shiannedog Reviews

Tell Them Willie Boy Is Here (1969)

Robert Blake makes this worth the watching.

[7/10 · 3 March 2024]

This western is rather different in style while at the same time presenting a common theme. Robert Blake was superb as Willie Boy. He made the film worth watching. Truly a great performance. Apart from him I would give it a much lower rating. The camera loves Redford but other than his pretty looks, he adds little quality to the film. He can't seem to dialog more than a few words at a time. There is a very good supporting cast and the screen play makes it interesting. The music is also a perfect fit. If I had a do-over I would replace Redford with Steve McQueen or Charles Bronson and give the sheriff a bit more to say. 6.7/10.

Out of the Darkness (1985 TV Movie)

The man who found the Son of Sam.

[7/10 · 24 February 2024]

I didn't have any expectations when viewing this movie so I couldn't say I was disappointed. In fact the performances of the actors came across as quite impressive, especially Martin Sheen's performance. So well did he do that it seemed to bring out the best in many of the other actors also. Another aspect of this film that I thought was exceptional was the writing. The dialog was captivating. Being a made for TV picture gave it serious limitations I'm sure but the end product turned out excellent. My compliments to the film markers. I will yield to the other reviewers as to the historical accuracy of the story but in no way should the qualities of this movie take a hit because it was deeply moving and interesting. 7.4 out of 10.

The Pursuit of Happiness (1971)

I just went

[7/10 · 17 February 2024]

This movie is fairly well made overall. It certainly gives a glimpse into the mindset of college aged students in a political and legal environment with all the predictable clashes. It also explains why letting people (who've retained the idealistic views of their childhood) become the political leaders of tomorrow will lead a nation to ruin. The lack of thoughtful consideration of the consequences of perilous and stupid actions is particularly disturbing in this film. No doubt the excitement of living a responsibility free life is an irresistible draw to many of the young and foolish who are nurtured by their predecessors in our educational system. All in all it's a frightening view of the reason great nations fall due to the well meaning ignorance of too many people. So sad to see when happiness is found simply by moving to the right.

The Christmas Wife (1988 TV Movie)

A Movie Masterpiece for Lonely Hearts

[8/10 · 26 December 2023]

One cannot say enough about the quality of this movie. The writing, directing, and the screenplay are superb, and the music is beautiful. Jason Robards and Julie Harris are both magnificent in their portrayals of John and Iris. I was so pleasantly surprised by how enjoyable this film was, especially considering the subject being loneliness. Sometimes these types of films can be rather mundane but this one rose above and gave a performance that brought both laughter and tears throughout. I was so impressed with Jason Robards acting that I will be watching this again on Christmas Day in the future. What a wonderful treat to watch. Thank you to whoever had a part in making this movie.

The Price of Fear (1956)

Honey, please help me get caught.

[5/10 · 7 August 2023]

This noir had a lot going for it and it even shined a few times, but then it didn't. I think the problem was with the direction of the acting. It seems as though they filmed the rehearsal scenes and decided to edit them into a movie in order to save on production costs. Too bad because it could have been much better. Not a bad story and the casting was fair as was the screenplay, but it could have had a little less dialogue and a bit more action. The romance scenes were particularly bad and seemed forced. I wondered why the guy didn't break out into laughter when she said she loved him. I wanted to give it a rating of 6 but settled on a 5. If I were under the influence maybe I would kick it up a notch. Oh well...

Berlin Affair (1970 TV Movie)

What just happened?

[6/10 · 24 July 2023]

Berlin Affair is a story which requires four hours to tell and when the screen play is edited down to 90 minutes you end up with what you have here. A choppy series of scenes which leaves the viewer feeling frustrated by having to imagine the details and connect the dots. It's not a terrible movie, the actors perform well and the story is interesting, but like many spy thrillers there just isn't enough time allowed to make it well enough to fully enjoy. There were some scenes done well enough to keep my interest but the action scenes seemed so truncated and broken up that they didn't make much sense. Not a bad choice for entertainment on a late night "whatever" pick. 6/10.

Ride with the Wind (1994 TV Movie)

A Superb Made for TV Movie!!!

