garysteinweg Reviews

Have Gun - Will Travel: Killer's Widow (1958) Season 1, Episode 28

WHAT!!!

[10/10 · 9 May 2024]

At this point (5-7-2024), there are two reviews of this episode. Both are excellent reviews of an excellent episode. I've seen this episode several times over the last few years and I've only recently taken to reviewing episodes I like. I'm going to get to the point of my review.

This is a VERY serious and thought provoking episode, but, the ending is hilarious. I never noticed it before, but over the last few days, I've rewatched the last few minutes at least a dozen times and finally decided to write this. It's the banker (whose money was stolen), and the buyer of the property (who got outfoxed by Paladin) that make it hilarious. When the sale is being finalized, Paladin reveals that he is due $3000 reward money from the banker which solicits a "WHAT!" from the banker. This is quickly followed by the buyer who says the reward is his since he now owns the property which holds the stolen money only to find out that the money was turned in to the sheriff that very morning. An even louder "WHAT!" from the new owner. The timing is hilarious.

Bandits (2001)

Why 600 Characters To Get Published

[8/10 · 31 August 2023]

I've written this in partial response the previous evaluation which ask's the question that I included here: "Brilliant performances by Cate Blanchet and Billy Bob Thornton. I could only shake my head in appreciation when it finished. I don't understand why I have to write so much when I see much shorter reviews on the site. Someone please explain, please? Why 620 to get published?..?" I said partial response because I really don't understand why 600 characters either. I do know this requirement started up with IMDB about 2 years ago, and it has resulted in no more written reviews by me since then (just met min character requirement). It would be nice if IMDB would reduce the size of the character requirement AND provide an explanation for the requirement.

Lawman: The Last Man (1959) Season 2, Episode 5

A Beautiful Story

[10/10 · 2 March 2023]

I'm surprised that no one ever wrote a review on this particular episode. It was very sympathetic to the plight of the American Indian and the injustices that they endured (and to a small extent, still do).

Someone has already written a synopsis of the episode and did a fairly good job of it, so I won't bother too much with that. What they didn't do is cite how well the episode was done. Hense this "review".

What's left of the Sioux tribe is a handful of warriors, starving and just hoping for a plot of decent ground that will enable them to live off the land as their ancestors did in the past. The foil is a white man who was adopted by the tribe decades earlier and had adopted the Indian way of life. And, he would rather go out in a blaze of glory. He is jailed by the lawmen (to keep him safe), and he spends time speaking to deputy Johnny in a very kindly way. Ultimately, he escapes the jail, and ends up taking a lance from his chief who wants only to live in peace. He is then allowed to ride into the hills where he will die a warrior's death. It's then implied that the small band of Sioux will be allowed to live in peace which we all know is not how things for the Indians usually went.

The Way Home (2023– )

Quite Complicated, Gonna Give It A Little More time

[5/10 · 23 January 2023]

OK, so what we have here is a time-travel series. I love time travel movies - and series. Unfortunately, when it comes to series, they don't last very long, usually just one season. There have been rare exceptions.

I've watched the first two episodes now. The first episode left me totally befuddled mainly because I couldn't separate the now from the then because I didn't realize there was time travel involved. Part of that could be my advanced years.

I've just finished watching the 2nd episode, and the time travel aspect has become obvious to me (yea, me). But, I'm still befuddled at the family dynamics. Perhaps my comprehension will continue to improve with subsequent episodes; I'll weigh in after a few more episodes, so hold your breath (no, don't, I'm not that reliable). I presently don't have a clue as to whether this constitutes spoilers, or not, so I'll assume it does.

I gave it a five for now just to be fair.

Regards, Gary in Sandy Eggo.

A Fabled Holiday (2022 TV Movie)

Starts Slowly, But . . .

[10/10 · 7 December 2022]

Finishes like the most beautiful airplane ever built, the limitless SR-71.

