rgoodden Reviews

The Crown (2016–2023)

Find something else to watch this weekend

[2/10 · 11 December 2016]

Skip this series if you have any regard for the truth.

Too bad the writer and producer, Peter Morgan, is so very intent on defaming the Royal Family and nearly everyone else involved in British society at the time. Most notably its males.

The result is that otherwise stellar qualities of cast and crew are squandered, and Hollywood is yet again made to look like the clumsy propaganda arm of the political left. And paying viewers its long- suffering dupes.

A role it has relished since at least the 1960s and shows no signs of disavowing.

Swimming Pool (2003)

Deepening Water

[7/10 · 18 July 2008]

Being French, director Francois Ozon here presents us with a story that invites many viewers toward a too-facile interpretation, while mystifying most of the rest.

On the screen, a very successful British mystery writer is given the use of her publisher's French cottage in expectations that the setting will inspire her to yet another success. It does. We are introduced to characters who weave themselves into a psychological mystery/murder story worthy of best-selling fiction, with the author herself caught up in the drama.

It isn't until the final scene that we realize we've witnessed the creation of yet another worthy tale by the vacationing author -- using the publisher, his cottage and his daughter for inspiration. In fact, all that occurs from the time Charlotte Rampling's character first sits down to write, right up until the closing scene, is merely the fruit of her fertile mind.

Rampling's final smile to "Julia" is one of satisfaction and accomplishment. Some viewers may find this unsatisfying -- but there you are.

Enjoy!

The War (2007)

An Era and a Filmmaker's Reputation, Simultaneously Revised?

[5/10 · 25 May 2008]

Was it perhaps inevitable that the fame and celebrity Ken Burns enjoyed because of his past work would be his undoing? One is hard pressed to view "The War" and conclude otherwise.

Inhabiting a world, Hollywood, where the leftist world-view isn't merely dominant -- it allows for no other persuasion -- Burns has apparently been brought around to the Bolshevik belief that art exists primarily to propagate leftism.

"The War" is his offering to this Hollywood left. I trust he's been lavishly rewarded for it.

Viewing the series, one recognizes historical markers of that great event -- but only as glimpsed between paean after paean to the leftist revisionism that seemingly takes up the bulk of his footage. If shorn of stories therein of African-Americans in the war, Japanese-Americans in the war, Mexican-Americans in the war, plus "brutality", "incompetence" and "insensitivity" in 1940s white America -- the series would be a mere half of its run time and far truer to history.

Our women's contribution to victory, on the other hand, is rigorously ignored: Apparently Mr. Burns considers the nursing and clerical help they provided to be too "stereotypical" to be validated here by inclusion. What a pity.

There is much fresh documentary footage of interest to history buffs; Too bad that Burns' fierce determination to remain firmly "on message" ultimately causes us to question it, along with his entire re-interpretation of so monumental an era.

Everybody's Famous! (2000)

Recommend this one to friends!

[10/10 · 3 May 2008]

A funny, entertaining and uplifting film which seems to overturn every cliché to reach its satisfying conclusion. A father's sometimes blind love, a daughter's grinding self-doubt, a boyfriend's frustrations, a rock diva's loneliness, even a business manager's self-serving guile all add necessary ingredients to take an unlikely melody -- and this widescreen charmer -- to cinematic success. See if you aren't tapping your toe to the film's entire rhythm by the end of its ninety minutes!

Modest sized Belgium has in recent years grown its name in the entertainment field, and deservedly, with quality films such as this. One of those rare films you needn't be at all reluctant to pass along to friends.

Oh!--and see if they, too, can immediately interpret the worthy irony of the film's final scene!

Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed (2008)

A Tidewater Film?

[10/10 · 20 April 2008]

Ben Stein's initial premise here is that questioning Darwin's theory of evolution is absolutely fatal to your career if you are in academe or even anywhere on its vast periphery. A short sequence on the astonishing functioning of common cells ... then gives you every reason to do just that!

