van-83714 Reviews

John Wick: Chapter 4 (2023)

For those who love guns and killing

[3/10 · 29 January 2024]

I hadn't watched a John Wick before. After watching ten minutes of this movie, I was relieved that I hadn't been missing anything. For those who just love seeing homicidal violence, John Wick is your ticket. Particularly for those loving guns and gun violence, this movie is a feast. The dead probably exceeded a hundred, or at least enough to start a decent-sized cemetery. It shouldn't be a surprise that gun violence is so prevalent in the US. As for other aspects of the film, stunts and special effects are impressive. These usually involve killing bad guys and chase scenes. The sets are also impressive in such cities as Paris, New York, Berlin, and Osaka. The plot has minor variations from the good guy - bad guy theme. Why they are good or bad is less obvious. Wick loves his dead wife and personal loyalty seems to matter with the good guys. A much stronger motivator for the bad guys is money and power at all cost. For that, John usually delivers a bullet in the head. I liked Ian McShane and Laurence Fisburne's acting in this movie, but Keanu Reeves seems a bit of a stiff. Caine and Mr. Nobody characters are interesting, mostly because their loyalties are unpredictable and seemingly capricious. All that said, I am not sure how the blind guy can see so well.

We Are Not Alone (1939)

A good cast wasted on a downer melodrama

[5/10 · 18 December 2023]

The good are stereotypically good and the bad are bad through and through. When a child makes a fatal error, the worst possible result occurs. Threadbare circumstantial evidence is used at trial to send the innocent and virtuous to the gallows. Then, the overprotective father refuses to communicate with his son ever again, when it is the only hope for saving the lives of those condemned. It is pretty clear that all the cards are stacked against them. And how do the screenwriters put a positive spin on this melodrama? This is how I interpreted it: Yes, two innocent people will die, but maybe it is okay, considering millions of young men will die in the next four years in war. This rationale seems like a bunch of fatalistic nonsense. Maybe the only good to come out of this story is as an argument against capital punishment.

You Can't Take It with You (1938)

Over the top madcap

[5/10 · 10 November 2023]

When the comedy gets this ridiculous, the sensible takes a back seat. Sure, it must have been funny at the time of release, but it is mostly annoying now 85 years later. These antics coming from children or the Marx Brothers would be expected. But Jean Arthur approaching 40 exclaiming, "Whee," as she slides down the bannister is not. Ditto for characters running around the house when walking would suffice. Mischa Auer's Russian character is intolerable. Periodic uncontrolled or unexpected fireworks pile on the nonsense. The romance and the attempted home purchase are secondary elements. One can only wonder why Lionel Barrymore was cast as a lead character in this comedy. A capable actor especially in gruff roles, but in this comedy he almost the same age as his daughter with his accompanying physical ailments. And why would Jimmy Stewart's character choose to bring his parents to dinner on the wrong night? He claimed it was to get a realistic impression of the family. It was fairly certain that it wouldn't provide a positive impression to either set of parents. The primary theme of the movie is inserted near the end of the film, but is largely obscured by the heavy-handed comedy..

The Way Ahead (1944)

Much better second half

[7/10 · 4 November 2023]

For a film by Carol Reed and with a large collection of seasoned actors, you would think that this movie would amount to something more than just a bunch of selfish whiners being drafted into the army. Instead, you wonder whether they know a war is going on. Maybe, the purpose of approach was to accentuate the positive effects of training. It seemed overlong and exaggerated though. At long last, 48 minutes in, Niven's character gives his pride of the unit speech with a history lesson. Reality and civility finally appear from this point forward. Nice to see Trevor Howard in his first movie role. Ironic that they chose to include comments from old soldiers for a film entitled, "Way Ahead". The second half of the movie was much better with good war scenes and appearances by a French-speaking Ustinov and Carol Reed's daughter and future wife in brief supporting roles. I would have thought much more of this film with the first 50 minutes reduced to 20.

