Babe - Dustin Hoffman - is a doctoral student in history at Columbia. He is honoring his father, in a way, because Dad was a brilliant professor who fell victim to Joe McCarthys Red hunt. Babe is also a runner, training for a marathon. One day at the school library, Babe spies a beautiful lady, Elsa, and is relentless in getting her to go out with him. Meanwhile, a former Nazi hiding in Brooklyn is killed in a traffic accident. This prompts a small group of CIA agents to suspect the Nazis more famously evil brother Szell - Laurence Olivier - will arrive in NY soon. He does. He's after diamonds held in a bank box. Unknown to Babe, his brother dies as a government agent, with Elsa maybe the traitor. Szell suspects Babe knows all, being a brother, and tortures him with dentist tools. What is Dr Szell doing? This exciting film is hard to explain but is basically an escaped Nazi fighting for stolen jewels from Auschwitz 30 years after the fact. As Szell, Olivier is terrifying and ruthless. Amazing how great actors can change gears so effortlessly. Hoffman is also fine as the man who knows very little but is tortured anyway. But, his running ability helps him well in the final analysis. If you enjoy films of political intrigue, you can't help but like MM.
Reviews
1,790 Reviews
Prometheus
(I) (2012)
Unnerving prequel to Alien, especially as to AI
15 April 2024
A team of scientists in Scotland, around 2090, find a map of a distant planet. It appears this is a clue to the origins of humankind from single cells. As such, the Weyland corporation finances a space trip to this place. The humans will be asleep for the journey but their android David - Michael Fassbender - will stay awake to monitor the long voyage. When the group arrives, they find a strange black ooze which may contain DNA. Sure enough, a traitor on board mixes the ooze in a drink for man, who then has sex with his partner. The man soon begs to die while the pregnant woman carries a fast growing creature of strange identity. Also, the group discovers that the very old Dr Weyland - Guy Pearce - has been on board to find the answer to living indefinitely. Yes, trouble is ahead. This prequel to Alien is unnerving. The consequences of playing God are scary to behold. The cast is terrific and the films design is eye-popping. If you are a fan of the Alien franchise, you certainly will want to view this one, too.
The Mothman Prophecies
(2002)
A creepy film with a good performance from Gere
14 April 2024
John Klein - Richard Gere - is a reporter for the Washington Post. He and his wife Mary are overjoyed to find a great home to buy. But, on the way to their old digs, Mary sees an apparition in the road. She swerves. The car is wrecked but John is ok and Mary has minor injuries. Yet, the hospital stay confirms she has a brain tumor and soon, she's gone. Johns grief is strong. Mary left drawings of a winged creature with red eyes, puzzling John. Yet, Mr Klein keeps working. His latest assignment is in Virginia but but but. He finds himself lost, with no recollection, on the W Virginia side of the Ohio River. The police chief Connie - Laura Linney - says strange happenings has engulfed the town these last few months. Now, John hears tales of prophecies which comes true and other sightings of the winged creature called Mothman. What's going on? This movie is creepy more than scary but fascinating. Based on true events, sightings of this strange winged creature have happened in many places. Gere gives a fine turn as the confused reporter while the settings are tailor made spooky. Most thriller fans will really love this one.
Whispers in the Dark
(1992)
Sleazy thriller but good looking cast
12 April 2024
Dr Ann - Annabella Sciorra - is a shrink with a varied practice. A beautiful female patient is visiting twice a week because of her boyfriends sexual demands. In increasing fashion, he wants to have sex in unusual places, often with her wrists tied. The patient is enjoying these episodes yet is frightened, too. Dr Ann is not sure how to guide her but is intrigued as well. Ann's breaking up with her current boyfriend and takes solace in longtime friend and mentor, Leo - Alan Alda. Then, Ann meets an attractive man named Doug who excites her very much. She is stunned to learn, by happenstance, that his first wife killed herself. Then, her beautiful patient also commits suicide. Morever, Doug may be the same guy who was romancing her, too. Is Ann in danger ? This is a sleazy thriller with sex and twisted deaths. Yes, Sciorra is beautiful and the supporting cast quite fine. But, the plot elements left a sour impression on this viewer. You decide if its worth a look.
