Reviews

The FBI was one of THE programs to watch in the 60s and 70s on Sunday nights. The production value cast, guest stars and the star driving the latest Ford automobile, were part of the attraction. The plots, except for the first season were, were gritty, realistic crime drama, that kept the viewers on the edge of their seats. This, along with Dragnet and 1 Adam 12, were the fire runners of today's numerous crime dramas, such as NCIS, Law and Order, etc. I do take issue with the makeup for the male actors. They always looks like after the makeup was applied a layer of petroleum jelly was layered over it. Just greasy?

I have been intrigued by facts, theories and conspiracies about the assassination of John F. Kennedy for many years. I've viewed several documentaries, docudramas, and a couple of lectures, but this is definitely the biggest crock of steamed theories I have ever seen regarding this topic. I stopped watching after I invested 1:12:35 of my time. If I paid a penny more for the video rental, I would be considering pursuing a refund. However, a couple of the statements regarding the chain of custody of evidence were enlightening up to a point. But after seeing this, I still believe that something more like the conspiracy depicted in "Executive Action" is closer to the truth!

The plot is a bit weird for the sequel to the terrific first installment. Continuity and most of the original cast members, no matter the cost, would have made this an excellent picture. The only redeeming aspect is Mary Astor. I believe it's her best role, besides A Kiss Before Dying.

A fitting tribute to Alice Pearce, Mrs. Kravitz, who unfortunately died shortly after this episode aired. In my opinion, Pearce was the best Mrs. Kravitz, with her comedic gestures and impeccable timing. Paired with veteran actor George Tobias, they were instrumental in the overall success of Bewitched.

Lin Shaye's performance evoked every emotion. It was edge of the seat thrilling, funny and horrible, with such a surprise ending. The story, cast, acting, scenery, etc. was flawless! The end was nothing like what I expected. Golden Globe at least!

Excellent script, cast, cinematography, costumes, lighting, and sound. Excellent performances from an all star cast! How do you tell a life story,without every little detail and play by play. Simple show what's important and let the audience fill in the gaps, which isn't hard if you're an adult. Many will call this a "black film" or a "gay film," but I call it a great film! I know (and have known) so many Chirons and Blacks, that never get to the final stage of this film, and finally someone has captured all of the heartache, emotional distress, pain, love and awkwardness of growing up and living Black and gay in America. It was worth waiting for, and I look forward to an unlimited release so I can see it again.

A must see movie for classic movies fans, as well as fans of Debbie Reynolds, Robert "Bobby" Blake, Dan Dailey, or Sam McDaniel. Debbie Reynolds give an A+ performance. A rare treat to see Robert Blake, best known in my generation for his lead role in the "Baretta" television series, or as the movie star accused of murder, as a cute kid. I would give it a ten, if it weren't for the Negro stereotypes, that were a bit overdone, even for 1942, complete with the usual antics of Buckwheat. I'm sure this movie would have an overall higher rating, if it weren't for those stereotypes. But, if you keep an open mind, it is a real treat. Thanks to MGM for another great movie! By the way, Etta McDaniel also appears in this movie.

My vote would be less if this movie was made 10 or 20 years later, but the plot would not have survived 10 or 20 years later because of the setting. Well written, good casting, and some of my favorite actors -- Ida Lupino and Wayne Morris. I didn't recognize Morris at first; I loved him in "Kid Galahad" with Barbara Stanwyck, and I believe he was one of the most handsome actors that ever graced the silver screen. The plot was believable and there sure wasn't much that needed to be done to create the set, since most of it was outdoors. The costumes couldn't have been a challenge either. Overall, the story was believable when you consider the movie code in 1947. Good job again Ida Lupino!

Everything about this film is awesome, beginning with its cast and ending with a spectacular and appropriate ending! Bette Davis, Dennis Morgan, George Brent, Olivia De Havilland, Hattie McDaniel and Billie Burke are some of my favorite lead and character actors and actresses. I can understand the controversy over this picture when it was released simply because the depiction of Negro testimony v. white testimony was accurate for its time, and not far from the way the judicial system still works in certain areas of the United States. Ernest Parry should have received a supporting actor nomination, but that would have been an unrealistic expectation, since Hattie McDaniel had recently received a supporting actress Academy Award for her performance in "Gone With The Wind." I understand from some sources that there were complaints about B.D.'s hairstyles and clothing, but she wasn't playing someone that was filthy rich, as in many of her roles, but a instead a southern gold digger.

