racliff Reviews

Unsung Hero (2024)

Exactly What You'd Expect, and Maybe What You Need

[8/10 · 28 April 2024]

Christian movies can be predictable. Of course so are Road-Runner cartoons, and I thought those were great. "Unsung Hero" is a family story that is both unusual and typical; in that this is a family with lots of children for an audience probably only having one or two; following success and tragedy, the family is forced to move but don't just cross town, instead head out to a different country; and while upheaval surrounds, the mom of this story is also pregnant with their newest member.

How many dads would provide by leaving the family, seeking opportunities and sending money back. This mom will not allow her family to be broken apart. So we are invited to witness a dad who has lost his footing and maybe their entire future; we see the hearts of the children, doing what they can; and of course the aches and tears of mom.

There really are no epiphanies here, however to those who have seen many full-moons in their lifetime, there may well be the too familiar failure of putting food back at the grocer checkout, no longer having furniture, or battling ones own ego at simple invitations of neighbours living life better, or learning how to gratefully accept help from others.

If you're a dad who has pulled your child from social program because you can't get $60 to keep her in, or a grandparent sharing all that you can, only to have it all fall on deaf ears, or watched God provide something that never should have arrived at just the right the time, this may well be a movie that grants you a smile and a laugh and a tear.

Most people will learn little from this movie, beyond families are paramount, and God is good. Life unfolded well for this family and they have made significant impacts on the lives of many people. I believe all the faithful have that same opportunity to have a positive impact on those around them. That is worth remembering, and that makes this movie a good usage of 2 hours and worthy of supporting.

What Is a Woman? (2022)

Painful to Watch Multiple Introspective Failures

[9/10 · 4 June 2023]

I expect this movie will received, potential, based on the age and experiences of the viewer. Witnessing the utter failure of so many people to answer a seemingly obvious question was for me very painful, and maybe the sensation is better described with a different word but that's all I have at the moment.

Street interviews are interesting as they appear to be the most random, and therefore also can be the most chaotic. Protest interviews should have exposed the inner thoughts of those who feel deeply about what they were marching for -- but all I saw were mob-mentality lemmings either just looking for something to do, or some level of peer pressure had compelled them to participate. Most of the professionals participating were nauseatingly evasive with their responses, leaving me guessing between them actually not knowing the answer to something at the core of something which they are teaching and/or counseling about, or they are forced to tow some party line which leaves them inarticulate on the subject.

I am a son raised with a sister, mother, grandmothers and female cousins, who is a husband father and grandfather, and I'm grateful for all the women in my life. I began the movie having not deliberately thought through the question, simply because it felt obvious. So I had to pause the movie after maybe 20-mins so I could sort this out. Is this really such a difficult question? And it turns out the answer for me is very straight forward ... at the most fundamental level, everyone should agree the purpose of any organism is to reproduce; in the example of humans, they are parsed into xx-xy chromosomes for sex-determination and therefore the men sire in reproduction and women conceive and delivery offspring (of course setting aside suffering from reproductive system problems). Having an answer for myself, I finished watching the movie.

Maybe the answer to the question itself will impact the perspective of viewers of the movie. Maybe confusion comes from varying vague definitions of gender philosophy and if that's what is important to you, then you may take in different feelings from this movie than I did. My wife and I have been together over 40yrs -- I am not confused about being a man, she is not confused about being a woman. This movie left me making the assumption that anyone not able to resolve this confusion will never be able to have a satisfactory relationship, and that's a shame. I love being a husband, father, and grandfather and this movie helps me have assurance in that.

Flight That Disappeared (1961)

If Daffy Duck wrote for the Twilight Zone

[5/10 · 5 September 2022]

Watching this last night, I'm actually thinking about this absurd movie still. And that makes me wonder, why? 1961 is in the middle of the cold war, couple years into the broadcasting of Twilight Zone (but before Outer Limits), four years after Sputnik orbits the planet, and five years following a terrific movie "Forbidden Plant". I'm thinking my rating of 5 is gracious and I'm interested how other reviews are much more satisified.

