[e-mail] Reviews

M*A*S*H (1970)

There must have been a mix up...

[9/10 · 1 December 2014]

What I can't believe is just how a 'television series' (8.5) could be rated higher than the original movie (7.7)? Granted the TV show was quite entertaining but when the two are compared side-by-side, the original film leaves the TV series in the dust, after all wasn't the film the impetus for the series? This film was obviously ahead of its time and I think something is lost when some people watch it today.

It is an antiwar black comedy that deals with the absurdity of war and its horrific consequences, much the same as "Catch-22". In fact Hawkeye and Trapper John, being officers themselves, sardonically reflect the sentiment against the "regular army clown" hierarchy which most enlisted men embrace. In fact, when this movie was being made the Vietnam war was in full swing, a compelling argument for ending a war which was, arguably, the wrong war for the wrong reason, i.e., political, not humanitarian.

I've read some of the commentary from the message boards and can't believe how offended some folks are at this movie, hey, it's just a movie, lighten up, nothing personal. Women aren't being treated like objects, especially when you consider the time-frame for this movie was the Korean war (early 1950's), so there wasn't even a women's liberation movement as yet, anyway it takes two to Tango, and in the interim if a "regular army clown" gets his/her comeuppance, it's just sauce for the goose and eventually they do come around most willingly.

I personally think this film is cinematic masterpiece and a genuine timeless classic full of satire, and will endure through the ages. Altman should have won Best Director and Film but there was some pretty stiff competition there, than to speculate on something that was controversial and parodied as well. After all Korea was that generation's Viet Nam: blunders, errors and a total waste of time, money and life.

Deadline (I) (2009)

Deadline - better if it wasn't met...

[1/10 · 25 January 2012]

Haven't reviewed any films for quite some time. Then again, I haven't seen anything that good, or awful, in the same amount of time. With sincere apologies to the production company and the Director, this film isn't worth the celluloid its printed on. For most of the movie the storyline does possess the potential to keep your attention, but it seems to jump all over the page and you're never really sure what the director is trying to say. Be that as it may, it held my attention until the final act. This is the point where I regretted spending the time necessary to get to that point. Either the plot is so intricate that it completely went over my head, or it is simply just a convoluted hodgepodge of twists and turns with no continuity whatsoever, and the only thing you can develop from it is a massive headache of the dizzying kind. Sorry to be so negative, but I honestly believe we should adhere to the talents we are known for and leave the other aspects to the professionals with proved track records. Sorry.

Revolutionary Road (2008)

More feasible than American Beauty...

[9/10 · 10 March 2010]

As I settled into this movie, I began to sense a feeling of familiarity (I caught it a few minutes into it) with the subject matter, then I realized the setting and time-frame were not present day, they were, in fact, back in the 1950s. At first it seemed like an ordinary run-of-the-mill period piece, but as I allowed myself to be absorbed by the movie's theme and subject matter, I realized that it was quite an interesting story after all. In fact, it was, at times, disturbingly realistic, as I can speak from personal experience, having grown up within that same time period, when life was 'supposed' to be simpler. When I came to realize it was from the same Director as the film "American Beauty", I knew why it held my attention so, because this man can really tell an interesting story and is quite impressive as a creative artist. I won't say it was an entertaining experience, as the subject matter is not your typical feel-good fare, but it is a very compelling movie that I intend on watching from the beginning, and then over again, because it was so interesting. It is also much more plausible in terms of realism than its predecessor, American Beauty. Great job Mssrs. Mendes, DiCaprio, Shannon and Mss. Winslet, Bates et al!

The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008)

OHHHH what a POINTLESS Remake!

