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Civil War (2024)
Profound Cautionary Tale
The imagery in this film is haunting. To see our republic torn apart by civil war with all its savage violence is disturbing and unforgettable. The performances are superb with Kirsten Dunst stunning as a journalist who has seen too much. Much like what the candidacy of one particular person running to return to power has done, war between Americans unleashes the sociopathy in society. The fighting is mostly senseless and without direction, with no one seeming to know what they are fighting for. The violence is sudden, jarring, and horrifying. No politics is discussed except what is clearly in the minds of viewers. A clarion call that no one who pledges retribution against his political opponents and to become a dictator on day one should ever be given power again. We have so much to lose and too much to cherish as Americans to risk giving one man's ego the opportunity to burn it all down.
Criswell Predicts (1953)
Criswell Predicts!
Criswell is one of the more disturbing memories of my childhood. I remember him staring into the camera and pronouncing in stentorian tones something outrageous or terrifying. I must have been around 7 years old and he made a real impression on me, basically scaring me to death. His 5 minute show must have come on after something I watched on a regular basis or as I was switching channels. It's hard to believe he made a career of this nonsense but in the early days of television, he was one of those odd people who somehow entertained viewers. Korla Pandit, a strange Indian organist who never spoke is another bizarre character I recall. It's no wonder I've suffered from anxiety most of my 74 years when I spent hours of my childhood mesmerized by this sort of weird programming.
3 Days in Malay (2023)
Just Terrible
Everything about this movie is wrong. In just the first few minutes there were so many historical inaccuracies that saying the story is set in WWII is outrageous. The dialogue, the uniforms, the weapons, the equipment are glaringly anachronistic. The movie isn't interesting, exciting, or watchable. It isn't even tolerable. The acting is embarrassingly bad. Why was this movie even made? It is nothing but a waste of time. I only wish I had looked up some reviews before I decided to sit down and suffer through the first half hour of horror. I couldn't take anymore. I just could not. I could only take so much punishment.
The Shadow (1940)
Superb Victor Jory Performance
This is an exceptional serial for one reason: the excellent performance by respected actor Mr. Victor Jory. Certainly the script and direction offer Mr. Jory little to work with but his talent and dedication to his craft as an actor provide enough energy and enthusiasm to overcome all production obstacles. Jory is amazing with that renown voice, those darting black eyes, and clear enjoyment that shines through his most expressive face as he chuckles at the inept antics of the villain's pitiful henchmen. An imaginative, humorous, and superb interpretation of the character of The Shadow make this a real treat for anyone who appreciates the work of this actor, the entertaining genre, and the pure joy of 1930's cinema.
Who Is Amos Otis? (2020)
Powerful Film
Superbly written and directed by Greg Newberry, this is a a very powerful film. Beautifully produced on a miniscule budget, the action takes place almost exclusively in the courtroom. What happens in that courtroom is dynamite. A debate as to whether it is morally right to assassinate a ruthless tyrant who threatens to destroy our republic is quite relevant indeed given what has occured during the 45th president's administration. The danger was and is real and this film confronts it fearlessly and powerfully. It doesn't flinch from presenting the details of the Trump nightmare and does so with breathtaking accuracy. The performances from a cast of virtually unknown actors are excellent with Josh Katawick and Rico Reid standouts. But it's the words that will hit home and which seem so real to anyone aware of what took place the in Trump era. A deus ex machina as presented in this film might have been the solution needed if the American people hadn't arisen politically and taken dramatic steps at the 2020 ballot box. Still, our republic came close to being a victim of an anti American fascist's coup.
The Last of Us (2023)
Same Old, Same Old
Yet another apocalyptic extravaganza with a pandemic of zombies, rage infected monsters, or whatever they are rampaging across a hopeless wasteland in search of tasty survivors of whatever the heck happened. At least there's an attempt at an explanation in this one. However, the variation on the zombie theme is tiresome and burned out because no one has come up with an original idea in so very, very long. In this version, there is some creativity and intelligence. The cast is quite good, the special effects are superior but it's predictable stuff and as far as story it's nothing we haven't seen, heard, or been bored by before. So sad there's nothing but the same old, same old.
Rawhide: Incident of the Dust Flower (1960)
A Stunning Sheb Wooley Showcase
This very special episode of Rawhide offers what is nothing less than the performance of a lifetime by Mr. Sheb Wooley. A beautifully directed entry in the series by Ted Post gives Mr. Wooley the opportunity to show his true strength as an actor and anyone watching will have to admit he is superb. With wonderful support by Arthur Shields, Margaret Phillips, Clint Eastwood, and the always underrated Eric Fleming, Wooley makes this a Rawhide episode for the ages. A heartfelt script, excellent director, and an outstanding cast combine sublimely. It is however, Shep Wooley who makes this so incredibly moving.
