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Reviews
An Evening with Forrest Gump (2009)
Engaging question/answer documentary...
1st watched 9/28/2024: Engaging question/answer documentary with some of the makers of the classic movie "Forrest Gump". Introduced by Elizabeth Daley of the University of Southern California and hosted by her with Robert Zemeckis, Eric Roth, Gary Sinise, and Tom Hanks sixteen years after the movie came out. Hanks is always entertaining, and the detail provided by the writer Roth, director Zemeckis, costar Sinise and himself brought lovers of movies entranced in the information. Done at the campus in front of audience of the students, supposedly in the same field, allowing them some questions. Well done piece for anyone interested in the business of movie-making as I am.
The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water (2015)
Fair 2nd entry in Spongebob movie franchise...
1st watched 4/20/2024 - 4 out of 10(Dir-Paul Tibbett, Mike Mitchell & Virginie Mery)
Fair 2nd entry in the Spongebob movie franchise that just isn't enough like the TV show to be enjoyed completely.
And just a little too much bloated action-fare for me. It starts with Antonio Banderas(playing a pirate) retrieving a book from skeletons that allows him to alter the storyline for Spongebob and Bikini Bottom. Some cute animated birds become the listener's to the tale. We than head down to Bikini Bottom with Plankton playing hardball in trying to get the formula for the coveted Krabby Patty. In a weird twist, Plankton and Spongebob team up to get the formula after it mysteriously disappears. The journey takes them from time traveler to land and ends there. I watched the movie originally in French with English subtitles because the first place in theaters it played was in Belgium, but knowing it loses it's luster - I watched again with the English-language original voice actors but it didn't help much. No matter what --- there is too much action and twisted plots, and not enough Spongebob humor in this over-the-top second movie attempt.
Meet the Fockers (2004)
Funny during the first half...
1st watched 11/25/2023 - (Dir-Jay Roach):
Funny during the first half, but once Robert Deniro's character goes overboard - the humor faded. This is the story of a man, played by Ben Stiller, introducing his parents to the love of his life - with the intent of them marrying very soon. The Fockers, Stiller's parents, are eccentric but kind, but his girlfriend's father, played by Deniro --- is relentless in making sure those around him are going to allow things to be done his way(whatever that may be). A lot of comedies fail in the 2nd half - that is what I have noticed with my experience, and this one did just that. Their were laughs as the two sets of parents tried to survive together - and while the loving couple - tried to stop them from killing each other. When Deniro got serious about finding the faults in the future son-in-law using his prior CIA skills - things went downhill. Deniro, Blythe Danner, Dustin Hoffman, and Barbara Streisand did their part in providing somewhat believable characters but the writing some times just came across mean. They tried to bring some laughs at the end, but once we are hurt - we're hurt. Good attempt at having a star-filled cast work on this, but the whole movie didn't cut it.
The Fantasia Legacy: The Concert Feature (2000)
Interesting, step by step look at the "Fantasia" movie
Disc menu entitled "The Making of Fantasia"
1st watched 11/18/2023(Dir-Jeff Kurtti):
Interesting, step by step look at the "Fantasia" movie's initial concept and than becoming what was released to the theaters. A piece by piece approach from the beginning to the end, narrated by David Ogden Steers, was appealing with the critical and fan's approach from the finished masterpiece. They showed how each episode was made and than give a very brief initial reaction from movie-goers, and how it has been increasing in popularity throughout the years in it's many other releases. The only thing wrong with this, in my opinion, was that is was only 48 minutes. So much more could have been added, and it still would have been enjoyable for any fan of this media. All in all, a good making of movie of a class original movie from Disney.
Holiday in the Sun (2001)
Extremely lame Mary Kate & Ashley vehicle...
