RAY-130 Reviews

Trumbo (2015)

A GREAT STORY BUT DESTROYED BY BRYAN CRANSTON

[4/10 · 11 June 2018]

I am extremely engrossed my Hollywood 10 movies since especially considering the current political situation . Started watching this and became entranced by the story but at 1 hour i just could not take the unlikable actor playing Trumbo. They should redo it with a real human being.

Holocaust (1978)

A 9 in 1979 and a 4 in 2010

[4/10 · 25 April 2010]

This series is to be applauded for it's (then) groundbreaking story of the holocaust. However there are now several movies and miniseries that present a more accurate and believable history of the holocaust. It is a shame that the producers of Winds of War and Remembrance were not involved. The excellent cast was wasted on this underfunded effort which shows almost from minute one. Going from 1936 to 1940 in 30 seconds destroyed any credibility for this production. This story deserves a true Miniseries with adequate funding (and cast) to show the beginning of Jewish persecution starting around 1932 in Germany until 1940. After 1940 "Winds" and Schilnder have it covered.

Pride and Prejudice (1995)

This is the Standard of Excellence for any Jane Austern video production

[10/10 · 31 March 2010]

I watched this in summer of 2009 and thought it very good. I then read the book (on my iphone) when out and about until about 70% done and then purchased a hard copy and finished it. I then re watched the movie and became a Addict of Austern. I preceded to watch every version of Pride and ranked them here at IMDb. 1995 A 10, 2008 A 8 "LOST IN AUSTERN ", AND 2005 A 6. All the others less than 5. Colin Firth is Mr. Darcy and Jennifer Ehle is Lizzi. The supporting cast is excellent and the direction outstanding. This movie has taught me (at 66) the true meaning of romance even if set in a world so strict in class distinctions as to be completely unacceptable.

Mary, Mary (1963)

One Of My All Time FAVORITE MOVIES

[9/10 · 21 March 2010]

I saw this movie at its original release and loved it. I then saw it on TV several times in the 60's and 70's but not since. I came to realize that it was the story of me and my wife who I HAD YET TO MEET. In 1990 I become Involved with my wife and called her "Mary Mary" and was unable to show her the reason until now. A great play on film. I think this is Debbie's best film and loved Barry Nelson in it. A movie for any couple who bicker all the time but truly love each other.

Recommend it highly. Suggest it as therapy for the Bickersons and funny to all others including granddaughters. Still timely in 2010 as well as the sixties. Has the beauty of white porcelslen.

A New Life (1988)

Alda at his Best-Not a classic just a warm fuzzy

[8/10 · 11 November 2009]

This is what I call a warm fuzzy. It shows a mix of people living this thing called life in a haphazard and enjoyable way. The combo of Alda and Linden had me laughing out of my chair. They remind me of so many people we all know. Ann Margaret is a knockout and Veronica Hamel brings hill street to medicine. This is MY favorite Alda movie and made me respect him as an actor who can play somebody other than Hawkeye. In my humble opinion this was Linden's best work. to use a quote from elsewhere "Alda's purpose is to show us fairly typical people going through fairly typical things. They live, we watch. On that voyeuristic level, the movie works." Please powers that be release this on DVD or show it on HBO high def .

SUMMARY- NOT A CLASSIC JUST A WARM FUZZY FEEL GOOD.

Mamma Mia! (2008)

This is the one that almost got me divorced!!!

[1/10 · 29 July 2008]

MY wife ( who never goes to movies) said lets go see Mamma Mia on our 15th wedding celebration and I unwittingly said yes. Now understand I love chick flicks like Sleepless, you've got mail etc. , but I was not prepared for this movie. I looked it up and saw comedy, Pierce Bronson etc and thought "OH OK'. I will never trust PIERCE again and will read every review before saying OK again. I was in so much pain that a person behind us asked me to stop talking during the show and I was MOANING. Meryl Streep was SINGING. Pierce was screeching. The sound volume was so loud it hurt my ears ( I am hard of hearing) . The only cast member who belonged in this movie was Christine Baranski who kept it from 0.

The Clan of the Cave Bear (1986)

Very Close Adaption of the book

[7/10 · 9 July 2008]

I was very surprised that this was so low rated. Over the years I had ignored this feature due to ratings. I have just finished rereading the book and felt " Let's give it a shot ". Was well worth the investment and I recommend it to any fan of the books.

