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kirbyskay2012
Reviews
The Last Temptation of Christ (1988)
Off beat, but intelligent production
I saw this when it first hit the theaters in the late 1980s in Phoenix, AZ. I remember having to force my way through a long picket line of enraged Christians who were offended by the prospect of showing Jesus "screwing" Mary Magdalene.
The movie was tastefully done, if not lavish, because it evidently was restricted financially by the studio--most likely from fear of how the general public might reject it. However, the production was profoundly interesting and had a tribal feel to it (with the drumming and the tattoos seen on many of the female characters).
Willem Dafoe played Jesus very effectively, and the other cast members also acquitted their parts well. A surprise came in the form of rock star David Bowie as Pontius Pilate, but he also seemed the patrician Roman.
The sets were few and simple, the costumes appropriate. It was odd that filming the movie contained several long shots superimposed over other shots that were a little too jerky in movement. I found the sound effects at the end very jarring and uncomfortable to listen to, but they didn't last long enough to be really annoying. This merely seemed an unnecessary tactic.
The scenes during the temptations in the desert were somewhat off-putting, especially the plumes of fire which suddenly appeared shooting out of the earth and seemed so 1980s in design and out of place in an ancient biblical tale.
As for the "sex scene", so over-emphasized by the crowds in the picket line, it was tastefully handled and lasted only a few seconds at best and showed nothing to inspire such objection. After all, this entire version was only "a temptation", as per the title of the film. Every other movie I have scene of the crucifixion of Jesus contained the same reference to Jesus being tempted to fore go the entire ordeal. After all, isn't Jesus a mixture of divine and human by birth? So why would he not have the same temptations as any other human? And, in this version of the last days of Christ's life, Jesus was legally married to Magdalene, so why would they not have a wedding night?
To my way of thinking, this temptation only showed him to be stronger in his final resolve to fulfill his destiny. Those who staunchly refused to see this remarkable movie, simply because of a 30 second long scene, missed out on a thought-provoking story.
For the full-frontal nudity (by Jesus and Mary Magdalene, as well as the throng at the river Jordan baptism scene), this is a little too mature for young children, but is appropriate for most teens. Watch this movie with an open mind and reserve your opinion until the final scene has played out, and I believe you will find is a compelling and worthwhile couple of hours, with little harm done.
Snow White (2001)
Screenwriter must have been on LSD
I bought this from the $5 bin at Walmart, and watched it at home, all the time expecting something much closer to the fairy tale.
The production values were good, including the sets, costumes, and props. The seven dwarf characters ranged from mundane to absolutely annoying. The bear seemed superfluous entirely. Snow White's father was a complete wimp from beginning to end, although looked the part of a fairy tale king. Queen Elspeth was one dimensional, making a convincing totally self-absorbed beauty, but seemed to soft pedal her evil.
The story itself was okay, and serves as a stand-alone movie as long as the viewer has never once read the original fairy tale or seen any other version of it (even the famous Disney animated masterpiece), but somehow just doesn't fit together in this production. There is no bad language or nudity, so it's OK for kids, but would probably be a confusing thing for them to watch, at best. 3 out of 10 only.
The Rainmaker (1956)
Absolute romantic perfection!
I absolutely love this production! Missed it in the movie theatre so long ago, and was delighted when it was released on DVD. This version of the Broadway play was perfectly cast with an ensemble of wonderful actors who delivered well of their individual roles.
Nobody could do it better than Burt Lancaster, as he was always bigger than life itself--a true Hollywood star! Katharine Hepburn acquitted the role of Lizzie perfectly, as well. Young Earl Holliman made a great enthusiastic younger brother and Lloyd Bridges the stern and controlling older brother was fine, too.
The only change I would desire would be to film it on location, as it was so obviously filmed on a sound stage or back lot; however, back when it was produced, only really big budget movies were filmed elsewhere.
