lawrence_elliott Reviews

The Fan (1996)

Disturbing in its Poor Portrayal of Baseball - Not Realistic

[1/10 · 8 March 2024]

I have been a San Francisco Giants fan all of my life - since 1958 - and this film made me sick to my stomach. The "politically correct" nature of the De Niro character is nauseating to watch - as he skulls to death a "friend" with a baseball bat - portraying fathers of broken relationships abandoning their young kids at ballparks - it resonates to fabricated court documents in Family Law Hearings. Pure propaganda. Ellen Barkin's gratuitous, out of control, cursing and swearing at a rain-soaked "baseball game" in progress - reminds one of the floods in "Noah's Ark" - (very realistic by the way) - to revealing De Niro as the Catcher in the climactic scene - makes you wish you had got up and gone home a lot sooner than you did.

Unbelievable stuff. I think that Willie McCovey would roll over in his grave & Willie Mays would be upset at this release. Robert De Niro should have known better than to do this one.

I think It paints him in a poor light, to put it mildly.

I am sadly disappointed at the many positive reviews of this film. Hard for me to believe.

The Carpetbaggers (1964)

Great Movie About Capitalist Ambition!

[9/10 · 28 October 2017]

I love this film! The frenetic pace of ambition told with explanation captivated my attention and made me obsessive about watching this story many times. The perverted nature of the love interest is fascinating as the story unfolds quickly and unrelentingly. The script in this movie is the winner and the lines are worth every minute of expression. George Peppard plays a Howard Hughes like character whose callous charm rivets the audience into submission as he hammers home one successful business into another. His personal life is haunted by never having had a mother growing up and a secret about an insane brother that motivates his obsessive perfectionism in business. Alan Ladd plays the "Max Sand" character who has helped raise Jonas Cord from childhood. Ladd's final movie leaves an indelible imprint here as his quiet masculinity pervades the storyline making the audience beg for more. The love story takes on several angles but is woven interestingly into a tangled web of intrigue and lust that meanders into a crowd pleasing conclusion. I highly recommend this movie not only for its script and depth of perspective into human character but also for its portrayal of early Hollywood and the machinations of a self made businessman who is hell bent on being first in several related businesses using capitalism as his tool for progress.

The Seven Year Itch (1955)

Great Movie for Heat of the Summer!

[8/10 · 20 August 2015]

This movie has to rate highly just for giving us an historical record of Marilyn Monroe. She gives a riveting portrait of herself. Billy Wilder's script and directing make it interesting and amusing to say the least. Tom Ewell is magnificent as the "free for the summer" husband who is constantly trying to check and contain his passions and desires for smoking, drinking and womanizing. With Marilyn Monroe as the temptress who could remain loyal and true? Oscar Homolka as the psychoanalyst is exciting and hilarious. Miss Morris the secretary is also fun. His wife plays a ghostly portrait in the background as the ever present wife. The reference to Dorian Gray adds spice to the humour. This film is great from top to bottom and I highly recommend it. A fun movie with great humour. Marilyn Monroe portrays herself and is really quite good. Watch it in the heat of the summer. The movie will tell you why. The famous subway scene of Marilyn's dress flying high and exposing her legs is worth the wait as they foray from the air conditioned theatre after a viewing of "The Creature from the Black Lagoon." Marilyn's titillating performance engages the audience as does Tom Ewell's efforts to resist temptation.

Deliverance (1972)

Unsettling, Disturbing, Frightening! Powerful FilmMaking!

[9/10 · 10 March 2015]

I saw this film as a young man when it first came out and I am now reviewing it 43 years later with a different perspective on life. This film was scary and unexpectedly shocking in 1972. In hindsight I feel it has as much meaning symbolically today as you care to discuss. At the time I thought Burt Reynolds would become one of Hollywood's great dramatic actors but instead he meandered into comedy and superficial roles. I believe he became somewhat of a wasted talent. In this movie, however, he shines. The acting all round is stellar. The storytelling and direction flawless and powerful. Nature is pitted against man. Man against Nature. Man against Man. It is loaded with social and moral issues. The destruction of a virgin wilderness by a dam. The issue of murder, self-defence, escaping from the law but not being able to hide from your conscience (the nightmares of Ed - Jon Voight), the homosexual rape scene, the burial and dumping of bodies, the stills for moonshine in the backwoods, the "duelling banjoes" - brilliant scenes that make this film memorable while set against a backdrop of raging rivers and pristine wilderness. The filming of going down river is incredible. No insurance company would get involved in this one so perhaps Angelina Jolie would not be here today if Jon Voight had slipped climbing that cliff.

