CarrJL Reviews

See You in Hell, Blind Boy (1999)

A personal visit to the home of the delta blues

[7/10 · 28 June 2005]

George Pratt, a creator of many fine graphic novels, takes a journey to the heart of blues country in preparation of a future work. On his travels he meets with a number of individuals who still keep the spirit of the delta blues alive the son of Mississippi John Hurt, and makes a poignant visit to the graveside of this blues legend. Intercut with these personal reminiscences is archival footage of blues legends like Howlin' Wolf and Muddy Waters. While lacking the detail of many other histories of the blues; this one benefits from Pratt's insight into the depth of the culture and the sheer power of the music. Pratt's art as a work in progress is also used to illustrate his creative process, and its inclusion is an interesting addition to the standard documentary.

Brothers in the Saddle (1949)

A different kind of B-Western

[7/10 · 1 September 2001]

Steve Taylor, a lousy gambler, kills another player (in self defense) when he discovers he's being cheated. His brother Tim saves him from the noose and pursues the one person who can clear Steve. Pretty typical, right? Then in an odd twist, Steve can no longer wait for Tim to return, robs a stage and kills one of the men who testified against him. When Tim arrives with the witness, he discovers Steve is now a cold blooded killer. This Cain and Abel story is not particularly well-acted but deserves credit for being something other than a formula western.

Quentin Durward (1955)

Weak Costume Adventure

[4/10 · 29 June 2000]

You know a movie is in trouble when the worst parts are the action sequences. The cast does the best they can with the material, particularly Robert Morley as the scheming Louis XI, but the movie lacks originality and can't overcome comparisons to much better historical action films of this era.

Eddie Izzard: Glorious (1997 Video)

Comedy with intelligence...a rare combination!

[8/10 · 31 January 2000]

Not quite as polished as Dress to Kill, Glorious is still a good example of the quick wit and intelligent observations that Izzard is known for. The quality of the video interferes with the viewer's enjoyment but his commentary still shines through. Moving from the Bible to the Trojan War with side trips through giraffe impressions, you have to see this to truly appreciate Izzard's creativity. Any fan of thought-provoking comedy is in for a good time with this video.

A Christmas Carol (1999 TV Movie)

A Worthy Addition

[7/10 · 6 December 1999]

Does the world need another version of Dickens' classic? I was hoping for a filmed version of Stewart's tremendous one man show, but I enjoyed this movie. Stewart was excellent, and Richard Grant did a stellar job. The quality of the effects was shaky at best and the ghosts were particularly weak.(With the exception of Joel Grey's truly otherwordly first ghost.)The Ghost of Christmas future looked like one of the sand people from "Star Wars", far from scary. To have Stewart's Scrooge kept for posterity made any other difficulties I had with this film seem unimportant.

No Holds Barred (1952)

The Bowery Boys vs wrestling...just a silly as the "real thing"

[30 August 1999]

Sach gains phenomenal power in different parts of his body (head,toe,elbow)which leads Slip to turn him into a world champion wrestler. Of course, the bad guys want to put the fix in and the fun begins. Typical of the series and a good example of the silliness of pro wrestling, then and now.

Speed 2: Cruise Control (1997)

When you think of Speed you think cruise ship...right?

[3/10 · 18 August 1999]

I can see the pitch now..."Well we have Sandra Bullock but this time she screams a lot more, for no apparent reason. Keanu bailed but we were able to get someone just as wooden, and we put it all on a cruise ship." Wow, someone said yes to this pitch. Go figure.

The Negotiator (1998)

Good cast...poor logic

[5/10 · 26 July 1999]

> Samuel L. Jackson and Kevin Spacey overcome enormous plot holes and > embarrassing lack of understanding of correct police procedure to make an > interesting pairing. What was needed was more face to face sparring between > two great actors and less misdirected dialogue trying to save the lame plot. > Watch it for the cast, including the late J.T.Walsh who once again excels at > playing the man you love to hate, and don't worry about the plot. It just > gets in the way.

The BBC Television Shakespeare: Hamlet, Prince of Denmark (1980) Season 2, Episode 6

My Favorite Hamlet

[10/10 · 2 January 1999]

I have seen this play many times, from Olivier to Branagh, and this remains the one version that always stands out in my memory. Many actors have captured aspects of this character, but for me, it is always Derek Jacobi's performance they are compared to and all others just come up a bit short.

This Land Is Mine (1943)

Laughton makes WWII film special*

[8/10 · 17 August 1998]

Charles Laughton excels as Albert Lory, a shy, ineffectual teacher who rises to the occasion when confronted with the evils of Nazi occupation. While many of the conventions of WWII propoganda films are present, (the brave saboteur, the quisling, the martyr) Laughton's performance rises above the average as he transforms before your eyes, from the cowardly "mama's boy" to a man who meets his fate gaining the respect of all those around him.