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478,415 | 463,200 | 101,757 | 8 | Really stupid bit I LOVED it ! | OK the premise is dumb , the babysitter dies within the first 15 minutes and the kids basically have to live alone all summer . Applegate easily gets an executive position ( just like real life , right ? ) and , naturally , is incredible at her job . And her brothers and sisters learn values from her example . . . yadda , yadda , yadda . Sounds horrible , but it's well-acted ( especially Applegate and Cassidy ) , it moves quickly , it is very funny and I enjoyed every minute of it ! Not a great movie by any means , but if you can turn off your brain for 2 hours , you'll really enjoy it ! |
477,468 | 463,200 | 36,653 | 8 | Carradine's finest hour | John Carradine plays Blubeard - - he paints women and then strangles them to death . He doesn't want to do it but is compelled to ( we find out why at the end ) . Then he falls in love with beautiful Lucille ( Jean Parker ) and tries to fight his desire . . . John Carradine said this was his best performance - - he's right ! He's dead on target in the title role . He shows that Bluebeard is not evil and driven by impulses beyond his control . He uses body language and facial expressions perfectly . Also director Edgar G . Ulmer directs this beautifully with strange camera angles and lots of shadows making this very atmospheric . Also there are some beautifully done background paintings . But this was done over at PRa poverty row studio . Unfortunately it shows . The furnishings and costumes look pretty tacky and it just FEELS low budget . Also the biggest problem is constant background music . It's ALWAYS playing and very annoying . Half the time the music doesn't even match the mood of what's being acted ! These prevent the film from becoming a true classic . As it stands I'm giving it an 8 for Carradine and Ulmer . It should be seen just for them . Also this is one of the few films that prove what a good actor Carradine actually was . |
478,630 | 463,200 | 407,887 | 8 | Very good but not Scorseses ' best | Film takes place in Boston . It deals with two men ( Leonardo DiCaprio and Matt Damon ) who are both working to bring down a crime lord ( Jack Nicholson ) . Problem is they're both working for different agencies and neither knows about the other . Things quickly go out of control . OK - - this is not Martin Scorsese's best film . That goes to " Raging Bull " and " Good Fellas " . However it is one of his best . The plot has many twists and turns and surprises I didn't see coming . There's excellent use of music throughout and Scorsese really manages to capture the mood and feeling of Boston ( not easy to do ) . Also - - since this is a Scorsese film - - the word " f " is used a few hundred times and the violence is VERY extreme and bloody . This isn't for weak stomaches . My only complaints here are that the movie is too long - - it has one climax too many and some lousy acting lessens it . DiCaprio is excellent in his role . I was very impressed - - I never thought much of him as an actor but now I've changed my opinion . Nicholson , Alec Baldwin and Martin Sheen are good too . Vera Farmiga holds her own in a male dominated cast . But Matt Damon is a blank in one of the main roles . His face never changes expression and I didn't know how to take him . Mark Wahlberg is bad too . How he got an Academy Award nomination for this I'll never know . He's as blank as Damon and just swears non stop for no reason and keeps giving obscene finger gestures . I was just hoping somebody would kill him off soon . He wasn't playing a character - - he was doing a caricature . Those two bad performances lessen this . Also some of the cast fake Boston accents pretty well ( Damon and Wahlberg are from the area so they didn't have to fake it ) . It got Best Picture and Best Director Academy Awards because Martin Scorsese was long overdue for both . So - - it is worth seeing but not Scorsese's best by a long shot . I give it an 8 . |
479,085 | 463,200 | 44,391 | 8 | Very good | Well-done tale of totally amoral Hollywood producer Jonathan Shields ( Kirk Douglas ) . It's all told in flashback of how he made . . . and destroyed . . . three people - - actress Georgia Lorrison ( Lana Turner ) , business associate Fred Amiel ( Barry Sullivan ) and writer James Lee Bartlow ( Dick Powell ) . Purportedly this was an accurate portrayal of what Hollywood was like at the time - - I have my doubts . It's well-directed with beautiful black and white cinematography but I don't think this was all factual ( however I did get a kick out of the obvious caricature of von Stronheim ) . Acting varies - - Powell is terrible - - I realize he didn't have much to work with but he doesn't even try . Sullivan was OK . Turner was just superb - - one of her best performances . Douglas is good but lacks the charisma to put the part over . Somehow Gloria Grahame got a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for this - - she's barely in it . Also this goes on a bit too long . So it's worth catching but just misses the mark of being a really great film . I give it an 8 . |
478,856 | 463,200 | 28,950 | 8 | Good but a classic ? | Like some other people have mentioned , why is this a classic . It's well directed , has two very good performances ( Gabin and von Stroheim ) , but it was kind of boring , seeming much longer than it was , and the anti war message was obvious and done with sledge hammer subtlety . Maybe back in the late 1930s this was considered powerful , but it hasn't aged well with time . Also we've had other anti war films that are much better . In fact " All Quiet on the Western Front " came out in 1931 , was also about World War 1 and is twenty times better than this ! Worth seeing , but don't go out of your way . |
477,827 | 463,200 | 56,048 | 8 | Overdone but good | Highly fictionalized account of the rise of famous 1940-1950s stripper Gypsy Rose Lee . It concentrates on her domineering mother Rose ( Rosalind Russell ) and how she pushed both of her daughters into show business . One daughter ( played at various stages by both Ann Jillian and Morgan Brittany ! ) runs off so Rose concentrates on Louise ( Natalie Wood ) who becomes a world famous stripper . It's loud , overblown , too long and really takes liberties with Gypsy's real life but I was entertained . I didn't believe it for one second but the songs were great ( especially " Everything's Comin Up Roses " ) , the production numbers are certainly colorful and all the dancing is good ( I was surprised to see Wood doing a good job at one point ) . The singing is mostly good - - except for Russell . Russell herself said she couldn't sing so they mixed her voice with the voice of another singer . It certainly SOUNDS like Russell but it's off tune a few times . By all rights Ethel Merman should have been cast but she wasn't considered a box office draw in 1962 . Everybody else sings great though . There's also a show-stopping dance number by young Paul Wallace ( he plays Tulsa ) halfway through . I do wonder why he never hit it big . The acting is pretty good . Russell is just fantastic . She takes the role and runs with it . It's a crime that she wasn't even nominated for an Academy Award for this . Karl Malden is also excellent as a man who loves Rose . Surprisingly Wood is bad - - very quiet and subdued . Her character is supposed to be shy and quiet for most of the picture but she doesn't come to life even at the end when she's a famous stripper . Supposedly the real Gypsy Rose Lee showed Wood how to move on stage but it looks like Wood is hating every moment of it . But , this is Russell's show all the way and she bulldozes her way through it . It's worth seeing just for her . I give it an 8 . Look for Jack Benny in a short uncredited appearance . |
477,949 | 463,200 | 66,740 | 8 | Strange horror movie | Doctors are being killed in various gruesome ways in 1925 London . They only have one thing in common - - they all worked on an operation to save Victoria Phibes - - but she died . Her husband Anton ( Vincent Price ) supposedly died in a car crash . It seems he survived , blames all the doctors for his wives death and sets out to kill them using the curses visited on the pharaohs before Exodus in the Bible ! Phibes has a helper named Vulnevia ( Virginia North ) and , occasionally , dances with her in front of a robot band while old music plays . As you can see this is one odd horror film . Still it's ALMOST great . The deaths are imaginative , bloody and pretty funny ( this wouldn't get a PG rating today ) . The sets are beautiful - - especially Phibes ' Art Deco place and the all green hospital . The film also has plenty of comedy which is ( for once ) actually funny . But the musical interludes don't work for me . They stop the film dead and add nothing to the plot . It seems they were just added to pad out the running time . Still , we get to see beautiful Virginia North in some eye-popping costumes and hear some great old music - - but that's not what I look for in horror films . The acting is good too - - Price can't move a muscle in his face but still manages to overact ( amusingly ) with his voice ; Peter Jeffrey is LOTS of fun as Inspector Trout ; Joseph Cotton gives a very good performance as one of the doctors and North doesn't have a word of dialogue but looks stunning and plays her part completely straight-faced . Also Caroline Munro pops up ( in pictures ) as Victoria Phibes . Some people have complained that this is a bit too gruesome for kids . Well . . . I saw it at a drive-in when I was 9 and it didn't bother me ! The only part that scared me was when Price took off his mask and revealed his face . I distinctly remember hiding behind the car seat when that came on ! I can only give this an 8 though because the movie , logically , doesn't make a bit of sense ! Most of the murders could never happen and I still can't figure out how Phibes faked his death , got rescued , bought the house and make the ( very ) elaborate sets . And who the heck is Vulnavia ? Still it is enjoyable and has a great ending which uses " Over the Rainbow " to great effect . Even some of my friends who hate horror films like this one ! Worth catching . Just ignore logic . And stay tuned after the closing credits for a neat little surprise ! |
477,344 | 463,200 | 40,506 | 8 | Good drama | Key Largo is a remote island off the coast of Florida . It's connected to the mainland by a concrete causeway . Frank McCloud ( Humphrey Bogart ) goes there to visit the father of a dead army buddy . He meets him ( Lionel Barrymore ) and his buddies widow ( Lauren Bacall ) . He also discovers criminal Johnny Rocco ( Edward G . Robinson ) is holed up there with his gang and alcoholic girlfriend ( Claire Trevor ) . A hurricane hits and they're all stranded on the island together . . . and Johnny and his gang have guns and nasty tempers . . . Bogart and Bacall's last movie together and a good one too . This was based on a play and it sometimes shows . Characters tend to give long speeches explaining who they are and their motivations . Still it's well-written and acted and beautifully directed by John Huston . When the hurricane hits the special effects are actually pretty good with cool sound effects too . The acting is ( with one exception ) good . Bogart seemed incapable of giving a bad performance and he's just great here . Robinson doesn't show up until nearly 30 minutes in - - but you always know he's there . He's OK but I think he played the gangster role once too often . Barrymore is given little to do but he is good . Trevor is superb in her small role - - she understandably won a Best Supporting Actress award for this . Surprisingly Bacall is terrible ! She's stone faced throughout and gives a bad performance . Maybe she didn't click with the director ( Huston was not known for his tact and tended to be a screamer ) . Still it's a good solid drama - - worth catching . I give it an 8 . |
479,088 | 463,200 | 101,694 | 8 | Goldie tries a thriller | Dark , somber thriller about an art restorer Adrienne ( Goldie Hawn ) meeting Jack Saunders ( John Heard ) and falling in love . They marry , have a kid and are happy - - until 6 years ( or so ) into the marriage he's suddenly killed . Slowly Adrienne discovers her husband wasn't who she thought he was . . . Sort of a film noir . Hawn decided to take a chance on a dramatic role . Unfortunately this film fizzled at the box office and Hawn herself later said she made a mistake . I actually like the film . I liked it in 1991 and I still like it now 15 years later . It's got an intricate plot and some very nice directorial touches ( some of the scenes were beautiful ) . Love their apartment too . There was also a very unusual but effective music score and a few nice jolts in the movie too . The acting varies . Heard is VERY good is his role . Unfortunately Hawn isn't in hers . She's somber , quiet and too restrained . She seems very uncomfortable in the role . She doesn't ruin the movie but she lessens the impact - - maybe it's a good thing that she never tried this again . Also I noticed quite a few plot loopholes left dangling after the movie was over . Still I found this engrossing and well-made . Worth catching . I give it an 8 . |
477,440 | 463,200 | 244,244 | 8 | Stupid but fun | A hacker named Stanley ( Hugh Jackman ) is hired by the mysterious Gabriel ( John Travolta ) to break into a computerized bank file that contains billions of dollars and steal it . There's more to it , but plot is not the primary concern of this film . What is front and center is action - - car chases , crashes , explosions , gun fights , etc etc . The plot's " logic " disappears half way through , but the action never lets up . It's loud , fast , furious and lots of fun . Surprisingly , the acting is also good considering the actors had nothing to work with . Travolta is OK . . . not great , just OK . He's done better . Jackman is wonderful as Stanley - - handsome , buff and full of charisma - - very talented . Halle Berry is also very good in a supporting role - - yes , she bares her breast and yes , it's worth it . Stupid film , but never boring . A good , violent action film . Recommended . |
478,761 | 463,200 | 79,871 | 8 | Disturbing | I saw this about 10 years ago at a Gay & Lesbian Film Festival and have never forgotten it . It's an extremely depressing and disturbing look at a British boys prison . It's a bunch of stories concentrating on various characters and situations . SPOILERS Easily the most disturbing sequence comes at the end with a young boy being gang-raped by three older boys . It's brutal and harrowing and the boys crying has never left me . An adult running the prison sees it , watches and SMILES ! ! ! ! ! This leads to suicide and a VERY bloody ending . Graphic and disturbing . Not for everybody . Also good luck with the STRONG British accents . |
477,411 | 463,200 | 59,477 | 8 | One of Russ Meyer's best | Drama takes place in Missouri during the Depression ( though that adds little to the story ) . Drifter Claif McKinney ( John Furlong ) comes by a small town looking for working . He finds it at the Wade farm run by Luke Ward and his niece Hannah ( Antoinette Christiani ) and her alcoholic abusive husband Sidney ( Hal Hopper ) . Calif starts to fall for Hannah - - Sidney sees that and doesn't like it . He gets the town and the local preacher ( Frank Bolger ) to rally against Calif . Also there are the two beautiful , huge-chested sisters ( Lorna Maitland and Rena Horten ) who are in the local cat house . . . It all leads to two near rapes , violence , murder and tragedy . But it does ( in a way ) have a happy ending . Sleazy ( in a good way ) and enjoyable Russ Meyer drama . He ignores the campy dialogue he had in his previous features and gives us a straight forward drama . The script is good and it's well-directed with some beautiful black and white cinematography . The acting was ( surprisingly ) pretty good - - especially when you consider all the women were hired for their bodies not acting ability . Furlong and Christiani give good performances but Hopper screams all his lines and Bolger is hopeless . There is nudity on a few occasions but it's pretty tasteful . No great shakes but right up there with " Beyond the Valley of the Dolls " as one of the best Russ Meyers film . |
477,232 | 463,200 | 51,755 | 8 | Neat little thriller | Eerie little film about a cemetery caretaker ( Richard Boone ) who finds he can cause the deaths of people by changing their white pins in a cemetery map into black pins . . . or can he ? Sounds silly and the film definetely has it's dull stretches ( even at 75 minutes ) , but it works . The whole cast plays it straight , which helps , and there's also a very spooky music score . Also some views of the map were pretty spooky . I felt the ending cheated a little , but it worked . Good compact thriller - - not a horror film . Recommended . |
478,264 | 463,200 | 109,045 | 9 | Camp classic | Three drag queens take a road trip from Sydney to mid-Australia to perform on stage . Also , one of them has a secret that's revealed at the end . Nothing new plot-wise , but it has a fantastic soundtrack ( Gloria Gaynor , the Village People , Charlene , etc . ) , unbelievable costumes ( a deserved Academy-Award winner ) and three great performances . Hugo Weaving is good , Terence Stamp is excellent as a transsexual - - this couldn't have been an easy role , but he pulls it off . Guy Pearce is absolutely gorgeous as the youngest of the bunch . Also , there are more than a few scenes of him shirtless or parading around in his little Calvin Kleins - - definitely worth seeing ( I know he's straight , but I can dream can't I ? ) . Also the bitchy banter is funny ( if occasionally too caustic ) and they don't ignore homophobia and , at the end , present a little boy who is totally comfortable with his dad being a drag queen and his mother bisexual ( it's suggested ) . Also , back in 1994 this helped me get over a very painful breakup . If you're gay , you've got to see it . One of the best gay films of all time . |
