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Prime Suspect 1973 (2017)
With the Majority
The overall plot was excellent. I thought it was at first too lovey- dovey, but it fits the story line and helped explain why Jane Tennison plays it "close to the vest." Also, the tension between the baby bird leaving the nest, and the parents Tennison added some humanity to the situation. The Bentley gang and interaction between the brothers seemed realistic. I correctly guessed who killed Julie Ann and showed both the underpinnings of the Bentley Gang and reminded me in part of the "Timson Gang" in the "Rumpole of the Bailey" series. I think the BBC has a fine new prequel somewhat comparable to the "Endeavour" prequel.It is better than anything on American commercial television and "TV worth watching". I look forward to next season.
Lady in White (1988)
Extremely lousy horror film
The plot needed a serious re-write. It could NOT figure out if it was a kid pic or a grown-up pic. I figured out who the bad guy was JUST FROM CASTING. I would be not true to myself if I said this was not in the running for worst in genre. It is. It is up there with "Plan 9 from Outer Space"(1959) which is worst in Sci-Fi. Heck, "Hocus Pocus"(1993) was better than this as a comedy horror flick.
Failure on so many levels. The special effects were MARGINAL. The plot was also marginal - I knew the innocent black guy was going to get shot. I could easily see the actors wanting to scrub their names off the credits. Don't bother - there are so many better films out there. This was a waste of time.
2012: Ice Age (2011)
Hint - Ishtar(1987) scored higher (4.0) than this could
Ishtar(1987) scored higher (4.0)
Let me state at the outset, I was thinking pencils up the nose Mr. Blutarsky - 0.0, but, alas, there is no such rating. I cannot blame the actors. To them it's JUST a paycheck and no one in that group is going anywhere. So then, I thought - maybe it's a spoof, but it's ON THE SCI-FI Channel. Nope, not a spoof. (If Anna Faris showed up, then I would wonder if the SCI-FI Channel changed its charter.) After a while, I would toggle to the weather channel just to relieve the pain. Then, I thought what would happen if I met my maker while watching this crap. STRAIGHT TO HELL FOR WASTING MY LIFE. Finally, I just had to see if it could get worse. It did. Thus, I take back my 1.0. MY RATING FOR THIS IS ZERO POINT ZERO !!!! DO NOT WATCH THIS "VIDEO"; YOU'LL NEVER GET THE TIME BACK AND YOU CAN DO BETTER SPENDING IT IN THE TOILET READING ANYTHING or CREATING YOUR OWN VIDEO.
P.S. - This is the lowest rating I have ever given.
The Lady Vanishes (2013)
Not a remake, but the real deal > > >
The title character is a brat and most unsympathetic. So when "stuff" starts happening to her you wondering if it her personality, her drinking to excess, a possible concussion from and earlier fall, potential insanity, whatever. You simply don't know.
Production values are very high. They went to a lot of trouble to produce a "Poirot-like" world for this very independent strong minded woman. Tuppence Middleton does "yeoman's work" in developing the central character. The plot device reminds me very much of the recent film "Flightplan" with Jodie Foster who loses track of her daughter on a overseas flight and NO ONE believes her when she tells the truth.
It, of course, is maddening because we are put into the position of the title character and her traveling companions. The British are number one at mysteries, and this is well worth the time to watch a guess about what is going on. Enjoy (on the edge of your seat).
Venom (1981)
Oustanding Acting in a Tough Situation
The producer made a special credit for David Ball:
"The Producers wish to extend their thanks to David Ball, overseer of reptiles at London Zoo, without whose skill and courage in the handling of the deadly Black Mamba, this film could not have been made."
All of which is more important than all the CGI stuff done these days. Moreover, the tension between Klaus Kinski and Oliver Reed who did not like each other added to their roles in my opinion. If you have the DVD with the Director's commentary, by all means listen to the commentary. You will learn more about how "movie making" is the most difficult collaborative art form there is. Often times, the director has to keep the peace just to get the job done.
You will be on the edge of your seats if you have never seen this flick. I gave this a high rating because it was a well executed film. Bad guys 0; Mamba 3 :-}
Outland (1981)
Despite references to "High Noon", this is a worthy acting platform for the three principal actors !!!
There is no question that in plot it comes close to "High Noon" only in space. So? The production values for a non-CGI flick set in space were hard to achieve and it should be remembered for that. Connery did yeoman's work as a Marshal who should have been disinterested and just did his one year assignment (kinda like Vietnam duty). Instead, he is shocked at how arrogant the Mine Superintendent has told Connery to do his job - don't make waves. THAT is different from High Noon.
In this case people have been killed by an "imported" synthetic amphetamine-like drug. There is decision of his wife to take his young son away with her to earth which his son has never seen. Apparently, the marshal and his family had led a somewhat nomadic life before arriving at this assignment.
