Change Your Image
dennisg-6
Reviews
Father of Invention (2010)
The Brother-in-Law of Inventions
This movie is not very believable. A man markets a product that can mutilate people if it is not used correctly. When you see what a man has to do to injure himself with it, Hmm, hard to imagine. After a few people mutilated themselves, you might assume that the news would get around (but, apparently it doesn't).
The president of the company goes to jail (for Gross Negligence, not a crime in any state I know), and gets a parole after 8 years. He loses every nickel of his 100s of Millions in court judgments (apparently, he never had the wherewithal to hire a bankruptcy attorney, which would have left him something). No one else is affected at all (including his fellow workers, one of whom is a billionaire because of the ex-president). His wife gets to keep $362 Million (what US state is she living in, where that could happen?).
Now, 8 years later, his now-ex-wife has re-married, AND spent her entire $362 Million (with nothing to show for it). OK. His ex and his daughter won't give him even a few minutes of conversation, just belittle him and tell him to leave.
Anyway, the plot flounders around with weird stories about people in his new life, including, a woman who claims to be a lesbian, but just broke up with a boyfriend, and has the hots for the ex-president, and is pretty angry when he spurns her sexual advances.
The finale is after he starts marketing his new million-dollar product. So, a man markets many infomercial-quality products, goes to jail, and ends marketing a new infomercial-quality product. I was hoping that he would have changed his attitude during the movie.
Circle of Iron (1978)
Buddhist Enlightment . . . the Path is Narrow, but the Rewards are Far-reaching
This is a movie about a person who seeks to become Enlightened.
This is a story that Bruce Lee wrote (along with the actor James Coburn, one of his favorite martial arts students). Bruce wrote this to show the Buddhist path to Enlightenment, and the spiritual trials a Seeker of Enlightenment faces in his journey to break through all of the "stoppers" which prevent us from thinking Enlightened thoughts.
There is "The Book" . . . a "book that contains all the wisdom of the world." If a Seeker of Enlightenment reads "The Book" . . . after spiritually preparing himself, AND passing through 3 Trials, he will be given the chance to face Zetan (the Keeper of The Book), and read The Book. The learning in The Book will help him transcend his normal mind, and open up his mind into Enlightened thoughts.
There is a ritual combat show at a local monastery. The one who wins the competition will be given the right to search for Zetan. But along the way, he will have to survive 3 Trials. Cord makes it to the final round, but is disqualified because he hit the other man while he was on the ground. Later, the man who won the competition is mortally wounded during his first Trial, and passes his medallion on to Cord.
Along Cord's way through his 3 Trials, he meets a spiritual guide, who helps him overcome his first Trial, and later gives Cord some spiritual wisdom from time to time, and listens to Cord discuss his thoughts about the Trials, and the lessons he has learned from the Trials.
His first Trial is about feeling shame, being confused, and staying on his Journey to find Enlightenment. His second Trial is about anger, revenge and betrayal. His third Trial is about fear of death.
After passing his 3 Trials, he faces Zetan, the Keeper of The Book. Zetan is among 100s of people who have stopped short of reading The Book (after passing their 3 Trials). These are the "Near Ones" ... who spend their time perfecting their earthly thoughts (instead of thinking Enlightened thoughts).
For a fuller view of the actions (and their significance) in this movie, you can read my Synopsis of the movie.
Interstate 60: Episodes of the Road (2002)
a Spiritual movie, almost in disguise
This is a movie about attempting to understand what you want to do in Life. A young man, Neal, is pressured by his dad to go to Law School, so he can become an attorney, like his dad (even though Neal wants to be an artist). Step one is going to a pre-law course of study. Dear-old-dad pushes his wants and desires onto others (like giving a red convertible to his son, who dislikes red), because he thinks that what he wants is what others want (or, should want).
After Neal learns a lesson about Neal's not seeing the reality of things (in a card trick), he takes on a contract to deliver a package to a distant place. On the road, he encounters a person in several different places who "gets" what they have wished for (some happily, some not).
