Reviews

As a rule of thumb, remakes are usually awful. Rehashed, reheated shadows of the source material. But, rules were made to be broken. And boy does this film break the rules. An absolutely masterful film, that will give you nightmares, "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" is a reworking of the 50's sci fi film, that was a thinly veiled warning of the then ubiquitous McCarthy hearings. The updated version really doesn't strike me as a veiled treaty on some important point, just a nice, scary film that will leave you terrified. And you know what? I'm very happy with that!

The cast is uniformly excellent, Brooke Adams, Donald Sutherland, Leonard Nimoy all give great performances in much different roles. A mysterious organic substance comes to earth, and slowly begins to infect humans, first cocooning them, then releasing them into the world, as soulless zombies. Effects are great, acting is great, and the final 15 minutes might give you a heart attack! You'll know when you see it it is THAT well done. An all time classic!

For a film released in 1946, this movie does not turn away from the harsh truths of returning servicemen to the USA. Whereas my generation always thought WWII veterans received heroes welcomes, with prosperity for all, the reality was in some cases quite different. Some had PTSD, but many others had physical wounds that would make their transitions, that much more difficult. Such is the story of three vets, all from the same town who happen to share a flight home. They become fast friends, and begin the journey back into their former lives. But can they succeed?

The cast of veterans, Led by Dana Andrews, as Fred Derry, an Army Air Force Captain, Fredric March as Al Stephenson, an Army Sgt., and Harold Russel as Homer Parrish, a seaman who has been grievously injured, losing both his hands in the war. The three actors have great chemistry, and you really believe that they are service buddies. Each has a different path to walk, and each a different background. But what keeps this movie on "Great Movies" lists, is that it does not shy away from the ugly side of returning home to a country that has changed forever in the 4 years of warfare.

Failed marriages, alcohol abuse, learning to cope with physical ailments are some of the things that these men must face. It is all handled very solidly, by director William Wyler. Maybe the best part of the movie, is real life veteran Harold Russel, who did lose his hands in a training exercise. He is so at ease, and so natural, you can't help but root for him.

Highly Recommended.

"The Rockford Files", to those of whom who've never seen it, may appear, on its surface to be just another private eye show with a tall, handsome, square jawed lead, gunning down bad guys, and ending up with the girl every week. Those people would be only partially correct. James Garner, who played Rockford was a tall, handsome, square jawed leading man, but Rockford never gunned down bad guys and rarely got the girl. What he did do, was change the game for tv private detectives.

When a series comes along that is so well written, and filled with so many great characters and actors, it's a truly special thing. And "Rockford" is. Created by Stephen Cannell and Roy Huggins, they reinvented the genre. Fine was the infallible hero, who knocked bad guys out with one punch, who always was ahead of the law, and fought for truth and justice. Rockford worked for himself, and his $200 a day (plus expenses) fee. He clashed with the police, had informants that were less than saints, and and did I mention that he was ex con? (Albeit with a full governmental pardon) I won't go into all the characters and actors, suffice to say they are brilliant. But perhaps the best reason to binge the Rockford files, is to see Los Angeles in full bloom. It's just as much a character as any actor. Oh, and wait until you see all of the great guest stars. An absolute delight. Here's my final piece of advice, pay close attention, the plots are sometimes complex, so you need to play close attention. Other than that, sit back, relax, and enjoy one of the best tv series ever.

What a film! I watched it on YouTube while searching for a noir film to watch for the night. It really is a dark and somewhat nihilistic movie, where everyone is on the make, including the cops. The pickpocket, looking for his next score, the fallen female lead, looking to do one last job before she's let go by an old boyfriend, an old stool pigeon, looking for the cash to buy herself a nice tombstone and plot, for when she passes on, and the cops, looking for a reason to throw the book at a three time loser, to send him away for life.

First off, Richard Widmark is a revelation. He is snide, condescending, sneaky, manipulative, thieving, and smart. When Capt. Tiger of the police department pulls him for questioning on a pickpocket beef, he really lets go with some great lines. Sleazy, and full of himself, he insults the cop, because he knows he's got them beat. And they know it too.

Jean Peters as Candy is the fallen angel, a girl who fell on the wrong side of the tracks, and is in hock to an old boyfriend, to become a courier of stolen intelligence.

Thelma Ritter, in an Oscar nominated role, is the old stool pigeon, eking out a living selling information to the cops, along with $1 neckties, to support her dream of having a beautiful headstone and plot to be buried in when her time comes.

Three characters out of many that come together in this sizzling noir. Highly Recommended!

1967's "The St. Valentines Day Massacre" introduces us to the players in one of America's most heinous crimes, the massacre of seven men associated with gangster Bugs Moran in 1929 Chicago. Director Roger Corman, a director who specialized in low budget, B movies, is given a bigger budget, with an excellent case and makes the best of it.

