randawg72 Reviews

Biography: Jonathan Harris: Never Fear, Smith Is Here (2002) Season Unknown, Episode Unknown

Well done biography. ...

[10/10 · 23 June 2013]

1st off, this is a very hard episode to find. You can't buy or stream it anywhere. I put in a 'wish list' on eBay and one finally popped up after a year and a half (!). For me it was worth the wait.

I've been a fan of Jonathan Harris and LIS since I was a kid, and thought I knew everything about this great personality but I learned a lot from this DVD. It starts from his humble beginnings in New York, and he explains how he hated his NY accent and trained himself to speak more dignified, like the actors he watched in the cinema.

It covers his early acting career including the original 'Catch me if you can' which was completed in 1959, and the other series he starred in before LIS. The former was filmed on location in Cuba, where the cast and crew were harassed and even shot at by Castro's men, and then the movie was eventually confiscated by the Cuban government and never released.

It also covers his work in the 70's and 80's and the cartoon voice over work from his later years. The film includes commentaries from LIS cast members, directors, Jonathan's widow, Burt Reynolds, and Sheila Allen (Irwin's wife from 1974 and the woman who played the singing Brynhilda in LIS 'The Space Vikings').

In summary, it was very informative and entertaining; and I'm glad I was finally able to see it. Recommended to all Jonathan Harris and LIS fans.

-Randawg.

12 Angry Men (1957)

Slightly over-rated.

[7/10 · 8 April 2013]

First off I want to say I liked the movie. It had great performances all around and a compelling story. And I'm a fan of Henry Fonda and Jack Klugman. My problem is I'm puzzled that this film has such a high ranking on IMDb ? I can think of at least 10 better films (in my opinion) that are ranked far below this one.

This is a classic film and I think it's well made and still holds up after 50+ years. I guess I just had high expectations for a movie in the IMDb top 10. It sounds silly but I think I would have enjoyed it more if was rated 200th !

-Randawg.

All Quiet on the Western Front (1930)

Still powerful 80+ years later. ...

[8/10 · 3 January 2013]

I watched this movie for the first time last night. It's amazing that it was made in 1930 but still holds up so well today. One of the best stories I've seen that shows the futility of war and the waste of life and resources is causes.

It's a little weird at first adjusting to the German perspective in WW-1 (especially since it's in English); but this story would have the same poignancy if placed in any nationality or language. Well made for the era (only 12 years after the Actual war) with good performances all around. I recommend it for anyone interested in war films or as a study in film making.

The anti-war message is as relevant as ever and I think this film should be mandatory viewing for all high school students.

-Randawg.

Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (1981)

Great post apocalyptic fun !. ...

[10/10 · 4 April 2012]

This is one of my all-time favorite films. A pure adrenalin thrill ride from start to finish.

I actually saw this movie in a theater when it 1st came out in '82. Great performance by Mel of course as well as by: Vernon Wells, Bruce Spence, and Virginia Hey and the rest of the cast. Set in the not too distant future, our hero 'Max' battles the evil fuel stealing minions on the long desert highways of Australia's vast 'wasteland'.

Directed by George Miller, this movie really captures the grit and harsh brutality of a world gone mad after the fall of civilization where nomadic tribes of survivors battle to 'live off the corpse of the old world'.

Cinematically stunning, and a longtime cult classic. I've seen it dozens of times and can sit and watch this movie again any time. Full of memorable lines and catch phrases. "You can run, but you can't hide !".

~Randawg.

Kick-Ass (2010)

It's better than you expect. ...

[10/10 · 10 January 2011]

I enjoyed this movie a lot, by far my favorite of 2010. I unfortunately missed it in the Theater but discovered it later on DVD.

I expected (like most people I know) a cheesy 'Superbad' type superhero movie, boy was I wrong. A simple but engaging story, excellent directing and perfect casting. Great performances by Aaron Johnson, Nicolas Cage and Chloe Moretz.

This is the kind of movie that superhero fans have always hoped for. It's made like it really could happen in real life. not with multi thousand dollar costumes & props like the 100 million dollar 'Hollywood' versions.

I highly recommend this movie to anyone. It's entertaining and satisfying from start to finish. I've seen it several times and could sit down and watch it again anytime.

(I can't wait for the sequel !).

Sincerely, ~Randawg.

Teenagers from Outer Space (1959)

Not horrible for a 'B' movie. ...

[7/10 · 14 August 2009]

I searched out TFOS because I heard that a certain toy ray gun was used in the film (a Hubley Atomic Disintegrator). I also heard that it had a low budget and poorly done, but I still wanted to see it.

