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Reviews
Nixon (1995)
Haunting portrait bio of an ex president with past ghost that lead to a stubborn ego and downfall.
Being a film and history buff I always enjoy historical and political films, and I must say that 1995's "Nixon" from director Oliver Stone was one of the better films made. The movie is a biography type telling of one Richard M. Nixon from his poor California upbringing on a lemon farm to his determined and up and down path to becoming president. Say what you want no matter what your political leanings, Nixon(in a broad and direct performance from Anthony Hopkins) was one determined guy who would not back down as he always was seeking the need for power even after he lost the 1960 presidential election, he would not just settle for being a congressman, senator, or vice president, Richard wanted to be commander in chief. Thru flashbacks you see his hardships of growing up and his haunting loss to "JFK" were ghosts Richard could not shake even after he was elected president in 1968. His stubborn ways were a conflict with wife Pat(Joan Allen) and his cabinet often butted heads with him over his many policy decisions as John Dean, John Mitchell, and Henry Kissinger tried the best they could to work with Nixon. Along the way the power struggle with J. Edgar Hoover and an unpopular war in Vietnam was a mess for many years in Nixon's presidency. Still thru it all Richard was one determined man to succeed and win at all costs as evidenced by the "Watergate" scandal lead by E. Howard Hunt. This movie is in depth, interesting, and a character study of a complex and perhaps most interesting president ever, the scenes and sets and storytelling is A+ and the acting and chemistry is top notch featuring veterans like the late Larry Hagman and E. G. Marshall, along with many other known character actors like Ed Harris, Bob Hoskins, David Hyde Pierce, Paul Sorvino, James Woods, and the also late J. T. Walsh. Overall entertaining historical political film of the rise and fall of a power and ego hungry president who let ghosts of the past shape and contribute to his downfall.
Wicked: Part I (2024)
Wonderful "Oz" prequel about the early life and high flying times of the "Wicked Witch of the West".
Have always been a fan and avid viewer of the classic "The Wizard of Oz" probably have seen it hundreds of times, even know the words by heart. Yet years ago after reading the novel "Wicked" from Gregory Maguire and seeing the play live I like many have a better understanding of the "Oz" universe. As we had only heard one side of the story, yet with this wonderful film which is done in a realistic way by director Jon M. Chu his "Wicked: Part 1" expands more into the other side of the story long before Dorothy dropped in, it tells more about her arch enemy the wicked witch. And this film answers many questions of how a little skinned green girl named Elphaba(the great Cynthia Erivo) became so wicked, and where she came from. The film very in depth also captures the wonder of the viewer as it's magic on the eyes with bright sets and costumes as the cinematography is A +. And the film is guided along with themes of connection, friendship, love, difference, and asks about the nature of good and evil. Glinda(the wonderful Ariana Grande) is straight laced beautiful and blessed as she enrolls at "Shiz University" she is placed with a different and strange yet gifted young woman in Elphaba(Erivo) and both former a sister like bond at first. However head professor Madame Morrible(Michelle Yeoh) has different plans for both as things are changing in "Oz" and at "Shiz", where animals and munchkins are dealing with changes also. Thru it all the wild card character of the film is Elphaba as she has a date and meeting with the Wizard(the always good Jeff Goldblum) as Elphaba feels more comfortable with her go against the grain ways as the friendship will change with Glinda, it's clear that Elphaba will fly solo and in my view I see her as a flawed anti hero and liked character for being different. The singing and scenes between the characters and especially the chemistry between Erivo and Grande help move the film along so well, as this is a super great musical fantasy film. What more can I say the film is popular and it defies gravity, as Maguire and Chu have started a wonderful new franchise of their own.
JFK (1991)
You call it and be the judge, film based on fast paced theories and who done it!
