Transsiberian - 3 stars out of 5 stars

Very exotic train movie updating the old orient express genre.This time its drugs and corruption that go along with it.The cast rocks with my new fav Kate Mara as Abby and that grand old master Ben Kingsley as Grinko amongst the best.Released in 2008 its a little long at 112 minutes ands when you get down to it,nothing new from a lot of drug smuggling  movies but the exotic location.It's also a little violent for my tastes so thats why I took 2 stars off.Still you can do far worse.Trailer URL below the pix and a IMDB summary below.


Americans abroad. Roy and Jessie finished a volunteer stint in China. He loves trains, so they go home via the Trans-Siberia Express. There are strains in the relationship, including her past. They meet Carlos, a Spaniard, traveling with Abby, a young American. Carlos keeps close to Jessie, and when Roy is left behind and waits a day for the next train so he can catch up, Jessie and Carlos take a trip into the dead of winter to photograph a ruined church. Carlos may be running drugs, so, later, when Roy catches up and introduces Jessie to his new pal, an English speaking Russian narcotics detective, he's the last person Jessie wants to see. Will the Siberian desolation be their undoing? Written by <jhailey@hotmail.com>

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5MUTPx_SIY

Topsy-Turvy - 3 1/2 stars out of 5 stars

The first taste of musical plays I received in JHS was Gilbert and Sullivan's"The Mikado." So when I heard of this film I had to see it.Released in 1999 and running a too long 160 minutes it is a typical english film of dry wit. Not knowing the true story of the relationship between Gilbert and Sullivan one only hopes its fairly accurate aside from the satirical dry humor.The film follows the story of the creation of "The Mikado."after a less than fulfilling play makes both feel they are getting stale.In "novel" story telling fashion it takes awhile for the film to get going,perhaps 45 minutes or so as it paints a period setting of the times.Once it gets on to the writing of the play it really hits its stride.It seems Gilbert was going to a new Japanese place in London and something clicked that this might do for the next play.What follows is humorous as nether he nor the Japanese he invites to the theater can communicate yet he thinks he gets it.There's also the portrayal of both the cast and our writers as being flawed like us all and the interjection with numbers from the pay highlight the faults.This is 1885 after all and if period pieces and novel length films along with dry brit humor bore you than pass it by.That is after all why I took 1 1/2 stars off,but if you liked the play and music and want to see how it MAY have evolved in a truly funny way,than check out this gem.The actors are all British and not week known to me,but they fit well and the music performances are as fine as any I've seen on film.Trailer URL follows pix

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWFcMRYjJtA

Men With Brooms - 4 stars out of 5 stars

Paul Gross did Passchendaele  in 2008 which I reviewed and liked a lot now I bumped into a comedy he did in 2002 and runs a just right 102 minutes.Oh Canada can be funny at times,re curling and thats a theme of this movie set with the death of a old man who's wish id for his old curling team reunite and win the "golden broom"If you expect to understand curling after this picture,you won't as it nothing but shuffle board on ice. However it suits as the center of bring together those who have drifted apart in a distinct Canadian way.The movie starts slow but when Leslie Nielsen arrives its takes of.Fine acting throughout by a mainly Canadian cast so do check it out. It's not "Canadian Bacon" which was a US laugh at Canada but rather a funny take on getting on and getting buy with a knock at themselves via that silly Scottish game that Canadians love for no-good reason. This is the kind of gem I look for and will add to my collection.I only took 1/2 star off for the slow start.Trailer URL follows the pix and a IMDB summary below.Oh some good music by a Canadian band called The Tragically Hip throughout the film but not original to the movie.

Paul Gross stars as the leader of a recently reunited curling team from a small Canadian town. This offbeat comedy follows the team as they work through their respective life issues and struggle to win the championship for the sake of their late coach. Written by Alea Intrica

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFt-5-630Zg

Head of State - 4 1/2 stars out of 5 stars

Very hard movie to rate because comedy is so subjective but I laughed my ass off dispite a few reservations about stereotypes which is the only reason I took 1/2 star off but I am going to buy the DVD !!!
Released in 2003 it runs a too short 95 minutes and it is now even funnier because there is Obama in office.See this movie is about the campaign leading to the election of the first "black"president with prophetic remarks referring to Oprah and her wealth as well as being half white which fit with the Obama presidency today.Chris Rock as the candidate Mays Gilliam is the whole picture.A great supporting cast but only Rock could pull this off.There are lines like"that shit ain't right"and "God bless american and no one else"you have to love.The way Rock is treated is sort of the way Obama is treated although in very different ways and the movie is way over the top and not as focused as the republicans are today against Obama.I loved it!!Trailer URL follows the pix and a IMDB summary below.GREAT music score as well.Hell of a fund raiser dance scene in the movie.

Mays Gilliam, a Washington D.C. neighborhood Alderman, is about to be red-lined out of his job. But after the untimely death of the party frontrunner, Gilliam is plucked from obscurity, and thrust into the limelight as his party's nominee--for President of the United States. The players in Gilliam's life include: Mitch Gilliam, his unsophisticated older brother who becomes his running mate; Kim, his ex-girlfriend who had once dumped him, but who now has a sudden change of heart as she sees a chance at becoming First Lady; Martin Geller, his campaign manager; Lisa Clark, the woman who truly believes in Gilliam; and Debra Lassiter, the woman who doesn't have faith in his candidacy, and is serving as his reluctant advisor. Written by Sujit R. Varma

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NkYK3nsyKGY

Cloverfield - 4 stars out of 5 stars

Thought maybe I should review this film now as many MIGHT think the film I reviewed yesterday,"Super 8"would be like this.As I said yesterday ,WRONG. Cloverfield is what "Blair Witch project"wasn't .Here we finally see the monster that a film only hints at.I took 1 star off because there is a unresolved ending leading to hope for a Cloverfield 2.
The movie is a film recording of some NYC yuppie types as a monster attacks. Pretty good stuff.Good music and some cool aliens when we finally see them.Released in 2008 it runs only 85 minutes.The cast is good if unknown.Trailer follows the pix and a summary from IMDB below.Do check it out.


Cloverfield follows five New Yorkers from the perspective of a hand-held video camera. The movie is exactly the length of a DV Tape and a sub-plot is established by showing bits and pieces of video previously recorded on the tape that is being recorded over. The movie starts as a monster of unknown origin destroys a building. As they go to investigate, parts of the building and the head of the Statue of Liberty come raining down. The movie follows their adventure trying to escape and save a friend, a love interest of the main character. Written by Pip Carlson

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8cOUO5q_Ow

Super 8 - 2 1/2 stars out of 5 stars

Perhaps its my fault but this is yet another film that isn't what it seems to me after viewing the trailer first.Simply put its "ET "meets" Stand by me,"in a new and darker version.The trailer made it seem more like a really bad and nasty alien invasion sort of like in "Cloverfield."Released in 2011 and running 112 minutes thats why I took a full 2 1/2 stars since its not what I expected and I only was mildly amused by the prior 2 films I claim its based on.The only thing I really liked was the performance of Elle Fanning of Alice Dainard .She reminded me of a young Drew Barrymore,rather than her older sister Dakota.That sadly isn't enough to really love the film.It seems Speilberg hired Abrams to really darken the ET story rather than add anything new in a Cloverfield theme.See that film was nasty BUT "Stand by me " is not.These characters bond and live NOT die like in Cloverfield as they were just getting to bond.So see if you wish but unlike ET its NOT for kids as there's a lot of cursing BY kids.Trailer URL follows pix and a IMDB summary is below.Nice music score.

