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Reviews
The Swarm (1978)
Vastly underrated
Solid disaster epic about deadly bees swarming a Midwest town. Special effects that really are convincing with the airborne photographical effects used. Any knock on them has to be tempered with the fact that this is 1978,decades before CGI became mainstream and for my money just as good here with The Swarm. The acting also was surprisingly good considering all the bad press this movie has gotten. Michael Caine in command with the sage Henry Fonda as his mentor. Richard Widmark straight to form,playing the general,being his usual ornery self,always willing to engage in verbal sparring sessions with Caine. Slim Pickens has an incredibly emotional scene where he finds his loved one in the morgue. All the ladies here all are solid as well with Katharine Ross, Olivia De Havilland and Lee Grant. And as well this movie is a solid disaster epic with a stellar cast,well worth the time.
X (2022)
Only good as a porn parody
But it isn't. This is taken seriously and was released as such. Nothing else would tell you otherwise with the marketing. If it was going for the tongue in cheek approach it failed miserably. People see the film studio here and expect something which it is not and honestly don't think anyone would necessarily want anyway. With I'm sure so many MeToo progressive women working for Rotten Tomatoes it's hilarious that they liked this film so much. Obviously based off of the Texas Chainsaw Massacre films and other slasher films of the 70's and 80's minus any of the artistry or awesome campiness of those films,this film was just a pretentious mess.
The Offence (1973)
Sean Connery at his acting best
Incredibly intense police drama with Connery playing a detective investigating a series of child rape/murders. From top to bottom excellent performances with Connery going toe to toe acting wise and role wise with suspect Ian Bannen. Trevor Howard,although second billed,has a lesser role. Connery's character here is a man on edge,a burnt out cop plagued by images of violence and faces of all the murdered victims after twenty years of service. His marriage is floundering and on the verge of divorce after an episode of physical abuse caused by the job which also has involved physical confrontations with suspects,even before this latest episode. I've seen many Connery movies and I'd say this film along with The Hill (1965) and Marnie (1964) among his best performances of all time.
Dracula (1931)
Bela Lugosi is Dracula PERIOD
Epic movie that stands alone as the movie that put the vampire on the map. The rest of the reviews on this are pointless because they fail to take this into account or fail to recognize. Lugosi was born to play Dracula. Anytime you see a representation of the character it is always Lugosi's. The film has been criticized for being stagey but a lot of these older horror movies may come off as such by ignorant millennials. The sets here are superb and put you right in Transylvania with a creepy awe-inspiring castle filled with love slaves and servants of it's master Count Dracula. Supporting parts are played accordingly with the beautiful Helen Chandler as the object of lust and the incomparable Edward Van Sloan as Van Helsing (a part he would later repeat in Dracula's Daughter (1936)
Doctor Sleep (2019)
Superhero not Horror
Nothing like the simple story of The Shining,where a dysfunctional Midwestern family of three stays at a remote hotel for the winter. No no no this garbage throws attractive, psychic young people fighting a cult. Joke script from the one and only Stephen King,whose had his fair share of stinkers. No more sequels dude,no matter how bad the dumbass public want it. Probably stupid millennials who just saw the original then asked for this cause they can't let anything go. Ewan Macgregor must be the actual dope fiend character from Trainspotting to take this part. What the hell was he thinking? He's not even a fan of The Shining or horror for that matter.
The Petrified Forest (1936)
Davis ruins great script
Liked Bogart,liked his character (a little stiff though,literally) and the supporting cast was great from Leslie Howard to Genevieve Tobin and all in between...save for Miss Davis. Can not stand this actress in ANYTHING. Sorry total prima donna, always desperate for all the attention with completely over the top acting hysterics. Even in supporting roles she sucks. So with all that being said I can not give this movie a better grade. The movie is about Bogart's Duke Mantee holding a group a travellers prisoner in a cafe in the desert. He and his gang are on the run from authorities and are biding their time to escape. Leslie Howard is a suicidal intellectual,Tobin is a depressed housewife and Davis is some airhead bimbo with a jock boyfriend. Bogart sets the ground rules for all the players,at the point of a gun.
