some lines say Holmes is ageless, invincible, and unchanging. If Baring-Gould was right, Holmes was alive in WWII, but not so young! Basil Rathbone does his best, though I hear he's the one who requested the updates. You may notice that in the Universal films (this being the first), Holmes does not wear a deerstalker-Inverness (though Watson wears the cloak), and it is "explained" in this movie: Holmes reaches for the combination, and Watson reminds him "he promised". Still, it's extremely boring. Pass it on.

Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon (1942)

Not So Good, but better than the prequel

[18 June 2000]

Basil and Bruce play the detective duo in a period of war, Hitler- and Moriarty, who is trying to steal a bomb to sell to the 3rd Reich. When the scientist who invented it is kidnapped, Holmes must stop his nemesis at all costs. Holmes' disguises are introduced in this film, them being an aged bookseller bargaining Shakesphere ("The Empty House"?), and two ruffians. Though the period is wrong, Holmes does something he would never do (quote Poe), and they fill it with action, making it better than earlier "Voice of Terror".

Archie's Weird Mysteries (1999–2000)

I'll tell you the weird mystery!

[16 June 2000]

WHY this show aired! It's too stupid and unrealistic for adults (except for absolute die-hard Archie fans) and for kids, well, it's filled with monsters, vampires, aliens etc. that aren't people in costumes (unlike Scooby Doo). Don't see it unless you're paid at least $9 000.

The Last Flight of Noah's Ark (1980)

Been a while since I've seen it, but...

[16 June 2000]

I remember it being very good. Christians won't be offended. A missionary brings a man to Christ, and they do not make Christians appear to be idiots. A good adventure movie, with a tinge of action and adventure, though not violent.

Murder Rooms: Mysteries of the Real Sherlock Holmes: The Dark Beginnings of Sherlock Holmes: Part 1 (2000) Season 1, Episode 1

The Intruiging Dr. Bell

[12 June 2000]

Ian Richardson (who played Sherlock Holmes himself in his youth) plays the real "first consulting detective" in an excellent 2 part drama which also stars Robin Laing as Arthur Conan Doyle. WARNING! WARNING! STUFF POSSIBLY CONSIDED SPOILERS. A small part takes place in 1894 London, at the Strand, and the rest is in 1876 Edinburgh. Doctor Joseph Bell and Arthur Conan Doyle investagate a series of murders commited by the "Jack the Ripper of Edinburgh" where a heap of coins is found by the body. Doyle is also in love with a girl attending his medical university. There is one murder investagated by the duo NOT commited by the killer (the apparent inspiration for THE DEVIL'S FOOT). Other "inspirations" are a woman murdered and her ears severed (THE CARDBOARD BOX), poisoned pills (A STUDY IN SCARLET), an alcholic's watch (SIGN OF 4) and others. While gory (and showing a woman barf), it's an intruiging mystery, with some fun ideas of inspiration. The actors play their parts well (Ian is a walking version of old photos) and it's mysterious, with a supisinging conclusion- though I wish MORE SPOLILERS they investagated more crimes other than the series. Another Bell/Doyle mystery is a novel by Howard Engel entitled "Mr. Doyle and Dr. Bell" (Mr. Holmes and Dr. Watson?), though I found it less exciting than this.

Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero (1997 Video)

Definatley NOT for kids

[12 June 2000]

S-P-O-I-L-E-R-S.

Though Mr. Freeze is the villian, they eventually, when we travel deeper into the film, it seems like Nora Fries is the evil ringleader behind it all, and though she is the object for the kidnapping, they keep focusing on her being that, and she is actually the brains and evil schemer and...well, you get the point. Also, they have brief language and several adult escapedes and violence. Still, it's a very good film for adults and Batman fans.

Spenser: Small Vices (1999 TV Movie)

Robert B. Parker's Small Vices

[10 June 2000]

I never saw the old series with Robert Urich, and I've only seen a bit of him in "Spenser: Pale Kings and Princes".My father loved the Spenser books,so I gave him a try by taping this A and E original. Joe Montega plays Spenser, the sexy detective,better than I thought he would. Black-belt Sheik Mahmud-Bey plays Hawk, and puts a lot of humour into his character. Full of action, romance, and mystery. Aaaaaaaannnndddd...if you want to see Robert B. Parker without his sunglasses on, look for his cameo as Ives. Rated PG for language, violence, and sex (no actual nudity, but SPOILERS! a blonde takes off her coat, she's butt nude, you see her butt).