1st watched 7/8/2023 - (Dir- Steve Purcell):
Extremely lame Mary Kate & Ashley vehicle that is really just a lot of bad acting, writing, and music videos. The only thing that is positive is some of the music done by Steve Porcaro(formerly of Toto). Typical story-line where the twins are looking forward to their vacation with friends in Hawaii, but their parents hijack them into a trip to the Bahamas instead(boohoo). The parents still give them their own room, and too much leeway; in my opinion; so it's kind of like their alone anyway. They get into a series of issues with boys they meet on the island, and are given slaps on the wrists by their parents only to get into more serious trouble each time. The boys aren't really bad just brainless or doing things unknowingly against the law and on the last incident the girls land in jail. Megan Fox, in her first movie role, plays a terribly antagonistic character and is pretty bad. Not a good start for her in what turns out to be a pretty full career. Strange behind-the-scenes footage ends the film as we are told there will be another of these random adventures coming soon....blah! Not needed, in my opinion.
An Extremely Goofy Movie (2000)
Un-eventful Goofy entry from Disney...
1st watched 6/3/2023 - Dir-Douglas McCarthy: version I watched titled "Disney's An Extremely Goofy Movie"(2000-video)
Un-eventful Goofy entry from Disney has Max going to college and the dad, "Goofy" himself, not being able to hold himself together, as usual. It starts on the last day before college with Max and his friends looking forward to their freedom, but Goofy not being ready for it. We know their freedom is definetly in jeopardy. In a sitcom twist, Goofy loses his job and is told he needs a degree to get his next one - finding himself back in his son's life. There is plenty of expected slapstick humor with the patented "woo hoo hoo" happening way too many times from the Goof-man. They try to pull on our heartstrings with Goofy's emotions with "losing" his son(which works a little) but this is not enough to help the movie. The main focus when they get to the college is the Xgames college championships with a rival fraternity that is very lame. This plot focus isn't appealing making this straight-to-video fare not very satisfying as a movie despite our love for some of the characters.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)
Unsatisfying re-imagining of the Willy Wonka chocolate empire...
1st watched 5/27/2023 - (Dir-Tim Burton):
Unsatisfying re-imagining of the Willy Wonka chocolate empire by Tim Burton and crew. Being a big fan of the original "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory", I was hoping I wouldn't compare this too much and give it a chance, but unfortunately I tended to do this and it fell flat as far as pure entertainment value compared to that one. Depp wasn't as bad as Willy, the chocolate mizer, as he came across in short bursts of trailers, spots etc... and the story shared more about him and his empire, which was interesting. I felt the minor characters were pretty flat compared to the original. Freddie Highmore was good as Charlie, but Grandpa and the kids in the factory left a lot to be desired. The ending varied and tried to tug at our heartstrings, but at this point in time there was no build-up to care for Wonka for any real reason. I'm glad I viewed this version, and it has spurred me into wanting to read the original book to compare the differences - but as a film it left a lot to be desired. This is not one of the best Depp/Burton collaborations, in my opinion.
The Challenge (2003)
Mostly lame, although watch-able near the end...
1st watched 5/13/2023 - (Dir-Craig Shapiro):
Mostly lame, although watch-able near the end in this Mary Kate & Ashley late offering for the twins. They kind of follow the pattern of the Disney film "The Parent Trap" in this one as sisters from across the continent living with divorced mom and dad meet un-expectantly by both applying to be in the reality game show called "The Challenge." Thru a marketing gimmick, the producers decide it would be good for ratings for both to be on the program, and in a weird twist - are also put on the same team. They haven't seen each other for 4 years and don't like each other at all. The producers figure the conflict will bring up ratings. This conflict initially make's their team not do well, but after each challenge - they start learning from each other and start connecting again and the team flourishes. There are the typical romantic things happening - with a nice montage at the end bringing back boyfriends from other movies - making me wonder if this is their last. Also - the tension of the last challenge with Mary Kate & Ashley facing their biggest fears brings the movie out of the "really bad" to "ok" fare. There is never much deep in any of these movies - which is expected, but they definetly have appealed to some to last this long. Not for me, though - and I'm probably not the target audience, either.
Bride Wars (2009)
Well done comedic story...
