Reviews

Yes kiddies..being a High School grad from '76 I will definitely concur on the "spot-on-ness" of Dazed and Confused, especially in the music.(although it takes place in Texas, it was a bit lacking in ZZ Top.."Beer Drinker-Hell Raiser" comes to mind.)Truly a "way-back" machine with attention to detail:those polyester-nylon Little League uniforms still make me cringe and those laughable (sansa-belt?) athletic shorts worn by the football coaches -"yeah,right coach".The acting is fine through-out.Yes there was a fair amount of"sparking a J"(not to mention a laundry list of pills and powders) and cracking a brewski. The actors are very good- playing variations on the different "types" found on campus-and off- we had a Wooderson, except he drove a very souped-up Ford Falcon. Chevelles, AMC Javelins,Mustangs, along with the Mavericks,Bonnevilles and sundry now extinct- "mom's" station wagons-filled the campus parking lot.The movie did an excellent job of conveying a lost,almost innocent golden gap between a unpleasant time Watergate-Viet Nam, and the vacuous materialistic soul-deadening Reagan-MTV- 80's and the yucky years following.A film worthy of everyone's viewing.

"Straight into Darkness" is ,in a word, "mesmerizing".One is uniquely transported to an eerie , nightmarish, -FICTIONAL- tale set against the backdrop Western European WWII.It's brilliantly done on a modest budget. We follow a pair of, in custody for deserting, G.I.s(one a creepy socio-path type,the other a younger guy sick of the war and pining for his girl and the USA.) are set free by a landmine meets jeep wreck and make their escape on foot across the winter white back country, setting them on a course into a strange and otherworldly wasteland of a demented cannibalistic(?),holy man, a hanging wedding party, a stallion from nowhere and lastly- a desolate building(that holds a secret), where fate allies the two with an incredible band of rag-tag,physically war scarred orphans and the adult couple that ran their since destroyed school.The G.I.s thought they could run from the War. No. The directer-"Bravo! my good man." To the writer-"Thank you ,sir".The actors are fantastic-every man woman and child. Wonderful cinematography and settings(the ghostly forest wedding scene ). The music score was exceptional.This is a very fine small film that involves the viewer and this viewer is very grateful for the obvious thought and effort put forth by the cast and crew.Thank you.

Yes.The summary line was a slam at the the negative reviewers. "Thick as a whale omelet".

Moonrise -a beautifully produced vision of a Southern Gothic tale by a master veteran director -Frank Borzage .Very much like "Night of the Hunter" , "Moonrise" blends Film Noir into a rural dream scape.The shadow of F.W. Murnau looms large across both films. Moonrise displays sumptuous looking cinematography by John Russell (who tries out the swinging ceiling light in one violent scene that he would later employ in Hitchcock's "Psycho").Kudos to set designer(s) for the fine looking "Deep South" look, from the shabby shack to main street to the the County Fair and the old abandoned mansion. The Cast- Gail Russell who's ethereal beauty is perfect for this film(or any other film for that matter) plays the town school teacher "Gilly Johnson". Allyn Joslyn is exceptional as the fair minded understated town Sheriff "Clem Otis".Rex Ingram equally fine as a wise coon hunter on the edge of town "Mose".Lloyd Bridges has a very short stay in the film as the rich bully "Jerry Sykes". Now who is the lead actor of this much praised film? Uh..would you believe Dane Clark? I didn't. Not all his fault. The part, as written, is the most unlikeable and incredulous aspect of the film. If there already wasn't a village idiot(Harry Morgan's character) Clark's "Danny Hawkins would be front runner for that tag.He seems more than borderline psychotic and wanders through most of the film as if brain damaged- displaying behavior and blurting utterances that left this viewer shaking his head .(You have got to be kidding!)His scenes with Gail Russel(Romance??) are none too believable and a more than a bit creepy. Maybe a Farley Granger or John Derek might have lent more credibility to the love angle .Moonrise -a good movie-coulda been great.

I loved the first two seasons .It was the best show on TV.This last season was horrid. I know the kids had to go to "special" school,but when did Mackey"s wife go retarded? What's with the creepy Forest Whitaker character? The incident with Mackey and Whitaker's unbalanced wife was just lame. Yeah, "Dutch" is losing his "moral compass" bearings and getting sicker by the season. A lotta gripes about the camera work but I think it's an integral part of the series and that clown Shield rip-off show on TNT is pathetically trying to duplicate it. The Shield- a great show that couldn't sustain it's intriguing intensity .Kudos to Farmington station.

If any two or three of Deadwood's best episodes were strung together and released as a feature film without any prior knowledge that it was cable produced, that piece of work would most assuredly garner numerous Academy award nominations-no doubt about it.

