* The Mission - Special Edition: (1986 - Drama, history) Directed by Roland Joffé (The Killing Fields), this movie featured an excellent cast - Robert De Niro, Jeremy Irons, Ray McAnally, Aidan Quinn and others. It's a story of struggle between cultures, between men, between ethics and morals. The story takes place in the midst of Brazil during the later half of the 18th century. Spain and Portugal are maneuvering for control over the spoils of this new world. Caught between these government factions are the Jesuits of the Roman Catholic church and the native peoples of the Brazilian jungles. The cinematography is outstanding, the acting splendid, the soundtrack (by Ennio Morriconne) moving and the story heart breaking. A 5 out of 5.
* The Endless Summer II: (1994 - Documentary, sports) A follow-up to 'The Endless Summer'. Here is another adventurous documentary by Bruce Brown (writer/director). Here Bruce Brown returns thirty years later to retrace the steps of the two young surfers from California. While this movie visits some new spots, it's strength lies in illustration of the changes that have occurred since 1966. We can clearly see the changes in attitudes, cultures, ethics and the art of surfing. Once again the director takes two Californian golden boys, and follows them as they surf their way around the world. Surfing in South Africa, Costa Rica, Alaska, Hawaii and Fiji. This movie doesn't have the same charm as the first. It's more about surfing than it is about a world spanning adventure and cultural diversity. 3 of 5.
* City Hall: (1996 - Drama, thriller) A Comcast on Demand selection. Starring Al Pacino, John Cusack, Bridget Fonda, Danny Aiello, David Paymer, Martin Landau. When a young boy is shot by a cops stray bullet, the city confronts the crisis. This singular event triggers some far reaching consequences in New York cities highest circles. The Mayor and his deputy do whatever it takes to keep the city from exploding over this tragic incident. From crime ridden streets to organized crime to corrupt cops to political corruption and racial tensions. This story finds its way into every conceivable angle as the audiences head spins from countless revelations. Deep dark secrets, political necessity and convenient compromises. It's a twisted thriller with some fantastic acting, but a lack of focus on one story. 3 out of 5.
*Winged Migration: (2001 - Documentary / France - Peuple migrateur, Le) Featuring stunning camera work, this documentary captures the secret lives of birds as they migrate across five continents. With minimal narrative, and no humans, the camera does most of the work. The camera work was - quite simply, stunning. I have no idea how they managed to get that close to these birds - in flight, and stay with it. The technique didn't appear to startle or disturb the birds. It seemed nearly soundless and it helped tell the story in many ways. The location shots were another benefit. Fantastic locations, camera work, and sound work (excellent integration of soundtrack). Superbly made movie, outstanding technical achievements. 4 of 5.
* Deceived: (1991 - Thriller, suspense, mystery) A Comcast on Demand selection. Starring Goldie Hawn and John Heard, here is a slow moving thriller with plenty of twists and turns. Adrienne Saunder's (played by Goldie Hawn) has a perfect life. A successful career, a perfect marriage and a beautiful daughter. It all comes to a screeching halt when her husband dies under mysterious circumstances. Unwilling to accept the 'official' explanation. She starts to dig a bit deeper - too deep for her own good. She soon discovers her husbands secret identity, and that leads to some deadly consequences. Goldie Hawn's acting was very good, but I wasn't quite convinced by John Heard as the heavy. The story was quite convoluted, and there seemed to be some odd inconsistencies that nagged at me throughout the movie. It was a good, suspenseful, thriller, but the plot wasn't anything shocking or special. 3 out of 5.
* Beautiful Girls: (1996 - Drama, comedy, romance) A Comcast on Demand selection. Featuring a fantastic cast - Uma Thurman, Matt Dillon, Natalie Portman, Martha Plimpton, Mira Sorvino, Timothy Hutton, Rosie O'Donnell and Michael Rapaport. Here's a feel good romantic comedy. A dramatic, buddy movie. A reunion movie. The story really wasn't all that compelling. A successful / not so successful pianist journeys back to his roots - The childhood home town turf where life was simpler and far more familiar to the likes of him and his small-town friends. While he's there to attend a high school reunion, we get the feeling that it's far more important than a simple reunion. It's a movie about love, commitment, growing up, and overcoming the anxiety that accompanies early adulthood. The direction and acting were very good, and I can't get enough of Natalie Portman. 4 out of 5.
