MisterMickey Reviews

Gods and Generals (2003)

Better than its reputation

[9/10 · 15 May 2006]

This is a wonderful film, and Stephen Lang, who was wonderful as Pickett in Gettysburg, shines as Jackson. He at least deserved an Oscar nomination. He wasn't acting as much as he became Jackson. (He's stated this was one of his favorite roles.) Duvall makes a terrific Lee, and Daniels does a terrific job of reprising his role of Chamberlain. My only complaint is the music, which doesn't live up to that in Gettysburg. (As a matter of fact, the music is why I don't give the film a 10.) Bob Dylan's singing doesn't belong here, nor does the other song. Put them on the CD if you want, but they don't belong in the film.

Gettysburg (1993)

Underrated film

[10/10 · 15 May 2006]

In addition to being one of the best films of the 1990s (Personally, it's my favorite film of that decade.), this is one of the finest films to deal with the Civil War, period. Director Ron Maxwell assembled a terrific cast, and with them, paid homage to not one, but both sides of the war. Heroism is shown to be on both North and South, and the officers aren't anti- the opposition. They're tired of the fighting, and just want to see it end. No one's there for the glory, and the film points out that the war dealt with so much more than slavery. The performances are terrific, and the music is outstanding. Somehow this film hasn't garnered the attention it rightfully deserves. If you get the chance, catch the Director's Cut.

Portrait of Courage: The Untold Story of Flight 93 (2006 Video)

Excellent viewpoint

[10/10 · 14 May 2006]

This is an excellent documentary dealing with those who perished on Flight 93 and the heroism that occurred on Sept. 11. It allows us to feel what their families went through, via interviews with friends and families. The special features on the DVD are quite interesting, and it allows us to realize that yes, these were mere mortals, but at the same time, people who stepped up when it counted. America needs to remember this story always, not put it in the past as it has so many examples of its history. This is a stirring tribute, and we should be proud to have had the people among us. I hope that everyone gets a chance to view this, which is why I've added it into the church library that I run.

Breakheart Pass (1975)

One of the finest westerns of the 1970s

[10/10 · 13 May 2006]

Alistair MacLean wrote the screenplay from his own novel, so needless to say, director Tom Gries was extremely faithful to the original source. For those who consider Bronson as just another actioneer star, this is actually a mystery film, with a great deal of suspense. When the action scenes DO appear, second unit director Yakima Canutt did a super job. (Then again, when didn't he?) Gries assembled a great cast of some of the 1970s finest character actors (Charles Durning, Ben Johnson, David Huddleston, Bill McKinney, Ed Lauter), and turned them into a terrific ensemble. Topping it off was Jerry Goldsmith's outstanding score, which has just come out on CD for the first time. The main theme goes to the rhythm of the train, adding to the suspense. Magnificent! Regretfully, one has to be a Bronson fan or a true lover of the western genre in order to even know about this film. However, this is far more than a western, it's a detective story, and an extremely enjoyable one.

Outrage! (1986 TV Movie)

Good film for Preston to go out on

[9/10 · 19 February 2006]

This is a film that makes us realize there is sometimes a difference between justice and the law. Robert Preston shines as the grief-stricken father, who, after a miscarriage of justice, takes matters into his own hands, and is put on trial for it. Beau Bridges, as his attorney, realizes there's something to the fight Preson is making. Mel Ferrer, as the judge who had to let a criminal go, is outstanding. His conscience bothers him, but he abides by the law he's sworn to protect. And Burgess Meredith is a crusty as ever. Some great old pros in this one.If this film doesn't make you think, you need to watch it again.

Cimarron (1960)

A glorious failure

[10/10 · 22 August 2005]

CIMARRON didn't do well at the box-office, and what a pity. Then again, it's the story of a man who was considered to be a failure in life by those who knew him, yet, when you look at him, Yancey Cravat was the most successful man around. It took me several viewings of the film to recognize this, and for that, I'm ashamed of myself.

The 1931 version is more faithful to Edna Ferber's novel. However, this version, which contains one of Glenn Ford's best performances, is more entertaining, and has an outstanding Franz Waxman score. It's the tale of a man who lives by his own personal code, living by his conscience, and suffers the consequences for it.

CIMARRON is a film that cries to be seen in widescreen, and hopefully gets such a release in DVD. Until then, TCM is the place to watch it. Anthony Mann went from making westerns to epics, and with this film, he was in the best of both worlds.

The Unholy Three (1930)

Excellent Swan Song for Chaney

[9/10 · 22 August 2005]

Every great performer deserves a wonderful finish to their careers, and Lon Chaney got one with this remake of his 1925 classic. As a matter of fact, he topped the original, due to the fact that with sound, he was able to show his vocal versatility in addition to being The Man of a Thousand Faces. For each character he portrayed, he had differing voices, something he was (of course) unable to do in the silent era.

People have wondered what he could have done with Dracula, although it's been proved there was never any such proof Chaney was sought for the part. (Chaney was under contract to MGM, Dracula was made by Universal, and MGM wasn't about to loan out one of their top stars.) Still, MGM had some great films lined up for him, and more's the pity they never got made. No one's replaced him, nor will they.

