scopitone Reviews

Godzilla (2014)

Hot!

[10/10 · 10 June 2014]

From opening credits to last scene, Godzilla 2014 radiates! It's about intensive heat; either with the humans back story, how these creatures originated and survive and the films constant tension and action. Sneaky & unique opening credit sequence immediately has you intrigued. Not a wasted frame or moment with a fast moving storyline. So many of the negative reviews posted concern amounts of time given to characters and action. These people apparently share the same broken watch. The first hour build-up moved lightning quick with suspense turned up high. I was jolted out of my seat at last four times throughout the film and was always excited. Everything positive you've read in prior reviews is spot on. Honestly, I was enthralled with the non monster situations / action sequences as much as the battles and devastation scenarios. I'm back for another visit next week. Best film of 2014..... bar none!

Momma Don't Allow (1956)

Best Film Ever?...... Short Film Certainly!

[10/10 · 21 May 2013]

Hard to believe this is the first review for this euphoric, exhilarating and visually stunning film. Amazing film tells the story of at at least five different people at a nightclub dance party...... without one word of dialog. However, The Chris Barber Jazz Band performing at the party provides a constant live Swing /Dixieland & Rock 'n' Roll soundtrack for the films entire 22 minutes. Full of wonder & stunning first film for future Oscar winning directors Tony Richardson and Karel Reisz. Great look at 1955 Teddy Boys, Cool Kittens and Lindy Bop dancers. Delivers on every count..... Music, style, cinematography, storytelling and enthusiasm. A joy from start to finish. You'll wish it didn't end.

Passport to Pimlico (1949)

Priceless ..........Didn't Want It To End

[27 February 2012]

Rarely am I this compelled to write a review but after watching Passport to Pimlico I have no choice. Truly the most invigorating, entertaining and joyful film experience I've had in too many years. Laugh out loud funny! Every positive review, and this is one of the few films on the IMDb without a negative, is spot on. I was charmed and captivated by each character and wish I lived in Burgundy. The only point I can add to the already, and rightfully so, glorious observations is that every performance in this film should be, and particularly by today's standards, Oscar nominated achievements. But as usual the caliber in general of all British actors is of the highest degree. I never sensed for a moment that a performance was given. Hail Burgundy!

Black Angels (1970)

Sleezy, Cheesy and Fun

[7/10 · 6 February 2012]

While many have compared this to levels of an Ed Wood film; I would agree regarding the lesson learned from Ed Wood films which seems to be lost here. Just because a film is poorly made that doesn't mean it's not entertaining. This film is great within the realm of down & dirty exploitation trash. It manages to offend and show all forms of humanity at their worst. Everyone gets slammed particularly minorities. Women here are all masochist drug takers, gays get slapped around, Caucasians are strictly white trash; the only dignity shown is amongst the Black Bikers although they too are a vicious, violent lot. Acting wise; it's not nearly as bad as an Ed Wood film. The fight scenes may not be particularly well choreographed, but they are nasty and loaded with dirty low-blows. Plenty of good looking bikes, enthusiastic aggression, sex and drug enjoyment. Truly a blast of eye candy trash.

My Little Margie (1952–1955)

Funny, Charming, Silly and Very Inventive

[25 August 2011]

Have to give My Little Margie a 10 as I find myself laughing out loud several times per episode. Something about a top notch cast of talented / seasoned veterans willing to take prat-falls, being chased by monkeys and donning disguises strictly for the sake of laughter that brings out a refreshing charm. Every character is genuinely funny and love the way each one at times can be pivotal to the storyline or just appear supplying funny fuel to the shenanigans. Plus the show features a multi-generational cast of silly heads who eventually all get into hot water, eat crow and make situations worse by trying to be smart. Even though these characters may be stereotypical, knucklehead father, grouchy cheapskate boss, goofy unemployed boyfriend, feisty old neighbor (the amazing Gertrude Hoffman as Mrs. Odettes), suspicious girlfriend and Margie (always in need of money and a larger allowance) I find these characters and the show itself more honest and well rounded than most TV shows broadcast today .....including dramas. Seems many shows today are focused on it lead stars, same age group, with little character support from others. My Little Margie mixes it up and provides laughter from a creative ensemble of goof-balls and high spirited interaction amongst them. Priceless joy and enjoying these airings on RTV.