As it turns out, it wasn't half bad. The effects were a little weak (as expected) especially the monster (Giant lobster) could have been done better. But overall I think the acting was decent, the actors worked well together, and the story kept me interested till the end.

Sci-Fi movies in the 50's were typically done cheaply, and were rarely supported by the studios. I think this one is at least as good as most of the ones I've seen. Good performances by the leads, as well as Grandpa, and the woman playing the nurse. It was cool to see King Moody (Starker on Get Smart) as the alien commander.

Overall an interesting example of a 50's Sci-fi 'B' movie, and in my opinion worth a look.

~Randawg.

Star Trek (2009)

Different but good. ...

[9/10 · 11 May 2009]

I just saw this movie in IMAX an I liked it. I'm a longtime ST fan and have been patiently waiting for this release since I saw the teaser trailer over a year ago.

Since most remakes of classic shows typically suck (Lost in Space, My Favorite Martian, Get Smart to name a short list). I didn't expect much when I went into the theater. It's been said already, but don't go in expecting it to be like the original series because it definitely is Not. The plot is interesting while following the conventions and technology from the previous ST series and movies.

This movie has several twists and surprises that I would never have guessed. It's enjoyable to the original ST fans, as well as young people who have never even seen the original series. The small differences old time fans will notice are explained in the new chain of events that unfold in this story. The actors portray the crew true to their character's personalities without copying the original casts interpretations. Good performances all around, especially by Karl Urban (Dr McCoy), and Zachary Quinto (Spock). I thought Chris Pine was good, but for me lacked some of the swagger and restrained arrogance of William Shatner's original Captain Kirk. I also liked Simon Pegg as Scotty, and John Cho as Sulu.

In summary, I think it's an enjoyable film that I plan to see again. It sets the stage for the second movie that I hope will allow the new cast to further develop the characters we already know so well.

~Randawg.

The Dark Knight (2008)

Ledger Is 'The Best Villain Ever'. ...

[9/10 · 8 August 2008]

This is an incredible movie with great performances throughout. The plot is unpredictable and keeps the audience guessing. In every scene, just when you think you know what will happen next, ....you don't. (you can't say that about most movies can you ?). I like all the Batman films, but 'Begins' and 'Dark knight' are much more 'possible' in the real world than previous versions.

I was asked after I saw this film if I thought Heath Ledger was the best Joker. My reply was that he is not only the best Joker ever, but in my opinion, the best villain ever in any superhero movie. The thought of a super intelligent psycho killer, that always knows the outcome of every situation. And with seemingly ESP like powers that let him stay a step ahead of his pursuers is very frightening. Also, this psycho is not even interested in money, or power or world domination. His only desire is to inflict pain and suffering on innocent people.

While watching Ledger's performance, I kept thinking 'wow, this guy's dead', which only deepens the creepy-ness of this evil and twisted Joker. I envision Nicholson accepting the Oscar for Ledger in February.

In summary, this is a very entertaining and well made movie. One of the best. You will kick yourself if you don't see this one on the big screen.

~Randawg.

Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (2004)

Still Great 4 Years Later. ...

[8/10 · 9 May 2008]

When I first saw the teaser trailer for this movie at the theater I wanted to see it. Which I did the opening weekend and liked it, I now own the DVD and revisited Sky Captain recently and this review is my take 4 years later.

First of all, Kerry Conran is one of my hero's. I just watched the making of this film and the story of his quest has enough drama for a movie of it's own. He went from a quiet (computer nerd?) to writer & director of a major motion picture! This is a movie for movie lovers. I like to be absorbed in the story and let the movie maker wow me with his vision. Sky Captain does that and more. Great acting and exciting and original visuals make for a fun ride.

I can't understand why some people don't like this film. Some purists say it looks too fake. When and where? I think the CGI effects are realistic and seamless. Kerry Conran's a genius, and I think his groundbreaking work will be even more appreciated by future generations.

My question to you Mr Conran, Where is Sky Captain II ??

Sincerely, ~Randawg.

Cloverfield (2008)

Makes Godzilla look like a kitten. ....

[9/10 · 19 February 2008]

This is really a great movie about a really terrifying creature. I, like most people went see this without big expectations, and was blown away. The hand-held camera thing has been done before, but it really helps to suck you into the experience, and does sort of make the viewer feel as if they are part of the story.

I think everyone has had a bad dream where something big is stalking them and seems to follow at your heels wherever you run to. This movie looks like they got into someone's head and filmed one of those nightmares.

