chris-glo Reviews

Munich (2005)

Still waiting to be 'entertained' by a Spielberg Film

[6/10 · 18 September 2006]

OK- I was nervous about watching this film because ever since approx. 1993 Mr. Spielberg has been in this "tell the story as graphically as you can" mode. Grant you, Schindler's List is outstanding - it told a very sad story and very graphically. The trouble with producers/directors today is they have all forgotten the key to successful entertaining: you have to be an ordinary person who knows what ordinary people like to see. Now which do you suppose is the most entertaining war film: something like Sergeant York or Saving Pvt Ryan??? Saving Private Ryan was a great film but left me feeling so overwhelmingly sad, I could not watch it again. Sergeant York (w/Gary Cooper, re: WWI) is a film that anyone can watch over and over again because it leaves you feeling proud and happy. To all of today's directors and producers I say this: Life is very complicated in this day and age. I truly believe more people want to watch something to help them ESCAPE from real life and/or make them feel proud and happy when they leave the theater. PLEASE STOP with the true-to-life extremely graphic crap. Also - what exactly was the purpose of the sex scenes?? What extremely poor taste to include the sex with a pregnant woman scene! It had nothing to offer the story. Did this film entertain me and leave me happy?? NO - but it did further my disgust with all of the violence which already overwhelms this world. I fear this is the last Spielberg film I will venture to see.

Saved (2006)

This series sends out a bad message

[1/10 · 17 July 2006]

I have always loved rescue-type series. I will watch something new on TV and really try to have an open mind. But this one - it sends a terrible message out to young adults: it's o.k. to ignore direct orders from those in authority. Do we not have enough of this in society already?? Everyone who works in any type of job is going to have someone that tells them what to do or have someone in authority over them. Everyone has to answer to someone at one time or another. To show kids or young adults someone that deliberately disobeys protocol and/or orders from their superiors and have everything turn out OK is putting forth a terrible example. I hope this show is off the air soon.

Indiscreet (1958)

Wonderful, light comedy-no messages, no meanings, just enjoy!

[9/10 · 26 May 2006]

I have been reading some of the comments about this film. Everyone needs to lighten up - This movie is basically what movie making is supposed to be about: ENTERTAINMENT! This is a light comedy. It stars two of the screens finest: Ingrid Bergman and Cary Grant. It has no hidden message, no hidden meanings. Just sit back and enjoy the performances. The entire cast is splendid - and directed very, very well. It was intended to be a "fun" film. It is fun to see the relationship blossom - it's fun to see the chaos that ensues. I have always adored Ingrid Bergman - I have always loved Cary Grant. You'll love them, too. Stanley Donen made very adult films, meaning subject, not content in this case. There is nothing in this film that children should not see - they just won't understand it. But it was not made for kids anyway, so, pop some popcorn, grab a soda, put your feet up and have fun watching this film!

The Big Valley (1965–1969)

What a great Western Series this was- Now on DVD!!

[10/10 · 25 May 2006]

When I first saw that THE BIG VALLEY was to be released on DVD, I just could not wait to get Season One. Now I have it - and was not disappointed. I used to watch this show faithfully when it was televised (was totally in love with Nick Barkley!!) and it is just as good, if not better than I remembered it. These stories - they have depth and meaning - some are heart-wrenching - all are great! The performances are way above average (I grew to love Barbara Stanwyck because of this series and have seen almost all of her films thru the years) Ms Stanwyck was so underrated as an actress - to me, she's in the top ten greatest. The others also: Richard Long, Peter Breck (pant-pant), Lee Majors and Linda Evans - all fantastic! I feel so bad that there are no more TV series of this caliber anymore. Thank goodness for whoever is responsible for releasing these old series' on DVD. My only question is.... When do we get Season Two????

Lest We Forget (1937)

Oh yes, Gary Cooper could act!

[5 February 2006]

No I have not seen this particular film but have seen just about everything else Gary Cooper made. Anyone who could possibly say that the man was not a great actor, is someone who: 1. obviously is not a movie-lover. 2. has not seen such great films as "High Noon" or "Meet John Doe" or "Pride of the Yankees" etc, etc. 3. is someone who doesn't have enough intelligence to realize that the greatest actors on screen were the ones who were just being themselves (ie James Stewart, John Wayne etc, etc.) 4. definitely needs to broaden his horizons. Believe me, there are several more great actors in film history other than those with "Sir" or "Lord" before their names. Should the fellow who wrote the previous comment continue to critique? Nope. Was Gary Cooper among the finest actors in film history? Yep.