The Forever Purge (2021)
Powerful Film Reflects Our Times
This powerful film captures what is going on in our country as extremists from the right threaten to destroy our election system, shred the Constitution, and install an authoritarian strongman in the Oval Office. Beautifully written, superbly acted, and expertly directed, the Forever Purge poetically expresses the American spirit of the rule of law, tolerance, and liberty while eloquently portraying those who would destroy all of that. The irony of the last few minutes are stunning and sadly all too possible. This is a film that all Americans who truly love this country should see as they celebrate the values it depicts so powerfully.
Armageddon Time (2022)
Just Okay
If director Gray thinks Reagan mentioning Armageddon was traumatic, he ought to talk to those of us who lived through the Cuban Missile Crisis! Other than being scared by the suggestion of nuclear war rather than actually being on the brink of it, this film is lackluster and derivitive. Nothing original and nothing new to say, with pedestrian direction, and an uninspired script. This is a movie that thinks it has a lot to say but it just doesn't have anything interesting to say. It's hard to become invested in such silly, shallow, and self-absorbed characters. An excellent cast does the best they can but it all adds up to very little indeed.
Shadowlands (1986)
Superb
This is unforgettable. Joss Ackland and Claire Bloom give the performances of their lifetimes in a truly masterful story. The later version is fine but it is this one, with Mr. Ackland so moving and real, that you will never forget. When the film was released, I was stunned another actor was playing the role of C. S. Lewis. In my mind and memory, it will forever be Joss Ackland I think of when I read C. S. Lewis or hear him mentioned. When an actor can achieve that, it is a stunning achievement. It is most certainly exactly what is done here and because of what he achieved, I have looked for and appreciated Joss Ackland ever since.
Criminal Minds: Normal (2008)
Stunning Performance!
This is a riveting, ripped from the headlines episode in which Mr. Mitch Pileggi gives what is nothing less than the performance of a lifetime. He is absolutely unforgettable and once again proves what an underrated and underappreciated actor he is. "Normal" is an hour of television you will not soon forget thanks to a truly superb performance from a fine actor, Mr. Mitch Pileggi.
Rocket Hunter (2020)
Powerful Film
A tremendous story of heroism and self-sacrifice, this film showcases the best of the Greatest Generation in one of the most essential missions of the Second World War. Without such young men, the suffering of the British people would have intensified under the Nazi onslaught and the outcome of the war could have been very, very different. An exciting and moving story, well told, and required viewing for anyone who understands what World War II was all about.
Fury (2014)
Crude, Ugly and Distasteful
This film is ugly, bleak, and violent to say the least. There is not a likeable character in the film and all the American soldiers are portrayed as bloodthirsty psychopaths, utter savages thirsty for the taste of blood! No one shows a trace of basic human decency or morality. They believe in nothing but bloody brutality and wanton killing! These are not true depictions of the brave members of the Greatest Generation who saved the world from Nazism. These are crude, stupid, rampaging neanderthals! This movie soils the memory and legacy of those who fought for their country and western civi!ization! Hollywood sadists have betrayed the heroes who won the war that saved their right to make this steaming pile of garbage!
Signed, Sealed, Delivered: Lost Without You (2016)
Beautiful
This episode, Lost Without You, is truly a high point for this lovely, touching series. Superbly written and sensitively directed, this is a subtly spiritual and deeply meaningful story that goes far beyond what is typical of a Hallmark production. Most of the credit for this must be given to one of the finest actors of her generation, Ms. Kristin Booth. Her performance is one you will never forget and it is one of great power and elegance. The conclusion is nothing less than soul moving and Ms. Booth truly shines like a supernova in those final moments. Treat yourself to a stunning acting performance and spend some time with a beautifully realized portrait of a character who only Kristin Booth could play so wondrously.
Adolf Hitler: Pure Evil (2016)
Conspiracy Theory History
According to this "documentary," Hitler met Pope Pius when he was a bishop in Germany and the future pope liked Hitler's style. He put him to work spying for the Church and backed him as he rose to power. What laugh out loud nonsense! This is just another entry in the conspiracy theory entertainment industry. Make anything up and people will believe it! The one thing this trash isn't is history.
Perry Mason: The Case of the Dead Ringer (1966)
Simply Superb
In an unforgettable Perry Mason production, Mr. Raymond Burr gives what is nothing less than the performance of a lifetime. A dual role is always challenging but this is an actor who meets it with all the power and art of his craft. This is simply an unforgettable viewing experience and an hour of incredible acting that should be a monument to a truly fine actor and one that demonstrates his range and skill. This, indeed, is one for the ages and will stand for all time as Mr. Raymond Burr's lasting legacy as an actor.
Interstellar (2014)
There Are No Words
Director Nolan's film will live forever as one of the greatest cinema masterpieces of all time. The performances, the script, the special effects are superb but what will mark this film forever is its soul. An astounding work of art that will never be forgotten.
