cshep Reviews

The IMDb Show: IMDbrief: Remembering Steve Ditko (2018) Season 2, Episode 25

Steve Ditko Icon and Irony contains spoilers

[10/10 · 5 July 2019]

Steve Ditko was a Brilliant Illustrator and recluse. Not wanting to do interviews or discuss his work, philosophy or anything else for that matter. My question is simply if Marvel feels the same way as Steve's fans, how much does the Ditko estate receive from the Marvel Universe for his creative efforts, the same as Jack Jirby, ZERO? Stan Lee was an under achiever and had to live on the coattails of the talented people around him. So where are Steve or Jack's or any other Marvel artist remuneration? Still think it is great to be an artist for Stan Lee or Marvel for that matter? More hype than substance. Nuff said...

Bonanza: The Bottle Fighter (1968) Season 9, Episode 29

Hoss Accused of First Degree Murder

[10/10 · 21 June 2016]

Excellent whodunit as Hoss is accused of first degree murder. Albert Dekker in a tour- DE- force performance defends Hoss . Excellently written and directed. Dekker the town barrister and drunk needs to win a case to validate his life. The case involves cattle selling and a stranger who may hold the key to life and death. As the drama unfolds the disdain for the town drunk becomes more and more apparent. Hoss contends he was hit from behind by an unknown assailant yet no one seems to know whom it could have been.

Stars. Loren Greene, Dan Blocker, Albert Dekker, David Canary , John Kennedy Dekker passed away a week before this showing aired.

Wine, Women and Horses (1937)

Paper Thin Plot Shows

[4/10 · 16 January 2014]

Barton McLane stars in this story of a man who needs "Wine,Women and Horses" to complete his life. Along the way are the casualties , of course, the people he rubs elbows with are the takers and the givers. Ann Sheridan is his female counterpart and his eventual companion. Filmed in California in 1937 to possibly promote horse racing(Santa Anita) has just opened a few years prior. Interesting if only for its historical references. 64 minutes of run time in B & W. TCM airs it occasionally. Lady Luck is he name of this equine hero who rides to victory for his new owners and of course the rest is film history.

So take a stroll down memory lane and give this little side note a view.

4 stars out of 10.

The Sharkfighters (1956)

Story Fails to Deliver Much Bite(1956)

[1/10 · 6 August 2013]

The Big Victor(Victor Mature) in a film about the evolution of shark repellent 1950's style, before "Jaws". Shot with one camera adds o the one-dimensional aspect. Philip Coolidge is the "Icthyologist" being aided and is always interesting to watch. Film score does help but not enough to make people care . Most interesting is Cuba before Castro aspect. Mostly for the curious. 1 star out of 10, hard to argue for more... Check other reviews for more details. Look for Claude Akins and introducing James Olson. I think film is more propaganda than entertainment.

Color print I saw was poor, and camera out of focus.

Wagon Train: The Mary Ellen Thomas Story (1958) Season 2, Episode 12

Pure Heartbreaker...

[10/10 · 16 October 2012]

Traveling across the Nebraska plains has its downsides, including a little girl who has consumption(tuberculosis), and her days are numbered. Enter Mary Ellen Thomas(Patty McCormick)who befriends the dying Sallie Mae and helps the child with her last requests.

A little jokester Mary Ellen like to pull pranks on the adults, like giving ol' Charlie a hot foot, or putting frogs in the drinking water. Also starring are Barbara Pepper of Green Acres fame. She was the original Mrs. Ziffel. Robert Horton sings "Silent Night."

Major Seth Adams(Ward Bond) decides to have a Christmas party for Sallie Mae, knowing that she does not have much longer to live. Originally shown on Dec. 24th 1958. This will break your heart.

Have Gun - Will Travel: In an Evil Time (1958) Season 2, Episode 2

Hank Patterson Guest Stars, Excellent !

[10/10 · 26 September 2012]

Hank Patterson , Mr Ziffel of Green Acres fame gets the Guest Starring role of his career as a man injured trying to fight off his gang who want him dead .Richard Boone stars as Palladin , a hired gun in a flawed land with people who mirror it.