477,960 | 463,200 | 73,747 | 9 | Well-done , entertaining thriller | Possible spoilers , but you probably already know the ending . Katharine Ross , hubby and kids move from NYC to Stepford - - a picture perfect town where all the women seem to be absorbed in housework . She slowly begins to realize that something is very wrong . . . A huge hit in its day , this film is dated but still holds up . Some people might see the film as anti-female but , really , the men come off very badly . And they are the villains . The acting is good - - Ross ( whatever happened to her ? ) is excellent as is Paula Prentiss as her VERY energetic best friend Bobbi . Also interesting to see Tina Louise ( very good ) , Dee Wallace and Mary Stauart Masterson ( as a little girl - - no dialogue ) in the mid 70s . The film isn't really scary ( mostly because everybody knows the ending ) and a little bit long , but it's still well worth catching . Also , personally , this film had a defining moments for me . I'm gay , and I saw the movie when I was 13 at a theatre . I didn't know I was gay . . . I just knew there was something different about me . When they show Ross ' robot double with the HUGE breasts clearly visible my immediate reaction was " Ewwwwwwwww ! " So , this movie helped me come out ! |
477,526 | 463,200 | 70,468 | 9 | Depressing , disturbing | An English police officer , Sgt . Johnson ( Sean Connery ) is cracking under pressure on his job . He beats a rape suspect ( Ian Bannen ) to death . But why ? Was it the pressures of the job . . . or something else ? Combination murder mystery and character study . This film was a major bomb in 1973 and quickly disappeared from view . It's still virtually unknown - - I had no idea it even existed till it popped up on cable ! That's really a shame . It IS a very dark , depressing film but it's always absorbing and easily contains one of Connery's best performances . He's letter perfect as a tired , disgusted police officer who doesn't know how to deal with his job and the stress . There's an especially harrowing sequence between him and his wife ( Vivien Merchant ) when he tries to explain to her what's happening to him - - and she can't deal with it . Incidentally , Merchant's acting is superb also but it makes the scene very uncomfortable to watch . Also , Merchant was suffering from alcoholism at the time and she ( understandably ) looks horrible - - but it fits the role . Also Trevor Howard turns in a good performance as a lieutenant who has to question Johnson . Don't let his top billing fool you - - he doesn't show up until over an hour in and is only around for about 20 minutes . The picture isn't perfect - - SPOILERS AHEAD ! ! ! ! For one thing , the opening credits are in slow motion with a VERY annoying sound playing all through it . Also it gives away the ending . And director Sideney Lumet is ( almost constantly ) flashing a bright light in our faces - - it's annoying and not needed . The identity of the rapist is never made clear ( it's suggested - - that's all ) and Bannen ( as the suspect ) gives a VERY strange performance . I didn't know what to make of his character . Still , it is a great , if disturbing , motion picture . . . faults aside . Worth catching . . . but brace yourself . It's pretty strong stuff . |
479,609 | 463,200 | 83,642 | 9 | Sadly forgotten | Big , splashy , fun musical about a whorehouse ( the Chicken Ranch ) in Texas run by Miss Mona ( Dolly Parton ) . She's in love with the sheriff ( Burt Reynolds ) and the town has no problem with the house . Then a sleazy TV showman ( Dom DeLuise ) exposes the ranch and all hell breaks lose . This was a huge bomb in 1982 for some reason . It's full of energy and enthusiasm , has great songs and some fantastic all out production numbers . Reynolds is just OK but Parton is an absolute joy - - she gives one of her best performances and even sings " I Will Always Love You " ( I prefer Whitney's version ) . Also there is equal amounts of male and female nudity and has a healthy attitude about sex ( this was made before AIDS was well-known about ) . And Charles Durning stops the show with his " sidestepping " number . . . he was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for this . This should never have bombed - - maybe the title scared people away . Only complaint is the ending . It's way too serious and realistic - - I wish they had opted for a fairy tale like ending . Also Lois nettleton's subplot is seriously underdeveloped - - I assume it was shot but cut out for the running time . See it and enjoy ! |
478,908 | 463,200 | 35,323 | 9 | One of the best Superman cartoons | Someone disguised as Superman is committing robberies all over Metropolis . He's doing it under orders from The Boss ( that's all he's ever called - - and he sounds like Orson Welles ! ) . Immediately the police start searching for Superman . One night Lois Lane and Clark Kent are covering the opera . The fake Superman decides to rob the patrons there that night . Lois scares him off - - - but Clark decides to meet him face to face and get to the bottom of this . This has to be one of the quickest-moving Superman cartoons I've ever seen . It moves like lightning and ( for once ) Lois is NOT captured or put in danger . I do love how she casually jumps into the police car ( in her beautiful new dress ) to join them as they go after the villain . It's never explained how they KNOW where The Boss is though . Who cares ? This is fun , fast and beautifully animated . A definite 9 . |
477,737 | 463,200 | 294,870 | 9 | ALMOST a classic | The lives and loves of a bunch of poor New Yorkers in the late 1990s . They're gay , straight and bisexual and some are hooked on drugs or infected with AIDS . Bringing back the original cast was a great idea . They may look like in they're in their 30s but it doesn't adversely affect the movie at all . With one exception the cast is right on target . They're full of energy and give everything they got to their roles . Some of the musical numbers leap out at you . Idina Menzel ( as Maureen ) is a particular standout . The one exception was Jesse L . Martin . He overdoes EVERYTHING . He's playing it like he was doing it on stage - - playing to the back role . He should have toned it down for the movie . The story is dated ( AIDS was an automatic death sentence when this takes place ) but it still works . The score is great . There are no real bad songs - - just some OK and others that are great . It's over 2 hours long but I was never bored . My only complaint with the story is there is a way too unbelievable good ending . But that's a minor quibble . However there is one BIG problem with this : director Chris Columbus . Whoever thought he could direct this ? He ALMOST pulls it off . The opening number is certainly an eye-opener and the dramatic stuff works . But he has no idea how to shot musical numbers - - they're a real mess . The camera is wavering all over the place . Two particular numbers - - " La Vie Boehme " and Maureen's performance piece - - are just horribly done . I'm not a director but even I could have done a better job than this ! His direction of the musical numbers lessens what could have been a great musical . I'm giving it a 9 and recommending it - - but be warned ! |
478,713 | 463,200 | 39,037 | 9 | Not a typical Abbott & Costello movie and one of their best | Most unusual A & C film starts off in the Revoluntionary War where Horatio ( Bud Abbott ) and Melody ( Marjorie Reynolds ) are shot and killed and mistakenly believed to be traitors . Because of that their spirits are forced to remain Earthbound . Only a letter from George Washington can prove their innocence - - but it's hidden away . Cut to 1946 where a bunch of people renovate and move into the house - - and Horatio and Melody discover the letter might still be there . . . but where ? They decide to haunt the house and find it . Strange comedy . Abbott & Costello shave precious little screen time together - - but they're still great . Abbott's screaming is a little much at times but he plays well with beautiful Reynolds . Lou Costello is given probably the best role he ever had as an intelligent psychiatrist who can't believe the haunting . He clearly is enjoying playing it straight and he's just fantastic ! Also Gale Sondergaard is on hand as a sinister housekeeper - - of course . The rest of the cast is just there but Binnie Barnes does have some fun lines as Millie . I saw this countless times as a child in the 1970s - - a local TV station used to show A & C films every Saturday night at 7 : 00 for years . I loved this back then and it still holds up . It's quick , funny and the special effects actually aren't bad ( if obvious and amusing ) . This wasn't a hit at the time of its release but is now considered one of their best features . A must-see . One great line : Binnie Barnes meets Sondergaard for the first time and says , " Didn't I see you in Rebecca ? " |
477,916 | 463,200 | 39,035 | 9 | Worth seeing for the color and music | Biography of song writer Jerome Kern played by Robert Walker . I'm not sure how factual this is but my guess is not very . It just seems an excuse for MGM to trot out all their musical and dancing stars out in bright , billiant Technicolor to belt out Kern's tunes . As for the non-musical numbers the " drama " is trite and everybody is so nice and squeaky clean you want to scream - - and Walker seems VERY uncomfortable in the title role . Still it looks just great and there are many musical highlights : the mini-production of " Showboat " ; Lena Horne singing " Can't Help Loving Dat Man " ; young , beautiful and bosomy Angela Landsbury belting out a dance hall song ; the title tune ; Judy Garland sings two numbers and Van Johnson singing and dancing ( ! ! ! ) . The other numbers are good but just lack that spark to make them memorable . So . . . see it for the music . |
479,392 | 463,200 | 30,341 | 9 | One of the best early film that Hitchcock did | Young pretty Iris Henderson ( Margaret Lockwood ) comes to realize that an elderly woman she boarded the train with ( played by Dame May Witty ) seems to have disappeared . She questions everybody on board but they all claim she came on alone . She gets young handsome Gilbert ( Michael Redgrave ) to believe her but what's wrong with everybody else ? Very early Hitch film and one of his best . It's well-written ( based on a stage play ) and well-directed ( of course ) It also moves very quickly - - it's full of interesting characters and situations . All the acting is good too even though Redgrave seems a little too subdued . Basically a good quick mystery . Well worth catching . |
478,165 | 463,200 | 342,172 | 9 | Powerful | Documentary about the arrest of Arnold Friedman in 1987 . He received a package with images of young boys in sexual situations which he ordered . He then is accused , along with young son Jesse , of sexually molesting young boys in a computer class he taught at his house . But did he ? The documentary talks to prosecutors , family members , the police and the alleged victims , and it becomes very clear that the Friedmans did absolutely nothing . It's just a case of sexual hysteria that goes barreling out of control . Along with the interviews is home footage shot by family members during this time . You see the underside of a seemingly perfect suburban family and watch it slowly fall apart . Harrowing , moving , absolutely fascinating . One of the best documentaries ever made . A most definite must-see . . . but it is strong stuff . |
477,877 | 463,200 | 964,539 | 9 | Grim , depressing and very good | Ted Grey ( Milo Ventimiglia ) joins the pathology department at a major New York hospital . He quickly discovers that some of the pathologists have a deadly game - - they kill people in devious ways and see if the other pathologists can figure out how . Jake ( Micahel Weston ) draws Ted deeper into the " game " and things slowly get out of control . To say this movie is disturbing is putting it lightly . The sick game the other pathologists play is disgusting - - but it seems somewhat plausible . Seriously - - who KNOWS what happens to your body after you're dead ? Also the sequences of them cutting open dead bodies takes a strong stomach to get through . Aside from Ted the movie doesn't have one likable character ( I especially hated Griffin ) and they're mostly played by unknowns . The only name in the cast ( Alyssa Milano ) has a very small role . On the plus side this is VERY well acted ( Ventimiglia , Weston and Lauren Lee Smith are exceptional ) , well directed and I was never bored . There's also quite a bit of female nudity and Ventimiglia bares his butt but NONE of it is remotely exciting in this context . And , thankfully , this is the first horror movie in a long time that doesn't have any of those stupid " jump " scares . Grim , depressing and just great - - one of the first good horror films in a long time . I only give it a 9 because if you look at it closely it doesn't hold together . Still - - well worth catching . Let's hope this entire cast makes it big . |
478,796 | 463,200 | 48,028 | 9 | Near perfect movie | WARNING - - There are going to be many plot spoilers in this review . This takes place in 1917 Monterey , California . Adam Trask ( Raymond Massey ) is bringing up two sons alone - - Cal ( James Dean ) and Aaron ( Richard Davalos ) . He tells them their mother ( Jo Van Fleet ) is dead but actually she left him and is now a madam in a neighboring town . Adam doesn't like Cal but loves Aaron and his girlfriend Abra ( Julie Harris ) . Cal tries to get his father's love in any way he can but things escalate and get worse and end tragically . In some ways this is just great . Some of the direction by Elia Kazan is annoying ( he continuously frames sequences at tilted angles which throws you out of the movie ) but all in all it works . The acting is superb . Massey is good and Van Fleet is very good - - she won a Best Supporting Actress award for this . She's good but not THAT good ! Burl Ives is also excellent in a supporting role . However the three young leads carry this movie . Davalos is just great in his role - - especially at the end when he meets mother . Harris ( top billed ) is just wonderful . She perfectly captures her characters innocence . Dean is just simply superb . When he's on screen you can't stop watching him . He captures his characters hatred and yearning to get his fathers love . The scene where he breaks down at his fathers party at the end is just heart-breaking . My problems with this is the story jumps around . At one point Cal seems to have a girlfriend - - but we're never introduced to her or find out who she is . Also Cal seems to be punished at the end . For what ? Trying to win the love of an uncaring father ? For showing his brother the truth about their mother ? I never bought the end for one second . That prevents me from giving this a 10 - - but it does deserve a 9 . Worth seeing . |
479,152 | 463,200 | 70,300 | 9 | Creepy , different vampire tale | The film is set in Georgia of the 1920s . Sweet innocent 13 year old Lila Lee ( Cheryl Smith ) goes to visit her sick father . Unknown to her it's a trap all set up by Lemora ( Lesley Gilb ) a woman vampire with distinct lesbian tendencies . Will Lila Lee fall into her clutches or escape ? I caught this originally on late night TV many years ago . The print was faded , in terrible condition and ( slightly ) edited - - but I knew I was seeing something different . I didn't see the whole thing - - I was exhausted ( it started at 1 am ) and I couldn't stay awake . . . but it never left me . Now it's finally available in a truly stunning transfer by Synapse . The picture and sound are crystal clear and the colors very vivid . The film is very creepy - - there are a LOT of sexual innuendos thrown at Lila at the beginning ( but it IS needed for the story ) . The lesbian touches are there but not explicit - - this movie is very PG ( no blood , gore , nudity or swearing ) . Still they come through and actually help the movie . The low budget this film was made on shows often but it works in the films favor . There's atmospheric lighting , eerie sounds , creepy settings and a nonstop feeling of dread . Also Gilb is VERY imposing as Lemora . Despite the rating this is an adult movie - - as others have said - - a fairy tale for adults . There are plenty of things wrong with this however . The script wanders all over the place ( but then fairy tales do too ) , the ending drags a bit and the acting is terrible all around ( Smith is bland and Gilb's acting is SO bad I was giggling at times ) . Still , despite all that it works . A one of a kind vampire movie . Not for everybody . I give it a 9 . |
