Rtslois Reviews

Xanadu (1980)

The music! It's all about the music!! Wonderful!

[9/10 · 4 May 2006]

I love this movie. For one thing I thought Gene Kelly was marvelous as the aging but still charismatic clarinetist of yore.

So,--the movie isn't Hemingway, but the music is superb.

Olivia Newton John is at a stage in her life where she is the most appealing and Micheal Beck is sweet in his part. Critics of the acting have got to realize this is a fantasy, the actors are probably inexperienced, (Except for Gene Kelly) and O.K. in their parts. Just accept this refreshing film for its honesty, and freshness--- it doesn't try to be Shakespere, it shines for originality and that kind of "feel good movie" that stays with you for days. The music is sincerely delightful. It glows! ( Just like The Electric Light Orchestra backing Olivia Newton John.) Great family movie. They don't make 'em like they use to. We need more like these to lighten the daily load. See it!

Earthly Possessions (1999 TV Movie)

Interesting use of Susan Sarandon

[8/10 · 22 January 2006]

When I think of Susan Sarandin I think of a hip, sexy, woman with no reserves about anything. It was really interesting to see her play a character so totally opposite. In this she is a virtual recluse in a town she has never left since girlhood, a non-Christian married to a Minister! On the day she plans to take her money from the bank and run she is taken hostage by(Jake) played by actor Stephen Dorff,a very appealing guy! .

Here is Susan, dressed as a frump ,trapped and in tow, by a confused and possibly dangerous handsome guy fresh out of prison. Their interaction and eventual meshing of opposites is FUN to experience in their day by day relationship. The situations are sometimes heartfelt, or sexy, or scary!

By the end, we see Susan as we all know Susan,dressed in red boots and a mini -skirt.

All the time through the film, Stephen Dorff's inner violence ,just under his calmer surface, smolders. What is he capable of? Is he mellow? Or a tiger?

There is a surprise "almost end" (I thought it was the end,) to the film that blows your mind, and it positively shocked me.

You need to see this movie. Maybe you can find it on eBay or Half.com. I hope so. I think you will enjoy it .

Flash Gordon (1980)

Wonderful Family Fun!

[9/10 · 11 December 2005]

I have purchased as many DVDs and VHS copies as needed for my big family as Christmas gifts. It will thrill all members from 4-104, so I know I can't go wrong. Neither can you! Don't miss this vintage character, Flash Gordon, in his 1980 spectacular update! It is sort of tongue-in-cheek ,perhaps , but certainly captures the original strip's far out sci-fi feeling,and visual impact-- and beyond Too bad I missed it on the big screen, it must have been smashing, but you too, will be very satisfied with a home video version. Whatever your age this is totally cool!

The story concept contains many twists and turns, and the variety of evil doers are truly eye-popping. I particularly loved the "non-sophisticacation" of the film. I appreciated an absence of "Hollywood over-kill special effects". They managed to pull this film off with minimal bombing and ear-drum shattering sound effects! A must see!

Monsieur Beaucaire (1924)

I Think Valentino played a difficult role very well

[8/10 · 7 November 2005]

This period story is realistic in its courtly manners, affectations, and bizarre make up. Like it or not, that's the way it was. All the men look like fops, but hopefully we do not believe all men in those days were ladylike!! Let us give Rudolph Valentino the praise he deserves in making a difficult role believable. He did an admirable job, and it had to have been uncomfortable and a worry-some role to play given the constant attacks on his masculinity. It took guts. He seemed to be playing some scenes "tougue in cheek" and he smiled throughout. The settings are wonderful, but the story seems bogged down.

Certainly the director could have led the story/play by Booth Tarkington through better contrived scenes where the actors portrayed more interesting situations. Often, they stood in position as if asking "What comes next" They may have well just butted their heads together. It was out of whack in a way hard to describe.

Might another director pulled it off? Maybe. Nazamova knew how to weave a story before your eyes. (I am thinking of Camille) I feel the male actors held up their end of the action. The women were insipid. Valentino was very good. Three cheers, he brought it off. I liked the movie despite my criticism.

The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (1921)

Timeless!

[10/10 · 24 September 2005]

Oh Jeez! I am never moved to tears by a film--but this one got to me! I think the stories within a story transcend time, and the appeal of Valentino does so too. You can't keep your eyes off him. Magnetic! Alice Terry seems a believable character in her role, and projects her personality very admirably--quite a likable one.

Speaking of Rudolph's tango It was not a tango as we know the form today, but so what--he is a smooth, strong dancer, evocative of torrid emotions--while the girl he danced with was nutty and ridiculous looking . Look at her movements, egad!--(maybe his steps were too long for her, she was short) I just had to laugh. She danced with her backside protruding and poised like a target! She is a "fight-mare" by today's standards. Her make up and hair are scary! And take those lips away!! But, observing this tango, remains one of the film's very enjoyable moments.

There isn't a person alive who could not find great interest in this superb, timeless classic of the silents. I liked the metaphysical innuendos of the fellow living above Valentino in France--Was he supposed to be an incarnation of "John of Revelation" in the Bible? I believe so.

I enjoyed the film so much, I had to give it a 10.