bobshankjr-2 Reviews

Crossing Lines (2013–2015)

Badly needed, and one of the best

[10/10 · 24 June 2015]

From a US viewer, this rates a 10+:

. great story lines . well-written . very realistic(!) . excellent technology . well directed . well acted - great actors! . well filmed! . great scene locations! . stunts are above usual . gives me a larger and more detailed sense of Europe, in almost every dimension . thank you for doing this in English.

One of the best television viewing events of my long life (only precluded by the US 'Longmire' series, but then again, the Longmire series is a US 'Western' and I live in Arizona).

I was pleased to see an international version of 'Criminal Minds.' The timing was perfect and I hope it continues. You can watch it, commercial-free, on Netflix live-streaming.

Automata (I) (2014)

Strangely conceived

[5/10 · 8 June 2015]

Violates every known physical, chemical and bionic law we have in the known universe. Had a few high-lights with some of the acting. Other issues: 1) too long, 2) poor film continuity The 'submission guidelines' for IMDb say you have to include at least 10 lines of text. This film doesn't deserve 10 lines of review by anyone who watches it with a cogent mind. Let's see, what's my line count now? Six? I need to add another 4 lines to make this a legitimate review, so I'm hoping some of you who've watched this film will give me some pointers without an 'AUTOMATA' and strategic counter. One of the issues with venues such as this is a demand for at least ten lines of comments. Thank Deity, I think I've reached that.

The Blacklist (2013–2023)

Well done, believable action and editing, great direction and acting

[10/10 · 8 October 2014]

Well-seasoned James Spader has never been better, and new (at least to me), Megan Boone is a very pretty but very competent newcomer. As western authors have often described of their characters within the past, she has 'sand' - and discounting her seasoning as an actress, she presents as a credible 'newbie', wary of those around her and their motives. Think a moment: how would YOU act as a newbie within a MAJOR US Federal and international crime-solving organization? ...may get a few personal jitters? oh yeah; trepidation on your first few outings with your partner in the field? undoubtedly; feel hesitant or sometimes unsure or in doubt of yourself within that unit? undeniably. I think she displays that very well. Yes, the woman has 'sand.' The writing and story-lines are well-conceived and framed, the acting and delivery lines are very credible, and the editing is far above par. One of the most believable series I've seen in a very long time. There are enough 'surprises' on-board to keep you interested. I'm watching the 22 available episodes on Netflix live streaming. My hope is, more will become available. If you enjoy domestic & international crime series with nefarious criminals and federal agencies as much as I do - and an excellent cast - this is one you'll really like. ~Bob Shank, Tucson AZ

The Good Son: The Life of Ray Boom Boom Mancini (2013)

Very well done, even exceptional

[10/10 · 19 August 2014]

Even if you're not a boxing fan (I used to be), you'll find this extremely well-done, well-documented and emotionally-moving exposure of the classic 'Mancini-Kim' fight on Nov 18th, 1982 at Ceasar's Palace in Las Vegas. And, the long-lived, cross-Pacific aftermath-and-travel for Kim's family to visit Ray for a decent dose of closure with him. If you chose to watch, consider it a self-propelled 'gift' to yourself within your recent viewings. I was 'riveted' during my own, and remain so even after the credits disappeared from the screen today. Keep a hankie nearby, you'll need it. One of the best I've seen. ~Bob Shank, Tucson AZ

Jamesy Boy (2014)

Sensitively done

[8/10 · 18 August 2014]

In spite of some of the violence (not too graphically displayed in most scenes), the film was well-and-sensitively done: realistic, well- considered, edited and displayed. Although I'm not a fan of that specific genre of music, it was well-chosen for the film (nice 'trailer song'). I'm recommending it because I believe the producers and directors had a genuinely-interesting story to tell. They chose good actors, researched the history, and made action and sensitive moments believable. The time-line was a little tough to follow at first, but you eventually catch up with that. They did it well. ~Bob Shank, Tucson AZ

Copper (2012–2013)

I think I know why (it was cancelled)

[13 July 2014]

Follow this thought, then comment - or not: After consideration of replies to my query for the cancellation of the 'highest-rated-ever' BBC America production of 'Copper' from friends-in-the-know and a few associated politicos, I've come to the conclusion this series was untimely 'abrupted' because its incisive historical content successfully filmed, and revealed to millions, the early beginnings of New York City's seedy and corrupt underbelly just prior-to-then-following the outset of the reign of William Magear Tweed (April 3, 1823 – April 12, 1878 – 55 years) – often erroneously referred to as William Marcy Tweed, and widely known as 'Boss Tweed.'