The "Church of Christ" confronting them on the road at the end, the sense of relief out of the water, the genial dinner with the gentle town folk, the shimmering light in the faces of Jon Voight & Burt Reynolds when they first see the river, the nightmarish image of the rising hand out of the water in Jon Voight's dream at the end - haunting images that will last a lifetime. Great Film!

James Dickey, the author of the story, plays the Sheriff at the end quite convincingly.

The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948)

Exciting Adventure!

[9/10 · 15 December 2011]

This is an adventure of the old school. Not like today's explosions and hi-tech nonsense, this film employs true adventure techniques that work to captivate its audience. Great acting and a wonderful story combine to create a memorable film. I think this trio works well together in spite of the director and not because of him. This is truly an exciting psychological thriller! Robert Blake is not given a credit for his role as a child selling lottery tickets but he adds a bit of charm to this classic that, I think, was created by accident and a bit of luck! There are not enough great films around today but this is one of them. Films made today cannot match the charm this one has.

Sunset Blvd. (1950)

Unique and Fascinating View of Hollywood! Eery and Unnerving!

[10/10 · 7 November 2011]

My father introduced me to this film when I was quite young and I never forgot it. He was clearly impressed with this film and I always respected his judgment when it came to assessing a good film. This film is beyond good. It is unbelievably good. There are so many reviews of this film there is no point for me to add to the generous accolades given by many reviewers. If you read a positive review accept it! If negative, reject it! This is one of the most amazing films ever made. Gripping to the end, this cinematic experience is one of the most exciting rides you will ever take. Gloria Swanson is strangely, eerily and inexplicably sexual and sexy in her role as Norma Desmond. I wonder if she knew what was going on when they made this film? And Erich Von Stroheim as Max Von Meyerling "You see, I was her first husband"...Wipe your feet"..."Gordon Cole"... is a frightening portrayal of death come to life which is masterfully rendered on screen. William Holden is perfect in his role as a broken down hack with no future who is dependent on the whims of a mentally deranged older woman. A great psychological thriller! Just see the film and buy to own! You will want to see this one more than once. Great for Halloween!

Shadowlands (1993)

An Emotionally Moving Tear-Jerker!

[9/10 · 13 May 2010]

Richard Attenborough is a classy fellow who deserves to be recognized as a great film director. His more recent "Grey Owl" is brilliant! This film moves the heart like no other film I have ever witnessed! "Forrest Gump" gently touches the nerve endings. This film rams the gut! But what a classy production this is all the way through. A beautiful mellifluous script with tenderly rendered scenes of sensitive acting will have any audience in full approbation clamouring for more. I have said enough. You will cry in this one. Hopkins as a leading man makes C.S. Lewis human. This is a wonderful, tender, gentle-paced film that will stand the test of time! Mark my words! Own it today!

The Pianist (2002)

Amazing Movie!

[9/10 · 16 February 2010]

This is one to own! A brilliant film that has a powerful and lasting effect. You can get the DVD in a 3 Disc pak with the musical soundtrack of Chopin as played by this great artist. Roman Polanski is at his best! From personal experience he spins a yarn into a web of movie genius that is so objective and so awe inspiring that it rivets your attention without mercy. The cinematic climax is so surprising and unlikely and yet so to the truth. This climax is one of the greatest cinematic triumphs in movie history. This is an artist's film. A great work of cinematic brilliance. Brody's performance is stunning! This is without doubt one of the best movies I have ever witnessed and certainly the best modern one! Get it and cherish it! I thought this film would put me to sleep, just another Holocaust film. But this one is worth every minute!

Rules of Engagement (2000)

Explosive Entertainment! Thought-Provoking! For Intelligent Audiences Only!