Wait Till the Sun Shines, Nellie (1952)

Barbershop soap

[3/10 · 3 November 2023]

Essentially a two-part movie about a small town barber. The first part is focused on the barber's marriage. The second part is about his relationships with his children. In the first part, the barber shows himself to be quite dishonest with his wife, though well liked by his buddies in the shop. He lied to her about many important matters just to keep her contented in the small town. Nellie and her suitor suffer a bad end when she finally seeks her dream of going to the big city. A dream her husband deprived her of. The first part ended with him showing more grief about his wife's imagined betrayal, than her demise. He blamed others as cause of her actions, rather than his deceptions. So the lying stuffed shirt lives into old age, while his wife dies young seeking her dream. Not a story of much interest to me. The theme song was overplayed throughout, but the song and dance routine by the son and his future wife was isolated entertainment. One can defend the movie as being representative of the time, made during blacklisting and a radically conservative swing in American politics. But the message of the movie is clear. Anyone who leaves the small town for the big city is doomed in those dens of inequity. And who doesn't love the corn of a barbershop quartet and small town parade to end a movie on an up note. The only redeeming part of this twisted, small town soap opera was Jean Peters in the initial half as the attractive female lead. But this is more of a vehicle for a very old popular song, than any actress.

What Dreams May Come (1998)

Making the most of death

[5/10 · 30 October 2023]

For those inclined toward religion, this movie may provide an interesting tale. For those unable to cope with the loss of loved ones, it may provide solace. Otherwise, the film is a bunch of nonsense. I am a fan of Robin Williams and Max Von Sydow. But this film didn't give them much of a chance. And what's not to like about Annabella Sciorra. So a good cast, bad story. Of course, the visual effects provide a dream-like atmosphere. A dream from a writer's head. But most of the time it isn't cast as a dream. On top of a unbelievable premise, the lead characters are able to be reunited by repeatedly dodging the rules of the afterlife. Tenets held by most religions for millennia. Of course nothing about this film is rational or objective. It is only about faith in a dream.

Thank Your Lucky Stars (1943)

Way too much Cantor but a good revue

[6/10 · 15 October 2023]

Mostly a disappointment-at least for the first hour and a half. This portion is mostly Eddie Cantor vehicle with a preposterous plot. Eddie can't get enough screen time. Maybe he was funny 80 years ago on the vaudeville circuit. Not so much anymore. Joan Leslie was the female lead in the Cantorville plot, showing her acting skill and experience at age 17. Providing relief from more and more Cantor were a few isolated Dinah Shore songs. Also welcomed were short appearances from Bogie, John Garfield, Ann Sheridan, and Hattie McDaniel. Jack Carson and Alan Hale, Sr, also sang an entertaining piece. So finally more than 90 minutes into the movie Errol Flynn showed up with a very good song which probably captured some of his real life experience. Soon after, nice to see Bette singing in a beautiful dress. Ida and Olivia were quite good together in their trio with Tobias. My recommendation would be to fast forward through all of the first 90 minutes except for the three Dinah Shore songs and Carson-Hale duet, then watch most of the final 35 minutes which is primarily a revue. They probably should have stuck exclusively to a revue of 45 minutes with a minimum of plot and Cantor. Thank goodness it made money for a good cause.

Oh! What a Lovely War (1969)

A bit of satire with much truth and song about a 20th century bloodbath

[9/10 · 13 September 2023]

The lighthearted approach to political machinations at the start of the war may have been a turn off for some. But as the casualties piled up, the grim reality on the battlefield was captured except in the minds of many in the general staff. Though care was taken to avoid showing the brutal carnage. The large size of the cast with numerous cameos was a bit overwhelming. But the balance between the coverage of the generals versus the infantry and their families seemed well managed. The film with many beautiful songs, though often quite short, at times captured the poignant sadness of the loss of an entire generation.. Of course the ending with the panorama crosses, provides an exclamation point to the cost of war, but with only 1/1000th of the actual losses shown. It is created the same emotion that one feels visiting some of the larger cemeteries at Passchendaele, the Meuse/Verdun and Thiepval. But, without the graphic carnage or first hand accounts, it doesn't sink to the depths of grief and sadness of Vera Brittain's book, Testament of Youth.

