gfourmil Reviews

Blade Runner (1997 Video Game)

man meets maker---the entire movie theme, many miss

[10/10 · 25 June 2007]

i was astounded by a recent lunch with an old friend---a biologist of no little intelligence---who was amazed at a poet's view---'not an easy thing, to meet your maker'---she said 'blade runner' made little sense. when explained it as the classic view of humanity, as Roy Batty, as not made 'to last'---and that link to humanity's seeming fate---'made, but not to last'---that hit her---the cinema became alive---and she understood---

to spite an 'actors-strike' and so many obstacles, Mr. Scott 'nailed' the human condition---as 'the replicants'---made, but 'not to last'---a 'beef' with God is the theme---to not see such simplicity? beats me.

The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)

one whopper classic---everybody knows, right?

[10/10 · 8 June 2007]

i saw this as a kid---scared me stiff---i need a shrink---one scary witch---robot ridiculous? yeah--unless you're a ten-year-old---yipes.

make ya think twice about leather-clad women---or dominant females in general---this was obviously on the screen-writer's mind. more interesting, perhaps, is it 'taps-a-root' of sexuality. the deal of all embryos as initially female, until testosterone shows up and the female becomes a male---

sort of strikes a ' Jungian' unconscious level of thought---the basic theme being 'women (from mars, or Hooters)' Need men. Look out guys... this lady may be next door, if fact, a part of the 'Devil Woman from Mars' certainly seems to reside in all Earth-women---so this small cinema oddity, as most surviving 'cult' films may seem hokey---the message is not.

somehow this review of 'devil girl from mars' landed on 'the day the earth stood still'. beats me--i have not submitted a comment on 'the day...'

To Live and Die in L.A. (1985)

Rather Hard To Believe---But One Fun Jaded Film

[7/10 · 6 June 2007]

In the modern era of laser-print counterfeiting, this is a bit dated. However, I find my pulse rate rising with the soundtrack's synchrony. Even in the old 'Little Big Man' Dafoe portrayed his skill, as the 'bit-part' reporter. Come a long way in one hard biz. I still feel this was one of his best roles. Convincing, methodical, ruthless---the classic 'anti-hero' performance has you rooting for him. The Feds? Who cares? As murderous as he, by accident or chance--exploiter of bimbos. I would have been more satisfied if he had escaped. And really, how many car-chases are we expected to take seriously---watch NASCAR---you want a brilliant portrayal of a 'Rebel with a Cause'---getting rich in a criminal society? He won't let ya down---does he ever? worth it---

The Last of the Mohicans (1992)

Not Perfection, Yet Easily the Best Historical Romance

[10/10 · 6 June 2007]

The reconstruction of the 'French and Indian War' is amazing in its details. And its romantic elements. Did you notice how Uncas clearly 'falls' for the Brit Alice, who after seeing Magua (Wes Studi) graphically kill him, chooses to leap to her death, than accept being Magua's woman--real 'reincarnation' study. As for things mentioned (doors in wrong places, scene to scene), there are numerous other small editing errors, but i've noted a lot depends on which format, VHS, DVD, you're watching. There's absolutely no explanation, at the end (much weaker on the VHS), why Russel Means declares himself 'The Last of the Anything.'? Still I watch this over and over, as with Carpenter's 'The Thing', one has to remember that screenplays vs. a novel have a wide license, you're not reading prose---you're sitting there enthralled by a vision---and the procedures of cinema are quite apart from literature---scenes are flying by, and few viewers note minor discrepancies---no time for such.

the real treasure is the acting/directing, for the most part, and the basic view of that certain time. The sets, clothes, and action are A++. The special-effects, the realism are nothing short of spectacular. Unlike 'thrown-in' romantic hoke as in 'Titanic' (serves no purpose), here we have a wonderful Romance, on film--rare in any era---sure, for the Huron with knife to the the heroine's throat to wait around for Hawk-eye to whack him? Chalk it up to the concept of cinema--whose demands do reach a budget-time-limit.

