moviebuff-2 Reviews

Cujo (1983)

The one non-scary horror film I've seen.

[24 April 2002]

"Cujo" is the one horror flick I've seen that did nothing for me. No scares, jumps, logic, or suspense. The whole film feels slow and repetitive. The story is illogical, the "suspense" music cheesy, and the acting atrocious in many areas. Although Dee Wallace was just fine in "E.T.", I don't think she's a strong actress in general, especially in this film where her voice is so soft and low. But the kid [Danny Pintauro] is another story! He is like a parent's worst nightmare: a shrill, whining baby! He mostly screams and cries uncontrollably in the last half! After having great children in scary movies like Carol-Anne in "Poltergeist" and Newt in "Aliens", we get a bad one in this film's Tad Trenton. The name itself is sickly sweet and nauseous. This movie really let me down big time as it was not scary in any way.

Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)

My favorite movie musical.

[10 January 2002]

"Meet Me in St. Louis" is my favorite movie musical. It has all the ingredients of a classic musical: a good story, great acting, and, of course, wonderful songs. "The Trolley Song" and "Skip to My Lou" are among my favorites of the songs. Judy Garland shines here, but the real scene-stealer is Margaret O'Brien as Tootie. She's funny, yet also kind of morbid. What more can I say about this film? It's got everything you want in a musical, and I highly recommend it.

Halloween (1978)

The scariest movie I have ever seen.

[21 November 2001]

Surprising, huh? You may be asking yourself why I chose "Halloween" as the scariest movie I've ever seen. Well, there are a number of reasons why. Starting with the music by John Carpenter. That main title theme just chills me out the wazoo. It is the scariest horror movie music ever. Then there's the suspense and atmosphere. I think "Halloween" is unfairly regarded as a slasher film. There's practically NO blood or gore in it, which is a real plus. And yet, sadly, this film spawned numerous imitators and 6 [!] sequels so far. Anyway, Jamie Lee Curtis and Donald Pleasence are standouts in their roles. Curtis makes Laurie Strode a real flesh-and-blood teenager; one who babysits children rather than have sex with boyfriends. She's a smart girl. Near the end where she's running from Michael Myers, I'm really on edge and rooting for her. John Carpenter sure knew how to scare the hell out of moviegoers, and he did it for me with this one. "Halloween" is a horror film experience like no other, and one I will never forget.

Poltergeist (1982)

My third favorite horror film.

[2 October 2001]

What can I say about this movie? Practically everything else has been said about it, but I'll go into the details about the acting. This is a cast of mostly unknowns, which, to me, is a good thing. Heather O'Rourke is amazing as Carol Anne. She's only in the movie for about an hour [in between the beginning and the end], but she is the focus of the whole story. She's also a stunning-looking, platinum blonde child. JoBeth Williams is equally good as the mother, Diane. The rest of the cast performs well, with Zelda Rubenstein as the midget psychic Tangina a real highlight. There are some moments of humor in the film as well. Take a look at the scene with Steve [Craig T. Nelson] and the neighbor are switching the channels on their TVs. That's funny. I love horror films that start with introducing the characters so you can care about them later on as the horror begins. "Poltergeist" does this. Also, the concept of a child being taken into another dimension is scarier than that of teenagers being slashed by a masked killer. This alone is what makes "Poltergeist" stand out from today's horror movies.

Treasure Island (1950)

One of Disney's best adventure films.

[4 September 2001]

"Treasure Island" is one of many famous stories in literature that has been adapted numerous times to the silver screen. Disney's 1950 live-action film is, IMO, the best version. Robert Newton is a delight as Long John Silver. He alone deserves an award for the role. Bobby Driscoll is, also IMO, so right for the part of Jim Hawkins, probably his best role in a Disney film. He's the only American in the cast of many British talents. I would love for the Disney studios to release their classic live-action films on DVD, including this one. Since their adventure films were popular with people around the world, why not give them a chance to enjoy them all over again? Anyway, this is yet another Disney classic for movie lovers and Disney fans alike.

So Dear to My Heart (1948)

Another Disney live-action/animation winner!

[3 September 2001]

"So Dear to My Heart" is yet another great Disney live-action/animation film. Kind of a follow-up to "Song of the South", but equally good. Burl Ives and his songs make the film worth seeing alone. A surprise song in the movie is "Billy Boy", sung in a duet between Beulah Bondi and Burl Ives. Bobby Driscoll and Luana Patten are just as fresh and appealing here as they were in "Song of the South". During the scene with the song "Billy Boy", watching them smile just fills me with joy. Equally joyous is seeing them dance with Bondi and Ives later in the same scene. If only they lived longer in real life, then I'd probably meet and work with them. This movie is not as well-known as other Disney films, probably because of its simple story, but don't miss it. With a lot of pros I've mentioned above, it doesn't seem dated. I love it as much as "Song of the South" and rate it **** out of ****.

Song of the South (1946)

I saw this movie and loved it!

[20 August 2001]

"Song of the South" is one of Disney's best live-action/animation films. I love nearly every single thing about it. It was innovative for its time in combining live-action with animation. The animated sequences with Br`er Rabbit, Br`er Fox, and Br`er Bear are so funny, delightful, and charming. The characters are just as memorable, with Johnny [Bobby Driscoll] and Uncle Remus [James Baskett] being my favorites. I wish Disney would release this film to the public, because this is a film that deserves to be seen to be believed. I would really love to see a Special Edition DVD of this film released, with chock-full of extras, including deleted footage, cast and crew bios, theatrical trailers, and a TV introduction by Walt Disney himself. Bobby Driscoll and Luana Patten [Johnny and Ginny] were the first actors put under contract at the Disney studios. Disney was proud of them and it's not hard to imagine why. Watching them together in this film and "So Dear to My Heart" is a joy for me. They're so refreshing, expressive, and lively that I can't help but smile real big. I could go on and on about how great they are and how great this film is. I hope that someday Disney will come to their senses and bring back this film for a new generation of children and adults to enjoy.