1st watched 4/29/2023 - (Dir-Gary Winick):
Well done comedic story about two best friends, Liv and Ellie, who have a tremendous experience being part of a wedding at a location called the Plaza in the month of June(as kids), and hold onto a dream that this may happen to them in the future. In their 20-something's (I think), both women, played by Kate Hudson(Ellie) and Anne Hathaway(Liv), are very close for the time coming for them. Their engagements happen within the span of a day, and both setup themselves with a wedding planner, played by Candice Bergen(who also narrates the story). At first, it appears that the June dates at the Plaza are going to happen flawlessly, but the planner screws up and schedules them both for the same day. These tight BFF's start revealing their worst sides of themselves as they try to get the other one to move their venue to a different location. These headstrong women are not having it, and start pranking the other one to devert them from their attempted goal. The appeal of this movie are in the performances by Hathaway & Hudson. I came into it thinking that this would be an overblown, chic-flick that wouldn't appeal to me, but the story was developed so well that you understood the emotions behind the good and bad behavior from both of them. You knew somehow their hearts and history together would bring them back together somehow. A well done, funny, and charming movie that I have found out will appeal to both sexes.
Never Sleep Again: The Making of A Nightmare on Elm Street (2006)
Very good making of documentary about the movie...
1st watched 3/10/2023 - (Dir-Jeffrey Schwarz)
Very good making of documentary about the movie "A Nightmare On Elm Street." It starts with a mini "who are you" for the Director, Wes Craven - starting from his early childhood and up to the scripting of this film. Than the idea of the film, and how it came about is explained. There is so much detail covered and focused primarily on the film itself(as it ought to be) --- that the only real flaw is it's almost overwhelming. Your brain kind of gets worn out paying attention to the amazing parts of each element of the making of the movie including the great effects. A few of the actors, a producer, co-workers, the men behind the music, the special effects guy, and others chime in about this incredible feat of a motion picture made on a very low budget. It could have laster longer, but the brain probably would have puttered-out, so it's probably good the way that it is. Extremely efficient film-making and worth every minute.
American Legends (2001)
Four American animated tall tales surrounded by narration...
1st watched 2/25/2023 - (Dir-Lara Shipiro, Mark Henn, Wilfred Jackson, Les Clark & Jack Kenny): onscreen title "Disney's American Legends"
Four American animated tall tales surrounded by narration by "the voice of Darth Vader", James Earl Jones was okay entertainment. Minimal from an animation perspective for those used to grandiose Disney pictures with the first about Afrikan-American folk legend John Henry, missing cleanup work in my perspective. The others are TV cartoon-like at best. The stories are inspiring, I suppose, showing larger-than-life heroes including Johnny Appleseed & Paul Bunyon doing major feats for the American frontier, and Casey Jones - traveling across country. The stories are meant to encourage us to do great things, but are a little outdated for a modern audience, in my opinion. This first to video compilation has some shorts that were first shown on television, which seems to be the best place for this. A decent view, but not earth-shattering or extremely necessary - in my opinion.
On the Trail of Ed Wood (1990)
Mediocre account of the movie director, Ed Wood...
1st watched 12/10/2022 - 3 out of 10(Dir-Michael Copner):
Mediocre account of the movie director, Ed Wood, from the perspective of an actor who appeared in all of his pictures - Conrad Brooks. This comes across pretty much like a home movie from the very beginning with shots of people on Hollywood Boulevard being interviewed about what they knew about the director. Of course, there was a mixed bag of responses - due to his cult status and his popular yet bad movies. This piece, unfortunately, is limited because it comes mainly from one person's perspective. Although, it's always nice to hear personal bits and pieces from someone close but again - there is no-one to deny or confirm the information. There was some stock footage, trailers and photos added, and visits to spots where Wood lived. Some of this was interesting for a film buff, but it would have been nice to hear from other actors and possibly relatives like his wife. This kind of information is thrived on by film buffs, but it just wasn't enough despite the appreciation for the insight it did include.
Babe Watch: Forbidden Parody (1996)
Horrible excuse for a movie, and supposed parody of Baywatch...
