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Reviews
All Neat in Black Stockings (1969)
Depressingly real people
Though it is difficult at times to identify with the motivations that impel characters in this movie to behave the way they do, at least it doesn't try to pretend that they can skate through life without any consequences for their choices. Still, the lessons that will be plain to viewers seem to be ignored by these characters who seem bent on following up bad decisions with worse ones. Even the few positive actions (i.e., marrying a raped girl to remove the stigma of illegitimacy and chosing not to abort the baby) are quickly buried in the mire of a loveless marriage, a philandering husband, and incest. Makes the upbeat music as credits roll seem poorly chosen for a movie that has the overall effect of causing disgust in the viewer.
Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase (2019)
Annoying take on a timeless classic
Not much positive to recommend in this movie. What little amount of enjoyment it offers is so obscured by snarky, selfish negativity that it hardly seems worth it. Too bad because with less emotionally damaged characters this movie could have been very entertaining.
The Ghost Train (1941)
Askey's antics quickly become grating
As the film goes on, Askey becomes highly annoying. Scenes without him are but a brief respite from his juvenile interruptions. Otherwise an interesting and suspenseful story.
The ABC Murders (2018)
Ludicrously melodramatic and pretentious
The producers/directors/writers of this miniseries obviously strove to portray this masterpiece uniquely, and they succeeded. But unique can have both positive and negative connotations, and this program falls into the latter category. Along with its unnecessarily vulgar approach to the original story, the characters are nearly all destructively combative and manipulative. The only way it seems to resemble Christie's novel is in its commitment to distract the viewer by piecing together unrelated vignettes that tend to result in false conclusions. Still, where Christie did this rather craftily, this program is so blatant with it that one could not be faulted for feeling lied to by the whole production once the resolution is presented. Other video productions of her novels have come much closer to her skill with the written word without relying on such ridiculous juxtapositions. But it is in HD!
Death of a Nation (2018)
WOW! How good does a movie have to be to Trigger so many people!?!
So sad that so many have been so brainwashed by the incessant drone from the liberal media bastions that they cannot even slightly tolerate an alternative perspective. Thankfully we have a US President now that is completely unwavering in his promise to MAGA! He must succeed. Just as in Lincoln's time, the future of our nation is at stake. This film provides an excellent, in-depth analysis of the current situation and offers unique and healthy perspectives of it all. Try an open mind for once, people!
King of Kings (1961)
They truly do not make movies like this anymore...
...and it's a shame because this is such an excellently uplifting film. From the fabulous narration by Orson Welles to the amazing cinematography and the marvelous costumes, it is a wonderful experience. And the story is first rate, of course! Great for all ages.
Wish for Christmas (2016)
Much Better Than Average Christmas Movie
I agree with the other reviewer that it would be a shame to listen to religiously bigoted folks and miss this delightful movie. It may have elements slightly reminiscent of other films, but they are remotely similar, at most. A fabulous reminder that what the world truly needs all year long is less Santa and more Jesus. If you think that we're all here due to an illogically intricate bunch of cosmic randomness and genetic mistakes, you'll probably hate this movie. But if you're convinced there is eternal wisdom at work and it affects everyday life, enjoy!
Dial a Prayer (2015)
A "feel-good" movie for people who think Christians are either faking it or lunatics
This movie came very close to being an excellent offering. It has effective character development, good use of setting/scenes, a few well-thought out plot twists, and mostly effective dialogue. It was obviously not a glitzy production done on a huge budget, but that just adds to the charm of the film. So why not a higher rating? Too Cora-centric.
Of course, she is the main character, so it's no surprise that she's in the middle of just about everything that happens in the movie. But that's not the problem. Everything is portrayed from Cora's viewpoint. The other workers at the Dial-A-Prayer center where she must perform community service after vandalizing a church are not really shown as people, but as the caricatures Cora sees. The only one that seems to approach actual personhood is the woman in the next cubical who soon begins to commiserate with Cora's discomfort over the center's purpose and structure, let's her go for a secret smoke, and uses profanity.
Cora's father is shown as distant and her mother initially as repulsive(because she is living in denial about the marriage while tossing out platitudes whenever necessary to make it seem like everything is just fine) then as a pitiable woman. Even Chase (who tracks Cora down after speaking with her on the Dial-A-Prayer service) is portrayed at first as a creepy stalker-type, next as an insensitive creep, and finally as the guy that she's gonna be alright with because she believes in herself and him and somehow, someway, they're going to make it work! Sadly, many people will find this message inspiring without recognizing it's insidious nature. Truth is, we CAN NEVER learn enough, know enough, become skilled enough, or whatever to make our lives anything but a shambles. It's only when we get the focus off ourselves and onto the One who IS wise enough, powerful enough and compassionate enough that there exists any hope for any of us. So while Cora became a bit less self-absorbed toward the end of the movie, the hope that it tries to imply of a better tomorrow due to the burgeoning relationship with Chase is a cruel mirage. It's just another result of living a me-centric life
God's Not Dead (2014)
How can you tell when a movie is GREAT?
It's easy to tell when a movie is good, but how about the great ones? When less than 10% of the reviews fall between 2 and 8 stars and the high marks outnumber the low ones by a 3 - 1 ratio, it's OUTSTANDING!
What makes this movie particularly marvelous is the way it refuses to just accept the bankrupt modern version of knowledge while giving an alternative that has substance. For example: on what is truth based? The "educated" answer most commonly embraced today (that this movie uses the professor character to portray) is the majority consensus of human conception and experience (call it science if you want, but that's what it is). Yet, we are imperfect and limited beings. Truth must be based on something greater than us or it is, AT BEST, an imperfect and limited truth. The only way to know truth is to know it's source, and you can because He's NOT dead!
Don't miss this one, folks. It's a rare opportunity to leave the theater feeling truly inspired.