frncsbrennan Reviews

The Time Travelers (1964)

Good B sci-fi flick

[7/10 · 18 September 2010]

I first saw this movie back in 1965 or 1966, when I was 5 or 6 years old. The mutants really scared me, and I had some bad nightmares. So I would not recommend this film for small children. I recently re watched this and found it not too scary (for adults) but still a good, thought-provoking film. It is a low budget film so some of the special effects and script are obviously dated, but this film heavily influenced Star Trek, and The Time Tunnel was also a spin-off. The scene where Dr White first encounters a half-mutant/half human is still kind of creepy. And the doomsday scenario and the race against time and the mutants lends some good suspense. This film deserves a wider audience, and would be a good candidate for a serious-minded remake.

The Messenger (I) (2009)

My favorite Harrelson movie

[8/10 · 13 September 2010]

This is an outstanding movie. Harrelson gives, if not his best, certainly one of his most sensitive performances. He deserved his Globe, and he would have gotten my nod for the Oscar as well. Ben Foster is great in this too, and I hope to see more of his talent in the future. Samantha Morton is an off-beat, yet very believable, love interest. The ending of this film really caught me by surprise. Mainly, because it is a Harrelson film, and I was expecting something a little psychotic. All and all, this is a hard hitting film with a heart, and that is hard to pull off. Cudos to Moverman and company. I was pleasantly surprised by this movie.

Gone with the Wind (1939)

One of the all time greats

[10/10 · 13 September 2010]

There are racist elements to this movie, because this was a racist time period in America, especially in the South. Not only was the South racist in 1863 but was also in 1936. It would be untruthful to depict it otherwise. Though Hattie McDaniel's role as Mammy was groundbreaking, earning the first Oscar for an African-American actor. And, interestingly, the way Hattie played her role, she was no door mat. She continually stood up to Scarlett and often put her in her place, and she often seemed like she was the only one who had any common sense in the film. Mammy even put Ward Bond in his place. Butterfly McQueen's role as Prissy is very hard to take. But she herself, in later life, said that she was glad she took the role, even though she didn't feel that way at the time. That being said, Gone With the Wind is still a great movie, an epic. Clark Gable had completely perfected his on-screen persona by this film; he was a wise cracking, clever, tough, devil -may-care man who really sort of did care, but just didn't want to let others know that side of himself. Vivian Leigh was amazing-although British, she perfectly captured Scarlett, the head-strong, spoiled and devilish Southern Belle. The whole acting was good all the way around; Howard and De Havilland lend good support. The burning of Atlanta is the climactic scene, along with Gable's movie ending line.

Grey Gardens (2009 TV Movie)

An American Tragedy...

[8/10 · 13 September 2010]

An American tragedy if there ever was one: A story of two fallen women, mother and daughter. This film is best appreciated along with the original documentary of same name, done in 1975. In the 2009 film, Lange and Barrymore are both outstanding. Drew deserved her Golden Globe with her best performance. She captures the look and emotional immaturity of "Little Edie." The one thing she didn't capture was the flashes of Edie's brilliant mind. As young women, both mother and daughter were stunning beauties, but they fancied themselves as singers and dancers, which neither were. Little Edie, if she had a true talent, would probably have been in poetry, her brother was an excellent writer-only her untreated mental illness held her back. In a nutshell, these two women were used to having servants and having everything done for them, and who had the rug pulled out from under them by Big Edie's separation and their following lack of money. A reversal of fortune. As time passed, Mother Beale became lonely and she was dominating by nature, while her daughter was gentle and sweet, mentally ill, and had no other place to go. They kept each other company for 20 years, and without servants, they simply stopped doing anything. They never took out the garbage or cleaned, and were surrounded by cats and even fed the critters in the attic. They simply entertained each other as if they both were still in high society, reliving their past glories and current resentments. The Beale women were like modern day Magnificent Ambersons or Blanche Dubois's, holding onto their past gentility while being unable to see for themselves what they had become. A Fascinating story showing the fine line between success and failure, and the difference between talent and ambition. These ladies sought their life's fulfillment in places in which they had no talent. Little Edie was brilliant and artistic; she just wasn't an actress or dancer.

