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Her Name Is Carla (2005)
85 Minutes I'll never get back.
Being a big fan of both Julian Sands and Julianne Nicholson I gave this DVD a try. Don't waste your time. The story was not developed enough from the beginning to even remotely understand what was going on with the characters. Furthermore, none of the characters were likable or believable. The previous scenes did not fully portray what the premise of the story was supposed to be, nor did the characters convince me of their part in it.
A short synopsis (without spoiling it too much for those who still want to watch it) is: A wife, without first discussing it with her husband, invites two strangers claiming to be married to stay at their house overnight. The husband, not wanting to openly counteract his wife's decision, agrees. The strangers then begin a bizarre series of events leading to a climactic end which involves the death of two of the four characters and an unbelievable story of rape (or mistaken identity depending on how you interpret it.) Then, for added confusion, a real or unreal child (once again depending on how you interpret it) is thrown into the story I'm assuming to explain past events or the ending of the film.
Technical stuff: For those of you, like me, who hate the way some new films are being made, watch out. This film looks as though it was filmed with a home digital camera. The lighting is not very good and the editing looks pieced together. Also, for all you "Directors" out there, please tell your camera operators to stop shaking the camera so much, it's making me nauseous.
NUDITY Alert (Like it or hate it): Both the female leads (Julianne Nicholson & Mina Badie) appear nude in this film.
A Reflection of Fear (1972)
The reflection is boredom.
I am going to have to try and balance out all these reviews that give this film more than a few stars. Although the other reviewers probably do like this film for various reasons, I found myself bored with it in the first 10 minutes. This is one of those typical 1970's thrillers which spend an hour and a half dragging through a story that could be told in a 10 minute short film. I immediately put this film in the "One Time Watch" category.
I can't reveal too much of the film without giving away the plot, but much of the film involves an over bearing mother and her daughter (played by Sondra Locke) which, obviously, the crazy is leaking out. The director tried to intersperse mysterious happenings throughout the film which were blamed on local townsfolk, however, it was quite obvious who was responsible. (Once again I don't want to say too much for those that wish to watch this film.) The only "shocker," and I use that term loosely, was at the ending which I had pretty much guessed except for a minor detail.
You can find a crisp clean copy of the transfer with very few flaws for a film from the 70's. There is a haze over part of the film, but that is the director's vision and not the film quality itself. The editing was a little choppy and I believe that a few more details for some of the scenes would have helped the flow of the story.
Bottom line, for me this film was one of those films you would watch (back when we only had 12 channels) only because absolutely nothing else was on at the time. Don't get me wrong, I love the movies of the 70's, but this one made me tired.
The Gypsy Warriors (1978)
OMG! I was literally embarrassed for the actors.
I am a big fan of Tom Selleck and WWII movies but it was a chore to make it through this one. The made-for-TV movie storyline is like something from an old B-movie serial.
The Germans, while occupying France, have a secret chemical lab in which the Alies want to take the chemicals and destroy the lab. They plan to do this with the help of local gypsies; whose characters are heavily stereotyped.
So what's the plan: get Nazi uniforms, fake German accents, and just go right on into the secret base without anyone realizing. I honestly think Colonel Hogan and the men from Stalag 13 did it better and with much more flair.
If it wasn't for Tom Selleck, I would have turned it off; but my commitment to Mr. Selleck forced me to finish it, all the while praying for the credits to show up.
OK, at the price it's being sold and if you are true Selleck fans go ahead and buy the DVD. However, It is as close to a "one time watch" movie as it can get... even starring Tom Selleck.
PS: If you insist on getting the movie, try getting the "Murder 101/Gypsy Warriors - Double Feature!" You still get the Tom Selleck movie, but you also get "Murder 101" with Pierce Brosnan, which isn't too bad.
Poor White Trash (2000)
This movie will become a cult classic!
This movie is one of the funniest I have seen and I really expect it to rank up there with other cult classic films such as "Raising Arizona" and "Joe Dirt." One must review this movie with an understanding that it is not Shakespeare or some social drama. There's no false advertising here. It is a movie about poor white trash. The selection of actors could not be more fitting. William Devane was excellent as Ron Lake, a man who fancies himself as up-scale white trash, obviously from his choice of dwelling, the classic Airstream Travel Trailer; the true choice of trailer connoisseurs. Sean Young is pure poor white trash, playing the mother who wants her son to go on to things better than the trailer park, and is willing to go the extra mile, including committing armed robbery with him to ensure his success. Also, amongst this group, is the extremely attractive Jaime Pressly playing Sandy Lake. When I think of actresses who can play white trash there are three names that come to mind as the VERY BEST: Holly Hunter, Juliette Lewis, and Jamie Pressly. Ms. Pressly is one amongst talented company. Supporting these actors is M. Emmet Walsh, a superbly talented actor, whom I feel is often underrated.