james362001 Reviews

Moment by Moment (1978)

Lily Tomlin and John Travolta had film chemistry.

[9/10 · 29 April 2009]

It has been years since I have seen this film and thanks to IMDb.com and Hulu I have seen Moment By Moment (1978) again. It is currently not available on VHS nor DVD.

I like the film because of the good performance of Lily Tomlin and John Travolta. They had good film chemistry together. Okay, before you bite my head off, let me explain. We know a little bit of Lily Tomlin's personal life and we know about John Travolta and some people might be judgmental about this film, but look at it this way, Lily Tomlin played her character believable and John Travolta's character was that of an insecure, sensitive young man who was down and out and needed someone to give him a lifeline. John Travolta played his role believable as well. Despite the bad dialogue that was written in this film, the two professional actors held the film together. If you watch closely, Travolta was being very respectful to Tomlin during the love scenes.

I do like this film and I would buy it on DVD if it ever became available.

Spoiler: I wish the film would have made an additional ending of the two back at the beach house together instead of how it did end.

As many acting projects as these two big stars have done over the years and are still actively acting, I'm surprised John Travolta and Lily Tomlin haven't appeared in a film together again.

D.O.A. (1949)

One of the most watched film noirs about one man's plight.

[27 January 2004]

One of the most seen and talked about film noirs and people are still seeing it today. Alpha Video offers you a very fine print here. Edmond O'Brien (The Killers [1946]) plays a man who needs to get away from his job for a couple of weeks, so he goes to San Francisco. While at a jive joint, his drink was switched by a mysterious man. The next morning he feels ill so he goes to the doctor. He is told very seriously he has a luminous toxic matter inside of him and there is no cure for it. He has only days left to live. He's in a race against time to find out who poisoned him. As of this writing, of the cast that is still alive, the lovely Beverly Garland (My Three Sons tv series), who played "Miss Foster" and Henry Hart who played "Stanley".

Life with Blondie (1945)

Daisy becomes a star model and Dagwood, a bathing suit model.

[9/10 · 19 December 2003]

Daisy gets away from the dog catcher again, now safe in the Bumstead house. A new neighbor, Tommy Cooper (Bobby Larson) comes by to meet the Bumsteads, including Blondie (Penny Singleton), Alexander (Larry Simms), Cookie (Marjorie Kent) and Dagwood (Arthur Lake). While Daisy gets in some trouble again by chasing a cat up a tree, someone gets an idea to make Daisy a pin-up/covergirl. She ends up on the cover of a magazine. Then she gets a deal for Daisy soap. Now that Daisy is a model, they make Dagwood a model for a bathing suit company. Guess who knocks down the postman this time? It's not Dagwood! Ernest Truex plays "Theodore Glassby". Danny Mummert was not in this one because he was committed to another film. Marjorie Ann Mutchie, "Cookie", is now credited as Marjorie Kent. The next film in the series is BLONDIE'S LUCKY DAY.

Blondie's Lucky Day (1946)

Dagwood gets to be boss.

[7/10 · 19 December 2003]

The alarm clock didn't work so the Bumsteads household is behind schedule this morning. Mr. Dithers (Jonathan Hale) drops by to let Dagwood (Arthur Lake) take over as boss at the office for three weeks. Dagwood must do a favor for the Mayor (Charles Arnt) and hire SGT. McDermott for Mr. Dithers. The only problem is, McDermott is a woman, Betty Jane McDermott (Angelyn Orr). Dagwood out of courtesy must invite her to dinner. As Dagwood already knows, Blondie (Penny Singleton) would be jealous. Yet another new postman (Frank Jenks). This one just out of the Army. He feels he can dodge Dagwood too. Of course he can't. When Dithers comes back, Blondie gets an idea for Dagwood to be boss of his own construction company with Betty Jane's help. This was Jonathan Hale's last time playing Mr. Dithers. Danny Mummert was not in this one. Bob Haymes plays "Johnny Butler". For fun, can you spot the Wonder Bread? The next film in the series is BLONDIE KNOWS BEST.

Leave It to Blondie (1945)

Dagwood might win in a song writing contest, thanks to Alvin.

