SumBuddy-3 Reviews

The World Changes (1933)

I found myself looking to see if this was true

[8/10 · 30 January 2018]

Paul Muni outdoes himself in this movie. I thought I had seen most all of his work available on TCM, but one night featuring him, this one looked unfamiliar, and I watched it. Stunning, based on my previous impressions of Muni. From the Good Earth, onto Emile Zola, and others, I thought he was a guarded intelligent thinker, as an actor. In the World Changes, he plays a cowboy, turned cattle rustler, turned businessman. The first half of the film I couldn't believe it, but it eventually almost "devolved" into the typical Muni character everyone is so familiar with. A loner, a thinker, but he's saddled with some material that shows its age. He still, I highly recommend it, as Ailine MacMahon and Mary Astor also plate strong courageous parts. A pleasant surprise, a wonderful find.

King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017)

Not much

[6/10 · 20 August 2017]

Not much to write home about this one, it has some good elements, but basically for me at least misses the mark. Guy Ritchie knows how to direct, and the photography is quite well done. Charlie H. is the new heartthrob, so it wasn't miscasting, just perhaps a stretch for him. I really didn't buy into him saving the country, but they wrapped it up pretty well. The main reason I'm writing this, is something I normally don't do. I just could not understand the casting of Mage. Astrid something, wow. My guess is that she was so focused on pronouncing English properly, that the acting went out the window. She just brought nothing to the role. Jude Law did his best, but this was just an average film-really.

Conviction (I) (2016–2017)

I've only watched 2 episodes but

[5/10 · 13 October 2016]

Starting out by having Hayley Atwell playing a spoiled rich borderline slut, is not going to attract very many Agent Carter Fans. Or really very many Hayley Atwell friends. I think it's miscast as badly as a lead could be. I just don't buy her character. Several of the other characters, Eddie Cahill, and the guy who plays her brother are very good. A couple of her coworkers work, a couple don't. It's a very disjointed cast and sorry to say I don't think it's going to work. I would've thought after all of the accolades Hayley Atwell got from her previous work she would have more choices than this. Phony American accent on top of everything else, what was she thinking? Maybe it was a quick rebound show.

Sense8: Limbic Resonance (2015) Season 1, Episode 1

Very promising series

[9/10 · 28 July 2016]

After reading a few reviews on this series I thought I should give my viewpoint. A pilot introducing 8 characters is difficult, but I thought it was handled well. I turned around and watched episode 2 the very next day. If you have a short attention span, if you want explosions, and Matrix like martial arts, then don't comment, don't watch the show. I thought through 2 episodes it is very promising, I hope they develop the Daryl Hannah character more. My only reason for giving it a 9 versus 10, was the character Nomi. If you're going to play a male transgender, then cast a male transgender. Kind of sad. My least favorite character.

Clipped (2015)

Has possibilities

[7/10 · 1 August 2015]

I've watched 7 episodes, so I feel I can comment fairly on the show. My roommate loves sitcoms, so I tend to see a lot of them, including ones I wouldn't ordinarily flip on. I used to like My Boys on TBS, so I thought this might be reasonably similar. It's not. You have a half dozen people working in a barbershop, with the owner who has a Napoleon complex. Some of the characters are improving, the owner Ben and his lifelong friend Mo have developed something. Buzzy (George Wendt) has teamed up with Charmaine (Diona Reasonover). They make the show worth watching. Having seen enough of these sitcoms, I think Diona Reasonover will be the one lasting character to make enough of an impression to either make this show work, built around her character, or to move on to something where she can thrive.

Person of Interest: Reasonable Doubt (2013) Season 3, Episode 4

Left a lot to be desired

[4/10 · 24 October 2013]

I've never commented on the show before, as it's consistently well-written, that is until this episode. The actress playing the lawyer whose husband is missing, was less than believable. Since I have seen her resume and she is a very accomplished actress, I just have to put it on the writing. I don't know why Ross now has a larger part than John some weeks, is he preparing to leave the show? That's the only reason I can conceive of why they would dilute his character. Her charisma cannot hold a candle to his, he essentially made the show what it is. Why create a duplicitous character? Please, please don't become another tired watered-down network TV show. This show was so different-for so long.