[8/10 · 16 February 2010]

I have read some of the many reviews for this film and am perplexed at the arrogance and ignorance of some of them. This is a good film! Well written, well directed and well acted. Tommy Lee Jones can really deliver the lines. There are no court room slow-ups here, just direct sharp deliveries. The court room drama at times is fierce and frenetic. I am not going to get into any details about the story but maybe I should. Samuel L Jackson, who I do not like as a rule, is very good in this one. I highly recommend this movie! Get it and experience a world of political corruption, religious fanaticism and military justice. Imagine yourself in combat situations that most of us cannot even begin to fathom, then transport yourself to a fascinating world that is not easily reconcilable with our own. This story is based on James Webb's military experiences during the Viet Nam War. This is good stuff! Interesting story! I think that for some of us the prevailing prejudices would make it near impossible to think straight or to comprehend the actual events and the dilemma that arises from them.

The Long Ships (1964)

Great Film! Exciting Adventure!

[7/10 · 13 July 2009]

This film leaves a lot to be desired, however, the musical score is rousing, the battle sequences vicious, the cruelty of torture brutal and the instrument of death excruciating. The colour cinematography is brilliant. This is an unforgettable film. There have been far too few Viking adventures rendered on screen. Perhaps the stories of Erik the Red from the ancient "Eddas" should be explored and produced for the cinema of today. Lord knows there is a pathetic lineup of films from month to month nowadays. "Outlander" is a recent attempt but why must there always be extraterrestrials every time you turn around? They show a Christian priest in 709 A.D. Viking Norway. Sorry, but Odin, Thor and Freya, Valhalla and the Valkyries were the big hits of the day in Viking times. Or didn't basic research tell them this? In fact, the reason for the fury of these blond blue-eyed brutes was precisely because of Christianity and Islam. Why was it then that Danish Vikings under Hasteinn, (Hastings), and Bjorn, were burning down mosques in Seville, Spain in 859 A.D. and robbing Christian churches of their gold in England ("Dane Geld") for years as ransom to the Danes ("Dane Law") in order to spare English lives?

This story tells a fanciful tale of a Great Golden Bell that only the Viking Long Ships can get to by navigating the "Maelstrom." Exciting fun and adventure!

Chill Factor (1999)

Lousy Film! Waste of Time!

[1/10 · 27 April 2009]

I had to review this film because of all the "Not Bad" reviews. This is simply one of the worst films I have ever seen. This one would definitely qualify for Elvira's "World's Worst Films." Cuba Gooding's expletive deleted "Ah S--t!" is screeched from his falsetto voice at least 2 dozen times throughout the film. There is no script and what there is is lousy. There is no story worthy of note. Lousy acting! Lousy direction! They go hand in hand in this film. This movie is consistently bad throughout. Are people going brain dead from watching too many zombie films and/or are they simply smoking too much "weed?" This film should be flushed down the toilet. Or better yet do like Mel Gibson commanded in "Braveheart." "Burrrn it!"

Sirens (1994)

Mesmerizing, Sensual & Sexy! Provocative & Artsy!

[8/10 · 10 March 2009]

Not a bad film when you can create controversy over the beauty of the female and male body. Fortunately for this film the casting of the females and male show good taste in the human form including facial good looks. An interesting film that displays a rich and beautiful cinematography of the Australian landscape and a cast that acts out its parts well. Hugh Grant is a bit of a joke as an actor but he does an adequate job here as a cleric on a mission of wrist slapping an artist, Norman Lindsay, in his graphic painting of a naked goddess on a cross which appears sacrilegious at first glance. This is a well presented film that explores female sexuality in a variety of forms that excites and titillates. A film about self-awareness of female sexuality, it does not preach but instead depicts clearly the conflict that comes into play when religion tries to regulate "morality" and artistic merit. Good film!

Dragonfly (2002)

Interesting and Gripping! Costner Makes it Work!

[8/10 · 25 November 2008]

No matter what you believe about life after death, this story works in a gentle and subtle manner so as to captivate your imagination while it takes you on a suspenseful and thrilling ride deep inside the human psyche and the Venezuelan jungle. Kevin Costner is a medical doctor who loses his wife in a tragic accident in the Venezuelan jungle. He loves her and feels her presence and cannot rest easy because her body was never found. A series of contacts with his dead wife lead Costner to believe that she may still be alive. He is hopeful knowing that she is trying to contact him from the other side of life. This story is simple and well told. There are several gentle persuaders along the way that provide an interesting view that grabs your attention and holds it through to the satisfying conclusion. A warm-hearted tale about love that I found emotionally gripping and well worth the time to watch. A touch creepy but ultimately a story about faith love and triumph. A great ending worth waiting for.