The writing and the acting taken together makes everything quite plausible including the confrontations with "management" about using drugs to enhance worker production. THAT is very modern. The gal who plays the doctor who helps Connery is very equally outstanding in her role both in detecting drugs in the dead body of a recently killed worker and in sneaking around to do what she could to help, which courage could have gotten her killed. The gallows humor, the action, the dialog are all very believable. This film is high on the totem for me as a favorite plausible Sci-Fi flick. Seeing is believing and worth the effort.
Battle of Britain (1969)
Better than marked by goodness knows who
I remember when this film came out in 1969-1970. It was an achievement then and to my way of thinking and remains so if only to "give flavor" to what was involved for the citizens of Britain.
The dogfights were very skillfully staged and I'm sure could be easier done with CGI these days. Moreover, the subtitles with the translation into German were appreciated for intonation and feeling. It resembled "The Longest Day" in that regard. The ensemble cast was skillfully chosen. Susannah York (definitely beautiful) recently passed on. Many of the other actors (Laurence Olivier, Trevor Howard, Robert Shaw and Curd Jürgens) have been dead for quite some time so this is a time capsule of sorts. Christopher Plummer (He was awarded the C.C. (Companion of the Order of Canada, Sir Edward Fox, and Sir Michael Caine are among the few who remain with the living.
Altogether a great flick and I recently saw it again on TCM and was stirred again. See it for yourself and enjoy that cast!!!
Grand Prix: The Killer Years (2011)
Truth is Stranger Than Fiction
John Frankenheimer directed a film called "Grand Prix" which did much to capture that era as it was released in 1966. This film is the real life documentary which shows just how dangerous it was to get into a Formula One vehicle in the early 1960s through 1970s.
Packed with interviews from the surviving drivers who lived through those years, including Jackie Stewart, OBE, who pushed for change and eventually got it. The owners were less than enthusiastic about making any changes but resisted change. Spa, one of the most dangerous venues, was actually "boycotted" by the drivers before a race to get the message to the track owners that they had to make the track safer.
"With the input of former F1 world champions Jackie Stewart and Emerson Fittipaldi, among others, the programme revisits a 12-year period from 1961 when 57 drivers died, among them F1 champions such as Jim Clark, who was killed in 1968, and Jochen Rindt, who died in 1970. . . . With Stewart recalling there was 'only a one in three chance I was going to live', drivers developed a 'fighter pilot mentality' and it wasn't until they threatened to strike that proper safety measures were introduced."
One particularly poignant moment was the interview of Jochen Rindt's widow. He was the only F-1 driver in history to be awarded the Championship posthumously. This documentary is NOT for the squeamish. Many accidents and their aftermaths have been captured on film. It is a story which had to be told and which makes the Frankenheimer film all the more authentic.
Rules of Engagement (2000)
Must be viewed NOW in the context of 10 years of war
I am appalled at the low marks given. Such must be judged in the context of what happened recently in Afghanistan when there was negligent burning of Korans by Americans followed by apologies. If ever there was a film which captures and accurately sums up the forces at work, wherever we may tread in the Middle East, this IS IT.
Now please note it was written and released PRIOR to 09-11-2001. Moreover, the performance by Guy Pierce was one of the best I have seen depicting a prosecutor at work in the military. I served in the Naval Legal Service Office in Norfolk, VA in the 1980s and he captured with accuracy the zeal of Marine prosecutors I have known. (It should be noted that he did an outstanding job in "L.A. Confidential".) I was duly impressed.
As for the performances of Tommy Lee Jones and Samuel L. Jackson, they were first rate as well. Ben Kingsley was also at the top of his game,too.
The production values were high and William Friedkin who directed both "The French Connection" and "The Exorcist" is more than able in this film. He captured effectively what we face whenever we have political dealings in the Middle East. I would counsel all who submitted critical reviews of this film to ask themselves, in light of current events, "Do you still hold that view?"
Grand Prix (1966)
Formula One as envisioned By John Frankenhemier
This is one of the most important films about racing ever made. There, of course, is much ado about the personal lives of the drivers which I think was added so as to broaden the base for the potential audience.
It, however, was the technical capture of Formula One racing under all racing conditions which is compelling. To the "naysayers", many innovative techniques were created to capture scenes from the standpoint of the drivers which gives authenticity to Frankenheimer's opus. I remember when the film first came out, Formula One racing, which is the quintessential pinnacle of the racing, was largely unknown by the public. This film came out to great acclaim for showing a sport that was unknown in the US.
