blackhawks-67239 Reviews

History Rediscovered: Submarines at War (2011)

The Silent Service

[8/10 · 29 April 2024]

No accurate or truthful films (outside the old T. V. series "The Silent Service" 1957-1958) has been made.

Though it's dated 2011, This is an old documentary. It contains four rare WWII-era documentary films about submarines and the "silent service" in WW II.

Having read several books on this subject, I can add some brutal facts: At the start, after the Pearl Harbor attack, we had about 50 subs, and some were an old pre war "S" class.

A big problem they faced was faulty torpedos, which cost both being able to sink enemy ships, and endangered submariners lives.

The torpedos would either run too deep, explode pre maturely, or even make a circular run and endanger the sub that fired them.

The Bureau of Ordnance refused to accept the info from sub commanders , saying it was their fault. This was not corrected till almost two years later.

However, these brave men persevered; they disconnected the ultra secret magnetic exploding device, and used contact exploders. Yet, the contact exploder often failed to detonate the warhead.

From Wikipedia: Finally, in September 1943, the first torpedoes with new contact pistols were sent to war. "After twenty-one months of war, the three major defects of the Mark 14 torpedo had at last been isolated. Each defect had been discovered and fixed in the field-always over the stubborn opposition of the Bureau of Ordnance." After this, our subs "raised hell" sinking over 60 percent of the Japanese merchant marine.

This documentary is well worth watching.

Piece of Cake (1988)

Not worth even one star.

[27 April 2024]

This mini series is a Piece of C--p. Though I appreciate good historical fiction, -this was based on a novel- the errors are horrible. These are as follows: 1) Throughout the series, they are flying the MK IX Spirfire, which wasn't introduced until mid 1942. They ought to have been flying Hawker Hurricanes. At least 12 survive in airworthy condition worldwide.

Note- There is only one example of a MK I, and a MK II-A, both are in flying condition.

2) The finger four formation was used by the Luftwaffe; the RAF used vulnerable "vics", flights of three. The finger four was not adopted till late in the Battle of Britain.

3) In episode five, I'd hoped they would have become more accurate; but no, they show a pilot flying inverted. Spits still had a carburetor which would cut out in a dive, or in inverted flight, while the Germans in the BF 109's utilized direct fuel injection.

The Wandering Earth II (2023)

Throwing Science Out The Window

[21 February 2024]

That this farce gets so many high marks shows how utterly STUPID folks are. One was bad enough; but they made a sequel?!

Even a small move closer to the sun could have a huge impact. That's because warming would cause glaciers to melt, raising sea levels and flooding most of the planet. Without land to absorb some of the sun's heat, temperatures on Earth would continue to rise.

A shift in the orbit moving Earth farther from the sun would cool and potentially freeze the planet. Oceans would be covered in ice, causing them to release less carbon dioxide and vapor.

That's not to mention the effect that a shift in Earth's orbit would have on the rest of the solar system. Even a minor change in its path around the sun could cause planets to collide.

Firefighter (1986 TV Movie)

She had what it takes.

[8/10 · 30 December 2023]

Only one small part which I felt was a disingenuous bit of personal melodrama, marred an otherwise good human interest story.

You get a feel for this woman's determination to become a firefighter. It demonstrates how much physical stamina is required to "make the grade".

Her persistence despite opposition from some men due to bias, and negative attitudes, (this was still apparent in the 80's) was inspiring.

The plotline is pretty straight forward; apart from producers continually portraying fictitious events and characters instead of sticking to the story.

It isn't an "action" movie, so appreciate it for what it is; don't say it is boring, or dull.

Casa Grande (2023– )

Troubling...

[7/10 · 30 November 2023]

If anyone could relate to the issues presented in this series I can. This series would be far better served to have English CC that covered ALL of the dialogue; I find this a great disservice, and unfortunately other films have the same issue.

I am a "boomer", born and raised in Arizona. Overt racial prejudices in other areas of the U. S. were not apparent in AZ, but the unspoken segregation was not lost on me; the damn attitude that "children should be seen and not heard" made me keep my own council, and not confront my parents.

I sat on many questions such as "Why was there only one Chinese student in my entire grade school, and the other students were all white?" This was only one of many others. I knew my parents weren't prejudiced.

On one occasion, (a long buried memory) my parents had taken some food to an Indian family, in Sahuarita AZ. Their father was a hard worker, had done some back breaking work for us, but was an alcoholic; prone to drink up the money instead of providing for his family.

Their "home" was a two room cinderblock shack; no amenities whatsoever. No indoor plumbing, only a wood stove, a dirt floor, not even window screens to keep out swarms of flies.

This was a real object lesson on how much I had, in contrast to others. Issues of class, immigration, culture and family covered in the series are not lost on me. I have genuine concern, not just complaining for its own sake.