National Treasure (2004)

Entertaining and Fast-Paced! Good Disney Fun!

[7/10 · 10 June 2008]

This Disney production lives up to the tradition of good family entertainment. It stands out as somewhat of a superior production to their other work. A good movie that is worth watching with the whole family. This is a film full of mystery and surprises with a quick pace that can lose you if you don't concentrate. A satisfying finale with an intelligent script and good humour scattered throughout. Nicolas Cage is quite good in this as he fits right into his role as a lifelong treasure hunter spurred on by his father. The antagonist in this film is brilliant and dangerous which heightens the tension and interest as well as contributing to the overall quality of the production. This film tugs at your curiosity and creates an effective mood of mystery that holds your attention. Good stuff!

Mrs. Doubtfire (1993)

Robin Williams is Great!

[8/10 · 16 April 2008]

A funny film with substance. There is a serious message here that is not lost in the humour. My ex-wife did everything that she could to make sure I did not see this film when it was first released but she failed. She was a carbon copy of the Sally Field character in the film. Suffice to say that this is a good film with great lines and delivery by Williams. The three kids are perfect and Pierce Brosnan is also well cast as the suave good looking stud that gets Sally Field all discombobulated and disconcerted at every turn. A good soundtrack by Aerosmith makes for an interesting twist. A savvy message that relates to the truth of divorce in the legal system regarding fathers. Well done!

Life with Father (1947)

Script-Writing, Acting and Directing At its Best!

[9/10 · 3 April 2008]

This film speaks to us today in modern day life and how far we have declined as a society. The power of our civilization rests on the bulwark and strength of family life. Since the decadence of the 60s and 70s we are facing economic ruin since our currency does not have gold anymore to back it up against the forthcoming imminent economic collapse that may come sooner than we think. Just look at gold and oil prices. There is no stability there. They are gauges indicating a fever pitch of troubles that lie ahead. Which leads me to William Powell. He was the Alan Greenspan of his household and he was representative of most households worth anything in 1883 New York. No credit and no electricity. Bills to be paid off at once. It was no accident that he was a Wall Street Privateer. If things were run today with the precision of his household the world would be in a lot better shape than it is. Yes, Irene Dunne, the mother, ran the household as she should. But it was the backbone of strength displayed by the "O Captain My Captain" of Clarence Day Sr (as told in Clarence Day Jr.'s story) that keeps everything financially above water. He had too hard a way of earning his money to have it squandered recklessly without accounting for every penny "which is what the household accounts are for." Liz Taylor is good as are all the characters. The tender moments of marital bliss expressed by his gift of a Tiffany diamond ring for his wife is beautifully rendered on screen like a "Moonlight Sonata." The religious theme of the mother endeavoring diligently to make sure that all of them get to heaven by ensuring the proper baptism of her husband reflects the truth of society at that time. That wealth was not a right or a privilege but was something that had to be earned through hard work and the right knowledge. The touch of Buck Ewing hitting a home run put a light on the "new" game of baseball and an early reference to baseball in heaven. ("Field of Dreams"). The way the father relates how he will organize a baseball team of their own in heaven before his son joins them up there shows the strong faith they had in the Christian afterlife. After all he was an "Episcopalian." I think this film portrays the late 19th Century in New York accurately and reflected positively what it took to run a decent and successful household. The time it was released in 1947 was right after WWII which was a time when people started to go back to church because of the horrors just recently endured. I fear it may take another depression and global conflict (only it will be worse this time) to get society back on track morally and to help us show respect for one another. This film hearkens to the way things "oughtta be." Great film.

I Am Sam (2001)

Tender! Moving! Genuinely Heart-Warming! Sean Penn Works Magic!

