Clarke-6 Reviews

Superman Returns (2006)

Superman Returns...And Triumphs!

[10/10 · 1 July 2006]

Okay...I just got back from seeing Superman Returns. In a word, triumphant! Special effects have come a long way since the 'first' Superman movies, and all I can say is THANK GOODNESS. But besides special effects, I thought the entire cast did a great job of acting. But, and of course, the number one performance, hands down, and in my opinion, was turned in by Kevin Sapcey with his portrayal of Lex Luthor! Say what you will about 'comic book' hero movies, but if they ever handed out an Oscar to an actor who played in one, then Kevin Spacey is certainly worthy! The storyline and script were somewhat expected with a couple of 'new' twists added in for good measure. Lot's of action makes the 154 minute running time seem to 'fly' by, if you will. I probably could have sat through another viewing, easily!

When Do We Eat? (2005)

When do we stop laughing???

[10/10 · 9 April 2006]

'When Do We Eat?' has what all the great comedy films have, at least in my opinion...a great ensemble cast. That's what really works in great situation comedy, be it a theatrical film or in television. You can visit the When Do We Eat web site for a great trailer, so I won't go into the details or premise of the film, as I'm sure many others here have. Suffice to say, if you want great laughs, and a 'go away feeling good' film go and see When Do We Eat. Oh (minor spoiler), loved the 'halucination' scenes and oh yeah great sound track! As I think someone else said, it was good to see 'ol Jack Klugman gravely voice and all. He still has it!

Vamp (1986)

Vamp...'Camp' With an Edge

[7/10 · 12 November 2005]

Well as usual most people don't get it. I mean the ones that gave it a low rating. This movie is what it is. Camp with an edge. And no, I don't mean 'camp' as in a 'gay' sense. Camp as 'outragously affected' or 'something self-consciously exaggerated'. Camp...Thanks in great part to Geddy Watanby. Playing the rich geeky college kid having to draw in 'pretend buddies' with his car and his money. He could be the best friend you'd never want to be seen with in public. Edge...Thanks to Snow and his crew. Here's a group I think we all wouldn't want to run into at a coffee shop late at night in a part of town where the majority of residence seem to be Vampires and sewer rats. Camp...Dedee Pfeiffer. An over the top upbeat perky cheery dancer/cocktail waitress whose neck has somehow escaped her vampire co-workers fangs. Edge & somewhat camp...The great and underrated Grace Jones. The head vampire whose eye-popping mouth dropping mesmerizing performance is only out done by her vampire persona (yes, somewhat camp), thanks to some great make-up and special effects. Edge...Location/scenes & music. For this you have to see the movie, speaks for itself. Camp...The copy cat 'Hitchcock' tilt camera effect. Although this was probably done hoping to effect the purpose that Hitch used it for, in a film such as Vamp, at least for me, it achieves a 'camp' effect drawn from the 'camp' side of this film.

I rated the film a 7. I rated this film for what it was, not for what I thought it should be. It was never intended to be a great cinematic piece of work. And it may not be the best 'camp' film either. But as a 'camp' film with an 'edge', it works out to be a solid 7.

The Outsiders (1983)

A 'Rumble' of a Film!!!

[10/10 · 31 October 2005]

Every once in a while along comes one of those 'great films'. A great film, at least to me, is one that turns into a instant classic. 'The Outsiders' is one of those films. And it is an instant classic for many reasons. But I think the top reason being, is some excellent performances by some, then, up and coming yet very talented young actors. It's too bad that only The Young Artist Awards was the only ' entertainment awards organization' to recognize this film with its 1984 'Best Young Motion Picture Actor in a Feature Film' award going to C. Thomas Howell for his portrayal of Ponyboy Curtis. And it's too bad when a film such as this is so totally overlooked by the Academy Awards and other entertainment awards organizations. Also, outstanding performances turned in by Ralph Macchio and Matt Dillon. While the film had a raw hard edge to it, almost all of the 'main' characters at some point or another showed their 'soft underbellies' with tender and highly emotional moods that are a part of teen-aged angst.

March of the Penguins (2005)

Not A 'True' Documentary

[5/10 · 28 September 2005]

What most people don't understand is that this film is not a true documentary or natural history film. It is instead a screenplay, a story if you will, that attempts to anthropomorphize penguins, while giving factual information on their yearly migration to their mating grounds in the Antarctica. Simple as that. I thought the cinematography was of excellent quality and was enhanced by the well chosen sound track. However, I found Morgan Freeman's narration skills just did not work well here. He sounded so monotone and just plain dull. I would have enjoyed the film better just by watching and listening to the soundtrack, with no narration. If you want to see what I consider the very best in natural history/documentary series and films, seek out the many fine works of Sir David Attenborough. If you've never had the privilege of viewing any of his works, and you enjoy true natural history documentaries, you just don't know what your missing.

