somejava Reviews

The Outer Limits: The Hundred Days of the Dragon (1963) Season 1, Episode 2

An Interesting Episode

[8/10 · 28 December 2019]

I'm not going to nitpick details. These older anthology series were often meant to provoke thought and insight. To critique them in a literal way is proof that certain people should maybe stick to watching reality programs. Where what you see is what you get.

What I do find interesting about this episode is that it airs about 2 mos. before JFK is assassinated. Which makes the narrative at the end quite prophetic. And the second thing is that at the party...near the end of the episode...there's a woman whose face is clearly shown twice as she dances in front of our view. She clearly resembles Jacqueline Kennedy. I have to believe that that was no coincidence.

9 Seconds: Eternal Time (II) (2015)

Uh...

[10/10 · 11 October 2019]

So beautiful and touching. I can't even describe. Watching this is what got me hooked on watching Korean dramas. Which led me to "Hello, My Twenties".

Killing Jimmy Hoffa (2014)

Interesting

[10/10 · 13 October 2018]

This is the first documentary I've seen about the disappearance of Jimmy Hoffa. And I found it to be interesting. Of course, we'll never know for sure what exactly happened. But watching this I learned that he'd threatened the Kennedy's. And right before his disappearance he was scheduled to testify before a Senate committee on the assassination of JFK. And it makes me wonder if he possibly "disappeared" intentionally.

We'll never know. But I think one thing's for sure. If he was "disposed of" there would have been nothing left. No evidence. No body. Fini.

M*A*S*H: Follies of the Living - Concerns of the Dead (1982) Season 10, Episode 10

Twilight Zone-esque

[10/10 · 27 August 2018]

If you've seen it then you know what I mean. And if you haven't...then you will. Haven't checked it yet. But the writers of this episode must surely have borrowed from a Twilight Zone episode with this exact same theme. But no matter. It's a GREAT episode.

Tampopo (1985)

Enjoyable

[8/10 · 23 April 2018]

At various times this movie is funny, strange, touching and...uplifting. I don't know if what I'm about to write counts as a spoiler. But I'll be safe and declare it as such. Maybe it's just been the Japanese movies I've chosen to watch. But it does often seem to me, that, unlike many American movies, quite often Japanese movies have left me wondering and feeling sort of empty. This one included. If you should choose to watch it then maybe you'll understand what I mean. But well worth the watch.

9 Seconds: Eternal Time (II) (2015)

My First Time

[10/10 · 11 April 2018]

This was the first Korean drama I ever watched. And it's responsible for me now actively seeking out more of them to watch. Not a large investment of time. Each episode is about 15 mins. long.

If you're like me and have gotten bored with tv and movies that rely heavily on sex and violence...then you might want to give this one a try. It's a sweet and supernatural love story. I've clicked that this review does contain a spoiler. But only to advise that not all beautiful stories end up wrapped in a perfect red bow. But my personal belief is that this one does.

Bad Guy (2001)

Not Easy to Watch

[8/10 · 22 March 2018]

Sad and depressing describes this movie for me. But it was worth the watch. It made me think and feel.

Watching TV All the Time Makes You Stupid (2007 Video)

Watch With Patience

[7/10 · 19 March 2018]

I'm ashamed to admit that I probably wouldn't have hung in there to watch had I not seen quite early on that the woman was attractive. Incredibly so! It was such a depressing situation for her that I had to see how it ended. I will say that it provoked thought. Both about myself and about society.

The movie was definitely different. Humorous. A bit depressing. And my spoiler is that I believe they both came down together. One way or the other. Holding hands.

Quantum Leap: The Great Spontini - May 9, 1974 (1990) Season 3, Episode 8

A Great Episode

[10/10 · 23 January 2018]

I'm getting to watch Quantum Leap again on El Rey channel. What a wonderful series it was. This episode was no exception. I felt compelled to do a search on Lauren Woodland. Who played Jamie in this episode. I learned that she went on to become an attorney. And that her list of other accomplishments is quite substantial. As are most of Quantum Leap episodes...this is a "feel good" one.

