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Wild Seed (1965)
Parks Shows His Chops
This is a very decent, though often forgotten, movie. I wonder if the title made it seem silly. Michael Parks (Then Came Bronson--girls loved him) plays Fargo, a guy who can't sit still. He travels from place to place, hopping boxcars. He finds a runaway, a hitchhiking girl who has left home and has nearly been sexually assaulted by her first ride. There is a process of suspicion by both characters as she tries to blend into his life--solitary till this time. We get an inkling that she may not be up for this. The strong silent type emanating from Brando's "Wild One," has been done over and over in various incarnations. I had totally forgotten about Michael Parks and I'm glad I watched this film because he was pretty good. I guess he's still acting as a pretty mature guy.
Roller Boogie (1979)
Do You Really Want to Criticize It?
This is about as silly as it gets. But it ranks high on the list of Roller Boogie movies. We have a stupid plot that is remindful of every teen rebellion film you've ever seen. Linda Blair keeps her head from spinning around for a while and plays a young woman with a silver spoon in her mouth, who wants to throw aside all her advantages to skate with a guy. The music is fun and the choreography (on skates) keeps us going. Of course, there are bad guys who want to do away with the rink and ruin it for everyone. But there is a solution. I understand that professional roller skaters (there is such a thing?) were hired for the big scenes. It's a feel-good blob of stupidity.
Ladies and Gentlemen, the Fabulous Stains (1982)
A Chance to Simply Enjoy
The rise of a female rock group is good grist for a movie, and those who put this together did a great job. We get to see some of the great new people who occupied the eighties and beyond. While things are a little simplistic at times, the film has a rhythm that works quite well. The early eighties had female groups moving in an doing quite well as the entire package, from drummers to bass player, to keyboardists. The group here is lacking a bit, but it doesn't matter because precursors to bigger movements always have growing pains the the rawness here is a part of the entire movie. I had never heard of it until a found a list of cult films where it was mentioned. Well worth an hour and a half.
Two-Lane Blacktop (1971)
Make It Simple
The people in this film were not my people, but I could only hope. What we have here is a poetic view of the world of the road. All the gas stations, burger joints, desert stretches, heat and cold, you name it. We also have characters who are only identified by the cars they drive. We get to know them--but not their names. Ultimately it's a race because there needs to be a race. Not only are they competitors, they are brothers. Without help, the machines would not have survived. Interestingly, we have James Taylor, the damaged singer, as on driver, and Warren Oates, a much rougher incarnation, facing off. But, again, it's about the poetry of the road, and a kind of freedom that probably only comes once in a lifetime.
Bones: Mayhem on a Cross (2009)
Strikingly Human
I don't care about whether the portrayal of the metal bands was real. They were set up as wholly competitive and looking for an edge, to make themselves more outrageous than the next guy. I'm sure there are metalheads out there who nitpick over whether they fit the mold or the stereotypes. This has to do with the fact that under all that stuff, they are people. The issue here have to do with the jealousies and motivations of everyone. The British psychiatrist returns with some secrets and some goals. Sweets turns out to be pretty darned cool and to have demons of his own. Booth and Brennan are put in their places and need to face some of that. This is certainly a top five for me.
Bones: The Cinderella in the Cardboard (2009)
Get the Facts
Solving the murder wasn't so much what this episode was about. It was pretty mundane. It took some high tech stuff to indicate how the woman (bridezilla) had been killed. It then meant looking for the right vehicle. Much more of the story is about trust. Daisy and Sweets have a thing, but while in a bridal shop Booth and Brennan see Daisy trying on a wedding dress. Of course, MS Facts only jumps to a conclusion and chooses to impart her information to the detriment of a friend. We find that Hodgins has signed up for a dating service, making him look quite sad. There is a nice scene at the end as Brennan is beginning to see that life isn't just dry and scientific.
