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Reviews
Moonrise Kingdom (2012)
If you were a Scout in the 1960's......this movie is for you
Moonrise Kingdom is that truly rare gem in cinema...a unique movie that will live inside your heart for many, many years. If you "grew up" in the turbulent mid-1960's and were part of the Boy Scouts, or Girl Scouts..or Royal Rangers, or Y-Indian Guides.....or any of a half-dozen other youth organizations that taught outdoor skills, discipline, brotherhood/sisterhood, and troop or tribe loyalty........then this movie will remind you of the ritual and pine-infused camp rhythm and heartfelt, shared secrets we all share when young men and women gather outdoors to learn, live, and struggle with the pains and pangs of adolescence. These group experiences are part of the stepping-off point in a young person's life....when uncertainties and fear of the responsibilities of impending adulthood start to appear on the near horizon. Most kids are still holding on to just being a kid, while watching their peers begin to split off and take on new challenges....and for more than few of us, this is the time in life when we wonder if we will EVER "fit in"..or grow up...or discover what in life we REALLY want to do, as adults. It is a thrilling, terrifying time to be a teenager....and for kids who all thought we were square pegs in a round-hole America, the story of these two adolescent lovers finding themselves in their first summertime puppy love....it strikes a resonant chord in our hearts. We were there once too...facing that huge unknown...a future full of might-be's and hoped- for's... Wes Andersen has fired a camp arrow directly into the heart of 1960's America with this love story.......and in the process, reminded us all of what pine needles smell like, and campfire smoke......and the pain of your first love that causes such and intense yearning to be with that special one person who gives you solace, and takes the time to try and really understand you.
The Rachel Maddow Show (2008)
Most-informed mainstream Newsperson; a brilliant Journalist
Rachel is the real deal. She FAR exceeds any other talking head in acumen and intelligence, and actually puts in the grueling hours and painstaking research required to earn her very impressive "truth percentage rating" in comparison to the tabloid noise we see on FOX and CNN. But, as with any minority voice that seeks to wade through the morass that is American politics, MSNBC is NOT being awarded by the American viewership for its decision and daring to remain THE Progressive Voice for this country. Alas, those that at least try to find truth are NEVER popular. Nor are those who chuckle at the AMAZING amount of base ignorance that resides in rural RED State America.
No, MSNBC is struggling...and likely will continue to suffer low viewership numbers and "ratings", because of an important difference that sets them apart from CNN and FOX: their ongoing refusal to rely on an old, reliable "news" approach that seeks to grab attention and evoke an emotional response.
MSNBC's level of fear-based PANDERING is lower than other networks. Thank GOD for that.
Rachel and MSNBC are both undeniably partisan, and just as determined to get their message out as FOX or CNN....but they resort LESS to pedantic and immature fear-mongering to try and sway opinion, and are sometimes the ONLY Cable News Network to avoid being drawn into aiming to stir our predictable, human base impulses or sling silly and crass American myths and legend out to the public masqueraded as truth and "patriotism." The recent Ebola-driven events that all news agencies breathlessly covered as it arrived in America are a clear example of the distinction MSNBC supplies when it comes to panic-stirring. MSNBC's stubborn refusal to denigrate the CDC wrongly, or to create unwarranted fear and panic by endorsing what NEVER remotely presented any threat to average Americans is what exemplifies courage in reporting the news.
What you won't find on Rachel's Show are "are YOU a REAL American" or "are you PATRIOTIC enough" litmus tests that remind historians of 1933 Germany and the Nazi Party's Goebbelized approach to using demonization of a particular demographic in order to summon up a mythical Bogieman and then drive a false, fear-based pandered narrative.
Rachel Maddow IS MSNBC....the network's main political taproot, and the major attraction. She has had to overcome the continual myopic and silly RIGHT-WING's hate-driven anti-gay narrative, and their cadre of childish sexual stereotyping that seems so common, emanating from the hetero haters in the world.
Rachel has responded to adversity and challenges with the utmost class and authority, and despite the Right's blatant sexism and misogyny, Rachel has emerged as a hero among both normally-adjusted heterosexuals and gays, alike. All of the FOX News nasty asides and envy-driven criticism of Rachel has only exposed the crank-call maturity level that sane Americans ascribe to all folks foolish enough to spew sexual- orientation-based personalized attacks.
Bottom Line: Rachel's approach to informing Americans is fact-based, accepts challenges when they are warranted, provides humility and story revision when mistakes are made or discovered.
As the Huffington Post recently remarked: "We would be lost without Rachel Maddow. Indeed!
(Note: Reviewer is an older, White, straight Independent male)
The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T. (1953)
A Seuss Masterpiece that was way, way, way before it's time...