What I liked most was the recurrent theme that ran through the entire story--the importance of believing in oneself. That theme touched all of the cast except for Lizzie's father and the nearby aging town sheriff. All in all, this is a warm-hearted family movie with a little comedy sprinkled over it for good measure. Sit back and enjoy the stars of the past and the good side of Hollywood.
Deep Blue Sea (1999)
Entertaining and fairly exciting, but not believable at all
I saw this movie for the first time at home after finding it in a $5 DVD sale bin at Wal-Mart.
It was entertaining and the suspense of the cat-and-mouse chase concept was pretty exciting, but the whole premise was so unbelievable that it really seemed pretty silly, all in all.
The basic idea of the story actually seemed a good idea but, somehow, the idea just didn't translate well in the end. Although a lot of money probably went in to the CGI sharks, there was something about them that just screamed FAKE SHARKS to me, thus removing any tinge of fear that should otherwise have gripped my attention.
The casting was good, featuring a variety of actors who have done well in other films, so the 6/10 rating by me is not a result of their individual efforts. Every single "disaster with a tight deadline" movie I have every seen has the same type of dialogue in general, only varied by technical language that fits each movie's specific disaster topic. There is always the anti-hero with a jaded past, a well-meaning expert who is compelled to risk all regardless, a handful of technical characters who are there to "fill in" the running time with jargon very specific to the premise of the disaster, and, as always, a character whose sole purpose is to provide comic relief. Usually, there is a rather trashy sexpot female to fulfill the requisite sex scene, as well. And, not to be dismissed, the body count must start rather early and not let up until a few minutes before the end of the story.
The sets were austerely appropriate and believable. The costumes fit the story line. Even the touch of sex which seems standard for any disaster story (why is that, anyway?) with some near-nudity involving the female lead can be overlooked. Perhaps, if I had seen this for the first time close up in a movie theatre or at home on a big-screen TV, this production might have generated a little fear...but, on a little 19-inch flat screen, there just was nothing much to excite.
Even given this rather lackluster review, the end product was almost fun with an unintentional "campy" tone to it, despite the generally serious topic of the species of humans and their place in the global food chain. I actually feel no regret that I shelled out $5, but feel a little disappointed it somehow feels like a movie based on a comic book. Watch this, without pre-thinking or expecting a lot, and it can be a fun way to while away a couple of hours.
Phantasm (1979)
surprising for a no-budget horror genre effort
I saw this curious gem on late night TV back in the early 1980s one night when there was nothing else interesting on the other channels. Note that this was before cable TV reached our area, so there were only the three major networks (ABC, CBS, and NBC) from which to choose.
It was uneven in pace, very low budget, absolutely no movie stars to draw interest or even justify watching it. The production values were mediocre, the acting pretty corny, the story very thin. But, still, it had almost a hypnotic effect which locked us in place, just watching and watching without really thinking about it, and generally pretty bored, but not sufficiently motivated to change the channel.
My son and I, who are avid movie buffs, normally would make comments throughout a movie, and normally have the ending plotted out well ahead of time. I remember us remarking that this was really an unbelievably lousy movie, all told. Still, we kept watching under its hypnosis and the lack of competing programs of interest on other channels.
Then came the shockeroo, which woke us both up with a jolt. It occurs in Mike's outer space bedroom; however, this review will mention no further details, so as not to spoil the surprise for those who have yet to view this curious venture. It was one of those rare events in cinema that makes enduring a really lousy film totally worthwhile in contrast!
Angus Scrimm, the actor who portrayed the pivotal character is this story, was strange looking and appropriately unearthly, which added to the story line. I liked the musical jam between Bill Thornberry and Reggie Bannister, which provided a bit of normalcy for a break from this otherwise weird, weird production. Reggie's ice cream truck was also a link to normalcy and brought a bit of lightness to the otherwise fairly heavy atmosphere of the plot.
For the most part, the special effects are pretty corny, but they seem to fit right in somehow with the rest of the strangeness which is about all that this movie can offer. Although there were a few sequels to this original story, they were surely produced to milk easy profits from the cult which formed around this movie. But, only this first effort is worth your time or money.