In the summer of 1979, a group of friends in a small Ohio town witness a catastrophic train crash while making a super 8 movie and soon suspect that it was not an accident. Shortly after, unusual disappearances and inexplicable events begin to take place in town, and the local Deputy tries to uncover the truth - something more terrifying than any of them could have imagined. Written by Official site 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqvZMhRB5cE

Batman - 4 stars out of 5 stars

Important flick because  it started the whole "new"interest in Batman after the comics and that silly TV"bam.boom"series.Directed by Tim Burton in what might be his best job to date,it also ushers in a new darker form of movie.Some don't like that but I sometimes do depending on the storyline being spun.In this case a very disturbed hero played  well by a comic up to this film,Michael Keaton,and a nasty villain, Jack Nicholson as the Joker.The supporting cast excels as well.Released in 1989 and running 126 minutes,its still the best of the crop of sequels IMHO.My issues are only a poor group of songs by prince,no purple rain here,and a little long in length and no Robin.Trailer URL follows the pix and a IMDB summary is below.I own this film so I do recommend highly.

Gotham City: dark, dangerous, 'protected' only by a mostly corrupt police department. Despite the best efforts of D.A. Harvey Dent and police commissioner Jim Gordon, the city becomes increasingly unsafe...until a Dark Knight arises. We all know criminals are a superstitious, cowardly lot...so his disguise must be able to strike terror into their hearts. He becomes a bat. Enter Vicky Vale, a prize-winning photo journalist who wants to uncover the secret of the mysterious "bat-man". And enter Jack Napier, one-time enforcer for Boss Grissom, horribly disfigured after a firefight in a chemical factory...who, devoid of the last vestiges of sanity, seizes control of Gotham's underworld as the psychotic, unpredictable Clown Prince of Crime...the Joker. Gotham's only hope, it seems, lies in this dark, brooding vigilante. And just how does billionaire playboy Bruce Wayne fit into all of this? Written by Gregory A. Sheets <m-sheets2@onu.edu>

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlsM2_8u_mk

Stripes - 4 1/2 stars out of 5 stars

What "Animal House"did for college,this film does for the Army.Billy Murry,John Candy,Harold Ramis and MANY more make this one of  my favorite comedies of all time.My only issue was the ease they penetrate Czechoslovakia (cold war days)Small issue for a BIG bunch of laughs,thus only 1/2 star off.Lines like"Where is your drill sergeant, men?Blown up,sir!"Gotta love it.Released in 1981 its a too short 108 minutes.IMDB summary below and trailer URL after pixs.

Thanks to a run of bad luck and go-nowhere jobs, John convinces Russell to join the army so they can get in shape, likening it to a health spa. Once in boot camp, wiseguy John tangles with his by-the-book Sgt. and becomes the unofficial leader for his platoon, made up mostly of other misfits and assorted losers. After somehow making it through graduation, they are given a special assignment but, thanks to John's romantic interest in a pretty MPO, the other men wind up behind the Iron Curtain until John, Russell, their dates and Sgt. Hulka make a daring rescue attempt in explosive style. Written by Warlock <asstgpa@crimjust.ccj.scarolina.edu>

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M4VR4MUoTls

Syriana - 3 1/2 stars out of 5 stars

Released in 2005 and running a little long at 128 minutes this film is interesting for a few reasons.A non sexually charged and a little budgie George Clooney as Bob Barnes.My man Alexander Siddig as a good arab,Prince Nasir Al-Subaai and a host of other stars,including Matt Damon, make it worth the watch alone.Timely and on the oil topic  IF a little "out there"still the subjects in this film are rarely discussed as they are here and at least thats a start. My only issue is the ending and the sense you get after viewing the film that all is hopeless.Thus I took 1 and 1/2 stars off.IMDB summary below and trailer URL follows the pix.Enjoy.

A missile disappears in Iran, but the CIA has other problems: the heir to an Emirate gives an oil contract to China, cutting out a US company that promptly fires its immigrant workers and merges with a small firm that has landed a Kazakhstani oil contract. The Department of Justice suspects bribery, and the oil company's law firm finds a scapegoat. The CIA also needs one when its plot to kill the Emir-apparent fails. Agent Bob Barnes, the fall guy, sorts out the double cross. An American economist parlays the death of his son into a contract to advise the sheik the CIA wants dead. The jobless Pakistanis join a fundamentalist group. All roads start and end in the oil fields. Written by <jhailey@hotmail.com>

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bTa2PTcycyI

All That Jazz - 4 stars out of 5 stars

My 250th review was brought about by yesterdays review of "Lenny" directed by Bob Fosse who directed this film as well, which is acknowledged to be a veiled  bio of his own life. The music rocks, the acting is great and  the "feeling"of B'way is pervasive.However try as I might,I felt nothing for the character Joe Gideon played by Roy Scheider which is thought to be Fosse.
That character was a junky womanizer with talent.Thats why I remember it after Lenny who was basically the same BUT a trailblazer.Fosse was a talent but a trailblazer,a little egotistical on his part I think.
Anyway, if you want a little insight to what its like to"get"on broadway,check it out.Released in 1979 its a little long at 130 minutes.I took the star off for the length and not caring about Gideon.Love the feel of the theater and the music and dancing however.Trailer URL follows the pix.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C74Pae3PpMo

Lenny - 3 1/2 stars out of 5 stars

 A most unusual  film that just might be more relevant now than ever before.Lenny Bruce was just a little before my time as I was not yet into club entertainment at the time of his death.However I grew up  on the new wave of comedians like Richard Prior and George Carlin who were inspired by him along with many others.Bruce was not as polished as those who came after him but what trail blazers are?Only one director,Bob Fosse could have directed this film since his own life was as flawed as Lennys. True  trailblazing genius usually is created by flawed character searching for answers and that is true with Lenny.
It wasn't just the dirty words but it was the "politically correct"hypocrites  that drove Bruces satiric comedy.There in lies the relevance to today and the reemergence of political correctness.
WARNING this is a very disturbing and graphic film so the appeal is not for the masses.But if you want a gritty no holds bar look at a icon then view it.The acting by the 2 leeds of Dustin Hoffman and Valerie Perrine as Bruce and his wife at true to the demons they battled and as such,like the film,hard to watch.Thats why they are outstanding.The movie was shot in B&W and a style of interview beset by flashbacks and overt sexual situations.The reasons I took the 1 and 1/2 stars off.Released in 1974 it runs 111 minutes and covers his life from meeting his wife to his death.Trailer URL follows the pix.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hcJRrbwGdWo

Flags Of Our Fathers - 4 stars out of 5 stars

This is a different type of review and film.The film was well done and as good as any about the home life of WW11 thats been made.However the real strength  of the film is the "interest to know" that it inspires. Released in 2006 and running a little long at 132 minutes ,director Clint Eastwood tells the backstories of the 6 men who raised the flag during the battle for Iwo Jima in WW11,a costly bloody battle during the island hoping march Japan.I took 1 stars off because it was nothing new just told better than before,and less battle action than you would expect.Sadly the lasting memory of the real life story is the sad ending of " drunken Ira Hayes",immortalized in song by Kinky Friedman and not focused on enough in this movie but that is understandable given the author of the book its based on is the son of another.