[7/10 · 24 April 2023]

I have seen Craig T Nelson in many films but he sure gave a wonderful performance as Frank Shelby in this picture. It held me captive the entire time. This movie was put together extremely well and the performances by all the actors was superb. The writing, the screen play, the cinematography, the editing, and the directing were magnificent. It was a well balanced story between the life of the old guy (Frank) and the life of the young boy (Danny). Very heartfelt and very exciting. I love finding real gems like this to enjoy and recommend to my friends. It's too bad that this one hasn't achieved the attention it deserves. 7.4/10.

Runaway Jury (2003)

I'll have the psychosis and the upside down reality please.

[5/10 · 16 April 2023]

They must have paid Gene Hackman really well to participate in this farce of a story. Dustin Hoffman fit right in with his role. You really must tolerate the absurdity of the story in order to get through the entire film. Overall the production quality of this picture is good, and the acting is nothing to complain about but the only thing that kept me watching was verdict anticipation. I should have known that it would turn out like it did. For a sequel I would expect something like where the mass murderers are the good guys and the surviving family members are sentenced to death. Hollywood please! Hell is just over your next horizon. Don't go there!

Jesus Revolution (2023)

God uses the willing to accomplish great things.

[8/10 · 27 February 2023]

This movie demonstrates well, that as flawed as each one of us is, He can and does use us to accomplish what He desires. Trusting Him and faithfully following Him can result in the changing of people's lives and even changing the society around us for the better. Seeking the Truth and finding it in the One who claimed to be the Truth can and will change you if you let it happen. All you need is a love for the Truth which He will give to you if you ask for it. Hanging onto your sins will drag you down into Hell eventually. What good does that do? Take a serious look at this movie and see how God works to reach the lost and maybe it can be a life changing experience for you. One that will fill you with meaning and purpose.

The Man Who Cheated Himself (1950)

The new guy is quite the annoying fellow.

[6/10 · 11 April 2022]

Good grief, this film ended so abruptly that it made me wonder why. They were getting away with the crime and in the last 30 seconds of the movie they were caught, handcuffed, tried, and convicted. Oofdah! The younger brother was a clean cut and honest fellow who was extremely annoying with his persistence in solving the case. The time period of the film was very interesting and entertaining. Fairly well made and acted. 6/10.

Poco... Little Dog Lost (1977)

A pleasantly enjoyable movie with a great dog!

[7/10 · 28 March 2022]

I really enjoyed this movie which was more of a dog's adventure story than anything else. The characters portrayed by Chill Wills and John Steadman were wonderful and hilariously funny. Poco the dog kept us entertained throughout and the wildlife scenery was beautiful. I recommend it highly for young or old but especially if you have little ones who love dogs.

Taken 3 (2014)

Taken3 is a poorly made movie

[4/10 · 25 March 2022]

Liam Neeson is always worth watching but just about everything else in this film is not. The acting is of soap opera quality, the editing is terrible, and the music is annoyingly bad. The screenplay is regrettable and the number of cuts in each scene is astronomical. Just a poorly made movie.

A Family Thing (1996)

You just have to want to be saved.

[7/10 · 20 February 2022]

You know the Oscar's are warped when movies like this aren't even nominated for an award. This is a really great movie, extremely well acted, perfectly cast, and wonderfully directed. An unusual story that will bring you to tears and reshape your heart. What a blessing to discover and enjoy! Thank you for making it. 7.4/10.

Lost Boy (2009)

The amazing work of the God's Holy Spirit

[9/10 · 13 January 2022]

Just watch this film if you want to see how God works and did so in the life of this man Greg Laurie. You won't be disappointed and your time will not be wasted. This is a great story of a truly great life lived. Highly recommend.

The Congressman (2016)

I never stopped loving you, I just stopped loving you well.

[7/10 · 4 January 2022]

This movie kept my interest from beginning to end and I wasn't even bored. It did have one major conceptual error though. Being made in 2015 we are decades past the time when anyone in the media would go after a Democrat to take them out. Not gonna happen. So with a little rearranging the story could be made plausible. Too bad the writers weren't more savvy and realistic. It could have been a bigger hit. You won't be disappointed with the acting. Very well done. 6.7/10.

Broken Arrow (1950)

Can't we all just get along?

