mazinman-1 Reviews

First Cow (2019)

Could've Been So Much More

[6/10 · 21 October 2023]

This film was let down by the cinematography, plain & simple. The film is purposely shot under-exposed for effect, with the low light & night scenes totally disappearing into the shadows on my TV, resulting in audio only. This is most unfortunate, as the story, script, and acting deserve so much more. This is an interesting, quirky little movie that could've been so much more. Also, the film's aspect ratio was needlessly shortened down for what reason I do not know. I was surprised as well to see so many heavy-weight actors attached to this movie, all the more reason the producers should've brought on a qualified cinematographer that would've served the greater whole. Too bad. This movie could've been so much more.

The Train (1964)

No Expense Spared, No Shortcuts.

[10/10 · 29 July 2023]

As an avid WWII movie buff, I'm not sure how The Train was out there all these years and I never saw or even heard of it. I had only been watching The Train for 9 minutes or so when I saw that this movie stood out for its time (1964). Typical in this era of movie-making is lots of use of rear screen projection and/or miniatures/models for potentially expensive scenes. But director John Frankenheimer was able to employ actual, period correct, old train engines, destined for the scrapyard, for destruction or derailment on camera. The use of these relics makes The Train's production value go up immensely. I can't imagine how this movie would've been made with early 60s technology without real trains being destroyed or derailed. Also worth mentioning is the use of the same rail-yards locations and rail tracks that were used in WWII.

Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003)

Oh How I'd Wish They'd Make Another of These!

[10/10 · 13 June 2023]

This movie is what big budget, Hollywood movies are all about. M&C:FSOTW is easily in my top 5 favorite movies of all time, along with Shawshank, Gladiator & Road to Perdition. This is one of those rare movies where everything comes together in perfection: script, direction, sound, editing, cinematography, & acting. Too bad it did not have a larger audience in theaters to generate the intended franchise. Russell Crowe carries this movie with aplomb and command (pardon the pun). The whole cast is so believable in each of their parts. One of those rare movies where you feel like you're looking through a window back in time - so real and believable.

Generation Kill (2008)

Accurate to the Nth Detail

[10/10 · 3 June 2023]

I'm not sure why I had not heard of this significant production, but now that I have seen it, I think it's easily a high quality, contemporary version of "Band of Bros" as seen through the context of Operation Desert Storm. As a retired US Navy guy who worked closely with the USMC, I found GK to be so spot on - from the incredible production values, the military jargon, the acting, script, to the cinematography - all were of the highest caliber. I hope GK was richly awarded after it's release, because it is worthy of praise on every level. The ensemble cast brought their "A"-game, and the dynamics and dialogue between the characters should be studied by every film school student. I can't give Generation Kill a high enough rating or endorsement.

Avengers: Endgame (2019)

What Movie-Making is All About: The Infinity Saga is a Masterpiece!

[10/10 · 10 April 2021]

If you ever get the opportunity to watch ALL of the MCU movies back-to-back, in time-line order, please do so. The sweep, impact, and momentum from each movie carries over to the final climax of Infinity Wars & End Game. Wow! I just finished watching all 22 of the MCU movies in plot-line time order on Disney+ (over a week) and was fundamentally floored as to the depth and breadth of these movies and the linking story line(s). What MCU has done is paradigm shifting to the motion picture industry. For example, to think that a minor, seemingly throw-away plot point(s), in the first few movies could be later utilized as a significant plot vehicle in later movies is ingenious in its execution. The forethought and planning in the multiple plot arcs across multiples movies is groundbreaking. Certainly, never has this consistant and exceptional level of movie-making ever been done across so many movies of the same common plot: the acting, cinematography, VFX, sound, editing, etc, etc. I can think of no modern literary work that is as deep and intellectual as these movies...and all from a comic book(s)!

Eighth Grade (2018)

Sensitive, Heartfelt Teen Struggle

[9/10 · 13 November 2020]

I had so many emotions while watching Eighth Grade, from my heart aching as a father of two adult girls, returning to those difficult teen years, and then to my young teen self in junior high school who went through many of challenging things Kayla did (didn't we all?). Eighth Grade connects on so many levels. But first, a standing ovation for the lead actress, Elsie Fisher, as Kayla. Such a performance worthy of her Golden Globe nomination. Watching this movie was like watching a documentary. Josh Hamilton also turns in a note worthy role as Kayla's father. In the beginning of the movie I felt frustrated with all the teens buried in their respective phones, wondering if this technology is apart of what ails our culture, but in the second half of the movie Kayla redeems that fear by opening up to her father and figuratively putting the iPhone down. This is a movie to be watched by all families with young teens as a launch point for further dialogue into complicated issues like sex, boys, self-esteem, and honesty.

Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)

THE Greatest Teen Comedy Movie Ever Made

[10/10 · 13 November 2020]

Ferris Bueller's Day Off has stood the test of time and is as clever and witty today as it was when it first came out in 1986. The perfect teen movie, where every adult in the film is portrayed as a buffoon or imbecile. FBDO captures the warmth and angst of teens with humor, depth, and heart. One of Hughes's masterpieces that should be watched in every cinema studies class in film school. A pièce de résistance in casting. FBDO has enormously contributed and impacted US pop culture in so many ways and on too many levels to state. A national treasure.

Monrovia, Indiana (2018)

Almost Magical and Hypnotizing

[8/10 · 2 June 2019]

I DVR'ed this show on a whim and then found myself captivated by this snapshot of Middle America. It gives an accurate representation of the 'Flyover Country" of the United States, on almost every level of life, from the farmer, high school, church, barber shop, etc. There is something compelling about the photography and story presented, and yet there is no narration.

The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017–2023)

A Cute Novelty at First, Now Just Trashy

[5/10 · 23 May 2019]

TMMM was good in the first season, with the show setting up all the characters and plot points. It was cute, well-acted, and somewhat clever. However, in the second season, I have found myself not finishing episodes and, ultimately not finishing the season, and had to stop and wonder what was going on, why did I feel this way. Some how I found the ever vulgar Madge wearing thin, not due to her acting creds, but to the trailer-park script. I find naughty humor funny like the next person but what started off as a clever season one has now devolved to become laborious.

Mars (2016–2018)

Propaganda on an Industrial Scale

[2/10 · 11 December 2018]

The techno-geek execution of the Mars series is exceptional, but the climate-change political agenda, preachy-ness, anti-American, anti-NASA, anti-capitalism overt message is nauseating. I'm not sure who or what audience NatGeo was targeting, clearly it was not the average American viewer. The shotgun-to-the-face approach that capitalism and America is evil is more than unsettling. Am I to understand from the plot, that NASA doesn't exist in the near future? And the multi-billions of $$ it would take to colonize Mars, should, and would, only be realized through tax dollars of those interested countries, without any evil capitalist investment or industry?

When this series was put together, around the same time the US dropped out of the Paris Climate Accords (Jun 2017), it is fortuitous that now, at broadcast time (Dec 2018), the Paris Riots are occurring over the forced French climate-change taxation of the low and middle class.

I began watching the Mars series last year with an open mind, realizing there was a left-leaning political agenda, but felt I could overlook NatGeo's position somewhat. However, tonight's episode (12/11/18) was so ridiculously over-the-top that I no longer can remain silent.

NatGeo has evolved from what once was a science learning endeavor to an over-the-top climate-change political platform. I'm so glad our family canceled its NatGeo magazine subscription some years ago. Now the only thing left to do is to drop NatGeo from our cable line-up.

Anne with an E (2017–2019)

Exceptional Television

[9/10 · 26 May 2017]

First, it is inevitable that this latest CBC series of A of GG be compared to the beloved 80s version. The 1st version being such a Canadian/US cult classic. Even though A of GG is a Canadian story, and Canadian production, there is no question A of GG has gone on to be a favorite of all of North America. As successful as the 1st version was, there's no denying that Amybeth McNulty is the very embodiment of L. M. Montgomery's title character Anne of Green Gables. I began to watch this series on Netflix with a suspicious eye. After all who could possible remake the original of the 80s or fully flesh-out the Anne character as well as Megan Follows did? But sure enough if they didn't pull it off. McNulty is Anne to another degree. Not necessarily a better Anne but certainly a more developed, fuller Anne. And Geraldine James certainly IS a better Marilla than Collen Dewhurst, more refined and less smoky sounding. James does well at the 'ice queen' character and brings a nuance as she begins to thaw emotionally to the unstoppable McNulty. Production wise, this version seems to be more grittier and more realistic than the first. The supporting cast also all live up to the tall order of a remake. I found myself binge-watching all 7 episodes, then dragged my wife to the TV and watched them all over again with her. Don't miss this special treasure!

