Change Your Image
mikeschrampf
Reviews
Inglourious Basterds (2009)
Christoph Waltz & Melanie Laurent
Both actors give performances of a lifetime. Waltz got an Oscar for his terrifying portrayal of a monster who makes Anthony Hopkins' Silence of the Lambs character seem like a pussycat.
Laurent's reactions to the pressure she experiences will make YOU sweat.
The Pirates of Penzance (1980)
Play filmed by amateurs in the theater
Too many reasons that it's difficult to watch. Quality is on the level of TV programs from 1950's. No sharpness in picture. Poor audio. Camera placements lack direction unless you want to view actors backs and darken audience.
The Master (2012)
The value of critics, weathermen and politicianss
Answer: Little
A superior cast wasted on a meandering film.
Expect a few years later these were the same critics who gushed over LA LA LAND.
Pancho Villa (1972)
Saturday matinee special
A movie you would enjoy in your youth. Plenty of explosions and gunfire. Slapstick laughs galore.
Too many critics expected a serious, historical story. Questionable if they have a sense of humor.
Blow-Up (1966)
Hasn't improved in 54 years
Upon the theater release, it was memorable for full frontal female nudity. That just wasn't done in 1966.
My DVD version apparently edited the scene with the 2 aspiring models/groupies.
Blame must go to the Director/Writer since we know the actors have talent and the best lines are delivered by the Mimes.
The Last Hurrah (1958)
Another Ford Home Run
An excellent movie from an excellent book. A view of old time politics. It may be fiction but it is based on facts. Claims are made it was placed in Boston but one can insert numerous cities' history.
Should be analyzed by anyone interested in political "science".
Hotel Noir (2012)
AKA City of Sin
Silly, funny, dark humor film. Many twists and turns. Outrageous events. Probably underrated.
One Less God (2017)
AKA "House of War"
Has at least 3 different title releases which should alert you to the fact it hasn't been successful. Not a total disaster but is drawn out and repetitious. Questionable accuracy. Suspect fictional account of true event. Leaves unanswered why the delays of first responders.
The Time of Your Life (1948)
A hidden gem
Tremendous characters. You'll laugh, you'll cry and you'll laugh again. You'll tense when the villain appears. An old fashioned melodrama updated. I won't describe all the characters since that would spoil the constant surprises. Just watch it and be entertained.
La La Land (2016)
$5.92 & 2 hours wasted
Got the Blue ray and DVD for $5.92 including postage. Then lost 2 hours trying to watch it. It's not West Side Story or 7 Brides for 7 Brothers nor any Shirley Temple song and dance. Kept thinking "Springtime for Hitler" would be more enjoyable. After all the hype, no wonder the media has lost credibility.
Shadow of a Doubt (1943)
Great Disappointment
Said to be Hitchcock's favorite film? Perhaps because he didn't have to exert any effort. Silly story with little coherence or tension (how it was nominated for an Oscar is a greater mystery). The only suspense is when the film will end. Don't waste your time. Watch nearly any of Hitchcock's other films.
Atlas Shrugged: Part I (2011)
Who is responsible for this $%!@&$???
HUGE disappointment. Total disaster. Question who thought having 3 different directors and 3 different casts would be brilliant? As is said in the military, the result is a SNAFU. Could support a conspiracy theory of destroying Ayn Rand. Read the book and hope another attempt is tried.
Heavy Metal 2000 (2000)
Worst than typical sequel
Great disappointment. So bad gave the DVD away. Don't waste your money or time
Heavy Metal (1981)
Not Your Mother's Disney
Well earned Cult Classic. Contains humor, Male fantasy besides underlying moral messages. Oh, did I mention the music?!!!
The Animals (1970)
Makes spaghetti westerns look better
Was generous with a 4 rating. Interesting scenery. Poor directing. Questionable if editing was bad or that was all they had to work with. Silva is virtually mute so writers weren't necessary.
Cymbeline (2014)
Overly rated at 2 stars
I could only watch 7 minutes; if longer suspect lower score. Why do directors use a modern setting but still use 1600's English? It's an assault on the senses! The Bard had great stories but if you have a modern setting use modern language. When did you ever hear a biker say Thou, dieist,...?
Lone Star State of Mind (2002)
Competition for the Coen brothers
A bit of Raising Arizona, The Big Lebowski and ARMY of Darkness. Funny and crazy characters.
Dad's Army (2016)
Well worth a watch
I never saw the TV series so I had no preconceived ideas. Thoroughly enjoyed chuckling through out the movie. Sure you can foresee what's coming but the actors play it excellently.
Network (1976)
Foretold the future
With the passage of time, the unbelievable has become true. At the movie's release, it was viewed as a satire with the audience shaking their heads and thinking it could never happen here.
The Best Years of Our Lives (1946)
Underrated classic story
Manly flick requires 3 hankies. Appreciate how the Greatest Generation adjusted. Tale is appropriate today
Apocalypse Now (1979)
Takes you to 'Nam
Saw it in theater. I wasn't in 'Nam but had "flashbacks" the next day. Had all the stories that came out during the war
The Godfather (1972)
An immediate classic
If you're Italian you will appreciate how Coppola got it right