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Topper Returns (1941)
Topper has a girl on his lap
And his wife caught him. Besides revisiting your favorite characters, there is a pretty good murder mystery going. There is an old dark house with secret passages and secret people. In the middle of this is Topper. On top of Topper's lap, there is a girl that is not is wife.
Ann Carrington (Carole Landis) is returning to her old family estate. Traveling there with her friend Gail Richards (Joan Blondell), we see the front end of a rifle and soon the cab they are traveling in gets a flat tire at the most inconvenient location. This sets the tone as later Gail gets ghostafied.
So who did it and why? Gail now a ghost is determined to find out with the help of the only person who can see her Cosmo Topper (Roland Young.)
There is a colorized version but it will make you crosse eyed.
Top Secret! (1984)
Very amusing but dated humor
For people that grew up after the "Berlin Wall", this film may need some explaining.
American rock and roll singer, Nick Rivers (Val Kilmer) has a gig in the now-extinct East Berlin. There he meets Hillary (Lucy Gutteridge). Hillary is an old German word meaning "She whose bosoms defy gravity." And finds out her father is a scientist held against his will.
The film swiftly becomes a mock-WWII spy, miss-identity movie. As with all comedies, the joke skirts impropriety, and this particular movie may be a tad dated. But it was well put together and has some nice songs.
This is the film where I learned a little German (Marcus Powell ...Little German). And Val Kilmer is in top form. When they make the soundtrack hopefully there will be Little Richard's tune "Tutti Fruitti." I was surprised to find out who the traitor was. So I would not say that the film was predictive. And they used real French names for the underground members. So, what is the top-secret?
Alita: Battle Angel (2019)
An Ultra-violent cartoon going nowhere
Found on a trash heap and repurposed and given the name Alita. Alita has to find out who she was and her original purpose. To do this she relies on her reanimator's new father and possibly a new love interest.
In the process, there are good guys and bad guys, but no one is wearing black or white hats.
Then there are all those gray areas. In the end, there is no end. So, we should not be threatened by a sequel. For those with old time technology there is a 3D version floating around.
There are surprisingly popular names of actors. Jennifer Connelly as Chiren known for "Dark City" (1998) where she sings "Sway with Me."
No spoilers but nothing gets wrapped up. Like watching a series that was canceled.
Perry Mason (1957)
The case of the defense lawyer that skirts the law
This is a series of programs based on a character in the writings of Erle Stanley Gardner. The CBS TV series stretched from 1957 through 1966.
Perry Mason (Raymond Burr) is a defense lawyer who is always thought of after it is too late for him to save the defendant from being accused of murder. Supporting Perry is his trusty more than friendly but professional secretary Della Street (Barbara Hale). And their trusty and sneaky private investigator Paul Drake (William DeWolf Hopper, Son of the actress-turned-gossip-columnist Hedda Hopper). On the other side of the courtroom is the district attorney Hamilton Burger (William Talman) assisted by the not-so-neutral Homicide Lt. Arthur Tragg (Ray Collins) Ray Collins lasts for 241 episodes 1957 to 1965; Died July 11, 1965 · Santa Monica, California, USA (emphysema).
You wonder how they get away with manufacturing evidence and the defendant usually has a foot in their mouth. Then there are the signature courtroom demonstrations. Occasionally we go to the scene of the crime.
Be sure to re-watch these programs as you can then see at even in TV programs they can sprinkle in subtle clues.
The was a mad magazine mock that had a boy scout immediately confess from the back of the courtroom upon seeing Perry Mason.
Many of the subsequent programs allowed many TV actors of the time to become different characters and even replace the Burger and Tragg characters. You find yourself not only trying to outguess Mason but also saying "Hey I saw that actor in..."
Even though the characters are from Erle Stanley Gardner the actual programs are written by many different TV writers of the day.
The series starts out close to the actual books and the time period is perfect. Unfortunately, the series goes off the rails towards the end as they try to make it more modern changing it to something unrecognizable for the excellent first part of the series.
