uscmd Reviews

Zeros and Ones (2021)

Dark, moody and just plain dreary

[1 May 2024]

I've always thought Ethan Hawke to be a kind of cerebral actor, taking parts that were outside the norm.

I've also felt for years the scoring here was often too low, compared to my feeling and the feeling of those I spoke with. Conversely, here 3.3 is simply too high. When is the last time you watched a movie, in which the starring actor felt compelled to come on screen to explain or apologize for the movie. It seems the shooting was done largely at night, cinematographers choice or were the role players busy with day jobs. I'm probably one of the few who watched this dreck to the bitter end, hoping it would turn a corner. Sadly, the corner never came. One plus, good dramatic sound...sadly, no drama to go with it.

2/10.

Elsbeth (2024– )

A female version of 'Monk?"

[6/10 · 8 April 2024]

1st episode her psychopathology really put me off. Like the writer went way overboard letting us know she was not right. Smart, intuitive, but a kook. In much the same way Monk was. I think Columbo was far more normal. IMHO. 2nd, 3rd episodes, her brilliance was turned up, and the nuttiness eased up, just a tad.

I hope the remaining cast is whittled down, and 5 or 6 major characters developed further. At first I was thinking "1 and done," but after the next 2, I'm probably going to watch it for a while. Hoping she is made more complex, as well. Remember Monk and Trudy, his dead wife. Was Elsbeth always this way, or did a life tragedy, push her towards a 'home.'

Bottomline.........if you liked Monk, you'll love this.

6.5 so far.

John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)

I dare you. See if you can do a complete body count.

[16 March 2024]

I was a HUGE John Wick fan after I and II. HUGE. III was ok. But this was dark, the entire 1st half was shot at night, or indoor hotel/bar type lighting. Which made the largely gratuitous wholesale slaughter hard to follow. I didn't count, but maybe 75 deaths. And please understand, I'm far from anti violence. It just seems to me in the first 3 films, the violence was more developed, the characters getting killed were fleshed out. And sure, those evil guys had a cadre of protectors., but some of them had an identity. Here we have guys fighting and dying, like "avatars" in a video game. Worse maybe avatars on a loop.

Think about movies where the protagonist is a killer. I believe there is a finite number, of deaths at which point it becomes numbing, or worse, silly. Add to that the lighting and cinematography and at times it was hard to tell who was killing whom. I wonder if this could be a Wick send off, a kill fest for his finale? I've deliberately stayed away from anything in the spoiler arena. Simply commenting on my overall takeaway.

Imagine this.dark, murky fight scenes, in which you can do 30 second skips, and nothings changed. Henchmen, nameless, faceless, are dying wholesale. A very real exaggeration of the first 3 movies. I'm going to rate this 5/10. A conflicted rating. I like John Wick. I like the character and loyalty of some of his friends. It just seems lazy, to substitute fight scenes, for further character evolution. I honestly thought this was scripted for a cartoon, or written by A. I.

Maybe they are zooming in on what they perceive their target audience. Which is fine, just don't ignore the rest of us 'fans.'

The Last Samurai (2003)

VERY NEARLY PERFECT.

[10/10 · 11 March 2024]

I'm a die hard movie fan. I often watch movies several times. Once in the theater then on blu-ray, and years later on cable. But 'The last samurai,' touched something deep within my soul. I saw it in the theater on Tuesday, then went back to watch it again on Thursday. I can't recall, ever doing that before. I must confess, to a fascination with feudal Japan, that began when I read James Clavell's Shogun. In 1975. I had left the army in '71 and graduated from med school in '75. So, maybe I was ready to immerse myself in another, deeper culture. Later I watched the Richard Chamberlain miniseries by the same title.

I have all my life had a fascination with "old souls," people so deep, so complex, that it seems impossible they could reach there in one life time. Katsumoto, struck me that way. A man whose life contained so much violence, and yet so much sensitivity. I fear the U. S. is tipping toward violence at the price of sensitivity. The movie had very little of the temples or landmarks of Japan circe 1800. Instead there were many breathtaking pastoral scenes.

