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Reviews
Mayday (2003)
A fantastic reconstruction and explanation and my only criticism is...
...You're supposed to be a speed reader to read the credits
I've learned more about these airline crashes looking at it on YouTube and Tubi
Some of them are just bad luck for the crew and they did everything they could do
There's one that I saw that went into the process of deicing and how one investigation change the whole industry
And that is the purpose of these investigations to try and learn some thing so is that to repeat it
Others are from omissions from the maintenance crew. One episode taught me how methodical the maintenance crew has to be in documenting what they are taking off and putting it back on screw by screw
Still others are just dumb mistakes by the maintenance crew
And some are dumb mistakes by the pilot
And some are just bad luck such as metal fatigue
I think they reconstructed this first class to the point you don't know what is actual footage versus reconstruction
But they interview a lot of the principles involved from passengers to their families to the officials of the investigating team
A well done series with my only complaint as mentioned above
I gave up trying to go reverse and forward trying to read the ending credits and the date it was made.
The Cold Blue (2018)
Stunning digital restoration and wonderful interviews
I first had to see this in a limited run when it was shown on the big screen. Bought a Blu-ray copy and was so impressed with it gave it to an Air Force veteran and then bought another one
For those who don't know the background William Wyler was one of the legendary five directors who at the request of the war department went overseas to document the war.
And he was not just some armchair Director in Europe. One of his crew was killed on a mission over France.
So the result of his work was the Memphis Belle of 1944
This was to commemorate what was supposed to be the first B-17 in the eighth Army Air Force to actually complete 25 missions
Attrition was so terrible that your odds of being killed were 50% before you completed your 25.
I've read a lot about the eighth Army Air Force including the two published books by Harry Crosby and John Lackadoo.
With such terrible odds of survival and being killed or maimed I'm just amazed those young men did what they did day after day
In fact more crewman from the 8AAF were killed over Europe than all the Marines in the Pacific
This is a beautiful piece of work not only in the restored digital images which was used from the unused film William Wyler had from his time, but interviews with veterans who were there and told you what a typical mission was like.
Maybe you could call this a bit of family symmetry but Weiler's daughter Catherine is the executive producer
I think her father would be proud of this work which stands on its own
They did a fantastic job.
Horizon: An American Saga - Chapter 1 (2024)
Not your typical Hollywood western
I read a professional review from the Wall Street Journal today where the reviewer complains that there's three separate storylines - none of which have a conclusion. And it really could've done with just two storylines.
And what he says is true.
And I watched it 2 nights ago with a different attitude
What you're seeing developing is going to continue in the subsequent movies
All that being said I still thought it was a great movie despite no plots coming to a conclusion
My impression of it was beautiful music score, and showing the west in a real gritty way the way it really was in 1859.
Seeing Indian attacks not only from the settlers viewpoint but the Indians
Other than the characters all having nice clean clothes and the men other than beards clean shaven I thought it was really indicative of the West - particularly the pre-Civil War era which this movie bases it's timeline.
And who wants to see actors and filthy clothes and in your imagination wreaking of BO for three hours?
And it does seem to bounce around a bit. You're going from the town of Horizon in the American southwest and then the next scene is Montana territory and later Wyoming territory.
Then back to Horizon.
And later on in the movie we go to a wagon train
So don't see this movie with the assumption you're going to see a beginning and an end it's the beginning - of a multi movie saga with beautiful acting, realistic scenery and beautiful music.
When I was watching the movie it reminds me a bit of the 70s miniseries Centennial, based on James Michener's novel of Centennial Colorado. We go from the fur trappers of the early 1800s to parking lots in Pizza Huts.
Civil War (2024)
A lot of the premise seems rather silly
Not that we couldn't have a Civil War but in this movie the causes never even given
And an alliance between Texas and California?
According to some Texans I know the idea would be repugnant
I've never been a photo journalist covering a combat zone but these people seem to be oblivious to danger
See a bunch of bodies right in front of you on the road? Let's go investigate!
We're photo journalists! Everybody will adhere to that code of conduct and leave us from harm.
And the newest "photo journalist" on this Mötley team had a camera that made me chuckle.