I first saw this unique movie at the tender age of about 7 or 8.....and it was about the time I was having my own recurring nightmares. After watching it, I realized I wasn't alone, and that recurring dreams were "normal." I remember afterward having a few dreams where I was being chased by men with brightly-colored, humongous butterfly nets.....dreams that were obviously influenced and driven by this movie.And like a lot of folks, I always felt I was trying to run through water....that sluggish feeling when your legs just won't move fast as you need them to move. But this is supposed to be a movie review...so let's look at a few things about "The 5000 Fingers of Dr. T.": First off, Hans Conried was a genius of comedy...and this role is perhaps his finest role and performance. He made "Dr. Terwilleger" into a maniacal, egocentric, hypnotic menace...the kind of pushy, abusive adult that all pre-adolescent kids dread...that parental-approved "authority figure" that kids are forced to deal with despite all protestations, usually found today in overpowering, intimidating sports-coaches, a perfectionist teachers, or any adult that looks DOWN on kids and treats them like lowly subordinates. The genius of Dr. Seuss's understanding of fears and insecurities of young children is quite evident in how he wrote Conried's role....and the sad and winsome song that Tommy Rettig sings alone as he feels abandoned by his only confidante, the plumber Zabrodowski after Terwillger entrances Zabrodowski with magic and tainted "pickle juice" is both touching and revealing of just how kids feel when they find they have no one, or no compassionate adult to turn to with their problems. Yes, Tommie, adults shouldn't ever "push us little kids around".
I have always felt this movie is VASTLY underrated, and it is a darn shame that Seuss never made another movie after this one....never again had the creative license and control to bring some of his other work to the magic, Cinescopic big screen. The sets, backgrounds, costumes, and music in this movie are brilliant and imaginary, and some of the script was pretty daring, for its time. Especially notable is the song sung by the Executioner as he describes what each floor of the dungeon is used for.....watch the movie and listen to the lyrics.
There are many other moments in the movie that carry a not-so-subtle message about the vagaries of American child-rearing, even some commentary about the threat of nuclear Armaggedon that was very much on people's minds in 1953. I think Seuss was also making a jab as to how so many Americans were sending their children off to "camp" to receive instruction in whatever the PARENT thought the child needed, rather than what the children themselves were proficient or interested in. Well, done, Dr. Dr. Seuss's books are a recognized, language and decade- spanning treasure, and so is this movie. Although "The 5000 Fingers of Dr. T." gave me some nightmares as a 2nd-grader....it has stayed with me all these years later...and every time I pull it out of my movie collection, I am reminded of the "blissful, carefree picture of typical American life" that Hollywood was always trying to project in the mid-1950's, highlighting our sunny blue-sky days, our disposable income, our perfectly-manicured, beautifully-dressed (but overly submissive) Moms and families, and all the other post-WWII aspects of pure Americana that the sudden, burgeoning post-GI Bill Middle-Class sector of America was creating for itself. Don't miss this MOVIE!! I've rated it a 9 for one main reason: it is an utterly-unique reminder of what Dr. Seuss was really trying to tell us all in his many great books: Children are a treasure, the most-perfect gifts we receive in our short lives, and they should be loved, cherished, and respected....
Wouldn't it be wonderful if we ALL never, never, never had to grow up?
White House Down (2013)
Pure Entertainment with a few sprinkles of reality
I liked this movie for a couple reasons: 1) the obvious in-your-face jab at our resident right-wing nut-jobs that seem to have proliferated even quicker than Ebola fear in America 2) the purposeful use of imagery and realistic White House sets 3) The multiple character actors that almost stole the movie
This is a purely fantastical non-fiction joyride for the senses.....and why not?..this is what folks go to the movies for, to escape.
I'm sure there will be a raft of haters who don't like President Obama or the characterizations of RIGHT-Wing / WHITE Supremacist hatred his movie spotlights.....but outside of Nazis and radical Islamist extremists, who can we all ridicule and hate without offending PC sensibilities?
The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)
A Perfect 10
I do not relinquish 10 stars often. This movie is a monument to Wes Anderson and the art of movie-making. Less than a minute in, I KNEW I was watching a Wes Anderson movie; that little alarm in my head went off that said "this movie's "feel", pace, clipped and precise diction, and the zoom in/zoom out and blocking remind me of Moonrise Kingdom!" (Well, no kidding, Sherlock.)
The cinematography is both awe-inspiring and will take your breath away... one feels as if you ARE there in war-torn Eastern Europe, with the vile, brash and harsh reality of war encircling you.
The other reviewers here have covered all the bases. No sense in duplicating their commentary with the same lavishing of compliments. For a true delight, you MUST watch this movie.
Seeking a Friend for the End of the World (2012)
At times, powerfully poignant and at times, almost too real to bear..
