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mban64
Reviews
Strategic Air Command (1955)
Did you ENJOY it? Don't be so critical...
OK, so it's not perfect... So, you could guess the "trite" plot, etc...
Is that wrong?
It seems so many times, "fans" tend to rip apart films, especially "old" films.
I find that most members of the younger generations--and some other "experts" (I was born in 64) tend to "rag" on films like this. They tend to compare them to the more "realistic" things that Hollywood is cranking out now. To truly appreciate a film like this, or "Twelve O Clock High", or "The Bridges at Toko-Ri", you must put yourself in the "frame of mind" of those who made the film and those who watched the film AT THAT TIME, and, too, the EVENTS THAT WERE GOING ON. (Too bad most young people spend their time playing video games or watching something as trivial as today's NFL.) Only THEN can you TRULY appreciate what the makers were trying to say.
This seems to be a problem with Hollywood now, as they are continuing to remake older films (The Day the Earth Stood Still) because, I guess, the original version is too "trite" and "predictable".
WHAT !!!!!!!!!!!!
Sorry, got carried away. Yes, this movie has FANTASTIC footage of the B-36 and the B-47, but, it is a fine movie in it's own right. Yes, it IS a bit of a flag-waver, but what else would you expect from the fine people who made this and were in the film.
And, you don't need to be a "flag-waver" to enjoy it! I'm not!
Chûshingura (1962)
In COMPLETE agreement with Michael Stephens
There is not much more that I can add to Michael Stephens' review. As the film closed, I, too, had tears running down my face in awe of what had transpired, not only because of the greatness of this film, but the courage and loyalty of the men and women depicted in this magnificent story.
I am a Caucasian American, but I have a deep love for Asian culture, especially the Japanese culture, so I have a little insight to their way of thinking. I agree with Michael that many Americans will not be able to completely identify with certain events in the film. Nevertheless, you must have a heart of stone if you cannot feel SOMETHING for what happens in the film.
Yes, this is a long movie, but I found I wanted more. The story, the acting, directing, EVERYTHING was MAGNIFICENT!!! And, of course, there was TOSHIRO MIFUNE, brilliant as always even in this limited role. If you are a fan of Japanese cinema, you will see MANY familiar faces. And, to top it off, the music was composed by the GREAT Akira Ifukube.
My only complaint is the DVD. As beautiful as this print is, it still looks like it needs to be restored. I can't imagine how wonderful that would look!! Also, some extras like a short background story would be helpful to those that have no real knowledge of Japanese history. I CANNOT recommend this film enough!!
Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005)
Extremely disappointing, but what should be expected from Lord Lucas
I could start out by comparing this, and the other 2 previous films, for that matter, to Episodes 4 and 5 (I don't count Episode 6, because Lucas lost me there when he had little teddy bears beating stormtroopers!!), but what is the point. Lucas got lucky with 4 and other people directed and wrote the script for 5 (Hmmmmm... why is that one considered the best?!!!) As for "Revenge of the Sith", Lucas has, for me, destroyed one of the greatest and most intriguing characters I have ever seen in cinema. I am referring to, of course, Darth Vader. Or, as he should be known, "Bi**h Vader". In case you are wondering, yes, that is the slang word for a female dog!! As I recall, Obi Won said in Episode 4, Vader "was seduced by the Dark Side". But when you see this film... But more than this, it is the over the top, bombastic, overly contrived story and directing that Lucas displayed in 1 and 2 that continues here. Yes, the effects are dazzling, but at times it's too much. It almost seems that throughout this trilogy Lucas is more interested with showing off than telling a good story. Effects help a good story and script. Effects do not make a movie! And as for the script, again, Lucas caught lightning in a bottle with 4, because at times I had to keep from laughing out loud! I mean too loud! Once again, with the exception of Ian McDiarmid, Lucas manages to direct the actors to boredom!! Hayden Christensen is an absolute joke, whining and pouting, his head turned down trying to evoke some kind of transformation, or something. And, yes, I could do better!! But, I am not really angry about what George has done, but rather resigned to the fact that this movie represents what Hollywood has become. All show and NO substance. I keep hearing people say, if you don't compare it to 4, 5 or 6, it's a good movie. Have our standards dropped so low? This movie being the best of the first 3 is not saying much! But, it is Sir Lucas' toy. It just makes me sad. I remember the joy and astonishment when I first saw the universe he created in 1977. Once again, the pure products of America go crazy!! By the way, if you want to see an example of REAL cinema, check out the Japanese science-fiction epic "Casshern". Story (thought provoking), script, acting, music, directing (extremely imaginative), action, and more effects than anyone can ask for, are all there. No wonder Hollywood is remaking so many Asian films. Sad...........
Battle of the Bulge (1965)
Not accurate, but a good movie
Yes, agree with other reviewers in this is not a truly accurate film, historically or technically. But, it is a very enjoyable movie, not a great film. It tries only to give the viewer a "feel" for what was happening before and during one of Hitler's last offensives. In that, I feel it succeeds. It is full of engaging characters and action. And, a fine music score as well!! Sure, anyone and pick holes in any film, and there are much better WWII films out there, but as for a good movie and a good time, this one's pretty darn good!! By the way, in reference to another reviewers remarks, Panthers did not have "rounded" armor. The plating was sloped at an angle to help deflect enemy fire as were the armor plates on the Tiger II's which were a big part of the German (not Nazi) arsenal. The Tiger I, already out of production by the time the Ardennes Offensive took place (December 16, 1944), had vertical armor plates and a boxlike hull and chassis, if anyone is interested on getting the facts straight...