Reviews

I'll keep this short, since the movie was long. Most films work that way. The longer they are, the less you need to say, and vice-versa (speaking of which...). I loved this movie. Intense, confusing, inspiring and incredibly well-acted. This is the kind of movie for which actors study.

All the technical elements are top-notch. The players are superb and the writing is special. This is a rare film experience. It may illicit adoration or frustration depending upon your perspective. It's out-of-style subtlety demands your complete attention. I can understand why so many people turn their nose up at a work like this, it's so ambitious that it invites it. It's also easy to see why so many love it, it earns it.

Finally, the "frogs". There seem to be as many valid opinions on their symbolism as there are viewers. Personally, I interpreted them to be a wide-spectrum response from the heavens on the theme of "Sins of our Fathers". Analyzing how the "frogs" affect each character in respect to their participation in the stated theme brought to light very interesting commentary on the creators' views, and provoked some serious thought on my own. Regardless, it may well be remembered as one of the greatest scenes of all-time.

Bottom line: whatever your take, if you have the time and the stomach for it (lots of serious, powerful subject matter), it's worth a look. My score: 9/10.

No one better spoil this piece of work! Awesome movie! Written expertly by the likes of Ira Levin and depicted with the best performance of Christopher Reeve's career and one of Caine's very best, this is simply excellent. I wish I could catch a staged version somewhere...maybe someday I will. I hope this grossly underrated, overlooked film has not become too difficult to locate because it a 'must' for any Hitchcockian, Agatha-phile or lover of great film. One of very few movies I couldn't instantly solve or predict and worth a second or even third viewing, "Deathtrap" gets a 9/10 and earns every iota of it. We need and deserve more movies like this!

Fans of MNF will absolutely love this movie. Fence-stradlers will enjoy it and anti-football fanatics will relish the opportunity to say, "See, I told you they were idiots!" A behind the scenes look at ABC's Monday Night Football, "Monday Night Mayhem" included all the 'well-known' hijinx plus some more obscure shenanigans. Focusing on Howard Cosell (portrayed with grit and depth by John Turturro) and his relationship with producer Roone Arledge, the movie pulls few punches. It doesn't flinch on most incidents, including alleged racism, the infamous 'bird', booze in the booth, gambling and groupies. Best of all are the collage sequences featuring some good tunes and classic commercials from the era. As a child of the 70s, it was nostalgia overload. There are some excellent performances and some lackluster parts but overall it succeeds. I give it a 7/10: solid.

This really is a good film, provided you're in the right mood. The 'mood' being one of relaxation and contentment. If you're not, you'll probably hate this film, or least you'll hate the way it makes you feel. But if you are already somewhat subdued and in the mood for a little 'none-too-heavy' movie entertainment, this is a superb choice. It examines life, love, marriage and parenting from various angles and perceptions. It starts a wee bit slow so bear with it. It goes down smooth and leaves a satisfyingly sweet after taste. Karla DeVito's 'sweet smile' is worth the price of admission alone. Sadly, this film's poor reception and the advent of DVD technology will most likely relegate it to dusty shelves and Beta machines-if it hasn't already. 8/10.

Ah! To be young (at heart) again... This enjoyable little docu/mockumentary is at once entertaining and befuddling. It brings to mind my own memories of watching the original "Star Trek" reruns as a very small child with my Pop whilst my Mother worked the graveyard shift. I would sit playing with the tall, mobile action figures that have long since disappeared. As I grew up, "Star Wars" replaced "Trek" for me and I had all but forgotten how involved I had once been in it's journey. However, between my "Trekker" brother-in-law, "The Next Generation" and "Trekkies" I have reacquainted myself with the "Star Trek" phenomenon. It is a fun film, filled with fascinating AND weird (literally) examples of fans' devotion to the various series, movies and characters. A must for "Trek" fans and a capable vehicle of entertainment for anyone who is slightly interested in the "Trekkie" mystery or just needs a night of light-hearted escapism. The glimpses into these peoples lives provide unexpected insight into how we should perceive our own eccentricities and to consider how seriously we take our own work--and our play.