Tom Cruise, begins as a tormented soul, stemming from his tangential role, in the 7th cavalrys slaughter of women and children. An event that led to awful nightmares and serious alcohol abuse. He reluctantly accepts a job training the newly formed Japanese army, that will eliminate Samurai, and bring Japan into the modern age. Cruise, aka Capt Agland, is wounded, taken 'prisoner', more to satishy Katsumoto's curiosity, and to help him learn about his enemy.

A movie with action, intrigue, romance (small amt), depth of central characters and gorgeous scenery. Top 5, of my favorites all time.

Pet (I) (2016)

Who exactly is the engineer of this crazy train/

[7/10 · 17 February 2024]

OK guys be honest, I think we've all dated someone that seemed to be attractive, sensitive, caring, and with a definite sensual undercurrent. Only to find out she was boiling bunnies, sleeping in her car outside your home etc.

On the other hand, we have a character that starts out nuttier than a banana loaf, Its like a horse race, determining, just who pegs the needle of psychopathology.

I actually loved that aspect of this movie. Usually its crazy person terrifies the innocent. But this is more like Orca vs great white. All of the technical stuff is great. Casting, directing, camera work, sound. But the real money for me, was watching the 2 key figures battle. Normally in this type of movie you'd speak about the protagonists sparring, a duel of wits, per se. Here its more "I'll show you mine if you show me yours." (craziness, that is).

I'm giving this a 6.5. Try it, within 30 minutes (the cage) you'll know if its your cup of tea. (cage = he works in the pound)

Death on the Nile (2022)

I prefer it.

[8/10 · 6 January 2024]

Others have criticized this version of Agatha Chhristie's work. I honestly prefer it. I'm almost 80, so you think I'd be partial to a period piece., In truth, I often find them tedious.

I liked the Poirot, background piece. I loved seeing Gal Gadot, who doesn't? But what I loved most was not having the plot worked out, 30 minutes in. Add a justifiably nutty friend, a pampered poodle, a sociopathic boy toy (type casting?) and a roomful of supporting characters, that add spice to the stew. Further enriched by some great blues singing.

If you like Christie, or detective mysteries, you'll find this a delightful way to spend a few hours. "8" from me. Surprised this isn't easily in the "7's"

The Last Descent (2016)

Secret to inner peace, knowing when to quit

[6/10 · 25 December 2023]

This movie deeply impacted me, on many levels. I'm old, but in my youth, I did things, pushed the envelope, that to others might seem crazy. After med school, after marrying, my life choices flattened out a little. I can understand why John went into the cave, the feeling of needing one more adrenalin fix. But, and I say this with love and humility, John was a damned fool. Loving beautiful wife, the girl he dreamed about. Through med school, soon to be a pediatric cardiologist. One healthy beautiful child, soon to have a second. Parents and siblings that loved him. Good health and prosperity. And instead of dropping to his knees and thanking God for his gifts, he crumpled that life into a ball and threw it away.

Its important in life to appreciate good, and not beat yourself up, because you think there should be more. Youi think you deserve great.....whatever that is. In nearly 50 years as an M. D. I've seen so much imaginary discontent, people that seemed to have it made, but managed to find something to feel bad about. Things that 99% of their family. Friends would think, "are you crazy?"

Personally I think this is why theres so much addiction in the world. The inability to find contentment. The movie was well made. The acting solid. Directing, casting etc., all great.

But, if you want to give Dr. Jones tragedy meaning, look to your own life. Examine the self destructive behaviors that put your "good" at risk. Too bad John was unable to do this.

1883 (2021–2022)

I am in awe !

[9/10 · 3 July 2023]

Last week, I got through 4 episodes of Yosemite. The people, mostly were totally void of anything resembling a conscience. Hard to get into a show without a real protagonist. Just left me feeling I needed a shower. But thankful, none of those people are in my world.

1883, is a polar opposite. Complex characters, mostly likable....the few that aren't die. Could be that's how the 1880's on the trail really was.

The actors, the production and directing.....outstanding.

I've been trying to find 2 programs that amply show the difference between Yosemite and 1883. Quality, not subject matter,Yosemite is Car 54 where are you, while 1883...The Sopranos.

Really, really engrossing characters.

The Loft (2014)

Outstanding!!!

