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Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)
Entertaining but nothing original
Typical Indiana Jones story but plot is not very original and the far-fetched stunts border on the "just-plain-ridiculous". Entertaining but presents nothing new. The film also resorts to using stunts and chase scenes from prior movies in this series and leaves the viewer thinking " this is just like the scene in,....". The storyline is very weak and a few characters from the past are presented again only in a different situation. The ending seems to be the best part of this film but doesn't definitively state that this is the final episode of this long-standing series. While enjoyable it doesn't' present anything new. A good movie but just like all the others in this series.
Flags of Our Fathers (2006)
TOUGH TO FOLLOW ! !
I have to agree with the other IMDB reviewers who found this film very difficult to follow. Usually, Clint Eastwood movies are very easy to understand but this one bounces around quite often and seems very disjointed. There is no central character and the flashbacks and flash-forwards only tend to distort the flow of the story. About the only informative element of this movie for me was that I actually learned about the life of Ira Hayes (immortalized in the Bob Dylan song "The Ballad of Ira Hayes") While I applaud Eastwoods effort in tackling a very sensitive subject, I felt that this story could've been told in less than 2 hours and in a more direct fashion. Not a very bad film per se. Just quite tough to flow along with.
Drop-Out Father (1982)
WONDERFUL MADE-FOR-TV MOVIE ! !
Like most of the IMDB reviewers of this film, I would love to see it released on dvd. Anyone who has worked in an office or a high-pressure job can relate to just about every character in this movie. Dick Van Dyke, Mariette Hartley, and a very young Martha Byrne, turn in very impressive and convincing performances. Highly recommended if it ever comes out.
The Expendables 3 (2014)
Third Time Around A Tad Short
I almost enjoyed this entry into The Expendables series as much as the first two but in some areas, I felt it fell a little short (but not much). This time around, Stallone introduces 4 younger members to his team as well the addition of Wesley Snipes (who paired up extremely well with Stallone and Sandra Bullock in "Demolition Man"). Overall, I found it as action-packed and enjoyable as the first two but I found Mel Gibson to not be as convincing as the villain as Eric Roberts or Jean Claude Van Damm. Perhaps it's because we tend to associate him too much with the Martin Riggs character in "Lethal Weapon' or William Wallace in "Braveheart". He just didn't seem to come across as the bad guy that well.
Overall, it's a really good action film to just sit back and enjoy. I just wish Rutger Hauer or someone of that ilk had played the villain.
The Expendables 2 (2012)
Explosive !
In this second installment of The Expendables series, Stallone and company include a few former action heroes to create quite an ensemble cast. As he has done in the past, Stallone's sequels set out to top the original and he has succeeded here as well. What makes this film and it's predecessor enjoyable and somewhat unique is the fact that Stallone's character (Barney Ross) is a member of a team as opposed to a one-man wrecking crew like Rambo and Cobra. The plot here is very similar to the first film but the action and flow seem to be increased. Jean Claude Van Damm turns in a very convincing performance as a villainous arms dealer. The humor here is also escalated further than the first film.
If you're fan of action movies with war as the backdrop, you will probably enjoy this film very much. It's simply entertainment. Nothing more, nothing less !
The Expendables (2010)
Action for Action-Lovers
For the trivia enthusiasts out there : Barney Ross was actually a professional prize fighter in the 1940's who held titles in 3 different classes.
As for this film : The best way for me to describe it would be like listening to 2 opposing arguments about professional wrestling. One would be that it's mindless and lacking any authenticity. The other would be that it's simply entertainment. Nothing more. Nothing less.
If you're a fan of this genre, you will probably enjoy this film a great deal. The crew assembled around Barney Ross (Stallone) seems very team-oriented and operate like a well-oiled machine. Eric Roberts turns in a convincing performance as an international villain. What Stallone has managed to do here is expand the tongue-in-cheek action film like he did in Demolition Man. He brings in all sorts of action heroes who actually make fun of their own films in the course of the dialogue. The hand-to-hand combat scenes are incredible and well choreographed. In general, this is an action film not to be taken seriously at all but still viewed closely.
My only regret about the plot itself is that there is no explanation as to how this team gets assembled, what Ross and his teammates did before becoming "The Expendables", etc. It simply begins with them venturing out on their first mission. But that's just a minor point.
Again, if you're a fan of Rambo, Terminator, Die Hard, etc., just sit back, relax and enjoy an action-packed adventure. My personal favorite is Jason Statham as "Lee Christmas".
