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Psychic Kids: Children of the Paranormal: Crossing Over (2010)
Helping the Spirits As Asked
This series has often dealt with teaching the children to deal with their fears as well as helping them learn to deal with friends' mean attitudes, making the friends stop calling them 'weird' and 'freak', etc.; this episode dealt with helping the spirits 'move on' -- crossing over to the next 'plane' (not mentioned, my word). Since they felt it had 'worked' and that the spirit had received help, the children as well as the spirits were empowered, their fears allayed, and the parents were able to relax more and even begin to believe that what the children had said was indeed true -- a boon to the child's self confidence and serving as a stepping stone for the parents and their children's relationship. Perhaps now, they'll begin to deal with the question of whether the 'moving on' is synonymous with 'going to heaven or hell'. I believe that will be up to A&E to decide, finally.
Stonehenge: Decoded (2008)
Don't Assume Anyone Knows All the Facts About Stonehenge
There's little that can be said that won't contain Spoilers, since so much misinformation has preceded this now incredibly researched and authenticated documentary. While it's true that little more can be absolutely certified, other than the gross time frame during which this intriguing artistic and religious-based creation was completed (c.2500 BC), the facts are still coming in relative to the design and purpose for the many structures now having been unearthed. One grouping of those investigated most is a near-twin of the original circular workings, only these being made of wood timbers in a similar design, yet having a different reason for celebration within the same year, but at a very different time, even a different solstice. Professor (of Anthropology) Mike Parker Pearson has done a masterful, if time-consuming task of demonstrating various pathways and points of gathering, for very different purposes, including the huge city within which the great number of laborers and artisans lived while creating this most investigated grouping of stonework -- made with Saracen (sp?) stones, thought to be the hardest granite-like rocks.
This 92-minute documentary is time well spent by those who can become invested in and with these marvelously hard-working, deeply religious folk, through their joyful suffering to complete something not only significantly meaningful to them, but intriguing, if mesmerizing, to us, who so often have been seen to shy away from our own form of worship, simply because of inclement weather. Please take the time here, your rewards will be meaningful.
MacGyver: Thief of Budapest (1985)
Loved seeing McGyver steal the King's horse and...SPOILERS
I loved seeing MacGyver steal the king's horse, unpack a saddle from his own back pack, and then ride right passed the shiny new gray American vehicle hidden under the canvas in the bandits' camp. * All this while out-riding the whole gang of seasoned saddle-ready bandits, doing the knight's lance trick, unseating the king of the bandits in the process. * And, then out running the bandits down the beach through the water, and all this before being helli-lifted into the sky while still astride the beautiful white horse, whinnying as MacGyver comments "I don't blame you, I hate heights, too!" as the bandits ride helplessly below
The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)
The Demon(s) Apparently Attended the Trial
From the Goofs Section, we learn: Goofs for The Exorcism of Emily Rose (2005)
* Audio/visual unsynchronized:
The stop button is pushed on the tape recorder during the courtroom scene, --but the tape continues to play for a few more seconds... !!! ??? the overriding of the on/off switch! -- only a demon could do something like that, right?!
Actually I wanted something said about the found locket, in the snow, when cleaned revealed "E C B" -- Laura Linney said her character's name was Erin C. Bruner (E C B) but it could be "Every Catholic Believes" or "Every Christian Believes" or "Emily 'Comes Beatific" or "Even Cowards Believe" (allowing forgiveness) or what do you think?
Stolen (2005)
Recovering Stolen Art Requires Equally Artistic Genius
Believing this was intended to be a combination of a clever mystery, and perhaps a pilot film for a cancer victim recouping his great loss through becoming a well-sought after art detective, I watched this develop into lovely if cumbersomely collected art documentary on a number of Vermeer's finest art, as well as a number of Rembrandts, and four other of the greatest artists known.
It seemed a bit of a slow moving hodge-podge of bits of this grotesquely disfigured 75-year man pursuing one tired lead after another cruel prank after having to interview reward-wishing-publicity-seeking people trying to make their names known.
If you love art as I do, you'll put up with the clutter, the slow pace, and having to gaze time and again on this poor man's brutally damaged facial tissue, and totally enjoy the art lesson documentary buried in this hour and twenty-three minute piece ... really not concerned whether you might or might not find all the answers to this perplexing puzzle.