[7/10 · 3 January 2022]

While reading many of the reviews of Broken Arrow I can't help seeing a bit of 20/20 Vision Supremacy going on. Good grief, the arrogance of thinking you know better because you are further removed?!! Nonsense! It's a movie that is well made and entertaining regardless of weather it is historically accurate in all aspects or not. If you are looking for historical accuracy in a Hollywood western then you can't be helped. You'll have to figure it out on your own. But here is some advice anyway. Be wise as a serpent and as harmless as a dove, love your neighbor and do good to those who spitefully use and persecute you, and worship the God who created you. He can be found in the Holy Bible just as was suggested in this movie.

Christmas Miracle (2012)

The babysitter got left out in the snow storm!

[5/10 · 10 December 2021]

This is crazy town! A church with a Santa outfit? A bunch of difficult grown ups are lost in the mountains but a dumb kid can wander from mom and dad's house through a snow storm and find them at the same church in just a few minutes? Good grief! This is an action packed snoozer. And oh that poor babysitter is still out there looking for that kid. My my my...

The Case for Christ (2017)

A True Story in a most profound way.

[8/10 · 29 November 2021]

The production and film making quality of this movie is excellent and the acting is well above average. I would have given it a 7.3 but the fact that it is a true story and that the film has a strong impact on the viewer boosted my rating to a 7.9 I highly recommend it for all ages.

Mrs. Miniver (1942)

A beautiful and magnificent picture!

[9/10 · 26 November 2021]

Mrs Miniver may be one of the best movies ever made. The production quality is superb and the direction of William Wyler is 2nd to none.

I pity anyone who is unable to realize the magnificence of this movie. To call it propaganda is like calling Greer Garson fat and ugly. It's absurd to do so. The acting performances are wonderful and beautiful. If you take the time to watch this film with the whole family on a holiday evening together you will create good memories and grow closer to one another. It is truly a treasure of entertainment and a testimony of the human spirit. Most highly recommended. 9.4/10.

The Gambler (1974)

How to enjoy the fun of losing.

[5/10 · 24 November 2021]

Looking to this film for entertainment is like looking in your fridge to satisfy your hunger and finding half of a pizza covered with black mold. The acting, editing, and cinematography are great but the story is crappy and pathetic. The only redeeming character in the film is the gambler's mother who is anguishing over her son's bankrupt character. The movie leaves you feeling very morose. Watch Fat City instead.

Gone Baby Gone (2007)

How many kidnappers does it take to screw up a movie?

[7/10 · 19 November 2021]

The answer: Only five, because two get killed in the end anyway. If you know what I mean... This is a rather morbid yet interesting movie but I suggest watching it with Closed Captioning turned on. Word articulation is not well exercised in this film except of course during profanity bursts. The acting is quite good throughout but don't expect to feel good after the experience. It's too bad and so sad that the world is so messed up when it doesn't have to be that way. God is still there and still changes peoples lives. All that is needed is to trust Him.

Return from the Ashes (1965)

Let's replace interesting with over the top acting.

[6/10 · 19 October 2021]

This is quite an over acted yawner from the 1960's. Not bad acting, just too much of it. I actually fell asleep and missed what happened to the step daughter. Oops... oh well. Good night.

Pride and Glory (2008)

F this F that F him F her F you F me F this movie...

[4/10 · 18 October 2021]

This movie is an F-word extravaganza! That is one way to ruin a movie...lousy writing. The other aspects of the film were done well and the acting was great but even with the great Jon Voight it cannot be recommended. If you enjoy hearing the F word in every sentence then this movie is for you but you'll have to live with the fact that you are a moron. Ugh!

The Hunted (2003)

This is a Psy-Fi (Psycho Fiction) / Fantasy / Thriller

[5/10 · 10 October 2021]

This movie started out well but when the military guys lost their common sense marbles and the truck they were riding in crashed the integrity of this film crashed with them. The nonsensical acts are too numerous to count much less comment on, but if you are able to turn off your "Oh come on now!" beacon then you could enjoy the show. The acting is ok but the writing and screenplay are lazy and stupid. Too bad because with more effort it could have been great. 5.4/10.

Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country (1991)

Please help me, I'm trying to speak Klingon

[7/10 · 2 October 2021]

Titch kah pitgo fut san ponta glen. Hootah leek rap yench um cancha go oofdah!