It's been said that Miami Vice wasn't very good at sports episode. Granted, "Florence Italy" didn't have the best guest acting. "Down For the Count" has been widely considered one of the better episodes of the underrated 3rd season of MV. While it was a good episode, I prefer "The Good Collar."
The guest acting mostly fine. Charles S. Dutton, previously seen in "The Prodigal Son" from the previous season, returns as the social worker of a promising young athlete who agrees to help the police bust a teenage drug dealer. The actor playing the athlete turns in a solid sympathetic performance as the boy who wants to do the right thing and earn his way out of the hood.
Other memorable aspects of this episode include a frightening murder about halfway through, and the tragic kick-in-the-gut resolution. I'll never forget the justified fit Crockett throws.
Another noticeable aspect of the episode is the theme of younger people helping their mentors make the community safer. In addition to Archie, the athlete, a Metro Gangs boss is aided by Ramirez, an ill-fated young crimefighter dying to clean up the hood.
If you were in the majority that dropped out of watching Miami Vice during the 3rd season, I say you missed out. Make up your own mind and give it a chance.
Reviews
19 Reviews
Underwater
(2020)
Derivative, But Competent
5 February 2020
Underwater not only goes about 7 miles to the ocean floor, but where many sci-fi/horror movies have gone. Movies about an isolated group of people in peril from a monstrouos presence or presences have been done at least The Thing back in the 1950s. Alien hit it big in 1979 with the theme, jumpstarting the trend. This type of movie will be done over again indefinitely.
Underwater is the latest variation on a theme from Fox, which was recently bought out by Disney. As the movie was reportedly shot back in 2017, it's believed that Disney didn't care about it and released it when it did. At any rate, we've got a likable enough crew who have to abandon their deepsea drilling station when disaster strikes. And it strikes almost immediately, giving the film a fast start. Director Bill Eubank's camera quietly explores the interior of the station for a short time before catapulting Stewart and crew into peril. The captain is a caring and brave soul who has to decide on the best course of action for evacuating the station and trekking to safetly with whatever's left at his disposal..
As anyone who's seen the previews knows, the main obstacle confronting the humans is a school of previously-undiscovered life forms with lots of razor-sharp teeth. The movie by now has settled into the who-dies-and-who-lives formula.
Eubank milks enough mileage out of a simplistic, no-frills storyline as Underwater moves along. the pacing is well-handled, not too fast and not too slow, as the token funny guy and the rest of the crew bravely press on. The characters briefly mention a detail or two of their lives outside of work: family, lost love and little else. Characterization isn't a major thing in Underwater, but it's worth checking out at a bargain theater or a matinee.
Underwater is the latest variation on a theme from Fox, which was recently bought out by Disney. As the movie was reportedly shot back in 2017, it's believed that Disney didn't care about it and released it when it did. At any rate, we've got a likable enough crew who have to abandon their deepsea drilling station when disaster strikes. And it strikes almost immediately, giving the film a fast start. Director Bill Eubank's camera quietly explores the interior of the station for a short time before catapulting Stewart and crew into peril. The captain is a caring and brave soul who has to decide on the best course of action for evacuating the station and trekking to safetly with whatever's left at his disposal..
As anyone who's seen the previews knows, the main obstacle confronting the humans is a school of previously-undiscovered life forms with lots of razor-sharp teeth. The movie by now has settled into the who-dies-and-who-lives formula.
Eubank milks enough mileage out of a simplistic, no-frills storyline as Underwater moves along. the pacing is well-handled, not too fast and not too slow, as the token funny guy and the rest of the crew bravely press on. The characters briefly mention a detail or two of their lives outside of work: family, lost love and little else. Characterization isn't a major thing in Underwater, but it's worth checking out at a bargain theater or a matinee.
Son of Dracula
(1943)
Was Frank Better Off Without Katherine?
3 October 2017
I remember seeing this on 'Creature Features' when I was about 9 years old and living in San Jose, California. I always remember the downbeat, unfair ending. I've always thought since then that Frank would never be the same, and I always wonder if he would have loved again. He's the character you wouldn't want to be.
I just saw this again on Turner Classic Movies, and it's good to see that the movie is fondly remembered by a number of people. I can't help but think that those who dismissed it as being too slow-moving must just not be used to the slower pacing of old movies.
At any rate, 'Son Of Dracula' boasted some firsts, including being the first Universal Dracula movie set in America, and the first to use the cool effect of Dracula turning into a bat and vice versa on screen. It's a fun effect. Reportedly, this is the first movie that features the name Alucard.
Also, Louise Allbritton as Katherine and Robert Paige as Frank were reportedly cast against type. Paige was more commonly known as a musical star, and Allbritton as a blonde comedian. I'll have to track down their other movies. Both Allbritton and Paige perform more adeptly in 'Son of Dracula' than some critics give them credit for. Allbritton is believable as the dark-haired temptress and apparent Goth wannabe. I could buy that she'd have all the moves to wrap both male leads around her finger. Paige's relatable performance as a delirious, heartbroken shell of a man couldn't have been easy to pull off.
