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The Occult: The Truth Behind the Word (2010)
Extremely difficult to watch or listen to
While this title provides little new information, trying to endure the loud background music makes what information it does provide difficult and aggravating to hear. The different "experts" being filmed with an out-of-focus camera for a supposed dramatic effect doesn't help the cause for watching this poorly produced work. Avoid this and read a book on the topic instead. At least that won't leave your ears ringing.
Saving Lincoln (2013)
A work whose reach exceeds its grasp
While the production concept is novel, using historic photographs largely as backdrops and sets, it fails largely because of the other shortcomings of this work. The characters have no charisma with the audience nor chemistry among each other. For example, it was difficult to sense the bond between Lamon and Lincoln or feel emotion over Willie's death. Although the handling of the assassination at Ford's Theater was done well with imagination and taste. And it was refreshing to see that Elizabeth Keckley was given her just due in the in er role in the White House. Overall, the acting seemed on par with local amateur or first-year college drama class. As a former American History teacher and "lincolophile" I have always been fascinated with his ability to personally interact and connect with almost everyone with whom he came in contact yet that is completely absent in this work. The effort was noble, the concept unique, but generally fails across the board.
Lost in Space (2018)
Really good character-focussed science fiction romp
With most all science fiction over the last 40-plus years using CGI special effects being the counterpoint of their stories, it's extremely refreshing to find some that's character-centric. This edition of Lost in Space certainly has it's share of "aw, c'mon!" moments, they far from take away from the plot. The stories are tense, the characters relatable, the special effects minimal and overall the production quality is high. These aren't the Robinsons from the '60s version by a long shot; Dr Smith is far from the over-the-top, scenery-chewing oafish villain, Will isn't the know-it-all and his sisters are far from obnoxious and John Robinson doesn't hide a red "S" under his silver space suit. (One knock I might have is the casting of this John Robinson - he reminds me too much physically of John C. McGinley, but that's just my observation.) For those that gave up after the first episode, shame on you! You've missed some great stories and characters as well as cheated yourself out of a real treat and sold a solid production short. I rarely write reviews and even more rarely (read, never) binge watch anything, but this new series have prompted me to break both habits.
The Prophet (2014)
Thought provoking, moving masterpiece
I'm not one to write reviews very often but I couldn't leave this be. I was hesitant to watch The Prophet because I loved the book so much and have still been moved by it years later, but curiosity got the best of me. Because of the impact of the book, it's impossible to write a critical, objective review. With that in mind... To begin with, the animation is phenomenal. Each topic is done with different styles and all are eye catching and artistic in their own way. The framework story animation is fluid with no repetitive frames. Colors are vivid without being distracting; voice acting is first rate and natural. Liam Neeson initially wouldn't have been my first choice for Mustafa, but after watching, I couldn't imagine anyone else could have had a finer, more moving performance. Selma Hayek did a beautiful job as Kamila. But the entire package together is an extremely moving, emotional, thought provoking and unforgettable. Very rarely have I ever been moved by anything on the screen, large or small, but this did in a huge way. Realizing that putting Kahlil Gibran's masterwork on a screen would be nearly impossible because the book affects everyone in their individual way, this production was able to remain true to the core of the work. Granted, there were some omissions and alternations, but the essence of Gibran's jewel is still very much on display. Unlike just about every other movie or performance I've ever seen, The Prophet has occupied my mind long after watching it.
The All New Adventures of Laurel & Hardy in 'For Love or Mummy' (1999)
Completely Unwatchable
It's unimaginable that anyone could hope to think that they could capture the humor, magic and chemistry of the funniest duo in comedy history. I kept thinking this is more of a Three Stooges movie minus one. The premise is trite and the physical comedy is far too over the top, probably because the director/producers felt that the physical comedy of the 1930s is to subtle for modern audiences. There is too much forced situations set up to just set up broad, gratuitous destruction. L&H worked because the two could play off of each other and the situations they're innocence and naivete got them into. This movie completely misses the mark by a wide mile what made Laurel and Hardy comedies genuinely funny and should never have been made.
Mr. Peabody & Sherman (2014)
Absolutely The Funniest I've Seen in Years!
To begin with, I was a big fan of Mr. Peabody and Sherman as a child in the 60s and was skeptical about an updated remake and avoided it at the theaters. Usually updated stories from years gone by get ruined by making them current. But I had a chance to see it and was glad I did. I laughed out loud more during this movie than I had in any movie in a long, long time. There's humor for every generation from Baby Boomer to Millennial. I wasn't prepared for how actually intelligent it is. Possible spoiler: There are many little touches that Boomers will recognize and appreciate and laugh at in recognition ("Hey, I'm walking here!", "I'm Spartacus!" etc), and stick around for the very last few frames for a true 'Fractured Fairy Tales" touch. The wit is sharp and humor is surprisingly stronger than the original cartoons. And the music is pretty good, too.
Scrooge (1970)
Ranks as the second worst Christmas movie of all time
Next to "Santa Claus Conquers the Martians", this version of "A Christmas Carol" is the worst holiday movie made. I realize that directors, producers, et al, are apt to leave their imprint on a work, particularly a noted work. But the variations in this movie makes it nearly unrecognizable from the original. But a musical? A musical of Dicken's seminal work makes as much sense as "Springtime for Hitler" ("The Producers", 1966). Perhaps if the music were catchy and less frequent...
I realize that of all the versions of this landmark Christmas story vary to some degree from the original. Being a staunch admirer of Charles Dickens, I'd highly recommend George C. Scott's version (1984) as the most mood authentic, or Patrick Stewart (1999) as the most faithful. Both have their flaws, but are the most true to the book. Truth be told, if the book were done in it's entirety and accurately, it would be a mini series. But to add silly scenes like Scrooge's descent into hell?
The characters in the Finney version fail to stir any feeling or identification whatsoever. Tiny Tim is almost non-existent, Fred one dimensional, Jacob Marley a cartoon character; but Scrooge quickly reminds me of John Cleese as a 'Gumby' "Monty Python's Flying Circus", more laughable and ludicrous than an unredeemed soul.
The production quality is poor, the special effects shoddy. As a musical, it was like it was done after the last musical was made. As a Christmas movie, it's asking much too much to ask to endure this dreck once a year.