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Reviews
Yank Tanks (2002)
Great Movie for Gearheads
I first read about this movie in "Hot Rod" magazine. I found it particularly interesting how this dedicated group of mechanics and automobile enthusiasts were able to keep their prized older American cars on the road. Without access to the typical parts sources in the U.S., Cubans have managed to reform sheet metal into any desired shape, mold and bend and cut glass to fit windshields, back or door windows, recycle glass in home kilns, fabricate chrome trim pieces by hand, adapt Soviet and other communist bloc parts and assemblies to fit any automobile desired, and generally keep their cars roadable. (Yes, IMDb, "roadable" is a real word, spelled correctly.)
The movie runs just under 70 minutes in length and features several interviews with mechanics and car owners. Pay particular attention to Ito, who makes new brake shoes.
The cars range from jury-rigged clunkers, to extremely well-maintained collectors' items. Watch through the end credits as well.
L.A. Takedown (1989)
NOT "scene-for-scene the same as Heat"
This movie has the same basic plot outline as Heat and MOST of the same characters, but is in NO WAY "scene-for-scene the same as Heat." The acting is absolutely atrocious and some of the scenes make no sense without some of the setup Heat has. I can understand why these actors haven't gone on to much beyond this movie -- THEY'RE AWFUL!!!!! Some of the storyline is just implausible and downright silly. I can also fully understand why this isn't available on DVD here in North America (the quality of this film is akin to what you might see on late night local television). However, if you're a die-hard Michael Mann fan, as am I, you should still see this, because it because it shows how much development he puts into a story.
Cry for Happy (1961)
Movie within the movie...
The movie within the movie has some trivial importance; the newsreel segment was filmed on location aboard the USS Los Angeles (CA-135), a heavy cruiser once homeported in Long Beach, California. Many ship's company appeared as extras, including the CO at the time, CAPT Richard Dornan.