Alone with Her (2006)

Not really what I hoped

[4/10 · 28 August 2012]

Independent of some of the "unbelievably good" reviews I've seen, just didn't think the movie was well thought out in the long run. Colin Hanks set up the film pretty well at the beginning, but his behavior was not believable as it progressed. With Ana having a boyfriend, Hanks would normally have taken his frustration out on the boyfriend, like planting her credit cards or IDs on him for Ana to find. Jordana Spiro was completely wasted in this film, the only intelligent character-who gets killed off in an over-the-top obvious scene. She was already "wary" of Hanks, but showed no caution on the steps in the rain. Finally, finding the dog-and getting away with everything is over-the-top, I'm sorry. I just don't buy it.

Where Danger Lives (1950)

Kind of Disappointed, after a great start...

[5/10 · 22 May 2011]

I'm graciously giving this a five, only because of Robert Mitchum and what he added to the film. After the interesting opening, where you see him as a caring doctor, and loving fiancé, followed by a visit to the female suicide attempt he is treating, things start to fall apart in a hurry. A follow-up on the suicidal woman, who unexpectedly leaves the hospital early, is naturally done by Mitchum (read above) the ultimate nice guy.

Tracking her down to a mansion, she explains strangely about "her father" basically running her life-demanding Mitchum to leave, only to say she will need him later. After the later meeting, following her home, one surprise leads to about five over the top circumstances. The last hour of the movie you are just waiting for the obvious conclusion to arrive, and it does. Mitchum, doing as much as he can with not much to work with.

She Couldn't Say No (1953)

Not My Cup of Tea

[3/10 · 6 February 2011]

I just couldn't get over the character of Jean Simmons being portrayed as someone you were supposed to care for, but during the entire film she treats everyone she meets with such a superiority complex. A town of less than 200, and she's honking her horn for a bellboy at a boarding house, calling a doctor on an emergency Bell, simply because she wants to talk to him. It goes on and on, and in the end she gets the guy and comes out on top? Her little speech to explain why she was giving away money, was meaningless and going nowhere, until Mitchum diverts everyone's attention with a punch to a spectator. Terrible stuff. Robert Mitchum is essentially wasted trying to counterpunch her irritating character. Again, not my cup of tea

Hearts Divided (1936)

Also, Disappointed

[4/10 · 9 January 2011]

I must preface by saying I'm a big Marion Davies fan, but this was the least appealing of her films that I've seen. Worth watching, just to see Claude Rains playing Napoleon-he pulls it off beautifully. Dick Powell is okay, but he and Davies together looks stiff and miles apart in age and demeanor. Simply bad casting, as Davies looks much older than Powell, but more sadly,seems to move awkwardly in the past and given her, which detracts from the idea they can be romantic together. This spoils Rains performance,and even the great character actors Edward Everett Horton & Arthur Treacher are wasted in characters that seem to be contrived, just to fill in time. Miss Page Glory is a much better film, and really shows Davies at her best. Too bad about this film, but skip it.

Fetching Cody (2005)

Surprisingly good

[9/10 · 23 June 2010]

I'm giving this one notch short of a 10, simply so I can protest that the film wasn't another 30 minutes longer, I didn't want it to end. Jay Baruchel, As Art really makes impossible scene after impossible scene believable. You get to care as much as he does as the film goes on, about Cody. At lunch I explained it to a friend today who said it "sounds like The Time Traveler's Wife".

While there are certain premise similarities, Time Traveler, is like-for your grandmother, Cody is for the rest of us. An all too real world, mixed with a surreal trip (through time?). Watch the film and find out, it's definitely worth it.

Hangover Square (1945)

A Real Hidden Gem

[10/10 · 11 September 2009]

I recently saw the Turner Classic Movies DVD restored version of this surprisingly taut suspenseful film. Having seen and enjoyed The Lodger, (all 3 versions, including the Hitchcock original, and a version with Jack Palance), it was something about Laird Cregar that really sticks with you. It's a subtlety, a subdued cerebral nature, presenting itself in an enormous yet gentle giant. I did not know Hangover Square was the follow-up to the 1944 Lodger, and when I saw the opening scene with Cregar, I knew I was in for a treat. How much so, I had no idea. The movie kept building, in its intensity, just as the Concerto Cregar is writing develops. Following a scene involving Guy Fox Day (the original Halloween) I knew I should expect that anything could happen. By the ending climax of the film, with Cregar actually playing his Concerto (beautifully scored by Bernard Herrmann) it is the Concerto itself, which also provides the background music to drive the film, that eventually takes over. A wonderful actor lost (Cregar's last), this film I call "a must see".