A sprawling classic, filmed with mesmerizing sweep and scope. The film plays like it's subject matter; fun-loving, drugged, beautiful, scary and bitter. An early herald to indie film, "Easy Rider" has become the flagship for an entire (counter)culture and retains all it's impact years later. It's a journey that must be experienced to be appreciated, so see it for yourself. Featuring a myriad of scenery, supporting characters and locales it effectively brings to life--life on the road. Not merely a "period" piece, it survives today as an accomplished endeavor. Dennis Hopper is nearly unrecognizable and Jack Nicholson is a haunting drunkard. Peter Fonda provides a continuity of purpose and image. Boasting an incredible soundtrack, "Easy Rider" is a great ride, but not easy. It's ending will leave you slack-jawed and somewhat bitter, but it is an enduring image. I give it a 8/10 and considering it's origins and durability it might deserve higher marks.

The very definition of "Film Noir", "Laura" is an exemplary work. It is built around a minimal number of characters who play well off one another to create an aura of tension, mystery and intrigue. Clifton Webb absolutely steals the show amongst many great performances. Vincent Price fans will be surprised by and love his turn as the boyfriend. The classic "pseudo-symbolic" tie-tying scene never loses it's appeal. My Father convinced me to watch this movie and I am grateful. It is timeless and deseving of a 10/10 as the best film of it's genre, in my opinion. A DVD release is desperately deserving as even the VHS version usually requires a 'special order'.

My two cents: Awesome! I'll try to let that be my summary contribution to the growing list of well-deserved one-word accolades for this film. Everything has been pored over in minute detail so it's not necessary to reiterate. I won't relay the story or plot because there are so many well-written recaps already (and you need to read the books anyway). I'll just say that I have been a Tolkien fan for 20 years...and this visual interpretation was worth the wait...that should say it all. The acting was above par, the SFX nearly seamless (arguably the best ever), the music moving and appropriate and the editing (considering the mammoth source work) was superior and far better than I anticipated. The (relatively) minor changes and omissions bothered me little. The one and only thing I truly missed was the conflict and blossoming bond between Gimli and Legolas. Alas, it is small worry in comparison to the spellbinding overall effect. The film maintained it's wonder even under the scrutiny of a second (and much more analytical) viewing. Suffice it to say that my wife and brother, both of whom have never read the books, nor cared to, were fascinated and kept me up until nearly 1 AM for Tolkien Q&A. Both now desire to read the books and have begun the fantastic journey of exploring Middle-Earth. 10/10 for the most accomplished adaptation in movie history, in my opinion. Thank you Peter Jackson and ALL the hard workers (extras, wranglers, techs, carpenters, farmers, etc.) who labored long to bring to inspiring fruition the dreams of little boys the world over. Count me one.

Okay, so the film isn't a masterpiece for anyone involved, but the DVD is worth the price for Harryhausen fans. I won't reiterate a fairly lame plot but to say that a prince is morphed into a baboon and Sinbad must find a way to correct this untimely development in order to repay a friend and win the hand of the lovely Jane Seymour. All in all, the film turns out to be rather entertaining once Patrick Troughton makes it on-screen to flesh-out the dialogue. Overshadowing the movie's multiple shortcomings, however, is the always inspiring stop-motion work of Ray Harryhausen. The Trog and sabre-tooth are two fine creations and while we don't see anything on par with the 7 skeletons in "Jason & the Argonauts" or Medusa from "Clash of the Titans" there are some great moments with other creatures. While to be treasured as one of Harryhausen's last films the DVD also includes the added bonus of "The Ray Harryhausen Chronicles", an in-depth documentary narrated by Leonard Nimoy featuring a bio and interviews with today's FX masters. This and other features combine to make an otherwise average fantasy/adventure film worth a look--if you're a Harryhausen fan and you've got a DVD player. For all the extra features, I'll give the DVD a 6/10.

This film is lots of fun and goes down smooth. Grant is classic as the grizzled boozer who plays look-out for the Allies and a gaggle of young lassies. It is one of the more well-executed romantic comedies (that's how I would classify it, anyway) and the tension of the final scenes is excellent considering the difficulty of weaving in such weighty material to an otherwise farcical film. Nobody does those twisted-lip facial expressions of exasperation better than Grant.

I will always remember a certain Sunday in lil ole Luverne, Alabama, having a great time with my family watching trusty TBS (the way it used to be). It's not the greatest movie ever, but it is a fine choice for a lazy afternoon or light evening fun. I give it a 7/10 and it might deserve higher marks. Break out the Orville Reddenbocker, and follow with an "Operation Petticoat" chaser.

