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Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011)
Weakest POTC Yet
Depp and McShane are always entertaining, but this movie isn't even close. Cruz is like Puss In Boots from "Shrek" in human female form. Keith Richard is ridiculous, as usual. This might be about two hours but feels like two years. Rush is possibly the best thing in the movie, but he's really underused. The plot concerns the Fountain of Youth and somehow all these characters chase each other around with occasional sword fight to relieve the tedium. The battles are well staged, but the story is incoherent and silly. Depp gives his usual performance, giving more to the role than it deserves, the same is true for Rush and McShane, Cruz is blah. Worst one yet, but surely there's another coming along.
The Man from U.N.C.L.E.: The Ultimate Computer Affair (1965)
One Of My Favorite Episodes
This is a classic TMFU episode. It has crafty and merciless villains, daring escapes, clever plots and counter plots and the ever perky Judy Carne as the "innocent" accomplice. It also has comedy and whimsy, Ilya is a blonde South American who sings, strums and whistles "Hava Negila" (!)and gets arrested to get incarcerated in a prison camp that's a Thrush cover for an installation housing "The Ultimate Computer". Napoleon uses "marriage" to the idealistic prison reformer Salty Oliver (Judy) to get in the area from the other side. The great Charlie Ruggles is a sexy senior citizen who plays strip poker with his nurses while babysitting the computer and Roger Carmel is the slippery Capt Cervantes, commandant of the camp. Solo and Ilya eventually complete their mission after Ilya rescues Salty and Solo from the bad guys. The last act ends with a bang and Charlie gets the last laugh, although it's sort of ironic. A very fine episode.
Jesse Stone: Thin Ice (2009)
Weakest entry in the series
A fair mystery and secondary plot, but this one doesn't measure up to the previous episodes in the series. Changing Molly to Rose is inexplicable, the town council is larger than the police force and Sidney Greenstreet(!) are just a few of the irritants. Tom Selleck is terrific as usual, Cathy Baker does a fine job as Rose and William Devane is sarcastic and entertaining but the plot with the town council just doesn't seem believable or logical.With the force down to three people with one on light duty, it seems counterproductive to threaten Chief Stone over such petty matters. Oh well, what can you expect from politicians? We hope there are more movies coming. My wife and I really like the Jesse Stone movies, but this one is not as good as the rest, not really bad, just not on par with the rest.
Lilies of the Field (1963)
A Simple Story, Beautifully Told and Acted
"Lillies of the Field" should be required viewing for everyone who wants to see what true faith is. The great Sidney Poitier gives one of his greatest performances as a handyman roped into building a chapel for a group of German nuns. He's matched line for line by the great Austrian actress Lillia Skala, who uses just about every trick in the book to convince a Baptist to build a Roman Catholic chapel and to keep him on the job. On the side he teaches the sisters English. Both he and the nuns grow to like and even love one another. There is very little embellishment to the story and it moves rapidly. It's crisp pacing, fine acting and loving message make it well worthwhile. All people of faith should see it and take its message to heart.
C'era una volta il West (1968)
Great Movie, Acting, Direction and Music
"Once Upon a Time in the West" has been recently released in a special 2 disc set, and it's about time. The movie gets better every time you watch it. Sergio Leone's directing is incredible, the pacing and suspense are unparalleled. He squeezes every speck out of every scene without dragging them out. His choice of Henry Fonda as the bad guy and his sales pitch to get him are well worth it. At the time, nobody could imagine Fonda as a bad guy. Charles Bronson is perfect as the enigmatic "Harmonica", bringing his craggy face, economical delivery and a sense of decency to the role that's hard to imagine anyone else could bring. Jason Robards portrays Cheyenne with dash and layers of larceny, chivalry, humor and ruthlessness that bring this complicated character to life. Claudia Cardinale is, of course, beautiful, and gives Jill McBain different aspects, former lady of the night, apparent gold-digger, disappointed and too soon widow, clever seeker of the truth of her husband's dream, used and abused woman and finally friendly hostess for Cheyenne and the railroad workers. The supporting cast is terrific. Paolo Stoppa is sarcastic, crusty but also concerned for Jill when they find her new family murdered. Lionel Stander is great as a saloon keeper who engages Jill in conversation, and when it's interrupted, picks up as if only seconds had elapsed rather than several tense minutes. Jack Elam and Woody Strode are cold eyed killers. Keenan Wynn has a nice cameo as the sheriff and auctioneer. The score is majestic, gritty and perfect, the individual themes convey more than dialogue could. The final showdown resolves a mystery surrounding "Harmonica" and Frank. The final scene as Cheyenne dies and Jill brings water to the rail gangs is a neat summation of the West that will never be the same again. Harmonica's observation that man is a vanishing race being replaced by soulless machines and corporations is an apt eulogy for the men living on the edge of the law. Just about a perfect movie.