The close-ups of these fantastic art pieces are something most of us have never had, nor might ever have occasion to behold. ENJOY!
Adopting Change (2004)
Be Patient with Melvin ... and yourself
I thought everyone was doing a great job except that Melvin (Mur) seemed to be overdoing his character's sullenness and unwillingness to give 'this adoption thing' a chance. I finally realized his problem was really his inability to accept his own incompleteness -- his being human and thus 'less than perfect.' Because we foolishly believe everyone else has 'got it together' we feel we're not quite as good as them, and we dwell on our own shortcomings. Lighten up! Be patient with the Melvin Character and you can better accept your own unwillingness to empathize with Melvin's unwillingness to accept his own dilemma of being infertile or, not quite 'a man.' A tough pill to swallow.
I have 'ED' -- have for 4 years since I had prostate cancer and they removed the prostate --and my ability to be normal -- to have an erection -- ever again. That took almost all of the four painful years, but I'm out of my funk, finally, and my wife and I make do -- just fine. I'm wholly whole now that I accept this 'gift.' Mur and Melvin taught me a lesson. Open your mind -- it helps a lot.
Ghost Town (2006)
Did Anyone Else Watch the Same Movie As I Did?
When (10-8-08 2 p.m.) I watched this, two reviewers had said this was an incredibly good movie with incredibly good acting -- so I watched it -- for about ten minutes, before asking myself "Am I watching this because it was free? Or is there something here I missed in the darkness of the first scenes?"
The acting is not up to a level sufficient for me to agree with those previous viewers' remarks. I'm giving it a 3 out of 10, adding a couple more for the mood setting that was good enough to keep me here for ten minutes, anyway.
I'm sorry, but it being free isn't enough reason for me to stay with it, hoping it will improve -- which I doubt it will ever would do.
If my comments make anyone miss something spectacular, forgive me, but to date, I've watched over 1900 movies that are far superior to this one, and only 5 or 6 I mistakenly sat through (for the sake of the person with me having recommended it -- or some such reason) that were anywhere near being in this same unsatisfactory category. ~~~
The Manxman (1929)
Only One Was Too Weak to Be A True Friend
Ondra, alone, couldn't decide who she could commit to. First one, then another, too often. This is so true of too many of our youth today... They are apparently too used to having everything they desire. Everything, that is besides good sense, and integrity.
That weakness was the destruction of all the principal players.
It was, in fact, the driving force of her bringing each of the others down. They seemed beguiled by her innocent looks regardless how pretentious.
This flaw allowed the others to choose not hurting her -- always at the expense of all others.
It is a pity we still today --far too often-- favor the fair looking ones, despite our better judgment.
Decent acting for so tragic an affair.
Singing Guns (1950)
It's Never Too Late to Turn It Around ... Sometimes
Like tmwest, I saw this when I was a youngster(14), and I was not at all pleased with my absent father after he left my mother, my brother, and I -- just to be with another woman and her baby. So, I was hungry for a hero. I thought Vaughn sang great songs, which I knew well enough to sing along with, and I loved to sing enough that I sang in a couple of choirs, so I latched onto him. My brother sang solos, and I wished I could too. As I recall, the plot was fairly simple, but as I pointed out, it fit the bill of being encouraging entertainment for me, especially since the hero was trying to turn the bad parts of his life around, making me wish my father would, too. He didn't, unfortunately, but I finally did. Wish I had a copy of this film today.
Changing Lanes (2002)
An Important Aspect being Overlooked ( slight spoiler included )
Not many could fully understand the meaning of Doyle's AA sponsor's comment regarding "Doyle's addiction to chaos" ... unless/until they've experienced chronic alcoholism. I barely survived 50 years of it -- and that's precisely why I (now after 20 years of genuine sobriety) not only recommend this movie to everyone I know in AA, but I absolutely insist on it for everyone I sponsor.
( slight spoiler follows ) Please try to realize just how fortunate you are to actually have no earthly idea what it was like for Doyle to leave that "bourbon with a twist" sitting untouched after what he had just experienced in court. Very few new AA members could have done it -- or even attempted it!
I suspect the writers//directors/producers have (at least) relatives and/or close friends whose experiences they could draw on, since they captured the essence of these dynamics so keenly.
Great job! Great movie!!
