Bernie4444 Reviews

Virgin Witch (1971)

Better change your witchy ways

[8/10 · 11 May 2024]

This is defiantly an excuse for watching soft pron. Everything gets shown touched sniffed or dispatched. They even have jerky dances and do a lot of evil eyes. To its credit not a lot of blood and guts. The background locations are mostly Surrey, England, UK

Two young sisters (each could be the "wine of the week" girl) escape their strict surroundings and head for the city to make their fortune. They come across a coven and one become intrigued by the other... well, wait and see.

One of the sisters Vicki Michelle that play Betty goes on to bigger and better things - 'Allo 'Allo! (1982) where she plays anything but a virgin.

Village of the Damned (1995)

I only have eyes for you dear

[7/10 · 11 May 2024]

This movie, which holds its own, is a remake of the 1960 film classic, which in turn was based on the book "The Midwich Cuckoos". This John Carpenterized version is a tad more gory and more colorful than the 1960 version.

The small town of Midwich one-day falls inexplicably asleep. Many accidents occur due to sudden narcolepsy, which is exaggerated in John Carpenter style. The result is that several of the village females including a virgin are in a motherly way. They all have their bouncing white hair babies the same day and as with the cuckoo eggs, they are too in love to notice the little quirks about having to control or mentally punish everyone. Compound this by other villages that fall to the same fate and you have an epidemic that threatens to wipe out the human race.

What action can be taken?

Is it too late?

If he/she were your child, what would you do?

Village of the Damned (1960)

I only have eyes for you dear

[10/10 · 11 May 2024]

The screenplay "Village of the Dammed", is based on the classic novel "Midwich Cuckoos" by John Wyndham.

Even though made in 1960 it seems to have older technology as a crank phonograph and operators that answer the phone without dialing.

The production is monochrome.

The small town of Midwich one-day falls inexplicably asleep. Many accidents occur due to the sudden narcolepsy, which is exaggerated in John carpenter style. The result is that several of the village females including a virgin are in a motherly way. They all have their bouncing white hair babies the same day and as with the cuckoo eggs, they are too in love to notice the little quirks about having to control or mentally punish everyone. Compound this by other villages that fall to the same fate and you have an epidemic that threatens to wipe out the human race.

What action can be taken?

Is it too late?

If he/she were your child, what would you do?

Vietnam: The US Government Collection (2015 Video)

Vietnam prospective recorded in 1970 (The Big Picture)

[7/10 · 11 May 2024]

Vietnam prospective recorded in 1970 (The Big Picture)

This way you do not get corrected by hindsight from 2022.

This is presented in 9 episodes some over 2 hours in duration.

It has a disclaimer at the beginning: "Portions of this film have been recreated to portray typical events in Vietnam"

Wow, James Ernest narrates with lots of good clichés. It looks more like a 50s movie film. Interesting as I know several tribes of Montagnards but never heard the term "The Rade" (Rhade) that are an Austronesian ethnic group of southern Vietnam. The presentation is worth it for that alone. Wait there are more the Nung people (Chinese).

I also saw lots of M2 carbines (pea shooters).

The subtitles are not keeping up with the action and periodically instead of looking things up using the term (foreign language). Not All episodes have subtitles.

Finally, we get back to the historical events leading to the conflict. We get the speeches of Lyndon B. Johnson.

Now it is time for Night of the Dragon narrated by Charlton Heston. Will the killers come tonight? Shades of "Apocalypse Now".

All this is just from the first episode. The balance is the iterations of the first episode.

Somehow with all the films, they seemed to have missed the Vietnam I as in and the armed recognizance unit I was in. Oh, well it is still interesting to watch.

As we come close to the end, we get how Khe Sanh is not Dien Bien Phu and B52s at night, unseen and unheard, until their payloads hit.

We still go on with small independent (The Big Picture) presentations with presenters such as John Ford.

This reminds us that no two wars are alike "Sorry Sun Tzu."

Finally, John Wayne shows up and Lowell Thomas, and General Mark Clark, and Gen. Albert C. Widmeyer, and General Mark Clark, and General Paul Harkins, and Sargent Barry Sadler Barry (singer/songwriter), and Admiral U. S. Grant Sharp Jr., and Martha Raye ( I saw her at the foot of Dragon Hill in Camp Enari), and the Alaskan senator C R Lewis, and Tom Hayden (Former Member of the California Assembly), and so on and so on.