Braveheart (1995)
Epic entertainment, if not exactly historically accurate
"Braveheart is a very good movie, combining all the elements of a great epic and if it comes up just a bit short of greatness, it's still an entertaining three hours. The movie has everything, evil villains, brave heroes, exciting battles, romance, humor and a message. If the message is somewhat unclear in today's context, freedom is still the goal f William Wallace and his followers, the desire to rule themselves rather than to submit to outsiders. Visually, this is an exceptional picture, from the colorful costumes to some breathtaking scenery. The battles are brutal and filmed with an eye for the spectacular, flights of arrows, the heavy horse charge, the bloody hand to hand fighting and the desperation of the fighters are well filmed. One complaint is that there's no bridge to be seen in the battle of Stirling Bridge. The romance between Wallace and his village bride is well done, and her execution is heart breaking. His faithfulness is doubted in the movie as he sleeps with the Princess Isabella which is extremely unlikely. The climactic scene of Wallace screaming for "Freedom" rather than mercy from his executioners is as powerful as anything put on the screen in the last decade at least. "Braveheart" is an epic in the old sense and is an very good film.
Walk the Line (2005)
Very good biopic
"Walk The Line" is a fine biopic, detailing the rise, rough times and redemption of American music icon, Johnny Cash, and his pursuit and eventual winning of June Carter. Both leads are phenomenal in their roles. Joaquin Phoenix portrays Johnny as he grows from wide eyed country music novice through the early days of recording and touring to his melt down on stage in Las Vegas to his arrest on drug related charges to his his marriage to June, without missing a beat (to use a musical cliché). Reese Witherspoon is a revelation to those of us who've only seen her in bubbly comedy roles, doing an incredible job as June. Also featured in the film are some of the greats of the 50's rock and roll revolution, Elvis, Roy Orbison and Jerry Lee Lewis, who toured with June and Johnny. The concert scenes make you feel like a witness to the performances. This movie is a must see for Johnny Cash/early rock and roll fans. It's a faithful retelling of June and Johnny's courtship. 9 stars.
Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987)
A Hilarious Odyssey
"Planes, Trains and Automobiles" is a hilarious ode to getting there is half the fun, an advertising slogan from 50+ years ago. It stars Steve Martin and John Candy at the peak of their careers, sadly John died, but Steve is still around, but I, for one don't think he's been in anything this good. The "joys" of travel during Thanksgiving are the setting for this comedy. Probably one of the most famous and funny scenes is the "pillow Scene" when Neal and Del sleep in the same bed in a less than 4 star motel. The rent-a-car exchange with Neal and bubbly Edie McClurg is a classic. Almost non-stop laughs and a sentimental finish make this a must-see.