[9/10 · 3 April 2023]

This is the opposite, polar opposite of a chick flick. There have been tons of movies where guys or gals rent a place for a bchelor or bacherlorette party....only to find a dead body. Very little texture, or deep development of the characters. Great casting, attractive, complex men and women.

Here we get 5 guys 30-ish, who decide to update (kinda) the premise of the apartment. Only its more like a clubhouse, where each guys demons are laid bare.

I can relate to the temptations, but this takes a turn towards American psycho. As you watch it, you'll have no idea, who dunnit. Or the twists that lie ahead.

9/10 for me. I suspect 8-ish for most men 30+. But, again my hunch is only some women, perhaps the confident, secure ones would enjoy it.

Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)

Huge disappointment

[30 March 2023]

When I heard the buzz, saw the oscars etc., I expected this to be a great movie.

Wrong!!! It was simply a below average foreign movie, complete with subtitles. I managed, with much squirming, watch checking etc., to get through 45 minutes.

I guess its possible, the 2nd hour was equal to Shawshank or GWTW, but I doubt it. The acting was decent, but oscar worthy, not imho. I'm 76, and a movie-addict. So this movies rating, reviews were a real head scratcher. There have been foreign movies, I absolutely loved. But this one missed the mark, in so many ways. I will watch the second half, and if a miracle happens I will re-review.

For now 3/10.

Captain Blood (1935)

I have many reasons for loving this movie

[9/10 · 15 March 2023]

Made in 1935, it was one of the first movies I can recall that didn't look archaic. Decent action scenes. And great stuff of dreams for a young boy, I'm 76 and this movie is 87 years old. Olivia and Errol spark across the screen. And loathsome colonel Bishop....deserves what you just know will be his ultimate reward.

The slavery scenes were especially brutal reminiscent of the galley in Ben hur. Parts of the movie, the lighter sides almost have a Disney feel.

One of my favorite places to vacation was Port Antonio, gorgeous tree lined beaches, with the roots growing right to the waters edge. Offshore is Navy island, 64 acres, privately owned. Purchased by none other then Errol Flynn. Strangely, he never built a home there, instead preferring to live on his boat.

In my youth I fantasized about his movie making, as the genesis of his love for Jamaica.

Only later did I discover the outdoor scenes in Captain blood, like the Rathbone/Flynn duel, were actually filmed in Laguna Beach. Watching it today for the 7th or 8th time, I was struck by how perfect the casting was. Each of the characters has the patina of a fine old antique. Lastly, I recently did a genetic profile and discovered my ancestors were 75% English 22% Norweigian, so it just deepens my identification with the plight of these men.

9/10 for me. The perfect movie to watch with your kids or your sweetheart, on a rainy weekend. ENJOY!!

The Thin Red Line (1998)

What are we doing here?

[8/10 · 24 February 2023]

I was in the Army 66-69, my dad was a bomber pilot, '42 to 46. My grandfather ran the Brooklyn Naval yard from 1937 to 1957. So I have a profound appreciation for the necessity of WWII. A legitimate threat, to the worlds survival, as 80 million deaths, certifies.

One of the things this movie shouts out loud (for me) most of the people oin this movie who are ordering men to their death, probably aren't qualified to drive a bus. In the 40's and 60's the army saw itself largely as an unthinking organism. Individuals don't think they follow instructions, rolling down hill. In fact individual thought might be contraiindicated.

But as these military types, joiin the retired or discharged soldiers from the last 80 years, they have to put away that blind allegiance and as citizens start asking why.

Why have we spent hundreds of billions in Iraq, Afghanistan, Saudi, Libya, and now 50 billion more in Ukraine. Eisenhower said the greatest challange facing post war America, is declawing the miulitary industrial complex. Very powerful arms dealers, getting big bucks, mainintaing the status quo, HAVE TO, MUST FIGHT A WAR EVERY SO OFTEN. A portion of the budget, allocated for weapons gets funneled back as campaign contributions. Kind of like construction rebuilding our 3rd world infrastructure, The difference, bridges don't lead to escalating combat.

Last observation. Wars won or lost, tend to push us further along the continuum of great powerful nation, #1 in the world 1946. To continuous inner strife, ridiculous handgun murders daily., Stores with no products, youths feeling its ok to rob, sell/do drugs.