A big part of the movie is the love triangle between Alucard, Katherine, and her one-time fiancé Frank. What she does to him made me wonder whether or not he was better off without her. Later, however, comes a revelation late in the movie that sets up the downbeat ending.
Naturally, there's some controversy about whether the film is atmospheric and well-photographed. I'd say the movie has the right amount of darkness and camera moves. I still remember the traveling shot following Lon Chaney Jr. as he and the scheming Katherine meet face-to-face.
Controversy also surrounds Chaney in the role of the opportunistic Count. Many think he was too wooden, and some disagreeing reviews actually state that he was just quietly menacing and underplayed. I'd go for the latter. When he quietly warns people away from his and Katherine's Deep-South love nest, and when he tries to push people around while hardly raising his voice, he gets what he wants. I suppose it was a matter of time before Chaney got the role of Dracula anyhow.
For a romantic horror movie you can sink your teeth into, you could certainly do worse than 'Son Of Dracula.' I haven't seen Dracula's Daughter yet, but SOD is a welcome addition to Universal's classic Dracula family.
I just saw this again on Turner Classic Movies, and it's good to see that the movie is fondly remembered by a number of people. I can't help but think that those who dismissed it as being too slow-moving must just not be used to the slower pacing of old movies.
At any rate, 'Son Of Dracula' boasted some firsts, including being the first Universal Dracula movie set in America, and the first to use the cool effect of Dracula turning into a bat and vice versa on screen. It's a fun effect. Reportedly, this is the first movie that features the name Alucard.
Also, Louise Allbritton as Katherine and Robert Paige as Frank were reportedly cast against type. Paige was more commonly known as a musical star, and Allbritton as a blonde comedian. I'll have to track down their other movies. Both Allbritton and Paige perform more adeptly in 'Son of Dracula' than some critics give them credit for. Allbritton is believable as the dark-haired temptress and apparent Goth wannabe. I could buy that she'd have all the moves to wrap both male leads around her finger. Paige's relatable performance as a delirious, heartbroken shell of a man couldn't have been easy to pull off.
A big part of the movie is the love triangle between Alucard, Katherine, and her one-time fiancé Frank. What she does to him made me wonder whether or not he was better off without her. Later, however, comes a revelation late in the movie that sets up the downbeat ending.
Naturally, there's some controversy about whether the film is atmospheric and well-photographed. I'd say the movie has the right amount of darkness and camera moves. I still remember the traveling shot following Lon Chaney Jr. as he and the scheming Katherine meet face-to-face.
Controversy also surrounds Chaney in the role of the opportunistic Count. Many think he was too wooden, and some disagreeing reviews actually state that he was just quietly menacing and underplayed. I'd go for the latter. When he quietly warns people away from his and Katherine's Deep-South love nest, and when he tries to push people around while hardly raising his voice, he gets what he wants. I suppose it was a matter of time before Chaney got the role of Dracula anyhow.
For a romantic horror movie you can sink your teeth into, you could certainly do worse than 'Son Of Dracula.' I haven't seen Dracula's Daughter yet, but SOD is a welcome addition to Universal's classic Dracula family.
Fascinating premise, disappointingly executed
10 May 2017
Star Trek: The Motion Picture is one of my favorite examples of a movie that starts out promisingly but builds up to nothing. The premise, if nothing else, has sometimes been praised even by people who don't like Star Trek. The real trouble is, it doesn't do enough with said premise, building up to nothing. Anyhow, the good:
-The opening scene gets the movie off to a misleadingly fast start. It's ominous, and it's a trip. Plus, we get the first glimpse of the redesigned Klingons.
-The first glimpse of the Enterprise. Many people think it's such a lousy scene because it goes on a bit more than it ought to, but the first minute or so of it was the first time we ever saw the refitted Enterprise, and on the big screen.
-The transporter accident. Some of us can't help thinking it might have been prevented, but it was disturbing, sound and all. It may have even been there to try to keep the film going, but that's actually a good thing.
-The wormhole. Another Enterprise glitch that briefly jump started the movie. After that is when it gets the most boring, as the movie lumbers to a stop.
-When (SPOILER) Chekov agrees wholeheartedly not to interfere with V'Ger hacking the ship's computer. A friend of mine once said that one moment was the only good part in the whole movie. Shortly before that was when I officially got bored.
-The "Spock Walk." Most of what this movie's supposed to be about is here, though many viewers were asleep by then. Easily one of the most fascinating scenes in the film. Not sure how many people wrapped their heads around it, instead of just expecting a space battle or something.