Brian's Song (1971)
Probably the best ever made for TV movie, remake proves it couldn't be made today
"Brian's Song", the 1971 version was the rarest of things, an excellent TV movie. Great cast of stars on their way up such as Billy Dee Williams, James Caan and Shelley Fabares, augmented by Jack Warden, Bernie Casey and David Huddleston, with several actual Chicago Bears. This movie is full of actual conversations between the players, who are real people with prejudices and human weaknesses. Yes, those are racial stereotypes and epithets, just like were used in that time, not the sanitized, soulless P C drivel of this day. The story is powerful, the friendship that builds between two men about as different as Americans can be. James Caan is Brian Piccolo, the overachieving, loudmouthed Italian boy. Billy Dee Williams is Gale Sayers, a gifted, shy African-American All-American, high profile running back who is pestered and ridiculed by Brian in the early stages of the story, but who becomes the ideal friend. Jack Warden portrays coach George Halas. Bernie Casey is the savvy and practical veteran player, J. C. Caroline, one of the Bears who mentors young Black players in the NFL/Bears way. As Brian and Gale help each other through training camp, injuries and ultimately death, the actors mesh perfectly, conveying the joy, excitement,camaraderie, practical jokes, triumphs and tragedies of life in the spotlight. Don't miss this movie, it has humor, sports, romance, dedication, vintage football clips and an inspiring message. Don't confuse this 1971 version with the weak remake. An unquestionable 10 that will be enjoyed by just about everyone, football fan or not. An added bonus is the great score. Buzz Kulik did a great job directing this movie, getting fine performances out of not only the real actors, but also the real Bears players and coaches.
The American President (1995)
New genre, political romantic comedy?
This movie is entertaining enough, fills in enough political insider stuff, has a nice romantic storyline and one of Michael J. Fox's best acting jobs. Martin Sheen does some prep for his "West Wing" turn as chief of staff very handily. Michael Douglas handles the President/single parent role competently. The real star is, of course, Annette Benning, who steals just about every scene. Richard Dreyfuss really hams it up as the loyal(?) opposition candidate. The plot follows young, handsome, charismatic President Andrew Shepherd as he wines and dines lovely lobbyist Ellen Wade, while trying to run the country, improve his popularity and electability, navigate political minefields and raise his teenage daughter. The film is well directed by Rob Reiner, who always seems to get that extra something out of his actors. My wife liked it a lot more than I did, but it's still an entertaining, if fluffy political/romantic comedy/drama.
Von Ryan's Express (1965)
Exciting companion to "The Train"
"Von Ryan's Express is a thrilling train ride through Italy, with great scenery, vintage trains, and a somewhat implausible plot. It's good escapist entertainment, although Frank Sinatra is less than ideal as Col. Ryan, he works pretty well with seasoned actors, Trevor Howard, Edward Mulhare, Wolfgang Preiss and Brad Dexter. As the Padre who impersonates a German major, Edward Mulhare steals every scene he's in, from his incredulous wondering why an Italian woman (Raffaella Carra) should be on the train, to his swaggering, pushy masquerade as the major. Trevor Howard is every American's vision of the proper, stiff necked British senior officer, but he's over 50 and looks every bit plus. He's really too old to only be a private when he's in a German uniform accompanying the Padre and Frank on their rounds to get the train through red tape. My favorite scene in the film is when a Gestapo agent sees Ryan's pilot's watch and comes to the train to get it. Fincham is ready to strangle the agent, while Ryan nonchalantly drinks coffee and drags more loot out of him for the watch while the Padre pleads behind the agent's back for Ryan to accept so they can leave. The train chase is well filmed with some great Italian scenery. The one failing in the movie is the climactic battle as the prisoners keep the Germans back while others rebuild the track. The Germans do fall, as others have noted in these reviews, as if they've fainted rather than been shot with automatic weapons. Other than that one little failing, it's a good, entertaining war, chase and suspense movie. I give it 8 stars.
In the Heat of the Night (1967)
A True Landmark Film
1967 was a turbulent year in the U S. Civil rights marches and demonstrations, anti-war rallies, the summer of love,psychedelic music and backlash against the previously noted, 1967 had it all. And this great movie came out, about a small Mississippi town embroiled in a steaming hot summer and a sizzling murder case. The movie diverges from the book on many aspects, mostly for the better. This is a serious look at a nation and a community in turmoil. The acting is first rate, from Sidney Poitier (one of the greatest American actors of this generation, regardless of race), Rod Steiger, Lee Grant, Warren Oates and the whole passel of townsfolk. The plot has been well outlined in previous posts, so I won't belabor it. My favorite scene is when Virgil examines the deceased, looking for clues in discoloration, type of wound, etc., while the sheriff looks on with his jaw practically on the floor in amazement. You can plainly see that he wanted to pin the crime on a hitch-hiker or one of the town's less desirable inhabitants. While some may see the film as preachy or presenting Virgil as a superior to the hicks, seen in the context of its time, it really tells a lot about race relations of the time. The movie is well filmed with lots of atmospheric detail of the time and region (even though it was filmed in Illinois, some areas of Illinois and Indiana were very Southern in their feel and outlook). Great acting, a good mystery, fine cinematography and an important theme make this a must-see movie. 10 stars.