479,257 | 463,200 | 34,856 | 9 | Still powerful | A Nazi officer ( Tim Holt ) falls in love with a freedom-fighting American girl ( Bonita Granville ) in WWII Germany . Very dated ( of course ) but still worth seeing . The film pulls no punches is showing how horrible life in Germany was during the war . I especially like them showing German citizens as being against Hitler and unhappy also . It is naive ( concentration camps are mentioned once and very casually ) but , at the time this was made , that's all we knew about Germany . A big hit in its day - - it's easy to see why . Holt and Granville are good in the leads - - especially Holt who has a powerful speech at the end . Also the film moves quickly and is never dull . A very good look at Germany during WWII . Well worth catching . |
479,087 | 463,200 | 348,150 | 9 | It was very good . . . . not great | After 5 years away Superman ( Brandon Routh ) returns to Earth . He starts up his Clark Kent identity again and tries to get back to normal . . . and get Lois Lane ( Kate Bosworth ) back again . But she has moved on . She's living with her boyfriend ( James Marsden ) and they have a 5 year old son . Also Lex Luthor ( Kevin Spacey ) is back to his old tricks . . . This starts off GREAT with John Williams ' original Superman theme thundering out of the speakers and the opening credits having all the names " come out " at the audience - - although much quicker than they did in the original 1979 " Superman " . Those credits and music really hyped me up for the movie . Then it sort of . . . stops . I LIKED this film . . . the special effects are just incredible all the way through ( some of the effects just had me slack-jawed ) , the movie moves quickly ( despite the over 2 hour length I was never bored ) and most of the acting was good . But there are a few things wrong with this film . Spoilers AHEAD ! ! ! It's WAY too violent for a comic book hero film - - Superman is savagely beaten and stabbed with a piece of kryptonite and a young boy sees his mother beaten and almost killed . Also certain story elements are sort of vague - - where was Superman for 5 years ? They say searching for Krypton - - but it blew up . And it took 5 YEARS ? Where is Clark living ? At the end of the movie he's still homeless . Is Lois married to her boyfriend or are they just living together ? It's never really spelled out . END SPOILERSThe acting helps . Routh is just great ( also looks a LOT like the late Christopher Reeve ) . He doesn't play Clark as nerdy as past actors have and he's strong , very handsome . muscular and commanding as Superman . Bosworth as Lois Lane is very good also . Her brown wig looks convincing and she's strong and intelligent . Spacey is ( for me ) too evil as Luthor . He doesn't have the playfulness Gene Hackman brought to the role . James Marsden ( who I never liked ) was actually good as Lois ' boyfriend . Parker Posey ( as Luthor's partner ) and Eva Marie Sant ( as Ma Kent ) are shamefully wasted - - Posey is surprisingly bad and Saint only has two scenes - - one with no dialogue ! Frank Langella ( as Perry White ) and Sam Huntington ( as Jimmy Olsen ) are just there - - neither is given much to work with . So - - I DID like it and I hope there's a sequel . Still I have those minor reservations for it I listed . I give it a 9 . |
479,010 | 463,200 | 56,923 | 9 | Great unknown movie | Regina Lampert's ( Audrey Hepburn ) husband is mysteriously killed after he sold all their belongings . She has no idea what is going on until she finds out her husband had a large amount of money she knew nothing about - - and three evil men ( Ned Glass , James Coburn and George Kennedy ) want it and are convinced she has it . Suave Peter Joshua ( Cary Grant ) is on hand to help her . . . isn't he ? Just great combo murder mystery , romance and comedy beautifully shot in Paris . The script is wonderful - - always moving and full of twists and turns . Hepburn and Grant are in top form effortlessly throwing off highly charged sexual innuendos at each other . However I DID find it hard to believe that Hepburn fell in love with Grant . He's a great actor and very handsome but come on ! He could be her father ! It has some extreme ( for its time ) violence but it's VERY tame by todays standards . It carefully walks the line between mystery , humor and romance and never looses its footing . There's also a very funny funeral sequence at the beginning . This is a Hitchcock like film - - hard to believe he didn't make this . The acting is very good by Hepburn and Grant and Coburn is fun . But Kennedy and Glass are just so-so and Walter Matthau is horrible . Still the focus is mostly on Hepburn and Grant so these are minor complaints . This was a hit upon release . Unfortunately the TV version is heavily edited ( for example - - the movie runs 114 minutes and played in 2 hour time slots on TV ! ) . That might be why the movie is still pretty unknown even today . Stiil , well worth catching . Recommended . |
479,554 | 463,200 | 236,708 | 9 | Just adorable | Two children wait up Christmas Eve to meet Santa . They do and quiz him on where he lives , what he does when it's not Christmas , etc etc . Santa answers all their questions and we see his answers . Some scenes were actually shot in Northern Alaska ( the North Pole ) . Those scenes are just beautiful and there are trips to Santa's workshop and how he finds out if children are naughty or nice . A fun little holiday film - - perfect viewing for the whole family . Adults will enjoy it as well as kids . Recommended . |
477,848 | 463,200 | 56,869 | 9 | Still scary | Melanie Daniels ( Tippi Hedren ) visits Bodega Bay to give some birds to Mitch Brenner ( Rod Taylor ) a man who flirted with her once . While there her and Mitch begin to fall in love . But also strange things are happening - - birds seem to be attacking people for no reason . The attacks escalate and soon Mitch , Melanie and their friends are fighting against birds who attack and kill for no reason . . . Some of the dialogue is awkward and it goes on way too long but this is one of Hitchcock's most frightening films . It's beautifully shot and everything looks perfect . The only real debits are the length and Hedren's lousy acting ( she was beautiful - - but no actress ) . Taylor gives out a good performance and Jessica Tandy and Suzanne Pleshette are excellent in strong supporting roles . Still , I have trouble watching this movie . I love horror films and pride myself on being able to sit through anything but I get horrified watching this film . Children are attacked twice - - I seriously draw the line at films that have children being hurt . The sequences at the birthday party and ( especially ) the school ( with the infamous jungle gym bit ) are just harrowing . Seeing screaming children running in terror as birds peck at them them is not fun . But then it isn't supposed to be . Also Hedren being attacked is even worse . The poor actress had a bunch of birds tied to her by nylon rope - - when the birds tried to fly away they couldn't and , naturally , attacked Hedren . They shot that for THREE DAYS until Hedren had a complete nervous breakdown . Knowing this makes the scene even harder to watch . And the discovery of Pleshette's body is hard too . Some people have complained that no reason was given for the birds attacking but seriously - - what reason COULD they give ? A strong , frightening film but one of Hitch's best horror films . Decidedly not for children . |
479,235 | 463,200 | 39,661 | 9 | Grim and depressing | Tyrone Power plays con man Stanton Carlisle . He works at a carnival but uses people to get out of there and strike out on his own . He hits the big time but his greed becomes too much for him . Power was mostly known for playing the hero in costume dramas in the 1940s and 1950s . He hated them and campaigned to do this movie . He got the role but this was a notorious flop - - it was way too grim for its time . That's a shame because Power was excellent in his role . He clearly relishes playing an evil man and plays it for all its worth . Actually , the whole cast is excellent offering him strong support . This is a very grim , dark drama . I'm surprised it was even made or passed by the Production Code . It's shot like a horror film in moody black and white and has a dark sinister tone throughout . The only thing is they lightened up the novel it was from and throw in a stupid happy Hollywood ending that I didn't buy for a second - - that's why I'm only giving it a 9 . Still this is a powerful strong drama which shows what a good actor Power was . Well worth catching . |
477,597 | 463,200 | 424,345 | 9 | Surprisingly better than the original | Sequel to " Clerks " . Dante ( Brian O'Halloran ) and Randal ( Jeff Anderson ) have lost their jobs at Quik Stop when it burnt down . hey're now working at a fast food place called Mooby's . They have a sexy manager ( Rosario Dawson ) and the seriously deranged Elias ( Trevor Fehrman ) working there too . Dante has met the girl of his dreams . He's moving to Florida to be with her . . . and work in her dad's car wash . But is that what he really wants ? OK - - I did like " Clerks " ( I gave that an 8 ) but the whiny characters and grimy photography got on my nerves . This one was shot in color ( and some black and white ) , has a budget , is better written and is much funnier than the original . Jay ( Jason Mewes ) and Silent Bob ( writer / director Kevin Smith ) are back and there are plenty of cameos from actors of other Smith films ( the two I got right off were Ben Affleck and Jason Lee ) . Also the language is STRONG - - plenty of frank sexual talk and swearing ( but then most of Smith's films are like that ) . This one has stronger characters and is absolutely hilarious . Some of the lines are just hysterical . My favorites were the Star Wars / Lord of the Rings battle and the " ABC " number . Also the acting was good . O'Halloran is great in this one - - his verbal battles with Anderson were on target . Fehrman has the unenviable nerd boy role but he pulls it off . Dawson manages to turn in a very nice sweet performance despite all the craziness around her . Also the film turns serious at the end but DOESN'T fall apart ! So I did like it a lot . Not for everybody - - the extreme language will offend some and there's a donkey sex act that pushes the boundaries of good taste . Still I loved it . A 9 . |
479,104 | 463,200 | 39,431 | 9 | The BEST 1940s musical ever ! | Bright , cheerful and lots of fun ! June Allyson loves Peter Lawford but he's being pursued by a beautiful , agressive golddigger . Who'll win him ? Who do you think ? Thoroughly predictable plot but the acting is good ( even though Lawford is totally miscast as a football player ) , the songs are pleasant , the production numbers are VERY colorful ( and numerous ) , the color is beautiful and it just basically makes you feel good ! How many movies can you say that about ? A very good , colorful , charming movie . A must see ! |
478,744 | 463,200 | 104,454 | 9 | A little bit too long but worth seeing | Movie about class distinction in 1910 England . Fairly poor Margaret Schlegel ( Emma Thompson ) befriends elderly Ruth Wilcox ( Vanessa Redgrave ) who leaves her Howard's End , a country estate . The Wilcoxes ' ignore the request and Shlegel never knows about it . . . but Mr . Wilcox ( Anthony Hopkins ) falls in love with her . It's hard to really summarize the story - - so much happens . Let's get the negatives out of the way first - - this is far too long ( 140 minutes ) and there were parts where I was getting bored ; there are lots of unexplained bits and pieces ( especially towards the end ) and I never understood WHY Hopkins wanted to marry Thompson . It seems there's a ulterior motive we're not made aware of . Still this is well worth catching . It's beautifully filmed - - there is some truly stunning set decorations here - - it was a deserved Oscar winner for Best Set and Art Direction . Also it has an intelligent , literate script which also won Best Screenplay . Thompson won Best Actress too . Actually ALL the acting here is great - - Thompson is easily the best but Helena Bonham Carter matches her as her fiery sister and Redgrave gives in a very delicate , mesmerizing performance . Hopkins is also great especially when you see the evil hiding behind his outwardly gentle facade . Great acting , beautiful sets , intelligent script - - what more could you ask for ? Try to see it in a theatre - - TV doesn't really do this one justice . I give it a 9 |
477,425 | 463,200 | 299,658 | 9 | Almost a 10 | In 1920s Chicago , Roxie Hart ( Renee Zellweger ) shoots and kills her lover ( Dominic West ) . She lands in prison but , with the help of shady lawyer Billy Flynn ( Richard Gere ) , she begins to enjoy her notoriety and thrive on the publicity . Another inmate , Velma Kelly ( Catherine Zeta-Jones ) begins to get very jealous of all this . . . Adaptation of the hit Broadway musical is actually better than the stage version . The story is more coherent and the cast gives their all to the material . Also , the songs flow right into the story - - in some musicals the story stops short to make room for the songs - - here they just blend together perfectly . Also some of the song and dance numbers just had my audience applauding them - - they're that well done ! The acting is universally good - - Zeta-Jones ( totally covering her Scottish accent ) is just great as Kelly ; Zellweger is good as Roxie ( but she pouted a little too much for my taste ) and Gere is obviously having a great old time as Flynn ( and he sings and dances pretty well ! ) . And Queen Latifah , Taye Diggs and Dominic West are great in supporting roles . I almost gave this a 10 . . . but the ending left me a bit cold . That aside , this is a rarity - - a good solid Hollywood adaptation of a stage musical . Worth catching . |
477,215 | 463,200 | 1,021,000 | 9 | Amusing | Short about a gay couple - - Michael ( Justin Martindale ) and John ( Sam Mathewes ) - - who want a baby . A pregnant woman ( Katharine Phillips Moses ) " interviews " them to see if they would be good parents for her unborn child . Things don't go smoothly . Funny little comedy . The two men WOULD be good parents ( you can tell ) but they constantly stumble over their words and , out of nervousness , say the wrong things . They also take a few mild jabs at each other . It's well-acted - - Martindale and Mathewes play off each other very well and the dialogue is on target and funny . A nice funny short about gay parents and surrogate mothers . A 9 . |
478,706 | 463,200 | 53,146 | 9 | Just stunning | The Greek legend of Orpheus and Eurydice updated to Rio de Janeiro of 1959 during carnival . It's shot in bright color and is subtitled . Orpheus ( Breno Mello ) is being pushed into marriage by beautiful but dangerous Mira ( Lourdes de Oliveira ) . Then he meets sweet innocent Eurydice ( Marpessa Dawn ) and falls in love . But Death is stalking Eurydice and Mira will kill to get Orpheus . . . I only know the bare facts of the Greek legend and I think you DO need some knowledge of it to totally enjoy the film . . . but maybe not . The film is bursting with energy . . . there is virtual nonstop music and some of the most incredible dancing I've ever seen in a film . What's most pleasing about this film is seeing a community of black Porteguese men and women who are always there for each other and always happy and dancing . It may not be realistic but it fits the movie perfectly . Mello and Dawn are both attractive with great bodies and make a very likable couple . de Oliveira is downright frightening as Mira . . . and the appearance of Death ( a man in a skintight black costume with a skull mask ) is actually quite frightening . But it's the music and dancing that propels this film . . . it takes up a great part of it and you can't take your eyes off the screen ! Towards the end I actually caught myself sort of " dancing " in my seat bopping to the music ! The film does drag down a little at the end when a character dies and a strange ( and dull ) voodoo ceremony is thrown in . . . but this is a small complaint . A riveting beautiful film - - I've been lucky enough to see it twice in a theatre . I give it a 9 . |
478,576 | 463,200 | 39,808 | 9 | Very entertaining | Danny Kaye plays Walter Mitty a meek , mild man who has been pushed around all his life by everybody . He takes refuge in elaborate daydreams where he is always the hero . Then he runs into beautiful Rosalind van Hoorn ( Virginia Mayo ) who is involved with spies and secret codes . He gets involved . . . but starts to wonder . . . is she real or just another day dream ? I'm never seen a Danny Kaye movie in my life and he seems to be forgotten today . If this movie is any indication of his talent he deserves to be rediscovered . He was very good in his role - - the one liners came fast and furious and he was also a very good physical comedian . I admit I didn't find everything funny but I was never bored . Mayo was undeniably a very beautiful actress with limited acting ability . Still she was OK . Boris Karloff pops up as one of the bad guys and gently kids his bad guy image . Very quick-moving movie , quite funny at times and ( in the print showing on TCM ) in just beautiful , bright Technicolor . Unfortunately they're doing a remake with ( God help us ! ) Jim Carrey ! See this - - avoid the remake ( if it's made ) . The author of the short story this was based on ( James Thurber ) HATED this movie . Too bad he was wrong . The only debit for me were two LONG songs by Danny Kaye . There was nothing very wrong with them but they come out of nowhere and bring the movie to a screeching halt . For that I'm only giving this film a 9 . |