Tyson (2008)

There's more to Tyson than meets they eye

[8/10 · 13 September 2010]

I am a boxing fan, and I watched many of the fights in this documentary when they occurred. I was initially a fan of Tyson, as he knocked out 20 opponents in a row to start his career, and knocked out poor Marvis Frazier in less than 30 seconds. But, by the time he fought Buster Douglas in Japan, after all the years of his trash talking, I disliked him and cheered and jumped for joy when Douglas knocked Tyson senseless. From then on, I was always glad to see Tyson take a beating. But, after watching this, I have begun to feel less animosity toward him. He had a very hard life; and he himself admitted he did most of the things he did out of fear and insecurity. I can understand now why he bit Holyfields ear, but I still can never condone it in a boxing ring. I still think he should never have been allowed between the ropes again after doing such a thing. I watched his last fight with McBride, and he was gracious in defeat, admitting he had no stomach for fighting anymore. He's left boxing for good, and he even seems a little happier nowadays.

Looking for Mr. Goodbar (1977)

Is the freedom to do what you want really freedom?

[7/10 · 13 September 2010]

I watched this film again recently to see if it would give me the same impression it gave me as a teenager. I saw this movie with a group of friends when it first came out. We didn't know what to expect, but when we all came out of the theater I noticed everyone looked a bit dazed. I felt kind of numb. The ending still packs a big punch, still one of harshest and abrupt I've ever seen. I have a tendency to like happy endings, but this is still a good, well-acted movie. Keaton is great in this, and she draws you in to caring about the character, Theresa Dunn. She is a shy, caring person who teaches deaf children; unfortunately, she also has a sex addiction. Weld (Katherine) gives her best performance as the older sister who leans on and looks up to her younger sister, as her "rock of Gibraltar." In the end, the sisters reverse roles, and it is Theresa who needs help. I feel the message of this movie is to not confuse women's liberation (or any liberation) with promiscuity and addiction, which is actual slavery. The supporting cast is excellent, with both Richard Gere and Tom Berenger giving gritty performances early on in their careers.

A Boy and His Dog (1975)

There's more than meets the eye

[7/10 · 11 September 2010]

There is much more to Harlan Ellison's story here than meets the eye. The world above ground, in his story, is life as it is, no frills-harsh and barbaric. At least one knows what one's getting. While under ground, where there is the last remnants of civilization, all that exists is full of lies, and where everyone has a mask, and everything has an underlying treachery. To the boy and his dog, at least there was loyalty and honesty between them, and that in end was a better choice than the lies of a woman from an the underground society, where sexuality is hidden behind religion. The greatest lie that has existed now and in the past. Violence is all right; but sexuality is not OK.

Winter Soldier (1972)

watch a banned documentary

[10/10 · 11 September 2010]

People will believe what they want to believe. That's about it. I have no doubt that these men were telling the truth. They weren't trying to one up one another-who could brag about killing children. They were trying to show that atrocities were common in Vietnam, which they were. It's too bad more veterans don't talk about their experiences. The more people know about warfare, the less likely they will be to support it. And that was the aim of the Winter Soldier panel. And that is why it was banned. The American media was so scared of this documentary, they refused to show it. The truth needs to be concealed or ignored, so that the U.S. government can continue interfering militarily in the affairs of other countries. The US media has continued to conceal coverage of combat footage since the Vietnam War. Just recently Wikileaks exposed combat footage that would have outraged Americans from coast to coast, yet it was only mentioned on CNN and not shown, and not mentioned or shown on all the other network and cable news. So the truth is more than ever ignored. Let the censorship continue.

The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman (1974 TV Movie)

Landmark American television Film.

[9/10 · 9 September 2010]

A landmark in American television film; perhaps a landmark in American film, period. Cicely Tyson heartily deserved both Emmys she won for this role, and deserved some more awards as well. This is the story of a hundred and ten year old woman, who was a former slave, and who recounts her life to a young white journalist in the year 1962. This film authentically recounts U.S. history from the the end of the Civil War, Reconstruction, the turn of the century, and up to the Civil Rights period of the 1960s. Miss Pittman's walk to the fountain is a great scene, and welled up some tears in my eyes. Fascinating throughout,a must see for all.

