Kubrick's masterpiece "Dr. Strangelove" couldn't have come out at a better time than during the Cold War era. There are many superb performances in this movie, especially Peter Sellers in three roles (President Muffley, Col. Mandrake, and Dr. Strangelove)...I thought he should have received an Oscar. George C. Scott and Sterling Hayden lend superb support roles as well...even when Hayden is serious - he's funny!!! The screenplay deserved its rich Oscar!!! There are many funny scenes in the film...especially when Sellers is on the phone with the Soviet Premier - a true Hollywood classic scene. The special effects are convincing at times, however, one can tell that Kubrick used a model plane for the flying sequences. The ending scene where Strangelove has a fight with his mechanical arm is rather unnecessary. Superb Laurie Johnson score. score: 9 (out of 10).
Reviews
62 Reviews
Eyes Wide Shut
(1999)
Kubrick has done it again...another masterpiece!!! score: 9 (out of 10).
16 August 1999
Stanley Kubrick creates an atmosphere that even Freud would have cherished. I have been a big lover of Kubrick movies for a long time. Almost like Hitchcock, he paints films in such a way that makes the audience want to "think" rather than "react" (for example: 2001: A Space Odyssey, Dr. Strangelove, etc.) In this film, he does the same thing. This is a movie that clearly asks the question: what is the purpose of marriage? This is a film that is the flip side of "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" Kubrick makes excellent use of Cruise and Kidman in husband and wife role. score: 9 (out of 10).
Nashville
(1975)
Robert Altman's outstanding slice of Americana...score: 10 (out of 10)
16 August 1999
Robert Altman's "Nashville" (1975) is on my top ten list of films from the 1970's. Not since Frank Capra directed "It's a Wonderful Life" (1946) has there been a better character study of American culture. Set against the backdrop of a small town, the film focuses on 24 characters and all from different walks of life (typical for most of Altman's films). The film combines country music, politics, and satire into one huge climatic finale at Nashville..."Hey, this isn't Dallas...this is Nashville!" score: 10 (out of 10).
Charly
(1968)
Cliff Robertson's superb performance...score: 8 (out of 10).
16 August 1999
Before there was "Awakenings" (1990) and "Good Will Hunting" (1997), there was a sincere, sad, and bittersweet film called "Charly" (1968). The film is based on the book "The Two Worlds of Charly Gordon." Cliff Robertson delivers a brilliant performance as a mentally retarded man who becomes a genius through scientific experiments. Claire Bloom is Charly's social worker (and love interest). The film is directed by Ralph Nelson ("Lillies of the Field"). score: 8 (out of 10).
Ben-Hur
(1959)
William Wyler's Biblical epic masterpiece...score: 9 (out of 10)
16 August 1999
Winner of 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture. "Ben-Hur" is probably one of the most exciting Biblical films in cinema history. Charlton Heston (Best Actor Oscar) delivers a tour de force performance as Judah Ben-Hur, the rebellious Jewish common man at the time of Christ. The story begins when Judah's best friend, the proud Roman Messalah, tries to persuade him to thwart any Jewish uprisings in Judea. When Messalah fears that Judah is a conspirator toward Rome, he forces Judah into slavery and his mother and sister into prison. Thus, Judah begins a long journey to locate his family and restore their dignity. The chariot race scene is impressive, but look closely for Heston's double. Score: 9 (out of 10).
The Exorcist
(1973)
Ultimate horror film...should have been called "Eyes Wide Shut"...score: 10 (out of 10)
2 August 1999
There are many GREAT horror films of the 20th Century on film, however, here is a film where I keep my eyes wide shut when I see it. William Friedkin brings to us the ultimate in horror movies - a simple story about the Devil and demonic possession. The actors give superb performances. Some have said the movie is slow, but that is the point. If we are to understand the plot, we must first understand the characters involved. The superb special effects steal the show as well (especially when the Devil uses Megan's body to spin his head around and reveal his true identity to the priest...again...my eyes were wide shut!) A top-notch thriller...score: a PERFECT 10!!! (out of 10.)
The Haunting
(1999)
A HUGE INSULT to Shirley Jackson and Robert Wise!!!!
