SHB_73 Reviews

Super Bowl LI (2017 TV Special)

As a Patriots fan, this game rocks!!

[10/10 · 1 February 2024]

Growing up a Patriots fan the 20 year dynasty was a fun era to be a part of. This Super Bowl will always be my favorite of the 6 championships the team won. There was a lot of drama during the season leading up to the game as NFL commissioner Roger Goodell suspended Quarterback Tom Brady the first four games of the season for the sham deflategate scandal. When the Patriots made the Super Bowl for Pats fans it was about revenge against Goodell by having him hand the Lombardi to Bob Kraft. But the game didn't start good for the Patriots as the Atlanta Falcons scored 21 straight points going into Halftime leading 21-3. The only good thing to watch at the time was Lady Gaga's halftime show. Early in the 3rd Quarter the Falcons scored a touchdown to make it 28-3 (That score would become a meme that haunts Falcons to this day) The Patriots would mount an incredible comeback in the second half to force the game into the first overtime in Super Bowl history which the Patriots would win 🏆 the game on an opening drive touchdown (Thank God Matthew Slater called heads during the overtime coin toss) it was one of the greatest Super Bowl games I ever witnessed and will go down as the greatest comeback in the history of the Super Bowl. Pats Nation for life!!

Ted (2024)

The adventures of the Teddy Bear from 1993

[9/10 · 25 January 2024]

Having seen both Ted movies I was looking forward to this tv series based on the character and it did not disappoint. Seth Macfarlane returns as the voice of Ted the teddy bear come to life. But the series takes us back to 1993 where John is still in high school and Teds 15 minutes of fame has just expired. Ted constantly gets in trouble while he is at home alone and is finally forced to go to school with John. Ted comes up with all different types of ideas to get expelled from school and it is a laugh riot with every attempt in the first episode. The series is a faithful adaption of the movies with Teds many one liners and foul language and if your from Boston the accents are so exaggerated you will find it funny. If the Ted movies made you laugh you will not be disappointed by the this series. Wicked cool!

D.C. Follies (1987–1989)

Spitting Image USA version

[9/10 · 4 December 2023]

As a kid I always enjoyed Sid and Marty Kroft programs but this show was one of my favorites. At the time England had a show called Spitting Image which made political figures into puppets and is a well made satire. DC Follies is the USA version of the show. The puppets are near perfect images of the politicians they satire. The show takes place in a bar in Washington D. C. which is owned by the late great Fred Willard who with the exception of a few guest stars is the only real human out of the cast of Krofft puppets. We see puppets out of every political person of the 80s including Reagan, Bush, Ford, Carter, along with my favorite Richard Nixon (the puppet) who gets ejected from a softball game for scuffing the ball with his 5 o'clock shadow. Along with puppet celebrities Sean Penn, Cher, Princess Diana, and Pope John Paul II. The series had memorable guest stars such as Julia Duffy Ron Reagan jr and Freddy Krueger himself Robert Englund. It's a shame that there were only 2 full seasons as the series had potential to have many more seasons. The show is on DVD on Amazon but if you want a continuation of political satire check out the classic show Spitting Image. DC Follies is a fun show if you want to look back nostalgically on 80s political satire.

Batman & Bill (2017)

Righting a wrong

[10/10 · 21 June 2023]