Star Trek TMP isn't as boring as almost everyone thinks, but it is boring. The V'Ger flyover could have been edited at least a little, and Robert Wise still could have gotten the point across. Ditto for the scene with the Enterprise in drydock. It's great that the movie isn't just another shoot-em-up space cowboy movie, but it didn't have to be just the opposite. At least (or maybe at most) space operas are fun (witness the Trek reboots), though stereotypical.
The climax didn't make sense to everyone, but I understand what happened. It just wasn't powerful enough to justify sitting through the whole movie.
So all in all, I liked Star Trek: The Motion Picture in some ways, but it's hard to believe that it took so much preparation and rejected, in some cases better, scripts to end up with what we finally got. Just lucky The Wrath of Khan got things on track.
-The opening scene gets the movie off to a misleadingly fast start. It's ominous, and it's a trip. Plus, we get the first glimpse of the redesigned Klingons.
-The first glimpse of the Enterprise. Many people think it's such a lousy scene because it goes on a bit more than it ought to, but the first minute or so of it was the first time we ever saw the refitted Enterprise, and on the big screen.
-The transporter accident. Some of us can't help thinking it might have been prevented, but it was disturbing, sound and all. It may have even been there to try to keep the film going, but that's actually a good thing.
-The wormhole. Another Enterprise glitch that briefly jump started the movie. After that is when it gets the most boring, as the movie lumbers to a stop.
-When (SPOILER) Chekov agrees wholeheartedly not to interfere with V'Ger hacking the ship's computer. A friend of mine once said that one moment was the only good part in the whole movie. Shortly before that was when I officially got bored.
-The "Spock Walk." Most of what this movie's supposed to be about is here, though many viewers were asleep by then. Easily one of the most fascinating scenes in the film. Not sure how many people wrapped their heads around it, instead of just expecting a space battle or something.
Star Trek TMP isn't as boring as almost everyone thinks, but it is boring. The V'Ger flyover could have been edited at least a little, and Robert Wise still could have gotten the point across. Ditto for the scene with the Enterprise in drydock. It's great that the movie isn't just another shoot-em-up space cowboy movie, but it didn't have to be just the opposite. At least (or maybe at most) space operas are fun (witness the Trek reboots), though stereotypical.
The climax didn't make sense to everyone, but I understand what happened. It just wasn't powerful enough to justify sitting through the whole movie.
So all in all, I liked Star Trek: The Motion Picture in some ways, but it's hard to believe that it took so much preparation and rejected, in some cases better, scripts to end up with what we finally got. Just lucky The Wrath of Khan got things on track.
Underrated, breezy softcore romp
22 September 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Seems almost any movie of this type usually gets a low rating. There's a little bit of everything here, and it's much faster moving than many films of this type. The "plot" framing the sex scenes concerns a romance novelist who goes globe trotting for inspiration.
Highlights include make-up sexy between a balding old man and his bosomy, gorgeous blonde girlfriend, and sex scenes involving him with a fairly cute Indian or Pakistani stewardess working on a plane he pilots. On top of all that, on the ground, she slips on skimpy black fetish leather, nylons and slides and initiates a memorable foot scene! Then she moves on to yet another enviable sex scene, and these aren't the only characters who have their sex scenes, natch.
How can this movie be so underrated, even granted it gets even more contrived later on? And who really cares about the cheap sets? Its a sex movie, for the love of Mike! Caught it during one of those Cinemax free weekend samples and still have the DVD I made. Thank God I did, since that's the only way I ever heard of it again, besides here on IMDb.
Highlights include make-up sexy between a balding old man and his bosomy, gorgeous blonde girlfriend, and sex scenes involving him with a fairly cute Indian or Pakistani stewardess working on a plane he pilots. On top of all that, on the ground, she slips on skimpy black fetish leather, nylons and slides and initiates a memorable foot scene! Then she moves on to yet another enviable sex scene, and these aren't the only characters who have their sex scenes, natch.
How can this movie be so underrated, even granted it gets even more contrived later on? And who really cares about the cheap sets? Its a sex movie, for the love of Mike! Caught it during one of those Cinemax free weekend samples and still have the DVD I made. Thank God I did, since that's the only way I ever heard of it again, besides here on IMDb.
Interesting psychological episode.
19 February 2016
I remember seeing this amusingly creepy episode over 30 years ago on CBS Late Night, when they reran it under the alternate title "McGarrett." I thought the premise was fascinating and fresh. When someone says something the serial killer doesn't like, the look on his face is foreboding. It was haunting how seeing the villains in the comic strip foreshadowed the murders. It's nice when writers come up with off-the-beaten-path episode ideas. After all, how else can you keep a show going for so many years? The Judy Moon lookalike was a nice twist. Ironically, Dan Williams was ideal for the climactic gambit: he always did remind me of a Doonesbury character! As always, McGarrett and the Five-0 team get through it with stoic professionalism.
