Personally. I was done with "Rocky" movies after the famous one. There have been many Rocky pictures, in all sorts of sports and competitions. Once this one went the exceedingly predictable route, the film was sunk. In many of these overtly Christian themed pictures. the lead actors give very good performances. John Major Davis is excellent, his facial expressions conveying his various moods and feelings well. Matt Leddo gives a strong performance in an otherwise stereotyped role. For all the BIBLE talk, however, this move hypocritically fails to turn the other cheek.
Reviews
19 Reviews
The Big Store
(1941)
Hilarious!
25 November 2019
Warning: Spoilers
This a very funny film. Groucho's solo musical number is very well-done, with Virginia O'Brien adding her typically comic contribution. Chico's and Harpo's musical numbers are terrific - it's great to see the brothers' chemistry. There is Auntie Em Clara Bandick, in a brief scene, soon after her tole in THE WIZARD OF OZ. The wonderful Margaret Dumont is always a necessary highlight with the brothers. There is the usual frenetically hysterical climactic scene, (which gave many stunt doubles screen time.) My favorite part was the Italian family and their 12 kids. 6 go missing in the beds department, and the parents are offered replacements!
Underrated by professional critics.
Hello, Dolly!
(1969)
Still Terrific!
9 June 2019
Ventured back to this superior musical with my family. Every number is memorable, with outstanding Michael Kidd choreography. No one can deny Barbra Streisand's talent. I was a big Michael Crawford fan pre-Phantom, so it was great again seeing how versatile he is. The supporting players were all excellent. Gene Kelly's direction was amazing - huge cast; spectacular presentations. Wonderful!
Aladdin
(2019)
ENTHRALLING!
30 May 2019
One of my favorite male animated Disney characters is Aladdin. I like that he is presented as a really good person. Mena Massoud is perfect in that role, in this colorful, spectacular retelling. He is sincere and empathetic, and works well with so popular Will Smith as Genie, and impressive Naomi Scott as Jasmine. With all the garbage out there that professional critics "have to" praise to prove they are among "the elite," "Aladdin's" excellence stands out.
Forever My Girl
(2018)
Romantically and Musically Solid
26 May 2019
This is a very good, romantic movie, with good acting, and a pleasantly predictable outcome. The country music score is first rate. Alex Roe does a really good job as the troubled lead. It's an example of why one shouldn't listen to professional critics.
It's Love I'm After
(1937)
Bright, Sharp, and Hilarious
24 May 2019
This is a great example of a golden era movie that is still fresh years later. This is a very funny, fast-paced. extremely well written film. Every actor is excellent in their role, including the supporting cast. One needs to state that Eric Blore ("Mr. Toad" in Disney's "The Wind in the Willows") delivers every line comedically perfect. It is Leslie Howard, known more for dramatic parts, who is the hilarious center of the picture. It amazes how perfect and empathetic his work is. Definitely worth finding.
Baby Blue Marine
(1976)
I feel it's a movie that should be seen.
10 March 2019
This film was seen by me in a movie theater when it came out in 1976. (I haven't seen it since.) The recent passing of Jan Michael Vincent brought the memory of it back to me. I have no allegiance to Mr. Vincent, but considering his reportedly troubled life, I wanted to note that his performance in this film was truly empathetic and moving. Thus, he could certainly handle himself on screen. The film was sort of a surprise, with an excellent cast of familiar actors of that era. I particularly also recall the performance of John Lund in a very pivotal role. This picture was extremely well done, and, obviously, for me, especially memorable.
Fourth Man Out
(2015)
Better than it appears to be.
4 February 2019
As a person not into "Porkies" and "Animal House" vulgarity and humor, the profanity that those types of movies exclaim are a turn-off. I almost did that to this film. However, it is a really substantial, yet hilarious, laugh out loud film, much more pertinent than one might get from a first impression. The acting, particularly by the two male leads, is very, very good. The real "star" of the film is the screenplay. The writing is crisp. clever, and amazingly rapid fire. The funny lines bombard you, one after another. You might guess how the movie ends, but the way it does so is surprising and touching. This is a worthwhile experience.
Miss Annie Rooney
(1942)
Another surprise from the forties.
12 January 2019
This film does not deserve the negative criticism it received, apparently even from Miss Temple herself. Perhaps its depiction of amiable teenagers of that era is a Hollywood version. (Unlike today, when teens are shown as cynical, foul-mouthed, pot-smoking, alcoholics.) Shirley is always her delightful self. Dickie Moore is wonderful as a kind, thoughtful young man. It is great to see Shirley again with Guy Kibbee ("Captain January.") The performance from William Gargan, as a loser but well-meaning father, is remarkable. His scene where he invades a birthday party is so embarrassing it is hard to watch. There isn't any singing, but there are entertaining dance scenes. The only problem with the film for me is the predictable, unrealistic conclusion. It would have been better if the writers could have thought of a more creative way to have a happy ending. This is a fun, underrated, very likeable movie.