I have on occasion read some of the Erle Stanly Gardner Mason's and they are closely related. The TV version has a few fewer characters and has to write in some of our favorites.
The DVD's themselves usually have four episodes with a glaring lack of the extras that are so popular nowadays. The plus is that there are no advertisements.
Hollywood Homicide (2003)
Romper Room
All in all the story and plotline is very formula; there are good guys that are misunderstood and bad guys that are silly and scared. The good guys chase and chase and chase the bad guys. Will they catch the bad guys? Will the bad guys confess to unbelievable crimes? Or will just once the bad guys getaway. Don't hold your breath.
There is an added wrinkle as both Detective Joe Gavilan (Harrison Ford) and his rookie partner Kasey Calden (Josh Hartnett) take care of outside interests while in pursuit.
Meantime it is fun watching this almost cartoon-like execution, as they run past all the familiar landmarks out and about Los Angeles, California, USA:
Beverly Hills, Hollywood & Highland, Hollywood, Los Angeles Subway System, Mt. Olympus in Hollywood Hills, Pacific Palisades, Parker Center Police Headquarters -at 150 N. Los Angeles St., Parking Lot, L. A. P. D. Hollywood Station at 1358 Wilcox Ave., Santa Monica, Venice Canals, and Venice.
Partners in Crime: The House of Lurking Death (1983)
House of Lurking Death Season 1 Episode 3
Episode aired Oct 30, 1983
Death is like a box of chocolates
Agatha Christie's "The House of Lurking Death" was adapted by Jonathan Hales.
Lois Hargreaves (Lynsey Baxter) receives a box of chocolates. She naturally shares them with others later to find that the chocolates were laced with poison. Not enough to kill but to make everyone sick. Being private and figuring that the anonymous chocolates came from someone in that very house. Mary contacts Mr. Blunt (James Warwick) and Miss Robinson (Francesca Annis) of the International Detective Agency.
Naturally, as with their first two episodes or movies, Tommy and Tuppence are both wise beyond their time and do some of the dumbest things that lead them to the solution of the problem. Will they be there in time to save Mary or if not, will they be able to figure out who and how it was done. More important why.
As with most of the Partners in Crime series we are far ahead of them on the whom. The fun is to watch them figure out not only the why but the other details. This story is a period piece of just after The Great War.
Partners in Crime: The Affair of the Pink Pearl (1983)
The Affair of the Pink Pearl Season 1 Episode 1
Episode aired Oct 16, 1983 after The Secret Adversary Season 1 Episode 0
A pearl of great price.
After their re-introduction in "The Secret Adversary", it looks like Tommy Beresford (James Warwick) and Tuppence (Francesca Annis) are married and after finishing their first case are looking for a little more action. They get the opportunity to purchase the international detective agency and with the help of their new friend Albert (Reece Dinsdale) set up shop.
Before Tommy can stop her Tuppence promises their first client their 24-hour guaranteed special. If they can pull this off then they will be in with the right crowd to be thought of in case a pink pearl should end up missing.
Made for TV and fairly transparent, this film still has all the ambiance of a BBC Agatha Christy production. It is a period piece and employs many major actors of the time.
Partners in Crime: The Secret Adversary (1983)
The Secret Adversary Series 1 Episode 0
The episode is 0 because this was made as a movie after the original series. Episode aired Oct 9, 1983. This is the place to start.
Who is Mr. Brown?
After the Great War, out of work Captain, Tommy Beresford (James Warwick) accidentally comes across his lifelong friend and pal Prudence "Tuppence" Cowley (Francesca Annis). Tuppence is also out of work. Over their sparse meal, they speculate on doing any job of anybody for outrageous fees.
This speculative talk was overheard and the wheels are set in motion when Tuppence is given the opportunity and gives what she thinks is a false name. This sets off a series of events that employs them to find a missing girl and the identity of a mysterious Mr. Brown.
Made for TV and fairly transparent, this film still has all the ambiance of a BBC Agatha Christy production. It is a period piece and employs many major English actors.