Using an excellent technique of a voiceover that introduces us to the characters involved, we get the backstory of the gangs that ruled and warred in the bootlegging wars in short order. What follows is a very historically accurate recounting of the massacre, which is still extremely shocking, even in 2023, let alone 1967.

Two of the men murdered, Rheinhold Schwimmer, a civilian who fancied spending time with gangsters, and John May, a mechanic and father of 7 who worked on the gangs cars were in the wrong place at the wrong time. No matter, they are lined up against the wall, and murdered nonetheless.

Filmed in Hollywood, Corman and his team do an excellent job of recreating the Chicago of 1929, while the cast is uniformly excellent. Many may say that Jason Robards hams it up as Al Capone, and I agree! But it's hard not to go along with it. It's a fun performance, and it fits the film. Add in Ralph Meeker as Bugs Moran, George Seagal as gangster Frank Gusenberg, Joe Campanella, as victim Albert Weinshamk, and Bruce Dern, as the doomed John May. And a great supporting cast, and you have a very well done, accurate telling of the crime that defined a time and place in American history. Highly Recommended.

As cynical and hard edged as any noir...but with many funny moments thrown in as well. Graham Greene's only screenplay is an all time classic on its own, but throw in Joseph Cotten, Trevor Howard, Alida Valli, and of course Orson Welles, it becomes one of the all time greats.

Holly Martins is a broke writer, who has arrived in post war Vienna at the behest of his dear friend, Harry Lime, (Orson Welles) on the promise of work. Arriving in a foreign city, which, just happens to be under occupied rule by 4 separate nations, Holly is confused to not be met by his friend. Only later on does he learn that his friend was killed by a car careening out of control. Dazed, he tries to make sense of the news, and wants to find anyone that can help him find out more about his late friend. What he finds, however, will shatter his world, and the friendship he thought was the best in his life.

If you have not seen this film, please do yourself a favor and watch it. It is so well acted, and directed, that even Vienna and it's denizens become another character unto themselves, all with secrets to keep.

Remember, "Don't be so gloomy...In Italy for 30 years under the Borgias, they had warfare, terror, murder, and bloodshed, but they produced Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and the Renaissance. In Switzerland, they had 500 years of democracy and peace. And what did they produce? The cuckoo clock"

To be honest, the first time I watched "The Apartment" I hated it. I was used to the cynical, world weary Billy Wilder, and hadn't yet come to appreciate his comedies. I rewatched it recently, and came away with a much greater appreciation of this classic. It's not that the film is hysterically funny, but it has a ton of heart.

Jack Lemmon, in a role he was to play many times over his career is CC Baxter, an accountant at a large NY insurance company. A single guy, he lives alone in a west side apartment. But executives of his company, aware that he is trying to climb the corporate ladder take advantage of his good nature to use his apartment for trysts with their paramours. Knowing he's being used, Baxter tries to rationalize his behavior. Meeting and falling for elevator operator Fran Kubilek, who works in his building sets the film off onto its course. She is the mistress of a top executive in the company. After using Baxters apartment for a tryst, the executive, played by Fred McMurray breaks it off. Despondent, Fran attempts suicide. Nursing her back to health, the relationship between Baxter and Kubilek forms the crux of the film.

A truly bittersweet romantic comedy, it is rightfully considered a classic, give it a shot (or a second viewing)

"Executive Suite" is one of those movies, that, once you start watching it, you don't want to stop. On its surface, it hardly sounds like the stuff of a great movie, that the CEO of a big furniture company dies enroute to a meeting of his executive officers. But, the movie holds your attention throughout.

As news of the boss' death becomes apparent, the fun begins. Who will take over the reigns? The power plays start. To the films credit, each character is a different person with flaws and positive attributes, not just one dimension. Truly, the credit belongs to the great cast. William Holden, Barbara Stanwyck, Walter Pidgeon, Louis Calhern, Dean Jagger, Frederic March, Nina Foch. Each bring a different dimension to their character.

March is a numbers guy to the end, and comes off as cold as he discusses plans for press releases, and funeral plans.

Holden is the manufacturing chief, who wants things to be done by the book. But is it good for the company?

Pidgeon is the loyal lieutenant, but can he fill the boss' shoes?

There are many other stories that intertwine. Affairs, backstabbing, conniving. It all makes for a wonderful movie.

This is the type of movie they don't make anymore. Two great performances by two legends, a script that will have tears coming out of your eyes, because you'll be laughing so hard, and a plot that that gets better every time you see it.

Cultured con artist Michael Caine lives in a villa in the south of France, wining and dining rich American women who inevitably give him cash and gifts to fund his make believe sob stories of exiled freedom fighters, or Royal marriage proposals. All is well, he employs a full time servant, and has the local police chief at his Beck and call, all in on the act. But, along comes Steve Martin, a crass American who has his eyes on the rich ladies of the Riviera.