477,959 | 463,200 | 47,522 | 9 | It's Judy's show all the way | The story is familar - - a washed out , alcoholic star ( James Mason ) discovers a rising new talent ( Judy Garland ) and watches while his career is destroyed and hers rises . Still , the film is sensational . At almost three hours , it's never boring and the acting is good . Also , great direction by George Cukor . However , it's all about Garland . She's simply great - - she looks good and sounds fantastic - - her rendition of " The Man That Got Away " had me in tears ! She even takes the minor songs - - one that she does in various accents , for instance - - and makes them good . Many people think " The Wizard of Oz " is her best movie - - I think this is much better . Why isn't this film better known ? God knows it's better than the horrible Streisand remake ! Also , see it on a big screen if possible . No TV , no matter how big , can do this film justice . A must see ! |
479,272 | 463,200 | 462,322 | 9 | Just fantastic ! ! ! ! | Incredible 3 hours + double feature by Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino with fake coming attractions mixed in . First up is " Planet Terror " by Rodriguez which has a hot shot guy ( Freddy Rodriguez ) and his tough as nails girlfriend ( Rose McGowan ) fighting flesh eating zombies with others . Among other cast members are Michael Biehn and Josh Brolin . It successfully imitates a stupid sleazy grind house horror film with large does of ( purposefully ) fake-looking gore and plays it straight while poking fun of itself . And wait for when McGowan gets the weapon for a leg ! Next is Tarantino's " Death Proof " with Kurt Russell as a stuntman who uses his indestructible car to kill people . It starts off slow but all leads up to a climatic battle which is just incredible and had my audience cheering and yelling along ! In between there are fake trailers for movies such as " Werewolf Women of the SS " ( great to see Sybil Danning again ) and others . These movies were supposed to look cheap . Rodriguez ' does with rips and tears ( and a whole missing reel ) but Tarantino's doesn't . It's virtually crystal clear with shots that no grind house movie would ever have . Still all is forgiven with that incredible final battle . I can't remember the last time I've seen an audience so whipped up by a movie ! The cast for both movies play there roles completely straight . McGowan ( who's in both ) is lots of fun and Russell is a scream in his role - - I LOVED it when he winked at the camera ! Also Rodriguez was really good ( and very attractive ) in his role . Nobody is bad but those three stand out . I can only give this a 9 for a few reason - - " Planet Terror " does have its slow spots and " Death Proof " starts off very slow . Also one of the coming attraction done by Eli Roth ( " Thanksgiving " ) was overly gory and just sick ( it had to be cut to get an R rating ) . Roth obviously doesn't know how to do comedy . . . or movies for that matter . Still this is a fun and rousing film . The 3 hours + plus just flew by . Highly recommended . |
477,161 | 463,200 | 22,153 | 9 | Just great . . . and still topical | Barbra Stanwyck plays a phony evangelist named Florence ' Faith ' Fallon . She's sick of preaching the Gospel and " curing " supposedly ill people ( they're workers for her ) , but her unscrupulous boss ( Sam Hardy ) convinces her to keep on doing it . Then she meets a kind , blind man ( David Manners ) and falls in love . He loves her too and wants to be with her . But her manager won't let her go . . . . Still strong drama was ( surprisingly ) a bomb in its day . It's now considered one of the best movies of the 1930s . Stanwyck is just superb - - you feel her pain over lying to people for money and her love for Manners . Even Manners ( usually pretty bad ) is very good . He's tall , very handsome and totally believable . You're really rooting for him and Stanwyck . Sadly , this film is still very up to the minute . There are plenty of fake evangelists still at work taking money from good , religious people . It's kind of sad that a movie over 70 years old still mirrors problems that we have today . Well worth seeing - - maybe Manners best performance . |
479,067 | 463,200 | 74,554 | 9 | Not funny but a great movie | Fictionalized look about the 1950s blacklist . Woody Allen ( in a rare dramatic role ) plays a man who sells the scripts of blacklisted writers under his name . He splits the proceeds with the writers . He's apolitical - - he's just doing it to help friends . Then he starts to see how horrible the blacklist is and how it's destroying people and careers . He wants to take a stand - - but how can he ? This is often mentioned as being a comedy . In that respect , it fails . There was nothing funny about the blacklist . But , as a drama with light moments , it works . It moves quickly , is well written ( by a former blacklisted writer ) , well-directed ( by another blacklisted man ) and stars two blacklisted actors ! Basically these people know what happened so that actually helps . Allen is surprisingly good in a dramatic role - - who knew he had it in him ? He tones down all his mannerisms and delivers a very controlled , nicely done job . Andrea Marcovicci ( whatever happened to her ? ) is also good playing his girlfriend . And Michael Murphy is excellent as one of the blacklisted writers . And Zero Mostel is just superb as a blacklisted actor . The pain and confusion shows plainly on his face . This was also one of his last films - - - he died 2 years later of a heart attack . Also look for Danny Aiello in a small role . The 1950s era is captured beautifully , the film looks great and they have Frank Sinatra singing ( ironically ) " Young at Heart " at the beginning and end of the film . Great final line too . But I'm only giving this a 9 . The script is good but a little too simplistic and painted in very broad strokes . The bad guys are evil to the core and all the blacklisted people are shown as being victims . That's NOT how it was . They were probably writing down to appeal to a mainstream audience but went too far . This bombed badly back in 1976 - - it's easy to see why . The subject matter is too strong for most audiences and the movie company ( I heard ) was completely at a loss on how to deal with this . Just a year before an entire blacklisting sequence was cut from " The Way We Were " . Sadly Hollywood was STILL touchy about this subject in the 1970s . This should be seen by more people - - it really deserves to be discovered . A lot of people don't even KNOW about the blacklist . Well worth seeing . |
478,134 | 463,200 | 35,567 | 9 | Almost a classic | First pairing of Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy . She plays a political columnist , he plays a sports writer . They meet , bicker , fall in love , get married . But is she ready to be a wife ? What starts off as a comedy quickly changes into drama but still manages to work . The writing is great - - full of great lines and intelligent dialogue . Hepburn and Tracy have great chemistry together - - it's easy to see why they were reteamed again and again . A definite highlight of the film is when Tracy tries to teach Hepburn about how baseball is played . SPOILER ALERT But it falls apart to the end . First Hepburn ( unbelievably ) adopts a Greek child . The kid is just used as a plot device to drive Hepburn and Tracy apart and show that Hepburn is an unfit mother - - also the way she just wants to leave the kid alone for the night is totally out of character and not even remotely believable . Also , at the end , she tries to cook Tracy breakfast and " hilariously " everything goes wrong . It's really sad seeing such a good actress as Hepburn doing such low slapstick . This may have been acceptable humor in 1942 , but it isn't today . Those two things stop the film just short of getting a 10 . That aside though , the writing and acting keeps this going . Worth seeing for Tracy + Hepburn . |
478,495 | 463,200 | 57,129 | 9 | Classic ghost story | Dr . Markaway ( Richard Johnson ) studies ghosts and wants to investigate Hill House who is reportedly haunted . Alsong with his is a Theo ( Claire Bloom ) who has ESP and Nell ( Julie Harris ) who has had poltergeist activity . Tagging along is Luke ( Russ Tamblyn ) who doesn't believe . Soon things are banging on the wall , voices are heard , someTHING grabs Harris ' hand and then there's the infamous " breathing " door sequence . Something is in there . . . and it seems to want Nell . Excellent ghost story beautifully photographed in black and white and directed by Robert Wise . You NEVER once see the ghosts . . . you just hear them and your mind basically really works on you . The sounds are terrifying , the images are frightening ( the " breathing " door won't leave me and there's a terrifying bit on a spiral staircase ) and there are superb performances by the entire cast . This is an example of subtle horror . It also has a downright chilling ending . The house itself LOOKS horrifying - - it's big and monstrous inside and out . They shot it in England - - - I'd love to know where . The opening prologue telling you the history of Hill House is pretty strong stuff . This only gets a 9 for a few reasons . Some of the dialogue was awkward ( especially Harris ' lines ) and everyone is basically unlikable . Dr . Markway is ALWAYS babbling on about ghosts and such ( although some of it is interesting ) ; Theo is pretty callous and cruel ; Luke is just a jerk and Nell is constantly whining or breaking down in hysterics . Seriously you don't care about any of them . Still the movie worked . Also Bloom plays a lesbian in a matter of fact manner - - a rarity in that day . This is 100 times better than the pathetic 1999 remake ( which will have you in stitches ) . Well worth catching . Wide-screening viewing is essential but seeing it alone late at night is NOT a good idea - - I had to sleep with my bedside light on all night ! Most chilling line comes at the end - - " . . . we who walk here walk alone . " Gives me goosebumps just typing it ! |
479,531 | 463,200 | 12,532 | 9 | Epic silent film | Story takes place in France before and after the Revolution . Louise ( Dorothy Gish ) and Henriette ( Lillian Gish ) are brought up together but are not really sisters - - Louise was left on church steps as a baby and Henriette's parents took her in . Both are orphaned when their parents die and Louise is struck blind . Henriette takes her to Paris in hope of finding a cure . There they are separated - - Louise is forced to work with villainous beggars and Henriette falls in love with Chevalier de Vaudrey ( drop dead handsome Joseph Schildkraut ) . The story is wildly implausible with some twists that had me smirking . It's also overlong and VERY melodramatic . . . but it still works . It was made on a large scale with beautiful settings , costumes and a cast of hundreds . D . W . Griffith did a wonderful job of directing - - especially when the peasants revolt and overthrow the government . I usually hate historical movies but I loved this one ! The cast overacts wildly ( especially Monte Blue as Danton ) except for Schildkraut who underplays - - and it works . Throroughly engrossing and highly recommended . Also , on a personal note , my birthday is on July 14 which is Bastille Day and is recreated in this movie . I guess I have to like this ! I saw the two hour version ( this supposedly runs 2 hours ) but didn't notice any gaps . |
479,100 | 463,200 | 29,811 | 9 | Lesser known but still great Hitchcock | An innocent man named Robert ( Derrick De Marney ) is accused of murder . The constables daughter Erica ( Nova Pilbeam ) believes him but nobody else does . He escapes from the police and , with Erica's help , tries to find the murderer before the police catch him . The plot is familiar ( and a partial reworking of Hitchock's earlier " The 39 Steps " ) but this one is very fast-moving and short ( about 85 minutes ) . It's full of some very great sequences - - a mineshaft accident and the climatic dance are easily two of Hitchcock's best set pieces . There's also a lot of charm and some very welcome humor . Most importantly you like and care for Robert and Erica . It's made clear from the very beginning that he's innocent and you're on his side hoping he'll catch the killer . Also De Marney and Pilbeam are good actors and play very well off each other . Their romantic scenes are completely believable . The only sour note is a band in black face at the finale . That was perfectly acceptable back then but , in this day and age , it comes across as incredibly racist . Still this is a great Hitcock movie and deserves more recognition . I give it a 9 . |
478,826 | 463,200 | 66,026 | 9 | Almost classic comedy | Basis for the very long-running TV series " MASH " . It's an absurdest , surrealistic view of a MASH ( Mobile Army Surgical Hospital ) stationed in Korea . It primarily involves the antics of three surgeons in the unit played by Donald Sutherland , Elliott Gould and Tom Skeritt . It's a very episodic film that shows that people in order are complete idiots and everyone working for them knows it . This was made in 1970 and making fun of authority figures was very popular then . This film is easily one of Robert Altman's best . It moves quickly ( the 2 hours speed by ) , has a GREAT cast and has his trademark overlapping dialogue - - yet you hear exactly what you're supposed to ( somehow ) . It seems strange but this movie has you laughing while showing you graphic operating room sequences ( which are cut down in the PG version ) . The antics of these guys are very immature and childish - - but that's how these guys keep their sanity . Despite myself I was laughing . A highlight was when one man intends to commit suicide - - take a look at the " Last Supper " he has . I don't totally like this movie because Altman's sexism comes roaring through twice . The character of Major " Hot Lips " Houlihan ( Sally Kellerman ) is treated horribly . While she is having sex at one point the guys slip a mike under her bed and broadcast it to the whole camp . That's not funny . Even worse is when they rig the shower curtain to fly up while she's in it - - it publicly , humiliatingly exposes her . Seeing her crying and screaming while trying to crawl away nude is not funny just sick . I've seen this multiple times in movie houses and no one has ever laughed at either scene . They're just too cruel and Altman seems to enjoy it . Kellerman deserves credit for maintaining her dignity despite these sequences . Because of those scenes I can only give this a 9 . Still , this is mostly a great comedy . Much better than the later TV show . |
477,583 | 463,200 | 66,016 | 9 | Funny if dated | Mike ( Michael Brandon ) and Susan ( Bonnie Bedelia ) are getting married . The movie deals with them and their various families preparing the wedding . Bedelia's parents are played by Gig Young and Cloris Leachman - - and Young is sleeping with a cousin played by Anne Jackson . Mike's parents are played by Beatrice Arthur and Richard Castellano who hate each other . Also Mike's brother Richie is divorcing his wife played by Diane Keaton ( in her film debut ) . There's also Jerry and Brenda who just date for the wedding - - and fall in love and Anne Meara and Harry Guardino as a couple constantly bickering over who's the boss . Meara's husband Jerry Stiller also appears unbilled and her daughter Amy ( who is billed ) . As you can see there's a LOT going on in this film - - you're never bored . It is very dated - - the talks about sex , marriage , relationships and male and female roles are VERY 1960s . . . but they are quite interesting . The script is sharp and the characters believable and there are funny lines flying nonstop throughout the movie . It's also amusing to see how Mike and Susan are living together before they get married - - but can't tell any of their parents as it would kill them ! Some of the sexual stereotypes get to be a bit much ( Guardino especially is just appalling ) but that's a sign of the times . A song in this movie ( " For All We Know " ) won the Academy Award for Best Song at the Oscars but it's sung by a man here not the Carpenters ( who had a BIG hit with it ) . This was originally rated R for the frank ( for the time ) sex talk , a flash of nudity and some mild swearing . It's PG now but I wouldn't let kids watch it - - it's not too dirty they just wouldn't understand it . Bssically a fun movie with an outstanding cast . Worth seeing . |
478,064 | 463,200 | 14,142 | 9 | Classic silent film | Quasimodo ( Lon Chaney ) is the hideously deformed bell ringer for Notre Dame . Esmeralda ( Patsy Ruth Miller ) is a beautiful dancing gypsy . She loves high and mighty Phoebus ( Norman Kerry ) but is loved by evil , scheming Jehan ( Brandon Hurst ) . All this comes to a head at the end with a revolution . This is not a horror film as many believe . It's a strong , exciting and epic drama . This was a huge production for Universal pictures - - the sets themselves covered acres and acres of land . Notre Dame itself is especially impressive . They also got Chaney and Kerry who were both big stars at the time and a supporting cast of hundreds ( that's no exaggeration ) . The movie itself is just great - - all the money and effort that went into it pays off . It moves at a brisk pace and the numerous subplots always keep you interested . All the acting is good with top honors going to Hurst , Miller and Kerry . Best of all is Chaney - - he's just superb . His acting beneath all that makeup is nothing short of miraculous . In some ways this is almost better than " Phantom of the Opera " ( which is considered his best movie ) . I still like " Phantom " more but this one is great on its own . A must-see . I saw the uncut 2 hour version on TCM . It's not in the best of shape but is still OK . |