This movie is filled with philosophy and lessons (and choices to make). Faith is a ongoing theme, faith in your own life. Faith is a fragile thing. You will see it wax and wane, and (probably) feel the same as Neal from time to time.
Spotswood (1991)
Aussies can (probably) understand what's going on in this movie.
This movie is very uneven. Parts of it are clear and entertaining. Other scenes are confusing, or a bit too hostile, or a bit too stupid.
There is a sentimentality which permeates most of the scenes about the Ball shoe factory. This helps one get through silly situations, and ones which seem to make no sense.
If 15 minutes were expertly cut out of this thing, it would be a lot more watchable, and interesting. I am sure that if I was Australian, I might understand more of what was happening (and why). So, if you are down under, I can heartily endorse this to you.
I was attracted to watch this because of the cast: Anthony Hopkins, Toni Collette, among others. The only character I believed was Toni Collette, but this could well be because I don't get the Aussie way-of-life.
The California Kid (1974)
A VERY different revenge movie
Martin Sheen's brother (in this case, truly it is, in real life) is killed by a local sheriff, who enjoys pushing speeders off a cliff 2 miles from the state line.
Martin drives a beautiful sports car, with "The California Kid" painted on the side, hence the name of the movie.
This movie has at least 5 times where no words are spoken for several minutes, an interesting feature.
Young Nick Nolte does a good job, especially after his brother drives off that infamous cliff. Stuart Margolin plays an understated role as a deputy sheriff. And Michelle (Mamas and the Papas) Phillips does an OK job as a waitress.
This is a satisfying movie.
Angel in Training (1999)
Try it, you'll like it ... there's good angels here
This is a cute family movie. An angel sees a 13-year-old girl having a tough time with her life. She gets sent to earth to help this just-reaching-puberty girl learn to appreciate her life, and her changing body (with her mother having died years before). The angel becomes a good friend, and tells her supportive things. This part of the movie is powerfully good.
Her friends at school are becoming boy-crazy, while she remains somewhat of a tom-boy, with a good friend who happens to be a boy. Things come to a head when she is invited to a birthday party (but only if she comes with a boy, yuck). This film portrays (quite well) the mixed bag of feelings a girl can go through.
Her father is a cartoonist, and sort-of falls for an extremely self-centered woman, who promises him to get his comic strip syndicated nationally. The parts with the girlfriend are almost cartoon-ish with some slap-stick humor (better for the kids to enjoy).
I have watched this several times over a few years. It holds up well. All-in-all, a pretty good hour-and-a-half.
Procès au Vatican (1952)
A dark version of an uplifting story
This is a dark presentation of Therese's life. At least it is dubbed into English. There was a re-make recently, and that is far superior (in my mind) to this one.
If you enjoy watching a somewhat depressing version of a woman who falls completely in love with Jesus, this movie could be your BIG chance.
This is a family of 5 daughters. Over a period of years, every one of them became a nun (and some in different religious orders). Therese was the luckiest of the nuns, because she had been healed of a life-threatening illness as a young child. This helped light a fire in her heart to be a nun.
A Hobo's Christmas (1987)
After years of being gone ... it's good to see the family.
A hobo left home (and his son) 25 years ago. His son is hoping for another 25 years.
This is the story of a family that gets along pretty well, father, son and daughter. Also, dad is trying to zero in on his one-year girlfriend, but she knows that he is not ready to emote enough to be marriage material.
Dad's father shows up to have a reunion. Dad blows him off. Dad's girlfriend pounds him for it. Dad decides to allow his father to spend a day meeting and getting to know his grandchildren.
This turns into a visit for several days, until Christmas. Then grandpa will go off with his hobo friends until the next visit.
Finally the son and daughter get to have another relative; grandpa tells stories of the road. Then they meet his hobo friends.
A good Christmas story.
Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Green Boots (1999)
Paint it by yourself ... not with the help of others.
There is a new girl in school.