When you see the scenes of Col. Munroe, a typical taciturn Scot meet his adversary, Le General Marquis de Montcalm, with his classic French near obsequious display of respect--no one may forget such. Flawed, yes, but still quite magnificent--worthy of many views--and a solid 'Romance 10'. Oh, and the soundtrack? I yet hear bits of it in TV exercise-for-ladies episodes--another bit that will persist--one 'killer' soundtrack--

So if you want historic and accurate action, high romance, and you have not seen it? Please do so---a helluva ride--tough act to follow---i'll never forget a napster user comment---'The bestest movie i ever seed.'

The Missouri Breaks (1976)

lordy--you missed this? a rare American masterpiece? shame

[10/10 · 29 May 2007]

without doubt 'Art'--my second wife was a screenwriter, some 'bounced-out' of production--but also the main 'librarian' of West LA's screenwriter's guild--so a constant parade of 'stars' came through, looking for scripts. this one caught someone--the rest is history. very few American films rival the best of Europe, Japan, China, South America--somehow, to spite the 'TV-Like' photography, this is one total jewel. while Brando and others may consider 'Burn' his best work (italian, of course), he really 'burn's' the screen on this one--as all, Nicholson gives him a run for his money. a classic of 'good' 'bad-guys' of the old west vs, a crazy assassin (Brando) hired to kill them, one by one. my only beef? the last scene is obviously a 'set'--phony trees, etc. also some versions leave out Jack's revengeful line, 'You just heard the sound of a man's throat being slit.' to me, this puts even the best 'pasta westerns', with their wise, as Kubrick's use of 'hand-held' photo-work to task. haven't seen it--well, you know 'trust me'. no regrets--Hollywood did good---riveting, start to finish. every scene 'nails-it'--now, if they'd just understand the value of 'hand-held' photography--that puts the viewer 'There'--with the viewer's vision in 'real life', vs. typical American film--Kubrick did it in Dr. Stangelove---wake-up Hollywood---cinema is not TV---

The Proposition (2005)

incredible thrift store find--Aussie western, see it if you can

[10/10 · 24 May 2007]

i walk in a thrift--buy cig-lighter that's dead--notice a $1 DVD--'The Proposition'--notice John Hurt in credits--who may resist, from 'Alien' to the cult 'The Hit', 'Rob Roy', or even the old 'I Claudius'--a master actor, as Brando, Depp, for a buck. i didn't even realize it as an 'Aussie' western, 'till the credits rolled. one amazing find--spellbinding from start to 'perhaps' enigmatic ending. i could not spot one director/editor's error--the plot may look simple (aren't most westerns), but this bit-of-true-cinema art transcends the genre. suspense, plot twist, bit of explicit gore, action, camera work. a stunning look at old Australia--expected 'the wild colonial boy'--got so much more--one 'don't miss' bit of art. boy howdy--

anyone reading me knows my contempt for such as 'Terminator Sequels', and the junk 70% that Hollywood pumps out---they own the theaters, distribution---'The Peter-Principle' redux. like 'Dilbert'. sure, we have some 'modern' classics---'Chinatown', even The Roc in 'The Run Down', or 'The Missouri Breaks' with Brando, Nicholson--'Going South',but this 'down-under' art has no mercy on truth. The 'kicker' came when i read it's international 'kudos', dumb as mud--thought i was the only soul that noticed--they lay it out. one reward after another--it surpasses what any may expect. awesome---one thing struck me as i watched this again--why are Captain and Mrs. Stanley w/o a 'dingo', some 'dog-protection'. a goof?

having been drawn to watch this several times, as a writer, i am more aware of its remarkable 'dialog'---focusing on Mr. Hurt's 'lines', i find them of near 'Shakesperian' quality---where-on-earth is Hollywood? you simply never see such screen-writing here. this must be the pinnacle of his acting and delivery---yet who knows, save a few? certainly the director rules, here,i think he just 'turned Mr. Hurt loose'---and it was a wrap. i simply am stunned by this film, from any aspect, there is simply no comparison. Mrs. Stanley, the so unlikely Captain Stanley's characterizations---where is more art to be found? expect to be astounded, and as any Great Work, music, painting---don't just see it once. whether Shostakovich in music, any Great Work---time is required for true appreciation---and, even as a documentary--not fiction, this piece is worthy---

