shhazam2 Reviews

The Sweet Hereafter (1997)

Great story which could be better told

[9/10 · 8 February 2011]

Despite the director Atom Egoyan's misuse and overuse of flashbacks and flash forwards, this movie contained a great story.

A terrible tragedy from which there was no emotional relief for the survivors except the chance for one to exact punishment for incest and child abuse.

This story could have been told almost strictly chronologically from before the accident to after the accident without misusing the flashback technique and saving that technique for some of the background of the attorney which was still very well played by Ian Holm.

Be patient with this movie and forgiving of the flash back misuse and you will have seen a gem of a story told about a tragic happening.

Billy Two Hats (1974)

Two are better than one

[9/10 · 19 December 2010]

Please rest assured that this little gem of a western will be very appealing to you. Having past it by many times for more modern films, I viewed it on a whim and was very pleased. A straight forward story of hate being defeated, love being found, loneliness lost and adversity faced. Easy to understand for any viewer requiring no interpretation. A gem well played by all actors. The stark scenery that others have noted as being filmed in Israel provides a great background for this simple story. The evils of bigotry and prejudice towards native Americans is well covered and evaluated without being preachy. Subjugation of women during this early western period is also exposed for its cruelty.

My One and Only (2009)

OK.. its about George Hamilton, right?

[9/10 · 8 July 2010]

Really enjoyed this story about an unusual family that got more interesting as the movie moved along on their journey from New York City to end eventually in Hollywood, California. To learn in the end that this may have been based on some real life adventures of actor George Hamilton was especially enjoyable; and, its not spoiling or taking away anything from this story to make that fact known here. You will enjoy watching how this story evolves whether or not you believe its really about George Hamilton. The separation of a middle age mother from her cheating husband has a familiar ring; but, how she and her two sons cope with her disconnection from her husband's money and support in 1953 is a sometimes funny and sad story to watch develop.

Temple Grandin (2010 TV Movie)

No mooing around, this is the best picture of 2010

[10/10 · 19 February 2010]

This movie has everything to entertain and its a true story. If you are like us, you will come away from this movie thinking about people, about animals, how we interact with animals and people; and, how we can all make improvements in our lives.

The person portrayed by Clare Danes has much to show us about how we cope with life around us. In many ways, by struggling to resolve her problems interacting with society, Temple Grandin, is a much stronger person than most of us. She worked out what confused and frustrated her about the people in her life and became much better equipped to live within the world then many of us ever do.

This movie is funny, heartwarming, educational, enlightening, entertaining and definitely should be on everyone's must see list.

A winner for best picture of 2010.

Enemy Mine (1985)

Better than you think

[8/10 · 18 August 2009]

In Enemy Mine, the hot shot warrior finds his heart when forced to confront his so-called sworn enemy.

After just seeing District 9, and having seen Alien Nation, there are many similar character developments in all three of these above average science fiction movies.

The alien-human alliances in all three movies came after initial reluctance, prejudice and unfounded distrust are overcome in order to accomplish tasks of mutual benefit.

While the style of these three movies is very different, their story lines of cooperation for mutual benefit are quite the same.

Enemy Mine, of course, is very much off planet Earth but involves alien abuse by humans as does Section 9. Section 9 and Alien Nation are both on Earth and involve overcoming prejudice but with less blatant alien abuse against the Alien Nation creatures by human.

Viewing all three of these movies is worth your time.

Homicide: Life on the Street (1993–1999)

Homocide is deadly serious and funny

[10/10 · 29 October 2008]

You will not be disappointed that you bought the entire seven seasons of Homocide Life on the Street.

It is, without a doubt, the best series of its type put on TV.

The episode called The Subway with Vincent Donofrio only is worth the whole series; but, there are so many more excellent episodes.

Three times a Peabody Award winner, twice an Emmy award winner, numerous times Emmy nominated, twice WGA award winners, plus numerous other awards and nominations.