Theres such a different zeitgeist today, compared to 1946. I was born in '46 , so I grew up in the can do era, right through to the moon landing. Now 50 years later soldiers, who risked it all, come home to America on the decline, just like Eqypt, Rome, Aztecs, Mayans, Spain, and England several times. Looking ahead it seems its soon to be Chinas time.

I was an MD at a V. A hospital, and every time I saw a pretty young wife hold it together , while "visiting" a loved one.....only to leave the room and either faint ot collapse on the floor sobbing. Is their anyone that facvtors in the physical trauma and cocomitant psychological damage., BUSINESS is a crappy excuse to throw our young away. Put out way of life under genuine threat, come at our homeland and at 76 I'll re-enlist.

This movie does an excellent jiob of dissecting the fog of combat. "Little" things like how many men are you prepared to losr to take that hill captain." Correct answer is 0. Its a worthless hilkl in the mniddle of nowhere.

I believe it was 1960, when we as a government paid off the last dependent of a severely wounded civil war soldier. 100-150 years from now we'll be paying claims to children, whose parents were deformed or killed in our morern police incursions.

Lastly, every soldier, sailor, flier or marine you see struggling with a prothesis....is a young man (or woman) who put it all on the line for his country only in most cases to have his own personal dreams die.

CONSEQUENCES: next time you hear we are sending our military to (anywhere) you need to find your voice and bravely ask why? In as democracy we have that right. Lastly, if its an excuse to shunt funs to arms folks, ask "WHY," MUCH LOUDER.

One more thought, our army is top heavy, top generals earning millions living in mansions for free, with aides, servants etc for free, who then retire at $20,000 a month. So to get there, you bet theres a great deal of don't rock the boat.

Lots going on behind the scenes as $170 month captain, asks the $60 /month private (est wwII salary) to take that hill.

Solid, but brooding, depressing movie. Valuable, for its help in understanding the dynamics of combat,

Amsterdam (2022)

High marks for the creativity, both script and cinematography.

[6/10 · 9 February 2023]

Budget 80 million. Worldwide gross 34 million. Outstanding cast. I tend to gravitate more towards writers and directors, that are willing to take big risks. Reminiscent of Teddy Roosevelts favorite speech, "man in the arena." If you've never read it, please do. Heres an excerpt: The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat. Obviously, the arena here, is the willingness boldly venture into movies that push the envelope, as opposed to pumping out formulaic garbage.

You may not rate this movie with a high number, but I believe it will keep you intrigued, right to the end.

6/10.

Accused: Scott's Story (2023) Season 1, Episode 1

Gut wrenching

[3/10 · 25 January 2023]

The ultimate family dilemma. One son is an scholar, all around great kid. The other, deeply disturbed. Apparently, a sociopath, lacking, the capacity for empathy, and planning school mass casualty event.

Sadly, this is not fiction. However, any parent confronting this, needs to know there are laws for involuntary hospitalization. The laws vary from state to state. In Ca., its as easy as contacting county mental health officials, to do a "danger to self, danger to others assessment." His notebook would be good for a 3 days hospitalization. This can be extended by 14 days x2. If there is still an apparent danger (show the Dr the notebook), the stay can be extended. The process can also be initiated by a lawyer in concert with the Dr.

The show was hard to watch, but necessary. The reason, I decided to approach my review, the way I did, was feeling crushed by so learned an M. D. destroyed, by so dire a family tragedy. The show, summing up, with "the police wouldn't listen or do anything", left me feeling a need to encourage parents in anything close to this, to reach out. Help is out there.

Be a squeaking wheel, until someone hears you.....and gives you help finding a solution.

Shark in Venice (2008)

Not as bad as the cine-snobs would suggest

[6/10 · 9 January 2023]

OK.....not by any stretch oscar worthy. But my threshold for bad movies is about 20 minutes, then I'm gone. But 50 minutes in, I found myself wondering when it would become 2 worthy. Baldwin, is bad. Many of the actors are Italian. But the story is a story, relax folks.