Full Metal Jacket (1987)

kubrick as art, not reportage, still a 10

[10/10 · 5 February 2007]

aside from 'paths of glory' it seems many viewers expect a kubrick film to be 'another movie'---that's not his deal. his goal is always aimed at creating a bit of 'film-art'---not the typical goal. those approaching his work should expect this. how many know this thing was all done outside of London, with tons of palm-trees imported for 'realism'? or that the city of 'Hue' was actually an area slated for demolition to make way for new structures? granted, the 'boot-camp' scenes are authentic---but having 'Gomer' shoot his drill-instructor was hardly believable, as the numerous phony 'jello' splattering from bullet impacts.

so why give it a '10'---because it's an 'art-piece', and while anyone familiar with what a .223 American bullet does to one 'hit' by such, and then believes the woman sniper would not be in numerous scattered bits, but alive, begging to be 'sent-on-her-way'? absurd---yet one is transfixed by her pleas for death, and Joker's final compliance---that has no basis in realism---rather dramatic artifice---and well done---you want reality? Hamburger Hill---you wish 'art-cinema'? this has that impact---some would say it transcends 'reportage'---exactly what art is supposed to do.

to attempt mixing this with any 'normal' war film is simply 'apples and oranges'---

Hamburger Hill (1987)

the real thing, sadly

[4 February 2007]

well, when you see the name 'Korda' in the credits, best take a look. the family has a long history of 'no-bunk'---the tradition continues. most no-brain-dead people know this was an Illegal war, in clear violation of The Geneva Convention---and just one more example of President Eisenhower's parting words---'Beware the military-industrial complex.' i was not in favor of this war, but neither an active protester, rather had my hands full as a hippy san francisco mailman carrying fortunes in welfare/social-security checks---with a 'dog-sprayer'---ya want danger? that was enough for me. but if you want Real depiction of 'The Nam'? this is it, not Platoon.

i've many friends who were in that mess---many shattered---many liked it. of course the dead ones? who knows? one survivor, in particular, explained why he took 3 tours---'Americans just like to fight.' seems the way things are. unfortunate---but if you truly want truths of that deal---this is the only depiction that reveals all the crazed reasons any half-sane person would have participated in another global American blood-fest---no Hollywood bs---simple truthful reportage---grisly, dirty low-down---the best you'll ever see---

The Thing (1982)

most flawed film i truly love

[8/10 · 4 February 2007]

if you've read my reviews, i seldom comment on a 'less then 10' IMHO. i love this film, but i can't think of another with more bs. where to start? 1st, after it's known that any 'bit' may survive, you have kurt russel blowing the 'thing' into 'bits'---duhh????---then you're expected to believe the 'assimilated' dr. could actually rip parts of a bleeping helicopter and make an 'escape-ship' (give me a break, mr. carpenter)---you have an absurd view of an antarctic 'white-out', which to a former Alaskan is ridiculous---on and on---

so, why do i yet love it? it's scary! the acting and directing are near flawless, as the 'characterizations'---perfect---only the plot flaws would make 'Bonzo' cringe---but what-to-heck? it's a movie, not a novel. ya buy your ticket, get your butt scared stiff, and have a great ride---just don't bother with more 'logical' bunk than a smelly fish.

do i still watch it? sure---kurt russel's near finest hour---but is it sci-fi? no way---simple horror---that'll do---

Forbidden Planet (1956)

probably second only to the 'original' 'thing from another world'

[10/10 · 4 February 2007]

this was one of those $.50 cent deals of yore---and far more complex than most realize---and it was in color! not only are the effects extraordinary, vs. crap like 'earth vs. the flying saucers'---the real 'killer' is the 'universality of plot'---everything hinges on two principles---the ancient concept of a hidden incestuous-thinking father's desire for his daughter, and the idea of what would happen should a world's tech reach the point where all citizen's desires become manifest.

needless to say if everyone we wished dead gets dead, not many, if any left---and that became the fate of the 'forbidden' planet's populace---rather modern, actually. unfortunately the 'gear' of 'The Krell'---wasted by ignorance, remains, and 'Morpheus', the incestuous father, knows how to access such tech---and does so, to prevent losing his daughter to another. ancient plot, beautifully rendered.