However here is why I say it's a different type of film as far as inspiring you to know more.

The movie is based on the first of 3 intensely probing books by author James Bradley who co wrote this first book released in 2000 with Ron Powers. Bradley's father was one of the marines who raised the flag.It's the story of the lives of ordinary men and a attempt to understand them in terms of that,rather then war time achievements.

That inspired a second book called "Fly boys"about a doomed air raid on a neighboring Japanese held island near Iwo Jima in which 9 pilots were shot down and eight were captured by the Japanese and held on the island of Chichi-jima, till they were executed and cannibalized .Oh the 9th pilot picked up by a sub rescue before he could be captured and meet the same fate?George H. W. Bush.

That led to a 3rd book trying to understand how the authors father and the contemporaries of the second book were destined to wind up in such a conflict.That book was called"The Imperial Cruise"which documents the 1905 cruise of SS Manchuria sailing on a diplomatic mission to Japan .Reminds us all of President Theodore Roosevelt's  part in brokering the peace between Japan and Russia and the creation of our own empire with the addition of the Hawaiian Islands and the Philippine islands and the eventual clash of cultures with Japan expansion. By far the most controversial of recent historic dissertations.( blames it all on Teddy)

Funny that the bottom line is that a movie inspires you to READ.

Trailer URL follows the pix.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uKuym66LIr4

The Devil Wears Prada - 4 stars out of 5 stars

A naive young woman comes to New York and scores a job as the assistant to one of the city's biggest magazine editors, the ruthless and cynical Miranda Priestly.

That above is the jest of this film from IMDB.Released in 2006 and running 109 minutes my only issue with this film is that it's one big cliche of NYC and its fashion industry.That said it is fun due mainly to fantastic acting led by Meryl Streep as Miranda Priestly AGAIN showing she is the best today !! Anne Hathaway as Andy Sachs in her best BY FAR role to date.Stanley Tucci and Emily Blunt round out a good supporting cast.Oh if your interested in Tom Brady's supermodel wife,Gisele Bündchen,she's also in the film.As with all comedies personnel taste prevails.I don't own this film BUT if you want some good smirks at NYC's high fashion industry,do check it out.It is the best on that subject.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zicgut4gpwU

Seven Years in Tibet - 3 1/2 stars out of 5 stars

Brad Pitt is whats good and bad     this film.He portrays a Austrian named Heinrich Harrer and his accent reminds me of the poor job Pacino did in Scarface.Still its a beautifully filmed and the story of Tibet and the Chinese is at least partially explored.It is however rambling at 136 minutes.Released in 1997 its still worth viewing young Pitt bad accent and all.I took 1 1/2 stars off for the length,not examining the Chinese takeover better and bad Pitt accent impairment.The trailer URL follows the pix and summary from IMDB is below.Good but I like other Pitt films more.

After the death of 11 climbers, Austrian Heinrich Harrer (Brad Pitt) decides to add glory to his country and to the German pride by climbing Nanga Parbat in British India, and leaves his expectant wife behind. Egoist and a loner, he does not get along with others on his team - but must bend to their wishes after bad weather threatens them. Then WWII breaks out, they are arrested and lodged in Dehra Dun's P.O.W. Camp. He attempts to break out in vain several times, but finally does succeed along with Peter Aufschnaiter (David Thewlis), and end up in the holy city of Lhasa - a place banned to foreigners. They are provided food and shelter, and Peter ends up marrying a tailor, Pema Lhaki, while Heinrich befriends the Dalai Lama. He meets regularly to satiate the child's curiosity about the world, including Jack the Ripper and 'yellow hair'; in return he is exposed to teachings of Lord Buddha and even constructs a movie theater... Written by rAjOo (gunwanti@hotmail.com) 

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rZ-KNWJeQ4g

The Last Picture Show - 3 1/2 stars out of 5 stars

Released in 1971 and running 118 minutes,it's a movie thats ok but I'm not crazy about.
As IMDB states :
A group of 50's high schoolers come of age in a bleak, isolated, atrophied West Texas town that is slowly dying, both economically and culturally.

Whats to like? Well,like "the Wanderers"I can relate to that time very well.The acting is fine and its kinda wild to see now BIG star Jeff Bridges as Duane Jackson  in a early role.Some common themes run throughout both films.Cybill Shepherd as Jacy Farrow is almost a blond Liz Taylor,almost.Hats off to Ellen Burstyn as Lois Farrow

Whats NOT to like ? Well 1  1/2 stars off for being in B&W and very slow moving,gets kinda boring at times.Sorry I just am not crazy about Timothy Bottoms as Sonny Crawford and I'm not buying the casting of Cloris Leachman as Ruth Popper .She's too Hot for that.

So check it out as a classic but it is not for everyone (me)Trailer URL follows the pix.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3YQomR5xJ_Y

Casino Jack - 3 1/2 stars out of 5 stars

Released in 2010 and running 108 minutes I took 1 1/2 stars off because there wasn't much substance to the movie,all style but God what style!!!Kevin Spacey as Jack Abramoff  constantly does impressions and movie quips throughout including calling Indians "troglodytes"A small insite into "K"street DC lobbying but a bigger look into Spacey again as a great actor.Trailer URL follow pix.I enjoyed it and recommend for one viewing.

Quote from the movie thanks to IMDB:
"Jack Abramoff: You know, I do a shitload of reading and studying and praying, and I've come to a few conclusions I want to share. People look at politicians and celebrities on the TV and the newspapers, glossy magazines - what do they see? "I'm just like them." That's what they say. "I'm special. I'm different. I could be any one of them." Well guess what, you can't. You know why? Cause in reality, mediocrity is where most people live. Mediocrity is the elephant in the room. It's ubiquitous. Mediocrity in your schools. It's in your dreams. It's in your family. And those of us who know this - those of us who understand the disease of the dull - we do something about it. We do more because we have to. The deck was always stacked against us. You're either a big leaguer, or you're a slave clawing your way onto the "C" train. Some people say Jack Abramoff moves too fast. Jack Abramoff cuts corners. Well, I say to them, if that's the difference between me and my family having the good life and walkin' and using the subway every day, then so be it. I will not allow my family to be slaves. I will not allow the world I touch to be vanilla. You say I'm selfish? Fuck you! I give back. I give back plenty. You say I - I got a big ego? Fuck you twice! I'm humbly grateful for the wonderful gift that I've received here in America the greatest country on this planet. I'm Jack Abramoff. And oh, yeah, I work out every day. "

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1igM1mfzPI

The Passion Of Ayn Rand - 2 1/2 stars out of 5 stars

Another film that wasn't what I expected but I guess this time it's my fault.When you see a film like this you expect a sort of bio film not a film showing character flaws yet this is such a film and as such do I really want to see this ,NO.Ayn Rand portrayed by Helen Mirren is the reason to see this fin.She is stunning !!!The late author Rand may be the most controversial literary figure of our time but this film just skips over that fact in lieu of weird but progressive love triangle in the 50's and 60's that might be interesting but was not what I expected.So I coud only give a 2 1/2 stars 50 -50 rating for not covering the subject the way I thought it might.Released in 1999 and running 104 minutes, I couldn't find a trailer instead clips from the film put to gather by a fan with music NOT from the film. That URL is following the pix and below is a IMDB summary.