Bones: The Science in the Physicist (2009)
Enjoyable
The plot was just fine. The results were unpredictable, and there was a sort of tongue in cheek things going on. I really enjoyed a few things. First of all, that nutty lab with those four people experimenting with absolutely no discipline at all. It allowed Booth to feel he was in wonderland. Second, Hodgins' experiments. The cannon first and later the bouncing turkey. Then we have Angela's father, the guy from ZZ Top. Hodgins lives in mortal fear because the guy is from Texas. There is also a series of comments by Bones on how stupid Booth is, stated in her inimitable style. Finally, the fate of Hodgins as he rests in the desert.
tick, tick...BOOM! (2021)
A Sad Story About a Brilliant Man
I sometimes have trouble separating my feelings for a biographical figure from the film itself. That is, the technical aspects. In this case it is about Broadway. I enjoyed Garfield's singing and acting. Some pointed out that he is not a great singer. While I have seen tons of Broadway shows, I'm not sure I have the musical expertise to evaluate this. Singers on stage are different than those performing in concert. For me, what was most poignant was Larson's connection to the gay community (although he was not gay himself) and the tragedy of the HIV epidemic. His best friend was dying as well as numerous others. Then there was his slovenly being and his inability to focus. Not uncommon for artistic geniuses. He was really wishy washy at times when a simple answer would have done. Lin Manual Miranda is the force behind this and the actors are the cream of the crop. I liked it. How sad the man died the night before it opened Off Broadway.
Bones: The Doctor in the Den (2009)
The Cat Ate My Doctor
A tiger at a nature preserve is found chewing on the leg of a man who has been killed. Once investigated, it turns out to be a doctor who Cam was engaged to. He had a little girl and his wife was gone and so she is an orphan. Cam tries to connect with her but she says she doesn't remember Cam. This leads to some intriguing methods. There was a fundraising gala in the park the night the guy died and it is imperative that they reconstruct the events of that evening. In other events, Angela has decided to swear off men and be celibate for a time. She is so overly sexual that she is getting tiresome. The other tiresome one is the uptight intern who is totally humorless and joyless.
Bones: The Salt in the Wounds (2009)
Can You Imagine the Cost?
I recall this particular time. It was an epidemic around the country that groups of girls were having babies and forming sorts of "clubs." Having raised a couple of children with my wife, I can't imagine all of the implications of this. The money part would be bad enough, but their lack of experience and all the unknowns would be devastating. At some point some would want independence. No matter what they think of men, there are realities. This episode is absurd. We are getting to see how Brennan's ego is starting to work against her. She says things that are cruel to potential suspects. She brings science into everything. Anyway, this was a pretty far fetched moment about living in the moment!
Let's Scare Jessica to Death (1971)
Defenseless
The title of this film is quite misleading and obviously there for its box-office draw. This is really a psychological drama that focuses on the psyche of Jessica, a bit of a waif who has mental issues. She is home from being institutionalized but is never really give a chance to get her feet on the ground. Whether this is because others have something to do with it, or she is filled with subconscious demons, we never know for sure. The problem may have a lot to do with the counterculture of the Seventies, where freaks (in the present sense) are everywhere. Normalcy, in the conventional view, is not available in the house where she lives. I always thought this was a gaslighting movie. I'm glad I finally got a chance to see it.
Jigoku (1960)
One of a Kind
The plot for this is quite structured. It starts with a couple of guys committing a hit and run, killing a man. One is a moral guy; the other a thrill seeker. Circumstances leave the timid one alone and despondent. Efforts to right himself fail and he eventually must face those who have been harmed. This is the hell on earth" part. This is intense and terrifying. What follows is the religious reckoning. Now he is forced to face the supernatural punishment for his sins in a hell that is sort of like the one created by Western culture. The visuals all through this are very good and the movie, which was ahead of its time, does quite well. This is a hard film to find and I wish it were more accessible.
Blacula (1972)
Finally Saw It
Being a very old white guy, I first heard about this film over forty years ago. I had no interest in it (Did I say I was an old white guy?). So, to help fill my film suitcase, I decided to watch this. It's not a bad film, certainly equal to any of the Hammer films which featured white actors. Let's face it. Blacula is still a vampire and does all the things that vampires in movies do. While he is engaged to help out with the rampant slave trade, his being undead is a disadvantage. I think that the strength of the film is it's stylishness and its bravado. I was in my church one time and someone had a portrait of what a black Jesus would have looked like. People were immediately offended because they knew Jesus had to be white. I think poor Blacula has suffered from the same thinking.