Hank Patterson as Pappy French has been injured, and Palladin just happens to come along to give aid and comfort to the lost soul. Pappy has a treasure in the hills and hires Palladin to help him retrieve it. Great episode on many levels. The photography is spectacular and the script is excellent.Palladin captures the flavor of the west presenting flawed characters and troubled times. Unique in its' concept, this earthy western series has a haunting level of its' own . Great viewing and study of character.

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011)

Muddled Script With Poor Direction

[5/10 · 24 September 2012]

When out of ideas throw whatever is leftover from the Pirate era, including the Fountain of Youth, Mermaids,Penelope Cruz and Judi Dench.

What were they thinking , only about the "Benjamins."

Johhny Depp recreates for the 4th and hopefully the final time Jack Sparrow ,the displaced Captain of the ill-fated Black Peral, that actually makes a cameo. The lovely and very talented Penelope Cruz is mostly wasted as the daughter of Captain Blackbeard ,Angelica Teach. Captain Blackbeard(Ian McShane) is nothing more than a twisted evil anachronism with no redeeming qualities, really.

So while on a quest to find the Fountain of Youth, they encounter mermaids,2 silver chalices on a poorly placed pirate ship and some chases and more dribble. So that's about it. Pass. 5 star out of 10. Geoffrey Rush also returns as Captain Barbarossa for another paycheck. AArrrrr...

Hit and Run (I) (2012)

Spawned form the Mind of Dax Shepard

[7/10 · 6 September 2012]

Not since Hera sprang from the head of Zeus has anyone recreated a facsimile event, until now. From the creative resources of Dax Shepard and David Palmer comes "Hit and Run", a comedy of strange proportions as it is based on the relationship of Annie Bean(Kristen Bell) and Charles Bronson/Yul Perrkins(Dax Shepard). Shepard under the witness protection program for his involvement as the driver in host of bank robberies.

Kristen has a degree in Conflict Resolution and tries to use it in almost all situations except for the struggling relationship with Shepard. Enter Gil Rathbinn(Michael Rosenbaum) former boyfriend to Kristen, and his attempt to regain her, through using Alex(Bradley Cooper)former gang member with Shepard.

All in all not a bad film , but unique in its' perspective, and using friends and buddies to star in your film.The writing is good and the script is fair. What the film does ask of its viewers is to accept its' contemporary premises and enjoy, which I did for the most part.

Strangely the shooting locations were not listed in the film credits. Jason Bateman makes a cameo at the end of the film. Everyone needs a paycheck. Pleasant, passable and somewhat intersting.7 stars out of 10.

The Forbidden Kingdom (2008)

Nice Telling of Oriental Folklore

[8/10 · 23 July 2012]

Jackie Chan and Jet Li team up for a rather interesting tale of oriental folklore in the search for the "Forbidden Kingdom."

After obtaining the mysterious "staff", Chan and Collin Lou must discover its' history, and fight the forces of evil.

I found the story capable of maintaining a high level of interest and the story moves at a sustainable pace. Very good visual effects.

While some might consider it a cross between "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" and "Drunken Master", there are similarities, flying people and a hysterical Chan, the film does stand on its' own, and delivers a very exciting conclusion. The White Haired Witch Demoness Ni-Chang(Li Bing Bing) is terrific and as ruthless and nasty as they come.8 out of 10 rating.Michael Angarano does a fine job.

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966)

The Essence of Ugliness...(1966)

[10/10 · 21 February 2012]

Martha & George(Elizabeth Taylbor & Richard Burton ) respectively deliver lifetime performances of an academically married couple, who play cruel mind games on each other . They have invited a faculty couple Honey & Nick (Sandy Dennis & George Segal)over for an informal social meeting where the games begin. This material is so powerful and destructive, I would recommend viewing by only 18 years and older.

The power of thought and repressed social problems are the main thread holding this complex dynamic together.