Watch it with the lights off and a house full of friends, to get the most enjoyment out of the experience. Don't expect very much, but follow the storyline as best you can. Like I said earlier, the event near but not exactly at the end of the movie justifies the nearly two hours of viewing to arrive at that point, but is well worth the wait!
Young Doctors in Love (1982)
Amusing comic remake
In 1962, a low-budget black and white movie was released to theatres. The movie (THE INTERNS) was basically one year in the life of a group of recent graduates from medical school, covering their internship and introduction to a garden variety of surgical and ER cases as well as their interpersonal relationship problems which develop along the way. Although there was quite a bit of comedy in the movie, it was basically meant to be serious, especially in handling the topic of abortion. The cast included several young actors as well as established stars and resulted in an interesting production.
YOUNG DOCTORS IN LOVE is a comic spoof of THE INTERNS. It contains a similar plot and almost every one-line medical joke that ever was written, including running gags from the hospital paging system, and a hilarious side story about a mafia don and a hit man. Again, the cast is a mix of fledgling actors as well as seasoned Dabney Coleman and Hector Elizondo (Elizondo gives an Oscar-worthy performance). An extra touch is a handful of the TV soap GENERAL HOSPITAL actors that are fun to recognize.
There is some brief topless nudity and quite a bit of profanity (key to Elizondo's character) which place this outside of appropriate movie fare for young children. However, to omit the language would take too much away from the overall effect. The final credits identify the various actors in print while finishing the stories of the characters, a la ANIMAL HOUSE style.
Much of the comedy is silly and sophomoric, but the entire movie seen as a whole production provides an amusing and entertaining way to pass a couple of hours in relaxed laughter and fun. See this one with a group of friends and a large bowl of popcorn.
The Sixth Sense (1999)
Stupendous surprise!
This movie really caught me by surprise! I saw it in a theatre on the big screen when it was first released and only knew that it dealt with the problems of a special young child.
I watched the introductory scenes, trying, as I always do, to absorb all of the clues. In a really good movie, every single thing that is presented--whether it be visual, audio, or implied--is an important piece of the puzzle, especially in stories about mystery and/or the supernatural.
Having seen all of M Night Shyamalan's other movies, I didn't expect very much. Although his ideas are usually quality, somehow the movie versions somehow always seem to fall short on the big screen. But, this particular story really delivered! A visual artist, myself, I am most often able to "see through" a developing story line by using the above-mentioned clues presented during the story progression. This was just about the only movie that really fooled me. It was so expertly handled that I simply "glossed over" the beginning sequence of events and allowed myself to become swept up by the fairly fast-paced plot and forgot to consider doubt in the general premise of the story.
Excellent acting, especially by Mr. Willis and amazing young Mr. Osment, definitely contributed to the story, as did all other actors, who never once phoned in their performances but, also, did not overplay their roles either, making this unusual story seem quite plausible. The sets, costumes, and even musical score were appropriate and added a real air of authenticity. Great direction and production values also contributed to a fine overall production.
Just about one second before the rest of the audience "caught on" to the stunning plot twist near the end of the movie, I almost jumped up out of my chair and screamed, "I get it! He's.....! Now, it all makes perfect sense!"
After leaving the theatre, all the way to the back of the parking lot, all I could talk about to my companions was my complete surprise and how this quite remarkable movie production suckered me in at the start and kept me guessing until the final scene!
Enjoy this outstanding movie in the comfort of your own home, without pausing the DVD at any point and let it take you firmly by the hand and move you through the storyline without discussion along the way. I hope you will be as surprised as I was! 9 out of 10!!!
Red Riding Hood (2011)
Much better than expected
When I learned at the very start of the movie that the village was being threatened by a werewolf instead of a traditional wolf, I cringed because werewolves seem to be featured in so many movies nowadays. Yet, to my surprise and relief, the subject was handled quite well.