The Outer Limits: The Inheritors: Part I (1964) Season 2, Episode 10

My favorite episode of the series.

[10/10 · 13 November 2017]

I just finished watching pt.2 of the episode. I've seen this episode at least once before. But this was the first time in a long time. And I've gained a new appreciation for it.

I just finished reading an online review. The person who wrote it praised this episode. But he also took the time to point out the sorts of flaws that are inherent in most (if not all) older sci-fi TV shows and movies. With new technology things are obviously more realistic and spectacular. But in order to appreciate some of these older programs you need to ignore those sorts dated issues.

The power of this particular episode is in the message. And in the excellent way that the viewer is kept in suspense. It's well acted, too. With Robert Duvall. And with some other very familiar faces that are playing completely out of the characters they're better known for portraying. IMO, though, the actor Steve Ihnot is the most impressive. Not wanting to give anything away I'll just say that he plays his role perfectly.

I think this is a beautiful 2 pt. episode. And I believe at it's conclusion it will leave many people with a wonderful feeling. Something that I feel is terribly lacking in much of what I see on TV these days.

M*A*S*H: The Army-Navy Game (1973) Season 1, Episode 20

Please don't tell me...

[23 August 2017]

Just finished watching this episode for maybe the 20th time. And what I DIDN'T see has me wondering if the politically correct police have struck again.

Then Radar and Henry are having a drink Henry starts telling Radar about the Illinois game. When Henry was team manager. Tanker Washington gets hurt. And Henry runs out on the field and tapes the wrong leg. The scene is cut before Henry tells Radar, that, to this day, once a yr. Tanker goes to his (Henry's) house and shoots out the front porch light.

I hope this was just a technical issue. But it looked like a clean cut in editing. If we've gotten to a point where humor has to be so closely scrutinized that we need to worry about planting seeds in people's minds...then the terrorists and the lunatics have taken control. There are inherent risks in life. But if we get to a point where everything must be filtered through a perspective of proactive fear then one of the more obvious victims is going to be creativity. Everything is bassackwards. Thugs and skanks are glamorized. But goofy humor is censured. The sensibilities of average people are being ignored.

White Shadows in the South Seas (1928)

Timeless Message

[8/10 · 30 June 2017]

Over time I've noticed how much I enjoy the pace of silent movies. Not being pushed and hurried is a very welcoming experience. Also the fact, that, in between the written dialog...you only rely on the physical expressions of the actors and your own imagination. And in my opinion that allows the viewer to enjoy the movie in his or her own unique way. This holds true for all silent movies. This movie would certainly seem to have been ahead of it's time. The statement made was loud and clear. The acting was good. The underwater scenes and the context they were presented in probably had the most impact on me.

The Hustler (1961)

A serious must watch

[10/10 · 9 May 2016]

I hadn't seen this movie in a while. It's one, that, if having seen it before, you carefully choose when to see it again. Because both at once you get the pleasure of seeing some wonderful performances but...you must also be prepared to be left with a feeling of emptiness. This movie is a perfect example of how brilliant directing can convey every bit as much the same expressiveness WITHOUT gratuitous sex and violence. In black & white and seemingly with one hand tied behind its back in relation to the lack of taste (for the sake of broader box office appeal) that is often displayed in more contemporary movies -- this movie is bursting with feeling and emotion on a darker level of human existence. It automatically assumes that its audience is adult. So the directing concentrates on artistic subtlety. Which allows the actors to display their talents. Leaving it up to the viewer to color in between the lines using his or her imagination. And for me that's some of the true brilliance in these older movies. A child could watch this movie with no concern. And yet an adult can come away feeling deeply touched and disturbed. IMO, this movie cemented Paul Newman as a box office star. It will stand the test of time. Because as long as humankind exists we will be battling our inherent ills and weaknesses. I think this movie IS a masterpiece. I would advise watching it on a cold, rainy day. Immerse yourself.

Schoolgirl Complex (2013)

Sensitive coming of age story.