Batman: The Movie (1966)

Rating: 'GCSZ', for Geeky, Campy, Silly, Zany...And just plain fun!

[7/10 · 11 April 2005]

I recently purchased the 30th Anniversary Remastered DVD edition of Batman: The Movie, and I have to tell you it was really done quite well. Actually I really purchased it because the price was right, and I was hoping that the end credits would list an old friend of my family, who drove the Batboat in the movie. Jim MacElwain was an accomplished boat racer, at the time, who was racing my dad's and his dad and brothers line of boats that they manufactured. And he was selected by the movies producers to drive the Batboat. But, it looks like this DVD edition didn't include a full list of credits. Don't know, even if it would have that Jim's name would have appeared. All this aside, it was great fun to see the movie once again. It's a real exercise in geeky, campy, silly, and zany fun, and a throw back to a way simpler set of gadgets and special effects.

A Christmas Carol: The Musical (2004 TV Movie)

See the 1984 TV Movie 'A Christmas Carol'

[13 December 2004]

I have to admit, I didn't see this version of 'A Christmas Carol'. I had intended to watch as I'm a Kelsey Grammar fan, but I somehow missed it. Judging from the 'user rating', I may have not missed much. I just chimed in to let those who thought this version wasn't very good or a letdown that there is a terrific 1984 TV movie of 'A Christmas Carol' that starred George C. Scott. In my view probably one of the best adaptations of the story ever. George C. Scott's performance and portrayal of Scrooge was flawless, consummate actor that he was. It's usually shown around this time of year if you can catch it. If not, it is available on DVD. If you really enjoy the story of 'A Christmas Carol, and have never seen this version when it has 'aired', I highly suggest you try and obtain it on DVD, you won't be disappointed!

Van Helsing (2004)

Thrill ride special effects & scenery great, otherwise very limited entertainment...

[5/10 · 10 December 2004]

About the only thing this film had going for it were the 'thrill ride' special effects, cinematography, and scenery...oh yeah and some music. Acting, story/storyline, script the 'monster mash' cavalcade of monsters, to me at least, pretty hokey, and not very entertaining.

Give me Anthony Hopkins character and portrayal of Van Helsing in the Francis Ford Coppola film 'Bram Stoker's "Dracula"' any day of the week. Now there was truly a great film. About the only flaw was Keanu Reeves accent. And while your at it I'll take the rest of the film over "Van Helsing", again, any day of the week.

Ray (I) (2004)

Three words...Oscar, Oscar, Oscar!

[10/10 · 1 November 2004]

If Jamie Foxx is denied an (1)Oscar nomination, let alone a win, for his role in portraying Ray Charles, then there is no hope for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences or its members. In the film itself is not nominated for an (2) Oscar for Best Picture, let alone win, then there is no hope the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences or its members. If the musical score for the film is not nominated for an (3) Oscar, LET ALONE WIN, then there is no hope for the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences or its members! Frankly, in my mind if the film doesn't run away with the Oscars, there is no hope for the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. The film transcends what most of film making has become today in America. It tells and defines the human story of a man of enormous determination, immense talent, and above all colossal courage. And, making a film of this magnitude has to have those same attributes, and this film does! Ray...where ever you are, if some part of you is able in some way to admire this film, I know you must be proud and pleased!

Connie and Carla (2004)

Lighten' Up...It's Only Celluloid

[4 May 2004]

Cheeze people, give me a break. Virtually nothing out there hasn't 'been already done'. So what. Can't you just go to the movies and have a good time? Somebody here had 'sterotypical' issues. Something about gays, in this case drag queens, and their singing abilities. Hello??? Ever been to a drag queen performance in a gay bar??? I believe the call it lip sync or voice over. And again, so what. That's the typical performance genre of a drag queen show. It's suppose to be fun and 'campy', lip sync and outrageous make-up and costumes help to promote that type of an atmosphere. Okay, enough rant. Personally I really enjoyed the movie. I fell out when Carla opened up the package of coke and the car turned into a rolling powder puff. It also showed a nice sensitivity between Robert (Stephen Spinella) and his straight brother Jeff (David Duchonvy reconciling their relationship after a difficult split in thier lives initally caused by the parents. Jeff had been under the impression that Robert had simply ran out when actually it was the parents that kicked him out after 'finding his bra'. Cudos to perfomances by Connie and Carla, well at least after they landed in L.A. Thanks to Debbie Reynolds for her cameo, she's the consumate trouper!