Captain America (1944)

Campy Show- Reminds Me of "Batman"

[5/10 · 10 June 2000]

According to marvel comics, a man was given extraordinary powers to fight Nazis during WWII. His arch-enemy, the Red Skull, was caught in an accident and perserved, while the hero himself was frozen in an ice cube. Both the heroes were revived, and Cap joined the avengers, who thawed him out (Austin Powers, anyone?. The Red Skull began a new criminal organisation. This is one of his adventures before being perserved. Like the 60s "Batman", some of his escapes from death are a bit cheezy, but they later got a bit less corny. It tells how he battles the Scarab, a villian who first murders with "The Purple Death", later steals a machine to revive corpses, and tries to rob a bank with a remote controlled armour car. At least better than the 70s movies of Cap!

Batman & Robin (1997)

Uh huh. I am extremely sure.

[1/10 · 30 May 2000]

This is so stupid. The special effects aren't the problem, they're the unrealistic scenes. They're inside a rocket that explodes and they surf down on pieces of it. Uh huh. I am extremely sure. Another is That they jump off an unlikely high cliff which has rocks and water at the bottom. Guess what? Even though Bane's (who is MUCH WORSE than in the comics, just an old henchman, no real villian) muscley butt is super heavy and Freeze wears his suit,guess what, they survive! There are more, but I think I'll dare you to watch this hunk 'a #!*%. 1/10

Nowhere to Run (1993)

Am I the only person who knows how cheap this is?

[29 May 2000]

Van Damme's best movie? Get out. A wasted film with some worthless humour. They should have got some sucky actor to play this. It is SO cheap! He jumps and flies at least 4 meters and lands right in his motorbike. Another time he punches a guy, sends him flying over a fence, he busts a car window. It's so dumb, it's almost funny, with Jean Claude in them!

Family Plot (1976)

Hitch's Cameo

[24 May 2000]

I really have no comment of this film, so I'm overjoyed that no one else revealed the title. (It was mentioned, but it wasn't revealed.) Well, his last cameo is considered his strangest, for the aged master's (with a pacemaker in his chest)outline, his sillhouette, is seen with that of a woman's through a door-that off the register of births and deaths, 30 minutes into the film. The camera then goes over to the questioning of the employee.

North by Northwest (1959)

Watch it only for good acting and...

[23 May 2000]

... Alfred Hitchcock's cameo. At the film's start, good ol' Hitch runs to catch a green bus, and misses. The door shuts right in his face and takes off with a younger man who beat the Master too it. For some reason, despite the all-star cast (go, James Mason!) and good acting, I don't think it's all that great. I haven't found any suspense.

Columbo: Ashes to Ashes (1998) Season 10, Episode 12

Excellent

[22 May 2000]

I saw this at a young age and loved it! My mother always taped Columbo movies, and I watched it with her. I understood perfectly! A woman clubbed to death, then cremated with stolen diamonds down her throat. The chemistry is great. I'm not as much of a Columbo fan as my mom, but I recommend it for mystery and Columbo fans!

The Avengers (1998)

Yawn!

[22 May 2000]

The Avengers. A hunk o' junk like this isn't worthy of such a title. ( yawn ) Only good for laughs. Fact, the great actor Ralph Fiennes("Prince of Eygpt") admitted that only Patrick Macnee could really don the bowler and umbrella and call himself John Steed. I bet Uma Thurman ("Batman and Robin", another worthless show) thought the same about Diana Rigg (now the host of PBS's "Mystery!").(snore) I'm glad they had Patrick Macnee as Invisible Jones. I was looking forward to actually SEEING him! Sean Connery does a great job, despite his run-down, dragged-in-the-mud role. Watch it onlt too "see" them (I refer, of course, to Patty, who now is writing avengers novels, which are actually good to read). It's good to see they at least know about Tara King and Mother (even adding Father). Good night!

Ace Ventura: Pet Detective (1994)

Hilarious, but gross at times

[22 May 2000]

This is a funny show, but there are some sick parts. Like when Ace learns he's gay. The spoof part of MISSION:IMPOSSIBLE made me laugh out loud. If you want to be humoured and sickened at the same time, watch this, but I warn you, the second half gets less and less funny.

The Presidio (1988)

Great Action-Mystery

[22 May 2000]

Sean Connery fans,this is a must. Mark Harmon fans, this is a must. Meg Ryan fans, this is a must. For: a) Sean Connery fans (of which I am one), watching Scotland's favourite son beat up a bully with his thumb is impossible to miss. He's great as a solder, and acts well (as usual). b) Mark Harmon fans, watching him as a coool detective smirking down a barrel of a gun held by a pretty much insane villain is quite amusing AND c) Meg Ryan fans, though she appears in few scenes, she takes over each one with her wild hair and sexy manner. In other words, see it. It's got an element of mystery and and action, and, in my opinion, it's very well acted. Enjoy.