and considering its age, it remains a stunning suspense, action, human-emotion classic---and visually very modern---don't pass this one up---it presages all modern sci-fi---and its pscychological content elevates it, beyond any genre---a timeless work---

and the soundtract! you will see/hear no pure 'synth' and perfectly syched Moog background---a 'not miss'---

The Dogs of War (1980)

another missed cinema wonder, often misunderstood

[10/10 · 19 January 2007]

this was my first notable exposure to mr. walken, vs. previous 'plastic' roles. i feel it his best---the only slip i saw in his work could have easily been 'editing'---it's in the scene where his 'arms merchant request to 'opt-out'. few seem to remember the 'editor', as a very key figure in what you will see. i've only read a few of the posted reviews, and they cover the plot well.

what seems missing in other reviews is an old story, old as The Illiad--why do men fight? in this film it is revealed as a consequence of his past woman's rejection---rare depth for a war-movie.

so many scenes are unforgettable, his 'custom's clearance' in Zangaro, the torture and beating scenes are absolutely authentic, as walken's portrayal of a savagely beaten man. ms. williams has an awkward bit of 'overacting' when first seen, again probably editing-error. overall this is easily the most accurate treatment of a mercenary mission on film---as would be expected, given it's based on an author's Real experience---not some ridiculous 'commando' work, 'hollywood' fantasy.

Pulp Fiction (1994)

hardly Tarantino's best

[7/10 · 17 January 2007]

there's one reason i love this flawed film---marsellus---his portrayal of a true 'fundamentalist preacher' hidden away as a hit-man keeps my 'fast-forward' or 'rewind' digits sore. my beefs, with what so many feel is such a classic? first, one could edit much out---the dance scene, the overdose scene---and absolutely re-edit walken's 'bit-part'---truly tasteless, totally predictable---but i guess 'work-is-work', not to be passed on---but to see him, myself a true lover of his great 'the dogs of war' just wasted on a brief 'walk-in' bit of scatology? ridiculous.

and unlike 'natural born killers', where-to-hell is any 'message'---other than a simple mess? none---as 'kill bill'. to me, mr. Tarantino's best was 'jackie brown'---a flawless work nobody seems to notice vs. this.

if were not for marsellus as a splendid crazed black preacher, with a big gun? i wouldn't bother. he steals the show---makes it worth the bunk, and blister on my index-finger.

The Ghost Goes West (1935)

another sir alex korda masterpiece

[10/10 · 17 January 2007]

i saw this korda classic, as many, on KTLA's late-nite 'public-domain-so-it's-free' broadcasts---i had never seen a korda comedy, let alone this rarity---yet i was instantly captured by this comedic jewel. other reviewers have covered the plot well---so i will be brief---expect hilarious 'juxtaposition' transitions---heart-wrenching romantic scenes---and camera work simply not seen, since the '30's--- breath-taking at times---this was obviously part of a korda series, yet i've seen no other. not to be missed by '30's, or any romantic-comedy fan.

whether it's depiction of the 'soon-to-be-ghost', who haplessly subscribes to 'make-love-not-war', or the stunning scene of lovers, trying to understand one another, each on the other side of the glass windows, this film is simply full of both the tasteful treatment of love, outrageously surprising 'gut-laugh' footage---once seen---never forgotten.

Natural Born Killers (1994)

Oliver Stone's True Best

[10/10 · 10 January 2007]

Yeah, hard to sympathize with any 'mass-killers'---yet Mr. Stone strikes a true blow vs. the USA's continuing personality of same. When 'Mickey' explains 'We all have a Demon', best remember he is speaking as an American, not an Amsterdam 'hippy', Canadian, current German (they learned), rather as a member of a 'mass-societal-killer', political 'mob'---who simply reflects his heritage.

