ntvnyr30 Reviews

The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

Entertaining but...

[7/10 · 12 September 2022]

I only saw this because my wife has it on DVD. I thought Anne Hathaway did a fine job as did Meryl Streep and Emily Blunt. However as we all know Streep's portrayal is based on Anna Wintour, who is the Editor for "Vanity Fair".

Because my mind is in tune with the culture and politics, I just saw this film in another way: all of these snoots at Runway love humanity, but they hate people. And in real life--especially in the one party city of NY--they all vote Democrat. This is not just sophistry: Anna Wintour refused to put Melania Trump on the cover of "VF". So much for the party for the "little people".

Mr. Holland's Opus (1995)

Failed attempt at a Feel-good film

[2/10 · 26 June 2022]

Firstly, I know nothing about music or conducting. I had heard about this film for years and was looking forward to watching it tonight commercial-free on BYU. I think it started out decently but when they played the downbeat, ultra-hated "Imagine" during the Vietnam War montage, my opinion started to turn. I used to be a Lennon fan but when he joined the communist movement in the 70's in NYC, he's now my least favorite Beatle.

Another thing that made my stomach turn was the depiction of the Democrat POTUS--LBJ--versus the GOP presidents. There was a noble voiceover of the corrupt and crass LBJ which was juxtaposed against Richard Nixon resigning, Gerald Ford slipping down stairs and Ronald Reagan with a goofy look on his face. The film lost me completely at that point.

Dreyfuss was good but his character was not sympathetic to me at all. He snarled at his son constantly and wasn't that kind to some of his students. He was self-indulgent and surly.

I didn't find this film inspiring at all. The film was too long and didn't hold my interest. More leftist nonsense, and Hollywood wonders why no one wants to see their crappy films anymore.

The King of Staten Island (2020)

Staten Island in the 21st Century

[1/10 · 11 May 2022]

As a native Staten Islander, I was mildly curious what this Davidson character planned as an homage to the place of my birth. This is the same guy who, on Saturday Night Live, made fun of a wounded warrior member of Congress who lost an eye in battle and had to retract it on a subsequent broadcast. I don't get the appeal of Davidson since he doesn't look or act as anyone I knew growing up on Staten Island.

Frankly, watching the first scene--on free preview thank goodness--made me turn it off almost immediately. Who drives on the highway and covers his eyes, causing a major crash? I think all the tattoo ink has gone to his head. Speaking of tats, no real man has a tattoo of Hillary Clinton on his person, like Davidson has.

Davidson is a disgrace to all the hard working, mostly Republican, citizens of Staten Island. What a jerk.

Tucker: The Man and His Dream (1988)

A Forgotten Coppola Gem

[9/10 · 8 February 2022]

I've seen this film many times before but did not have it in my collection until yesterday. I showed it to my wife who had never seen it before and she loved it. She loved the optimism of Mr. Tucker and the upbeat score by the great--and underrated--Joe Jackson. The typical questions arose when people discover they've never seen a great, small film like this: when did this come out? Why have I never heard of it before? Did this win any awards?

America needs a film like this today more than ever to remind us that we are still one of the few countries where people can succeed on a dream. Unfortunately, the darker flip side of America was also on display here--the professional politicians (whatever happened to citizen politicians?) like Senator Ferguson, played by Jeff Bridges' father Lloyd, who protect the entrenched companies by whom they are likely getting rich. It's sad that the same thing is occurring now with the mainstream media, big tech and the government by silencing opposite opinions.

Jeff Bridges gives a great performance of Mr. Tucker as a hammy promoter. Martin Landau is sublime as Tucker's business manager. Landau starts out as a cynical New Yorker looking to make a buck but eventually grows to like and admire Tucker's dreams. Joan Allen was luminescent as Tucker's wife. The supporting cast--Forrest, Mako, and Slater--were all great.

This is not just a good story, it's great filmmaking that is shot like a commercial and with very inventive segues and overlays.

This film typifies what films were from the 30's to the 60's: upbeat, optimistic and (mostly) full of American pride and can-do spirit. It's no surprise that my wife thought it completely foreign judging by the extremely dark nature of modern films in your local theater.

This is a film you should have in your collection.