The Magnificent Seven (1960)
For my money, the best Western EVER
"The Magnificent Seven to me stands alone above any other Western, and there are a great many other contenders, the John Ford/John Wayne cavalry trilogy, How the West Was Won, the 1939 Stagecoach and even Little Big Man to name a few. Excellent cast of actors all ascending to the peak of their careers, all the names would go on to more good roles. Not enough can be said about the fantastic Elmer Bernstein score. The main theme is as familiar as just about anything ever written for a film, and the secondary themes are just as memorable. Particularly, the fanfare that plays after Vin and Chris deliver their "cargo" to the cemetery and turn the hearse around is joyful and triumphant, perfect for the scene. Yul Brynner (Chris) is, of course, most remembered as the king of Siam, but brings a combination of world weariness, sympathy and idealism that's hard to match. Steve McQueen (Vin)tries constantly to steal the picture with his bits in the background of seemingly every shot, so much so that Yul threatened to quit if Steve didn't stop upstaging him. Yul was after all the first billed star and believed it was his picture, at least when he was on screen. They patched things up, thankfully. Charles Bronson (Bernardo) played the muscular gunman who befriends the kids to perfection. James Coburn (Britt)is the knife fighter who seldom talks, but gets his point across one way or another; see his first scene. His friend, Robert Vaughn (by the way, the only living member of the Seven currently) plays a gun fighter, Lee, who has lost his nerve and reflexes. Horst Bucholz, an international star from Germany, plays the hero-worshipping Chico who won't take no for an answer and tags along for the adventure after Chris humiliates him and advises him not to be a gunman. Last, but not least, Brad Dexter plays Harry, a cynic who can't believe Chris has recruited the men for an altruistic purpose. The chief villain, Calvera is played with relish by Eli Wallach. When we first meet him, he shoots a villager and has to look at his holster when he returns the pistol to it, no villain has ever done that or is likely to again. The Mexican government wouldn't allow the peasant to be seen in dirty clothes, so after a day of digging in the dirt or tending the hogs, they're positively sparkling. The battles for the village are spectacular, filled with action and stunts. After Calvera returns and captures the seven, then releases them, saying, "A thief who steals from a thief is pardoned for a thousand years", they come back again to help the villagers who betrayed them, angry that they've been ordered out by Calvera. Harry opts out, but comes back during the final battle and asks Chris why they were really there, he can't believe it was only to help the town rid itself of the outlaws. Chris tells him because of gold, and Harry dies saying, "I knew it!" Four of the seven die in the climactic shootout, one decides to stay in the village and marry a local girl, two ride off and say the memorable exit line; I won't repeat it, watch the movie, it's a fitting finish to the film and a way of life (the traveling gunfighter). The extras on the DVD are well worth watching. There's a super documentary,audio commentary by Eli Wallach, James Coburn and executive producer, Walter Mirisch. For an American Western remake of a Japanese Samurai movie, this is an incredibly brilliant and entertaining movie. 10 stars.