Are 'Mickey and Mallory' as 'guilty' as our present, past Presidents, illegally slaughtering millions? Not by a long-shot---as guilty as our 'Big-Pharma'? Nope. Our 'cig-industry'? Nope. The potential mass-extinction, of humanity, via the Green-House? Nope. Small change, simply portraying 'victims' of a dangerous-laden criminal society---that is the core of this work. Bravo! Now some of you don't 'get-it'--2,000,000 wasted Phillipinoes, before and after they helped stop the Japanese invaders? 3,000,000 Indo-Chinese, after violating The Geneva Convention's lawful ruling--Nixon destabilizing Cambodia, leading to Pol Pot's 'killing-fields? The millions of Native Americans? Who knows how many Central, South American's murdered? Who of you knows, my father was a principal maker of the Nagasaki bomb, he told me, 'We saved those two Jap cities, as they were flat, no military significance, but 'the Brass', fearing Field Marshall Zhukov's troops would take all Europe, needed to both test the bomb-efficacy--and stop the Russkies. Sad, but true--Zhukov would have torn the other allies apart. That is why we waited for invasion, 'till Normandy--not to save Europe from Hitler, Russians did that, but to get men there to counter them--'the bomb' settled that deal---a nation of 'Natural Born Killers'---don't blame Mickey & Malloray--simply a product of a murderous history---did the Canadians need a Revolution? Nope--wake-up America, or else---that makes this movie great--just don't have a cop in your audience.

Paths of Glory (1957)

Kubrick's Masterful Rescue and True Classic

[10/10 · 10 January 2007]

Not sure if this post has 'spoilers', but here goes---Few realize Kubrick was 'given-a-shot' at 'rescuing' this film from its initial director. I 1st saw it on late-nite TV, as a 'kid', and was quickly 'hooked'---no idea of who Kubrick was---simply captivated by the acting, realism, and sad truths of the politics of war.

Kirk Douglas is superb, as the defender of French soldiers, who wisely refuse to be 'cannon-fodder', later accused of 'desertion', only to be put on trial, for their lives.

The film, for some reason, was handed to Kubrick and this is where he became known as 'Master-of-the-trenches', having several close-calls at being 'blown-up' while directing the many very chancy explosions characteristic of 'trench-warfare'. Unlike his later work, there is no dark humor here---just brutal reportage, as in 'The Killers'.

This film never flinches in its realism. The hapless 'deserters, to spite a brilliant defense, have no chance---it's a 'set-up' from the 'get-go'.

Seeing this work truly informs the viewer of war's injustices, and dispensed any foolish ideas of my youth on its 'glory'. The final scene, (spoiler?), where one to be shot passes-out, only to have the executioner slap him awake haunts me even now. A Must-See.

Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)

Rated #1 Comedy by 'Reader's Digest'???? WOW!!!!

[10/10 · 9 January 2007]

this only showed in Tampa, Fl., as a 'drive-in' feature--it was the 1st film i ever watched 20 times on screen--and i've kept watching it---addicting---wonderful---from the incredible realism of a B-52's interior workings, the truly displayed threats of 'nuclear' 'bleep-ups', to the totally unexpected master performances, even Slim Pickens'?

sure a bit of 'Ed Wood' 'special-effects'---and (spoiler?) Captain 'Bat Guano' armed with a cheap 'Ruger22' rifle?---

i simply won't say much---if this is not your favorite 'black-comedy'? please, get some therapy. prior to napster's 'mugging' this film was my most frequently downloaded, followed by 'conan the barbarian' and m. Mann's 'last of the Mohican's'. you miss this? i suggest immediate listen to Devo's 'mongoloid'.

joking aside, the best of peter sellers, George c. scott, sterling Hayden, and who-on-earth would guess slim pickens---i mean damn--what a movie---find out---

Burn! (1969)

What Brando Himself Termed His Finest Work?

