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Reviews
The Zone of Interest (2023)
Hinting at the Holocaust
It's possible to receive a beautiful mink stole without a thought to where it came from. And equally possible to add gold filled human teeth to your childhood collection with no clue as to how they left someone's mouth and ended up in your hands.
The commandant of a death/slave labor/concentration camp appears to be just an average guy, good father, considerate husband who goes to work each day and brings NOTHING of his actual accomplishments home to the wife and kids. The loot seems to show up almost supernaturally. If he is losing any sleep over his professional duties we're not made aware if it. If his wife and children have even the slightest clue as to what is going on literally next door, we don't sense it.
The Holocaust was perpetrated by bureaucrats as well as those who physically carried out their deadly assignments. Zone of Interest is definitely emotionally unsettling. But even more so, it is intellectually disturbing to contemplate the enormity of the crimes committed by ordinary people and the blissful ignorance of those who didn't see, smell or hear anything accompanying the horrors happening literally next door. If anything, this film is a lesson for today that it can happen again, anytime, anywhere.
Dune: Part Two (2024)
In my opinion
How to account for the differences between Part 1 and Part 2 (in my opinion): the screenplay. Instead of Eric Roth some other guys were brought in and failed to deliver a coherent story or memorable characters.
Along with that some of the acting was not more than adequate. Christopher W. And Timothee C. Were basically okay on close-ups of their faces. Neither was believable once they opened their respective mouths to deliver a line or two. The rest of the actors were good or a bit better.
The film overall was memorable only as a visual spectacle (or even as a visual spectacular). Upon leaving the theater my only real sense of what I had just seen was the amazing effects and scenery. Not story, characters or anything thought provoking. And now, the next day, nothing other than what I saw on the screen remains. I appreciate films that are memorable for much more than special effects.
If only pictures, however beautiful, make up a film, it is, for me, not really enough to qualify as a good film. Instead, it was a movie of only entertainment value rather than something deeper.
Forbidden Jungle (1950)
Not quite a "B" movie
Other than Tamba and Crash Corrigan, there is no reason to watch this. As a San Fernando Valley kid of the 50's, one of life's greatest thrills was going to Corriganville, way out in Chatsworth. Crash was usually there which meant he wasn't too busy acting in movies but at the time us kids were just happy to see him and other movie stunt people get sot and fall from roof tops into hay filled wagons.
Actually, his acting ability was a bit under-rated as can be seen by the wonderful job he does here in Forbidden Jungle. I may watch this movie again since it's possible there were aspects of it that were a bit too complex to understand the first time around.
Golda (2023)
Up close and personal
Having experienced the Yom Kippur War living 10 minutes from Israel's border with both Syria and Jordan, I was very interested to see Golda. There is a lot in this film that captures aspects of Israeli mentality and culture, presented in such a subtle way that it is not until after viewing the film may become apparent to someone who reflects on what the film portrayed.
More than anything, however, Golda is about Golda. It might surprise some viewers to realize that much of her persona was shaped by having escaped the pogroms of what is now the Ukraine. She was only a child when her family came as immigrants to the US and the film shows a side of her haunted by what might have been had they not made it to a safer country.
Another interesting element of her story is illustrated by her exchanges with Henry Kissinger. To avoid a "spoiler" I will instead urge the viewer to pay close attention to the inter-actions between them, always behind closed doors.
Golda is a history lesson wrapped in a biography. It is solid film making with good writing, directing and an outstanding performance from Helen Mirren. It captures an amazing phenomenon: the experience of war time leadership born on the shoulders (and in the kitchen) of a woman who carried this burden with incredible courage, sensitivity, intelligence, and honesty.
Till (2022)
No Oscar nominations?
This is a powerful, serious example of the potential of good film making. By way of excellent acting and restrained direction, we are allowed to share the incredible pain that 1955 America subjected its black citizens to. The relevancy to today underscores the fact that all those involved in the film helped create a piece of true art. The screenplay as a vehicle for delivering the story is a beautiful accomplishment in and of itself.