Look for the book - "Vietnam War 50th Commemoration: A Time to Honor" There are different state editions Texas edition: ISBN: 1732297630 ISBN13: 9781732297630 Has the seal of Texas on the back cover.

Vietnam in HD (2011)

Another view from another angle.

[9/10 · 11 May 2024]

This documentary covers the Vietnam War from 1964-1975 with a different set of people and different film footage. The series is 6 episodes long, with each episode running about 45 minutes.

Titled "Vietnam in HD" 2016 not 2011, you are expecting spectacular film footage. In reality, the HD is the content, not the footage. It is a tad graphic in descriptions. This has voices of many known and unknown people.

If you have seen other documentaries then you do not need to watch this rehash. If you have not seen other documentaries this is a good beginning as it is pretty neutral in its content and not trying to be more than a presentation. Of course, even without a covert agenda, it is one person's view.

I have knowledge of some of the places 1967-1968, 14 months so it looks real and reasonable. Of course, concentrating on war, you do not get time to see the majestic mountains, cool overgrown forests, clear sandy beaches and beautiful people.

Victor/Victoria (1995 TV Movie)

A mangled shadow of a great movie

[4/10 · 11 May 2024]

The story is of circumstances that make it possible for a singer (Julie Andrews) to pretend to be a man pretending to be a woman.

"~ Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive ~ "Sir Walter Scott

Right off, I must say I miss Robert Preston. Naturally, this is a play and not the movie so there must be some allowances. Unfortunately, the play mangles the story more than necessary. Also, the actors have no charisma or pizzaz. The vocal ranges including Julie's are pitiful. The characters and actors just do not mess. The original story was placed in Berlin Viktor und Viktoria (1933).

When Blake Edwards moved it to Paris, he added his signature slapstick distraction. They had an opportunity to remove it for the play. Instead, they just added more "Keystone Cop" type slapstick. The few new songs barely replace the classics from the movie.

There is now a Kino Classics Victor and Victoria (Blu-ray) (1933). Renate Müller (Actor), Hermann Thimig (Actor)

Vanilla Sky (2001)

Formula and predictable

[5/10 · 11 May 2024]

The undisciplined son of a corporate magnet inherits the company and position. He struggles with the Board, manipulating women, and life itself. An automobile accident forces him to reassess life and his friends.

The only positive value of the film is it passes time well there are several cuties in it among which are Penelope Cruz and Cameron Diaz. Kurt Russell does some good acting on his part.

This movie is a formula and predictable. The formula as many variations of this is overused such as in "The Matrix." There is no mask or detraction as to what they are trying to do. You may want to compare this movie to wat some call the original "Open your Eyes."

The bulk of the movie is disjointed Sound Bites, and flashbacks (or forwards or whatever.)

The bottom line, it is a "take it or leaves it" film that passes time.

The Social Network (2010)

Starts with an annoying conversation.

[3/10 · 11 May 2024]

Once you get past the annoying conversation and through the credits and plan to settle on the intriguing film of history and success, you will find to your chagrin a blasé pre-cursor give-and-take conversation, a long conversation, a monotone conversation, a dragged-out conversation. It seems like hours of a monologue with a dash of dialog thrown in. As the ending credits roll up you realize that all he did was talk and talk and talk.

Of course, if you like long boring conversations this is a great movie and a perfect representation of one great big long diatribe that starts from nowhere and goes nowhere. On the positive side, the music was nice and the period costumes were up to acceptable.

I only saw the Blu-ray. I'm not sure they made anything other than Blu-ray. There are the standard scene selections, languages special features, and whatnot however none of them contribute to this presentation. You might want to listen to the audio commentary to see what they were trying to do.

Don't get me wrong I like history's I like biographies but this thing wasn't history or biography.

Hollywood Homicide (2003)

Romper Room

[8/10 · 11 May 2024]

All in all the story and plotline is very formula; there are good guys that are misunderstood and bad guys that are silly and scared. The good guys chase and chase and chase the bad guys. Will they catch the bad guys? Will the bad guys confess to unbelievable crimes? Or will just once the bad guys getaway. Don't hold your breath.