The class was told to paint a picture of themselves. The next day, one by one, they were showing off their paintings.
The new girl shows an obviously adult-drawn painting, and says that it shows her in her favorite green boots. Shelley Long, the teacher, asks her if she remembered that she was supposed to do the painting, without help from anyone else; the girl said she did it all herself.
The situation escalates, ending with the girl being sent out into the hall until she wishes to admit her painting was not self-made. She talks to the janitor, and gets good advice about her problem.
A Different Kind of Christmas (1995)
It starts off well, and then the stress level increases.
Santa Claus is coming to town . . . and setting up shop.
Santa moves in. He decorates the house, and the yard (including 4-foot candy canes and a fake-snow maker). Kids come by, and are enchanted with the love Santa gives. Unfortunately, MANY kids come by to share time with Santa. This increased traffic and parking upsets some of the neighbors (who don't have that Christmas spirit). One of the kids is lonely because his mom is too focused on her career (city attorney), and has little time (or attention) to give him personally.
This part of the movie is so sweet. Imagine, a real nice guy giving warmth and love to kids, and allowing their parents to see how to be kind.
The city attorney is pushed into enforcing the nuisance statute (for the traffic and parking problems). Most of the rest of the movie is pretty stressful. Mom is adamant about her son staying away from Santa (his one fun thing in life). Then, the legal system grinds away at Santa.
I enjoy the Santa. I wish I was an attorney, so I could help him.
Foreign Body (1986)
Is there a Doctor in the House? . . . How about someone like a Doctor?
I enjoy the relationship between Ram and his Uncle I.Q. Uncle is amazing, as a hard worker, dreamer, philosopher and (in this case) schemer for his nephew.
Ram gets to England, and gets a government job on a bus. One day, a woman is unconscious. Ram finds her fascinating. He announces himself as a doctor. Suddenly, everyone around him gives him respect, and does whatever he asks. The woman revives, and wants to re-pay the doctor's kindness.
Ram's Uncle comes up with a brainstorm: become a doctor (who pretty much just acts like a chiropractor, with a good bed-side manner). The story zooms along.
Ram is well-cast, as well as his girlfriend and her mother. Most of the time, the movie goes along slowly, but it is surprisingly tense also. I have watched this movie several times over the last 15 years, and will see it a few more times in the future.
ITV Saturday Night Theatre: Catholics (1973)
Changing the language of the Mass ... Hmm, it's all Greek to me.
Things Change ... Even within the Church.
From ancient times, the Mass had been recited in Latin. This way, no matter where in the world you are, a Catholic can go into any Church and KNOW the Mass.
Then came the so-called Vatican 2 (ending in the mid-60's). Among the list of reforms, was changing the language in which the Mass is recited. NOW, the rule became: The Mass will be recited in the vulgar tongue of the country where that Mass is celebrated.
So 45 years ago the Latin Mass died, because NO country in the world has Latin as its native tongue.
This is the setting of "Catholics." However, in this movie, several other reforms were also invoked (which it is just better to not discuss, and I wish were left out of the movie).
So, there is a group of monks who are still performing the Mass in Latin. The Pope is not going to allow this disobedience to continue. Martin Sheen (priest) is dispatched to lay the law down on these rebels.
The simple monks are living their difficult life (as they have for many years), and surely do not want to end the Latin Mass.
I enjoyed this slow-moving movie, generally. My heart bled for those monks, and their harsh surroundings. It left me with some sort of feeling like I knew what it would be like to live in a repressive society.
The Mating Season (1980)
The Great Outdoors ... not so great for everybody
Lucie Arnaz and Swoosie Kurtz are best friends, both single (and probably destined to remain that way). Swoosie is hungry to get married (but with a poor self-esteem around men), and Lucie wishes to stay out of the dating world (except for first dates).
These 2 city girls are in for a culture shock; they go into the great outdoors to a bird-watching camp. Lucie is not used to hiking (or even walking more than 6 blocks), and she is (almost) totally devoid of wanting to bird watch.