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)

The best Roald Dahl book-to-film adaptation.

[26 July 2001]

"Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" is, in my opinion, the best film adaptation of a Roald Dahl children's book, and the best fantasy film since "The Wizard of Oz." The characters, sets, and dialogue are priceless. The set designs of the chocolate factory, in particular, are stunning, just like the sets of Munchkinland in "The Wizard of Oz." Gene Wilder (famous in a lot of Mel Brooks movies) is perfect as Willy Wonka. In fact, to me, he IS Willy Wonka. I've heard some rumor that he's least proud of this movie than some of his others, and that's something of a shame, because this is the role I will always remember him for. He has a lot of funny lines of dialogue where he sings to Veruca Salt's father. My favorite characters are Willy Wonka and Charlie Bucket, one of the five golden ticket winners. My favorite scene is when Wonka, Charlie, Grandpa Joe, Mike Teevee and his mother are in the television room, WonkaVision. This long sequence is all in white, and makes for a wonderful psychedelic experience. The whole movie is, in fact, a kind of psychedelic trip to Willy Wonka's chocolate factory, and a fantastic one at that.

An American Tail: Fievel Goes West (1991)

James Stewart's voice was the one and only highlight of this movie.

[27 May 2001]

This episodic sequel to "An American Tail" is worth seeing if for nothing more than to hear James Stewart's voice as Sheriff Wylie Burp. Stewart is my favorite actor of the past times, and it's always a delight to hear him. The rest of the movie is mediocre and forgettable at best. Some people thought it was an improvement over the first film, but I wonder why? Sure, the original was sentimental and predictable, but it had the classic song "Somewhere Out There" written by James Horner, and also a much better, straight-forward story. The second movie seems more of a Saturday-morning cartoon style western comedy. There's very little story or heart. I guess more people prefer the light-heartedness of this movie than the sentimentality of the first. Now I won't knock this movie for some who like it, but I wish the first film was more appreciated by people. See this only for James Stewart's voice. Note: I also liked the main character of Fievel better as an immigrant from the first movie.

An American Tail (1986)

Don Bluth's best in my opinion, despite one major flaw.

[5 May 2001]

"An American Tail" was Don Bluth's second animated feature since leaving Disney, and, in my opinion, it is his best. It's got the most heart out of all of his movies. It's got the Oscar-nominated song "Somewhere Out There" and the main character of Fievel. This character just warms my heart and I can easily feel for him. Don Bluth has made only three very good animated features: this movie, "The Secret of NIMH", and "The Land Before Time". But "An American Tail" tops them both. No matter how predictable or sentimental the story is, I always get caught up in it. The sequel was good, but it was more like a fast-paced western comedy with some one-liners and such sight gags. The original is the better film in my opinion. Only complaint: one too many chase scenes with Fievel and other mice running from cats.

Alien (1979)

The chest-bursting scene is the highlight of this film.

[4 May 2001]

"Alien" was the first film in a sci-fi series of movies that have become popular the world over. That is the "Alien Legacy". This movie features Sigourney Weaver in her first major, and immortal, role as Ellen Ripley, and it made her a star. It is the role she was born to play. The characters are interesting, my favorites being Ash and Parker. My favorite scene is the infamous and oft-copied chest-bursting scene, where an alien bursts out of Kane's [John Hurt] stomach. That is what made this movie a classic. It's probably the goriest moment ever put on film. My one problem with "Alien" is the sometimes slow pacing. Don't get me wrong, I like suspense just as much as I like action, but the film can drag in some places. Despite this one flaw, "Alien" is a very good sci-fi horror/thriller.

The Rescuers (1977)

The best underrated Disney movie.

[3 May 2001]

"The Rescuers" was the third animated feature released without Walt Disney. I think it is an improvement over the other two Disney features "The Aristocats" and "Robin Hood". The voice talents are exceptional. Eva Gabor and Bob Newhart provide the voices for Miss Bianca and Bernard, and they're a delight to watch. They have distinguished voices, personalities, and chemistry. They rule both as Disney characters and as loving companions. My favorite characters in this movie are Bernard and a little girl whom Bernard and Bianca come to rescue, Penny. I think Penny has the most personality of all the Disney animated children, and she's very sympathetic. I recommend this movie to any Disney fan or fans of animation.

Aliens (1986)

James Cameron's best work, and the best out of all the "Alien" movies.

[28 April 2001]

"Aliens" is the most intense, exciting, unsettling, and exhausting movie I've ever seen! It is James Cameron's best, Sigourney Weaver's best, and the best film in the "Alien" series. The thing I love most about this film is the relationship between Ellen Ripley [Sigourney Weaver] and the little girl Newt [Carrie Henn in an excellent performance for a child]. This human element gives the movie depth, and it's what makes me go back to watch it, time and time again. Sigourney Weaver got a deserved Best Actress Oscar nomination for this movie. My favorite characters are Pvt. Hudson [Bill Paxton] and Newt. See this movie very soon if you haven't already. It's an emotional and physical roller-coaster ride that you'll never forget!

Bambi (1942)

The Greatest Disney Film of All Time.

[27 April 2001]

"Bambi" is my favorite Disney animated feature. It has the most emotional power of all the Disney movies. The characters, music, songs, and story are all just great. Thumper is my favorite character. He steals the whole movie, with great lines of dialogue and facial expressions. This was Walt Disney's personal favorite of all his movies, and I'm proud of him for that. Walt was born to make this movie, along with "Pinocchio". "Bambi" and "Pinocchio" are unbeatable and vintage Disney classics.