The science is so poor, from the poster showing a jetliner while the aircraft is a Douglas DC-6, or the plot having the craft operating more than twice it's operational ceiling, or noticing the footage is from different aircraft shots. The story builds at reasonable pace but becomes almost painful to struggle through. The 72-min movie may have been the 2nd movie for the theatre or drive-in, which is fine should you find yourself trapped to witness an event, like being at your cousin's baseball game. But what stops you from turning it off while watching at home? It felt like watching a slow moving Zamboni crash into the sideboards -- you know you should just walk away but find yourself compelled to see the collision.

The acting is stable and engaging with the only cast member that I recognized, was Meg Wyllie from a Star Trek appearance (and most people won't even notice that connection). Two-thirds of the way through this low-budget production, a feeling of Twilight Zone finally came on me and watching became less arduous. This social commentary may well have been worthy of thoughts for their future. And maybe that is still relevant today -- just because we CAN do something, doesn't mean that SHOULD do it.

Fantastic Four (2015)

Useless reboot wanting to be teenage drama

[3/10 · 18 July 2021]

I'll start with ... if you haven't seen this movie, then don't.

It's been six years since the release of reboot of a comic book story that I enjoyed a lot when I was young, and to be fair stopped reading many decades ago. I have no idea why Stan Lee would permit his name to appear with a project that missed the mark so badly.

Reed Richards, with Ben Grimm, is found at a science fair, coincidentally have the answer for a project of Franklin Storm. And I almost turned off the movie at that point. Sadly when you destroy the backstory of all the characters, you waste the audience's energies on who the characters are. The stories I enjoyed were about adults: Reed completed multiple education degrees by the time he was 20; Susan meet Reed first when she was 17, and Johnny was here little brother. But they known each other a long time, and the Storm's father isn't project leader/hero either.

This movie flops at every level, unless you like watching crappy teenage drama ... and that may well be the trend of recent years; nothing but young people and their world's being soooo dramatic.

When I felt the accident in this story being from a world of different dimension, I was hopeful of some interesting science-fiction, but all I received was disappointment. In the end, I just wanted the movie to be over, and was grateful that It didn't cost me anything to watch it.

NCIS: The North Pole (2019) Season 17, Episode 10

Season 17 is changing the tone, and that's death to a show

[4/10 · 19 December 2019]

It feels like you've gone back to work and your desk is moved near the back door -- something is changing and not for good. Ziva's reappearance as part of larger story arch this season, and is one element signalling the death to a series. Every popular crime show in last 50 years has done the same thing ... slipped away from the style and feel and format, which endeared the viewers to orchestrate their schedules to watch the show. The writers exhaust fresh material of crime and resolutions of the crimes. Instead they substitute person drama, which personally for my wife and I, we hate. Don't people have enough stupid drama in their own lives already.

Without getting into details, this episode does not have a natural flow to it. Everything comes across, somewhat predictably, and a little forced, and with little surprise. If you're a child and new to the series, everything around your life is drama -- maybe this is what you enjoy. If you're a couple who has watched the show from the beginning, and it's predecessor, J.A.G., then season 17 has been a struggle to get excited about.

I don't watch television shows that have the episodes which go on and on; an occasional 'to-be-continued' is alluring. All of my favourite episodes are 1-eposide with sharp stories, great guest spots, genuine creative memories. Season 17 has not had even one of these. If these stories are all consumed, then let's end the show with some dignity of the years gone by; before the core audience just gives up and quits watching.

Star Trek: Discovery (2017–2024)

Not interested in an 15 hour movie

[2/10 · 24 September 2017]

A couple of intro interviews describe the show as a 15 hour movie. I'm definitely not interested in that type of television. They tried it with the 3rd season of Star Trek Enterprise and it resulted in the show being cancelled -- which was a shame since the 4th season was quite good.

