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rickscafe419
Reviews
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (2017)
Disappointed
I went to see "Billboards" solely because of the great Frances McDormand.(Guess I'll never forget "Fargo") Naturally she was simply tremendous in "Billboards",could win Best Actress while cussing with "effing" everything in sight with particular emphasis on Willoughby played by another tremendous talent, Woody Harrelson. Oh by the way, this film could cop the Best Picture Oscar but certainly not in my book. The problem is this: although the story is good, the film's tedious to watch. Mighty boring at times.Way too slow moving for me. So if you see it and like it, please don't go after my tail. Thank you for your time reading my review. Bye for now. rickscafe419
Boyhood (2014)
Trying to imitate "Seinfeld?"
What was "Seinfeld" about? NOTHING but it was so cleverly written and casted, it was classic. What was "BOYHOOD" about? Nothing and it was so stupidly written, so boring, so annoying...it was close to three hours of complete visual and acoustical torture. It's actually up for Oscars? The fix is in, folks. All it's about is a time sequence study of the same people for more than a decade. As they age, the movie gets lousier until one's bladder tells you the large container of soda is having a greater effect on you than is the picture hence the rest room becomes a part of an escape from the garbage being shown to a lot of suckers like me. No kidding, all this picture is worth is an extended visit to the throne room.
Jersey Boys (2014)
One hell of a fabulous movie!
I saw the show on Broadway. It blew me away. I just saw the movie. It blew me away. No,I'm not trying to compare movie to stage performance. The film is an ADAPTATION of said show but nonetheless an Eastwood masterpiece. If anyone asks why I loved this film it's because it explores, in detail, those parts of the play that are more or less skimmed over. Add to it wonderful acting and that 4 Seasons sound and WOW, it's one hell of a fabulous movie. Oh by the way,just to digress one bit from concentrating on the movie, I've been going to Broadway shows for at least 50 years and "Jersey Boys" ranks among the top five I ever saw. And the film adaptation is going to make a lot of noise come Oscar time in Feb.'15.
I met Bob Gaudio years ago, before his genius blossomed when composing those 4 Season hits. A quiet guy, quite reserved and very very tall.Tall enough to earn many millions and a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Frankie and two pals were hoods from Belleville,NJ. Nothing but petty burglars and scammers who spent time behind bars. After deciding to go straight, it was that falsetto voice of Frankie's combined with the instrumentation and harmony of his two pals that brought them into night clubs. But something was missing. Fresh new materiel and in came Bob Gaudio from Bergenfield, NJ. And those four made pop music history. Just go on You Tube, type in "4 Seasons" and listen for yourself.
The picture did drag a bit in spots but the overall rating simply has to be a ten. Do not miss this film. I'll be watching because "I Can't Take My Eyes Off of You."
Prisoners (2013)
An overrated hyped miserable movie! I felt like a movie theater prisoner
Wow, I should have put a clothes pin on my nose before sitting down in the theater because the "Prisoner" just plain stank.And Hugh Jackman is supposed to be better in this than in "Les Miserables?" Good God. Lock up the screwballs who actually tell you this nonsense.
Of course the story line is about two young girls taken while their parents whoop it up in the next room but in no way can this film come close to "Taken." The only one taken is the guy who spends an admission price to see this "Prisoners" bomb. And so with Jackman's daughter and Terence Howard's daughter kidnapped, Terrence keeps cool while Hugh go bonkers beating up everyone in sight. Screaming, effing everyone, banging heads, beating people to a pulp, locking people up in makeshift closets...I mean it's as if Hugh had lost big time at a roulette wheel in the Mirage.
The superior acting belongs to Jake Gyllenhaal, the head detective assigned to the case. He's kept busy as all hell trying to keep a lid on Hugh's head about to explode and on the analyses of data that offer clues to the whereabouts of the young girls. He blinks and twitches during the film but I'm not sure if it's part of the act or fear of wild man Jackman beating him between takes.
