davegist Reviews

His Good Will (2008)

Wow! Oscar worthy.

[10/10 · 13 November 2009]

Unlike other films which try to use brutality and ignorance as a social conscience raising vehicle by beating you over the head, this film touches on issues of race, poverty, and human kindness in a very subtle manner. Told through the adventure of a small child, it has a wonderful twist at the end that will make your heart feel warm. One of my own films has been in several film festivals competing against "His Good Will" and I honestly didn't stand a chance. In fact this short film has forced me to find out if it is entered in a festival before I waste my entry fees because it has won every time I'm up against it. It has blown nearly all other short films out of the water. It even garnered acceptance in the Official Academy Award Short Film category. Not to mention that IMDb has recommended other films "like it". 'In the Heat of the Night' (5 Oscars) 'To Kill a Mocking Bird.'(3 Oscars) and now 'Precious' which will certainly win some Oscars. I will continue to make movies because it is what I've been doing for over 30 years but I can only aspire to make the kind of films this young director Cayman Grant makes. My hat is off to her. Whatever you do, find this film and see it. It will truly touch your heart.

The Jolly Boys' Last Stand (2000)

Freakin' Funny!

[10/10 · 20 December 2007]

When I first saw this on the shelf at the video store I thought they were taking advantage of the success of Borat and they clearly are, but...why not. You gotta do what you gotta do to get your film seen, even if it's nearly a decade old. That said, the packaging is very cheap and I figured it'd be a real schlock piece of work. Boy was I wrong. I laughed my *ss off. The movie stands on it's own. Not a dull moment. Sacha Baron Cohen has a good recurring role in the thing but he's not one of the leads. This is very "Stooge-esk" in a more sophisticated way and I would highly recommend it for big belly laughs and loud guffaws.

Something to Hide (1972)

Top notch flick!

[10/10 · 26 April 2003]

See it if you can find it. Great cast, writing, plot, photography. I saw it years ago and it's stuck with me since. There's not many films that do that. I was pleasantly surprised to see Shelley Winters in such a small role at a time when she was so highly regarded as an actress. I think the unique way the plot unfolded was what stuck with me. Amazing yet simple thought process the writer displays.