I just finished the opening episode and it looks like it's going to be that type of crap. Very, very disappointed.

They made a bad choice. I won't be watching the rest.

Inconceivable (2008)

Compelling and Confusing

[6/10 · 9 December 2016]

Inconceivable is not a movie I had heard of before but Jennifer Tilly draws my attention. This production style has ten individuals or pairings of clinic patients interact as a group, and we are invited to watch the story unfold in an asynchronous presentation. The group have an unrealistic conception success rate and a medical review takes the viewers back and forth through several months of these peoples lives.

I found myself often confused where I was in the story and every time the setting changes, the experiences of all ten are displayed. I'm looking for the differences for the differences of feelings or responses from the ten, but mostly wondered why does the movie want me to watch all ten going through basically the same motions. This repetition maybe the only reason the movie is compelling at all.

Ultimately the movie feels like it's 20 minutes too long. The Las Vegas setting feels like a silly place for a fertility clinic unless the satire of the story is trying to make concept of taking a gamble more conspicuous. There is little which is believable about the story, and maybe that was an intention point -- we should be cautious about any technologies involving life and death choices.

While I can't really recommend anyone search out this title, it was a satisfying distraction for an afternoon.

Ben-Hur (2016)

Everyone will be making comparisons; see it and compare

[9/10 · 19 August 2016]

We thoroughly enjoyed this production. Released today, we saw the matinée and were somewhat surprised at being what seemed like the youngest couple attending. You will not be disappointed with this movie. Watching a familiar story, you're waiting for unexpected items or things just plain screwed up. It didn't feel way, and while there are some plot topics that were different from my expectations, I was not bothered by them.

Going to this movie my thoughts were, 1) would a 21st century version make the chariot race be more violent than necessary?, 2) would the faith portion of the story be erased down to a minor thought? 3) would I recognize the story at all? Answers in a simple style are the circus race had me close my eyes a couple of times -- I'm old enough to know how dangerous these races could become, and faith portion was well done and not overplayed presenting the truth of Jesus' life during this period, and the story was well familiar and my wife commented that portions were actually clearer than we had understood from previous versions. So well done! Comparisons: Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ is an 1880 American best selling novel. It has been a play and movie multiple times. I found the 1925 silent version of the same title a very impressive production. The 1959 movie "Ben-Hur" is the version most people are familiar with but at 3.5hrs you'll want to find a complete copy of this (and it's one my favourite movies). The '59 movie has more story than today's and the action sequences are somewhat more simplified but very impressive. This Charlton Heston version won 11 Oscars and will be the version of most people's thoughts.

With Morgan Freeman being the only performer I was familiar with, Ben-Hur is great having fresh faces, amazing Italian country sides, and a well paced showing. Go and see this, and find one or two of the other movie versions and maybe the book as well -- so you can make your own comparisons. My wife believes this may now be her favourite, and I'm still committed to the 1959 version. I believe there's enough room for both versions to be enjoyed.

Planet Earth (1974 TV Movie)

Roddenberry tried for the Future again, but it didn't happen

[5/10 · 16 July 2016]

This might be enjoyed best as a review of 40-year old television effort. Gene Roddenberry is best remembered for Star Trek, but this Air Force veteran was writing well before the 1966 show hit the airwaves.

"Planet Earth" can be enjoyed on its own, but I got the opportunity to watch "Genesis II" first. Both these television pilots are based on the same story of a scientist suspended in time for 160 years. The world has mostly destroyed itself and we're invited for a collection of never-to-appear stories of the survivors bringing mankind back.

This story premise and those from Star Trek pivot on some type of Third World War wiping about most of our civilization. While Star Trek plots all seems to share the idea that mankind has evolved into a better kind of person, Planet Earth did not display that sensation to me; and maybe that's the problem. The illusion of an improved man seemed to led the following of Trekkers, plus the boundless story opportunities of visiting other planets. There was no way to expect that sense of wonderness with this story. Even though this future is probably a truer presentation of mankind following such a war, people like illusions and the lies to make us feel better.