My favorite Airwolf Episode
28 April 2015
Warning: Spoilers
I've never forgotten this episode! The supersonic jaunts to East Germany provide both a fast pace and some of the series' best Cold-War intrigue. Double-crossing and brainwashing are afoot when String, Caitlin and Dom jet off behind the Iron Curtain to find Archangel's whereabouts. "Fallen Angel" has its share of contrived moments, of course, but Airwolf is an hour-long series after all. Humorous bits keep things from getting too heavy, especially between Dom and Caitlin.
This episode is one of the reasons why Airwolf is still one of my favorite '80s memories. I was a bit, but only a bit, disappointed with CBS's decision to lean more towards domestic human interest episodes. Yet there was still plenty of adventure and intrigue to look forward to, until the show's untimely cancellation in 1986. Even in 2015, some of us can still watch the show and think, I gotta get me one of those!
This episode is one of the reasons why Airwolf is still one of my favorite '80s memories. I was a bit, but only a bit, disappointed with CBS's decision to lean more towards domestic human interest episodes. Yet there was still plenty of adventure and intrigue to look forward to, until the show's untimely cancellation in 1986. Even in 2015, some of us can still watch the show and think, I gotta get me one of those!
Cyber Seduction: His Secret Life
(2005 TV Movie)
Sad, but watchable mainly because of that
24 April 2015
Warning: Spoilers
Man, this is one of the most unanimously-crucified TV movies ever! Many of the reviews make some fair enough points. That said, while it was none too subtle, this movie had me watching till the end because I kept thinking, what's gonna happen next? The extremes he goes to in the name of watching Internet porn at the expense of his real life become more and more foreboding. What it does to his relationship with his wonderful, if somewhat tight-assed, girlfriend is heartbreaking, with just a glimmer of hope. He was lucky it didn't damage their relationship more profoundly.
Part of the problem was, it was all on Justin. "Cyberseduction" carries the kind of frustration that many of the more contrived horror movies are notorious for. Most of us have likely yelled at the screen, "Don't go that way/Don't do that!" because we know someone is heading right toward the crazed slasher. Our protagonist just wasn't discreet enough due to his addiction. It's like, Close the door (more than once)! Clear the history on your girlfriend's PDA! Leave you mom's credit card alone! Haven't you ever heard of unusual activity reports?! There's plenty of FREE online porn out there! All those energy drinks will kill you if your indiscretion doesn't! The library?! Seriously?! Hellooo! Apparently the message was that Internet porn addiction makes you dumber and dumber until you can't think straight. He often doesn't, and it just makes things worse.
Can't really say much about the blatantly TV depictions of Internet porn. Most of the online models were fully clothed, and many of you thought this was a joke. What do you expect from a TV movie? If it were an FX movie, or if they've ever produced TV movies, there might have been a butt crack or two, but remember, this is Lifetime. Otherwise, many reviewers seemed to think it was a bit TOO Lifetime.
The acting has been frequently targeted too. Kelly Lynch does her best, and, let's just say that the voluptuous and pretty school slut was a solid casting choice. That at least created some sexual tension in her scenes. I always remember her last scene since I caught only the last half hour or less of this movie about 5 years ago. It showed up on Xfinity On Demand in the free movie section, and I thought the title sounded familiar. Of course, the description was the clincher.
Some reviewers have made fun of the scenes involving trying to close one porn window, only to end up inadvertently opening several more. When I was new to the Internet, I saw this enough times to be more cautious with my Internet surfing. The many reviews complaining that the writers didn't know enough about computers must have invalidated little brother Alex's lines about himself and his older brother knowing a lot about computers. Apparently, no one in the movie actually did.
Still, for a sensationalized TV movie, one could do worse. Not to trivialize the subject matter, though. In fact, those of us who found it creepy and disturbing may thank our lucky stars that not everyone who surfs Internet porn ends up this way.
Part of the problem was, it was all on Justin. "Cyberseduction" carries the kind of frustration that many of the more contrived horror movies are notorious for. Most of us have likely yelled at the screen, "Don't go that way/Don't do that!" because we know someone is heading right toward the crazed slasher. Our protagonist just wasn't discreet enough due to his addiction. It's like, Close the door (more than once)! Clear the history on your girlfriend's PDA! Leave you mom's credit card alone! Haven't you ever heard of unusual activity reports?! There's plenty of FREE online porn out there! All those energy drinks will kill you if your indiscretion doesn't! The library?! Seriously?! Hellooo! Apparently the message was that Internet porn addiction makes you dumber and dumber until you can't think straight. He often doesn't, and it just makes things worse.
Can't really say much about the blatantly TV depictions of Internet porn. Most of the online models were fully clothed, and many of you thought this was a joke. What do you expect from a TV movie? If it were an FX movie, or if they've ever produced TV movies, there might have been a butt crack or two, but remember, this is Lifetime. Otherwise, many reviewers seemed to think it was a bit TOO Lifetime.