[8/10 · 18 March 2008]

This is really a good movie. After seeing it once I had this strong urge to watch it again the next day. This story is loaded with Beatles music and many references to their personal lives which is interesting and effective. This film pulls at the heartstrings constantly and is emotionally draining in a positive way. A lovely and tender rendition of what "Love" is all about. Dakota Fanning as the little 7 year old is endearing and Sean Penn as the retarded father who has only the mental capacity of a 7 year old is brilliant in his portrayal. My hat goes off to Sean Penn not only for his fine performance but also for his willingness to do such a role. This is a film for big hearts and for Daddys who love their daughters. The injection of all those dogs in the latter part of the film is a fine bit of emotional manoeuvering that is cleverly timed. Michelle Pfeiffer gives a good performance as Sean Penn's lawyer. Her emotional breakdown puts us all on a level with "Sam" Dawson so that we can, as a collective whole, identify with and understand his plight in life. There are several references to "Kramer vs Kramer" which are appropriate. The state interferes in their lives by "stealing" away Sam's daughter for her "best interests" because he cannot take care of her the way the state sees fit. The harshness of the state (government) interfering in and controlling our lives is bluntly put on screen. We are all worn down by life but "Love" is the sustaining power that saves us all from depression and ultimate extinction. This is a story about the triumph of "love against all odds" that will linger on in your memory long after this film is over. As the little girl says (echoing a Beatles song) in response to the harassing lawyer's questions - "Love is all you need." See it. Own it. This is truly a fine film.

Requiem for a Heavyweight (1962)

Stunning & Fantastic Portrayal of the Seedy Aspects of Pugilism!

[9/10 · 6 March 2008]

Jackie Gleason is in his element as promoter/manager/trainer of a broken down end-of-the-road boxer "Mountain Rivera" played brilliantly by Anthony Quinn. After 17 punishing years getting battered in the Ring "The Mountain" sports the scars, brain paralysis and the "shot" hoarse voice of an ex-fighter who is played to the hilt by Quinn. Mickey Rooney as "Mountain's" trainer is also sensational in his role. The whole cast in this film is simply fantastic. The writing of Rod Serling (of "Twilight Zone" fame) is masterful to say the least. Julie Harris who tries to provide hope for Rivera's future is beautifully and "tenderly" rendered on screen. The sleazy nature of the boxing business in the seedy surroundings of the cockroach infested hotel rooms is starkly defined in this black and white celluloid. There is a scene with Mickey Rooney and Jackie Gleason playing cards reminiscent of "The Honeymooners" with Art Carney when Gleason explodes in exasperation at Rooney who delays playing his hand at "gin" rummy. This is a taut and brilliantly portrayed film that everyone should see. Muhammed Ali (as Cassius Clay) is hauntingly shot at the beginning of the film. Jack Dempsey, the former heavyweight champ, is also shown at his restaurant in New York. The corruption and fear in this business is tellingly displayed. In fact this is a "must see" and "must own" kind of film. A Knock Out! As an aside, Jackie Gleason was so great on film partly because of his experience in live vaudeville shows. He grew up in abject poverty as a boy. This forced him out at an early age to make a living. The greatness came from hard times, talent and an insatiable work ethic. Thus the great talent of Jackie Gleason began to shine to the point of dethroning Milton Berle out of the top TV spot in 1954 as "The Honeymooners" stormed on screen. So many great talents from this era developed in the same way. Poverty and hard times had a way of producing talented star entertainers in the 30's and 40's. Perhaps this explains the lack of talent on screen today.

Repulsion (1965)

Polanski's Direction is Brilliant! Deneuve Excites Though Crazed and Possessed By Evil!

[8/10 · 6 March 2008]

Catherine Deneuve gives a realistic and genuine performance as a crazed and delusional young woman on the brink of a mental breakdown. She is not able to distinguish between fantasy and reality as interfering surreal thoughts possess her mind that keep her from reasoning capably. This is truly a frightening film that is cast perfectly. The audience is put in the position of the various visitors that appear at this girl's apartment door as she is left alone for the weekend when her sister leaves for a trip with her boyfriend. The audience is seduced by this girl's beauty and innocence as evil and neurotic thoughts invade the visitors' and the viewer's mind. There is audience participation here. Hearing her sister make love with her boyfriend disturbs her. The cracks in the wall are indicative of a pervading psychosis that attacks this girl's mind. Her revenge and punishment inflicted on the characters' in this film also reflect an attack on the audience for having had "wicked" thoughts about her. The hands reaching out of the wall represent psychiatric episodes that are based on true experiences with delusional minds in crisis. Pressed into a corner they react like rats and fight back viciously (in this case with a razor). This is a clever film that will leave you exhausted and feeling guilty for being human. The end closeup of a family photograph hints at a possible answer to the girl's mental problems. It is a chilling shot. This film also provides highly disturbing evidence of the precarious and perilous condition of the human mind when it is thrown out of balance. I highly recommend this film. Not suitable for younger viewers at all.