Also interesting to see is the kind of loyalty Roddenberry has with actors. Like using DeForest Kelley, Leonard Nimoy, Nichelle Nichols and Majel Barrett (who he later married) on previous projects and then including them in Star Trek, Planet Earth cast includes Star Trek Alumni Diana Muldaur, Ted Cassidy and of course Majel.

I don't recall seeing either of the pilots (Genesis II or Planet Earth) in 1974 but I'm fairly sure I wouldn't been very intrigued by them. Roddenberry's humanists views are quite evident in all his material, which can make it difficult to fully engage in his stories. Star Trek, for the most part, worked well -- Planet Earth didn't. John Saxon acting and fight-scenes are better in other productions. Diana Muldaur is a very strong actress with great presence, but her character here was tiresome and I just wanted her to go away. I was looking forward to anything interesting for Ted Cassidy, but we barely see him.

So if you're interested in shows from the 70s or in Roddenberry, watch Planet Earth and possible Genesis II, but don't be disappointed that a new story franchise was not born.

Space Milkshake (2012)

Why did they bother

[4/10 · 25 June 2016]

Kristin Kreuk's resume doesn't have anything we have seen, but Amanda Tapping is well know from the Stargate franchise and lead the cast in Sanctuary, which included Robin Dunne, plus Billy Boyd is best know for the Lord of Rings. Looks like a "B" movie with strong players. While the performances were well within our expectations, my wife said it best with 'Why did they bother making this?'.

The opening scene shows the theft of an undefined piece of technology -- the centerpiece of this end of the world story. But you never get a good feeling why it was invented to begin with. Our blue-collar workers being forced to saved the universe had great flexibility of unexpected story lines, but it's mostly a tiring experience to watch. At times it feels like 4 great performers were invited to do a sketch on the Muppet Show. Sadly "Pigs in Space" is better than Space Milkshake -- a title that never did make any sense to me.

You may wish to watch this to see an additional appearance from Amanda or Billy beyond what we are accustom to seeing, but you'll spend the entire 80mins waiting for the movie to get better -- but it doesn't.

God's Not Dead 2 (2016)

Wonderful Enjoyable Production

[8/10 · 9 April 2016]

Writing a review for this movie felt somewhat pointless. The topic is straightforward and there is an expectation for everyone going to see this picture. The commercial I heard on the radio said it just fine, "I would rather stand with God and be judged by the world, than stand with the world and be judged by God." This afternoon we attended a theatre which is mostly filled with viewers. The reports are in the first week the movie sales are well over $9m, so why are there only a little over 2,000 IMDb users recording their ratings? Answer: the majority of people seeing this movie are not typical movie goers. Therefore I believe you should go to this movie, or don't go -- regardless of what the reviews here are.

So if you have decided to watch God's Not Dead 2, you are in for a wonderful time. My wife and I were both impressed and had lot's to talk about afterwards. We have been regular church attendees for over three decades. We've known people in ministry locally and overseas. We seen great successes and we've also witness failures. We know of marriages that have not survived difficult times and have known many people battling with social/political problems. We've seen Christians who honestly seem to have things wrong and place personal objectives at a higher priority than spiritual truth. Our friends include believers and non-believers and those who's family members are broken on both sides. We're normal people watching people going through these issues, which are very personal and potentially difficult.

Melissa Joan Hart and Hayley Orrantia accepted the challenge to portray these emotions on film for us, and I believe do it very well. God's Not Dead 2 is a movie which unfolds very much the way you would expect, but there are lots of little curves in the road allowing us to guess how things will unfold. The pace is wonderful and we never felt bored, nor did we feel any sections were being drawn out unnecessarily. The emotions of the various plots points are represented in a true style. Checking the IMDb respondents, the majority are quite young, and the odds are they have not yet had to experience many of the issues shared with this story.