[10/10 · 9 January 2007]

few seem to recall Brando felt this his best work. I'm not sure myself-- but it is one incredible film. any who have read my post know i consider 'hollywood', with a few exceptions, far inferior to much of international cinema. in general, American films seldom use 'hand-held' photography, and so closely resemble a typical TV series, i just get bored, unless a 'killer' bit of acting, ala Mr. depp, is present---so few' or no 'off-angle' shots, etc. are the trade-mark of LALA Land--with the notable exceptions of 'citizen Kane, 'the third man'.

this film follows that typical format a bit too much, considering its Italian production---yet Brando's performance and 'jose delores's' characterizations are remarkable. no one forgets this film, thanks to Brando--and anyone who has seen Mr. crowe's 'master and commander' will instantly realize Mr. crowe has seen this work, many times--the influence is obvious.

as so many foreign-made masterpieces this was a 'box-office-flop'--pity, as it is a 'not-to-be-missed' epic--i won't 'spoil' it for those who have not seen--but please, don't take my word--take Brando's--perhaps his best--a solid 10, and ;must-see.' au revoir---

Things to Come (1936)

Humanity's Ultimate Fate and Goal Revealed

[10/10 · 9 January 2007]

this was the most costly film, when produced. Sir Alexander Korda and H.G. Wells were both distressed by its poor ratings---for good reason. it was and remains far ahead of its time. aside from the seemingly poor direction, probably editing, at the very beginning, the work moves along to a stunning conclusion.

whether its Sir Ralph Richardson's 'Boss' role, or even better, his wife's, Sir Cedric's, as adversary to space-faring, Raymond Massey's 'John Cabal' center role---all deliver mind-boggling performances.

the scene with mr. Korda's incomparable set, of the small girl-child, running out to an absolutely 'never-to-be-matched' scene, commenting 'Life just keeps getting lovelier and lovelier'? that swiftly brings tears to any parent/grandparent. this is not a film for the young--unless 'experienced' and rather those who have seen 'the horror' it opposes.

sure, the 'phony-parachuting', looks hokey---while using a 'magnetic-cannon', now termed 'mass-driver' may be viewed as ridiculous, vs. rockets---give Sir Korda a break--Mr. Wells made that choice. and at +/- $8 million, this film went way beyond 'over-budget'---so he concentrated on what he could manage.

the true power of this Greatest of cinema rests in 'John Cabal's' final statement of human destiny---his friend 'Passworthy' doubts the wisdom of space-faring, saying, 'We're such little animals.' John Cabal's proper response is,(paraphrased) 'Yes, little animals, and if that is all we are, we must live and die as such.' they are standing under a large astronomical telescope. he sweeps his hand over the night sky. 'Yet we may have all the Universe, or nothing.'---then the final chorus breaks in---'Which shall it be?'---this is not 'Star Wars', 'Blade Runner'---anything you may consider 'Great'---this is the Real Thing.

i remind all of Steven Hawking's most recent address, upon his latest 'Medal of Honor'---'Humanity must leave Earth, or die.'---the very core of this work---i love 'standard entertainment'---yet this 'relic', for the wise viewer, offers far more. 'Which Shall It Be?' be in the proper 'mood'---whatever that takes---this will take your breath away---i 'guarontee'---overall, for humanity? the most significant of cinema.

since posting, i note many have commented on the poor 'media-quality' of 'surviving' examples. in the 80's i developed a 'proprietary' 'colorization' process which required a 'clean' original. this led me to Michael Korda, who sadly noted all were gone---so we must relish what remains---'sad but true?'

Guns for Dollars (1971)

Amazing Dario Sabatelo Produced Masterpiece

[10/10 · 8 January 2007]

until Mr. Tarantino recently included this film in his recent 'festival-of-classics', i thought only my family knew of it. i happened upon it on late-nite KTLA TV, and as my true San Diego mansion was 120 miles from LA, my 'hill-top' location, still allowed me to record it, on Beta-Max. i have seen this termed 'trash'. 'Shame, Shame, come back Shame! this, as 'Any Gun Can Play'('Kookie's best performance)is not your usual 'pasta-western'. no Leonie 'dark-side'--rather trenchant humor, and very-oddly, a rather strong link to modern physics. What??? the theme of 'perceptor-as-creator' is the 'base' for many scenes. those unaware of this line of 'quantum-physics' simply will see what sometimes appears as absurd, actually agrees with same. 'i pity the poor fool'---

i Love 16mm 'hand-held' photo-tech, and as both fixed, or 'hand-held', this unknown masterpiece blows-away the typical American camera-work. in fact, one may pause Any frame and observe a bit of Absolute Superb 'Modern-Impressionism', that should grace any Great museum---the colors, balance--Perfect. Captivating. This film-art 'nails' any cognizant viewer from opening scenes on--