478,321 | 463,200 | 44,954 | 9 | Excellent film noir | A dead mobsters wife ( Marie Windsor ) is going to testify against the mob . Detective Sergeant Water Brown ( Charles McGraw ) is hired to take her from Chicago to Los Angeles by train and protect her . There are bad guys on the train - - but they don't know what she looks like . Can Brown keep her a secret all the way ? Fast ( 70 minutes ) , tight B film . A perfect example of how to shot an exciting movie in a small setting - - 95 % of the film takes place in small train compartments . Director Richard Fleischer deserves a lot of credit for this . The script moves quickly and there's a great twist at the end ( I'm almost ashamed to admit I didn't see it coming ) . Also a very violent fight in a compartment is a highlight . Windsor and McGraw are fine in their roles - - no Academy Award performances here but they are as good in their roles as is possible . A classic B film noir . Well worth catching . Avoid the terrible 1990 remake . |
479,117 | 463,200 | 36,260 | 9 | Top notch film noir | Scott Henderson ( Alan Curtis ) is unjustly accused of killing his unfaithful wife . The night she was murdered he was out with a mystery woman who refused to give him her name . After accused of the murder , the police visit all the places he had been with her , but people only remember him being alone . He's sentenced to die and his secretary ( Ella Raines ) sets out to find the murderer herself because she loves him . This was made as a B film from Universal ( look at the cast - - all character actors and one star - - Franchot Tone - - on the decline ) . The budget was small and the cast mostly unknown but what came out is one of the best film noirs of the 1940s . It's beautifully directed by Curt Siodmak and has a fantastic script that came from an excellent book by William Irish ( a pen name for Cornell Woolrich ) . It moves quickly and just looks fantastic . And there's the infamous jam session with Raines and Elisha Cook Jr . which just comes off the screen with incredible sexual energy ( I'm surprised the censors didn't cut it ) . There are only a few flaws that prevent this from being perfect . Tone gives a dreadful performance . He looks ghastly and he's just horrible . Also Curtis is stiff and bland as Henderson . You really wonder why Raines loves him - - he's so unemotional . But Raines is pretty good in the lead role . She's pretty and full of life . Also the last scene when the murderer is after her never rings true . He's hardly a threat physically and her reactions just seem overstated . Still I'm giving this a 9 . A really great film - - flaws aside . |
479,334 | 463,200 | 1,223 | 9 | Old and overdone but still a great movie | Medical student Frankenstein ( Augustus Phillips ) wants to create the perfect human being . Instead what he comes up with is an ugly monster ( Charles Ogle ) . Frankenstein runs off to marry his sweetheart Elizabeth ( Mary Fuller ) but the monster visits him on his wedding night . . . A VERY loose adaptation of Mary Shelley's novel . I expected the worst from this . I knew it was made in 1910 and was only 16 minutes long . The surviving print is in pretty dreadful shape too and Phillips extreme over acting had me rolling my eyes . Still , I DID like it . This was considered lost for decades until a print was found in the 1970s . For whatever reason it wasn't released on video and the DVD issue was just a few years ago . Historically this is important as being ( as far as we know ) the first cinematic version of Frankenstein . It also works very well on its own terms . Phillips broad over acting aside , the rest of the performers give good performances . Ogle especially conveys all his emotions through his gestures without overdoing it . Also the special effects showing the creation of the monster are ( for their day ) pretty impressive . The ending was a little too silly for me ( true love conquers all ! Sheesh ! ) but I still enjoyed this . Try to forget the classic 1931 version and watch this with an open mind . A must for any fan of cinema . |
478,042 | 463,200 | 86,856 | 9 | OK it makes no sense . . . but boy is it FUN ! ! ! ! ! ! ! | The plot is incomprehensible , characterizations are nonexistent and Ellen Barkin's character makes no sense . Still I LOVE this film . It never stops moving ( heck , who needs to understand things ? ) , is VERY colorful and has some incredible lines ( " Wherever you go . . . there you are " , " The Duece you say " , " Cursa you monkey boy ! " ) . Also this is an instant cult classic . . . it demands multiple viewings to figure out what's going on ( it took me 3 viewings ) ! Peter Weller ( whatever happened to . . . ) is great as Banzai - - he's handsome , square-jawwed and doesn't take anything seriously . The rest of his crew doesn't make much of an impression ( except for Perfect Tommy and New Jersey ) . Lithgow , surprisingly , isn't good as Dr . Lizardo . He doesn't go all the way with the role . . . he seems to be holding back . Also , he's impossible to understand . Barkin is just wheepy , whiny and annoying . Still worth seeing . . . just don't expect a lot of logic . Great closing credits too . |
478,505 | 463,200 | 90,163 | 9 | Absolutely horrifying | The effects of a nuclear bomb exploding near London and how if affects a woman and her unborn child . It shows them before the blast and 20 years after . This wasn't the first movie I ever saw about nuclear holocaust . In 1983 US TV ran " The Day After " showing what might possibly happen if there were a nuclear holocaust . The movie disturbed and depressed me for days . . . but I forgot it pretty quickly . Years later I rented this from a video store . . . and was absolutely horrified . It's been 15 years ( easily ) since I've seen this and it has never left me . " Day After " was ( for American TV ) pretty graphic but not that bad . " Threads " however held nothing back . You see people incinerated , maimed or dying from radiation poisoning . A woman has to deliver her own baby by biting her own umbilical cord . A man sells dead rats for food . It goes on and on . It also shows how it would affect the environment - - totally demolishing the ozone layer and killing people ( slowly ) with ultra violet radiation . It doesn't flinch from anything and is EXTREMELY disturbing . The ending offers no hope . I'll probably never see it again because it was so horrifying but I think everyone should see this at least once . My one complaint - - it's a bit too long . Still - - highly recommended . Just brace yourself . |
478,993 | 463,200 | 785,532 | 9 | Disturbing to say the least | 15 year old Angelique ( Caitlin Wachs ) is pregnant from - - she believes - - a demon from hell . She gets to an abortion clinic where doctors try to figure out if she's crazy and what to do about her baby which is growing extremely quick . Her anti-abortion father Dwayne ( Ron Perlman ) wants to get her out of the clinic . . . and won't let anything stand in his way . Well-written and directed ( of course ) episode by John Carpenter . This is easily one of the most disturbing things he's ever done . It keeps you wondering and guessing , moves very quickly , has an extremely disturbing ultrasound sequence and some very gory and sick murders . Carpenter doesn't use the subtle approach to violence that he used for " Halloween " or " The Fog " - - he shoves the blood in your face ( like " The Thing " ) . Still it does work in the context of this story - - it's supposed to be disturbing and sick to get its point across . Also there are some pretty decent special effects at the end . The only problem with this is that the fate of at least five characters are left hanging at the end ( Perlman disappearing completely really bothered me ) and the point of the story is kind of vague . Also the acting is not that good - - except for Wachs and Perlman . And Wachs doesn't look even remotely 15 . Still this is a disturbing little film by Carpenter . A 9 . |
477,647 | 463,200 | 55,597 | 9 | Landmark of gay cinema . . . and a good drama too | Film takes place in Britain in 1961 . Back then you could be sent to jail if you were found to be a homosexual . A happily married successful barrister ( Dirk Bogarde ) is being blackmailed by a brief affair he had with another man years before . He doesn't want to pay . . . but if he doesn't his career and marriage will be over . What can he do ? When this came on TV originally all the scenes with dialogue about gays were cut out ( ! ! ! ! ) cutting the film by 10 minutes and making it incomprehensible . It wasn't until 1990 that complete versions started showing up and people realized how good this film really was . There's nothing explicit in it but the dialogue ( heard today ) comes across as incredibly homophobic and ignorant . Also homosexuality is presented as a disease that can be cured ! Still , for its time , that's how it was thought of and some of the characters make it clear that gays are just like anybody else . It tries to show both sides of the issue . The film is tight and quick - - it moves very quickly . It's shot in moody black & white which helps the atmosphere of the film . The writing is good and the acting is just great - - there's not one bad performance in this . The two leads are incredible - - Dirk Bogarde is just great as the barrister whose life is slowly becoming a living hell . You see him fighting to keep control . Even better is Sylvia Syms as his wife who struggles to understand what is happening . The sequence between the two of them when he tells her what happened is just great . Ironically star Bogarde was gay in real life - - but never came out even though he lived until 1999 . It's sad that decades after this film was made , gay people are still afraid to come out . As a film this is no ground breaker - - just a quick , very good thriller . For gay representation it's a milestone . It was the first time the word " homosexual " was used in a film ( I believe ) and showed compassion for its gay characters . A must for viewers of gay cinema and anyone who likes a well-done thriller . A 9 . |
477,321 | 463,200 | 20,640 | 9 | One of the best Marx Brothers films | The plot here is really secondary . It involves Captain Jeffrey Spaulding ( Groucho ) coming to a rich woman's ( Margaret Dumont - - as always ) house for the unveiling of a famous painting . Harpo and Chico are on hand as musicians and are hired to steal the painting . Zeppo is wasted ( as always ) and there's a groan-worthy romantic subplot between Lillian Roth and Hal Thompson . This isn't a perfect film . Ther are some problems - - it's based on a stage play - - and it shows ; the plot gets real silly ; some of the songs are terrible ; Chico and Harpo have their obligatory ( and dull ) piano and harp solos ; there's an incredibly fake-sounding thunderstorm and Roth is TERRIBLE . Also there's one sequence where Harpo keeps hitting Dumont in the stomach - - that's NOT funny . Still there's enough good material here to make it worth watching . There's a great poker game with Chico , Hapo , Dumont and another guest ; the " Hooray for Captain Spaulding " number ; Dumonts facial expressions are priceless and there are plenty of nonsensical conversations between Chico and Harpo - - even Zeppo gets into one ! This was out of circulation from the 1950s to the 1970s ( for some reason ) . When it came back out it was released to theatres and a big hit . Worth seeing . |
479,563 | 463,200 | 78,952 | 9 | Almost a 10 | Autobiographical comedy / drama by Neil Simon . In it a recent widower George Schneider ( James Caan ) meets and falls in love with a recent divorcee Jennie MacLaine ( Marsha Mason ) . He marries her quickly , but realizes he hasn't gotten completely over his first wife . Is her love for him enough to see them through ? This was based on the real troubles Simon had when he married Mason in the early 1970s . He got over them ( not completely though - - they divorced in 1981 ) and wrote " Chapter Two " for the stage . I never saw it on the stage but I remember seeing this movie up the theatre back in 1980 . I loved it ( with reservations ) back then and I still love it ( with reservations ) now . The dialogue is virtual non-stop one-liners - - real people don't talk like that but it is fun and entertaining to listen to . The dramatic sequences work well especially with Mason giving her all to what must have been a very difficult role for her to play . She's just tremendous ( and drop-dead gorgeous ) and was understandably nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for this role ( she lost to Sally Field for " Norma Rae " ) . The film looks beautiful , moves fairly quickly and there's nice strong support from Joseph Bologna and ( especially ) Valerie Harper . . . but there's one big problem . James Caan . He's a wonderful DRAMATIC actor . . . NOT comedic . He seems very uncomfortable playing a mild-mannered grieving man , and the poor guy has no comedic timing and doesn't know how to tell a joke - - most of his lines fall flat . With a better leading man I might have given it a 10 . As it is this is a strong 9 . Worth catching . . . especially for Mason . |
479,019 | 463,200 | 36,027 | 9 | Great horror film , almost a 10 | A nurse ( Frances Dee ) is assigned to the West Indies to care for the semi-comatose wife of a plantation owner ( Tom Conway ) . Over there she becomes involved with a very dysfunctional family and the realization that her patient may be a zombie - - one of the living dead . Eerie , poetic horror film - - one of the great ones producer Val Lewton made for RKO on no budget . There are many creepy sequences - - the crying and first meeting of Dee with her patient ; the constant pounding of the voodoo drums in the distance at night ; Dee being awakened by shadows outside her bedroom window ; the walk through the sugar cane field to the voodoo ritual and the guard they must pass . There's also a man with a guitar who pops up from time to time acting as a Greek chorus - - always commenting on the action . The script is very good and literate and the acting is actually not bad - - except for Conway ( who's lousy ) . But Ellison and Dee are good . I almost gave this a 10 - - but one thing kept me from doing that . The silly love story between Conway and Dee . It's not needed and is a great distraction from the plot . Also Conway's acting is so bad that it makes the scenes play even worse . Those aside though , it's a truly great horror film . A must see . Cute little trivia note : Look closely for the " Any characters and events depicted in this photoplay . . . " etc . etc . under the opening credits . Especially note this line : " Any similarity to actual persons living , dead , OR POSSESSED is purely coincidental . " Cute joke . . . wonder how many people caught it . |
478,653 | 463,200 | 75,148 | 9 | The first was the best | Rocky Balboa ( Sylvester Stallone ) , a second-rate boxer in Philadelphia , gets a match with the world champion Apollo Creed ( Carl Weathers ) . Also he falls in love with mousy Adrienne ( Talia Shire ) who blossoms with his love . He's trained by a tough-as-nails ( but loving ) trainer ( Burgess Meredith ) . This is the type of story that was being laughed off screens in the 1940s . . . but it works beautifully here . The characters are believable , flawed human beings ; the script is just great ( written by Stallone before he became full of himself ) and ( surprisingly ) all the acting is good ( Meredith and Shire take top honors ) . The theme music is rousing and the climatic fight is just fantastic . It's predictable as they come , but it's all so well-done you won't care . A HUGE hit in 1976 . As much as I like this I still can't believe it won the Best Picture Oscar back in 1977 . Still , don't miss it ! As for the sequels , Rocky 2 wasn't bad but 3 , 4 and 5 were horrendous . |
479,093 | 463,200 | 144,120 | 9 | Silly but fun | Chucky ( the murderous doll from " Child's Play " and 2 crappy sequels ) is dead . But his ex-girlfriend Tiffany ( Jennifer Tilly ) gets his remains and ( using " Voodoo for Dummies " ) revives him . Then , through circumstances too convoluted to get into , SHE is killed and has her soul put into another doll ! Together they fall in love and kidnap a nice couple ( Nick Stabile , Katherine Heigl ) to take them to Chuck's coffin to get an amulet to make Chucky and Tiffany real people again . . . A lot better than it sounds . After the last two sequels to " Child's Play " ( both of which were horrible ) I was expecting the worst , but this actually was lots of fun . The movie doesn't take itself seriously for a second ( seriously - - how could it ? ) and the lines and situations are actually quite funny . Also there are a few VERY gory murders thrown in to satisfy us horror fans and the film never stops moving . The movie also has a few things usually not found in a horror movie - - a gay best friend ( Gordon Michael Woolvett ) who is intelligent and not played for laughs and a sequence in which Stabile has his shirt off just to show his muscular body . John Ritter has a nice cameo too as a sheriff . The acting is good - - Stabile is young , VERY handsome and likable ; Heigl doesn't have much to do but pulls it off and Brad Dourif ( the voice of Chucky ) and Tilly are hilarious as the murderous dolls . My favorite part is when the dolls have sex ( don't ask ) and she asks for a rubber and he responds , " But I'm MADE of rubber ! " The special effects are good ( no lousy CGI here ) and this is one of the few horror films to mix humor and violence in an entertaining way . Well worth seeing . I give it a 9 . |
