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Conservative_Critic
Reviews
Goonland (1938)
One of the best Fleischer cartoons!
Some claim that as the 1930s and '40s wore on, the Popeye shorts of the Fleischers lost their touch. I would say that, in light of "Goonland" (1938), this is NOT true. The Fleischer brothers very brilliantly bring the Goons, freakish creatures from E.C. Segar's comic strip, "Thimble Theatre," to life, as they encounter the ever-heroic Popeye on a quest to find his long-lost Pappy (also portrayed faithful to the original character). The music, voice acting, imagery and special effects all contribute to an adventurous, fun, and enduring Popeye cartoon. Very highly recommended! Popeye fans will also be delighted to know that "Goonland" (1938) is available on the DVD collection, "Popeye the Sailor, Volume 2: 1938-1940," which would make an excellent Christmas gift for any Popeye or nostalgic cartoon lover.
The Shadow (1994)
Who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men?
I remember first learning of The Shadow from a book centered around the history of Batman as a literary figure. When examining the darker, deadlier version of Batman as he first debuted in 1939, one can clearly see that Batman was inspired by The Shadow.
The Shadow himself is a "Master of Darkness," Lamont Cranston (played by Alec Baldwin), once a World War I veteran and international criminal. Cranston, a drug lord in Tibet, is captured and reformed by the mysterious Tulku, a Tibetan holy man. Cranston learns the power to "cloud men's minds," which renders him virtually invisible. He becomes a master of stealth and intimidation. He returns to his native New York to battle organized crime as The Shadow. There, he comes face-to-face with Shiwan Khan (John Lone), the "last descendant of Genghis Khan." Khan plots to conquer the world, via the atomic bomb. Can The Shadow overcome his dark urgings and defeat Khan, or will he fall back into his evil ways?
"The Shadow" (1994) was a film that had great potential. Because of the other superhero revival movies of the day (i.e.: Tim Burton's "Batman" (1989), etc.), The Shadow could be introduced to a new generation. Unfortunately, the film fared poorly at the box office and at the voices of critics. The first thirty minutes of "The Shadow" are probably the best. We are introduced to The Shadow, learn of his origins, and witness as the stage is set for a great film. However, most of the movie is simply a thrill ride with above-average special effects. The acting is as good as it gets for an action endeavor, while the characterization is flat.
Overall, "The Shadow" is a good action/superhero film. It was definitely worth a few bucks to go see in 1994. The movie was faithful to Walter Gibson's original stories and characters, both in regard to character, setting and visually. While "The Shadow" is far from perfect, it is generally (and unjustly) underrated. I am in hopes that the new film, to be made by Shadow fan Sam Raimi, will rival this one in greatness. We cannot tell thus far, however.
Only The Shadow knows!
Luther (2003)
"My conscience is captive to the Word of God..."
The scene from this film that stands out in my mind the most is in which Martin Luther, a sixteenth century monk with distinctively indignant features climbs the steps of the local Catholic parish church and nails an extensive list of written ecclesiastical abuses to its massive oaken doors. Joseph Fiennes portrays Luther, a searching, grave man, seeking answers in a hurting, yet corrupted world. The Roman Catholic Church, the very definition of Christianity of the day, holds sway over all of Europe through Pope Leo X (Uwe Ochsenknecht), the shadowy head of the Church. The Pope's agents are collecting money from the common people, telling them that they are buying their own salvation, while in reality they are funding the furthering the construction of the Vatican.
Discovering the corruption in the Church while on a pilgrimage to Rome, Luther labors to Reform the Church. He speaks out against papal authority and proclaims salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Luther's enemies are many. Charles V, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire (Torben Liebrecht) seeks to silence the Reformer, with the aide of the manipulative cardinal Alaender (Jonathan Firth). Eventually, Martin Luther appears before the Emperor himself, on the grounds he must recant his work and ultimately the truth of the Gospel, or die.
