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Reviews
Hyena Road (2015)
Dog Eared Formula of Romance and War
This film has too many dog eared plot devices lifted from 1940s war movies and Westerns.
As soon as we become aware that the hero's battlefield girlfriend is pregnant we know he is going to die valiantly. Despite Canada and its Allies overwhelming technical and military superiority vis-a-vis the Taliban Afghan forces we know that somehow, someway our guys will find themselves isolated and greatly outnumbered. Despite the Canadian brass' full awareness of a the possible dangers inherent in big powwow between rival tribal factions, they inexplicably only post a lone sniper squad in an adjoining hill. These same tactical officers at basecamp, including said pregnant gal pal, mysteriously neglect to have any drone or gunship aircover on standby. Of course, said powwow goes downhill. The squad intervenes in the best tradition of romantic Western values, get surrounded and shot to pieces. Our expectant father, hero calls in an artillery barrage on his position. Everyone dies. In a penultimate scene reminiscent of that of 1938's Gunga Din, bagpipes play over the bodies of the honored dead. The final scene is also a sophomoric cliche as kidnapped children are miraculously rescued by our hero's intelligence officer friend.
If battle scenes rather than plausable writing floats your boat this film has merit.
'Breaker' Morant (1980)
Pawns of Empire
During the South African Boer War Britain shows its indifference to both justice and its colonial soldiers by readily condemning three of them to make political amends for the criminal tactics directed, though disavowed, by Anglo-Irish General, Lord Kitchener. The court martial of the men is a preordained mummers farce to satisfy the expediencies of empire.
Not since "The Lion in Winter" has dialogue, depiction and direction so seamlessly conspired to tell a story. The casting is inspired, splendedly portraying and contrasting the hypocrisy and haughtyness of the English officer class to that of the pragmatic Australian soldier. The cinematography is beautiful, but not self indulgent. This film put Australian filmmaking on the map.
The first defendant, the leader (played by Edward Woodward) is a sensitive, educated man who at first is reluctant to follow criminal, yet expedient orders is convinced otherwise after seeing the purposely tortured corpse of a Boer captured friend. The second defendent (Bryan Brown) is a complete, though endearing rogue who initiates the shooting of a Boer prisoner with the quip: "How's he gonna get to heaven if he doesn't die?" The third, the youngest and least pragmatic (FitzGerald) is completely innocent of the charged war crimes. His fate is the most poignant. He slowly realizes he is just a discarded pawn of the empire he was raised to revere - that British fair play is an illusion for the naive.
The dialogue, particularly that of Brown's character, is disarmingly witty in total keeping with Australia's national proficiency for searing sarcasm. These witticisms still shine after 45 years.
Undoubtedly this film gives voice to Australia's displeasure of Britain's cavalier and selfish use of its sons during the two World Wars subsequent to the Boer conflict in South Africa.
Well worth the watch, a suprise treat for both eye and ear.
The Thing from Another World (1951)
Not Every Vegetable is Good for You!
Film Noir Sci-Fi
A small group of scientists and military personnel stumble upon an extraterrestrial craft and occupant near the North Pole. Things (pun intended) get off on the wrong foot and a deadly triangular battle of wits ensues as an Artic storm cuts them off from the outside World. The lead scientist wants to rescue, learn from and perhaps worship the visitor, noting its advanced intelligence & vegetable-like biology. This stranger in a strange land sustains itself on the blood of mammals. Its Dracularian not jolly green giant like habits, unsuprisingly alarm the small group of American military & the research personnel reluctant to sacrifice themselves on the altar of knowledge. Adding to the threat, the visitor can regrow lost appendages and rapidly produce countless offspring, putting humanity as a whole in danger. How to deal with a clever yet vicious carrot? Is this a premeditated invasion or a misunderstanding?
Better safe than sorry: "Watch the skies!"
Hits on every cylinder. An undoubted masterpiece of writing, directing, acting (particularly Tobey and even Arness) and stagecraft.