At first looking to get rid of his new competitor, he is blackmailed into teaching Martin the tricks of the trade. All goes well, until a new mark comes along. An American contest winner with money burning a hole in her pocket.

Suffice to say, this movie is hysterical. Maybe Steve Martins best. And Michael Caine? Amazing as always!

A huge winner, courtesy of director Frank Oz. Highly recommended!!

When you hear Neil Simon, you automatically go to "The Odd Couple" a play, and movie that everyone knows, and most can quote. A funny, well written film about opposites. Simon wrote some very other funny plays and films. This is not one of them. Do you like middle age New Yorkers constantly whining about how their beautiful high rise apartment sucks? That the city is too noisy and smelly? How about married couples that fight and can't stand each other after the husband loses his job? If this sounds appealing, then you'll love this film. An absolute snooze fest, that doesn't even have one small laugh. I wanted to throw Jack Lemmon off of his balcony, that may have been funny, because this movie is certainly not!

1964's "Masque of the red death" really is a high point for Roger Corman who, wrong or right, was pigeonholed as a purveyor of cheap, quickly made throw away movies. Beautiful in it's sets and costumes, the film really makes use of beautiful, vivid colors. But the star here, is, as usual, Vincent Price, who really sinks his teeth into the role of the evil Prince Prospero, who you will absolutely love to hate!

Scripted by the great Charles Beaumont of Twilight Zone fame, the film is literate, following closely the story by the great Poe, with an added bonus, weaving the short story, "Hop Frog" into the film. Really well acted, and fairly creepy, "Masque of the red Death" is a winner. Highly recommended.

Admittedly, I have not watched every episode of this series, but the ones I have watched, all have the same things in common: Great chemistry between leads Robert Conrad and Ross Martin, great guest stars, wonderful costumes and sets, and really out there, but cool plots. For a series that started in the late 60's, it was probably more than anyone then could have hoped for! Robots, spies, crazy disguises, femme fatales, evil masterminds, cool weapons and gadgets (all in the same episode at times!) made WWW a fun watch. Try and spot all the great character actors appearing through the run, its a blast. Give Wild Wild West a shot, you'll be thankful you did!

Found this one on Amazon and I must say, it is phenomenal! The secret to a great rifftrax or mat3k film, is the combination of a fairly terrible film with the great jokes from our riff masters. Some films just don't lend themselves to the riffing treatment. But Missle X is the one of the best (see Mitchell, and Suoersonic Man as two of the other top 3) The movie is bad, but is somewhat competent (it starred Peter Graves) the jokes are great, and pre-revolution Iran is the filming location adds to the fun. Definitely check it out!

"Blue Collar" features Richard Pryor's best performance by a mile. A tour de force from a man that is consistently ranked one of the best comedians of all time. But here he is playing a very sympathetic, but strong working man, with his two buddies, the equally excellent Yaphet Koto and Harvey Keitel. Together they decide they've had enough of just barely ekeing out a living in an automobile plant, and vow to take a chance, by robbing the auto unions safe. What unravels, is the true heart of the story. Their friendships will be tested, as the corrupt union will stop at nothing to exact their pound of flesh. One will be bought, one will be driven to the FBI, and one will be murdered.

A really fascinating character study, of three men who give it their all, day in and day out, but with little to show for it. Highly Recommended.

"Raise the Titanic" is one of those films that should have been a blockbuster, a great cast, an interesting premise, and a HUGE budget. So what happened? To be honest, I'm not sure. It's an entertaining film, certainly, but it just doesn't seem to be highly regarded by most movie fans. I think part of it is that it's so far fetched that it was too much for audiences to swallow.

The actors are all good, why Richard Jordan didn't have a bigger film career is surprising. He's good in everything he's in. The always reliable Jason Robards is also on board, and is a plus, but the script is the ultimate let down here. It's a bit hokey, and has the feel of the later, sillier James Bond films (Think Moonraker) Its a shame, Raise the Titanic is entertaining, but just not a great movie.

...But not your typical James Bond schlock. A much more grounded, and intriguing spy film, that may have more in common with John LeCarre, than James Bond. The story does have a somewhat unbelievable premise for it's main antagonist, but it does not hurt the film in the least, as the performances are too good. Give this a try if you're looking for a break from the overdone James Bond style films.