1991's "JFK" is one film that any film and history buff will want to see even if you agree or disagree with the works of director Oliver Stone. The scenes and montages done are super great and fine cinematography, however the film is very long and in depth and goes at a very fast pace with many theories of who done it? You as the viewer are really asking yourself about many things, it was nice seeing the film's wild card character N. O. D. A. Jim Garrison(Kevin Costner) fight and search and investigate for answers. Was it really Oswald who killed president "JFK", or was Jack Ruby in on it or was it a gov. Cover up from political rivals, or was the mafia contracted to do the killing, or perhaps, Jack's plan to withdraw from war was the reason. Again the film provided many questions, you as the viewer have to be your own judge and decide.
The Penguin (2024)
Gritty, raw, cat and mouse game of Gotham's "Birdman" with a Tony Soprano like feel.
Thru the years watching "D. C." movies and reading the comics and graphic novels, "The Penguin" was always one of my favorite bad guy characters. And this series was really interesting and highly entertaining to watch as the limited series from "HBO" provided 8 highly intense and fierce episodes when it's focus was "Gotham's" corrupt underworld. Colin Farrell is Oz Cobb(who is unrecognizable by super great prosthetics) who is caught up in the crowd and not respected in the city's field of gangsters. Big mistake as Oz being cunning and scheming slowly, but surely rises his way to power after the death of the Falcone crime boss lord. Along the way the wild card is Sofia Falcone(Cristin Milloti as Carmine's daughter) who's want for power and revenge rivals that of Oz(her ex driver) this is one woman with a scorn as she tries to secure her spot in the crime underworld while having a power struggle with Oz. All along you feel like the series has a touch of "The Sopranos" and Tony as Oz has mommy issues and greedy ambitions just like Tony. The thorn in Oz's side is his demented mom Francis(Deirdre O' Connell). Thru the episodes we the viewers are treated to a go against the grain sidekick of Oz's in Victor(Rhenzy Feliz) and in flashbacks scenes you see the past of Oz's life and how certain events and things from his childhood shaped and broke him even. Overall this is a wonderful intense "D. C." series that looks at the raw, dirty, blunt, brash, underworld of Gotham City, showing a determined cold calculated go against the grain vigilante in one Oz(The Penguin) who reaches the top even if it had to come at a cunning and terrible price.
Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage (2024)
Third "BBT" spinoff that's funny and a cute couple charm!
For years I've been a fan and watched the work of Chuck Lorre from his mega "Two and a Half Men", then the "Big Bang Theory", and then "Young Sheldon" all were funny and well written hits. Now the third spinoff and installment from the "BBT" universe and that's "Georgie and Mandy's First Marriage". Set in Texas it follows the life of Sheldon's older brother the good hearted yet ditzy and dim witted Georgie(the good Montana Jordan) who has started a family with the much older Mandy(the sexy and beautiful Emily Osment). Each episode explores the ups and downs of marriage the bumps, and trust issues arise between the two, and life is busy and hectic as both live with Mandy's parents Audrey and Jim. And things aren't always easy still it's fun as the show is well written and funny, plus being filmed in front of an audience you the viewer hear the laughs each week on the episodes. Thru it all love and understanding is present between Georgie and Mandy as little baby CeeCee is what ties both together. Guest appearances are given from "Young Sheldon" like Zoe Perry, Annie Potts, and Raegan Revord. Also it's interesting seeing Mandy explore her new motherhood life as she seeks other passions like new work and school. Just an eye candy treat seeing the attractive and pretty Emily Osment(as I remember seeing her in sexy colored bra wearing scenes on "Young and Hungry"). I like this series it brings laughs, and it's about life and family and love, it should being another ratings spinoff winner.
Trick 'r Treat (2007)
Fun, nice little bag of treats, a hometown "Halloween" story.
"Trick 'r Treat" isn't a great "Halloween" film it's even far from the classic "Creepshow", still the film intersects and entertains nicely with suspense, twists and turns with fright and terror. Set in the form of a comic book style with different chapters, it takes place in an idealistic Ohio town that really goes out and celebrates the holiday. The film has plenty of goings on and each tale takes place as it seems like the same time wraps around together pretty well. The characters and stories are interesting from a creepy secret neighbor, to a group of kids who do a mean prank, to a girl who with a group of sexy colored bra wearing girls turn out to have the last bite. Overall pretty fun little horror anthology style film to watch if you like that kind of stuff, as the twists and turns are slick and fun.
