JKearse Reviews

The Cat Creature (1973 TV Movie)

A Terrific, Bad Movie (and I don't mean terrifically bad)

[6/10 · 2 April 2011]

This is one of those movies that you really enjoy when you watch it, but you have to say it is quite bad. Meredith Baxter is certainly a huge reason why this thing works; she takes her part so seriously. And good for her, because other actors might not shine so much in such a campy film. This is was one of those typical seventies TV movies found on ABC in the seventies. It was shot on a small budget, and it shows a little. It really is amazing that these old ABC TV movies were so effective, given their small budgets. It also stars Gale Sondergaard, Hester Black, John Carradine, and Keye Luke. But it's Meredith Baxter that is most memorable. If you like this one try "Bad Ronald."

Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004)

Michael Moore Is a Poor Documentarian

[1/10 · 4 December 2010]

My problem with Michael Moore is not that I disagree with him, but the fact that he is not fair. He simply distorts the truth and leaves out important pieces of it. I realize that his point of view is legitimate (not that I agree), but if he simply told the truth and defended his position, I could take him seriously as a documentarian. Moore is all about the shock value, which I know makes for a compelling film but not a documentary. He is not the only one to do this; I have not seen a good documentary in many years. A good documentary should be like a argumentative essay. It should take on its subject head on and defeat the opposition point by point. Moore's documentaries don't do this. What makes it far worse is that so many film critics can't see this. It makes me question film criticism.

Vertigo (1958)

Just how great is Vertigo?

[10/10 · 22 November 2006]

Alfred Hitchcock's greatest work stars James Stewart as a former policeman turn detective in 1950's San Francisco. As is typical with our favorite director, Hitchcock creates his art without cutting back on entertainment, which is why so many consider him motion pictures' greatest film-maker. First time and repeat viewers of Vertigo are compelled to continue viewing Hitchcock's film until the chilling, unexpected end. Vertigo's conclusion is anything but satisfying but rather a life-changing slap in the face. It is probably the greatest film ever made. Stewart and his costar Kim Hunter also give their greatest performances. Barbara Bel Geddes's small supporting performance is equally effective. Hitchcock's incredible eye for landscapes is never more keen as it is in Muir Woods, a California Mission, and around San Francisco. (By the way, the shots of the mission were taken from several missions and assembled together to create a nonexistent mission.)

The Happy Years (1950)

Great Child Ensemble

[10/10 · 10 October 2006]

I attended the Lawrenceville School in the 1970's and 80's. The school had changed in many ways, but there were many things that were still true about the school. The film itself was well done. The Cinematography, acting, and screenplay were especially memorable. In fact, the child actors created one of the best ensembles I have ever seen in a movie about children. I wasn't impressed with the adults except Leo G. Carroll who as always did an exceptional job in the role of 'The Old Roman'. The 40's Technicolor made every frame look like a postcard. Unfortunately, the film was lost for many years, thought to be destroyed in the MGM fire, but it was rediscovered while I attended Lawrenceville. The film is rarely seen on television and has never appeared on video as far as I know. By the way, Gerunds and Gerundives in Latin are not as difficult to distinguish as the screenplay makes out, but it made for some great scenes.

The Omega Code (1999)

How divided people are on this one

[9/10 · 16 November 1999]

One of the most interesting aspects of this film is how divided people feel about it. Most people either love it or hate it. There is little in between. I fall into the group that loved it. Yes, it's true, Casper Van Dien is a little inconsistent. When he's good, he is very good, but sometimes he is less than adequate. (He is more often good.) Catherine Oxenberg is believable in a fairly standard role. Michael Ironside gives a very nice performance in a difficult role; difficult because his role, Dominic, was not well conceived, but he overcomes this problem beautifully. The casting of Michael York was inspired. His excellent performance as Stone Alexander is very suave, very powerful, very weird. I must also mention Jan Tríska and Gregory Wagrowski as the prophets. Their performances are very subtle and most convincing. Overall, well written, the script and story were well executed. I did have a problem with a couple of unnecessary scenes. There were several lines of dialog that were not believably written, but for the most part the script was sound. One piece of advice - go see this movie with an open mind. This isn't a perfect movie, and if you accept that, you should enjoy it immensely.

The Little Mermaid (1989)

"The Little Mermaid" Surprised Me

[28 April 1999]

It has been ten years since "The Little Mermaid" was released. Back when Disney originally released the film, I was both excited and apprehensive. Excited, because it is one of the best children's stories and one of my favorites. Apprehensive, because I knew Disney would change the ending and give it a happy ending, which is understandable but still unfortunate. When I first saw it, I liked it much more than I thought I would, and after each repeated viewing, I have liked it more and more. I am now convinced this is the second best American Animated film, after "Beauty and the Beast". The music, story, writing, and animation are superb as others have stated, but the villainess, Ursula, is also a major factor in the success of the film. She is the best written and performed of all Disney villains. She is purely evil but totally believable. Pat Carroll, who I have often noticed but never really considered, did a fabulous job with Ursula's characterization. The music and songs are consistantly very good. There is no deep thought to this one, but "The Little Mermaid" is artfully near-perfect entainment.