tpottera Reviews

Mayflower: The Pilgrims' Adventure (1979 TV Movie)

Could have been very interesting and educational

[7/10 · 11 February 2004]

This is an HBO production of the Pilgrim's journey to the New World. 95% of the film takes place on the boat. If you are in the mood for something pretty simple to watch...There isn't much history to learn from this film and Anthony Hopkins doesn't give his best performance. I'd give it a C+.

The Mayor of Casterbridge (1978)

Better than the newer A&E version

[9/10 · 11 February 2004]

This is an excellent British TV production of Thomas Hardy's classic novel. I watched it after I saw the updated version on A&E starring Ciaran Hinds (which is good too). This version is about 3 times as long and more true to the novel. Excellent acting and on location filming make this a winner. It's in a live play style. Its about a drunken husband who sells his wife and daughter to a sailor at a rural fair because he can't support them. Years later, this decision comes back to haunt him. Good morality story of how a bad decision can ruin people for life.

The Wind (1928)

It'll blow you away!

[10/10 · 11 February 2004]

Really awesome silent film about a young woman who finds herself at the mercy of people who use and abuse her. With no way to get home, stranded in the mojave desert, Lillian Gish has maybe her best role. The special affects are astounding. The ending is very poor, however. Lillian Gish herself talks about how they insisted a sad ending would ruin her career, even though her films all had sad endings in the past and she was a huge star! She herself, hated the ending they made. Just ignore it and think about how great the whole rest of the film is!

Freaky Friday (2003)

Very Funny!

[8/10 · 8 February 2004]

Very funny, great acting and chemistry between the mother and daughter characters, fast paced, not predictable or corny! I'm in my thirties and laughed till my stomach hurt at this film. It was very well done. I was amazed it was made by Disney. I was expecting slap-stick and a terrible script. Hollywood should take notice that successful films do not need violence and smut. Please make more like this one!

Open Range (2003)

See it for the scenery

[7/10 · 8 February 2004]

I am a true Western lover that's why I can't highly recommend this one. Robert Duvall is too fat and old to be believable as a range rider ready to kick some butt. He looks real stiff like he might have arthritis. Kevin Costner has a surfer guy accent and is not the "hunk" anymore people used to think he was (wow, that bald head!). Speaking of haircuts, they were too up to date. The marshall with a buzz cut? How about the doctor with the gel-spiked look. The women's lib stuff was out of place too-watch Annette Bening try to get tough with the baddies and stradle a horse (women rode side-saddle). The love subplot was unneccessary and corny. The shoot out scene was waaaay too long. All that said, it has gorgeous scenery and was a Western. I wish Hollywood would make more, but better ones. I appreciate TNT for making so many good ones in recent years.

Bastard Out of Carolina (1996)

Arizona

[8 February 2004]

This film has scenes of SEVERE child abuse throughout the film. Not just one or two. It is too graphic and you have to wonder what was the real point of this film? To show the plight of poor abused children? Somehow I doubt it. The sickening scenes were included to get people talking so they would run out and see it. So what if the performances are good? This movie is TOO graphic. We are talking about a little girl here. Do people get their kicks watching this crap? With all the wierdos out there I wouldn't be surprised. Violence breeds violence. We all know this stuff happens. What good does it do to watch it? Did any of the viewers who saw it run out and enroll in a social work program? Stay away from this one.

Room at the Top (1958)

Very Watchable

[10/10 · 6 February 2004]

Here is a film that really works and keeps your attention all the way through. The reviews I read before I bought the DVD set up preconceived notions of a film about business and ambition. This is actually a small part of the film. I saw it as a love triangle story more than anything. Laurence Harvey's character does state at the beginning of the film that he wants to marry for position in business but his heart really isn't in it. He falls truly in love with the Simone Signoret character (Alice) and the only reason he gets back together with the bosses daughter is because of chance. I saw his character as sensitive and real. I think he would have stayed with Alice in the end if he could have. Its the bosses daughter who is simple and shallow. How could she think he really liked her? It was so obvious that he didn't. This film has all the cliches, but it doesn't cheapen it. Great acting and script. A must see!

The Birth of a Nation (1915)

Most absurd film ever

[6/10 · 18 October 2003]

D.W. Griffith must have been a complete idiot! You won't believe this film. The first half is interesting. Then, part 2! A complete disgrace. It was so absurd I wouldn't have been paid to finish it. After the civil war the film depicts blacks as "ruling" towns and being cruel to white people and Congress is shown as being completely black with the members in top hats acting silly, rolling on the floor, etc. And to top it off because of these events the film shows the KKK emerging to bring back equality and justice. Most of the "black" actors are whites wearing black face paint. Truly bizarre. I cannot recommend this film even as a curiosity piece.

Jane Eyre (1970 TV Movie)

Poor video quality

[7/10 · 1 September 2003]

This film needs restoration. It is so dark in some places you can't really see anything. George C. Scott is flat and wooden; no emotion. Susannah York is too old for the part. The movie is too short. With all that said I still rate it a 7. Give it a try but lower your expectations.

