I was weaned on westerns and so after a while you get numb by the vast amount of bad ones done over the years.I always thought a `twist'gives a western something more,a `hook'if you will.This IS such a flick.It is also fair to say I am NOT a huge Tom Selleck fan.That being said I think this has become one of my top 5 favorite westerns ever and top 10 movies of all time.The hook is the Outback and this twist is right on target.The Aborigine are the Indians and we have the evil land owner in Alan Rickman and the `Lady'in Laura San Giacomo.In Lieu of the Mexican Army we have the English.A interesting Rifle to rival a artillery piece or Gattling gun for interest. The basic story is again,good vs evil and redemption via true love.Tried and true western themes,but this Outback setting is the new hook that makes it well done. Fine vast action theme music and a down hill chase via horseback that is a classic.It had to be well shoot and filmed and it was.The ending had a `mystical'setting not seen in westerns but a staple of the Aborigine mystique if you will. The movie also serves to bring light to the shameful treating of the Aborigine in Australia that climaxed only in the last 20 years.A dirty secret only hinted at of the policy in force until the late 1960s of removing Aboriginal children from their families.A touching scene with Laura San Giacomo and a small Aborigine child hammer this home on no uncertain terms.This film works on so many levels it should be recognized as a Aborigine in Australia `message' film set to western theme.I cannot say enough and recommend this film to everyone.You will not be sorry.
Reviews
27 Reviews
Free Enterprise
(1998)
LOVED IT
6 March 2003
Yes,its true,fans of the "classic"Star Trek will like this more than others and to those others,I'm sorry for you. William Shatner is no one without the series,and is really the issue of the movie.Yes the story revolves around coming of age and getting on with their life of 2 fanboys,but the Shatner hook is that realization and fluition. The scene that does the most for me was a table discussion that raises to the almost super insperational speech that Kirk gives on why there is an Enterprise and they sail aboard her. A truly great reminder of why we fans got hooked on that series so many light years ago. Yes it was a parady,but not all paradys are jokes and if you are into the movie you'll see the context was every bit as compelling as the episode scene it paradies. I am a fan for sure and so to me it was grand and I'm thankful I found this flick
Deterrence
(1999)
Good forsight from 3 years back
6 February 2003
For a movie made 3 years ago and set in the future,its very NOW. My only complaint is the ending.However I guess when the story is as good and literate as this,the ending can't measure up.Still,great acting and timley story make this a must see.
Sword of Gideon
(1986 TV Movie)
topical
29 June 2002
With the events of 9/11 and the middle east suicide bombings,this is still a topical movie.There seem to be 2 versions of this movie,strive for the longer one.Its a HBO film that I saw on a different cable station and then bought the film on EBAY.The film on e-bay was a unedited still in its original box for 86 minutes but with a few scenes cut out.Maybe there was a European vs US issue?At any rate the scenes cut out hightened as point of view in favor of Isreal which I share.This film is propaganda to be sure,but isn't all film? In a powerful scene that was shortened to cut out this statement,Golda Mair the Isreal Premire is explaining to the new Mossad recruit why their cause is rightous.This paraphrase was cut from the short version where she says,"The killed our children while the world played games" Its a haunting film.
Pure Country
(1992)
Badly lacking
21 June 2002
I'm sorry but there are many things wrong with this film.First the music is poorly recorded and hard to hear.Second the acting is just bad,and last,the story is not even as good as a bad country song. I like George Strait,thats why I saw this turkey.His very early cameo in the film"The Soldier"was far better than anything in this forgettable film.
I will never stop on the highway again
21 June 2002
Listen,lots can be said about this movie.Let me put it in a different light.After seeing Hitchcocks Psycho,would you shower alone in the house?Well after seeing this film,trust me,you will NEVER again stop to help a motorist at night on the highway,EVER.
