This is the first James Cagney film I have ever really watched. I was never interested in his movies before because I figured I wouldn't like anything in that style of cinema and because I've heard most Cagney films are the same. I have to say I really liked it. By today's standards for movies, it was not special, but I found it surprisingly entertaining. Cagney did not have the look of a tough guy but he played the part very well.
Reviews
8 Reviews
The Battle of China
(1944)
Graphic, but very motivating.
8 January 2001
This, like the other films in the series, is a propaganda film. That being said, it is a very good documentary. This is due to three reasons. 1)Capra was a very good director 2)It is truthful - the information is not skewed by the film's agenda and 3)the battle footage speaks for itself. The narration is a bit overdramatic, but that is typical I think of movies in this era. I enjoyed this and will definitely watch the other films in the series.
Pi
(1998)
Odd, but I liked it.
8 January 2001
While this film is bizarre in many ways, and the details are difficult to figure out, the story was fascinating. Once you understand why all these people keep bothering Max, who is seriously cranky and obviously wants to be left alone, you actually feel sorry for him. The only part I think was weak was the drill to the head thing (those who have seen it know what I mean), but if you suspend disbelief it makes sense.
Ride with the Wind
(1994 TV Movie)
Better than you would expect.
8 January 2001
When I heard of this one, it looked pretty lame. I was pleasantly surprised when I finally watched it. Nelson is a pretty good actor - I no longer just think of him as Coach. He made his character serious and funny at the same time (the scene where he helps Shaver fix her car is the best). Like all made for TV movies, it could have been a lot better, but under the circumstances this is pretty good.
Midnight's Child
(1992 TV Movie)
Could have been better.
8 January 2001
This isn't a bad movie when you consider it was made for TV and probably did not have the biggest budget. It keeps you interested until you find out all the secrets, then you are kind of disappointed. Basically the plot is a mix of 'Hand That Rocks the Cradle' and 'Rosemary's Baby' so after a while you can see where things are going. With a better script and actors, this could have been pretty good; instead it is just an average TV movie.
Out
(1982)
I don't get it.
8 January 2001
There seems to be a point to this movie, but I have not figured it out yet. There is some kind of conspiracy going on, every time dynamite explodes people's personalities change (like a person with multiple personality syndrome) and the ending provides no explanation to what has been happening during the movie. It's hard to enjoy a story if you don't know what has happened. If you enjoy unusual plots that you have to look deeply at to figure out, you will love this movie. As for me, I can do without it.
Border Cop
(1980)
Nothing special, unless you are a Telly fan.
8 January 2001
This movie is pretty dull. You get the idea it is a tough guy film pretty quick. Telly Savalas is not a bad actor, and if you are a fan of his you will enjoy his performance. The movie around him is pretty lacking however. The ending is terrible - I guess they ran out of money or something.
Fists of Bruce Lee
(1978)
Stereotypical martial arts movie.
8 January 2001
Obviously made to cash in on Bruce Lee mania, this film is about what you would expect - lousy camera work, weak plot, questionable acting and decent fighting. The alliances between the different characters are difficult to figure out - it seems like everyone fights against and beside each other at least once. But not many who watch this will be looking for a good story. The fighting is the main attraction, and from that point of view this movie is mildly entertaining.
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