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Cool Hand Luke (1967)
Coolest of the Cool or a poor dumb fool?
Cool Hand Luke - a fabulous film without a doubt. Highly watchable. But I've always wondered about the intelligence, or lack thereof, of the main character, Luke. Sure, I know that''s a main ingredient in the story. If he didn't do dumb, preposterous things, like he does right from the start, it would be a whole 'nother. (Nother is a real word which functions similarly to other and another, and its use traces back to the early 14th century. In the late 19th century it became more common to see the word nother paired with whole, constructing the phrase a whole nother.)
Anyhow, if you've not seen it, shame on you. If you have, then why not watch it again.
I know it's a classic, and many people say NEVER do a remake of a classic film, but it would be a way of introducing the story to a couple of generations who have probably never heard of it.
Where do I start a petition to have Hollywood produce a remake of this great, but now so old, classic film?
2010 (1984)
Pointless
Summary: Nothing much happens and it's all fairly pointless.
I found this film uninteresting, uninspiring, and underwhelming.
The music heard while viewing the spaceship from outside of it was annoying. I also found it unrealistic that when viewed from outside the spaceship, and the propulsion is fired, there are sound effects. I know why film makers have that, but for a film that is supposed to be aiming at more realism than Star Wars etc., this is just unacceptable. Outer Space, as they used to call it, is a vacuum. Sound does not travel through a vacuum. I don't know for certain but is think the original film, 2001 - A Space Odyssey, got it right and dispensed with idiotic sound effect of rocket blast noises in space.
In the end it's all rather pointless and dissatisfying. We find out nothing about the Alien Intelligence that we didn't already know from the first few minutes of the original film.
It's a pity that another of Arthur C. Clarke's novels, namely Rendezvous with Rama, has been made, though as of 2021 a film is supposed to be in production. Personally though, I'd rather it was adapted into a mini series as there are several books and it has so much potential for a gripping series.
Night of the Hunted (2023)
Always enjoy these gas station movies
There must be at least a dozen or so horror/thriller movies in which most of the action occurs at remote gas stations or roadhouses. I'm always a sucker for them. This one follows the usual script more or less, and I can say that I did enjoy it even if it was fairly predictable. The one thing that many of them seem to have in common is that they fail to wrap things up neatly at the end, so I always feel a bit disappointed or cheated because of that. This movie is no exception in this unfortunately. If asked how I'd improve the movie I'd say that a few more characters trapped in the gas station would have permitted the writer to create more interesting dialog and the interaction between characters given the writer far more scope and diversity. As it is I feel it got a bit bogged down and drawn out for a fair amount of the time. Another suggestion would be to have a character enter the gas station with the aim of robbing it. Of course they'd be armed and be able to shoot back to some degree. But could the woman trust them?
Mutiny (2017)
Good but with proviso
The goal of this series was to follow as closely as possible along Captain Bligh's course, and do so without outside assistance. They mostly achieved said goal. However, when they arrived at Restoration Island they asked the sole resident of the island to provide them with water, which he gladly did. In Bligh's case, his crew had to dig a well. I can understand why our modern day adventurers didn't even consider doing so. They were fewer in number and their physical condition so poor that it is unlikely they would have succeeded. So right there, they failed their goal, but there was no mention of this being a failure. It was just accepted as a necessary act and skipped past. There was no hand wringing about this, unlike later when they had to accept fresh water from the support vessel, and despite the fact that the need for water was critical to their health and actual survival, they quibbled about it and some saw it as a failure. To me, there's no difference in the two events.
One annoying thing was the almost incessant dramatic background music, especially during storms. Dear producers, viewers don't need that. Give us the ambient sound of the storm and the crew rather than drums etc. To me it's like when sitcoms always had laughter tracks. I feel it's time to move on and give the audience the real sounds not overlaid with a soundtrack that at times is so intense it draws one out of the events.
What improvements would I have made if I was producing the show? I'd like to have seen more information at the start of the series about the support vessel, and a few more quotes from Bligh's journal. Also, not talking about Bligh's later career foul up as Governor of the Colony of New South Wales is, in my view, a glaring oversight. For those who don't know, Bligh's command was again overthrown in an episode known as the 'Rum Rebellion'.