The Soldier
(1982)
scarry,even today
21 June 2002
Although this is a cold war thriller,its topical today because the plot was to make it look like terrorists were behind this theft of nuclear material used to plant a bomb in Saudi oil fields and thus make the wests oil supply worthless.The acting was poor save for the fine turn by Alberta Watson as a Mossad agent.Also notable was a very brief bar room scene showing a young George Strait playing in the background.Believe me,that scene was better then the whole retched"Pure Country"movie.Klaus Kinski is also very cold in his brief apperance. Some parts are silly,but this is a movie after all.Don't expect the world,and you'll get a treat.
Three Days of the Condor
(1975)
Simply the best
21 June 2002
Still the cold war thriller that all others are measured against.The acting is super,the plot,scary,the ending even more so(smile). My only small complaint is it seems a little dated in dress. Still just how dark and unforgiving can the CIA unworld be?See this flick for one view.Oh and Max Van Sydow is the most chilling hit man this side of the Godfather.
Anzio
(1968)
Gritty
21 June 2002
This is a strange film.On the one hand it tries to be anti-war,on the other,its as fine a action flick as I've seen.The story of Anzio is sad indeed.This films doesn't really explain all the mistakes made,but does admit to them,thats the anti-war end of it.The action end of it was,well,let me tell you one scene.Soldiers are running from enemy tanks and forced to cross a mine field to escape.Mitchell throws stones into the mine field and the soldiers run across on top of them as they throw them ahead of themselfs.One asks how Mitchell thought of this as mines blow up under the stones.I learned it from a old Chinese soldier was his reply.Where's he now,the soldier asked?He didn't make it was Mitchells answer as they were still in the middle of the mine field. I loved this flick,including the off beat performance by Peter Falk.
Jack the Ripper
(1959)
The best ripper flick
21 June 2002
Maybe it was the black and white film,maybe the ending,don't know,I just liked this version the best so far.For a 50's flick it was bloody,but not as much as later versions.The story plot takes a twist toward the ending giving a different view of the killer and a ending leaving no questions.
The Gallant Hours
(1960)
My all time fav WW11 movie
21 June 2002
Now hear me out.There is NO action in this film,NONE.How can it be the best then?Well.first Cagney IS Hulsey.Next all the acting is great.Then the music is outstanding.Seems there is no recording of the score sadly. Finally the story is told in both the US and Japanese points of view and very fast paced and literate I might add.Yes action is great,but this story of Guadelcannels defense can be told without seeing the carnage that ensued.The story was bloodcurdling enough in this case. And Cagneys Quote of Halseys about no great men only great tasks that ordinary man are forced to meet,is heart warming in light of todays events of 9/11
Deterrence
(1999)
Topical
19 June 2002
Great Flick although the ending is a little hard to take with out a additional viewing.I thought the idea of a VP fill in for dead President/running for re-election/trapped in snowed in dinner,was far fetched but yet just enough tinge of truth to be interesting.I also thought the casting of a black female pre Congolisa Rice security advisor was the touch of reality to make the rest believable.Jackson Pollack as the President was a reach,but if you sit through the film I think you'll like him as one.
Heat
(1986)
Best Burt Reynolds Flick
19 June 2002
I thought this was by FAR the best Burt Reynolds flick ever.Fine story of a degenerate gambling mob fringe dweller who might get a chance for redemption.Also note the brief appearance of retired Jets Sack exchange member Joe Klecko as a mob bodyguard. Not to be confused with Michael Mann's more famous "Heat"I thought this was a better film although their plots are different.These pictures are not linked at all.
A Small Circle of Friends
(1980)
Fond remembrances
19 June 2002
I usually don't like flash back films but in this one,I'll make an exception. The story of 3 folks who meet in Harvard during the Vietnam war. I thought it covered the turmoil of the time as well as being a buddy flick.Two for the price of one.See it if you went through the times as I did.
