Change Your Image
sthomas659
Reviews
Why We Fight (2005)
the missing piece of the puzzle...
The film opens with Dwight D. Eisenhower's statement warning of the "MILITARY INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX." The film draws the connection of how since 1945 the USA has made a "living" off of conflict and remedy of that conflict. Remedy being Profits! Profits which come from WAR CONTRACTS such as Haliburton, Kellogg, etc. Also, the disturbing thought of what the USA exports in the early 21st century which is mainly style (no substance). The film explains, in mediated detail, what has happened... what is here... and what (perhaps)is to come. The latter is left open for the viewer to decide what the choices of the US population will be. Will the USA change it's ways and focus on alternatives? Energy (alternatives) education, REPLACING a MILITARY in Collusion with CONGRESS AND NOW THE MEDIA...all some of the choices of change. We now realize that Scott Peterson or Holloway are diversionary tactics that the media/congress/ and the military industrial complex uses to distract and confuse the American public. I walked away wondering "does any US administration "sit in" and "zero" in on a media hot button issue and "form fit" so that the media can use it to divert attention from the public?" The military industrial complex needs "bad guys" like Jane Fonda or Cindy Sheehan to sell their military industrial complex "wares." We also gather that it was both Democrats and Republicans that voted to go to war in Iraq. Coincidence? No, Not when they all have to report back to their constituents that are a part of the military industrial complex. This supports the idea that gun control or abortion are peripheral issues and that Democrats and Republicans use these (issues)to create a "rally" for their "election contests." One could conclude that the two party system is not only a failure but the engine of the MILITARY INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX! The feeding frenzy of creating monsters such as Saddam only to use when him to the USA's particular set of circumstances warrant. This movie moves well. Included are clips that include history... and interviews which look at human loss and suffering. The disturbing look of an American HABIT which Eisenhower warned us against! If you see only one film this yr. this is worth the price of the ticket. Not only is it thought provoking it FINALLY unravels the mystery of what the USA is doing when it ends up in Vietnam and Iraq!
The Way We Were (1973)
history lesson / romance
This film combines the paranoia of the house of Un-Americans during the the early 1950s and a budding romance. It integrates a romance and reveals how two people can have different viewpoints and SOMETIMES those can dismantle a romance while INFLAMING it at the same time. The directing is excellent. Repetition is used in this film well. Katie brushing Huble's hair gently off his brow. It is especially important today to INFORM and DEMONSTRATE to young people the kind of outrage that went on during the 1950s Hollywood and the witch hunts. Many faces you will see that are familiar in this movie including Lois Chiles and James Woods. The music score is wonderful and there is a feeling you leave with perhaps a "what if" or "chances gone by." For Streisand fans it is a "not to be missed film." She is at her most elegant and strong willed. A strange combination but she pulls it off. Redford is young and handsome and plays Gentile very well. Anyone who had "the one that got away" may relate to this film. Great flick.
Another Woman (1988)
excellent performances and script.
This is a character study film. There are many "layers" to the story. Allen comments via the character in a subtle way. The film uses surreal and the subconscious to lead the characters to their destination. I like the fact that the ending left the viewer with his or her own ideas about the outcome of the characters. Nothing in this film is "forced on the viewer." Gena Rowlands narrates and is very easy to listen to. This is definitly not a film for the person who would rather watch than think. Rowlands puts in a very fine performance, in my opinion, she is one of the under-rated actress' of her time. The film runs less than 90 minutes. I didn't know what to expect when the film started but was surprised and pleased with this film!
Dressed to Kill (1980)
Dickinson shows she is an actor and still sexy at 49!
The film gets my stamp of approval. The scene in the museum demands acting without dialogue. This is one of the most interesting and unique scenes in the history of film. Dickinson's character Kate is very well developed and her performance is felt throughout the entire film. The best work Angie Dickinson did since Point Blank!