Rick1948 Reviews

Sicko (2007)

What an eye opener for Americans of all ages and all political persuasions

[10/10 · 29 June 2007]

I am now convinced that Michael Moore is one of the most influential film makers of this generation. Forget Spielberg and Lucas. I am an avid Woody Allen fan and still love his films but Michael Moore has jumped in and become an entire nation's conscious. Even though I have realized for years that there has to be a better way for health care, Moore crystallized every feeling I have ever had about what needs to be done about it. All it takes is an open mind and anyone will see that changes need to be made to our health care system and needs to be done now. Many people in this nation claim the moniker "Culture of Life". Those who view this film will see that it is anything but a "Culture of Life" and we aren't even speaking about violence overseas. We are speaking about the covert violence against Americans who happen to get sick without enough funds to get the treatment they may need. Health Insurance companies in this country do more to harm Americans than any terrorist could.

Reefer Madness (1936)

One of the Worst or Most Brilliant Films

[1/10 · 14 December 2006]

Every time I see this film I can't help but wonder if the people behind it were trying to scare us or just point out the absurdity of the establishment. This is either the worst of one of the very brilliant films of all time. The plot, acting and everything else about this "film" is so amateurish that the must be playing with out heads.... hmmm maybe that's it. I am surprised they didn't use elementary school kids just to scare us more. Perhaps this is what the "Bushies" watched when they came up with the "Lets scare the Holy _____ out of them and use it as our political campaign plan" The star of the show is the piano man. He epitomizes the entire film of REEFER MADNESS

Blues Brothers 2000 (1998)

The finale is worth the wait through this slog.

[6/10 · 26 September 2005]

Well as usual any sequels are usually worse than the original. This is no exception. The only saving grace besides John Goodman is the finale especially BB King, Eric Clapton, Lou Rawls, Isaac Hayes etc... It's too bad that this movie was not up to par since it was dedicated to John Belushi, John Candy and Cab Calloway. I normally defend Dan Akroyd on most of his movies but on this one he certainly lacked any originality and he failed to build upon the very good original. John Goodman added some pizazz but most of the players were there usual selves. These are musicians not actors. The music was good the acting not so good.

Fahrenheit 9/11 (2004)

Michael Moore Gives us His Opinion and More....

[10/10 · 26 June 2004]

When it comes to Documentaries Mr. Moore is among the best if not the best there is. The purpose of this type of film is to encourage the viewer to pause and think. This film accomplishes that and more. There may be those who disagree with Mr. Moore's point of view, but one cannot deny the gravity of this film. The facts are there for all to see. Mr. Moore puts his own spin on things but the facts remain nonetheless. He has a knack of finding the "every day person" and showing us how they are affected by decisions made by government and business officials. In this film that "every day person" is personified by Lila from Flint, Michigan. I believe that "Bowling for Columbine" was a bit more powerful film but Fahrenheit 9/11 is well worth the money and time waiting in line for tickets.

The Reagans (2003 TV Movie)

What was all the fuss about??!!??

[8/10 · 5 December 2003]

This was a well acted well directed film about an American icon and his family. Although it was reported that the film itself was supposed to be more about Ronald Reagan, it was more of an analysis of Nancy's life and how she viewed their relationship. I really don't know what the Reaganites are complaining about except for the few instances of artistic license taken to fill in their personal relationship. That happens in every film of this genre. Its time the NeoCons get a life and realize that Reagan was just as human as the rest of us and he did have faults. I think that if this was made for the big screen instead of TV it would have been a little more interesting. I wish they had dealt with the Ollie North issue in a little more detail. But overall I think it was a good presentation.

Small Town Conspiracy (2002)

Great Plot Line... Too Bad script wasn't

[4/10 · 9 November 2003]

I saw this movie at the Daytona Beach Film Festival and I must say it was not a pleasant experience due to the quality of the projection and sound system. Nonetheless, the film needed quite a bit more work on its editing and script writing. I understand the Producers and Director had a very limited budget, but more effort could have been put into bringing this film to a conclusion. The ending seemed way overacted and not very suspenseful. Except for W. Morgan Sheppard, the acting was not much better either. Keep trying Mr. Clemente. You can use this film as a base towards improving on your next.

Blow (2001)

Johnny Depp.... Was that your stomach or a bag of oranges in your shirt???

[5/10 · 3 February 2003]

I was hoping this would be an interesting movie in spite of the appearance of Penelope Cruz. However, it falls on its face for the most part. I like Johnny Depp. I think he has talent and acting skills. This film did not allow him the opportunity to showcase his ability. The best thing about the film is Ray Liotta. Excellent actor who did the best with what he had. By the way.... what to heck was that in Johnny Depp's shirt in that last prison scene. It was hard for me to tell if it was George Jung as an old person or one who was dressed in drag....

Driven (2001)

You know you are watching a bad movie when Sly Stallone stands out.

[3/10 · 6 December 2002]

I like motor racing movies. Generally they are entertaining with some excitement mixed in. This movie, however, is terrible. I rated it a three only because the special effects (crashes) were interesting. You know you are watching a bad movie when Sylvester Stallone gives the best performance of the bunch. Nothing makes much sense about this movie. It would have helped to develop Burt Reynold's character a little more. He seemed to be the one with the most appeal. But no way were we going to find out about him and why he was such a hard ass. No, we had to make sure that the blond puffy lips got more screen time than the actual racing.

Casablanca (1942)

Almost the Perfect Film

[10/10 · 18 October 2002]

Any film with Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman would be worthwhile watching. However this film keeps one's attention from the beginning and doesn't let go until the end. The writing was excellent. The acting also the same. The story line is a classic. This is the nearest to perfect a film has ever become. Godfather is close also, but Casablanca is the best!!!

Red Dragon (2002)

Too predictable and long on time. Short on imagination.

[3/10 · 17 October 2002]

Films of this genre usually keep my attention for most of the movie. However, this one was too predictable. Not much imagination went into a script that had some wonderful acting but not much more. Any time one sees the hero of the movie with his wife and kid in the dark, seemingly enjoying themselves, they must know that not all is well. In order for this plot to be successful, the movie must sell its plausibility. It did not in this case.