This movie is disappointing in so many ways - cheesy 80s synth music; over-the-top acting by Neeson and Carrey; disjointed plotting (what does the Mob angle got to do with anything?), ridiculous radio control car chase gimmick, etc. But the real problem is the lack of a strong villain. Actually, there is no actual villain for most of this film. And certainly not a villain worthy of Dirty Harry - think instead of Scorpio from Dirty Harry. While most aspects of The Dead Pool are sub-par, all that mess remains moot given the lack of a strong foil to the force that is Dirty Harry Callahan.
Reviews
10 Reviews
It Came from Beneath the Sea
(1955)
Don't Be A Sucker For This Cephalopod!
22 April 2010
Watched this film because it had been given good reviews and Ray Harryhausen contributed the special effects. However, this is just a bad movie - and not bad enough to be fun.
Okay, with this genre of film, we can only expect teases of the beast prior to the climax. But the teases bring no drama. There is no excitement, no tension, mainly because the main characters have little interaction with the beast for most of the movie. Who is in danger? Where is the fear? The destruction by the sea beast and the hunt to stop it plays like a newsreel, not a story you get caught up in.
The plot of this lame monster movie is driven by two pathetic techniques - the authoritative voice over, and the old meeting of the minds trick. The voice over may work in a crime drama but it fails for a sci-fi flick; it distances you from the action, hindering your envelopment within the make believe world of the film. The meeting of the minds is a classic tool of the lousy director; gather a bunch of people together and have a plodding discussion about what's happening so the viewer can be informed. Boring!
And don't get me started on the wooden acting and awkward exchanges. Or were all the secondary characters actual members of the military? That would explain the bad acting. Faith Domergue is fine as the female lead but Kenneth Tobey as the macho sub commander on the make? Please, what would Faith see in that dud? But I do blame the director for the numerous ridiculous or poorly executed scenes. There are even a few occasions when actors stumble over lines but the scene was not re-shot.
Okay, with this genre of film, we can only expect teases of the beast prior to the climax. But the teases bring no drama. There is no excitement, no tension, mainly because the main characters have little interaction with the beast for most of the movie. Who is in danger? Where is the fear? The destruction by the sea beast and the hunt to stop it plays like a newsreel, not a story you get caught up in.
The plot of this lame monster movie is driven by two pathetic techniques - the authoritative voice over, and the old meeting of the minds trick. The voice over may work in a crime drama but it fails for a sci-fi flick; it distances you from the action, hindering your envelopment within the make believe world of the film. The meeting of the minds is a classic tool of the lousy director; gather a bunch of people together and have a plodding discussion about what's happening so the viewer can be informed. Boring!
And don't get me started on the wooden acting and awkward exchanges. Or were all the secondary characters actual members of the military? That would explain the bad acting. Faith Domergue is fine as the female lead but Kenneth Tobey as the macho sub commander on the make? Please, what would Faith see in that dud? But I do blame the director for the numerous ridiculous or poorly executed scenes. There are even a few occasions when actors stumble over lines but the scene was not re-shot.
J.P. Patches
(1958–1981)
Nostalgia ain't what it used to be
15 March 2010
Having moved from eastern Canada to Vancouver, BC in the year that the legendary clown JP Patches finished his long run as the king of kids programming on Seattle TV, I heard many wistful references to his greatness. Much like the New York cable access Uncle Floyd Show, I knew of JP's supposed wacky wonderfulness but had not had the pleasure of seeing the show. So I was pleased to come across the JP Patches DVD Collection.
Well, this hacked together two disc set may not be a fair representation of JP's many years of zany antics but what is here does not hold up well. More a reminiscence than actual full episodes, it is difficult to get a sense of the performer's appeal. And the originally interspersed cartoons that would have kept a child's interest are not included. I can watch kids' shows that were before my time and enjoy them - Soupy Sales comes to mind - but JP Patches' skits play more like time fillers than comedy. For Patches Pals only.
Well, this hacked together two disc set may not be a fair representation of JP's many years of zany antics but what is here does not hold up well. More a reminiscence than actual full episodes, it is difficult to get a sense of the performer's appeal. And the originally interspersed cartoons that would have kept a child's interest are not included. I can watch kids' shows that were before my time and enjoy them - Soupy Sales comes to mind - but JP Patches' skits play more like time fillers than comedy. For Patches Pals only.
Flashy But Flawed
3 February 2009
While Before The Devil Knows You're Dead is certainly a catchy title, it's doubtful any of the players of this movie would make it through the pearly gates. They all seem to be sinners to varying degrees. Unfolding by moving back and forth in time and presenting different viewpoints, the movie begins with a catastrophically fouled up robbery that continues the downward spiral of Philip Seymour Hoffman's character Andy Hanson. Andy drags along into the abyss his hapless brother Hank and anyone else he comes in contact with.