[10/10 · 18 December 2003]

This is the 15th "Blondie" film in the series of 28. It has been two years since a new "Blondie" film was released. Larry Simms and Danny Mummert are now 10 years of age. Alexander (Larry Simms) can now wear long pants and Dagwood (Arthur Lake) is now wearing a long tie instead of bow-ties. The newspaper delivery person is a girl which startles Daisy. Alvin (Danny Mummert) comes in singing in fine tune. Just when Blondie (Penny Singleton) thought the budget was fine, she gives Emily $100 for Children's Camp. Alvin's father, Mr. Fuddle (Arthur Space) gets $100 from Dagwood for the Children's Camp. When Blondie and Dagwood both realize the mistake they made together, what will they do now?. A new postman (Eddie Acuff) is determined that Dagwood won't run him down, so he places a bet with Mr. Fuddle. Guess who wins? Dagwood might win a song writing contest thanks to Dagwood's uncle and Alvin. The next film in the series is LIFE WITH BLONDIE.

Footlight Glamour (1943)

The Bumsteads do a stage play for the USO.

[4/10 · 18 December 2003]

This is the 14th film in the "Blondie" film series. Alvin (Danny Mummert) comes over to the Bumstead home to ask Dagwood (Arthur Lake) a favor for his mother. His mother wants Dagwood to take the clock in to be repaired. But when Dagwood mistakes the clock for a can of peaches, he destroys the clock with the can opener. Now he owes Alvin five dollars or a new clock. Alexander (Larry Simms) says they were eating applesauce for breakfast. Blondie (Penny Singleton) is trying to find a way to get more ration books. Cookie (Marjorie Ann Mutchie) now answers the phone politely. Ann savage (Detour [1945]) plays "Vicki Wheeler" who gets the Bumsteads and even the postman involved in a stage play for the USO (United Service Organizations). The next film in the series is LEAVE IT TO BLONDIE.

Night Tide (1961)

Dennis Hopper, a sailor, goes to Santa Monica Pier and meets an unusual woman.

[9/10 · 10 December 2003]

This film is one of those little known films that I saw late-night on television in the 1980's and I never forgot it. Now I finally own the DVD copy for myself. This isn't your normal beach movie and it's in black & white (most good films are). This film is interesting to watch and really has that weird 1960's feel to it. Set during the month of August, Dennis Hopper plays a sailor, John, on shore leave. He roams around Santa Monica pier and Venice and comes across the Blue Grotto, a nice jazz place. There he meets a woman with long black hair. She must leave quickly. But John is drawn to her so he follows her. She lives in an apartment above the Merry-Go-Round. Her name is "Mora" (Linda Lawson). He asks her to see her again tomorrow for breakfast. A friendship begins. Mora's job is a pier attraction. She is the mermaid. But there is another side of Mora so mysterious that Johnny doesn't know.This film offers the most relaxed performance I've ever seen Dennis Hopper play in any film and he was the age of 24 at the time. Memorable scenes of Hopper following the mysterious old women and who can forget Marjorie Eaton as the lady who reads tea leaves. Cast also includes Luana Anders, Tom Dillon and Gavin Muir. DVD includes a bonus: the original theatrical trailer.

Blondie's Blessed Event (1942)

Daisy has puppies and Blondie has a baby...

[10/10 · 6 September 2003]

Baby Dumpling (Larry Simms) decides it's time to be called by his real name "Alexander". Daisy has just had her babies er ah puppies that is. When Dagwood (Arthur Lake) runs home he thought it was Blondie (Penny Singleton). Blondie's time is about to occur as well. Alexander and Alvin (Danny Mummert) are doing the housework. Later at the hospital Dagwood explains to Alexander why Blondie must be in the hospital and the truth about that stork business. Alvin sets Dagwood straight almost telling too much. Well, Alvin and Dagwood both told the truth. Right? (Very good and tender father and son scene) At just the right time, Blondie has the baby and it's a...you'll have to watch the film to find out. This is one of the finest Blondie movies ever made in the series. It is okay for children to watch. Parents should watch this delightful film with the kids. Mary Wickes plays the broadway-bound maid. The next film in the series is BLONDIE FOR VICTORY.

Blondie Goes to College (1942)

Blondie & Dagwood decide to go to college.