I highly recommend this movie. If you're not a believer, then save your money for a different movie. If you're a pocket Christian who is not involved in the lives of other people and goes to church occasionally, you should probably pass as well. If you're the type of person who feels strongly about personal issues and about your country, enjoy this movie and stand boldly for whatever it is that you believe in.

I Think I Love My Wife (2007)

I only lasted 8 minutes

[1/10 · 5 April 2016]

Maybe it's wrong to write a review of a production that I didn't watch all the way through, but the reasons why maybe helpful to others. Romantic comedies can be enjoyable, often bouncing with a reverse-moral story which serves to grant some insight from a different perspective. This didn't show any hope of that happening. The salvo of utter nonsense and over the top foul language prevents anyone beyond a juvenile mentality from watching this movie.

To be honest, I don't enjoy Chris Rock or his humour. However I think Gina Torres has been terrific in everything I've seen her in. I also recently watched The Last King of Scotland, where Kerry Washington has a supporting role that was very impressive. I wanted to give this one a chance, but it proved pointless. I've been married happily over 30yrs and this plot should be excluded from anyone wanting to manage their thought processes at any level.

I've struggled through poor movies to see what can be gleaned from them, but this one isn't worth anyone's time.

The Reformer and the Redhead (1950)

Delightful addition to an afternoon

[7/10 · 13 February 2016]

Anything with June Allyson draws my attention. A number of my favourite movies include her in the marquee, especially The Glenn Miller Story. While profitable for MGM, 'The Reformer and the Redhead' seems to have all but disappeared for today's viewers. With her husband Dick Powell, I found their interactions much more enjoyable than I expected.

Local political conflicts see Kathleen's (Allyson) father dismissed from his position of 20 years at the zoo. With a lifetime of unmanaged anger has her needing a lawyer after assaulting the trophy-hunting daughter of the town's leading citizen, Commodore Parker.

Of course the lawyer, Hale (Powell), is already being engaged with Commodore for the probable future as Mayor, and best choice for her defence is suggested to be lawyer Hale. Hale's distrust of the Commodore requires information to resolve, and so we find Kathleen's family to become a source of that info.

We are drawn into a somewhat predictable story with fun and clever shooting of cast and animals back at the ranch. For me, a lion peeking over a sofa made me laugh. In this case, a predictable story is part of what made it fun and enjoyable. Allyson and Powell are a great match, in what I believe is the only movie they did together while married (they were both in 'Meet the People (1944)' before their marriage).

Don't pass up the chance to enjoy this movie if you can find it.

Half a Hero (1953)

Check out the Post-War view of Marriage

[5/10 · 29 January 2016]

I saw this movie many years ago, but couldn't remember anything about it. Watching it again, I think I know why. "Half a Hero" is probably enjoyed better as a drama or a view of the world at a certain point in time. Watching Red Skelton is always enjoyable, but wanting this movie to be a comedy can make the viewing almost painful.

Men working hard is great and women wanting to make house & home is wonderful -- whether it's today or 60 years ago. The pain for me surfaces when this couple are at odds during their financial difficulties, bringing up talks that should precede marriage and not deferred until after getting a mortgage.

So if you approach this movie from a non-comedy perspective, I think you will enjoy it. Skelton's performance is almost as good as in _The Clown (1953)_ (qv). Jean Hagen demonstrates a wonderful difference from _Singin' in the Rain (1952)_ (qv) where everyone remembers "Lina Lamont". Single scene participants of 'Kathleen Freeman (I)' (qv) and 'Mary Wickes' (qv) made me smile.

This production made a profit when it was released and then quietly disappeared. If you can find a copy of it, Skelton fans should definitely watch it. Maybe young people getting ready for marriage can learn one or two things as well.

90 Minutes in Heaven (2015)

Definitely worth finding a theatre showing this one

[8/10 · 16 September 2015]

Interestingly, albeit not surprising, the two largest cities of our area are not even showing '90 Minutes in Heaven'. We attended the movie having little idea what to expect. We are not frequent theatre attendees, generally limiting are visit to visually impressive block-busters, like Hayden Christensen as Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars Episode III.