The Valachi Papers (1972)
Flat and uninteresting !
I must agree with other IMDb reviewers who found this film flat and unconvincing. It has that "early 70s. low budget" look to it and lacks the realistic grittiness of The French Connection and Taxi Driver. Also, it definitely does not hold up well over time. First of all, Charles Bronson bears absolutely no resemblance to Joe Valachi whatsoever. His Italian accent and mannerisms are atrocious! The supporting cast is somewhat believable but not outstanding. The story itself does not flow very well and one blaring omission is that the actual Joe Valachi was coached by Federal agents prior to his Grand Jury testimony: i.e. his "knowledge of the pay scale for low-ranking mobsters in Detroit". Joe Valachi had a sixth grade education and absolutely no knowledge of anything outside of New York City! Personally, I found the History Channel documentary "Joe The Rat Valachi" much more informative, accurate, smoothly written and conforming to the novel written by Peter Maas.
Rambo (2008)
Somewhere in the middle.
I tend to agree with other reviewers here that this installment in the Rambo series is not quite up to par with the previous three. It does contain an excessive amount of violence and graphic butchery and the plot line is a bit weak. However, there were a few elements of this film that I feel are worth mentioning and deserve some merit. First, upon careful examination of the mercenary team traveling with Rambo on this rescue mission, it's clear that these characters became the template for the team around Stallone in The Expendables series (ie one has a British accent, one is a weapons expert etc). Also, the fact that Rambo is part of a team instead of a one-man demolition machine sets a precedent for this character and at the same time, establishes the groundwork for The Expendables. Secondly, the actual character Rambo is supposed to be an aging war veteran who wants no part of violence anymore. Here, we have Stallone portraying an older version of Rambo not simply trying to revive his earlier roles. Lastly, the final scene of this movie clearly signals the end to the Rambo saga as he "comes full circle with himself". This, I felt, was very unexpected given the nature of the character. All in all, this film is far from a classic but rather a final chapter in the life of a very recognizable action hero.
Action Jackson (1988)
Absolute Nonsense !!
I have to agree with the other IMDb members who find this movie absolutely absurd. This is nothing more than an attempt to capitalize on the popularity of the Apollo Creed character developed by Carl Weathers in "Rocky". The fact that this film was named after an action figure doll from the early 70's says it all. The stunts are just plain ridiculous (Jackson leaping over a speeding car head-on and also chasing a speeding car on foot and catching up to it) are just so far-fetched that it gets insulting. Craig T Nelson seems too bland as a villain and the plot is so weak that the action can't even carry it. Also worthy of note is the purse-snatcher who faints every time he lays eyes on Jackson. It's no wonder a sequel was never attempted. Mindless idiocy and a waste of quality movie time!
Heartbreak Ridge (1986)
Very unique !
As far as I know, this is the only movie that focuses on the rescue mission in Grenada in 1983. Although there are a few geographical, continuity, and factual errors in this film, it's one of those movies that just seems to get better each with each viewing. Some of the supporting acting is a bit weak, but Clint Eastwood, Marsha Mason, and Arlen Dean Snyder turn in very convincing and well-portrayed character performances. The role of Gunnery Sergeant Tom Highway was chosen by Eastwood at the exact perfect point in his film career. Particularly impressive are the quotes throughout this film. It's just one of those movies to sit back and enjoy.
Blue Jasmine (2013)
Woody From A Very Different Angle !
First of all, this is not a typical Woody Allen movie by any stretch of the imagination nor does it conform to standard Hollywood scripts. For some viewers (like myself) it may require more than 1 viewing to fully appreciate the depth and execution of the storyline. The way I see it is: This film focuses on the EFFECT that the life of an individual like a Bernie Madoff would have on those AROUND him without centering on any one particular person nor the Madoff character himself. There's a bit of humor, tragedy, sadness, etc. As for the acting: Not enough can be said nor written about the absolutely brilliant performance by Cate Blanchette. She is convincing, stunning, and deep. Sally Hawkins also turns in a fantastic performance as Jasmine's sister. But, without doubt, the " surprising performance" award goes to Andrew Dice Clay whose portrayal of Augie transcends him above the Dice character that we're all too familiar with from the 1990's. The remainder of the cast also turn in very meticulous and convincing performances. Woody Allen did an outstanding job formulating and developing the script as well as casting each role. The story is told through the characters and the viewer must identify with each of them in order to appreciate the storyline. In summary: If you're looking for a film to just sit back and let entertain you for a couple of hours: this is not it. This movie may require some attention and concentration like any quality film of substance and depth should. A classic Woody drama.