[6/10 · 30 August 2003]

This is the 10th film (of 28) in the Blondie film series. The Bumsteads go to the football game. But Baby Dumpling (Larry Simms) is a bit disappointed. The seats are right in the center of the goal posts and he can't see a thing. But Baby does manage to catch the special football. Dagwood (Arthur Lake) decides he wants to go to college for the first time. Later, Blondie (Penny Singleton) wants Dagwood to stop dreaming and not be late for work this morning. Blondie decides to have a talk with Mr. Dithers. Dithers thinks it's a great idea for Dagwood to go to college to get it out of his system. He thinks Blondie should go too. But Blondie has another idea. She's going to have another baby. Dagwood doesn't know yet. Lloyd Bridges plays a college student. Sid Melton plays "Mouse". Notice the scene when Dagwood tells Mrs. Dill that he dreamed he was a baby, and then he yawns. Notice Larry Simms laughing abit at Arthur. The next film in the series is BLONDIE'S BLESSED EVENT.

Blondie in Society (1941)

Dagwood buys a great dane that causes havoc.

[7/10 · 30 August 2003]

Dagwood (Arthur Lake) comes home to find the police waiting for him. Someone has forged Dagwood's signature on a check. But as it turns out, Dagwood wrote the check him to get paid back. Now you know why they call him Dagwood. Blondie (Penny Singleton) sure is upset. Alvin (Danny Mummert) drops by and lets Blondie know he heard the argument all the way in his house. Baby Dumpling (Larry Simms) and Alvin begin to use slang, much to the disapproval of Blondie. Dagwood buys a show dog that causes havoc in the Bumstead house. This film does not use the early previews, but the theme song is used this time. The mailman in the film hides up in the tree and we all know why. William Frawley plays a dog owner. This role was 10 years before the "I Love Lucy" tv series. This film is a bit unpleasant at times. Too much serious Bumstead arguing and yelling. Bad writing and directing. But you might like this one if you are a dog lover. The next film in the series is BLONDIE GOES TO COLLEGE.

Blondie Goes Latin (1941)

The Bumsteads go on a cruise. Penny Singleton sings!

[19 July 2003]

This is the 8th film in the series of 28 (1938-1950). Alvin (Danny Mummert) is nice enough to visit the Bumsteads and give flowers to Blondie. h He has a poem to read titled, "The Bumsteads Go To South America". The Bumstead family gets to go on a six-week cruise to South America thanks to Mr. Dithers. Well, a telegram comes for Mr. Dithers. To close a deal at the office, someone must be at the office Tuesday. This is Mr. Dithers health cruise, so that means Dagwood (Arthur Lake) must leave the ship to be at the office. After all Mr. Dithers is Dagwood's boss. But Dithers insists on Blondie (Penny Singleton), Baby Dumpling (Larry Simms) and Daisy too to stay on the ship with him with his compliments. Dagwood says a tearful goodbye. Well, as you will see, Dagwood doesn't quite make it ashore. He is still on the boat and trying to hide from Mr. Dithers. Baby Dumpling meets a little girl and they sing a duet. Penny Singleton gets to sing three beautiful songs and dances too. The next film in the series is BLONDIE IN SOCIETY.

Hulk (2003)

Lou Ferrigno cameo! Ready for Hulk 2.

[7/10 · 9 July 2003]

I so waited anxiously for this HULK film since I heard about it a year ago. Well, it took a whole hour just for story telling. Slow-moving and boring. Jennifer Connelly wasn't interesting to me. All the actors looked pale. The color of the film look faded. But the most exciting of the film is the CGI HULK in raging action. However some scenes go so fast you don't get to absorb every frame. Nighttime scenes and underwater scenes are too dark to see what is going on. That's a waste of CGI. The HULK is only seen for a total of 20 to 30 minutes total. Stan Lee and Lou Ferrigno are in a cameo appearance. It would have been nice to have given Mr. Ferrigno a funny bit to do that would have reminded us of his HULK days. This film is nothing like "The Incredible Hulk" tv series (1978-1982) that starred Bill Bixby (may he rest in peace) and Lou Ferrigno. The tv series had emotion. I enjoyed the ending of this HULK film with the hope that there will be a HULK 2. Now that the storytelling is out of the way we can move on to more action in HULK 2. As Lou Ferrigno would probably agree with: Give the Hulk more screen time.

Gosford Park (2001)

Clive Owen could be the next "James Bond 007".