* Double Trouble: (1992 - Comedy, action, thriller) Another Comcast on Demand selection. I had the feeling that this might not be a very good movie. This is not the Elvis feature, it's a low budget action flick, starring ex-wrestling twins David and Peter Paul (The Barbarian Brothers) as twin brothers on opposite sides of the law. This B (as in Bad) movie also features Roddy McDowall, David Carradine, and James Doohan. The story - If you could call it that! One brother is a police detective, the other is a cat burglar. Together they team up to bring down an international diamond smuggling operation. This movie is covered in cheese. The acting is horrible, the direction terrible and the production terrible. The best part of the movie is the Barbarian Brothers who treat this movie like it's one big joke. They act like big kids throughout the entire movie, and if it hadn't been for their on screen chemistry, this movie would have been a complete flop. This is one of those 'So bad it was good' movies. It's painful to watch, but you're sure to get a laugh or two out of their completely ridiculous characters. Are those mullets real? The lines were so bad "The G-Forces are killing me!". It gets a 2 out of 5 for making me laugh.
* Sweeney Todd - The Demon Barber of Fleet Street: (2007 - Crime, drama, musical, thriller) Tim Burton directs this adaptation of the Stephen Sondheim's musical. The screenplay (for this version) was written by John Logan. The cast included Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, Alan Rickman, Timothy Spall, Sacha Baron Cohen, Jamie Campbell Bower and others. Unfortunately, Tim Burton didn't get Danny Elfman to do the music for this movie. The story is a classic, tragic, tale of love and retribution - But, it's a Broadway musical! I haven't seen the original, and this is one of four remakes. This film adaptation of a Broadway musical included plenty of singing and some 'nearly' dance numbers. The camera did more dancing than the actors. In certain scenes the camera movement was done to give a sense of dancing when the actors weren't really dancing in the least. The story is a tragic affair of love, corruption, jealousy and retribution. It takes place in London of the mid-late 1800s. A young man and his loving family (wife and daughter) are separated by an evil and corrupt judge. Abusing the power of his office, this servant of the law abuses the blind ladies trust when he has the man incarcerated in order to have a chance with the man's wife. The rest is a greek tragedy of musical proportions. There's a lot of singing, dancing (see above), moralizing, and blood! Buckets of blood. This barber's return to fleet street is accompanied by a copious amount of bloodletting. It's hard to love this movie. The direction and acting were excellent, as was the choreography and set work. The costumes and makeup were outstanding as well. The music was very good (not as good as Danny Elfman would have made it). Unfortunately, the bloody rampage was entirely too authentic. It's all too easy to flinch when the screen shows full weighted bodies dropping head first onto the floor of a slaughter chute twenty feet below. The rivers of blood are extremely realistic in production and effect. It's disturbing, yet morbidly fascinating. An impressive accomplishment and a fantastic musical. Unfortunately, I don't think I could watch it again. 4 out of 5.
* The Counterfeiters: (2007 - Drama, war, crime / Austria, Germany - Fälscher, Die) A fantastic drama written (based on a book by Adolf Burger) and directed by Stefan Ruzowitzky. Starring a talented group of European/German actors, here is a dramatic true tale of WWII. In 1936 the Nazi's ran the largest (known) counterfeiting operation in history. Operation Berhard was an effort by the Nazi's to destroy the economies of England and America by flooding the market with fake money. Tasked with pulling off this audacious operation is one ambitious, morally neutral SS Commander. He immediately rounds up a gang of master craftsman who have no choice but to comply - Jews in a death camp! Their ethical dilemma; cooperate with the Nazis or face their ultimate solution. The leader of this group is a self-serving counterfeiter who must work with a group of other craftsman in order to ensure the survival of this group. Unfortunately for Sorowitsch, not all these workers are willing to help Her Fuehrer with his nefarious plans. As the allies begin to close the noose around Hitler's regime, the drama gets more intense. How will these men survive the curtain call of a regime which murdered millions of Jews? It's top notch drama in a setting that evokes strong emotions. Excellent direction, writing and acting. The sets costumes and props were absolutely convincing. The music could have been a little better. Superb movie. 4 out of 5.
* Across the Universe: (2007 - Adventure, comedy, drama, musical, romance) This movie featured a young, perfect people, cast - Jim Sturgess, Evan Rachel Wood, Joe Anderson, Dana Fuchs, Martin Luther, T.V. Carpio, Spencer Liff and many others - including cameos by Bono, Eddie Izzard, Dana Fuchs, and others. It's a grand history of the turbulent 60's and a love story set to the music of The Beatles. The story - set in England, America and Vietnam - was a bit confusing at first. It certainly seemed to me like there were two stories going on. It seemed to me as if there was some sort of WWII story in addition to the 60's story. Actually it was two sides of the 60's. A clean-cut-American side and a rebellious counter-culture side. It's an anti-war movie to be sure - railing against the vietnam war, the draft, and the man! The characters (named after Beatles songs) aren't very well developed, but the story is easy to follow. It's a cliched romance with little variation in basic story lines. The universe of this basic romance is made 1000 times better by the Beatles covers, some innovative animation, and a outstanding creative flare. 3 out of 5.
