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Something the Lord Made (2004)
True to the True Story
Many "based on a true story" films make fictional additions so that the viewer does not how to separate fact from fiction. Based on my reading of biographies and the Johns Hopkins website commentary, this film seems truer than many others claiming to deliver the truth about events in the film. This film may not be perfect in truth-telling, but it is stunningly accurate in portraying the actual events and the nature of the relationship between the main characters. It also in captures the mood of the times, the transformation of the attitudes of the two protagonists, and the outcomes of the challenges they faced. It is a story enhanced by the fact that the characters' names are real, and their interaction documented. A glorious film regarding the tragedy of segregation and the resilience of real people.
I Can Only Imagine (2018)
Meaningful and Redemptive
If a great movie consists in a great story, strong character development, significant character transformations and conflict resolutions which are grounded in beliefs, commitments and values, this movie is exemplary on all counts. The movie presents humans as moving from bitterness and despair to compassion and hope. It even shows how humility and confidence go together. Religious belief is seen as central to the story and is respected. Taking God seriously is shown to be a practical and realistic approach to the sorrows that can be experienced and the joys that are possible. In short, the story neither ridicules nor ignores the value of values that affirm the meaningfulness of human experience and the difference of living a life of high quality and the destructive alternatives.
The Only Way (1970)
True to Actual Events
This portrayal of Danish rescuers of Jews in World War II is the fictional story of how one family's world was turned upside down when the Nazi occupiers in Denmark (since 1940) moved against the Jews of Denmark in violation of their own agreement with Danish leaders that the Jews in Denmark would be left alone. In the fall of 1943, the Germans plotted to gather the Jews of Denmark for deportation on a Jewish holiday evening when the vast majority of Jews would be at home.
Jews were so well integrated in Danish society, that no public government records identified the religious affiliations of the population. Thus, the Nazis had to steal the records from Jewish organizations in order to know where to find them.
The story illustrates the surprise and refusal of many to believe a round up of Jews would actually take place. The pace of the movie is neither plodding nor frenetic. The tension builds and is enhanced by the bewilderment and on-the-spot decision-making by a specific family and their would-be rescuers.
Having read the 1955 book, "October 1943", by actual rescuer Aage Bertelsen, I resonated with virtually every incident faced by those at risk. Although this is not a polished film by modern film-making standards, the content and context of the events is accurately presented. A major strength of the movie is the extensive on-
location filming in Copenhagen, and the use of Danish actors.
Still of the Night (1982)
HItchcock wannabe requires major players to be dense
A mystery should not create a situation where the decisions of the characters are more moronic than the audience response. When the audience can issue warnings a mile away for the protagonists NOT to put themselves in dangerous situations foolishly, and the plot repeatedly puts the characters in harm's way, impatience with the film direction and pace only increases. A great idea and genuine mystery (like this story) should unfold logically and with subtle clues. Instead the movie undermines itself by lowering the I.Q. of the characters so that the number of danger points can lengthen the movie. The plot is strong to keep the audience guessing, but is weak because of the repeated foolish decisions of the lead character. Perhaps this is to show that love makes us blind, but it was not satisfying as a thread to keep the movie going, and going, and whew--it's finally over. Please, what took the director so long!
NCIS: Naval Criminal Investigative Service: UnSEALeD (2004)
Lover wife but different killer?
So the escaped prisoner Curtain has figured out who his wife was sleeping with, and is seeking revenge. The wife of Curtain's Commander (Foley) turns out to be Curtain's wife's lover. But the cause of death in the two murders Curtain was convicted of (but claims he is innocent of) turns out to be from broken necks and not from the more obvious throat slits assumed at trial. This means a SEAL is the likely culprit. Some discussing this episode thought the plot had a goof in it by pointing to Commander Foley's wife as the killer. My take is the plot is typical NCIS--showing you evidence, giving you leads, letting you put the pieces together correctly. In this case, that means we ended up with Commander Foley being the revenge-taker on Curtain's wife for the affair with his wife, and the cable guy was an innocent bystander who was murdered as well to make it appear that the obvious jealous husband (Curtain) did the revengeful deed. This was a convoluted soap opera (wait, maybe to call a soap opera plot convoluted is already redundant), but a soap opera plot nonetheless.
Kiss the Girls (1997)
Plot holes insult the audience and ruin an engaging beginning
This mystery includes actions by the protagonists that reveal stupidity rather than thoughtfulness. By the third time, I disengaged completely. Numerous times in this so-called "thriller," the good guys seeking the bad guys fail to call in back-up, place themselves unnecessarily in harm's way by failing to act--even when they have the upper hand--and as the plot twists continued, I felt I was being toyed with so that the film could go longer. I became impatient for the end, rather than interested in it. Even the final clue that gave Morgan Freeman the answer was embarrassingly obvious and available. Incidentally,Morgan Freeman is not the problem here, the screenplay itself is.
The Work and the Glory III: A House Divided (2006)
Condensed versions can be stellar
Given that I have not read any of the books upon which the Work and the Glory movies are based, I do not bring a pre-conceived measuring stick to the theatre. I have,however, seen all three movies and thought this one was well-directed. The main characters were flesh and blood and not one dimensional. I enjoyed being given a window into the lives of the characters. I thought the story moved along without condescending dialog and the audience was respected enough to be allowed to put two and two together numerous times. I agree with some others that Joseph's role was too slight in this one. However, the only caricatures I saw were in some of the mobbers. Some of the resolutions were a bit swift, but were better for me than if they had been drawn out and over-dramatized. Of particular quality in acting were Sam Hennings, Eric Johnson and Meredith Salenger.