Tomb Raider (2018)
Keeps making the dumbest decisions.
The movie is a series of dumb decisions by the protagonist Lara Croft (Alicia Vikander.)
The story and the people barely fit the Toom Raider formula. However, there is lots of action, many subplots, and a cliffhanger ending.
The basic story is Lara's father, Richard Croft (Dominic West) is missing and presumed dead. Lara has a different take on the situation and goes hunting for her father that was hunting for an evil Chinese queen.
Will she find him?
Will the evil Queen get her revenge?
Will an evil cabal find Lara?
Will this ever end?
Alicia Vikander said that it only took three weeks after filming ended to lose all the muscle mass she'd gained for the role. We all know what happens when you suddenly sop exercising. All that flappy skin.
The Social Network (2010)
Starts with an annoying conversation.
Once you get past the annoying conversation and through the credits and plan to settle on the intriguing film of history and success, you will find to your chagrin a blasé pre-cursor give-and-take conversation, a long conversation, a monotone conversation, a dragged-out conversation. It seems like hours of a monologue with a dash of dialog thrown in. As the ending credits roll up you realize that all he did was talk and talk and talk.
Of course, if you like long boring conversations this is a great movie and a perfect representation of one great big long diatribe that starts from nowhere and goes nowhere. On the positive side, the music was nice and the period costumes were up to acceptable.
I only saw the Blu-ray. I'm not sure they made anything other than Blu-ray. There are the standard scene selections, languages special features, and whatnot however none of them contribute to this presentation. You might want to listen to the audio commentary to see what they were trying to do.
Don't get me wrong I like history's I like biographies but this thing wasn't history or biography.
Curse of the Black Widow (1977)
Beware of women with sparkly eyes.
Fast-moving with a strange dispatch at the very beginning. Everyone seems to know everyone and it is almost tong in cheek conversations. Even if we know the general jest of the movie it is the details and overlapping stories that make it worth viewing.
The Filming Location is "Piru Mansion - 829 & 837 Park Road, Piru, California, USA" We get to see other L. A. area locations as Enchanted Village in Buena Park, California.
This is a cheap T. V. movie with all the best actors of its time.
Have fun spotting your favorite actor of the time.
Anthony Franciosa as Mark Higbie
Donna Mills as Leigh Lockwood
Patty Duke as Laura Lockwood
June Allyson as Olga
Vic Morrow as Lt. Gully Conti
And many others.
The Thing (1982)
The story lost in excess gore
Yep, we are confronted by a dog-splitting being from the great beyond. Being isolated we must evaluate track and kill this most obviously menacing "Thing". But what, who, and where is it?
In an attempt at graphic surprises, we have sacrificed character and mood of the book "Who Goes There" by John W. Campbell Jr.", and the original movie "The Thing from Another World." Ah, you say what if you do not compare? Still, it is a sticky blob story that has no personality of its own.
If you are looking for Adrienne Barbeau you will not see her because she is just the voice, great voice, of the computer (uncredited).
The story is fluffed out with Carpenter-Esque storytelling and misses the point of the book and the film spends too much time with blood and guts to focus on the people's interaction. Sure there is some interaction or we would not have a movie at all.
The "Thing" in the book was psychic and could read and manipulate the minds that the film overlooks.
Without Remorse (2021)
John Kelly a wronged Navy SEAL gets revenge and uncovers a conspiracy.
This is a standard Tom Clancy, "Something sneaky going on in the government" story with lots of Kungfu, car chases, and gunfire. Lots of Military Operations on Urbanized Terrain (MOUT). The story is the same and the way we move through the movie is the same. I am pretty sure the outcome will be the same. And of course, Sr. Chief John Kelly (Michael B. Jordan) will be set up for a sequel.
If you are looking for something new this is not it. However, it makes a good made by machine for the proletariat, formula, non-realistic, no character development, weak story; with too much PC, addition to the ongoing Clancy tales.
Jack Ryan (2018)
I thought you were an analyst - I thought you were a bodyguard
The "Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan" starts with a great season. You need to carve out time for binge-watching.