Setting that aside, on the whole the series held my interest and I can safely recommend it to anyone interested in this type of survival adventure.
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds: Charades (2023)
It's Star Trek,"Jim", but not as we know it! - barely watchable
Just when I was feeling that this series may improve they produce this heap of stinking offal. Where to begin? For starters, the premise is ludicrous. That a far more advanced civilization would make such a dumb mistake is unbelievable. Next, we have completely lame attempts at humor that would get a stand-up comedian booed off stage. And the cliches are almost limitless. The potential father-in-law is made out to be a castrated buffoon. His wife is a dominating witch of a woman. Captain Pike plays his usual role which is as a Master-chef rather than a Captain of a Star-ship. What's not to like? Almost everything. This episode, much like most of the previous episodes, is not an exciting and dramatic adventure set in space, nor a tense mystery to be solved. It's little more than fluff.
If this story had been submitted to one of the Golden Age of SF publishers it would have been rejected outright and the writers told to go back to writing school or find another career. The authors of this trash should be sacked.
Paramount/CBS have failed yet again. They need to employ skilled science fiction writers with amazing new and imaginative ideas. Only then will this series, which had/has such great potential, be blown out of the doldrums and allow the USS Enterprise to sail through space on a majestic course to NEW adventures on Strange New Worlds with exotic aliens.
As I see it, displaying aliens as bubbly energy is a cop out. Maybe most of the makeup artists were sacked and the ones left only have enough time/skill to do Vulcan ears.
This series, just like Picard and Discovery before it, is such a disappointment. Even Star Trek: Enterprise and Star Trek: Deep Space Nine were generally much better than this mediocre effort.
Arrest and Trial: A Circle of Strangers (1964)
Probably the worst episode of the series
**** SPOILER ALERT ****
The actions of the young man: He supposedly very intelligent as he's a law student. Yet his action totally contradict this. He fails to turn himself in to the police in order to seek to defend himself. After he learns who committed the crime he again misses the opportunity to seek out a lawyer or go to the police with this information. He fails to get the young woman to go with him to a lawyer or the police in order to corroborate his story.
The young woman seems to ignore the fact that she has brought all the trouble to the man by telling a false story to the police.
The hotel clerk tell the young couple that there is only one room available, which they take. Yet when Chuck Connors and his friend arrive soon after there in now a vacancy. Perhaps the clerk saw the young couple climb out the window.
Even the dialog is terrible sometimes. How the actors could say some of those lines has me shaking my head in wonder.
Most of the episode prior to this a good to very good, but this one is truly a very poor, frustrating episode.
Sugarfoot: Short Range (1958)
"Used Wagon Dealer".
When Tom asks what occupation the suspected bad guy has, Tom "Sugarfoot" Brewster is told the man is a "Used Wagon Dealer". Tom's look is priceless.
For those who may not have take notice of the dialog, it's a joke about Used Car Dealers, who even in 1958 were regarded as the number one (1) least trustworthy of all business people. No doubt their reputation hasn't improved much. Maybe they have just managed the drop to number two position behind loan sharks.
When you just wish to make a short comment about a TV episode, the 600 character requirement is very annoying. So you have to waffle on about inconsequential things, often completely unrelated to the subject.
Overall, an enjoyable episode.
UFO Conspiracies: The Hidden Truth (2020)
Too much obfuscation
Most of these types of documentaries are little more then a rehash of so called sightings or events that have happened since 1947ish. They introduce nothing new to the table. Today, the world has countless webcams, security cameras and a multitude of spy satellites, drones and people using cameras be they DLSRs or just phone cameras. Even in remote places there are cameras installed to track the movement of animals and people. Yet none have seemed to capture any images that can be positively, forensically, identified as a UFO or an Alien.
Doesn't that seem strange to you?