The cinematography, sets, costumes, hairstyles, and music all worked well together to make an entertaining and worthwhile movie experience, at least in my opinion. I am surprised to read so many really negative reviews here. What exactly were those reviewers expecting? My only really annoying complaint was that "Red's" hooded riding cloak seemed to change length, at times exaggeratedly so, throughout the movie.
I liked the actors and their performances, and let myself get "lost" in the story to the point that it just carried me along with the plot and viewed the events from the perspective of yet another villager who was caught up in the hysteria and fear that was so prevalent in the middle ages, and the superstition that gripped the rather ignorant populace of the time.
My own guessing as to the identity of the werewolf's human aspect did change almost every few minutes as the plot unfolded, even though the eventual elimination of suspects narrowed to a choice that wasn't really a surprise. I still think this movie was an effective and quite entertaining version of the fairy tale, and would recommend it as a fairly light-hearted horror tale.
Prince Valiant (1954)
Fun comic book brought to life
I watched this movie on the big screen when just 9 years old, a perfect age for the experience. Having avidly read Prince Valiant every Sunday in the newspaper comic section, just the thought of castles, kings, knights, and battles appealed to me very much at that age.
Although this movie only follows the newspaper version in name and premise, it was still a nice treatise of the genre. The sets, costumes, hairstyles, props, and pageantry all bespeak the relative glamour of that era in history. The musical score is appropriate for the subject.
The acting is a little corny, especially viewed 60 years following its original debut, but it is still a fun and action filled romp through the Medieval age, and is good, clean fun for the entire family.
Student Bodies (1981)
The funniest non-funny movie I had probably ever seen!
I saw this weird number on TV when there was absolutely nothing else new on the tube, and have never forgotten it!
Singular for containing no known actors, a really weak plot (a psycho killer is targeting high school students at a school dance), terrible acting, and an obvious budget of near-zero, it is still one of the most entertaining movies I have ever seen.
It's sole saving grace is one actor, whose name is a mystery to this day (billed only as "The Stick") and very aptly named (you'll know what this means as soon as you see him!) He plays the strange high school janitor who is so odd that he can't find any girl anywhere to be his date for the dance. Never seen anything like him that still falls within the bounds of the human race, but all of us were actually rolling on the living room floor with laughter every minute he was on screen.
Unfortunately, all attempts to find this gem on DVD or even VHS tape anywhere, have failed. Hopefully, maybe some day it will turn up. If you find it anywhere, don't pass up this opportunity to see a truly unique movie!
The Silver Chalice (1954)
A stinker but it also has its merits!
I saw this movie on TV in the early 1960s the first time. It is a mishmash of both good and bad, and is still watchable for a number of reasons. The Silver Chalice must have had a miserable production budget because some of the sets are ludicrously cheap, one set in particular (a stone wall) looked like it was drawn onto cardboard using a black permanent marker with a yardstick. So hilariously funny that it completely made me forget what was happening in that scene!
And, speaking of hilarious, Jack Palance's performance was over-the-top total high camp. It was never clear if this was a deliberate move on the part of the director or producer or just an actor's ploy to steal every scene in which he appeared in this film. Not too far behind was the performance of Virginia Mayo, as his "magician's assistant", whose obvious job duties included prostitution as well. I think this was Palance's all time best performance, if only for the preposterous overacting. His Mickey Mouse Sorcerer's Apprentice costume and hairdo certainly did not contribute to a serious character role!
Paul Newman was just really starting his career in movies, although he had chalked up a lot of time and experience in theatrical plays. He mainly seemed uninvolved in his character's role, and uncomfortable in the movie in general. He has been quoted several times that this was the one production that he wanted to purchase all possible copies of since he regretted this role more than any other. Not really bad, but he was probably suffering from the difference between live acting on a theatre stage vs a movie set. The script didn't help him out much.
