Theo Kojak was and IS the epitome of cool. He was a top cop, he kicked major criminal ass, he sucked on lollipops to kick his smoking habit, and best of all, he maintained a crome-dome so cool and fashionable, Vin Diesel doesn't even come close! The late, great Telly Savalas brought to life Det. Kojak, and thus this creation was the precursor to all those hip "supercop" TV shows to come, with NASH BRIDGES bearing in mind. Who loves ya, baby? Kojak does.
Reviews
16 Reviews
The Gold Rush
(1925)
One of the little Tramp's masterpieces (contains slight spoilers)
8 July 2003
Warning: Spoilers
The primitive production values, the decrepit-looking camera work, and the silent soundtrack (with only musical scores to suffice for the lack of the talkie in that era) does little to ruin the viewer's chance of being entertained by this highly enjoyable classic masterpiece by Charlie Chaplin. The Little Tramp finds himself in the Yukon, braving the wintery elements, bears, and a psychopath, all for the sake of claiming his own fortune of gold. Under his expert direction, Chaplin guides THE GOLD RUSH with painstaking detail of what life would be like to live in the freezing extremes, having to shack up in a cabin in danger of toppling over a snow-capped cliff, and feasting on shoes for protein. Amidst all the atrocities, Chaplin, being that likeable underdog that everybody roots for and loves, overcomes the odds, managing to make the best out of a bad (read: terrible) situation. He even takes the time to humor himself, and a few ladies, with a song-and-dance number involving two forks and a pair of potatoes.
Office Space
(1999)
It's oh so true!! (possible spoilers)
29 May 2003
Warning: Spoilers
Mike Judge takes us to a place where some people would picture what Hell would look like... if they feel destined to spend eternity surrounded by cubicles, annoying secretaries, metallic doorknobs that spark static once you touch them, and Satan in the form of a necktie-wearing, four-eyed supervisor. Welcome to OFFICE SPACE!
Now, I haven't yet entered the work force, so I wouldn't really know if this movie accurately depicts the rat race as terribly tortous as this. But after seeing how the story details three hapless employees of the corporate "Initech" (Ron Livinston, David Hermann, and Ajay Naidu), and how much contempt and hatred they have for their thankless careers, I wouldn't know if I still want to fulfill my college education only to end up like that trio of internally-doomed civil workers!
Now, I haven't yet entered the work force, so I wouldn't really know if this movie accurately depicts the rat race as terribly tortous as this. But after seeing how the story details three hapless employees of the corporate "Initech" (Ron Livinston, David Hermann, and Ajay Naidu), and how much contempt and hatred they have for their thankless careers, I wouldn't know if I still want to fulfill my college education only to end up like that trio of internally-doomed civil workers!
The Boondock Saints
(1999)
Let the Saints go marchin' in... guns blazing (SPOILERS)
29 April 2003
Warning: Spoilers
Is it me, or has it been some kind of trend now that Bible-thumping, gun-toting maniacs grace the screen? Apart from Samuel L. Jackson and his slick role as Julius ("Are you familiar with Ezekiel 25:17?") from PULP FICTION, I couldn't help but think of Conner and Murphy McManus from THE BOONDOCK SAINTS. How anyone can get away with making a movie about two brothers who kill in cold blood all for the sake of religious righteousness is beyond me. But the premise held a key point: the boys are murdering criminal elements, "scum of the earth", if you may. So is what they're doing that big of a deal? That's what the wise-cracking and ethically-conflicted FBI agent Smecker (Willem Dafoe) is debating with himself. Sure, the McManuses are shedding blood, but it just so happens that mobsters are the ones bleeding.
I got to give credit for this movie for being such a rich character study. Sean P. Flanery and Norman Reedus play the McManus boys with almost pious conviction, as they quote Bible verses before blowing off heads of the Mafiosi. And Dafoe never ceases to amaze how much of a great and diverse actor he is. Considering he played Jesus in THE LAST TEMPTATION OF CHRIST, who would have thought he would have appeared in a movie like this, where religion is depicted as something that can co-exist with gratuitous bloodshed? Only in Hollywood.
I got to give credit for this movie for being such a rich character study. Sean P. Flanery and Norman Reedus play the McManus boys with almost pious conviction, as they quote Bible verses before blowing off heads of the Mafiosi. And Dafoe never ceases to amaze how much of a great and diverse actor he is. Considering he played Jesus in THE LAST TEMPTATION OF CHRIST, who would have thought he would have appeared in a movie like this, where religion is depicted as something that can co-exist with gratuitous bloodshed? Only in Hollywood.