(Title on DVD: Bikini Academy, and Babewatch on menu)
1st watched 11/26/2022 (Dir-Rick Sloane):
Horrible excuse for a movie, and supposed parody of Baywatch. I think I chuckled one time for some pretty bad joke, but overall there was nothing much here. It begins, of course, on the beach with a good shot of the best looking woman in the piece, in my opinion, bouncing along - but she's just window-dressing for a movie without much talent. A group of nitwits train for open lifeguard spots with an over-rough female trainer in charge. The females care more about being seen as the most-paid-attention-to by the good looking guys than training, and the dudes are literally brain-less. A sexual premise for the movie, but only one sex scene where the woman/man completely dispose of their clothes very quickly but most of the movie is soft-core. It ends with a contest between two teams to determine which three get hired, but nobody really cares who wins at this point. How movies like this get made and paid for is a loss to me. A real disgrace to the movie industry - in my opinion - unless you make it into a full porno flick to get the most out of what you have to work with.
School for Sex (1969)
Early British sex-ploitation is barely watcheable...
1st watched 10/21/2022 - (Dir-Pete Walker): *not original Mono*
Early British sex-ploitation is barely watcheable for the full 80 minutes not because it isn't titillating - but because it gets boring. It's the story of a well-to-do man who keeps skirting the law despite his guilt as he only gets a suspension for money laundering. He than decides to start a supposed sex-ed school disguised as a finishing school for girls to get money back from wrongs against him by his many wives. It's portrayed as more of a way to tease older rich men with some physical therapy done in underwear, primarily for the audience. The first group bring great results somehow, but it finally catches up to them as the police are keeping their eye on things. It's amazing how this movie got an "X" rating from the British censors when it was released, but would definetly only get an "R" rating, at least in America today. The writer/director & producer was supposedly trying to make money off the lightening of restrictions in British cinema, but it definetly doesn't stand up in today's world. A very silly premise with a lot of teasing, but not enough to keep our modern folks interested, and the bottom-line it's also very poor filmmaking with some scenes that don't even make any sense. This is kind of like a slightly more raunchy extended Benny Hill episode, but not as funny.
The River Niger (1976)
Heavy-handed drama...
1st watched 9/30/2022 - (Dir-Krishna Shah):
Heavy-handed drama about a son returning from his stint in the airforce to try and have a normal life. The movie starts by introducing the family & friends of the man, played by Glynn Turman. His dad, played by James Earl Jones, is a drunk with a heart for poetry and his family. His dad's best friend and family doctor, played by Lou Gossett. The mother, played by Cicely Tyson, and a new entry; the son's fiancee, arrives at the house and is welcomed by the group. These festivities are abruptly interrupted by the arrival of the gang that the soldier was associated with before he went into the air force. The rock of the group, the mother, gets ill and it puts a damper on the family and the returning son, Jeff --- who wants to become a lawyer, but the in-ability to get work pulls him back into helping the gang with their revolution against the white world. This movie shows the reality of black life during the time, but has so many storylines that never get resolved. I guess it may be the point of the story, based on a tony-award winning play - but not showing the audience any real answers doesn't help the movie. Cicely's character keeps a positive spin up to the end, but we really don't know why, and an abrupt non-positive non-climatic ending doesn't help it's cause either. A historic movie in the sense that it's based on an all African-American play but just doesn't sit well, for the most part.
O Lucky Malcolm! (2006)
Informative and entertaining...
1st watched 9/17/2020 - (Dir-Jan Harlan):
Informative and entertaining portrayal of actor Malcolm McDowell with him being the primary interviewee about himself and his films. You also get information from his former and current wife and his kids. There is also a lot of talk from previous directors, fellow actors and writers. What's most enjoyable is that there is a broad contingent of the films Malcom admired and not every film he made, but just those he wants people to remember him for. So, in a way, he's kind of an executive producer although he isn't labeled as such. You don't here just the positive though from the friends, but also some negative but nothing too terrible --- just rounds him out as a person. All in all, the film is entertaining and keeps you interested - especially if you like to here things from a different perspective - this time from an actor. Also, made me want to see more of his films.
Biffy Clyro: Voice and Electrical Noises (2009)
Biffy Clyro's documentary...
1st watched 7/16/2022 - (Dir-Blair Young):
Biffy Clyro's documentary on the making of the album "Only Revolutions" is not very revealing about much of anything. Primarily it's just a cut of them doing some funny things, with some song riffs, and shots of the control room and their riffraff. I know this was a popular thing at the time to show the band doing things, but if it doesn't reveal something about why they do the things they do it's not much worth it. Yes, they love music and are very talented, but this documentary is pretty much a waste of 45 minutes. Scottish-folk in Los Angeles seems like it might be interesting but we never get a sense that they are out-placed. Despite the excellent music from the album we could have done without this extra.