The movie is OVERLONG by at least 30-45 minutes. It drags unmercifully. The plot is complicated but I figured out right away that the popcorn was too salty. I'm a BIG Hugh Jackman fan. I've seen him in person on the Broadway stage twice.He's enormously talented but oh how this picture conceals it. SAVE YOUR MONEY or have a clothes pin handy.
The Family (2013)
Brown Water Flows Through a Top Notch Film
For heaven's sake--all Giovanni Manzoni wanted was clear, not brown water and by God, he did something about it. No kidding. Something quite unusual but that's all I'll comment about it. You simply have to see how Mr.Di Niro a.k.a Manzoni solves this rather perplexing problem.
What a beautifully written, directed and acted film about an all-American family in the witness protection program, hiding out and being protected by Tommy Lee Jones and his agents in Normandy, France. A treasure of a concocted mixture of levity, satire, sarcasm, assault, battery and murder emanating from each of the four Manzoni family members. Gio, his wife, daughter 17 years old and son, a meek, quiet 14 year old unless you tick him off. And the same goes for that gorgeous sister of his who's easy on the eyes but what a temper, fists and knee.
"The Family," all about stateside mobsters seeking revenge for having been snitched on, is NOT meant to be taken as seriously as, for instance, "Goodfellas" and "Casino." On the contrary. It's sort of like a tongue-in-cheek story of vicious folks, if such a thing is possible. Honest injun---this movie is a potpourri of cornball,bullets, bombs and bursting sides with laughter. A "don't miss-flick."
The Butler (2013)
One of the Best Films I've Even Seen
I've been a movie-goer since age 9 in 1948, have seen probably a thousand and "The Butler" was one of the most interesting, well-acted, exquisite and poignant films I've ever seen.
The first thing that came to mind was how a 13 year old black teen could have grown up so demure and kind after witnessing his mother being raped by a southern plantation owner who then shoots his beloved father in the head after his temper began boiling after seeing his wife raped. Wouldn't something as sordid as that create rage in Cecil's mind--a lust for revenge against "whitey?" All whites.Enough rage to murder and keep murdering into manhood? But Cecil Gaines was a different type of man--someone trained by his own kind to be a "house n" and then evolve into elegance and sophistication leading to and keeping him in the White House.
The film is far more intense and interesting than seeing U.S. history being chronicled. It's about family relationships wherein quiet and gentlemanly Cecil Gaines sees one of his sons go from an average black teen into a militant after Rev. Martin Luther King, the USA equivalent of Ghandi,is gunned down. Yet butler Gaines holds his composure while in the service of Pres. Nixon and the same holds true when his other son, Charlie,decides to fight in Viet Nam as his own brother, a Black Panther, yells, "Hell no, we won't go" and using Muhammed Ali's famous quote, "No Viet Cong ever called me an N." The contrast of opinions between Cecil,his wife Gloria (Oprah Winfrey) and their two sons are mesmerizing.The acting is astoundingly superb-the viewer is glued to his seat.
The picture created flashbacks from my own life. How vividly I recalled as a 16 year old from the north pulling into Union Station, Wash.DC and seeing, for the first time, signs over water fountains reading "For Whites, "For Colored" and getting on buses in our own capital and seeing signs telling blacks that they must sit in the rear. I had never experienced southern segregation before this trip to D.C. and when I arrived home to the questions posed by my parents, although D.C.was and is magnificent, what stuck in my mind was the prejudice.And here I am today, an old man, who never forgot the ugliness expressed in our own capital.I'll never forget it.
I've read reviews of this movie either here or on other sites and naturally anticipated racism and hate that never got to Cecil Gaines (Forrest Whitaker). And may I say that he will win the Best Actor Oscar in Feb.'14. In '08 I voted for Barack Obama because I truly believed that he would bring us together as his domestic platform stated.It was wonderful seeing people from abject slavery so overjoyed as one of their own was being sworn in.But slowly I began seeing Mr. Obama as nothing more than a figurehead who simply was a great orator but a lousy "doer" so I went for Romney in '12. And even though Obama was re-elected, racial hatred is constantly growing and eventually, if not curbed, will destroy this nation. I mentioned the rise of Barack Obama because it plays an important part in this movie. The pride shown by Cecil,by that time,is overwhelming especially when he's invited to meet the President.It's truly a fascinating and poignant scene.