[1/10 · 27 February 2010]

I could not find even one redeeming value to this film, nary a one! The original was decent enough for its time, purpose and entertainment value, but this remake is completely pointless. The kid (Jaden Smith) who doesn't have a clue throughout the entire film, miraculously garners the insight, nearing the finale, to correct an adult, a doctor no less, by enlightening her with his revelatory acumen, and then the 'doctor' looks at him in awe, LOL, give me a break, even if he is the prodigy of award winning actors, LOL...still, the film lacked any semblance of logic or continuity. In fact the only way this film would have made any sense is by an operatic, Allan Jones, solo then segue into the scene where "Freedonia's going to war" with the Marx Brothers sans Zeppo, as that role was already filled aptly enough with the presence of Keanu Reeves. Jennifer Connelly was there as "eye candy" but the film fell short there as well. The John Cleese role was utterly pointless, unless he intended on calling on "Brian" to save the world, but then again, he was NOT the Messiah, after all, was he? This film lacked any credibility and even less a connection to the original production, although The Giants really are seeking another venue...."two thumbs down" and I am so relieved I waited for it to be shown on cable, in fact, I'm seriously thinking of calling cable and requesting a refund for time wasted....I honestly hoped it would have been better, I enjoyed watching the original, but that was then I guess....

Snow Angels (I) (2007)

Heavy Duty!!

[15 May 2009]

I refrain from rating this one as I have a lot of mixed feelings about this film. Granted it is a very deep and sensitive foray into the trappings of human emotion and relationships, but I can't reconcile why anyone would even attempt a movie like this, especially in this day and age. Although all the technical elements remain in tact, from the impeccable direction, to the heart-rending acting performances, the depth of emotion this film challenges you achieve seems a bit parochial to me, given that all we are shown is the dark side of each situation. Isn't there enough discord we must deal with in our day-to-day lives, than having to feel our emotions tumble blindly into an abyss of despair, then having to muster up the strength to climb back up and out, just to resume our lives as usual? I can't find any redeeming qualities to this film, yet I did watch it from beginning to end. It has all the qualities of a well-made film which draws you in, but once you're in you find yourself just wanting to get out but you can't, because you have to see how it all plays out after all. I guess what I'm trying to say is that there isn't any 'entertainment value' to this film, it's almost like some extended version of a story you'd expect to find in the news today, instead of on the big screen. Hollywood, maybe it's time to get back to the basics?

The Passion of the Christ (2004)

A staggering perspective...not for the faint of heart

[10/10 · 6 November 2008]

Through the years Hollywood has approached the subject of The Christ, in many ways and with varying perspectives, yet has always remained within the bounds of moderation. This film crosses those bounds with a realism that staggers the imagination. When one considers the act of scourging as a form of punishment, the reality of the act itself seems to elude us. This is not the case with this depiction, as the graphic details make the viewer cringe in horror as the flesh is being rent, right down to the bone.

After seeing this movie for the first time, I wasn't quite so anxious to see it again, and it has now been nearly four years. It wasn't for a lack of interest, or because it wasn't a great film, it was due to the emotional impact it had left on me. Just the sight of someone being tortured to the point of near-death, then considering that this "someone" was, for Christians, their Lord and Savior, was a bit disconcerting to say the least. From the acting, to the directing and production, this film is an example of cinematic excellence. It really blew my mind, and shook me to the depths of my soul. WOW!

The Legend of Bagger Vance (2000)

To be one with nature....

[9/10 · 3 September 2008]

I do not agree with any of the negative comments about this film. It honestly doesn't even matter who directed it, who starred in it or even how much money was spent in producing it. It doesn't really matter how the critics reviewed it, nor the fact that it lost money in the end. The most important element about this film is the storyline. The story itself is what carries the film, in my humble opinion, by virtue of its message alone. Overcoming adversity in one's life is the impetus behind the concept of the story, the "sport" itself is merely the visual aid, the vehicle. Granted, although it contains the element of a fantasy film, if you think about the forces involved whenever someone "loses faith" with his/herself, and the painstaking attempt to gain back that faith, it all boils down to being one with nature, with one's life-force being in tune with all things around them. Much the way we seek solace whenever we pray to the Almighty, or ask for help from some 'higher power', "Bagger Vance" is the culmination of every force in nature. He is the sky, the earth, the wind and the water and is manifest in the form of a human being. The movie is such an inspiration for anyone seeking approbation or, more simply, just a good feeling. Another great feature about this film is that it is for the entire family from 8 to 80, everyone has something to gain by watching this film....I think it's simply GREAT! A perfect 10!!