Pack of Lies (1987 TV Movie)

Fact versus fiction

[8/10 · 13 August 2023]

The perspective from rating this film is based on the knowledge that it is largely a true story. Initially, the close friends were generally happy and contented in their suburban neighborhood. This tranquility was destroyed by the government surveillance program using neighbor against neighbor. This program that was forced on a law-abiding family probably wouldn't be allowed in many countries at present. Legal protections would probably be available to protect innocent citizens. Alternative methods should have been employed. But it has to be viewed quite differently 60 years ago near the height of the Cold War. Intrusion issue aside; the story was suspenseful and the acting, especially from Burstyn and Garr, was excellent. That said, it difficult to watch the build up to the emotional collapse. The irony of betrayal left a very bitter taste in one's mouth.

No Man of Her Own (1950)

An escape from reality

[4/10 · 19 July 2023]

Oh sure, Barbara Stanwyck is always good. But how about believability? That's why they call it a melodrama of the noir variety. She slips on the wedding ring, and Bam!!' She's a different girl. Where are the glass slippers? And how did Steven Morley ever wind up in the same town? And how did she ever fall in love with such vermin in the first place? Oh yes, Barbara Stanwyck can't tell the truth and stand up to a two bit crook. Unbelievable. Take your pick as to the murderer. We have three volunteers with one abetting. But in the the heroic couple live happily ever after so everyone leaves the theatre feeling good.

Kings Row (1942)

A schmaltzy melodrama

[7/10 · 15 May 2023]

Murder, suicide, three cases of insanity, and a needless double amputation. Oh, did I mention that the amputee lost his entire inheritance through a banker's embezzlement? And all within a period of a few short years. The water must be bad at King's Row. Or maybe they are just unlucky? No, this is melodrama. To wit, "a sensational dramatic piece with exaggerated characters and exciting events intended to appeal to the emotions." While Reagan's character loses his legs, he gains Hollywood stardom. Ann Sheridan and her family thankfully provide glimpses of sanity in genuine human beings. Of course they don't live on King's Row. In the end, Cummings character provides everybody with irresistible inspiration and meets his beautiful love running across the meadow. How wonderful!

Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)

Shoot-em up to save the world?

[5/10 · 15 April 2023]

While it is not difficult to accept the premise of time traveling from an apocalyptic world dominated by indestructible machines, it is hard to imagine a movie with more violence. Not alot of acting is needed because most of the movie is shooting, assaulting, stabbing, exploding and chasing. The only question is how will the protagonists defeat the seemingly indestructible foe. The Arnold terminator is the real asset of this film as the stoic machismo hero so often present in his action films. Special effects and pyrotechnics are the non human forte. It is modern day wild west. Especially early in the film, John and Sarah Conner don't evoke much sympathy other than the fact that they will save the world 40 or so years down the road. But you have to wonder how the delinquent thief John will ever grow up to be a messiah. Placing police in the role of ignorant antagonists, the film offers sympathy to anti-government extremists whether police are killed or not. With all the violence, especially with guns, it is no wonder how so many in our society have come to love firearms and associated them with being American and "a real man." The bigger guns, the better. Just what the gun industry and the NRA wanted. But hey, who cares when you make almost a half a billion dollars on one film.

Predator (1987)

We know who will win in the end

[5/10 · 12 April 2023]

Very violent and gory action film for Arnold. Not a big surprise. The first half of the film is an orgy explosions and automatic weapons fire with bodies of anti-Americans flying through the air. Adding to that gore were piles of intestines with hanging roasted bodies with a very ugly predator. Very minimal dialogue throughout the movie. The primary strengths were the special effects and suspense about the fate of the supporting cast. But c'mon, everyone knows Arnold's gonna win. His going primitive to succeed at the end was a refreshing change from the pyrotechnic blitz at the beginning. Arnold was bloody. Arnold was dirty. But he was alive to fight another day.

Babylon (I) (2022)

Great potential wasted by a lack of restraint

[7/10 · 3 April 2023]

With some judicious editing, this could have been a really good movie. When focusing on the bizarre, graphic violence, and bodily functions, nothing was added to the veracity or entertainment value of the story. It just seemed to amplify the sometimes depressing mood of the story line. The run time wasn't annoying in itself, but the unnecessary content was. Maybe some elements of the movie about Hollywood have been told many times before. But they could be presented differently with this cast and production. The core cast members presented interesting characters from Pitt to Robbie to Li, Calva and Smart. Undoubtedly the music of the picture was one of the strongest elements. In the final scene, Chazelle demonstrated the filmmaking excellence that is capable of. Unfortunately, this level was not maintained for a significant portion of the picture.