The St. Valentine's Day Massacre (1967)
Realistic and mostly accurate
"The Saint Valentine's Day Massacre" is a very good gangster movie, released five years before the all-time great "The Godfather". It's pretty accurate in its chronology, according to the books and documentaries I've seen about the incident, only a couple of dramatic licenses taken. The film unfolds like a documentary, showing the dynamics of the rival gangs and their blood feud. Opening with the killers leaving the garage and then the neighbors discovery of the massacre, it proceeds to detail the buildup to the crime. The victims are introduced, along with the killers and planners. Lots of good actors are in this, veterans of both the big and little screen. Jason Robards has been slammed for his over-the-top portrayal of Al Capone, but everything I've seen about Scarface shows that he was over-the-top himself. George Segal is especially good as a Moran gang member, Peter Gusenberg. Ralph Meeker is a tough , barrel chested Bugs Moran. Both gangs are filled with familiar, competent actors. Jean Hale has a nicely done cameo as a classic "gun Moll", Myrtle, Pete's squeeze. Even Jack Nicholson shows up as a Tommy gunner! The climactic massacre is chillingly accurate using forensic evidence to show how the victims fell and their final positions. All-in-all, a really good movie and record of one of the most famous and shocking events in American criminal history. 8 of 10.
Miss Congeniality (2000)
Good cast and lots of laughs
"Miss Congeniality is a gem. Sandra Bullock is one of my favorite current actresses and really comes through as the klutzy tomboy FBI agent who is entered into a beauty pageant. Beauty pageants are fertile ground for satire and slapstick, and the creators and actors don't let anything get by them. The cast is great, from Ernie Hudson as Gracie's boss, Michael Caine as her coach, Benjamin Bratt as her love interest, Candice Bergen as the pageant head honcho, William Shatner as the pompous pageant emcee, and the actresses who play the contestants. One nice touch is that they didn't make the contestants either bubbleheads or mean self-centered brats, which would have been the easy way out. There are plenty of laughs as Gracie tries to learn to be a beauty pageant lady instead of a rough and tumble FBI agent.
Pork Chop Hill (1959)
A great battle film in every way
This is one of the greatest movies about a single battle. It stands alongside "Zulu" and "Hamburger Hill" as the best, in my opinion. An all-star cast of both established actors and future stars under the able direction of Lewis Milestone brings this desperate battle to life. Crisp black and white cinematography is used to great effect. Gregory Peck is outstanding as Lt Clemons, the supporting cast featuring Woody Strode,Harry Guardino, George Peppard, Martin Landau and Robert Blake is top notch. An added bonus is George Shibata, the first Japanese-American graduate of West Point, who plays Lt Ohashi. This film is well paced, building to the assault on Pork Chop hill by introducing the men and establishing their positions in the company. The movie also shows the tedious and frustrating talks to end the war. The men are presented as individuals, but not clichés. Gregory Peck's performance is Oscar worthy, he projects command presence and competence. Lewis Milestone is known for his great "All Quiet On The Western Front" and "A Walk In The Sun". This picture is easily on a level with both of them. The battle scenes are realistic, the emotions; fear, hope, frustration and determination are portrayed brilliantly. This is a must-see for war movie fans A 10 star movie!
Meet the Parents (2000)
Predictable waste of talent
If you've ever watched a TV sitcom of the last thirty years or so, you can see just about every punch line for a mile. Robert DeNiro should have made his comedic debut in something original or at least funnier. He has a couple of good lines and has good chemistry with Blythe Danner. Ben Stiller is given pointless and stupid stuff throughout the movie and really makes no connection with Teri Polo, Owen Wilson would go much better with her. The usual drug references and literal potty humor are uninspired, it's as if the writers gathered around some inane sitcom scripts and padded them with this stuff that wouldn't be allowed on TV. A really weak effort, but at least it's better than the sequel, which manages to misuse Dustin Hoffman and Barbra Streisand. If you want to see an intelligent, actually funny comedy, watch "Analyse This", "My Cousin Vinny", "Runaway Bride" or "Legally Blonde", better yet the best comedy ever, "Some Like It Hot".
Tootsie (1982)
One of the best film comedies ever
"Tootsie" is that rarity, an extremely funny movie that doesn't drop down to the lowest common denominator. This is a story, that while somewhat off the wall is believable. The characters' motivations are plain as day, from Michael/Dorothy taking on a feminine persona to work in the soap, to Julie and Sandy's relationship to Michael/Dorothy. Dustin Hoffman is at his peak in the dual role, Jessica Lange is beautiful as Julie, Terri Garr is sweet and loyal as Sandy, and Charles Durning as fantastic as Les, Julie's Dad and Dorothy's suitor. The supporting cast is also top notch, featuring Dabney Coleman as the smarmy soap director, George Gaynes as a hammy soap doctor, Geena Davis in her big screen debut as a soap opera ingenue, and Sidney Pollack as Michael's agent among others. Bill Murray is hilarious as Michael's roommate, who helps with his deceptions and disguises, even though Bill didn't want a top billing. There are several hilarious scenes, my favorite is the one where Dorothy forces John Van Horn (George Gaynes) to look at her instead of the teleprompter. If you're looking for a real comedy that won't insult your intelligence, this is one for you.