Despite this lack of real, quantifiable evidence, it's still an intriguing subject for those with an open, inquiring mind. One such sighting that I feel is still inadequately explained is the. Westall High School UFO which took place in Australia in 1966. Skeptics claim the object must have been.....wait for it.....that old furphy, a weather balloon. And pigs fly too. Fifty odd years after the incident and those who saw the object, especially those who saw it up close, are still brave enough to front the media cameras and relate their story. They have nothing to gain.
Many eye witnesses of UFOs, even professional observers like jet fighter pilots etc., have, throughout the year, undergone Lie Detector testing, and a majority have passed said tests.
Finally, the reviewer who said, "If Aliens do exist, why don't they also appear in Indonesia, Congo and Peru?" Well they do. As mentioned above, the Westall High School UFO incident is just one of many thousands that have been reported and documented in nearly every county in the world.
I try to keep a balanced, open mind about the subject, neither totally believing, nor blindly denying that UFOs even could exist. But when you see crews of navy ships reporting flybys of 'Unidentified Aerial Phenomena' and confirmation from radar operators that they had locked onto a reflected signal, it certainly makes me less skeptical rather than more skeptical.
Still, I do enjoy a good mystery, and it can be entertaining when a quality documentary becomes available. This one doesn't really meet that description as far as I'm concerned.
Sugarfoot: Stallion Trail (1957)
Saw the first broadcast of this episode yet I still remember it.
This episode first aired in my country in about 1962. I was nine years old. I saw it again today for the first time since then and was amazed that it all came back to me. I guess I liked it back then.
It's definitely one of the best episodes of this series. No doubt it's predictable, especially if you've seen as many old westerns as I have, but nevertheless it's still worth watching.
Without giving anything away about the episode I will say that, as usual the baddie gets what he deserves.
And now I'm at a loss for what to say about it. So I'll just say that it's nice seeing all those actors again after so many years. Mostly, I don't know their names (unless I look them up on IMDb), but I do recall seeing many of them in other shows of that era.
In the previous episode, "Misfire", there's a surprise near the end of the show which I found quite clever.
Stuff the British Stole (2022)
Two sides to this debate
I can understand nations wanting their ancient irreplaceable treasure returned. However, many of those treasures would have been destroyed or lost if the British had not stolen them. For example, the Nazis stole many art works from nations they conqurered and a large percentage have never been found. They were either destroyed during the fighting or ended up in private collections where they are still located. I believe that many European countries secretly shipped some of their most valued treasures to Britain just prior to or early on in WWII in order to safeguard them. These were of course returned. And look at what IS did to ancient statues. Just blew them up.
Quantum Leap (2022)
SO SAD - Waited so long and this is what we get.
The original series had Scott Bakula. A guy that just oozes character and has big grin. A true leading actor. It ran for 5 seasons with 97 episode. Sadly, I doubt this current series will make it past season one. Nobdy is interested in whats going on in the current time, it seems like filler. The focus should be on the main character and what's happening to them, not back home stuff. And if you can't afford to do special effect right them DON'T give us LAME effects. The in car effects in episode one were BAD, and the zero gravity scene while holding onto something and having a leg swing out - give me a break. The original series had some truly memorable episodes such as the injured young black girl who was ininitally denied access to a whites only hospital. Viewers could empathize with Sam (Scott). Nothing like that so far in this series. What we get is a diverse bunch of people woring at cross purposes at home and a main character who almost seems forgotten. The obligatory gay guy just had to be white and obviously gay. Sad. Maybe some production company with vision and a big budget will re-birth "The Time Tunnel", but I doubt it. Even "Timeless", which ran for two season back in 2016, had better characters and mostly interesting stories.
Extinction (2018)
The whinging crying kid was too much
This movie started out okay but eventually the youngest child's whining and crying and stupid actions were just too much. Nevertheless, I persisted and sadly was not rewarded with anything even remotely interesting.
Far better sci-fi films were made even back in the 1950s. Even B-Grade sci-fi is better than this.
Honestly, you won't regret giving this one a miss.
