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gordonty
Reviews
The War Game (1966)
Historically, of no more use than the 'duck & cover' films of the '50s.
As a 'docu-drama' as some have called it, the film is barely tolerable, only a peg or two more informative than the 'Duck & Cover' films of the '50s. As a 'documentary' as it is called by many and as it was awarded the Academy Award for in 1966, it is a complete waste of time. Documentaries by definition shouldn't be speculative and constantly use words and phrases such as 'could possibly happen', 'conceivable' or 'imaginable'. Due to the films constant speculations, it ages very poorly. True documentaries age well and can be used for generations as learning tools because they are based entirely on unbiased facts, not 'what if?' dramatizations. Is it a good anti-nuclear war film? No. Does one really need enactments of people burning and dying as a result of a nuclear attack to know that it's 'bad'?
Le ciel et la boue (1961)
Embarrassing 'us' the civilized and 'them' the savages story.
'Sky Above, Mud Below' by today's standards would not qualify as a documentary despite its Academy Award for best documentary feature in 1961. The film is painfully patronizing, while simultaneously insulting and embarrassing. The narration is a constant irritant in both it's tone and content. At one point the narrator even whispers as if standing just out of sight of the camera with a microphone in hand, ala Howard Cosell. Much of the film is quite obviously staged and many things are mentioned to be going on while never shown. The only use for this documentary now after nearly 40 years is to be the next victim of Mystery Science Theater 3000.
Killer Bud (2001)
'Roxbury' is funny? Only if high & mentally challenged.
"It was like 'A Night At The Roxbury' but it wasn't funny." So, according to this person 'Roxbury' was actually funny and based on that fact alone proves that this person has no idea what funny is. 'Totally Irresponsible' was completely enjoyable from beginning to end. Is it deep? Is it art? Will it spark interesting conversations on life and death? Thankfully, no. 'Totally Irresponsible' will prevent any and all deep thinking and that's the point... It's refreshing, it's quick and will entertain you for 90 minutes. 'Roxbury' doesn't work as a three minute skit on SNL.