Suzy (1936)
Harlow's gold again in war
The movie starts off with New York chorus girl getting a fresh start in Europe. Looking for a wealthy noble to marry(aren't all girls?)This may seem quite predictable especially for the period but is honestly obvious to include, then and now. She meets Tone who is just a regular joe who works in a factory unbeknownst to him is run by kraut spies. After proposing to Suzy,he is shot and Suzy is suspect. Afterward she high tails it to the mainland and meets Grant while doing her torch song routine in a nightclub. As the movie proceeds all three players are caught up in the war with a tragic end for one in the climatic finale. Movie isn't perfect mainly due to absence of period clothing and Tone's horrible accent but otherwise because of Harlow it is still great. Her body of work is some of the most watchable in film history. Never has there been a more intensely likeable star in the storied annals of Hollywood.
French Connection II (1975)
Gene Hackman tour de force
Solid movie with good script and solid French actors. Sequel to the acclaimed French Connection (1971), Popeye Doyle goes to France looking to put away Charnier(Frog One) one way or another and teams up with Marseilles' detectives who,at least at first put a tight reign on him. Eventually Doyle earns his keep and the noise tightens on the Frog's drug operation. Popeye has him on the run in the end with an epic chase finale. Not quite as good of a movie as the first but a much more impressive performance by Hackman.
Unprecedented (2022)
A must watch for anyone who loves America
A factual based account of Trump's presidency and the so called insurrection January 6. Donald Trump was and is a man driven by his love of this country and all that it has given him. He felt like he should give back by running for president especially after his predecessor's eight years. Trump's presidency was an overwhelming success, covid notwithstanding, and the man was taken aback by the left's underhanded election irregularities and did vent afterwards. This anger and frustration although had nothing to do with the events of January 6,where many people just as frustrated, especially with all the overreaching covid mandates destroying the country, decided to break into the Capital. Now we see,as Trump predicted,all the damage the current administration is doing to America. Trump maybe eyeing another run in '24 or maybe one of his very distinguished children. Who knows? Trump has offspring to be proud of unlike our current president.
Rocky (1976)
Greatest underdog story since David and Goliath
Rocky follows along the same lines as the Wepner/Ali fight where ethnic dude from the city fights the undisputed champ. No one gives him a chance and succeeds in shocking the world;one way or another. Great performances by Stallone, Meredith,Young,Shire,
and Weathers. Boxing sequences also impressive for the day. Great cinematography with some of the best camera work ever seen in a film. In the beginning before it's and his success, Rocky and it's stable of players( especially in this DIY production), were very real and relatable characters that the masses fell in love with.
Rocky Balboa (2006)
Worst Rocky Ever
Terribly ridiculous plot with sub par acting. Stallone Stallone and Young are solid as always but everyone else comes off as cheesy and stale. Tarver especially looks like the amateur he is and physically looks terrible with his flabby physique. Stallone has said past Rockys were made for the money but that's exactly what this felt like to me. The fact of the matters is that no 60+ year old fighter with a history of injuries would ever be fighting or allowed to fight the heavyweight champion of the world. This fact alone destroys the Rocky premise for me. Maybe if it was an exhibition against a lesser known fighter I could accept but not this. I'm too much of a boxing fan. This movie and others just trying to rehash, reinvent or reinstall old characters that are best put out to pasture. The key parts played by actors past their prime for such heroic roles. You'd just like to see new heroic characters and new actors in entirely new movies. Stop living off past glories.
The Room (2003)
Awesome in every way
Great movie. Some will get the humor for those who don't I feel sorry for you. Tommy Wiseau is frickin genius. By the way for all you boneheads out there this movie is a COMEDY. Some looking for something it was never meant to be. The movie is complete FU to baseless human interaction we see in our everyday lives and BS film and TV melodrama. You see it once and you'll never be the same again Highly recommend. Go rent it, watch it,bathe in it.