I am a huge comic book fan. One of my all time favorite Superheroes is Batman from reading Batman comics to watching all the Batman animated series. All my life I always thought Bob Kane was the creator of the Dark Knight because every Batman story I read had Bob Kane as the only person credited with creating the character. This documentary tells the true story of the man that never got the credit for co-creating the Batman: Milton "Bill" Finger. The documentary shows that while Bob Kane had the idea for a character called Batman, it was Bill Finger who was the one who convinced Bob to change the design of the character (Bob had designed him with red tights a domino mask and bat shaped wings) but Bill suggested costume ideas that would make Batman look like he does today. Writer Marc Nobleman who stars in the documentary goes on a personal quest to have Bill get the credit he deserves. Bill not only redesigned the Batman costume but is credited with creating the Joker, Robin the boy wonder, Penguin, The Riddler, the Batcave and the Batmobile. Marc eventually succeeds in his quest when he finds Bill's granddaughter Athena and she is able to convince DC and Warner Brothers to have her grandfather credited on every book, tv show, and film (Batman vs. Superman was the first movie Bill got a credit.) from now on. I have to admit after watching this I lost a lot of respect for Bob Kane for never giving credit to Bill for over several decades. He made a deal that gave him sole credit for creating Batman and while he lived a life a fame and fortune, Bill died in 1974 broke and penniless. This is a documentary I highly recommend to anyone who wants to know the true story of the creation of one of the greatest pop culture figures in world history. Thank you to Marc Nobleman for doing this so now whenever you buy a comic book see a movie or television show, you will now see the credits: Batman created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger. RIP Bill.

80 for Brady (2023)

If you are a Patriots fan, you will love it!

[8/10 · 20 February 2023]

I have to admit I've been a Patriots fan my whole life so I went to see this movie with a little bias. The movie stars 4 of the greatest acting legends in cinema history Oscar winners Sally Field, Jane Fonda, and Rita Moreno, but the movie belongs to Lily Tomlin with her comic timing and funny one liners. The film is loosely based on a true story about 4 80 year old women who are huge Tom Brady fans and try to purchase tickets and head to Houston Texas for Super bowl LI between The New England Patriots and The Atlanta Falcons. Through various instances of chicanery along with the fact something is wrong with the tickets the ladies do everything they can to get into the game. Do they get in? You will have to see to find out. The movie can be very sweet with Lily Tomlins character hiding a personal secret from the other ladies. If you are a Patriots fan seeing the highlights from Super Bowl LI is worth the admission because we all know how the game ended. 80 for Brady is a funny and sweet movie with cameos by Patriots legends Rob Gronkowski, Danny Amendola, Julian Edelman, and of course the legend himself Tom Brady. (Along with a few surprise cameos) Enjoy this movie and Mathew Slater? Thank you for calling heads in OT!

Cobra Kai (2018–2024)

Takes me back to the 80s

[10/10 · 1 February 2023]

The Karate Kid trilogy is one of my favorite sagas of all time. The adventures of Daniel LaRusso and Mr. Miyagi always will be a part of my heart . I have not always been a fan of reboots or retellings It didn't work with Hillary Swank in The Next Karate Kid or the Jackie Chan/ Jaden Smith movie. When I saw they were going to do a series with the original cast I thought it wasn't going to work. Boy was I wrong! Cobra Kai takes place 30 years after the original movie trilogy Johnny Lawrence (played once again by William Zabka) is now a down in his luck repairman estranged from his son while Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) runs a huge auto dealership with his wife and kids. During the first season Johnny becomes tired with the way life is going for him and decides to start up the Cobra Kai dojo again. Daniel in turn starts the Miyagi dojo and both of them have students competing against each other in tournaments and in life. The series brings back many of the stars of the original movies such as Elisabeth Shue, Martin Kove, and Thomas Ian Griffin along with many other surprise guests. But the true stars of the series are the kids who are taught different ways of Karate in the two dojo's Mary Mouser who plays Samantha LaRusso along with Jacob Bertrand Xolo Mariduena Peyton List, and Tanner Buchanan make impressive karate students. Unfortunately Mr. Miyagi (played by the late Pat Morita) only appears in flashbacks but there is a touching scene in season 1 where Daniel visits his grave and the nostalgia comes back. Cobra Kai ends with season 6 in 2023 will we see Hillary Swank return? I wouldn't be surprised. It's a great series and enjoy this trip down the 80s memory lane.