* Bowfinger: (1999 - Comedy) Another Comcast on Demand selection. Written by Steve Martin, directed by Frank Oz. This movie starred Eddie Murphy, Steve Martin, Heather Graham, Christine Baranski, Terence Stamp and others. The story is quite original. A hollywood hack producer (Steve Martin - Playing Bobby Bowfinger) is down to his last dime, looking for a deal that'll keep the heat on. He manages to con an A-List producer to sign on to his film by promising an actor (Eddie Murphy - Playing Kit Ramsey) he can't deliver. With an amazing amount of Chutzpa, and a budget of $2,184 dollars, he goes ahead with the project anyway - He shoots the film without the lead actors knowledge. Stealing shots in walk up performances, Kit Ramsey has no idea that he's actually in a movie. He thinks these crazy people are part of his paranoid fantasies. The premise of the plot is a highly entertaining movie within a movie - I wonder if any movies have actually been shot this way? Despite the cheesy performances, this movie was far better than I expected. Funny, sarcastic, satirical, good-hearted and original. 4 out of 5.
* 6ixtynin9: (1999 - Crime, thriller, comedy / Thailand - Ruang talok 69) This movie was in my NetFlix queue (I'm not sure why), but I watched it on Comcast. Filmed in Thailand, starring Thai actors. The story is a comical, crime caper. A young woman (Lalita Panyopas playing Tum) is fired from her job in the finance sector and finds a noodle box outside the door to her apartment. The box is filled with filthy lucre and a case of mistaken identity leads Tum on an adventure in Thailand's underbelly. It's comical at times, dramatic, a bit brutal, well directed and well paced, but the production value and sound work aren't the best. Can this common girl outwit the bumbling Thai mobsters and get away with all that cash? The ending is great. 3 out of 5.
* Cry-Baby: (1990 - Comedy, musical, romance) Another Comcast on Demand disappointment. Written and directed by John Waters, this movie starred Johnny Depp, Amy Locane, Susan Tyrrell, Polly Bergen, Iggy Pop, Ricki Lake, Traci Lords, Kim McGuire and many others. This campy comedy is set in the Baltimore during the mid 50's. Johnny Depp plays a leather clad juvenile gangster - Leader of the 'Drapes' a bunch of rebellious teens who don't fit in well with the rest of society. He hooks up with a local socialite who's searching for some 'bad-boy' lovin'. It's a romantic triangle, a battle between the upstanding Squares and the rebellious Drapes. A spoof on the juvenile delinquency films of the 50's. This movie was boring, bizarre and poorly produced (especially the sound). The acting was terrible and the direction poor. It's a vulgar, shocking, ostentatious example of how hollywood can go over the top. The characters were poorly developed and unlikable. The musical segments were o.k. (songs were not sung by the actors) but this movie was a bit too far over the top for me. 2 out of 5.
* The Freshman: (1990 - Comedy, crime) Comcast on Demand yet again - It sucks when I run out of NetFlix. Written and directed by Andrew Bergman. This was probably his best directing (to date), and that's not a good thing. Here's a comedy starring Marlon Brando, Matthew Broderick, Bruno Kirby, Penelope Ann Miller, Frank Whaley, Jon Polito and others. Marlon Brando and Mathew Broderick? This is the only movie where this type of alternate universe might possibly exist. I really don't think Broderick is in the same league - Nowhere near the same league. As a matter of fact all the actors - other than Brando - were in a different league. Brando plays Vito Corleone/Carmine Sabatini/aka Jimmy The Toucan. It's the character from the Godfather, and the other characters even remark on the fact that he's just like... Whatever, it's a good character, but why reuse the same character in a film that isn't part of that franchise? Silly, distracting, cheap. Why couldn't they write a new character? A fresh character, something that would be unique to this film. Poor writing, that's why. Anyway on with the movie.. It's a comedic, crime caper. Small town boy goes off to college and ends up involved in the hi jinks of a New York crime syndicate. Smuggling endangered animals? To throw in the mandatory romance angle, the lead character ends up engaged to the Kingpin's daughter. Then there's the corrupt cops. This movie's got it all. If you want to see a cliched rehash of mobster plot points and cookie cutter characters then you've come to the right movie. Nothing original to see here - Except for the twist. Are you ready? Here's the spoiler - They eat the endangered animals - Well, not really. How cowardly, they even back out on screen. They can't even afford the allusion or illusion of anything original - Just a cheap bait and switch twist. The only reason to watch the movie? Marlon Brando spoofing himself - managing to not go overboard, and Penelope Ann Miller - Focus on their performances and forget the rest. 2 out of 5.
