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Reviews
Double Exposure (1935)
Not THAT bad
Could this be the first film depiction of paparazzi? Sure, it initially might appear to be a strip of tripe. But don't we all have to admit, that's a very good foreshadowing of Marty Feldman smoking the hookah pipe at the hotel register? And Hope's drag acting was also to be seen again in "Some Like It Hot" etc. Let's also take note of the cultural difference between eastern and western treatment of wives. Other than that, yes, I suppose one could label it as terribly flawed and cliché-ridden. But don't forget, there was the Great Depression going on, and the country needed every laugh it could get. I applaud this film for the reason that is was, indeed, an additional boost for not only the US, but for the whole world.
Bonanza (1959)
Once was my favorite
What I came here for was to find out what had happened to Adam. And now I know that he moved to Australia. I just don't remember that episode. I often wonder, though, why he seemed to be nearly always dressed in black? To show that he was the most serious-minded of the brothers? And what about Little Joe always with that green jacket with the collar turned up? Was that some kind of James Dean reflection? Same with Hoss, he always seemed to wear the same white shirt with the tan leather vest. These people were financially well-off, yet always wore the same outfits (which never seemed to become worn or dirty).
Something else, whenever anyone has a campfire going, they always seem to have a 2-gallon coffee pot, plus all the gear for a regular camp-out, which somehow always fits neatly into their saddle bags?!
Response to a previous comment: I doubt that the boys were gay (well, Adam, maybe) but each of them had at least one engagement, oddly, though, it never seemed to work out. Of course, I can't forget the episode where "Hoss was fixin' to get hisself hitched" when Adam took a liking to the young lady, resulting in Hoss nearly beating Adam to death before Ben stepped in.
With all its shortcomings, I still watch at least one episode a day, on TV Land. Thank God for re-runs.
Deadwood (2004)
Terrible
Is there one single character who doesn't use the F-word every third word spoken? I have serious doubts about the historical accuracy of such widespread use of that one particular expletive. Yes, I use it whenever the need arises, and I know it's as old as any other word in the English language, but I think what's going on is that the writers are using it as if transplanting current language norms into 1876 Deadwood. It reminds me of how Loretta Swit's hair in MASH always seemed to be keeping up with the present day styles. Same thing here, in that the viewer is expected to be more comfortable with familiar language being used in 1876. That, to me, is very doubtful.
Also, the historical accuracy is dreadfully lacking. For example, the episode I viewed this morning had a major factual error. On the outside wall of the stage coach office was a blackboard listing the destination of "Billings". However, Billings did not exist until 1882, which is six years in the future. From now on, I'm going to be keeping better notes, and I'll bet I could fill a page on each episode.
Open Range (2003)
Unbelievable
Right off the top I expected a good story, having been pleased with Duvall's performance which I feel pretty much carried "Lonesome Dove", half expecting something of a continuation of that story. But I was terribly disappointed by the entire plot, which I consider to be completely flawed right from the get-go. First and foremost, the very concept of "free-grazers" roaming around in mountainous yet apparently settled countryside is beyond reality. Where, historically, could this story have ever happened? By the time any place had become occupied and towns such as in this movie have been established, every single acre that was worth anything had been spoken for, title deed secured, and above all, fenced in with barbed wire. Any "open range" country would not have had any towns around for at least 100 miles in any direction. Likewise, where any towns were so well established, there would be no "open range" for at least 100 miles in any direction. And with all those mountains around, ANY grazing land would be marginal at best. The story was obviously written by someone with NO knowledge whatsoever about turn-of-the-century livestock management. It's just too ridiculous to contemplate.
One more little thing: for that wagon to be so stuck, no human could have maneuvered alongside of it and not become mired. It was so obviously "previously buried" that I had to laugh right out loud. How lame can a scenario get? My recommendation is to forget this piece of crap and re-watch "Shane", which I could do 100 times before I'll ever re-view "Open Range", although the photography was OK, so I give it a "2".
Young Einstein (1988)
Pure Genius!
I almost refuse to believe that there was no connection whatsoever with any of the membership of Monty Python's Flying Circus. Since I purchased the VHS version at a sale, without any previous knowledge of its content, I have remembered how to roll on the floor with uncontrollable laughter, as I had not done for so many years of humor depredation. Splitting the "beer atom" on an anvil with hammer and chisel causes just such a reaction. The kitty pie scene is another of my favorites that evokes the memory of Monty Python style of humor. And the lizard that roars is enough to make milk come out my nose.
Also, there are innumerable background elements that are nearly impossible to notice, let alone appreciate fully, on the first viewing. Multiple viewings are required and highly recommended. Pay close attention to every detail, as there is absolutely nothing in the background that is truly insignificant. This movie is simply drenched with cleverly written and acted subtle comedy that is all-too-often not noticed by the average viewer.
The soundtrack is especially highlighted by the music of the Australian "Goanna" band, with the very appropriate cut Great Southern Land. I had already owned that original album since 1983, and instantly recognized the song when I first saw "Young Einstein" only recently.
I highly recommend this movie to all TRUE Monty Python fans.