There are about 50 shark species in the Med. In Venice, there are great whites, bulls, tigers, mako's and hammerheads. Sadly, no one swims in Venice because its a sewer, literally. Watching Baldwin swim, all I could think of was coliform.bacteria and the absolutely awful infections they cause.

Marco Polo did ask the pope to send 100 men from Acre to the Mongol empire. The pope agreed seeing it as a great potential foothold for Christianity. Sadly, Marco Polo and his heirs were robbed of their worldly riches. I confess, my love of Venice, as one of the worlds most romantic cities, along with Paris may have added a point to my rating. Lastly, there ARE FAR WORSE MOVIES, given higher ratings.

Quantum Leap (2022–2024)

I like it.

[9/10 · 27 September 2022]

I was never a fan of Al. He seemed corny beyond words. I like the diversity of the cast, more characters, more room for intrigue. Mason Spark, is a stoic blank slate, so far. And sadly, Raymond Lee, might be over his skis a bit. Hes likeable, and I hope he grows more comfortable, and a tad less wooden, in the lead

Bottom line, this show will rise or fall on the quality of the writing. Basic premise and overall cast looks to be a winner. And lets be honest, the original, is now looking a bit long in the tooth. The second episode, was much more entertaining, and easier to follow......

I'm rooting for it.

Mission: Impossible III (2006)

Simply a great movie

[3 September 2022]

With a few glaring inconsistencies. E.g., the team picks up a bad guy in Europe, then flying back to IMF headquarters, ostensibly in Virginia, (maps seen in a closet), they somehow end up in Florida on the intercoastal highway? And opt to travel by car, instead of fly. But this is truly a thrill a minute ride, in which you willingly agree to suspend critical nitpicking.

Tough call........James Bond or MI franchises, which provided the audiences the most thrills. Personally, though its close, i'd opt for Mission impossible. Its tough to pick a top MI movie, but this one is pretty close to, if not my #1.

Deadlock (II) (2021)

Just plain dreadful.

[1/10 · 20 August 2022]

1/10.......only because 0 was not an option.

I have no idea why Bruce Willis has agreed to appear in such a string of awful, unredeemable movies. Opting to play bad guys, is not all bad, in fact, its a frequent move for senior leading men. Did he suffer huge financial reversals? Some reason why he'd need a string bad movie pay days?

I confess, I kept thinking, this just HAS TO GET BETTER, its Bruce Willis. Almost anything would be better.....including Ron Popeil infomercial reruns.

Alien: Covenant (2017)

Simply put, the low point of the alien franchise

[4/10 · 13 August 2022]

The lucky ones were the 40 or so that succumbed to the neutrino burst. I've been a fan of the alien movies. Just how bad was this entry, I watched it, 6 months before I started to watch it again, and only vaguely remembered how much I hated it. The storyline--> implausible, even for alien. The cast, the worst. Oh, and the acting........very much like watching a fat woman, try to fake crying......the vertical shaking, with little or no facial exp-ression.

I spent 10 minutes trying to think of something positive. I normally enjoy director Ridley Scott, in fact, quite a bit. Here, sad to say, it must have been simply a pay day. This was a quote of his, re: alien covenant:

in 2017, on Alien: Covenant 2017 . . . We discovered from it Prometheus 2012 that the fans were really frustrated. They wanted to see more of the original monster and I thought he was definitely cooked, with an orange in his mouth. So I thought, Wow, OK, I'm wrong . . . The fans, in a funny kind of way--they're not the final word--but they are the reflection of your doubts about something, and then you realize I was wrong or I was right. I think that's where it comes in. I think you're not sensible if you don't actually take the fans' reaction into account."

Does that sound like a director, in pursuit of HIS VISION?

When asked why she. Sigourney Weaver did a 4th alien movie, she replied they offered me an obscene wheelbarrow full of money. I guess 2 wheelbarrows were not enough, here. Sadly, I'm afraid this is a rather ignominious end for a once quite scary franchise.

The Pelican Brief (1993)

Way too good to miss

[9/10 · 10 August 2022]

I've seen this a few times, but not for 20+ years. Great, and timely subject matter, great acting top to bottom, taut directing. Its a squirm in your seat type watch.....much like a horror movie, but the forces of good and evil, are teeter tottering, on a razor blade. Along with the lives of our protagonists.