Fort Apache (1948)

The great American western!

[10/10 · 30 May 2008]

Sure history will always remember the "Thursday's" but what about the Irish? You just gotta love the Irish! Even though I may be Italian-American by ethnicity, I like to feel there's a bit of Irish in me as well. It's a wonderful thing to be proud of your heritage and John Ford epitomized that sentiment in just about every movie I can think of, where ethnicity was a part of that ilk. From the "Quiet Man" right down to "Fort Apache" it's like wherever you find greatness, it seems there's a Irishman right there in the mix. It seems they took all the best ideals America had to offer, then added a bit of Gaelic sentiment and voilà, you've just built yourself a great American hero of stellar proportions. I particularly love the casting in this film from "The Duke" to "Henry Fonda", "Victor McLaglen" (Up the Rebels!!!) to "Ward Bond", "Dick Foran" (Sweet Genevieve), "Guy Kibbee" (a great character actor), "Jack Pennick" (often recognized but not named), "Hank Worden" (one of my favorites), "John Agar" (his debut), "Pedro Armendáriz", "George O'Brien" and the always lovely "Shirley Temple". A great American film made classic by the breathtaking scenery, the hallmark of a John Ford film. It doesn't get any better than this!! Perfect!

The Thing from Another World (1951)

Watch the Skies and keep watching, The Thing!

[10/10 · 3 May 2008]

This film is, by far, one of my favorite science fiction movies of all time. I remember the terrifying, bone-chilling visions of "The Thing" with fond memories and reverent dedication as being one of the all-time favorite "monsters" of my youth. I've either read or heard somewhere that Mssrs. Hawks & Nyby originally envisioned more blood and gore, but ultimately desisted in pursuing their original concept in favor of the censor's recommendation of that era. In fact, I believe some of that footage still exists to this day, perhaps even locked safely away, or just forgotten, somewhere. Whether that footage escaped the fate of the "cutting room floor", I guess we'll never really know for sure.

While John Carpenter's 1982 interpretation is more akin to the short story "Who goes there" by John W. Campbell, I prefer the original 1951 version even though both versions are similarly watchable. I also prefer the 1951 premise for "The Thing's" survival more so than the 1982 version's, it's far less complicated and much more horrifying even though it's less dark and insidious. I'll take simple horror and gore over ulterior motive based terror any time. In fact, I would have preferred even more encounters with the original "Thing" than Mr. Hawks and Nyby had given us. I believe the story may have been abridged to satisfy the censors' wishes as well, but that is only my theory. Either way, it is a true piece of science fiction nostalgia and a memorable film classic to me. Excellent.

Little Lord Fauntleroy (1936)

A priceless Gem...

[10/10 · 3 May 2008]

This "GEM" of a film should be digitally remastered to preserve its cinematic integrity. The audio seems a bit "washed" and scratchy and some video portions skip and flutter a bit. This is a shame considering the quality of this fine production. Freddie Bartholomew is precious in this role and was a fine actor in his own right. There is an immediate chemistry generated between him and C. Aubrey Smith. From the outset there was no clash of generations, in fact quite the contrary, they got along swimmingly! It's just too bad that the Earl shunned Dearest right off, but I guess living alone and being lonely would take its toll on anyone, especially since his son married against his wishes. In any event, there should be more movies with actors of this caliber, especially nowadays when the world could really use a great "G" rated film without all the animation and special effects. This should be required reading in schools, if for nothing else, for the lesson in humility. GREAT FILM!!!

The Natural (1984)

In a league of HIS own!!

