Change Your Image
dc3captain2002
Reviews
Durango (1999)
A modern morality tale always feels "just right".
Though this story is certainly somewhat "predictable", it lets all of its viewers have a feel for something which of late seems almost elusive. That"something" is PERSONAL INTEGRITY. Can you find that much maligned virtue INTEGRITY in places such as Washington D.C., the realm of professional sports, the local street corner where minors are victimized by drug dealers or even in personal lives which seem to be foundering too much of the time?
Somebody once suggested that "virtue is its own reward". This story certainly and eventually heaps rightful rewards on those who make their choices either out of selfishness or integrity. Each of the characters subtly adds a contribution to this tale of love and persistence. And they collide in the scenic Irish arena of the early 1940's when the world was about to change forever.In the end, we are reminded that values are either good or bad and somehow bring conflict and eventual resolution. Good does not always triumph over evil.This simple but enticing story reminds all that there is a difference between them and no one goes on without being affected by whatever choices people will make.
The Perfect Storm (2000)
Could This Movie Hide Another Storm?
This was the 2nd time around for myself on this tense production. Having read the book and seen the movie a few years back, it seemed to grab me again this time. And not for the original reasons.This viewing almost came as a surprise-a prophecy.
Consider the characters...mostly a gathering of desperate people doomed to their eventual demise because of the real life pathos for money. Some just need to stay ahead of the creditors. Some need to stay abreast of somebody's vile opinion of them (i.e. George Clooney). Others might just seem caught up in the need to succeed...despite apparent warnings.
The storms themselves are a backdrop to a sinister mega plot of an unseen entity (or Deity). What we have here is the prescription for self destruction which drive so many of us to make toxic choices in our personal lives. And all such choices usually result in "battle damage" to so many we encounter in our all too brief stay on this planet.
The world as were view it today is a brewing storm and it will consume those who chose unwisely. This especially includes those in position of authority ( political, judicial, legislative and clergy) to list but a few. Not to heed warnings and NOT to respect the very planet that was given to us eons past is a major blunder...and many will be caught up in this other "PERFECT STORM".
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (2004)
Brings back REAL childhood memories
I must say, I sort of knew that I would enjoy this movie. There's one basic reason...somebody on the production staff had to have experienced a childhood like mine. It was almost 1954 all over again. You have a set of heroes with simple lines to exchange, a handful of mean-tempered maniacs and EYE DAZZLING sets and special effects. We had all those elements back in the "fifties"with the likes of Tom Corbett Space Cadet and several other similar types. Sure the plot is faulty but it's also funky and fun. This type of movie always brought my brothers and sisters and myself back every week to the neighborhood theater. Itwas called THE WEST END. It cost 13 cents and it kept our parents from going mad with us eight kids. Not only was this an enjoyable couple of hours but the actors actually delivered their lines just as they might have, had they been written in the days of my youth. This was great fun and truly touched some hidden memories. Sure was a pleasant change from the usuual gruesome gore and mutilation that too often pass for acting performances these disturbing days.
The Devil's Own (1997)
More than an Irish Tragedy
The sad backdrop to this mostly well done movie is Ireland- a nation still divided by a history of strife. What makes it so intrinsically sad is the fruitless blood letting that had gone on for so many centuries. Maybe its the curse of CROMWELL or the tortured landscape that makes up this beleaguered isle. Its anybody's guess but it really is NO different than many other parts of this planet. Witness the current ravages of war in Sudan, Iraq or the Middle East as an entity. Then of course we can't forget Kosovo and other recent happenings of diabolical reprisal in other parts of Africa or southeast Asia. Be that as it may, the story was totally "unsettling" and beyond "tragic". But then of course we are the only animal creation who have an unending history of destroying our own specie. One need only ask the question- "why didn't God end creation on the 5th day?" This movie offers no glimpse of an answer.
Swing (1999)
Swing is the Thing
Just another "uplifting" flick in which the good guys win? Nope...not in my humble estimation. Sure the storyline is "feel good" and the likable characters ARE likable. But the real story is THE MUSIC! I mean, who listens to authentic "swing" music in this day and age? Really...certainly not many of the under sixteen group (too caught up in the pulse of Hip Hop); maybe the 20-30 crowd. NO-more likely some form of ROCK or HEAVY METAL! How about the 30-50 sort who still find themselves dipping into 70's disco...just because it was probably pretty good stuff back in the 70's. Even this writer has an appetite for that. But SWING? Wow, just as the movie suggests...this is real music meant to last.And it surely does in this well produced film. Even if I had not grown up with this music (1946-53) I wouldn't be remotely able to withstand its captivating beat and insightful lyrics. This is the music that got most of the civilized world past a devastating economic depression and a war that snuffed out the lives of millions. Somehow, this is the music which seems to have an irrepressible draw...even today. It won't ever die because it has no innate flaws. It's the perfect music for the downtrodden, the well-heeled, the sick of body and the sick of spirit and everyone in between. This movie was an homage to SWING! Long may it fill our anxious ears with its lively beat and heartfelt lyrics.
Memphis Belle (1990)
B17s frequent visitors to western N.Y.
For those of you who have an added interest in the aircraft involved in this movie, I should like to point out that B 17s can be seen regularly during the air show season in western N.Y. Specifically, this means the annual show held in Geneseo N.Y. in the month of July. The event is the Historic Air Group's more than excellent three day event to be held the second weekend in July this current year.The planning is superb and the aircraft attending are the "best of the best" from the era of the piston engine.Last year, we had two B17s in attendance. That alone made it captivating. But there were also some eighty or so other historic aircraft including a Spitfire, Hawker Hurricane, Douglas Dauntless and Grumman TBD Avenger. I loved this movie and have a copy for my personal use.And when the yearly air show in Geneseo comes along, I always feel that I'm almost in that movie. Do come and see this great show
Fearless (1993)
Was this movie event inspired by the United Airlines Crash
I must report that I and my partner both viewed this particular movie with mixed satisfaction.He liked it for its obvious "uplifting" effects as expressed by Mr. Bridge's character. I on the other hand had to deal with the fiction of it all. There were some technical oddities. People seldom survive major airliner crashes unless the " hand of God" orchestrates such survival. Which brings me to the question of the notable accident in Sioux City Iowa some years ago when a United Airlines Dc 10 lost all hydraulics due to an engine malfunction. The gifted pilot actually brought the huge plane down into an Iowa corn field where some lived ( by the hand of God?) and many did not. I have often wondered how those survivors actually mended their fractured bodies and afflicted psyches. I suspect there may have been a "FEARLESS" one among them too.
Mulholland Dr. (2001)
Are such mentally confused adults truly extant?
Neither my partner nor I had a clue as to where this movie was literally taking us. I had not referenced it beforehand and therefore experienced all its incongruities without taking any real "human" breaths. We dared not leave it for one moment although I felt as if I were being dragged through somebody's existential nightmares. At one point we sensed that there really was NO logical sequence that would provide some relief at the end. Or is it possible that this movie really doesn't have an ending? Certainly a final life-ending self administered gunshot brings some sort of ending...but for myself, I'm still wondering who was and who wasn't a figment!