* In Bruges: (2008 - Comedy, crime, drama / U.K., Belgium) Written and directed by Martin McDonagh, this movie starred Ralph Fiennes, Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson and others. It's a European Pulp Fiction where the characters are Laurel and Hardy hit men. Ray inadvertently kills a kid during his first job and the boss sends him and Ken (who brought him into the business) off to Bruges to lay low and wait for instructions. While they're there they get into plenty of trouble. The movie starts out rather slowly as the characters take in the sights. Eventually they start to make friends, harass the tourists, hook up with some of the locals and actors from a movie shoot. The movie is a dark comedy populated with colorful characters, sly plot twists, and a bit too much violence for my tastes. As Ray struggles with the consequences of his actions, Ken is called upon to execute his professional duty. The showdown in the middle of the city is a bit unbelievable, but all the same riveting. A pretty good movie, with some excellent acting. I look forward to further works by Martin McDonagh. 3 out of 5.
* Finding Forrester: (2000 - Drama) A Comcast on Demand selection (making a list has it's benefits). There's a good reason why this movies feels so much like 'Good Will Hunting'. It was directed by the same person (Gus Van Sant (Drugstore Cowboy, Good Will Hunting, My Own Private Idaho)), and it has basically the same plot. Starring Sean Connery, Rob Brown, F. Murray Abraham, Anna Paquin, Busta Rhymes and others. The story takes place in the Bronx (unspecified time - late 90's?). When Jamal wants to get out of the ghetto, he turns to basketball, despite the fact that he's far more talented at writing. When he accidentally stumbles upon an award wining author in Sean Connery's character, he finds a mentor and friend. Together they overcome some personal hurdles, academic challenges and prejudice in the ivory tower of a prestigious prep-school. Excellent writing., direction, acting and pacing. What Good Will Hunting did for math, this movie does for writing. 4 out of 5.
* Lonesome Jim: (2005 - Comedy, Drama) A Comcast on Demand selection. The selections get better if you take your time and compile a list. Directed by Steve Buscemi, and starring Casey Affleck, Kevin Corrigan, Mary Kay Place, Seymour Cassel - others. Here's a dark, dramatic, comedy. The characters in this movie are utterly convincing. The direction and acting outstanding. Unfortunately the movie was just a little too dark. The story - Approaching 30, Jim can't make it on his own, so he moves back to Indiana to live with his parents and another brother (also a slacker - living at home). After inadvertently causing his brother to attempt suicide, Jim's on the verge of back-sliding into oblivion. That's when he meets the girl. A gorgeous, single mom, who can't help helping people. She helps Jim - even when Jim acts like an ass, and the ending is a turnabout that lifts the movie up on a positive note. The pacing and lighting were outstanding. Unfortunately, the witty, wry humor was just a bit too cynical, just a bit too dark. I liked it, but the movie carried a down note too long. Casey Affleck's acting was top notch. Here's the brother than can actually act. 3 out of 5.
* Gotcha!: (1985 - Action, comedy, mystery, romance) Another Comcast on Demand selection. This time I picked the movies ahead of time. Here's an 80's feel-good movie. A light hearted adventure, filled with romance, mystery and a little bit of action. Starring Anthony Edwards and Linda Fiorentino this movie didn't have the best direction or acting, but it had a decent script and a great positive buoyancy. As soon as I started watching this movie, I realized that I'd seen it before. Back in the late 80's, when I was in Europe. In this movie the main character is a college student enjoying his life. Part of the set up for later aspects of the movie is a character development string where we see that Anthony has some skill at 'spy-like' hunt and evade games. He and friends are shown playing a game called 'Gotcha!'. More commonly known as 'Assassin'. A game that kids played on college campuses, and elsewhere, during the mid to late 80's. It's still played today, but security fears from 9-11 have placed it in the 'dangerous activities' category - "You can't say 'bomb' on an airplane" FYI: I played Assassin on a military base, in Italy during the late 80's. Try to play Assassin on a military base today - You'll get shot, for real! Anyway, back to the movie. When summer arrives, he convinces his parents to send him on a trip to Europe. He and a friend head off to Europe for their great adventure. While they're in Paris, they do the sight seeing, they drink, they meet Women! European babes! Anthony meets a dark and sexy Czech chick (who's actually American?). She's his 'first', and he's smitten. A love-stricken sap who's letting the 'little head' do all the thinking. He agrees to go with her to East Germany, where she's going to 'pick up' some sort of 'spy stuff' on a covert mission. The spy mission turns sour, and Sasha gives him the signal, 'Meet me at the cafe Friedrichstrasse'. Anthony splits, flees back to the American side of the Iron Curtain and high tails it for home. But wait, this espionage, spy game isn't over yet. The cold war Soviet agents are still following him! Light hearted, excellent adventure, espionage, and one very sexy Linda Fiorentino. "We Love It!". I give it a 4 out of 5.