American History X
(1998)
A movie so thought-provoking and disturbing that the messages will remain with you for quite some time (it was for me...)
24 April 2003
Not since FULL METAL JACKET and DO THE RIGHT THING have I seen a movie that struck a good amount of nerves within me. AMERICAN HISTORY X is
the one film that takes shaky issues like racism and bigotry and explores the worlds behind them. Here, Edward Norton made his mark as a legendary actor with his role as Derek, an angry Skinhead from
Venice Beach, CA, who's p***ed-off-at-the-world persona could might as well pass him off as the reincarnated Hitler, only to have his eyes open the hard way after serving major time for a murder that stained his own pair of hands. Eddie Furlong also stars as Derek's impressionable kid brother, eager to step into his sibling's shoes.
the one film that takes shaky issues like racism and bigotry and explores the worlds behind them. Here, Edward Norton made his mark as a legendary actor with his role as Derek, an angry Skinhead from
Venice Beach, CA, who's p***ed-off-at-the-world persona could might as well pass him off as the reincarnated Hitler, only to have his eyes open the hard way after serving major time for a murder that stained his own pair of hands. Eddie Furlong also stars as Derek's impressionable kid brother, eager to step into his sibling's shoes.
The Seventh Seal
(1957)
A stunning work by Bergman
21 April 2003
Ingmar Bergam, known for his films that focus on touchy issues that
obviously would make for great story lines, dwells on the subject in THE SEVENTH SEAL. Arguably enough, this is considerably the Swedish director's most revered masterpiece. In it, Max Von Sydow (light
years before appearing in summer blockbusters such as MINORITY REPORT) plays a knight just returning from the Crusades with his squire, only to be constantly dogged by Death itself. The Reaper challanges the knight to a game of chess. The stakes? The knight's life if he loses. As the game precides as the two travel along the country side, the
notion of death still lingers, eventually motivating the knight to
see the darkness.
obviously would make for great story lines, dwells on the subject in THE SEVENTH SEAL. Arguably enough, this is considerably the Swedish director's most revered masterpiece. In it, Max Von Sydow (light
years before appearing in summer blockbusters such as MINORITY REPORT) plays a knight just returning from the Crusades with his squire, only to be constantly dogged by Death itself. The Reaper challanges the knight to a game of chess. The stakes? The knight's life if he loses. As the game precides as the two travel along the country side, the
notion of death still lingers, eventually motivating the knight to
see the darkness.
12 Angry Men
(1957)
Hits all the right buttons
18 March 2003
Sidney Lumet's film adaptation of Reginald Rose' play proves to be an artistically great film which successfully manages to entertain
as well. Courtroom-based dramas don't usually strike most viewers as films meant to be highly enjoyable, not as far as fun is concerned. But the riveting, character-based performances of the 12 jurors create such a strong, kinetic force, the viewer can't help but keep his eyes and ears glued to the screen.
as well. Courtroom-based dramas don't usually strike most viewers as films meant to be highly enjoyable, not as far as fun is concerned. But the riveting, character-based performances of the 12 jurors create such a strong, kinetic force, the viewer can't help but keep his eyes and ears glued to the screen.
Monty Python's Flying Circus
(1969–1974)
Inspired comedy from those brilliant, psychotic Brits...
10 March 2003
Graham Chapman, Michael Palin, and the American-reknowned Eric Idle
and John Cleese give us their brilliant, satiric comedic sketches that bring in the major laughs... even if you aren't British. Well, you still would need to listen carefully and go beyond their accents in
order to fully understand the humor. I know I did; I had to watch the VHS versions of the FLYING CIRCUS about 3 times! That being said, those wacky English folks hone in with their dry wit, and, I do say, successfully, too. OH Bugger!
and John Cleese give us their brilliant, satiric comedic sketches that bring in the major laughs... even if you aren't British. Well, you still would need to listen carefully and go beyond their accents in
order to fully understand the humor. I know I did; I had to watch the VHS versions of the FLYING CIRCUS about 3 times! That being said, those wacky English folks hone in with their dry wit, and, I do say, successfully, too. OH Bugger!
