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andygossard
Reviews
Outlaw King (2018)
Too bad this was not a Full Theatrical Release-worthy sequel of sorts, to Braveheart.
So having been given a prompt by a recent Braveheart reaction on YouTube I was prompted to check out this Netflix production. The only link to the former was James Cosmo in a small role. OUTLAW KING, about the story of Robert Bruce in the wake of the Scottish War for Independence and the death of Wallace, is a different, worthy, and different-level pantheon of violence and struggle for survival. This film is not for the squeamish. Nor is it non-stop dreary. There is humor interspersed, very good character development, and it is overall a very engaging saga with little lag or distraction or side story. I enjoyed very much, Chris Pine's Bruce and friends, namely James Douglas, and his wife the Queen played by. Rebecca Robin. Stephen Dilane as the loathsome King Edward and Billy Howle as his Commodus-like son Prince Edward, were captivating. Never a dull moment in this. What a hidden gem.
The Bounty (1984)
One of my 10 Best Films Ever.
I feel sad to read that, Mel Gibson, AND Anthony Hopkins have had bad things to say about the Film. This is one of my10 best ever., reviewed. Beyond the previous "Bounty" films, this one explains much better the slow slide Bligh fell into of anger and feeling impotence over containing his crew, actually it did such as good job of it. Tevaite Vernette was such a lovely, pure girl, and Mel was just reaching his heights as an international symbol of male virtue, they played their roles so well. Vangelis' soundtrack was so perfect...this film was nothing short of perfection. This is the perfect romanticist's standard of perfection.
The Mule (2018)
One of Clint's all-time Best
I just finished this 5 years after its release. I don't know what motivated Clint to do this story at his advanced age and after having completed some of his very fine films and projects.
My guess is I got ahold of the story, the true story, of a former WW2 vet who went through this experience just a few years ago, and also recently passed.
So -Clint and his production team and studio must have decided this was a perfect role for the man and also the story.
So, it does give an important scenario to this gritty and sordid phenomenon of high stakes narcotics transfer via "mules"- non-descript individuals who don't exactly fit a profile, doing unbelievably risky things to enrich the cartels and themselves.
Without saying more about the premise- this is, I think, Eastwood's most heart-rending performance, fully of family drama and reality and a great touch of sadness. Also, E always imparts his typical humor into these grittiest of situations and pulls it off well. His ensemble, also do a superb job, it particular Bradley Cooper, Dianne West and Ignacio Serricchio the 'handler'.
I wanted a whole lot more, actually, concerning the fate of this cartel in the longer term but Clint's character achieved closure, so that was the main thing. There were a few unresolved storylines, but that is my only complaint. Highly entertaining, highly watchable, suspenseful, and scary. Perhaps the last great work you will see him do. Appreciate it.
2012 (2009)
Entertaining Junk Science Dramedy
Yeah as an apocalypse movie you have to expect high body counts and unlimited destruction. What you might not expect is that it is nowhere near as annoying and idiotic as "The Day After Tomorrow". But, with about an equal amount of smug liberals and psycho babbling pseudo-science as the latter, there are redeeming virtues. I count this movie as several rungs up the ladder in entertainment value, Woody Harrelson is endearing as ever, and even John Cusack doesn't set me off that bad.
Look for pretty good pacing in developing the story, characters, and calamities, but once they get going you may be experiencing some pretty bizarre fun. Look I told some people awhile back- it's a good flick to get smashed on beer on and get stupid.
Gunsmoke: This Golden Land (1973)
One of the Best and Most Unique episodes of the entire series.
This one really got to me- particularly near the end, but you'll have to see it. Of particular note, the appearances of the great Richard Dreyfus, as well as Paul Stevens and especially Victor French- really lent greatness to "The Golden Land".
Marshall Dillon gives a sparse amount of time as his services are not immediately called upon. Festus showed briefly, and Doc had a moving scene with the recently arrived, Russian /Jewish family.
Where frontier justice and death seem almost always certain in Gunsmoke, reason and piety can sometimes make a statement. Gunsmoke never fails to exceed expectations.