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A Huey P. Newton Story (2001)
Smith.
3rd attempt to write à review. Trying too hard to catch you by the collar and look you in the eye and tell you this: I Witnessed what may be the greatest performance an actor has ever delivered. I Challenge you to find dialogue and délivery of this monstrous size task-life and views of a man, a time, an iconoclastic era that seeks revolutionary change to save ones people,by natural means -deliverance by birthing the idea, execution, calling, societal position, weight of opposition, weight of emotional psychological pain -delivered through the limits of language. Roger Gueneur Smith has been in a lot of films Spike Lee choice often. Even was in a daytime soap for a goodly stint.But he is smart. He chose I imagine a hero,of his an under clarified man certainly unknown to most in 2015 but shook this country never to be heard from again if the continued smashing down of the true American history of the 1960's plays on. I lived in the Village in 'late'60's when I read Ramparts magazine's script of the Chicago 7 trial pertaining to Bobby Seale-Huey Newton's co founder of The Black Panther Party. The Harlem chapter came downtown and spoke at a church in Washington Square. I had been in the south prior to NYC all through it and heard the message of revolution in the air. Smith, how meticulous and thorough his writing. But the physicality, the dialogue his vicious 'in the way but it's OK' chain smoking deliverance-his dance- man I wish this was getting over to you. The man Huey P. Newton is your friend
The Announcement (2012)
More than Magic
Maybe the target age for The Announcement cuts off at those who were born after Magic's announcement in Nov 1991 that he tested positive for HIV but for those audience. fans or curious or want to check in for an update, The Announcement is a great relaying of what was and is his journey from then to even now that really is the human story. The Announcement is SO well edited it moves at a pace as it no doubt was created in LA by the best. But it is not a shiny prime-time style blowing sugar at the audience nor salacious bummer. It is a human story, of an iconic super athlete. An exceptional documentary. The basketball fan who can remember when the Titans were on the court will be paying attention. They all are in this. His wife Cookie is an open book as are his family. HIV/AIDS virus has an adversary in Magic, as well as all who educate, research for cures and take it seriously yet it's his humble, common man genuineness that this film gets you to know. Go Magic!
Dying of the Light (2014)
CIA Agent * Cage is Excellent!
Nicholas Cage speaks in every man/woman 's American language which is why his character is so close here. Relateable as he can be. Never out of his thoughts is a terrorist who had him once under torture to extract a name. 22 yrs later now the 'resigned' former agent Lake (Cage), gets a tip and more on the still alive terrorist leader' and the hiding-place. This is unfinished business -his enemy, his personal and professional nemesis. He wants to go get him. Great fast multi locations. A story you will want to follow to the end. Nicholas Cage is a great actor and gives a great performance.
He has only one young CIA friend to help him. And a surprise woman from his past to clear the way. He has lived a full life we see, but time is of the essence. Lots of issues snap you into Cage's character's world. Really, really good.
Left Behind (2014)
Left Behind * Reminder
Nicholas Cage is good. . The set up is annoying - but when it happens-The Rapture-and he is left to guide the plain in -becomes tense. To me it was a reminder of Yes, the New Testament does say this will happen. Cage is a great study. Must be a real treat to act with him. Left Behind could have gone on but thats another movie. If you are a Nicholas Cage fan or if you have The Rapture in your mind its worth watching . The song at the credits "I Wish We'd All Been Ready" was an early 1970's Jesus Movement song also seen on you tube if you want to hear it in its time. Nice cover of it here. I gave it 8 stars. I think the director kept it from being too much chaos as to be bedlam. Characters were poignant if a lot rude about it. But people are rude today. Not Cage tho, not here.