Bridget Jones's Baby (2016)

Waste of Time

[3/10 · 5 May 2017]

I thought the first Bridget Jones movie was cute enough (barely) and expected pretty much this issue to be along the same lines but quickly found it to be unnecessarily vulgar and profane. I'm fine with the use of 4-letter words when they're motivated by the character and/or plot, however, the foul language in BJB is gratuitous, ridiculous, and distracting. And I haven't even gotten to the plot or acting yet! BJB is supposed to be a comedy but I didn't chuckle during the whole film. Renee Zellweger needs the right vehicle to display her talents and I don't think the BJ movies do her that service. Her co-stars are more than capable to carry the movie, assuming they are served with a reasonable story. Also, I think BJB story line misses Hugh Grant's character and the way the writers made his convenient death at the beginning of the movie is a little silly and contrived. All-in-all, BJB was a disappointment and it didn't need to be.

Stevie (2002)

Fascinating insight into a wayward life on the margins of society

[8/10 · 28 January 2017]

A gripping, if not tragic, documentary about a person on the fringes of society. The title subject, Stevie, is a child born as a result of his mother's infidelity and with subtle mental issues. Abandoned early in life, Stevie bounces from foster home to foster home, all while being sexually, mentally, and physically abused along the way. A documentary film maker, Steve James, returns to rural southern Illinois to catch up on the boy he befriended as an advocate big brother 10 years prior, only to find Stevie has made 10 years worth of poor choices, criminal acts, and associated with the wrong crowd. The film unfolds through two and half hours to give the details of the consequence of Stevie's choices. The film maker wrestles with the moral dilemma of not judging Stevie, remaining his advocate big brother and at the same time using Stevie as a subject of his documentary film.

Six (2017–2018)

Such a Disappointment

[4/10 · 19 January 2017]

I had high expectations for "SIX", with The Weinstein Company producing and after seeing "Lone Survivor" and other programs that Peter Berg has been apart of, but Six was a let down. OK, I didn't expect a nursery rhyme but the sex, killing, and language were totally at a level I didn't expect with a program from The History Channel. Also, it appears the producers focused on real-life SEAL tactics and forgot about content and plot. The stereotypes were so layered and numerous that I turned the show off at the 30 minute mark and canceled future recordings in my DVR. Which is a shame because I think the SEAL story in general is a story that needs to be told. The actors all have great reputations (i.e. Walton Goggins) but are led astray by a poor script and production misses. I didn't expect US Navy cooperation in 'Six', given the subject matter, but was it that hard to shoot the series in Va Beach, rather than Wilmington NC standing in for Va Beach? Was the target audience 16-18 year old males? If so, I guess 'Six' was/is a success.

A Summer Story (1988)

A moving tale of romance, obligation, and conscience, worthy of a box of tissues.

[9/10 · 8 January 2017]

I first saw this great little movie a few years ago while overseas in the Middle East on a late night movie channel that carried older "B" movies. I was so mesmerized with this tale, when it was over I spent 30 minutes long distance on the phone with my wife explaining the plot. When I got back to the States I some how found an old DVD of the movie on the internet and bought it immediately. My wife and I watched this wonderful movie again recently (Jan 2017) and ended up crying together all over again! A Summer Story is so well cast (Imogen Stubbs in the lead female role and James Wilby as the lead male) and with a story that is so beautifully written. The production values are extremely well done that you feel transported to the 1904 Dartmoor countryside and the lovely coastal town of Torquay. Beware to be supplied with a box of tissues for the plot climax at the end!

Technical Note: The DVD this viewer watched had high contrast, with narrow dynamic range, resulting in poor image detail in the shadows and highlights, and loss of screen resolution. Film chain transfer is of low quality and accomplished on a non-CCD device, with no digital post-transfer correction, and displayed reverse screen vignetting.

Roots (2016)

Such a Distortion of History and Inaccurate

[5/10 · 31 May 2016]

The stereotypes in this "Roots" remake are sickly abundant and prolific. At least the first "Roots" production had the excuse of not knowing any better because Al Gore hadn't invented the internet yet. In this version all White people are not just bad but sinister, all Christians are evil and kooky, and all Southerners are rednecks. Seriously, does no one in Hollywood have the guts to make a realistic and accurate slave story? A slave story where the kind Christian master takes care of his slaves because it was prudent to do so? The repetitive and nauseatingly sadistic portrayal of White people in this "Roots" gets tedious and old and betrays the reality so diligently recorded in history. This "Roots" reboot reeks of someone's agenda, as it has too powerful of a propaganda message to be benign. And lastly, Louisiana does not look like Virginia, by any stretch of the imagination. Just one more thing to add to a growing list of ridiculous and credibility checking items quickly out-pacing my patience with this mini-series. The only saving grace in this offensive wretch is watching Forest Whitaker's performance.