Tom Clancy Apr 12, 1947 - Oct 01, 2013 (age 66), may or may not have approved; that goes for Tom Clancy fans and readers.
Based on characters from Clancy novels Amazon has taken it on themselves to update the environment to today's standards of CIA agent films. The changes can be unnerving to people think in cold war era spy stories. We added sensitivity to drones, sensitivity to religion, ok sensitivity to just about everything. There was a tad of what looked like gratuitous sex. However, it was necessary for other locations in the overall plot. All the actors fit the characters.
The formula looks like there are short conflicts that get resolved in each episode and a seasonal that that gets wrapped up each season. No ridicules cliffhangers so they can stop filming at the end of any season.
Tobor the Great (1954)
Tobor is no Robbie but still saves the day with ESP
This is a fun little sci-fi movie from 1954. We see all the good guys and the bad guys at the height of the commie scare.
Humankind is planning to go into space. However, we do not know what to expect. So, an independent scientist and an ex-official of the government space project ban together to find a better way to explore space before sacrificing human life. It looks like their experiment can have nefarious applications if placed in the wrong hands. We know the story as we've seen it played out many times. However, this one is well done and allows us to kibitz as the characters do not "stay in the car."
Don't look to me to give away the story as it is fun is seeing how it evolves.
An added plus of this film is the 1954 era where we see the technology (especially cars from the inside out) of the time and take a small sojourn to Griffith Observatory better known as Griffith Park Observatory, Griffith Park - 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles, California, USA. Unfortunately, they only show a small part of the façade had a dark spot on the inside of the Observatory. This would've been a perfect opportunity to show Focault's Pendulum a large pendulum that is free to swing in any direction. As it swings back and forth, the earth rotates beneath it, so its perpendicular plane of swing rotates in relation to the earth's surface. Devised by J.-B.-L. Foucault in 1851, provided the first laboratory demonstration that the earth spins on its axis. A Foucault pendulum always rotates clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and counterclockwise in the Southern Hemisphere. I was in the observatory in 1954 and was very impressed by this pendulum.
Much of the rest of the film is shown in Iverson Ranch - 1 Iverson Lane, Chatsworth, Los Angeles, California, USA, where many of our favorite films were made.
Freakonomics (2010)
A unique look at incentives
Occasionally somebody comes along and finds a unique way to look at life. Some of these people with different types of insights get published. This presentation is based on a popular book by the same name "Freakonomics". The title might be a bit misleading it's really about incentives and misleading statistics.
Here Freakonomics takes the discipline down to the individual. I have already had several economics courses that showed things such as all world history including wars and even the U. S. Constitution can be boiled down to economic incentives. So, the economic concept is not new but applying it to individual cases or other disciplines is what makes this presentation unique.
As with all concepts, there is no way that you can cram the whole theory from the book into an hour and a half program. So here we get a superficial overview which does not quite live up to the standards. I was really impressed when the program started out with the section on real estate; they showed what I always suspected. The section on cheating was pure statistics and not as impressive but useful. The section on parenting was a little dragged out and not quite as focused; however, I did find the part on getting kids' names interesting. The section on incentives showed nothing new however I could name a few people that could learn something from this feeling. The section on cause and effect pretty much wraps up the concepts that are trying to be presented here.
I suggest you listen to the commentary as it gives some insight as to what is trying to be accomplished in the presentation(s). Why they picked different directors and so forth. Filmmakers will find this interesting.
The Dark Corner (1946)
Reminiscent of Laura and Maltase Falcon
Bradford Galt (Mark Stevens), a private eye has a secret past that he moves to New York to escape and set up a new life. Police Lt. Frank Reeves (Reed Hadley) is aware of Bradford's past and keeps tabs on him. Looks like his past is catching up. Why?
And his secretary Kathleen Stewart (Lucille Ball) insists on helping him get out of trouble as they both get in deeper and deeper.