Boomtown
(2002–2003)
An innovative cop-thriller
3 March 2003
At first glance, BOOMTOWN might look like another of the long list of stereotypical network cops and robbers show where action and violence compensate for everything else. Not so for this exceptional thriller. I couldn't help but take in the consideration of BOOMTOWN's use of
the multiple P.O.V. Meaning, the police don't get to hog the spotlight, but others involved in an episode, including hospital personnel and even the criminals, acheive a piece of the viewer's attention as well. An interesting concept, for sure.
the multiple P.O.V. Meaning, the police don't get to hog the spotlight, but others involved in an episode, including hospital personnel and even the criminals, acheive a piece of the viewer's attention as well. An interesting concept, for sure.
Everwood
(2002–2006)
A good-natured show that happens to be the only one I like on the WB
24 February 2003
As opposed to all that other teen-angst programs the WB hows on their
evening lineups, EVERWOOD manages to shine without wearing the angst on its sleeves. Sure, the father-son conflict that Andrew Brown has with his son Ephram does sound like the usual tension that most adolescent-based dramas have (DAWSON'S CREEK should come to mind). But EVERWOOD doesn't go down that same path. It doesn't try to circulate around sex or drugs or what-not (or lack thereof. Viewers who DO try to look for those features should just stick to DAWSON). Instead, EVERWOOD tries to go for a more innocent, down-to-earth approach,
subtle without being too squeaky clean (7TH HEAVEN ring a bell?). Treat Williams plays Andrew Brown, acting with an average Joe attitude and the good man persona contained in it.
evening lineups, EVERWOOD manages to shine without wearing the angst on its sleeves. Sure, the father-son conflict that Andrew Brown has with his son Ephram does sound like the usual tension that most adolescent-based dramas have (DAWSON'S CREEK should come to mind). But EVERWOOD doesn't go down that same path. It doesn't try to circulate around sex or drugs or what-not (or lack thereof. Viewers who DO try to look for those features should just stick to DAWSON). Instead, EVERWOOD tries to go for a more innocent, down-to-earth approach,
subtle without being too squeaky clean (7TH HEAVEN ring a bell?). Treat Williams plays Andrew Brown, acting with an average Joe attitude and the good man persona contained in it.
2001: A Space Odyssey
(1968)
Space... the way Kubrick envisioned it
11 February 2003
Whether or not you understood the point of the movie, or had to endure its deliberate tortoise pace, or maybe you're just not a fan of
the music of Tchaikovsky, 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY is an undeniably interesting motion picture. Now, I can't really tell at the moment if director Stanley Kubrick made 2001 as accurately depicted as the
Arthur C. Clarke book of the same name. But once you get a taste of the exquisite camera work and visuals (gotta love those evolving apes from the Dawn of man, the giant satellite in Space, and that twisted ending), logic goes right out the window. One great feature was HAL, the talking computer with shady intentions towards his astronaut handlers Frank and Dave.
the music of Tchaikovsky, 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY is an undeniably interesting motion picture. Now, I can't really tell at the moment if director Stanley Kubrick made 2001 as accurately depicted as the
Arthur C. Clarke book of the same name. But once you get a taste of the exquisite camera work and visuals (gotta love those evolving apes from the Dawn of man, the giant satellite in Space, and that twisted ending), logic goes right out the window. One great feature was HAL, the talking computer with shady intentions towards his astronaut handlers Frank and Dave.
The Rules of Attraction
(2002)
Van Der Beek is the ultimate psycho sleaze-ball
28 January 2003
THE RULES OF ATTRACTION is one movie guaranteed NOT to find a spot on everyone's pallate. Not since Larry Clark's KIDS has there been a bazooka-launched assault of teen-ridden sexual innuendo on film! But for those who don't mind watching the high-rolling antics of
irresponsible college kids who dabble in sex, drugs, and rock and roll, this movie fits the grade perfectly. James Van Der Beek is a hoot as Sean, a dope-dealing kid in some community college who bangs every girl he deems worthy of a banging; Shannon Sossoman is Lauren, the girl of Sean's crackpot desires; and Ian Somerhalder is Paul, a
bi-sexual who's got a crush for Sean. All 3 leads make one good acting machine, and their portrayals could help the discriminating viewer overlook the sleaziness of the movie's theme. Though I'm sure Van Der Beek's role is sure to have every parent of a college bound girl
consider mailing her a chastity suit just in case!
irresponsible college kids who dabble in sex, drugs, and rock and roll, this movie fits the grade perfectly. James Van Der Beek is a hoot as Sean, a dope-dealing kid in some community college who bangs every girl he deems worthy of a banging; Shannon Sossoman is Lauren, the girl of Sean's crackpot desires; and Ian Somerhalder is Paul, a
bi-sexual who's got a crush for Sean. All 3 leads make one good acting machine, and their portrayals could help the discriminating viewer overlook the sleaziness of the movie's theme. Though I'm sure Van Der Beek's role is sure to have every parent of a college bound girl
consider mailing her a chastity suit just in case!
