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Reviews
Rock 'n' Roll High School (1979)
Hey Ho Let's Go!
This Roger Corman produced epic is truly the "Citizen Kane" of rock 'n' roll movies. From the 30 year-old high school students and stereotypical characters played way over-the-top, to the
great rock 'n' roll music this film doesn't miss a beat.
While it is common knowledge, as well as a scientifically proven fact, that the Ramones are the greatest rock band in history, it is surprising to find they are great actors as well. Given a challenging role here they are more than up to the task. You will actually believe you are seeing the legendary Ramones, which of course you are.
"Rock 'N' Roll High School" is so tremendous that it renders all other films irrelevant. Watching this movie is a life altering experience not to be missed - 11 out of 10 Gabba Gabba Heys!
Star Trek: The Next Generation: The Inner Light (1992)
Just watched Inner Light for the umpteenth time
Like most of the other reviewers this is by far my favorite Star Trek TNG episode. Actually it's the only episode I try to catch whenever it's aired locally. I suspect this episode appeals more to casual Star Trek fan, like myself. It's certainly a departure as there's little to no action or special FX or the usual space western theme.
What you're left with is brilliant writing and excellent execution. Stewart and Margot Rose are great and their performances won't leave a dry eye in the house.
If you only watch one Star Trek TNG episode this is the one to watch. However if it's your first episode don't expect the rest of the series to be anything like this.
The Werewolf of Washington (1973)
Took me years to watch
About 5 years ago I caught this movie on the late show and only made it through about a third of it. Tried again about 2 years ago and made it to about the halfway point. Today it was on again so I decided to pick it up at the halfway point and watch to the end. So I've pretty much seen the whole picture.
I do recommend watching the movie this way as it's a difficult picture to watch straight through. To say it was poorly made is a gross understatement. Apparently there was nothing left in the budget for lighting. The writing and directing are equally poor as this horror/political satire is neither scary nor funny.
Oddly there are recognizable actors in the film. I particularly feel sorry for the late Dean Stockwell who stars in this mess. Stockwell had been a successful child actor and as an adult mainly did TV and supporting roles in film (some quite good). I guess this was an opportunity at a lead role or maybe he did this at gunpoint. It's hard to tell.
This film may have some camp value but you can only laugh at bad film making for so long, After about 15 or 20 minutes it's just bad film making.
House on Haunted Hill (1959)
My favorite Castle film
With one of the greatest horror directors teamed with one of the greatest horror actors your expectations should be high. And this film certainly delivers. It's all here - creepy sets, suspense, camp, lots of screams and Price's dark wit. All packed into a 75 minute running time.
The only thing that would improve this film is Emergo. A must for Castle and/or Price fans and highly recommended for everyone else.
A Bucket of Blood (1959)
Roger Corman is, all others are not
On the omnibus of art, where repetition is death, this film is certainly a classic. Dick Miller is great as the lead character, Walter Paisley. Also notable is Julian Burton as the beat poet. He gets most of the best lines in the film.
If you're looking for great production values then this isn't for you as this is done in typical minimalist Corman style. Despite that I thought the writing and acting were quite good.
This is probably my favorite Corman film although there are so many I haven't seen (and probably many I don't want to see). With just over an hour running time how can you go wrong. Truly a classic, highly recommended.
Project X (1968)
Disappointing
Especially if, like me, you're a William Castle fan. Perhaps that's why this movie is rarely shown. The script here is rather convoluted as the story is basically a sci-fi mystery that slowly gets revealed.
Not much that happens makes sense. For instance, why is it necessary to convince the subject he's in the 1960s? While an unconvincing explanation is made, we all know it's to save money on sets. Also what purpose does Greta Baldwin serve? Besides an interlude of eye candy her character doesn't make much sense in the context of the movie.
The actors are mostly familiar faces, likely wondering how they got talked into this. While Chris George gets top billing he really doesn't have much to do except act disoriented and annoyed.
The FX are pretty standard for a 60s sci-fi B movie or TV. More or less on the level of the original Star Trek series of the same period.
While I haven't seen all of Castle's films, I'd have to place this one at the bottom of the one's I've seen. Overall I'd say skip this one and rewatch any other film from his "gimmick" period. They're all way more fun than this mess.
The Trollenberg Terror (1958)
Better than I expected
OK, the special effects are bad and the story is ludicrous but it's 50's B sci-fi film so what do you expect. There's definitely enough mystery, suspense and action to keep the viewer entertained. While not a great B flick it is definitely worth checking out.
