Change Your Image
brpri357
Ratings
Most Recently Rated
Reviews
Doctor Who: Deep Breath (2014)
Ummmm....for the most part....no
***May be some spoilers here--OK, there ARE spoilers--lots of them***
Sooooo, here I go...
Been a Doctor Who fan for a very long time back to the classic shows. For the most part, I've enjoyed a lot of the new versions from Christopher Eccleston onwards, though there were definitely some stinkers and so-so's mixed in from time to time. And, so here we are with the latest incarnation.
Having finally gotten Series 8 from the local library, I did a Doctor Who marathon and watched the entire season in two days. Honestly?? I was ready to pack it in by about the 4th or 5th episode. Don't want to do too many spoilers, but here is my overall take rather than going through and commenting on individual episodes:
1. Capaldi is OK but the Doctor, other than occasional bursts of brilliance, is a disappointment. 2. Clara needs to go. Enough with the lying and lecturing already. 3. Can we please have some stories that are actually really good? 4. And what is the problem with revisiting old villains (or friends) and they are basically pointless? 5. When is the Doctor actually going to be The Doctor?
Now to address this episode, the start of it all in this version:
1. Hello, Doctor, hello? Where are you? Who are you (pun intended)? 2. Clara, come on, are you really that stupid? Grow up girl and get your act together. 3. Madame Vastra, Jenny and Strax: too bad your characters were completely wasted and we had to focus so much on, ahem, things not in any way advancing the plot--speaking of which... 4. Oh, plo-oootttt, come out, come out wherever you are! 5. Is it at all possible to make the villains actually villains? 6. Oh you poor, poor dinosaur. So much potential gone up in smoke for what, what I ask? 7. And lady at the end of the trail, I assume you're going to be significant to the story arc at some point, right? Can you tie up all your little loose ends in a nice little package so we know how it all fits together, or is that too much to ask?
I am really disappointed. I wanted to like it. In fact, I wanted to love it, but, with a couple of exceptions, most of this drivel is unwatchable or likable. Too, too bad.
JMHO for what it's worth. I know, not much.
Yancy Derringer (1958)
Such a favorite!
For years I didn't know anyone who had heard of Yancy Derringer. I just remember as a child--I wasn't even 10 yet--I loved, Loved, LOVED it! I was so disappointed it lasted only one season. It was just so good. I looked for it for years and just now realized it is finally out on DVD. My next purchase.
I will never forget Pahoo and Yancy and how great they were together. Rest in peace X Brand and Jock. You were the absolute best and were cool way before cool was even cool.
If you ever get a chance, run to the nearest screen and watch this show.
Torchwood (2006)
Didn't work for me
Sorry...I came late to the Doctor Who game having just heard about the reboot mainly because I don't watch TV...ever. But I remembered the old series from the days of my youth and thought it would be a good one to try out. So, I just finished a marathon watching of the revamped show through Series 5 and all the specials and will be picking up Series 6 tonight from the library to bring me up to date. The next logical step was to check out the spin-offs beginning with Torchwood thinking it would be the next great thing to catch up on. I was wrong. I couldn't make it past the Cyberwoman episode of Series 1 for several reasons. First off, the plots (using that term loosely), so far, are awful. Second, the first time they threw in an f word, they lost me. So very unnecessary to use profanities and blasphemies. If you can't write a good story with great dialog, plotting and characterization without resorting to gutter language, then you need re-schooling. Third, really? Sex? All the time? With anyone and anything? Give me a break. Recognizing every show, even the best, always has its ups and downs, this one is just a downer. I'm one of the Yanks who truly appreciate the great shows the British (and others across the Pond) offer. This one, regrettably, falls so far short. I won't be going back and that makes me sad. It could have been so great but it's just another titillation for titillation's sake show. Don't need it. I'd rather watch Midsomer Murders or Foyle's War or Pie in the Sky or Wycliffe or Doctor Who or Pride and Prejudice or Bleak House or Poirot or Miss Marple or...actually, pretty much anything but this.
Babe (1995)
Simply one of the best movies ever
When I watch a movie, I want to be engrossed and entertained. I don't want to be profaned, violated, insulted or lied to. I want a solid, clean story that doesn't rely on stupid, senseless humor that is vulgar or cheapened by coarse innuendos or outright flagrant sexuality. I want the language to be rich, the dialogue stimulating and intelligent and I especially resent any form of blasphemy. And, let's not talk about political agendas or environmental consciousness or any of the myriad of other "issues" we get beaten over the head with. Oh, and don't get me started on revisionist history. IMHO, you don't need any of this to tell a good story. It may be I'm the only one who thinks this way 'cause it sure seems like that's about all we get these days.
Which brings me to why I love Babe.
The story is rich and maintained throughout the entire film. The narration and dialogue are wonderful, filled with humor, pathos and other emotional nuances. The acting and character development are superb in every respect from the humans to the fowl, field and domestic critters. The cinematography is opulent. The special effects are delightful and never interfered with the story--well, I will concede, when this movie first came out, it was eye-popping seeing the animal lips in sync with the dialogue. But, once you got over the initial shock, you forgot about it and just basked in the story.