Danielle Deadwyler will not take home an Oscar for her amazing performance. In my opinion, this is a travesty and reveals the Academy Awards as a despicable sham. If more people see this film than watch the idiotic awards show on TV it would serve as some form of poetic justice. And if not, it's a shame.
The Fabelmans (2022)
This is your life
Almost (but not quite) lost in this very engaging film are 2 great cameos. The first, by Judd Hirsch, leaves you begging for more and the second, by David Lynch, sets you up to leave the theater and head for home.
Also noteworthy are the experiences of high school (teen-age) antisemitism. They range from straight out bullying to an endearingly sincere effort by a very attractive young Christian woman to bring Jesus into the heart and soul of the unwilling (but smitten) 16-year-old Jewish Sam.
Along with the portrait of an artist as a young man, the film also devotes time to the pain, confusion, and trauma of divorce, for both the adults and children. There is a light but serious touch to some very heavy themes which make the film enjoyable while at the same time leave the viewer with plenty to ponder and think about long after the lights go back on. Overall, an extremely valuable cinema experience, one that can be viewed and thought about as well as enjoyed.
Bend of the River (1952)
It was the early 1950's
It is interesting from the vantage point of 2021 to look back at a film from the early 1950's. In Bend of the River I found 2 elements that would be totally out of place even by the standards of the 60's.
1. The casual, matter of fact portrayal of killing. Whether it's a few Indians or a few bad guys the killers appear as moved as if they'd just gotten rid of a pesky fly or mosquito. They smile and joke as if it's just all in a day's work. Taking the life of another human being ("white" or Indian) seemed to have no significance, meaning or ambivalence attached.
2. The small, bit parts of 2 black characters (the actors Stepin Fetchit and Lillian Randolph) are as belittling and stereotypical as could possibly be.
Of course the fact that this is a Western adds its own context to the 50's mentality of this one, as to be expected. For those viewers who grew up with and were influenced as children by movies such as this it is valuable to see them again as adults and realize what some innocent Saturday matinees did to us. And then came the 60's!!
Comanche blanco (1968)
Twins
William Shatner is twice as good as most actors so it makes sense that he can play both twin brothers. He was paid a double salary with a bonus for doing his own stunt work.
Pig (2021)
Oscar buzz
This is the pig's first film appearance and his performance has created some serious Oscar buzz around Hollywood. He stole so many scenes from Cage that the actor threatened to kill him and sell his body to Mac Donald's. I gave it a 1 but any serious fan of cage shouldn't miss him in the role he was born to play and they would probably give it a 10 and want to see it multiple times.
The Homesman (2014)
In need of a re-write and a real director
I will watch any western but not automatically like them. In this case the script was deeply flawed, the story itself not believable, the directing and editing way off and the use of cameos embarrassing. The cinematography couldn't ruin the locations even though it tried hard.
All in all this was not auteur but rather amateur.
Back in the Day (2016)
bad enough to be good but it isn't
This movie could have been worse but I don't know how. To be fair, the make-up was pretty good. Other strong points were the costumes, the sound and some of the stunt work. There were actually 2 or 3 legitimate actors involved which might say something about either their desperate financial situation or owing someone a favor.
On the minus side, some of the stunt work was bad, the acting amateur hour, the script was pathetic and the direction stunk. Who in their right mind financed this joke is the main question the viewer is left with. And that's why it's a troubling experience, even a painful one to watch Back in the Day. Like the title, a bad cliché from start to long awaited finish. And for those who like boxing movies this one will make you rush to a musical. It doesn't deserve a 1 but there's no 0 option.
Lean on Pete (2017)
America 2017
A sad odyssey through rural and small town contemporary America. There's enough exploitation of youth by adults to create an atmosphere of almost total despair. But with all the loneliness and desperation that surrounds him Charlie somehow finds the strength to survive, first with the help of his only friend, a condemned horse that he is trying to help (not a far-fetched idea in our era of support animals) and finally an aunt willing to care for him.