Because of this I ceased watching after midway through Episode 2. One cannot have a correct grasp of the story when CC "cherry picks" the dialogue.

AKA (2023)

Decent film, but lost in the subtitles.

[6/10 · 27 November 2023]

Six out of ten stars, because what little I watched was well acted. This is far from the first time I've had to curtail watching a movie.

The problem with many "action" movies, is that even if much of the dialogue is a foreign language, there are either NO subtitles, or they're poorly synchronized.

In this film, the subs were properly synchronized, but you spend your time focused on them, instead of being able to watch what is really going on.

This is tiring on the eyes, and after 15 minutes I quit watching. Those who are multi lingual can enjoy them, but for the rest of us, who speak one language it becomes pointless.

Has the skill of correctly dubbing a film been lost? Few if any films are dubbed anymore; it is a real shame when you can perceive that it is worthwhile.

Other reviewers were all very enthusiastic and gave this film high marks, but I can't enjoy a film that keeps me glued to the subtitles. So good or not, I think 6 out of 10 is generous.

It ought to be released with a dubbed version so everyone can view it.

Sisters in Arms (2019)

Well meaning, but much was lost in foreign dialogue.

[7/10 · 8 October 2023]

Overall a worthwhile film. Yet half of their story (unless you're multilingual) is lost; the CC does not translate the foreign language, and this is an issue with many other films.

How are we supposed to understand the deeper message, the cultural differences, when there is no translation? Again, this is pervasive in many good foreign films, this is only one example.

So having watched this, and appreciating their struggle, we only get half of the story. I find this reprehensible; when will directors and producers finally wake up and give the rest of us the whole picture?

For this reason, I only give it seven stars, and that rating is more then generous.

Shutter Island (2010)

Far above the current hollywood garbage

[9/10 · 24 July 2023]

This was all around well done; I was ticked off that this was made thirteen years ago, and I only just now, saw it.

DiCaprio's other film, Inception, made that same year, I had seen. In my opinion, this was somewhat better; with no less than Ben Kingsley, and Max von Sydow, it is by far one of the few great films to come out of Hollywood.

Their offerings since 2010 are mostly worn out, repetitious examples of mediocrity.

The only aspect which I found unsettling, was the ending; strangely similar to Angel Heart, made in a 1987, a psychological horror film starring Mickey Rourke. (this isn't a "spoiler" unless you remember the unexpected twist in that film) Now, in 2023, there ought to be more movies like this one.

Code Name Banshee (2022)

Blame the directors, not the actors.

[3/10 · 22 July 2023]

Viewers who are hopelessly addicted to films with mindless killing and endless body counts like John Wick, find fault with every little flaw.

But mediocre producers and directors have been pandering to that mindset for decades; what the H--- do you expect?

The initial plot line, and the slow development of the characters, is not a flaw.

Keep in mind that men and women were made differently for a reason, MEN were to be protectors; women were never intended to have to assume what were men's duties.

Yet, there is the expression "it isn't the size of the dog in a fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog."

Ancient movie errors are apparent.

The main character takes on many assassins with automatic weapons, they all miss, and said character takes them all out? Fires more rounds than the handguns could hold without changing mags? Cut me a break.

Black Site (I) (2022)

Zero common sense kills this "thriller"

[3/10 · 21 July 2023]

I was more disappointed than angry; the plot had much potential, but the producers must be mentally challenged.

First, the analyst is warned "this is not like your other postings. These people are dangerous. We built this place to fight terror with terror"... The site is called "Citadel".

It's been ten months; and nearing the end of her tour; info she has sent results in the capture of Hatchet, and they're informed he's being sent to Citadel.

At this black site, operated by the C. I. A.; the personnel aren't wearing vests, or other protective clothing; they don't even bother to carry a sidearm.

Arriving with the badass "Hatchet", are four persons; their Captain tells the site's head of operations "no video or recording" of the prisoner's interrogation by the persons bringing him in, for 45 minutes. Sorry, this makes ZERO sense.

There is much more nonsensical behavior as the story goes on.

I watched the entire thing just to see how it would end, which also lacked any common sense. Worse, (groan) they might make a sequel.

Kandahar (2023)

Decent plot, yet perplexed by flaws

[5/10 · 19 July 2023]

First, I am no military expert; I never served. Still, Noting other comments, I found my own questions confirmed. An operative whose cover was blown would alter his appearance; that they had Mitchell LaFortune who had been a Military Intelligence Officer in Afghanistan makes the errors more strange.

Drjgardner's comments were well noted, except for his "no military advisor" statement.

This is no spoiler: The one thing that producers never fail to mess up is the power of explosive charges; all of this film was believable until approx 1:43:27; in all probability, that was a kill shot.