This movie, based on the book of the same name, starts a wee bit too sluggish, features some nice special effects in the later half and gets downright cheesy and predictable at the end. It relays the story of a young lad who discovers he has untold abilities in the art of wizardry and builds thereon with the process of his schooling in said talent. The character development is way too slow in portions and non-existent in others--unless you've read the book, you don't have much chance of knowing who they're talking about, considering they have such weird names. It has moments of neatness ("sorting hat", "moving stairwells", etc.), but you never feel immersed in the "Hogwarts" world. I got the vibe they should have either totally hammed it up or made it quite a bit more gritty. Alas, it appears yet another novel couldn't be properly consolidated into a film format. Still, the kiddies will probably love it and it could have been much worse, although it is a bit too long--I kept checking my watch.

I gave this movie an extra point just for having the meanest looking, most imaginative vampire I've seen since "Nosferatu". It's not the greatest movie by any stretch of the imagination, but if you enjoy Stephen King, scary movies or just like vampires--it's worth a look.

A great, light-hearted ride that enriches the originals and features one of the wildest villains in recent history. The movie is filled with inside jokes (although that can exclude non-fans)--did anybody else get it when Obi-Wan says, "I have a bad feeling about this."? He's the only major character that doesn't say that in the first 3. I think everyone expected a rousing triumph like the first film, and when that wasn't delivered, some folks got disappointed. Hey, when the main character is a kid--have you ever worked with kids? (much as I love 'em) I know most of the original fan base liked it, but not everybody else...consider what's to come in the next 2...this one needed to be more farcical--quit trying to tilt it as a movie not as good as "Star Wars" and enjoy it for the wonderful escape that it is...this is one film I think will only be appreciated in retrospect. The scenery is jaw-dropping, Maul is fabulously scary, the Jedi light-sabre battles pale the original hand-to-hand combat scenes and the pod-race is exciting (Ben-Hur or no Ben-Hur). It's a fantastic movie--it's just not "Star Wars", but it's not supposed to be. 9/10.

The only one of the original 3 that I consider slightly below par. Still an excellent movie and far better than most of the standard fare of today, but slightly less accomplished than New Hope or Empire. Ewoks just don't do it for me...the score is still great and it provides resolution to the world's best movie trilogy (or sextet now, I guess). I couldn't stand the new "end theme" that the "special edition" showcased. Stick with the originals (all best on the big screen)...has Lucas agreed to arrange for an all day/every day "Star Wars" movies theatre in his will yet? 9/10.

The Imperial Walkers approaching the Hoth Base is the greatest opening scene in the history of sci-fi/action/epics. Empire is nearly as good as the first and the score is equally good. It remains my 2nd "most watched" movie and probably always will. This, in my opinion, is probably the only one of the 3 originals to benefit from the "special editions". The "Wampa" scenes are much improved. Incredible on the big screen. There should be a movie house somewhere that only shows Star Wars movies...all day...every day. Maybe Lucas could put that in his will? What do you think? I give it 10/10.

Ahhhhh, "Phantasm"! Quite a scary flick...I was first exposed to this little horror about 15 years ago by my Pop. I doubt that I will ever give a "horror" movie a 10, but this is as close as I have ever gotten. Tall Man is absolutely frightening and the "ball" is as fearsome an accessory as ever has appeared on screen. 10 times the fear factor of any hockey mask, hatchet or claw!

You could argue for days about why this film is scary; the acting is mediocre at best, the scenes can be confusing and the resolution isn't exactly spectacular--however, this movie gets under your skin! Although never heavy-handed, it forces your head back and twists it's way deep into your psyche, sure to rear it's ugly mug after the lights go out. The inexplicable appeal is probably somewhere to be found within the setting (funeral home), spooky music (gruesome sound-effects) and style. It's subtle eerie-ness is totally unnerving and the fact that your imagination is given just enough information to be dangerous doesn't help.

I spent weeks of my childhood, alone in bed, writhing beneath the blade of it's cold imagery. This is one that stays with you...whether you want it to or not. It's actually better on a second or third viewing, but I wouldn't recommend watching it very often. 9/10 for provoking my imagination in a way no other "horror" film ever has...

I would never spoil the wonder that is "Watership Down". The book and the film are timeless classics. I think it is the greatest adaptation of a novel (any genre) ever made and one of the most under-rated movies of all-time. They managed to capture more of a long novel (nearly 500 fantastic pages) than most films can compile from a 200 page source work. The soundtrack is beautiful (I'll be getting one for a Christmas present--thanx for the info IMDb!!) and matches the mood of the scenes perfectly.