I've like my Nikon F3 so much that's been around the world with me that I can't bear part with it even though it's used today is mainly in a niche. I had to drive 20 miles across town to get some black-and-white film and I still toss it in the car When I'm going cross country
But I had to laugh when the newest photo journalist is carrying a Nikon F3 and I see her advancing the film
Just where do you plan on getting this developed?
And where do you find a way to buy film going through this apocalyptic landscape?
The landscape the Director and screen screen writers give isn't so much a Civil War but a mad Max scenario where there is total anarchy
Beyond that I suppose I would get the spoiler territory but I will say the movie was entertaining if a bit improbable.
Warrior (2019)
Moved it from an eight to a seven
I'm halfway through season three now - the last season - and while it is an enjoyable series my main criticism is that the "bad guys" - the corrupt white businessman and politicians - seem more like " snidely whiplash" characters.
Without offering any spoilers it seems that some of the bad they do it would not be in their power
However the reason it is so appealing is the martial arts and generally the bad guys getting what's coming to them
For those who don't know California history, the Chinese were treated terribly
In fact there was a law at one time that a Chinese person could not testify in court.
That part of the series got right.
I guess to give it a higher rating I would appreciate a little subtlety and nuance
Still, it is an entertaining series and recommended
By the way in my town, Sacramento, we have always had a huge Asian population. Part of the reason is the gold rush and part of the reason is mainly Chinese workers built the transcontinental railroad from Sacramento to promontory point Utah.
That's who the central Pacific Railroad used and the union Pacific Railroad going west used Irish labor
You see those tunnels they carved through the Sierra Nevada's and just have to admire them
In addition the Sacramento river used to flood annually for miles around when the Sierra snow melted and only so much water could flow through the Carquinez straight in the San Francisco Bay
And the Chinese built the first levees along the Sacramento river which contained the water. They came from the Pearl River Delta
If you want to see an interesting town along the river I call it a "living Ghost Town." It is the town of Locke. It's the only town in America that was built by the Chinese for the Chinese. And it was built with redwood from the San Francisco Panama exposition which had finished its time and was being torn down. Named the town of locke because at the time in 1915 Chinese were not allowed to own land in California and the rancher George Locke leased it to them
But the Chinese have traditionally valued close family and education and through both of them they've achieved positions at the highest levels of society here
Anyway I think they got the history and friction of the Chinese and whites right I just wish they had toned it down with the bad things done
There's some actions they did that in history I kinda laugh at. For those of you who remember Bonanza little Joe always used to ride down from the Ponderosa in Lake Tahoe to Virginia City and in reality that was a long ride down the eastern slope of the Sierras and up into Virginia city. He probably would've spent two or three days and had a sore butt
Once you get into season three you'll see what I mean in a certain episode.
But anyway without offering spoilers they played fast and loose aspects of history but got the main things right.
One Life (2023)
A true story reminiscent of Schindler's list
I saw this yesterday and I would say it's one of those movies where you're not really entertained but you are drawn in to the plight of so many children and the courage of one man to do what he could to save them
The backdrop is Czechoslovakia right after the agreement of Britain and France to sell them out to the Nazis and get "peace in our time".
You could consider Nicholas Winton "every man" being a stockbroker with no background in humanitarian aid but moved by the plight of these refugees
And in the subsequent decades he always wondered what happened to these children and his act with guilt over not being able to save more of them
At the end of the movie were given the figure of 15,000 children were sent to the camps by the Nazis and gassed of which only 200 of that number survived.
And Nicolas Winton saved a little over 600 of them.
Perfect Days (2023)
Starts slow - Stays slow
I went this simply because it had such a relatively high rating on IMDb.
But as a few others have said it's a grind other than the nice interesting Tokyo scenery that I would not have normally seen from an every man's perspective
It can be summarized by watching it seeing a man cleaning toilets for two hours in Tokyo. Yes he is content in his job. And he sees the beauty in the world.
I won't say it's the worst movie I've ever seen but it's not a movie I would recommend to others but then given the awards it is had obviously I must be missing something.
The only things that broke up the monotony was a visit by his niece and his consoling the ex-husband who has cancer.
But I did enjoy the Tokyo scenery as seen by an every day resident
And I was struck by the Japanese minimalist style in his humble apartment.
Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour (2023)
Spectacular sets, choreography, music and cinimatography
I am hardly what I would consider to be in the "Taylor Swift" demographic. A man past 70. But a female friend of mine liked it, and I like music so I went to see it tonight.
This is called the "Eras Tour" because the 3 hour show is divided into the various eras of her songwriting, with different stage sets and dress for each "era".
I read a few weeks ago, in the WSJ of all places, a bit about her tour - requiring 50 semis to carry all of the stage equipment from city to city. I was thinking just of the logistics and of all the people "behind the scenes" who put all of this together.
When you see the show, you wonder how they could do all of this in 50 trucks.
This was filmed at the last stop of her tour, the Sofi Stadium in Inglewood, CA.
It was sold out.
The visuals are spectacular, the costumes, sets, and of course her music.
And you are right on stage with her.
It isn't simply a recording of the show with 2 or 3 cameras angles but a very well thought out production and with a mystery to me, not an external camera in sight as you see various angles of the massive stage.
Very well done in all respects.
Oppenheimer (2023)
I thought it was great but they should've ended it near Trinity
The movie isn't what I would call dramatic, but it does portray Oppenheimers life fairly accurately.
And while I don't believe I'm giving a spoiler as this is history saying that Oppenheimers troubles post war were with his associations in the past with people who were communist or extreme left leaning during the McCarthy era, the movie brings out the fact he was guilty more of bad judgment than political sympathies.
Even so I just changed it to "it contain spoilers"
Peggy Noonan wrote a great op-ed in the WSJ today on the movie saying that she wishes the movie had delved more into his reaction to the damage at Hiroshima.
I believe that a movie of the immediate damage was classified until the early 70s
I am giving my personal opinion here but based on what I have read, with the casualties at Okinawa, which was actually the first stage of the invasion plans to the island of Kyushu securing the airfield, that the bomb was necessary. Even with Nagasaki bombed it took the intervention of Hirohito to affect a surrender.
Well I will not further delve into this but stay with the movie and it is true as the movie portrayed that a group of scientist tried to petition President Truman not to use it
And it is true that before the test at Trinity there was actually some fear that the atomic reaction would burn the atmosphere completely around the world.
My one criticism of it was the time they spent after Trinity delving into all of the investigations of Oppenheimer. To me any way it was all minutia and the movie would've been better served Shortly after Trinity (that was the first atomic test in New Mexico), as ending the movie with a few paragraphs explaining what was happening. 10 or 15 minutes of this minutia for me and I left the theater. I left the theater before the end but still enjoyed the movie.
Which is a first for me.
I thought Matt Damon even portrayed general Leslie Groves well. He's a pretty good actor going from Carroll Shelby to Leslie Groves
Anyway with the average of 8.7 on IMDb I gave it a "7" so I know my opinion is not shared by the majority but I am sharing it nevertheless.
Asteroid City (2023)
Can someone please tell me the plot or where is the humor?
Today I saw this and if it weren't for the very creative CGI I would've left early. It has a 7 score here and is labeled as a comedy/drama. Hi Saul neither.
And it has some top talent stars - Tom Hanks and Scarlett Johansson.
I read somewhere that the Director said this is supposed to be a homage to the 1950s
Well I certainly saw that. I can remember growing up and passing signs like "dinosaur Park" and "asteroid city", or something very close to it
Do not wish to be a spoiler so I will say that they added some plot lines but to me they made no sense
I asked the two women sitting next to me at the end if they could explain it to me and they laughed.
They could not.
As I'm leaving ask 4 other audience members if they understood it and they shook their heads
Maybe it's just me.
And the sampling I took at the theater
But I sat through it because it was very creative as to the CGI. Like going into a wonder world.
Mending the Line (2022)
A Beautiful Movie - Screenplay, Cinematography, and the Message
I just saw this movie a few hours ago and was very moved by it. It's the first "10" I have given any movie. It is a story of redemption, healing, and hope from the viewpoint of 2 Combat Vets, one from Vietnam and one from Afghanistan, and one civilian who lost a loved one.
The main story is that of the Afghan Vet, and there are flashbacks to see what he experienced in Afghanistan.
"More books have been written about fly fishing than any other sport", is one of the lines. Throughout the movie, passages are read from these book that concern fly fishing and how it relates to life.