Syncopation (1942)

I really enjoyed this, of course I like jazz

[9/10 · 19 July 2009]

I only comment on films when I either really like them, or rarely when I really don't like them. This one really caught me by surprise. Bonita Granville as her usual likable self, but playing a character unlike anything I have seen her do. Befriending at a young age, the black housekeeper, and her cornet playing prodigy of a son in New Orleans, she falls in love with the music. This is the key for every character in the film. Their passion for the roots of jazz and its variations. Moving to Chicago, at an early age (what luck for a jazz lover) it goes from Bourbon to Basin Street, and it is quickly exposed that New Orleans Jazz is different from Chicago. She has just befriended a homeless person, Jackie Cooper, who instead of robbing her or worse, takes her to a jazz party, as he is a jazz loving cornet player. (only in the movies). She sits down and shows everyone New Orleans style jazz, by playing some boogie-woogie on the piano! All the emotions of trying to make a go of it as a musician, bring the movie full circle. Even at the end, Jackie Cooper is wondering if there is really ever going to be a future in it. The performances alone are worth watching for a true jazz lover, but I liked the story! Of course, I'm a pushover for someone passionate about jazz.

Heat Lightning (1934)

Wonderful Little Film

[9/10 · 24 April 2008]

After reading several reviews that enjoyed the film, I almost did not write a comment.

However, after reading the one comparing it to a poor man's Petrified Forest, I wanted to say that's just plain unfair.

I, was not around for the New York Times drab review in 1934, like the previous reviewer, but I can form my own opinion. I really liked the movie. Aline McMahon, pulled off the difficult character of playing a woman mechanic/business owner, and Preston Foster played the crook on the lam quite believable for the situation he was in.

I personally wish Ann Dvorak had more of a developed part, I always like her, but sadly hers was the least developed of the several interesting characters in the film. Obviously made on a small budget, it's just unfair to compare this to Petrified Forest. They are not the same film at all.

Friday Night Lights (2006–2011)

Watch This Separately from the Film

[9/10 · 11 January 2007]

Of course, any one having seen the theatrical release, with Billy Bob Thornton, would have a preconceived idea of what this should be like.

However, taking this as a stand-alone TV show, I give it a very good rating. Maybe I'm a sucker for this, having played high school football in a small city where it was important at least in the newspapers, and being a sports fan, etc. But I'm also a TV viewer, and as far as TV goes, this holds up very good.

The high school students all have developing personalities, and the surrounding parents, townspeople, and visitors all make it quite believable-at least to me.

I wish people would give this a chance, but it is hamstrung I feel, by following a very good film. Take away the $100 million budget, and you'll see that at least for network TV, this is certainly much better than many of the other offerings.

However, if you like reality TV, you might as well disregard all of my comments, we have nothing in common.

A Woman's Secret (1949)

Liked It, so I Feel Compelled to Comment

[9/10 · 1 December 2005]

I knew this was a Nicholas Ray movie, and with the opening credits saw it was written by Herman Mankiewicz, based on a Vicki Baum novel, with Melvin Douglas, in the cast, I warmed up.

I've always liked Gloria Grahame, who always lended herself to out-of-the-box roles, which worked so well in Film Noir. But when I saw Maureen O'Hara, I had my doubts. I pictured the fluffy Irish goodhearted "Pollyanna", but her character was a welcome surprise.

Immediately from the opening scene, I was hooked. Gloria Grahame knocked my socks off, the scenes with her vocals were done so well, it made the whole movie work (I know, Maureen O'Hara is the vocalist, but Grahame steals the show here). Some surprises, some comedy, a film well worth watching.

