videorama-759-859391 Reviews

Grand Canyon (1991)

Like the Grand Canyon, something you should see

[8/10 · 9 April 2024]

Inspirational movies really intrigue and excite me. This one is freshly different . It makes you evaluate, what you are willing to risk, and what you can lose in a heartbeat. With a stellar cast, these great actors draw us into their characters, more than most films do. Two strangers become good friends, one, a saviour to the other. One of their wives discovers a dumped infant and adopts him. Martin is great as a self centered screenwriter/sugar daddy, who recovers from a violent incident, whose philosophies on life are indeed, interesting. Also a young jilted hottie, who has a strong and honest view on married men. The canyon itself, again a breathtaking view. Don't look for plot, more for situation, and you'll take away, quite a bit from this film, including two great dream sequences, the first one, quite an exhilarating watch. Real truth, nineties style. Highly recommended and thought provoking watch.

American Gigolo (1980)

Gere in gear

[7/10 · 5 April 2024]

Gere, tailor made for this role, for which Stallone, reportedly walked out on, carries this near two hour Schrader drama, as an illegitimate gigolo for hire, who gets nastily framed by an acquaintance. Gere's character is sad, as nobody will rush to his aid, and things get worse, where he's pestered more by a disbelieving detective (Elizondo) . Hot looking Hutton becomes his saviour in more ways than one, and this is what I really liked about the film, which drags on a little bit, but really markets Gere. Of course, the opening is classically memorable in the sense of the Deborah Harry hit, 'Call Me'. Good drama, though runs thin on story. Schrader has done better. Really a vehicle for an emerging Gere talent, and he fits the bill perfectly and expensively.

Australia Laughs (1984 Video)

Australia won't be laughing.

[1/10 · 4 April 2024]

I love standup comedy videos, and I was quite downtrodden here with this sixty minute, mild laugh fest. First, we have a true blue fair dinkum' Aussie, unfunny. Then an impersonator who was above average, in his impersonations, which gave me a couple of hee haws. Prized asset was Vince Sorrenti, in the next act, which was the best duration of this vid, and a disgusting pig of an act by comedian/actor Garry Who, which really had me wondering, if he the latter woud leave the club, unscathed, one audience member, leaving the show in a huff, after being told by him, in jest to F off. Back in the 80's, this would of been funnier, but to me now, there are funnier Ocker comedy clubs, but I love, how it took me back. Strictly for the undemanding, but fascinating as to how far Who takes his verbal comedy abuse.

Dadah Is Death (1988 TV Movie)

Don't sell drugs

[9/10 · 21 March 2024]

It amazes me, where after something like this happened, there are still braving Aussies, flying over with concealed heroin in what ever body cavity, item, whatever. I thought of the two fated Bali 9 men, who met their grim demise in 2015. That stay of execution before, the waiting, for that day of dread, that last flight to their deathl spot. Even though Chambers was the much more guilty one, enticing recently unemployed Barlow into his activities, the latter simply could of said "No". Dadah Is Death, proclaims no clearer warning, the harsh penalties of drug smuggling, H, the highest stature of drug. There is a zero tolerance towards drugs, in their country, and underneath, I really respect that and admire it. Our two main performers bring such truth and conviction to their characters, me really liking what Hugo brought, doing justice to the silky charms or rich boy Chambers, the real criminal, you can;t help hating, cause of his scumbag attitude. The uneasy music scores really set the grim atmosphere of scenes. A dirty grimness rings so true, in it's setting, circumstances, and fates of our two condemned. Polson is bl**dy good in this, and was so engaging as the weaker led Barlow, while Julie Christie, was an enigmatic casting choice, but she was very engaging too, in a stronghold performance, but outperformed by her husband player, who I really liked. Sarah Jessica Parker's character, á reporter who becomes devotéd and lovestruck towards Barlow, was kind of fascinating and she delivered too, as did the rest of the Barlow family, including a very young Noah Taylor as the youngest brother. Hugo also gets himself a bit of midnight Asian delight in his last months of life as Chambers..The injustice was Barlow's demise. In my opinion, he shouldn't of hung. The walk to execution, hanging scene, is the most grimmest and affecting I've seen in these black movie moments. The grinding 180 pan shot, stopping on our hooded figures, before the big drop, was haunting. What is great about, Dadah, is it's no holds barred, go for truth grimness, in it's photography and storytelling, also showing an ugly corrupt side of authority, not just in the East.