[4/10 · 16 May 2003]

Clive Owen plays "Robert Parks". Clive Owen might get a chance to be selected to be the next James Bond 007 after Pierce Brosnan passes it on. He might have to wait until the year 2008. Maggie Smith plays "Contance Trentham". Maggie Smith is an actress I adore. I loved her in CALIFORNIA SUITE (1978). Bob Balaban plays "Morris Weissman". I have not seen him act since CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND (1977). Ryan Phillippe plays "Henry Denton". A real horny b***ard he is in this film. Helen Mirren, Emily Watson, Kristin Scott Thomas and Alan bates are also in the cast. This film is a lot of English...Pip...Pip...Cherrio stuff until someone is murdered.

The Return of the Native (1994 TV Movie)

Clive Owen could become the next "James Bond 007".

[4/10 · 14 May 2003]

I saw this Hallmark television movie when it originally aired. I lost interest in the story because a character was said to be a witch. I just was not in the right frame of mind to watch this film. But Hallmark stands for the best, quality films. Now, there is a reason to give this film a second look. Clive Owen who plays "Damon Wildeve" just might have a chance to be selected as the next James Bond 007 when Pierce Brosnan passes it on. Clive Owen might have to wait until the year 2008. The other reason is the female lead is Catherine Zeta-Jones is now a celebrity (she was an unknown at the time) and became an Academy Award winner for Outstanding Supporting Actress in 2003. Joan Plowright as "Mrs. Yeobright" is also in this film. I like the opening line in this film: "Deliver my heart from this fearful, lonely place. Send me a great love from somewhere or else I shall die, truly I shall die."

Men in Black II (2002)

Will Smith and Special Effects do not always make a film work.

[5/10 · 29 March 2003]

A long-awaited sequel. Never had I heard so much bad word-of-mouth about a film even before it was released. I was very disappointed in Men In Black II. I somewhat enjoyed the first film. Will Smith seems to play the same smart-aleck character in every film he does. In this one, he is cutting people off in mid-sentence wanting them to shut-up. Being rude and insulting to white people in this film really turned me off. Bad writing. I didn't feel there was enough screen time for Tommy Lee Jones. Is there a plot in this film? Interesting was the cameo appearance of singer/actor/entertainer Michael Jackson. Perhaps Michael Jackson would have been better than Will Smith (Michael Jackson was good in THE WIZ [1978]). The outtakes were of just more of Will Smith wasting more valuable time just to be silly and get attention. The Blooper reel shows how unprofessional Will Smith can be whereas Tommy Lee Jones can prove how much of a consummate actor he is. Tommy Lee Jones can be serious and jump right back into character when the director needs it. The sequel just might have killed the entire Men In Black franchise once and for all. Will Smith and Special Effects does not always work for a film. Men In Black means "black suit" not "ethnic". I would like to see Tommy Lee Jones do a Men In Black without Will Smith. I liked the alternate ending where Will Smith was put in the egg pod. Perhaps that is where they should have cut and ended the film right there. Watch Tommy Lee Jones in THE EYES OF LAURA MARS (1978).

A Return to Salem's Lot (1987)

Low Budget. Has nothing to do with the original TV mini-series

[1/10 · 22 March 2003]

Absolutly has nothing to do with the tv mini-series Salem's Lot (1979). Very low-budget type film. This does not have the same characters nor the same actors as in the original film and does not have the main vampire killer as in the original film we all are a fan of. This film is just a total rip-off by name of title of the original film instead. Not worth the bother and definatly not for children to see. My rating is an awful "1". What a waste of good talent for Evelyn Keyes (Gone With The Wind) and June Havoc. Only worth a look if you would like to see them act again. But they are goonies in this one. Why their was not legal nogotiations concerning the use of title ("Salem's Lot") and the picture of the main Vampire Killer from the original film on the video package is beyond me.

My Favorite Brunette (1947)

Have a Happy 100th Birthday, Mr. Bob Hope!

[8/10 · 4 March 2003]

Bob Hope is back! This time with Dorothy Lamour. This is the ninth film they both have been in and they were in five more together after this one, Bob Hope is the age of 43 or 44 in this film. Bob Hope plays a baby photographer who has always wanted to be a private eye...a detective. Next to his office is the McCloud Detective Agency. He begs for Sam McCloud (Alan Ladd in a cameo appearance) to give him a chance. But nothin' doin'. While McCloud trusts Bob to answer the phone while he steps outside to work on a case, who should walk in but Dorothy Lamour. The distraught woman needs help and thinks Bob is McCloud the detective. Well, what is Bob to do? Especially as lovely as Dorothy Lamour is. So here is Bob's chance to play detective. Here is where the fun begins. Bing Crosby also has a cameo appearance.