[10/10 · 26 April 2008]

There are quite a few great movies about baseball. Some of my personal favorites are: "Pride of the Yankees", "Field of Dreams", "Bull Durham", "A League Of Their Own", "Eight Men Out", "61*" as well as others I just can't remember right now. However, "The Natural" is, by far and away, my own personal favorite of all. It is based on a fictional character named "Roy Hobbs", whose love and exceptional talent for the game predispose his upcoming career, by virtue of his "natural" ability, to the kind of notoriety legends are made of. Although certain aspects are loosely based on an actual event, the aftermath is strictly a fictional accounting. It is an inspiring, entertaining story about facing adversity and overcoming the odds, especially when the odds are stacked against you. This great story is made all the more memorable by the impeccable performances of: Robert Redford, Glenn Close, Kim Basinger, Wilford Brimley, Robert Duvall, Robert Prosky, Darren McGavin, Richard Farnsworth, et al. All in all, a very emotional, entertaining, inspirational film. 10 for 10!

Anne of the Thousand Days (1969)

Up the Rebels!!

[8/10 · 14 April 2008]

WOW! Now I can understand Shakespeare perfectly. It wasn't so much that he was a genius, just look at the fodder he had all around him, all he needed do was to simply put pen to paper and the stories just oozed out, LOL, on their own. I wonder just how true these stories are to fact? This story had me shaking my head in disbelief; the deception, the treachery, the pomposity, the buggery, those horny monarchs, lol. It is beyond incredible that for mere want of a male heir, or even worse, to simply fulfill some base carnal desire, much like an animal, a "King" would stoop to such skulduggery. It seems that every film I've yet to see of this genre, all suffer similar outcomes, so I guess I've answered my own question, there must be some basis of truth to all these stories. Boy, that must have been some scary times to be alive, or worse yet to be born into nobility and have to deal with all those idiots and all the backstabbing just for the sake of paying homage to the "boss", LOL...I guess the film left an impression...

The Shootist (1976)

It's The DUKE,!! need I say more??

[10/10 · 31 March 2008]

This film, in particular, holds a special place in my heart. It is the final act, the coup de grace, the swan song to an otherwise illustrious career. The "man" is a dying breed, literally, a gunfighter whose better days are far behind him. The world is changing and life, in its own inimitable way, has a way of surprising you, even though you thought you could no longer be surprised. Who can portray this man any better than "The Duke" himself, none! It is the story of a hardened "no nonsense" man trying to come to terms with the prospect of his own mortality, it is a coming-of-age story about a boy becoming a man and the lesson learned, but a lesson learned at great cost. John Wayne was truly impressive as "J.B. Books", a retired gunfighter at the turn of the twentieth century. Lauren Bacall, James Stewart, Harry Morgan, John Carradine, Richard Boone, Hugh O'Brian, William McKinney, Scatman Crothers, Sheree North and Ron Howard round out the cast perfectly. A film truly worthy of your personal collection. A true classic!

Gunga Din (1939)

Bred to serve: Born for Greatness!!

[10/10 · 20 March 2008]

"Gunga Din": one of the greatest adventure stories ever told! A story about the British Foreign legion in 19th century India and a lowly "water-bearer" named Gunga Din, a local denizen who aspires to be just like his military counterparts; three British sergeants whose loyalty and camaraderie for each other extend far beyond the bounds of mere patriotism. Their's is a true and abiding friendship for one another and each would be willing to sacrifice his own life for the good of the other. Gunga Din longs to be a soldier too, a Bugler in particular, but can never attain that rank due to his subordinate social standing. However, heroes are not made according to their social credentials, they're made through their willingness to sacrifice for the greater good of others. Gunga Din tries at every turn to prove his mettle, but will he ever attain the rank he so passionately seeks?...."You're a better man than I am, Gunga Din"! One of Hollywood's classics and a perfect 10!!!!

Unforgiven (1992)

As good as it gets!

[10/10 · 2 March 2008]

This "western" is my favorite of all time...with no disrespect to the masters of this genre like John Ford, John Wayne, Gary Cooper, Gregory Peck, Henry Fonda, Don Siegel, Sergio Leone, Walter Huston, John Huston et al, this film is more true to reality than most any of the others. In reality,it is not an easy thing killing someone, quite the contrary, it is a very horrific experience (I would imagine) full of internal conflict with one's own emotions, morals and fears, not to mention nerves, especially completing a task as up close and personal as "face to face" can get. This film deviates from the traditional "Hollywood" western by putting the emphasis on the human condition and not by simply glorifying acts of violence by allowing the protagonist to reign victorious despite any of the odds or obstacles involved. Clint Eastwood and company did a stellar job in conveying a story in such "true-to-life" fashion. A most excellent piece of cinema!