Guest star appearances are too numerous to list. It appears that big name stars were lined up to appear on this well written, highly praised series.

PS:

The John Munch character played by Richard Belzer is heading for a longevity award now that he has moved over to Law and Order Special Victims. Already over 15 years and counting getting closer to James Arness and that Frasier Crane guy, Kelsey Grammar.

Same Time, Next Year (1978)

Gets better with every viewing

[10/10 · 12 October 2007]

We have enjoyed watching this movie made from a play every time we have watched it.

The story line holds true for today as well or even better than when we first saw the movie back in 1978.

We laughed a lot and even cried a little as these two adulterous lovers unfolded the story of their long term love affair for us.

This is real grown-up humor that survives as fresh and bright every time you view the movie.

Alan Alda and Ellen Burstyn are superb and perfectly cast as basically the only characters. Their dialog is rich and full of fun, real humor, real tragedy and real human interaction.

Can not recommend this movie more highly.

Portraits of a Killer (1996 TV Movie)

Take your pick of story endings

[3/10 · 4 August 2007]

This movie had lots of promise as a potentially good to even great mystery; but, it got lost in how it wanted to end.

Was the main suspect the killer or a blackmailer or innocent? Was the assistant head prosecutor a killer or accessory or just an overly ambitious attorney trying to protect her name and future? At the end of this movie you can fill in your answer to the above questions because they are still open and unresolved at this end of this movie.

Some good performances by the photographer, the defense attorney, the pimp and even the prosecutor's people are all wasted on the bumbling, and fumbling ending to this movie.

Miami Blues (1990)

You'll remember Freddie, Hoke and Susie after this.

[10/10 · 20 March 2007]

If you like movies based on Elmore Leonard writing, you'll also like this one from Charles Willeford who is a little less known but every bit as fun to read. In this quirky, little gem, Willeford's characters come alive as they are so well portrayed by Alex Baldwin (Freddie), Fred Ward (Hoke) and Jennifer Jason Lee (Susie).

Hoke Moseley is a recurring lead character in other Willeford books but this encounter with Freddie will be most memorable for viewer and reader. Where Elmore Leonard's heroes are often more then they appear, Willeford's hero, Hoke, comes with a few more shortcomings but he is more humorous and maybe more human by his flaws.

Enjoy this little known gem and you will be hungry for more of Willeford's views on humanity.

84 Charing Cross Road (1987)

For the love of books

[10/10 · 7 December 2006]

Do you like to read books? Do you have a love affair with books that is hard to explain to family and friends? If yes, then you will really, really enjoy this movie and true story. A true story that will delight and inform you.

The economic times and conditions in NY and London right after WWII and into the 1950s couldn't be too much different; but, this story of a struggling New York writer and a barely surviving London book seller finds similarities in people who learn to survive and thrive.

When the self-taught writer Helen Hanff struggles to find good books on British literature, she also finds a kindred soul in Frank Doel a book merchant in London. Their correspondence over 20 years develops into a mutual love, respect and understanding that benefits both.

Police Story (1973–1980)

Best TV crime stories for that time

[10/10 · 26 November 2006]

If you read any Wambaugh novels, both fiction and nonfiction, you can really appreciate the skill, care and intelligence put into this rather short lived TV series.

The stories had a feel of reality that probably reflected Wambaugh's experience; but, also shows his knack for capturing the real nature of police work. And to put celebrities in the leading roles of law enforcement had to be one the best, funniest, more sophisticated inside jokes that ever got on the little screen.

If you ever have a chance to see any of these shows on the re-run channels, take a few minutes to enjoy them. You will be entertained and satisfied, really!

Hoodwinked! (2005)

If you liked Stan Freberg humor, you'll love this gem

[9/10 · 13 September 2006]

For all the youngster that missed the brilliance of Stan Freberg's writing try GOOGLING for "Saint George and the Dragonet" and you will get a site that shows an example of Stan's writing.