479,541 | 463,200 | 60,121 | 9 | As good as " Charade " | Professor David Pollock ( Gregory Peck ) is kidnapped by Beshraavi ( Alan Badel ) to decipher some hieroglyphics that contain state secrets ( or something ) . Throw in sexy Yasim Azir ( Sophia Loren ) and the Arabian prime minster . . . and things get interesting . This was written for Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant after " Charade " was a big hit . Like " Charade " this is a mix of romance , mystery , comedy and violence . Neither could do it so Loren and Peck were hired . They worked just as well as Hepburn and Grant did . I'm really surprised at Peck pulling this off - - he never did movies like this . The script is great with Peck and Loren throwing off one liners at ease . The plot is overly convoluted and I'm STILL not sure what was going on , but it's so entertaining I'm not complaining . This was also beautifully directed by Stanley Donen - - right from the colorful opening credits there are a number of truly astounding camera shots ( love how Loren is first shown ) . Like the previous film this plays like a Hitchcock movie - - a good one . The acting is great . Loren and Peck are lots of fun together ; Badel plays an evil slimy villain convincingly and Kieron Moore is very " interesting " as Yusser Kasim ( his dialogue especially - - " daddy-o " , " cat " , " cool it " , " bug me " , " sweet mama " ? ? ? ? ? ? ) . It dates the movie a little . Still this is a fun movie - - very entertaining full of great dialogue and adventure . Recommended . |
479,540 | 463,200 | 443,489 | 9 | What a dream ! | A musical based ( very loosely ) on Diana Ross and the Supremes . It starts in Detroit in the early 60s when a black , all-girl trio sing at amateur night . They're called the Dreamettes ( Jennifer Hudson , Beyonce Knowles and Anika Noni Rose ) . A sleazy manager ( Jamie Foxx ) hires them as backup singers for James early ( Eddie Murphy ) . Eventually they get their chance at stardom but Hudson is told that Knowles will be the lead singer . . . and the band falls apart . The melodramatics are totally predictable and there's some so-so acting ( Murphy and Foxx walk through their roles ) but the three leading ladies keep this on track and the musical numbers crackle with energy and fire . All three can sing beautifully and dance too . When they're on stage the movie leaps to life . Even if the songs are just OK their performances lift them up . After the show-stopping " I Tell You I'm Not Going " belted out by Hudson the film does sort of meander and get oh so predictable but I still loved this . As I said the acting is OK by the guys - - the ladies hold this together . Rose doesn't have much to do but she's full of life and energy ; Knowles can really belt out the songs and is a VERY good actress but this is Hudson's movie - - and she knows it . She's just a mountain of strength and her voice is just beyond belief . She DOES stop the movie with " I Tell You . . . " My silent audience applauded out loud when she finished . Whenever she's on screen you can't take your eyes off her . I have only one real complaint - - the musical numbers are shot with that annoying MTV style - - cutting to a different angle endless times during the performances . There's some nice choreography going on during the numbers - - when you can see it . All they should have done was plant the camera and let the ladies and their magic carry the numbers through . Still I can live with that . I give it a 9 only because of the editing and the predictable melodrama - - but I still recommend this . A really good musical . |
478,685 | 463,200 | 1,179,891 | 9 | Who would've thought it ? A VERY GOOD horror film remake ! | Tom ( Jensen Ackles ) returns to his home town of Harmony ten years after a mad miner went on a massacre and killed 22 people . When he returns the murders start up again . Sheriff Axel ( Kerr Smith ) who was once his friend thinks he's doing them . Meanwhile Tom's ex Sarah ( Jaime King ) , who's now married to Axel , thinks Tom is innocent . The original " My Bloody Valentine " came out in 1981 . It was a low-budget horror film that was cut to ribbons by the MPAA . Virtually all the killings were either shortened or eliminated entirely . ( The original director said it should have been retitled " My Bloodless Valentine " ) Nevertheless the film worked . I saw it opening night in 1981 and remember it scaring me silly . Now , 26 years later , we get a 3-D remake . I expected the worst but was surprised at how good it was ! The story was changed and is a little needlessly convoluted and Smith is a TERRIBLE actor . But , those two things aside , this was great ! The MPAA seems to be apologizing for what they did to the 1981 original . The gore in here is REAL extreme and over the top - - the most I've ever seen in an R rated film . Also in 3-D it's even more explicit ( the 3-D works incredibly well ) . Two murders cut from the original film - - a pickax through an eye and a woman killed in a dryer - - are recreated here and shown in full detail ! I personally found all the gore hard to take seriously and was actually laughing at the more over the top ones . Also this movie knows its audience - - it has all the slasher movie clichés and barrels through them at lightning speed ! There are no long boring searches through dark houses or rooms . The ones here are done quick and violent - - one in a supermarket actually scared me ! The killer runs after his victims at full speed too - - he doesn't just casually walk after them like Jason or Myers do . The ultimate solution seemed pretty stupid - - but I'm not complaining . Also there's good acting by Ackles ( who had a hard role ) and King was just excellent . Also a great scene , for some audience members , has a completely nude woman is chased by the killer . And yes - - everything is shown in detail . A kick-a , gory , strong and ( most importantly ) scary horror film ! I give this a 9 . A must for horror fans . The 3-D version is the only way to see it . |
479,379 | 463,200 | 86,637 | 9 | Very good but overpraised | Really strange mock documentray that takes place in America in the 1920s - - a man , Leonard Zelig ( Woody Allen ) is a human chameleon - - he takes on the physical characteristics of any man he is with . He's regarded as a freak but a caring doctor named Eudora ( Mia Farrow ) tries to cure him . This came out in 1983 and was a huge hit . With it's truly incredible trick photography ( inserting Allen and Farrow in actual newsreel footage of the 20s ) it was fascinating to watch - - and still is . But critics overpraised it ridiculously . It's a very good little comedy but no masterpiece . Some critics were comparing it to " Citizen Kane " ! As it is it's good but not totally satisfying - - there's just not enough material for a full-length film . Even at its short running time - - 79 minutes - - it feels too long . At about the 50 minute mark it should have ended . When it was over I was still " hungry " for another movie . So , it's worth seeing for its photography and a few hilarious moments , but it's not enough . |
477,280 | 463,200 | 24,772 | 9 | Harrowing and grim but fascinating | Movie about how the Great Depression affected kids . Teenagers Eddie ( Frankie Darro ) and Tommy ( Edwin Philips ) run away from home because they can't find jobs and their parents can't afford them . They travel on trains where they meet Sally ( Dorothy Coonan ) . Soon there's a huge gang of these homeless kids traveling the rails and stealing and begging to survive . SPOILERS ! ! ! Strong pre-Code film . It's pretty grim but ( I've heard ) very truthful of it's time . It moves like lightning and lasts only a little over an hour . In one very disturbing moment it's made pretty clear that a young girl is raped ! I can only imagine how this was taken in 1933 . The funny thing is that the police aren't made out to be villains . At one point they hose the kids down to push them out of town . One policeman says that it's a rotten thing to do . Another agrees pointing out that he has two kids at home . Also it doesn't offer any solutions to the problem . However it DOES have a happy ending ( that I didn't buy for a second ) . The acting is good across the board but Darro is the best ( even though he has a tendency to overact ) . He has a speech at the end that's just great and pretty much sums everything up . An excellent film showing a view of the Depression that is never talked about . I give it a 9 . I can't give it a 10 because of that ending . |
479,515 | 463,200 | 48,261 | 9 | Violent and exciting | Detective Mike Hammer ( Ralph Meeker ) comes upon a woman running down the road late one night with only a trenchcoat on ( Cloris Leachman in her first role ) . He picks her up - - but the car is stopped , he's knocked cold and she's tortured to death . He comes to and tries to find out who she was and why she was killed . Definitely ahead of its time - - this is a quick , tough and very violent movie . Right away from the inventive opening credits you know you're seeing something different . Meeker's Hammer is a totally amoral man - - he investigates the murder of the woman only because he figures there's something in it for him . That's pretty common today - - but not in 1955 . The violence in this film was also VERY strong for its day . There isn't a lot of it - - but what's in there is pretty graphic . The picture is full of tough dialogue and director Robert Aldrich cleverly uses tilted camera angles and very inventive use of darkness and shadows in certain scenes . The film also has two endings - - the one most commonly shown is the TV version - - the original was a few seconds shorter - - but changes things considerably . The acting is pretty good - - Meeker is just great . A violent , strong movie . I'm only giving it a 9 because Gaby Rodgers gives a terrible performance in a crucial role . Her aside though this is great . Recommended . |
477,691 | 463,200 | 114,369 | 9 | Very grim and disturbing but you can't stop watching | Detective Lt . William Somerset ( Morgan Freeman ) is about to retire . He is teamed up with a young new detective David Mills ( Brad Pitt ) . Together they try to find a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as his M . O . Meanwhile Mills ' wife Tracy ( Gwyneth Paltrow ) fears for her husband's life and is very depressed . Dark and depressing but just fascinating . Director David Fincher shots the entire film in dim light and shoves the victims mutilated bodies in our face . The grimness of the tone wears you down but that's appropriate considering the subject matter . No humor either . It all leads to a truly harrowing ending . There was supposed to be a happy ending but they ( wisely ) chose not to do it . Freeman and Pitt work very well together and both give excellent performances . I even thought Paltrow ( who I hate ) was good ! Kevin Spacey is very good too in a small role . If you have trouble with blood , gore and disturbing subject matter stay far away from this movie . But if you can handle that , watch this one . It's depressing and unpleasant but riveting . |
477,544 | 463,200 | 17,120 | 9 | Tragic silent film | Ulysses ( handsome Antonio Moreno ) owns a boat called the Mare Nostrum . He also has an uncaring wife but a son Estaban ( Mickey Brantford ) whom he loves . An evil , sexy German spy Freye ( Alice Terry ) seduces Ulysses and convinces him to help bring supplies to a German sub . He does and the sub ends up destroying a ship that Estaban is on . Ulysses vows to kill all the people responsible . This silent film was believed lost for many years . Thankfully it's been found and beautifully restored . Basically , this is a tragedy so it's hardly a happy film but still it's extremely well-made and directed by Rex Ingram , one of the best silent film directors . There are some very amusing miniature ships and subs in some sequences , but this WAS 1926 - - that's probably the best they had ! The acting is good too . Moreno was a very popular star in his day - - sadly , he's forgotten today . He's good-looking and gives one hell of a performance - - some of his reaction shots were incredibly good . Terry was obviously hired because she was married to director Ingram , but she was a good actress and she's good here . She was cast against type playing an evil woman ( she usually played the good girl ) and she pulls it off . Her scene in front of the firing squad is just great . And young Brantford is very good as Estaban . The only bad thing was Caragol ( Hughie Mack ) - - an obese man who provides unfunny comic relief . And it DOES have a silly ending . Still , a great silent film . Well worth catching . |
479,262 | 463,200 | 17,136 | 9 | Sci-fi masterpiece | Silent German film about a city of the future run by dehumanized workers who are sick of their lot and plan to stage a revolt . Kind , sweet , lovely Maria ( Brigette Helm ) stops them saying they should talk through their differences . However the evil head of the city wants a revolt so he can get rid of them and put in robot workers . He gets a mad scientist to help him . He kidnaps Maria and ( in a stunning sequence ) transforms the robot into her image . However this Maria is pure evil and sets the workers off . . . and things go barreling out of control . The original version of this was ( purportedly ) 5 hours long ! It has been cut drastically over the years and much footage was lost . Finally , 75 years later , we have a version that is complete as possible ( it runs a little over 2 hours ) , looks incredible and has a great reconstruction of the 1927 score . The film still holds up - - the special effects are still impressive and quite obviously influenced many sci-fi films of the future ( " Blade Runner " especially ) . The movie moves quickly and there is ( literally ) a cast of hundreds . Great sets , special effects , a beautiful music score . . . a definite must-see . Only debit - - the acting . It's VERY overdone especially by Helms . She's OK as the sweet Maria but is hopeless doing evil Maria . The audience I saw it with broke out laughing more than a few times at the expressions on her face . Also the actors must have been freezing doing this - - you can see their breath ! Also , there's a 1984 reconstruction which cut the film to 80 minutes , added tinting and ( briefly ) a color sequence and put in a rock score ( including Loverboy , Pat Benatar , Lyle Lovett etc etc ) . Sounds horrible but it works . It just doesn't make a lot of sense ( 40 minutes were edited out ! ) . That's worth seeing , but see this one first . Again - - a must-see ! |
477,484 | 463,200 | 1,544 | 9 | Mostly historically important but moderately entertaining | This is obviously not a full adaptation of Charles Dickens story - - it only runs 17 minutes ! It assumes the audience knows the story and just basically gives us the highlights . It involves all 4 visits from the ghosts ( using some surprisingly good special effects for the time ) and flashbacks to Scrooge's life . And it shows his complete change . It's actually very well-done and , for what it is , entertaining . But where's Tiny Tim ? Nevertheless , recommended . |
479,109 | 463,200 | 120,910 | 9 | Not as good as the original but fun | First off , I could have lived without the little intros from an all-star cast ( Steve Martin , Bette Midler , James Earl Jones , Penn & Teller , Angela Landsbury , etc . ) and the movie was way too short ( 75 minutes ) . Still , the music was great ( of course ) and the animation fit the music perfectly . My favorites were the Tin Soldier one , the flamingo with the yo-yo and Donald Duck helping Noah get the animals on the ark . They stuck to classical music too . I heard they were considering using MODERN rock ' n'roll ! ! ! Thankfully that was no carried out . ( I can just picture animated figures dancing to " Like A Virgin " - - shudder ) . Not really for kids - - they'd be bored silly . But fun and entertaining for adults . Worth seeing - - couldn't it have just been a little longer ? |
479,107 | 463,200 | 131,704 | 9 | Really silly and very funny ! | I was surprised at how much I liked this movie ! The basic plot has Boris , Natasha and Fearless Leader becomig humans and trying to take over the world through really bad TV . Rocky and Bullwinkle and an FBI agent try to stop them . Basically it's a bunch of bad jokes and adult references flying fast and furious ( just like the TV show ) . The thing is the movie KNOWS the jokes are bad and acknowledges it constantly - - and it's always funny ! The jokes are nonstop and were so knowingly dumb that I couldn't stop laughing . . . you're laughing WITH the movie not AT it ! The only real drawback was making Boris , Natasha and Fearless Leader humans . Jason Alexander , Rene Russo and Robert DeNiro are good actors . . . but not here . They LOOK the parts but they're portraying two-demensional characters ( in every respect ) and have NOTHING to work with . Other than that this is a very funny , very silly movie . . . SEE IT ! |