There is an added wrinkle as both Detective Joe Gavilan (Harrison Ford) and his rookie partner Kasey Calden (Josh Hartnett) take care of outside interests while in pursuit.

Meantime it is fun watching this almost cartoon-like execution, as they run past all the familiar landmarks that you may recognize out and about Los Angeles, California, USA:

Beverly Hills, Hollywood & Highland, Hollywood, Los Angeles Subway System, Mt. Olympus in Hollywood Hills, Pacific Palisades, Parker Center Police Headquarters -at 150 N. Los Angeles St., Parking Lot, L. A. P. D. Hollywood Station at 1358 Wilcox Ave., Santa Monica, Venice Canals, and Venice.

Victor/Victoria (1982)

Julie Andrews has an exceptional vocal range

[10/10 · 11 May 2024]

This movie is pretty much a remake of Viktor und Viktoria (1933) which is still available on DVD from amazon.de. However, there is a character (Blake Edwards as Charles Bovin, Private Investigator hired by Labisse) that distracts from the movie by using too many slapstick scenes that do not fit the story.

Victoria Grant (Julie Andrews) is a starving-out-of-work legitimate female singer. She meets also work singer Carroll Todd (Robert Preston). Due to an extraordinary event, a plan hatches in Toddy's mind he suggests that Victoria poses as a man pretending to be a woman to get work. Victor Grezhinsk (Julie Andrews) is the Polish aristocrat female impersonator meats promoter (James Garner) who is at odds as to his/her gender. After a sneak peek he knows the difference but what about his big-time gangster buddies?

Many top actors and singers. You find singing ranges that very few people can match in Julie Andrews. Leslie Ann Warren is like a shiny toy. There are way too many great actors to mention in this review.

You will like the story. You will like the singing "Crazy World" that outshines the movie. You will want to watch this over and again.

Vibes (1988)

"Girls are soft. She must have bounce"

[10/10 · 10 May 2024]

Doctor Harrison Steele (Julian Sands), you may recognize him from 'Warlock' (1989), runs an institute for psychic research. Sylvia Pickel (Cyndi Lauper) and Nick Deezy (Jeff Goldblum) are his most promising subjects.

They are hired for $50,000.00 to go to Peru to find the lost son of Harry Buscafusco (Peter Falk). When the son turns out to be Harry's age, a very plausible (yeah sure) explanation is given. Do we believe it?

This is a much-underrated movie. Take it for what it is. Peter Falk pretty much plays himself, outperforming Columbo. Elizabeth Pena does innovative acting. Googy Gress sings. There is a surprise ending and this leaves you with the nagging question "How do you say cookies in Spanish?"

Very Bad Things (1998)

Accidents happen

[8/10 · 10 May 2024]

This is a well-designed movie with an interesting story. Maybe a little gory in parts. Then again maybe it is supposed to be. Anyway, it keeps my attention. What was so weird was they kept it in the realm of "this could happen."

I have run into a few people who like the part that Cameron played. I could see these years from now on something like Mystery science theater 3000, with lines like "she got hung up" and "he was stuck for the drinks."

For real, this was a chance for the people like Christian Slater to be their selves. If you do not think this is a good movie, try "8 Heads in a Duffel Bag" with (Joe Pesci, Andy Comeau, Kristy Swanson, Dyan Cannon, and George Hamilton). Alternatively, maybe "Eating Raoul" was directed by Paul Bartel.

Veronica Mars (2014)

A treat for series fans

[10/10 · 10 May 2024]

I have to confess after the series-opening presentation I never really watched the rest of the series.

This was probably made to placate the devoted series watchers that found their programs cut off. Many different series either just stop or have a pansy wrap-up for the last episode. If we are lucky as with "Veronica Mars" we are treated to a full-length movie that tries to incorporate the essence of the series. With "Star Trek", there was a series of movies. We can only hope so here.