She-Hulk: Attorney at Law (2022)

Funny and cute

[8/10 · 14 January 2023]

I had reservations about this series as I was never a big She Hulk fan but this series I found highly entertaining. Die hard comic book fans may hate the series because it's kind of like a reminder of the Adam West 1960's Batman TV show but this series has more believable plots. Jennifer Walters/She Hulk (played by the talented and beautiful Tatiana Maslany) is Bruce Banner/The Hulk's cousin who is infected with Bruce's gamma radiated blood which turns her into the female Hulk, Like the comic Jennifer is a lawyer and her firm represents Super powered beings so she usually shows up to court as She Hulk for her clients. One thing I like about this show is that Jennifer always breaks the 4th wall and it can be hilarious 😆 The show is very enjoyable to watch if you are a Superhero and need a lawyer call She Hulk, attorney at law!

Superman (1988)

More faithful to the comic book

[7/10 · 25 April 2022]

As a die hard comic book fan my favorite superhero was Superman I remember watching The Challenge of the Superfriends where Superman was voiced by the legendary Danny Dark. I feel this incarnation of Superman by Ruby Spears is more faithful to the Superman mythos. Although it lasted only 13 episodes the show took many plot devices in the Comics. The voice cast is quite legendary with Alan Oppenheimer, Tress MacNeill and Peter Cullen and the show has fan favorites such as Lex Luthor and General Zod. Clark Kent/Superman is voiced by Beau Weaver who does a great job in both roles. Every episode has a 5 minute segment of Clark Kent as a young boy learning how to use his powers called Superman family album. Until the 1990s Superman series came on the air this was most faithful adaption of the Superman Legacy.

West Side Story (2021)

Wonderful retelling of the Broadway Classic

[10/10 · 22 January 2022]

I was hesitant to see this remake of the movie. The 1961 West Side Story film is a classic and one of the greatest movies of all time. To compare this film with 1961 movie would be like comparing apples and oranges. But if anyone could make this film great it would be my favorite director Steven Spielberg, and he succeeds! This movie version I feel is a little more faithful to the Broadway show and the fact that The Sharks are played by actors that are of Hispanic origin makes it work better. The story takes place in 1950's New York City and like the original focuses on the Turf War between the Sharks and the Jets with a love story between former Jet Tony and Maria who is the sister of Bernardo the leader of the Sharks. The acting is first rate just like the original. Anita, Bernardo's girlfriend made famous by Rita Moreno (who has a cameo in this movie) is played by Broadway actress and dancer Ariana DeBose who I feel should get an Oscar nomination for her performance. But the biggest surprise is by newcomer Rachel Zegler who plays Maria. She nails the role and unlike Natalie Wood uses her own singing voice. In my opinion she is going to be a star! The dancing and singing are terrific especially since most of the cast are Broadway performers you will enjoy the classic songs (my particular favorite "America" has wonderful choreography) you will want to get up and dance. While I feel it doesn't compare to the 1961 film, This movie I predict will be a classic many years from now. Spielberg does it again!

Treasure Hunters (2006– )

Amazing Race American History edition

[9/10 · 4 July 2021]

I really enjoyed this reality show. It is very similar to The Amazing Race but while watching you get to learn bits and pieces of American History. 10 teams of 3 from all walks of life (Family members, College Students, Military, etc) must travel the country to find the clues that lead to the treasure. Each episode a team is eliminated. The race takes them to different parts of the USA and England Until the final destination in Washington DC. Being a New Englander I was bias to the team of Boston Firefighters. The show was inspired by the Nicolas Cage National Treasure movies but it only lasted 1 season which is a shame because I would have loved to see more seasons of the show. But if you ever get the series on DVD it's fun to watch. The hunt begins!

Punky Brewster (2021)

Punky is back!