I apologize for the cheesy reference to the never-to-be-forgotten jet propelled airplane that could never be left at wide-open-throttle because it would eventually tear itself to pieces flying near the edge of space. But that's how this movie progressed. I almost abandoned it within the first 15 minutes, but I became intrigued by the way it was being presented, like a storybook, chapter-by-chapter, with each chapter adding to the story and the magic.

It spans, yet jumps a couple decades becoming more and more magical as it moves to its conclusion. Give it a chance. You'll be glad you did.

Transformers (2007)

I Will Fight No More Forever

[9/10 · 7 October 2022]

The TV series JAG (1995-2005) is my all-time favorite TV series. In reruns I just watched the episode titled "Black Ops" (4/10/95), At about the 52-min point (with commercials), a Navy Seal asks another Seal "who said 'I will fight no more forever?'" The responding Seal said "I don't know." The asking Seal said "I don't know either." When I first watched this episode in 1995, the question didn't mean anything to me - just banter.

Fast forward to 2007. I was watching the just released action movie titled "Transformers." Near the beginning of the movie we see an Osprey aircraft full of military special forces returning from a mission of some sort. They're making small talk and get around to playing a game of "who said these words?" The game ends with the unanswered quiz question (by Josh Duhamel), "who said I will fight no more forever?" This time I knew the answer. Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce.

I knew the answer because earlier this century, as part of a vacation throughout Northern California, Oregon and Idaho, I ran across the Chief Joseph Nez Percce museum where I learned the story of the heroic 1400-mile running battle with the U. S. Army from his homeland in present-day Oregon, to near the Canadian border before laying down his weapons and vowing to "fight no more forever."

JAG: Black Ops (1996) Season 1, Episode 17

I Will Fight No More Forever

[8/10 · 7 October 2022]

The TV series JAG (1995-2005) is my all-time favorite TV series. In reruns I just watched the episode titled "Black Ops" (4/10/95), At about the 52-min point (with commercials), a Navy Seal asks another Seal "who said 'I will fight no more forever?'" The responding Seal said "I don't know." The asking Seal said "I don't know either." When I first watched this episode in 1995, the question didn't mean anything to me - just banter.

Fast forward to 2007. I was watching the just released action movie titled "Transformers." Near the beginning of the movie we see an Osprey aircraft full of military special forces returning from a mission of some sort. They're making small talk and get around to playing a game of "who said these words?" The game ends with the unanswered quiz question (by Josh Duhamel), "who said I will fight no more forever?" This time I knew the answer. Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce.

I knew the answer because earlier this century, as part of a vacation throughout Northern California, Oregon and Idaho, I ran across the Chief Joseph Nez Perce Museum where I learned the story of the heroic 1400-mile running battle with the U. S. Army from his homeland in present-day Oregon, to near the Canadian border before laying down his weapons and vowing to "fight no more forever."

Love's Portrait (2022 TV Movie)

A Beautiful Story Well Told

[9/10 · 6 September 2022]

This was a beautiful movie, although a bit slowly paced, with beautiful country scenery throughout. Others have expanded on the plot, so I'll not replow that ground. A few observations, though.

I was reminded a lot of another movie from 2015, "The Age of Adaline." Lily (Aubrey Williams) showed much of the same grace as did Adaline (Blake Lively) throughout the movie. Coincidentally, William (Richard Williams) shared the same first name as did Adaline's first true love (Willliam, played by Harrison Ford). Also, a museum formed a basis of both stories.

The only shortcoming in this story, in my opinion, is the part played by Richard Williams. He's far too "wooden" in his portrayal of a person meeting and falling in love with the imaginary dream girl he painted from memory several years earlier. He doesn't smile much and he doesn't say much until the end of the movie, and even then, he doesn't show much emotion as everything reconciles at the end of the movie in typical Hallmark fashion.

This IS a movie worth watching a second time.