Baby Love (1983)

Another tasty licking Popsicle

[27 February 2024]

You watch this addictively entertaining T and A flick, you feel you're reliving certain scenes in other Popsicle films. We know the score, as far as our four young horny stars are concerned, the slapped geek, the two studs, and the fatty who is always, the butt of the stud's pranks. So nothing has changed, with a slight change of story, where for Benji, it's true love, as falling in love with Momo's innocently cute Sister, which his best friend forbids, despite him, being the catalyst, for how this eventuated. But Benji's love is true, an angle I liked. Again we have a repertoire of rock songs, and again, this isn't a badly made film, where you feel there's a more serious film, that want to break out, and I really did like this one. Benji's cousin is a cute hoot. The climax is quite hairy too. Hold on, but check this Popsicle out. 6.5/10.

Priest (1994)

In the name of the wholly viewer

[9/10 · 19 February 2024]

Priest is an enthralling film, with beautifully acted and sincere performances. Yes it's gonna offend, as of course it did, for figures in the church, when released. Roache and Wilkinson, are the strong players, and with Wilkinson here, he seems to be stereotyped as those 'bold, go for it, say how you feel, take a chance' characters, as I was seeing some familiarities, with the late actor's character in the Edgerton thriller, Felony, ten years ago. What I really loved was the conflicting story at play, involving teen incest, which really made a frustrating choice, or plan of action for Roache's character. The.final shot of repent, and forgiveness, is one of the most moving I've ever witnessed. All in all, Priest is excellent British film making, with some pretty frank homosexual sex scenes.

2 Days in the Valley (1996)

2 days worth spending

[8/10 · 15 February 2024]

I almost forgot how much I enjoyed this film after many years absence. A few people have compared this to a Tarantinoesque type of film, only no Denny's. What we got is a story of interconnecting characters, many in awesomely acted roles. You just have to start with Spader, who's at the top of his game, playing a heartless and intellectually insane hitman, Aiello, his partner, with a heart. Surviving a hit, Aiello crashes the panoramic mansion, of a innocetly cute carer (Headly), and her barking and condescendingly abusive carer (Naked's Cruttwell so much fun here). As not to ruin anymore of this admiringly original situation of film, we have blood, a great serve of laughs, and awesome characters. Keith Carradine, does us solid, is memorably worthy as a caring cop. Spader, Aiello, Mason, and especially Newbie Theron, the scene stealer, and of course Daniels, are great, but it's Theron, who steals the limelight. So smoking hot. The very young Asian masseur chick, I had a soft spot for. SO gorgeously CUTE. Get a drink, pizza, sit down. And be entertained every minute. Spader delivering that great tagline involving a minute, one of the best and original one's I heard. Very original and different film, warrants your 104 minutes of viewing. Amazing actress Louise Fletcher fooled me again, unrecogonized as wasn't grouchy Lawrence Tierney, in an appreciated cameo.

Nothing Personal (1980)

Nothing personal, but I enjoyed it

[7/10 · 2 February 2024]

Although never finding it funny, I found the film darn entertaining. The late Summers and Sutherland make a great professor and lawyer team, and this is really what drives it. Coleman, is just stereotyped here, as a greedy bad.guy, none concerned about these particular type of seals, endangered species, which are being clubbed to death. It brought back some bad memories, as seeing an 82' episode on John Laws world, where seals were being slaughtered in this manner. I admired the story, as this was an important and controversial topic in the 80's. Sutherland sporting nifty formal attire, brings a likeable character to the screen, and Summers oozes sex and sensuality, as she knows how. We even have a cameo by a Love Boat favorite. It's Sutherland and Summers cute chemistry, which makes this a watchable treat.

Laserblast (1978)

A blast

[4/10 · 30 January 2024]

I must say, by judging the mesmerizing cover, I expected this to be a futuristic sci fi pic, which would probably blow me away. What I got, was predicatably bad acting, senseless, stunning explosions, a lot of flat stretches, a great opening score, some lovely night vision shots, and two cute dinosauric aliens. Not a total lost, I felt smally compensated. It's story is absurd. Mcdowall, and Deezen,.the scene stealer, rule in the acting category, and much used and younger Burkley wasn't bad either. Much more fun for teens and kids, this film, I can overlook the negatives, due to it's uniqueness, and originality.