Stanley Kubrick: A Life in Pictures (2001)
Extraordinary documentary...
1st watched 9/7/2022 - (Dir-Jan Harlan):
Extraordinary documentary on the films of Stanley Kubrick and his life. Tom Cruise plays as the narrator, but the real star is Kubrick - his films and his life. The two hours and twenty minutes fly by for those who are interested in film-making and movies. It begins with his earliest life and the earliest films he made, and goes to the very last film - "Eyes Wide Shut." With many personal parts of his life shown - his longtime wife Christiane, whom he met on one of the early films as well as his daughters fill in a little of the personal side but it's mostly about the movies. I personally would like to see this kind of film done for every director after they depart from this world, but - of course - not everyone has a fascination for directors as I do. This standard should be followed for this genre, and those who admire this profession will not be felt cheated in any way.
A Nightmare on Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors (1987)
Excellent third entry in the Freddy Krueger...
1st watched 7/30/2022 - 7 out of 10 (Dir-Chuck Russell):
Excellent third entry in the Freddy Krueger, Nightmare on Elm Street series is much gorier than any of the others, but also brings back the mystery and fight-back elements of the first movie. It starts as a new teen's(played by Patricia Arquette) dream is entered again by the horror character - making her slice her wrists and than she is sent to an insane asylum. There are a group of kids haunted in their dreams by the same character at this facility. Heather Langenkamp's character, Nancy, shows back up to be an intern and help Craig Wasson's psychiatrist with the kids. They happen to all have parents that help in the murder of the real Krueger, and that's why he's haunting them. The current methods are actually harming the kids, but Nancy starts bringing them together to fight Krueger. There are a lot of elements to this story co-written by Wes Craven - bringing him back into the fold on this series with excellent results. There is a lot of experimentation on the special effects(some working better than others), but the story is what holds this together. A negative, in my opinion, the ending - teasing us with a possible other movie, wasn't necessary. Otherwise, very well done.
A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
Scary, thought-provoking original movie...
1st watched 7/9/2022 - (Dir-Wes Craven):
Scary, thought-provoking original movie from the "Nightmare on Elm Street" creator Wes Craven. This movie does what it's supposed to do - scare you, but it also presents a heroine who fights back, and doesn't just expect to be taken down by the killer. It starts inside the dream of a young girl who's haunted by a creepy character with knives as fingers, that we later find out is named Fred Krueger. Half of the movie takes place in a dream world, but it's grounded by a real story of four kids who are having the same character taunt their dreams. We find out later why these kids are the ones he taunts, but I really don't want to reveal too much of the story. This horror film is unique compared to other similar films in the eighties because it focuses on the story and doesn't exploit the teens like other slasher films tended to do. It has it's share of gore, but it's also kind of a mystery movie - where we are trying to figure out what's really happening. John Saxon, supposedly stars, but the real stars are the kids starting with Heather Langenkamp and her boyfriend played by Johnny Depp, and of course the villain played by Robert Englund - who ends up becoming a superstar due to this character and this franchise. A not-to-miss classic for those who like these movies, but does have a confusing ending where we really don't know what happened - but I guess that's why there are sequels...lol.
The Neverending Show: Live in the Netherlands (2021)
Rousing live rendition of 20 Alan Parson's songs...
1st watched 7/1/2022 - (Dir-Trinity Houston & David Minasian):
Rousing live rendition of 20 Alan Parson's songs plus a bonus new intro song round out this almost two hour piece. Parsons and his current band always seem to get better as far as presenting the songs, and his expertise shows thru, as usual, with the voices and instruments used to present those songs. The audience in the Netherlands show their enthusiasm even when the instrumental-only songs are played. This is mostly just a live presentation with a couple of small bits added at the beginning and the end. I believe, Eric Woolfson, would be proud to see how well his co-compositions play out live(too bad he was only able to view it in it's early stages). Not much else to say. If you don't like his music --- you will probably not like the movie, but I can't see too many folk being on this side of the fence.