"Camelot!" "Camelot!" "It's only a model..."
27 January 2003
Cleese, Chapman, Idle, and the rest of the zany Monty Python comedy
gang had hit their mark with their greatest movie yet (according to the western side of the Atlantic, anyway), with MONTY PYTHON AND THE
HOLY GRAIL. Thrill as King Arthur and his loyal Knights... on their invisible steeds, as they enbark on their quest to find the Holy Grail (ordered by a rather cranky God). Though you gotta be British in order to appreciate 40% of the humor involved, the laughs are sure to have everyone, even us Yanks, rolling over the aisles. Whether it would be the politically-oppressed peasant, or the limbless-yet ferocious black knight, or the Knights that go "NEE!", and of course, that bloodthirsty cotton-tail, MPATHG reigns supreme as one of the best in the slew of Monty Python movies around.
"NEE! NEE!"
gang had hit their mark with their greatest movie yet (according to the western side of the Atlantic, anyway), with MONTY PYTHON AND THE
HOLY GRAIL. Thrill as King Arthur and his loyal Knights... on their invisible steeds, as they enbark on their quest to find the Holy Grail (ordered by a rather cranky God). Though you gotta be British in order to appreciate 40% of the humor involved, the laughs are sure to have everyone, even us Yanks, rolling over the aisles. Whether it would be the politically-oppressed peasant, or the limbless-yet ferocious black knight, or the Knights that go "NEE!", and of course, that bloodthirsty cotton-tail, MPATHG reigns supreme as one of the best in the slew of Monty Python movies around.
"NEE! NEE!"
"I have vision, and the rest of the world wears bifocals"
20 January 2003
Paul Newman and Robert Redford began their classic pairing in this, one of the finest westerns ever made. Note, it's not exactly a true western, with the lack of blood and dust and other types of cinematic features that make a real picture of the Old West. Still, BUTCH
CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID is a highly enjoyable flick that exploits the true story (not that it really mattered) about the two real-life outlaws. Packed with gunfights, chases on horseback, and the hilarious chemistry between the two stars, BUTCH AND SUNDANCE is the most fun for any fan of the western, and even non-discriminating fans. And don't forget the catchy tune "Raindrops keep Fallin' on My Head",
by B.J. Thomas.
CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID is a highly enjoyable flick that exploits the true story (not that it really mattered) about the two real-life outlaws. Packed with gunfights, chases on horseback, and the hilarious chemistry between the two stars, BUTCH AND SUNDANCE is the most fun for any fan of the western, and even non-discriminating fans. And don't forget the catchy tune "Raindrops keep Fallin' on My Head",
by B.J. Thomas.
Snatch
(2000)
A great flick by England's answer to Tarantino
13 January 2003
SNATCH is Guy Ritchie's masterpiece (a great follow-up to his debut, LOCK, STOCK, AND 2 SMOKING BARRELS), regarding the many elements of crime in merry old England, particularly London. The entire cast does a dynamite job playing the cast of loonies with seperate intentions that somehow parallel each other, like MAGNOLIA but with a more greaseball edge. Standouts in the cast include Jason Statham's hard-edged boxing promoter Turkish, bad-assed Brit Vinnie Jones, and the incoherent Gypsy brawler Mickey, played with a finally convincing performance by Brad Pitt (in my opinion, anyway.)
Cool Hand Luke
(1967)
A fantastic movie; Newman scores big
13 January 2003
No one encompassed the word "cool" than Paul Newman back in the 60s (well, maybe except Steve McQueen but that's besides the point). And with COOL HAND LUKE, Newman was cool to the point where being grimy became cool! The star plays Luke, a convict in a rural prison who becomes the center of abuse by the slam's sadistic higher powers. But, as with enough collective smoothness to charm the pants out of any- body, Luke refuses to bend down to his superiors, even if it meant enduring the most punishing abuse. George Kennedy also wins as Luke's goofy buddy Dragline.
Tell Your Friends