Zulu (1964)
Possibly the greatest single battle film ever
This is an incredible film. While there a few inaccuracies and some dramatic licenses, on the whole the movie follows accounts of the battle accurately. It doesn't vilify the Zulu, in fact it treats them with great respect for their bravery and devotion to their homeland. The bare facts are well known, that Rorke's Drift was the jumping off point for the British invasion of Zululand, and was a hospital and supply depot. It was defended by roughly one hundred men against some 4,000 Zulu. Stanley Baker is outstanding as Lt Chard, the senior officer at the fort, who takes command despite being an engineer officer. Michael Caine is, of course fantastic in his first big role as Lt. Bromhead. Nigel Green is superb as Colour Sergeant Bourne, who received a promotion instead of a Victoria Cross and outlived all the other defenders. The cast of mostly Welsh actors really convey the desperation and bravery of the garrison. The biggest fault with the film is the total misrepresentation of Pvt Henery Hook as a malingerer, in fact he was a good soldier and bravely risked his life to empty the hospital. The scenes of the post before the attack show soldiers at their worst in some ways, especially the treatment of Margaretta Witt. The atmosphere and attitude change when the imminent threat of Zulu attack becomes a fact. Unlike the overconfident officers at Isandlhwana, the inexperienced lieutenants build their defenses and set up ammunition supply to counter the assault. They respect their opponents and understand that they may be the last line of defense against a counter-invasion into Natal. The fighting is spectacularly filmed, highlighting the bravery and resolve of the Zulu and the determination of the redcoats to survive and hold the fort. I was embarrassed to read the comments of certain Americans who have had their brains filled with revisionist political correctness and rooted for the British soldiers to "choke on their own vomit" and die because they were imperialist tools. Just to see this as a record of great bravery (on both sides) and an exciting entertainment apparently isn't enough, they have to spout P C drivel.
Fuzz (1972)
Hard to say this is Burt's worst, but...
Burt Reynolds has made many films, a couple very good, but most are bad. This is possibly the worst. This was supposed to be a big name feature, but a sloppy script, uninspired acting and directing doom it. Burt's miscasting as Steve Carella is bad enough, but Yul Brynner's arrogant, sneering deaf man is wooden. Raquel is forced to hide her best acting assets (you know what) under winter coats, heavy sweaters and boots. There are good actors in it, but they're given nothing to work with. It doesn't come close to the book it's based on. It's hard to believe that prize-winning author Ed McBain was involved in this mess. Avoid it, which shouldn't be too hard, it's hardly ever on TV, and don't waste your money buying or renting it.