28 July 1999
It always amazes me why Hollywood thinks that it can make movies that are better than the original screen classics...(for example, Hitchcock's "Psycho")...this film went no where fast and its use of special effects...an awful insult to Shirley Jackson and Robert Wise and the rest of the crew of the original film!!!! My score: 2 (out of 10). My advice: check out the "Blair Witch Project"...a much more scarier movie!!!
One of the Burton's best films together...score: 10+ (out of 10)
28 July 1999
The concept of a turbulent marriage has never been depicted in more graphic detail in cinematic history as in Edward Albee's "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" Burton (who also should have received an Oscar for Best Actor) and Taylor (Best Actress Oscar) are at their zenith together as the tormented husband-wife couple. Sandy Dennis (Best Supporting Actress Oscar) and George Segal give excellent supporting performances. I must admit that I have never seen such great performances, especially Burton and Taylor, who recite their lines so perfectly...even Shakespeare would have wept. Score: 10+ (out of 10).
The Haunting
(1963)
A top notch thriller...A WINNER!!!!...SCORE: 9 (out of 10)
21 July 1999
I know...I know...I've already reviewed this film...but I have seen it several times since the previous review...and every time the performances shine even brighter! The real star of this movie is the sound effects. You hear the poundings, the voices, etc. but nothing is there. The most horrifying part of the movie occurs at night when Nell (Julie Harris) starts to hear voices coming from the room next door and tells Theo (Claire Bloom...who was supposedly in bed with her) to hold her hand. However, when 'something' squeezes her hand very tightly...she screams...and Theo is on the other side of the bedroom! This film was far better than Hitchcock's "The Birds" (1963) which was released that same year. It could even be put into the same realm as Psycho (1960) as best horror film of the 1960's. I loved Claire Bloom in this movie...she was SO HOT!!! (Well, she could surely make a black sweater look beyond gorgeous...and I don't care if her character was a lesbian...I would have done cartwheels at the opportunity of having her as a bedroom mate!!) Tamblyn (Luke) and Johnson (Markway) are along for the ride as the male counter types. Although Luke prefers Theo, who prefers Nell, and Nell prefers Markway, who is married, is a bit of a distraction...the film is still a Hollywood horror classic of the 1960's!!!
Earthquake
(1974)
This movie ranks up there with the worst of the 1970's...score: 4 (out of 10).
15 July 1999
One of the best moments of this movie is when George Kennedy's character is chasing a thug through some Beverly Hills backyards and his partner grabs him and says...."You can't go over into that yard." George says, "Why not?" His partner says, "Why don't you know who lives there???...Zsa Zsa Gabor!!!"...and George punches his partner in the jaw!!!
The Haunting
(1963)
A classic scary movie...top notch...score: 8 (out of 10)
24 April 1999
One of the most frightening movies in cinema in my book...is still "The Exorcist" (1973). "The Haunting", however, does rank up there as well. If you're looking for a movie that's similar to "Poltergeist" (1982)...then don't rent this movie. There isn't a lot of blood and gore here. But, what does work about this movie...something that "Poltergeist" did have in bits and pieces are the different things that could make us cringe in a haunted house. Remember the scene in "Poltergeist" with the young boy's clown on the chair??? (I remember the audiences' reaction!!!!) This film has the same formula...only in larger proportions. The door that suddenly blows open...the voices that speak in the night...the walls that move...the invisible mass of weight that comes to sit on the edge of your bed at night...but when you go to look...nothing is there. It is these things in this movie that really do the trick for me. The acting, pace, tone, black and white cinematography, set design, music, and direction are superb. I found these characteristics to be the most chilling parts of the movie. I hope the remake isn't going to try and ruin the original or try to be like "Poltergeist". I think what really worked about "The Exorcist" over all the rest is that it had a religious theme, shocking head-spinner sequences, acting, and special effects. Want to do something scary with a group of people on Halloween night???? Then, you should watch "The Exorcist" and "The Haunting" back-to-back...and shut the lights off. You WILL go to sleep with the lights on...I guarantee it.
One of my favorite comedy movies of the 20th century!!!