The novelist Ayn Rand engaged in an affair with a psychologist 25 years her junior by the name of Nathaniel Branden. Branden built up an institute to spread Rand's ideas, but the two eventually had a falling out. This is the story of the affair, based on the book by Branden's wife, Barbara. Written by Martin Lewison <dr@martinlewison.com>

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TcMTKPoitQ

Lone Star State of Mind - 2 1/2 stars out of 5 stars

I was fooled by this picture so maybe I'm being harsh,you can decide if you see it once.The title recalled "Lone Star"which I LOVED and was the very first film I reviewed on this blog,and a cast that included Joshua Jackson as Earl Crest  and John Mellencamp as Wayne ,which also intrigued me.However the only thing this film had in common with Lone star was a romance between siblings and they weren't blood relations rather children of parents who married after having them in different marriages and the kids knew each other BEFORE said marriages so really apples and oranges when compared with Lone Star.Also this film is a comedy not a drama but people DO die in the film and I also thought it was a little condescending towards Texas and small town life.Also its not that funny nether.Released in 2002 and runs a short 88 minutes I only score the 2 1/2 stars for the reasons I mentioned that interested me enough to view it.Trailer URL follows the pix and a IMDB summary below

Earl is engaged to his step-sister Baby. Baby has entrusted him to take care of her misfit cousin Junior. Baby is also intent on leaving Texas for LA on Tuesday. When Junior and his recently released ex-con friend Tinker rob a pizza delivery boy and end up with $20,000 of drug money Earl is forced onto the scene, giving up his and Baby's LA money to save Juniors limbs. Written by k wedgwood

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1YZbyQt1xw

The Adjustment Bureau - 3 stars out of 5 stars

Not what I expected.Instead of a sci-fi flick its more spiritual like a Mr Roberts update only no death is involved BUT love does cause faith to be re-written.I took 2 stars off because it has been done before and unlike what I expected as time changing sci-fi.Still worth one view for Damon and Blunt as the couple involved.Released in 2011 it runs 106 minutes.Trailer URL follows the pix and the IMDB summary below.

Do we control our destiny, or do unseen forces manipulate us? A man glimpses the future Fate has planned for him and realizes he wants something else. To get it, he must pursue across, under and through the streets of modern-day New York the only woman he's ever loved. On the brink of winning a seat in the U.S. Senate, ambitious politician David Norris (Damon) meets beautiful contemporary ballet dancer Elise Sellas (Emily Blunt) - a woman like none he's ever known. But just as he realizes he's falling for her, mysterious men conspire to keep the two apart. David learns he is up against the agents of Fate itself - the men of The Adjustment Bureau - who will do everything in their considerable power to prevent David and Elise from being together. In the face of overwhelming odds, he must either let her go and accept a predetermined path...or risk everything to defy Fate and be with her. Written by Universal Pictures 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHVU3fKhsjI

Unknown ( 2011) - 3 1/2 stars out of 5 stars

"A man awakens from a coma, only to discover that someone has taken on his identity and that no one, (not even his wife), believes him. With the help of a young woman, he sets out to prove who he is. "

That was the summary of the film from IMDB but what it really is a mix of all cold war intrigue, double dealing ,nothing is what it seems updated with a dash of the Borne identity.Mix in a terrorist type plot and pour.
Liam Neeson is the new Bruce Willis born (excuse the pun) to play these types of roles.Took 1  1/2 stars off because it has been done many times before but for pure fun,when right,its hard to pass up and this was done almost perfect.A few miscasts for me but Neeson makes up for them all.Enjoy it on a cold night with popcorn.Trailer URL follows the pix.Released in 2011 it runs 113 minutes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uakoUpfoWfA

St. Elmo's Fire - 2 1/2 stars out of 5 stars

"A Group of friends, just out of college, struggle with adulthood. Their main problem is that they're all self-centered and obnoxious. "So said IMDB's summary.That sums it quite well and the only reason to watch it is the stellar cast and a decent soundtrack.Released in 1985 it runs 110 minutes.It earns only 2 1/2 stars because Diner did it so much better and it is very "dated"in hair and dress.Watch it once so you can a valid veiw as it is well known but once is truly enough.Trailer URL follows the pix.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y46Sw1BUHPs

Tremors - 4 stars out of 5 stars

Released in 1990 and a short 96 minutes this is a little gem of a sci-fi/horror film that I highly recommend.Good hard working cast and a different setting than most.Add Reba McEntire     as Heather Gummer  in a co starring role and you see what I mean.Read the IMDB summary below and take my advice its a fun flick unlike any you've seen.I took 1 star off because its low budget and shows it but its still scary while being funny.Trailer follows the pix.Enjoy.

A small town gradually becomes aware of a strange creature which picks off people one by one. But what is this creature, and where is it? At the same time, a seismologist is working in the area, she detects _tremors_. The creature lives underground, and can 'pop up' without warning. Trapped in their town, the town-folk have no escape. Written by Rob Hartill

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-2XlKqCTXFg

King of New York - 3 stars out of 5 stars

Extreme slice of NY drug crime vs cops sleaze with good acting but little else.Much too much sex and drugs to hammer home a rise and fall of a equal opportunity crime lord sort of hollywood Joey Gallo'ish with a nice cameo by Pete Hamill and Freddie Jackson.However the strength of this film is the acting of Christopher Walken as Frank White and Laurence Fishburne as Jimmy Jump his partner in crime.Good acting also as cops who cross over the line by Wesley Snipes as Thomas Flanigan and David Caruso as Dennis Gilley. Finally real gritty street and subway shots of the underbelly of NY is striking against the more upscale restraints and hotels that the upper-class frequent.Still if you liked Scareface. Released in 1990 and runs only 101 minutes I had to take 2 stars off for the violence and thinking in the script that this much"street"could get as "high"as they did,is hard to believe.Trailer URL follows the pix and a IMDB summary is below.

A former drug lord returns from prison determined to wipe out all his competition and distribute the profits of his operations to the city's poor in this stylish and ultraviolent modern twist on Robin Hood. Written by Keith Loh <loh@sfu.ca>

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLvi01UW3vk

Mars Attacks - 2 1/2 stars out of 5 stars

The only reason to watch this film is a top "a"list cast headed by Jack Nicholson.If you remember the old trading card set that supposedly inspired this movie then you felt cheated and betrayed because only the Martians look the same but the story here is a joke.Sort of a funny independence day take on the near annihilation that the cards portrayed in a deadly serious manner.Cards that could not be made today by the way as they are were too graphically violent to be sold to kids these days.Back to the film.I'm sorry but "parody"of classic 50's sci-fi is not for me in this case.But I admit to not being a big Tim Burton fan,so if you are,you'd might like this film especially if you never saw the trading card set.So see it once but thats enough for me.Trailer URL follows the pix and a IMDB summary below.
Oh there is a good line about blowing up congress that resonates today and its nice to see Tom Jones :)

It is a normal day for everyone, until the President of the United States announces Martians have been spotted circling Earth. The Martians land and a meeting is arranged, but not everything goes to plan, and the Martians seem to have other plans for Earth. Are they just misunderstood beings or do they really want to destroy all of humanity? Written by Film_Fan

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYHeZCEFwhI

Rollercoaster - 3 stars out of 5 stars

Released in 1977 and running a little long at 119 minutes here is another film that BEGS to be remade.The story is simple enough.The old bad guy demanding money or he'll do more bad things and involves a innocent as a go between with the good guys.So because we've seen it and its a old dated movie and I'm not buying the bad guy,Timothy Bottoms ,I had to take 2 stars off.The plus though are the performances of George Segal as Harry Calder ,the innocent go between and Richard Widmark as Agent Hoyt the good guy.A very young Helen Hunt as Tracy Calder the daughter of Harry is too short a role but interesting to see that young none the less.The other good thing is the continuing quite smoking task that Harry goes through throughout  the film.Good for a few giggles.Waiting for a remake.Trailer URL below the pix and a IMDB summary below.