For those who perhaps live on another planet or can otherwise excuse cluelessness about the sad state of sifting and winnowing of ideas on today's politically-correct college campuses, this film will be an eye-opener. Provided they don't first research it on IMDb and take in all the fear and loathing readily on display by those who presumably cannot resist demonstrating exactly what Mr Stein doth protest ...

Today's anti-religious political left seems exactly where its opposite number was in Charles Darwin's day: unable to tolerate the slightest challenge to orthodoxy, or to imagine any scenario in which accommodation to Intelligent Design -- anywhere along the timeline of life -- could end in anything less than Evolution's complete collapse as theory. Surely it's of much stouter stuff.

The earth successfully resisted flattening by such people in its medieval past; presumably the study of life's origins eventually will, too.

The Lives of Others (2006)

Revisiting socialist reality

[10/10 · 2 November 2007]

If memories of the realities of Marxist rule in Eastern Europe were as well preserved as its victims deserve, this film wouldn't be as absolutely necessary as it is gripping. It stands as a poignant reminder of much that the political left would rather we forgot.

The plot: A writer, his professional accomplices and his mistress all fall under the watch of the Stasi -- East Germany's secret police. His very existence is in the hands of an unknown case manager.

What follows over the next two hours of superb cinema is a story familiar to all who lived through that era. In the end, the moral corruption of a bankrupt system lies bare for all to see.

Witness this celluloid gem with the reverence it deserves.

Nue propriété (2006)

What's Isabelle Huppert doing in this disaster?

[1/10 · 27 October 2007]

What a boring, pointless and annoying little film! How was Huppert ever talked into participating in it?

A middle-aged divorcée resides with her grown sons somewhere in the dreariest reaches of Belgium. Every day that is chronicled features an overcast sky, morose characters and a setting outdone in gloominess only by that day's script. When the closing credits mercifully make their appearance, they're accompanied by the only music in the soundtrack: a fittingly macabre violin piece that adds one last, large dollop of annoyance to the viewer's experience.

I didn't feel any urge to discover whether the director is a Belgium-hating Frenchman -- or a self-hating Walloon. Does it matter?

Avoid his product.

Ferpect Crime (2004)

Hilarious and insightful

[10/10 · 9 September 2007]

A very funny Spanish film, and I share the opinion of a previous reviewer: why didn't this movie receive more play in the USA? Could it be that some of us are so afflicted with political correctness that we can no longer recognize the richness of more traditional gender-related humor? This film creates hilarity in so many directions that it's hard to categorize it as mere comedy (the director has something to say about the mores of society, too.) Let's hope Hollywood doesn't bowdlerize any remake into something pallid, p.c.-- and forgettable.

Fine acting, an entertaining script with cleverly-translated subtitles, consistent laughs, and a satisfying ending make this movie a worthy pick!

Sicko (2007)

Always the malcontent

[2/10 · 5 July 2007]

One wonders if triple-chinned filmmaker Michael Moore, when his own arteries finally clog shut from trying to personally rid the world of donuts, will seriously consider a Cuban hospital for his bypass surgery? Or will a road-to-Damascus experience bring him to reconsider the sour views on American healthcare propagandized in this, his latest film.

My wager is that he'll opt for the very best surgeon that privilege can buy, along with a private hospital suite, armed security guards and media handlers primed to spin away the irony.

Horror stories can readily enough be found in most areas of life and Moore makes the most of suitable anecdotes, garnishing everything with cute pop musical cues. But he blithely passes over a litany of horrors long identified with socialized medicine: long waits and crowded hospital wards; impersonal service and a lack of choice in physicians; the destruction of incentives to innovate; and the staggering costs to taxpayers of single-payer healthcare.

He turns an even blinder eye to that 500-pound gorilla lustily strangling our medical sector in America -- the greedy lawyers whose runaway lawsuits continue to skyrocket the cost of virtually anything connected to medical care. Trial lawyers, one must understand, are regular and heavy contributors to the Democrats ...