The Baby (1973)
A Curiosity
When it comes to exploitation films, it is pointless to say, "That could never happen!" So we go beyond that and accept the situation put forth. In this case a grown man who sleeps in a giant crib, doted on by all the women in the movie. Anyone who comes across him pretty much accepts his situation. It is obvious all the way along that he is enjoying this and has all the capabilities to divorce himself from the situation. From a sane perspective we would ask ourselves how boring this must be for such a man. But the writer and the director play a wild game of "What if." I see absolutely no worth in this film. It was made during a rather sad time in the movies. I only saw it because I had read about it.
Remember My Name (1978)
We Reap What We Sow
Geraldine Chaplin's character has been in prison for years. She murdered her husband's (Tony Perkins') lover. She leaves prison institutionalized and inept and full of vengeance. She begin to stalk the ex- and his wife, damaging property and actually invading the home and confronting her. Of course, she has reason for anger in the most unbalanced of ways. Geraldine Chaplin does a great job in what is mostly a plodding film. We have to feel sorry for her in a way because she has been robbed of the tools to integrate into society and, instead, keeps the tunnel vision going. Perkins is, as usual, pretty weird, and still seems to have some feelings toward here. It's an intense, uncomfortable film, with a very good soundtrack.
Possession (1981)
It Turns You Inside Out
I don't know where to begin. After seeing this film, it will sit in my subconscious for a long time. Several have already said this. The set up is well done when a young wife asks for a divorce but can give no reason for it. The husband, angry and violent, becomes nearly comatose. But what lies beneath is the horror of a beast that has become the "object of the wife's affection." Now it turns into a supernatural movie. The film that comes to mind for me is involves the obsession of the main character with the spawn of something unsettling: Eraserhead. Disturbing images and no holds barred despair are at the center. I can't recommend this film, but I can't get it out of my head.
Bones: The Bones That Foam (2009)
Basically Dumb
I'm pretty aware that when one needs to produce some 25 episodes per season, every show will have its clunkers. This is one of them. First of all, the oozing, steaming bones and explosions are a kind of comedic interlude in a story that pretty much goes nowhere. Then we have the education of Brennan who feels she has to be able to relate to people and turns to Sweets. The business at the strip club is endless and pointless. Booth's inability to stand up is pretty much over the top. By the way, where is his inflexible Christianity in these settings? And why is this scene there anyway. All in all, the whole thing was time wasted.
Bones: The Princess and the Pear (2009)
Could Have Been Better
This episode brings us to the world of comic books and fantasy, including movies. It centers around the death of a beautiful woman with little moral sense. She had in her possession a sword worth hundreds of thousands of dollars because it was the earliest one used in the movies. Booth is having back trouble and when Brennan tries to do a correction, he is left in great pain. The other FBI investigator is on the scene. We also have the return of Fisher, the depressed intern, whose sadness drives everyone crazy. One of the problems with this is the cheap recreation of the big fantasy event. The costumes are tacky and lack much imagination. It's a cute episode but not very memorable.
Bones: The Hero in the Hold (2009)
The Ghost in the Machine
I'm the last person to accept the supernatural. I don't believe in ghosts or the paranormal. Still, at the center of this episode are the forensics and the work of the Jeffersonian crew. Boone has been kidnapped by the Gravedigger, who reappears from previous episodes. Instead of being put underground alive, he is in an old Navy ship that is going to be blown up. I can be forgiving of the "ghost" because everything that happens can be explained by the subconscious mind inventing what is necessary for Booth to forgive himself. This is an adventure story which draws from human experience that leads to a conclusion. I only have trouble with one moment. At the end we are led to believe that Brennan says hello to the guy while Booth talks to the girlfriend. Wish they hadn't done that.