We Live in Time (2024)
These are the moments, love, life, memories, and the journey of family.
"We Live in Time" is one touching and moving film as after you watch you feel the emotions and joy it's like you've been touched as most of us can relate to most of the movies themes of love, chance, romance, change, and tragedy. Set in England the story involves an up and coming colored bra wearing chef named Almut(Florence Pugh) who by chance and accident meets a recent divorced man Tobias(Andrew Garfield). And the two grow together and they fall in love and the passion is hot and steamy(some of the love and nude scenes of Florence are sexy). Then comes a child and both grow as a couple with Almut giving birth. Most of the film is told thru flashback as it tells how the past shaped the couples current state. However with love, family, and life it has it's ups and downs as after Almut receives some bad health news time becomes more precious as it's like each minute and moment is cherished. Many can take this as live life in the minute and to the fullest. Overall this is a very good film of connection and romance with love and passion, it proves that life is about chance yet memories last forever. Really this is one film to see.
Terrifier 3 (2024)
Sadistic and horror torture like porn at it's best!
The third really was a charm for this series as "Terrifier 3" really pushed the envelope with the blood and gore, however this time the sadistic manners of torture were taken to new heights. Typical story the crazy killer Art the Clown has returned once again to stalk and murder and destroy his unlucky kills limb to limb. Also look for Lauren Lavera back again as she has a tough and gross damsel in distress scene in which she's tied up and has her mouth duct taped. Here the third chapter has Art becoming a tease while doing his rampage and the film in many scenes tends to parody "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre," "The Shining", "Saw" and of course "Silent Night Deadly Night". Chilling and even more sinister was seeing the slaughter take place during the Christmas season. It's now apparent that Art the Clown is the king of horror gore torture it's a new icon in the genre that has fans wanting more blood, guts, and sadistic scenes.
Terrifier 2 (2022)
Art the clown returns for more gore!
After watching the first "Terrifier" and seeing it was a new era of fun in the gore genre, I had to continue on watching the journey. And true it might be repeated and plenty of the same gore, blood, and guts over and over again, still "Terrifier 2" for a slasher film had a story. It's Halloween night and Art the cold blooded terror he is returns back to Miles county to wreck havoc and horror this time on a young girl and her younger brother. The gore and the chase and blood paths lead the film as for sure this is one killer clown that loves what he does, as it looks as if though director Damien Leone has created a new horror gem and flat out icon that can just gross audiences out.
Killer Klowns from Outer Space (1988)
Sentimental horror fun little B movie, of popcorn and people in cotton candy!
Finally after all these years watched the cult B movie art house hit "Killer Klowns from Outer Space", and I must say it was a funny little off beat treat to watch! The film was silly and didn't take things to serious and was entertaining in a strange different way as a little bit of "UFO" and alien parody was used. Set in a small town of hormone driven teens all of a sudden on a Friday night things are turned upside down when a comet like fire light flies thru the sky and lands. And it's like the circus has come to town in the forms of crazy and big odd looking clowns! Memorable are the look of the big red noses they have. Interesting and a little gross like was the clowns attacking people by throwing popcorn at them and shooting them with fun ray guns and placing them inside cotton candy as then the people dissolve to flesh! Overall need I say more this is one super little fun gem to watch that entertains with bright colorful sets, and the goofy and unreal like story make it fun to watch, really a cotton candy treat and enjoyable popcorn flick!
Saturday Night (2024)
Funny love letter tribute to Saturday night's main event!
"SNL" has been around before I was born an "NBC" staple that I've watched some over the years, it's celebrated here with this auto bio type picture from Jason Reitman as it goes behind the scenes to see how the first and original show in Oct. Of 75 went on the air. The movie is funny and full of drama showing how the cast, crew and comedians, struggled to get it all together for Lorne Michaels to go on the air(hey he could even rival Johhny Carson!). The sets, clothing, and dialogue captures times of the early and mid 70's and seeing Chevy Chase, John Belushi, and Andy Kaufman in their early years was a historical laugh feast. Overall not the greatest still a film that any historical film buff should see.