The Shining
(1980)
Very scary, Nicholson delivers a classic performance
8 April 2024
Jack - Jack Nicholson - needs a new job and a place to write undisturbed. He gets both when he is hired to be the caretaker of an exclusive hotel high up in the Rockies for the winter. His wife Wendy and young son Danny will be going, too. Danny is special as he can see future events as well as communicate telepathically. The hiring manager makes clear that once it snows, only a few vehicles can make it up the mountain. Sadly, he also tells Jack a former caretaker went berserk and killed his family there ten years ago. Jack insists they will all be fine. Halloram the cook, who is going south, greets the family and communicates with Danny with the "shining" , his word for telepathy. He tells Danny to contact him if there's trouble. Then, the long winter begins. Danny sees ghosts and other scary things. Wendy grows more apprehensive while Jack starts drinking again and exhibits a growing anger. Could Danny need Hallorams help ? This Kubrick film has been praised as a stellar horror movie. It certainly is scary and has many frightening images. Nicholson delivers a descent into crazy performance that is awesome. The hotel and grounds are both lovely and menacing. Horror/ thriller fans should make time for it.
Extreme Measures
(1996)
Excellent film concerning medical ethics, Grant is wonderful in a rare dramatic role
6 April 2024
Dr. Guy - Hugh Grant - is an excellent ER doctor. A Brit, he's now working in NYC. On the day a wounded police officer and the perp who shot first arrive at the emergency room, Dr Guy saved both lives. He's well liked, too. Yet, a few days later, a scruffy man arrives with multiple problems. He's wearing a hospital bracelet with no ID. After he finally gives his name as Claude, Dr Guy tries but fails to keep him alive. Doc is distraught. Checking for an autopsy the next day, Guy learns the man's records have disappeared and all information discarded. How can this be? As Dr Guy goes on trying to find out what happened, he is warned to drop it. When he doesn't, Guy is framed for drug possession and arrested. Will this be the end of his career? This is a fine film exploring the dilemma of medical ethics. Grant is wonderful and Gene Hackman compliments him. Taken from an equally good book by Michael Palmer, this movie will ask the tough questions for every viewer as well as delivering plenty of thrills.
Coma
(1978)
Don't watch it if your surgery is coming up soon !
4 April 2024
Dr Susan - Genevieve Bujold - is a lovely young resident at Boston General. At present, she's in a relationship with Dr Mark - Michael Douglas - a prominent surgeon at the same hospital. The two have a rocky way, at times, when Mark asks Susan to get him a beer or heat up a meal. She wants equal consideration. One day, a close friend of Susan's goes in for a routine operation by a Dr Harris - Rip Torn - but ends up in an irreversible coma. What could've gone wrong ? As Susan soon discovers, BG has had an unusually high number of similar occurrences. Lots of folks have fallen into comas and always in operating room 8. Susan begins a covert investigation and soon her life is in danger. What's happening? This film, based on a Robin Cook book and screen written by Michael Crichton, has a scary premise. Doctors are sworn to save lives but twisted physicians may get other ideas. The cast is fine with Widmark very frightening. Coma is a thriller with an edge. Be sure you don't watch it before surgery !
Top Gun: Maverick
(2022)
Exciting sequel with amazing flight sequences
2 April 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Pete/Maverick - Tom Cruise - is still a Captain in the US Navy. He tests new planes in the desert. When he crashes an expensive new model, Pete is sent back to Top Gun base on San Diego by now Admiral Ice - Val Kilmer. His new job will be training a group of elite new pilots for a special dangerous mission. Uh oh. Among this group is Rooster - Miles Teller - who is the son of Pete's former wingman, Goose. As we know, Goose died tragically flying with Pete. Tension abounds. Then, top brass wants to shut the mission down, deeming it undoable. Can Pete change their minds ? This very entertaining film has a top cast, great plot, and amazing flight sequences. Cruise delivers another winner. You gotta admire that.