The adherence to the book's story line was excellent considering the limited time. also the 3 AYLSs were very good. Admittedly the Cro Magnon clan looked more like a group of good old boys but were acceptable. Creb, Brun and Broud were very good and maybe should have been nominated.

I must admit that I would now love to visit British Columbia where this was filmed but alas age will preclude this . The location is stunning and feels right.

The Tudors (2007–2010)

Jonathan Rhys Meyers You are no HENRY VII

[3/10 · 15 February 2008]

Having missed this in its original airing and then seeing one of the later episodes I went and purchased the first season. This was a mistake. The historical errors mentioned in other comments here pale in comparison to the casting of a spoiled egotistical twerp as Henry.

The comparison to earlier Henrys, Charlton Heston, Richard Burton, Robert Shaw, Charles Laughton, Rex Harrison and others almost brings tears to my eyes. Mr Hirst your name will now serve as a warning to future viewers. Congratulations to the rest of the cast for doing so well in the face of Mr. Myers and poor writers. What a waste of talent. Tis a pity that a medium such as Showtime with its artistic freedom approved the showing of one of history's great rakes as a "little man" in all meanings of the term.

Bhowani Junction (1956)

A Essay On RACISM

[7/10 · 5 July 2007]

I watched this expecting the normal 50's play on British India and found a morality tale. The approach was a pleasant surprise. The first half dealt with the prejudice toward half Indian and English by both sides. Any comment applied to "wogs" etc could have been the N word in America. This was made in 1956!!!

Of course the 2ed half became the Granger-Gardner love story and get the bad guy but still fun. Ava was sexy as hell and Stewart was dashing. HIP HIP HORAY! Their children would be "1/4 wog". The ending was a bit much but still fun.

This movie belongs on DVD and soon. I highly recommend this as a fun movie with A blast at hate.

Wyatt Earp (1994)

Wyatt Earp Vs Tombstone - An unfair comparison

[8/10 · 24 September 2006]

I have just watched back to back these two movies and ranked both an 8. Kevin Costner, Dennis Quaid, Gene Hackman Etal made me feel that their movie was closer to history and also brought pride in their perceived honor. The chronicle from childhood to the 20th Century felt complete. BUT Then came Kurt Russell, Val Kilmer, Sam Elliott and Powers Boothe (Deadwood 93) etal and left me entertained to the ninth degree. The sheer pace of this one leaves you breathless.

These movies should be seen back to back and not compared as they tell two different stories occurring at the same time and place. Costner as Wyatt was more believable But Russell's Earp was more fun. Quaid was Doc Holiday but Kilmer had a holiday with the role. I will concede that Sam Elliott made Virgil his and nobody is going to take it away. Rent or buy both movies as it a worthwhile investment of your time.

Tombstone (1993)

Wyatt Earp Vs Tombstone - An unfair comparison

[8/10 · 24 September 2006]

I have just watched back to back these two movies and ranked both an 8. Kevin Costner, Dennis Quaid, Gene Hackman Etal made me feel that their movie was closer to history and also brought pride in their perceived honor. The chronicle from childhood to the 20th Century felt complete. BUT Then came Kurt Russell, Val Kilmer, Sam Elliott and Powers Boothe (Deadwood 93) etal and left me entertained to the ninth degree. The sheer pace of this one leaves you breathless.

these movies should be seen back to back and not compared as they tell two different stories occurring at the same time and place. Costner as Wyatt was more believable But Russell's Earp was more fun. Quaid was Doc Holiday but Kilmer had a holiday with the role. I will concede that Sam Elliott made Virgil his and nobody is going to take it away. Rent or buy both movies as it a worthwhile investment of your time.

Deadwood (2004–2006)

"The Absolute Best Ever"

[8/10 · 14 August 2006]

This series (mini? ) is hands down the best show ever on TV. I loved "Winds of War"," War and Remembrance" , "thorn Birds" etc. But none can match this one. I have watched Season one and two twice on DVD and season three over twice as it shows in HD. I did not watch this when it started as it seemed to be vulgar and violent in the first few episodes in the bits and pieces I saw. Then in June 2006 I rented two disks from season one and I was hooked. I searched near and far to rent the shows and Then ordered the Dvds.

By the 4th episode you are part of the story and even starting to love the "bad Guys". I do believe if a wider audience could have been exposed to this show It would be recognized for the unparalleled cinema it is. I can not imagine many of the actors being able to top this. I recommend investing in the Dvds as it will be something to watch every year or so as it is an experience not a show.