The plot is about a guile young terrorist who is able to blackmail a series of companies by placing home-made radio controlled bombs within the central attraction of amusement parks; roller coasters. The young man played by Timothy Bottoms gives a hard time to the cops after they give him UV marked money. He then wants revenge and places a bomb in a roller coaster at the most important amusement park event of the year. Written by Nebiros <nebiros@informador.com.mx>

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVSEQHbyL34

Iron Man - 4 stars out of 5 stars

Why did I take 1 star off??Because the good vs evil and greed vs redemption is as old as the,well you know what !!! Still,this film does it as well as its ever been done.Good effects and GREAT acting by the star Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark / Iron Man  with good support by Jeff Bridges as Obadiah Stane  and sadly little more than eye candy is given Gwyneth Paltrow     as Pepper Potts to do.Good heavy metal soundtrack if your into that.
Released in 2008 and running 126 minutes I have yet to see the sequel.Trailer follows the pix and a IMDB summary is below.

Tony Stark is the complete playboy who also happens to be an engineering genius. While in Afghanistan demonstrating a new missile, he's captured and wounded. His captors want him to assemble a missile for them but instead he creates an armored suit and a means to prevent his death from the shrapnel left in his chest by the attack. He uses the armored suit to escape. Back in the U.S. he announces his company will cease making weapons and he begins work on an updated armored suit only to find that Obadiah Stane, his second in command at Stark industries has been selling Stark weapons to the insurgents. He uses his new suit to return to Afghanistan to destroy the arms and then to stop Stane from misusing his research. Written by John Vogel {jlvogel@comcast.net}

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Hx6TEqrzHU

Code Hunter - 3 1/2 stars out of 5 stars

Sadly like war-games this should have been Soooooooooo much better.However it is still worth the view because its sort of scary in a war-games meets Terminator's Skynet  sort of way,adding TV's"New Caprica's"virtual reality to the mix.Trailer URL follows the pix and this review from IMDB really is spot on.Released in 2002 it runs 100 minutes.

The Proof Is in the Pudding
8 March 2011 | by wes-connors (Earth) – See all my reviews
"The hottest sex, the coolest technology, the most extreme adventure you've ever experienced. Anything's possible in SHOCK, the ultimate reality challenge," according to the DVD sleeve description, "America's best player is being pulled in to the ultimate cyber-terror. The game's mastermind has stolen his identity, put him on the FBI's most wanted list, and is blackmailing him to take part in a REAL twisted plan of world destruction. With just hours left, can the code be broken to save the world from total annihilation?"
The above synopsis is accurate, but the first sentence is extremely misleading.
Chances are very good you will find neither the "coolest technology" nor the "extreme adventure" promised. As for the "hottest sex," forget it. There is, actually NO SEX in "Storm Watch" which was re-titled "Virtual Storm" then "Code Hunter" (the title, at least, keeps getting better). The cast is very good looking, especially lead actor Nick Cornish (as Nick Chase) and his main female co-star Vanessa Marcil (as Tess Woodward); really, they look more like models than computer geek and lady reporter.
It's nice to see heroic "Highlander" star Adrian Paul (as "Neville") as the story's main villain, but his "AI" character dies on the vine. Wearing a succession of neon wigs, Bai Ling (as "Skylar") also drifts into irreverence. Tone-Loc and Coolio play non-musical roles. Of the others, programmer Scott Rinker (as Mason Neville Kemeny) is nicely cast and essays his characterization well. Bit player Adam Lieberman is outstanding as the hotel clerk. As company leader Richard Cox (as Richard Clark) says, "The proof is in the pudding."

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmSSFTvxUN8

The last Play at Shea - 5 stars out of 5 stars

This is the first time I am changing a favorite film.No longer is Nursery University my favorite documentary.It has been replaced by this film.Sure there are a  few omissions.No mention that the Yankees played there for a year when the stadium was being refurbished.Very little of the  NFL Jets but I think that might be a copyright issue with NFL films.No explanation of why the stadium was named for Bill Shea other than he was tasked to get a team for the venue by its creator Robert Moses.The jury is still out and debates if Moses did more good than bad in NYC's development.Still that pales with what is mentioned.The Beatles and all the Rock acts that played there make it far more then just  baseball home for the lovable losers,the Mess. er I mean the Mets.Although the Mets where never or ever will be the team the Yankees are,they had a few great moments and they are shown here.Boston fans will cringe when Wilson's ground ball goes through Buckner's legs.Piazza's homer when baseball returns after 9/11,to name just a few.Lets not forget Shea was a staging area for cleanup that followed that attack. Back to music,Sting states in this film when he and the Police played Shea they knew nothing of baseball nd it was the Beatles that drew them there and while preforming on stage that night to all the fans adulation he knew what his future would be.Finally Billy Joel's career is explained to a extent because the concert he played was the real last play at Shea,not a Mets game.To comment on Joel who is the majority of the film even over the Mets,misses the point that Sting made.Shea was world known for a music venue not a baseball home then who better than Long Islands Joel ? This film will give some insight to what NYC was about growing up there as I did and for us native now departed New Yorkers a tear of nostalgia.Trailer URL below the pix .Released in 2010 it runs a too short 90 minutes.The closing is McCartney  just arriving at the end of the concert from the airport to play 2 songs with Joel.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWa01ElaOI8

The Wedding Dress - 4 1/2 stars out of 5 stars

First I must state there is a Korean film of the same name as well as a silent film,that seems to be more famous than this film,therefore I couldn't find a trailer only a scene for the URL below the picture.That said it then is THE type of relative unknown film I wish to alert everyone about.The reason I saw it was because of Neil Patrick Harris,whom I believe is a very good actor.The rest of the cast preform good as well and I was surprised to find another fine actor Peter Wingfield was in it as well.I only took 1/2 stars off because there are so many films that use a "talisman "and I've already reviewed two,Babel and Amores Perros. In this case its a wedding dress and the film is not nearly as dire and depressing as the those two are.It opens with a sad death and a wedding dress that will never be worn in a wedding because of WW11.Then we switch to now and the dress involves 4 other couples that as bad as there situations seem it winds up ok finally. Released in 2001  it runs only 95 minutes.IMDB summary below.Do yourself a favor and see it if you like unknown treasures.

When Hannah Pinkham's fiancé writes he's finally shipping home, her mother makes a fairy tale wedding dress, but while she's fitting it the knock on the door is not him, but the dreaded officer-messenger. Years later she sends it to her nephew, photographer Travis Cleveland, but his model-bride Cass only pretends to like it to get rid of his loyal assistant. After he walks off with it, his car gets stolen with the dress in it... And it keeps passing on from person to person, but will anybody actually get married in it or does it just keep bringing bad luck to couples? Written by KGF Vissers

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kmTF2G8tOKc

War Games: The Dead Code - 3 stars out of 5 stars

Released in 2008 and running 100 minutes this is not the remake I hoped for when I reviewed war-games a while ago.Like that film I can give only 3 stars as the plot is more dark and not as fun as the other and the acting is wasted by BAD casting.Amanda Walsh as Annie D'Mateo a female HS nerd,really ??Matt Lanter as Will Farmer a computer nerd lacks the smug but endearing quality Matthew Broderick brought in the earlier film.But the worse part is that it did seem to be a modern update TILL around midway through we find out it is really a followup,not a sequel as there are all new actors and characters except that the old computer Joshua appears.That now known you must judge it very differently.Like the first I thought it could have been much more and so I wait yet again for a better version but am happy for both anyway.Trailer URL below pix and a IMDB summary below.