JFK (1991)

Unbelievable!!

[10/10 · 25 January 2008]

What a sad commentary on the world in which we live, that such a progressive, highly public figure and advocate for peace and racial harmony, is cut down in the prime of his life. Just another example of the flagrant travesty of justice and morality. I was but a youngster on the day of President Kennedy's assassination, but it is still a very raw, horrendously sad subject in my mind, even to this date. The fact that President Kennedy had personally known the horrors associated with war and vowed to avoid it at all costs, only exacerbates the heinous act itself and substantiates the need for the full disclosure of facts and further investigation into the possibility of some clandestine conspiracy and treasonable act. That such an egregious, cowardly act could have been perpetrated on this progressive human rights advocate, great man and political figure, only makes one shudder in disbelief. Just as the age-old saying predicts in the trenches: "There are no atheists in foxholes", Mr. Kennedy knew, firsthand, that the color of someone's skin is of no importance, especially when life and liberty are on the line and that the mere concept of war is, plain and simple, an aberration.

It further staggers the imagination that there could be even the possibility of some government cover-up against releasing the files associated with that tragic event and day. Just the notion of a conspiracy sends cold chills down one's spine, as it is an indictment on the most basic of moral values and democracy itself. To blatantly discard or detract from the intrinsic value found in the physical evidence of this case, reeks of a conspiracy in its own right. We all know that war is the biggest business of all where the rich only get richer and the good inevitably die young. Somehow I'm a bit surprised that a filmmaker was able to address this issue with relative impunity for broaching a subject of such delicate and potentially incriminating nature, although perhaps enough time has passed in history to relegate this event to the rhetorical or even dismiss it as simply artistic hyperbole and superficial speculation for the sake of the entertainment value alone. Unless, that is, the powers of corruption and darkness continue to run so deep as to infest and permeate the entire fabric of both the political and judicial machines. In any event, this film definitely strikes a chord of suspicion and is fodder for a complete and final investigation, if for nothing else, for history's sake. I salute Mr. Stone for this excellent dramatic achievement. It most certainly begs the question of just how safe are we from ourselves and if "Big Brother" could be a festering, insidious reality or a portent of things yet to come? Julius Caesar must be turning in his grave. Excellent film!!

Braveheart (1995)

Most excellent film!

[10/10 · 21 January 2008]

This film is truly one of my all-time favorites, regardless of how accurate or true to history it is. This film is plain and simply perfect, as well as thoroughly entertaining cinema. It is deserving of each of the 5 Oscar's it won though I believe Mel Gibson should have won for best actor as well, especially since there was no other performance of that year that came even close to his, yet strangely he wasn't even nominated. Of notable mention is the lighthearted yet dedicated performance given by David O'Hara as "Stephen, the Irish fighter". His performance added just the right touch of levity without detracting from the storyline or ambiance. Brendan Gleeson's performance was perfect as well, in fact each role was filled to perfection. Although this film clocks in at nearly three hours, at its finale you find yourself wanting even more, much the same as elicited by such other great films as, "The Hustler", "Dances with Wolves", "The Great Escape" and so forth. Another way to sum it up would be to coin the old adage: "time flies when you're having fun". Simply Excellent!

Mission to Mars (2000)

Interesting Hypothesis.....

[7/10 · 21 January 2008]

The concept behind this film is astounding and no matter what science can prove within its limited scope of technology, the potential is downright staggering. That's just one indication of a great film, the ability to transport your imagination to the realm of infinite possibility. To relegate the powers of reasoning and logic to the bounds of a reality born of possibility and in the process presenting a viable hypothesis in its wake. I've seen this film a couple of times already but I had forgotten just how captivating it is. The cast is substantial and carries the film, although that Don Cheadle is really scary, you'll see what I mean with a surprising twist of plot. If you can put your powers of logic in neutral and simply allow the magic of your imagination to prevail, much the same as when you were a child, this movie will be a truly enjoyable, uplifting experience, for out of certain tragedy comes a restored sense of hope. I guess it's just part of the magic that only Hollywood can weave, or then again, maybe from of all of these dreams, a reality only born of creativity and imagination lies beneath, some proclivity toward a foresight or intuition. I guess we'll never really know for sure, or then again perhaps we shall. In any event Brian De Palma has done a spectacular job with this story and concept. A very enjoyable experience and apparently quite underrated as well.