It was fun trying to identify the actors portraying supporting players in this convoluted story which was in reality fairly straightforward. It had the same overall cheesy and disjointed feeling of another overblown attempt by the old Hollywood Studio machine when it made another interesting stinker titled THE HISTORY OF MANKIND, which contained few starring roles, but a series of scenes populated by a cameos of a veritable Who's Who of Hollywood's plethora of film celebrities, mainly from the 1940s.
I highly recommend both of these movies, if only to watch how the best of the film industry's intentions can go so publicly awry, regardless of casting and production efforts. Watch these two films and see how many famous actors and actresses you can pick out in the various scenes, while having a really fun and hilarious couple of hours along the way!
Soylent Green (1973)
Terrific movie that is even more relevant today.
I saw this movie for the first time at a drive-in theatre, where my friend and I had taken our two little boys (in PJs) to a dusk-to-dawn movie marathon. Soylent Green was shown at midnight, after the family friendly main features.
This story was brand new to me and I found it quite disturbing, but not for its major twist near the end. What really upset me was the general theme of unconscious overuse which led up to the conclusion. Homelessness was only then starting to spread to medium sized metropolitan areas but it was obvious that the future quality of living portrayed in this story is not a fantasy but almost a forgone conclusion, unless people as individuals really start thinking about the future as a consequence of their actions today.
Edward G Robinson's last scene was so well done, in part due to his knowledge of his own terminal illness which took his life quite shortly after this production ended. Celia Lovsky and Joseph Cotten delivered their performances equally well, as their own long careers came to an end not long after as well, and there was a poignancy and profound sadness to their roles that one rarely sees on the big screen.
I loved every single production element in Soylent Green. The casting was excellent, especially the addition of the elderly actors from the 1940s who provided an air of authenticity to those who were in their prime in 1973. The opening credits were a perfect introduction to the story, showing the ultimate cost of progress without a doubt. The production values were realistic and not afraid to show the gritty side of life and the scattered centers that may truly become our reality. If we do not soon halt the relentless population growth and continue to haphazardly birth baby after baby, regardless of the strain on resources and finances, then we will reap what we have truly sown.
This story is prophetic, realistic, heartbreaking, and inspirational, despite its overall theme of hopelessness for the future. The apathy of today's society could use a real wake up call, and this story could serve that purpose. I recommend watching it as a family, even with the little ones (who probably will not catch onto the ultimate message). Let it form the basis of a discussion of the environment and the need for all people see the future based on our actions of today, so a drastic scenario such as this might be escaped.
The Legend of Robin Hood (1975)
Excellent telling of the Robin Hood legend
I remember watching this series on PBS in the late 1970s. Having always been a Robin Hood fan, I have collected as many of the various versions of the story of the ultimate hero as I have been able to find, and truly wish that this version was available on DVD. Maybe if enough fans of this version would write directly to PBS, they might make a DVD available.
Lead Martin Potter and the rest of the cast were well chosen and all did very well in their respective roles. The production values seemed at times very cheap, but the story and the acting kept me from being distracted.
Most of all I remember the series host American actor Bill Bixby who recounted at the end of the story that a small gravestone was found in England that said (to the best of my recollection):
"Here, beneath this little stone Lies Robert, Earl of Huntington. No archer was as he so good, and people called him Robin Hood." (or something very like this). If this is just my imagination, I hope someone else writes a review correcting my assumption, but this is how I remember it!
I haven't heard of any other report to corroborate this but, if true, it certainly points to the existence of an actual hero, not just the exaggerated legend of today that talks about a compilation of various heroes whose deeds make up the Robin Hood legend.
In any event, I highly recommend this to anyone who can find the series nowadays in some watchable media format. It's well worth watching!
All That Money Can Buy (1941)
Top Notch period piece entertainment!
WARNING: SOME SPOILERS POSSIBLE!!!
I saw this movie the first time at about age 11 when it was shown on TV in the mid-1950s one night and I have never forgotten it! This is a first-rate movie based on an age-old premise, but handled extremely well in all respects.