Love & Mercy (2014)

What a Let Down

[3/10 · 15 September 2015]

I bought Love & Mercy today and watched it with a totally open mind, having heard and read positive things about the movie. But unfortunately I found Love & Mercy over wrought and as though the director were on an ego trip. For example, what's up with all of the wandering around of Brian Wilson's character; whether as the younger Brian or as the older, he wanders around aimlessly as the camera trucks in for close-ups. I found it way too monotonous. I realize the story tellers were trying to portray mental illness but the technique was so over used I found myself looking for the DVD remote so I could fast- forward through the slog after the millionth time of the method. And let's talk about casting: the use of Paul Dano and John Cusack as both younger/older Brian Wilson definitely did not work for this viewer. Not only was this the wrong idea, but both Cusack and Dano are not right for the lead. Finally, Paul Giamatti, bless his heart, is an incredible actor but was miscast as Dr. Landy. Paul Giamatti in a wig is Paul Giamatti in a wig! I'm not sure what was in the mind of director Bill Pohlad but it did not translate to me whatsoever. What a waste of good talent and potentially an awesome soundtrack. I kept waiting to hear so some great (and historical) Beach Boys tunes but only got teased throughout the movie for the most part.

Avatar (2009)

What a Let Down

[1/10 · 12 September 2015]

Avatar has to be the most over-hyped, underwhelmed movie in the last 10 years. I've come to expect hyperbole from James Cameron but Avatar takes the cake. What a huge mistake. This movie deserves every negative comment and review written. Clearly Cameron's ego got the better of him in this depressing drivel. Over acted, over special effected, and over done. I'm sure it was over-budget too. Never has motion capture been given such a bad rap as in Avatar. If this is the future of movie making then I'll be staying home to watch reruns of the Andy Griffith show on TVLand. And then I heard today Cameron learned nothing from the baby seal clubbing he got from the critics of Avatar and is now making a sequel. Wow! It just goes to show that if you make half a billion $ on a 2h30m soap opera called Titanic there is no where else to go but down to the bottom.

Top Gun (1986)

If Nothing Else, Watch the Beautiful Aerial Photography!

[6/10 · 28 June 2015]

Broke new ground for aircraft camera mounts. Flight deck photography, catapult launches, and air- to-air cinematography are some of the best in the business. Raised the Hollywood aerial photography bar by many, many levels.

This movie alone was responsible for an entirely new generation of U. S. Navy aviators and flight officers enlisting in the Navy. Top Gun made the F-14 Tomcat the king of the fight deck, compared with other aircraft. Added new slang dialogue to the American English lexicon; the Top Gun references were endless when around military people, and specifically Navy people, in the 90s. And you can still hear people say "negative Ghostwriter", "Goose, we're hit!" around town.

Selma (2014)

Could Have Been Good/Turned Into a Major Disappointment

[4/10 · 5 May 2015]

After watching the Academy Awards last Feb I greatly anticipated watching Selma but man, was I ever so disappointed. I found it trite, full of stereotypes, overacted, and misdirected.

As a child of the 60s, who lived in deep Georgia, I was looking for an accurate historical representation, if not a reasonable hyperbole of the time. I got neither in Selma. It was painful to watch for the first few minutes and proceeded to get worse from there.

David Oyelowo is a fine actor but I think he was done wrong by the director, Ava DuVernay, who is clearly over her head in this film. If I'm not mistaken, this is DuVernay's first time up as director of a major motion picture (if ever) and I get the sense this is a student film. Not only is the directing amateurish but the blocking and shot selection feels forced and from a neophyte.

Its a shame, because I had so much hope and wanted so much more for this story of Dr. MLK, Jr. I guess we'll just have to wait for the next go around, if there is one. Hopefully next time, however, the studio will select a seasoned professional to direct.

Land Girls (2009–2011)

Reasonable Series but Beware of Stereotypes

[6/10 · 4 May 2015]

I enjoyed "Land Girls" well enough but got a little tired of the "obnoxious American" stereotype. The character development of specific roles was fleshed out a fair amount, some more than others, but all-in-all pretty well.