I find Deadwood indeed, mesmerizing and astounding. I am part of it's DVD viewing audience and I must say that season one's first episode was somewhat distracting because of the almost laughable use of profanity.Yeah, I was wondering "Do they get paid by how many times F**k is uttered?" The ensuing episodes mapped out the incredibly mesmerizing(there's that word again) dynamics of the series and I sat up and took keen interest.Why they had to swear so much was of no interest to me at that point. Deadwood borrows from some great westerns "McCabe and Mrs. Miller " immediately came to mind, for it's rough-hewed frontier community look and feel and the wheeling dealing power plays. Oddly enough, a John Wayne movie "True Grit", for it's wonderful colloquialisms and fanciful turns of phrases.The script of that film is a treasure of old West language. The cast of Deadwood is sublime. Ian McShane's nefarious whorehouse saloon owner Al Swear(?)engen, is a human maelstrom, involving every facet of the human condition-Good, Bad or Indifferent. Shakespearian to be sure. McShane is fantastic.Timothy Olyphant is a revelation in his role as Sheriff Bullock the Knight errant with a hair trigger violent streak. His tension filled(sexual and otherwise) interplay with equally outstanding Molly Parker as rich widow Alma Garret, is my primary reason for viewing.It's called Chemistry and it's awesome. Kudos to Brad Dourif as the easily flustered by his own sense of incompetence, but earnest town Doc. William Sanderson entertains as the slimy , pathetic hotel owner,E.B.Farnum-forever wanting to be invited to the "Game" with the "Big Boys" ,but is reduced to a laughably sorry "cheerleader" as Al tells him to "Get the f*%k outa here". Powers Boothe -Slick, Murky, blackness in human form as gambling house owner, Cy Tolliver.Paula Malcomson plays Al's personal whore and main tentacle to the outside world as Trixie. Jim Beaver as "Ellsworth" , probably integrity personified as the Mrs. Garret's mine manager. Robin Weigert's "Calamity Jane"-a lost soul who commiserates with Dayton Callie's express man-"Charlie Utter", both were very close to Keith Carridine's wonderfully realized doomed Wild Bill Hickock.John Hawkes and Jeffry Jones shine as Sol Starr, Jewish shop owner and Jones as the town's truth seeking Newspaper man. Deadwood :sex,murders,plagues,greed,cursing, irony, intrigue,.and much much more. 10/10.

Take equal parts ABC After School Special, "The Killers","The Law and Jake Wade", and a fifty gallon drum of blood.Give it a bit of a stirring. Add very nice cinematography and a brooding ,ominous score and an old USA Channel movie plot & acting, (Joe Penny in the Tom role). Season with hype as needed. Another piping hot load of crap from our friends in Hollywood. What's Western culture these days? Oh, a freakin' comic book. I'm watching this t*rd and thinking it's not even funny- bad. Viggo's acting repertoire consists of blank looks and a raising of one or two eyebrows to denote surprise.The actress who plays his wife goes through her role like a drug addict who's been cut off about a week before filming.Their kids-the less said the better-painful to witness.The Ed Harris character-reject from the worst "Batman" movie. William Hurt-Jon Lovitz on the phone-he wants his shtick back.This movie did not entertain, enlighten or remotely suggest anything new in film making.It was an exercise in dismaying lameness.Question-why would Tom's brother have multiple men killed(including the one Tom horribly disfigured-Who, logic suggest, would have blown Tom's head off straight away for pay back-"Sorry ,it was him or me,Chief") just to to have him come back to Philly,have a bizarre hug and kiss scene with him ;then have some other, lesser goon, knock him off-*because the mansion he lives in isn't big enough?* His own brother? Maybe David Lynch would have given it a warped fascinating quality or Paul Verhoeven some satiric wit. This waste of film is just stupefyingly void of any interest inducing qualities.Anyone who see's anything different -your drool bucket needs changing. Poor Viggo- He didn't want to be a "sexy violent beast"--they made him. Damn them all to hell!! Cronenberg's best will always be "The Dead Zone"- ..thanks to Mr. Walken's injection of genuine humanity.

"Ordeal" is a quality television film from 1973 with a very good cast and great production values. The story of a somewhat shallow rich man who literally wanders the desert and in the process discovers his deeper self. The bright ,arrid Arizona desert is used to great effect and I was really impressed by the film's stately score. Seemingly all the main characters in the movie are unlikeable ,but Arthur Hill lets us see the subtle transformation from a man on a mission of hateful revenge(against a fed-up wife and the shifty trail guide who left him to die with a broken leg in the merciless desert)to a man who, in overcoming incredible obstacles(almost too incredible), he finds his place-connection in this stark natural world and an inner peace.The scene where he finds a water hole is beautifully done.This film is certainly a worth a look.