The story is a lot darker than most film noir and starts slowly. It takes time to review to the audience the plot so it is not so much a twisting plot as it is an unrevealed plot. The main character is not as much as snot but more of a pansy. He thinks he is more of the victim in the story and says so. Clifton Webb is almost the same character as in Laura.
I like all the small things like that of the theater cashier listing to Kathleen talking about begging Bradford to take her to his apartment. You also need to pay attention to what looks like frivolous details as the details become a major part of the plot later. Watch the ink-stained suit and the lucky horseshoe key chain.
The voice commentary is almost if not better than the film itself. We are told many things that are obvious in the film but not obvious as to how it relates to other films. After listening to the commentary, you need to watch the film again with what you learned and with the knowledge of the first time through.
Anthem: The Graphic Novel (2018)
We hold these truths to be self-evident...
Right off the only negative id the narrator has a snotty British accent. On the positive side the graphics movie and there are some background sounds to keep your attention against the monotone's narrator.
Male voices - Mitchell Cockman
Female voices - Keely Cat-Wells
Author Ayn Rand
Adapted by Jennifer Grossman and Daniel Parsons
Equality 7-2521 who speaks of himself in the first-person plural makes a few discoveries that lead him to rethink the nature and purpose of man.
I will not go through this short story blow by blow, as the fun in this graphic book is to discover what Equality 7-2521 discovers. Would you draw the same conclusion or follow the same course? You will find yourself kibitzing and cringing.
"You are what your deep, driving desire is. As your desire is, so is your will. As your will is, so is your deed. As your deed is, so is your destiny." (Brihadaranyaka IV.4.5)
For the person that is new to Ayn Rand, this is as good a place to start, as any and it will be an eye-opener. If you have the time to read "Atlas Shrugged" the concepts, thoughts, and speeches are more complete.
Pro or con, you cannot afford to pass this video. You may be surprised to find that you are surrounded by Objectivists.
To Sir, with Love (1967)
Shades of Blackboard Jungle (1955)
Remember Blackboard Jungle (1955) with Glen Ford and Sidney Poitier? A novel by Evan Hunter was about an inner-city school teacher that had to deal with resistance from unruly students and an uncaring faculty.
Now in "To Sir, with Love" (1967), Sidney Poitier becomes the teacher in a film based on a similar novel by E. R. Braithwaite. This time he is an engineer-trainee teacher that had to deal with resistance from unruly students from the slums and ineffective faculty.
There are several reasons this movie stands out even today. Sidney did an outstanding job in playing Mark Thackeray; you can believe and empathize with his character. Most of the supporting actors are or became stars in their own right. The theme song "To Sir with Love" -Lyrics by Don Black, was sung by Lulu.
To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)
Well done
I was surprised at how well all the elements came together for this film. The main cohesion is centered on Atticus Finch (Gregory Peck) and his relationship with his children, Scout (Mary Badham) and Jem (Philip Alford). I would classify this as one of Gregory peck's best movies. It almost had to be shot in black and white to have the feel needed in the all but black and white movie.
Scout and Jem know very little about their neighbor 'Boo' (Robert Duvall.) They have heard and made up strange stories. They spend time daring each other and their summer friend, to go up to the neighbor's house as it holds some mysterious crazed person. Through the movie, many odd things happen such as a tree that mysteriously offers a series of objects from marbles to a watch, among other things. What do we know about our neighbors? Watch as the mystery unfolds. Moreover, what will they find out in this slice of life in the Depression-era South?
To Have and Have Not (1944)
"You know how to whistle, just put your lips together and blow."
This film starts on a black and white screen with a map and the same type of narration that we find when we were watching Casablanca. The narration gives us a general background so that we know what context to the story we are watching.
The Germans just took over France in the price of gas is $.28 a gallon yet our story takes place in Martinique in the Southwest Indies. Harry Morgan (Humphrey Bogart) an out-of-work fishing boat owner is finally faced with making a decision. Harry's sidekick Eddie (Walter Brennan) inadvertently goes along for the ride. Soon everyone gets involved including Marie 'Slim' Browning (Lauren Bacall) a young lady who is down on her luck and just passing through.