A Good Year (2006)

Our vines have tender grapes....

[8/10 · 18 January 2008]

This film was an unexpected surprise. It is a very cute story about vineyards and wine, love, loss and ultimately the coming of age, or wisdom as the case may be, they do go hand-in-hand. The setting is what makes this film all the more watchable, the south of France, oh la la! Not your standard Ridley Scott fare, but this works in his favor as it exhibits the scope of his talent and range of versatility. I thoroughly enjoyed the performances given by the entire cast, especially that of Russell Crowe's. There's an impressive chemistry generated between Mr. Crowe and Ms. Cotillard, whether he gets the girl in the end or not, at least they have a history. The storyline is further enhanced by the curious twists and turns in the plot. I believe that anyone who watches this film will truly enjoy the experience, I know I did. A very nice romantic comedy.

Dances with Wolves (1990)

Simply breathtaking!

[10/10 · 3 January 2008]

I'm certain that scripts like this one come along maybe once, or twice (if lucky), in a Director's lifetime. It takes such a high level of expertise and talent to convey a story in such a way that it moves an audience emotionally. This film contains all of the elements necessary to do just that; capture someone's attention and in the process entertain both satisfactorily, as well as thoroughly. I can understand the accolades given for the cinematography of this film, the beauty and majesty of the open plain was captured here in its most basic of elements. In fact, I can understand all 7 of the Academy Awards this film has garnered, the story is told with such great skill you don't even mind that more than half the film is in subtitles. In fact, this element just seems to reinforce the impact of this cinematic epic. Kevin Costner has always been an interesting, accomplished actor, however, he has attained pure excellence in his direction of this film.

When I think of excellence in dramatic films few come to mind, this just happens to be one of them. Brilliant, beautiful job!! Par excellence!!

It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

The truest meaning of Christmas....

[10/10 · 24 December 2007]

"It's a Wonderful Life" epitomizes the true meaning of Christmas. Hope, understanding, forgiveness, friendship and sharing, all of the attributes we strive to achieve the whole year through, though somehow they manage to elude most of us. However, we come closest to being all the best we can be, at least once each and every year, at Christmas time. Frank Capra struck a chord, I would hope, in every cynic, miser, curmudgeon and Scrooge among us, when this film originally made its debut in 1946. The war was finally over, those who were lucky enough to be coming home were home, and the world was struggling to get back some semblance of the joy and peace in life, much the way things were in a prewar America. Although the innocence of that generation was gone forever, great movies like "It's a Wonderful Life" helped to restore some faith in mankind, as well as joy in some of the simple pleasures in life. Films like this one are milestones in history and a credit to humanity itself.

There are a few films of this type that come to mind which epitomize the nature of the unselfish heart and giving spirit: "The Bishop's Wife", "Scrooge-A Christmas Carol, 1951", "The Bells of St Mary's", and "Going My Way" to name a few, there are others, but these along with this film sticks in my mind as being the paradigm of hope, generosity and the truest nature of the Christmas spirit. These films are precious, their stories immortal, their moral lessons invaluable, and the genius behind these films are, sadly, of a bygone era. Hollywood "broke-the-mold" with these productions offering us wholesome family fun, genuine entertainment bearing an endearing notion while teaching a valuable moral lesson. It is this type of film that truly makes the "Holidays" fun. Bravo! A perfect *10*

O Brother, Where Art Thou? (2000)

Here's to Homer....