5 April 1999
There are many GREAT comedies of the 20th century on film, such as The Graduate (1967), Some Like It Hot (1959), etc. But, I have to argue that this film does it for me. Jack Nicholson displays a top-notch performance as Randall P. McMurphy. McMurphy is an ex-con who's doing time in a mental hospital in order to avoid doing hard labor. The hospital staff see this and want to send him back. McMurphy wins the admiration of his fellow patients, and becomes the leader of the group. However, Nurse Ratched (Louise Fletcher, Best Actress Oscar) has different plans. As a means to show her dominance over McMurphy, she tests his character by punishing him, and the other patients, with certain rules and mental/physical torture. The movie is not totally humorous either, but even frightening too. There is one nightmarish scene in the movie when McMurphy undergoes ECT. Many other different events ensue, which pit McMurphy against the control of Ratched. The ending is both a tragedy and a triumph of the human spirit. Excellent acting and screenplay. Score: 10+ (out of 10).
2001: A Space Odyssey
(1968)
One of the BEST films of the 1960's...A Masterpiece!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
29 March 1999
Stanley Kubrick's saga of evolution from "The Dawn of Man" to the year 2001 is a brilliant tale of the physical and technical development of mankind. Everytime I hear "The Blue Danube", an immediate vision of outer space exploration fills my imagination...thanks to the wonder of this film. Today, we are already fulfilling that vision of Kubrick and Arthur C. Clarke. When I first saw this film on the super wide screen in THX sound, I was blown out of my seat. The film is a close tie with Star Wars in my book as THE best in outer space movies. Notice I didn't say science fiction...I have never considered this movie to be science fiction, but a mere prophecy that has come true when it was first developed. Today, as all computer programmers know, computers do what we tell them to do through software programs. Many people have considered HAL by itself to be a villain in this movie. I say "NO". HAL was programmed by a human being. The human(s) who developed HAL were the TRUE enemy...judge for yourself. A true masterpiece of film making...it will last for centuries to come. Score: 10+ (out of 10).
The Music Box
(1932)
One of L&H's BEST short comedies...a winner!!! score: 10 (out of 10)
19 January 1999
Most people who can recall L&H comedies often refer to this perfect gem as their overall BEST work. L&H are charged with delivering a piano for Billy Gilbert's character, who HATES pianos. The funniest moments of the film are when the boys try and move the thing up a steep flight of stairs - one of the funniest moments in cinematic history. A winner!!!
My Darling Clementine
(1946)
One of the BEST movies about the famous gun battle! score: 10 (out of 10)
14 January 1999
John Ford directed two great westerns - "The Searchers" and this film about the famous gunfight between the Earps and the Clantons. The film is realistically portrayed by Henry Fonda, Victor Mature, and Walter Brennan. A screen classic!!!!
Boogie Nights
(1997)
A great film about the porn business...but in a Scorsese-type of fashion...score: 8 (out of 10)
13 January 1999
The first time that I saw this film, I thought to myself...Burt Reynolds' acting was superb (most deserving of his Golden Globe and why he never got the Oscar is beyond me.) Julianne Moore and Mark Wahlberg do commendable performances as well. The movie depicts the porn industry of the 1970's fairly accurately. What really turned me off about some of the scenes, is how the director "borrows" the filming-style of other directors' movies, like Martin Scorsese's "Raging Bull". (Example: the mirror scene where Dirk Diggler reflects on his career...straight from "Raging Bull"...come on...give me a break!)
Raging Bull
(1980)
One of the BEST films of the 1980's...a masterpiece! score: 10 (out of 10)
13 January 1999
Taxi Driver
(1976)
One of the top ten best films of the 1970's!!! score: 10 (out of 10)
13 January 1999
I'm sorry, Mr. Leonard Maltin if I offend you about your review, but this film deserves better than just ** stars. To my current knowledge, it ranks in the top ten best films of the 1970's which puts it up there with the two Godfather movies, "Star Wars", and "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest". The movie has superb cinematography, screenplay, music score, acting, and direction. It has been voted by many critics of film and cinema in the top ten films of the 1970's. But, I guess, you are entitled to your opinion, which was not entirely objective by any means.