I think this movie was striving for something that is almost impossible to capture: what it REALLY might be like if everyone knew there were only 3 weeks left before this planet's life was extinguished by a massive meteor. Some of the scenes of chaos and riots seemed appropriate enough, as well as the snippets of film showing many folks just going on with their lives as if nothing was happening. Why not? Might as well keep mowing the lawn, having a garage sale, or showing up for work....this is all a part of our human unwillingness to deal with reality. Denial of everyone's impending death would probably be commonplace, as well as massive shows of apathy, and many people would try to "cram in as much wildlife and fantasy as possible" exhibiting wild abandon, casting aside all societal cautions, "taboos", and what would be a meaningless observance of established law.
I enjoyed the pairing of Knightly and Carell as the main characters, who are falling in love for the first time in their lives; although other posters have suggested that perhaps both actors were miscast given the subject material and theme, I think these two were intentionally cast together to reflect the likelihood that many, many "strange bedfellows" would suddenly find themselves scrabbling to find meaning in their last few days of life, due to the circumstances. After all...how many of us would run off desperately to try and spend our "last days" with that "special someone" that we had always considered our "soul- mate"......only to find out that the feeling wasn't exactly mutual?
Brutal, harsh, truths, like discovering your life has been built on fallacy or fantasy sometimes comes home to roost when the chips are down....
The ending was particularly hard to watch....
Bottom Line: There is something for everyone in parts of this film: comedy, heartbreak, and some underlying truths about the human condition. This movie is worth a look.
The Man with the Golden Arm (1955)
Acting like acting used to be...and Otto Preminger makes great movies!
This was a fantastic, truly seminal movie at the time it was released, as it dealt with taboo subject matter (heroin addiction) deemed "unsuitable" by the Review Board and certainly outside 1955's "Father Knows Best" squeaky-clean societal norms and standards.
As I watch TMWTGA for the dozenth time and note some of the career risks that were taken by the actors, I am beginning to question if Otto Preminger ever made a "bad" movie....because it seems that he always got the very best performances out of his actors. It also seems many of his movies pushed boundaries and challenged societal assertions and beliefs.
How so? Well, in Preminger's "In Harm's Way"...Preminger introduces audiences to the somewhat risqué idea that not only is casual, non- committed sex "OK" in polite society, it happens quite frequently between consenting unmarried adults (operating in the harsh circumstances and environs of WWII warfare). "In Harm's Way" also included an incredibly controversial forcible-rape sequence, both violent and nasty, which results in both the attacker and the victim's committing suicide to avoid public condemnation and consequences.
Or, in Preminger's "The Moon is Blue".....where two men are pursuing one woman, not for marriage, but for sex.
In "The Man with the Golden Arm", moviegoers got a firsthand taste of what it really means to be an addict; the unmitigated cravings, the self-deceptions, the pains of withdrawal, the unavoidable destruction of relationships and loved ones, etc. Although Sinatra was magnificent in this movie, so was Eleanor Parker, along with great performances by Arthur Strang, and notably, Darin McGavin, who creates an especially nasty, reprehensible drug pusher who knows exactly how to pull the strings and make the addict Sinatra "dance".
Although films aren't Black and White anymore, and the 1950's won't ever return, the concepts and characters in this movie still exist in full force here in present-day 2014. Just peer down a dark side-street, out behind the bowling alley, or in the parking lot of your closest seedy motel. You can find the same set of REAL players revolving around money and drugs on a corner of Your Town, USA, or any place where desperation and shattered dreams are laid bare, and pain is mitigated via the needle, the pill, the puff, or the snort.
The Mountain Men (1980)
Enjoyable, "good time" outdoorsy Indians vs. Trappers Movie
(This review may contain spoilers)
This movie is a little off the beaten "oater" path. A must for Heston lovers; this is Charles as his career was winding down. It is a glimpse at what life MIGHT have been like as the mid-western frontier was being opened up by White American and French trappers. The Blackfeet and Crow Indian portrayals are of course not entirely accurate, but outside of an actual, fact-based bio or a historically-researched documentary, what fictional movie has portrayed or reflected exactly how Indians and Whites interacted back in the 1800's?
The movie is set in and around Yellowstone and Montana and shot lovingly to reflect the natural beauty of the surroundings. Brian Keith and Heston seemed to be enjoying their characterizations. The "love interest" angle with Heston and Running Moon, and the base story line are solid, as is the apparent brotherly love shared between the two main characters.
This is a good, solid "easy-entertainment" movie, OK to share with your teens (a little rough language), the family, and/or the wife/girlfriend/significant other. Get the popcorn ready! Make this movie a part of your collection...very few movies are made his way anymore.
Interstellar (2014)
Acting, plot, and basic premise are excellent!
(review may contain insights into plot and substance of this movie)
Well, fellow movie lovers....this movie is about as good as it gets here in 2014....if you are a brave soul willing to plunk down $10-$12 and suffer through watching a first-run movie right along with your local, teen-age "Woo-hoo! We're all outta school for Thanksgiving holiday!" crowd. The "giggles and I-Phone" crowd can be a little loud-so don't expect to hear more than a few words of any of he endless 20 minutes of previews. Perhaps that isn't so bad....
