spidey_man Reviews

Columbo: Columbo Likes the Nightlife (2003 TV Movie)

Fitting End to the Columbo Saga

[9/10 · 14 March 2015]

As a fan of Columbo since the 70's, I enjoyed when Columbo came back in the 80's and 90's via ABC. However, as time went on, the scripts got weaker, and the portrayal of Columbo started to weaken. This one brought Columbo back, and is a fitting end to the Columbo Series.

In a script that will remain modern for a long time, Columbo is called on to investigate an alleged suicide by a Enquirer-type writer. He's quickly pulled in to a larger plot, where the manager of a Rave-type club covers up the murder of a mobster who is accidentally killed by his ex-wife, who is now the club owner's girlfriend.

To our delight, we get to watch as the old-school Columbo slowly unravels the clues and figures out the ultimate deposition of the body. Matthew Rhys does an excellent job as the Raveclub manager, who is pulled in multiple directions, between Columbo, the mob, and his girlfriend. Jennifer Sky does a credible job as the ex-wife and Matthew Rhys girlfriend; her character drifts somewhere between accepting the cold-blood killing of her ex and her fear of getting whacked by the mob. Maybe not too strong, but being very easy on the eyes, I forgave a lot. :)

For us old timers we get a cameo by John Finnegan, who was in a dozen Columbos, as the owner of a property used to spy on Jennifer Sky. Good to see him one last time; he has an iconic accent and to hear his voice is like coming home.

Peter Falk's voice isn't what it used to be, but behind the gray hair and even ruffled appearance, Columbo shines. IMO, the two gems in the evening of Columbo's career is "Columbo Goes to College", and "Columbo Likes the Nightlife". For fans, and generally anyone, this episode deserves a look.

The Black Stallion Returns (1983)

The patina of age has turned this into a classic.

[10/10 · 17 March 2013]

It's been 20 years since I watched this movie. Twenty years of bad plots and toilet humor. This movie stands the test of time and gets better and better, a true coming-of-age movie in the classic sense of a boy growing up to make a man's decision.

The final scene, the horse race in Moroccow, reflects Alex's future. He has pursued The Black with a single-minded purpose. He now has the ability of keeping The Black, but only if he wins the race. He must win not only for himself, but for the tribe of Abu Ben Ishak. But to win the race, he will harm is friend, Raj, who he crossed the desert with in his trek to find The Black. In the end, Alex finds himself making a grown-up choice for himself, The Black, and his adopted tribe.

Kello Reno displayed a genuineness sadly lacking in young actors now. Vincent Spano's role as Raj is done with a subtle dignity for Arab culture, and the movie reflects it. And of course, Cass Ole and El Mokhtar are magnificent as The Black. Last but not least, the score written by Georges Delerue is wonderful.

Star Trek: Amok Time (1967) Season 2, Episode 1

the Kirk-Spock-McCoy Friendship

[10/10 · 29 November 2010]

This started the second season of Star Trek with a bang, giving us both a greater understand of Spock's Vulcan heritage and the bond between Kirk, Spock and McCoy.

Two scenes to me stand out for their excellence and geniuneness in the relationships between these three. In the first, Kirk knows that Spock will die if they don't reach Vulcan in eight days. However, despite his pleas to Starfleet Command, he is told to proceed to Altair VI to be part of an inauguration ritual. With McCoy when told this, McCoy remarks "Well, that's that." Kirk however has no intention of following orders and tells McCoy he will continue to Vulcan. McCoy tells him this will mean his career. Kirk replies, "Spock has saved my life at least a dozen times. Isn't that worth a career?", then looks straight at McCoy and says, "He's my FRIEND." A great line, maybe the best of the original series.

Second is when McCoy, Spock and Kirk are all in the turbobay, and Spock asks Kirk if he will accompany him. Kirk ask if it is permitted, and Spock says that it is "my right, to be accompanied by my closed friends." He then says slowly, "I also.. request... McCoy." McCoy, understanding the respect Spock has shown him and much pleased, says "I shall be honored, sir."

These are great moments in television, ones that cemented Star Trek as being more than just science fiction, but about the human condition. I've watched these scenes over and over and still get a thrill watching them. Great art, great story, great direction, great direction.