Heartfelt historical film from the well known book
1 April 2024
Juliette - Lily James is a British writer after World War II. A gentleman from Guernsey Island, Dorsey Adams, writes to her, asking for a book he loved during the War. Soon Juliette learns that the Island was occupied by Germans at the start of 1941. Further letters from Mr. Adams compels her to visit Guernsey, leaving her fiance behind. She learns the Germans took all of the pigs away to feed the soldiers, leaving the natives with potatoes as their main nourishment. In a dangerous situation, the Brit islanders invent a book club to cover their whereabouts when Germans stop them. Then, they actually do form a club. Alas, one of the members vanishes. Now, after the War Lily is determined to know more of what happened. And, possibly write down the story. Can she? This beautiful movie is a rare treat. There is a lovely cast, a gorgeous setting and an enthralling story to touch the hearts of any viewers. Find this film today.
The Dead Pool
(1988)
Dirty Harry saves the day again
31 March 2024
Harry Callahan - Clint Eastwood - just sent a mobster to jail. He's famous and the SF police department would like to make him a poster boy. But, Harry wants only to be a detective and gets a new partner named Chan. A big case is breaking. A rock star has been murdered and he appeared on a list of " folks to die". A group of movie makers had a contest called The Dead Pool. They predicted who would die soon. But, one of them, a director, says it was only a joke. Still, more deaths follow. Is there a serial killer in the midst? This is another fine Dirty Harry movie. The cast features stars who were up and coming like Patricia Clarkson, Liam Neesom, and Jim Carrey. There's plenty of twists and turns to keep the viewer guessing. As this is the final Harry Callahan film, don't miss it.
True Crime
(1999)
Far fetched plot but has noble intentions, good cast
29 March 2024
Steve Everett - Clint Eastwood- is a reporter for a top Oakland paper. But, he's a screw up in real life. He's a barely recovered alcoholic who cheats multiple times on his estranged spouse and he doesn't make enough time for his young daughter. Nevertheless, when a fellow reporter dies in a car crash, Steve gets the unlikeable job of witnessing the execution of a convicted killer, Frank - Isaiah Washington. But, wait. Once Steve starts reading about the crime, he becomes convinced Frank didn't do it. Now he has 6 hours to find the truth and stop a lethal injection. Can he do it ? Although this film has a good premise, it defies reality to try and stop an execution in a half day. Too bad. The cast is good, with Washington giving a moving performance. Eastwood, too, has his moments as another anti hero. Overall, it just doesn't completely work. If you admire Eastwood, you might give it a try.
88 Minutes
(2007)
Don't waste 8 minutes on this lame thriller
28 March 2024
Jack - Al Pacino - is a busy guy. He's a forensic profiler for the FBI while teaching his craft at the University of Washington. In addition, this bachelor has time for romance with various ladies. One day, news breaks that a man Jack helped convict if murder is asking a judge for a new trial. This occurs just as a new serial killer begins copycat crimes of the convicted man. As an added bonus, Jack gets a call that he has 88 minutes to live. This number has a significance to Jack which adds to the chase to find a killer. Who wins ? Pacino definitely looks too old for this role while the lame story is tired and twisted. However, a bevy of beautiful costars like Alicia Witt and Leelee Sobieski help provide some interest. Nevertheless, unless you are hoping to cure insomnia, you should not waste time with this one.
Before I Wake
(2016)
Unsettling thriller where a child's dreams become real
25 March 2024
Jessie - Kate Bosworth - and husband Mark - Thomas Jane - have tragically lost their son Sean and are unable to have more children. To help them heal, they decide to foster a boy named Cody - Jacob Tremblay. He's a sweet child who has, strangely, has difficulty in previous families. Cody lost his mother at age 3 to cancer and as he tells Jessie, he's afraid to sleep because he sees the Canker Man, a monster. Jessie tries to reassure him that monsters aren't real. The couple let's him decorate his room. But, soon Jessie and Mark see butterflies flying in the house at night and see visions of their deceased son. Then, a bullying boy in Cody's class disappears and Cody is accused of knowing what happened. As Jessie investigates Cody's past families, it's noted that other people have vanished, too. Is the Canker Man real ? This unsettling but beautiful film is about loss and recovery at its heart. But, it's also a horror film with scary images. And, definitely, children should not watch as they would be frightened. The cast does fine work and the cinematography is splendid. If you like scary movies, you will probably it. However, it's not a typical entry in the horror genre.