10 out of 10
Fatal Attraction (1987)
The Forbidden Fruit Ripens Only in Your Juices of Regret
After finally getting around to seeing this blockbuster hit, I bought the DVD and watched in utter fascination as the incredible crew who put this all together told of the what, hows and whys that each character and scene -- and ending -- was selected. The original ending had been adjudged 'not quite there' and/or 'too predictable' and not nearly as captivating as they seemed to sense the final selection would be. Those closing scenes finally decided upon riveted us all to our seats, as they step-by-step, blow-by-blow sucked us deeper and deeper into the hearts and minds of the characters of our own identification.
SUPERB! Only this one-word description even comes close to expressing how the audience rated and appreciated the tension we felt after surviving the suspense and passion of those emotions experienced by characters and audience alike. There was also some relief of possible closure, as each of our characters came to realize just what had transpired, and just how they were effected. Only then could they even hope for a future just slightly resembling that dream their relationship originally had been based on.
I rate it "MUST SEE" for every person ever tempted toward any type of indiscretion in one's relationship; the catharsis available is as healing as was the previously felt guilt utterly damning.
Dances with Wolves (1990)
From Darkness in the Dark to Brightness in the Light
So many have romanticized this era, despite the pall of death obviously borne by the red men. This realistic presentation by default wears a mask of sadness, occasionally and realistically grins (or at least grimaces) when appropriate, and the 'hero' is never certain to win the prettiest girl -- but we're all glad for his choice and her acceptance -- they very much deserve each other.
The military is realistically mediocre at best, save for the officers who are worse than chance would have it, proving our suspicions that the good ones always leave to be rid of those diluting the quality pool.
While I genuinely loved it, I have only watched it 3 times in 5 years, allowing time to mellow the actions, thereby better objectifying my impressions. I'm convinced you'll be won over as well, adding your higher votes for a fine performance.
To Dance with the White Dog (1993)
Willing to Continue the Perfect Marriage Allows It to Be So
As others have said so well, Hume & Jessica as Mr. Sam & Beloved Cora, make this little (but so important) movie to not only entertain the viewers, but to draw them in so closely, they dare not resist 'being' with the characters ... it would not do to simply observe this oh, so true-to-Life tale of true love that therein lasted 57 years; What they shared was so far beyond just "man meets woman" "falls in love" "raise a large family of willingly loving members" "then die" ... for we are invited-nay, demanded, to participate in the activities as well as the beautiful reminiscences relived in soft, vivid, "passionate reverie." ** The family interaction is so real, so wholesome, while being at once highly refined and quite humorous portrayals of our own brothers and sisters, complete with the squabbling, the joint concerns -- even the near neurotic imaginings and over-reactions, that remind us to never, ever simply react, but rather to determinedly intend to live our lives fully, while fully being just who we are -- really, down deep where we recognize how humble, yet proud of our family ties, we all need to be! What more do we live for? ** I absolutely loved this film and have converted it onto DVD so as to be better able to relive those dear moments again and again, as I too approach 57 years with my darling "best friend" and life companion. My parents were together 52 years (the 2nd marriage for mother, the first for dad) and my wife's parents continue in their 63rd very close years together. With examples like these, we wonder why the divorce rate could possibly be at 51% today ... as tragically it is.
SEE IT!! BELIEVE IT!!! LEARN AND LIVE IT!!!! DB
The Last Castle (2001)
Literalists hate it; Realists love it ... people --alll of them-- are human!
Because the warden's self-protecting screen can see only black and white, so that he might avoid anything resembling empathy, he feels he is entitled to bestially treat inmates anyway he wants ... as he does in spades. Our "just-the-facts-Ma'm" warden here acts on the premise that 'convicted' means you're purely vermin, and thereby deserve nothing, because justice dictates you should and must be punished, despite all those wrongfully convicted cases that are forever popping up. The system is flawed, yet literalists see only black and white, so can't accept that as even a remote possibility -- "Why, what would my Sunday school teacher think if I was sympathetic?"
So, they played to the heartstrings a little too much to make a point -- that point is still valid! I appreciated the determined cleverness of Irwin's character, the loyalty of his Sergeant-major, but especially Yates' integrity and refusal to go along until convinced, selfishly playing the 'snitch' in the meantime -- all lovable character traits.