Reviews

Just to mention one more thing about Gentleman Jim. I agree with all the assessments that make this among Errol Flynn's greatest outings in a career of great outings. I would think this role playing boxer Jim Corbett is more like his real personality than the swashbucklers he was typecast as. Flynn seemed like a party animal from his memoirs and was one guy whose real life was more exciting than his screen life. The extra thing I wanted to point out is notice the great montages, transitions, and still inserts that punctuate the film. Although the director was Raoul Walsh, a frequent collaborator with Flynn, with cinematographer Sid Hickox, the montages were made up by an up and coming editor named Don Siegel. I never knew Siegel went that far back but he's listed right in the credits. He would go on to a great career as action director himself.

Recommended for family entertainment, "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn" showcases the talents of "Mickey Rooney" and shows why he has been such a beloved actor for so many years.

Mickey Rooney stars as the title character, according to the book about 13 years old. Rooney was already past 18, but with his short stature and boyish face he looks exactly the part of young mischievous boy whom we see smoking his pipe and walking barefoot through the dust.

Based on Mark Twain's book of the same name, it is as closely adapted as the time constraints and censorship would allow. The general substance of the novel is left intact with a few details changed for the sake of dramatic license; otherwise it is well adapted as I remember from my recent re-reading of the novel.

Mickey Rooney is perfect in his portrayal of Huck, with his mischievous ways and always with a twinkle in his eye. Rex Ingram makes a thoughtful "Jim" whose quiet dignity makes Huck learn to accept him as a man, not just a piece of property to be owned.

The movie is quite funny and will become a favorite of the whole family with its wholesome characters and situations. If you get a chance to see it, I think you will agree that this is real entertainment that everyone can enjoy.

Many of the comments I've read here are As full of hyperbole as a studio press release.

The movie is disjointed and allows most of the tension to dissipate. It has several false climaxes before the anticlimactic ending.

John Garfield makes a vain effort to explain the inexplicable title and has difficulty selling the jazzy lingo written for him by the scriptwriters.

Lana Turner is only as good as that glamor shot that shows her in the white hot pants when she and Garfield first meet.

The George Bassman score is heavy handed and telegraphs every plot turn. The people who state this is excellent film noir probably haven't seen much of it.

The only other comment on this film lists a litany of reasons why not to watch it, generally because of unfavorable but irrelevant comparisons to Billy Wilder, the director's brother.

I will give you a reason to watch it; it is effective. John Bromfield makes an effective gigolo and Martha Vickers, while not the most charismatic actress known, does a good job as the object of his affections.

Watch this without taking a lot of baggage in with you and you will be satisfied. It has a nice twist at the end that you may guess, but probably not.

Rogue Male is a superior chase film with a superb characterization by Peter O'Toole, who occupies about 80% of the screen time.

Absolutely top-notch direction, cinematography, and editing and a respectable, not overlong, 103 minute running time.

It's a pity the DVDs have used such deteriorated source material.

The movie, if in perfect condition would be worth 10/10, as it is among the very best, however, as it is it is only worth about 7/10 because of the deterioration of the print.

If you get a chance to see Rogue Male, please do as it is worth it, even with the poor print.

Unlawful Entry is a tense crime drama that is near the top of its genre. It should be more like 8 out of 10 stars if more people would see this fine film. I have about 500 full blown external reviews on this site and it never ceases to amaze me the dumb rankings I see on decent films.

Ray Liotta is at the top of his game as "psycho cop from hell," while Kurt Russell and Madeleine Stowe provide sterling support. Sure, the story is derivative as all this genre have been since Psycho (1960), but it's one of the best executed psychological thrillers to date. I guess some people want everything to be Shakespeare.

This is a must see, folks!

A labor of love by former Beatle Paul McCartney who, after seeing "The Buddy Holly Story" with Gary Busey, determined to find out about the real Buddy Holly. Paul took his film crew and sought out the people Buddy Holly knew and the places he frequented, including the venues around Lubbock, TX where Buddy made his first musical excursions, continuing on to Clovis, NM where most of Buddy's records were made at Petty Studios, and the New York and Los Angeles sites where the rest of his records were cut. Along the way, Buddy's friends and family give their candid comments about the life and times of Buddy Holly. Interviewees include Buddy's brothers, Mrs. Norman Petty, widow of his first manager, Buddy's band the Crickets, record executives, and several rock stars like Keith Richards and Don and Phil Everly. The result is a very good documentary that sheds more light on Buddy Holly than most other rock 'n' roll legends. Very worthwhile viewing!

I give Deliverance the full ten points because it does what it does so well - it disturbs the bejeebers out of you! There are not many films that give me an emotional reaction as strong as Deliverance. Credit to Director John Boorman, Burt Reynolds, and the supporting cast. The hillbilly music score did an extremely fine job of SUBTLY taking the viewer through the various emotional states Boorman was shooting for. Check out my complete on-line review at External Reviews on imdb.

Entertaining and fairly gritty look at the real life undercover spooks who do the CIA's dirty work or sometimes are bought by the highest bidder.

Contains some parallels to Peckinpah's greatest film THE WILD BUNCH in that it explores themes of obsolescence, integrity, loyalty, and friendship. Caan and Duvall are at the top of their game and supporting actors Burt Young, Bo Hopkins, and Gig Young lend credibility as guys who are willing to play the dirty game.

Jerry Fielding score as in THE WILD BUNCH is superb. 4 out of 5 stars

The Bonfire of the Vanities is a damn good film - a comedy that deserves more attention. It is well cast, well directed, and well photographed.

It is a film that zeroes in on the false pretenses of do-gooders, exposing their hidden agendas for all to see.

Brian DePalma deserves kudos for zinging all these hypocrites in such an entertaining fashion. Don't believe the twaddle of naysayers who tell you to read the book; The message is in this movie.

Better than average cop movie that compares favorably with "Dirty Harry" and "Sharky's Machine." Beautiful color DVD transfer in 2.35 : 1.

Beautiful photography of locations in London. Jazzy score typical of the '70s.

Action fans, crime fans, and John Wayne fans will not be disappointed.