This is a movie one will either enjoy or will not, and I expect you would know this before you even get there. Don Piper is a Texas Baptist minister who wrote an autobiographical story about his life and death experience; a truck crushes over his car while he is driving over a bridge. The movie begins with this tragedy, takes us back somewhat in his life to set the stage for the story, and carries us through the period of recovery for he and his family.

His time in Heaven is part of who he is and what he has been through, but is not the focus of the movie. I felt this is a story about family, and possibly a story about any family. As you proceed through your own decades you will experience tragedy, either directly or indirectly. When this movie was over I was left with the basic thought that everyone has, or will have, the opportunity to put a hand on the shoulder of someone and make a difference in their life.

I have suffered the loss of many family members, though mostly through illness and natural causes. I have been hospitalized on a number of occasions, but not the duration presented to us on Don Piper's recovery. I have suffered pain at an overwhelming level, but not for days upon days. I have watched my wife suffer on my behalf as I have endured these things. This movie resonates many emotions for the many normal people struggling and surviving through life.

'90 Minutes in Heaven' may be more meaningful to those who are people of faith, but this is a story that can benefit every family. The hospital scenes feel a little too drawn out at times, but when you are confined to a hospital day-after-day that is exactly how it feels. I felt the dialogue was a little forced, but that may well be having a pastoral tone of Mr. Piper's story, or possibly what people are like from Georgia (where of the movie was produced) or people from Texas (where the setting is). Hayden Christensen gives a strong performance, which may be under appreciated by those who have never experienced severe physical pain. Kate Bosworth is terrific as Eva Piper and carries us well through this story.

I recommend this movie. If you want to bash stories about people experiencing Heaven, don't both watching this. For most families, this is a movie worth travelling to a theatre showing it, and then think to yourself about who you can impact with your life experiences.

Pirate's Passage (2015 TV Movie)

Pleasant production of history and fantasy

[8/10 · 4 January 2015]

I missed the first few minutes of this animated production and focused in when I heard Donald Sutherland's voice, as I try to watch anything he has participated in. I found myself easily drawn into a simple story with some clever ideas. As the movie progressed, I felt it would have been wonderful to have my grandson watching with us.

The story felt like a Hanna-Barbera movie, but the animation is a totally different style. A young Nova Scotia boy is helped by a ghost pirate to discover about local history, and how to deal with a school bully. His home is a small mansion/inn run by his widowed mother, whose mortgage holder also covets the site for his own plans. Our young boy discovers there are bullies outside of school-yards as well.

Parts of the story unfold in a predictable fashion -- which is desirable in a movie like this. Still there are enough changes and creative areas for all ages to enjoy. You may even learn a thing or two about pirates of the Atlantic.

Phineas and Ferb: Phineas and Ferb: Star Wars (2014) Season 4, Episode 24

Wonderful addition to Star Wars stories

[8/10 · 26 December 2014]

I don't know the legal parameters for retelling of stories, but with Disney's acquiring of Lucasfilm in 2012, I was assuming Phineas and Ferb would be something special -- and we weren't disappointed. Grandparents now, we were in our teens when Star Wars IV first appeared. We have watched and enjoyed all the movies over the years. We have also enjoyed Phineas & Ferb with our family, and even by ourselves.

This story focuses on all the favourite characters existing in the 'Star Wars' universe. Candace is with the Empire, as a good-guy, and 'Darthenshmirtz' is with the Empire, as a bad-guy, and the boys are on Tatooine happy going no where else. Isabella trades in her ribbon for goggles and Agent 'P' continues to save the day.

Your Star Wars memories are threaded into this storyline in a very clever and funny way. All adults will enjoy this production and your young members will love the story style and the music they expect from each episode. Well done Disney.