* Barcelona: (1994 - Comedy, drama, romance) Comcast on Demand. Written and directed by Whit Stillman, starring Mira Sorvino, Tushka Bergen, Taylor Nichols, Pep Munne, Hellena Schmied, Christopher Eigeman - a bunch of perfect people. The story - Two brothers re-unite in Barcelona. One (Ted - Played by Taylor Nichols) is an American Naval officer (Lt. JG), the other (Fred - Played by Chris Eigeman) is a manager for a U.S. corporation - working in the company's Barcelona office. They're both shallow, vapid and belligerent. Secure in their smugness, they're a pair of me-first yuppies, caring only for themselves, sure that their point of view is the right point of view. Set in Spain, just after the fall of Franco. It's the height of the cold-war, and the local populace is decidedly anti-American. As they present themselves as the poster children of the "Ugly American" campaign, these two can't help but end up embroiled in this politically volatile climate. It's dramatic, comedic, includes some love interests, and some witty dialogue. Unfortunately, it failed to interest me. The main characters are completely unlikable, their girl friends lack any motivation, and the dialogue is delivered so quickly that it left me tuning out after a while. This really shouldn't be a movie; a play would be a better venue for this movie. By the time the movie had ended, I had completely missed the point. What was this movie about? 2 out of 5.
* Smart People: (2008 - Comedy, drama, romance) I was attracted to this movie by the cast - Starring Dennis Quaid, Sarah Jessica Parker, Thomas Haden Church and Ellen Page. It's the feature film debut for director Noam Munn, and as such, it shows quite a bit of promise. Unfortunately, the writing (first feature film screen play by Mark Poirier) wasn't fully developed. The acting was outstanding, and the characters were well done. The story - When a widowed professor (Lawrence - Played by Dennis Quaid) suffers a seizure/concussion, he's sentenced to 'No driving', and his slacker brother (Chuck - Played by Church) takes advantage of the opportunity to become an unwanted, but convenient house guest. In the meantime, Lawrence's daughter (Vanessa - Played by Ellen Page) can't believe that her dad is instigating drama just as she's trying to finalize her post high-school plans. When Lawrence takes a chance on a former student (Janet - Played by Parker), the world of these characters turns toppsy-turvy. The characters are very well developed, and the acting (Thomas Haden Church gave the best performance in my opinion) behind those characters drives this movie. It's comedic, romantic, and dramatic. Unfortunately, like many other dramas of late, it lacks compelling reason. Why should we care about these pompous (except for Parker and Church's characters), self absorbed, shits? Why should the other characters care? It's witty, it's dry, it's ironic, it's got a hopeful spirit. Smart people are stupid, when it comes to relationships. 3 out of 5.
* The Taking of Pelham One Two Three: (1974 - Crime, drama, thriller) Directed by Joseph Sargent (From Here to Eternity, MacArthur, Something the Lord Made), and starring a fantastic cast - Walter Matthau, Robert Shaw, Martin Balsam, Hector Elizondo, Earl Hindman, James Broderick, Dick O'Neill and others. Here's a terrorism scenario set in the heart of New York city. The story (adapted from a novel) takes place beneath the streets of New York in the early 70's. Criminals - with no political agenda, hijack a subway car full of people. Holding the city ransom, they demand a million dollars or they'll kill all the hostages. Great drama, splendid action, excellent action and a great soundtrack. Blue and his gang of criminal colors (the bad guys all used colors for code names) are a deadly lot. Armed with sub-machine guns, they prove they're serious when tested, and they stay cool under pressure. Not only does the New York transit police have to negotiate with these criminals, they also have contend with the red tape of a city on the verge of bankruptcy. Superb pacing, directing and acting. Audacious, outlandish, dangerous. With cops surrounding all the exits, how do these hijackers think they're going to get away? What about the passengers? WIll they end up on a one way trip to the 'end of the line'? 4 out of 5.