Gladiator (2000)

RIDLEY SCOTT WORKS FOR "PIXAR FOR "SOME" ADULTS" (no naked ladies etc.)

[6/10 · 19 July 2006]

I think this movie can best described as Blood and Guts" with super duper computer generated graphics. Displaying ancient Rome as a Beautful cesspool with mobs to be appeased but not a hint of nudity or sex to speak of, is unfair to us, the Romans and filmmakers. ALso this flick makes absolutely no effort to reflect any of the actual history of the period and does not come close to showing the Insanity of Commodus.

As a fantasy flick its pretty good and I recommend "Fall of the Roman Empire, The (1964)" which covers the same ground withs it own version of history but with Sophia Loren as Livius and slightly more skin/

Just watched this movie, again, in 2009 and 2006 comments still correct.

The Forgotten (2004)

Hollywood Endings are there for a reason

[6/10 · 3 May 2006]

I watched both versions of the ending and I must say the theatrical version was more enjoyable. I realize that reality does not exist for either but give me a movie that makes me feel good. The extended cut treats humans as grateful playthings if we give up. This I find repugnant even if it were true. Life and freedom are worth fighting for and the pursuit of same a positive force. Movies should entertain and educate us at the same time. I will concede that certain movies like Schinderlers list, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest ,Lawrence of Arabia and other do fit this description but they are a select company and a flic like can not be compared to them.

In any a enjoyable movie until the extended cut ending.

An Officer and a Gentleman (1982)

Gets better with age!

[9/10 · 31 December 2005]

This movie seems to go up a point every time I watch it. I have never been a Richard Gere fan but I believe no one could have done this part more Justice. Lou Gossetts career could have started and ended here (in my opinion it did) and been labeled a success. Nancy Klopper and Lynn Stalmaster should have received academy awards for casting. This is both a chick flick and guy movie with the Pisettings, Pugent sound shots and Mano a Mano conflict. The story line is such that any underachieving low life can think "why not"... The only negative about this movie is that it depicts life in a paper factory in the northwest as odorous. The truth is that this is a well paid job in one of the most beautiful parts of the country.

Good Night, and Good Luck. (2005)

Short but Sweet - eternal truths spoken here

[10/10 · 23 October 2005]

George Clooney had me reliving the years 1950 to 1958. This was a accurate portrayal of the period and the fear thrust upon America by the red baiting horror of McCarthyism. The same movie could be set in today's world but ALAS no Edward R Murrow. I recommend this film to any American of any political leaning as a Lesson in democracy. The depiction of the characters here stayed away from their personal lives and stayed on track. David Strathairn was Murrow. The mannerisms and speech patterns were perfect. George Clooney can look at this work as his "Citizen Kane" unlikely to be equaled. The decision to let Joe McCarthy play Joe McCarthy was the best about the movie. Let no man say they were "'unfair" to him. this movie has been put on that short list of movies I buy and send to friend and foe.

The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

In the theater I walked out midway-I viewed all of the DVD- I slow learner

[2/10 · 28 August 2005]

I do not get it!!! This movie makes every Star Wars seem like Citizen Kane and every Indiana Jones movie seem like Casablanca. This movie is a children's fairy tale not suitable for children.

I admit that I have had the same problem with the books, getting halfway through and saying it will get better. They did not and it does not. A taste for nonstop special effects with constant extreme innocence and extraordinarily ugly evil creatures is required. I realize that I may be the blind man in the seeing kingdom but I believe this movie was made by people with short attention spans for folks with even shorter attention spans. I would suggest that each 20 minutes had more murder and mayhem than the entire series referred to above.

On a more positive note New Zealand is breathtaking and I love Indy and Luke etal.

Duck, You Sucker! (1971)

See other Leone films first-keep finger on fast forward-TRAINING FILM

[5/10 · 25 August 2005]

I have almost all of Sergio Leone's big American films and enjoy them.. I have just viewed this one and this is SEERRGGIIOO LEEEOOONNNEEE to the ninth degree. His famous loooonnngggg closeups, delayed scene pans and that weird music are enough to drive any sane man to drink. Rod Steiger was "OK" as the amoral Mexican bandit. This may have been James Coburn's best performance as a actor (although his role in " TheAmericanization of Emily" takes the cake).

Thanks to James Coburn, lots of explosions, Spanish locations and some unintentional humor at the beginning this movie is watchable by Leone or Coburn fans.