"Luther" (2003) is an awe-inspiring, moving film. It tells the true story of Martin Luther, who was not only perhaps the greatest Protestant theologian but also one of the most courageous Christians of all time. The acting is sincere, the characters are believable and the overall message is deep. A highly recommended film to all who search for the truth.
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)
Wonderful End to an Awesome Series
From the stirring, opening scene in New Mexico, "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" fits in very well with the Lucas/Spielberg Indiana Jones series, while still conveying a sense of change. The year is 1957. Almost twenty years ago, Dr. Henry Jones Jr., better known as Indiana, embarked on a quest to save the Holy Grail from the clutches of Nazi Germany. This time, however, Indy is facing off against nationalistic Soviets, hell-bent on procuring a legendary crystal skull, which is supposedly the key to an ancient city built by the Mayans, renowned as El Dorado.
Harrison Ford delivers a commendable performance as Indiana Jones, this being his fifth reprising of the role (he made a cameo in an episode of "The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles" in the 1990s). Ford shows a much more encyclopedic and friendly Indy, instead of the sort of mercenary-type character from the first two films. Shia LaBeouf's performance was better than I expected--he plays his co-starring role so well that I wasn't constantly thinking of the guy from "Transformers" in an Indiana Jones film. Karen Allen is showing her age a bit, but she portrays Marion Ravenwood with the same spunk and adventurous attitude as she did in "Raiders of the Lost Ark" (1981).
I will say that I felt very nostalgic, remembering the old Indy films in contrast to this brand-new one. The absence of Dr. Jones Sr., Marcus Brody and Sallah creates a noticeable void, though I am glad that the fast-paced film takes a moment to recall these old and beloved characters. On the con side, "Crystal Skull" was definitely more of a thrill-a-minute type film than the previous two movies, which seemed much more intellectual to me (with the exclusion of "Temple of Doom," 1984). This is not to say that Lucas and Spielberg are losing their touch, but rather that they are adapting to a new generation of moviegoers' expectations. My last criticism is a much more subject one, but I will state it. Perhaps I'm an "Indy traditionalist," but I wasn't entirely too comfortable with the featured creatures at first (I won't reveal their identities for the benefit of those who haven't seen the movie yet). I think that they contributed to the considerably weaker ending.
However, in conclusion, "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" (2008) is a very enjoyable, fast-paced film. I highly recommend it to the Indy lovers and to all who love adventure films.
MY INDIANA JONES MOVIE RANKINGS:
1. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989) 2. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008) 3. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) 4. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
Jesus (1979)
"I am with you always, even unto the end of the age..."
Here in the Bible belt of the United States, particularly in our Southern Baptist churches, when you say the name "Jesus Christ," most of us envision such a person as Brian Deacon, who stars as the title character of "Jesus" (1979). The plot of "Jesus" is generally well-known even by non-believers. The opening scene displays John 3:16-17 from the King James Version. Though the film claims to be entirely from The Gospel of St. Luke, it also mixes elements from Matthew's Gospel (i.e.: a more complete Lord's Prayer said by Christ and the use of the trinitarian baptismal formula).
Sadly, the acting in "Jesus" is almost as wooden as the oil-painted icons of the Eastern Church. Brian Deacon delivers a sort of solemn, meek interpretation of Jesus of Nazareth--making the scene in which he casts out the money-changers from the temple--look as if he is only frustrated, and not righteously angry. However, in the film's defense, the acting in "Jesus" is much more a product of its time in that this was generally accepted as to how Jesus acted.
"Jesus" is perhaps one of the greatest films ever made, not because of its production values or acting, but because of its content. This 80-minute film, translated into God knows how many languages, has communicated the Gospel to millions all across the globe. "Jesus," the forerunner of such films as "The Gospel of John" (2003) and "The Passion of the Christ" (2004), is one of the finest examples of evangelical film-making. Recommended for everyone.