The young American corporal that takes advantage of the young WLA girl was a little forced, as were most of the American roles. The imposed American segregation was hit over the viewer's head like battle-axe; and the loud, demanding American ordnance defense contractor wore thin. It seemed it would have been a good opportunity to show how generous the American GIs were famous for being when contributing to local British families or throwing benefits for the numerous orphans moved to the country-side.

The shining stars were definitely the leading ladies of the series. Especially of note was the fine acting prowess of Susan Cookson as Esther Reeves, the senior WLA lady, and her specific moral challenges she encounters. In contrast, Celine Hizli (Connie Carter) performed her role with the finesse of a D-Day invasion. Interesting to watch Mykola Allen (Martin Reeves) mature through the series as his real-life puberty developed in real-time on screen.

I binged watch on Netflix so Land Girls had little more impact than watching it as a weekly TV series. I think it would have moved a little too slowly if I had to drudge along week to week.

North & South (2004)

Outdoes The Famous Pride & Prejudice (Collin Firth)!

[10/10 · 2 May 2015]

As a fan of Pride and Prejudice I love these old British tales from Victorian England such as Jane Austen and Eliz Caskell. I kind of stumbled into North and South and was floored on how well it is done.

The BBC takes enormous pains to develop each character to a fine depth and endearment and fleshes out all the nuances. The subdued feelings and manners of the time and the repressed and polite discourse; then it is finessed into a wonderful emotional crescendo at the end.

I was hysterically crying when my WIFE walked in after binge watching all four hours on Netflix. How wonderful it is done! And I thought P&P was the benchmark! No longer.

Yes, I went to USC Film School and worked in the film industry for awhile but that did nothing to suspend my thoughts of today and be swept back to 1845 England. Both lead actors do superb jobs in their roles and the technical aspects of a mill town of the Industrial Revolution is well crafted and adeptly displayed. Job well done BBC!

The Last Ship (2014–2018)

Unrealistic Portrayal of U. S. Navy

[1/10 · 23 June 2014]

The commanding officer needs a shave, enlisted and officers eat in the same galley, they mis-pronounce "Norfolk" (it's Narw-fuk, not Norr-fork), etc, etc. Did they even have ONE Navy adviser on set? What's with the "Russian" helicopters being either an American Sikorsky or French Aerospatiale? This stuff is so easy to get right nowadays, do we really have to sit through such stupid U. S. Navy representation? Was CHINFO in on this?! And all of this was in the first 12 minutes! By the way, the Navy doesn't say "XO is on the bridge". Only the skipper of the vessel is afforded this recognition. I could say so much more but I will hold back.

Chasing the Horizon (2006)

Interesting Enough But Post-Production Let Them Down

[5/10 · 25 November 2009]

The biggest beef I have with this movie is with the post-production and sound sweetening. Who was responsible for the annoying rock & roll sound track throughout the film? I realize the target audience is young males but the music is incessant and starts to become Chinese water torture after awhile. Also, the audio levels were all over the place and I frequently couldn't hear what some people were saying either because they weren't potted up enough or they were drowned out by the music track being too hot. The post-production is almost at a student-film level quality. What a missed opportunity, because all the elements for a good documentary were there(dramatic story & competent camera work), it just wasn't supported by the post-production effort.

Skyjacked (1972)

Really bad, even for 1972. Don't waste your time.

[2/10 · 11 November 2009]

I stumbled on this movie on TCM one slow afternoon and was surprised I never heard of it with so many big names in the cast. I can see why the director, John Guillermin, didn't do anything substantial after this lame duck. Even the most rudimentary aviation credibility is lost in this film, from the ridiculous flying skills obviously exaggerated for the movie, to the laughable aviation radio-speak, and finally the cockpit not even close to resembling anything like a Boeing 707.

The plot is full of holes large enough to fly a 707 through. Like the Soviet fighters didn't know the airliner was 'civilian' until Charlton Heston drops the landing gear. Huh? Does anyone know how many miles it is from Anchorage to Moscow? Almost 4500! And I didn't even know James Brolin could over-act to this degree. I could go on and on but won't.

My tolerance for 1970's disaster movies is fairly high but this movie is totally intolerable to the point of laughable. And what's with the flashbacks?! Did the script mandate all the profanity and silly dialogue? It's almost as though the director wanted to make "an adult film" and used profanity to prove the point.