The Station Agent (2003)
A nice film about simple friendship
While not a lot lot happens, it still manages to hold ones interest. After all the frenetic films that about violence and hatred, it's pleasant to wind down a bit and get comfortable with some real people. It's also a "walk a mile in my shoes film" that doesn't get sickly sweet or in your face sentimental, just plain life. I thoroughly enjoyed this film.
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds: Ghosts of Illyria (2022)
Sadly disappointing and predictable
Déjà vu is not something you want to experience when you start watching an all new Star Trek series, especially one titled "Strange New Worlds". But that's exactly what I experienced while watching this episode of the series. I'm sure there have been at least two or maybe three episodes very similar to this one in previous Star Trek series.
Also, while I know it can take a while to develop characters and that's what initial episode concentrate on, so far I'm not liking any of them enough to care.
Perhaps when/if they start to encounter more interesting/challenging aliens then some interest and excitement may actually be brought to the show.
For now, The Orville is still far ahead of any recent Star Trek series. It's good to see that season 3 of The Orville will very soon be released. Go Seth!
Star Trek: Strange New Worlds (2022)
Where Are The Strange New Worlds?
Two episodes into the second season and no "Strange New Worlds" yet. In fact, no exploration whatsoever. Maybe that title is just bait for us suckers who have some hope that the title of a series might actually give some indication as to what the series will be about.
Two episodes into the second season and no "Strange New Worlds" yet. In fact, no exploration whatsoever. Maybe that title is just bait for us suckers who have some hope that the title of a series might actually give some indication as to what the series will be about.
Two episodes into the second season and no "Strange New Worlds" yet. In fact, no exploration whatsoever. Maybe that title is just bait for us suckers who have some hope that the title of a series might actually give some indication as to what the series will be about.
The Gnomes of Dulwich (1969)
Plastic Gnomes from Japan?
Apart from being quite witty, the only other thing I recall is an episode which featured plastic Japanese gnomes that had moved into the garden.
I'm guessing here but I think that the script may have contained a lot of very racist dialogue. At the time it was not considered harmful or wrong by most people. Thankfully most of society has moved on.
That said, it is a shame that the tapes were wiped.
Perhaps the episode scripts are still available in the BBC archives. It would be interesting to read them.
The Ravine (2021)
Extremely Depressing
The first 15 minutes introduces some the characters. I regard that as a slow start. Then they start to get the bad news and that's where I quit.
I did of course read the blurb about the film but I thought it would be more of a crime investigation story. Perhaps it is, but I guess I'll never know because as I said above, I quit watching. I have no desire to watch a depressing film such as this.
From what I did see, the acting is top notch. The start was a bit confusing, switching from character to character, but I guess if I'd watched further it would have made sense.
Give it a go if you want to be depressed.
La Brea (2021)
Soap Opera in a Sci-Fi setting
This review has spoilers, but not anything too spoiling.
If you can ignore all the inane soap dialog and the never ending over-the-top drama and just focus on the sci-fi story then you may find it entertaining.
Day 3 and after two types of predators have invaded their camp, and attacks by predators while characters are walking in the woods, you'd think someone would have thought about making simple spears from wood or using tubular steel bars as seen in the bus. But no, they seem to prefer to get chased by these animals.
And the aircraft sent through. Did they think so include some descent firepower? I doubt it. Also, they know the drone crashed and they know wild animals are down there because of the birds that flew out. So did they think to send through food, medical supplies and weapons for the possible survivors. No.
My prediction is that they will send a glider through next, with Eve's husband Gavin as the pilot. Or he'll go rogue and skydive through.
Hatari! (1962)
Real Actors, Real Animals, Real Action!
Seeing this film on the big screen at the cinema was my Christmas treat back in 1962. I had just turned 10 and was amazed by the action scenes. Even by today standards they're great. In fact they couldn't make them today as catching wild animals as shown in the film is no longer permitted. And the fact that it was the actual actors performing the catching is mind boggling. There's no way actors would be allowed to do that today.
I also recall that I had a magazine that was available in the cinema lobby. Back in the '50s and '60s some films had accompanying magazines. I'm fairly sure Ben Hur and Lawrence of Arabia had them.