Murphy's Romance (1985)

Romancing and dancing

[8/10 · 24 January 2024]

MR is a film you enjoy more, as it goes on. On the whole, the film is a delight, and really works, cause of the two lead's characters. They are both strong willled, stubborn, and have been through a lot. It's their indépendance and will. They're characters who take things at face value. We would love to meet these characters, and so wish they were real. Divorced Field and little son (natural likeable performance by Haim) have just moved into this town, and have bought a farm. Field strikes up a friendship, with a general store/pharmacy owner, Garner, in a wonderful take note performance, which garnered a lot of buzz for Oscar nominee selection. Although romance really hits the two near the end, with an awesome last bit of dialogue, you'll never forget, they were sort of romancing it, pretty much, from near the start, it was a conservative sort. Really throwing a spanner in the works, is Fields, younger buck ex (Kerwin) who arrives on the scene. He is a hoot and delivers a stealing performance, which must be acknowledged. He puts a lot of pep into his character. One slow 180 shot scene, which was quite a knock for six reveal. This film just grows on you. See it for Garner's once in a lifetime performance, and Kerwin. Also the most contunual if annoying, stealing dancing partner scene.

Duet for Four (1982)

Not a bad duet

[7/10 · 6 January 2024]

This is a marvelously entertaining drama, soapie type film, I really got engrossed in. Always something happening type film, that hits home, with realistic everyday people, in much real situations. The performances are really good, no more than Preston's, a character who we really get caught up, who has his share of problems. Again, like in Hoodwink, we're granted a nice perv at Hughes's goodies, for a few seconds. The woman in this are beautiful, towel clad Binney, who sets a.new standard in hotness. Pate is a lot of fun in this, and Comber as Cilento's toy boy, left an impression too. Dignam, too, in top form delivery again as Preston's friend, legal advisor. Overall, colorful drama. With a nice intro music score, and a droning, annoying one at the end.

Nuts (1987)

Nuts about Barbara

[8/10 · 3 January 2024]

This is a solid courtroom drama from the get go, with two powerfully charged performances, 2 leads, who bring their A game here. Streisand is being tried for murder, where certain parties are intent on making sure she's incompetent to stand trial, so she's committed indefinitely. Enter Dreyfuss who is appointed to defend her, and gets a taste of her crazy self, when witnessing her flying into a rage, and launching herself on her prior defendant. I really liked the building friendship between the two, Dreyfuss fishing out the real truth.by Streisand's incarceration. And becoming a really good ally.

We go back and forth to that fateful night, Streisand was working as a high priced girl, when a kinky john (Nielsien of all people) got rough with her. We also go back to much earlier times, which could well explain Streisand's actions. All in all, I found this engrossing viewing, and Wallach's performance, shouldn't go unnoticed either. Streisand's bold exit, still in her crazy fatigues, really hits home hard, the feeling of freedom, and freedom of speech.

He Knows You're Alone (1980)

Don't go out alone

[8/10 · 30 December 2023]

Here's a nifty little slasher, which quite surprised and impressed me, like I didn't really think it would. Unlike A Stranger Is Watching, where you pretty know what's gonna happen next, HKYA uses some quite nifty movis, with some pretty awesome suspense. To call this a Halloween rip off, like all those other unjustly labelled ones, inspired, is a much more fitting word, I can't feel but, greatly entertained by this, as the film, knows which buttons to push. Too, we have a very capable cast. In his first film, with a small role, Hanks shows us why, he was desrtined to head for bigger and better things. So much charisma here, packed into his character. Scardino (A Cruising victim) brings a lot of animation into his lovestruck, townie. We even have a much younger typecast lawyer actor, who plays a teacher here, adored by many of his younger randy female folk. O'Heaney gives such a magnetically cute performance as the bride to be, who may not make it to her wedding day, with our crazy out there, slicing up other bride to be's, one done in sheer audicity, at the start. He's a smart pdycho too, where only O'Heaney has been able to see him, there one moment, gone the next, his stare of death, scarring, Scardino''s presence calming to her, where spotting the creep, again, just before. A nice little backstory to our freak too, is another reason, this is a tight little chiiller, with noteworthy performances,