I rated this movie a 10 because it was EXQUISITE in every sense. Just imagine, a one-time teenage "house N" who turns his life around to serve 8 Presidents and then dine sitting next to Ronald and Nancy Reagan is so poignant, so meaningful and so brilliantly filmed, you had better bring handkerchiefs and tissues to the movie house because no one with compassion for his fellow human being can hold back the tears. But the tears are a celebration, a genuine "thank you" for every one associated with "The Butler", a brilliant film whose final credits take up 15 minutes. It's truly the Mona Lisa on celluloid.
Blue Jasmine (2013)
Woody Allen's Lousiest Movie
Kate Blanchett gives one of the most "Oscar-worthy" performances imaginable in a horrendous film from scene one to THE END. I say that those who extol this film must find staring at dirt thrilling. Alec Baldwin is a philandering bore and should keep to TV. The movie is simply the s.o.s about the wife of an adulterer moving to the West Coast to live with her likewise adopted sister who's preference in men range from dingy dirtbags to dingy scumbags. The story of Kate who was living in the lap of luxury in New York, not knowing her husband was a Madoff style "multi" to a heartbroken one who had to escape. Woody Allen's constant and annoying flashbacks add confusion and his jazz music, perhaps trying to emulate that of the super brilliant "Midnight in Paris" falls flatter than flat. Through all the misery of this movie, one has to be astonished by the artistry, skill, poise and grace of the maaaahvelous Ms. Blanchett whom unquestionably will be an Oscar nominee come Jan.'15. I WANT A REFUND.
In Our Time (1944)
An Interesting and Surprisingly Good Film
Very enjoyable indeed. I always enjoyed the stoic acting of Paul Henreid anyway and to see the very attractive and talented Ida Lupino at age 26 was a treat.
The important idea of a beau, either male or female, not being good enough for the family into which he or she's becoming a part of through marriage, is ancient. I know that here in the USA, it reigns galore but of course from studying history, I had learned that the "quality" of the beau in aristocratic Europe families was intense. Like for instance, here in the USA, family crests and all that jazz are meaningless but not so in Europe. There, lineage, pomp and ceremony are of supreme importance.
This is why Ida Lupino's entrance into the family of Count Orvid's of Poland is fascinating. It was like pitting the old Brooklyn Dodgers against the mighty New York Yankees in so many World Series games. Obviously in the film, Dodger Lupino didn't stand a chance except for uncle Leopold Baruta's warm understanding of why aristocracy shouldn't destroy love.
In the meantime, this enchanting love story is set in the backdrop of maniac Hitler's preparations for invading Poland. The film therefore has tension cleverly wound within the fabric of the entire film. And what will happen to the love affair and marriage of Ida and Paul once Hitler attacks? See for yourself--it's a good movie on Turner Classics.
The Iceman (2012)
A Fairly Good Disgusting Film
If this movie isn't out of American theaters in two weeks, then I'm Napolean. Although the acting isn't bad, the theme and actions are repulsive beyond belief. If you're a freaky person, then this movie's for you--most certainly. I mean a freaky person who lives for blood and guts splattered from one side of the screen to the other, then don't miss it. But if you're normal, then you'll agree that "Iceman," based on the true story of the most notorious contract killer to come out of the state of New Jersey, is reprehensible, repulsive and disgusting. It makes "Goodfellows" look like the "Howdy Doody Show." At least "This Gun for Hire" starring Alan Ladd has distinction and class. "Iceman" ,on the other hand, comes right out of toilet.