The acting has been frequently targeted too. Kelly Lynch does her best, and, let's just say that the voluptuous and pretty school slut was a solid casting choice. That at least created some sexual tension in her scenes. I always remember her last scene since I caught only the last half hour or less of this movie about 5 years ago. It showed up on Xfinity On Demand in the free movie section, and I thought the title sounded familiar. Of course, the description was the clincher.
Some reviewers have made fun of the scenes involving trying to close one porn window, only to end up inadvertently opening several more. When I was new to the Internet, I saw this enough times to be more cautious with my Internet surfing. The many reviews complaining that the writers didn't know enough about computers must have invalidated little brother Alex's lines about himself and his older brother knowing a lot about computers. Apparently, no one in the movie actually did.
Still, for a sensationalized TV movie, one could do worse. Not to trivialize the subject matter, though. In fact, those of us who found it creepy and disturbing may thank our lucky stars that not everyone who surfs Internet porn ends up this way.
The Streets of San Francisco
(1972–1977)
Nostalgic, if standard
11 December 2014
Warning: Spoilers
I remember occasionally watching this show with my parents back in the day. I lived in San Jose at the time, and we loved going on day trips to San Francisco. I often still was nostalgic about the Bay Area, and when I've caught this show in reruns over the years, and the San Francisco scenery brings back memories. Just being in The City has always been a high for me. It may be stressful living there, but visiting is at once exciting and relaxing.
I remember bits and pieces from the show's first-run days. I believe it was the episode "Letters From (Beyond?) The Grave," which began with a skeleton being dug up at Alcatraz. My sister was like, "Oh, my god." I believe it was another episode of the same series when the cops confronted a woman who took off all her makeup and turned out to be ugly. "She's gross!" my sister said. The woman started yelling at the mirror, "I killed you!" I think it was when I caught some reruns in the '80s that a suspect smiled and said he was at a local porno house a the time the cops said there was a crime they were investigating. They found out otherwise and just laughed at the suspect LOL.
Last Sunday I caught an episode on MeTV that was a not-bad morality tale involving a murder suspect, his employer, and the employer's son, who didn't get to spend much time with his dad. There was a lot of love among them, and the cops justly investigated. Kind of touching how all of the above characters went to bat for him.
I'll be watching some more reruns, including the pilot movie, be it on You Tube or MeTV. The chemistry between Michael Douglas and veteran actor Karl Malden was a fond memory of '70s TV.
Look for a guest appearance by a pre-Miami Vice Don Johnson as the title character of the episode "Hot Dog."
I remember bits and pieces from the show's first-run days. I believe it was the episode "Letters From (Beyond?) The Grave," which began with a skeleton being dug up at Alcatraz. My sister was like, "Oh, my god." I believe it was another episode of the same series when the cops confronted a woman who took off all her makeup and turned out to be ugly. "She's gross!" my sister said. The woman started yelling at the mirror, "I killed you!" I think it was when I caught some reruns in the '80s that a suspect smiled and said he was at a local porno house a the time the cops said there was a crime they were investigating. They found out otherwise and just laughed at the suspect LOL.
Last Sunday I caught an episode on MeTV that was a not-bad morality tale involving a murder suspect, his employer, and the employer's son, who didn't get to spend much time with his dad. There was a lot of love among them, and the cops justly investigated. Kind of touching how all of the above characters went to bat for him.
I'll be watching some more reruns, including the pilot movie, be it on You Tube or MeTV. The chemistry between Michael Douglas and veteran actor Karl Malden was a fond memory of '70s TV.
Look for a guest appearance by a pre-Miami Vice Don Johnson as the title character of the episode "Hot Dog."
Hurricane
(1979)
Sleepytime
20 February 2013
I saw this with my sister and some friends on a double feature with "Meteor." Neither movie was that good, but my sister preferred "Hurricane," other friends and I believe, because it was a love story. And that's it! I loved when one of the people I saw it with said it sucked. Roger Ebert picked it as the worst movie of 1979, which was something of a pleasant surprise for some of us LOL.
The old adage about the scenery and cinematography apply well enough here, but all I remember was a few minutes here and there. That's probably for the best. The movie was plodding and took forever...and ever..and ever...to get to anything. Then it ended! I occasionally teased my sister about it, and she blew up LOL. "I like it, you don't!" She would yell. Nuff said.
The old adage about the scenery and cinematography apply well enough here, but all I remember was a few minutes here and there. That's probably for the best. The movie was plodding and took forever...and ever..and ever...to get to anything. Then it ended! I occasionally teased my sister about it, and she blew up LOL. "I like it, you don't!" She would yell. Nuff said.
Watchable and has some pretty women
20 September 2011
Warning: Spoilers
I once rented this movie years ago, and I thought it was not bad. The opening sex scene is fun. The lesbian 69 sequence is a definite highlight, featuring the two hottest women in the movie. It boasts some sexual tension among the men as well as the women. I don't know why the men were shy in that scene, but they missed out, except that they got to watch LOL.