Veronica was a teenage private eye. Now older and supposedly wiser on the verge of getting a cushy law firm job, she is called back home to help pick a lawyer to defend an old boyfriend. He was accused of murdering one of her old classmates. Naturally, as we would've suspected she gets sucked into trying to track down the culprit(s) herself. Will she give up the cushy job and her new boyfriend and a new life just to save her old boyfriend and possibly clean up the local law enforcement at the same time?

If you have seen one of these "let's, find the culprit as the only way to vindicate the suspect" stories than you have seen most of them. The worth of this particular movie is that it has the formula and the characters that we've all come to identify within the series. This film also gives hope that there might be a series of films.

La Traviata (2005 TV Movie)

Beware of modern and minimalist

[8/10 · 10 May 2024]

Before comparing and contrasting the various productions it is nice to know a little about the story and where we are going. La Traviata means "The fallen Woman." Referring to the main character, Violetta Valery. In this production, played by Anna Netrebko.

La Traviata is an opera in three acts by Giuseppe Verdi. It is set to an Italian libretto by Francesco Maria Piave. It is based on "La Dame aux camélias," which is a play by Alexandre Dumas, of which he adapted from his own 1848 novel. The opera was originally titled "Violetta," after the main character.

I am not a great fan of either modern or minimalist. It did work out well for "Wagner: Der Ring des Nibelungen - Complete Ring Cycle (Levine / Metropolitan Opera)."

This 7 August 2005 Großes Festspielhaus, Salzburg, Austria Festival performance version is not quite as impressive yet still holds your attention and the music is well presented. I used the English subtitles as I only understood about 10% of the words. The subtitle even though in pail yellow still washed out in much of the background.

Anna Netrebko as Violetta Valéry could challenge anyone for the part.

Aida (1985 TV Movie)

A little story of an Ethiopian slave and the fortunes of war

[8/10 · 10 May 2024]

I have to confess I have not watched much of Verdi so I do not have enough knowledge to compare and contrast. I also was watching subtitles the first time through. Looks like I will have to find a different production and hope it is just not Giuseppe Verdi I find bland. I know this 1985 but it has a 60's feel.

This presentation seems a bit bland. But Stefania Toczyska made a splendid Amneris and kept you in your seat wanting more.

Do not let me discourage you from watching as everyone needs to know the story and especially find where they extracted the Act 2, Scene 2: ....Triumphal March from.

"Aida" an Arabic female name meaning "visitor"

Troy (2004)

"I lived in the time of Achilles"

[10/10 · 10 May 2024]

This film pretty much follows the story of Homer's Iliad with very few exceptions and a possible ending. However, the few exceptions and ending are what make this story work as a movie instead of a long poem. Stories being told many ways five different insights and there should be no conflict between the reader and viewer and both stories are real to the observer.

For you, that forgot the story and you that know the story well but have not seen this movie we are looking at a story that you may or may not have had an opportunity to sidestep in school but can never have a grasp on social history without it. Some call it real and lost in antiquity. Others say that homer had a Good imagination. And others treat it as an allegory with a historical background.

Brad Pitt who has played fickle people before is excellent in the part of Achilles and is sort of a heel. Nothing less was expected. It was the other actors that played their parts so well that you forgot you were watching the movie.

The story: Two Trojan princes are the guests of the Spartan ruler Menelaus (Brendan Gleeson). While Menelaus is preoccupied with other matters he leaves his wife, Helen of Sparta (Diane Kruger), to her devices. The younger Trojan prince Paris (Orlando Bloom) is left alone too many times with Helen and decides against everyone else's better judgment to make her Helen of Troy and thus pilfers her from Menelaus.

As a husband, Menelaus is of course miffed. However, his brother the Greek king Agamemnon (Brian Cox) sees this as an opportunity to absorb Troy into his territory. Naturally this spawns a war in which Agamemnon recruits Achilles an extremely gifted and charmed warrior. Achilles goes to make a name for himself. He brings his cronies and his cousin. Together they do many bold and callous things.

I will not go into the details of the war as you either know or will soon know the details. However, I will say that I thought that the Trojan horse was well and realistically designed. And you may want to pay attention to the background music as it is relevant to the film. The gods that fire the war are missing from this presentation.

Varan the Unbelievable (1962)

Obake is another name for Varan the unbelievable.