The Great Gatsby (2013)
Astounding and Magnificent
Yesterday I saw a film that will be nominated for about a dozen Oscars come Jan.'14. Some of the nominations will be Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor and Best Film. Leo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire in "The Great Gatsby." This in not just a great film but spellbinding from start to go.A Magnificent adaptation of Fitzgerald's book about a poor but very savvy young midwesterner who became a zillionaire thru shady dealings, living in a palace on Long Island and the effect he has on a totally innocent, naive and bashful neighbor whose recollections of events take place as a result of being in a mental institution. The cinematography is as good if not better than any film I've ever seen. The brilliance of lights, color and music set to a gripping passionate love story leaves one speechless. The viewer is riveted to his/her seat. It's because all of us are swept up into the imagery of opulence and life styles none of us can ever hope to attain. Good God, if each of had a friend like Jay Gatsby, what super-exciting lives they would be. Don't miss this film. It's breathtaking.
42 (2013)
I saw Jackie in person at Ebbets Field and the Polo Grounds
Nobody's ever been a more devout Brooklyn fan than yours truly. I used to cut school, hop a bus to the Port Authority and then a subway to Ebbets Field. And when my "Bums" used to visit the hated NY Giants' Polo Grounds, I'd be out there wearing my blue Dodger cap while looking for a black eye. Yes indeed, Jackie was a terrific player and the REAL beginning of the Civil Rights Movement, years before Rosa Parks ever sat on that bus.
Before I critique "42," I must say that Harrison Ford as Branch Rickey does an astounding job, steals the movie and will be a nominee for the Best Actor Oscar come Jan.'14. No kidding--he is something else.
I rated this movie as a 7, even if I was gung-ho Brooklyn. It contains too many errors to my liking. For example, the re-creation of Ebbets Field was not spot on and where was the Abe Stark "hit the sign and win a free suit" sign? However the recreation of the Reds' Crosley Field indeed was spot on. The recreation of the Polo Grounds was BAAAAAD except for the Chesterfield sign in deep center. What I saw was Ebbets posing as the Polo except for the sign. How about Jackie getting beaned by Fritz Ostermueller of the Pirates? Jackie rubbed his head and got back in the batter's box. Totally absurd. That ball came in at 98 mph and had it hit Jack, it would have ended his career because plastic helmets were yet to be used. However the guy who portrayed Fritz looked exactly like the Pitt. pitcher. And what's with the Pirate uniforms? They never had a cursive P on their caps nor did their home uniforms sport a cursive "Pirates." The Pirate uniform then as now presented block lettering. The depiction of Forbes Field was the same as Ebbets and the Polo Grounds and I failed to see "Greenberg Gardens" behind the scoreboard. I don't think I'm being picky either. "42" had a big opening and I expected to see baseball facts, not fiction.
The fellow playing Phillies' manager Ben Chapman was perfect to hate.And the truth is that he certainly was a stinking racist. The same for the Dodgers' Dixie Walker who was a Brooklyn premier player, hated people of color, made it tough for Jackie and Branch Rickey told him to shut up or be traded. In '48 Dixie became a Pirate while in '47, Jackie became MVP and took the Dodgers to the World Series against the Yankees who won. (The Yankees always won).
Branch Rickey was determined to bring a Negro into Major League baseball and as the picture describes, a lot of his determination was based on money. He saw the financial potential of drawing more and more black fans into Ebbets because of Jackie and by God, it worked. However Branch's humanitarianism was very visible. He refused to let Jackie quit amid the ugly catcalls and other demeaning occurrences. Branch was a visionary who knew if Jackie stayed, in would come the great Roy Camanella (my favorite Dodger) as well as hurler Don Newcombe who became the backbone of the staff. Good Lord, when I think back to those days of the perfect blend of white and black Dodgers and how they dominated the NL from 1947-1956, I get a warm and fuzzy feeling despite a guy named Bobby Thomson.