Lost in Space (1965–1968)

Warning Warning...

[9 January 2004]

Well I remember the series as a kid. Even then I thought the 'sets' were pretty 'hokey'. But what could we expect in 1965-1968. The best characters were Dr. Zachary Smith and the robot with his 'Warning, Warning..." and flailing arms. The robot appeared in a 'space' sci-fi movie prior to his appearence in Lost In Space. Does anybody know or remember the title/name of that movie??

American Gothic (1995–1998)

Resurrect American Gothic On DVD!!!!

[11 August 2003]

It often seems those who pull the strings at the networks don't know s**t from shine-ola. Who ever was responsible at CBS for the cancellation of American Gothic either should have incurred the rath of Lucas Buck himself or been seriously considered for a full frontal lobotomy! I, like most here, would really love to see it released on DVD. It was a truly a great show with an innovative story line, script, and supurb acting by a great cast.

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

Shiver Me Timbers...A Swashbuckling Wonder!

[10/10 · 29 July 2003]

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, in a word FANTASTIC! Great story, great performances, great cinematography, and eyepopping special effects combine for a pirate adventure like never before. Do yourself a favor, go see this movie, you won't be disappointed! I could have easily sat through another consecutive viewing!

Big Eden (2000)

A 'life' story, gay or straight...

[10/10 · 21 February 2003]

I really enjoyed Christopher Chase's comments on this film. About all I can say is 'ditto'. It's amazing that some folks just can't take a film for what it is, and simply ENJOY it. Christopher's comments helps us to understand exactly what this film is all about. If you take it in this context, then you can't help but enjoy this wonderful film.

Star Search (1983–2004)

"They're (Star Search contestants) back..."

[30 December 2002]

Hold on to your 'programs'. An all new "Star Search" will be premiering on CBS January 8th 2003. Personally, I can't wait. I hope it's everything the first one was. Most everybody I know loved the original, and I could never figure out why it went off the air. It seems they've narrowed the categories somewhat, however. No dancers, bands, or acting competitions, according to CBS.com's promo-web link.

The Party (1968)

One of the Blake Edwards Best...

[26 June 2002]

I'm sorry, but if you don't laugh, until you cry or your sides ache, at something, hell, at everything in this movie then you'd better check yourself for a pulse. The first four or five times I viewed The Party, I did just that. This is a gut aching, side splitting, fall on the floor, laugh a minute comedy, from start to finish! The scene where the Cornish game hen 'flies' across the dinner table and lands on the tiara of one of the party 'goers' is literally one of the funniest scenes of all time. And it's not just the outrageously funny bumbling physical comedy of Peter Sellers. There is also a subtleness with which Sellers portrays his Indian character that is very visible in his many facial expressions as well as with the 'body language' he uses, that's just as funny. If you even like comedy just a little, you'll love this movie. I give it 4 stars, to infinity!

Moulin Rouge! (2001)

Your senses are about to explode...

[10 June 2001]

Without question this is probably one of, if not the most visually stunning pieces of cinamatic art ever. If this movie doesn't move you in some way, you must already be dead (I would suggest you find the nearest morturary and crawl into a casket). Besides the spectacular (spectacular) visual effects, the soundtrack, which virtually tells the whole story, will vault your sense of sound appreciation to levels you didn't know existed. Add to all this, the lavish dance/perfomance scenes and you have a prescription for OSCAR, OSCAR and MORE OSCARS! I realize it's a long time to the next "Oscar Awards" (and I don't care what movies come between now and then), but if the "Acadamy" and its membership doesn't find "Moulin Rouge" (2001) multiple Oscar worthy, then they need to go find "that morturary". Do yourself a favor, go see this movie. Just be sure to see it in a movie theater that has the latest sound system such as "THX", and be sure to ask whoever's in charge that you would appreciate it if they know where "10" is on the sound adjustment knob. ENJOY!

Death Becomes Her (1992)

This movie is the BOMB!

[10/10 · 23 January 1999]

Any person who has seen this movie and didn't laugh has no sense of humor. From the opening theater scene to the last "BLAH! BLAH! BLAH! BLAH! at Ernest's funeral, this movie kept me laughing throughout. Streep, Hawn (love her eyes) and Willis kept me "doubled over" and I thought they worked great together. I would highly recommend this movie for any one looking for a FIERCE "dark humor" comedy!