The film won three Oscars that year for best sound, best film editing, and sound effects. The audience felt as if it was at a race. I am dismayed to see that the marks have gone down over the years largely because now much can be faked through special effects. There was a tremendous risk in trying to bring this atmosphere to the big screen. As noted in the trivia "Of the 32 drivers who participated or were seen in the film, five died in racing accidents in the next two years and another five in the following 10 years." Also, people may not know that James Garner did most of his own driving. Finally, many aficionados may recognize the following drivers in the film:
"F1 World Champions Phil Hill, Graham Hill, Juan-Manuel Fangio, Jim Clark, Jochen Rindt and Jack Brabham. Other drivers who appeared in the film include Dan Gurney, Richie Ginther, Jo Bonnier and Bruce McLaren." That kind of effort should have been recognized in the grading of this film.
N.B. - The years of Grand Prix from the early 60's through the 1970s were extremely dangerous. Safety was eventually forced on the manufacturers by a driver uprising. Jackie Stewart organized the drivers into demanding safety changes such as fuel changes, fire proof clothing, safer helmets, 6 point safety harnesses, etc. It was so dangerous, that one year, the world Champion Jochen Rindt, was declared champion posthumously after his rivals failed to overhaul his points tally from four Grands Prix later. A documentary recently captured those years in a BBC production entitled "Grand Prix - the Killer Years". It should be required viewing for all who criticized Frankenheimer's film.
Holy Matrimony (1943)
Case of purposeful mistaken taken to logical extreme
This film was shown on TCM tonight for the first time. I thought it was outstanding for a film made in 1943.
First, Monty Woolley (as Priam Farll) was his typical curmudgeonly self as many might remember him from "The Man Who Came to Dinner". This was much more subtle and very funny. The plot involves a request from the King to return to England to be knighted as the Empire's preeminent impressionist artist. En route, his valet, who does not enjoy the isolation (he is on some South Seas island when the King's request reaches him) as much as his boss, catches "double pneumonia" and promptly dies on their arrival back in England.
Owing to the circumstances of being called out in the middle of the night, the doctor assumes that the man being attended to was Priam Farll when in fact it was his butler, Henry Leek. Priam, not really wanting the hubbub associated with being knighted, decides improvidently to assume the guise of his butler and live in obscurity. Unfortunately, there are too many circumstances that intervene. His butler on his death bed wanted to confess to some things. Priam, of course, wouldn't hear of it and the confessions become readily apparent in short order as the story progresses. It turns out that the butler was courting a woman who thinks that Priam is Henry Leek based on a photograph. Now this woman (played most ably by Gracie Fields), it turns out, is very perceptive and helps Priam out of a number of scrapes.
The film is delightful; it is a comedy that provided many a laugh out loud moment. I hope that it becomes available on DVD. I'd buy it.
The resolution of Priam's problems are acceptable to all and captures the attitude of many artists about their work. I would recommend this film anyone who wanted to watch with a cigar and a glass of port. Cheers!!!
The Polar Express (2004)
Under-rated by whom???
I cannot believe that "The Polar Express" has not received "more traction" (pardon the pun) than what has been reflected in current voting. First, while it is a Christmas tale which does not tell the true Christmas story, it captures what is important to children regardless of individual religious affiliation - belief in something good. Second, all you need to do is look to two quotes:
Santa Claus: "This bell is a wonderful symbol of the spirit of Christmas - as am I. Just remember, the true spirit of Christmas lies in your heart."
"At one time most of my friends could hear the bell, but as years passed it fell silent for all of them. Even Sarah found one Christmas that she could no longer hear its sweet sound. Though I've grown old the bell still rings for me, as it does for all who truly believe."
Production values were very high. It was nominated for three Oscars for good reason. The remembrance credit for Michael Jeter is appropriate. I seriously doubt that Jeter would object for being remembered for his contribution to this film. It is the magic of any child who wishes for something or WANTS TO BELIEVE IN SOMETHING and gets the gift of the ability to believe in something, anything worthwhile. See this picture with your heart and don't tear it apart with your head.
The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
Ignore the underlying science at your own risk
The scientific evidence for the basis of the movie has been muddied by a propaganda campaign by the oil and gas industry to continue business as usual. The fact of the matter is that the atmosphere is a "closed system" and people have been adding cultural air pollution for decades.
It is true that heavy sun spot activity or vulcanism can "trump" incremental changes from man's pollution of the atmosphere. However, what is being added to the atmosphere IS not helping the climate but making it much more difficult to predict the weather. Thus, it is difficult for the weather guessers to comfortably predict from season to season what is happening. My "hat is off" to Roland Emmerich for raising the issue in this film to cause the discussion. I do not know if the variability will cause a sudden change but there is evidence in the fossil record that things can happen very quickly.
They fact of the matter is if the ocean currents shut down as predicted in the film, a lot of folks are not just going to be inconvenienced. They will simply die just as quickly as the mammoths who died with butter cups in their mouths. Sign this from a geologist who has thought about this for decades.