My Sailor, My Love (2022)
The Past Often Haunts the Present
And old sea captain and daughter are embittered by a difficult past. One tried fleeing from it, the other forced to face it alone. Both remain infected. The dutiful yet deeply depressed daughter inadvertently throws her aged father a lifeline. She hires a housekeeper to take care of her grumpy Da and his remote house. This older woman is full of life and family and the beguiling charm of a happy Irishwoman. Love blooms in winter. The daughter so accustomed to her grim responsibilities takes exception.
A challenging study in the realities of old age, depression and last chances.
Actors who know their craft and writers who do not gild their lillies portray life as they find it.
American Nightmare (2024)
Couple Tell a Preposterous Tale of Kidnap & Rape.
California couple paint an unbelievable story of kidnap and rape. A California couple are awakened to men in wetsuits in their bedroom shining laser lights in their eyes. They are tied up, blindfolded and drugged. The men say they came to kidnap the man's ex, but will settled for his present girlfriend. They want a ransom of $15,000. The girlfriend is taken to different locations. She is raped and the assault filmed as leverage to prevent her from going to police. When the man says he can only raise $3,500. The ninja-like kidnappers drive her 400 miles to her parents home and release her. The police are highly skeptical. Wetsuits? No forced entry? Wrong woman? Kidnap for $15,000? A polite rapist who listens to French pop music? Turns out the couple's bizarre story is true. The skeptical Mare Island police and the FBI failed to do simple due diligence and portray the couple as perpetrating a hoax. Seems similar strange assaults had been reported in California. A different police department, solves the case while investigating another assault and arrest a serial rapist. The moral: detectives should maintain an open mind and not jump to conclusions even when faced with tales that appear incredulous at first blush. Hakem's Razor in reverse.
True Detective (2014)
Season 1 is Stunning; Others Not So Much
The only thing in common to the four seasons of this show is the name. Season one is stunning in all respects: writing, direction, acting, scene location and music. In short it is a masterpiece. The subsequent seasons with different writers, directors, actors, though good, suffer in comparison, particularly the plot lines. It is silly for IMDB to consider these offerings as one entity. Franchise movies like Mission Impossible, The Godfather and Star Wars are reviewed independently yet True Detective is not. Why? Each season is an independent work with no storyline connection and no surviving characters. All seasons are worth the watch, although season 4 should be renamed from True Detective to Spooky Detective.
World War II: From the Frontlines (2023)
Seldom Seen Video Spoiled by Netflix Spin
Fantastic collection of actual wartime film spoiled by Netflix adding its slanted view of the war in the Pacific. Particularly galling is the statement: That "Japan never got the opportunity to make a peace offering." Infering that the US has blood on its hands for the atomic bombing of Japan. Sure in more than 3 and a half years Japan was forced to continue fighting long after the war was lost?? After raping China, Southeast Asia and the Isand nations and murdering thousand of Allied prisoners the Japanese government had years of opportunity to surrender but chose to continue the war and prepared its citizens for mass suicide in lieu of surrender. Netflix ownes an apology to every Allied serviceman in prison or in arms and every Asian civilian under the lash of Imperial Japan. Netflix presented the view of Japanese civilians more than the civilians of China, Southeast Asia, Indonesia and the Phillipines. It honestly portrayed the crimes against humanity committed by Germany and largely gave a pass to the atrocities committed by Japan. It was a largely Eurocentric documentary.
Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One (2023)
A Very Long Formulaic Chase Movie
Great franchise that has gone to the well too often. Ethan Hunt morphs from invincible fighter to stymied combatant ad nauseum during this repetitive cowboy chase of a film. In keeping with this well worn formula our hero manages to see another love interest killed arriving seconds late to the rescue. His girlfriends have the life expectancy of a Little Joe Cartright fiance. Dont worry, Ethan gets another gal pal by film's end. Surprise! Is it Hollywood law now that every action film have a ubiquitous waif-like female ninja who defeats dozens of manly men? The scenic train, plane (actually parachute) and automobile antics entertain like the well worn gadgets of a James Bond movie. Oh and there's a submarine too! Escapes by both good guys and bad guys make Marvel movies look more plausible. Of course some good guys are really bad guys and some bad girls are not so bad after all. The new gal pal morphs from simple thief to ethical, kick ass heroine. Suprise, again! Despite the tired recipe, its comfort food. Baked in are the seeds of the next sequel: Mission Impossible: "Assisted Living!"