However, the better points in this story were ignored. First, Kandahar is a real place, not fictitious, and located away from the mountainous area of Afghanistan, so the filming in Saudi Arabia was realistic. Second, the plot is reasonable, not over the top. Third, the different factions warring amongst themselves and cultural differences adds depth. I liked this film.

Space: Above and Beyond (1995–1996)

This story was "above and beyond"

[5/10 · 16 July 2023]

Why this is so highly rated is bewildering.

Set in the years 2063-2064, a decent "star wars" type drama has a mix of politics, military conduct codes, and strange type of discrimination. The acting is well done, as is rivalry between the services. Melodrama is not overdone, and flashbacks are not pervasive.

The items I note aren't plot "spoilers": However, I wonder what the producers, and directors had in mind when it was conceived.

One glaring error; jets can't operate without air.

Second - animosity toward in vitro persons has never surfaced in society. I cannot elaborate further to avoid creating a "spoiler".

Hacksaw Ridge (2016)

Compelling, but distorted by Hollywood fictions

[6/10 · 15 June 2023]

Faith in God; standing on His promises, not vacillating, gave a young man courage in the face of many obstacles, including ridicule, verbal abuse, hazing, and other continued threats against his earnest desire to serve his country without killing, but saving lives. A childhood incident had convinced him to never ever touch, let alone use a gun. In 2004, twelve years before the Hollywood version, Hacksaw Ridge was produced, an accurate documentary covered his story.

I had made a few posts on Profiles In Courage about this person, Desmond Doss, a conscientious Objector,who fought to be able to serve as a medic without carrying a gun.

The Hollywood movie, though heartwarming, contains many distortions in telling his story, always to make things more dramatic.

A documentary, The Conscientious Objector, released in 2004, is dramatic enough, without their lies, which involved changing the timeline of events, and altering actual events. Find it on the web.

Pacific Rim: Uprising (2018)

Watch the first Pacific Rim, before the negative reviewers spoil this sequel.

[7/10 · 19 May 2023]

Point blank, I'm old, and a "hard grader". No apology.

As a sequel; well, most don't meet the quality of original films. Yes, there are changes that annoyed me; the opening scenes especially. It is important to watch the original, so this one will make some sense.

The character "Jake" is portrayed as a self centered, arrogant, A hole. That would be reason enough to be "turned off" early on. As with other sequels, this one (my opinion) ought to have been better thought out, but it isn't nearly as bad as all the overly critical naysayer reviews would have you believe.

I would add that the original was as amusing as it was intense, because those ancient Japanese films about Godzilla and Mothra come to mind. I'd give that one 8 out of 10 stars.

These are sort of a 21st century "upgrade" of those old monster movies.

The Magic Plant (2020)

"Don't Step On The Grass, Sam"...

[7/10 · 17 April 2023]

That lyric from a 1967 Steppenwolf song is apropos.

Though I was confronted with health claims I'd not have attributed to "grass", or "weed" as my peers called it, I emphatically noted many items in this doc, which I entirely agreed with.

First, in my twenties, I never got a "run of the mill" headache; I would get migraine headaches; the type which would cause me to stay inside, and shut the curtains (strong light was intolerable).

The pain nearly always seemed to center just above my left eyebrow, and was as if an icepick was being pushed into my head.

For those who understand what a subluxation is; mine would attack me so intensely that I could not stand. I had to lie down.

Neither of these intense pains were solved by aspirin, nor did I want to resort to expensive and addicting pharmaceuticals.

But a simple joint of "homegrown" would, within less than a half hour, annihilate both of them.

I used "annihilate" because the relief was that dramatic.

I noted an overall sense of enhancement; be it listening to music, watching films, or reading a good book.

Watching this doc demonstrated much of what I knew; in History, sailing ships ropes for rigging and sails, were of Hemp. The first Levis (not noted) were of Hemp fiber.

One "spoiler": There are some areas in the doc which put me off; we don't want to mass produce derivatives of the plant, it is sufficient as is, and should not be adulterated as we've done to our food supply.

Underground (1995)

decent but too bizarre

[6/10 · 21 March 2023]

I watched 53 minutes of this film; well done, but (weirdly) reminiscent of a Monty Python skit.

Just to surreal for me. The story ought to have been told in a far more serious tone, and less satirical. I don't know why so many gave it ten stars; they must love "theater of the bizarre".

I had enough when the brother's eyes, greatly exaggerated by his eyeglasses became too much.

Farsighted persons eyes do appear larger due to their eyeglass lenses, but this was overly exaggerated. Combined with the continued satirical approach, which I think ought to have been far more serious; it was all I could take, which is why I only give it 6 stars.

The Vanished (2020)

Abysmal time waster.

[2/10 · 19 February 2023]

Point blank - I'm old, and a skeptic.

Needless subplots, innuendo, and the wife's behavior, you can figure why the guy hadn't divorced her "it's cheaper to keep her".