Having not seen this film in about 20 years I am still impressed with it 's hard -hitting impact and stellar acting. Of course, one Mr. Mickey Rooney is indeed, INCREDIBLE in his role as the ring-leading "Killer".(In reference to another review here-none other than Orson Welles evoked Mickey Rooney's name as the greatest movie actor,also.) I also recall the jazzy-brassy score and the bare black and white photography. I love the Mick's last line before he goes out for his dose of lead poisoning.(I think the Stranglers lifted it for a line in one of their songs-Get a Grip on Yourself.)This is a great film and unjustly buried film. Let's get it out ! Side note-a recent Film Review magazine gave a big write up on Don Segal's "Babyface Nelson" ,made a couple years before "Last Mile" and also starring Mickey Rooney. Another rave of the Mick's intense and sympathetic performance.Perhaps it's the start of a groundswell of a appreciation for some truly superior cinematic performances.

Another pleasant surprise from a 50 set Mystery Classic DVD package put out by Treeline Films. The Death Kiss is a diverting early 30's murder mystery set against the backdrop of a Hollywood studio movie production.This viewer enjoyed the knowing glimpse of the inner workings of a studio...the "Old Country" Jewish studio boss(with the fractured English and acute cost consciousness),the Big Star actress with a rocky private life,and the amateur sleuth screen writer.The whole cast , in this not exactly big budget film, is first-rate(a little too broad on the comedy relief). Good looking. likable chap David Manners plays the writer, and seems to be having a lot of fun doing so(what's with these David Manners bashers? My God, you'd think he was as bad as George Raft -The All-Time Worst "actor").) Bela Lugosi is earnest but somewhat out of place here.The Death Kiss keeps you guessing and is a nice flash-back to "Talkies" and actual "ice" in the ice box. Take a look....

Dick Tracy vs. Cueball starts at the comic strip level and then zips along with some finely turned performances (mostly by the supporting characters). Dick Tracy comes off a little wooden and bland."Cueball" , looks so perplexed and worried through the whole film that you kinda feel sorry for him , even though he goes around choking people to death .He does give his victims(most of them) the chance to talk it over or play it straight-above board, but they don't .They take him for a big goof.. er cue-ball...and well, they get what's coming to them.The visuals in this film are superior. Kudos go to cinematographer George Diskant and director Gordon Douglas for his interesting camera placements etc...Gotta love "The "Dripping Dagger"sign. If you like that "1940's Hollywood look", this film is worth a look.

A Western that shows how the "West growed itself up and got itself civilized".Richard Widmark gives what is probably his last great performance as a Sheriff whose way a doing things don't sit right with the "powers-that-be" personified by town merchant Carrol O Conner.This movie ,like Invitaion to a Gunfighter made some years before it reveals just how gutless and desperate the power-brokers are when there's no one to do their bidding.The film still holds up (even with the much mentioned two directors)though it has that "back-lot"look to most of it.John Saxon has a brief but memorable piece of work in this must see film for western fans or good movie fans.

I confess to not having seen this in 30 years,but politics and aging aside,I still remember it as a film that took on a different/ not usual subject(Red China) and had Gregory Peck giving an all out performance as a "layman" spy . It had a somewhat novel gadget factor with the monitoring listening device and the introduction of Mao's country as another "Player" in the big game of world control.The chase for the border was tense and very memorable (the U.S. actually working with the Soviets...who woulda thunk it?)It also boast top-notch production qualities(Score, direction and a fine supporting cast.)There's a funny part that I still remember ... Military guy Arthur Hill is taking the trigger-detonator of Peck's "brain-bomb" from a safe and noticing there's a "skull and crossbones" on it. Hill-"Whose the joker who did this?".........

I happen too see this wonderful film by chance, some years ago, on Encore's Western channel.It's a fine, vivid telling of the Anglo encroachment into mid 1800"s California. Rick Jason is exceptional as the son of a recently murdered Spainish land baron, who is thrust into the forefront of trying to protect what has been his family's land for generations ,against the white settlers who move in now and answer questions later .Brian Keith, in one of his fine low key performances, plays a man who(gets things done), for the Anglo powers that be,but decides to think for himself after being befriended by Jason's character.The rest of the cast is stellar as well as the writing ,direction, music and the glorious color photography. This is a rare gem, not many U.S. films like it...if any.

I saw this by chance as one of those DVD package deals(reasonably priced with cinema nuggets). This particular film grabbed from the outset with it's "graveyard twangy" credits theme. The story is part"I Walked with a Zombie", "Eraser Head",and a dab of "Rosemary's Baby". A sporty dressed Robert Alda goes through the film as if on tranquilizers adding to the black&white "dreamlike' quality of the movie.The actors should be credited for doing their best to sell this very kooky story with equally kooky dialog. There's a sexy " Siren Witch" and a sinister Warlock, who looks like a bank president.Considering the apparent woeful budget of this endeavor , I say kudos for trying and take a look- you've seen worse.

