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Reviews
Poseidon (2006)
Tense movie; good characters
I'm a huge fan of the original movie "The Poseidon Adventure" but I have to hand it to this remake. It was far more tense, and I have to disagree the the other post which says that one doesn't get attached to any of the characters. This couldn't be further from the truth. I deeply cared about the mother and son as well as Kurt Russell's character. I give this movie a solid 8. My fiancée' was holding her breath throughout most of the movie, and I must say that I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. The special effects were utterly fantastic. Sure, there were a few plot holes, but in what disaster movie are there not one or two plot holes? Very, very well done movie.
The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2003)
Great remake!
An excellent remake of a fantastic horror movie! In fact, I almost like this version better than the original. Like the original, it focused less on gore and more on suggestive violence. Of course there was plenty of gore, but it wasn't a complete and utter gore fest. Great fun for those with strong stomachs and an even stronger constitution. 8 stars, maybe even 9 or 10. Great show!
Chicago (2002)
Best Musical since "The Music Man"
This is the best musical I have seen on screen since the 1962 screening of Meredith Wilson's "The Music Man". The music, acting, cinematography, absolutely everything about "Chicago" was just superb. It deserves every Oscar it has been nominated for. Great job to everybody, especially to Kander and Ebb for making ragtime jazz popular again!
The Ring (2002)
Absolutely Dismal
This movie made me demand my money back. One of the, supposedly, best movies in America left me with a horrible taste in my mouth. The plot was completely un-believable, the acting was mediocre at best, and the theme was WAY overplayed. I found nothing even vaguely thrilling or original in this tripe, and I hope that it dies a very fast death so that people with discerning tastes can spare themselves. 1 out of 10.
Ghost Ship (2002)
Some good scares
I just recently saw "Ghost Ship" after watching a movie that I thought would be its predecessor, "Death Ship". While the basic premise is there, "Ghost Ship" was much better, especially the opening scene. The scene was very effective and I loved the few special effects that were used throughout the movie. Far, FAR better than "The Ring" for this Fall's horror / thriller movie. 8 out of 10
The Phantom of the Opera (1989)
Craptacular at best
This movie was not so hot. As a rendition of the classic story it was bad, but as a blood and guts horror movie it was OK. Robert Englund did all he could with the role in this script and he did a fine job as a bloodthirsty murderer.
Pete's Dragon (1977)
Best movie ever made
Folks, out of all the movies I've ever seen in all my years, "Pete's Dragon" has got to be the best. The character acting is superb, it has the best sound-track musically and lyrically that I've ever heard (Great job to Al Kasha and Joel Hirschhorn). The only thing that even possibly left something to be desired was the animation, but you must take into account the time the movie was made. Great entertainment for people of all ages! 10 stars, A+++++++
Opera (1987)
Fantastic and Frightening
I LOVE horror movies, and it's the movies like this that keep me comin' back for more. Dario Argento struck gold with this film! It was a great variation of "Phantom of the Opera", but don't watch it for that. I originally did and found it a good variation, but it should be appreciated on it's own merits, and there are plenty of them! Prepare yourself for a bloody good time, and don't watch it alone! 10 out of 10
Il fantasma dell'opera (1998)
Worst version to bear this title
I have seen (and own) almost every version of "The Phantom of the Opera" on VHS. Let me just say, this was terrible. It's nothing like the original, I can barely see where it gets its title. As a horror film it's pretty OK, but it doesn't deserver the title "Phantom of the Opera"
The Phantom of the Opera (1962)
Not too shabby
Though this version strays quite far from the book, it was still very good. Herbert Lom and Micheal Gough are excellent in this film, and the Dwarf was an odd, but fun twist. I didn't think that Miss Sears was right for Christine, but she did well none the less. All in all, pretty scary for the time and a good watch. I suggest it be watched, provided of course you can find it.
Dr. Giggles (1992)
Hella fun!