Rocky V (1990)
Rocky sequel that should've been the finale
Movie picks up after fighting Drago in 4 and Rocky is clearly unwell,hands shaking in the shower. Paulie loses their money and Rocky is determined to fight again but doctor's advise against and Adrian is adamant for him to hang it up. Rocky concedes and opens up Micky's old gym .He runs into a promising fighter who he takes under his wing .Fighter (played by actual heavyweight contender Tommy"The Duke Morrison who defeated George Foreman) turns on Rock for not getting him a title shot and hooks up with a Don King clone. Eventually there is a confrontation between Rock and Tommy since feels disrespected. End is predictable but hey this is Rocky. I enjoyed the film from the standpoint that it was different than the others and it stuck with the premise that Rocky had sustained injuries that more than likely would've kept him out of the ring(which has gone COMPLETELY out the window with Rocky Balboa) The cast was great and the scene with Micky(Burgess Meredith)was one of the most emotional in the entire series. We even see Stallone's own son playing Rock's son. This movie should've been the swan song to the series ending right back where it started with the original core cast starring. RB jumped the shark with an idiotic premise and was hailed because of nostalgic fans and critics.
One Nation Under Trump (2016)
Trump in all his glory
Trump documentary leading up to his monumental presidential election win. Excerpts from friends and family portraying Trump accurately as a transcendent figure in political history. A run and win that no one saw coming and beating an entrenched politician and upsetting the Washington establishment. This and other such documentaries are entirely necessary especially considering Trump's accomplishments in the face of neverending pushback and weak impeachment charges. It is now also a realization that many such prognostications espoused by Trump after his failed reelection campaign have now turned out to be true. Covid was the bane of his presidency in the end and what led to his loss,and the voting procedures in place because of covid definitely played a part. All in all Trump ended up delivering on almost 3/4 of his campaign promises and 3 of his 4 years a rousing success.
Night Moves (1975)
Gene Hackman lights up the screen
Neo noir thriller about a jaded PI in a tumultuous marriage who gets a case with many moving parts. The film features stellar acting performances by an equally stellar cast that includes Jennifer Warren, Susan Clark, James Woods,Harris Yulin and the screen debut of Melanie Griffith. Gene Hackman is in top form trying to unravel the mystery. The movie's climax is one of the greatest in his long storied career.
Tombstone (1993)
Best Wyatt & Doc ever
One of the most stylish and coolest westerns with a plethora of incredible performances from a excellent cast. Taken mostly from authentic sources,the movie is story of the greatest shootout of the Old West,between the Earps(w/ Doc Holliday) and the Clantons. Kurt Russell plays the truly badass Wyatt and Val Kilmer the suave and sickly Doc Holliday,in yet another stellar acting job from one of the greatest character actor leading men in the business. I personally believe the man deserved an Oscar for this. Practically every cast member here elevates the piece to some extent, with some very noteworthy performances by Stephen Lang and Michael Biehn. All in all you won't find a better telling of the story in all the annals of Hollywood.
Any Which Way You Can (1980)
Clint and Clyde in a slapstick triumph
One of Eastwood's most successful movies and it's not hard to understand. All of Clint's stable of actors take part in a rollicking comedy that includes truckers,bikers,western singers,mobsters, feisty grannies,bad-asses and one orangutan. Philo Beto is a hard working truck driver living in Southern California with his dear old,foul mouthed mother and mechanic brother. His best friend Clyde is his pet orangutan who love his Oreos and rendezvous at the local zoo with his girlfriend. Philo is still caring a flame for his country singer ex who he sees at the local saloon and they resume their relationship. He would like to make some money for the two of them and mother so he agrees to fight the current bare knuckle champ. When girlfriend (Sondra Locke) objects, he returns the money. After a little skirmish with Clyde(resulting in one trashed Cadillac)the mobsters return and threaten Philo's family. In response he agrees to fight(William Smith)in the fight to end all movie fights.