Case Histories (2011)
Case Histories and Jackson Brodie
There is a bit of realism about bureaucracies and police work which comes through loud and clear. The real why Jackson Brodie is a "good copper" is because he cares about people and cares about his work. At the same time, he has a deep underlying motivation based on a tragedy in his own life as he was growing up. It is analogous to what motivates some psychologists in going into psychology in the first place. Thus, there is a relevant dose of human nature and human motivation that is lacking in many crime dramas from the standpoint of what pushes the investigator.
As to production values, the Brodie's secretary is a real trip with the correct mix of efficiency, humor and acerbic wit. Zawe Ashton plays the secretary and is an accomplished actress. Likewise Jason Issacs who played the memorable villain Col. Tavington in "The Patriot" does more than yeoman's work as the troubled ex-copper Jackson who bucks the system even for the dead. With the occasional twist and turn as you would expect in a British mystery, this offering is better than 95 % of the crime dramas on American TV.
Baseball (1994)
Failure to be complete
How can one be a historian of baseball, talk about Bob Gibson's strikeout record of the Tigers in the 1968 Series and fail to mention that the Tigers who were down 3 - 1 in the series, came back and won the Series on the road. Moreover, Burns failed to mention that Lolich won games 2, 5 & 7 and the last two games were in St. Louis. What happened? Was that information on the cutting room floor? It calls into question what else was left out. Detroit had the last win of an undivided league during 1968 which helped heal the Detroit riots and sparked a whole book: The Tigers of '68: Baseball's Last Real Champions (Honoring a Detroit Legend) by George Cantor. The fans from Detroit would say, "We was robbed" of our due.
This series was meticulous, but this obvious sin of omission calls into question the rest of the series. Moreover, GM sponsored Ken Burns' works. How could he not say anything about this issue? When I saw that episode and heard how great Gibson was but no mention of how the Tigers came back, I was dumbfounded.
Life Goes to War: Hollywood and the Home Front (1977)
This should be available to the public
Narrated by Johnny Carson, this documentary was last seen in the 70's and left a memorable impression on me. We are losing WWII Vets at a ever increasing rate and it should be available to them to see the how the Homefront handled the war, especially if they did not get back to the states during the war. Why isn't it available in a DVD format or otherwise? It is history !!!!
If not only for Carson's narration, it should be made available to show people the sacrifices people went through at home to support the War effort. Everything and I mean everything was recycled for the War effort. This was all captured and lampooned by Bugs Bunny, et al., in the cartoons shown before each movie. Little signs would pop up in the cartoon asking "Is this trip really necessary?" And gasoline was a rationed commodity along with sugar, meat, butter, oleo (margarine), rubber (for tires), etc.
The point of this documentary was to show the level of support at home during WWII. That is why it should be shown again or made available by Time-Life under its auspices.
O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)
Oh BTW, did you catch all the references to The Wizard of Oz???
It is stated that the story line is loosely based on the Odyssey but what about the Wizard of Oz?? Figure it out - the most obvious one is KKK meeting. There a number of others either in cinematography or verbally. How many are there?? I believe I have spotted at least four others. I would be curious as to whether or not you would agree and I ask if you know the reason why there are that many references to the Wizard of Oz by the Coens. Regarding the music, it has a stand alone property based on the awards picked up at the Country Music awards and the Grammy for soundtrack. I would have to put this one ahead of many other Coen films simply because of all of the elements.
American Masters: No Direction Home: Bob Dylan (2005)
A perfection of a film documentary and portrayal of an artist
Without question, Martin Scorsese has created one of THE DEFINITIVE documentaries on the sixties in his work on Bob Dylan. Dylan, who was always a bit mysterious and enigmatic, states in a very long interview mostly that he was just trying to perform for audiences. What was particularly funny was the endless list of stupid reporters, from different forums and venues, trying to "paint" Dylan "into a corner" by asking inane question after inane question. Clearly, Scorsese saw Dylan as a "wunderkind" who really didn't need to answer such questions because it would be like Van Gogh or Rembrandt being hounded by today's media asking about the source of his genius. "It is what it is" would be the reply - you either get it or you don't. Scorsese, who has been nominated by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for a number of films, and has not won, should receive an Oscar (and an Emmy) for this outstanding film documentary.
The Civil War (1990)
An introduction to a defining event of American History
This film truly was a massive effort to attempt to relate to viewers what happened during the Civil War. The assembly of contributors is almost too numerous to give credit, but this film should be required viewing by all school age children to begin to understand this period in United States history. History, ordinarily, is quite "dry". This film, however, through the voices of people who were living during the conflict paints a picture of the conditions and emotions of that time. It should be required viewing for all citizens to understand the historic underpinnings of a defining moment in American history.