The rest of the sex scenes aren't bad. What else can you say? Could've been a bit better, but pretty good as it is.
I'm not familiar with any other works by Jess Franco, so I'll have to research him.
This movie's downloadable.
The rest of the sex scenes aren't bad. What else can you say? Could've been a bit better, but pretty good as it is.
I'm not familiar with any other works by Jess Franco, so I'll have to research him.
This movie's downloadable.
Still an Unpretentious Blast!
11 July 2011
Even at the age of 45, I love how this movie makes me feel 11 years old again. The story of a princess trying to blow up a space station's easy to follow and takes a few turns on its way to a climax that features one of the classic races against time. The ending is positively uplifting and made us want to reunite with our heroes for the next 2 films.
I don't care if this isn't a thought-provoking real-life drama or a love story. It's Star Wars, not Steel Magnolias. Some people complained just because this movie's "for kids," but some kids' movies rock. It's got humor, cool space battles, eye-filling production design, and another magnificent, rousing John Williams score that even stands on its own as a sometimes underrated musical soundtrack.
Spoiled by the pace of today's movies, many people complain today that Star Wars is too slow. Back in the day, it was considered almost a roller-coaster ride. And either way, it's a classic! George Lucas got so much mileage out of something that is admittedly silly by definition, and constructed a masterpiece of popcorn space opera. I'm sure I could say more, bu suffice it to say, May the Force be with you!!!!
I don't care if this isn't a thought-provoking real-life drama or a love story. It's Star Wars, not Steel Magnolias. Some people complained just because this movie's "for kids," but some kids' movies rock. It's got humor, cool space battles, eye-filling production design, and another magnificent, rousing John Williams score that even stands on its own as a sometimes underrated musical soundtrack.
Spoiled by the pace of today's movies, many people complain today that Star Wars is too slow. Back in the day, it was considered almost a roller-coaster ride. And either way, it's a classic! George Lucas got so much mileage out of something that is admittedly silly by definition, and constructed a masterpiece of popcorn space opera. I'm sure I could say more, bu suffice it to say, May the Force be with you!!!!
Closer
(I) (2004)
Cynical View of Love and Dating is All Too Relatable
11 July 2011
There's a part in this movie with Clive Owen and Julia Roberts where I wanted to shake his hand! LOL Nothing against her character, but all the things that go on between her, Jude law, Natalie Partman and Owen just made me feel that way. The movie takes an understandably negative view of love relationships. Natalie is even sexier than ever as a stripper in a scene some think was written by filmmakers who have never visited a strip club before. Now granted, it might have seemed too good to be true, but how presumptuous.
On the other hand, I wasn't too happy with a remark Clive made about Law's line of work. That aside, "Closer" is a watchable love story with an occasional dash of humor but mostly a somewhat depressing tone. It flopped probably because most moviegoers would prefer something less down-with-love, but it came at the right time for me. Not bad.
On the other hand, I wasn't too happy with a remark Clive made about Law's line of work. That aside, "Closer" is a watchable love story with an occasional dash of humor but mostly a somewhat depressing tone. It flopped probably because most moviegoers would prefer something less down-with-love, but it came at the right time for me. Not bad.
Nip/Tuck
(2003–2010)
Hilarious, lurid, intense, BRILLIANT!
11 July 2011
What can I say? Ryan Murphy's a genius! Nip/Tuck's one of cable TV's landmark guilty pleasures. Murphy's said that NT was meant to be a love story between two straight guys. Of course it's also about people wanting to be perfect and being gravely disappointed. And yet there's still much more to the show.
The first 2 seasons were the best, as many people agree. A bit more emphasis on psychological drama, but still a wicked sense of humor. The last 3 seasons became even more lurid, the 5th season turning into a parody of itself as the doctors moved their practice to Los Angeles.
Either way, Nip/Tuck is a landmark cable soap opera that was funny, disturbing, kinky, and so many other things. Basically a bit of everything.
As for the "moral majority" groups who talked many sponsors into pulling out of NT, this is America. It was "Soap" all over again. When that show came out in the late '70s, a lot of decency groups tried to talk people out of watching it. It annoyed my dad, who was one of the many soldiers who fought to defend the right our free speech. I felt similarly about those who boycotted NT and insulted those of us who watched it.
The first 2 seasons were the best, as many people agree. A bit more emphasis on psychological drama, but still a wicked sense of humor. The last 3 seasons became even more lurid, the 5th season turning into a parody of itself as the doctors moved their practice to Los Angeles.
Either way, Nip/Tuck is a landmark cable soap opera that was funny, disturbing, kinky, and so many other things. Basically a bit of everything.