As Good as It Gets (1997)

"There are Jews at My Table"

[8/10 · 6 February 2022]

Really Jack you haven't seen Jews before in NYC until today? Amazing.

This film overall is good, but for cringeworthy scenes like the above--and others--my rating has decreased over the years. Another scene is when Helen Hunt is telling the doctor about her asthmatic child's experiences in the ER, saying that after one full-blown attack, the ER doc gave the child the wrong kind of antibiotic. Well, you don't give an antibiotic for an asthma attack. This is not necessarily a script oversight, unfortunately I've seen this in medical practice where the docs throw it all against the wall and see what sticks. And naturally the patient thinks this is the standard of care but I digress.

Helen Hunt was especially annoying in this film. Nicholson's character was obviously off his head, but Hunt would get annoyed at the tamest slight.

Good film and good performances from Kinnear, Nicholson and Cuba Gooding.

Breaking Bad (2008–2013)

On second thought...

[8/10 · 30 April 2021]

I watched the entire series 3 years ago and rated it a "10". Then I moved to Albuquerque--nothing to do with the show--and I noticed what a total dump this city is and how the filth is whitewashed on the show. Also, the family dynamic of the Whites is very constrained. The family scenes are painful to watch--like they are total strangers to each other. Skyler's character is annoying. Finally, my second viewing of Bryan Cranston has been negatively affected by his embracement of left-wing politics and roles (i.e. Playing the communist writer Dalton Trumbo). I was watching a film with Amy Adams the other day and I said how much I liked her. Why? She's attractive, she's a great actress, she gave up her first class seat on a plane to a soldier and she doesn't advertise her politics. The last is especially important: you don't want to piss off half of Americans, unless you're a moron.

In conclusion, the writing and the plots of "Breaking Bad" are second to none--especially in Seasons 3-5 but the family scenes are much too slow and for the reasons listed above, this show is an 8/10, down from 10/10. "Breaking Bad" should not be the 4th highest rated show, "The Sopranos" is much more deserving of that distinction.

The Cotton Club (1984)

I don't understand all the hate

[9/10 · 4 October 2020]

This is a great film. As I said in another review of a Coppola film, he reminds me of a modern-day Orson Welles in how he "sells the ranch" to make a film, a labor of love. He is just as artistic and original as Welles.

In this film he balances two separate stories expertly: the mobsters who frequent the Cotton Club and the performers who dance for them. Props to the Hines brothers and the gorgeous Lonette McKee for their performances. In fact, the whole cast is stellar. I was surprised at the Razzie for Diane Lane--there was nothing wrong with her performance from what I can tell after multiple viewings. I thought the weakest link was her lover--Richard Gere. The relationship between Bob Hoskins and Fred Gwynne was well documented but how great was Mr. Gwynne?! I am glad that he was cast in such a role because he is extremely talented and was unfortunately tied to his Herman Munster role--which he was great in.

The final tap dance montage is outstanding, and yes is reminiscent of the Godfather baptism scene but it is still superb.

In closing, this is not unlike a chaotic Welles film ("Othello") where everything went wrong yet a classic was still made. The same thing occurred on "Apocalypse Now". Coppola showed that he still had the talent to produce another great film, 12 years after "The Godfather". I preferred the original version--just like "Apocalypse"--but either version still packs a punch after all these years

Below Deck: The One Where Jen Loses Her Mind (2017) Season 5, Episode 13

So Obvious...

[8/10 · 28 May 2020]

I totally pegged the primary, Timothy Sykes. He is a penny stock trader and made millions that started in college. He embodies "new money" in his whole lack of class--i.e. he holds his fork like an ape. He is so arrogant that he actually took money off the tip in front of the crew when he was first on board in a previous season. I looked him up and he got his investment money from his Bah Mitzvah. 'Nuff said.