Mike Nichols Director , is in complete command and directs with total authority, as he unwraps the layers of emotions that bind the two main combatants. Extremely profound and current. Ernest Lehmman writes a fantastic and mesmerizing screenplay. Watch carefully from a distance, you don't want to get too involved with these two, you might see a reflection you may not like. 10 stars out of 10. Very powerful film. You have been notified. The essence of ugliness... Edward Albee's outstanding novel..."Who's Afraid of Virgina Woolf ?"...me

Night Train (I) (2009)

Dark Dramedy, Well Crafted Despite Not having A Totally Satisfying Ending

[9/10 · 2 November 2011]

Miles(Danny Glover) after spending his life in an unfulfilled capacity as a head conductor on the "Nightingale", finds that this trip will escalate into geometric disaster. Writer and Directer Brian King gets very high marks for creating a very entertaining film , a dark dramedy that starts simply with the disposing of one body into unabashed murder for the possibility of getting your fondest desires. A mysterious stranger boards the "Nightingale", only identified as Man{Luca Bercovici} dies after an accidental overdose? combined with an alcohol chaser. The three principle characters Glover, Chloe(Leelee Sobieski), and Pete(Steve Zahn) discover among his Christmas presents a box that seems to posses the ability to show the viewer his greatest desire.

After the trio decide to hatch a half-baked scheme to dispose of the body on a train traveling thru the night in a snowstorm at nearly 200 m.p.h. things continue to deteriorate. and hilarious and dark consequences ensue.

I thought the film was finely crafted enough to give it 9 out of 10 stars. Even though the ending has a "sequel" ending written all over it, the Director should have realized that sequels only come after a successful first film, which this one was not. The character interactions were well developed and interesting.The story always moves forward and keeps your attention. I laughed until I almost cried, it was that good.. See what ya think, my friend at Sonora has seen this film multiple times. Even though the train is a poor cgi, it actually helps to create the surreality. Must see viewing.

Johnny English Reborn (2011)

Somewhat Funny, Somewhat Uneven Atkinson Vehicle...

[7/10 · 1 November 2011]

Johnny English(Rowan Atkinson) returns as MI7 Secret Agent who after being blamed for a fouled-up assignment in Mozambique 5 years earlier, gets a second chance when personally requested for a vital mission.

In order for MI7 to obtain important info, Atkinson must contact Fisher(Richard Schiff)who with two other partners, are known as "Vortex." Each of the "Vortex" trio has one part of the key , that when put together open a case that contains a deadly secret.

Atkinson is at his best when put in out of control situations and makes it even more bizarre. His dead pan expressions are hilarious as are his quick wit. Pegasus/Pamela(Gillian Andersen) MI7 Chief, plays her part straight and does a fine job.

While the script tries to give Atkinsons character more depth, some scenes are redone, and it doesn't add to the film. Agent Tucker(Daniel Kaluuya) sidekick to the obtuse English performs creditably,also a tribute joke to the Actor Chris Tucker.

Really funny at key times. and sometimes gets in its' own way. End credits have Atkinson making dinner to the "Hall of The Mountain King." Worth staying to see. 7 out of 10 rating.

20 Million Miles to Earth (1957)

Pure Science Fiction...No Hidden Social Messages...really...

[22 October 2011]

Nathan Juran deftly directs this tidy, purely driven science fiction film about travel to outer space with possible negative consequences. After an Earth rocket-ship exploration team crashes into the Mediterranean Sea upon its return , we find that they had brought back a "space" specimen,otherwise now known as "Ymir", the Venusian creature with a bad habit for the taste of sulfur. Col. Bob Calder(William Hopper) is in charge of the recovery team,to obtain all remnants and life forms that may exist from the sunken spaceship.

The rest of the story centers on the travels of 'Ymir" and they are wide and varied. Juran establishes the fact that our earthly 'visitor" is the victim, and not responsible for the chaos he causes. And mans explorations must be tempered with wisdom when dealing with interplanetary forces, well done Nathan. Look for a cameo at the Zoo for the man throwing peanuts to the elephant, yep it's Ray Harryhausens back,some cameo.