Lucie is a one-person disaster area, and loves to scream whenever something befalls her (which is often). So, if you enjoy seeing a damsel in distress, BOY, are you in luck.
On the other hand, Swoosie actually relaxes, and learns to become more approachable by men.
There is some beautiful scenery, and it is well-cast (with some zany bird watchers). A bonus is a Pre-Anne of Green Gables Megan Follows.
The Perfect Gift (2009)
One Good Carpenter can build a World of Love
Now here is a Christmas movie with TRUE family values.
This is the story of an out-of-town carpenter, who notices a minister "trying" to build a large Nativity scene in front of his church. Jess offers to erect it, as a favor.
A high school girl needs to compose a story about Christmas, or flunk her class. Jess helps her along, and everyone else he meets.
This movie moves along pretty slowly (a definite plus for me), and shows the transformation in several people. Spirituality is different from religiosity (spiritual is about feelings ... religion is about rules). This is a feel-good movie.
Oh, God! You Devil (1984)
You want Fame and Fortune ... until you have it
Many people ignore God, and follow the path of chasing Fame, Fortune and Power.
This movie shows one such story (although this man is wanting to have SOME Fame, enough to get some good gigs, instead of weddings and bar mitzvahs).
He said the magic words: "I'd sell my soul to the Devil to make it in this business." Satan heard this, and came to him (as a Business Manager), saying that he could help him make it BIG in the music business.
Satan embarrassed him into signing the "contract" ... and POOF, everyone sees him now as Billy Wayne (a HUGE rock star). This new life might have been OK, except that his wife no longer knew him. There was a new hubby for her.
Billy spends the rest of the movie upset at losing his wife, and eventually prays to God to have him released from his contract.
This is an important movie to watch. See how when people get the Fame that they want, the rest of their life gets distorted, and they lose the thing that made their life happy (but didn't know it at the time).
So often, in Show Business, once Fame comes ... their old life fades away: Wife, supportive friends, a life in the slower lane.
Then that life is replaced by things which come along with the trappings of Fame: screaming fans, and people who want to use you, and NO true friends to offer honest perspective to their life.
Red King, White Knight (1989)
A solid thriller, with a good cast
This is a good CIA thriller.
The KGB is not happy with the way Glasnost was playing out in the Soviet Union. They hire an international assassin to kill the Soviet leader. Then, the KGB goes on and starts killing off all of its agents who know anything about the plot.
After most of his friends are dead, one KGB bodyguard reaches out to the CIA with the assassination news. Because of the delicate times, the CIA hires a long-retired agent (for "deniability" if he's caught), to collect the info, to make a deal with the KGB bodyguard, and then to turn the info in to the CIA. But, he has no idea that the stakes are so high (thanks to the CIA lying to him).
After he arrives in Russia, he quickly realizes that BIG things are happening. He takes refuge with Helen Mirren (an old girlfriend). Meanwhile the KGB re-activates Max von Sydow to track him down, and kill him.
I enjoy this movie. While it's a thriller, it isn't gory, and it isn't super-fast paced. The casting is great, including Barry Corbin.
Victory at Entebbe (1976)
If you like Soap Operas, this is the version to watch.
This is the Soap Opera version of the Raid on Entebbe.
About half of this movie is poorly written, a real shame. I couldn't believe that this all-star cast would sign up to make a movie of this low caliber.
I have watched all 3 Entebbe movies. As others have commented, the "Raid on Entebbe" is strongly on point for the story at hand (the rescue of 101 Israelis held by terrorists).
"Operation Thunderbolt" is also on-point, and has many of the actual players playing themselves, but it is largely unfocused.
So, for the people who want to get lost in the background, "Victory" is the pick. I wish they could have taken this cast, and had them perform the Raid on Entebbe script ... it would be incredible.
Angel in the Family (2004)
Mom is back from the dead ... don't waste that precious time.