[5/10 · 10 May 2024]

Watch out Godzilla, Mothra, and Rodan. Here comes Katsumi Tezuka in a rubber suit as Obake.

O. K. As with Gojira (1954) was Americanize to Godzilla, King of the Monsters! (1956), the same process was done with Daikaijû Baran (1958) Americanized as this film Varan the Unbelievable (1962). So do not be disappointed if a few things have been adjusted.

Cmdr. James Bradley (Myron Healey) is the head of a joint US and Japanese scientific investigation. It requires a lake that is protected by a native village. It is said that the lake contains an ancient reptile that if aroused will destroy the world.

Something arises from the lake.

Obake is being mortified and tanked to no avail.

Planes have a flair for Obake.

Now I wonder why the world is about to be destroyed?

Will a solution be found or are you become Obake-chow?

Tremors (1990)

Gulp!

[10/10 · 10 May 2024]

We are looking a the first of a series of movies that will "grab" your attention.

From the weird minds of S. S. Wilson, Brent Maddock, and Ron Underwood.

Yep, it's daybreak and the Garboids want to have Kevin Bacon for breakfast. Then suck down some sheep like you would suck an egg. These creatures will worm their way into your heart and wrap their way around your axle.

This is a fun movie with all the standard horror elements including lots of "don't move", and one element that was not expected "Reba McEntire" with a huge gun. This movie is worth re-watching.

This is not one of those movies where you want to stay in the car. However, that might not be the best option.

One encounter after another. If you have a copy of "Up on the Roof" by The Drifters play it now.

Lie all your "Tremors" movies in a row and binge:

Tremors (1990): Although it was the first movie released, Tremors is actually the second in the timeline.

Tremors 2: Aftershocks (1996)

Tremors 3: Back to Perfection (2001)

Tremors 4: The Legend Begins (2004) This "prequel" takes us back to the 19th century

Tremors (TV Show - 2003) 13 episodes but was canceled mid-season.

Tremors 5: Bloodlines (2015)

Tremors: A Cold Day in Hell (2018)

Tremors: Shrieker Island.

Vampyr (1932)

A story with flour power.

[10/10 · 10 May 2024]

This is based on the novel "In a Glass Darkly" by Sheridan Le Fanu.

Allan Grey (Julian West) has a fertile imagination and we get too fertile along with him. He is on vacation. He chooses a strange building to vacate in. It is his first night and he hears a spooky sound (mostly in German) that forces him to lock his door. A mysterious man comes into his room anyway and delivers a package. It is only to be opened on the stranger's death. Things only get weirder and as with any mystery, it is always, the last person you suspect. Eventually, the story comes to a "Grinding halt."

Well designed "they may be vampires" story. All the elements are there. If you miss the introduction, you will be lost in the montage. Considering that this film is over 90 years old and has had a rough shelf life, we are lucky to see what there is. Now the question is if this is re-mastered, will it lose its patina as rare coins do after a good dose of Bon Ami.

Vamp (1986)

Do not get stuck for the drinks

[6/10 · 10 May 2024]

Not sure what this movie is trying to be. Most people read the review before purchasing. However, most reviews are misleading or waste time describing the technology used in the presentation.

Fraternity pledges looking to find a cushy environment decide it is easier to provide a hooker than to hand themselves. They recruit a local geek (Gedde Watanabe) with money to travel to the seamy side of town to procurer their quarry; however, when they meet Katrina (Grace Jones) who is the quarry?

I only saw the Blu-ray so I cannot compare media. However, this is not one of those movies that need any special media unless you are looking for something on Grace that I missed. Naturally, voice-over comments add another dimension.

Valkyrie (2008)

Operation Walkyrie

[9/10 · 10 May 2024]

"This motion picture is based on actual historical events and public records. Certain dialogue, events, and characters were created or combined for dramatization. Similarly, the chronology of some events has been compressed and/or edited for clarity."

The scene of the German 10th Panzer Division was shot in Victorville California, in the high desert near the U. S. NTC (National Training Center.) I was a tank mechanic there for a while in the Reserves.

We all know that Tom Cruise is in the film but it is interesting to see how many other actors you recognize. See if you can spot Halina Reijn when she is all buttoned up. You will also notice that the music plays a character in the film. Occasionally the sound drowned out the dialog (a common movie mistake.)