Good acting, a suspenseful plot, and Great special effects. Easily the best movie I've seen in quite awhile.

~Randawg.

10 MPH (2007)

Inspirational !. ...

[8/10 · 18 September 2007]

I just saw this film and loved it ! This really makes you stop and evaluate your life and what we're all doing here. We all think we're supposed to work our lives away while all of the things we want to do sit on the back burner never to be accomplished.

These guys are my hero's. What seems like a silly stunt on the surface, is really an insight into life and a detailed look at the America that no-one takes the time to explore anymore.

They attempt what we all wish we had the guts to do. And succeed ! I recommend this film to anyone who feels that life is passing them by. It dares us all to 'Just do it', and I for one plan to get off my butt and chase my own dreams.

Sincerely, ~Randawg.

Song of the South (1946)

'A Landmark Film, and A Walt Disney Classic'

[9/10 · 2 October 2006]

I first saw this film in 1972, and just saw it for the second time in 2006.

Song of the south is a great family movie. It's the first live action movie made by Disney studios. It is also the first to combine live acting with cartoon animation.

Outstanding performances by James Baskett (Uncle Remus), and child actor Bobby Driscoll (as Tommy). Although labeled as a racist film by the NAACP, I don't think any kids (as I was when I first saw it) would even know what that means.

Some say that Blacks are portrayed as uneducated, plantation workers (Not slaves as some have pointed out). The only scene I wouldn't appreciate if I were black is the 'Tar-baby' reference (considered a racial slur at that time).

I still remember the magic I felt in the theater when Uncle Remus started telling the first tale and burst into the cartoon world with all the animated characters singing along with him. It's very sad that Disney won't release it in the US.

I recommend this movie to any Disney fan, especially those with young kids. It's a shame that a touching movie with such moral intentions has been banned because a few think otherwise.

~Randawg.

Superbman: The Other Movie (1981)

It's a Bird !, It's a Plane !, No, ...It's a Spoof !

[8/10 · 12 September 2006]

I just watched a screening of this short film at the Comic & Sci-Fi show in LA. It's a comedy, and a parody of the 1980's Superman films. It is intended to be silly, and to make fun of the same.

Superbman is like a student film on steroids. It takes the term 'No Budget' to all new heights. From the Styrofoam miniatures, to the garbage-can escape pod it has a real 'B' movie look and feel. Besides all that the movie actually works on some levels.

My only gripe is the poor sound. In several scenes, the dialog is mono-tone and hard to understand. I kept thinking it should have subtitles. That being said, the movie is well done for what it is. The effects are ancient by today's standards but work just the same. It was neat to see Kirk Alyn (The original man-of-steel) as Pa 'Cant', and Alvy (Hank Kimble) Moore was funny as Perry Blight.

While not an Oscar contender, the gags in Superbman do make you laugh at times as does the corny script and novice acting. If you like 'Attack of the Killer Tomatoes' or 'Plan 9 From Outer Space' you will like Superbman. The odds are that nobody reading this will ever see Superbman unless it's makers decide to release it to the public. I recommend it to film students or to anyone thinking of making their own movie.

~Randawg.

Silent Tongue (1993)

A very 'Haunting' film. ...

[7/10 · 16 August 2006]

I originally tracked down a copy of this film because it was River's last movie. I'm also a Richard Harris fan.

Not surprisingly, I liked it. Great performances by Richard Harris (the father), Alan Bates (the medicine show owner), and of course River Phoenix. The film has a unique and eerie look and feel that's unlike any others I've seen.

River's role as the grieving young widower is interesting to watch. Especially since he plays a disoriented, hallucinating character which seems to mirror his real life at the time battling drug addiction and other demons. He even looks high during some scenes (Of course he was a great actor).

Granted this movie is not for everyone. The friends & family I've shown it to liked it. I recommend it to any River Phoenix fan and to anyone who enjoys the escape to a different time and place that a good movie like this provides.

~Randawg.

Tombstone (1993)

Highly recommended; One of my favorite Movies. ...

[10/10 · 6 August 2006]

Where do I start ? Well written, directed and acted. Career topping performances by Russell and Kilmer. Great story with historical characters (While not always historically accurate). Still a well done and entertaining Western.

A cult classic and one of my favorites. This film has an all star cast and is full of 'Movie moments' that you won't soon forget. Shot entirely in Arizona (only a few miles from Tombstone) the story centers on the Earp's retiring from the law business and settling down in the quiet town of Tombstone to raise their families and start a new life. They soon find out a local gang (The Cowboys) extort and terrorize the citizens and basically run the small town.