* Burnt by the Sun: (1994 - Drama, historical / Russia, France - Utomlyonnye solntsem) Directed by Nikita Mikhalkov, here's a movie that the director couldn't make until recently. While it's somewhat restrained in it's criticism, the underlying message is easy to see. The director has produced some very fine work (directing and acting) over the years. In many of his films, he's credited under a different name, and his films are just now gaining wider acceptance in the U.S. This movie stars a group of unknown (to American audiences) Russian actors, and some of the performances were splendid (Nikita Mikhalkov playing Col. Sergei Petrovich Kotov and Nadezhda Mikhalkov playing Nadya (the Col's daughter)). The chemistry between the director and his daughter was outstanding, and their performances in this movie were undeniably the best part of the movie. The story is one of Stalin's reign over Soviet Russia, and the end of the revolution. Col. Sergei Kotov (retired), his wife, and their extended family are enjoying the good life in rural Russia. When Nadia's former lover Dimitri (Mitya) pops in for a visit, the Colonel knows it isn't just a social call on an old flame. Stalin's iron fist is maintained by force of personality, and Col. Kotov is a popular hero. His image competes with that of Stalin's - The military and the common folk all respect and adore him. He's a symbol of traditional Russian honor and values. Therein lies the danger of Soviet Russia. No one is supposed to be 'better' than the common man - No one except Stalin that is, and the new Soviet Union cannot rely on the legs of a corrupt past, filled with bourgeois romantic images of personal valor or a pseudo-aristocratic caste of heroes from the past. The movie takes a while to arrive at it's fateful destination, but the drama and acting are well worth the wait. The idyllic summer at Kotov's dacha comes to a sinister sunset as the the house guest takes Kotov for a ride in the country side. Subtle social commentary about communism and the great revolution, masked by the amicable characters and comedic nature of this drama, you need to pay attention or you'll easily miss the underlying currents of this movie. This movie won an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film in 1995. Fantastic acting, direction and writing. A movie filled with symbolism, great music, and powerful characters. 4 out of 5.
* Sicko: (2007 - Documentary) Written and directed by Michael Moore. Here's another documentary by the hated Michael Moore. I don't hate the man, but I have to admit that he does have an aura of privilege that seems to grate on some more so than others. I urge you to leave you prejudice (against Moore) behind, and watch this very important movie. This movie may enrage the far right, but is should also disgust you as an American. You should be disgusted by the state of - or lack thereof - health care in this country. While Michael Moore doesn't pass up an opportunity to take a jab at our current administration, the subject of this movie is a serious affair worth our concern. It really confirmed all my suspicions and fears regarding health care in America. It's capitalism gone overboard. These HMOs "DO NOT" give a damn about you or your health. They are "FOR PROFIT" corporations. The only thing that matters to them is profit. Combine that with the 'for profit' insurance industry, and the 'for profit' pharmaceuticals, and you should be afraid of that infection you picked up on the beach a couple days ago. I have the privilege of government sponsored medical care (I retired from the military in 2005), but I'm worried about the rest of Americans. Whatever you do - Don't get sick! This movie was a horrendous eye-opener, a frightening revelation, and a critical look at the state of health care in America. Moving, important, expressive and well made, I give it a 5 out of 5.
* Airheads: (1994 - Comedy, music, crime) A Comcast on demand selection. It helps to have a list prepared when selecting Comcast movies. This movie has a great cast. Starring Brendan Fraser, Adam Sandler, Steve Buscemi and Chris Farley, Michael Richards (aka Kramer), Joe Mantegna and others. See these actors before they became bigger than they should have been. The story is a cliched radio station take over. A group of 'Rock 'N' Roll' wannabes take a radio station, the DJ, and anyone else who happens to be there, hostage to promote their band 'The Lone Rangers'. It's a goofy, gabby, comedy full of colorful characters and humorous situations. All the action takes place inside the tiny radio station, and the cast is obviously having a good time with this movie. It kept me interested all the way through, and it was definitely funny enough to make me laugh out loud. There's even some subtle social sub-text regarding corporate record labels, clueless consumers, genuine ethics in the music industry and the passion of artistic endeavors. Oh yeah, the sound track was awesome. Better than a sharp stick in the eye. 4 out of 5.
* Fiddler on the Roof: (1971 - Drama, family, musical, historical) This movie deservedly captured three Oscars, and now I know why. While I've never seen it before, I've heard of it. Of course I heard how great it was, and I have to admit - I wasn't surprised when I watched it. I was entertained, captivated, emotionally rewarded and thoroughly pleased by the time the movie ended. The first lines of dialogue do a great service to this film...

Filmed on location in Croatia, this musical is a movie based on a stage play, which in turn is based upon the stories by Sholem Aleichem's, about life for a Jewish peasant and his family in Czarist Russia. This humble milkman does his best to provide a home, food and proper parenting to his three daughters. All the while social pressures are building in his nation, his community and the world at large. The movie contains numerous layers, a struggling political background, a local community canvas, a strong ethnic framework, a loving family, and a conflicted personal engagement. The acting/actors were fantastic. Especially Topol as Tevye in the lead. The music was warm, sweeping, inspirational and moving. The violin work was truly memorable. 5 out of 5 and I've added it to my 'must buy' list.