[9/10 · 25 February 2021]

As a child of the 80's Punky Brewster was one of my favorite shows. This reboot of the show takes place nearly 40 years after the original program with Soleil Moon Frye returning as the now divorced and mother of 3 Punky Brewster and what her life is like now. Things get interesting when another orphan named Izzy enters her life and that she still has feelings for her ex-husband Travis (Freddie Prinze jr.) the show also reunites Punky with her best friend Cherie (Cherie Johnson) sadly George Gaynes who played Henry passed away a few years ago but Punky does talk to a picture of him which makes for a nice acknowledgment of him. The show is a great trip down memory lane for fans of the original program and it will be interesting what the now adult Punky Brewster will face in her life. Highly recommended.

Robin's Wish (2020)

Heart Breaking Documentary

[10/10 · 10 February 2021]

On August 11 2014 one of the funniest comedians in history tragically killed himself. Robin Williams always made me laugh ever since he starred on the TV show Mork & Mindy to his dramatic roles in movies such as Dead Poets Society, Awakenings, and his Academy award winning role in the movie Good Will Hunting. When news broke of his suicide I was in a state of shock, and I was crying. I couldn't understand why he did it and I was angry. But news came out of the disease he was fighting and didn't know he had it. This documentary does a great job of explaining Robin's battle with Lewy Body Dementia which affected his brain and had he been diagnosed with it earlier it could have been treated. There is no cure for this disease but the Documentary shows how it affected his way of life. Many of Robin's friends and neighbors talk about his last days leading up to his death (how he acted) and how deeply concerned they were for him. The most heartbreaking story is when his wife Susan recalls the day he died. The documentary gives excellent info on the disease Lewy Body Dementia I felt so bad because Robin was truly suffering. Robin's Wish is an excellent film I'll leave with this quote he gave in the movie Jack: Make a wish, think of me, make your life spectacular.

I Love You, America (2017–2018)

Sarah loves America

[8/10 · 27 July 2020]

I have been a fan of Sarah since she had a brief run on Saturday Night Live and she is a New Englander like myself. When this show was announced I had reservations about it knowing her brand of humor I figured the show was going to be done the same way as a Sasha Baron Cohen comedy film in which the host makes fun of the people they are interviewing. But the show is nothing like that. Sarah actually has heartfelt conversations with families and people who she disagrees with politically but she never talks down to them and treats them with respect. Yes there is the occasional cheap joke but its not meanspirited. Considering how divided the country has become its refreshing to see opposite sides of the political spectrum have pleasant conversations instead of name calling and being at each others throats. Sarah has many memorable interviews on the show such as a conservative Mormon family from Wyoming and a Jesuit priest who helps find jobs for former gang members. Sarah even has a funny interview with her sister who is a Rabbi. I love you America is a funny program who I hope will get future seasons on HULU.

Emperor (2012)

Great film and under appreciated

[8/10 · 8 April 2020]

Emperor tells the somewhat true story of General MacArthur and his meeting with Japanese emperor Hirohito after the end of World War II. In the movie MacArthur (played by academy award winner Tommy Lee Jones) tells his subordinate General Bonner Fellers (Mathew Fox) that he has 10 days to file a report wether Hirohito should be tried for War crimes or allowed to remain as emperor. During this time Fellers is also searching for a Japanese woman he fell in love with back in the United States trying to find out if she survived the war. The story of their relationship is told in flashbacks from when they met in college to when she went back to Japan. After many interviews with members of the Japanese military Fellers comes to the conclusion in his report that Hirohito must remain as head of the country so Japan can get back on its feet. MacArthur is not quite convinced and orders Fellers to set up a meeting with the Emporer after making an agreement with Hirohito's right hand man, MacArthur and Hirohito finally meet and the rest is history. The movie is very well acted especially by Jones and Fox but Japanese actress Eriko Hatsune who plays Fellers lover Aya Shamuda in the movie does a great job in the role. This movie was a co-production between the United States and Japan film companies even though there are still hostilities between the 2 countries nearly 75 years after the war ends, their is still peace due to friendship and cooperation. Peace

The Ollie & Moon Show (2017– )

Adorable Cat adventures!