King Kong (2005)

Not quite what we expected- 1933 storyline was much better!

[4/10 · 9 January 2006]

My husband and I saw this movie last night. Please note that we felt that this movie is not for kids! The entire first half of the movie was extremely exciting with non-stop action and edge-of-your-seat thrills - some being pretty gross. The story line was good, the acting, superb!! The prehistoric beasts were fantastically done (sometimes overdone) - and the bugs.....oh my! Though mostly unrealistic, the effects were absolutely terrific. Then something happened with the storyline.... it was almost like Ann did not want to be saved and was content staying with Kong. When she first saw Jack, as he came to rescue her, I was sure I saw disappointment in her eyes - which would not make any sense. Here was a woman who had struggled all her life and had finally found love with someone whose work she totally admired (Jack Driscoll), she had just gone through a terrible ordeal (with the natives - who were just toooo scary - what was up with that???) and was carried off to what would seem to be a horrible death, and then when this brave man who loved her, risked his life to find her and rescue her, she was all cozy, warm and content sleeping beside this huge monstrous beast and seemed to want to stay there?? Not very likely. Mr. Jackson's Ann Darrow was way too sympathetic to the beast which misses the point of the movie. The beast is supposed to want the beauty at all costs - the beauty is not supposed to reciprocate the feelings. She could have felt pity for the beast without feeling love. Another point that really bothered me was that Jack had risked everything to save Ann and was in love with her but apparently did not see her when they got back to New York - as he did not know where she was. It was like she was blaming him for Kong being captured, which she should have been blaming Carl Denham. At the end, when the beast had been killed and Ann is standing on top of the Empire State Bldg, I almost got the feeling like she was going to jump off, because of the sorrow of losing her "loved one". I was relieved that she did not. I wish Mr. Jackson had followed the original movie a little more (and edited it a little more - it was WAY too long!) With the superb acting this movie could have been a 10+, like LOTR. One sign of a great movie: special effects should only enhance the movie, not be the whole movie!

The Grudge (2004)

Simpy awful!

[1/10 · 30 August 2005]

I think I have seen just about every Horror, scary, ghosty, witchy movie that has ever been made - and this one was definitely the worst. I guess the only thing needed to scare today's audiences is properly placed music blasts and creepy faces. The story line was choppy to say the least. And - oh my! Bill Pullman, I adore you - WHATEVER are you doing in a loser like this one???? The only "Grudge" I could see was punishment from the director. And the critics must have had a grudge against this one. If it had been possible to vote a "zero" on this one, I would have. Please folks - don't waste your time on this movie - there are so many other scary movies that are both scary and interesting.

The Opposite Sex (1956)

Very entertaining re-make of "The Women"

[7/10 · 11 July 2005]

This is a delightful movie - contains a marvelous cast including everybody's girl-next-door, June Allyson. Also with Leslie Nielsen, Ann Miller, Agnes Moorhead and a very gorgeous Joan Collins. If you have not seen "The Women" with Norma Shearer, though, I suggest you see it - it is exceptional! Even though "The Opposite Sex" is very good and most entertaining, it does fall short of the original. But, most re-makes do. If you really like June Allyson (I do) you will love this movie and I highly recommend it. Even though the subject matter is adult, this movie can be viewed by a general audience, as there is no nudity, strong language, etc. It just goes to show that it is possible to make really GOOD movies without all of the stuff you don't want kids to see and hear.

Casablanca (1942)

Bergman & Bogart - a Fantastic Pair!

[10/10 · 4 April 2005]

I have always adored Ingrid Bergman. This woman could say more with her eyes than any other actress ever filmed. I have seen just about every single Ingrid Bergman film and have never been disappointed. And Bogie? There never has been or ever will be another like him. His performances will always stand out, no matter how many years pass. Another outstanding performance in this film is by Paul Henreid, who plays Victor Lazlo, an underground hero and bane to the Nazis. There is a part in this film that always overwhelms me. At Rick's place, the Nazi soldiers have all gathered and start singing their "National Anthem" much to the chagrin of the rest of the customers, who are mostly French. France has already fallen and is occupied by the Germans, so these people are very downhearted at hearing this Anthem being sung. At that point, Lazlo (Henreid) walks over to the band and demands that they play "La Marseillaise", and they do, causing everyone to stand and sing, showing their allegiance to France. The German singers are then drowned out by the French. It is overwhelming and is like a look into the future of the war and Hitler's ultimate defeat. If you want to see a war film, without the blood and guts, but with fine, intelligent and outstanding performances, look no further than "CASABLANCA".