479,580 | 463,200 | 94,980 | 9 | Excellent | Great documentary of the heavy metal scene of the late 1980s . Unlike the first " Decline . . . " this movie concentrates more on interviews than concert footage . There are just fascinating talks with old time performers ( Alice Cooper , Aerosmith , Ozzy Osbourne ) and newcomers ( Odin , WASP , Poison ) . The contrasts and their views on music , drugs and sex are very interesting and illuminating . The movie makes no judgments on the performers or their music . . . they leave that up to the audience . The whole feeling of the film is actually uplifting and very funny . The bands come across as very upbeat and accessible . The interviews with fans of the music are just as fun . Interesting to see Ozzy Osbourne years before that reality show he did for MTV . The only depressing footage is an interview with Chris Holmes of WASP . He's drunk out of his mind and makes it quite clear that he hates life , is an alcoholic , had a heavily dysfunctional childhood and will be dead soon . Very scary to watch and sad . That aside , this is a great , accurate documentary of heavy metal . A must-see . |
478,092 | 463,200 | 427,327 | 10 | Full of energy and fire | In 1962 Detroit overweight Tracy Turnblad ( newcomer Nikki Blonsky ) is in love with the Corny Collins Show on TV . It's basically just " American Bandstand " on a local level . She gets on the show and is a big hit . She then pushes for the show to be open to blacks and whites ( back in 1962 that was unheard of ) . She ends up in a battle with evil Velma von Tussle ( Michelle Pfeiffer ) and her equally evil daughter Amber ( Brittany Snow ) . VERY energetic ( to a fault ) adaptation of the 2002 Broadway hit which was in turn taken from a 1988 John Waters movie . The movie is full of life , the songs are great , the cast is energetic and this movie is just basically one of the most uplifting Hollywood musical I've seen in a long time . The movie never stops moving and the cast just carries it through full force . Blonsky is just great as Tracy - - she belts out the songs and is always on target and very good in her role . John Travolta plays her mother in a fat suit . It's . . . interesting casting but it doesn't work . He has a VERY strange accent and seems constricted by his fat suit . Christopher Walken plays her ( his ) husband . Now I've never liked Walken - - I always thought he was a one note actor BUT I do like him here . He seems relaxed and has fun with his role . Amanda Bynes is LOTS of fun as Penny Pingleton ; Pfeiffer and Snow are definitely having fun ; Queen Latifah barrels through with her role as Motormouth Maybelle ( she appears to be channeling Ruth Brown ) and James Marsden ( as Corny Collins ) and Zac Efron ( as Link Larson ) are just handsome and grinning nonstop through their roles . Basically this movie just keeps moving , is VERY funny and is actually better than the 1988 Waters original . And how can you hate a movie that shows us that integration is a GREAT idea ? A 10 all the way . |
477,762 | 463,200 | 78,199 | 10 | Just great | In 1951 two married people Doris ( Ellen Burstyn ) and George ( Alan Alda ) meet , fall in love and , despite their marriages to other people , have sex . After spending the night together and realize they can't go on not seeing each other again . So , once a year , they meet at the same place to celebrate . This movie follows them from 1951-1977 . Some people have complained that this movie celebrated adultery but COME ON ! It's just a movie ! This was based on a successful play ( which Burnstyn won the Tony for ) and the script is just wonderful - - full of funny lines , sharp observations and potent drama . It's incredible to see how these two characters change over the years - - how they reflect the values of their decades . Just fascinating . Burstyn is just phenomenal on this film - - you see her change from a weak woman to a strong one . She was understandably nominated for an Oscar for this . Alda I've never liked . He's pretty good at comedy but horrible at drama . He's not good but not bad enough to destroy the film . Also there's an Oscar-nominated song " Last Time I Felt Like This " which perfectly sets the mood of the film . A sweet , romantic , wonderful film . Highly recommended . Funniest sequence : Burstyn's pregnancy . |
477,402 | 463,200 | 95,675 | 10 | Almodovar at full throttle | Funny , outrageous , ridiculous , colorful and fascinating film by Almodovar - - his most popular film in America ( so far ) . The story defies description but , basically , it's about three women ( an actress , a psychopath and one on the run from the law ) who are all affected by one man . THe story starts slow , picks up speed and is barreling out of control by the end . Well-acted , beautiful to look at and never a dull moment . Just see it ! You won't be disappointed . Love the cabdriver and his cab ! |
477,826 | 463,200 | 56,412 | 10 | I love this movie - - and I HATE westerns ! | An aging cowboy named Steve Judd ( Joel McCrea ) agrees to transport $20 , 000 in gold across some bad country . He asks old friend Gil Westrum ( Randolph Scott ) to help him . Westrum brings along young , hot-headed Heck Longtree ( Ron Starr ) . Along the way they meet lonely Elsa Kundson ( Mariette Hartley in her first role ) who wants to escape from her heavily religious father . I won't tell you anymore . You should see the movie yourself to find out . OK - - I never liked westerns . I found them long , boring and stupid . Also I never thought Joel McCrea was that good of an actor ( even he said he should have tried to be better ) . I have nothing against him but every performance seemed to be the same . I avoided this movie but all the good reviews got me thinking . . . so I took a chance . I'm so glad I did ! This movie is quite simply a masterpiece . For starters Scott and McCrea ( who were both well into their 60s when this was made ) played the characters as they should have - - two tired old men who can't really cope with aging and the way the West has changed . It doesn't glorify the cowboy - - it shows them as being real human beings . McCrea's character tries to be optimistic but Scott is negative from the beginning . Also Starr keeps calling them old men . Along the journey the characters develop and change in completely believable ways . The talks between Scott and McCrea are just priceless . These two had both made a large number of westerns by the time this was done so they were totally at ease with each other and the subject matter . Starr is given the unenviable role of the young kid who learns his lesson - - but he pulls it off . Hartley is so young and beautiful and completely believable in her role . Scott is just superb in his last role . As for McCrea - - he's OK . Again , I have nothing against him but I've seen this performance before . Still it doesn't destroy the movie . Add to that some beautiful wide-screen photography , a sweeping score and well-directed by Sam Peckinpah . It's hard to believe he did " The Wild Bunch " a few years later which is a very vicious , cruel and incredibly bloody movie . This one is the exact opposite ! This was thrown away by MGM when it came out but it's gone on to rightfully be regarded as a true classic . Don't miss this one - - even if you don't like westerns ! A 10 all the way . |
477,833 | 463,200 | 26,266 | 10 | Just great ! | Film follows the life of David Copperfield ( Freddie Bartholomew as a boy , Frank Lawton as a man ) and all the colorful characters he meets in 1880s England . I've never read the book so I can't say how faithful this is , but as a movie it's just wonderful ! The sets are beautiful , it's very well-directed by George Cukor and there's some wonderful acting here . Special notice must be given to - - Bartholomew who is excellent as the young Copperfield ( he was only 11 when he did this ! ) ; Elizabeth Allen as his mother ; Basil Rathbone as the evil Mr . Murdstone ; Lionel Barrymore as Peggotry ; Edna May Oliver as Aunt Bessie ; Made Evans as Agenes Whitfield ; Hugh Williams as Steerforth and Roland Young as Uriah Heep . The only real bad acting was by Lawton ; Maureen O'Sullivan who's just awful as Dora and W . C . Fields as Micawber - - Fields was a wonderful COMEDIC actor but this was a dramatic role . Never boring despite the length and a perfect example of the kind of picture they just don't make these days . One of the best pictures of the 1930s - - a definite must-see ! |
478,816 | 463,200 | 237,235 | 10 | Just great | Superb documentary on the making of " The Exorcist " . They go through EVERYTHING in this . They talk to all the actors , director William Friedkin , writer William Peter Blatty , assorted crew members and technicians - - even the three priest used as technical advisors in the film ! They go through it step by step - - the casting , show audition tests , cut sequences ( including the infamous " Spider Walk " which looks MUCH different than it appeared in the slightly reedited version released in 2001 ) and goes into detail about the more famous scenes . This is never dull for one second - - the amount of information they squeeze into 75 minutes is incredible . Most fascinating are the talks with Ellen Burstyn and Linda Blair and their thoughts about doing the movie and how they see it now . This is essential viewing for all fans of the film . Basically one of the best - - if not THE best - - horror documentaries ever done . A 10 all the way . |
477,838 | 463,200 | 73,778 | 10 | Excellent drive-in trash | Film focuses on two gangs - - the Silver Daggers lead by Dominic ( Asher Brauner ) and the Dagger Debs lead by Dominic's girlfriend , Lace ( Robbie Lee ) . A new girl in town Maggie ( Joanne Nail ) joins the Debs and becomes friends with Lace - - but Dominic wants Maggie . Evil Deb Patch ( Monica Gayle ) knows this and manipulates Lace into hating Maggie . Also there's a rival gang , the Crabs , who are trying to take over . Silly but very engaging trash movie - - it's really an excellent movie OF ITS TYPE ! There's prison fights , lesbian guards , rape , prostitution , feminism , politics , a black female gang and tons of violence and action . There's also a hilarious ( and exciting ) shoot out at a skating rink ! There was a twist halfway through the movie that I didn't see coming and it all ends up with a climatic switchblade fight . I can honestly say I was never bored and enjoyed this thoroughly . The script is terrible but it never takes itself too seriously . As for the acting - - Brauner is OK as Dom ; Nail is lousy as Maggie and Lee is TERRIBLE as Lace - - easily one of the worst acting jobs I've ever seen in a movie ( and that's saying something ) . Gayle was actually pretty good as Patch . Also of note is Kitty Bruce ( Lenny Bruce's daughter ) who's character ( Donut ) is treated like dirt . The is NOT a good movie but an excellent trash film . Next to " Coffy " and " Foxy Brown " probably director / writer Jack Hill's best film . . . although he DOES call this a piece of trash . He's right ! |
477,189 | 463,200 | 87,995 | 10 | 80s cult film | The plot is impossible to describe but , basically , it's about a 20 something named Otto ( Estevez ) who works as a repo man . That's about it . . . the movie chronicles all his bizarre adventures and strange people he meets . I saw this when I was in college in 1984 - - it totally blew me away . I went back to see it 4 more times ! It had a huge following on college campuses back then . Sadly , it seems to have disappeared . That's a shame because I think this is perfect for high school , college kids and people with open minds . It is a true cult film . There are many great lines - - too many to get in one viewing - - this film demands multiple viewings . The actors deal well with the offbeat dialogue and situations - - especially Estevez and Stanton . As for what it means - - - who cares ? Every time I saw it I saw something different in it . A classic . Do not miss ! |
479,520 | 463,200 | 493,459 | 10 | Superb . . . and frightening | Excellent documentary on the MPAthe company that rates movies . It has been accused of favoring major companies ( with less stringent ratings ) than independent companies . Filmmakers are interviewed about what they had to cut and why to avoid the dreaded NC-rating . Some of the revelations are at once funny . . . and shocking . To find out more about the board a lesbian detective is hired to find out who comprises the board - - - the results are interesting . They also talk about the appeals process - - when a filmmaker disagrees with the rating and files a complaint . A separate group of people are brought in to view the movie and give their opinion - - but it was never revealed who these people are . Here we find out who they are - - and the revelations are downright shocking . It shows that the MPAA is a censor board ( despite what it says ) and have a stranglehold on movies and what they're allowed to show . Basically , EVERYONE should see this film . Shocking , hilarious and thoroughly engrossing . HIGHY recommended . |
477,279 | 463,200 | 409,459 | 10 | An exhausting movie but fascinating | This is an adaptation of Alan Moore's great graphic novel . It takes place in an alternate universe in the 1980s when Richard Nixon is still president . Super hero groups have been outlawed by the president . The former Comedian ( Jeffrey Dean Morgan ) is savagely killed . Another hero named Rorschah ( Jackie Earle Haley ) investigates and notices former super heroes AND villains are being killed . Nite Owl II ( Patrick Wilson ) and Silk Spectre II ( Malin Ackerman ) also know something is up . And the blue ( and frequently nude ) Dr . Manhattan ( Billy Crudup ) sees something apocalyptic approaching . . . If you haven't read the novel you might have a problem with this . There's WAY too much happening in the book to cram into one movie so this moves through characters and situations at light speed . Some subplots are dropped completely and the depressing tone of the book is lightened . There's also some pretty funny lines added to lighten things up . My favorites came when the main villain says , " I'm not some comic book super villain " and someone says ( when it's mentioned Ronald Reagan might be running for president ) , " Nobody wants a cowboy as a president " . Even with the changes this might confuse people who haven't read the book . I've read it multiple times so I wasn't confused . I went with a friend who never read it and she wasn't confused either ! I guess it just depends on the person . The movie is 165 minutes - - it's long but I was never bored . The visuals are impressive and the special effects are just great . I was exhausted and depressed by the end of the movie but I love it . It's that rarity - - an adult film not dumbed down for teenagers . Yes , it involves super heroes in silly costumes ( Nite Owl II in particular ) but the fights aren't fun . They're violent , VERY bloody and brutal . . . especially when the Comedian gets involved . He enjoys the violence and the film shows him going full blast . There's also a rape scene which is actually more upsetting than the bloody battles ! The only fight sequence that wasn't too bloody or upsetting was when Nite Owl II and Silk Spectre II invade a prison and basically knock down about 30 or 40 prisoners in a few minutes ! Fights aside this is also a mystery about what's going on and why . It's well-done and keeps you guessing till the end . Then there's nudity - - there's plenty of nude full-frontal shots of Dr . Manhattan . But seriously - - what's the problem ? It's a penis . So what ? Every guy has one ! Supposedly this has upset people but the movie IS R rated and it fits the character . When I saw it my audience was dead quiet . Nobody seemed bothered or unnerved by it . If you're so prudish that a nude guy bothers you then perhaps you shouldn't see the movie . Great soundtrack too . The acting is excellent . Morgan has the hardest role but he pulls it off . Wilson and Ackerman are sympathetic and nice without becoming TOO syrupy . As for Crudup I can't say how good he is . It's his voice but Manhattan is all CGI . All I'll say is that his voice matches the character . Haley is good too but his voice was way too caustic for the character . Carla Gugino also shines in a supporting role . Only Matthew Goode ( as Ozymandies ) disappoints . He seems to be holding back for some reason . . . but he's not in the movie much . So a very violent , long and adult super hero movie . It's not for everybody but I was fascinated . A 10 all the way . |
478,231 | 463,200 | 237,123 | 10 | Dirty but funny | The lives and loves of three Britsh men and women . Sort of like a British version of " Friends " . I was surprised to see there's only a grand total of 28 episodes considering it ran 4 years ! I caught this on BBC America . The insertion of commercials hurt the shows a little - - it broke up the flow of dialogue and acting . Still it was always very funny . The shows have VERY explicit sexual talk ( for USA viewers at least ) and it shocked me a little . . . but I'd be lying if I said I didn't laugh . The cast were all attractive and young and were very good in their respective roles . Also there is some partial nudity ( both male and female ) in certain episodes . This isn't for everybody but if you would like a fun , sexually explicit ( mostly in talk ) British sitcom - - it's right here ! Well worth seeing . |