Terrifier (2016)
Gory, horror, torture porn at it's best!
Finally after all these years watched the low budget independent horror movie "Terrifier" from Damien Leone and I must say it was raw and brutal with it's bloody scenes and out right terror a full fright for a viewer. The film even borrows some from "Halloween", "Hostel", and "Saw". Set on Halloween night an escaped killer who dresses as a maniac clown is again stalking his victims, this time it's three unlucky women as this all plays out at an old warehouse. And each victim is teased and played with as they become damsels in distress before their gory and bloody deaths. This film is blunt, brash, and pushes the envelope for horror porn like torture. Director Damien Leone has found a new horror genre gem.
American Sports Story (2024)
The rise and fall of a sports figure in a raw gritty way!
Everyone knows that producer Ryan Murphy always does the best work and keeps it real with his series with real life things. And this is another winner for "FX", as the first season of his "American Sports Story" which focuses on the rise and fall of New England Patriots TE Aaron Hernandez. The episodes follow his life as a teen and upbringing in Bristol, CT to the University of Florida as a gator to his drafting into the NFL as a Patriot. The time frame focused on is mid 2000's to 2010's as the series feels real as it relies on interviews, transcripts, and documents, with calls and reporting by the Boston Globe even as Murphy makes it real showing Aaron's drug use, possible bi sexual life, and painful CTE. And actor Josh Rivera really gets into the mind of the character as it was interesting seeing a sports figure challenged battling personal and private demons.
Joker: Folie à Deux (2024)
A musical and love themed "Joker" film!?
After watching this film most like me will say that director Todd Phillips took a different approach from his 2019 original. Picking up where we left off Arthur Fleck(in another good turn from Joaquin Phoenix) is in prison at Arkham awaiting trial. However aside from seeing his identity issues between his self and "The Joker" themes are introduced of love and music. In a wild card like way is character Lee(the talented Lady Gaga) who's given Arthur the hope and fantasy of love while introducing him to music which is like an escape for Fleck. While all of these themes play out the film has plenty of flashbacks and foreshadowing as Arthur sees it all in the form of his "Joker" past and present. Overall any "D. C." comics fan will watch this even though it does not have the laughs and punches of the 2019 original.
My Old Ass (2024)
Seeing future self, yet living in the moment!
"My Old Ass" is for sure one film that as I watched it was fun, and far out like a future fairy tale that many of us would like to live out. Being able to see what we look like and how life might turn out in the future would be both scary, fun, and cautionary. This film covers all of that with a young sexy black bra wearing and free spirited and blunt, brash and sexually open girl named Elliott(Maisy Stella) who after going on a mushroom trip starts to see her older and future self played by Aubrey Plaza. And you guessed some things Elliott likes about her future self some not, as at 39 years old she starts to ponder her choices and experiment more and have more fun and joy. Really the film becomes about family, life, and choices as Elliott decides to live in the moment and this influences her future path. Overall this picture was an okay joy as it' s a take on identity, alter ego, and trying to live in the moment before change.
The Substance (2024)
Raw, gritty, far out, different gross horror film of transformation and alter ego!
All of us in life want to be a little younger and thinner, just simply look good as it's an obsession. True it's like our culture promotes it and this latest independent film "The Substance" is a pretty good take on all that I just mentioned. Set in the city of angels "L. A." Elisabeth Sparkle(a good push the limit role for Moore) is a past her prime fading star and actress who now makes it by doing a workout and exercise show. However age and father time has turned on her as her eccentric producer(played by Dennis Quaid) wants to move on to a younger up and coming star. However by happens chance and an accident once Elisabeth is able to obtain a medicine a substance in a bottle all things change with injections. It's like it's nice to be young again as you the viewer see the beauty like transformation to a younger woman named Sue(Margaret Qualley). Yet the potion has it's ups and downs as it wears off and needs refills. This film really twist with back and fourth drama and transformation change. Then things even take a shocking like gory horror form, in ways it felt similar to a big screen "Tales from the Crypt" episode. Overall this is one raw, brash, blunt, gritty tough film that is a horror like take on wanting to be young all fueled by greed, obsession, desire, and culture, if you like movies that are different and push the limit then give "The Substance" a look as it's a modern twisted horror like film.