Pairing Wilder and Pryor usually made for movie gold, and this is no exception. Coming at the end of their fruitful partnership, the chemistry between the deaf Wilder, and blind Pryor is so natural, you'd think they were friends their whole lives. (Turns out they really didn't socialize off set) A very original premise, a murder is committed and both men have either heard the shot, or seen the shooter, but not both! What turns out is such a funny, big hearted film that I watch it every time it's on tv. A big plus I'd the movie is the characters that populate the background, including a completely hysterical police captain, who nearly steals the show. Just watch the scene where they raid a motel. I was literally laughing with tears in my eyes! Such a fun movie, highly recommended!

Leave it to the BBC to produce a really faithful version of one of the most famous novels of all time. The leads are wonderful, and add so much gravity to the proceedings. Bosco Hogan as Jonathan Harker is excellent, and as Count Dracula, Louis Jordan is a revelation. He plays the suave, urbane Dracula to perfection, with a thinly veiled heart of evil.

There are some great touches, including the wonderful music, and the oddly effective special effects, which some may say are hopelessly dated, but I find very well done indeed. Please skip the Coppola disaster and watch this instead!

I really wanted to like this movie. After seeing "Atlantic City" with Burt Lancaster, I wanted to see this earlier film, as it was set in the same dying seaside town. On that note, I was not disappointed, as "King of Marvin Gardens" really does showcase Atlantic City as it was, for better or for worse. The better being the beautiful hotel used for filming, by the early 70's a bit run down (Like the rest of the USA it would seem) but it still had loads of charm, and old school grandeur. Alas, the hotel was torn down for the banal glass box Bally's casino, in 1978. A sad ending to a once fabled resort hotel.

Be that as it may, the movie is similarly lost. Two great leads, Jack Nicholson, as David Staebler and Bruce Dern as Jason Staebler, are IMO wasted in a film that plods along. I spent nearly the whole film waiting for something to happen, but like Dern's scheming character, it really was for naught. The climax, not as shocking as I'd expected, and the ending, rather anti-climactic. But I guess that was the point of the whole movie, how two brothers, one a depressed radio personality, and the other a con artist dreamer, wind up exactly as they were meant to.

Supported by Ellen Burstyn, and Julia Ann Robinson, as two women are along for the ride with Jason's con. The whole thing has a very dreary feel to it. The most interesting piece of casting, would be Scatman Crothers as Lewis, the defect boss of Atlantic City, but we see so little of him, that it's hard to really get a feel for the character. He shows very small bits of menace, but it's never really explored further. A real shame, as I was really looking forward to seeing Crothers as the heavy.

All in all, a great postcard of pre-gambling Atlantic City, but that's about it unfortunately.

An absolute waste of time to watch this unfunny, overlong, examination of a day in the lives of 8 people you couldn't possibly care less about. (With one minor exception) 4 stories, each taking place at the Beverly Hills Hotel.

Jane Fonda and Alan Alda are a divorced couple fighting over child care (How anyone could have been married to Fonda's character and not strangled her is a mystery) Bill Cosby and Richard Pryor play doctors (and brothers in law) who are on a vacation with their wives. Another waste of time, it's slapstick comedy that is not funny) Walter Matthau is a married man who has a rendezvous with a hooker and must keep his wife from finding out. (Matthau looks terrible and is not funny) and finally Maggie Smith and Michael Caine as an academy award nominee and her gay husband. Smith gives a good performance and won an Oscar, but it's not enough to save this pile of junk.

1980's 'Atlantic City' should be considered one of the great second acts in American acting. Burt Lancaster at 67, far past his prime, helps makes this movie into an absolute classic. Starring as Lou Paschal, a low level mob associate, who's been reduced by time and circumstances, to a caretaker to his old bosses widow.

All is well, until he spies his next door neighbor, Susan Sarandon sensuously cleaning herself with lemons,after a shift as a clam bar waitress. Smitten, the much older Lou can only love her from a distance until fate steps in, in the form of Sarandon's ex husband and pregnant sister, who have dropped in.

Unbeknownst to Sarandon, her ex husband (Robert Joy) has stolen a stash of cocaine intended for the Philly mob, and intends to cut it and sell it in Atlantic City. When Paschal sees that getting together with Joy may bring him closer to Sarandon, he spins tales of his greatly exaggerated criminal past, constantly reminiscing about AC's glory days. Not long after, Joy is tracked down and killed by the mob, leaving Lou to sell the stolen drugs, allowing him to wine and dine Sarandon. Interested by Lou's stories of gangsters and crime, she becomes his unlikely lover.

But all will not end well, the mob has not forgotten about their drugs or money. It's only a matter of time before Lou and Sarandon will be forced to make hard decisions that may mean life or death.

Filmed at a time when Atlantic City was in a state of flux, between the resort years, and the casinos that would come, this film is nostalgic and wistful, but with both feet planted firmly in the decaying, dying city Atlantic City had become by that point. Expertly directed by Louis Malle, from an amazing script, it features an incredible supporting cast that has stood the test of time. Highly Recommended.