Viewers will recognize someone they know in nearly every rabbit and, with unbiased observation, probably see themselves. It is at once gripping and gentle, heart-rending and endearing. You will find yourself humming the tunes incessantly for months afterward. I recommend reading the book first (also try "Traveler" by Adams, another classic), then purchasing the film, then the soundtrack--wait, better yet, write your Congressman and demand a DVD release. I long for another wide-screen viewing (hint, hint)!

I have noticed multiple comments that state the movie is too violent for children (it is somewhat graphic--to it's credit). For very small children, I would whole-heartedly agree, however, I think it depends on the individual. I was lucky enough to have a Father who took me to see it at the theatre when I was a youngster (about 5) and it did not scar me or give me nightmares--rather I learned the importance of the symbiotic circle of existence and the reality and necessity of life and death. It is still a comfort to me in times of sadness. In addition, the movie is highly layered and something new can be gleaned with nearly every viewing.

I enjoyed it for years and only later realized many people had never even heard of it...I take every opportunity to recommend it and not once, not once, have I heard anything but thanks for the suggestion. Most of them end up owning the film. Both symbolic and blunt, "Watership Down" is a triumph of emotional proportions and is exemplary of what adaptations, animation, scoring and good film-making should be about. This wonderful adventure is an asset to any collection...10/10.

The Rankin-Bass animated production of Tolkien's "The Hobbit" is surpassed only by the "Watership Down" adaptation of the same era. While the quality of the VHS tapes are not to be considered high end (containing sound blurbs, bad vertical alignment and grainy picture--I have owned 2 and a laser disc, so I assume the "master" tape was damaged), the DVD re-mastering should be much improved. In reality, the failures of the analog tape are the only weakness of this film.

True, you must have an interest in the genre of Fantasy and enjoy animation to fully appreciate "The Hobbit", but it contains enough sheer fun and escapism for nearly anyone to enjoy. Considering that it was a "made-for-TV" cartoon, it remains remarkably true to the book, capturing the spirit of adventure that is the hallmark of the novel. Although it omits some things and characters, it is complimented by a masterful score and is still the best interpretation of the songs I have ever heard (that includes the famous BBC audio production). There is almost no violence--by today's standards, at least. The creatures are nicely drawn and lushly colored. I won't spoil the experience but would encourage all adventurous children (of any age) to spend an evening of exploration with Bilbo & Co. In re-mastered clarity and unedited splendor, I give this little gem a 10/10.

Avid fans might want to track down the companion "record & book set" that were produced at the time of it's original release. I was lucky enough to get one and the set contains a storyboard of the film and the record mixed in most of the songs and dialogue. It also included collectible "iron-on" stickers of the main characters. There was also an illustrated companion hardback that is very rare.

What can you say? This is the movie the ol' "silver screen" was made for...planet-breaking effects, incredible music, good vs. evil, the total package. I was lucky enough for it to be one of the first movies I ever saw and still enjoy watching it. You really can't understand or argue it's effects on the movie industry unless you lived through it--even if you hate it--if you like one single sci-fi, western, action, adventure, fantasy, or epic movie that has come out since it's debut, then you need to tip your helmet to "Star Wars". I won't argue it's validity, it's place in history, it's "borrowing", etc., etc.--it speaks for itself in all those aspects. I just want to give it my 10/10 and say 3 things: 1) The "special editions" are not as good as the originals (Empire is the only one that has any real improvement) 2) They are still as good as they were 20 years ago and 3) Seeing it on the "big screen" is so different, it's almost like seeing a different movie. I'm glad they put them back in, even if it was with the new effects (which I don't hate, I just don't think are as good as the originals), so a whole new generation of kids (of all ages) could enjoy them in the way they were intended. There should be a theatre somewhere that only shows the Star Wars movies...all day...every day. May the force be with you...always...

It really is a wonderful life, isn't it? How could someone not think so after watching this? One of the few movies that is guaranteed to make a grown man cry, "Wonderful Life" is a staple of the Holiday season around my home. Truly uplifting, very nearly epic in it's message and scope and one of the few unadulterated tear-jerkers, it looks to remain a staple of every new generation. Among Jimmy Stewart's many grand performances, his every-man, uncelebrated hero in "Wonderful Life" is probably his best loved. To describe this movie is pointless--if you haven't seen it, do--if you have, see it again. "Should auld acquaintance be forgot..."