Regardless of its success, "Interstellar" is a GREAT, sure-to-be-popular movie, one suitable for most all 12-and-above ages. Don't be surprised to find "We are not alone!".......if you find you and honey-bunny are surrounded by hordes of your local young folks who have descended upon your local Cinema multiplex.
Did I mention this is a GREAT movie? Interstellar is a solid, far above average, (mostly) scientifically-plausible drama. It does suffers a tiny, tiny bit from its longish post-apocalyptic setup premise....but it moves faster as our Hero takes the bait.
Scientifically-speaking, the "end-of-human civilization-as-we know-it" premise depicted in "Interstellar" may be more real than we'd like to accept; our current real ecological breakdown that BIG AG has propagated upon our little, precious planet has now irreversibly affected 40% of ALL available Earthly arable land, which is under cultivation right here, right now on Earth. The abhorrent, deadly, and polluting over-use of super-nitrogen fertilizers is a very real threat, right here, right now, and this movie brings it all just a little TOO close to home. (Hang in there-I'm almost finished with my ecological $.02.)
We've now lost 50% of ALL land animals, lost in just the last 40 years as result of the deadly over-use of nitrogen as fertilizer, and that toxic effect has had resulted in a an even worse ratio of species loss in our oceans and fresh waters, as the nitrogen runoff continues to decimate all biological life. So...How bad is it, really? In the next 50 years, we could lose the entire ecosystem......do the research yourself, and be prepared to be shocked. I'm no Green Peace nutter...just an interested party, so reserve your own opinion...AFTER you do the reading and study.
Interstellar succeeds greatly in challenging our common preconceptions about our base human origins, our communal and collective future as a species, and interestingly, suggests what may indeed be our "purpose for being", as we trundle through our daily lives as 8 billion mere mortal human beings living in congested chaos on our little oasis amid our billion-planet cosmos.
How far away are we from the next habitable planet? Where is it? Could we really travel there? How long would it take...and how much will we age, if compared to our loved ones back on good old Earth, while we are away?
"Interstellar" approaches these questions and more, and supplies some insight.......
All of these questions are approached in a believable way.......although some of the applied quantum physics may be a mite "stretched."
But...no matter! We all go to movies to be entertained! Judge for yourself...and I recommend you go see this movie!
Bottom Line: "Interstellar" is far, far superior to the endless spate of "Us vs. the Aliens" Sci-Fi (slash) horror (slash) fantasy (slash) mindlessness that is clunked our faithfully and cast upon the viewing public, assembly-line style to satisfy our cravings for pleasant escapism and a reflection of our dreams and hopes for the future....movies chock-full of wondrous effects but lacking in substance....the sturm und drang we get every summer. Remember, sadly, Asimov, Heinlein, Clarke, Campbell, Lovecraft, etc......those fantastic folks just aren't around anymore to weave their fantastic, fugue-state of consciousness wonders; their genius and their uncannily accurate predictions of what humanity may face are sorely missed as we watch our communal scientific reach outward and onward seemingly far, far exceed our ability to grasp it all and proceed cautiously and wisely.
So....GO. GO! GO to this movie...! (Do not pass Go, and do not waste time stopping to collect your $200!) Just go see Interstellar! It will be worth it.
This particular movie really is "can't miss" stuff....and the quality is about as rare and unlikely as a worm-hole suddenly appearing right here at the edge of our own solar system!
Dear Frankie (2004)
Perhaps a truly unique film experience
Despite the negative reviews seen posted here by folks who might not have their expectations in proper alignment for what this movie was trying to "say" about the foibles, flaws, hopes, and joy in all of us...........this movie hits many perfect notes about the true human condition that links us all. I am a classic movie aficionado.....as well as a contemporary movie buff and enthusiast...but I am the farthest from a critic or movie "snob" as one can possibly be. But....this little gem hit me so hard between the gut and the heart that it has been one of the very, very few movies that I've insisted those closest to me must watch. There is at least one superlative and quite detailed positive "10 star" review already posted here; a reviewer that nailed what this movie "is about"....and that reviewer quite succinctly described why "Dear Frankie" is a movie that should be part of your collection as a treasure to be shared with your family and loved ones, so I will sum up my $.02 by only saying.......if you've ever been hurt, or loved, or been abused, betrayed, or left all alone to face the ugly, hard aspects of normal life...or have lost your desire and your hope for a true love.....or have truly loved a child......quite simply, if you are a normal human being with a heart capable of the feeling the broadest, deepest, enduring love and the abysmal, horrific depths of human despair - this movie will touch you in a place that almost no movies do. This movie is unique, frank, real, and remarkable.