One of the things I realize today but didn't think twice about as a child, is that while there's plenty of action, there's no real malicious violence like most other action films of the era, or even today.
One thing I noticed while watching it on TV today is that back then they didn't have steady-cam, but that's no loss because it helps the viewer feel more immersed in the action.
Sure, it's cliched and lame in many parts, but it's also whimsical and the photography is stunning.
Overall, it's well worth seeing. If you do decide to watch Hatari!, take note of the music. It really does suit the film perfectly.
Enjoy!
Foundation (2021)
1st few episodes like watching paint dry but gets better.
Seriously, I'm 2/3rds the way through episode two and ready to give up on it. It's just plain boring. Does it get better?
Update: Yes it does, but not so much as to be classed as a great watch.
Old review:
The scene in the pool with the guy and gal. If I want to watch that stuff I'll go to p/hub. Give me a break
Many moons ago I started to read the novel but gave up. Same reason, just boring story. And that's saying something, because I churned through a lot of SF back in the day.
When are the clowns who make decisions on what SF books to adapt for TV going to look at works by more modern authors. In the last 20 years there have been lots of great SF novels with ideas that are wondrous. And if they must look at old stuff then give Niven and Heinlein a go.
As a teenager I would visit the library every Saturday. I read my first SF when I was about 9. There were only a few SF titles in the junior section. I used to browse the adult section when the librarian wasn't looking and although I couldn't borrow from there I could grab a couple, usually the easily found yellow and red titles published by Gollancz, find a quiet corner and have a good read. Only once was I caught by the librarian. I couldn't wait to be old enough to get my adults library card. I still remember the day. I borrowed 4 SF books as that was the limit of books you could borrow.
Since then I've read thousands of SF books and watched practically all the SF available on TV and movie. So when I give "Foundation" the thumbs down you can trust me.
I'll watch a bit more and if it does improve (vastly) I'll write another review.
Lost in Space (2018)
Binge-Worthy without a doubt! Overall it's a fun romp.
It's seldom that I can watch a whole TV series from episode one to that currently last released episode. However in this case it was a pleasure.
If you like shows that often put the characters into tight corners and lie seeing the inventive ways they manage to survive, then this is for you.
It's generally fast paced and the character are okay. Parker Posey, who plays Dr Smith, nails it. She surely got the best role.
Action, suspense, mystery. It's all here.
Unlike Star Trek, there's little techno-babble. Unlike Star Wars, there's only one gun in the whole series so far, unless you include the robots built-in weapons.
Unlike the aforementioned series, there's:
No swearing
No rap music
No incessant background music that's so loud you can't hear the dialog.
On the con side, there are glaringly obvious plot flaws and some repetitious scenes, but who cares. It's a fun romp from start to finish.
Sadly, there are only 8 episodes in the third season, which concluded with a teasing indication that there may be more seasons to come. I hope that's the case.
Free Guy (2021)
Watch "Free Guy" for flashes of brilliance
The film seems to wander along on a predictable path most of the time. It does get tedious at times. However those times are brief.
Then along comes the occasional flash of brilliance that makes the film worth watching.
Overall, it's enjoyable.
The Wilds (2020)
Can you predict their mind boggling mistakes?
Watched the first episode and wondered how many more stupid mistakes these castaways would make. I haven't been disappointed because they make so many survivalist mistakes that it's mind boggling. I won't reveal a long list of them, you can discover them yourself and probably predict them before they happen. The show is worth watching for that alone.
Breach (2020)
Why Bruce Why?
I've noticed that both Bruce Wilis and Nicholas Cage have been spending a ot of time making these low grade films. Perhaps they are both too old to rate top billing in major films and can make a good living out of this kind of trash. I'd rather see them in just a supporting role in a top grade film than see them in this type of films. Who will be the next actor to jump on this badwagon? Arnie? Never. Tom Cruise? I doubt it. It seems a shame that Bruce and Nic have gone down this road. Maybe they'll team up one day and may something that's actually good. E live in hope.