Trouble Along the Way (1953)

One of Wayne's lesser know films.

[7/10 · 9 September 2010]

This was a John Wayne Film I hadn't seen before, and I was surprised that it was so good. Wayne played it nice and low key, with a bit of humor thrown in. There's a real chemistry between John Wayne and Donna Reed, who plays a social worker that is being used by Steve Williams' (Wayne) ex-wife to take his daughter away from him. But little Shirley Jackson really steals the show as Waynes wise-cracking tomboy daughter, Carol. (Who would have thought that little tomboy would grow up into one of the most beautiful women ever to be on film.) She reminded me of Lucy (Quinn Cummmings) in The Goodbye Girl. Charles Coburn is tops as usual, playing the old priest who is desperate to save his college, St. Anthonys, and he turns to Wayne for help. And a crew cut Chuck Conners has a small bit as one of coach Williams assistants. All around, a very entertaining film; which is no surprise with Michael Curtiz as the director.

An American Affair (2008)

Good sleeper film

[7/10 · 9 September 2010]

Adam is a 13 year old boy who has just discovered his sexuality. He is not so popular at school and takes a few beatings, but he at least has a prospective girlfriend; that is, until one night while perusing a Playboy magazine in his room he sees the real thing from his window, a beautiful woman semi-naked, right across the street. From that point, Adam is obsessed with this woman, Catherine. Most women would have sent him on his way for his own good, but Catherine is confused and conflicted, and she is a painter, a bohemian artist who is just ending an affair with JFK, and her ex-husband works for the CIA. She is flattered by his interest and boldness, and soon begins to really care about him. The JFK/CIA angle in this film is the weakest part of this movie; it just seems too far fetched. This film would have been just fine without that subplot. The interaction between an older woman who is trying to find herself, and the infatuation of a young boy with her made for some real interest. The ending of this movie is very touching.

The Men Who Killed Kennedy (1988–2003)

Find out more about the JFK assassination

[9/10 · 9 September 2010]

This series presents more questions than it answers; and it does contain some truth. But as usual, it speculates far too much, as most inquiries do into this tragedy. Some of the material is even far-fetched and irrelevant. But any inquiry into the bogus official version on what happened to JFK in 1963 deserves to be seen. Also, the last two episodes, 7 and 8, are the most controversial and are no longer available. I did see them on Youtube, and they're unfortunately the two best episodes. I personally believe we will never know who killed Kennedy, because too much time has elapsed. But we can at least admit there was a conspiracy to kill the president, and that a government cover-up existed to conceal that fact.

Keeping Up Appearances (1990–1995)

Very Funny!

[10/10 · 9 September 2010]

This series is perhaps the funniest I have ever seen. Patricia Routledge (Hyacinth Bucket) is brilliant (to use a British phrase.) She is not only that-but darn hilarious. The supporting cast matches her along way. Geoffry Hughes is great as Onslow, who plays Hyacinth's slob brother-in-law who can care less about every and anything. And then there is Daisy, his desperate wife and Hyacinth's sister, who is desperate to get Onslow to show some interest in her. And then there is the man crazy sister Rose (Mary Millar) who will do anything to get a man and to swear off them of them as well (including donating her undies to Charity.) And, of course, there's Hyacinth's poor suffering husband Richard and her neighbor, Elizabeth, who is so nervous in Hyacinth's presence that she continually breaks Hyacinth's Periwinkle China every time she is asked (forced to)come to tea. This is a hilarious series, every episode is enjoyable.

The Exorcist (1973)

Why have all the good horror films gone?

[8/10 · 9 September 2010]

The Exorcist was a ground breaking film, tearing up many taboos along the way. The book, which was written by William Peter Blatty, would probably scare an atheist. When the demons start yelling, Merrin! Merrin! Merrin Nnnn! That sent some chills down my spine when I read the book, and I don't even believe in demons. The Special effects in this movie were the best ever done up to that time in a horror movie, and were all done without the aid of digital effects. Linda Blair plays the demons possessed Regan, and I was surprised she was allowed to play such a graphic role at her age, until I learned she wasn't in most of the more graphic scenes. The crucifix scene has to be one of the most notorious in Hollywood history. Ellen Burstyn is believable as the at first concerned and then terrified mother. Cobb is great as usual as the probing police Lt. Kinderman. Max Von Sydow lends good support, as the doomed Father Merrin, and he is the famed hat and coat in the fog and shadows as he makes his way from a taxi to the front of the MacNeil house. Jason Miller is a key figure in the film as father Karras, a psychologist priest who has lost his faith and is charged with Regan's case. His investigation contains some of the eeriest scenes, such as his figuring out the demons messages on the tape of Regan.