Legendary octogenarian director Sidney Lumet can still shoot with filmmakers half his age, employing modern techniques and the cutting edge technology of HD video while drawing on his years of experience. Lumet gets strong performances from the cast and impressively forges a flashy, non-linear film that could have easily turned into a confusing mess. It all seems to make sense, just don't think about this movie too much. There are elements that don't ring true and plot devices that don't make sense. With no criminal background, Hank decides to take part in a robbery? The robbery scene verges on the ridiculous if examined. A jewelry store employee feels so safe she does not lock the door but does keep a gun in the till? Most of the jewelry was in the vault, but some was left in the showcase so that the robber could get distracted? There are numerous examples of these cheap devices in this scene and others.
BTDKYD seems to be a modern film but ultimately it is a traditional story of a man undone by his own character. Lumet has always been interested in what he calls melodrama, wherein the story determines the characters rather than the characters determining the story. He refers to both BTDKTD as a melodrama and also his 1986 The Morning After, of which I am in the minority of those who enjoyed it. In The Morning After, starring Jane Fonda as an alcoholic, washed up actress, the question is what will she do when she thinks she's murdered someone. The viewer also has the mystery of "Did she actually kill the guy?" In BTDKYD there is no question of Andy's guilt, just of what he will end up being guilty. How far will this guy go? But actually that would not seem to be in question either. He is a severely flawed person who can only go in one direction. He's been treading water for a long time and things have finally come to a head. The question Lumet hints at but never satisfactorily resolves is, "Why is Andy such a disaster of a human being?" Because his Daddy didn't give him enough love?
Legendary octogenarian director Sidney Lumet can still shoot with filmmakers half his age, employing modern techniques and the cutting edge technology of HD video while drawing on his years of experience. Lumet gets strong performances from the cast and impressively forges a flashy, non-linear film that could have easily turned into a confusing mess. It all seems to make sense, just don't think about this movie too much. There are elements that don't ring true and plot devices that don't make sense. With no criminal background, Hank decides to take part in a robbery? The robbery scene verges on the ridiculous if examined. A jewelry store employee feels so safe she does not lock the door but does keep a gun in the till? Most of the jewelry was in the vault, but some was left in the showcase so that the robber could get distracted? There are numerous examples of these cheap devices in this scene and others.
BTDKYD seems to be a modern film but ultimately it is a traditional story of a man undone by his own character. Lumet has always been interested in what he calls melodrama, wherein the story determines the characters rather than the characters determining the story. He refers to both BTDKTD as a melodrama and also his 1986 The Morning After, of which I am in the minority of those who enjoyed it. In The Morning After, starring Jane Fonda as an alcoholic, washed up actress, the question is what will she do when she thinks she's murdered someone. The viewer also has the mystery of "Did she actually kill the guy?" In BTDKYD there is no question of Andy's guilt, just of what he will end up being guilty. How far will this guy go? But actually that would not seem to be in question either. He is a severely flawed person who can only go in one direction. He's been treading water for a long time and things have finally come to a head. The question Lumet hints at but never satisfactorily resolves is, "Why is Andy such a disaster of a human being?" Because his Daddy didn't give him enough love?
All This, and Heaven Too
(1940)
Thank Heaven For Bette
22 January 2009
The melodrama type of film holds little interest for me but Bette Davis's presence enticed me to view All This And Heaven, Too. This more subdued Davis character of governess Mademoiselle D., combined with the extended introductory scenes and length of the film necessitates patience by the viewer. While still a strong female role, as would be expected, Mademoiselle D. holds a relatively low station in society where one usually only speaks when spoken to. Davis plays the part with suitable restraint.
While not an engrossing movie, Davis and Charles Boyer as the Duc de Praslin make it worthwhile. I cared little about the outcome of the love story involving the Duc and Mademoiselle D., but enjoyed their scenes together. And Davis's loving interaction with the children seems genuine; you believe she would be a wonderful governess. But that leads to the one true weaknesses of the film, the character of the Duchesse de Praslin, portrayed by Barbara O'Neil. While the the plot requires the estrangement of the Duc and Duchesse, and her mood swings and jealous outbursts provide drama for an otherwise low key affair, the lack of love for her children and her nasty demeanor feel excessively unsympathetic.
While not an engrossing movie, Davis and Charles Boyer as the Duc de Praslin make it worthwhile. I cared little about the outcome of the love story involving the Duc and Mademoiselle D., but enjoyed their scenes together. And Davis's loving interaction with the children seems genuine; you believe she would be a wonderful governess. But that leads to the one true weaknesses of the film, the character of the Duchesse de Praslin, portrayed by Barbara O'Neil. While the the plot requires the estrangement of the Duc and Duchesse, and her mood swings and jealous outbursts provide drama for an otherwise low key affair, the lack of love for her children and her nasty demeanor feel excessively unsympathetic.
The Beast in the Cellar
(1971)
Beware The Beast
20 January 2009
The bad news: the Canadian version of Beast In The Cellar released by Maple Pictures that I saw was of poor quality. Dark and washed out, it appeared to be dubbed haphazardly from a VHS tape. It even skips at one point due to some missing frames.
