dreaddy2 Reviews

Submersion of Japan (1973)

Submergence of Japan

[28 March 2011]

In the wake of the recent tsunami and series of earthquakes in Japan, this movie I had seen as a child came to mind. I remember the disaster scenes being pretty horrific (although this was the pre-CGI era). I also remembered the United Nations or some body akin to it deciding on the distribution of the Japanese population to various nations who agree to receive a number of refugees. With the earthquakes continuing and the possibility of another if not several tidal waves occurring, one hopes this movie doesn't become a reality for Japan. I've learned from reading the other reviews that there is a shorter hacked version of this movie. I'm trying to get a copy of the full length original movie. I think the one I saw was the original although couldn't swear to it. If anyone knows where it's available, whether DVD or VHS please let me know. [e-mail]

Burn! (1969)

A memorable film

[6/10 · 23 October 2005]

I was but a child when this film came out. AT the time so-called Spaghetti westerns were the in thing. My closest friend and I went to see another double feature when this movie trailer came on. The sequence was great but what was most memorable was the movie score. AT the time I was not familiar with the name Ennio Morricone. It's funny how that music alone sold the movie to us; just as Morricone's music carried Good, Bad, and the Ugly, and "Once Upon a Time in the West." We did go to see Burn when it did arrive but I can't remember much of it; being 10 years old, following a political movie wasn't within my grasp then. I remember getting away from home at the risk of a sound spanking to go see "Burn." I'm now seeking to own the DVD if it's out.

Sudden Fury (1975)

A memorable movie

[9/10 · 20 June 2005]

I saw this movie when I was a teenager and always thought there was going to be a part Two. That never happened. I like movies with plots that are unpredictable and this movie is just that. It takes you in so many directions and has so many surprises. While you do hope things straighten out for the hero you never know what will happen next. It is very believable and the actors (none of whom I remember) are excellent. This is a movie I've longed to see again but never got the opportunity. Hope the Canadians see it fit to commit this excellent move to video. This is one of the thrillers that, once you see it, you'd never forget it. It's worth seeing and I intend owning it.

They Came to Rob Las Vegas (1968)

A memorable heist caper

[8/10 · 20 June 2005]

I saw this movie as a child and still remember it. It has one of those plots that's so interesting that you don't forget it. It reminds me of "Sudden Fury"(Canadian) and "Loophole" (UK). Wish they'd bring it out on DVD. I remember Elke Summer and Lee J. Cobb in it. Didn't recall Jack Palance at all. The movie is very believable and the plot and motives of the characters interesting. At one point it seems the whole thing has reached a stalemate and you didn't have a sense of what direction the plot is going to take which was right down my street. Hate those movies where you can guess how the plot will play out and it does just that. If you want a movie with an unpredictable and interesting plot this is it.

The Hunting Party (1971)

On my top 15 list

[9/10 · 19 April 2005]

I saw this movie as a teenager. This is one of those movies that you won't forget. The acting is excellent (including Candace Bergen). It introduced a concept that is hardly highlighted in movies. Technology had marched on producing a weapon that shoots way over the range gunmen of that day were accustomed to. This was one of the more interesting points of the movie apart from the human aspect which was terrific. It's actually available on VHS under a different name which is nowhere near the original name. I happened to have borrowed it about three years ago from a video store and only recognized it because I remembered Oliver Reid and Gene Hackman were in it. It's on my top 15 list.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)

Definitely in the best western ever made.

[10/10 · 21 February 2005]

I grew up watching westerns and war movies. In our book there are cowboy movies and there are westerns. In cowboy movies the star is always neat, well bathed, and every hair in place even after a bar room brawl. In comparison, the western characters are rugged, dirty, dusty, tattered hat, and generally reflect the rugged outdoor, saddle bound life that tough guys endured in those days (consider a Terrence Hill movie where he takes off his hat and one can see where the dirt stops and his real skin starts.) The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly is definitely a western and has everything one would want in a movie: a solid and interesting story plot, excellent acting, a ground-breaking director with wide sweeping shots and interesting close-ups, and one of the best music scores one would hear in a movie by the master Enio Morricone. The only western coming anywhere close to GBU is Clint Eastwood's Unforgiven. And a race between these two would would still result with GBU ahead for best picture prize because of the fantastic Morricone music score. See the revised version now out on DVD which includes scenes previously cut from the cinema version in the Western World. Some complained this movie is too long. Even with the added scenes it's still too short for me. I wish this movie would be granted a belated Oscar for best western ever made.

Deadly Strangers (1975)

Memorable plot

[9 September 2004]

Good movie plots remain with me. This is a movie I'd seen as a child and am lucky to find it here. It's a plot I've never forgotten and has quite a twist at the end. The only actor I remembered was Simon Ward. The acting was fine and, like so many of the British movies I've seen, nothing is overdone. No unnecessary violence and things blowing up for the sake of a boom. They don't write enough movies like this one. Other moves like this one is Vanishing Act with Elliot Gould, Silent Partner with Elliot Gould, and Sudden Fury (a very little known Canadian movie which should not be confused with the idiotic action film of the same name).

If you're the kind of movie fan who hates predictable movies then this movie is for you.

Mississippi Masala (1991)

One of the most interesting movies I've seen.

[9/10 · 14 October 2001]

When Mississippi Masala opened it was a B movie or was treated as such. Denzil Washington was riding high with his Malcolm X role in the news. I wondered what made him decide on such a low key movie. I got hold of the cassette and saw it. Then I knew why. The plot is excellent and this must have been the reason why other notable actors (Charles Dutton comes to mind; and the actors who played Meena's Father (Rohan Seth, I think, who came in Gandhi), and the actor who played Denzil's father. The other actors were magnificent and were perfect for their parts. I particular enjoyed Sunil and friends and Denzil's brother.

What was most admirable in this movie is the writer/director's ability to merge three cultures (Uganda, India, & Southern USA) into an enchanting love story. Mira Nir has made her mark with this movie. Not surprising the critics loved it.

I New York the movie opened quietly then quickly became popular by word-of-mouth. Many women went to see Denzil but came away enjoying a unique and interesting love story with racism from another angle as it's strong undertone. Go see it if you haven't already.

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly (1966)

Of the best 5 westerns ever made, this one is on everyone's list.

[10/10 · 14 October 2001]

The "Good, Bad, and the Ugly" is one of the best westerns ever made (contending for top dog position only by "Unforgiven" and "Once Upon A Time in the West"). This movie is a Western (as opposed to "cowboy movies made by John Wayne where the men are always clean and hair well combed even after a fistfight). It focuses on three characters, none of whom is really good. It's characters are real and the scenery stark and harsh as is the style of Sergio Leone. What takes this movie over the top is the superb music score by Ennio Mirricone whose theme song for this movie was whistled for decades. Westerns don't get better than this. A must see.

Bullet Train (1975)

Excellent plot and fast-paced.

[10/10 · 11 October 2001]

This movie was special in having an extremely interesting plot and fast paced action. The cast is excellent with then major Japanese star Sony Chiba playing a minor role. The mastermind, played by Ken Takakura, is cool, calculating, and very human as opposed to the plain evil vilains typical in those days. The action is excellent and credible in a time when special effects were not computer-generated. I'm convinced that the plot for the movie "Speed" was lifted from this movie. It's worth seeing. I'm currently looking for a copy on VHS or DVD but to no avail. "Help!"