Perfectly cast and against the backdrop of a Montana river.
Mafia Mamma (2023)
Subtle humor would have worked better
There's only two or three movies I've walked out on. I think the premise was good although you have to sort of check your belief at the door of the idea that by inheritance an American housewife gets a summons that she is now a mafia boss in Italy
That's fine because a lot of movies you just sort of go with it
But she's portrayed as such a bumbling fool. And I suppose this humor works for some but it would've been far better in my estimation had it been subtle humor
That is, she realizes what she has inherited and walked into but her naïveté keeps getting her into trouble. But her naïveté ends up saving the day
That sort of thing...
Anyway some may like it but her stupidity for me even fictionally was too painful to watch. Could anybody be that stupid and bumbling?
Although I did like the acting of her consigliore. And that acting was believable.
The Hunt (2020)
Surprisingly good. An Apt comedy for these times yes
It's hard to make a movie that's a comedy full of Gore. But maybe I'll put kill Bill into that category
I watched this on Amazon prime and once I realized what was going on had to smile
The movie plays to so many stereotypes held by so many of these days.
In these politically charged times with so much polarization each side holds to stereotypical beliefs. If the two sides would actually talk to each other and find we have more in common than you suspect
Anyway the movie plays to those stereotypes with a lot of humor with a twist at the end
I'll just say it was an entertaining movie and let you decide.
An Cailín Ciúin (2022)
A Beautiful Movie Despite the Ambiguity at the End
I went to see this movie today on a rainy day - just deciding after looking at the relatively high rating on iMDb.
I was surprised at the fact that mostly Gaelic is spoken, but a friend of Irish background said that it is, if spoken at all, still in the rural areas of Ireland.
The story revolves round a young girl, Kate, who grew up in a house, to put it politely, of indifference. She is withdrawn into a shell. When her mother is ready to give birth to a baby, it is suggested that she stay for the summer at the home of some distant relatives.
The wife welcomes Kate with open arms - attention that the girl has never known while the husband at first seems as indifferent as her father. But there is a reason for that indifference as you will learn. Gradually, the husband forms a bond with Kate and for the first time in her life, has a home with love and caring. Gradually, Kate blossoms.
At the end of the summer, her mother gives birth and it is time to return to her indifferent home.
I don't want to be a complete spoiler, but I like movies to have resolutions. But in reading various professional reviews around the Net, this ambiguity was meant to be, with the viewer having to decide the future for young Kate.
And the husband and wife at her summer home have changed for the better, too.
Perhaps the lesson is that regardless Kate has come out of her shell and is changed for the better.
Frasier (1993)
Didn't really appreciate the good writing until now
I watched this sporadically when it was on the network. I thought it was funny but not hilariously so.
I've been watching it again from the first episode on Paramount + and I found a new found appreciation for it. I'm seeing many of the episodes for the first time.
Perhaps if I can use a phrase of my own as to the humor, it is cerebrally funny.
A lot of series after decades have a kind of dated aura to them.
Others, even some of those from the 50s, have a certain timelessness to them. Look at I Love Lucy. Still popular after nearly 70 years.
I think people will still be appreciating this series 30 years from now.
It's all about interpersonal relationships and life issues.
I would say that it is perfectly cast too.
Perfect writing and perfect casting
And even the dog Eddie is a riot.
Where the Crawdads Sing (2022)
Beautiful movie; beautiful cinematography
Someone else mentioned that this movie reminded her a bit of To Kill A Mockingbird and I see that.
And what surprised me the theater was fairly full even in these Covid times and many of the theatergoers had already read the book.
That is unusual for a movie. Meaning they so enjoyed the book they wanted to see it on the screen and then talking to a few people exiting said it followed the book pretty well.
I did not read the book and still enjoyed it.
Makes me want to get the book now
Having seen a number of movies based on books, some of which follow the books better than others, I came to the realization that you cannot simply transcribe most books to the silver screen.
You've got about two hours to tell your story. I think this movie was masterful, going between the past in the present through much of the timr.
I would like to say more but don't want to be a spoiler.
Someone said "it's not a chick flick".
I think it could be a chick flick but most men would enjoy it too.
Has a surprise ending and that's all I will say to avoid being a spoiler.