* * * * Twin Peaks - Season 2 (disc 3): (1990-91 - Crime, drama, fantasy, horror, mystery, romance, sci-fi, thriller) A television series, which ran from 1990 - 1991. This show (created principally by David Lynch (one of my favorites (Dune, Mulholland Drive, Blue Velvet) and David Frost (Known primarily for witting television shows)), is a landmark effort in the sea of television series. Despite it's abbreviated seasons (only 29 shows), it marked a new era in network television shows. Here was adult drama, hollywood quality production, brought to the small screen. I'm watching the second season now. Filled with dramatic mystery, moody, quirky characters, and some fantastic locations. This twisted series not only told a tale of rich, deep engrossing mystery, it introduced us to an alternate world of mind bending possibilities. Television could be rewarding, rich and engrossing. Starring Kyle MacLachlan, Joan Chen, Richard Beymer, Sherilyn Fenn, Lara Flynn Boyle, Michael Ontkean and many others. Disc 3 contains four episodes of exciting, unusual entertainment. In these four episodes are the beginnings of a new mystery. The odd origins of some of the insanity infecting this quaint backwater town in the midst of the fog draped forests of the American North West. 4 out of 5.
* 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea: (1954 - Adventure, drama, family, sci-fi) There are several version of this Jules Verne story. More than a dozen versions are listed on IMDB. This was the one I saw as a child, and I remember it fondly for good reason. It's very good. Extremely good. Despite the excellent cast - Kirk Douglas, James Mason, Paul Lukas, Peter Lorre and others, the real star here is the story and the special effects. The late 1880s are plagued with a sea monster. Something is sinking ships around the planet. What sort of monster could be causing such havoc? The US government commissions a group of experts (A naturalist, assistant and professional whaler) to find out what's really going on. What they discover is an undersea adventure aboard Nemo's Nautilus. An astonishing undersea vessel and it's dedicated crew. This Disney movie won two Oscars (for sets and special effects) and millions of fans. I give it a 5 out of 5.
* The Flowers of St. Francis: (1950 - Drama / Italy - Francesco, giullare di Dio) Written in part by Federico Fellini and directed by Roberto Rossellini. This movie isn't entertainment, it's an intimate attempt to illustrate notable events in the life of St. Francis of Assissi and his followers. A quiet, gentle man is depicted in this quiet and gentle film. The camera work, pacing and music were outstanding. The non-actors did an excellent job, but the story - told as a series of dramatized vignettes lacked much in the way of 'plot' or cohesive foundation. I didn't feel an arc or get a sense of direction from the movie's narrative. The stories are all unconnected, vignettes; presented like parables with Christian morals. Some had a slightly comedic feel, but nothing you would laugh at. One very interesting story included a depiction of the 'spinning' brothers of St. Francis. While this scene is somewhat reminiscent of the 'dance' performed by Sufi 'Whirling Dervishes' it's not related. This movie is a wonderful work of faith for Catholics, and I'm glad I saw it. 3 out of 5.
* Harakiri: (1962 - Drama / Japan - Seppuku) I bought this movie as part of a two-for-one offer on Criterion Collection movies (offered by deepdiscount.com). NetFlix predicted that I would give this movie 4.6 stars, and the description certainly sounded like something I would enjoy. Directed by Masaki Kobayashi (I've seen two other movies by this director (I rated them 4 out of 5)) this movie feels a lot like the work of my favorite director - Akira Kurosawa. Starring a relatively unknown group of actors, the acting by the lead Tatsuya Nakadai was exceptional. The story is a complex drama involving honor, duty, and the code of Samurai. The 17th century is a peaceful time in Japan's history. Gone are the continual feudal wars of competing clans. The Shogunate rules supreme and a unified Japan means many out of work Samurai. While many choose to end their lives honorably (through Seppuku (ritual suicide)), some struggle on in poverty - living the life of a peasant. When it becomes too much to bear for one Samurai, he presents himself at the home of a powerful lord. His request to commit hara-kiri is an attempt to extract pittance from the lord. When the lord agrees to allow the ritual, the former samurai is shocked but duty bound to go ahead with the act. When he is forced (by duty) to commit suicide with a bamboo sword, the sadistic act is further befouled by a scathing attack on the families values. Dumping his body at the feet of his father like some used trash, these men have forgotten what honor is, and someone is going to teach them a lesson in chivalry. The story is a fantastic, fatalistic tale of honor, duty and family. Perfectly paced and deftly directed, the movie is an excellent drama. Filled with well choreographed segments of sword flashing samurai battle scenes. 5 out of 5 and I'm very glad I bought a copy. I'll have to add some more movies by Kobayashi to my queue.
* Slap Shot: (1977 - Comedy, drama, sport) Directed by George Roy Hill (Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid), and starring Paul Newman, this movie was a violent depiction of a small time minor league hockey team. Newman plays the owner-coach-player of the Charelstown Chiefs. A losing team on the verge of dissolution. When he hears rumors that the team might be sold to a Florida buyer, he does his best to boost sales appeal of his lackluster losers. This spoof on minor league hockey was filled with funny moments, drinking, drugs, some 70s nudity, and loads of violence. It's a parody of the parody - I went to a fight and a hockey game broke out! When the coach realizes that the dirty play gets bigger crowds, he does everything he can to incite a riot. The team soon turns into a skating good squad and their foul tactics boost their box office appeal through the roof. The pacing, directing and acting were great, but I was turned off by the level of violence depicted. I give it a 3 out of 5.