As for the "moral majority" groups who talked many sponsors into pulling out of NT, this is America. It was "Soap" all over again. When that show came out in the late '70s, a lot of decency groups tried to talk people out of watching it. It annoyed my dad, who was one of the many soldiers who fought to defend the right our free speech. I felt similarly about those who boycotted NT and insulted those of us who watched it.
Star Trek
(1966–1969)
Not So Bad! Legendary Consistent Lead Characters
11 July 2011
People whine about Shatner's overacting and the fact that the show was none too subtle, which only add to the charm. I don't mind that the show had social commentary in some sense either. It was entertainment, folks, at least to some of us. Lighten up! I'll never forget in high school when me and some other Trekkers talked about the show, one said, "Kickass show!" It pretty much is, even if it wasn't Shakespeare. At least for its time it had at least SOMETHING resembling scriptwriting, and was miles ahead of many other sci fi shows of the '60s, particularly the Irwin Allen show. Don't get me wrong: I'll watch those shows too to this day.
As written in the book "Harry and Wally's Favorite TV Shows," "whatever flaws Trek has, at least it soars." Capt. Kirk was the quintessential cool starshp commander, and the interaction between Bones and Spock over logic vs. emotion was one of the best relationships on TV back in the day. There was abviously much chemistry between the actors.
As written in the book "Harry and Wally's Favorite TV Shows," "whatever flaws Trek has, at least it soars." Capt. Kirk was the quintessential cool starshp commander, and the interaction between Bones and Spock over logic vs. emotion was one of the best relationships on TV back in the day. There was abviously much chemistry between the actors.
Miami Vice
(1984–1989)
Redefined the '80s with it's distinct style
11 July 2011
I don't care what the Don Johnson detractors think, this show is still distinct to this day! I'm glad it won Emmys without pretending to be Masterpiece Theater. This how had a distinct visual style and distinct lingo, which I still use today (esp. "Jou got it, meng!"). And the year is 2011! LOL Don Johnson plays Detective Sony Crockett, a troubled cop who one day meets up with Rico Tubbs, a New York police detective who comes to Miami to avenge the death of his brother. Thus, a legend was born, along with a working relationship and a friendship.
I got a bit fed up with so many people bitching that MV was no good in the 3rd season just because it got darker and more depressing. No, it wasn't QUITE the same, but that was the idea of MV. It's good to see IMDB users such as yarborough sticking up for Season 3, though I think his assessment of the series overall was pretty harsh. There were many episodes I really liked besides those he mentioned and those I've mentioned, granted his opinion is somewhat agreeabl whjen it comes to Season 2.
Critics whined that the music video format would be old hat, but who cares? It's still around, just online instead of on MTV or VH1 much anymore, for gosh sake!!! Miami Vice, despite its detractors, brings back memories of when I was in college too. It reminds us what a fun, memorable decade the '80s were. Thank God for DVD box sets. And as for the casting, it's like a who's who of guest stars, many of whom would take Hollywood by storm: Bruce Willis, Julia Roberts, David Strathairn -- along with other famous entertainers such as Miles Davis and Phil Collins.
Kinda annoyed me when the 2006 movie came out. A friend of mine liked it because "It's not a Don Johnson thing. It had a storyline." This series had HALF A DECADE of story lines. I still can't forget "Evan" to this day, or "Return of Calderone!" Two of the best TV eps ever! Don't get me wrong: the movie isn't bad for what it is. I just got a bit tired of people hating on this show just because they didn't like Johnson. At least he was colorful. Long live Miami Vice, pal!
I got a bit fed up with so many people bitching that MV was no good in the 3rd season just because it got darker and more depressing. No, it wasn't QUITE the same, but that was the idea of MV. It's good to see IMDB users such as yarborough sticking up for Season 3, though I think his assessment of the series overall was pretty harsh. There were many episodes I really liked besides those he mentioned and those I've mentioned, granted his opinion is somewhat agreeabl whjen it comes to Season 2.
Critics whined that the music video format would be old hat, but who cares? It's still around, just online instead of on MTV or VH1 much anymore, for gosh sake!!! Miami Vice, despite its detractors, brings back memories of when I was in college too. It reminds us what a fun, memorable decade the '80s were. Thank God for DVD box sets. And as for the casting, it's like a who's who of guest stars, many of whom would take Hollywood by storm: Bruce Willis, Julia Roberts, David Strathairn -- along with other famous entertainers such as Miles Davis and Phil Collins.
Kinda annoyed me when the 2006 movie came out. A friend of mine liked it because "It's not a Don Johnson thing. It had a storyline." This series had HALF A DECADE of story lines. I still can't forget "Evan" to this day, or "Return of Calderone!" Two of the best TV eps ever! Don't get me wrong: the movie isn't bad for what it is. I just got a bit tired of people hating on this show just because they didn't like Johnson. At least he was colorful. Long live Miami Vice, pal!
Tron
(1982)
Innnovative. Can't Believe Someone Thought Of All This!