The good news: this movie is so bad that the poor quality of the DVD detracted little from my viewing enjoyment. This horror movie fails to build tension and lacks scares. It is a horrorless horror film. While most frightening films have limited dialog, Beast In The Cellar is a gabfest, so much so that a character will repeat something we have just heard said by two other characters. Presumably, all the chit chat acts as filler for a very low budget, unimaginative movie. Unfortunately, the dialog isn't campy enough to make it worth a watch.
The good news: this movie is so bad that the poor quality of the DVD detracted little from my viewing enjoyment. This horror movie fails to build tension and lacks scares. It is a horrorless horror film. While most frightening films have limited dialog, Beast In The Cellar is a gabfest, so much so that a character will repeat something we have just heard said by two other characters. Presumably, all the chit chat acts as filler for a very low budget, unimaginative movie. Unfortunately, the dialog isn't campy enough to make it worth a watch.
The Big Empty
(2003)
Frustrating
16 January 2009
First time director Steve Anderson cobbled together a movie that makes little sense and frustrates more than it entertains. Meant to be the wacky story of an average Joe - Jon Favreau's John Person - trapped in an off-kilter small town of weird folks, The Big Empty is a confusing tale of a boring actor who needs to pay some bills.
The Big Empty has some interesting characters and situations but the problem is the main character, Person. Faced with the bizarre or dangerous, most people would react with fight or flight. What does Person do? Not much of anything; for the most part he seems non-plussed. So we are left with off-beat characters interacting with someone who doesn't respond to their odd or violent behavior.
Add to this the poorly defined central female roles of Rachael Leigh Cook and Joey Lauren Adams. Cook's teenage Ruthie changes her personality part way through the film like she's actually a pair of good/evil twins, and Adams' Grace is devoid of anything beyond a cute smile.
The fun that The Big Empty does bring to the screen comes from sexy bartender Daryl Hannah, screenwriter/cop Kelsey Grammar, loony neighbor Bud Cort, and nosy motel manager Joe Gries.
The Big Empty has some interesting characters and situations but the problem is the main character, Person. Faced with the bizarre or dangerous, most people would react with fight or flight. What does Person do? Not much of anything; for the most part he seems non-plussed. So we are left with off-beat characters interacting with someone who doesn't respond to their odd or violent behavior.
Add to this the poorly defined central female roles of Rachael Leigh Cook and Joey Lauren Adams. Cook's teenage Ruthie changes her personality part way through the film like she's actually a pair of good/evil twins, and Adams' Grace is devoid of anything beyond a cute smile.
The fun that The Big Empty does bring to the screen comes from sexy bartender Daryl Hannah, screenwriter/cop Kelsey Grammar, loony neighbor Bud Cort, and nosy motel manager Joe Gries.
Intermission
(2003)
Darkly Funny Gem
14 January 2009
Intermission starts with a bang and just keeps going, following the intertwined lives of its characters who are in search of either love, money or fame. This darkly funny Irish film speeds along, delivering numerous memorable scenes and a variety of interesting characters.
The dialog is sharp and the story carefully laid out. The direction shows a true love a film making - a desire to make something lively and entertaining and funny, yet truthful and touching.
Despite the multiple story lines and players, Intermission holds together, arriving at its final destination at just the right time. Not an ounce of fat to be found here, this is a well-crafted film.
The dialog is sharp and the story carefully laid out. The direction shows a true love a film making - a desire to make something lively and entertaining and funny, yet truthful and touching.
Despite the multiple story lines and players, Intermission holds together, arriving at its final destination at just the right time. Not an ounce of fat to be found here, this is a well-crafted film.
The Tall Men
(1955)
What Happened?
14 January 2009
Despite a big name cast - including one of my personal favorites, Robert Ryan, and guidance by experienced director Raoul Walsh, The Tall Men disappoints.
Jane Russell seems perplexed by her role which calls for comedic ability the shapely lady lacks. And don't get me started about all of her singing/disrobing. Add to the romantic mix Clark Gable on autopilot.
Wasted in limited scenes, Cameron Mitchell and Ryan liven things up a bit but not enough to save The Tall Men. I wonder what happened behind the scenes of this dud Western.
Jane Russell seems perplexed by her role which calls for comedic ability the shapely lady lacks. And don't get me started about all of her singing/disrobing. Add to the romantic mix Clark Gable on autopilot.
Wasted in limited scenes, Cameron Mitchell and Ryan liven things up a bit but not enough to save The Tall Men. I wonder what happened behind the scenes of this dud Western.
Thick as Thieves
(1974– )
Fun Stuff
10 January 2009
Its snappy writing and the interplay between the three main characters makes Thick As Thieves a fun romp. The witty dialog carries things along as Stan, Annie and George sort out the living arrangements now that George has been released from prison and found his wife and best pal playing house.
Obviously a low budget show with little money spent on sets, locations etc. and limited retakes (the actors occasionally stumble over their lines), the emphasis is on the words, and plotting the changing dynamics between the threesome over Thick As Thieves's 8 episodes which unfold like an extended play.
Obviously a low budget show with little money spent on sets, locations etc. and limited retakes (the actors occasionally stumble over their lines), the emphasis is on the words, and plotting the changing dynamics between the threesome over Thick As Thieves's 8 episodes which unfold like an extended play.
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