Crass? I watched 40 minutes and just had to quit this loser.

Starts out with a manhunt, and a convict running away. Cut to a yuppie couple and their daughter in their mega bucks RV, going on vacation. Arriving at a lakeside campground; no one but another couple camping and a groundskeeper around, by a lake.

Daughter mysteriously disappears from the RV; ten yr olds are not stupid enough to just wander off far from home, in a remote place.

Dysfunctional back and forth of parents, wife insists on looking for the daughter after the local Sheriff has already organized a search, and at night. Husband gives in, they've only two flashlights, and again in a remote place. (They're stereotype city dwellers, so this is moronic) Other heavy clues about his past, and the dysfunctional relationship add to the needless melodrama.

Midway (2019)

Another distorted account of Midway

[2/10 · 30 January 2023]

This film is anything but "straightforward". The end credits state "in certain cases incidents, characters and timelines have been changed for dramatic purposes". That they are allowed to deviate from the real story in this fashion is unconscionable.

One huge fiction is that we did NOT attack the Marshall Islands at the beginning of '42. It was all we could do to engage the Japanese in August of '42, after learning of their building an airstrip on Guadalcanal in the Solomon Islands, that could cut off our supply lines to Australia.

Another is the script that "Midway accidentally sent out an unencrypted message that their water plant was broken." The real account was we had instructed Midway to send a false report about their water desalinization plants; thereafter, monitored Japanese transmissions commenting that "AF was short on water", confirmed that Midway was AF.

That other events were rendered accurately, in no way absolves these distortions.

Sadly, the only remotely accurate account was an old film, told from the Japanese viewpoint, titled "I Bombed Pearl Harbor" encompassing both the Pearl Harbor attack, and the subsequent Battle of Midway. Fortunately, it is available on CD. (I have the original on VHS)

Connecting Flights (2021)

Not just a "drama".

[8/10 · 28 September 2022]

With some 77 years since the end of WWII; I could not help thinking just how many people's lives are a reflection of this story. Though it's listed as a drama, there are no disclaimers in the end credits to indicate that is is a fiction.

As an example, some 12 million Americans who served during the war, came home, and most buried their involvement. They wanted to forget the carnage, and horrors, and get on with their lives. It has only been in the last 20 years or so, that these veterans finally were able and willing to have their stories told.

That is precisely why this drama is quite believable. Other commenters who nit pick about the accents, or the actors, ought to zip it.

Below Zero (2021)

A real event?

[8/10 · 24 September 2022]

First, though this film is listed as "United States", it was filmed in Spain. There are subtitles in English, so use them, as this is well worth watching.

The situations depicted, border on the bizarre; viewers like myself don't know how prison transfers are conducted, or the types of vehicles used. The truck in the film has individual locked cells to isolate the prisoners from each other, and heighten security during the transfer.

What is implied at the end, is the failure of the Justice system in other countries, not just in the U. S. The start doesn't state "based on actual events"; yet, in the end credits, there is no disclaimer stating the events, characters, etc. Are fictional.

So the viewer is left with the unsetteling thought that this might be a re-enactment of an actual event.

Cold Pursuit (2019)

Above average and Neeson is great.

[8/10 · 23 August 2022]

The brutal winter as a backdrop for this story, helps build the suspense. Never mind this being a remake of a foreign film.

Liam Neeson is great; the story line is not typical, or predictable. A good escape from life's daily grind; you're in for an "edge of your seat" ride.

The Hard Way (2019)

Offbeat but decent action.

[7/10 · 23 August 2022]

Hyper-critics that complained about this film, ought to endure the sequels to "The Expendables". Those were terrible.

This is a different twist; not your usual "formula" action movie, well worth the watch.

Wolf Hound (2022)

Calling this movie stupid, would be a compliment!

[22 August 2022]

In the 60's, I read many biographies and autobiographies of pilots and soldiers. At the time they were in their late 40's to mid 50's.

Anyone who knows ANYTHING about WWII aircraft, air combat, and tactics knows that this movie is PUTRID.

The high ratings come from those who must be both very young, and ignorant.

Battle Force (2012)

The story was fiction, but the unit was real.

[6/10 · 13 August 2022]

The First Special Service Force were known as the Black Devils, the name given them by their terrified German enemy. The stickers were real, put on the helmets of their slain enemy. The sticker reads in German "The worst is yet to come".

First Knight (1995)

Myth or not - gross historical errors.

[4/10 · 10 August 2022]

Apart from many other errors: First, there were no handguns in Arthur's time, not for several hundred years later. Second, opposing armies went by banners; there were no uniforms. Third, Arthur and his people were NOT pagans; the end of the film giving Arthur a Viking funeral was outrageous.

Never mind the huge age difference by casting Sean Connery as Arthur, opposite a very youthful Guinevere.