I also saw this first aired and maybe once again about 20 years ago. It is a very remarkable movie and reminds one just how deplorable the state of broadcast, cable, dish and theatrical entertainment is these days.This film was FREE!No paying $60.00 a month to watch crap and commercials, or $10.00 for a ticket to have your intelligence insulted.Perhaps the reason these films aren't made available is that the target audience(kids with money)will think the films too slow and brain cramp inducing, so why bother . "Duel" was a "movie of the week" and there are many other fine made for television efforts(Brotherhood of the Bell)....What's so hard about creating a "Movie of the Week" channel....Just keep the viewers dumb and you don't have to work so hard to entertain them ......."The Flag ..it's Red ,White and..Black!.."Great movie.

I found "Love Nest" to be light,engaging, nicely moving romantic comedy.The two leads(June Haver& William Lundigan) are very likable and there's a fine supporting cast. Jack Paar is entertaining as a witty friend of the family. Marilyn Monroe does her talking mannequin thing and doesn't overstay.Frank Fay does a nice job as an old lady charmer(real & fake). The script, by Billy Wilder collaborator I.A.L.Diamond, has some good one-liners and some actual heart-felt moments; as a just furloughed G.I./writer and his young wife find them selves owner of a dilapidated apartment house in N.Y. city and all that goes with it (fussy tenants,building inspectors,kooky cat).It has a scratch your head ending, but it's a pleasant viewing experience.(note: the DVD has Marilyn Monroe plastered all over the cover.She's hardly in it.)

First off.. "More Dead Than Alive" is available on DVD. The movie is an interesting ,offbeat Western .Perhaps Clint Walker's most accomplished performance(I know, not saying much) as a paroled gunfighter(Killer Kane), not allowed a fair shake by the good citizens of the Arizona Territory. He goes into business with a stovepipe-hatted Vincent Price(subdued) as a side-show trick-shot, but his past still travels with his present.Paul Hampton is a standout as the young fast gun dead-eye(though he's never drawn on a live person).He's like a hopped-up Owen Wilson.The locations are authentic and the situations believable.The score ..kinda goofy.Well worth a look.

I ,too saw this at a So-Cal drive-in, twenty odd years back.We got there after the film started and one of my buddies remarked "Hey ,isn't that Larry Storch hanging on that hook in the shed?"....It truly was "Magic Time"...AIP provided some kooky, grisly ,over acted gems back then. Where fine , but seemingly "washed -up" actors Palance, Landau, Brand ,Mitchell could still be on the "Big Screen" and show their chops.I remember mostly dark foggy woods and scared kids , and Hey ,don't go in the house! This "AIP Movie Era" was sadly coming to a close and "Without Warning" is a great example of this late lamented(?)style of cinema.I can still hear Jack Palance screaming "ALIEN!!!!!"................sigh..

Still another lost gem from the "Golden 1970's".It ranks right along side "The Long Goodbye" and Night Moves" as a super slice of "Modern Film Noir"-- 70's Los Angeles style.It truly is character driven (Boggs ,looking for clues under a murder victim's kitchen sink, see's a mouse-trap and then a mouse...he unloads the trap.)Yet there are very impressive , deftly staged ,action sequences...-a mid-day shoot-out in an eerily empty L.A. Coliseum and a night-time bullet exchange in a crowded Dodger Stadium parking lot.The Mob, the Cops , Black Militants, Latino Militants, marital problems...These guys(HIckey&Boggs) are in way over their heads and carry their just dusted off guns- in towels, for crying out loud. But they have each other's back and they're gonna "finsh the job". A Classic.

A wonderful cast propels this warmly funny heist movie.As mentioned above-No sex, minute violence (knock on the head), no cussing-and totally entertaining.The cast Redford,Segal,Leibman and Paul Sand are all in top form. Add Zero Mostel and Moses Gunn and you'll find yourself watching with grin all the way through.Look fast for a very young Christopher Guest as a cop.Perfect score by Quincy Jones,and directer Peter Yates injects action into a nice prison break scene.I too, as a teen , saw this movie in the theater and it's still one of my favorites.... "But there are things you can have people do for you....Isn't that right Chicken?"......

I happened to catch about the last 45 minutes of the movie,late night about 8 years ago. What a wild and funny 45 minutes.I was absolutely knocked out by chase-shoot-out at the end that takes place at night ,inside an old hotel that's being torn down with a wrecking ball....Incredible. I vaguely remember Stacy Keach ,stealing a cop car, faking being a cop and strong arming some winos....Wino to Keach"Hey,why Ya hasslin us?...Keach"It's my job".You're correct. They don't make them like that anymore.Great movie. The golden70's...Hopefully it will see the light of day as a DVD along with other lost treasures...Hickey and Boggs being one such.