Casino (1995)

Disliked it more and more since it was first released

[3/10 · 15 September 2019]

I saw this when it was first released and it has not exactly grown on me. Scorsese peaked with "Goodfellas" and tried to re-create that magic with the same screenwriter, Nicholas Pileggi. He cast his usual trusty team of DeNiro and Pesce and Sharon Stone to play Ginger. The best of these was Stone, who reminded me of a lot of fake, greedy women I met in Las Vegas. DeNiro's character was just not likeable or sympathetic to me. Pesce was over-the-top psychopathic and his attempt at a Chicago accent was probably accurate, but annoying and distracting. James Woods was great as the slimeball Lester. I thought the affair between Stone and the much shorter Pesce was comical. The violence was too much, causing my date to shudder. Did we really need to see one of the gangsters spitting on the hero? Do we need to give the weak minded more examples of depravity?

Sex and the City (1998–2004)

Brought to you by Marlboro

[3/10 · 28 April 2018]

My fiancée has me watching "Sex and the City" and we are currently on the 3rd season and I noticed Sarah Jessica Parker listed as a producer. I can't believe that she would help perpetuate her own insipid, whiny character, Carrie. She is the least interesting of the 4 ladies. She wants her shining knight but then cavalierly sleeps with numerous men. She acts like such a screeching brat that I can see why Mr. Big married someone else. She smokes everywhere--at a skating rink, in other people's houses and even at an outdoor funeral. The show depicts NYC as a do-what-you-want type of place, but it's so restrictive thanks to Mayor Bloomberg that you can't even smoke in Central Park lest a skating rink!

Miranda's character is the second least appealing. She is a smug know-it-all feminist lawyer who is in actuality self-conscious and not at all as confident as she seems.

The reason why I continue to watch is for Kim Cattrall's character Samantha who is given the most entertaining role of all 4 women. She gets into the most hilarious situations and lightens the script from the two doom and gloom characters above. I also like Charlotte who is sweet and probably out of her league in cutthroat NYC.

The show over-glamorizes the one-party borough, nanny-city of Manhattan.

Alien: Covenant (2017)

Another home run for Sir Ridley Scott

[9/10 · 10 January 2018]

I had the pleasure of seeing the original "Alien" in the theater in 1979 and thoroughly enjoyed "Prometheus". Unfortunately, the latter received a lot of unjust flak in the media. Michael Fassbender stole the show in Prometheus and does it again in "Alien: Covenant" as Walter/David. This is much more suspenseful that "Prometheus" and Scott builds the tension appropriately. Any film made by Sir Ridley and which stars Michael Fassbender can't miss. Just one more thing, Tennessee is a terrible pilot. The ending is awesome. Don't miss this film.

Monday Mornings (2013)

Wow

[10/10 · 8 December 2017]

Great show! Great characters! Great plots! I am a physician and have been through "Monday Morning"-type scenarios but not as dramatic. Alfred Molina was superb as the Chief of Staff. I found myself laughing out loud at Dr. Park's character. What a pity indeed that this only lasted 1 season. I wish David Kelley read these reviews because this show was universally loved.

Hollywood on Trial (1976)

Hollywood Ten Heroes? More like zeros

[6/10 · 10 November 2017]

I saw this on TCM and it was introduced by Ben Mankiewicz who called this the "darkest period" in American history. The House Un-American Activities Committee investigated Hollywood for communist influences and the result was the infamous "Hollywood Ten". The Hollywood Ten were communist sympathizers--some were former sympathizers, others still believed in the cause. They were correctly blacklisted for years. These were not innocent men who were being crucified for mere political beliefs. Communism is antithetical to the American way of life. So these Hollywood Ten slimeballs believed in an idea to subvert the American way of life, then tried to hide behind the Constitution. That sounds pretty hypocritical to me. They were not and never will be heroes, despite how Hollywood tries to make them out to be saintly victims.

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011)

I really wanted to like this film

[8/10 · 30 March 2017]

"Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy" may be the definitive spy film for some but I found it meandering and slow in parts. It's a pity because the cast is absolutely stellar. However even these great actors couldn't save this film. Perhaps a different director could have made this film better.

Prometheus (I) (2012)

Another Scott Masterpiece

[10/10 · 21 June 2014]

I remember going to the theaters to see "Alien" when I was a kid. I was scared witless at this xenomorph from another planet.

Thirty-three years later, Sir Ridley Scott has created another fascinating world in his prequel "Prometheus". I have read many hateful messages and reviews directed at this film because "it doesn't answer questions". Why can't people just enjoy this film on its own merits, of which there are many?