Everything Everywhere All at Once (2022)

Too much of the Surreal for me

[5/10 · 3 April 2023]

Sorry, AMPAS. This movie is too wierd for me. Sort of like a Dali or Pollock painting. So much doesnt makes any sense. Obviously this is intended, just much too much. The starting poiint is fairly normal, but it gets progressively incomprehensible with characters working out their conflicts in bizarre ways. These are sandwiched between occasional scenes with affection and words. Mid-movie is dominated by multiple representations of each character and the story becomes overly complicated with the multiverse. The use of butt plugs is over-the-top weird, even in a porno film. Alot of kung fu for action - this violence wears thin after about an hour. Hot dog fingers, a bagel religon, Chef with a raccoon on his head? Apparently some of it intended as a satire on Chinese families, supernatural, and kung fu. It is unique, but that doesn't make it entertaining or insightful. I am okay with two rocks talking with each other in a barren landscape, but a film mostly devoted to making things in overly complicated and impossible to understand much of the time - no thanks.

RRR (2022)

Pandering to Nationalism

[4/10 · 26 March 2023]

For the first half of the movie, a reasonable plot with the kidnapping of a Indian child by British aristocrats representing the key event. Acting, story line, and direction were upper tier initially. However, this changed in the second half of the movie when most of the British were portrayed as sadistic psychopaths who tried to find as many ways as possible to kill and dehumanize native Indians. A central protagonist's motivations made a jarring u-turn fairly late in the story. While the singing, dancing, and flexing of male muscles interspersed between battle scenes were not a big surprise, it was difficult to take the rebels seriously with this approach to entertainment. This movie compares poorly to the Bengali movie, Ghare-Baire, by Satyjit Ray. Ray's movie shows a much more sober approach to early efforts toward independence without dehumanizing any of the characters. It showed how different Indians chose to make progress toward independence without extreme hatred and large-scale bloodbaths. And no fun Tollywood singing and dancing.

Heaven Can Wait (1943)

Sanitized and mildly amusing at times

[7/10 · 15 March 2023]

With a strong supporting cast of character actors, the movie was fairly entertaining until the marriage. After that point, it mostly focused on Henry's transgressions and growing old. Considering Lubitsch's reputation, I would have expected more laughs. Instead, Victorian stuffiness seemed to win the day. For being an unrepetent womanizer, Don Ameche's character certainly didn't do much - at least that was shown. Only a holy roller would condemn his admiration of the beauty of the opposite sex. Maybe the code dictated only the hint of misdeeds. Unfortunately his admiration of physical beauty grows to an obsession which bases a woman's worth largely on her physical appearance, while hypocritically holding others to a higher standard.

Edvard Munch (1974 TV Movie)

A long exploration of obsession and art

[6/10 · 18 January 2023]

I knew that watching a movie about a such a difficult period for Munch would evoke same feelings the viewer. Watkins' movie was successful in that regard. Many linear aspects of the narrative were quite detailed and interesting. What I had difficulties with was repetition of the same scenes over and over again. The film frequently reverted back to a few scenes of childhood illness and one of his earliest romantic relationships. Of course, the purpose of this repetition was to convey Munch's constant obsession with these few events. The movie length also increased with the emphasis of context of his life - both socio-political climate and his many acquaintances during the ten year period. This resulted in the 3 1/2 hour length of the miniseries. Such a length seemed to be unnecessary for conveying sufficiently detailed information of the events in Munch's life, while maintaining interest in pertinent events.

