Change Your Image
bgillespie24
Reviews
You're Welcome America: A Final Night with George W. Bush (2009)
Bush Derangement Syndrome is alive and well
Good gravy! I didn't agree with everything President Bush did, far from it. But the insanity on the Left is amazing. It is also pathetic and moronic - like this movie.
Although I can't predict the future, I'm dying to see what happens if 10 years from now Iraq is a successful democracy, and a stabilizing influence in the Middle East. Will the Bush haters admit their mistake? I doubt it; they'll probably huddle up in their hole and wail into the night.
By the way, here is another uncomfortable fact; According to IQ standards Bush sits in the top 5 percent of America. The Left's lie that Bush is somehow stupid is based on his southern accent and malaprops, which are NOT measurements of intelligence. I guess we can add bigotry to the long list of liberal faults.
The Reader (2008)
Fatally flawed, could have been brilliant but wasn't
In watching movies I have a couple of basic rules. The one rule in that list that pertains to this movie is: "The actions and decisions of sane or flawed characters in a movie must make some sense in a real way". In this movie they do not.
Here are two questions that I'll ask and you tell me the honest answer. Question 1: Would you keep a secret hidden that although embarrassing would make the difference between a 4 year prison term and possible life in prison? Question 2: If you were studying law and had information that could radically change the outcome of a trial would you withhold it?
My guess is that 99.9% of people would say no to both questions. In this movie, the other choice was made for both.
This alone destroys the credibility of the film's premise, but there is much more. Here's another question: If you had a love affair with a much older women while you were 16, would you eventually take your daughter to her grave site and recite every gory detail, promising her a "big surprise" before doing so?
I could go on but you get the point. The basic premise of the movie IMHO is brilliant, that is, "how could so many people do such inhumane things to other human beings while thousands of others knew but did nothing". The gigantic problem with the movie is the question was pondered while multiple characters in the movie did implausible things.
This movie could have been brilliant; sadly it is anything but.
The American President (1995)
Great story gets tied up in partisonship by Reiner
I really liked this story as it shows the very human problems that a man would face if he was either single or widowed and the president to boot! The two lead actors are terrific as well. For much of the movie Reiner takes an even-handed approach with liberal topics, as gun control and the environment are debated with a degree of fairness.
My problem? Reiner takes a not-so-veiled shot at Senator Bob Dole in the character of Rumson. First of all, the politics of personal destruction are not limited to one political party. Reiner chooses to ignore this fact. Second, despite your view of Dole's politics, he is a genuine war hero who gave much of his body in the service of our country during World War II. The closest the director of this film came to serving this country was in his dreams protesting.
I don't like cheap shots; Reiner should be ashamed of himself.
The Talk of the Town (1942)
A classic, Jean Arthur at her zenith
Never will you see a movie that mixes comedy, romance, social commentary, and drama as well as this one. In some ways this movie pre-tells the McCarthy era of the 50's. Also, this movie takes some interesting turns and does what only a handful of my favorite movies have accomplished; it does not reveal it's true dramatic arc until well into the second act.
But hey, you've got Cary Grant, Jean Arthur, Ronald Coleman, and even "Uncle Joe at the Shady Rest" having a wonderful time on-screen, and the audience goes along for the ride.
I won't hide the fact that Jean Arthur is my favorite classic era actress. She's talented, smart, funny, and had the guts to stand up to the movie moguls of the 40's, putting her career in jeopardy in the process.
Only some stiff supporting acting prevents this movie from receiving my highest rating. Check out this film and be reminded how great an "old" movie can be.
****1/2 out of *****
Green Acres (1965)
The funniest TV show ever!
Although the 1955 season of "The Honeymooners" is arguably the finest single season of a TV show ever, Green Acres gets my nod as the funniest series ever.
The premise is amazingly simple: place a smart, down-to-earth person and put him in a town where everyone else (including his wife) is totally insane. From Eb and his ludicrous musings, to the wako Dept of Agriculture guy, to his wife trying to make hotcakes, to the next most sane living thing in Hooterville, Arnold (who happens to be a pig!). It just doesn't get any better than this folks!
Sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi (2001)
Beautiful, well drawn, a near masterpiece
First off, if you are a typical American animated movie lover in the typical style of Walt Disney, this movie may not be your cup of tea.
However, if you have seen and enjoyed movies such as Mononoke Hime, Totoro, or Graveyard of the Fireflies you will LOVE LOVE LOVE this movie.
First off, the movie is far more accessible than Miyazaki's last few films. However, all of the elements that make the Studio Glibli movies top-notch are here - In spades; Great art, traditional Japanese themes, (such as ecology, spirit gods, honor, courage) unique off-beat characters, strong lead roles (both male and female) - they are all here. Add in a great story that really moves along quickly through it's 2 hours and this is easily the best film I've seen in 3 years.
Fortunately this film was lovingly translated into English using top-notch English actors, so for you Otaku out there (You know who you are!!!) don't be put off by seeing this film in dubbed English.
A 10...
Mary Poppins (1964)
The only perfect movie I've ever seen....
Considering the terrific body of work that the Walt Disney company has produced over the past 60+ years, this film is their greatest achievement. An unbeatable combination of entertainment, fantasy, animation, and life lessons for parents.
Although young children will be mesmerized by the film, the mainly adult message of the film is fairly well hidden until the last 20 minutes. I've seen this movie 100+ times and I still get choked up as Mr. Banks takes his "final" walk to the bank.
Add in the best musical score of any Disney film, and hopefully you can understand why I consider this film "perfect".