The cast is stellar. I frankly never heard of Noomi Rapace before this film, but her performance was spot on. Michael Fassbender steals the show as the android David. I can't believe this is the same actor who was in "Inglorious Basterds". David knows all about his shipmates for while they were all in cryosleep during the arduous voyage, he was watching their dreams. He is especially infatuated with Dr. Shaw's (Rapace) dreams and with her unshakable belief in God. Later in the film he cons her into taking off the cross. Does David have religious prejudices too? Is he able to be insulted as when Logan Marshall-Green calls him "boy"? David exacts revenge later in the film on Green, but was it David's idea or someone else's? Without going into too much detail, the part that will have everyone on the edge of his seat is the machine performed emergency operation on Dr. Shaw. This is one of the most squirm-inducing scenes I have ever seen in recent years.

The rest of the cast are wonderful: Idris Elba, Guy Pearce and Charlize Theron. Theron does a great job as the leader of the expedition. She slinks around the ship in such an eerie way you might think she was another android.

This is the most visually stunning film in recent memory, especially in HD. This reminds me of the original "Star Wars" in that the special effects were used to underscore the action, not replace the actors with a bunch of CGI which is what happened in the "Star Wars" prequels. I think this is one of the best science fiction films of all time, right up there with "2001", "Star Wars" and "Alien". Another great job from Sir Ridley Scott!

Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014)

Good film, but the first was better

[7/10 · 4 April 2014]

Don't believe the hype. I heard one reviewer declare that this is the best Marvel film. "The Avengers" was the best Marvel film--I felt that before and after I left the theater.

Captain America is a bit too serious and on the verge of being cranky in this film. Scarlett Johansen looked a bit too gaunt. She--along with Morgan Freeman and Sam Jackson--has suffered from overexposure in films. I'm frankly tired of seeing her. I also couldn't watch Robert Redford without wondering how horribly he has aged. Stan Lee's cameo was funny.

This film had little of the first film's charm--and patriotism for that matter. The best scene was in the elevator when Captain America beat up a bunch of would-be assassins.

In summary, this was good but nowhere as good as the first film and certainly this was not the best Marvel film. I noticed that the newer generation of Marvel films (IM3, Thor 2, CA2) were distinctly inferior compared to their respective predecessors. I shudder to think with such a trend what the second installment of "The Avengers" holds.

And the Oscar Goes to... (2014 TV Movie)

Comprehensive but predictable

[5/10 · 2 February 2014]

There were some things I learned from this documentary which aired last light on TCM. For the first 15 years or so, the winners were announced prior to the event, which would make the ceremony anticlimactic. I suppose the attendance overall must have been lower; I mean, if I knew I wasn't chosen, then why go?

It was nice to see an older Hollywood that had more class: i.e. when Clark Gable accepted his award for "It Happened One Night" he was gracious to his co-star and his director (calling him "Mr. Capra").

The low point to me was the over-exposure of Jane Fonda and Cher, the latter sounded impaired when she couldn't pronounce Marvin Hamlisch's name. Fonda is--to be kind--one of the most polarizing figures and unapologetic for her radical past. It was extremely difficult to watch her.

Of course, there was the predictable rant about "blacklisting" of Communist-leaning celebrities. They showed Lillian Hellman's speech during which she excoriated Senator McCarthy for the Hollywood blacklist. Miss Hellman doth protest too much. For those of you who have not been completely indoctrinated, Senator McCarthy had nothing to do with the Hollywood blacklist--this was done by the House Un-American Activities Committee. Both Senator McCarthy and Richard Nixon were used as the focal point by the left for years, probably because they were onto something about the infiltration in our government by Communists (see Alger Hiss). Do you want to know about true blacklisting? I read an article about the late Ron Silver who, after he spoke at the 2004 Republican National Convention in defense of George Bush and the War on Terrorism, stated that his phone stopped ringing about potential film roles. Blacklist indeed.

The Big Chill (1983)

Just your typical feel-good film about student radicals

[4/10 · 31 January 2014]

I remember when this film was re-released for it's 15 year anniversary! I remember I was waiting with bated breath for 14 years and then...