All this is about to change when the Earp's get involved and return to duty as lawmakers! Great fun from start to finish. You'll be quoting this film for weeks. One of my favorite quotes: "You tell 'em the laws comin', ..You tell 'em I'm comin', and Hell's comin' with me!, you got that? Hell's comin' with me!"

If you've never seen Tombstone, and are reading this to help you decide it worthwhile, Watch It! If you enjoy movies that envelop you with a great story, likable heroes, and evil villains that you love to hate I guarantee you'll like it!

~Randawg.

Clerks II (2006)

Pretty much what you'd expect. ...

[8/10 · 29 July 2006]

Well I just saw Clerks II, and I liked it.

First of all, I am a Kevin Smith fan. It's not easy being a K.S. fan, and most people who are don't admit to it. I own most of his films and I have 'Clerks 1' on video and DVD.

My sister lives in New Jersey, and when I heard that Kevin was planning Clerks II I actually considered flying to N.J. to try to watch the filming. To my surprise, the Mooby's restaurant 'set' was a converted Burger King located 5 miles from my house in OC California ! In fact, I drove by it every day on the way to work (Still do, it's a vacant lot now).

Needless to say, as close as I got was the tire shop parking lot across the street. I drove by during shooting and saw the big man standing out front, but didn't have the nads to cross the barricades and storm the set.

Back to review. I thought K.S. did a good job reviving the characters from Clerks and writing an interesting storyline for Dante & Randal. I expected more interaction with the 'annoying customers' with their quirks and complaints as in C1. And since this film is sort of a tribute to the film that started Kevin's career I hoped to see more cameos from the original Clerks cast (As well as more regulars from the other K.S. movies).

I thought Trevor Fehrman as Elias was very funny and has a bright future as a comedy actor. Jay & Bob have their funny moments with the usual ass and drug humor and in a funny dance Montague to the Jackson's 'ABC'. Smith's wordy script and strange sense of humor worked as always in this film. Some viewers might feel a little weird (as I did) watching the 'Kinky Kelly' scene, or seeing Jason Mewes 'Flash' sitting next to my Nephew and with a theater audience.

In summary, I liked the movie. I thought the ending where Dante gets the girl, and the guys reopen the Quick Stop was fitting. And it seems to leave the door open for a Clerks 3?. I recommend this film to any K.S. fan although those who are not might consider waiting for the DVD release.

~Randawg.

Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

Makes the average Dysfunctional family seem normal

[7/10 · 26 July 2006]

I saw this movie at a special pre-release screening at a drive-in theater with about 100 VW buses in attendance (including mine). It was a local LA radio station (KROQ) promotion.

I had heard the buzz about this film and watched the trailer so I had some expectations going in. While I enjoyed the story and the characters, with great performances by Alan Arkin (grandpa), Steve Carell (Frank), and little Abigail Breslin (as Olive), but I felt that a little more character development and emotion would have given the plot more punch.

The VW bus personality and quirks known so well to us bus owners made it fun to watch. Whenever something broke or malfunctioned the crowd at the drive-in cheered and applauded. If anything I recommend this movie to VW bus owners. For everyone else, you might want to wait for the DVD release.

In summary, I liked this movie but expected a bit more. Most of the funny scenes are in the trailer. Good acting, especially Alan Arkin (he needs to do more projects these days), But a soft plot and a lot of build up to an anti-climactic (weird) ending left me a little flat.

~Randawg.

Running Scared (2006)

Excellent Movie; Highly Recommended

[10/10 · 21 July 2006]

Very well written and acted. A roller-coaster ride from start to finish. Writer/Director Wayne Kramer's best work to date. This film keeps you guessing from scene to scene, if you think you know where the story is going, ...you don't. It's not watered-down for public consumption like the big studio movies. Films like Running Scared are the reason I watch movies. If you enjoy being absorbed into a story and it's characters and letting the film-makers vision unfold you'll love it! Paul Walker is fantastic, great performances by Cameron Bright (Oleg), Vera Farmiga (Teresa), Karel Roden (Anzor), and of course Chazz Palminteri make this a very gripping and entertaining film. Trick camera angles and effects enhance the mood without being overused. Pretty graphic scenes and strong language, enough to develop the plot and characters, but not done to excess like some movies. Keep your eye on Wayne Kramer. After hits like Running Scared and The Cooler, I can't wait to see his next project. Easily the best movie I've seen in the last several years!