randy-142 Reviews

Burglar (1987)

A good B+ action comedy--the cast is better than the

[9/10 · 15 October 2000]

Whoopi made three action comedies in the late 80's: Fatal Beauty, Jumping Jack Flash and this one. None of them are deathless cinema or comparable to her later stuff, but they are all better than their reviews would generally indicate. They usually get 1* reviews -- I would give them 2 to 2 1/2 (out of 5*), especially if you are a fan of Ms Goldberg. All three of these films are worthy of a couple of $ for a rental or sticking with through a late night rerun. With all three, it does take a first rate cast to bring some rather tired material to life, but there are a lot worse films getting a lot better reviews--check 'em out for yourself!

Road House (1989)

Jeff Healy rips!

[2 July 2000]

This is a classic of the genre. In addition, guitar fans and players should see it for the wonderful rock and roll of Jeff Healy, a blind Canadian Stratocaster player of the SRV/Hendrix type. Hearing and seeing him and the band playing behind cyclone fencing is worth the price of admission alone! Also, excellent oldies on the soundtrack.

9 stars!

The Tango Lesson (1997)

Worth watching just for the wonderful tango dancing!

[9/10 · 16 June 2000]

A sweet, whimsical film -- its ethereal feeling is heightened by seeing it in b&w. I stumbled on this film one morning on cable and found it most compelling. At times it is reminiscent of Fellini as it seemed, at least to me, almost to melt back and forth between a documentary and a fantasy.

And... it's worth watching just for the wonderful tango dancing!

Eddie and the Cruisers II: Eddie Lives! (1989)

A 'must see' film for anyone into Rock 'n' Roll, especially players!

[10/10 · 16 June 2000]

Along with 'Eddie and the Cruisers' and 'Streets of Fire', Michael Paré performs in three of the greatest Rock 'n' Roll movies of all time! Eddie's comments and examples of how to play with feeling and how to 'swing' are some of the best ever. Anyone who aspires to play serious electric music should see these films, along with everyone who loves Rock and Roll and/or grew up in the '50s and '60s. Since it is a sequel film, Eddie II is sometimes passed over by afficionados, but don't let that fool you.

Have a weekend with Michael Paré and rent all three--you'll love 'em!

Dharma & Greg (1997–2002)

Characters are endearing and writing pokes fun at everyone.

[15 June 2000]

I love this show! The characters are endearing and the writing pokes fun equally at everyone. There is an occasional reworking of a standard plot line or two, but for the most part the story lines are actually original. The little gimmick that Dharma is a respected friend of so many rock and country stars is a great touch--what a treat to see her play drums with Bob Dylan in a (rare for him) cameo appearance!

Battlefield Earth (2000)

I was surprised this film did not do better--I liked it!

[9/10 · 13 June 2000]

Travolta and Forest Whitaker put on a great show as evil aliens. The special effects were first rate and I liked the way the language shifts were done. I also liked the avoidance of gruesome displays of blood. I think this film has high potential for an eventual cult following.