What if you could come back to life, to help set things straight with the ones you left behind? A widower, who does not know how to relate to his 2 daughters, has allowed their relationships to weaken. For years, his one daughter has lived with him, and has taken care of him (while he has lied to her about how sick he actually is).
This daughter has gone through a life with little-or-no love, no respect, and no appreciation. Fortunately, she has dug herself out of that hole of drug-and-alcohol abuse (no thanks to her non-supportive family). With that said, this daughter doesn't complain, and tries to always be upbeat.
Dad faints, and is taken to the hospital. Tests there are inconclusive. He checks himself out, and goes to a favorite place. There, he talks to his now-dead-wife. She tells him to go back to the small town where they used to live. His daughters show up, and take him from L.A. back to Trinity. Once there, he talks more-and-more with his wife.
As the well-adjusted daughter is leaving, her mom appears; so she stays. Mom announces that she is there to help fix things (and, eventually, she does).
This is a low-key movie (which is wonderful in itself). It fulfills the fantasy of people who fear their loved ones are gone forever. I have watched this 50-or-more times. I play it when I want a quiet movie (to offset a hectic day).
'night, Mother (1986)
A Mother who doesn't Deserve her Daughter
This is a wonderful, upbeat portrayal of a person who has had enough of her life. She knows what she wants to do, and is not "wasting" her time moaning and groaning about things.
Here is a woman who has had a pretty-darn miserable life. The more she shares about how things have gone with her mother, the more I can see why she is ready to move on to whatever her next existence is.
Of course, her mother has benefited greatly from her daughter's existence here on earth. She has been able to get her needs met. So, mother-dear is not very happy to lose her "good thing." I just love the dead-pan way the daughter goes through her list of things to do, to ensure that mother is well-taken-care-of. This shows me what the rest of the daughter's life has been: Forget me, take care of others (those who know that they are MORE important than I am).
All during the movie, I am cheering the Daughter on: GO, Go, go.
And, I get a belly-ful of the mother, and her twisted relationship with her daughter. She deserves to be without a loving, dutiful daughter.
This is a one-of-a-kind gem.
Guess Who's Coming for Christmas? (1990)
There is more than just science ... God said so.
Innocence and kindness can allow amazing things to occur.
St. Paul states that there are angels coming and going on earth all the time (but we usually will not recognize them as such).
Why does the Bible state this? To me, it means that there are a lot of things occurring all the time which are beyond the "ordinary" world.
There are literally 1000s of (otherwise) ordinary people who have seen UFOs. What are UFOs? I don't know, and I don't care. Heck, for that matter, What are angels? I don't know, and I don't care (I just know that angels exist).
So, here is a movie which chronicles the sighting of a UFO (and a man who claims to be from another planet). Arnold says he builds pod-malls on another planet. OK.
This movie is a fantasy. It takes us through the trials and tribulations of not only (1) seeing a UFO, but also (2) telling others that you have seen a UFO -- and a man who claims to fly it.
Beau Bridges is very good as an interplanetary designer. Richard Mulligan turns in a bravura performance as a simple, believing man. The cast is rounded out with many familiar faces, including 2 others who see the spaceship taking off (after meeting Arnold).
So, as far as Christmas movies go, this is a wonderful chance to "Let Go" of having the universe in a box, and see the way others deal with their beliefs.
Malice in Wonderland (1985)
Hedda Hopper ruled the Roost, and American gossip
Back in the 40's and 50's one of the most powerful people in the world was Hedda Hopper. She had a big chunk of America champing at the bit to find out the latest dirt of celebrities. Louella Parsons worked for her for several years, and (after being taken advantage of one-too-many times) decided to branch out on her own.
This bio TV movie plays out some of the story of these Gossip Columnist giants. Each one wanted to get the BIG Scoop on the latest Hollywood scandal. These women worked very hard, working all of their contacts, to get the story.