Have Gun - Will Travel: A Proof of Love (1961) Season 5, Episode 5

Pooping The Party

[5/10 · 26 August 2022]

Well, I guess I'm going to be the T in the punchbowl here. Whereas the episode was probably "right" for the times, there is so much wrong from an analytical standpoint. The plop has already been described, so I'll just get on with a different POV. First, Callie traveled at Henry's expense as a "mail order bride", but Callie determines that she's more interested in the neighbor Rud, so she goes to Rud instead of staying with Henry. Henry gets PO'd and hires Paladin to help him get Callie or his money back. Paladin should have never taken the job, but he does. At Rud's joint, Paladin points out that Rud should refund Henry's money, which Rud does. Huh??? If anyone should refund Henry's money, it's Callie, OR more appropriately, the mail order bride company that Henry sent his money to. So, then there's all manner of Jiving goes on, and Callie finally decides to go back to Henry. In the mean time, Jud gets beat up and left unconscious on the floor without getting a refund. Paladin then gives Jud's refund money to Callie.??? Callie has NO claim on the money This episode was very brassiere.

Red Election (2021– )

What the He-dbl-toothpicks

[1/10 · 15 August 2022]

I started watching this show 8/6/2022 having somehow been led to think this was a brand new series. It was confusing, came from nowhere, and went nowhere. I left it to record one more episode just in case things might start making sense. I just finished watching my 2nd episode (8/13/2022) and decided to find out what others thought of it. THAT's when I discovered this is, in fact, the 2nd season . . . I think. Well, that explains part of my confusion, the rest of my confusion is because my 2nd viewing was more of the same pointless dialogue among seemingly self-important people for some purpose I cannot fathom. Take this review with a grain-of-salt (whatever that means), but I'm done.

Have Gun - Will Travel: A Head of Hair (1960) Season 4, Episode 3

Jerry Goldsmith Music

[9/10 · 28 July 2022]

Hot dang, I knew it. Just watched this episode in reruns (7-28-2022, original air date 9-24-1960). It was a good story. I like watching TV series from my grade school and high school days (1950's & 1960's). The first recognition was Ben Johnson. Didn't recognize him until I heard his voice at the beginning of the episode (I've always done better with voice recognition, even from more than half a century ago). Then, throughout the episode I kept hearing refrains similar to one of my favorite movies "Breakheart Pass" (I love its opening credits). It would seem that Jerry Goldsmith did a LOT of movie and TV music. I just needed to share.

A Royal Christmas (2014 TV Movie)

Better The 2nd Time Around?

[10/10 · 15 July 2022]

I watched this Christmas movie a few years ago, and I vaguely remember it being just OK. So, I elected to watch it again because it had Lacey Chabert in it, and I like her sense of humor and her dogged optimism. Turns out, maybe I didn't see this movie before, but something else very similar. In any case, it is an excellent movie. I loved the last 10 minutes so much I just watched it three more times. So, maybe I didn't see this before, and this is actually the "1st Time Around." Hence the added "?" to the review title. Now, to watch the ending one more time before deleting it and going to bed. Good night all.

My Grown-Up Christmas List (2022 TV Movie)

Good Story - Sloppy Soldiers

[7/10 · 12 July 2022]

First off, it's a nice story. A little far-fetched regarding a romance developing over so much time with so little actual interaction. But, the "military bearing" of the protagonist is eye-popping. It's been alluded to by others, but I'll elaborate a little. First, the hero's hair is much too long, and he frequently appears outside in uniform without his cover (hat). At his wedding he shows up in his uniform looking like he'd just come from a barroom brawl - again no cover, lapel crossed-rifle insignia misaligned, and his ribbons tilting at a 30-degree angle. This HAD to be done on purpose for reason(s) I can't begin to understand. Finally, the girlfriend shows up in far north ice country in a dress??? Again, pickiness aside, it's a Christmassy mooby worth watching.