A genuine sci-fi classic.. B & W . Some color prints do exist.

She (I) (1965)

SHE(1965) Lawrence of Arabia Meets 2000 Y.O. Love Triangle...Spoiler Alert...

[7/10 · 21 October 2011]

Peter Cushing and John Richardson give the film enough gravitas, but the storyline and script, somewhat poorly crafted , leave something to be desired.

Holly(Cushing) and Leo(Richardson) after performing their military service in the Middle East , encounter an oriental , who influences them to find the Pharonic lost city of Kuma. Well, you know things won't go according to plan, the three of them , including valet Job(Bernard Cribbins), the comic relief, encounter troubles in the desert in their search. The love triangle number 2 consists of Ustane(Rosenda Monteros), Leo/Callicrates(Richardson), and Ayesha(Ursala Andress) Ayesha means "she who must be obeyed", yeah, doesn't even sound interesting, but there is some redemption. Andress is dubbed by Nikki Van Der Syl as in the film Dr. No, and Ursala gives a decent performance, as does Monteros..

2000 years ago Ayesha offed Callicrates because he kept sticking his tongue down another girls throat. So there, but "She" still loves him and wants him to be the 'Man" that he was...Why, "SHE" didn't like that model either...o.k., so to make a long story somewhat shorter, Billallai(Christopher Lee) in a performance only slightly worse then "Pirates of Blood River", his part is given almost nothing to do, is the Chief Guard of "SHE", and actually saves the British trio from certain doom. Also, he has the hots for "SHE", but that is a late plot twist, that might have worked, had they not rushed it into the plot. Anyway , 8 stars out of 10 for Music Score, James Bernard delivers again, Peter Cushing is just Great on the screen, and beautiful color schemes add to the rich environment.

The People Under the Stairs (1991)

One of the Dumbest Horror Films of All Time...(1991)

[2/10 · 17 October 2011]

What can you say about a horror film with no suspense or horror..DUMB... Everett McGill as Man/Eldon and his Mommy are slum landlords with a dark secret, they kill people and/or stash them under the stairs.. BIG DEAL.. The main characters are COMPLETELY wasted, as is the time you spend watching this Gar-bahge....Get a good book, or a superior film, that shouldn't be too hard, but forget this Wes Craven junk mobile...2 stars out of 10 for acting credit only... Try Silver Bullitt, ,An American Werewolf in London, House on Haunted Hill, The Horror of Dracula, Revenge of Frankenstein,Brides of Dracula, I Walked With a Zombie, The Cat People, to name a few.

Kingdom of the Spiders (1977)

Campy, but Unscientific Look at Spiders on the Crawl(1977)

[9/10 · 8 October 2011]

That itsy bitsy Spiders(Tarantulas) are on the crawl and they are upset ! TV films are generally dismissed as trite and shallow, but somehow "Kingdom of the Spiders" rises to a slightly higher level. Rick Hanson(William Shatner) local Veterinarian is perplexed by the deaths of several farm animals. Little does he know that the Spiders are revolting against the excesses of pesticides and turnabout is fair play. While the suspense and action don't always peak at the same time, the film does hold your interest as to how the director intends to showcase the next attack of the tarantulas. I didn't see a disclaimer that "no animals were harmed during filming", as if pickup trucks rolling over exploding tarantulas kinda gave it away. But the film develops nicely, even with a few contrived scenes.BTW, tarantulas are basically docile creatures, so they really had to ramp up the attacks to make them look effective. So give it a view, I gave the film 9 out of 10 rating, because for a goofy film, it does deliver.

Tormented (1960)

"Tormented, Descibes the Condition of the Viewer After 15 Minutes...