I think this is one of the best horror movies ever made. The cliches are wonderful (and plentiful!) and the acting by Larry Drake was superb. While the plot may be systematic, the way people are killed are brilliant, as are the puns that go along with it. A strong cast backs this movie. A must see for horror fans!
Terminal Voyage (1995)
Decent fun
While it is not the best movie ever made, nor the best done, I think it's still an enjoyable movie. The acting, while a bit sheltered by medicore scripting, is superb. Ming Na does very well as the doctor, and Emma Samms and Brenda Bakke do quite well also. And of course, being the ever popular De Young fan, Cliff did very well, minus the bad accent. All in all, I would suggest this movie to most people, so long as you don't watch it with kids.
The Great Gatsby (1974)
One of the best films I've ever seen!
This movie, while lengthy and wordy, sticks very closely to the book. All of the acting, be the part large or small, was first rate. Even though I don't like Robert Redford, (I originally rented it for Mia Farrow), I was impressed with everyone, especially Bruce Dern. Highly recommended for everyone!
Independence Day (1983)
All around good movie
This movie is pretty darn good. Quinlan does a good job as a woman who grows up in a small town and has big dreams of moving to a big town. The true break-out performances, though, go to Diane Weist and Cliff De Young as the abused wife and abuser. Wait 'till you see how she gets him back! Good movie, watch it when you get a chance.
F/X (1986)
Great Special effects movie!
I love how well reality and illusion are blurred in this fast paced, thrill a minute movie. The only way it could have been better is if Dennehy put more feeling into his part. Bryan Brown, Mason Adams, and Cliff De Young really stood out. A GREAT movie!
The Awakening of Candra (1983)
Shocking
I don't know how to describe this movie. It's very well done, dated, but well done. I can tell you though, it was not filmed in Canby as it said it was. Cliff De Young is truly brilliant (probably one of the best performances of his career, next to Les in "Independence Day") and Blanche Baker does very well as well. This is a brutal film, but very good. Watch it if you can get a chance.
Blue Collar (1978)
Powerful
Wow. This is a very powerful, disturbing look at lower middle class America and what people are willing to do for their families. Powerful performances by all; Pryor, Keitel, and Kotto. This movie is not for the faint of heart.
The Night That Panicked America (1975)
Convincing true life story
This was a very good movie. The acting was good, not too cheesy and not to serious. The characters were a bit shallow, but the movie rightfully paid more attention to the broadcast and the reactions, not character's motives.
Great job by Paul Shenar as Orson Welles, and honorable mentions to both De Young and Bosley. Watch it if you can find it!
Harry and Tonto (1974)
One terrific movie!
Everything about this movie was just fantastic! Art Carney did a masterful job as Harry and much deserved his Oscar for best actor 1974. All around heart-warming movie with a superb cast and wonderful story. 5 stars!
Shock Treatment (1981)
Quite a unique film
I saw "Shock Treatment" as a result of watching the "Rocky Horror Picture Show". Let me tell you, there is no comparison. "Shock Treatment" is a completely different, better movie. Cliff De Young is superb as Farley Flavors, and Jessica Harper is great as Janet Majors. The songs are better and the movie makes a much better, and clearer point, than its supposed prequal. I was very impressed with this movie, but you must watch it twice to truly appreciate it. A must buy for social commentary lovers, Cliff De Young fans, or anyone who wants to see a great musical!
Shock Treatment (1981)
Quite a unique film
I saw "Shock Treatment" as a result of watching the "Rocky Horror Picture Show". Let me tell you, there is no comparison. "Shock Treatment" is a completely different, better movie. Cliff De Young is superb as Farley Flavors, and Jessica Harper is great as Janet Majors. The songs are better and the movie makes a much better, and clearer point, than its supposed prequal. I was very impressed with this movie, but you must watch it twice to truly appreciate it. A must buy for social commentary lovers, Cliff De Young fans, or anyone who wants to see a great musical!