K-PAX (2001)

The only reason for seeing this film is Ajay Naidu.

[3/10 · 31 January 2003]

My only reason for seeing this film is because Ajay Naidu was in it. Interesting beginning, but the story was bad. Similar to E.T (1982), Starman (1984), which also had Jeff Bridges in the starring role, and One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest I'm glad I rented it for free through the library instead of paying to see it.

Blondie Plays Cupid (1940)

Baby Dumpling and Dagwood have fireworks, but Blondie disapproves.

[10/10 · 31 January 2003]

It's July 3 and Baby Dumpling wants fireworks for the Fourth of July. Dagwood bought a whole sack full, but Blondie disapproves. They decide to go to the country, but there trip isn't exactly trouble-free. Blondie helps a young Glenn Ford get back with his fiancee. The next film in the series is BLONDIE GOES LATIN.

Blood Simple (1984)

This is a good one folks!

[9/10 · 21 January 2003]

This is the best murder mystery I have seen in a long time. The suspense is incredible. There are so many twists and turns, this film will keep you thinking and guessing and surprise you until you fall off the edge of your seat. I highly recommend this movie.

I Spit on Your Grave (1978)

The Sex Scenes Are Ridiculously Simulated. Adults Only!

[3/10 · 8 January 2003]

This review is based on the Unrated DVD Version. The DVD Print is an excellent form. A big improvement from the old scratchy, choppy prints we have seen on VHS in the past years. This low-budget film has a cult following. There is male frontal nudity and female frontal nudity. The sex scenes are ridiculously simulated. A woman gets ultimately raped by four men. They think they have left her for dead, however she is very much alive and seeks out each man for revenge. For Adults Only!

Halloween: Resurrection (2002)

Forget this film and accept the ending of Halloween: H2O.

[6/10 · 7 January 2003]

Horrible "Halloween" entry and sequel to Halloween: H2O. The start of this film with Jamie Lee Curtis looked promising, but alas, it ended to quick and the demise of the strong character of "Laurie" is unacceptable to me. After this, the film becomes too ridiculous. Very predictable and did not scare me a bit. I would rather forget this film and accept the ending of Halloween: H2O for what it is. Thanks for returning as "Laurie" Mrs. Jamie Lee Curtis, but so sorry the rest of the film was bad.

Blondie Has Servant Trouble (1940)

The Bumsteads Stay In A Haunted House!

[10/10 · 3 January 2003]

Daisy can't get the newspaper because a black cat went across her path. Baby Dumpling (Larry Simms) knows his parents all too well and Alvin (Danny Mummert) comes in to offer his Good Morning advice. One thing I would like to point out here is that Fay Helm played Mrs. Fuddle. She played Alvin's mother in four Blondie films this being her last Blondie film. Today, (according to imdb.com) she is still alive at the good age of 89. I hope she enjoys watching the Blondie films as much as we do. This film, the sixth in the series, is real cute, however some scenes may be too much for young children to watch. The Bumsteads stay in a haunted house with secret doors and secret passages. Watch the fun begin. The next film in the series is BLONDIE PLAYS CUPID.

Blondie Brings Up Baby (1939)

Baby Dumpling has his first day in school.

[7/10 · 29 December 2002]

Just when the new mailman thought he had a new clever idea to deliver the mail to the Bumsteads without the letters literally becoming air mail, here comes Dagwood again! Alvin (Danny Mummert) is back to visit his pal Baby Dumpling (Larry Simms) to exert his intelligence. Today is Baby Dumpling's first day in school and not all goes well. The next film in the series is BLONDIE ON A BUDGET.

Blondie on a Budget (1940)

Blondie Wants A Mink Coat. Here Comes Rita Hayworth.

[7/10 · 20 December 2002]

Dagwood is trying to sweet talk Blondie, who is working seriously on the household budget, into giving him $200. After seeing his father put too much sugar into the coffee, Baby Dumpling spills the beans and tells his mother that Daddy wants the money for the Trout Club. Blondie wanted a new coat. Alvin walks in to offer social comfort, but when he offers to answer the front door, who should it be but Rita Hayworth. Here's where the fun begins. Isn't that taxi driver talented with impersonations? By the way, Baby Dumpling has his first wiggly tooth. The next film in the series is BLONDIE HAS SERVANT TROUBLE.