This episode of "Wagon Train" deals with many issues rarely addressed in 1960s westerns: depression, anxiety, alcoholism, fidelity and the sanctity of life. Blane Wessels struggles with decisions he made during his marriage that resulted in life-changing consequences. Minna has severe thoughts of taking her own life. They find counsel in Minna's African-American housekeeper Essie. She is a very strong voice of reason and morality. And in this episode set in the mid-1800s, Essie's wise, encouraging words have even more resonance given that Essie and her relatives surely faced great oppression, and that Essie likely has relatives who are or were slaves. Yet, Essie shares her life-affirming opinions with Blake and Minna, but her message isn't Pollyannaish. That's due to the superb performance by Juanita Moore. (I recommend you watch her beautiful performance in 1959's "Imitation Of Life"). Moore doesn't look like she's acting. You truly feel what she is saying as Essie is real. I appreciate that this episode of "Wagon Train" doesn't have a false, Happily-Ever-After ending. Essie's message that every person's life is important and has a purpose will resonate with you long after you watch "The Blane Wessels Story".
Reviews
9 Reviews
42
(2013)
An Inspiring Baseball Movie That Touches All the Bases
12 April 2013
As Jackie Robinson was an excellent, multi-faceted baseball player, "42" is an excellent multi-faceted movie. Writer-director Brian Helgeland manages to artfully mix elements of drama, baseball action, humor and romance[!] while telling an important story about recent American history.
I thought it was wise for the film to focus on just a few years of Robinson's career, so that more time could be given to important scenes both on and off the field.
"42" is not called the "Jackie Robinson Story" for a reason. The movie is about more than just one man. The film shows the roles that Brooklyn Dodgers owner Branch Rickey (Harrison Ford), Robinson's wife Rachel (Nicole Beharie), and journalist Wendell Smith (Andre Holland) played in Robinson's career and life. All the actors give fine performances. And Chadwick Boseman is fantastic in portraying Robinson's determination, anxiety, anger, athleticism and courage.
I also appreciated the scenes that touched on the cultural climate in the nation. Watch for what happens between a father and his son when Robinson is introduced at a game in Cincinnati.
I thoroughly enjoyed "42". It's a film that that should be a game-winning hit with baseball fans, and those who appreciate civil rights and American history.
I thought it was wise for the film to focus on just a few years of Robinson's career, so that more time could be given to important scenes both on and off the field.
"42" is not called the "Jackie Robinson Story" for a reason. The movie is about more than just one man. The film shows the roles that Brooklyn Dodgers owner Branch Rickey (Harrison Ford), Robinson's wife Rachel (Nicole Beharie), and journalist Wendell Smith (Andre Holland) played in Robinson's career and life. All the actors give fine performances. And Chadwick Boseman is fantastic in portraying Robinson's determination, anxiety, anger, athleticism and courage.
I also appreciated the scenes that touched on the cultural climate in the nation. Watch for what happens between a father and his son when Robinson is introduced at a game in Cincinnati.
I thoroughly enjoyed "42". It's a film that that should be a game-winning hit with baseball fans, and those who appreciate civil rights and American history.
The Avengers
(2012)
A smart, slick, special-effects-stacked, super smash!
7 May 2012
I'm not sure if "The Avengers" is the best superhero movie ever, but I can't think of one that tops it! Big kudos to director Joss Whedon (screenplay), Zak Penn (script), and the other scribes for writing such an intelligent movie.
This film is MUCH more than bad guy wants to beat the good guys and rule the world. The movie expertly weaves together plot elements of recent Marvel movies "Thor", "Captain America", and "Iron Man 2". I enjoyed how each of the Avengers had scenes that enhanced their characterizations. I appreciated how the tesseract/Cosmic Cube figured into different people's motivations for securing it, so as to do evil or do good. (And not everyone agrees about which is which).
The dialogue in "The Avengers" is excellent. Robert Downey Jr. (Tony Stark/Iron Man) and Tom Hiddleston (Loki) are especially good at delivering their lines.
And what's a superhero movie without punches and explosions? The fight sequences are great and the special effects are fantastic! Congrats to the several hundred artists who made cities, landscapes, alien hordes, and the S.H.I.E.L.D. helicarrier look so realistic.
I will be seeing "The Avengers" again at a theater soon, and I'm already looking forward to Marvel Studios making "Avengers 2". You don't have to be a genius like Tony Stark to know THAT'S going to happen!
This film is MUCH more than bad guy wants to beat the good guys and rule the world. The movie expertly weaves together plot elements of recent Marvel movies "Thor", "Captain America", and "Iron Man 2". I enjoyed how each of the Avengers had scenes that enhanced their characterizations. I appreciated how the tesseract/Cosmic Cube figured into different people's motivations for securing it, so as to do evil or do good. (And not everyone agrees about which is which).