Black Swan
(2010)
Heartbreaking study of a dancer striving for perfection
24 March 2024
Nina - Natalie Portman - is a beautiful ballet dancer and rising star in her NY company. For years, another great artist Beth - Winona Ryder - has been the principal ballerina of the ensemble. But, as director Thomas states, their audience wants to see a change in direction. Someone new and different. Therefore, Beth is forced into retirement and Nina is competing for the prize role of the two-sided Swan of Swan Lake. The role requires a dancer to be the pure Odette but also transform into the evil Odile or Black Swan. Thomas loves Nina's audition as Odette but worries she can't do justice to the evil Odile. Nevertheless, Nina captures the starring role. Enter another new dancer, Lily - Mila Kunis. It's obvious from day one that Lily wants Nina's starring part and she begins a subtle torture of Nina's psyche. Can Nina withstand the enormous pressure Lily is inflicting ? This beautiful but harrowing film is a difficult view. Portman gives an Award winning performance as a dancer with enormous talent but a fragile mind. Likewise, Kunis is fine as the evil hearted rival. Other cast members compliment them nicely. The ballet sequences are fantastic, encouraging everyone to seek more knowledge of a very difficult art form. The twist of an ending will also cut to the bone. Black Swan is a very special film indeed.
Reptile
(2023)
Well done thriller starring Benicio Del Toro, who also wrote the story. Kudos!
20 March 2024
Tom - Benicio Del Toro - is a seasoned police detective in the state of Maine. One day, he gets a horrific new case. A beautiful real estate agent named Summer has been stabbed to death in a remote house she was showing. There are quite a few suspects. One is her boyfriend, Will - Justin Timberlake - who found the body. He runs a successful land development company. He tells Tom he loved Summer and would've marry her once her divorce came through. Huh. Another possible killer is her estranged husband, Sam, who friends say was still involved with Summer. Wait, there's more. A third possibilty is Eli, a disturbed man whose family was cheated out of land by Will. Are the others? The key to the case is a witness noting a classic luxury car at the scene of the crime. Find the car, find the killer. Maybe. Can Tom, who has troubling dreams, figure it out? This is a fine thriller written by Del Toro and starring him as well. Timberlake is great as the cool as a cucumber suspect and other cast members are very good as well. The unusual setting in Maine is very welcome, with lovely scenery. Best of all is the plot which weaves and wanders from one probable killer to the next surprise. Kudos, Mr. Del Toro. Reptile is quite a thrill to watch.
Still of the Night
(1982)
So-so thriller with scary imagery, fine cast
18 March 2024
Dr Sam - Roy Schneider - is a Manhattan shrink who just learned one of his male patients, George Bynum, has been murdered. Someone stabbed him to death. Not long after, a wealthy lady Brooke - Meryl Streep - pays the Doc a visit. She says she was having an affair with the married Bynum, both working at an upscale art auction firm. Could he give a watch back to Mrs Bynum? Dr Sam is riveted by lovely Brooke. Meanwhile, Sam bounces ideas off his retired psychiatrist Mother - Jessica Tandy. Some suspect Brooke is the killer. Could she be? This is a so so thriller in Robert Benton's homage to Hitchcock. Streep is fine as the mystery woman and the rest of the cast compliments her. The best part of the film is the imagery which enhances the jolts and shivers. Most mystery lovers will find it acceptable fare for a dark and stormy night.
Jagged Edge
(1985)
Intriguing whodunnit with good performances
17 March 2024
Page Forrester, a wealthy heiress, is murdered cruelty in her beach house, along with her maid. She was tied up and stabbed with a jagged edged hunting knife. Her husband Jack - Jeff Bridges - says he was knocked out before finding the bodies. An ambitious DA charges Jack with her murder. Needing a first rate attorney, Jack convinces Teddy - Glenn Close - who gave up criminal law four years ago, to take his case. She's smart. But, also dumb as she gets involved with Jack on a personal level. Jack, BTW, passed a lie detector exam. Strangely, Teddy receives anonymous letters with potential witnesses to help her case. Meanwhile, a janitor at Jack's tennis club insists he saw a hunting knife in Jack's locker. What's the truth ? This is an intriguing whodunnit with good turns by Bridges and Close. There are plenty of surprises to satisfy mystery fans. Also, the San Francisco sets are beautiful. If you missed this nearly 40 year old film, hunt it down. You will be on the edge of your seat for its duration.