I miss Jackie. Man did he have guts and you'll see his indomnible spirit in the film. God rest his soul. "None of youse guys know nuthin' 'bout baseball if you didn't root for "Dem Bums." Back in those days, the Yankees bought everybody who gave them trouble and the NY Giants were stuffy except for one black player who was the best player I ever saw. Willie Mays. Thanks to Jackie, we all thrilled to Willie. After Mo Rivera retires, no player in the Major Leagues will ever wear #42 again. It's the least baseball can do to honor the legend of Brooklyn Dodger #42. That man was pure class!
Lore (2012)
"Sieg Heil" My Rear End
Sorry but I have no sympathy for the suffering 1945 German populace caught in the hell of their beloved Fuehrer and his murderers being surrounded by and pummeled by Allied and Soviet forces. Furthermore had Lore and Liesel been raped by the rampaging Russkies, I wouldn't have given a damn. Why not? Just read the history of what the haughty German forces did to Russians, both sexes, from 6/22/41 to the point when they were forced out of the USSR.
This film was designed to engender sympathy for Germans who, once upon a time, gave the right handed "Hitler Gruess," yelled "Sieg Heil." Sorry but I don't buy into such trash.In my case, every bomb that fell on Nazi Germany was deserved, including the incendiary attacks. This movie showed a big sister leading her sister and two brothers across shattered Germany in order to reach "Omi's Haus" ,grandma's house, and safety. "Sprinkled" into this scenario we see photos of the extermination camp slaughtered to which a German reply in this film was that the dead bodies were actors, paid to pose by "Die Amerikaner." I have news for you--that kind of sadistic speech was the RULE, not the exception.
This film simply infuriated me because of its attempt at manipulating the feelings of viewers who were and are citizens of freedom-loving nations hell bent on destroying Nazism. What better way of bringing out the tears of Americans than by seeing how four Nazi indoctrinated kids suffered. But big sister Hannelore,even though helped by someone she was taught to hate by her sadistic mentally ill Nazi-loving parents was still brutally anti-Semitic despite the assistance.
I mentioned her parents. "Nice people." They were war criminals wanted by Allied forces. Hannelore's "Vati und Mutti" were no "run of the mill" Nazis.Instead they were involved in a camp set up to gas to death innocent helpless people whom Hannelore calls "parasites." That's how twisted her mind became. Good God almighty, all this murder began in a highly cultured Deutschland. Impossible to believe but when a mentally ill hatemonger seizes power even in a cultured society, we get thousands of Auschwitzes.
"Lore" parents were SS. It stands for "Schutzstaffel," Hitler's elite murderers. The Chief of the SS was Heinrich Himmler closely assisted by a rotten dog named Reinhard Heydrich who eventually was assassinated by Czech patriots. It was these two who thought up "The Final Solution to the Jewish Problem," a euphemism for genocide. Lore's parents were advocates of such barbarity therefore in our Judeo-Christian society,why should any American show sympathy for teen and pre-teen brainwashed Nazis?
At the end of the war, Stalin ordered his troops to shoot anyone, male or female having any SS identification. The Russkies were blasting away until Roosevelt and Churchill intervened to stop the executions. This movie is so infuriating, you'd wish that the Russians would have shot all four kids plus their abominable parents. It would have reduced the length of the picture to five minutes, eat the popcorn and leave.
The acting? Saskia Rosendahl a.k.a. Hannelore a.k.a Lore was quite good.If she ever learns English, she has the potential of becoming another Jennifer Lawrence. Regarding the acting of the others in this ultra-slow moving, boring and infuriating film, I couldn't care less. All I know is that it gave me a chance to bone up on my German and to bless the memories of all our guys who paid the ultimate price for ridding the world of the most hideous philosophy in world history and my deepest prayers for the souls of the six million Jews and 6 million Gentiles murdered by the likes of Lore's parents.
Finally, I feel compelled to say that if "Lore" is still in any American theater in 2 weeks, it'll be a miracle. After all copies of it are out of circulation, all screens should be sanitized with Lysol.