Smith! (1969)

Fake Indians

[3/10 · 1 September 2003]

Theres nothing I hate worse than when Hollywood puts make-up on white people and tries to pawn them off as ethnic. The chief in this movie is obviously a Native American but Warren Oates with brown makeup saying "how" is just stupid. All credibility for this film is lost because of this. Glen Ford is good but the actress they chose for his wife does nothing but scream and nag at him in every scene. Terrible.

Thompson's Last Run (1986 TV Movie)

Underrated TV drama

[8/10 · 30 July 2002]

This is a made for TV movie starring Mitchum as an inmate who escapes while being transferred to another prison facility by Brimley. It is a character study of the long relationship between the Mitchum and Brimley characters and I must say I was very surprised by how touching it was! It wasn't what I expected out of those two grumpies. It also has a lot of action including Brimley chasing Mitchum on foot!(These guys were not young). I did not like the actress who played Mitchum's niece (a real draw back to the film). Its amazing how long Mitchum kept giving good performances in these relatively unknown little films up until he was pushing 80. Most of his contemporaries (any who were still alive) did not keep receiving job offers. If you're a Mitchum fan you should give this one a try.

The Hearst and Davies Affair (1985 TV Movie)

Absorbing TV bio of Hearst

[7/10 · 30 July 2002]

This is a TV movie with good production values. It was filmed in the actual Hearst Castle. Madsen and Mitchum give good performances. Over all enjoyable. It is still available on some on-line video retailers.

Nightkill (1980)

Not BAD cinema

[8/10 · 30 July 2002]

I disagree that this is bad cinema. Surely it is not great cinema. But the performances are quite good and it has a good ending. I got my copy from an on-line auction, as its a very rare film and didn't get much showing at theatres. If you like dark mysteries and Robert Mitchum, and if you can find it, give it a try.

Waiting for the Wind (1991 TV Movie)

Short/Christian oriented video

[8/10 · 28 July 2002]

This is a 30 min. video starring Robert Mitchum as a Midwesterner with not long to live. His dream is to build a ship and sail off into the ocean, even though he's miles away from one. The relationship with his young grandson is also a focus. A touching story, produced by a Christian denomination. I bought my copy through an on-line christian bookstore. Great opportunity to see a rare, rare, Robert Mitchum film.

James Dean: Race with Destiny (1997)

Terrible

[2/10 · 28 July 2002]

I saw this on TV after I heard Robert Mitchum was in it. He looks very sick and frail and it was sad to see him like that. His grandaughter was just AWFUL as Dean's girlfriend. Van Dien was Ok I guess, this is a very amateur production. Why it was released on DVD beats me! Stay away!

The Wrath of God (1972)

Rare Mitchum western

[8/10 · 28 July 2002]

Not everyone agrees that this a parody. I have read that the film turned out confusing because of problems on the set. Including, Rita Hayworth's Alzheimer's and an actor who had a part for the first six weeks of filming. He was severly injured and couldn't complete his part properly. Therefore the confusion. Everyone wanted to just forget the whole thing but they released it anyway. All wasn't lost however, I personally found it very unique and intriguing. And as a Mitchum fan a rare, wonderful find on the classic movie channel.

The Night of the Hunter (1955)

A wonderful failure

[10/10 · 28 July 2002]

This film was a complete bomb when released. Audiences of the day were not ready for this type of suspense and horror. A maniac who tries to kill children? Unheard of at the movies. Charles Laughton was so distraught over the failure he never directed again. Now, he is considered a genius. Mitchum is a legend as the menacing phony preacher with "love" and "hate" tattooed on his knuckles. "Cape Fear", starring Mitchum was also a failure, but brilliant and was re-made by Scorsese. I'm surprised no one has tried to re-make this one. My opinion is it should never be remade. It's already perfect. Don't miss it!

White Witch Doctor (1953)

Goofy/See it for Mitchum

[7/10 · 28 July 2002]

As far as I know this has never been released on home video. Not surprising! The fake gorilla is a scream, and its not a comedy. Of course Mitchum completists must see this one. I saw it on the Fox movie channel. It is entertaining, just don't expect the caliber of say, Mogambo.

My Forbidden Past (1951)

Rare Mitchum/Gardner

[7/10 · 28 July 2002]

This is a dark, noir, B-movie. If you like the genre you shouldn't miss this one. Gardner is good as the deceitful southern belle, and Mitchum is mysterious and handsome as the doctor. Its not outstanding, but it is intriguing to see the stars together (lovers in real life) and knowing its a rare film makes it all the more interesting. Catch it on the classic movie channel.

Rachel and the Stranger (1948)

My favorite western/love story

[10/10 · 28 July 2002]

This is a WONDERFUL movie. Why it wasn't released for home video....Its a beautiful story of a widower (Holden) and his son who feel they need a woman around the house. A neighbor recommends a bond slave (Young) and after persuasion, he reluctantly marries her. She moves in but finds there is not a welcome wagon from the boy or Holden! She is just a housekeeper to them. A wily bachelor friend (Mitchum) shows up unexpectedly and has eyes for Young! Holden doesn't know what to think. He hasn't gotten over the death of his wife yet and can't love Young, but with Mitchum's arrival he starts to get jealous! Simple but deep, touching story with nice filming and awesome performance by all. Especially Mitchum as the lonely bachelor trying to steal Young. Catch it on the classic movie channel.