What a late, but appropriate tribute to the men behind the Motown sound. I love documentaries, and this one was particularly moving, because I grew listening to the Motown sound. I used to listen to it until I fell asleep at night (this was before we had TVs in every bedroom), and I woke up to the sound in the morning. I was even encouraged to pantomime to Motown tunes (and others) by my grandfather, who generously gave me a quarter after one of my performances, when I was 5, 6 and 7 years old. (Thank God I grew out of that phase or and my sister and cousins were very glad that it was over too.) I guess the reason I fought back the tears was because of the memories that each song they played and artist that was profiled brought back. There was nothing like that Funk Brothers beat! Those brothers need a memorial somewhere, and really should be inducted into a Hall of Fame of some sort. The Motown sound changed the sound of rhythm and blues, and the Funk Brothers were a major force behind it. A music scholarship in their name would be an appropriate tribute, as well.

God bless all of you guys for doing such a great job.

I just watched the DVD last night. I laughed, I cried, I laughed, I cried, and I laughed again. The characters are so outrageous and funny. The issues and topics touched upon in this movie are so taboo in African American culture that's it's refreshing to see an director/writer take such chances. It has paid off in an exhilarating and thought-proving movie experience. The actors, particularly Rockmond Dunbar, Loretta Devine, and Jennifer Lewis gave superb performances. The movie was about 10 minutes too long though. The ending is terrific. This is a must see. If the subject matter wasn't so taboo to African Americans, I'm sure it would have won more 1st class nominations. Hats off to Maurice Jamal, a gifted writer and director.

A heart-wrenching tale of pride and prejudice in the big city. Haven't seen a film that depicts Lost Angeles so close in a long time. Confirms that spiritually we are all connected and there are no coincidences in the Almighty's world. Keep some tissue handy, and don't plan to go anywhere until you've seen the whole film. Reminds me of Pulp Fiction in many ways (can't tell you why without divulging the plot).

Sandra Bullock made me laugh. She so appropriately portrayed her character and the prejudice that's innate after you live in L.A. for a while. Larenz Tate's performance made my eyes water.

I believe that Terrence Howard's performance was underrated. He's a terrific actor, well-known in the Black community before Hustle & Flow. I recall his first appearance on New York Undercover in 1995; he's awesome.

If you love Joan, like I love Joan, you have to see this movie. The script, costumes, acting, and music are all A++++. This has to be the baddest girl that Joan has ever played, and the part suits her well; Mildred Pearce pales in comparison to this role. Barry Sullivan is terrific too. Somehow, I get the impression that during the whole picture that Joan is thinking, "I'll show that Bette how to play a southern vixen!" This movie is the reason that I like old movies; they spent money on this one - the scenery, furnishings, costumes, and jewelry were all "old school" and to die for. If you see the DVD, the original trailer is a hoot! I fell out laughing looking at the trailer after watching the movie. They show way too much of the plot in the trailer, so don't watch the trailer before watching the movie.

Stunning performance by Burt Lancaster and Yvonne DeCarlo! Ms. DeCarlo was so stunning back then, it's easy to see why they cast her in the part of a femme fatale. She must have driven a many a movie goer crazy back then. Really great footage of Los Angeles in the 40s; keep an eye out for Angel's Flight in it's original location.

Ving Rhames does it again! Ving shows his diversification as a brilliant actor in this role. Alfe Woodard at her best too! And Mykelti Williamson, is the bomb (as usual). A great screenplay, with great actors; realistic. Mandatory viewing for anyone who thinks they might have a drug problem or has a relative or friend with a drug problem!

I was sitting at home, minding my business, flipping through the channels, and this comes on HBO yesterday. I'm a Courtney Vance fan, and I thought I'd take a chance on this movie, since I'm not a war movie fan. He was fantastic. The movie was fantastic and heart-wrenching. I'd recommend this movie to anyone who wants to see a good drama.

Lana Turner's screen debut was a well-written screenplay with a surprise ending. Claude Raines' performance was the best that I've seen. A dramatic look at the old South from a Northern perspective. I Won't Forget It!

As a native Baltimorean, I was more interested in the depiction of areas, streets and landmarks than the "plot" (if you could call it that) - Springdale Avenue, Liberty Heights, Forest Park (graduate here), and even the Royal Theater. Movie was really, really, really long, though.

BD's best performance. She showed Hollywood that older just means mature. Margo was Bette and Bette was Margo. The plot, the characters, the outcome are all brilliant. George Sanders was excellent too. (I can see now why the Gabors were enthralled with him.) Excellent screenplay and actors. Wish I could have been at the premier. Three cheers for the actress of the century - BD!

Excellent screenplay, music, singing and acting. The subject matter was difficult, but the screenwriter and actors pulled it off. An excellent film, minus the stereotypes, which were a necessary evil in the 1930s. A film well worth the risk by a major studio.

Taboo subject matter addressed in a manner that transcends race or color. Minus the stereotypical antics typical of the era, it's a pretty good film. A bit too much flailing of the arms and so forth in some scenes, reminiscent of silent films.