Look Into My Eyes (2024)
Touching and eye opening doc of connections that brings emotions.
I for one always like watching interesting docs and this "Look Into My Eyes" was one that was no different as it follows thru interviews and chat sessions with several different "New York City" residents all who have had life experiences that involve lost loved ones who have left to soon. And many recount how these loses have affected their personal lives and thru talking with and becoming clients of psychics this has helped them function more and better. Also from acting, singing, and expressing feelings thru art drawings this too helps with each loss and dealing with life in the spirit world of tarot cards, and the supernatural that could exist in the form of the gone loved ones that they miss. The film is touching, heart warming, and brings out emotions proving that connections thru talk, expression, and belief in the spirit world brings help and hope.
Tulsa King (2022)
A "Sopranos" style western?!
I for one thru the years have been a fan and watcher of movies and series of the mafia, and anything with Sly Stallone had me in as here in his first major television role which was created by Taylor Sheridan("Yellowstone") and written by Terrence Winter("The Sopranos"). The story is compelling with twist and turns as Sly is Dwight Manfredi a New York City bred Mafia cap who took a fall and spent 25 years in prison. Now after his release a new start and a new life guess what in all places Tulsa, Oklahoma. This series is typical mob dialogue with profane talk and threats, all while the key character Dwight is trying to find himself and be a liked guy, it's like he's such a loveable anti- hero. Flashbacks and memories from "The Big Apple" haunt Dwight like his strained relationship with his grown daughter, still building a new empire and new extended family await in the Sooner state. The series is back and fourth with connections, with themes that involve trust, loyalty, and honesty. This series may not be "The Sopranos" still Stallone's work is that of gold.
Beetlejuice (1988)
Wacky, zany, and crazy fun far out weird film!
1988's "Beetlejuice" is one film that is atmospheric and it skews one's view of the world with odd shaped houses and different characters everyone is in their own little world. Director Tim Burton who is a master of this method living in the clouds(Burton even borrowed some from the Pee Wee Herman movies). Still aside from the sets and graphics, the story involves a couple Adam(Alec Baldwin) and Barbara(Geena Davis) who suddenly become deceased only later haunt their dream house when a new couple move in with their future seeing like daughter who can communicate with the dead. The scenes are far out funny and silly really wild and crazy from the head demon ghost played just fine by Michael Keaton. Overall the film is a fun okay watch yet not one of Tim's blockbusters as Burton's 1989 "Batman" is his best ever.
Blink Twice (2024)
Strange, kinky, far out weird film.
Movies and films today are different and many push the limit and this latest drama suspense like thriller "Blink Twice" does that for sure. Starring Channing Tatum as Slater King a high tech like billionaire who's always on the go for fun and a party with new investments and games. So when attending a fund raising party on an island with friends he lures waitress Frida(Naomi Ackie)under his spell. And soon she sees things under the cover and corners are sadistic like with kinky sex games that involve drugging, being tied up and gagged and wild intercourse. This film is visually raw and the on screen chemistry of the characters make it work so if your into a raw gritty strange film then gives this a watch.
Summerslam (1992)
Hail to Davey Boy the king in this "WWF" international event.
The 1992 Summer slam was an international PPV event held across the pond in London, England was one pretty good and well done memorable event that wrestling fans enjoyed. Starting out with a rush tag team match in which "The Legion of Doom" defeated the "Million Dollar Man" and "IRS". The action would build up and get better despite some lackluster matches with " Crush" and "Repo Man" and "Virgil". It was a big joy seeing " Earthquake" and "Typhoon" hold on to the tag team title with a victory over The Beverly Brothers". Interesting was seeing how Flair and Henning played in the WWF title match with Randy Savage and the Ultimate Warrior. In a scary match was seeing Kampala face off against the Undertaker as the dead man had this giant frightened! For the intercontinental title was the British Bulldog Davey Boy Smith getting a thrilling victory over Bret Hart. Overall pretty well done card for the WWF not the greatest still it was one that was entertaining for the fans.