300 (2006)

Slam Bang Excitement! Violent! An Anger Venting Mechanism!

[7/10 · 19 February 2008]

This is a good movie that opens the door to controversy. That is what makes this film so good. My youngest daughter saw this film at the theatre and said afterwards she had to own it. The action sequences are a bit fake (because of, no doubt, high tech animation) and the bodies of the soldiers are a bit too honed to perfection via computer graphics, but otherwise this is a racially charged, designed to excite, argumentative-type movie. The emissaries are black (sent hurtling to the depths of the centre of the earth), King Xerxes is a Barak Obama look-alike and King Leonidas is someone obsessed with keeping Greece "white" (all barbarians to be kept out at all costs). I wonder how much subconscious material in this film was based on the current immigration policies of European countries, not to mention our own, that might have influenced the message in this screenplay? Whatever the intent of the filmmakers, this film has generated a lot of anger and controversy that I thought could never happen nowadays in our "politically correct" environment. I am glad to see that some movie makers have decided to wake some of us up out of the doldrums of a ho-hum dreary existence into an angst of vigour that might translate into some constructive balance in the views expressed in the public forum. Good work Zack Snyder! Good movie!

Hud (1963)

Beautiful Film-making! Great Performances!

[9/10 · 5 February 2008]

This is a slow black and white film that leaves an indelible imprint on the mind. Powerfully portrayed with brilliant imagery and scenes of integrity this film immediately grabs your attention and interest and holds you fast throughout. Paul Newman's portrayal as a selfish self-absorbed scoundrel is interesting, to say the least, because the audience can identify with him in a positive way. The poignant scene of annihilating the cattle in a burial pit is excruciating to watch but effective directing. A sense of pity (akin to love) grips you as you view Newman's character sliding down a slippery slope towards emptiness and eventual loneliness. His crass behaviour alienates all those around him. Tremendous cinematography throughout this film adds to the lonely and empty atmosphere. Patricia Neal is "someting else" as the maid and Brandon De Wilde is great (the little boy in "Shane") as the young man who initially looks up to Paul Newman's character as someone to emulate. Melvyn Douglas is perfect in his role as the aging father who is seeing his world crumble all around him. This is an interesting and brilliant film. One to buy and own!

The Hustler (1961)

Poignant, Powerful and Sleazy! A Dynamic Masterpiece!

[9/10 · 5 February 2008]

Jackie Gleason dominates this film with just several brief appearances scattered throughout which testifies to his greatness as an artist. Paul Newman is impressive and Piper Laurie is stunningly depressing and debauched in her portrayal of an alcoholic misfit hell-bent on self-destruction. George C. Scott plays Minnesota Fat's "banker" and is terrific as the sleazy underworld magnate who controls, manipulates and ultimately destroys peoples' lives. This is a brilliant effort although it is morose, dark and depressing. This film justifiably received several nominations for Academy Awards in acting roles (4, I think). Quite impressive. This great film sports one of the finest screenplays ever written. Buy it to own. Sensational Stuff!

1-900 (1994)

Erotic & Arousing!

[7/10 · 24 January 2008]