They Live (1988)
Alien Vision
Other than "Escape From New York", this is probably my favorite John Carpenter movie. Although the plot is not terribly original and the action is a bit predicable, this film still stands up well. Aliens infiltrating the human condition is not all that original but this story has that special Carpenter touch that makes it memorable. While not an absolute classic, it's still entertaining. Keith David and Roddy Piper turn in very admirable performances. While it may contain some flaws it's worth owning as it falls into one of those movie categories where you might want to watch it when there is nothing else on or when you haven't seen it in a long while.
The French Connection (1971)
Mean Streets At Its Best
Anyone who grew up anywhere near New York in the seventies can appreciate this movie. The grittiness of the streets and the general feel of the neighborhoods are captured in every scene. This film is based on a true story and is so real that the actual detectives who this story is based are in the movie! This is a cop story like no other and (as has been stated endlessly) has possibly the greatest chase scene in the history of motion pictures. Gene Hackman and Roy Scheider spent a considerable amount of time in patrol cars and accompanying New York policemen in preparation for their roles and their chemistry is unbelievably convincing and articulate. The script is outstanding and the production is extremely lifelike and gripping. To this day, it still stands up as a very well done detective drama with a very real ending. The fact that the story is true just makes the film that much more intriguing. My personal recommendation is the 30th anniversary DVD which contains a bonus, behind-the-scenes, disc with interviews and stories. Fascinating and very, very interesting. Probably my all-time favorite police movie. Highly recommended.
Caligola (1979)
Turned it on but got turned off !
I viewed the full-length, uncut version of this film and it struck me as merely an attempt to make a porno version of the Ten Commandments with a bit of Night of the Living Dead thrown in. Guccione's idea seems to have been to portray the perverse and sick side of the Roman era and at the same time, to destroy the Hollywood perception of Biblical movies (given the cast of some well-established actors and actresses). The result was an absolutely disgusting film whose only merit was in its shock value. As many of my fellow IMDb reviewers have pointed out, there is actually a scene early in the film where a group of individuals are buried up to their necks in the ground and are decapitated by a lawn-mower type machine wielding a very large blade. And the scene is very graphic. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think engines existed in this era ! As for the remainder, the script is just plain awful and speaking quite frankly, the "adult" scenes (if we can refer to them that way) are not very stimulating or exciting at all. Also, there are many scenes of orgies, bestiality, incest, and just about any other perversion you can think of. To me, this movie was an expensive attempt to create a pornographic film set to the backdrop of Ancient Rome and throwing in extreme violence and established actors just to lend it some credibility. I'm sure there are many historical errors here as well but in short, this is just an awful attempt at cinema. At a length of a little over 2 and 1/2 hours, it really becomes boring and pointless. Also, if we check the history books, this movie isn't even close to the facts. For one, the emperor's name was not even Caligula. That was a nickname given to him by the Roman soldiers when he was a little boy. It literally means "little boots". He would parade around in front of the soldiers in a soldiers uniform that his mother made for him, which included a tiny set of army boots. And, his reign as emperor only lasted 4 years and was, by far, more violent than sexually perverse. He wound up being assassinated by 2 soldiers whom he insulted. So, this movie technically fails on 2 fronts. Terrible.
Boogie Nights (1997)
Must've Missed Something
Check me if I'm wrong, but isn't this movie supposed to be a loosely-based biography on the life of John Holmes and at the same time, an in-depth view of the sleaziness of the porn industry itself? Perhaps I missed something but the parallels to the character Dirk Digler are unmistakable: Holmes was discovered working as a carpenter in Ohio by a low budget filmmaker (if I'm not mistaken). He began his career in photos and worked his way into the film industry. He was later involved in the Laurel Canyon murders (scene where Digler is in the producers home), his massive use of cocaine and alcohol, abuse of his girlfriends, his detective porn series, etc. Aren't these all somewhat portrayed in this movie to some degree as it ventures through 2 decades of this industry? I gave this movie 2 stars only because of its originality in tackling a very difficult topic. However, the acting for the most part , is absolutely unconvincing. Perhaps I just associate Burt Reynolds too much with the Smokey & The Bandit movies and The Longest Yard to take him seriously as an adult film producer. Mark Wahlberg just doesn't impress me as an actor at all so it's difficult for me to accept him as a porn king. The supporting cast is OK but I must agree with those IMDb reviewers that believe this storyline simply does not move along and is in fact, a bit boring. And the grand finale: Mark Wahlberg's narration as he reveals himself from the chest down is just plain stupid. My summary of this film: a sleazy account of a sleazy industry.