What beautiful scenery along the North Carolina Coast and it takes great cinematography to bring that to the screen.
I think it was well cast too.
The Case for Heaven (2022)
A movie that takes an objective look at the possibility of a Heaven
First off, let me say that I am a Believer. However, I have seen a few of these movies aimed at the Christian audience that simply quote scripture to reaffirm one's belief. I saw one a few years ago of a little boy who was clinically dead describe what he saw.
I don't need an affirmation, but was curious to see if the writers could effectively use an objective means outside of scripture to make the case for the existence of Heaven.
Of course, nobody can scientifically prove that Heaven (or Hell) exists, but the movie did have some good moments that would make most viewers pause with thought.
I will say too, that among Christians they run the spectrum of belief - outside of the essential things, of course. And some of Christians are critical and even condemn anyone straying from their own beliefs.
If you think that, for example, Hell is full of fire and brimstone and tortured souls, and ready to condemn or "correct" anyone not holding this belief, this movie is not for you unless you at least are willing to consider another thought.
The movie had its slow moments, but it had 3 highlights for me. I enjoyed the interview of a Cambridge neurologist who tells us what our neurons can tell us and what they can't, but we perceive anyway.
There was an interview with a retired Christian singer, who filled stadiums, tell us how he had a crisis in faith. He describes what became his own view, using his love for his own son, how the Father loves us.
Don't want to be a spoiler, but I will say that his using his own love for his son, and then saying that should he want to remain "behind the scenes" in his son's everyday life, is that love diminished if the son strays?" I am not using the most accurate example in rephrasing, but will say that the man's argument gave me some pause for thought.
Of course, the near death experiences were interesting and compelling, and some of the interviewees weren't Christian.
In summary, the movie isn't ground breaking, nor could it be. But there is enough it it to make both believers and non-believers cause to reflect.
Gone Are the Days (2018)
A Different Western
This is on Netflix now, and while I enjoyed it the first viewing, I really had to see it twice to fully understand it. Maybe I am slow, but once I really had the insight it was a beautiful story. It is a story of redemption not only for the main character, but a supporting character.
Some have complained about all the coughing the main character does - but to fully understand the movie the coughing - and the medicine he takes - is necessary to the plot.
Not trying to start a fight, but I believe some of the reviewers have gotten it a bit wrong as far as the character backgrounds. To explain this further I'd have to spoil it.
See it - and see it a second time if you have to.
Wish I could get the soundtrack but haven't seen it.
All Things Must Pass: The Rise and Fall of Tower Records (2015)
The Rise and Fall of a Music Powerhouse
Just saw this today at Ground Zero, Sacramento's 75 year old Tower Theater that had right next door, Tower Drugs where the founder, Russ Solomon, started what became a world-wide musical empire.
I was not surprised at the influence Tower had on the recording industry, particularly after they opened up their Sunset Blvd store in Los Angeles. Didn't realize though that many big recording stars such as Bruce Springsteen and Elton John shopped there.
It's a fascinating look not only at the rise and fall of Tower Records, but the recording industry's changes over the years.
You'll even see how the Beach Boys changed their sales focus.
If Tower Records was in your life, and chances are if you are over 30 it was, this is a must-see.
Kudos to Colin Hanks, who spent seven years on this project.
Great War Diaries (2014)
Takes the Black & White we expect and brings it to life
I am in the 3rd episode of this series and recommend it highly. They have taken 14 diaries of people - from combatants to family members, and through good acting brought them to life.
We see a 15 year old Cossack girl who fights the Turks - a German girl who befriended a student pilot....
Follow an upper class British woman who volunteers as a nurse for the front lines...Or a German family who lets their son volunteer in 1914...
This series shows you on a multi faceted level the horrible effect the Great War had on society.
Think Ken Burn's Civil War series (itself excellent) brought to life.
Endgame (2011)
A wonderful "whodunit" series - Reminds me of The Mentalist
This is the only reason I am extending my Hulu Plus subscription - to see all 39 episodes of this wonderful series.
Like The Mentalist - the hit series on CBS since 2008, the main character has 2 cases to solve each episode - the current case and the background, that of the murder of his wife.
