Conservative_Critic

Some claim that as the 1930s and '40s wore on, the Popeye shorts of the Fleischers lost their touch. I would say that, in light of "Goonland" (1938), this is NOT true. The Fleischer brothers very brilliantly bring the Goons, freakish creatures from E.C. Segar's comic strip, "Thimble Theatre," to life, as they encounter the ever-heroic Popeye on a quest to find his long-lost Pappy (also portrayed faithful to the original character). The music, voice acting, imagery and special effects all contribute to an adventurous, fun, and enduring Popeye cartoon. Very highly recommended! Popeye fans will also be delighted to know that "Goonland" (1938) is available on the DVD collection, "Popeye the Sailor, Volume 2: 1938-1940," which would make an excellent Christmas gift for any Popeye or nostalgic cartoon lover.

I remember first learning of The Shadow from a book centered around the history of Batman as a literary figure. When examining the darker, deadlier version of Batman as he first debuted in 1939, one can clearly see that Batman was inspired by The Shadow.

The Shadow himself is a "Master of Darkness," Lamont Cranston (played by Alec Baldwin), once a World War I veteran and international criminal. Cranston, a drug lord in Tibet, is captured and reformed by the mysterious Tulku, a Tibetan holy man. Cranston learns the power to "cloud men's minds," which renders him virtually invisible. He becomes a master of stealth and intimidation. He returns to his native New York to battle organized crime as The Shadow. There, he comes face-to-face with Shiwan Khan (John Lone), the "last descendant of Genghis Khan." Khan plots to conquer the world, via the atomic bomb. Can The Shadow overcome his dark urgings and defeat Khan, or will he fall back into his evil ways?

"The Shadow" (1994) was a film that had great potential. Because of the other superhero revival movies of the day (i.e.: Tim Burton's "Batman" (1989), etc.), The Shadow could be introduced to a new generation. Unfortunately, the film fared poorly at the box office and at the voices of critics. The first thirty minutes of "The Shadow" are probably the best. We are introduced to The Shadow, learn of his origins, and witness as the stage is set for a great film. However, most of the movie is simply a thrill ride with above-average special effects. The acting is as good as it gets for an action endeavor, while the characterization is flat.

Overall, "The Shadow" is a good action/superhero film. It was definitely worth a few bucks to go see in 1994. The movie was faithful to Walter Gibson's original stories and characters, both in regard to character, setting and visually. While "The Shadow" is far from perfect, it is generally (and unjustly) underrated. I am in hopes that the new film, to be made by Shadow fan Sam Raimi, will rival this one in greatness. We cannot tell thus far, however.

Only The Shadow knows!

The scene from this film that stands out in my mind the most is in which Martin Luther, a sixteenth century monk with distinctively indignant features climbs the steps of the local Catholic parish church and nails an extensive list of written ecclesiastical abuses to its massive oaken doors. Joseph Fiennes portrays Luther, a searching, grave man, seeking answers in a hurting, yet corrupted world. The Roman Catholic Church, the very definition of Christianity of the day, holds sway over all of Europe through Pope Leo X (Uwe Ochsenknecht), the shadowy head of the Church. The Pope's agents are collecting money from the common people, telling them that they are buying their own salvation, while in reality they are funding the furthering the construction of the Vatican.

Discovering the corruption in the Church while on a pilgrimage to Rome, Luther labors to Reform the Church. He speaks out against papal authority and proclaims salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Luther's enemies are many. Charles V, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire (Torben Liebrecht) seeks to silence the Reformer, with the aide of the manipulative cardinal Alaender (Jonathan Firth). Eventually, Martin Luther appears before the Emperor himself, on the grounds he must recant his work and ultimately the truth of the Gospel, or die.

"Luther" (2003) is an awe-inspiring, moving film. It tells the true story of Martin Luther, who was not only perhaps the greatest Protestant theologian but also one of the most courageous Christians of all time. The acting is sincere, the characters are believable and the overall message is deep. A highly recommended film to all who search for the truth.