Personally, because I am such a prolific reader, I really enjoyed the storybook format with the chapter headings. It felt like being curled up on the sofa with my faithful companions (which, in my case, are three cats) safely tucked around me in front of a crackling fire with a nice warm afghan, a good mug of hot chocolate and my favorite book.
No matter how many times I see this movie, I always walk away with warm fuzzies knowing I've been treated to a rare delight. Thanks for proving that it is still possible to provide someone like me--who just wants to see a good tale done well--with a quality movie experience.
That'll do.
The Elephant Man (1980)
Achingly beautiful
This movie is devastatingly moving. It has a haunting beauty and pathos you will never forget. It is truly one of the best "based on a true story" films you will ever see because it captures the essence of the human spirit--both the best and the worst. Everything about this movie is stunning. I saw this movie when it came out in 1980 and, almost 30 years later, I am still riveted by scenes that I can still see in my mind. Most of us can only watch this movie once, perhaps twice, because of the trauma of the worst. But hope is not completely lost. My prayer is that all of us are inspired to be counted among the best. This movie is, in a word, superb. Make sure you see it.
The Mask of Zorro (1998)
It brought back memories
I remember the Guy Williams TV series and this movie brought back such fond memories. To me, it was practically perfect in it's portrayal of the "he done me wrong" malady--not just once, but twice! The story, the action, the sets, the actors, the horse: all were reminiscent of the restraints of the early TV show, yet magically updated and captured the essence, the beauty, the charm and the swash and buckle. I loved this movie!! They kept the violence from being overly gratuitous, virtually no profanity and the sex well within the bounds of decency--(**POSSIBLE SPOILERS FOLLOW**) well, except for Elena losing her dress. I do think, though, that the confessional scene courted being offensive and could have been handled with more respect. But, those two things were the only down side for me and, really, in today's anything goes to offend you world, pretty minor. Everything else was just sit back and enjoy pure fantasy, romance, comedy and rollicking adventure. I laughed, I cheered, I held my breath, I wept and I savored sweet revenge. What a great way to spend a couple of hours! Zorro can scurry across my rooftop and shimmy down into mi casa any ol' time he wants--as long as he brings Tornado with him...grin...
The Black Stallion (1979)
This is, without doubt, the most beautiful movie every filmed
This is my all time favorite movie along with Abel Gantz' Napoleon. Every frame of this movie is picture postcard perfect. The musical score is soaring with perfect beats in tune with the images on film. My favorite: the water dance with six legs, white sand and crystal blue water. Cinematography married to music just doesn't get any better than that. I've watched this movie countless times and it NEVER fails to move me. I sigh every time the Black is lifted into the boat knowing that we're leaving paradise and returning to the "real" world. Yet, the real world has it's beauty as well. Lush landscapes, true friends, thrilling escapades, horse races and ageless wisdom. "It's his soul, Alec." What's not to like in this movie? The performances are enough to maintain the fairy tale. The horse is magnificent. The boy is a boy. And the world is a beautiful place. Thank you, everyone involved in this movie, for bringing this beauty to life.
Turner & Hooch (1989)
Sometimes you just want to be entertained...
...and this movie entertains. For animal lovers, it's a guaranteed heartstrings puller. For others, there may not be much to grasp onto. But, as for me, I loved this movie. I agree with those who like Tom Hanks' pre-Oscar performances. He was just Tom Hanks and he was funny. He's very funny here and in top form and the supporting players did their jobs. Hanks and Beasley made a very convincing pair and I believed them! There was enough of a plot to sell the whole. I laughed--hysterically--and I cried--buckets. What more can you ask from movie light? May Beasley rest in peace. You did good. There's a soft spot in my heart reserved just for you.
Napoléon vu par Abel Gance (1927)
An epic
I saw this film in Los Angeles sometime in the 80's. I remember not being that thrilled to go see such a long "silent" film, but agreed to go because a friend of mine was playing in the live orchestra accompaniment and I wanted to be supportive. I was, to say the least, completely blown away. To this day, it remains the best film I have ever seen. Nothing compares with it. There were 3 screens with a mixture of film action, photographs and, of course, the live orchestra and, despite the length, it was utterly phenomenal. Until reading some of the comments here, I was unaware there was a controversy about the length, quality and musical score. In fact, in the years since I've seen this film, when discussions about movie favorites come up, I've always said this was my favorite film. Not once have I ever come across another person who's even heard of it, let alone seen it. Perhaps I need a higher brow version of friends and acquaintances...smile. On reflection, I would assume the version I saw must have been Coppola's. If this lesser restoration could blow me away, it would be a privilege and honor to see the more complete restoration. If it ever comes my way, believe me, I'll be first in line to see it. Should this epic travel in your direction, don't miss it. It is truly one of the finest films ever.