Someone please buy Vin Rhames another costume besides that of a New Jersey longshoreman.
Santa Fe Trail (1940)
In the Vein of Birth of a Nation
American soldiers who will soon betray the flag they swore allegiance to are shown as reasonable patriotic heroes. Errol Flynn as Jeb Stuart says repeatedly that slavery is a Southern problem and Southerners should solve it. All they need is time. Of course as the scion of a slave owning family he means only white Southernerns. Slaves and Abolitionists should be patient. Raymond Massey and all the anti slavery characters are shown as deranged, murdering traitorous zealots. Slaves are shown as simple folk with no self initiative, some having no desire for freedom. Slavery itself is shown as relatively benign. That the makers of this travesty thought this is an even handed portrayal demonstrates that slavery apologists occupied many a theater seat well into the 20th Century.
The film makes a mockery of the lives and relationships of virtually every historical figure portrayed. Goebbels could not have done better.
The King (2019)
History Morosely Miss Told
Do moviemakers have no respect for well documented history? Not since Braveheart have screenwriters gone on such flights of fantasy with British history. Hotspur was not killed in personal combat by the prince who would be crowned Henry V. The actor Chalamet chosen to portray Henry is so waif-like that he, even in fancy, could not carry a set of armor nor wield a sword, let alone best a knight with the reputation of Percy. Chalamet looks morose and constipated in virtually ever act. Instead of good King Hal, he carries the role more like a sad sack. Stern looks and stilted language do not an entertaining nor informative film make. It seems ironic that a production that plays so fast and loose with history strives for realism by shooting every interior scene in virtual darkness.
Give it a wide berth.
Foundation (2021)
Artistic License Run Amok
Isaac Asimov's Foundation Trilogy is seminal work of Science Fiction. The novels are among the most successful and beloved books of the genre. You would assume Apple would know this and restrain their screenwriters from substituting their own ideas and social agendas for Asimov's masterwork. They did not. There are unnecessary major departures from the novel in characters and plot. Granted sceen adaptations need license to amend a novel into a screenplay yet here the wholesale changes have more to do with ego and zeitgeist and little, if anything, to do with the necessities of page to screen translation. While the series is mildly entertaining, any fan of the novels will likely feel hoodwinked by the bait and switch tactics of Apple. This is not the work of Asimov faithfully portrayed for television.
Killers of the Flower Moon (2023)
Less Is Sometimes More, Glacially Slow
Even a great recipe with the best ingredients can be ruined by baking the cake too long.
Tale of historic criminality and racial injustice against a backdrop of unbridled greed. The Osage Nation forced into reservation on scrub land in Oklahoma only to find it contains large petroleum reserves. Suddenly Jed Clampett rich the naive Native Americans are set upon by every huckster and con man and a family of souless murderers who marry into and ingratiate themselves into the Osage Nation to gain access to the oil money by any means possible. Wives, husbands, inlaws, children and investigators are murdered, by knife, gun, poison and dynamite. Several of the would be killers balk until they are told the targets are "Indians." Local law enforcement is indifferent and only after an incredible amount of murders does the newly formed FBI steps in. Deniro is the silver tongued, serpentine, criminal puppet master, Dicaprio his dimwit hencemen and Lilly Gladstone is magnificent as Dicaprio's long suffering, haunted wife. Her realization that the man she loves, the father of her children is a muderous fool is particularly poignant. The cast is peppered with other notable actors.
The acting, casting, cinematography and production values are top shelf.
Unfortunately Martin Scorsese baked the cake too slow and too long.
Hijack (2023)
Entertaing Though Ridiculous
English Crime Syndicate with untold manpower and reach hijacks plane full of British passengers to force the UK government to release two of their jailed kingpins while making a fortune shorting the airline and insurance company stocks. Not only does this crime family have dedicated murder squads in several countries, it manages to to get a catch of pistols and a half dozen coerced hijackers past security and on the plane. Add corrupt stock traders, ground crews and air traffic controllers to the mix. So many blackmailed people working in murderous concert that it beggars belief. One of the hijackers is a housewife doppelgänger who kills quickly yet reluctantly and can fly the modern airliner. Not only does the plane fly willy nilly over European capitals and threatened by fighter planes along the way, but governments lack the will to defend themselves against a possible 911. Ildris Alba is an unwitting passenger caught in this hi jinx. He manages to antagonize yet ingratiate himself with the bad guys, but in reality he should have been shot or beaten unconscious any number of times. He organizes the passengers into resistance by his dynamism. If you leave your common sense behind you can enjoy the show.