Ben-Hur (1959)

One of the finest movies of all time!

[10/10 · 4 April 2005]

What do you say about a film that has everything? In my opinion it is THE finest Biblical epic ever made. Charleton Heston as Judah Ben-Hur is one of the greatest performances ever filmed. He WAS Judah - and all of his co-stars (Stephen Boyd, Jack Hawkins, Martha Scott, etc...) they WERE who they portrayed. The musical score was absolutely Miklos Rosza's finest. Never before in any film I have seen was so much feeling conveyed with the music. It was fabulous the way the Jesus' life was intertwined with Judah's. This film gives everything that should be given; If you are a religious person, it fulfills and affirms everything that you believe. If you are not, it still gives you a glimpse of Jesus's life, his teachings and how hate can turn into love by faith and example. I have seen this film at least 30 times and it still never fails to move me keep my attention. So, what really is the greatest film of all time? Gone With The Wind? Citizen Kane? There are others but don't decide until you have seen this one. It will touch your heart and soul forever.

Mama Behave (1926)

Funny, Entertaining. Charley Chase is great!

[9/10 · 4 April 2005]

I happened to catch this on TCM one day - what a scream! A very entertaining short. Charley Chase was very talented! My husband and I try to watch the "silents" whenever we can but have mostly watched dramas with the bigger stars such as Valentino, Garbo, Chaney, etc. It is really a shame that the younger people today do not take the time to watch and appreciate the ones really responsible for the success of the movie industry. Back then, without sound to convey feelings with the spoken word, it took, I think, a great more amount of talent as an actor or actress to get the point across in mime. Facial expression and body movements were the only way this could be achieved. Just for fun, watch a new movie with the sound off. I think you would be surprised to find that you cannot follow it very well. Anyway, if you get the chance, check out silent movies. They are better than you think. And Charley Chase? I will be looking for more of his movies.

The Passion of the Christ (2004)

Misses the whole point of Christ's sacrifice

[1/10 · 3 September 2004]

I have been reading all of the comments about this movie and am at a loss for words because everything I wanted to say has been said already. I was VERY disappointed in this film, and being a religious person and also a Christian, I feel that this film missed the point. Did Mel Gibson think that we had to actually SEE his version of the crucifixion in order to believe?? And that's all there is to this movie - no plot, no acting, the musical score is just so-so ( to hear a GREAT score, watch BEN-HUR). There is only blood (lots of it) and suffering. Not enough of the wonderful teachings of Christ, the miracles he performed, his guidance of the Apostles, etc. There was no lead-up to explain why the temple priests hated him. And in my opinion, if Jesus really was beaten and scourged as bad as depicted in this film, He never would have made it to Calvary - he would have died at the scourging from blood loss. I believe His suffering was very great but Mel - come on - we know exaggeration when we see it. No, the film could have been so much better, if other points were presented more: Love your enemies - do good to those who hate you, and the most important one: Blessed is he who has Not seen, yet believes. Last of all, the Resurrection was so totally down-played. This was the most important thing to show that his suffering was not in vain - and all there was in the film was Jesus sitting in the cave, then gets up and leaves! What an attention-getter. Holy smokes! does anyone want my DVD of this film?????

The Penalty (1920)

The movie: a 10! The background music: a ZERO

[10/10 · 9 May 2004]

Lon Chaney was probably one of the greatest actors of the Silver Screen and I have never been disappointed in any of his movies. The Man of a 1000 Faces truly was more deserving of a musical score better than the one given to "The Penalty". It was so irritating, I had to turn off the sound in order to enjoy yet another of his great performances. His supporting cast was also very good and the story/plot is fantastic. It is because of Lon Chaney that I (and others!) have taken such an interest in the silents. Over the years I have enjoyed Valentino ("The Eagle" is VERY impressive), Gloria Swanson, Greta Garbo, Joan Crawford and others, but Chaney leads the pack. A big BOO-HISS to whomever was responsible for the score, but again, a giant "10" to Chaney's performance!