The Devil's Disciple (1959)
The best movie you've probably never seen
This is a terrific film. The cast is great, Sir Laurence Olivier's Gentlemanly Johnny Burgoyne is the perfect balance of dreamer, cynic and realist, Burt Lancaster is exceptional as the minister who finds another calling as a patriot, Kirk Douglas is Dick Dudgeon, "devil's disciple", who is probably more righteous than the hypocrites who condemn him for his lifestyle, Janette Scott is the preacher's upright and uptight wife who discovers a less than spiritual side of herself when Dick unselfishly takes her husband's place as a British prisoner soon to be hanged. Harry Andrews rounds out the headliners as the bloodthirsty and officious Major Swindon, who wants to hang seemingly everyone who crosses his path, while reciting platitudes that would make a super-patriot blush. The film starts with the hanging of Dick's father. His brothers and other relatives are scared out of their wits and take the cowardly way out, seeming to ignore the fact. Ne'er do well Dick, however risks his life and brings his father back to the church for a Christian burial. He and Anthony Anderson, the minister engage in a witty chat over Dad's body that evening. The reverend gives Dad a send-off, but the British arrive in town and see the new grave. Dad leaves almost everything to Dick, with a small bequest to Dick's younger brother, excluding their mother. Mom leaves the house in a huff, cursing her son. Rev Anderson is told by Dick's squeeze that the British have seen the grave and are going to arrest Dick. The Rev goes to tell him and brings him home to the rectory, when he receives word that Mrs Dudgeon is dying and needs him (the minister). Anthony leaves Dick with his wife, and then comes a hilarious scene as the uncomfortable and contemptuous Judith makes him feel as unwanted as possible while still keeping up Christian hospitality. Sure enough, the soldiers come and arrest Dick believing he's the reverend. Dick's farewell to his "wife" ends in a steamy kiss and embrace. Judith races to her husband, and in another riotous scene tells him Dick has been arrested in his place. Rev,"Confound Richard. He's given me a debt I can't repay". But the minister takes off in an effort to get the local patriots to help free Dick, but as the narrator relates, they're too busy trying to kill their enemies to save one of their friends. Anthony winds up in the middle of a battle and turns the tide for the Americans. While this is happening, Dick is put on a completely impartial trial, while gallows are constructed outside. More witty exchanges ensue between Dick, Burgoyne and Swindon before Judith tries to save him by telling the British that he's not her husband. It doesn't work and they schedule the hanging. Anthony rides up just in the nick of time and in a new outfit of buckskin, to present terms to Burgoyne and negotiates Dick's release. Judith must choose between her crush on Dick and her newly revived love for her newly remodeled man of action husband. General Burgoyne tells Major Swindon that soon their army will face unfavorable odds and lose. This movie has everything, fine acting, satire, romance, action, slapstick and philosophy. The only thing is, it's too bad it wasn't made in color to see the uniforms and scenery.
The Train (1964)
One of the most suspenseful films ever.
The first time I saw this movie, I was glued to the screen. Incredible suspense, superior acting, real train wrecks and great details make this an all-time great. Burt Lancaster as the reluctant hero, Paul Schofield as the obsessed German colonel, and Wolfgang Preiss as the efficient German major head an exceptional international cast. Jean Moreau is great in a small but important role as the bitter, but practical hotel keeper.
No one would or could make this movie today. No computer generated special effects, everything is real. When steam engines collide, they're real!
But, the trains and the men who collide are the backdrop to a tale of saving culture or even civilization. The war and the measures the opponents use are shown in brutal detail. Sacrifices are offered and accepted. The war affects the just and the unjust in much the same way.
This is a great action/war movie, and if you're a train nut like I am, seeing the mighty steam engines and seeing some of their workings is a big bonus. I highly recommend this movie to anyone who wants to see great action, suspense, devotion to duty and patriotism.
Major Dundee (1965)
Lost masterpiece or failed vision?
It's hard to imagine how much better "Moby Dick on Horseback" could have been without studio interference. Sadly, we'll probably never know, since so much footage is lost or undiscovered. This is still a fine movie, with action, humor, suspense and even a little history of the French incursion into Mexico during our civil war.
Charlton Heston is the star, and title role, but Richard Harris steals the show as the flamboyant Captain Tyreen. Sam Peckinpah's stock company of Ben Johnson, Warren Oates, R. G. Armstrong and L. Q. Jones are great, along with Western vets James Coburn, Slim Pickens and Dub Taylor. The under-rated Brock Peters is also featured. Jim Hutton is excellent as the semi-comic relief, Lt Graham, and Swiss actor Mario Adorf is very good as the steady Sgt Gomez.
Major Dundee himself is a paradox, a stern taskmaster who seems lost at several points in the story, especially the early racially charged campfire incident. He takes no action in a situation that could doom the entire mission, and is fortunate that the preacher and captain bail him out.
It seems that the money or patience ran out and the film ends in a frenzy of fighting with the Apaches and then the French.
I recommend this movie to any Civil War or Western fans, you won't be disappointed. If we ever see a truly restored version, it should be even better.