Perry Mason (2020)
A Hellish Assault On An Iconic Character
Ugly, vile, and horrific corruption of an iconic literary and cinematic character beloved by the world. The spirit of the original movies and series has been defiled and transformed into something repugnant and hateful. The fine actors involved in this cesspoolian travesty of sickness should especially be ashamed of what they've done.
What this poisonous piece of violent filth is should never have been allowed to perpetrated upon the viewing public!
Mountain Monsters: A Tribute to Trapper (2021)
A Very Special Episode of Mountain Monsters
Deeply moving tribute to the founder, anchor, and leader of AIMS presented by the producer and fellow AIMS team members. Tears, laughter, and everything we love about these men, their mission, and Trapper John Tice. This powerful tribute to the man and the legend is emotionally draining a profoundly meaningful who anyone who has followed the AIMS team into the hearts of darkness of Appalachia. The man can never be replaced, nor will these men try to. The mission, however, continues with the inspiration and intellectual curiosity of John Tice showing the way. A sad yet funny episode that will touch the hearts of all of us who loved him, AIMS, the team, and their crusade for the truth.
Let Them All Talk (2020)
Candice Bergen Is Magnificent!
In an otherwise boring and seemingly pointless film, Ms. Candice Bergen gives what is nothing less than the performance of a lifetime and one that will be legendary through the ages of motion picture history. The woman is astounding in a powerful performance at which one can only marvel. Critics have given this national treasure acclaim but none have come close to delivering a properly adulatory expression of appreciation for what she has done in this film. Before viewing her performance, prepare yourself for greatness! Magical, breath taking, overwhelming, powerful, so many adjectives come to mind but the single word that describes Ms. Bergen's work in this part is Magnificent!
A Christmas Kiss (2011)
Hateful, Ugly, Empty, Shallow, and Nihilistic
This thing lacks all humanity and any sense of basic human decency. Let's just skip that the girl got intimate with a complete stranger in an elevator at the beginning of this movie and move on to the real idiocy of the masterpiece of Christmas cheer. Guess it was supposed to be hilarious when Elizabeth Rohm was hit in the face, knocked flat on her back with a broken nose. The airhead juveniles in this shallow film sure thought so. Her fiance even took the opportunity to snatch the engagement ring off her finger while she was laying there helpless and bleeding. Oh, that ass is a real prize. It would have been so much easier for him if she had been killed. Still. Then the sadistic dreamboat steps over her broken body and he and his brand new girlfriend skip off hand in hand to live happily ever after. All the best to the self-absorbed twits. These people were abusive, hateful jerks and beyond unlikable. What a waste of time and especially of the fine actor Elizabeth Rohm. This is obnoxious trash and vapid tripe. She deserves so much better.
If I Only Had Christmas (2020)
This Is Candace Cameron Bure At Her Most Stunning
Another instant classic from the woman who has come to symbolize Christmas to America. Ms. Candace Cameron Bure gives one of her finest performances in this delightful holiday romp which not only captures the spirit of Christmas but gives Ms. Bure the opportunity to reveal her smoldering sexuality, sizzling sensuality, and pulsating desirability. The woman is dynamite in the off the shoulder outfit in the opening scenes and it sets the festive table for what she's yet to reveal. By the end of this film, we have seen a sexy Candace Cameron Bure we have never seen before but who we would like to see much more of, if you know what I mean. Treat yourself to this wonderful Christmas movie starring the most beautiful, sensual, stunning, and talented actress working in film today.
The World Wars (2014)
Sloppy, lazy, and Ignorant Garbage
So let's review. American soldiers fought on the Maginot Line in 1940, the Germans flew American B 17's when they bombed Warsaw, U.S. Marines parachuted on Cyprus, and the Japanese used American 50 cal. machine guns in the invasion of the Philippines. Just a few examples of the ridiculous, jarring imagery. Simply stupid depictions of history that are misleading and ignorant. The history of the wars themselves are vacuous and bizarre except for the statements of the noted contributors, who obviously didn't know just how inaccurate and offensive to intelligent people this series would be. The producers of this awful trash should be ashamed.
Wagon Train: The Jane Hawkins Story (1960)
Some Tremendous Performances
This is an exceptional episode of Wagon Train. Mr. Edgar Buchanan gives what is nothing less than the most amazing dramatic performance of his career and it is a performance you will never forget. It is indeed the performance of a lifetime. This is an actor who puts everything into this role and it's absolutely shattering. The always superb Whit Bissell, underrated and often ignored, is also quite memorable in a role that fits him like a glove. Overall, this is an excellent episode that should serve as testimony to the talent and gravitas as an actor of Mr. Edgar Buchanan.
Wagon Train: The Mary Ellen Thomas Story (1958)
A Very Special Episode
This episode of Wagon Train is an exceptional and beautifully made one that truly captures the spirit of Christmas. A very powerful performance by Miss Patty McCormack is simply wonderful but the entire cast reaches for the heights and achieve astoundingly stunning performances all around. This is an episode that will touch your very soul as it breaks your heart.