Natural Born Killers (1994)
Senseless !
I have to agree with my fellow IMDb reviewers who just didn't get this movie. It's definitely one of those films that you either like or hate. To me, it was just senseless violence glorified to an extreme and unbelievable level. The story and flow seem disjointed (as do most Tarrantino movies) and the portrayals just seem unconvincing. To me, it was just a waste of time. There seems to be no actual plot and I'm unsure if this story is based on actual events. Woody Harelson probably saved his best for his next film as he was totally miserable here.
One further note: what the hell is Rodney Dangerfield doing in this movie? Get him out of there !!
The People vs. Larry Flynt (1996)
A Real Surprise !!
I have to admit that seeing Woody Harelson in "Cheers" and "White Men Can't Jump", it was very difficult to take him seriously as an actor. However, his nomination for Best Actor in this movie prompted me to give it a try and I have to say : He was absolutely brilliant. The story itself, subplots, flow, and the production were all very well done. Woody's portrayal of the controversial publisher was a method actor's performance which still amazes me to this day. His character perceptions were very deep and convincing. Also of note: Edward Norton and Courtney Love turn in outstanding supporting performances. Definitely worth seeing and probably owning.
Gilligan's Island (1964)
Just Sit Right Back And Laugh
I find this show to be an absolute original classic. Why else would it have spanned 6 decades to date. The plot is very original and is actually a social microcosm of the time (the 1960's). Granted, many shows from this era were on the silly side (Munsters, Addams Family, I Dream Of Jeannie, and even Batman). The really outstanding element of this show is how well it was cast. All 7 cast members are very convincing and their chemistry is outstanding. I'm the first to admit that some of the humor is silly. But some of it is not. It also falls under the banner of TV sitcoms with a very catchy soundtrack. The guest stars on this show were very entertaining for the most part (including a very young Kurt Russell). In my opinion, I don't believe that there has ever been a more scrutinized, criticized, nor analyzed show in the history of television. The very exaggerated detail that's questioned is what makes it funny (ie for a 3 hour tour, the Howells are carrying about 30 million dollars). Besides: if they have THAT much money, why are they on a 3 hour tour when they should be sailing on one of their own yachts? See what I mean? To me, there will never be another Gilligan's Island, Honeymooners, or I Love Lucy simply because they are timeless classics.
Goodfellas (1990)
"Good But Not Great" Fellas
I realize that in many circles, this film is considered an absolute classic and possibly Scorsese's greatest. However, over the course of time, my perception of this film has changed. Having read "Wiseguy" by Nicholas Pileggi, I realized that this movie does not conform to the book all that much and tends to stray a great deal. While most of the performances are memorable, they don't really resemble the actual characters that the story is based on. Joe Pesci's performance seems way over the top to me although certain short scenes of his are hilarious. Overall, I'd say his performance was overacted. DeNiro, Frank Vincent, Lorraine Bracco, and Ray Liotta turn in very convincing performances and Scorsese's approach to this film was very unique and well done. One of the many overlooked features of this movie is the soundtrack. While not quite chronologically correct in some spots, it does tend to emphasize certain scenes. My major criticism of this film is that way too much time in the second half is devoted to Henry's drug problem. I felt that this segment of his life could have been summed up in one or possibly two scenes. But here, almost the entire second half of this movie focuses on Henry's drug addiction and dealing. Not necessary. Another criticism is that the famous "Lufthansa heist" is only mentioned here and not shown at all. I believe that this, above all, was the centerpiece in the lives of Jimmy Burke and Henry Hill and is not given enough attention. I would have preferred to see more detail about the heist and less about Henry's drug use. Other than that, it's a memorable film and worthy of a few viewings. But as an all-time classic, I don't think so.
The Godfather (1972)
The Greatest Film of All Time ! Period.