The black and white cinematography was common for movies of that era, but was a perfect vehicle for this story. Color would have taken away the focus and starkness of this age-old tale. The story is played out simply but in a manner in that the events do not drag its pace and the viewer can only feel the trap closing slowly on rusty hinges.
The casting is spot-on perfect, especially the two antagonists, which recalls the verbal battle between Spencer Tracy and Frederick March in "Inherit the Wind", made two decades later. Veteran actor Walter Huston is quintessentially cast as the wandering hobo with the ancient coin purse. As the father of great director John Huston, and grandfather of actress Angelica Huston, he acquits himself quite well indeed. His handling of the pivotal character is neither sensational nor campy, and one tends to forget that this is an actor playing a part as one is drawn into the danger and low-grade suspense that never quite lets go.
The sets, props, costumes, and background music all contribute to an overall eerie and atmospheric rendering of post-revolutionary New England rural life. It may have been filmed on a Hollywood sound stage (location filming was rarely done in the 1940s), but all of this is forgotten as the story envelopes the air space around the viewer.
What impressed me most of all was the handling of the dead souls in the story. They were portrayed as a completely powerless mass of former humanity, who had become puppets by their own folly during their lives. They had all committed the same capital error as young Jabez Stone and were forever stuck in an eternity of paying for that single mistake, but were totally unable to warn the desperate but naive farmer of his own impending folly. The filmmakers did a perfect job of grouping most of the masses into a filmy gray and almost blurry moving image, without any individuality, only just able to "whisper" with their voices. I can remember it giving me goose flesh while I was watching it, driving home to me the message of impending doom awaiting one after a life time of trying to find the "easy way" to riches or out of trouble.
I highly recommend this movie. It accomplishes its story telling without profanity or abject violence. It only very vaguely implies the off screen temptation of adultery that will float over the heads of most children and be lost in the plot line. This is a true family film that delivers a few strong moral lessons in greed, incivility, and the virtue of hard work,all accomplished without being preachy. Watch it as a family group with some hot apple cider, popcorn, candy, and fresh apples and nuts for snacks. Very highly recommended, as a perfect example of the kind of movies made in Hollywood in its "Golden Era".
An Eye for an Eye (1966)
Good western with a slightly offbeat plot
This summary is influenced somewhat because this reviewer has been a Robert Lansing fan as long as can be remembered. Every single time Lansing has acted in a production (TV, play, or movie), his performance has made me forget about the actor practicing a craft and to become engrossed in the role and the particular story. That is what makes a truly fine actor, in my opinion, and it is sad that Lansing had been unrecognized by the entertainment industry in general and not given more roles to portray during his career.
The story of Talion (aka An Eye For An Eye) is offbeat from the average western story, as it focuses on personal relationships between humans more than the shoot-'em-up aspects of the Old West. There is action in the gunfighting, a bit of history in Ben's background, the creativity used to surmount physical shortcomings in order to achieve a set goal, a view of family life in the hardscrabble wilderness of the 1800s, the dignity with which an aging ranch owner strives to raise his children to be honest, confidant,and respectable adults, and even some romance in the longing the early settlers must have experienced when living in a relatively lawless location and era, often far away from neighbors, family, and the diversions of city or even town life. And, it contains a lesson in morality and conscience in that the story shows even a mature adult can learn to see life from a different perspective, regardless of the events of the past.
The general production values were appropriate if not lavish, but with what appeared to be the use of genuine antiques for household props. The cinematography was outstanding, lending a real feel to what life on an isolated ranch must have been like. The ending was unusual as well, and not predictable. This is not a large production or epic western (such as THE BIG COUNTRY which was peppered with big name stars), but a lonely and tender but still a little gritty family-appropriate production.
Serve a batch of buttered popcorn, a bowl of chocolate and nuts to munch on, and your favorite beverage over ice. Curl up on the couch and turn the lights down low to enjoy this simple story of the Old West.