Invasion (2021)
Obtuse Jigsaw Puzzle Done at Snails Pace
The writers, directors and editors collectively forgot their primary goal was to tell a cogent story at a reasonable pace. Along its long and winding road it morphs into more of a monster movie than a sci fy tale. The leisurely pace even allows for a listing of seemingly every county in New York State. Oh what fun. All four storylines are disjointed, painfully slow and overflowing with dog eared themes and drawn out scenes. If you enjoy people crawling, walking or frantically looking down darkly lite hallways and corridors, this is the series for you. It also includes scenes that beggar belief. A bus with ten or so 11 year olds drives over a sheer 60 foot cliff and the children survive with just scratches. The adult driver dies of course as a small concession to physical reality and launches a homage to "Lord of the Flies." They all proceed to scale the sheer 60 foot cliff in their Harry Potter like uniforms. Alien invasion movies usually give you an early idea of the alien mindset and means of transportation but seven episodes in it is anyone's guess. Bad sci fy is usually populated with wooden actors in bad costumes, but the actors here are competent and only the plot and direction is wooden.
Dark Winds (2022)
Worth the Watch if You Can Ignore the Ridiculous Coincidences
Interesting storyline populated by fairly unknown yet excellent actors. Who-done-it and why crime drama on Indian Reservation in Arizona that pits Reservation police at odds with FBI both in pursuit of bank robbing murderers who are anything but run of the mill types. Mix in Native American mysticism and mandatory make fun of the white man and commercial evangelism and you have a good yarn that holds your attention through all the episodes with plot twists and more villains they you suppose. The only fly in the ointment is the numerous ridiculous coincidences that allow the bad guys to too often be in the right place at the right time to overhear conversations or stumble upon witnesses before they contact police.
1923 (2022)
Taylor Sheridan Self Indulgence
Stellar cast, scenery, costumes and cinematography spoiled by Taylor Sheridan's penchant for writing over the top villains with miraculous multiple escapes, ridiculous love triangles, intermidable sea voyages, sullen handsome heroes who look off in the distance after speaking sophomoric dribble and old patriarchs who recover after being shot nine times without benefit of hospital. Sheridan's anti Irish, anti Catholic is on unapologetic unbridled display as every religious is either a sadist or lesbian. Every native American and Chinese American is the victim of the white man. The devious miner, the crooked judge, the avaracious banker conspire against the stoic rancher. The writing is reminiscent of the B cowboy movies of the 1950s. Subtly and nuance have no place in Sheridan universe.
War and Remembrance (1988)
War and Ridiculousness
Though this sequel is marked by better acting with Jane Seymour replacing miscast Ali Mcgraw, the writing as it pertains to the fictional Henry family leaves much to be desired. The protagonist refugees are on the brink of escape a dozen times only to be thrwarted by fate, the Nazis and ludicrous decisions, time and time again - ad nauseum. Wouk seems to be fixated on unfaithful wives and war widows who jump in bed at the earliest opportunity. Wouk seems oblivious to the contradiction in making fierce warriors, knowing, accepting forgiving cuckolds. Production values and historical narrative are above par. Watchable, but disappointing.
The Banshees of Inisherin (2022)
A Witty Walk on the Bleak Side
Ihabitants of a dreary Irish isle infect each other with the venom borne of loneliness, disappointment and despair. Like drowning men they pull those trying to help under. Finally the able minded abandon the rescue and swim away, leaving the stricken to their fate. Brendan Gleason, Colin Farrel and Kerry Condon are simply magnificent leading a particularly nuanced cast. Martin MacDonagh is a master of dialogue and direction. The green gray Irish West coast is beautiful yet bleak like a striking woman with a crooked smile.
This movie is full of wit, but its austerity and despair are overwhelming.