Reminiscence
(2021)
Sensational story and three gorgeous stars
16 March 2024
Nick - Hugh Jackman - lives in the near future Florida, which is more watery than before. He was in a war which tore up the country and has bad memories. He and his longtime friend Watts - Thandiwe Newton - are in business together, although profits aren't plentiful. However, their firm is very special. Nick has a water tank and the ability to hypnotize clients into places in their memories where happiness reigned so they can relive these special moments. Nick can "see" these memories too. One day, a beautiful woman, Mae - Rebecca Ferguson - shows up at closing time. Watts wants to shoo her away but Nick asks her to come in. Absurdly, she says she has lost her keys and wants Nick to help her find them in her memory. He does. But, Nick wants to see her again and, quickly, the two fall in love. Then, she disappears. But, this cannot be the end, Nick must find her. He begins a journey to find out where she has been so he can figure out where she's gone. Can he succeed? What a tale of sci-fi, romance, loyalties, rabbit holes and more! How could this film be so little known? Jackman is great and has tremendous support from Newton and Ferguson. The design and sets of the film are also fabulous, making the film a feast for the eyes. As for the story, it's many turns and twists are clever and fascinating. Film buffs should go now and find this movie pronto.
Don't Say a Word
(2001)
Far fetched and convoluted, the film still has its moments
14 March 2024
Dr Nathan Conrad, a shrink - Michael Douglas - is getting ready to have Thanksgiving dinner with his wife and preschool daughter Jessie. Jessie loves to hide from Daddy and have him hunt for her. Unbelievably, Nathan is called by a fellow Psych doctor to examine a young adult female, Elisabeth - Brittany Murphy, who has been in mental wards ten years, on the holiday Eve. Strangely, Dr Conrad does get the gal to say a few words. The next morning, Jessie is missing and the Conrads get a call. Bad dudes have kidnapped Jessie and they won't kill her if Dr Nathan can get Elisabeth to remember a number tied to.a crime she witnessed. Oh, my. Does this young woman with PTSD really have a digit to save Jessie buried in her head ? This is a fairly exciting film with a good cast. In addition to Douglas and Murphy, Sean Bean has the role of evil lead kidnapper. There is a ticking clock scenario that leaves one very intrigued. But, in truth, the premise is very far fetched and shouldn't be examined too closely. Just go along for the ride.
Pixote
(1980)
Very sad, very disturbing, very fine film
13 March 2024
Pixote, which means Peewee and who is played by Fernando Ramos da Silva, is a ten year old street child in Brazil. He has a Mother but mostly runs with his pals. One day, an elderly judge is killed and Pixote happens to be nearby. He didn't do it but when no one confesses, the whole gang of boys is rounded up and taken to a reformatory. What a wrong name for this place. The guards abuse the boys with insults and physical beatings. Luckily, Pixote makes friends with a small group, including transgender Lilica. They help protect each other and sniff glue. After witnessing the guards murder a boy, the group of 4 escapes through a door on the roof. Now, they are "free" but must steal and pimp to stay alive. How will it end ? This sorrowful tale is difficult to watch but has a true to life authenticity that is riveting. Director Babenco set out to show the misery of Brazils many street orphans. He succeeds all too well. The ending is heartbreaking and tears will fall. Perhaps the best way to honor a movie like this is to donate to international aid groups as much as you are able.
Disturbing thriller about a precocious young teen girl versus the World
4 March 2024
Rynn - Jodie Foster - lives in a rented house in Maine with her unseen father. She doesn't attend school and rarely leaves the house. On Halloween, the landlords son Frank - Martin Sheen - drops by, asking why Rynn isn't out trick or treating. He makes an obscene pass at her then leaves. Soon, a kind local cop also comes knocking but Rynn tells him her father is in the study and she can't disturb him. He's writing poetry. Mrs Hallety the landlord drops by, asking for jelly glasses from the basement. Rynn tells her to get out, but the woman soon dies in an accident. Along comes a teen boy named Mario, who helps the young girl cover up the dead body and drives the car back to the office. But, why is Rynn alone so much ? Why doesn't her father help her? This disturbing film has some thrills. But, having a thirteen year old who acts 20 and a child molester who preys on young girls is quite upsetting. This is an adults only flick. Foster is very good as is Sheen, in a most loathesome role. The actual premise of the film has some merit as to why a young teen lives life mostly alone. But, of my, what a cunning and malevolent teen she becomes. Watch at your own risk.