Like Stan Freberg, Hoodwinked's writing is crisp, fresh, funny and sometimes too easy to miss. Luckily I saved a recording of this gem and will be able to replay some of the dialog.

Yes, the animation is low budget but the great quality of the writing and a well-presented storyline always wins over special effects in my book. Imagine Rashomon in animation and you will have some idea of the style of this movie.

Please enjoy this little gem and if you disagree with my comments; please send me a message.

Æon Flux (2005)

You only live once or do you?

[9/10 · 3 July 2006]

A civilization threatened by extinction is saved by a genius scientist; but is his the best solution for everyone? And what about those strange dreams everyone is having? Does the ruling commission know all the answers? Well, apparently some members of this futuristic world are unhappy with the answers they are provided and these Monicans wish to change the power structure.

An enjoyable adventure that also exposes some of the drawbacks to big science controlling our lives now and into the future.

Charlize Theron is enjoyable as the heroine and lead fighter for the rebel forces. Frances McDormand is a vision in blazing light as the intestinal communicator to the rebels.

There is action and treachery everywhere.

Quintet (1979)

Your turn to roll the dice

[4/10 · 15 January 2006]

Not the most awful movie I have ever seen because it had a chance to be much better.

A relatively interesting murder mystery could have been developed from the premise of this movie.

An addictive board game is played by humanity doomed to perish in another ice age; but, somehow the game evolves into a silly death match. Silly because everyone could do what the Newman character does and walk away.

There are also glimpses of a possible survival and future for humanity symbolized by geese migrating and the reality of humanity surviving through new births. But, none of these scenarios are developed by the characters of this miserable flick.

Virus (1999)

Salvage, salvage

[8/10 · 30 December 2005]

Say what you want about this movie not meeting expectations of the 90's but it was very entertaining and thats most of what I expect from any good movie.

Bad aliens, greed, bravery, bravado, science gone bad and survival all play major parts in this flick.

Strong women, brave men and treacherous men are a good mix for any story and this movie has them in abundance.

The aliens seem to want something from humans and its not in the best interest of these humans to meet their needs.

Try not to be comparing this movie to other sci-fi and just enjoy an interesting twist on the genre.

Gas Food Lodging (1992)

Try it, you'll like it!

[8/10 · 13 December 2005]

Guys and gals alike will like this one, just be patient. There is a real story here, clearly understandable and enjoyable by everyone, just give it a chance.

Anyone who as a teen has wrestled with grown-up problems can understand clearly what is being told by this movie.

Guys, shouldn't be too quick to dismiss this as "a chick flick" because you will be missing an inside to women that can be very informative.

And the acting is well done, too. Kudos even to stiff-board Brolin for adding believability to his dumb runaway father character. Brooke Adams is believable as the low income mom trying to cope with her daughters' problems. Ione Skye puts a whole different view on the "easy girl" we remember for high school. And Fairuza Bulk puts a nice believable twist on her role as narrator learning about real love.

Screamers (1995)

If you're going to be a rock, be a rock; don't be a bug

[8/10 · 9 December 2005]

Another highly entertaining sci-fi film based on a Philip K. Dick short story which I have subsequently read; and I agree with other reviewers that the movie is true to the story for the most part.

Have yet to view a movie based on a Dick story that wasn't enjoyable, e.g., Blade Runner, Minority Report. If you liked either of those movies,you will enjoy this movie for its intelligent entertainment.

Weller's character Hendricksson is fairly straight forward as a disenchanted commander believing that his command has been abandoned and that their battles on this outpost planet have been made irrelevant by the higher authorities. Consequently, Hendricksson sets out to bring a truce proposal to the enemy forces.

But technology gone awry rears its ugly head in the form of self-manufacturing killing devices known as the screamers named for their high pitched sound just before they slice and dice humans.