Michael Moore ceaselessly disparages an America which produces no shortage of millionaires who infer from their own success intellectual abilities embarrassingly beyond their competence.

This film will only buttress his standing among both groups.

Fast Food Nation (2006)

Slow moving descent into sophomoric politics

[2/10 · 30 June 2007]

If you're missing those zany college undergraduate days, when the world around you could be easily divided into those who are evil and those self-righteous -- this is just the film. And just the sort of thing for closet Marxists! True, it makes for one of the more boring evenings you could ever rent, with absolutely NONE of the "laughs" the DVD jacket mysteriously promises. But if you really, really hate your job and your boss, or maybe just don't have the social life you think you deserve and want to hold someone other than yourself responsible (and also have a Michael Moore sized dislike of America) AND have absolutely nothing better to watch tonight...

The Last King of Scotland (2006)

A rare glimpse of Africa's reality

[10/10 · 21 April 2007]

If you've ever wondered how Rwanda happened, that Rwanda of past genocide and almost unimaginable human butchery, this excellent though chilling film will introduce you to an essential Africa that made the infamous 1994 carnage possible.

As history and first-rate cinematic art, this film is simply extraordinary. And anyone old enough to have read the news accounts of the day will remember much about Idi Amin and his buffoonish but deadly regime as portrayed in this film.

Those younger in years, raised in a politically correct era absolutely loathe to show anything negative about Africa, might well gasp in disbelief and naively search for other, non-African villains. Will more than just a few be moved to research the news media archives on this and so many similar regimes in post-colonial Africa? One hopes so.

Beyond the gripping story line, the cinematography and sound track also do a fine job of bringing to life one of sub-Saharan Africa's most scenic locales.

Flyboys (2006)

Gawd, how awful!

[1/10 · 15 April 2007]

Poor Jean Reno. Stuck in cinematic farce like this. That bored, suffering look upon his face throughout the film can only be his French impatience waiting for this stinking film to end! Technical inaccuracies, historical inaccuracies, inept special effects -- there are so many things here to compete with the film's sophomoric script in motivating the viewer to hit the "eject" button long before the actual end. The wonder of the thing is that you do occasionally find yourself caught up in some subplot that seems to have generated itself amidst the bounteous tripe. If you want to see a well-made movie in this genre, better to rent "The Blue Max" (1960s) and enjoy an hour and a half of real cinema.

300 (2006)

Heroes not intimidated by our era's prejudices

[9/10 · 31 March 2007]

You might well have thought Hollywood too loath to regard any tale of Spartan heroism and martial valor with anything but the extreme malice of the political left.

Yet here, monumental bravery is served up as if political correctness had never been born or has already been deposited on that ash heap of history to which it's surely destined.

Filmed through a surreal new-age lens that blends the historic with the artistic, this cinematic re-telling of the famous story of Thermopylae and its gift to civilization is sure to inspire and delight -- as its initial box office receipts have convincingly demonstrated. Allow much for the artistic license granted the film's director, and then be prepared to savor what this has added to the finished product.

The ½ Hour News Hour (2007)

Winning political satire

[7/10 · 24 March 2007]

The 1/2 Hour News Hour serves up a funny roasting of news events and personalities from an absolutely unique viewpoint -- the conservative side of the political spectrum. And it does so with at least as much result as its over-rated competitors on the political left (The Daily Show, etc.). But then, there is so much about the political left to ridicule, and such a dearth of comedy programs doing it! Besides fast-paced skits the show features its own gag commercials that manage to clobber with humor everything from Hollywood's intellectual pretensions to the ACLU's innate inability to recognize its own comic potential. The original episodes aired on Fox News Channel won the sweepstakes for viewers in their cable time slots.

Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

Misses a little in box office shine

[6/10 · 21 January 2007]

The producers of "Little Miss Sunshine" would like you and their fellow Hollywood liberals to know, up front, of their disapproval of the Bush Administration. They've built this modestly-entertaining rehash of plot innovations found in National Lampoon's "Summer Vacation" and "American Beauty" around that important political point. Actually ... I'm exaggerating almost beyond belief, as a mind game just to imagine how it would seem to any liberal to encounter in a Hollywood movie political snideness gratuitously directed, even in a brief scene, at their own liberal pantheon of political heroes! But as we all know, that will most assuredly never happen, so it's pretty much a moot exercise. Seriously, this film would be okay as TV re-run fare if you're not paying for it and have nothing more stimulating available tonight at the local video shop. The cast professionally serves up black humor American-style, using American society's ample lampoon-able aspects. Too bad, though, about the so-so ending: it could have benefited from some extra effort on the part of writers perhaps too pleased with themselves at sneaking in the prescribed quota of partisan nastiness.

An Inconvenient Truth (2006)

So we can't just enjoy the balmy winter weather?

[5/10 · 14 January 2007]

As drama this production is polished indeed; As self-promotion, it simply excels. And in case anyone out there has gone through a single day without reflecting on the fact (at least to you die-hard true believers!) that Al Gore would have been president if only (never mind what major newspaper studies show!) the 2000 election hadn't BEEN STOLEN BY, AHEM, YOU-KNOW-WHO ...!!! Seriously, America's most famous sore loser manages here, despite his still-bruised ego and famously plastic personality, to do a public service by again bringing up the whole climate change question, even if his personal take on the "facts" doesn't always weather (sorry!) serious scrutiny. One wonders what harm might have been done if he'd also given the opposing viewpoint a chance to debate the key points on film. Maybe a future sequel could sacrifice some of the Gore family footage (please!) and the too-numerous partisan cheap shots to accommodate this? Provided, of course, the sky hasn't fallen by then.

Lawrence of Arabia (1962)

A monumental film

[10/10 · 2 January 2007]

This masterpiece could likely never be produced today, and the reasons for this go far beyond regional Mideast politics. What studio would enable any director, no matter how talented (and David Lean certainly was) and in possession of any equally brilliant script, the liberty to present a story so matter-of-fact in its portrayal of Britain's accomplishments in the colonial era? Oh, the wave of Leftist angst that would ensue! Yet, in this film David Lean manages to weave an enchanting and historically accurate tale of adventure and struggle, of crisis and achievement, of triumph and tragedy that both informs and uplifts, without modern-day remorse over matters of race, creed or color. The story couldn't be more gripping, the acting more talented, the scenery more breathtaking. This is perhaps the finest war adventure story ever filmed, and will reward any number of repeat viewings.

The Far Side of the Moon (2003)

Fusion cinema

[7/10 · 1 January 2007]

This Quebecois film is a charmer that redeems much else of dubious merit coming out of that bit of Canada which persists in its French-ness. I'm sure the director/producer/acting talent behind this film benefited much from the experience won producing the stage version. One can only wish him well in future endeavors, as this offering speaks well of his talents in each afore-mentioned area. As you've no doubt gathered from surrounding reviews the story line centers around a coming-of-age confrontation with family realities in a family none too conventional. Sex is central, as in seemingly all Quebec films, but is here more subtly handled. Approach this cinematic experience as you might any "art" film -- and then be prepared to be pleasantly surprised by its substance.

The Passion of the Christ (2004)

Worth Seeing Again

[10/10 · 1 January 2007]

This cinematic gem manages to transport a setting, story, and cast of characters known to all into the stuff of yet transfixing drama: a feat that only masterly film-making can successfully pull off.

And to do so employing only exotic languages as script multiplies the wonder of the accomplishment. I recently sat for a third viewing of this movie and was again simply astounded by its perfection of casting and the shear artistry of its actors.