Housesitter (1992)
Great rom-com with two of the best
Funny movie with a great cast. Martin and Hawn have great chemistry in a wonderfully scripted film directed by the underrated Frank Oz. Not too many people funnier than Steve Martin and when this came out he was at the top of his game. I honestly am not a huge fan of rom-coms but these actors are just too good for anyone to pass up. I give it the highest rating for this genre. A movie for couples that is safe enough for the whole family.
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2005)
Puke sitcom with wannabe comics
Terrible comedy terribly unfunny actors and just one terrible show. Almost cancelled in the first season and it should've been. Its only for so much garbage on tv that this lasted. If you like dumb as f' frat boy comedy,than this one's for you.
The Gauntlet (1977)
"Can you handle it or do I have to write it in braille and shove it up your ass?"
Great line. Cool movie. Clint plays atypical here in an earlier role where he's a lowly drunken cop taken advantage of by all those around him. He finds himself caught in a conspiracy surrounding a female inmate he's enforced to transport to prison. Everyone's out to get them including both police and the mob. After awhile he grows sweet on Sondra's character while also protecting her from the same people out to get him. Clint and Sondra had real chemistry and in their screen appearances together and none more so than here. Action packed 70's thriller with some great dialogue from Clint and his stock acting crew.
The 6th Day (2000)
Classic Arnold in underrated gem
Cool sci-fi flick with Arnold playing a family man in the future who reasons unbeknownst to him has been cloned. Good supporting cast including Michael Rapaport and Robert Duvall. Good special effects for their time. Arnold in one of his last truly good films before going on to become governor of California.
Day of the Dead (1985)
2nd Best Romero Dead
Completely over the top fun and gore. Insane characters played by some of the most charismatic actors in the history of horror. Taking place mostly in a underground military bunker, scientists and soldiers most come together to overcome the zombie horde rampaging above and storming below. Both groups have their own ideas in how to stop them and they struggle to coexist. The interactions between the two are the funniest,most abrasive in all of horror. This tongue in cheek approach works great with zombies when done effectively like here.
Vegas Vacation (1997)
Chevy and Randy at it again
Side splitting laughter's galore another vacation movie with all the trimmings Great combination of comedy and insight into the ridiculous world of Vegas and gambling. Randy Quaid is in top form with his indelible woebegone character tagging along to Chevy and mixing up with his own self effacing hijinks. The entire family is caught up in their own scandals with the corrupting influence of Vegas being the culprit. The movie is hit as much as any of the series save for Christmas. Really do not understand what RT is thinking giving the first such a high rating then basically trashing the rest. Must have heard from highers up to go big on it due to the recent tributes and remakes. RT:TOOLS.
Il buono, il brutto, il cattivo (1966)
Best Clint and best western ever
A truly epic movie that encompasses some of the best direction and most iconic characters in the history of cinema. Clint Eastwood's Man With No Name hits a crescendo along with a equally epic score. Eli Wallach is the charismatic and greedy Tuco who plays off of Clint like a western Laurel and Hardy. Lee Van Cleef is the nasty and greedy character nicknamed ironically "Angel Eyes". All three vying for treasure buried in an abandoned cemetery while trying to outpace the armies fighting the Civil War. Awesome movie with an even better ending.
Dirty Harry (1971)
Eastwood at his badass best
A gritty urban police drama with exceptional direction by Siegel. Clint plays the hard boiled detective that will stop at nothing to get his man. Andrew Robinson is excellent playing the demented homicidal gunman rampaging through early 70's San Francisco. One of the most impressive shots in any police drama is the aerial of Clint hovering over the killer in the middle of the football field,foot to injured leg,Scorpio screaming in pain as the camera pans straight out of Kezar Stadium.