The Mark (1961)

See this one and then see new Woodsman movie

[9/10 · 12 January 2005]

This movie deals well with an unpopular but sadly common problem in our society. Child molestation is repulsive and rightfully condemned by society; but, short of executing the offenders, what can be done to prevent the offenders from harming others? Stuart Whitman plays the paroled molester as a very troubled man trying to control his sexual disease with the help of his psychiatrist (Rod Steiger)and also tries to establish a normal relationship with a mature woman (Maria Schell). There are very good performances in this movie by Whitman and Rod Steiger especially, with very good supporting performance from Maria Schell. It will be interesting to compare this movie with the new movie on the same subject starring Kevin Bacon as the paroled child molester.

Bread and Tulips (2000)

Get left behind and find yourself.

[9/10 · 27 December 2003]

Sometimes happiness comes when you get away from all that you know and go where you never went before....That's how it was for this clumsy but sweet housewife in this fun and entertaining movie from Italy. You will enjoy this story about finding real love when its not supposed to happen to you.

Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner (2001)

Gotta run

[7 September 2003]

A fascinating tale of deception, murder, envy, greed and lust told in an environment totally unique to most people. Told by Inuits, about Inuits filmed in a very beautiful area covering a couple of generations of one group of Inuits and their struggle with an evil family curse. The movie is long in spots; but, if you are unfamiliar with this area of Canada, the stark beauty will help to fill in the long moments and like us, you will not notice the extra time.

The movie includes a running scene that outshines most of the human survival events shown in other classic action films. The story line is interesting, the people are interesting and the filming is terrific. You will not be disappointed.

Narc (2002)

Entertaining from beginning to end.

[8/10 · 21 June 2003]

A gritty cop mystery story that resolves all story lines at the end; but, leaves room for speculation on what will be done with some information. Very well acted although dialogue has a little too much reliance on f... words to fill in for lack of other words; but, not unusual today. Highly recommend the rental.

3:10 to Yuma (1957)

Another great western from Elmore Leonard

[9/10 · 1 November 2001]

This movie was enjoyable to me before I knew anything about Elmore Leonard's writings.

The underlying story is made into a very watchable movie by the director and involves a ruthless but insightful gunman being held for subsequent transport by train which will take him to prison. The job of guarding him is taken on by reluctant guard. This temporary guard is a civilian who takes on the job only because he desperately needs the money to save his farm and family.

Typical of Leonard stories, the main characters have strengths and weaknesses not at first evident but when these traits become evident they are significant factors in the outcome of the story.

It is an intelligent movie which is great to watch. I highly recommend it.

Men of Honor (2000)

Based on a real person overcoming adversities

[6 May 2001]

Contrary to some of the other comments, I truly enjoyed this movie. Carl Brashears story of overcoming prejudice and injury to attain his life goals is something with which we can all identify. Performances by Cuba Gooding Jr. and Robert DeNiro were superb. Both of them and the movie should have been nominated for Academy awards. The movie presented the facts of Brashears struggle to overcome racial hatred, poor schooling, and devastating physical injury. This movie may seem cliched in its presentation if it were not true. That it came across as a cliche to some viewers is a sign of jaded viewers overfeeding on too much action oriented fiction. This was a true story about a real person who performed heroic acts.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)

"Blondie! You know what you are?..."

[15 February 2001]

This is a very entertaining movie. I enjoyed it in a theatre and at various times on TV over the past 30 years.

Eli Wallach should have received some kind of reward for his part.

This movie established Clint Eastwood as a big time star and even bolstered Lee Van Cleef's career for a few more years.

Night Must Fall (1964)

A psychological thriller well acted by a young Albert Finney.

[15 August 2000]

This remake of a 1937 Robert Montgomery movie is just as eerie as the original. Albert Finney does a great job conveying a momma's boy character who turns even more pathological as the film progresses. As true for many better British films, the supporting characters are well cast and perfectly matched to their respective parts.