Pickup on South Street (1953)

Widmark and Peters set the screen on fire

[9/10 · 1 May 2010]

Great Film Noir. Love the scene where McCoy (Widmark) punches Candy (Jean Peters) in the jaw and knocks her out cold, and then gently rubs her jaw as he tries to bring her to and she kisses him. Now that's film noir. She falls for him hard but soon finds he's a tough nut to crack. Widmark at his best, and unfortunately Peters' career was cut short after she married Howard Hughes. Thelma Ritter also lends great support as the wise cracking Moe, an informer who sells ties on side. She cares about McCoy too, enough to only sell him out as long as she doesn't think he'll get hurt. She also picked up an Oscar for her efforts. Classic picture, from the opening subway train shot, where Peter's attraction for Widmark sets the screen on fire, to the last suspenseful scene.

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)

Jeff Smith for President

[10/10 · 1 May 2010]

Yes, if only it were true. Those were the days when a filibuster was a filibuster...not like the wimpy ones of today. Where it is just written down on paper and the senators don't have to stay up all night and suffer. But Stewart was incredible in this. His ignorance and gullibility were offset by his strength of will and integrity. Great performance. Jean Authur was a delight as a tough, hard bitten insider who, after a bit of fighting with herself, melts and falls in love with the idealistic and naive Jeff Smith. Idealism and romance don't get any better than this. And this movie has nothing to do with civics-it is a fantasy. But if you enjoy a good-no great-old fashioned movie, this is the one to watch.

The Road (1954)

don't be left on the road on your own

[9/10 · 29 April 2010]

This is an unusual film and may not be to everyone's taste, but it is a great film. Guilietta Masina's performance as Gelsomina is much different in this film than her emotional and animated character, Cabiria. Here she plays her role almost like a mime or clown, expressing her emotion more through body language and facial expression. Not a type of acting I'm used to seeing, and it took me awhile to warm up to it. She plays a very gentle but devoted innocent. Anthony Quinn gives an award-worthy performance as a tough, violent strong man who buys Gelsomina from her destitute mother and treats her almost as a slave, even though she would do most anything to please and comes to love him. Basehart is also great playing the acrobatic clown who enjoys making fun of the strong man, and teaches Gelsomina about life. After some tragic events, though, in the end the Strong Man realizes something very important about his life.

Avatar (2009)

Landmark Film in 3-D

[9/10 · 22 December 2009]

Avatar is a landmark film. Though the story line and the script are, at best, predictable and hackneyed, the special effects are stunning. The special effects in this movie are as important in cinematic history as 2001: A Space Odyssey and the first Star Wars. It is a must to see this film in 3-D; an experience definitely worth the few extra dollars for the ticket. I have never seen anything like the creation of Pandora and its inhabitants-totally mesmerizing.

That being said. I had some real problems with the script and story line of Avatar. Early on in the film, the stereotyped army colonel Quaritch barks out to his troops "you're not in Kansas anymore!", and you can't get anymore hackneyed than that. And this movie is full of lines like that. The story line is a straight forward good vs evil scenario. The bad guys, headed by corporate pig Parker Selfridge and the rabid colonel, are fanatical military neocons who will stop at nothing to make a profit. While the good guys are the indigenous cat people of planet Pandora, who are peaceful, environmentally aware and highly spiritual, and they appear to be loosely based on the American Indian. Of course, in the end, after much travail and suffering the good guys prevail. And Zoe Saldana scores big again (Star Trek) as the sexy but tough Neytiri.

Despite my misgivings, I still give this film a 9 (which is about as high as I go) because of the incredible and spectacular special effects. This film will more than likely win all major technical awards at the Oscars but none in the big categories for acting, writing or direction.