479,566 | 463,200 | 26,138 | 10 | A classic - - but not scary | Henry Frankenstein ( Colin Clive ) and mad Dr . Petorious ( Ernest Thesiger ) team up to make a mate for the monster . That's all you need to know really . This sequel to the 1931 " Frankenstein " is even better than the original ! This one has a bigger budget ( check out the enormous sets ) , some VERY elaborate costumes ( check out what Valerie Hobson is wearing in her first appearance ) , a script that moves like lightning and every cast member giving their all . Karloff appears again as the monster and he's fantastic - - you can see he isn't evil at all , just misunderstood . His attempts to make contact with people - - and the violence he's greeted with - - are heartbreaking . And there's a mock crucifiction sequence which must have been hell for Karloff . Clive is just OK as Frankenstein . Hobson is gorgeous and very good as his bride Elizabeth - - she only has a few scenes but she makes them count . Thesiger is WAY over the top ( and just great ) as Petorious - - he has some REALLY strange lines but he pulls them off . Una O'Connor as Minnie ( the maid ) is shrill - - but funny . And Elsa Lanchester is unforgettable as Mary Shelley and the bride . Her appearance has been copied and parodied endlessly - - and she's just great . The script has one classic line after another and many sequences have become folklore - - like the monsters meeting with the blind hermit ( parodied hysterically in " Young Frankenstein " ) , the creation sequence and the closing . Great direction by James Whale and a beautiful music score . My only real complaint - - would any scientist , however mad , have a lever that would blow apart his whole castle ? Now - - it is NOT scary . In 1935 this was strong stuff but it's VERY tame today . Still , this is a fast-moving , very entertaining movie - - definetely a prime example of the Universal monster movies of the 1930s . It works more as a comedy today than anything else . A perfect example of the kind of film " they don't make anymore " . Look for John Carradine in a very small unbilled role as a hunter . |
479,660 | 463,200 | 108,906 | 10 | Talk about warped ! | Brilliant , scary , funny soap opera ( sort of ) of an extremely dysfunctional hospital in the Netherlands . Yeah , it's 4 hours and a half . . . yeah it's all subtitles . . . yeah , it has no ending . . . but who cares ? The film basically LOOKS different ! It always looks drab ( purposely ) , and some camera-work that's very shaky but it perfectly fits the tone of the film . It's basically a combination of all different genres - - horror film , love story , sex , blackmail , malpractice and two mildly retarted dishwashers who act as a Greek chorus . The acting ranges from OK to excellent . The plot twists and turns and weaves - - I was never bored ! One complaint - - reading subtitles for so long can strain your eyes . I first saw it at a revival theatre . They showed it straight through with NO breaks ! No one left and the audience applauded long and loud after the showing . I walked out exhausted and laughing at the same time . It's unlike ANYTHING you've seen before . This is continuted in " Riget 2 " which still has no ending . It was going to be wrapped up in a third miniseries but two of the main actors died and the director said he couldn't do it without them . So they'll never be an ending but you won't care . You'll just be astounded by what you do see . Highly recommended . |
478,758 | 463,200 | 167,261 | 10 | As good as the first | Actually , it's better than the first ! First off , see " Fellowship of the Ring " or you won't be able to make heads or tails out of this . It follows the fellowship being divided and facing evil on all sides . There's battles galore , tons of action , incredible sets and special effects , breathtaking scenery and the usual great direction from Peter Jackson . The acting is just so-so except for ( surprisingly ) Viggo Mortensen . I wasn't impressed with him in the first movie but he improved vastly in this one - - a very subtle but physical performance . His scenes with Liv Tyler were especially moving . It runs for 3 hours but it flew by and I was never bored . The battle at Helms Deep is easily among one of the most incredible action sequences ever caught on film . A definite must-see . I can't wait for " Return of the King " ! |
478,214 | 463,200 | 35,140 | 10 | Davis ' best | I haven't seen every Bette Davis film , but I find it hard to believe anything can top this one ! Beautifully shot , wonderfully romantic score , interesting story , well-acted and Davis is breathtakingly beautiful ! She's never looked better ! It's one of the most romantic movies I've ever seen ( shipboard romance , TWO goodbyes at airports , everybody looks so handsome or glamorous ) , and has three classic sequences - - Davis telling a man she can't marry him by saying , " Let's not dwell on it . " ; Paul Henreid lighting two cigarettes in his mouth ( romantic , but they both smoke WAY too much ! ) ; and Davis ' line , " Let's not wish for the moon , when we have the stars " . A great movie all the way . Not to be missed ! |
478,216 | 463,200 | 112,651 | 10 | Excellent documentary | Entertaining , thought-provoking and ( at times ) very funny documentary chronicling gay subject matter in motion pictures from the silents up to 1995 . The narration ( by Lily Tomlin ) is insightful and the cameos and comments by various stars who have played gay ( Tom Hanks , Whoopi Goldberg , Harry Hamlin ) or are gay ( Harvey Feinstein , the late Quentin Crisp , Paul Rudnick ) are very entertaining and in two cases ( with Susan Sarandon and Gore Vidal ) utterly uproarious . Special attention should be paid to the " Ben-Hur " segment when you realize Stephen Boyd was playing it gay and Charlton Heston was totally oblivious ! This is a very important film and should be seen by everybody gay OR straight . A must for film buffs . Don't miss this one ! My only complaint - - it's too short ! The DVD version has extra interviews that are just great . |
477,377 | 463,200 | 35,169 | 10 | Classic comedy | Hilarious movie about an unhappily married couple played by Joel McCrea ( unbearably handsome ) and Claudette Colbert ( unbearably beautiful ) . She goes to Palm Beach to get a quick divorce . While enroute she meets a shy , sweet millionaire played by Rudy Valle who immediately falls in love with her . But McCrea shows up in Palm Beach wanting her back . . . Lightning paced , very sweet , romantic and absolutely hysterical comedy . The script is packed full of great lines and ( with the exception of McCrea ) the cast give them their all . Colbert is delightful as the wife . McCrea , unfortunately , gives a stone-faced performance as her husband - - still , he is very good-looking and doesn't really hurt the movie . Also , as one previous poster noted , you get a quick look at his " best parts " near the beginning ! Vallee is pretty good too . Mary Astor is absolutely hysterical as Vallee's VERY talkative sister . And then there's the Wienie King and the Ale and Quail Club ! A definite must-see ! Best line : " The men most in need of a beating up are always enormous . " |
478,756 | 463,200 | 70,165 | 10 | Fascinating | Originally X rated this animated film follows a half-Jewish / half-Italian 22 year old man dealing with his battling parents and growing up in a tough section of NYC . He's a cartoonist and is trying to sell his stuff but only underground publications will take it . He gets a black girlfriend and things go totally out of control . Probably writer / director Ralph Bakshi's best work . The story is kind of vague but the set pieces themselves are just great . However , this is a very extreme movie - - the characters are vicious and violent , there's huge amounts of explicit violence and there's extremely strong sexual content . A definite one of a kind - - the many highlights include some very funny fights between his mother and father . Also there's lots of neat mixing of live action and animation . I originally saw this at a revival theatre back in the early 80s - - it really blew me away . It was depressing , funny , shocking and incredible . Seeing it again 20 years later it's not as shocking as it once was or as depressing . . . but it's still unbelievable . The original X rating has been lowered to an R - - purportedly it was edited to get that but I don't see any differences . I'm no prude , but I think this film deserves an NC-17 . It would get it if it was done with live actors . So - - I recommend it , but only if you can handle extreme content . |
479,480 | 463,200 | 74,048 | 10 | For a TV miniseries this is excellent | This follows two brothers ( Peter Strauss , Nick Nolte ) growing up - - one straight arrow ( Strauss ) the other a hell-raiser ( Nolte ) . They also love the same woman ( Susan Blakely ) . It starts off in the 1940s and follows them up to the 70s . Sure , it's a soap opera but it's fun ! Despite it's length it's never dull and the acting and production values are surprisingly good . There's also great supporting acting by Edward Asner ( as a rough , tough father ) and Robert Reed . I saw it back in 1976 when it originally back in 1976 . I had forgotten about it until it popped up on cable in the 1990s . The Family Channel showed it and edited out a few words and shots ( I distinctly remember a quick side view of Robert Reed naked that wasn't in that showing ) . This really deserves to be out on DVD . Judging by the votes and the reviews this has quite a following . No masterpiece but just engrossing and well-made . |
479,549 | 463,200 | 56,687 | 10 | Extremely unpleasant but fascinating | Jane Hudson ( Bette Davis ) a faded film star and her wheelchair bound sister Blanche ( Joan Crawford ) live together in a huge mansion . Jane is slowly but surely losing touch with reality and despises her sister Blanche . Jane starts to mentally and physically torture Blanche . How will Blanche escape ? I don't think this film is a camp classic - - there's nothing even remotely funny about it . It is basically a horror movie about two sisters . As we all know now , Crawford and Davis HATED each other and it actually helps the movie - - Davis ' hatred REALLY shows . Also the movie was wisely shot in black & white ( Davis said she insisted on that ) giving the film a very dark , gloomy tone and look . And Crawford and Davis are both great in their roles . Crawford has never been nicer and Davis never meaner . It's well directed by Robert Aldrich and there's an interesting supporting performance by Victor Buono . I love the film but I realize it IS unpleasant . The violence is ( by today's standards ) tame but it's shot in a way that puts you right there and it's not pleasant seeing Davis go after Crawford . So , I highly recommend this film but I can't see how anyone can call this camp . I'm giving it a 10 . |
478,627 | 463,200 | 65,314 | 10 | A classic | I never caught MTM when it was originally on . I didn't watch much television and the idea of a sitcom about a single woman had no interest to me . Then , after it was cancelled , a local TV station started showing two shows a night , back to back , and I started watching . At first I wasn't impressed . The early 70s fashions and hairstyles were horrific , the acting uneven , the topics dated and Moore occasionally overacted . But , as the series progressed , the writing got better , the cast got more comfortable with their roles and Moore toned it down a little . I still don't like the first season too much . It does introduce us to all the characters but it just seemed kind of forced . Also it was somewhat sexist . At one point Moore actually does Lou Grants ' laundry ! OK OK - - his wife had left him but still . . . After the first season though the series picked up speed and just got better and better . It also showed a single woman living alone and liking it - - a rarity for TV on those days . It even hinted that she had an off screen sex life . It also found humor in some taboo subjects . When Chuckles the Clown is inadvertently killed in one episode they actually made his death seem funny ! Supposedly ( according to Moores ' autobiography ) no one wanted to do it and some crew people were " sick " the week it was filmed . That episode went on the win a few Emmys and is considered a true classic . Also Moores ' character got more liberated - - especially during the last season . She got a steady boyfriend ( Ted Bessell ) and , at one point , gives him a long passionate kiss right in front of Lou Grant , Ted Baxter and Murray Slaughter . It all ends perfectly in the last episode . No one was killed but everybody ( except for Ted Baxter ) is fired and they all leave the office singing ! A true classic of TV . Well worth seeing . |
477,876 | 463,200 | 347,930 | 10 | A gay classic | The " story " involves a young marine ( Brian Thompson ) on leave . He goes to visit friends and treks through a forest . There he meets a hunky forest ranger ( Bill Henson ) who supposedly watches over the entire forest ! Surprisingly they DON'T have sex ! He reaches his friends and experiences sex with them . THEN he goes back through the forest and meets Henson again and they enjoy each other . OK - - this is amateur night in terms of plot and acting . . . but who watches a gay porno for those ? You watch for hot guys with nice bodies . This is an early one ( it was shot in the late 1970s ) so none of the guys are muscular ( except for Henson ) but they are young , good-looking ( in a 70s sort of way ) and rearing to go ! The sex is very erotic and exciting and no condoms ( this was pre-AIDS ) . I personally thought Thompson was hot and he's in almost every sex scene ! Henson is tall and muscular . . . but that accent of his ( vaguely Southern ) makes him sound like an idiot . Still u sort of forget that when he's nude . This won numerous awards at adult film ceremonies and is rightfully considered a gay porn classic . A must see for gay porn viewers . |
478,616 | 463,200 | 83,907 | 10 | A gore classic | A bunch of college kids take a weekend trip to a remote cabin in the woods . They unwittingly resurrect the evil dead - - spirits who can possess them and have them kill each other off . The only way to get rid of them ? Bodily dismemberment . In terms of plot this is pretty lame - - there are a few lapses in logic that are annoying . Characterizations are nonexistent and the acting is bad ( even Bruce Campbell ! ) . But the film moves like lightning with some very imaginative direction by Sam Raimi . And when the evil dead attack after the first half hour , the movie goes barreling out of control . Tons of gore , blood and violence are thrown in your face with great sound effects and some truly gruesome makeup . Also it's kind of funny - - notice how many times Campbell is covered with blood but his face is clean and his clothes dry in the very next shot ! This was made back in 1981 on next to no budget by a bunch of college students . It's incredible what they achieved with so little to work with . Also there are two or three incredible tracking shots that I can't get enough of ! This was dismissed by horrified film critics back then ( I remember one reviewer was so disgusted he requested that every single print should be burnt ! ) , but it slowly grew into quite a hit . It's now considered a modern day classic . And Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell jump started their careers with this . So ignore the plot and concentrate on the imaginative direction , gore , special effects and sound . For horror movie fans this is a must . WARNING : There is a very tasteless sequence in which a woman is raped by a tree ! |
478,899 | 463,200 | 240,772 | 10 | Fluffy but lots of fun | A rarity - - a remake that's better than the original . 11 men led by Danny Ocean ( George Clooney ) prepare to rob a vault linked to 3 casinos in Las Vegas . His partners in crime include Brad Pitt , Carl Reiner , Elliot Gould , Casey Affleck , Matt Damon and Scott Caan . Also , the casinos are owned by Tery Benedict ( Andy Garcia ) who is romancing Ocean's ex-wife Tess ( Julia Roberts ) . Fun , engrossing , just simply the most enjoyable film of 2001 . It moves smoothly , the entire cast plays it cool and easy and Steven Soderbergh directs it with flair and intelligence . Yes , it's light ; yes , it's a trifle but it's so FUN ! I really loved this film . Affleck and Caan are hilarious as bickering brothers . My only complaint - - Julia Roberts ( the only woman in the cast ) is shot very cruelly . She's beautiful so why does she look so bad ? Aside from that this is a fun movie . Just sit back and enjoy . |
477,548 | 463,200 | 122,722 | 10 | Has its moments | Back in the early 1980s a station in NJ used to show ( almost ) uncut horror films from the early 1970s at about 1 am . That's how I first saw " Blacula " , " The Night Digger " , " Don't Look in the Basement " . . . and this one . Creepy film about Gloria just being released from a mental institution . She goes home and various things start the happen that make her question her sanity - - she keeps having dreams about a cloaked figure with an ax and keeps hearing music when no one else hears anything . SPOILER - - Turns out it's just a plot to drive her crazy ( again ) to get all her money . END SPOILERIt's VERY low budget ( some of the dialogue couldn't be heard and the low production values show ) , the acting is not that great ( except for the woman playing Gloria ) and I saw it on TV so it looks like a crucial moment was cut out . Still this film had plenty of creepy images ( the cloaked man especially ) and there's one genuinely scary sequence in which she's ( sort of ) attacked by a man with an ax . Those images really worked on me - - but I WAS watching it a 1 am in the morning ! I saw this over 20 years ago and I still remember it . This will probably never be on DVD or TV soon so , if you get a chance , see it . Nothing great but it does work on you . |
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