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Reviews
Stander (2003)
Exciting, funny and sad, an outstanding true-life tale
A thoughtful action film, well written, directed and acted. A potent blend of character study and social history, with a dynamic performance by Thomas Jane in the title role. What at first seems to be a kind of Robin Hood tale turns out to be much more complex and unsettling.
Director/co-writer Bronwen Hughes (can this really be the same person who directed "Harriet the Spy"?) finds just the right tone and pace. The Soweto riot scene is a knockout and sets the stage for Andre Stander's disillusionment. The overall film is reminiscent (in the best sense) of some of the classic Hollywood films of the late 60s, early 70s such as "Butch Cassidy" and "Dog Day Afternoon."
Beyond the Valley of the Dolls (1970)
Hardly any film better captures the essence of late-60s USA than this rock-and-roll send-up
A wonderfully wacky, zany send-up of 1960s America and the rock world. This is great satire and deserves better than the 5.8 stars currently accorded to it by readers. A movie like this could only have been made when it was and by Russ Meyer. The furious editing and music (Strawberry Alarm Clock and soap-operatic organ tremolos) add to the fun.
To the Ends of the Earth (1948)
Terrific international intrigue film with Dick Powell in top form
A fun, serial-like adventure movie which presages "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and that harkens back to a time when the world seemed like a bigger and more mysterious place. Dick Powell is the quintessential tough guy who also loves his rose garden. Excellent twist ending.
Strangely neglected film, probably because its view of the international drug trade seems rather quaint by today's standards. Still, a wonderful time capsule that reminds us of such forgotten history as Japan's wartime domination of China and the crumbling colonial empires of England and France in the Middle East. Also, the slave trade theme continues (sadly) to resonate, given the recent headlines about Chinese workers being smuggled into the States as sweatshop laborers.