The United State's Department of Homeland Security is led to believe an American teen hacker playing a terrorist-attack simulator game online is a real terrorist out to destroy the U.S.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SP4672dSp3o

Furry Vengeance - 3 1/2 stars out of 5 stars

OK this is not the greatest comedy ever made,far from it.You could do a LOT worse.Like most slapstick,the sight gags get old so I doubt you'll watch it more than once,so why watch it at all? Well I do like the idea of forest animals ganging up on land developers and the cast interested me.I think Brendan Fraser as Dan Sanders,is best in comic roles.Brooke Shields as Tammy Sanders  has aged like fine wine from a so-so child actress.Also some good music and supporting cast as well as a few homages to some classic films equals a ok one time view.I took 1 1/2 stars off because the special effects were not as good as we hoped and the story is weak and as a villain Ken Jeong as Neal Lyman is a little forced.However released in 2010 and only running 92 minutes its worth  view.Trailer URL follows the pix and a IMDB summary below.

Hoping to make enough money through an overseas employer to live comfortably, Real Estate Developer Dan Sanders manages to convince his son, Tyler, and wife, Tammy, to re-locate in a remote corner of Oregon. Tyler does seem content after he meets with lovely Amber, but Tammy is concerned about her husband when he near-hysterically claims that local creatures, including beavers, ravens, bears, fox, etc. have joined forces to sabotage his project. Written by rAjOo (gunwanti@hotmail.com)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9vRrYrgjAk

Big Stan - 2 1/2 stars out of 5 stars

Released in 2007 and running 105 minutes this film is offensive on many levels and poorly acted except oddly enough by Rob Schneider in what may be his best acting to date.The story is stupid and the rest of the acting is lame. Even  old Henry Gibson and David Carradine stink BUT I must confess I found myself laughing sometimes because it was so stupid.So a 50-50 2 1/2 stars because its like watching someone trip on a banana peel.The karate homage to Lee is also silly but Schneider somehow makes it amusing.Watch when there nothing else to do.Once only.Trailer URL follows the pix and IMDB summary below.


A weak con man panics when he learns he's going to prison for fraud. He hires a mysterious martial arts guru who helps transform him into a martial arts expert who can fight off inmates who want to hurt or love him.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTqHhysysJA&feature=fvst

Less than Zero - 2 1/2 stars out of 5 stars

Bearly watchable as a hedonistic look at poor rich kids in LA with sex and drugs.I can relate !!However made in 1987 and running only 98 minutes you can suffer through it for the music and early acting talents of Robert Downey Jr. and James Spader as well as trustworthy workman like acting Andrew McCarthy and Jami Gertz.Watch once ONLY.Trailer below the pix and IMDB summary below.

Clay, an eighteen-year-old freshman, comes back from his first term at a college in New Hampshire to spend his Christmas vacation with his broken-up wealthy family in Los Angeles. His former girlfriend, Blair, is now involved with his ex-best-friend, Julian. She warns Clay that Julian needs help: he is using a lot of cocaine and has huge debts. What follows is a look at the youth culture of wealthy post adolescents in Beverly Hills with a strong anti-drug message. Apart from the setting and the names, the film has very little to do with Bret Easton Ellis's book by the same title on which it was based. Written by Jeroen van Bree <J.vBree@kub.nl>

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8TsEr7CK9s

Fargo - 3 stars out of 5 stars

Released in 1996 and running only 98 minutes this may be the weirdest movie I've seen and not hated.1 star off  for weird and 1 star off for simple story that for the most part,has been done before.However the acting of Frances McDormand as a pregnant police officer investigating murder is worth the view in of itself.Not to mention William H. Macy as a dumb smuck who hires Steve Buscemi and Peter Stormare to kill his wife.From there Ethan Coen, Joel Coen take the story in one wired turn after another.You may not like the film but you haven't really seen anything else like it.Buscemi winds up in a wood chipper !!!Trailer below the pix and a IMDB summary below.

Jerry works in his father-in-law's car dealership and has gotten himself in financial problems. He tries various schemes to come up with money needed for a reason that is never really explained. It has to be assumed that his huge embezzlement of money from the dealership is about to be discovered by father-in-law. When all else falls through, plans he set in motion earlier for two men to kidnap his wife for ransom to be paid by her wealthy father (who doesn't seem to have the time of day for son-in-law). From the moment of the kidnapping, things go wrong and what was supposed to be a non-violent affair turns bloody with more blood added by the minute. Jerry is upset at the bloodshed, which turns loose a pregnant sheriff from Brainerd, MN who is tenacious in attempting to solve the three murders in her jurisdiction. Written by Anonymous 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-Wb2EdMffc

Last Night (1998) - 4 stars out of 5 stars

After watching "Melancholia"which I didn't like and thus won't waste time reviewing,I was reminded of this little Canadian gem released in 1998 and only running 95 minutes.We  only take 1 star off because Don McKellar  who plays Patrick Wheeler,is kinda overpowered here trying to write ,direct and star in this film.However Sandra Oh as Sandra  is outstanding and if ever there was a turn of the century  scare film,this was it.
How to meet the end??Discover how they do in this much better film then any other of this sort I've ever seen.Trailer URL follows the pix and a IMDB summary follows below.

It's 18:00 in a somewhat deserted Toronto on the last day before the scheduled end of the world at midnight, the end which has been known now for months. Most people are treating midnight as a matter-of-fact event with little sense of panic. In fact, many are celebrating this last day. Most have very specific wants for this last day and will do whatever they need to to make those wants happen. And some, such as Duncan and Donna with the gas company, are working, ensuring that the masses are served and comfortable during the final hours. The Wheeler family are marking the last day by having a Christmas party, although sullen adult son Patrick, his thoughts in part stemming from being recently widowed, has made it clear he wants to be alone in his own home at the end. Patrick's wants may be in jeopardy when a woman named Sandra - Duncan's wife - lands on his doorstep. Sandra is stranded... Written by Huggo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWHuKhQjzPI

The Jungle Book ( 1994 ) - 4 stars out of 5 stars

In this 1994 Disney version that runs 111 minutes of Kiplings classic set in Colonial India,the cast is whats noteworthy. Jason Scott Lee as Mowgli,One of my favorite actress's Lena Headey     as Katherine 'Kitty' Brydon,Sam Neill as Colonel Geofferey Brydon,John Cleese  as Dr. Julien Plumford ,Cary Elwes as Captain William Boone  as the main characters with good supporting actings as well.Might be the best version done to date.
Recommended,with the trailer URL below the pix and a IMDB summary below for the few of you who may be ignorant of the classic story.I had to take 1 star off because the exotic locations of the jungle isn't for everyone  ( like me)

An adaptation of Rudyard Kipling's classic tale of Mowgli the jungle boy who is raised by wolves after being lost when a tiger attacked an encampment and killed his father. Years later he finds himself re-united with his childhood love Kitty and back in the "civilization" of Colonial India which he finds far less civilized then his jungle haunts. The search for a lost treasure shows who the truly civilized members of society are. Written by Susan Southall <stobchatay@aol.com>

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBAku3Cwsgk

Lifeforce - 3 1/2 stars out of 5 stars

Strange film indeed.Patrick Stewart ( Star Treks Jon Luc Picard) as Dr. Armstrong,in a minor role.Music by Henry Mancini that sounds like NFL films music.Directed by Austin Texas native Tobe Hooper.State of the art special effect.Still falls a little short because of trying to also be a little too erotic while the mix of Vampires and Zombies is too gory for that.Take 1 1/2 stars off for that.For a 1985 film release at 116 minutes it can be considered better than most but one thinks it could have been even more.I do however recommend you view and I am thinking of buying it.Trailer URL below pix as well a IMDB summary below.Enjoy.