Critics who seem to regard the religious inspiration behind the film's making as some sort of obscure "threat" are unfairly saddling a cinematic event with their own unhelpful biases. Others inclined to question its bloody portrayal of scourging, crucifixion and death in Roman times are perhaps ignorant of the realities of that (after all, well-documented) era when life was famously "nasty, brutish and short."

This film's box office earnings speak for themselves. And justly so.

Brassed Off (1996)

Superior entertainment

[8/10 · 31 December 2006]

Yes, this film is a winner, both technically and emotionally. Likable characters, driven to musical excellence, overcome obstacles to do their very best amidst lives troubled by the hopeless collapse of the British coal mining industry. Political ideology, in the form of a yearning for that which is utterly unobtainable (continuing an unprofitable industry at great public expense) is at the core of the plot and registers with those familiar with not-too-distant issues. Yet, if one can suspend economic logic and place oneself, even for the film's duration, at the heart of what's emotionally central to this story, one will not regret the time thus spent.

Games of Love and Chance (2003)

Meager stuff

[2/10 · 31 December 2006]

This is one of those films that'll cause you to wonder just how it made it past the critics alive -- and if your spouse will ever again agree to "watch something French" with you! Jerkily filmed, peopled by endlessly foul-mouthed street louts, and ruthless in its examination of the utterly banal, this film will be a puzzle to most who decide to take it home from the video shop. Perhaps its original allure was in its multi-ethnic cast and the warm and fuzzy resonance multicultural themes always elicit among left-ish film critics. The troubles now endemic to her low-rent ethnic suburbs may cause the French to re-evaluate their initial enchantment with this film. Non?

Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India (2001)

Otherwise a good flick

[7/10 · 31 December 2006]

If you have it in you to enjoy Bollywood, you could do far worse than to rent this film. With an enjoyable story line and professional acting, it's sure to please. Too bad, though, about the heavy dose of revisionist history! In fact, this movie's a four-hour long demonization of the Raj (British rule) that's sure to disappoint any with an authentic interest in colonial times. The story centers around a cricket match wager between villagers hoping to escape taxes and a local colonial British administrator eager to out-do himself in providing a hateful stereotype for the Indian resistance (and their cinematic inheritors). One must wonder at the insecurity of any producer of so jaundiced and anti-British a screenplay. Not to mention India's movie goers. Far too much singing and dancing accompany it all, of course, but between musical numbers the viewer will find enough quality script, acting and scenery to carry it off.

The Office (2001–2003)

Too bad about the sequels ...

[8/10 · 31 December 2006]

An original and uniquely funny exploration of office dynamics that is both creative and yet instantly recognizable to all students of the human condition. And much better done than its American imitation! The first season of the series is a delight. The second season is a letdown. Why the sea change? Perhaps the forces of political correctness, even stronger at the BBC than at most other media venues, felt it necessary to blunt this roguishly non-p.c. gem and thereby discourage imitation. Whatever the actual reason, the direction taken in the second season marked the on-screen demise of the lead character and his comic genius in a way that brought tears (well, almost!) to this viewer's eyes. My recommendation: rent solely the first season disk -- and savor its memory!

Marius and Jeannette (1997)

Life amidst fantasy

[3/10 · 31 December 2006]

A useful film, if one's studying French socialist thought. In this film all characters are mere debris at the mercy of a capitalist tide. And the "terror" of globalization looms just over the horizon! A serious study of the French Revolution (1789) and its Reign of Terror would be helpful background to understanding this director's seeming grudge against life's realities as acted out by the lead characters. The story line is minimal, with an overpowering message of "death to all aristocrats (capitalists)!" immediately recognizable to any student of French history. Do they still buy this tripe on the Left Bank? Apparently so. If you're watching this as part of a college course you may well ask yourself just how sensible your professor is. But then, he/she's likely to have long since tipped his hand by continually denigrating all that questions Marxist/socialist dogma. Continue to feign agreement, as your final course grade may well depend on it!