[10/10 · 19 December 2007]

This movie is the funniest rendition of the Odyssey I have ever seen, bar none. Odysseus, Ulysses to us of the Italian persuasion, lol, certainly has his hands full in his fervent quest for a return to his previous life of normalcy, and always just one step ahead of the law. While it is true that Tim Blake Nelson's performance steals the show, my own personal favorite is that of George Clooney's and his unyieldingly optimistic albeit pseudo-intellectual persona as it keeps the dialogue flowing and the storyline both humorous and riveting. I especially loved the "Soggy Bottom Boys" in their performance of "Man of constant sorrow", it certainly was "bona fide", LOL...but then again, coming from the "petter' familias", LOL, you wouldn't expect anything less would you? I would endeavor to say that another story of this ilk, containing various parallels, besides the movie "Sullivan's Travels" is that of the more well-known classic "The Wizard of Oz", though I cannot verify intent nor origin. So, although it may not be a "bona fide" hypothesis from which I bespeak, LOL, there are many similarities between them....bona fide or not. I love this film, a perfect *****10***** Don't miss it!

The Manhattan Project (1986)

Entertaining enough....BUT....

[6/10 · 12 December 2007]

This film is entertaining enough, in fact it is quite exciting. However, in a real-life scenario, the end result would not and could not have had such a clichéd "Hollywood ending", so in that respect it sort of resembles a "fractured fairytale". The storyline is credible enough with a bit of imagination stretching, the acting is tolerable, only the irony is laid on a bit too thick. I found the attitude of the principal character to be much too cynical, unrealistic and extremely condescending, even for the likes of some precocious, science-savvy prodigy. Getting back to the entertainment value, the plot progresses expectedly only it thickens toward the direction of the surrealistic, though the basic concept is actually pretty frightening. However, the movie is watchable with its impressive cast; a young Cynthia Nixon, John Lithgow, Chris Collet et al. I have mixed feelings about this film, I did enjoy watching it, but when I began to rationalize it began to appear quite nonsensical. So, if you intend on watching it, simply keep your powers of logic and common sense subdued and it will remain an enjoyable experience.

Duck Soup (1933)

Now THIS is comedy!

[10/10 · 8 December 2007]

Although I grew up laughing to and loving the Three Stooges, they had what today would be termed a television comedy series, a show (reruns) that was shown every day after school. However, my personal love and affinity is for the sardonic humor and rapier wit of the Marx Brothers. Yes, with lines like..."and then I kissed him"....."I see, then it was murder!", LOL...you just have to fall in love with these guys, especially "Groucho". Or you can get "lost in translation" with "Chico"..."here, have a good quarter cigar....I already had the other 3 quarters"...LOL...or the inane shenanigans of "Harpo"...."...we must have this guy's record" (to denigrate the reputation and recant the election of "Firefly" as the head of the fictitious country, "Freedonia") without the miss of a beat..Harpo hands him a "78"-sized polyvinyl disk (a Record), LOL. Then we have "Zeppo", most often relegated to the role of the "straight-man" but great nonetheless. If you don't understand a word I'm saying, I'm afraid you'll just have to see this film...but you won't be sorry, you'll instead be thankful for having had so many great and honest laughs. But I'm rambling...."I must have been vaccinated with a phonograph needle", LOL....GREAT COMEDY!!

There's Something About Mary (1998)

A laugh a minute....nonstop!

[9/10 · 6 December 2007]

If you enjoy laughing out loud, unabashedly, even though you should find yourself alone, that's alright, it's just the nature of this beast. The Farrelly brothers definitely struck gold with this film, it is already a classic whenever great comedies are mentioned. Be forewarned though, there is some pretty raunchy material here and is not recommended for the faint hearted, however, I guarantee that taken with a grain of salt and tongue-in-cheek, you'll laugh nonstop until you find yourself rolling off your chair. In fact, I forgot just how funny this movie was until a saw a rerun today. At its core, it is a very sensitive and redeeming love story, NOT! LOL..but it is a refreshingly innovative, original comedy that you will recall fondly, thus, you will never forget the experience. Each and every laugh is followed by an even bigger one. The cast is sheer perfection, the direction terrific, in fact the entire production is simply impeccable. This film is hilarious, so don't miss this one!