Nightmare in Columbia County (1991 TV Movie)

Obseessive viewing

[8/10 · 18 December 2023]

Horrifiic story, of indeed one psychopath, better put six feet under. Solid acting from Devane, obsessed like Doherty was with him, in that tv film. Here, he's a town cop, who heads up this investigation, to retrieve the kidnapped daughter of a South Carolina family, her older sister, a promising beauty pageant queen, and she is beautiful, the focus of this nutter's murderous obsession. A full scale search begins, to track down, the vulnerable diabetic teen. This sick SOB starts calling, taunting the family, builds up a conversational repore with the sister, who she and authorities try to bait this guy, but unfortunately he's very ahead of the game. The actor who does a marvellous job here, looks pretty much like the real Larry Gene Bell. His testimony in court, smally covered, this one lovestruck comment, was quite offputting. Indeed this true life t.v movie, is truly tragic, too, invoving child murder, this is a highly engrossing drama, and a sisterly repecting ending, as is footage of the real Dawn. Pretty much, this film will stay with you, days after. Solid, well made, wonferfully acted tv drama, with one great raging Devane moment. Watch.

Fire Birds (1990)

Fire away

[8/10 · 10 December 2023]

Firebirds is 84 minutes of trailblazing fun. Harshly criticized, do other people, misunderstand it's intentions? It's pacey, with great, metaphoric comic dialogue between Cage and Young, an actress, who again didn't impress me. Cage and Jones are better. Never a dull moment here, where yes, I agree it's a bit like Top Gun, because we have another Gung ho narcissistic 'best of the best' Pete Mitchell (Cage) an ace military pilot, trying to rekindle an old relationship, with woman pilot (Young). I really appreciated some öff the base, family scenes with Jones, a character I really wanted to lnow more about. He shows concern for his ace pilot, and like Top Gun's Skeritt, shows admiration, and a smidgen of envy, on the side. And in the main mission, which again takes us back to Top Gun, or Navy Seals, whatever, we'll only know good will prevail. Many exciting action scenes, the frank Firebirds, sets out to do what it's spose to, and wastes no time, beating around the bush, getting you there. Is that a crime? I think not.

Bloody Mama (1970)

Oh Mama

[6/10 · 7 December 2023]

Frankly, there have been better films made about this controversial outlaw. Shelley Winters is great as is everyone else, which is kind of sad, as to what inadequate material they're given, Dern and Stroud, acting highlights, Dern, who attaches himself to Barker and her boys. A much younger and handsome devil, is Deniro (six years before his Taxi Driver days) who fares pretty well, as one of Ma Barker's more meeker sons, and is definitely memorable, especially in one scene with a bathing beauty, rising out of the glistenng waters. A few shoot outs, the film only getting bloody in it's last five minutes, one frank CU shot in particular. The film is very well made, by a B movie legend, and the performances make it, but it's kind of rush rush, where we really don't get enough time, to really get under the characters, or for the story to really take shape. It needed better plotting, and meat to it's story, and this is where the movie, ultimately fails. Like Ma Barker, planning her next move, at a loss, metaphorically speaks, as to where the story should head next. Not without merit though.

Nixon (1995)

Engrossing viewing

[10/10 · 26 November 2023]

Once again, Oliver Stone has brought a true life tale, respectably to the screen, through hard research, and potent, careful dialogue. Focusing on one of the most important and greatest American presidents, we chronicle his life through the most important, turbulent, and active years of his presidency, occassionaly harking back, through sepia tone, to his childhood. So many wonderful performances, Hopkins, the most engaging, make the film what it is, Joan Allen as Hopkins'wife, quite amazing. Heavy solid drama, makes us understand Nixon's standing, and his unpopularity. Sometimes quite a hard nut to crack, as to the illegarity of his acts, cover ups. One's of Stone's best, from start to end. What kind of chafes me, where after NBK, Stone cuts back and forth occassionally, with black and white picture clips in a scene. But I think I know why. Must viewing.

