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Reviews
Exodus (1960)
A Fascinating Subject; A Good (But Not Great) Film
When Leon Uris's novel came out the American public was excited by the story it contained -- one that reflected historical truths placed into an equally romantic and exciting story.
A handsome and daring male lead, a strong and beautiful woman whose ideas and ideals are constantly being challenged. A people struggling for survival against a myriad of enemies.
Add to that beautiful location shooting all done in the actual locations of Israel and Cyprus, a memorable score and big name stars, this film has much to offer.
But finding it today is difficult. (I had to search out a Blu Ray created for the Australian market -- but thankfully playable on a US player) One can only assume that the non-politically correct idea of seeing 'goodness' in the creation of a Jewish State and all that has followed it as the reason why.
No, this is not a "great" film. Its length gets in the way of that - - and such with much cut from the original novel. But "good" it is. Definitely worth seeing.
Well, if you can find it.
Independence Day: Resurgence (2016)
Awful
I finally saw a film -- well, in truth less than half of it -- as bad as 1986's Howard the Duck. Dreadful. Simply dreadful.
Okay, in what way?
The characters and the script were created for teenagers of the mindless variety. (No, not all are. Some teen films are wonderful.)
No one acts that way. (Well, no one I've ever known or would want to know.) Completely puerile.
The story is weak from the first moments. The worlds created are totally unrealistic. -A world largely comprised of unified nations with exceptions that are offensively stereotypical.
The endless, mindless, one-liners -- put forth like a bad comedian's rehearsed laugh lines. ("Okay folks, it's time to laugh. People? People?")
A complete and total waste.
Hellzapoppin' (1941)
Wacky, Wonderful and Rare.
I'd wanted to see this again since first viewing it back in about 1965 in William Everson's SVA film history class, that in the form of a 16mm print from his personal collection.
I loved it back then but wondered how it would stand the test of time. My answer: Very well. Very well indeed.
Yes, it's corny. Yes, it's dated. But making fun of itself and various then popular film genre is what this movie is all about. That today many of the clichés are themselves seen as funny make seeing them exaggerated and laughed at even more fun.
Unavailable in the US for some time, I was pleased to find on Amazon -- finally! -- a well mastered DVD made from a pretty clean print.
Don't expect "serious" cinema. Just pop some corn, sit back and enjoy the show!
Atlas Shrugged II: The Strike (2012)
A Rather Different Type of Film
Most movies can be reviewed in either one of two ways -- as 'art', by discussing their presentation of ideas through their esthetics, originality, and "goodness", generally according to an agreed to set of criteria. A film like Citizen Kane often will top the list of such reviews. Often the reviewer who gave it ten stars will privately say that it is "great" but that he/she did not find it particularly enjoyable.
Or a film can be viewed in the same way a roller coaster is. Was it, simply, a fun ride? Using either of these criteria Atlas Shrugged II: The Strike comes out middling at best. It is not superbly acted, nor superbly directed. The CGI is at best okay. The editing and camera work is serviceable and nothing more. And using the roller coaster model it comes off only a little better. There is at best moderate suspense and drama.
But to many viewers, including this reviewer, Atlas Shrugged II: The Strike comes off as a worthwhile film to view for a totally different reason, much as a decently done film about the life of Christ does for a Christian. It is a way to mentally enter a world where both one's belief system and one's more pragmatic observations about life are seen, discussed and respected. There is a joy in that.
I was not an Ayn Rand reader in my youth -- but one who came to her later in life. Her words and ideas thus did not awaken in me new understandings and beliefs, but instead led to many 'uh huh!' moments. Yes! Right! Exactly so! I am so relieved that I am not totally alone in seeing that! And Atlas Shrugged II: The Strike, like its predecessor (and hopefully its sequel) served that purpose in a very entertaining way for me.
Yes! That is the way it is! How did Rand know? How come so many people want to deny it? It this the basis for a "good" film review? Possibly not. But it is the basis for recommending this series of films - especially to people who sometimes feel almost alone in their thinking that something is seriously wrong with what is happening to America (and the entire western world) today. To such I say: Watch Atlas Shrugged II: The Strike. You will know that you are not alone. Others, too, see it. And even have a suggestion on dealing with it.
You will also be entertained.