[9/10 · 14 March 2020]

Ollie and Moon is one of the most entertaining kids shows. The series focuses on 2 cats who travel to different countries around the world. One episode they could be in Italy, next episode they can be in Canada or Brazil etc. Kids who are watching get to learn interesting things about the country they visit. Moon usually has a "brainstorm" which usually means whenever she does Ollie gets dragged off somewhere. The series is based on the popular children's books so if you want your kids to learn about the world I highly recommend this series. Pack your bags!

Brightburn (2019)

What if Superman was evil?

[2/10 · 26 May 2019]

While this movie has nothing to do with DC comics character it plays like an alternate Superman universe. The story is the same as a baby from another planet lands on earth and is found by a couple who adopts him but unlike Clark Kent this child uses his powers for evil. The star of this movie Jackson Dunne who plays 12 year old Brandon Breyer does such a good job in his performance he basically gives you the creeps just when he stares at someone. Elizabeth Banks and the rest of the supporting cast give great performances. The movie still can scare you even though you know what's going to happen most of the time I recommend this movie and I do hope there is a sequel.

Won't You Be My Neighbor? (2018)

So many wonderful memories of a wonderful man.

[10/10 · 8 April 2019]

Won't you be my neighbor is one of the best documentaries you will ever see. As a child there only were 3 shows that were on: Sesame Street, Mr. Rogers neighborhood, and the Electric Company, Fred Rogers was a kind and gentle soul who never talked down to kids but talked to them. I learned so many topics from watching his show including death, divorce, make believe etc. This documentary does a great job of detailing his tv show and himself. To giving comfort to people during horrible events in U.S History (Bobby Kennedy's assasination, September 11,2001) The world became a sadder place when he passed away in 2003 but what a legacy he left behind. This film is a must watch for Mr. Rogers fans. After watching this you'll wish Fred Rogers was your neighbor.

Saturday Night Live (1975– )

Live from New York!

[10/10 · 22 March 2019]

In 1975 a show premiered on NBC on Saturdays and changed the course of comedy. SNL was meant to be a replacement of Johnny Carson reruns on Saturday Nights and the is still going strong after nearly 45 years! The show has produced legends of comedy starting with the original cast of Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Chevy Chase, Gilda Radner etc. In the 80's stars such as Eddie Murphy and Joe Piscopo continued to keep the show funny up until the 90's with Dana Carvey, Phil Hartman, etc. There have been times the show has had lousy seasons and was in danger of being cancelled but it constantly reinvents itself and becomes funny again. The show is in a "Live Format" which means anything can happen from flubbed lines to breaking character to laughing but it's the best part of the show. Sadly many of the actors who have had careers on SNL have tragically passed away such as John Belushi, Chris Farley, Phil Hartman, Jan Hooks and Gilda Radner. The show continues on and has become a part of Pop Culture. Live from New York it's Saturday night!!

Teen Titans GO! To the Movies (2018)

Funny Cartoon

[7/10 · 29 July 2018]

As a lifelong comic book fan I found this to be a blast. I also had the Michael Bolton song "Upbeat " in my head since I left the theatre. Many people don't like the show the movie is based on because the show is too juvenile and doesn't take the Teen Titans superheroes seriously. But so what? The voice work in the movie is first rate with such legendary performers such as Tara Strong and Scott Menville along with guest performers like Kristen Bell and Will Arnett as Slade. There are cameos by other stars you don't expect so it is enjoyable. Take the kids and have fun watching it. Titans Go!!