11 July 2011
This movie's all too misunderstood! It's amazing that someone thought of a world in a computer! Some people hat the idea, some think this movie botched it. I disagree with both. I say, Let Tron be Tron and Gone with the Wind be Gone with the Wind, for gosh sake! And lighten up! I loved something I read online saying that it was pleasant surprise that Disney came up with something this cool! And I don't see how Tron was "a shame to Disney." Even as a writer myself, I still don't see why every damn movie has to be a complex character study.
I still watch this movie with an unprecendented sense of surrealism, and that's enough for me. It's one movie Roger Ebert and I actually agree about. I'm glad he shows it at Ebert Con or whatever it's called. It's actually impressive for a film critic.
Whatever flaws tron has, it's also got its assets, like some degree of originality. Plus, it was even more of a breath of fresh air at a time when horny teen movies were all the rage LOL.
I still watch this movie with an unprecendented sense of surrealism, and that's enough for me. It's one movie Roger Ebert and I actually agree about. I'm glad he shows it at Ebert Con or whatever it's called. It's actually impressive for a film critic.
Whatever flaws tron has, it's also got its assets, like some degree of originality. Plus, it was even more of a breath of fresh air at a time when horny teen movies were all the rage LOL.
Casino Royale
(1967)
The original Austin Powers
11 July 2011
David Niven actually almost has a supporting role as Ian Fleming's Cold-War gentleman superspy in this free-wheeling "mod" spoof. Yes, the plot's thin as a rail, and it's a bit slow, but for some reason, I grew up on this movie and have seen it so many times. A triumph of style over substance, with some of the most gorgeous Bond women ever (especially Daliah Lavi and Barbara Bouchet), and an extravagant visual style. "Suggested" by the first Bond novel, it has a very few moments from it but that's it! Raymond Benson wrote in The James Bond Bedside Companion that the Bond movies in the '70s became not too different from this movie. Can hardly blame him LOL Might enjoy this guilty pleasure even more with a few beers.
The Polar Express
(2004)
The Movie That Jump Started My Christmas Season
15 May 2005
This is another underrated movie that too many people just didn't get. I haven't read the book (I just ordered it from Amazon.com), so maybe that's a good thing, so I can't compare the film unfavorably.
THE POLAR EXPRESS is a simple but magical tale about faith. The script managed to get some mileage out of it, and you gotta love a movie in which Santa Claus is such a gentle giant, we see thousands of elves all the way to the horizon, one of them is Steve Tyler, and everything else in the movie, including the score, is grand! Why it wasn't Oscar-nominated for Best Animated Feature Film is beyond me, even if THE INCREDIBLES won because it was marginally better. The score should have at least been nominated (at least 'Believe' by Josh Groban was nominated). The title song is a fun arrangement, 'Spirit of the Season' gives me Christmas goosebumps even now that it's the month of May, and the instrumental music conveys the dreamlike quality of going to the North Pole. And how about the 'Hot Chocolate' number, though the song has very repetitive lyrics! The film has many wonderful moments, such as when Hero Boy first comes face to face with St. Nick. Isn't that a kid's Christmas dream?! At the age of 39, I can still appreciate that. That train almost becomes a roller-coaster as it presses on through rough terrain to meet its deadline. Even Tom Hanks' somewhat obnoxious train conductor is ultimately likable.
I can't wait till THE POLAR EXPRESS comes out on DVD. I can understand if it doesn't come out tillChristmas, but whenever it comes out, I'm there! I wish I could see the IMAX version. And remember everyone, 'you have everything you need/If you just believe.'
THE POLAR EXPRESS is a simple but magical tale about faith. The script managed to get some mileage out of it, and you gotta love a movie in which Santa Claus is such a gentle giant, we see thousands of elves all the way to the horizon, one of them is Steve Tyler, and everything else in the movie, including the score, is grand! Why it wasn't Oscar-nominated for Best Animated Feature Film is beyond me, even if THE INCREDIBLES won because it was marginally better. The score should have at least been nominated (at least 'Believe' by Josh Groban was nominated). The title song is a fun arrangement, 'Spirit of the Season' gives me Christmas goosebumps even now that it's the month of May, and the instrumental music conveys the dreamlike quality of going to the North Pole. And how about the 'Hot Chocolate' number, though the song has very repetitive lyrics! The film has many wonderful moments, such as when Hero Boy first comes face to face with St. Nick. Isn't that a kid's Christmas dream?! At the age of 39, I can still appreciate that. That train almost becomes a roller-coaster as it presses on through rough terrain to meet its deadline. Even Tom Hanks' somewhat obnoxious train conductor is ultimately likable.
I can't wait till THE POLAR EXPRESS comes out on DVD. I can understand if it doesn't come out tillChristmas, but whenever it comes out, I'm there! I wish I could see the IMAX version. And remember everyone, 'you have everything you need/If you just believe.'
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