The film brought back memories of watching The 400 Blows many years ago. Both showed no reason for optimism yet in a way beyond rational thought left one with a feeling that the human spirit can survive a negative, hostile, cruel world. Very worth seeing for many reasons.
Incitement (2019)
History lesson
Very well-made and difficult to watch, this film does justice to its topic. As a potential assassin Igal Amir needed only a few (but powerful) motivators to lead him to a gun and help him pull the trigger. In doing so he changed the course of history. With great restraint this film delves into both Amir and the influences around him leading eventually to the murder of Prime Minister Rabin. The direction and acting are on a very high level and anyone wishing to gain insight and learn lessons from this horrific event should invest the time in seeing this film. It provokes thought as well as feeling, thus qualifying it as an important piece of film making.
Once Upon a Time in... Hollywood (2019)
in a normal movie ...
But this is not a normal movie. So Julia Butters can't steal the show. Incredibly though she adds a beautiful piece to the puzzle that Tarantino delivers. And what a great puzzle it is. Anyone who loves film will be sorry to see it end and busy anticipating seeing it again (and maybe again). LA of 1969 as well as TV and the movies from that time couldn't have been better presented but more than that there is enough relevancy to today to prevent a mere trip down memory lane. "Food for thought" would be the understatement of the year. A precious gem of a film.
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018)
you get what you bring
The first time I saw Ballad I was expecting a movie. The second time I was not expecting anything. This film is best when:
1. Just sit back, relax and enjoy
2. Watch
3. Listen
Then, go outside and think!
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018)
you get what you bring
The first time I saw Ballad I was expecting a movie. The second time I was not expecting anything. This film is best when:
1. Just sit back, relax and enjoy
2. Watch
3. Listen
Then, go outside and think!
BlacKkKlansman (2018)
American History 101
Thank you, Spike Lee. Your film should be required viewing for ages 0 to 100 and not just by Americans. From Birth of a Nation to Harry Belafonte's unforgettable story, from the very real David Duke to the all too real Donald Trump, from yesterday to today, you have given us a vision that must be studied in order for tomorrow to be any better. And that vision has to do with not only your identity as a Black director but also your identity as a human being and true artist.
" If not now, when"? This challenge (from a Jewish source) is what elevates your film to rise above an entertainment and achieve the status of art. One leaves the theater, enters the real world and can only be moved to a altered perception by the viewing experience. Any American history teacher on the planet should urge his/her students to open their eyes, ears, minds and hearts and learn from your masterpiece. Thank you.
Homefront (2013)
garbage
Hard to believe but Stallone the writer is even worse than Stallone the actor. Idiotic, violent to the point of absurdity with no redeeming qualities what-so-ever. The only appropriate venue for the-is junk is the trash can. No normal adult could watch this from beginning to end and it is dangerously corrupting for a younger audience. It's hard to imagine how movies like this get made in the first place and in the second place to imagine anyone actually sitting through it. On a scale of 1 to 10 it deserves a 0.
Blacula (1972)
black is beautiful
Even Elisha Cook Jr. couldn't save this from being a bad joke. So why the 10? Diversity!! The same reason it should have won at least 15 Oscars. If film is an art form it should be treated as such, judged as such, and honored as such. Justice and equal opportunity should be part and parcel of America and so should the movie industry. The battle starts at the front door and should be taken all the way to the Academy Awards. So as Blacula would say, "Right on, brother". Now back to the actual movie. The nightclub scenes were by far the highlight. A black audience dancing to a white band is a touch of irony that is sheer pleasure to watch. The acting was inspired, although by what is hard to tell. The LA cops pretty much stole the show with their emotionless performances and it was hard to take you eyes off them when they were on screen. However the most outstanding aspect of all was the make-up. Downright scary, it gave me nightmares for a week. Well. at least bad dreams. A must see (to believe).