Lots of colors and no lame ersatz German accents.

The basic story is this is the last of a series of attempts on Hitler by Germans. Each character has a different reason and idea about why. However, the bottom line is this is a suspenseful action movie with the results of dispatching Hitler.

Adolf Hitler, "The Valkyrie; handmaidens of the gods, choosing who will live and who will die, sparing the most heroic from an agonizing death. One cannot understand National Socialism if one does not understand Wagner."

I only saw this on Blu-ray so I cannot compare it to other presentations.

Next read Homemade C-4: A Recipe for Survival by Ragnar Benson, just incase the situation should arise.

Valerie and Her Week of Wonders (1970)

Learn to speak Czech

[8/10 · 10 May 2024]

I purchased this movie to be culturally well-rounded. Because I do not speak Czech which sort of sounds German but not quite close enough to follow, I needed to read the English subtitles. The acting is exaggerated so you could get the point if the movie was silent with intertitles. You still cannot look down without missing something crucial to the experience.

The story is disjointed but clearly a coming-of-age fantasy. The encountered creatures (with English teeth), and people have a feel of an Ingmar Bergman presentation; however, it is clearly a Jaromil Jires presentation. The story is actually complex and best to see it unfold than be led through by a review.

I can see why this is a Criterion choice of presentation. You may need to see it a few times to pick up all the nuances. But I do not see this as one of those films that you occasionally pick off the shelf to remember. Be sure to watch the Criterion supplements as they give more insight into the film, including location costumes, etc.

I know this is supposed to be an artsy movie. However, I was intrigued by the actors, plot, and of all things the background scenes. Valerie came from a place that looks wonderful and sort of medieval.

V for Vendetta (2005)

"You cannot kiss an idea or hold it..."

[8/10 · 10 May 2024]

Remember remember the fifth of November Gunpowder, treason, and plot.

I see no reason why gunpowder, treason Should ever forget...

In a future society a caricature of a totalitarian state, a young lady's eyes are opened to its reality; but the story is actually about the interaction between the protagonist "V" (Hugo Weaving) and the lady, Evey (Natalie Portman.)

It is not just straight-forwarded anti-government it deals with a cabal.

As we travel their path, we too may have our eyes opened.

I like the inclusion of the soundtrack of "The Girl from Ipanema" appropriately placed.

I have watched this movie several times each time picking up on something subtle enough to evade the first viewing.

"Ideas are bulletproof"

Used Cars (1980)

A how-to manual for used car dealers?

[10/10 · 9 May 2024]

Shot in several location in and around Mesa Arizona. You may recognize then from different films.

One of Kurt Russell's (Overboard (1987)) best as the most honest used car dealer you will find (snicker.) Also, one of Jack Warden's (Death on the Nile (1978)) best. Together with the help of a great supporting cast, including Toby (real name not known), have created the exact used car lot environment. Jack Warden plays brothers that are more believable than, Lindsay Lohan. Throw in Al Lewis as Judge Harrison and approximately a mile of cars, then you have a movie. So, get out the popcorn and buckle your seat belt for this smashing vehicle.

Green Eyes (1934)

"These eyes so green, I can stare for a thousand years". Cat People (Putting Out Fire)

[5/10 · 9 May 2024]

The thirties were a dynamic decade where films turned from stilted and simple to dynamic with depth. This is a film that was made in the transition. At first, you think it is too simple with a hokey soundtrack. Then you get wrapped up in the story and find that this is a great short and to the point who done it. The film is black and white. It sort of has that Charlie Chan feels.

The story is a screenplay that has the look of a stage play. It is based on the novel "The Murder of Steven Kester" By H. Ashbrook. Jean Kester is in the process if eloping with Michael Tracy. So, people will not follow them they cut the phone lines and everyone's distributor wires. Now Jean's ruthless grandfather is found disposed of. It looks mighty suspicious. The house is full of people that were invited to a costume party. The police gat little cooperation from any of the guests. Before the day is over it will look like everyone had motive and opportunity. We may even find a few more deaths.

What part do green eyes play in the movie?