[2/10 · 10 July 2011]

Bert I. Gordon strikes again, or is that strikes out...What could have been a fairly entertaining spooky film, becomes a noisy over-bearing attempt at creepiness. Tom Stewart(Richard Carlson) a would be jazz musician and entertainer of multiple female relationships, is about to be blackmailed by Vi Mason(Juli Reding) of all places an abandoned lighthouse. When the railing gives way, and she is left hanging for her life, Tom gets cold feet, uh, cold hands and decides to let gravity take over, bye bye Vi...but only for awhile, as her ghost returns to haunt the guilt-ridden Tom. The sound is scratchy and grating. The dialog childish and goofy, which makes the movie more fun. Is this a terrible film, no, but it is disappointing. 2 stars out of 10, for Actors Richard Carlson,Susan Gordon, Joe Turkel,Gene Roth, as they try and make the film work, but Mr. BIG has already sealed that fate. Beware of the Floating Fake Head...silly...

The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis (1959–1963)

Captures the High School Adolescent Quirkiness of the 1950s/1960s.

[10/10 · 7 July 2011]

Brilliant writing by Max Schulman, "The Many Lives of Dobie Gillis", not to be confused with the earlier movie versions, centers around the exploits of Dobie Gillis(Dwayne Hickman) and Maynard G.(Walter) Krebs.

The story basically takes place at the local high school in Central City , where Dobie fantasizes about his gal pal relationships, and encounters coming of age adventures.

This IS "Classic" TV, it works on many levels, youth , angst, changing American cultures,Generation Gap,even before anyone knew it existed.

Maynard G. Krebs(Bob Denver) delivers wonderful performances as the sidekick, and eternally loyal friend to Dobie. More often a hindrance than a help, Maynard can be trusted to be the difference.

All-Star Cast of Frank Faylen and Florida Friebus as the loving and somewhat disciplinarian parents, Herbert T. and Winfred are timeless.

They own a local grocery store, but have trouble making ends meet.

The rest of the Cast shine just as brightly Tuesday Weld, Steve Franken, Warren Beatty, Jean Byron, William Schallert, Sheila James, and Doris Packer all help to stir this delicious offering.

Underrated for having adolescent themes, Dobie Gillis transcends its' generational limitations, and provides solid enlightenment and entertainment, to all who see it as more than situation comedy. 10 stars out of 10, has it really been 50 plus years.

I remember when it went off the air,that they would surely bring it back, because it had been such a terrific show....

Then came Gilligan's Island...ouch

It! The Terror from Beyond Space (1958)

Scary for Kids, Laughable for Adults...Guns in Space(1958)

[8/10 · 6 July 2011]

If you are a youngster,maybe 10 years old, and watching on a big movie screen, this film has a much bigger impact, but if you are an adult, and know some science, then this film is highly laughable.

The FIRST rule of Science Fiction, you must convince your audience that they are separated from conventional day to day reality. That is why Guns, Grenades ,and Dynamite do NOT work in Outer Space ! Period. Plus , the dynamics do not support those kind of devices.

A rescue crew has been sent to Mars to pickup the last survivor Marshall Thompson. They consider him to have murdered his crew, but he did not. That was done by "IT"(Ray"Crash" Corrigan), who does a great job of hamming it up as the "monster."

Excellent lighting and camera angles are very effective in creating some real suspense and terror.But after you get past that, the story gets dumb. The rescue ship has been invaded by the same creature that killed Thompsons crew, except that the stowaway 'IT", is tough to kill , and seems intent on killing everyone.

The fact that the space craft is traveling back to Earth adds to the dilemma. Creepy space music repeats too often and becomes inept.

The script follows a traditional 1950's theme with a mostly male crew, two females, and a complete lack of Space knowledge to fill a tome. Plot gaps galore. Plus multiple safety violations. Unsecured Grenades, and a Bazooka from Point Blank range , you have got to be kidding. Anyway, it still gets 8 stars out of 10, because the man in the rubber suit is good To Watch !

Highly impossible ending is totally a trip of joy to destroy any suspension of disbelief. The 1950's will never be the same.