Eyes of Laura Mars
(1978)
Bad bad dreams for Dunaway in this stylish thriller
4 March 2024
Laura Mars - Faye Dunaway - is an artistic photographer living in the Los Angeles area. Although her work is riveting, it has been criticized for turning semi violent images into art. One day, Laura has a horrible dream about a lady being slain. It turns out to be someone she knows and the lady is dead. After having a second episode of the same, she contacts the police . A lieutenant named John Neville - Tommy Lee Jones - is assigned to her case. He seems very interested in protecting Laura and gives her a gun. But, the clairvoyant dreams don't stop. Will Laura be a victim, too? This is a stylish thriller with scary happenings. Dunaway is good while Jones, in one of his first big films, does fine work, too. No, it's not the best mystery film out there. But, it certainly has enough jolts to entertain those who adore mysteries .
The Gods Must Be Crazy
(1980)
Enchanting film about a Bushman encountering the world outside the Kalahari
2 March 2024
In the Kalahari desert, Xi and his family live quite happily. They are Bushmen, small Natives who survive in an area without much water. One day, a pilot passing over drops a Coke bottle near Xi's hut. The people believe it's a gift from the Gods and, at first, they love it. It can play music, smooth leather, and break open tubers. But, soon everyone is fighting to have it. Xi says he will take this bottle and throw it off the end of the Earth. Meanwhile, a lady from South Africa is coming to teach in Botswsna. They send a local biologist to fetch her but the car breaks down. He's so nervous around the pretty lady he makes a fool of himself as they wait for help. Also, a dangerous group of rebels is racing around in jeeps creating havoc. How will these storylines meet in the middle ? This unique and enchanting film is a ten star winner. The life of the Bush people is fascinating while the awkward but sweet romance between the teacher and the biologist is adorable. The bad guys are bad but they get what's coming to them. Most of all, the scenery is a spectacular look at a rare section of Africa. You'd be crazy not to make time for this joyous film.
Susannah of the Mounties
(1939)
Loved this film as a little girl but now see it's issues
21 February 2024
Susannah - Shirley Temple - is a young girl in the rough Canadian wilderness. Her grandfather died in a Blackfoot Native American raid, leaving her scared and alone. She is transported to a Canadian Mounties post nearby. It's there she meets Mountie Monty - Randolph Scott - a handsome man. He helps her recover. Soon, there is a surprise visit from the daughter of the regiments leader. She is lovely and Monty is bewitched. Meanwhile, Blackfeet are stealing horses. Monty tries to make peace with the Chief, who tells him it is a rogue group of Blackfoot stirring up trouble. He loans the Post his son who amazes Sue with his riding abilities. But, peace is fleeting. The Natives are upset that a railroad track is being built through their land. Can Susannah help make peace? I loved this film as a little girl, being a big Shirley fan. It still has humor and heart and gorgeous scenery. There is probably some accuracy in the depiction of the Blackfeet tribe but of course, they are made to be the villains of the movie. Too bad. Nevertheless, this is an enjoyable film with Shirley as enchanting as always. Do encourage family members to seek information and understand the history of the Blackfoot and that there are two sides to history.
Coogan's Bluff
(1968)
Another winner for Eastwood, funny and thrilling
13 February 2024
Deputy Walt Coogans - Clint Eastwood - is an Arizona lawman who travels to NYC to re-capture an escaped murderer and bring him back. In his cowboy hat and boots, he sticks out and folks deride him as a Texas buffoon. Nevertheless, Coogan wants his guy. But, alas. This criminal Jimmy has taken LSD and is in a hospital, where Coogan can't reach him. Or can he? Breaking protocols, Walt catches Jim and takes him to the airport. Sadly, friends of Jim bonk Coogan on the head and Jimmy escapes once more. Who gets the last word? This thriller is also funny with great lines. Asked in NYC if everyone jon AZ dresses like him, Coogan replies well lifeguards wear trunks and nurses wear white. Cute. Eastwood is a stitch as the fish out of water who navigates a strange pond. The other cast members are fine, too, while the storyline also has a romance. You will enjoy this Bluff for sure.
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