Christmas in July
(1940)
They Don't...You Know
30 December 2018
If you are one of us film fans who search for less known movies that are real gems, visit here. It is amazingly excellent. The acting is spot on, the screenplay and direction immaculate. It appeals in so many ways, to all generations. My granddaughter laughed and clapped along with me. "Christmas in JUly" is a classic.
Table for Five
(1983)
One of the Underated Best
9 December 2018
TABLE FOR FIVE is a superior example of overlooked filmmaking. The story is poignant and compelling, Jon Voight ia terrific in a role prior to his character stage. His portrayal of a far from perfect father, not wholeheartedly trying to change his demeanor, is realistic and sensitive. Richard Crenna, far from the Walter Denton of "Our Miss Brooks" days, gives an excellent performance as a less charismatic, but especially decent man in a difficult position. The three child actors are equally empathetic and effective. This is a type of movie some critics mistakenly dismiss, but the rest of us appreciate..
It Happened in Brooklyn
(1947)
So Surprisingly very good!
2 December 2018
This movie is super entertaining. All 4 stars are excellent. For those who only know Mr. Sinatra from his later films, his early ones are fun and warm and very entertaining. It isn't all Frank. Miss Grayson exhibits quite a voice, and Mr. Lawford is perfect as a young man lacking life experience. I liked that much time was given to side stories with talented, delightful young people. They would never do this, but Jimmy Durante could have easily been nominated for an Academy Award, for his hilarious, well-timed, musical performance. There were no bad guys! No one out to demean and disrupt! It is a story about decent folks trying to find a comfortable place in the post-war society. Yes, it is sentimental. But it is so with warmth and much sweet charm,
The NeverEnding Story
(1984)
This is one of the all-time best family movies.
5 July 2014
"The NeverEnding Story" never gets old. It is a timeless joy. Through the years I have enjoyed it with my sons, my students, my elder grandsons, and my young granddaughter. It is such an achievement when you can have child actors carry an entire motion picture. They convey the best characteristics we want, not only in fiction, but in our own lives: loyalty, determination, kindness, empathy, and honor. The direction by Wolfgang Petersen shows how superior a craftsman he is. The musical score, highlighted by the terrific title song, carries you into the flow of the unfolding tale. The gradual realization of what the fantastic book is proclaiming is phenomenal. It is a wonderful movie experience.
The Pursuit of Happyness
(2006)
One of the best of the year, truly
22 January 2007
Having seen so much violence and drudgery and sadism in 2006, what a refreshing experience is THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS. Will Smith and his son Jaden give tremendous performances, and the story is involving and gripping all the way through.
Based on real events, the journey from failure and poverty to possible success and redemption is a harried but rewarding one. You can really feel for the father who wants to do right by his son, and who also needs to prove his worth to himself.
Life can be hard - yet there is the hope that hard work and perseverance will pay off. Plus, the warm relationship between the father and son is one in which many can identify.
This is the type of film that should be given awards (but will probably be overlooked.)
Based on real events, the journey from failure and poverty to possible success and redemption is a harried but rewarding one. You can really feel for the father who wants to do right by his son, and who also needs to prove his worth to himself.
Life can be hard - yet there is the hope that hard work and perseverance will pay off. Plus, the warm relationship between the father and son is one in which many can identify.
This is the type of film that should be given awards (but will probably be overlooked.)
Making Love
(1982)
This was 23 years before The Mountain.
20 February 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Some reviewers back in 1982 thought this movie was "lightweight" or "glossy" or "insubstantial." This is a firm DISagreement with that assessment. The film, about a doctor who believed he was happily married until he became attracted to a male patient, thereby forcing him to confront his homosexuality, was unique and enlightening...certainly for its time. The performances were excellent, right down the line. Michael Ontkean was very empathetic, truly believable as the confused, at first guilt-ridden physician. Harry Hamlin did a really good job as the seemingly more self-assured writer with whom the doctor falls in love. Kate Jackson's almost understated performance as the bewildered, hurt wife, trying to understand what was happening, was never shrill or negative. You really cared about these characters.
While some viewers, gay or straight, might find some of the film to be painful or objectionable, for all sorts of personal reasons, it seemed realistic to someone whose knowledge on the subject was limited. It felt as though this story could have unfolded as it did.
One important point: not knocking BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN, another very good picture, this movie came out 23 years earlier. The latter film is heralded as "groundbreaking." Truth is, MAKING LOVE was first.
And another pertinent observation: BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN, as good as it is, goes for a stereotypical ending with the gay characters, one in particular. MAKING LOVE should get special credit for avoiding that pitfall: there is a generally "happy" ending.
This is one that deserves recognition.
While some viewers, gay or straight, might find some of the film to be painful or objectionable, for all sorts of personal reasons, it seemed realistic to someone whose knowledge on the subject was limited. It felt as though this story could have unfolded as it did.
One important point: not knocking BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN, another very good picture, this movie came out 23 years earlier. The latter film is heralded as "groundbreaking." Truth is, MAKING LOVE was first.
And another pertinent observation: BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN, as good as it is, goes for a stereotypical ending with the gay characters, one in particular. MAKING LOVE should get special credit for avoiding that pitfall: there is a generally "happy" ending.
This is one that deserves recognition.
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