Wonderful script writing - As the case develops, it is fun to see the logical deductions (played out by the actors in various scenarios) in the main character's (Belagan) mind.
If it has been canceled it is a problem of marketing or "getting the word out" - certainly not the wonderful scripts or their execution.
Wouldn't be the first time a wonderful series was canceled.
Only place you can watch this in the US is through Hulu Plus.
Spooks (2002)
I am hooked on this series - But Seasons 1-5 only*
* I have added this since my initial review. Thanks to streaming services like Netflix and Hulu Plus, one can zip though entire seasons quickly. Seasons 1-5 apply to my review below - but it seems as of Season 6 it has become more like "24" and less realism. Which is fine, I suppose, but the story lines have become more outlandish. Since I don't want to spoil anything you be the judge.
Since I started streaming this from Netflix and Hulu, I have become addicted to this series. And I am reminded of a quip actor Michael Weatherly of NCIS gave in an interview - saying that the title of his show really stands for "No Character Is Safe".
Perhaps the creators of NCIS got their inspiration from MI-5, which made its debut a year earlier.
All I can say is you don't know who will be there for the next episode. Which is shocking at first, particularly if you start to like them but gives the show an edge.
I do believe the actual day to day world of the spy is a bit more cerebral and deskbound, but the show is still realistic. I mean, real spies probably would not want an Aston Martin DB5 while on assignment - they want to blend in - and in an episode I just watched one of the recurring characters actually mentioned that he'd prefer a less flashy car to the one he was driving.
But I would not be surprised if some real "Spooks" - active or more likely retirees, are technical advisers.
It's a great show that has enough realism to make it believable and enough "Hollywood action" to make it enjoyable.
Rush (2013)
A Great Movie for F1 Fans and non-F1 Fans
I was waiting for this movie to appear for several months, ever since it was mentioned in Road & Track magazine.
Really the only 2 great racing films are, in my opinion, John Frankenheimer's Grand Prix (1966) and Steve McQueen's LeMans (1971).
This movie makes 3.
I do like Senna that came out in 2010, but in my opinion it's more of a documentary on the late racing great Ayrton Senna.
So 40 years later comes another racing movie. The difference between this move and the previous 2 is that racing is really a backdrop to the clash of 2 very different personalities who came to respect each other.
In one professional interview with Niki Lauda the UKs Guardian I believe, it was suggested that Hunt was Lauda's foil - I agree but if it is possible from a screen writing perspective Lauda was also a foil for Hunt.
It has been said that the film highlights Lauda - I don't agree - it highlights the both with their contrasts.
To me - even more than Lauda's brilliant driving, I will always remember him for his courage after his accident (hardly a spoiler alert since this is common knowledge).
In Road & Track's interview with Ron Howard, Howard detailed the effort that he went to insure that this was an accurate portrayal - consulting people directly involved from Lauda himself to Ron Dennis and a dozen others.
It has, from what I understand, been well received in the F1 community.
Above all it is a fantastic film on 2 very different personalities and how they came to respect each other.
Foyle's War (2002)
One of the Best historical dramas I have seen
I started watching Foyle's War on the advice of a cinimaphile friend - went though all the wartime episodes and am so enamored with it stayed up until 3 in the morning watching a rerun of episode 1 Season 8 on PBS.
The series is great on 2 levels - first - the crime dramas in each episode are so well written that the screen writing on that alone would make it (or any series) great.
But above that the historical research - from how people acted during the Battle Of Britain - the attitudes of the "Sitzkrieg" - that lull between the time war was declared over the Nazis invading Poland and the Air War - When I found out they were filming more episodes - well, that accounts for my staying up from 01:30 - 03:00. Season 8 deals with the beginning of the Cold War.
Great stuff.
The German (2008)
Beautiful computer work; realistic aviation sequence
A realistic dog fight - you hear the purr of the RR Merlin and the different noise of the DB603 - with an unusual ending.
I have heard both and the director went out of his way to get some realism. See why the Luftwaffe pilots called the sound of the DB-603 "The stone crusher" .
I got this as a web address floating on the internet - http://player.vimeo.com/video/31202906?autoplay=1 Quite a nice production - although I question how both got to "this end" - without spoiling it I cannot say more.
Watch it and you be the judge. I enjoyed it so much I bookmarked the address.