This film contains all the elements of a genuine masterpiece. Its attention to detail, history, and tradition. An absolutely wonderful screenplay. Its comparative closeness to the novel and a storyline which became the template for future stories in this genre. As for the performances: there is not one single character flaw in this entire cast. What continues to amaze me about this film more than any other is the fact that not only were the correct actors and actresses chosen for the roles but that they were each chosen at the perfect point in their respective careers. Throughout this film, there is not one actor nor actress who seems "too old or young for the part". Nor does anyone (including an extremely strong Diane Keaton) seem "out of place" or "unconvincing". The plot and storyline could not have been better and this is one film that no matter how many times you've seen it, it still continues to amaze, entertain, and (in some ways) inform. Like some of the classics which preceded it, it holds up very well over time and will probably continue to do so. I currently own on VHS "The Godfather Saga" (the first 2 movies woven together in chronological order) which is absolutely amazing. It begins with the birth of Vito and ends with the eventual rise of Michael. Although Francis Ford Coppola does not like this version of his epic, I sure wish he would release it on DVD.
True Lies (1994)
"True Idiocy"
In my opinion, this is Arnold's attempt at a James Bond spy thriller which falls completely flat on its face. The stunts are beyond the pale of being far-fetched and the plot is absolutely ridiculous. Even Jamie Lee Curtis (who should have been embarrassed accepting this role) nor Tom Arnold could help carry this one. Although most spy thrillers tend to test the realm of believability, this one just extends into the region of absurdity without the element of simply being entertainment. Absolute junk and a waste of time. This is one movie that exemplified Arnold's limitations and clearly demonstrates that this type of role is way out of bounds for his level of limited acting skills.
Casualties of War (1989)
DePalma at his absolute worst !
I have to agree with the other reviewers who asked : "How could this movie have possibly been made?". This piece of absolute trash really says a lot for the many brave American soldiers (men and women) who faithfully served our country throughout the Viet Nam war. The story centers on the rape and eventual murder of an innocent Vietnamese child by 4 American soldiers who were refused leave. Who in their right mind would want to make a movie like this? The performances are just awful and totally unrealistic. Sean Penn is his usual unconvincingly terrible and casting Michael J Foxx in a war film is about as convincing as casting Stan Laurel in the lead role of Rocky ! I just fail to see how portraying American GIs as low-life rapists and murderers serves as quality entertainment. Very unconvincing acting, an awful plot, and totally off-center directing make this film the very bottom of the heap for me. One I would never recommend nor want to see again. Very disturbing junk. DePalma was really out of his element on this one and should have been court-martial-ed for this movie. It makes our Viet Nam GIs look like the Russian soldiers who served under Stalin during World War 2.
Under Siege (1992)
Toss The Anchor On This One !!
When this movie came out, I thought that it was Seagal's best simply because of the supporting roles of Tommy Lee Jones and Gary Busey. However, viewing this film a few years later, I found it to be as poorly acted as any other performance that Seagal has done and the plot is just ridiculously far-fetched. After a few viewings, even Lee Jones and Busey do not seem very convincing. As stated by many other IMDb reviewers, this plot is simply "Die Hard" set out at sea. Also noted is how Erika Eleniak's character transforms from a topless dancer into a combat veteran in a matter of minutes with a quick firearms lesson from Seagal, just seems absurd. The tempo of this film is typical action-movie stuff and the storyline development is just plain awful. Just about as convincing as any other of Seagal's roles. Not recommended.
Awakenings (1990)
Really does Awaken !!!
I must be one of the few viewers in the minority who believe that Robin Williams (RIP) was a better dramatic actor than a comedian. I believe that this performance serves to confirm that. Playing opposite a very convincing Robert DeNiro, Williams turns in a top-notch performance as consistent and convincing as his roles in "Good Morning Viet Nam", "Dead Poets Society", "Moscow on the Hudson", and "Good Will Hunting". Both DeNiro and Willaims have taken on a variety of roles throughout their respective careers. Here, they assume the doctor-patient relationship and are very convincing. The storyline is very original and the tempo and flow of this film are both enjoyable. Julie Kavner turns in a really excellent supporting performance. A great story that was very well acted.
The Breakfast Club (1985)
Dentention Has A New Definition !!
Quite possibly, this may be the best teen-focused movie in history. The plot is extremely original and the tempo and storyline are just fantastic. Disregarding useless Hollywood monikers (such as "the brat pack"), each cast member creates a memorable character perception while, at the same time, contributing to a wonderful ensemble effort. Judd Nelson, Emilio Estevez, Anthony Michael Hall, Allie Sheedy, and Mollie Ringwald each turn in what may be the best performances of their respective career. The story centers on a Saturday morning detention session in a Chicago high school involving 5 radically different students each suffering from a unique form of peer pressure. Paul Gleeson turns in a very convincing performance as the detention dean. This film has depth, emotion, humor and a soundtrack that fits to perfection. A must see !!!