The Sounding (2017)

A powerful story

[9/10 · 20 January 2018]

The Sounding is a terrific movie based on a play by Catherine Eaton who not only directs but stars in the movie as well. The story takes place in Maine where an elderly Grandfather (Harris Yulin) looks after his granddaughter Liv. Liv is believed to be mute and does not speak at all except quotes from Shakespeare plays like Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet. After her Grandfather passes away from cancer Liv is taken by force to a mental institution while there the psychiatrists try to make Liv speak but she only speaks in Shakespeare and will write the works on her clothes. The movie is blessed with wonderful acting particularly by Harris Yulin who's grandfather role will leave you feeling emotional. But its the character of Liv played by Catherine Eaton that steals the movie. Will Liv learn to communicate with her own words instead of quotes by Shakespeare? You will have to see the movie to find out. The Sounding is one of the best independent films to come out in 2017. Highly recommended.

Patriots Day (2016)

Marathon Heroes

[10/10 · 25 February 2017]

I had reservations about seeing this movie, mostly because the event happened in my hometown. I had felt it was too soon to have a movie made about the Boston Marathon bombings. I remember the day as if it was yesterday,I felt the same way I did after 9/11. After seeing the movie I felt the right people were in charge and it turned out to be a great film. Patriots day takes place the day of the bombing on 4/15/13 on Boylston Street. Mark Wahlberg plays Tommy Saunders, a character who is basically a composite of all the police officers who assisted on that tragic day. Kevin Bacon who plays FBI agent Richard DesLauriers does a good job John Goodman as commissioner Ed Davis was great (though he should have worked on his Boston accent. The movie centers on the day of the bombings and the manhunt to find the terrorists responsible. Film director Peter Berg did a fantastic job researching for the film including talking to the family members of their deceased loved ones as well as talking to the people who lost limbs to get recollections of that day. The family of Martin Richard, the 8 year old boy who lost his life requested that their family not be the focus of the movie and Peter Berg honors their wishes. Martin is not named but there is a scene where a state trooper is keeping guard over his dead body, a truly emotional scene. Patriots day is a terrific tribute to the brave men and woman who risked their lives on April 15 2013. There is one note Krystal Campbell who lost her life was from my hometown. Today a memorial garden in her memory which also has the names of the other victims of that tragic day was dedicated in 2016. In Memory of Krystal, Martin, Lingzi Liu, and MIT officer Sean Collier. This movie is a remarkable tribute to them. Boston Strong!!

Spotlight (I) (2015)

An important film during a dark time

[9/10 · 6 March 2016]

Spotlight, the movie that won the academy award for best picture at The Oscars is an important film that focuses on a subject that needed to be addressed, The sex abuse scandal in the Catholic Church. Based on a true story, the movie is about the Boston Globe newspaper's "Spotlight" team that broke the news story about the sex abuse scandal in the Boston Archdiocese. Since the story broke in 2002 the investigation led to the resignation of Cardinal Bernard Law of Boston as well as leading to reform in not only Boston, but the entire Catholic church as well. The actors in this film are first rate, led by Michael Keaton as editor Walter "Robby" Robertson, the story centers on the reporters working through sources and talking to abuse survivors. In an Ironic twist, the reporters investigating the story are catholic themselves and are disgusted by the story. One performance I really enjoyed was Mark Ruffalo as Mike Rezendes, Mark delivers a powerful performance and even though he was nominated for best supporting actor for the role, he tragically didn't win. Spotlight is a powerful movie. The true story not only exposed the scandal, but led to new standards in the church to reporting Priest abusers and new rules to protecting children. It was a dark time in the city of Boston but it was a story that needed to be told and here is hoping the Catholic church see to it that this never happens again 10/10 stars.

Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015)

The Force is back!