Under Capricorn (1949)

Sadness or Madness

[7/10 · 7 September 2013]

I've seen over 30 of Hitchcock's productions and there is plenty for everyone. Even so, most people vision his movies as suspense or thrillers or mysteries. Under Capricorn isn't really one of these. It should be compared to something like "Notorious" (1946), which also stars the amazing Ingrid Bergman.

Reading other reviews shows a wide split on "Under Capricorn". My wife chose to do chores less than 15mins into the movie. It's a slow start that builds as it proceeds. I had to wonder about the history involved, a screen play written in the 40's based on a book written in the 30's about a man travelling to New South Wales 100 years earlier.

Regardless of opinions about the Irish or the Australians, modern historians continue to describe a very real difference about the Nobility of those days and their belief of being truly better than the serving class. I feel that observation helps when watching a melodrama like this, and being able to enjoy it.

By their nature, melodrama are life exaggerations, which often come across sad. This left like one of the saddest movies I've watched recently. The situations feel so out place from our reality. But maybe two centuries have isolated us -- Under Capricorn could be simply multiple examples of disparate people trying to survive the best way they know how.

This movie left me wanting in the first several minutes, but I found myself getting drawn in. This may not be a movie for the majority to watch over and over, but I recommend everyone watch it at least once.

Terms of Endearment (1983)

Another example of a 'Don't Watch' Oscar winner

[3/10 · 3 September 2013]

I often do not enjoy Oscar winning movies, and Terms of Endearment falls within that guideline. The only movie from that year I actually liked was The Right Stuff. If you're young, I would want you to appreciate that the 80's was not a great period for society. The freedoms everyone feels they are entitled to, were another flavor of 'I don't really care what anyone else thinks'.

While the movie has an impressive cast from the leads down through the children, it is the movie itself that is the problem. The story doesn't contain any examples of relationships working well. Reflective of the period, the men are all nightmares - almost textbooks examples of how to not behave. The women really are not any better.

This movie is not a feel good romance, and even though it's posted as a comedy-drams there is nothing funny about it. I just kept wanting the movie to be over. If you have friends that act the way these characters do, then you need new friends.

Terms of Endearment is well acted, but I cannot recommend for anyone's entertainment.

The Hook (1963)

Unexpectedly Compelling

[7/10 · 12 July 2013]

I enjoy watching movies and will most often make a selection because of the actors, then maybe because of the theme, or occasionally because of a recommendation. "The Hook" is a movie that I had never heard of, so seeing Kirk Douglas on the cover is what hooked me for this war movie. Also Robert Walker Jr is someone that I first saw in TV's _"Star Trek" (1966) {Charlie X (#1.2)}_ (qv) playing a 17yr boy, so what would he be like in a movie produced 3 years earlier.

The opening of this movie includes "This is a story of men in war, not men at war. And the two are not the same." To understand my view, I am a baby-boomer who has never served in the military, but I have known many who have served. Most of these men don't really talk about their experiences, so I often wonder if my views on war movies would be very different of those people who have served. My preference would be that countries would not be at war, but regardless of this I believe we need to support those who chose to serve in the roles in which they are assigned.

"The Hook" is a title that showed no relevance before I watched the movie, and I never did catch. Is this an anti-war movie, or a personal interaction story, or war conflict drama, and this question repeats itself for 90 minutes. Regardless the movie itself is compelling. We are engaged with three surviving servicemen vacating a military post upon a 'neutral' merchant vessel, plus an enemy retrieved after he has bailed from his failing aircraft. Your journey is to imagine your response to their scenarios. Would you have rescued the enemy at all? How would you treat him on this merchant ship? Just imagine how you would respond to engaging an enemy on the battlefield; how is it different or the same, across an eating table? Kirk Douglas, Robert Walked, and Nick Adams are the enlisted men facing these scenarios.