The Deer Hunter (1978)

A very bleak fantasy

[4/10 · 22 October 2022]

Deer Hunter captures many aspects of blue collar life in America during the Vietnam war with a very capable cast. The horrors and trauma of war are on display as well. But the film has many faults which make it a flawed and overrated work. First, Cimino created an unfocused 50 minute wedding episode with many unnecessary scenes (ie., groping, prolonged dancing) for an overlong 3+ hour film. Second, it seemed odd that the hunting scenes should occur in a region obviously not remotely close to the iron belt of the northeast. An impressive view on display, but nothing within 2000 miles closely resembles it. Next, the NVA soldier's murder of villagers with a grenade seemed unrepresentative of NVA and VC treatment of civilians. While the Cambodian army and others senselessly murdered many innocent women and children, this didn't seem like a common sin of the Vietnamese. Finally, the central element of Russian Roulette falsely portrayed it as a favorite past time in SE Asia. Sure, it could be true for prisoners of war, but not by locals in Saigon. No doubt many liked gambling, but not with bullets. It creates great suspense, but not much reality. Such faults make the film not just a fiction, but very grim prolonged fantasy.

A Woman Called Moses (1978)

Harriet Tubman, an American hero

[9/10 · 10 January 2022]

An important story to tell about one of the most important Americans of the 19th century. Cicely Tyson portrayal was excellent. Her response to the suggestion that blacks return to Africa was one of the classic speeches of American movie history. The screenplay and supporting cast were also quite good. While I am a fan of Orson Welles, his narration was an unneeded distraction most of the time. Only three or four narrations would have let the action tell the story without his excessive "waxing eloquence" that seemed alien to the setting. Considering the quality of this TV production, it is surprising that the movie and Ms. Tyson were not at least recognized with a nomination for an Emmy award.

When Hell Was in Session (1979 TV Movie)

One perspective on Vietnam

[8/10 · 30 December 2021]

Such is war. Another reason to avoid it. POWs on both sides suffered, those who survived probably suffered longer. Watched "The Winter Soldier" immediately before this film. Together they provide as much about the Vietnamese experience, as the Americans'. So much better now we don't need to fight the threat of global communism. A good made-for-TV with a solid cast with Mako, Holbrook, and Saint.

Winter Soldier (1972)

The realities of war

[8/10 · 29 December 2021]

Politicians sold Vietnam as a war against the spread of the evils of communism. In reality, this film illustrates that on the ground it was a war against the people of Vietnam. It also is another example of how the aims of the American government and military so often run counter to the interests of the local populace. The cost, tens of thousands of American deaths and millions of SE Asian lives lost, which did very little to stop one party communism and only delayed the eventual economic boom in Vietnam.

State's Attorney (1932)

Drunk attorney makes good

[5/10 · 4 November 2021]

A story of an attorney that turns over a new leaf. John Barrymore playing a "borderline alcoholic", no a complete alcoholic, was too close to reality of Barrymore's life at the time. Direction and acting midway through the film (the first trial) seemed contrived. At the same time, Barrymore was playing an intoxicated character that seem all too real and painful to watch. Near the end of the film in the second trial, a lucid Barrymore showed the acting skills that made him famous. A brief glimmer of his great talent that was often unrealized by his addiction. In the female lead, Helen Twelvetrees provided a much more consistent and natural performance.

Please Don't Eat the Daisies (1960)

Doris with a husband as the fifth child

[5/10 · 11 July 2021]

Rather odd that contemporary reviews focused on comedic aspects of this film. Comedy was occasionally hinted at by the family dog and the annoying four boys in the Manhattan apartment. But worthy of a laugh was the child's query regarding Dr. Sprouk's gender and her witty response. The portrayal New York City theatre community was none too complimentary, but was probably spot on. The best part of the movie was clearly Doris Day's singing, though the supporting cast with Weston, Kelly, and Byington provided some brief entertainment. The weakest and possibly most important element was the leading male character, Laurence Mackay, portrayed by David Niven. His callous self-centeredness later in the film made one wonder why anyone should care about him or this biographical drama.

The Prom (2020)

Too much, too late

[6/10 · 26 May 2021]

A talented cast with some catchy tunes. But this film attempts too much in about 2 1/2 hours. Everybody must reach their dream, even the straight folks, with full blown gay romance on top of that. Gay romance isn't as ground breaking now, as it is presented here in small town Indiana. On top of that, full stage dancing and flips periodically for the lovers of stage. Like a gay Fame with very famous straight folks helping out.