Watch it.

Executive Action (1973)

Extremely difficult to watch

[9/10 · 6 August 2022]

Especially now that there is little doubt, the story is basically factual, albeit with some poetic license. I was in high school at the time, and my parents were ardent republicans, but then, and now, I feel JFK possessed qualities unique, compared to the majority of todays bottom feeding politicos.

Whats scary, in fact scariest....is the ease with which a conspiracy, such as this, could be put together. How many more times, MLK, Bobby Kennedy, dozens of others that died in accidents, or coronaries that were orchestrated.

By far the thing that troubles me the most is the fact that those involved got away scot free, Oswald, the patsy is murdered by a cretan Jack Ruby, who was either put in play, or worse thought he'd be a hero.

Whats little discussed, is that plans were set up for Chicago and Tampa Bay, complete with their own patsy, and shooting teams. Both were cancelled late because of events....events that locked in Dallas in Nov' 62

We were given time off for mourning and to watch the presidents funeral. Four years later I enlisted in the army, and barely missed a trip to V iet Nam. Funny the twists and turns in life. My training as a combat medic, then pharmacist, cemented my interest in and enrollment in med school, 2 years after my discharge.

Don't miss this. Ironically I've purchased it twice in the most popular format, through the years. No regrets.

Enjoy.

The Bedford Incident (1965)

Outstanding

[7/10 · 3 August 2022]

I was in high school, when the book, "The bedford incident" was published, Jan 1963.

Curiously, 3 months after JFK's cuban missile crisis. Watching this movie, I had the distinct feeling, there was an effort to recapture that same tension. Also handcuffing the captain, because there was a bigger political issue........was right out of instructions given to pilots flying over Cuba to collect data. They were instructed, "no matter what happens, you will not be fired upon, even if you are, you weren't."

I gave this movie a 7, because IMHO, it was a bit too wordy, a bit too much fleshing out minor characters like the doctor. For anyone born after 1962, and the near nuclear crisis, Kennedy facing down the Russians, and demanding the removal of 1st strike nuclear weapons from Cuba, needs to see movies reminiscent of that era, to understand the value of communication between nations.

The Shallows (2016)

Don't watch during Shark Week!

[8/10 · 30 July 2022]

Outstanding movie. I learned to surf in the 50's, and have loved the ocean, since then. This is not a great suefing movie (Endless Summer) but it is a great, maybe the best, shark movie. Jaws had some greatt moments, but for sustained nail biting terror........IMHO, I think this is better.

Extremely tough to believe, the gorgeous Blake. Lively was pregnant during filming. If you get the chance, don't miss this gem. Deserves a much higher rating. Low 6's? Doesn't it seem that every movie, of late is rated between 4.5 and 6.6.

Enjoy! With a friend.

Jarhead 2: Field of Fire (2014 Video)

If you were there..........

[5/10 · 7 July 2022]

Nothing but a never ending cliche. Like some showed the writer a list of the most awful things rhat happened week 1,

No mention of the things you really trmember. Smells, you'd find no where in the U. S., or heat.....the extreme moist heat, you'd never feel in Calif in 100 yrs, but thats common in fla and Louisianna.. Hot that smacks you in the face, when you get out of the shower and you realize, there no such thing as drying off.

As far as war films go.........its a straight 5. Better than some, much worse than others.

If you are jonesing for a war film, look elsewhere........there are better movies out there, E.g., Apocalypse now......directors cut. That is a thing of wondrous awe.

No Time to Die (2021)

A different Bond film, for a different era.

[7/10 · 15 June 2022]

The opening song, "We have all the time in the world" should be a drop dead give away for whats to come. Knock on wood Mr Bond.

Parts of this movie, for me evoked reflections on less violent, more cerebral spy films. But the final 30 minutes bring the body count, back to JB's standards.

If you haven't rewatched the older Bond fims in a long time, after you see NTTD, go back and watch "On her majesty's secret service."

Not my favorite Bond film, but less testosterone, might make it a better date night movie. Softer, gentler, definitely more vulnerable side. Great choice if this is in fact Daniel Craigs swan song.

7/10.