The Cycle Savages (1969)
a rare treat
Worth watching if only for the rape scene, this movie redefines the notion of a "B Movie". The score, special effects, script (both story line and dialogue)and acting are mind numbing. Anyone seeking to gain some insight into the biker culture (i.e. Hell's Angels) of the 60s-70s should not just watch but study this film for all it's worth. There's plenty of action, erotica, romance, and suspense enough to keep even the most jaded noir film buff on the very edge of his/her seat. Not for the kiddies but any popcorn loving idiot over the age of 12 will treasure this entertainment experience of a lifetime for many years to come. I gave it a 10 but can understand why it's rated 5 overall: most people just didn't get it, let alone appreciate it.
The Good Shepherd (2006)
Love/Hate
Anyone reading the comments who has not seen this film must feel awe struck by the opposite extremes of reaction created by those reacting to having apparently viewed the same film. From this: "The more I think about this movie, the more interesting it becomes...I may see it again". To someone comparing the viewing experience to a torture method appropriate to a North Korean POW camp (got to love that imagery). I find the rather emotional, even somewhat distraught negative reactions fascinating and a little scary. This forum allows for a truly democratic form of movie criticism, which is fine...as is the democratic rating system. And when a potential movie goer or renter decides how to spend their time and money, this can be helpful or hurtful in making choices. Who are the critics? Just folks who like the idea...like me for instance. Should we follow their advise? Not necessarily!!!
The Norseman (1978)
unbelievable
Let's take into account, first of all, the casting. Start with David Deacon Jones as a Black Viking. Add Freddy Biletnikoff at wide rece...oops, a white Viking. Mix in Chuck Pierce, Jr., coincidentally the son of the guy who is credited as the producer, director and writer. It than goes steadily downhill to a strange mix of pro., semi-pro, and amateur "actors" that amounts to the most motley excuse for a cast that could possibly be assembled. The musical score is out of wack,the dialogue absurd, the costumes seem straight out of a junior high class play and the story makes no sense. Add it all up and the sum of the parts equals a mess so bad that even an aficianado of bad movies (me) could not find any enjoyment in suffering through the silly proceedings. I dare any normal human being over the age of 8 to watch this from beginning to end.
Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (2006)
if you're in the "right" mood
Off the wall,in bad taste, politically in-correct...all these things and much more can be used to describe Borat. While it won't appeal to everyone, there is no denying the creativity, audacity, and near anarchic zaniness of Cohen's latest film. Maybe "comic genius" is a bit of an exaggeration, however there is no question that this is a great and very original talent. A must see...even if not totally enjoyed,any semi-serious film buff will find his/her time and money well spent.The fact that Cohen is not himself an American adds a nice touch to the "outsider's" look at U.S. culture and society. Besides the rather extreme and outlandish humor, it is the choices of who and what to meet in America that make this a film that has more than entertainment value. It does, believe it or not, provide plenty of food for thought. That adds up to a much higher than average night at the movies.
The Aristocrats (2005)
joke? what joke?
This is an experience, more than a film. It is an exploration of performance that in using 100 "joke" tellers becomes a living work-shop on the topic of entertainment. The vehicle for this is not really a joke at all but a "shaggy dog" story. The content and the length of the story add to the impact of what passes for a punch-line. All in all, a fascinating, funny, thought-provoking, and enlightening film that can be even better when seen a second or third time. Unlike the "joke" itself, the best part comes at the end. The credits are truly a fitting end to what has come before and left this viewer wanting more from the creators of this true original.
The Mini-Skirt Mob (1968)
good scenery...if you like beaver shots
As the title implies, this film is about mini-skirts. It is also about under-wear that is revealed by the afore-mentioned mini-skirts. There is a story, and some acting, props, etc., so perhaps the total package might qualify as a "movie". Now as far as my review, you notice that I gave it a 9 while many others are in the 2 to 4 range. This is due to high marks for honesty or better yet integrity. These guys and gals set out to film young women with short enough skirts so that a young male audience could get a glimpse of their under-pants. Since they accomplished their goal, they deserve a 9. Anything less would be un-fair. But than again, so was the rumor circulating around Van Nuys in late 1968 that a scene in this movie involved one of the females revealing she had forgotten to include panties in her costume.