Seinfeld: The Soup Nazi (1995)
May Be the Best
So many others have already said how wonderful this episode is. It begins with the gang eating before a movie. Kramer has been going to a place where a guy serves soup. He is a nasty man who glowers at people and if they offend him in any way, he refuses them soup. The thing is the soup is sensational and in the Seinfeld world, losing out is devastating. Elaine walks in and breaks all the rules and gets tossed out. The second plot is an armoire that has been purchased by Elaine, that is taken from Kramer by a couple thugs. And lastly, the sickening relationship between Jerry and his girlfriend who use pet names in public. George has his efforts backfire as he tries to show how awful this behavior is. It's the best.
Seinfeld: The Wink (1995)
Eat the Meat
Very strange combination (but what did we expect). First of all, we have Jerry trying to change his diet. He's eating a grapefruit and inadvertently hits George in the eye. For the rest of the episode he develops an involuntary wink. It leads to one misunderstanding after another. Then we have the absurdity of Jerry's inability to eat any meat. Instead of explaining about his health issues, he hides the meat in a jacket pocket which ends up with Elaine being chased by dogs. It is remindful of Norm Peterson working in a fish market being chased by cats on Cheers. There is also Kramer, who takes a birthday card, signed by all the Yankees, and gives it to a memorabilia guy who then gives it to a little boy in the hospital. The results are hilarious..
Bones: Fire in the Ice (2009)
Too Much Violence
Who are the officials at these games? There is no middle ground. Hockey is played in tight quarter and there is lots of butt ending and hacking, but there are some limits. Booth and that other guy are assaulting people. Even an enforcer has to play within himself a bit. When Booth wants blood from that guy he punishes him with his stick, his elbows, on and on. If there were any officials he wouldn't have lasted five minutes. When the guy clocks him at the end, he had it coming with spades. I wouldn't spend five cents to watch a hockey game with these guys. I agree with Sweets this time. If someone hooks up with Booth they should know all about his temper. I know that it pushes the plot forward, but I couldn't get past that. The ending and the announcement of the killer was actually a little anticlimactic.
Eating Raoul (1982)
Quite the Hoot
I recall when this came out, Roger Ebert gave it a mediocre score. But the subject matter seemed so intriguing, I took a chance. While it is not a great movie, the two principle characters are hilarious in their own jaded ways. A husband and wife with the appropriate name, the Blands. They are bland and judgmental and hateful to other people. Their lives together are endlessly boring. The one goal in life is to open a restaurant. One day, they are led on a killing spree which they believe will allow them to get the money they need for their culinary enterprise. This snowballs. Like many black comedies, everything is outside the box and the usual "crime doesn't pay" business is tossed aside with bodies piling up. This is pretty darned funny, though critically it didn't pass muster.
Butcher, Baker, Nightmare Maker (1981)
Superb Acting/Sick Twists
If one wants an evening of discomfort, see this film. It involves a damaged woman with little male contact, who becomes the guardian of her orphaned nephew (Jimmy McNichol, the one time teenage heartthrob). She destroys his prospects as an athlete, wanting to keep him, like a pet, in her house. She directs her murderous anger toward those who check up on the guy. She also has an ally in the policeman who comes to investigate the murder she committed. He is convinced that the kid committed the crime, jumping to conclusions all over the place. The kid is a very good basketball player and she sets he designs on his coach. She has been drugging the boy to prevent him from playing well. The acting here is excellent, even though two of the characters are awfully hard to stomach. See at your own risk.
The Honeymoon Killers (1970)
Uncomfortable Joining of Characters
We easily made it through the violence of "Bonnie and Clyde" because the actors were so nice to look at. It didn't seem to matter that their crimes were vicious and they had no trouble killing. This film has a similar basis. Two people join up to rob and cheat vulnerable men and women; the difference is their lack of physical desirability. We could argue mental unbalance as well, but the previously mentioned couple were every bit as damaged. What works here is that the same elements that affect more conventional killers come into play here. But they also take it beyond the realm of a more staid portrayal, with violence toward women and the ugly death of a child. I don't think I would watch this again, but it is fused in my memory.