I enjoyed this movie, in spite of moments of "I wouldn't do that!". The movie is a must for Kirk Douglas fans, and highly recommended for anyone interested in war movies. I don't know if actual enlisted people would behave this way, but "The Hook" is wonderfully acted and does not need the tonnage of special effects that are today's production norms.

Kind Lady (1935)

Definitely one to watch

[7/10 · 19 December 2010]

I enjoy watching a lot of older movies. Most suspense films that have caught my eye are in part comedies. This one has an intensity that I seldom see in this period. The other reviews have done a super job of describing the performers, so no more here.

The story is so well done that it is almost painful to experience -- the feelings are .. don't do that .. how can they treat her the way they do .. why isn't someone helping .. etc, etc. Whether you will be able to 'enjoy' this production, may be part of your own preference, but everyone that has selected movies to watch from this period needs to watch this one.

Sally Marshall Is Not an Alien (1999)

More of a Children's movie than a Family movie

[4/10 · 3 April 2010]

After a very full day, my daughter and I stumbled across a movie on the family channel. Honestly being close to midnight, I may not have been the most receptive to a production like this as I may have been during a Sunday afternoon. For me a family movie is one where we can all sit and enjoy a story-line regardless of age. Little ones are engaged and adults are tossed occasional thoughts that potentially too mature (but harmless) for younger viewers. "Sally Marshall Is Not an Alien" is not such a movie.

My teenager chose for us to slug through this one, and as another reviewer commented it is better after struggling through the first 30-40 minutes. It was interesting than even my daughter was frustrated by the foolishness of the young characters in this story. This could be a pleasant viewing time for an 8-11 years old, but older than that you would be more entertained doing the dishes (and more productive). Why this was presented late at night was confusing -- maybe the programmer had nothing else available.

Boots Malone (1952)

Makes you feel like you're there

[8/10 · 6 March 2008]

I was actually amazed how much I enjoyed this movie. William Holden makes most people think about "The Bridge on the River Kwai", for me I think of "Stalag 17" -- but this was a great fit.

If you have ever spent any time at the track, you will love this movie. The work out back, being with the horses and the people, the training and the thrill of the races, every part of the this movie brought back great memories and a smile to my face.

The supporting characters all felt perfect, and even the run-away boy being a natural rider idea is pure fun. Highly recommended for everyone.

Five Star Final (1931)

Frustrating, but good movie

[6/10 · 8 February 2008]

Five Star Final -- never heard of it. But considering it's over 75 years old I'll have to give myself a bit of a break. Another case of being lucky enough to stumble upon an early movie of the great Edward G Robinson. Several weeks ago I watched Solent Green, the movie that Robinson finished shooting a few days before his death. Wonderful to witness the same passion presents itself in Robinson's efforts -- decades apart.

However there are parts of "Five Star Final" that feels like a "Two Star" production. Robinson is able to do a wonderful work with those he interacts with directly, but much of the movie feels like the efforts of high-school students. This imbalance created a sense of frustration that almost made me stop watching -- but maybe that just me.

Regardless this movie is worth watching, and believe most will enjoy watching it. Most viewers will probably see people of the media have not really changes in the last several decades and so this 1931 production may feel completely in place today in our times. And if you are a fan of Edward G Robinson, then you will have to watch this movie (at least once anyway).

The Disappearance (1977)

Slow start, but go for it

[6/10 · 5 February 2008]

I had never heard of the "The Disapperance", but then again there are very few movies from the late 70s that come to my mind at all. But I do like Donald Sutherland and I try to see much of his contributions to film.

This movie almost made me give up. I found the beginning confusing, the setting boring, and the flashbacks frustrating. However for Donald's sake I struggled through. The feelings I experienced may well have been the intended design.

As the story progresses, it does become more interesting. The plot has some nice changes and I found myself more encouraged to concentrate on the developments, and eventually was actually enjoying the movie.

I don't know if I would watch this a second time, but I am glad I survived it the first time. The ending didn't surprise me, but if you are a fan of Donald's as well, you should try "The Disappearance" and see how you feel at the end of it.