[7/10 · 9 December 2015]

This movie won't appeal to anyone seeking the typical American style version of schoolgirl drama. It was subtle and delicate. Attention was paid to detail. Dignity and respect and sensitivity were all given their just due. This movie isn't about the prurient details of learning about and exploring ones own sexuality. It's about learning to separate feelings and emotions. The plot is not a complex one. But it's nonetheless compelling. And there are at least a couple of instances where you really don't know where it's going to go. And that's where it also differs from an American counterpart. It resists going down the potential darker path. So it leaves you with a positive feeling for the potential future of the characters. I thought the acting was good. And I found myself really feeling for some of the characters. This movie has more depth than the poster picture implies. I liked it.

White Zombie (1932)

Beginnings of Classic Horror

[7/10 · 31 October 2015]

To begin with, I'm a Bela Lugosi fan. He had a pair of the most evil eyes this side of Lee Van Cleef. And I think he did a typically good job of portraying a mysterious and sinister character. By today's standards the plot is not very deep. But it is nonetheless enjoyable. Fans of this early era of horror movie know that it's often not only the film that is black and white. Good and evil are clearly defined. And for my taste I believe that's why I sometimes enjoy these old movies of all kinds. There are no veiled social messages to have to sort through. One thing I noticed about this film are the early attempts at screen effects. Surely not to be compared with modern effects...I think some of the ones used in this movie were...effective. They add dimension to the film. Especially when you consider that this film is over 80 yrs. old I think some great imagination was shown in this regard. I didn't think the acting was bad. I didn't think it was great, either. But for me it didn't interfere with my enjoying the film. You'll also notice that in some scenes you can actually see the breath of the actors who appear to be in something like a dungeon. I don't know the exact circumstances that caused this. But it adds another sense of atmosphere to the film. I also like the very last line spoken. I got a chuckle out of it. I'd recommend this movie to anyone who would like to see the beginning of the evolution in film horror.

Ride the High Country (1962)

Star Power

[7/10 · 28 October 2015]

With Sam Peckinpah directing and with Joel McCrea and Randolph Scott starring you expect a first rate western. And this one delivers. I think it lacks some of the character depth of some of the other classic westerns. But the acting is good and the story offers moral perspective. And this movie also offers some beautifully sprawling scenic shots. What did stand out for me was the ending. Not everyone rides off happily into the sunset. The final scene did take me by surprise. And even though it was within the context of the character & he did request it...it did bother me that they just walked away and left him. But I'm sure that eliciting feelings similar to mine were just what Mr. Peckinpah was going for. I would recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys an old fashioned western. It has a great teaming of stars. And a very good supporting cast.

The Life and Times of Rosie the Riveter (1980)

Historically significant.

[8/10 · 23 October 2015]

You should find this interesting if you have an interest in learning about the social issues that were going on in the U.S. during WWII. You won't read about the subject of this film in any history book. Both from a feminist and a racial perspective. Admittedly, I wasn't born yet. So I wasn't a witness. But I had just always assumed that during WWII all of the prejudices had been put aside for the country to pull together. At least that's what certain aspects of historical propaganda had led me to believe. But this film set me straight. My mother and father were both a part of that generation. They're both gone now. The people of the country (and the world) endured a lot. From the Great Depression through the end of the war and much in between. Watching this showed me why my mother and my grandmother were so strong.

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (I) (1920)

Gripping

[8/10 · 14 October 2015]

I'm new to watching silents. This was actually my second watched. I viewed this with musical accompaniment that I believe was created in 2004. But don't hold me to that. I might be mistaken. I enjoyed John Barrymore's performance. I had heard that his was/is considered by many to be the best of all of the actors who played the part. I've not seen any of the other performances. But I would say that it might be true. He was very expressive and dramatic. And I'll add another thing. For any fans out there of Frank Zappa...this musical accompaniment sounds JUST LIKE something he would have composed for classical orchestra. I'm learning to enjoy these bygone eras of movie-making. Once in a while a good new movie will come out. But I'm discovering that there's a wealth of them waiting for me to discover. Made before I was born. Some LONG before I was born.