The Creation of the Humanoids (1962)
Could have been better
The main theme here is interesting but the production is strictly B movie. And really low budget B movie. The lighting in this movie is terrible. I'm still not sure what color the robots were since they change depending on the set's lighting. I'm guessing it's either green or blue, perhaps something in between. The lack of action really highlights the poor acting and dialogue.
This story probably would have worked better as a "Twilight Zone" or "Outer Limits" episode. With a tightened up script, better actors and production values this could have been a thought provoking TV episode. As a fan of B science fiction from this era, I'd have say skip this one.
Columbo: Columbo Cries Wolf (1990)
Bit of a twist...
...from the standard Columbo plot. As not to spoil the episode for anyone I write about the story. The writing here is above average for a reboot episode. Besides Falk, who is great as usual, the acting is adequate. They just didn't get the great actors they got in the 70's. Another issue I have with the reboots are the sets. They're definitely better here than the usual reboot. Overall, an above average reboot episode that's worth checking out.
The Hot Rock (1972)
The habitual crime
One of my favorite caper movies. Just saw it again today for the umpteenth time over the last 50 years and still enjoyed it greatly. The writing, cast and overall production are excellent. It appears most of the exterior shots were done in NYC therefore giving a great look at the city of 50 years ago. The best of these shots is the aerial shot of the World Trade Center still under construction. It's as good as other great caper movies of the era like "Topkapi" and the original "Italian Job". I only wish they still made movies like this but then it's not that easy. I rate this movie 10 out of 10 Aghanistan banana stands.
Kingu Kongu no gyakushû (1967)
Kong vs MechaniKong
Dr Who has built a giant robot Kong to mine element X. And that's the most sensible thing anyone does in this movie.
Even by 60's Japanese standards this movie is terrible. It appears that the scenes with the American actors (Linda Miller and Rhodes Reason) were edited into a movie in place of scenes originally shot with Japanese actors. Of course this results in some pretty bad editing. The FX are also awful by even 60's standards as Kong is obviously a stunt man in a gorilla suit playing with kids toys.
On a positive note the film can be laughed at but even that gets old quickly. Also the dubbing isn't as bad as some earlier Japanese monster flicks. However I'm not sure if this hurts or helps the film.
Skip this one as there are many more entertaining Japanese monster movies to watch.
Mannix: What Happened to Sunday? (1971)
The Mannix cliche trifecta
Or perhaps grand slam. In almost every episode poor Mannix either gets knock unconscious, hit by or thrown from a car, or shot. In this episode you get all 3! Still the cliche-fest would not be complete without the old amnesia plot device thrown in. By season 4 Mannix had been hit in the head so many times it's amazing he could remember his name, let alone who's trying to kill him and why. By season 6 he should have had CTE and dementia. Despite all this the episode is watchable and can be enjoyed as either a crime drama or as camp.
Hardball: The Girls of Summer (2019)
Better than I expected
Wasn't sure what to expect with this documentary. I had a number of questions about women's baseball which I hoped the film would answer. And yes, this film did answer those questions and more. Any documentary where I learn something new is worth watching and this one delivers.
Jackie Robinson: A Life Story (2003)
Primer on Jackie Robinson's life
This movie is a good introduction to Robinson's life. I would recommend it to anyone who knows little or nothing about Robinson. Most of the significant moments in his life are mentioned here as the film does span his whole life. As you would expect in a 50 minute film there is only time to gloss over most moments so there is little to no depth. You'll have to read Robinson's autobiography and/or some of his many biographies to get details on his life.
Columbo: Columbo Goes to College (1990)
My favorite Columbo reboot movie
Easily one of the best of the Columbo reboots. Excellent how-done-it as Columbo slowly unlocks the clues to a seemingly impossible homicide. There's also some good comedy furnished by Columbo's interaction with 2 college students (played by Stephen Caffrey and Gary Hershberger). Well written and acted as well as fun to watch. Highly recommended.
Columbo: Columbo Likes the Nightlife (2003)
Columbo Finale
Mediocre by Columbo standards. I suspect the contrast of an old Columbo in the LA club scene was suppose to be humorous but it really isn't. The soundtrack for the episode is distracting. The writing isn't bad and Falk although obviously not in his prime, I believe he's about 75 here, is good. About the best thing I can say is this was better than the penultimate episode which was easily one of the worst. At least the series went out with something closer to mediocrity.