Reviews

Some 14 hours after starting to watch The Winds of War, I was sad to see it coming to an end back in 1983.

This film is tremendous in length and in entertainment value. It's also magnificently filmed and wonderfully crafted. I wonder if such an epic could ever be made again, given the cost and state of today's world.

Having seen the series when it was originally broadcast, my memory was a bit hazy when I ordered the DVD set. Sometimes things seem better in hindsight; they don't hold up well with the passage of time. Fortunately, I was not disappointed in The Winds of War on DVD.

Few films bring to life the nostalgia and romance of World War II so dramatically. I know of no other work that paints such a vivid picture of the events that led up to the war.

The Winds of War packages facts about that era with the story of the fictional Henry family in a way that can help educate today's young people about a time in the not-so-distant past that might otherwise be lost to them -- so gripping is the drama of the characters' interwoven lives.

We are rapidly losing the heroes and heroines of World War II. I'm glad their story is resurrected in this tremendous series.

I admit a propensity to like movies about this era. World War II and the years leading up to it represent to me the most romantic time in recent history. The passion of the period gave rise to countless films -- some timeless classics and some not worth remembering. This is one of the former. I can't watch Swing Kids without feeling empathy for the youth of Germany who were caught up in National Socialism and lost their souls in the process. While I know little about the reality (or unreality) of this film's portrayal of the young Germans who idolized Swing music and rejected the Nazi view of its degeneracy, I do know that the film makes its point effectively while pulling at the heartstrings. This isn't to say it's overly sentimental -- far from it. Even characters with whom the viewer might sympathize do have their flaws. I think the best cast character in the film is the Gestapo man who befriends the Muller family. His brand of evil is so innocuous as to be virtually invisible ... sometimes even to himself (as at the dinner party when his own decadence was pointed out to him). Swing Kids is well worth watching if only for that single performance. Put it on your queue and you won't be disappointed.

Americans love underdogs. After this film, they will love Miners. That's the nickname of the Texas Western College basketball team that was the first NCAA Division 1 team to win the National Championship by using only black players in the final game. This Disney film chronicles that team's achievement which culminated in the 1966 NCAA championship. At a special preview sponsored by Richmond, Virginia, Clear Channel radio stations, a fairly packed house applauded the film no less than three times at emotionally gratifying moments. After the film, large numbers of the audience lingered in the theater watching the credits roll ... and were pleased when a small "window" in the big screen showed interviews with members of that 1966 team as they are today. Not embittered by the racism they encountered, these men today provide great examples of sportsmanship combined with a positive outlook that has made them successful and -- to all appearances -- happy people. Seeing this film makes you realize how far we've come as a nation since that period of time in terms of race relations. Are there still problems? Sure. Can we do better? Of course. But the racially mixed audience at this screening seemed to share the same feelings of outrage at past racism, and the same feelings of elation when the underdog Miners defeated the mighty Kentucky Wildcats in what's been described as the upset of the century. It's also considered by some a turning point in the game of basketball -- a point well made by Pat Riley (former Lakers coach), who was on the Kentucky team that was defeated by the Miners. Excellent performances throughout. Great and uplifting message. Glory Road is a slam dunk.

When this initially aired in 1984, my wife and I taped it on our very first VHS recorder. I still have that aging tape, which I try to watch annually. It was the year my first child was born, and seeing A Christmas Carol in this incarnation brings back fond memories of happy times -- many hours of which were spent with this film playing in the background. I finally broke down this year and ordered a DVD, which prompted me to take a moment to write this brief reaction to the movie. Charles Dickens' story is captured in outstanding fashion here. George C. Scott is absolutely amazing and totally believable as Scrooge. The supporting cast is equally spectacular. This is, to my mind, a flawless production. Little details add much to the enjoyment. The game "similes" Scrooge's nephew and wife play with their party guests is a neat item. (I've since re-created it with my high school English students as a brief respite from class work!) Honestly, I can think of few ways to entertain myself over the holidays I enjoy more than indulging in this CBS production, which was originally sponsored by IBM. (Incidentally, it's fun to watch the old tape with the original IBM commercials ... which show just how much computers have evolved in 21 years. Amazing how things have changed!) Bottom line: A Christmas Carol is a timeless story, and this rendition is a timeless classic. Enjoy ... and God Bless Us, Every One!

A bit long perhaps, but still loads of entertainment. Very well cast, with Jane Seymour in a surprise role, and other surprises. Owen Wilson is as good as usual, and Christopher Walken is threatening without being utterly scary. Rachel McAdams is enchanting as Wilson's love interest. And, of course, Vince Vaughan at times steals the show. I enjoyed much of the film, but at times found myself fidgeting in my seat (which was, admittedly, a bit cramped and uncomfortable). Let's just say that had the film been entirely, 100% excellent, I would have been able to ignore my sore rump! Nevertheless, Wedding Crashers is certainly enjoyable and, at times in the sneak preview I attended, the audience was roaring in laughter. I have to admit I was among them! Definitely worth paying for ... though I'm glad I didn't have to fork out the money! Thanks to Sports Radio 910 in Richmond, Virginia, for offering this sneak preview!

Not a bad movie for family consumption. Humorous and pushes its point home (that Christians should act like Christians and not bigots) without being too nasty. I watched with my wife and two high school daughters ... we all enjoyed it. Of course, if you're "sophisticated" you might sneer at this film -- but take it for what it is, a simple story with a talented young cast (the star, Jena Malone, is refreshing!), and you'll find it's worth the time spent to watch it and the money spent to rent it. If there's anything to criticize, it's the film's short length. They could have done much more with it in a longer format. However, that's a minor criticism. Overall the film is solid and enjoyable.

This one is not so terribly awful as "Nothing But Trouble" but it's pretty close. "Hangmen" exploits a short appearance by Sandra Bullock (she's prominently featured on the jewel case) ... but has not much else to offer except excessive shooting scenes, rampant bad cuts, and lots of non sequitirs scattered throughout. Tries to rip off "The Dirty Dozen" and "48 Hours" among other movies but fails dismally. Yes, there are some good camera angles and a few interesting, artsy shots ... but not enough to save this film from oblivion (one can hope). Want to see a bad movie for a laugh? This is it. Want to be entertained and enjoy something of substance? Sorry! You won't find it in "Hangmen!"