This is a somewhat interesting talk piece about college leftists who have grown up and have re-assembled to honor their fallen friend years later as matured leftists with money. I mean, is there a more repugnant thing in this world than people who rail against capitalism and use that same system to get rich (see Bill Ayres, Yoko Ono and The Eagles)?

I believe that this was a hit because of the soundtrack not because of the protagonists' underlying beliefs. Case in point, early in the film the defense lawyer played by Mark Kay Place was complaining about her clients, as she expected to defend "Bobby and Huey". That would be Bobby Seale and Huey Newton, 2 members of the Black Panthers, which was a domestic terror organization. Charming.

There are some funny parts in the film, which is not completely awful. I just don't care for a film about cuddly Marxists who really haven't renounced their radical pasts.

Becket (1964)

Overrated

[4/10 · 18 December 2013]

I had heard of this film for years and finally got around to watching it. I can't believe this film has an 8.0 score. It drags incessantly and it wastes the talents of Burton and O'Toole. As others have stated, the pacing is horrid. This film could have been shorter by 30 minutes.

Mind you, I love old films especially "A Man for All Seasons" which is my favorite of all time. The plot of "Becket" resembles that of AMFAS, but the latter does it much better. "Becket" is a drama that aspires to be an epic, whereas AMFAS is comfortable in itself.

O'Toole gave his usual sublime performance as Henry II. He was as good as he was in "The Lion in Winter". Burton was good although his character took himself too seriously. Save yourself some time and watch "A Man for All Seasons" instead.

Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (2010)

Would have been better with a different cast!

[2/10 · 9 March 2013]

I loved "Wall Street". Michael Douglas' portrayal of Gordon Gekko was legendary and his performance deserved the Academy Award.

I had mixed feelings for a sequel: I was initially excited but then thought about the state of Hollywood films in the 21st century. While there are many exceptions, in my opinion, the films today are inferior compared to when the original was released: if the script stinks--just add a lot of CGI! Then I saw the cast: I knew I would wait for the film on TV when I saw Shia Labeouf cast as Gordon's to be son-in-law. I also groaned when I saw Susan Sarandon and Eli Wallach cast as well. One can see that when a director is out of it for a while or off his game--like Stone and George Lucas--their casting magic is lost. The original film had such realistic and charismatic casting (ok--except Daryl Hannah). Eli Wallach's hammy acting partially ruined "The Godfather III" and this film as well. Labeouf looked like a high school sophomore and didn't even physically look the part. It was a joke when he confronted Josh Brolin late in the film. Oooooh! I'm sure Brolin was shaking in his boots. Speaking of Brolin, he was one of the few reasons for watching. Carey Mulligan looked like Heidi trapped in New York.

The reason we all saw the film was to see Douglas' Gekko adapt to life in the 21st century. He looked eerily like Bernie Madoff with his unkempt hair flaring at the ears, until the last 30 minutes when we see him with his hair slicked back as we all remember him.

This is definitely inferior to its predecessor--mainly for the casting reasons--but it wasn't horrible.

Columbo: Troubled Waters (1975) Season 4, Episode 4

Keep your friends close and your enemies closer

[9/10 · 18 September 2012]

This famous quote from "The Godfather Part II" occurred to me when watching this outstanding episode from Season 4, which is arguably the finest season of the "Columbo" series.

Robert Vaughn makes an excellent, albeit novice, villain. His plan to murder his lover was pedestrian, but he didn't expect Lt. Columbo to be on board the boat--I mean ship.

I think the script was sublime in placing Columbo in an environment to solve a crime via primitive methods. As is usually the case, Columbo's first instinct about the identity of the murderer was correct. Vaughn's character was a bit naive to see through Columbo's feigned innocence as Columbo confided in Vaughn the problems he encountered to solve the murder. The ending is great. The supporting cast was also first-rate. This is for me the peak season for the series ("Negative Reaction", "An Exercise in Fatality", "A Deadly State of Mind").

2016: Obama's America (2012)

A film for all the Kool-Ade drinkers who voted for B.O.