Halley's Comet returns to the solar system and the English/American team aboard the shuttle "Churchill", making a close-up survey of the comet, discovers an alien spacecraft in the head of the comet. Inside the spacecraft are some large bat-like creatures and in three cocoons are three "dead" humans - two men and a woman. The "Churchill" takes the humans and a creature back to Earth. There the bosses of the project are amazed to find the shuttle burnt out and all but one of the crew - Carlsen - dead. The humans from the spacecraft suddenly awake and all those who come into contact with them are drained of their "lifeforce" and in time all the victims - including most of the population of London - are turned into zombies all preying on the horrified survivors for their "lifeforce". It's up to Carlsen and Major Caine of the SAS to stop them before the whole world turns into a big blood-hunt... Written by Lee Horton <Leeh@tcp.co.uk>

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bDPN9VLvWs

I Am Number Four - 3 stars out of 5 stars

This movie is set up for a sequel as the story is kinda vague,thus 2 stars off.That said,it was entertaining in a "Smallville"sort of way.Released in 2011 and running 109 minutes i recommend for casual viewing.Pretty hip soundtrack as well.Acting was ok for folks I really haven't seen much of before.Trailer below the pix and a IMDB summary below.I would have rated the movie higher if they explained the backstory more but I guess their banking on a sequel.

Extraordinary teen John Smith (Pettyfer) is a fugitive on the run from ruthless enemies sent to destroy him. Changing his identity, moving from town to town with his guardian Henri (Olyphant), John is always the new kid with no ties to his past. In the small Ohio town he now calls home, John encounters unexpected, life-changing events-his first love (Agron), powerful new abilities and a connection to the others who share his incredible destiny. Written by Walt Disney Pictures  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5djHG3hPu0

Owning Mahowny - 4 stars out of 5 stars

Gambling is a very touchy subject for me but this film is based on fact and with good acting although hard for me to watch,it rings very true.Released in 2003 and running 104 minutes the only reason to take 1 star off was the subject itself.Not for everyone.Philip Seymour Hoffman plays Dan Mahowny as everyman.Not good looking but just smart enough to feed his bad habit of betting by bank fraud.The rest of the cast is ok but not really important as it's the story of Dan's self destruction. Trailer URL follows the pix and a IMDB summary is directly below.I don't think I can watch it again……


Dan Mahowny was a rising star at the Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce. At twenty-four he was assistant manager of a major branch in the heart of Toronto's financial district. To his colleagues he was a workaholic. To his customers, he was astute, decisive and helpful. To his friends, he was a quiet, but humorous man who enjoyed watching sports on television. To his girlfriend, he was shy but engaging. None of them knew the other side of Dan Mahowny--the side that executed the largest single-handed bank fraud in Canadian history, grossing over $10 million in eighteen months to feed his gambling obsession. Written by Sujit R. Varma 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YH8mh8e8L_c

TV Series - The Great War ( BBC 1964 ) 5 stars out of 5 stars

The reason I'm reviewing this series is because BBC never showed it in the US and it has only been released on video cassette and than DVD in the UK on PAL format.After writing BBC American I was informed there were no plans to release it here or in the near future.
You can get it on Amazon UK for about 150 US but in PAL format than buy a multi region DVD player for 50 or so.When your my age thats what you do since "no plans in the near future"means after I die !!!So maybe if everyone writes the BBC………

                WW 1 is the forgotten war as we relive and honor the dying " greatest generation"and I guess thats as it should be.However the seeds of WW 11 were sown by this war and even the acclaimed "World at war"was inspired by this series of 1964 made by BBC in the UK.Like many TV shows its now gone and worse it was NEVER released in the US.I had never heard of the series till I saw a series called "the first world war"on the military cable channel and wanted MORE.Looking up the series I learned of this earlier BBC series that is acknowledged as the best ever made on the subject.In fact the producers of "World at War"admit to being inspired by it and even made their series 26 episodes as this series is.However there are differences in the way the producers did that series and this review is ONLY on "The Great War"as I'm sure more than enough is known about "World at War"in its own right a fabulous series.
This series tries to keep a orderly  flow of events and battle timelines.
In 1964 there were still veterans left from the war and this series used film and photos and even theatrical film to fill in the blanks with dialogue from these veterans to give a first hand idea of what life was like in the trenches.Even though the war ended but 22 years earlier than the second world war,it seemed to be more like the US civil was or the Napoleon  wars.That is great "static"infantry battles  on steroids because on the new inventions of the Tank and airplanes and poison gases as well as super artillery with ranges up to 75 miles.The second world war was more bombing as fast moving blitzkrieg infantry tactics.The war lasted from 1914 to 1918 with the US entering in 1917.Although it was fought all over the world,Africa and the middle east and both oceans,for the most part in was a eastern and western front as was WW11.In this case,the western front was the main area of battle,France for the most part as well as Italy and Belgium.Believe it or not,Germany was never invaded !!!!
From 1914 to 1918 both sides just killed each other from basically the same point as the end of 1914's trenches were formed from the north sea to Switzerland.There were estimates of only 1/3 the losses of the second world war,but civil losses in WW11 were more than military,not the case in WW1.Far more soldiers were killed than civilians although it was total war for the first time.England was bombed but only had a little over 1000 civilians die in the whole war,that was a night during the "Blitz"in the second war.
The series tries to put everything in context but at the end it still these 2 tough guys fighting over nothing !!!The cost of soldiers on both side was staggering and for what,the right to do it all over again 22 years later ??Russia becomes communist,Germany and Italy,fascist,Japan,militaristic,all a result of this war.At least the second war had a cause if only that could be said of the first.Oh wait,it can,the cause was to set up the next one 22 years later.It's also worth watching to see a very different France from war to war.
If you want to brush up on world events and the history behind them,this is a MUST watch.To bad its not that easy to watch on many levels including the least of witch is availability.
The Palestine issue grew from that war,womens suffrage and labor issues to get woman BACK in the kitchen in the UK after the war.Rosie the riveter's MOM was a WW1 worker. The trailer URL following the pix is a segment from episode 21.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_69PTVIvYJI

Lone Hero - 4 stars out of 5 stars

Ok good guy stands alone and stops bad guys.Old chestnut done many times before.That plus a B+ cast takes 1 star off.So why see it??Loved the setting in a small town in Montana which lives on re-enactments of gun fights.Throw in Lou Diamond Phillips as Bart ,a crazed motorcycle killer,add     Mark Metcalf     as cowardly Marshall Harris and stir in Robert Forster as dependable old recluse Gus,a man with a past,mix together and off to the races we go.The movie is a slow starter but when it hits stride it rocks.Sean Patrick Flanery as John ,the re-enactment bad guy,grows into the hero as the movie picks up steam as his acting as well.Its not great but its a good ride on a saturday night.Released in 2002 it runs a just right 90 minutes.Trailer URL follows the pix and a IMDB summary is below.