Woman on the Run (1950)
Well done chase movie...
Version I watched sound 2.0(not original mono)
1st watched 6/10/2022 - (Dir-Norman Foster):
Well done chase movie where the one getting chased is not a woman, despite the title. The movie starts as a man walking his dog hears a shot, and views a mob leader murdering a man. He than disappears and the cops, a reporter, and possibly the mob go looking for him. The cops and a reporter track down the wife, played by Ann Sheridan, but she seems to not be of much help initially because her relationship with the lost man wasn't very good currently, and she knows very little about where he might be. A supposed reporter takes an interest in a possible story and befriends the wife. They than find out that he has a heart condition and the wife warms up a little so she can find him and give him his life-saving medicine. During the hunt, she start learning things about her husband that brings her closer to putting things right with them once he is found. The movie keeps your interest throughout with twists and turns that are brilliantly done, but I can't share so that those who want to watch this will learn for themselves instead of from my review. This is less a "mobster movie" than a "wrong guy on the run" type even though it was compiled with other mobster-type movies in the dvd I watched. There are very few flaws with this movie, and it would be an excellent find for those who are able to see it.
Shoot to Kill (1947)
Confusing crime story where pretty much everyone is the bad guy...
Original sound = mono, version I watched 2.0
1st watched 6/4/2022 - (Dir-William Berke):
Confusing crime story where pretty much everyone is the bad guy including the girl. The movie starts with a car crash while being chased by police, where two of the three main characters die, and the one survivor tells the story of how everything went down. A lawyer who is hoping to become district attorney is the main character of the story. He hires a new secretary at the advice of a friend, which starts the problem. This secretary is the surviving one from the car crash. The lawyer is obviously working with crime leaders in the city which he believes will get him the job he wants. Unfortunately, there are more than one crime group that are fighting each other one as far as who they want to be the new district attorney. This is pretty much all I understood about the story --- if these points were even correct. The acting is sub-par, and the idea that no-one was really the good guy except the police - who weren't the main part of the story kind of makes it so you don't know who to route for. The reporters were even apart of the evil in this one. Bypass this, unless you are just a major fan of the genre.
One Note Symphony: Live in Tel Aviv (2022)
Electric and mostly exciting performance...
1st watched 5/7/2022 - (Dir-Trinity Houston & David Minasaun):
Electric and mostly exciting performance of Alan Parson's project classics and current songs from Parson's newest solo album. This is almost a straight-forward concert film with some added footage at the beginning and end from what appears to be a science fiction short-film. These pieces are interesting but really don't add or detract from the music. The added presence of an orchestra is perfect for this music because most of the songs originally had an orchestra in the background. The 19 songs range from the initial album for the project to the last (missing a couple in between), with an amazing five from the latest album called "The Secret". They showcased their instrumental prowess as well on a couple of non-lyrical pieces mimicing how things are done on the complete albums. I don't know if you have to be a fan of his music to enjoy this concert, but it definetly helps. All in all this is a well done effort for this new Alan Parsons live group with the normal highs and lows of their musical intensity showing. I can't say this was a perfect performance, but those slight flaws won't deter from the complete experience.
Lancelot and Guinevere (1963)
Valient attempt at creating an epic story...
Dvd version I watched entitled "Sword of Lancelot"-US title
1st watched 3/25/2022 - (Dir-Cornel Wilde):
Valient attempt at creating an epic story of the relationship between Lancelot and Guinevere fell short mainly along the lines of believability, and the inability of the actors to pull in their audience. Cornel Wilde acted, co-produced and directed this effort, and obviously put a lot of passion into it. Jean Wallace as Guinevere never really does well enough to help us understand her perspective as the Queen of King Arthur and lover of Lancelot. Wilde as Lancelot does a better job, and Brian Pherne as King Arthur fairs okay. The story starts as they battle for Guinevere to be won over as Queen under Arthur, than quickly she falls for Lancelot as well. The battles that ensue were actually pretty well done despite not being clear on the reason for them, but the story keeps coming back to the lovers and their plight. The movie was longer than it could have been due to the battle scenes, which came across as un-important. I was glad I watched this movie, but in the end I can't recommend it unless you are a fan of this genre.