[8/10 · 12 September 2012]

I didn't think I would learn many new things going into this film and I was right, but it was still important to see. It was stomach-turning at the end when they showed a clip from a grammar school where the children were indoctrinated into singing a pro-Obama song "Yes we can!" I don't remember any songs for George W. Bush, or George Washington for that matter. The Left has fallaciously declared for years that Rush Limbaugh fans were "mind-numbed robots". Well if anyone is mind-numbed it's the Left and their indoctrinated followers which is well-demonstrated in the aforementioned clip.

I am glad that D'Souza mentioned the radicals who influenced Obama--most notably Bill Ayres. Ayres and Obama have a long relationship. Please Google the picture of him standing on an American flag that was released in an article on--of all dates!--September 11, 2001 (I wish the producers included this picture in the film since a picture is worth a thousand words). I find it interesting that in 2009 Ayres was prevented from entering Canada due to his radical past yet American universities let this clown (and others like Angela Davis) have high positions of authority. D'Souza also gave ample time to Frank Marshall Davis, a mentor of the young Obama and a member of the Communist Party USA.

I think, in closing, that the obsession with "diversity" and race left us with the most leftist president ever who was not vetted properly. As D'Souza brilliantly demonstrates, Obama is hell-bent on making us a 2nd-rate nation.

God help this nation if he gets another term.

The Avengers (2012)

Impressive, most impressive

[10/10 · 4 May 2012]

I was waiting for this film and was not disappointed. My 10 rating does not place it in the same class as "The Godfather", "Citizen Kane" et al. This is the "Citizen Kane" of superhero movies.

When I was a kid, my friend and I used to argue about which was better: Marvel or D.C. I used to complain that the Avengers fought amongst each other too much, instead of the "Justice League of America" who fought their foes more harmoniously. I think the former is probably more realistic, since all these egos on one team cannot work in complete harmony. There is a good scene where they are all bickering and challenging each other.

This film is not only action-packed, but there are some very funny scenes--more funny than any of today's supposed "comedies". The Hulk has many comic moments which is ironic since the two "Hulk" films were somewhat disappointing.

Robert Downey Jr. also has many good lines, better than in "Iron Man 2".

This is a wonderfully entertaining film, which is a rarity these days. I highly recommend seeing this film. Also, while there are some violent scenes, it is more viewable for the kids than "The Dark Knight".

My friend was right all along, the Marvel characters are much more exciting as a team than their D.C. counterparts, although I would love to see a live-action "Justice League of America".

American Gangster (2007)

Ridley Scott's Epic

[10/10 · 15 April 2012]

Ridley Scott is one of the finest directors and why the Academy Awards keeps snubbing him is beyond me.

This is truly an epic film, depicting the gritty New York/New Jersey drug scene in the 1970's. Russell Crowe and Denzel Washington are the main protagonists and both are sublime as usual. To me, the real badass of the film is Josh Brolin. He steals every scene as Detective Trupo of the Special Investigations Unit. Such corruption was commonplace in the 1960's and 70's, which resulted in Frank Serpico exposing the widespread practice of cops "on the take." Crowe is excellent as the honest cop searching for a decent team of crusaders to solve the puzzle of the distributor of Blue Magic.

The attention to detail in recreating 1970's New York is outstanding. The whole picture has a "French Connection" feel.

The supporting cast is great too: Cuba Gooding Jr., Armand Assante et al.

This is a really great film. However, as I commented on the message board, the one thing that disturbed me was the fawning over the real Frank Lucas on the extras DVD. This is a man who killed people directly or indirectly and people were all too willing to "kiss his ring" when he was on the set. Is there any decency at all anymore?

The Lost Son of Havana (2009)

Nice documentary

[7/10 · 14 April 2012]

I grew up a Yankee fan and was glad when Luis joined the team in 1979. I always mimicked Tiant's windup when we played whiffleball.

While this was moving in some parts, one thing was unintentionally amusing: When he returned to his dilapidated neighborhood, he said that "everything has changed." I found that fascinating since people were still driving around in 1950's American cars. For all the Hollywood "stars" who gush about how wonderful socialism is--this film shows just how much socialism/communism sucks. The neighborhood hadn't changed because there is no progress in socialist societies as compared to capitalist societies. I'm sure that the high members of the communist party were living large while the proletariat were living in poverty. As Rush Limbaugh said the other day, "Capitalists get power by becoming wealthy; socialists use power to get wealthy." Totally spot on.