Baywatch: Air Buchannon (1994) Season 5, Episode 5

BIG age mismatch

[6/10 · 21 June 2022]

Just watched this episode (2022) and got curious. Mitch's kid Hobe finds a new girlfriend. Turns out to be Charisma Carpenter. Got curious and looked up their ages. At that time, Hobie was 14 years old, and Charisma was 24 years old. Charisma looked younger than 24, but matching a 14 year old with a 24 year old is kinda weird.

Wanted: Dead or Alive: The Corner (1959) Season 1, Episode 25

But - - - He Kept The Reward

[7/10 · 17 June 2022]

So, Josh was good friends with Boone, Boon's sister, and Boon's father. Boon was a falsely accused on-the-run person with a $500 wanted poster who got shot by two bounty hunters. Before Boon dies of his wound, he extracts a promise from Josh to take him back to his hometown for burial, which Josh does. The two bounty hunters want the reward, but the hometown sheriff gives it to Josh, which makes the whole town hate Josh including Boon's father. Ultimately, Boon's sister sneaks a shotgun to Josh, wanting to believe Josh wasn't responsible for her brother's death. Josh prevails, both bounty hunters are killed, and everyone realizes that the bounty hunters were the baddies, not Josh. Then, instead of giving the $500 bounty to Boon's father and sister, Josh rides off with it. Whiskey Tango Foxtrot.

NCIS: Birds of a Feather (2022) Season 19, Episode 21

X-Wife a Jezebel . . .

[8/10 · 24 May 2022]

Admittedly, this episode was not one of the more "action-packed" episodes. However, it still had several "twists & turns". The "cliff hanger" came at the very end, of course. What I want to say is that I know who the last text message exchange was with. I clicked Yes for spoiler because my making a "big deal" out of the final exchange may lead others to come to the same conclusion. If so, don't reveal. OTOH, I could be completely wrong. Time will tell. UPDATE Aug 10 - (original post May 24) my guess is the last text message exchange was with Gibbs. It's doubtful anyone's going to be looking back at this episode's comments anymore. UPDATE Sep 19 - Welp, I was wrong. The text message exchange was with Fernel who shows up briefly, adds very little, then disappears. I changed the "spoiler alert" to No accordingly.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: Did You Believe in Miracles? (2022) Season 23, Episode 20

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot

[2/10 · 12 May 2022]

This started out a complex missing female teenager story (complex because of the "cork-screwed" parents), but started becoming a more complex story as to who's done what to who.

Near the end of the episode, it became obvious that this was going to be a two-parter, presumably finished up in "Organized Crime" which followed at 10pm. The transition consisted of Benson calling a halt to going with her son to get ice cream so she could all of a sudden follow-up on something else (not clear exactly what).

So, watching "Organized Crime" next for the wrap-up of this brassiere story was a REAL letdown as it wasn't connected at all to the preceding SVU teenager story. WTF.

It has to be a failure on my part to interpret what's going on.

UPDATE: Welp, I just finished watching the next episode (5/12) of SVU. There was NO follow-up or reference to this episode. So, this episode simply went of a cliff. Unresolved and ignored. Consequently, I'm going to downgrade my rating.

Patton (1970)

Easter Egg

[9/10 · 5 May 2022]

At about the 18-minute point into the movie, a convoy of American jeeps is driving through a village and the lead jeep has the letters WTF stenciled on the right front bumper. OTOH, maybe Whiskey-Tango-Foxtrot hadn't been invented yet. Now to watch the rest of the movie. Last time I saw it was when it first came out. Good movie.

Benjamin Franklin (2022)

WOW

[10/10 · 18 April 2022]

Ken Burns does it again. I never realized how little I really knew of Benjamin Franklin. I only wish for his sake that he'd been kinder to his own son at the end of his life. This two-part series was a beautiful work of art. Words fail. Oddly enough, one of the thoughts that came to at the end of the series was I'd like to visit Independence Hall at Disneyland one last time.

The Power of the Dog (2021)

There Was No Dog

[1/10 · 29 March 2022]

Maybe I missed it, but after watching this confusing mish-mash for 20 minutes, I just turned it off. Perhaps I missed the dog, or maybe the film title included the word "dog" just to lure viewers in. Dog lovers beware. Everyone else, yer on yer own.