One of my Guilty pleasures.BTW, some of the aliens tongue is the chin of the actor, painted red because the head didn't fit properly.

One more thing, please extinguish all smoking materials.

Wipeout (2008–2014)

Dysfunctional Hosts Reflect the Wipeout.

[1/10 · 28 May 2011]

Instead of a show dedicated to having fun, watching people self-destruct in compromising situations is the lack of heart of this program. Where most shows used to have a "fair" contest to determine a winner, this show relies on diminishing the value of being human, and sacrificing what is left of their dignity to acquire a small purse.

The dimwitted hosts John Anderson and John Henderson banter endless drivel designed to be humorous, becomes humorless in short time.

Watching people run into hidden hydraulic false walls, bouncing off of giant red balls ,dripping in mud, and compromising what is left of their identity is the hallmark of this current version of entertainment.

Sad commentary on sad people and a less than quality network, which Disney owns. This show is mean spirited and really has no place in todays society. Jill Wagner is the female stooge of the show, who gives a lame attempt to do colorful interviews with the contestants. Her limited talent is always on display.

1 star out of 10 for being garbage.

Thor (2011)

Thor(2011) Mighty FX, Not So Special Storyline...

[8/10 · 18 May 2011]

Thor starts out with terrific action, brief background set-up, and spectacular special effects,but after Thor's(Chris Hemsworth) banishment to Earth , the story gets weak,the action slows down, and there are more set-ups than you can imagine. Although the pacing is good, more Thor action is demanded and necessary.

Odin is recovering and incapacitated from betrayal by step-son Loki. Thor is on Earth , and Loki seizes the opportunity to become King,which had originally to have been Thors birthright.

Kenneth Branagh directs, and does a good job ,treating Thor as Henry V, many trials and tribulations. This helps give the character depth and realism. Jane Foster(Natalie Portman) is fine as the earthly love interest . In this version of Marvel comics she is a scientific explorer . Finally toward the end of the film , Thor recovers his powers,though a totally unselfish act, and the storyline picks up.

One thing of note, MANY artists built the Marvel Franchise, not just the few given credit. As always, Stan Lee gets top billing , but this should not confuse the issue that the Artists drove the comics, not the stories. While Stan Lee may think he is Odin, I can guarantee you he is not. When Jack Kirby couldn't get health insurance due to costs, it was time to say goodbye. Joe Sinnott , another EXTREMELY talented artist was COMPLETELY snubbed by Marvel, and they will never get another dime out of me. I have had enough of their partisan, selfish views, and Stan Lee can rot in Hell., Marvel hell to be sure. 8 out of 10 stars, for showing the world that special effects and a comic-book storyline can drive a film, but it was created by the sweat off of the backs of the ORIGINAL artists. Nuff' said.

The Stand (1994)

The Stand(1994) or The Stink(Always)

[2/10 · 4 April 2011]

What can only be considered a 6 part waste of time "The Stand" is arguably a total waste of time. Slow moving full of filler, the less than climatic ending is not worth the wait. Stephen King co-executive producer may know how to write, but knows nothing about film making. It is awful, you almost hope evil wins just to give the film meaning. While the movie or mini-series has several good performances Molly Ringwald and Gary Sinese , it does not justify watching this mundane , dreary, life-extracting garbage. Nor does it do the book justice, which I recommend instead of this complete waste of time. 2 stars out of ten. Read a book.

The Ice Storm (1997)

Evolution of Narcisissm

[8/10 · 29 March 2011]

"The Ice Storm" Directed by Ang Lee, exhibits the evolution of materialism, and the effects it has on those who are possessed by it.

Values based on how much one owns or how successful one is are displayed in this film to its exacting ends. The time frame is over the 1973 Thanksgiving Day and the Fri. after.

Basically involved are the two upper middle class Connecticut families , the Hoods and the Carvers. Ben Hood(Kevin Kline) is having an affair with Janey Carver(Sigourney Weaver), who is cold and calculating. Elena Hood(Joan Allen) is the distraught housewife, who is having troubles dealing with her life and her husbands infidelity.