The Fugitive
(1993)
A classic Hitchcock-type chase/thriller...a winner!!! score: 9 (out of 10)
5 January 1999
Very seldom do television remakes do well on film...but here is a film that makes an exception. The story is familiar to the series...but different in its screenplay (which I will not go into detail). Ford's character (Dr. Richard Kimble) is wrongfully accused of killing his wife (Sela Ward). Federal Marshal Samuel Jerard (Tommy Lee Jones) relentlessly pursues Kimble across Chicago. A clever chase film...that pays homage to those classic Hitchcock movies like "North by Northwest". A winner!!!
The China Syndrome
(1979)
Top notch thriller at a nuclear power plant score: 8 (out of 10)
5 January 1999
Top notch acting hightens the tension at a nuclear power plant.
Kimberly Wells (Fonda) and her cameraman, Richard (Douglas), stumble onto an operational problem at the Vantana Nuclear Power Plant while doing an expose on nuclear power. They interview the plant's engineer, Jack Godell (Lemmon). They discover a major problem with the plant's operations and its up to Godell to "whistleblow" against the plant's corporate big wigs on live television. Excellent acting and script. A winner!!
Kimberly Wells (Fonda) and her cameraman, Richard (Douglas), stumble onto an operational problem at the Vantana Nuclear Power Plant while doing an expose on nuclear power. They interview the plant's engineer, Jack Godell (Lemmon). They discover a major problem with the plant's operations and its up to Godell to "whistleblow" against the plant's corporate big wigs on live television. Excellent acting and script. A winner!!
The Guns of Navarone
(1961)
Slam bang entertainment - a winner!!!
18 December 1998
J. Lee Thompson's "The Guns of Navarone" is slam bang entertainment at its finest. The story is set during World War II, and the Germans have created two huge guns that block allied passage to the Aegian Sea. The story moves slow at times, but the action is first rate. A team of professionals is hired to destroy the guns. Gregory Peck, David Niven, and Anthony Quinn give great performances in this great war movie. score: 8 (out of 10)
Braveheart
(1995)
A good film...score: 7 (out of 10)
13 December 1998
When I saw the commercials about it...I thought to myself...a story about Scotland's greatest hero. Fine. Sounds interesting. So, I went and saw it. Prior to this, I had already seen the restored version of "Spartacus" (1960). This was my only dissatisfaction with the movie - how much it resembled "Spartacus". Another film which I thought it resembled was "El Cid" (1961) - a story about Spain's greatest hero. Oh well...the fighting scenes are violent...extremely violent!!! The acting, cinematography, etc. are superb - the only real joys of the film.
Platoon
(1986)
One of the best films about Vietnam...ever made!!!
13 December 1998
One of THE best films about the Vietnam War. Prior to seeing this film, I had gone with Apocalypse Now (1979) as the greatest film about the Vietnam War. Apocalypse Now was a great film, too, but this film flows much better. The film has great acting performances, action scenes, and cinematography. It ranks on my top ten list best films of the 1980's. A winner!!!
Aliens
(1986)
A great sequel to the original. score: 8 (out of 10)
13 December 1998
James Cameron has a field day with this film...a stunning sequel to the original film, "Alien". Lt. Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) returns to the planet where the Nostromo had originally encountered a hideous, reptilian creature. The film has plenty of action and tension...you won't be bored. Weaver's acting is superb. The best way to view it, however, is on the big screen.
Apocalypse Now
(1979)
A great Vietnam War film, but not a total masterpiece...score: 8 (out of 10)
13 December 1998
I am inclined to view "Platoon" (1986) as THE BEST film about the Vietnam War over this movie. The first half of this film is a masterpiece, however, as the movie proceeds we are caught up in the chaos of a tyrannical Colonel Kurtz (Marlon Brando) and his living hell. Sure, war is hell, and that's the point of the movie. I can even see why Brando felt his performance should be filmed in the dark. When Robert Duvall's character, Colonel Kilgore, commands the village attack sequence, we are brought into the "reality" of the Vietnam conflict. But, somehow, the search for an insane colonel in the second half of the movie didn't agree with me. In other words, the flow of the movie was uneven, but it is still a great film.
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