The Warriors
(1979)
Scary idea
19 June 2002
Coming from NYC I liked the gritty realism of the locations.Although the plot is at times unbelivable,the acting and locations scare you none the less.The idea gangs might join together to rule the city may seem far fetched,but after seeing this flick?The trip home by the warriors may seem absurb,but if you had to go through some subway rides for real in NY,maybe not.
The Murdered Young Girl
(1974)
Strange act of love
19 June 2002
I must say I was surprised at a film being made with Auto Asphixia as a theme.Daring,but that's the French for you.The story of a love affair that goes wrong in its obsession and its kinkyness.My only regret was that Vadim didn't put Jane Fonda in this film rather then Barbarella for a few reasons(grin)
Blood of Ghastly Horror
(1967)
2 for 1
19 June 2002
You really get 2 bad films for the price of one.Its obvious the producers put 2 turkeys together to get one dead fish. If you see this film you may never go back to the video store again,feeling cheated and ripped off.
El Topo
(1970)
Sorry I don't get it
19 June 2002
This was supposed to be a cult film based on the book of Genisis from the Bible.Sorry the gunfighter doesn't do it for me.Its hard to follow and seems overly violent and overstated.It never lives up to the promise of the opening scene where a boy becomes a man in the hardest terms. Pass it by
The Headless Eyes
(1971)
le bad cimema
19 June 2002
I remembered this as a film that delivered.It doesn't.The mind forgets as it gets older.Do not see this film.Its badly acted and poorly made. I can't think of a worse film,although the idea was ok,just done badly.Put it in say Mario Bavas hands and who knows?
Whirlpool
(1970)
I miss this from days gone by
19 June 2002
I saw this in the theater way back when.My memory fails over the years but I wish I could see it again.I remember it as a slezzy sort of teasing film except for the ending.Thats what made the film and why so many try to find it today.Alas with no luck.If you can find it,tell the WORLD!!
The Undertaker and His Pals
(1966)
Funniest slasher flick ever
19 June 2002
You gotta love this flick about funeral homes and greasy spoon dinners.I'm sure there's a message here but who cares? Canabalism was never so funny.Maybe I'm sick,but I loved it.What's not to like when a fresh killed victims body part is offered as a daily special at the dinner as the rest is displayed at the funeral home.Sick,yes,but done with flair.
Blood and Black Lace
(1964)
The best
19 June 2002
This film delivers.Bava is the king.Most slasher films just tease.This serves up 5 dead bodies and a wild plot line.Its sexy and brash. Cameron Mitchell excels at a really bad guy in more ways than one,and Eva Bartok has a very strange role indeed.Still the story is the murders.You will not be disappointed.
The Long Ships
(1964)
Long ships rule
19 June 2002
Sydney Poitier as a bad guy!!!Worth the rental just for that. As a moorish ruler obsessed with a wrong done by christians there is some relivance to today,but the obsession is for GOLD not correcting the wrong deed.Richard Widmark is NOT a Viking,but this movie is a laugh a minute with mistakes and unbelivable happenings.Still Oscar Hominka is right on in his small but important role,and its good to see Russ Tambyn in a non West side story role.Not to be taken to seriously as the much more recent 13 warrior is to be.
Esther and the King
(1960)
Not as good with time
19 June 2002
Saw this in the movies as a child and just lately on tape.I must say it doesn't stand up at all.All that is memorable is a young Joan Collins. A hint of Mario Bava's work to come is not enough to trace this flick. Pass it by unless you wish to be transported to a youth that never really was.
It Conquered the World
(1956)
Great 50's horror flick
19 June 2002
I'm a sucker for old B&W horror flicks.I remember the old 3 films and 10 cartoons as a kid and this was one of them. Beverly Garland was a Horror Queen to me,and Lee Van Cliff over acts,and Peter Graves shows why the Zucker Brothers put him in Airplane. Some may say its bad,I say YEAH!!IF you like those oldies,you'll love this.It delivers on the fems in peril theme as few others do.
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