As the story unfolds, the whole community is involved with key parties(wife swapping) and most of the other traps that come with materialism.

The children play an integral part of the film as their adolescent intrigues get them involved with sexuality and experimentation with drugs. Elijah Wood, Tobey McGuire, Katie Holmes, and Christina Ricci blend together to fulfill the nascent generational gap.

The literal ice storm is the representation of the out of control world of these out of touch adults.

There are many real moments, that are shared with the viewer, and recapture the lost innocence of youth, very well done. This film is required viewing as it captures the spiral of descent of adults who are not in touch with reality and create their own moral universe. 8 stars out of 10.

Lost Horizon (1937)

Lost Horizon(1937) Fantastic Tale !!!

[10/10 · 26 March 2011]

Frank Capras exquisite look at paradise on Earth . From the James Hilton novel of "Lost Horizon" comes this tale of refuge on Earth, a lamasery in the remote High Himalayas. Governed by the High Lama(Sam Jaffe) Shagri-la is the ultimate in contentment, serenity ,and peace . The perfect environ to while away your time, because you'll have plenty of it. See, you live longer due to the lack of stress and harshness that plagues the outside world. Exquisitely and painstakingly photographed, the richness and fullness of this mythical village are not lost, but fully developed and embellished. Robert Conway(Ronald Colman),British Dipomat and WWI survivor are kidnapped and flown into the Himalayas for a date with destiny. His presence has been summoned by the High Lama. The other passengers on the plane struggle with their desires to either stay or embark on treacherous trip back to modern civilization. Geroge Conway(John Howard) is the never satisfied malcontent brother, who demands to leave. Robert acquiesces and the descent begins.Sondra(Jane Wyatt) is the love interest to Robert, and Maria(Margo) is the same to George, except she also wants to leave. This is a wonderful story of struggle , redemption, love lost, love regained.

Capra deliciously captures this story perfectly. 10 out of 10 stars, ironic that an originally 6 hour film have 'Lost" footage.

Carnival Magic (1983)

Spectacularly Bad, but Funny Bad if You Get the Joke ! (1981)

[3/10 · 26 March 2011]

Al Adamson noted/notorious for making less than average films, outdoes himself with this creation "Carnival Magic !"

Take several aging would-be actors, place them in a sub-standard setting(Carnival), add a chimpanzee with an incredible ability, stir the pot and voilà', a hysterical look at the American culture, albeit a limited slice of the pie but still a slice.

Don Stewart as Markov the Magician has amazing powers , yet one of them is not having the ability to stay employed, unless , enter Alexander the Great(the chimp), who has the power to talk..wow...

Nice gimmick, except like the rest of the film, it is poorly executed.Even Alex looks aged.Spoiler Alert, Alex is or was Trudi the Chimp in real life. Not since "The Crying Game" has the gender bender been played so royally...except this time they used an animal, like "Lassie."

So, the jealous animal trainer doesn't like being second banana and arranges for the abduction of our talking hero, to the confines of a medical laboratory for a closer look, if you know what I mean.

So obviously the story has to resolve getting Alex back, but not before a chimp/police chase, hilarious or could have been under better supervision.

The closing credits roll over the carnival parade in Gaffeny, South Carolina, which has been a host to no less than 7 other films, what a hoot ! Watching Don tongue an underage girl in her teens is Classic, I guess his powers include perversion and statutory rape. Nice.

Oh, look for the Shriners, it wouldn't be a parade without them !

BTW, the joke I referred to in the summary title, is that you can build a TV Show/Film and/or Video Vehicle around a chimp, i.e."The Monkees", "BJ and the Bear","The Hathaways", it is done over and over because they try to reinvent the wheel or at least disguise it for a buck. Al Adamson was no different, he just failed to use demographics and threw this film against the wall, to see if it would stick. 3 stars out of 10, but filled with unintentional laughs, once you know the joke. Chimps are funny, people are too, but that is a different show.