Lonesome Dove (1989)

Sets the Standard

[10/10 · 12 June 2005]

What's there to say? This is a Damon & Phythias story of two men, who, upon hearing of a Promised Land up north, take what they have, and set out for it. One of them goes because that's where his friend is heading. It's camaraderie, love, friendship, bravery, and more, all put together with some of the best acting in a long time and of the the finest scores we'll ever hear.

Duvall's performance is legendary, but the rest of the cast is not outshone at all. They rise to the occasion and match him. It's the character of Gus we love as much as Duvall's feistiness.

Terrific performances and outstanding script make this a must-see, especially for fans of the genre. Even if you don't like westerns, you'll love LONESOME DOVE.

Finding John Christmas (2003 TV Movie)

Loved It!

[30 November 2003]

Like its predecessor, I wish I had taped this wonderful film. An outstanding film that lets us realize there's more to us than ourselves, this film allows us to see that debts (& not just monetary) need to be paid, & that our actions affect others, even in the long run.

It's great to see Peter Falk continuing in the role of Max, the angel whose work is never done, & affects so many. His minutes onscreen aren't as many, but Oh! How he makes the most of them! No offense to any other cast members, but he's the reason for watching this fine film.

This is a film to watch again & again & again!

BRAVO!

Open Range (2003)

A fine tribute to those that came before.

[20 October 2003]

Costner has evidently studied the works of Anthony Mann, as there are traces of THE FAR COUNTRY & BEND OF THE RIVER in this fine film. You have cattlemen on the move, & a man trying to bury his past. However, he doesn't brazenly attempt to copy them. Instead, he pays tribute to those excellent Mann-Stewart films, & molds his own work.

The performances are outstanding, especially Duvall, who's deserving of his second Oscar. Bening makes me wish I could find a woman like Sue Barlow.

An excellent work, & one that proves the western is not dead at all. Thank you, Kevin Costner.

The Jayhawkers! (1959)

Love it!

[10/10 · 20 May 2003]

A fun to watch western containing Fess Parker's best performance, the show is stolen by Jeff Chandler's performance as the baddie you hate to see taken down. However, as outstanding as Chandler is, the real star of the film is Jerome Moross' pulse-pounding score, which predates his legendary music for THE BIG COUNTRY. It's every bit as good, if not better. Henry Silva is (of course) scuzzy as a hired gun.

Catch it. Any western fan won't regret it.

A Town Without Christmas (2001 TV Movie)

Wish I'd taped it!

[12 March 2003]

A thoroughly enjoyable film, that hopefully will become an annual event. The network was wise enough to run it the following year, & let's hope that in 2003, they show it again. I'd love to see this one come out on video, as it's a jewel. Of course, Peter Falk steals the show.

Big Guns Talk: The Story of the Western (1997 TV Movie)

Head `em up! Move `em out!

[13 October 2002]

A fine documentary honoring the best genre there is. They did a superb job with it, & this is one to be proud of. One of the best documentaries regarding film there is. My only complaint, & of course, I know the answer to it, is that I wish it were LONGER.

The Patriot (2000)

Patriotic is more than the film---it stirs you.

[10/10 · 23 September 2002]

This film, while reminding us of where our country came from, not only does that---it makes one proud of the fact. True, it's a fictional account, but since when are we picky about films? If we are, then why watch them? They're entertainment, & this film certainly is that. It's heart-stirring, the good guys are good, the baddies are certainly are that, & it makes one proud to be an American.

I love it.

Without a Clue (1988)

Elementary!

[10/10 · 21 July 2002]

More than one of the best films of the 1980s, this is one of the funniest films ever. And I don't necessarily care for films from this era. Michael Caine is outrageous as Reginald Kincaid, the boozing, woman-chasing, actor who's hired by Dr. John Watson to pose as the fictional Sherlock Holmes while Watson solves the crimes. A laugh a minute, with hilarious dialogue & a wonderful Henry Mancini score. Not to be missed. Holmes fans might not care for it, but they need to learn to laugh.

The Magnificent Seven (1960)

More than seven in words, for sure!

[10/10 · 21 July 2002]

This is a film that has never ceased to inspire me. From Elmer Bernstein's wonderful score to the outstanding script, in my opinion this is the definitive western of the 1960s, which makes it one of the best of all time.

You know the plot, I'm sure, so I won't bore you by going into the details. However, it just all meshed so perfectly. As a matter of fact, it's well .. . magnificent. From Brenner's gunman who's generally cold, but realizes there's more to life than carrying a gun to Coburn's gunman who's the best at whatever he does (A precursor to his portraying Derek Flint?) to Bronson's mercenary who goes for the sum of $20---it's perfection to the hilt.

Don't miss it.

Jubal (1956)

A tragically underrated film

[3 July 2002]

is a perfect way to express how I feel about JUBAL. Director Delmar Daves takes an outstanding Western cast & takes a Shakespearean tragedy, then mixes the two elements. The result is not only one of the best westerns of the 1950s, but one of the best films of the decade, & one of the best westerns ever. From the performance of the entire cast, to Raskin's score, it's outstanding all around.

Don't miss this one. Just see it again & again.