Taking Chance (2009 TV Movie)

Minor Flaws But Still a 10

[10/10 · 20 March 2022]

I originally saw this movie at Marine Corps Air Station - Miramar in San Diego. I finally receive a copy of it as a birthday gift this year (2022). It's a slow moving procedural that shows a high ranking Marine officer (Kevin Bacon) "escorting" a KIA enlisted (highly unusual) to his parent's home town for burial. What's so beautiful about the movie is the depiction of the honor and respect shown by everyone along the way to the fallen soldier and his escort. My only reservation is the dour way Kevin Bacon played his part with short answers and frowns to everyone he interacted with along the way. OTOH, it did emphasize the "angst" he felt regarding his personal "contribution". Just thought he should have been a little friendlier. What do I know!

Flashpoint: Broken Peace (2012) Season 5, Episode 1

Ragosto435 Got It Right

[8/10 · 15 March 2022]

The ending was tragic, but it was real. And, the music accompanying the death scene was beautifully done. There are select scenes of many series that stand out in my memory, and for Flashpoint, this is mine. I believe the song accompanying the ending credits was sung by Brooke Palsson who also played the part of the girl so tragically killed. She is primarily a Canadian songstress. Eh.

Regards, Gary in Sandy Eggo.

Have Gun - Will Travel: Heritage of Anger (1959) Season 2, Episode 37

A Beautiful Ending

[9/10 · 1 March 2022]

If/when this episode shows again, do your best to see it. It's a good story, not necessarily great, but it's the wrap-up ending that is VERY heart-warming. The things that are said, and the things that are done in the last 10 minutes must be seen. It's the only Paladin episode that I've saved on my DVR.

Regards, Gary in Sandy Eggo.

Have Gun - Will Travel: Ambush (1960) Season 3, Episode 32

Whiskey Tango Foxtrot

[5/10 · 16 February 2022]

I've been revisiting old western of my high school days (late 50s) and find them to be "different" from how I remember them. More moralistic, it seems. The previous reviewer provided an excellent synopsis of the episode, but his overall assessment is far kinder than mine. The entire episode is a suspense build-up of a wild-eyed crazy capturing individuals at a wilderness river crossing as they come along and holding them at gun-point in the river crossing shack - for what we don't know for a while. Then the ringmaster of this weird situation, a blind old man with his son, show up and the old blind man starts demanding that the son identify which of the hostages is the one responsible for his other's son's death. In the process of all the drama, two of the "hostages" and the Mr. Crazy end up dying before the old man's son confesses it was he that killed his brother (the old man's other son). In the end, the blind old man rides off with his son in a buckboard, and those hostages (including Paladin) left alive ride off into the sunset (so to speak). WHAT . . . This is BS. Why didn't Paladin perform a citizen's arrest on the old man and his son, tie them up, and take them to the nearest town to stand trial for multiple murders?? I have to admit, though, that I'm finding a LOT of these old westerns putting up with a LOT of nonsense from gun wielding bad guys. Wait, it took Clint Eastwood to fix a lot of this. Never mind.

Phenomenon (1996)

Bright Eyes??

[9/10 · 29 December 2021]

I watched this movie when it first came out, and several times since. Most recent, today. At the end of the movie, the camera pans to the top of a stand of trees waving gently in the wind. Ever since I saw it the first time, considering the mystical theme, I have wondered if that final scene was a subtle reference to the haunting Watership Down animated movie song "Bright Eyes."

(There's a high wind in the trees, a cold sound in the air. And nobody ever knows when you go and where do you start - Oh into the dark.

Bright eyes - burning like fire. Bright eyes - how can you close and fail.

How can the light that burned so brightly, suddenly burn so pale - bright eyes.)

(Bright Eyes was sung by Art Garfunkel, and was number 1 on the charts for six weeks in England when first released.)