Walking Tall (2004)

Rock Bottom

[1 April 2004]

While lovers of the original Walking Tall and it's director Phil Karlson are still nauseous after last weekends sneak peak, and with a 75 min. running time here's a film everyone can dislike. It's hard to believe that even remake redundancy can stink so low. To its credit at least there was no attempt at emotional or character development, originality, tension or suspense, although it did manage a horrible substitution of wretched comic relief, dull acting and a one note story line. Even the villains were boring. Plus there were scenes in the TV trailers that were not in the film. Isn't that fraud?? But considering that Vince McMahn is a credited producer of this empty mess there's no surprise here; it follows his usual line of business; show the audience something that in reality is not true. There's a difference between entertainment that's mindless as opposed to insulting. It's time to wake up people; if you continue to support TV fuelled debasement of cinema you'll keep getting 75 mins. of stale, flat retreads. If your thinking of shelling out $8-$10.00 for this time waster, do yourself a favor; buy a six-pack, popcorn, invite a friend over and rent the original. Why even consider stomach turning pre-packaged fast food when for the same price you can have filet mignon. But that's not fair, Walking Tall 2004 is lousy at any price.

The Iroquois Trail (1950)

Classic Karlson, unique and gripping on any terms.

[26 March 2003]

Although set during the French and Indian War, this suspenceful, fast and violent film is fuelled by strick Film Noir. An innocent man falls deeper into a web of deceit and danger trying to prove his innocence. Director Phil Karlson weaves his powerful style of disturbing close ups, unique twists and turns, unflinching / sudden violence and claustrophobic realism with charactors from James Fennimore Cooper's "Last of the Mohicans". Colorful performances all around particularly from film heavy Sheldon Leonard as a rather sinister Native American Indian. Contains the magical quality that compels you to watch it every six months or so.

The Phenix City Story (1955)

Mandatory Viewing

[6 March 2003]

Whether your a fan of Noir or not, The Phenix City Story remains superior filmaking on all levels regardless of it's budget and lack of special effects. While some may laugh at substituting a doll briefly for a dead child; it's follow up scene continues to have as much shocking impact today as it did upon it's release. To say this is textbook noir filmaking is too small as by all standards The Phenix City Story is the barometer by which crime, realism, fistfights and expose cinema is measured up to.

I Live in Fear (1955)

Mandatory Viewing

[26 February 2003]

Unique and unforgettable ! Scenes that will literally haunt you with beauty, shock, and raw emotion. Unfortunately, rather contemporary due to it's threatening storyline of fear by nuclear attack. Superb ensemble acting with Mifune at peak intensity. Not a wasted shot with hypnotic direction by Kurosawa.

Strangers in the City (1962)

Seen the film, many times.

[4 September 2002]

Excellent, grittyand realistic view of destitution amongst a Puerto Rican family trying to survive New York City's Spanish Harlem in 1962. Similiar to "Mean Streets" and Shirley Clark's "The Cool World" and pre-dates both. Excellent location work from various points in Manhattan to Coney Island. Manages to combine art flourishes with a strong and exploitative storyline. Original and stirring jazzy soundtrack helps make this a truly unforgettable film and experience. Catch it if you can.

Undisputed (2002)

Comments made one day after viewing.

[24 August 2002]

Lean, fast with an animated angle in the mode of director Walter Hills previous films such as The Warriors and Streets of Fire. Superb performances by all help create a thoughtful impression long after you leave the theater. More going on here than meets the eye.