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Reviews
Gidget Goes to Rome (1963)
Weakest of the Three Movies
Although this movie is the weakest of the three Gidget films, it's still a fun view. James Darren is back again as 'Moondoggy' - always a good thing. It's also nice to see the Rome of the early 60s, Cesar Danova is gorgeous, and Jessie Royce Landis is charming. Cindy Carol? Not too much of an actress and definitely second rate compared to Sandra Dee and Deborah Walley. The girl was two-dimensional all of the way through the movie. However, she didn't have as much to work with, script-wise, as the other two actresses, so I'm not sure that it's totally fair to compare them. Being the third sequel, what should we expect, after all? Still, it is a fun movie and actually has some funny bits that are intentional (and some that are unintentional, but not surprising given how old the movie is). If you liked the first two 'Gidget' movies, you'll probably enjoy this one, as well. Just don't expect too much in the way of great acting, slick plot lines, and scintillating conversation.
Hans Christian Andersen (1952)
A delight for the whole family.
A fictional account of the life of storyteller Hans Christian Andersen. First, if you haven't read his stories, then you probably won't appreciate this movie as much as you should. It's a perfect excuse to read them with your family, then watch the movie. Second, if you're expecting a sophisticated, adult-oriented story, you will be disappointed; however, the morals to Hans' stories, as well as the movie's lessons, are very worthy. That said, the musical numbers are an absolute delight -- Danny Kaye never fails to deliver a wonderful performance, and where else can you learn to sing stories, instead of tell them, for your children? -- and the ballets are great for this venue. We even get to see the movie's choreographer dance in one of the numbers. This movie was nominated for several Oscars. It deserved those nominations. Don't skip this one, especially if you have small children.
Ziegfeld Follies (1945)
A series of Ziegfeld-inspired production numbers and skits.
A glimpse of what the Ziegfeld Follies must have been like for those of us who are too young (which is most of us now, I suppose) to have ever been privileged to have seen a show. Some of the numbers are done tongue-in-cheek, some are done seriously, and some are just plain, straight-forward wonderful. The production numbers are typically lavish, as befits a Ziegfeld number, with lots of beautiful women and many of Ziegfeld's biggest and best stars. A must see for old movie musical lovers and especially Gene Kelly and/or Fred Astaire fans, since this is the one and only time you will see these two great dancers dance together on screen. There's a number done by the genuine Fanny Brice for all of you Barbra Streisand fans to check out, as well. And, of course, let's not forget Judy Garland, Lena Horne, Kathryn Grayson, Red Skelton, Lucille Bremer, Esther Williams, and, yes, Lucille Ball with a whip (although she's dressed in a pink ballgown, not in black).
Kung Fu: The Legend Continues (1992)
A great sequel to the classic series Kung Fu
David Carradine plays his original character's grandson, also named Kwai Chang Caine, who has a son of his own, Peter, played by the wonderful Chris Potter. The two are separated for many years, thinking each other dead. When Caine and Peter accidentally find each other again in a large U.S. city, the two must work through their many personal and cultural differences -- Caine is a Shaolin Priest (of course), but Peter has grown up to become a cop with an attitude. The hardest part , they find, is learning to be father and son once more. The struggle for Peter to remember his earlier teachings and adjust to his father's abrupt appearance in his life, and for Caine to accept an adult son who has a mind of his own and an adopted family who knew nothing about his past or about his Shaolin beginnings is a great premise. Their growth and conflicts are beautifully portrayed by two very, very good actors, and the supporting characters/actors are wonderful.