Three Fugitives (1989)

Fugitive fun

[8/10 · 22 November 2023]

A fresh delight of a comedy here, which takes a few different turns, and has heart. Quite a surprise comedy, has just released, ex con Nolte, a reformed bankrobber, who just out of prison, and in a cruel irony, is taken hostage, in a bank, by one of the dumbest robbers out there (Short) and becomes fortuitously involved. He is soon fleeing and wanted, with his new found p**n in the ar*e friend. Short has a little mute daughter, who's so cute, and wonderfully acted. I love the way the film plays out in the situations, which make complete sense, and there are a few classic 'stitches' moments. It has more, than just comedy going for it, though. The three mains deliver good performances, but the little girl, is so engaging, and shines above them. James Earl Jones, and particularly Alan Ruck, are solid as the detectives on the case. After all, one of them drove Nolte to the robbed bank. Prefore.. And who do you call if you want two cliche'd mugging thugs? Thompson and Dallesandro. It's cute ending, I guess you could call double irony, or a domino effect. Highly reccommended 90's comedy.

Sissy (I) (2022)

Sissy, a real mess

[3/10 · 17 November 2023]

Was really expected a fark twisted horror film. What I got was Sissy. I found this a messy horror, but a guilty indulgence. There are quite a few what the f? Moments, and some appreciative gore, but I figured this movie for a more structured and dark twisted film. It's horribly predictable, including it's finale. Though the Sissy character, is something else, steered by a great performance, and a character, I could truly identify with, where some other players aren't bad either, especially her so called friend. Sorry folks, but I was short sheeted, here. It could of been, so much better utilized, with approach of story, plot points, and this movie, didn't have the story, I thought it would. All I got a messy product. It's engaging Sissy, character, it's best attribute. One goof I noticed early in the peace, was the exterior shopping car park scene, empty, only in the next shot in the b.g, the car park is filled with many cars. Shame on you Sissy.

Cocaine Bear (2023)

Bear high of a film

[8/10 · 16 November 2023]

If you went out, in these particular woods back in 1985, you were definitely in for a big surprise, This is exactly what this film is. You just can't get enough of it. It's so much scary fun, and most shockingly, it's true, but must of been quite exaggerated here in Movieville. If not, it's be more shocking. Starring a list of unknowns,, save for the great Ray Liotta in a final brilliant performance, as a detestable remorseless drug lord, CB is just addictive watching. The unknowns deliver colorful performances, in colorfully created characters, some real larger than life, ones, which is wonderfully appreciated. The film also throws in some '84, '85 songs, another surprise. And the film doesn't run short on gore, offering some real bloodthirsty moments, as our rampant bear, whose eyes light up in rich gold, after snorting and destroying the dropped packages of coke, goes on a crazed kill spree. Shot in clearer, sharper color, threw me, and I was quite annoyed, and adverse to this,, but did work for this film. Very Canadian. Banks must be praised ad proud for her brilliant direction, as I won't lie, there some real adrenaline pumping, and thrilling moments, plus some good scare shock. Moments. Those cubs are awfully cute too. Great finale soundtrack, and a nice mark of respect, for our beloved late actor, whose wonderful performance, is hard to forget, when reflecting back on this exciting, hell of an entertaining movie.

White Lightning (1973)

Action, laughs, moonshine and Burt

[7/10 · 9 November 2023]

The setting of White Lightning, pretty much opens, the way it's predecessor did, only here in a grim way, the catalyst for beardless Burt's warring revenge, against a corrupt deputy, an almost unrecognizable Beatty for most part, responsible for the murder of his younger brother. Striking a deal, a more than happier Reynolds is glad to except, he works with authorities, to bring Beatty down, going sort of undercover. We meet some other characters, in some really played roles. Of course, Burt has some time, to make love to some pretties. It's great to watch cool Burt, strut his stuff, and that he does, like he knows how to. WL isn't anything special, but it delivers on an action drama scale, with some humor, Beatty, again, a real badarse. Trivia: One shot of an angry Burt, blasting off a a rifle became the VHS cover poster for it's follower, Gator.