Their mutual dislike for one another is well-portrayed. This movie shows the rush for fame quite well. I enjoyed the performance of Liz Taylor (as Hedda Hopper); she was perfect to play this larger-than-Life character. And, I liked Jane Alexander's role (as I enjoy most of her portrayals). There are many familiar faces in the cast (also a nice thing).
ABC Afterschool Specials: First the Egg (1985)
Like walking on eggshells
Kids have no idea of how all-encompassing it is to take care of a baby.
So, give them a taste of how it would be (so students won't choose to become pregnant in high school). The students are given an egg. This egg must be treated like a baby. It must (first and foremost) NEVER be left alone. This means that each student must keep the egg with themselves all the time (or, provide an egg-sitter).
Also, the egg is delicate (like a baby), so they have to treat it carefully. They will flunk the project if the egg "dies." Well, you see how it goes. It is lightly comical, lightly dramatic, and an interesting concept. Certainly better appreciated by the younger crowd.
ABC Afterschool Specials: Magical Make-Over (1994)
My life would be perfect, if only I was just like ___.
This is the story of a girl who is unhappy with her looks (and lack of friends in school). She sees a knock-out new boy in school, but he doesn't seem interested in her. One day her fairy god-brother shows up (asian, with a black leather jacket).
He tries to convince her that she is fine just the way she is (fat chance). Then, he allows her to choose different lifestyles. One is a pre-Supermodel. She wakes up, to find an hour of makeup awaiting her. She melds into the model crowd (not eating anything, acting underwhelmed, ...). She hits on the new guy, but he is not interested in the New her.
Day by day, she joins a new clique, to excite the new guy.
ABC Afterschool Specials: Amy & the Angel (1982)
It's a Wonderful Life (if compared to no life at all).
This is a remake of "It's a Wonderful Life." Amy is a high school student, with one friend (who has no friends). Amy sees her life as a lost cause: her mother dreams of her being a social butterfly (fat chance); her grandfather (who owns a garden shop) is her only bright spot (but even he doesn't give her the thanks she deserves for working there, and helping him out with his life).
Meg Ryan is a legend in her own mind -- the hottest thing in school. Matthew Modine is the new kid in school, and he is assigned to be lab partner with Amy. He treats her well, and Amy feels a little better about things. Later, he asks to see Amy at the garden shop after work. Amy knows that the big dance is coming up, and thinks he is going to ask her out (WOW).
Then, Meg sinks her teeth into the new boy, and dumps a tray of food into Amy. She runs out of the lunchroom (not knowing that Modine tells Meg to flake off). During her next day at work, Amy wonders if Modine will still show up. Well, he doesn't show up (and doesn't even call to cancel). This is the last straw. Amy decides to commit suicide.
James Earl Jones and Hermione Gingold send a young angel to stop Amy from dying. He tries several things to make Amy feel better, but Amy says she wishes she had never been born. Voila, she hasn't been born.
This new existence shows Amy that she has had a powerfully positive influence on all of the people in her life.
P.S., This is the First movie for Meg Ryan ... and Helen Slater ... and Matthew Modine. Whoever did the casting has a good eye.
The Crazy World of Julius Vrooder (1974)
Julius ROCKS ... the Vietnam War will never be the same
This is a very unusual comedy (and, black comedy). Julius comes back from Vietnam "broken" emotionally. His straight-laced family doesn't know how to relate to him. So, he lives in the psych ward of the local VA hospital. He brightens up the day for many of the patients (even ones with missing limbs and traumatic memories of the war). Julius is the anti-establishment hero to the patients.
He spends a lot of time with a soldier (Albert Salmi), who digs graves for unlucky soldiers, and participates in MANY funerals (a running theme in the movie).
The head shrink has a beautiful girlfriend (Barbara Seagull), who also catches Julius' eyes. She becomes fascinated with the weirdness of Julius.
This is a simple plot. I enjoy it tremendously. I've passed a copy around to about 10 friends over the years; about half liked it, a couple LOVED it, the rest truly disliked it (not much gray area here).
It pops up on premium cable every month or 2.