Standard story of a biker gang taking over a town is not saved by the presence of Lou Diamond Phillips as the head biker or Sean Patrcik Flanery as the avenging townsperson who takes on the gangs with the help of an old codger (Robert Forster). The story starts with Phillips and a cohort robbing a store and injuring a salesperson. The bikers tell everyone in the store that if any one tells who committed the crime, the gang will take revenge on them and their families. Flanery nonetheless proceeds to arrest them with a gun filled with blanks when he next sees them. The gang breaks their leader out of jail, killing the policemen in the process. Flanery & Diamond then trade off attacks. Written by John Sacksteder <jsackste@bellsouth.net> 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txoTs_S-A7c

Heathers - 3 1/2 stars out of 5 stars

Released in 1988 and running 103 minutes,this might be the best black as in DARK,comedy about high school angst ever made.I had to take 1 1/2 stars off because it's Soooooo 80's and that was such a different time but the message is still there today for those who are not afraid to confront it.Think todays social network bulling.The cast rocks and its for all those cynics out there like me.Trailer URL follows the pic and 2 summaries from IMDB below.Watch it for the laughs and believe in it for the angst.

A girl who half-heartedly tries to be part of the "in crowd" of her school meets a rebel who teaches her a more devious way to play social politics.

Veronica mingles with Heather I, II and III to be as popular as them, even though she hates them. She hates them enough to wish they were dead, though she would never want to be their cause of death. When she starts dating Jason Dean, however, she finds herself involved in the murders of most of her enemies, covered up as suicides. Written by Lars J. Aas <larsa@colargol.edb.tih.no>

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTmpKgocyYg

Hidalgo - 3 1/2 stars out of 5 stars

I'm a fan of westerns as they were king when I was a boy.So when you take a cowboy from the west and put him somewhere else I'm curious.I loved Quigly down under and this is not as good but still better than most.Released in 2004 and running quite long at 136 minutes,I took 1 1/2 stars off for a much to long attempt at a fairly short story. One of my favorite actors,Viggo Mortensen , plays Frank Hopkins and veteran Omar Sharif returns to the screen as Sheikh Riyadh .The trailer is below the pix and a IMDB summary is below.If only it was a little shorter I would have bought it.Still worth your time on a cold evening.


Held yearly for centuries, the Ocean of Fire--a 3,000 mile survival race across the Arabian desert--was a challenge restricted to the finest Arabian horses ever bred, the purest and noblest lines, owned by the greatest royal families. In 1890, a wealthy sheik invited an American, Frank T. Hopkins, and his horse to enter the race for the first time. During the course of his career, Hopkins was a cowboy and dispatch rider for the U.S. cavalry--and had once been billed as the greatest rider the West had ever known. The Sheik puts his claim to the test, pitting the American cowboy and his mustang, Hidalgo, against the world's greatest Arabian horses and Bedouin riders--some of whom are determined to prevent a foreigner from finishing the race. For Frank, the Ocean of Fire becomes not only a matter of pride and honor, but a race for his very survival as he and his horse attempt the impossible. Written by Sujit R. Varma

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urnjRUVYRY8

Donnie Darko - 4 stars out of 5 stars

Released in 2001 and running 113 minutes it remains along with "El Topo"the most confounding films I've seen.Not as bloody or violent as Topo it still has a dangerous streak throughout.It's not teenage angst,or sci-fi time travel or simply madness or  is it?I've watched it twice and own it but still I'm not sure what I've seen.That's why I took 1 star off but otherwise great cast and well filmed.If you don't like to watch to closely and invest your attention to a movie than do pass it by.However if you want to stimulate you thoughts by trying to grasp what you've just seen than its for you.Trailer URL below the pix and a IMDB summary below.Oh and lest you think this is just a cheapo  flick the cast includes,Jake Gyllenhaal as Donnie Darko,Maggie Gyllenhaal as Elizabeth Darko,Mary McDonnell as Rose Darko,Patrick Swayze as Jim Cunningham,Drew Barrymore as Karen Pomeroy,Seth Rogen as Ricky Danforth ,Katharine Ross as Dr. Lilian Thurman  as well as other good character actors.No lack of talent here.

Donnie Darko doesn't get along too well with his family, his teachers and his classmates; but he does manage to find a sympathetic friend in Gretchen, who agrees to date him. He has a compassionate psychiatrist, who discovers hypnosis is the means to unlock hidden secrets. His other companion may not be a true ally. Donnie has a friend named Frank - a large bunny which only Donnie can see. When an engine falls off a plane and destroys his bedroom, Donnie is not there. Both the event, and Donnie's escape, seem to have been caused by supernatural events. Donnie's mental illness, if such it is, may never allow him to find out for sure. Written by J. Spurlin

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wqVHjK2bQs

The Kingdom - 4 stars out of 5 stars

Not for a minute do I believe this story could ever happen but great acting and direction again show why Hollywood makes magic.At the end of the film I thought wow it could happen and more,it should be this way if it did happen.I took 1 star off just because it CAN'T happen this way in Saudi Arabia with the US,not now anyway.Released in 2007 and running 110 minutes ,the story idea is fascinating and currently maybe believable. Trailer URL below the pix and a IMDB summary below.

After a terrorist attack to an American housing compound in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where families and the spy Francis Manner are murdered, FBI agent Ronald Fleury blackmails the South Arabian consul to get five days of investigation in the location. He travels with agent Grant Sykes, Janet Mayes and Adam Leavitt to revenge their friend and try to find the responsible for the bombing. The agents find all sorts of difficulties in their investigation, but they are supported by Colonel Faris Al Ghazi that advises the team how to act in a hostile environment. Written by Claudio Carvalho, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZltyidbP1F4

Half Past Dead - 4 1/2 stars out of 5 stars

The only bad part of this film is Steven Seagal,who now is old and fat so 1/2 star off.Otherwise pure fantasy rush like the older more fit Seagal flicks.Who cares about plot in a good Seagal flick?
Here he plays a DEEP FBI undercover agent,Sasha Petrosevitch, who becomes tight with Ja Rule as Nicolas 'Nick' Frazier as a way to get to the guy that killed his wife.Along the way they wind up in Alcatraz now run by Tony Plana as Warden El Fuego who is about to execute Bruce Weitz     as Lester McKenna  who is to die for a gold robbery of 200 million that left 5 federal agents dead.From there the plot really goes wild as you'd expect in a pure action flick.Add Morris Chestnut as bad guy 49er One / Donald Robert Johnson and Nia Peeples as sexy badass 49er Six and Seagals boss Claudia Christian as Special Agent Ellen Williams and a once really sexy from my youth Linda Thorson (tv series the avengers) but now a older woman as Judge Jane McPherson and good supporting actors, what more do you want??Oh even a closing credits for laughs scene with Kurupt and Mo'Nique. Released in 2002 it only runs 98 minutes.I can't get Ima bang by DMX out of my head.

http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi3164182553/