[10/10 · 21 December 2015]

I have been a Star Wars fan from the very beginning and while I was happy that the Walt Disney Company would make another trilogy of films I was somewhat reserved because while I thought the prequels (Episodes 1, 2, 3,)were good I felt they could have been better, but JJ Abrams take on the Star Wars mythology reminded me how much I loved the original trinity. The Force awakens takes place 32 years after Return of the Jedi, During that time Luke Skywalker attempts to restore the Jedi order by training padawans the way of the force. But one of his students has turned to the dark side and takes the name of Kylo Ren. Luke Skywalker then disappears and the majority of the movie is spent trying to find him by Ren and the first order (an offshoot of the Galactic Empire that was defeated in episode 6). The movie is action packed but it also has a great storyline unlike the prequels. Old favorites return such as Han Solo, Princess Leia, Luke Skywalker, Chewbacca, C3PO,and R2D2, but the movie introduces us to 3 new characters that in a way are being passed the torch by the original cast. Rey, a female scavenger played by the enchanting Daisy Ridley, Poe, an experienced X-Wing pilot played by Oscar Isaac, and Finn, a rebel stormtrooper played by John Boyega. While the main villain Kylo Ren (Adam Driver) is impressive, he doesn't come close to matching Vader, but Vader does play a key role in Kylo's mission. The Force awakens is a breath of fresh air in the Star Wars universe and I cant wait for episode 8 in 2017! May the force be with you!

Frozen (I) (2013)

Unexpected Disney Classic

[7/10 · 12 April 2015]

When this movie came out in 2013 it reminded me in a way of Star Wars back in 1977 because no one expected Star Wars to become the pop culture icon like it did and the same can be said for Frozen. The movie is very enjoyable. It is loosely based on the Hans Christian Anderson story The Snow Queen. It centers around two girls Elsa and her sister Anna. Elsa was born with the power to create ice and snow and because of this the girls get to play and create snowmen but during one recent romp Anna is injured by Elsa's power. Their Parents decide that Elsa's powers must be made a secret and kept under control. A few years later and its Elsa's Coronation but she gets into an argument with Anna when she asks Elsa for her blessing to marry a Prince she just met on the same day. Elsa loses control and her powers are exposed to everybody, As a result the entire Kingdom is engulfed in Winter. Elsa runs away to the mountains and Anna with help from an iceman named Kristoff and his pet deer Sven go after her to bring her back so she can use her powers to break the winter spell and bring summer back. The voice acting is first rate with Kristen Bell as Anna and the amazing singer Idina Menzel as Elsa. What sets Frozen apart from other Disney movies is its soundtrack which features the Academy award wining song "Let it Go" by Idina Menzel. (The film would go on to win the Academy award for best animated movie) another thing that's unique is the focus of the relationship between the two sisters witch is original in a Disney film. One character that's a scene stealer is Olaf the snowman who was created by Elsa as a little girl but comes to life to help Anna find her sister (He likes warm hugs). All in all Frozen is good movie that's not to dark or sad and can be enjoyed by the whole family.

Godzilla (1954)

The King of the Monsters!

[10/10 · 7 May 2014]

I remember as a kid on Saturdays watching the old Godzilla movies on TV I have been a Godzilla fan for more than 30 years but I had never seen the original 1954 movie. (the original Japanese film, not the the badly edited Raymond Burr Americanized version.) I finally got to see the Japanese version today and watching it made me realize why I am a fan. The later versions of these films were cheesy and childish, not this one. Producer Tomiyuki Tanaka wanted to make a film that was very similar to the 1930's King Kong movie, but the studio did not have the time or the budget so they went with a man in a suit. This movie came out 9 years after the nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki so the event was still fresh in the minds of the people of Japan. The movie depicts Godzilla as an unstoppable force of nature that was mutated by H-Bomb tests in the Pacific. Unlike the later films this movie takes a very serious take on the dangers of nuclear weapons. Godzilla's destruction of Tokyo was brilliantly film using low angles and life like minatures. The special effects are by 1954 standards pretty good and you tend to forget there is a man in a suit when Godzilla terrifies Japan. There are scenes in the movie that look like they came from World War II and the after effects of the Atomic bombing, the scenes of death are very realistic as well as the damage. The acting is first rate as it doesn't come across as too hammy and it is believable. It is a terrific monster movie that gave birth to a character I liked as a little kid. The King of the Monsters!!