Beverly Hills Cowgirl Blues (1985 TV Movie)

Cheesy 80's "fun connection

[4/10 · 25 October 2023]

They could of made a spin off t.v series of this, but it would be hard keeping the title 'Connection'. But this movie which kind of feels a little t.v, goes by some other titles I see. This is just a run of the mill film/investigative thriller, which we can't really call it that. Basically, we have small town hottie cop Hartman, who steers the film in the performer stakes, such an underused actress, if I ever saw one, tracking her friends killer/killers to Beverly Hills LA, where she teams up with hunky PD, Brolin, in a milder likeable performance of average stature, who cares more for film and stars, more than policing, and really sort of tags alone. Obsessed, she kind of ratlles some cages, and wrecks up Brolin's dinner, date plans, and his prized automobile. Brolin's pretty lucky in the babe department, mixing more pleasure with business. I was amazed to learn, that the Beverly Hills Police Department (same as Axel Foley's, and wouldn't it be so exciting he and Hartman crossed paths) works more with stars, and aspiring ones, even ones in the police department, more than butting head with scumbags. Even though this lacks thrills, suspense, and has a 'pretty much you know where you going territory about it' it's still colourfully entertaining, çause of the cool hunky Brolin character, and powerful screen appeal of Hartman, with a super strong performance, and a lot of scummy characters, some embarassingly acted, or overacted. But you have to get past the first 10 minutes, of our country bumpkins and town police yodel folk.

Marked for Murder (1990 Video)

Marked for idiots

[3/10 · 22 October 2023]

It's great to see Wings again as a bad guy, only this is undoubtedly one of the worst movies he's ever made, written and directed by a guy, who should be anything, but proud about this bottom b grade effort. God knows why Martin Sheen was doing a cameo in this. And then I read later, his daughter Renee Estevez, and then it made sense, and she does a really good take note, worthy performance, and there are some other good players in it too. Hauser pops in an out of this, as a bad guy t.v network boss, where a tape incriminating him is at large. He sends two of his young proteges (experienced Estevez and an eager young, but awkward Abraham) to retrieve it. Where they then become prime suspects in the murder of another station employee. The scenes, one after the other, are banal, so typically b grade fare, where if you' re gonna go 'by the numbers' way, make it exciting. One crappy car chase, kind of lifts it a little, and then it falls back again. Highlights, the bad guys, are not really the bad guys. Other moments, a silent Sheen. Watching a hijack, Wings making it with a busty breasted beauty, poolside, oh and, another beautiful breasted barmaid, who likes slipping good looking customers, her number. The most memorable scene to come out of this flat running film. The film even has crappy violence.'Poor utilized story, and amauteurish effort, this will definitely disappoint Hauser fans. Should really only cater for the undemanding.

1969 (1988)

What a year?

[8/10 · 10 October 2023]

To see a 5.7 average rating for this film, frankly I'm disgusted. I was surprised by how much I'd enjoy this film. Boasting wonderful performances, none more than Dern who's awesome in the film, bringing a much tender flawed character. The story pretty much speaks for itself, if judging by the front cover. Kiefer and Downer are best friends/rebels/ anti Nam, who want to change the world. Kiefer's younger brother, in an awesome performance goes away to Nam, and pretty much, lies the predictabiity of his fate, which makes for such a great and honorable anti Nam ending, still imprinted in my brain. From two days ago. Downey, pretty much, is playing another antagonistic, ignorant pill popping teen, some of it pretty much, resembling his Less Than Zero character, where this was made, a few years earlier. I think a lot of the mains, including a not yet known Winona Ryder were actually better than Downey. As an actor, Sutherland, never ceases to impress, and I loved the verve, and sensability of his character. He's one of the best young actors of our generation. Joanna Cassidy is unregonizable, as the boozy and bold mother of Downey's character, while Marianne Hartley is also awesome as Sutherland's long suffering mother. This good film, is worth watching, just for the ending. One of the best and meaningful endings ever, while the opening song of this film, an oldie, is still reverberating in my brain. This is one of those films you remember days after, mainly for the ensemble of great perforrmances, Dern, top hat.

Seems Like Old Times (1980)

Good times

[7/10 · 1 October 2023]

Though this is not Neil Simon's best work, there's a lot of fun to be had here, in this exciting comedy. I'm a dog lover too, so I really enjoyed the posse of our furry friends. Chase, forced to rob a bank, takes sanctuary at hio ex's (Hawn) and doesn't seem to be too concerned about his fate. As luck would have it, his ex is married to lawyer Grodin, only he doesn't really hold our wanted man in his good books. The chased Chase is Chase. Grodin's Razzie award, unwarranted. The real stars are our pooches, one taking a real fancy to our Judge. What kind of stopped me short, was we never got to Chase's final verdict. Never the less, this a very entertaining film, with two of the dumbest criminals, you'll ever see.