* Hoosiers: (1986 - Drama, sport) Starring Gene Hackman, Barbara Hershey, Dennis Hopper and others. This film is a tribute to high school basketball and the values learned playing as part of a team. Based on the true story of a small-town indiana team that made the state finals in 1954, this movie captures those days by casting Gene Hackman in the role of failed coach given a second chance. When the principal of a small-town high school hires Hackman's character (Norman Dale) to take over the schools basketball program, no one invites him. No one thinks he can do it. No one gives him the benefit of the doubt. He has to prove himself, his ability, his dedication. Over and over again, coach Dale does the right thing. Always striving to teach these young men something more than a game. Lessons in life, confidence, team play, and leadership. The movie is full of heart and heart moving moments. The acting, direction and music are all superb. An untrusted outsider and the town drunk rise to the occasion, leading this team to the state championships. Clearly one of the best sports movies ever. 5 out of 5.
* Moby Dick: (1956 - Adventure, drama / U.K.) The 1956 version, directed by John Huston. Screenplay by Ray Badbury, based on the novel by Herman Melville. Starring Gregory Peck in the lead role. Here is the elemental tale of obsession, adventure and tragedy. Captain Ahab is captain of the 'Pequod' a ghost ship that doesn't know it yet. Years ago a great white whale took a piece of the Captain's soul, and Ahab has been stalking the decks with his peg leg ever since. Ahab seeks the destruction of this whale, no matter the cost. He stalks it, he hunts it, he would follow it to the ends of the earth. God help the ship and crew that Ahab drags with him in his maniacal quest. Gregory Peck was awesome. Inseparable from the character. The acting and direction were excellent. The sets, cinematography and music complemented the movie in an excellent way, creating and sustaining a somber mood of obsession throughout the movie. 5 out of 5.
* One Eyed Jacks: (1961 - Western, drama) Directed by and starring Marlon Brando. I was surprised to find this gem tucked away in the $1.00 bin at Wal-Mart. With an excellent cast - Marlon Brando, Karl Malden, Katy Jurado, the oh so sensuous Pina Pellicer, Ben Johnson, Slim Pickens and others. It's a western in the tradition of Sergio Leone's 'Man with no name' series. A bad man is the hero, but we sympathize with him and despise his lawman partner. After two bandits (Brando and Malden) rob a Mexican bank, they're pinned down on a ridge with no where to go. At the flip of a coin Dad Longworth (Malden) goes for help, but he changes his mind after he makes it out alive. Leaving Rio (Brando) to the Mexican authorities, he high-tails it for the border; leaving Rio at the mercy of the Mexican posse. Years later, Rio escapes and seeks his vengeance on the now wealthy and respectable lawman who let him suffer all those years in a Mexican prison. It's a movie about double-crosses, honor, and revenge. Excellent writing produced by a convoluted chain of revisions. The direction and acting were outstanding. Marlon Brando was vibrant, honest and engaged. The camera work captured the locations in stark relief, transforming the harsh western landscape into a character of it's own. The story is full of character developments that turn the traditional western (of the late 50's) on it's head. 5 out of 5. Glad I own a copy. It's awesome.
* Lions for Lambs: (1007 - Drama, thriller, war) A Comcast on Demand pay-per-view selection. Directed by Robert Redford, starring Robert Redford, Meryl Streep, Tom Cruise, Michael Peña and others. Three stories told in real-time are interwoven around the theme of America's war on terror. Theme one is a Politician (Tom Cruise) trying to convince a skeptical reporter (Meryl Streep) that a new initiative in the 'War on Terror' will be the instrument of deliverance which allows us to finally break the back of terrorism. The second thread is a Liberal College professor (Robert Redford) trying to convince two idealistic students to not join the military. The third story is the action of a military team executing an insertion operation into enemy territory. The military team are the two (former) students that Redford's character was trying to convince, and the operation is the one that Cruise's character is selling to the reporter. It's anti-war film disguised as a poorly made movie. The military members become the pivot point between two opposing points of view. Far too much talking and self indulgent ego stroking rhetoric for me. A politically pointed op-ed piece that fails cinematically. The military 'action' is about as thrilling as a traffic stop. The political diatribe is a transparent repeat of all the same old memes we've heard over the last four years. The acting was pretentious posing lacking conviction or passion. The net result is zero entertainment value. A boring talk-athon, where the big name actors stroke their egos for the cause du jour. 1 of 5.