American Justice (2015)
Tiny is Super Fun
Sure at first you go 'oh no,'. But these are good actorss so I kept watching and the injustice just got to me so I was hooked to see where Tiny went and found out John Schneider is a bad guy!? So i am watching and it gets fun. TIny, and you know he can, takes his skills out. Very good I thought. A little detail I enjoyed . Tiny shoots a bad guy close up and says bang bang immediately after. Funny. Its a surprise right down to the end. All the cast were good and storyline was intense enough. I like action and this is action plus surprise- I heard some lines that were tributes or hats off to other movies. I enjoyed it. Sure should make a nice set of sequels. Evrryone was good, Tiny is great here. Had to keep remembering 'Tiny loves God' cause he is not very merciful here. Just a character. Good flick!
Police Story: Odyssey of Death: Part 2 (1976)
Scary memorable role of Ed Lauter
Very impacting role and story for 1976 TV. I really was taken by Ed Lauter's acting and shamelessness in his character. Also ma sitting out in the car reading her bible while her sons killed and worse was too much. I never forgot Ed Lauter's impressive acting. I was quite familiar with seeing him; but he out did himself in this one. In 1976, TV was jumping the fence in violent content, the Q was being asked "is TV too violent?" this Odessey of Death 2 Part'Er -violence WAS the story here. I liked Police Story for their drama and cast. Another Police Story that left a memorable impression on me was the episode with Vic Morrow. These 2 Police Stories were excellent. It was a pro police show and crime drama. I should not plan to ever see the Police Story with Ed Lauter again; but his very scary portrayal left an impression to me on his acting and paid attention anything he did after. I was in my mid-20's. Just finished Executive Action (1973) and spotted him. That's how we knew Ed Lauter - he truly was everywhere. Unfortunately crimes this bad became the way of life in America.
Safe House (2012)
Great fast action flick ~ Denzel is superior Ryan goes to A list
Ryan Reynolds now has grit in his teeth. Denzel is a an actor of such prowess that in Safe House he delivers the traitor + wanted + spy + intrigue guy, right out of the same layers we have always been delivered. This spy guy is purely seasoned, mysterious, hard boiled yet humanly, normally responsive and fascinating. Denzel shows more changes in expressions, more dramatic 'unlike him' scenes even though you think he has done everything already; it's a new lane to us. He has so much acting ability! He brought reminders of other characters he has played as well as expressions that make you remember some other actor. He does it on purpose. He is an actors actor.
This character, Frost,is a dangerous man with a 'specific skill set' and it is exciting as all get out. I have been trying to tone down my violence appetite but had to say this one was worth cheating with because of the acting and the story. And the casting. Can't say enough about the choices they made for supporting. Ryan Reynolds goes out of the romantic comedy idea I have for him - I hope he learned a lot working on this movie with Denzel. Ryan is so clean cut he can't help himself yet this role fit him so well. He stays on/with 'Frost' relentlessly. Very physical work and he is out there on his own and determined to catch his man. What will happen is anyone's guess. The two keep you caring about that, about what happens - you are so in the moment with them. Denzel has a river of talent underneath and a catalog to prove it. What a break for Ryan. See it! Very exciting. Some really good lessons. 1 - We don't know what's going on. 2 CIA is just a really strange agency.
Hugo (2011)
Hugo Now I am Spoiled
This piece of art is so magnificent - completed by an army of artists - that I am afraid I will be spoiled to any other film. But I put on The Rum Diary again and I seem to enjoy it - so I guess I am OK. Hugo is at the end of the Rainbow and we went there once but I don't think we can take the trip twice. But it was something - my imagination thanks you, Martin Scorsese. You did your imagination proud and sharing it with everyone makes the Great Dreamer pleased.
I did not see this in 3D which isn't a requirement to do that - but someday I will see it in 3D. I understand that this medium is only handled well by you. So I will make a point to. The casting of some of my favorite people - and Christopher Lee was there.
Everything must have been ready to shoot the characters because the children did not age as would have shown had they labored months to complete their parts. My hats off to the sets and imagery makers - the prop people and costumers. My hat is off to the silent movie sequencers - and the energy throughout that sequence. Nothing was shortened here, or cheated. Magnificent movie. Hugo does not offend anyone's sensibilities. No ideology that is false or pushed. Except that life is purposeful for everyone.