The Brothers Grimm (2005)

I Just Don't Get It

[2/10 · 28 August 2005]

Call me old-fashioned, out of touch, I don't know. I just don't know why they would take A TRUE STORY of two brothers who were writers, and turn them into (Carnival-like) con men. The real Brothers Grimm must be turning in their graves.

I know, I know, this is a fictional story, and no way was supposed to parallel the true story of college educated, brilliant writers, whose struggles, sacrifice, and effort, finally brought children's stories TO PRINT. Wow what a wonderful story that really is, think of the millions and millions of children WHO READ because of the beginnings of those brothers, and we are reduced to Matt Damon & Heath Ledger, doing a Terry Gilliam knock off of Legend of Sleepy Hollow (movie) plus a few gimmicks.

Is that the only way movies can be made now? Superheroes, con men, comedy spoofs? Terry Gilliam is brilliant, this movie isn't, and the idea behind this movie is just sad. I've never written a negative movie, before, but this was just too much for me. Reading is becoming such a lost art, and now this movie...

Bad Little Angel (1939)

Uplifting Film, strong Moral message

[9/10 · 1 August 2005]

Okay, I'll admit I was in tears watching this film. Virginia Wiedler was a wonderful alternative to the Shirley Temple/Margaret O'Brien acting style, and I really like her sincerity without the "sugar coating" that Shirley and Margaret always added.

Wonderful supporting characters, (although more important), since she played an orphan, and was constantly looking for guidance and acceptance. The Father figure, the boyfriend, his alcoholic father, and the other character actors made this a balanced film. Christian overtones wouldn't get it through to the big screen these days, but this was 1939. Late in the Depression, Christian thinking was very strong. Worth watching!

Night Unto Night (1949)

Ronald Reagan in an early Don Siegel film.

[10/10 · 30 June 2004]

Long before Dirty Harry, you can see the excellent film-making, where Ronald Reagan gives what I feel is an excellent performance-not corny, not the "super nice guy" that everyone remembers him by. This is a hard edged film.

Broderick Crawford alone should be enough to get you to watch this one, but Vivica Lindfors and others are standout performers. SPOILER: Not to give too much away, but the film starts with Ronald showing up in Florida, to rent a home, so he can deal with his affliction, for which there is no treatment. Meeting Dr. Altheim, his first day there, almost floored me. The name is erie when heard, for me, as Mr. Ragan had just passed away when I saw this film.

The Man I Love (1946)

One of the Unknown Greats

[10/10 · 19 September 2003]

This is a relatively unknown Warner Bros. movie, that really shows off the skills of Ido Lupino, even in 1947, a tough independent spirited woman. Bruce Bennett, plays his best role outside of early Tarzan style films, and the entire mood of the film would stand up even today. In a lot of ways, not the Hollywood merry go around that film after film became in the late 1940s. I highly recommend it to movie fans, and to music fans, the soundtrack, and nightclub scenes are great.

Lathe of Heaven (2002 TV Movie)

The Sad Remake of a Wonderful Film

[2/10 · 24 September 2002]

I recently saw the original 1979 version of this film, where the screenplay, and professional consultation were done by the author herself. This remake, although it had quality actors, left out the critical material which made the original film (and the book) so unique, leaving this as another Hollywood rehash. James Caan and Lucas Haas both are wonderful in other projects, but they were given nothing to work with in this film. Rather than compare apples and oranges, I simply recommend people forget this film, and search for the 1979 Public Television Production-the first film ever made by PBS, and still the most requested item ever for PBS. Bruce Davison and Margaret Avery are wonderful, and if you realize the limited budget they worked with, you would be proud of that film.

Red Planet (2000)

Throwing in my 2 cents

[10/10 · 12 November 2000]

I felt compelled to comment on this movie, after reading the only review on the Web site. Although the viewer liked the movie very much, they unfortunately compared it to Mission to Mars, which had I not seen this film before commenting, would have turned me off. Mission to Mars pales in comparison to this film, for many reasons. The script, and thought behind Red Planet were extremely well thought out. The sets, and the equipment really looked possible for 2050, the setting of the film. From beginning to end, every time something new was added, I was amazed at how believable it really was. In all, a wonderful science-fiction film, in the true meaning of science-fiction. Science, fictionalized only because it hasn't happened yet-yet it could happen.