Besides some heavyweight actors, this film also has some major name writers and director producers behind it. Into this new music from Cricket (Hoagy Carmichael), is a major background character in the film.
Of course, the film came out years before Blu-Ray yet many of the remastered versions make it feel like it was just written yesterday. The copy watched had an added 10/10/46 radio play of "To Have and Have Not."
So sit back, enjoy the film, and ask yourself what you would have done if you had lived in that time and place.
Ender's Game (2013)
This would have made a great miniseries.
It may still become a miniseries. At least they need to make "Speaker for the Dead;" then we can see a better-balanced rendition of what Orson Scott Card is trying to say to us.
As with many movies, there is not enough time to portray or even imply what the book tells us. The best we can hope for is a good reflection and not let the movie change the story for its own ends. This is one of those movies that tried in the time allotted to give you not only the feel but to put in as many details as possible.
The choice of actors was a pretty good match for the characters. The graphics did not overwhelm the story. The background music did not washout the dialog. Unfortunately, the version I watched did not have a voice-over commentary to add to the experience. We view the story as a third party and never really get into anyone's mind.
To many readers, it will never be justified. To people that have not read the book, it may be obscure. But at least they did not try to make a different story out of it. I am trying to restrain myself from comparing this film to classic sci-fi stories. To the movie's credit, they did not dwell on technology. The story here is about people and societies that just happen to take place in the future.
The basic story is that it looks like we have been attacked and nearly annihilated. Our only recourse is to do it unto others before they do it unto us. We do not know their intentions but take no chances. In the military we are always taught that no two wars are the same; we can train but must be flexible and take initiative. The prime here are that children are more flexible and amendable to new environments.
We are left with a moral question. This question will be better developed in the next book and hopefully the next film.
Battle Beyond the Stars (1980)
Battle Beyond the Stars is good for what's alien you.
Years after "Star Wars" (1977) we get a hockey clone with a young farmer (Richard Thomas) who sets out to recruit mercenaries as (Robert Vaughn) to defend his peaceful planet, which is under threat of invasion by an evil tyrant ( John Saxon) and his co-tyrants. One of my favorite defenders is (Sybil Danning) who plays a "Little" hotty.
You will recognize many of the stereotypes for "Star Wars" as it looks like they included a bevy of out-of-work actors.
Special effects are lacking believability. Roger Corman can do no better.
This story even though played over the top still has that Joseph Campbell hero's journey scenario.
Basic (2003)
Basic who done it mystery
Yep, this is one of those movies that anyone could have done after you figure out what was done. John Travolta did a pretty convincing job.
During a training mission in Panama, Sgt. West (Samuel Jackson), an unloved leader type, is killed along with some collateral damage. Tom Hardy (John Travolta), the renegade type, is called in to investigate. He is teamed up with rookie investigator Osborne (Connie Nielson), with no chance at chemistry type. We get led around by our nose as information mysteriously appears during the several conflicting stories (several conflicting flashbacks). There are a few good shoot-em-up scenes. You have seen this before and you know the drill (maybe). Naturally, last-minute clues that were too dangerous to tell you sooner appear near the end of the movie.
If you enjoy this type of movie, I suggest you watch "Courage Under Fire" (1996).
*batteries not included (1987)
Cute at best
It is probably worth viewing once. For those who notice the background music, the composer is James Horner.
Most of the filming locations were in "New York City" not just stock footage of the location.
East Village, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA
East 7th Street between Avenues B & C, New York City, New York, USA
Times Square, New York City, New York, USA
Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA
Waite what is this?
Stage 12, Universal Studios - 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, California, USA
An old couple (Hume Cronyn, Jessica Tandy) won't move from a dilapidated building that the big bad agent wants to demolish for something profitable. A thug is hired to harass the couple and destroy the property. Tiny aliens that have a knack for fixing things thwart the thug's efforts.
Sort of a fairy tale with aliens replacing Heinselmachen.