The dialogue in "The Avengers" is excellent. Robert Downey Jr. (Tony Stark/Iron Man) and Tom Hiddleston (Loki) are especially good at delivering their lines.
And what's a superhero movie without punches and explosions? The fight sequences are great and the special effects are fantastic! Congrats to the several hundred artists who made cities, landscapes, alien hordes, and the S.H.I.E.L.D. helicarrier look so realistic.
I will be seeing "The Avengers" again at a theater soon, and I'm already looking forward to Marvel Studios making "Avengers 2". You don't have to be a genius like Tony Stark to know THAT'S going to happen!
Jumping the Broom
(2011)
A Pleasant Ensemble Mix of Comedy & Drama
4 September 2011
"Jumping The Broom" has a daunting task: tell a believable, funny story about a wedding while weaving in six different subplots involving a large ensemble cast. I was pleasantly surprised how well director Salim Akil pulled it off. Is "JTB" believable? For the most part, yes. (However, the film's big secret is one I don't believe could have remained secret for so long). Is "JTB" funny? YES! I give Mike Epps and Loretta Devine kudos for not overacting and still delivering great comic moments. And thank you to the screenwriters for NOT filling a Black film with lots of slapstick. I was impressed how 14 actors/actresses received their fair share of screen time. (Though a little of Romeo's acting goes a long way.) And I must add that this is a good-looking cast! Angela Bassett (sigh!) leads a list of beautiful ladies. Laz Alonzo, Romeo and Gary Dourdan provide lots of muscles and six-pack abs (yes, I was a little jealous). And for those concerned that this movie is 'religious' because T.D. Jakes helped produce it--don't worry. The only overt Christianity in the movie involves a promise that Sabrina (Paula Patton) makes to God. While "JTB" risks going into soap opera mode a few times, the characters talked and behaved (for better or worse) like real people. Watch for a powerful scene with Mr. and Mrs. Watson that needs no dialogue. While the overall arc of the film might not surprise you, how the script gets there is a pleasant journey. So when it comes to recommending "Jumping The Broom", I happily answer: "I do."
Salt
(2010)
"SALT" has spicy action and acting, but the script and writing is bland.
4 January 2011
As a fan of action movies, I found "SALT" to be quite entertaining. The chase scenes and fight scenes are intricate and exciting. As a fan of good acting, I was impressed by Angelina Jolie, who I think is underrated as an actress because so much attention is focused on her beauty and celebrity status. Her strong and believable presence carries the movie. Kudos also to Liev Schreiber and Chiwetel Ejiofor for making their characters interesting and very believable. Good acting greatly helps me 'buy in' to the story. However, as a fan of good writing, "SALT" left me somewhat disappointed. I enjoyed the premise of the film and some of the plot twists, but the script is so full of holes, you'd think Evelyn Salt had blasted it with a machine gun! I will not mention any specific plot faults, so as to not spoil the movie for you. In conclusion, "SALT" earns an '8' for action; an '8' for acting; but only a '5' for writing. That's an average of 7, which makes "SALT" a tasty action movie worth watching.
Avatar
(2009)
Visually groundbreaking with sometimes spotty storytelling
9 March 2010
"Wow!" That's what I first thought just before removing my 3D glasses after having seen "Avatar". This film is a feast for the eyes. I know the Navi and their homeland don't really exist, but the special effects make it pretty hard for one to refute it. "Avatar" reminded me of how I felt after seeing "Star Wars" back in the Summer of 1977. For better or worse, "Avatar" will change the way big budget Sci-Fi movies are made from now on.
As for the storytelling, that left me with both admiration and confusion. Earthlings want the Navi's "unobtanium" (what a lame name!), but why do humans need this natural resource so desperately that they're willing to possibly destroy a race of beings to do so? And if you didn't know that "Avatar" director James Cameron is a super pro-ecology, ultra anti-war guy, then get ready to be hit over the head with his ideology.
Fortunately, the acting is quite good. Sam Worthington was excellent portraying Jake Sully. He presented a genuine character arc. Acting kudos also to Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Giovanni Ribisi and Stephen Lang as the hyper-hawkish U.S. colonel.
When "Avatar" is ready to be released on HD Blue Ray disc, that might be the day I finally break down and buy a Blue Ray Player! Will "Avatar" become the Sci-Fi icon that "Star Wars" is? I don't know. However, when you're the biggest box office hit in the history of movies, I believe 'The Force' to become a classic is strong with "Avatar".
As for the storytelling, that left me with both admiration and confusion. Earthlings want the Navi's "unobtanium" (what a lame name!), but why do humans need this natural resource so desperately that they're willing to possibly destroy a race of beings to do so? And if you didn't know that "Avatar" director James Cameron is a super pro-ecology, ultra anti-war guy, then get ready to be hit over the head with his ideology.
Fortunately, the acting is quite good. Sam Worthington was excellent portraying Jake Sully. He presented a genuine character arc. Acting kudos also to Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Giovanni Ribisi and Stephen Lang as the hyper-hawkish U.S. colonel.