MLB Central (2015)
The most up to date informative baseball show to watch!
If your a MLB baseball fan and follow the game and have favorite players and teams during the season, then this "MLB" Network morning series "MLB Central" is the one to watch! Every weekday morning the show features highlights from the previous games of the night before. Also previews of the upcoming games of the day are featured, along with the latest stats of players and team records are updated and given. Plus players visit the studio set for interviews and they are even asked trivia questions and questions about their personal likes and dislikes! And graphics and charts and a studio field break down all things baseball. Plus the hosts give current pop culture references when talking baseball and takes and insights from ex players Mark DeRosa and Robert Flores is a joy. Too the on screen chemistry they have with the beautiful and attractive Lauren Shehadi is in all star form! Overall good fun baseball news show to watch.
Skincare (2024)
Wacky and tense suspense drama that twist and rubs emotions.
I for one have always been a fan of suspense and drama like thrillers, and this new independent release "Skincare" fits all of those themes as it is a thrilling and entertaining ride. Set in the city of angels and glitz and look glamour of "Los Angeles" you have the attractive and successful Hope Goldman(the good and excellent Elizabeth Banks) who runs a high end aestheician business, only a competitor appears as a rival named Angel Vergara opens a shop across the street from her. And soon it's more than competition that Hope has to worry about as one by one her life and world becomes twisted and unraveled as nothing or no one is who they seem, Hope is shattered in an online like form she's been hacked her identity and privacy has been invaded. This movie becomes more than just a cosmetics and look good story, it turns into a dangerous cat and mouse game drama suspense thriller! So if you like Hitchcock style or stalker like thrillers then "Skincare" is one entertaining film to watch plus Elizabeth Banks gives an A game performance.
Walker, Texas Ranger: Crusader (1998)
The Hot Rod fights for justice!
This episode of "Walker Texas Ranger" called "Crusader" which first aired on January 31, 1998 is one that was memorable and entertaining in a heartfelt way. For that it featured the legendary wrestler(the now late) "Hot Rod Roddy Piper". The episode involves family and the mob, Cody Conway(Piper) is a fan favorite wrestler who receives some bad news, only to complicate matters he hears from his ex Barbara(the beautiful Linda Purl) and word is the mob is after her and Cody's son. The episode has drama and suspense, and it thrills as typical you the viewer cheer for Chuck and the good guys. Despite murder, and killers on the run the Conway family thru pain achieve victory. Overall good and memorable late season episode of the series which was made a watch with Linda Purl and Piper.
Married with Children: Turning Japanese (1996)
Japanese boss has an eye and taste for classic American junk!
This "MWC" episode titled "Turning Japanese" first aired on March 17, 1996 and was part of the 10th season, and I must say that like most episodes it was again very funny, outrageous, and the storyline pushed the limit! It involves Al's next door neighbor bank teller Marcy D' Arcy(the good Amanda Bearse) who's up for a promotion as she could become a banker, and lead teller, it's all in the hands of a Japanese bank president Mr. Shimokawa(the super great Pat Morita from "The Karate Kid") who does business with Marcy's U. S. branch. So upon his visit Marcy decides to entertain Shimokawa and try to impress him with Japanese culture as she even has a Japan family play as the Bundy's! And also funny was having Jefferson(Ted McGinley) entertain with karaoke! However surprise surprise when sounds of the old rattle trap dodge are heard, it's wanting this for his collection that pleases Mr. Shimokawa most! So Marcy has a plan somehow someway she must get Al to sell his beloved clunker, only after this plan Al has something for Marcy to put on and show at the local strip club. And the episode twist and everything goes down the drain after Mr. Shimokawa shows up and sees Marcy instead of a promotion, and dodge sell it's a brawl for all! Overall funny and far out fun episode of the series!