Do not let this movie stop you from viewing "Once Upon a Time in America" ,one of the best movies ever made and owes this film thanks for training.

Tai-Pan (1986)

Too much in too short a time

[7/10 · 25 July 2005]

I agree with other comments that this should have been a miniseries but on HBO not commercial TV. The scenes with the various women would have been destroyed with censorship. I believe that it did give an accurate "feel" to the times and events depicted.

Upon viewing this I immediately ordered the book ( I had ignored it due to some disappointment at Nobel House ). Also bit the bullet and ordered Shogun the miniseries. Mr. Clavell's work s are to be appreciated even in movies that fall short. I do wish Bryan Brown had a better accent but Joan Chen mimicked it perfectly.

The supporting cast both western and oriental were excellent. Also the "few" ships used were great. Now I want Noble House on DVD.

The Aviator (2004)

To steal a quote "THERE IS NO THERE, THERE."

[5/10 · 19 February 2005]

This movie was a huge waste of talent. Having "Leonardo" play Howard Hughes is sending a boy to do a man's job. Martin Scorsese overwhelms us with spastic images and visual overload without ever telling us more than headlines. What a waste since the life of Hughes is clearly a story to be told. Every Oscar won by this movie for acting, directing and writing will be an affront to the movie going public. The Carpetbaggers was more fun.

Cate Blanchard is the major redeeming feature of this flic and has again turned in a performance that deserves the nod from the academy. Also Alan Alda deserves the nod.

Cold Mountain (2003)

Saturday MORNING SERIAL SPLICED TOGETHER

[4/10 · 18 September 2004]

This movie was too long, too bloody, two wasteful of its cast, and just plain too much of a MOUNTAIN OUT OF A MOLEHILL. Jude Law playing an old southrn

man was not believable as he went from one episode to another. RenŽe

Zellweger was totally over the top (and I love her) playing the angel of

COUNTRY COMPETENCE.

If you must see this keep the remote in hand for fast forwarding as every scene is evident from take one.

Will Miramix ever make a movie that you want to watch TWICE.

Mona Lisa Smile (2003)

EMPOWERMENT MOVIE NEXT TO MR HOLLAND FINDING FORESTER ETC

[8/10 · 10 March 2004]

Loved this movie and i am not a targeted sex. It appears to catch the flavor of the 1950's better than "A Beautiful Mind". Excellent supporting cast with Marcia Gay Harden symbolizing the movie. Just one thought on the dark side "I would

not want to be a man expecting Katherine Watts to be sensitive to my needs.

The highest complement I can pay to to Julia Roberts is that I have never been enamored of her but generally enjoy her movies.

Welcome to Mooseport (2004)

Ray Romano ruins an otherwise good movie.

[6/10 · 3 March 2004]

Gene Hackman, Marcia Gay Harden , Maura Tierney, Rip Torn, and slighted

Christine Baranski all turned in yeoman like performances to be sunk by "SUPER WHINER" Ray Romano. His whining is fine when surrounded by the "Crying Crowd" on his TV show but on the big screen it is annoying as hell. I strongly suggest that he keep his Day Job.

Thanks to the professionals this was a fun movie except when WHINER was on

screen.

The Buddy System (1984)

"WARM FUZZY"

[8/10 · 26 February 2004]

Nicely done warm fuzzy movie. We have single moms with nice kid, Odd guy with warm heart and sexual icon running around, a dominant mother and several

animals and ducks making us smile. This movie should not be analyzed only

appreciated. It's like chicken soup and a warm blanket on a cold day, always appreciated.

I think the world needs these non-threatening, nonintellectual, fantasies to

remind of the magic of movies. Richard Dreyfuss has done a few of these and this ranks high in my favorite Susan Sarandon movies.

The Thorn Birds (1983)

BEST SOAP EVER

[9/10 · 12 February 2004]

High camp!! Over the top miniseries that is well done sclock. Watching Richard Chamberlain covort as a priest is fun. While later information cast doubt that Meggie would be the object of his vowbreaking, it is still sheer fun. I do believe the miniseries did full justice to the book.

Barbara Stanwyck was never high on my list but her Mary Carson put her in the elite of actors. Jean Simmons was more attractive than any of the younger

women and is a greatly unappreciated actress. Piper Laurie was fun.

I can watch this hokey movie once a year and still cry at the end.

9 OUT OF 10