Theo Van Gogh (a distant relative of the great artist Vincent with the same name as his brother) who was brutally murdered in Holland recently by Muslims, has a lasting tribute here in this tale about a connection made between two people on the phone lines. A good film about the telephone psyche that can occur with "phone sex." Although this film appears to be rough-edged and the English subtitles are a bit annoying, there is a dynamic magnetism that draws you forward and if you can "suspend your disbelief" (Coleridge) for just a bit, this is good entertainment. Haunting and surreal this story is believable. A 30 year old woman places a voice ad for "phone play" and lures an innocent unsuspecting fellow into a phone connection that becomes mutually exclusive. The two of them think of each other constantly and the obsession leads to some interesting telephone encounters. The director only shows the nose, mouth and chin of the fellow and the girl is shrouded in perpetual darkness, showing only the back or top of her head, or just her body slouched languorously on her couch or bed. This allows the audience to identify with the telephone experience of "phone play" relating to not knowing what the other person looks like. The immediacy, panic and fury that ensues is quite exciting. One encounter has the man in a hurry to catch a flight on a business trip only to have her persuade him to take a few moments to get "off" in a panic "quickie." Another scene has him persuade her to let him listen to her "go" in the toilet when nature calls which leads eventually to erotic passion for both of them. Another sequence shows them getting emotionally attached while chatting as she twirls her hair nonchalantly alternating her hand between her hair and groping over the rest of her body in the dark secret recesses of her living room. This is cheap and vulgar entertainment suitable only for late night adult viewers. This film does have its place, however, and taken in context and for what it is worth, this film is not a bad effort. More stimulating and inspirational, in fact, than a lot of the crap that is currently out there. If you let your imagination got to work, this film is somewhat erotic and arousing which is what "phone play" is all about anyways.

The Outlaw Josey Wales (1976)

Perhaps Eastwood's Finest Effort! Totally Gripping!

[9/10 · 28 December 2007]

Clint Eastwood is in his element as a Confederate rebel fighting his way across Missouri to Texas just after the Civil War ends. He is sought after by all the "powers that be" of the time but Josey is implacable in his fierce demeanor - fearless in his resolve to fight on "because he has nothing else better to do." After his wife and child are killed by the "red legs" of the Union forces, Josey joins "Bloody Bill" and his rag tag Confederate band of ruffians. As the Civil War ends, all the Confederates are forced to surrender at the beginning of the film, after fighting successfully during the campaign. Only Josey Wales holds out to fight on ruthlessly and relentlessly because he has no life to go back to and no reason to live on. So his hate kicks in to overdrive as he proceeds to kill anyone who gets in his way which is every authority that crosses his path. "You're wanted Wales" says a bounty hunter to Wales. Josey's (Eastwood's) response? "I reckon I'm right popular." This movie is loaded with great lines like this. Josey becomes a warrior out of necessity and because his life, (wife and child), has been forcibly stolen from him, he does not fear death which makes him a deadly foe. Yet his tender and tolerant side surfaces throughout the story as well as his capacity to love another girl again. He also displays a religious angle as he bows his head in a perfunctory manner during Granny's prayer and also when Wales prays over the death of his young companion. There are several classic Eastwood moments of confrontation reminiscent of "A Fistful of Dollars" that lend suspense to heroism in this exciting and interesting tale. With a cast of fascinating characters and constant violence, Eastwood portrays his finest role in brilliant style that grips the audience and never lets go. There is a taut tension throughout this film yet at the same time slow and relaxed scenes are interspersed regularly and executed effectively between action sequences. Perhaps this is Eastwood's finest film. I loved it! "Get ready Granny! Hell is coming to breakfast."

Excalibur (1981)

Boorman's Direction is Brilliant! Tremendous!

[9/10 · 18 December 2007]

This is one of the most magical experiences in cinematic history. Powerfully driven by love, lust and passion, this story moves at a brisk pace combining a dynamic realism with a mix of fantasy and magic that is almost frightening. The acting is superb. The hope of mankind seems to rest with these gallant "Knights of the Round Table" and only a director of the calibre of Boorman could capture the imagination the way he has in this film. Merlin and Arthur are powerfully portrayed. The myths are "believable." The music is superlative. This movie boasts one of the finest endings of any movie I have ever seen. To Wagnerian strains "Excalibur" is returned to "The Lady of the Lake." Nowhere have I found a film that sends shivers up and down my spine as this particular scene does at the end. The whole movie is worth watching just for that one final scene. The "Valhalla"-like ending, with Arthur carried off by the "Valkyries" after a bloody battle, resounds again to Wagner with lightning bolt effect. What a movie! Makes one proud to be English! It must be said, however, that although there is no Viking burning of the funeral pyre in the "bloody" sunset scene at the end when Arthur is transported off to realms unknown, I think Boorman has successfully discredited the Celtic "river dancing" legend and instead superseded it with the Siegfried legend offering us the Germanic interpretation of the founding of the English race flavored by the Aryan strains of Wagner and the Germanic foundation of the English people, language and culture.