When "Avatar" is ready to be released on HD Blue Ray disc, that might be the day I finally break down and buy a Blue Ray Player! Will "Avatar" become the Sci-Fi icon that "Star Wars" is? I don't know. However, when you're the biggest box office hit in the history of movies, I believe 'The Force' to become a classic is strong with "Avatar".
Unbreakable
(2000)
A "Comic Book" Story With Maturity and Suspense
10 November 2009
Do not dismiss "Unbreakable" as a comic book movie. Director M. Night Shyamalan uses many of the techniques that made "The Sixth Sense" so successful. Instead of graphic violence and lots of blood, he makes cameras slowly pan around corners or through slightly opened doors. He cleverly uses shadows. And in this film, Shayamalan even uses the same moody lead actor: Bruce Willis! (In one of the DVD's features, Willis says he agreed to make "Unbreakable" without even knowing what the movie was about). In this fine suspense/mystery, David Dunn (Willis) starts learning and remembering some unusual things about himself after he's involved in a major accident. Elijah Price (Samuel Jackson) is a quirky, brooding stranger who wants David to discover what these revelations mean. I think Jackson enjoys wearing unusual wigs (see "Pulp Fiction, "Formula 51/The 51st State", "Soul Men"). And Elijah Price's hair truly is unique! "Unbreakable" strikes the right balance in its seriousness while still telling a cool comic-style story. Great acting performances by David's wife Audrey (Robin Wright Penn) and his son Joseph (Spencer Treat Clark). One scene that the family shares in the kitchen is truly harrowing. Willis and Jackson are top-notch as acquaintances/adversaries/allies. And like other Shayamalan movies, what you THINK is going to happen often doesn't. A cool and creepy comic caper. *8 out of 10*
Courage Under Fire
(1996)
A Superb Film With A Fantastic Ensemble Cast
5 November 2009
If you enjoy watching fine actors excel in their craft, you owe it to yourself to see "Courage Under Fire". This Gulf War drama skillfully develops two plot lines. U.S. Army officer Nat Serling (Denzel Washington) investigates the military actions of helicopter pilot Karen Walden (Meg Ryan) to see if she's worthy of receiving the Medal Of Honor. At the same time, Serling is wrestling with his conscience regarding his own combat-related actions in the Gulf War. What delights me most about this film is the awesome acting. Nobody wastes his/her time on screen. Washington is absolutely brilliant. Ryan (who has to show many emotions as her accounts are told in "Rashomon" style) is excellent. Supporting actors Matt Damon, Michael Moriarty, Scott Glenn, Regina Taylor, and especially Lou Diamond Phillips give top-notch performances. The only minor complaint I have about "Courage Under Fire" is that I don't believe we get to see what official consequences (if there are to be any) that Serling experiences because of his combat decisions. Kudos to writer Patrick Sheane Duncan for making the characters complex and creating a real sense of drama and mystery. Kudos also to Edward Zwick ("Glory", "Legends Of The Fall") for setting scenes that can look beautiful and lyrical even when the subject matter is ugly and brutal. ***NOTE: "Courage Under Fire" was released in the Summer of 1996, which history shows is too early in the year to be nominated for an Oscar. In my opinion, of the five films that were nominated, the only movie that "Courage" should have replaced in the nominations was "The English Patient", which won the Oscar.*** "Courage Under Fire" is superb, and is one of my 100 All-Time Favorite Films. I gladly rate it 9 out of 10.
What's The Fear of Intelligent Design?
4 November 2009
Warning: Spoilers
I give credit to Ben Stein for exposing the hypocrisy of many people teaching and running U.S. colleges and universities. It's okay to question aspects of a scientific THEORY, unless the theory is Evolution. "Expelled" shows how some teachers or professors who merely mention or introduce the theory of Intelligent Design are fired from their jobs. The unintentional humor in the movie happens when Stein asks Darwinists how life began. One gentleman says he doesn't know. Another one says it started with crystals[!]. Another anti-I.D. scholar says it's possible that a master race of beings from somewhere else in the universe (think: alien Gods) came to our planet and created all life on Earth! "Expelled" also discusses eugenics (the selective breeding of races). While I found that section very interesting, I think the film unfairly gives the impression that Darwinists/pro-evolutionists are inclined to condone the horrid beliefs of eugenicists like Adolf Hitler and Margaret Sanger. "Expelled" also could have done a better job in explaining just what Intelligent Design is. However, I found the film to be informative and eye-opening. How can some scientists and academic administrators feel justified in silencing those who simply suggest that there might be another THEORY regarding the creation of life? I thought it was the responsibility of scientists to test and question theories. Darwin's THEORY of evolution and his book "The Origin of the Species" has for some reason become recognized by many as irrefutable fact. It is NOT a fact. Thanks to Ben Stein for having the guts to say it.
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