My Fair Lady (1964)
Pygmalion set to music, in color
On a whim, an aristocratic self focused London based bachelor bets he can impart his bearing, diction and manners to a poor cockney flower girl only to lose his heart in the gamble. Harrison is perfect, oozing sophisticated wit and condescension as the urbane gentleman while Hepburn is sublime as a gorgeous guttersnip that blossoms into an irresistible lady, a match for her teacher. The supporting cast is outstanding. The gold standard in musicals with several enduring classic songs. A chick flick that romantics of both sexes can enjoy.
Based on the George Bernard Shaw play Pigmalion and music & lyrics by Let er and Lorwe.
The Crown (2016)
Slander for Profit
Extremely well crafted character assassinations. Numerous fabricated defamitory conversations between the queen, her husband and children portray them as callous, vain monsters. Queen Elizabeth II is painted as an uneducated, unfeeling automaton with no notion of motherhood while her son Charles is portrayed as a damaged, clueless weakling, a grave disappointment to his austere unloving parents. Other family members fare poorly. Only Princess Diana fares well as the sweet, innocent victim of the Windsor's indifference. Labor Prime Ministers fare well while their opposition are seen as cold, unsympathetic elites. Netflix has bet heavily on Meghan and Harry so this whole series biased undermining of the royal family comes as no suprise.
The Quiet Man (1952)
A Love Letter to All Things Irish
A retired Irish American boxer returns to the Erin of his infancy to forget the violence of the ring. He finds conflict, romance and the endearing idiosyncrasies of the Hibernians. A generation weaned on John Ford movies will instantly recognize this trusted recipe of machismo, character actors in well worn roles, tension between the sexes and a dash (or in this case a giant dollop) of blarney. Younger generations may struggle to find why this movie captured the heart of their parents, but each generation are captives of their time. Given a chance this movie will cast its spell. The Wayne - O'Hara pairing is volatile and perfect. The movie is populated by at least a dozen character actors imbued with Celtic charm, enhanced by local natives. The film is director John Ford's romantic tribute to Ireland, her beauty and her quirks.
Rebellion (2016)
Good Irish Whiskey in a Broken Glass
Superb cast and production value, with adequate direction severely undermined by character and plot disconnects between the two seasons. Why in heaven's name were more than half the strong players and storylines of season 1 disgarded for season 2? Pivotal, well drawn characters simply disappeared into an Irish fog. Obviously some producer or writer decided to fix what was not broken. Nevertheless Gleason is marvelous carrying the the disjointed storyline through the final season.
Lonesome Dove (1989)
A Story Well Told
Rarely does a script, direction, actors, camera score and scenery move in near perfect harmony as here. Heroes are flawed, evil wins at times and achievements and relationships come at cost. It is the most poignant Western, buddy movie and love(s) story. Particularly fine.
Pine Gap (2018)
Its Not Personal Yank, Its Business
Australia betrays her closest ally, but like Sollozzo said in the Godfather: "It's not personal Michael, it's only business.
Well acted, but some of the dialogue is more corny soliloquy. "I love America . . Australia is just the little guy, we just want you big guys (US and China) to play nice . . but you are not the greatest country . . America should grow old gracefully." This stop secret base with supposedly well vetted personnel sure has people with personality flaws and secret agendas.
The subplot is that Australian women are strong and that American men can be easily manipulated to break their oath pretty damn easily.
1883 (2021)
Old West with Modern Themes
The Old West is backdrop to an implausible coming of age story. The Oregon Trail was literally filled with violence, heartache and death, but women's liberation, sexual freedom, interracial relationships and sociable Commanches are modern notions incongruent to the realities of a wagon train. A bitter, cynical Confederate veteran and his Tennessee spouse are unlikely candidates to embrace their daughter's social and sexual freedom so cavalierly. Nevertheless that three heroes consistently outgun superior forces with nary a scratch is fully in keeping with the classic Western myth.
Sam Elliot and Lamonica Garrett are superb. Tim McGraw and Faith Hill are convincing despite the burden of the implausible nature of their relationship with their daughter. Isabel May and Gratiela Brancusi are impossibly attractive.
The narration is flowery and contrived on many occasion.
Highly entertaining flight of fancy.