'Performance-wise'? one must remember this is 'dubbed' to English', so some lines may seem clumsy. yet the characters from the Mexican revolutionary, Russian thief. false Nun, etc. are brilliantly directed. Plot-wise? so it's the old 'gunslinger's-riches-hunt' formula? who cares? this one is Supreme, Breathtaking cinema work, for camera-alone.

i was so taken with this, i spent +bucks to reach the 'hidden' producer. and i did. 1st he wanted to know how i found him, as the Italian 'IRS' was haunting him. then he informed me the 'rights' had been sold to an American co., seeking a flop as a tax-shelter--HA! sound like 'The Producers'? he also mentioned this film was a huge success in Europe and South America, yet ignored here, as Hollywood controls distribution.

i could say much more---simply put? you wish Art? you have 'The-Eye' of a Fine-Art museum master? Camera-man? you wish to laugh? or learn? i caught this when Tarantino was 'a gleam-in-his-father's-eye'. it deserves a 10---

Death Race 2000 (1975)

Roger Corman's Eternal Masterpiece

[10/10 · 2 January 2007]

It took my children a month to convince me to watch this film---and boy am I glad I did. The original 'Little Shop of Horrors' had been a staple of 'late-nite' TV so long, I cringed at the thought of Corman---although I never forgot Seymor running through empty tires, or Jack Nicholson's bit part, waiting for 'dentist-pain'. And then Jack again in the truly funky 'The Terror', I recall it was Karloff's last effort. And Jack still needed a few 'acting' lessons.

In high-school my friends and I would walk the 20-mile trip to see fine Italian art-cinema only shown at the old University of Tampa theater---'The Bicycle Thief', 'La Dolce Vita', 'Two Women', etc. Those films were so extraordinary vs. 'John Wayne' bunk, we learned the difference of 'art' vs. 'pablum'.

This film took me by surprise---20 years later, I still watch it. Why? To spite what some may 'sniff' at, like the Race starting in New York, but obviously filmed on the very roads I knew as a 25-year Southern Californian---Stallone's magnetic,as all---the plot, full of surprise gut-laughs, the artistic nudity---simply magnifico! Such elegance from Mr. Corman? Paul Bartel's directing (Eating Raoul)---A+.

And the ultimate, far ahead of its time, political stance of 'The elite's privileged rule' losing to true Democracy, at last---i feel all minor flaws just that---minor---this film will never die---all who miss it, by choice from its near total nude scenes, or for its liberal political Power, well, they simply lose.

Considering this Nation's political disasters alone, makes this film both current and one lovable, hilarious bit of true satirical black-comedy art---it's not 'Dr. Strangelove', yet its positive outlook on the salvation of our Nation, outrageous humor(all done on a teeny budget)has made it a continuing 'cult-classic'---not to be missed---'nuff said---solid 10. Congratulations Mr. Corman,

The Hitcher (1986)

superb treatment of 'why evil?'

[10/10 · 1 January 2007]

Amidst Hollywood horror films, this stands out on several points. To any parent, as in 'The Hills Have Eyes', the scene of 'The Hitcher' in a station wagon with children is terrifying. The film presages 'Natural Born Killers' on the eternal question of 'why evil?', an issue far older than 'Hamlet'. I feel what elevates this work is not car crashes or stunts---rather the Hitcher's simple reply to the young man, when asked 'Why?' The Hitcher's response---'You're a smart kid, you'll figure it out.' That, to me, is the key to this work's greatness---not your typical 'Terminator' being an indestructible evil thing---rather that ancient philosophical problem. And a truthful answer. As in the 'under-rated' Italian film 'Flash Gordon', Flash poses the same question to Max Von Sydow, as Ming-The-Merciless---Ming's reply? 'Why not.' Sure, it's but a brief bit of script---yet it speaks volumes on the 'human-condition' vs. evil---so i give it a 10.