The current 'Potentates-at-large' within this extremely large American berg haven't taken much of a liking to this untimely exposure, thus ultimately forcing the series cancellation toward its producers. If you were the Mayor of NYC, would you want this kind of attention from, at the very least, world-wide tourists who bring $$$millions, annually, into YOUR city? It makes some common sense. Within the comments from BBC America, '...it was a fitting moment to conclude this American story' (so said Perry Simon, BBC General Manager). If you follow The Hollywood Reporter, the series could possibly come out as a movie. We can only hope.

The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)

Still one of the best.

[10/10 · 15 April 2014]

I'm not going to make 'Top Commenter' on this film. Still, I wanted to get my 2 cents-worth in anyway because it's one of my all-time favorite movies (aside from the original 1965 'Flight of the Phoenix' with Jimmy Stewart and Hardy Kruger). Even in my youth I suspected there was more within this 'TDTESS' SciFi projection than projected. In fact, now, after having viewed it in my adult life over a half-dozen times I'm convinced it's not a SciFi film at all. BUT, still a worthy and terrific commentary wrapped in SciFi cellophane. And, not only in the genre of our fears at the time, but one who's theme still niggles-at-the-back-of-our-primitive-minds. We 'fear' because it's in our genetic/protective nature to FEAR. We dismiss that 'first-call-chemical-reaction from brains/bodies when we 'learn' of that which initially scares us. That's what the film is all about. The modal of THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL continually reminds us we need to keep an open mind/heart of all that troubles us regardless of the fight-or-flight syndrome: overcome 'initial fear' by using what we've 'learned' over the last 10,000 years of what we call 'civilization.' Greet a new-comer, find a heart. Can be summarily dismissed if not found living-up to our code.

All Creatures Great and Small (1978–1990)

Best of all 20th Century television series

[10/10 · 12 April 2014]

One of the most terrific things about this great (even dramatic) long-lived British television series is that it had nothing to do with animals. Aside the confluence of wonderful animal husbandry with succinct British life-styles before-and-after the war, the human content is almost immeasurable. What we've all enjoyed so much about this incredible production is the inter-arrangement, personal and day-to-day trials within a close-knit family-owned business. It continues because of 'values' we've often treasured - and still long for. It's watched because it's incredibly engaging. And it's treasured not only for its immaculate and natural filming/editing/scoring/dialog - but for the characters who made it 'real' in our lives. Don't believe me? Watch the current 're-creation' of it in 'Duck Dynasty.' ...and how BIG is that?

Europa Report (2013)

Leave 'reality' to watch this one

[1/10 · 2 March 2014]

(Any spoilers notwithstanding nor mindfully contributed): Not to worry (...cough)!, I survived this (film?) by siphoning distilled water through a used Pepsi large-straw while alternately breathing bottled oxygen through a face-mask in my recliner. What 19 year old and his crew on Crack cobbled-together this nightmare of a production??? Firstly, how do you get a command module as large as a NASA assembly building (uh, that would be the extremely large, 2-story social living area/lab within which the so-called cast performed most of the time, in this, uh, extravaganza?) to Europa by launching a vehicle no larger than a 1965-era Proton rocket (single booster, room only for compact instruments - nothing like a 5-booster Apollo which took our own astronauts, merely, to our local moon). How?? Did any of you pass even high-school physics?? Reality jumped ship on the lift-off. Unbelievably, it gets even worse. CMX: It takes light ~8.5 minutes to reach Earth from the Sun, almost 93 million miles from Earth (essentially, the speed of todays communications barring slow-downs between connection points); Europa, one of Jupiter's 9 moons, is 390,400,000 miles from Earth, about 4x the distance. CMX from Earth to an Europa crew would take almost 4X that amount of time from Earth Capcom (you do know what Capcom is, right?) - about a half hour for a single TXMSN - ONE WAY - twice that for a reply. Lo and behold, we have 'instant' CMX between the Europa crew and Earth Capcom in split-seconds ...du-uuhhh??? The flickering monitors and unexplained fluttering screen black-outs during most of the film should give you a CLUE, but, and amazingly, the CMX continues unbound. Whew, what a relief! Character development: I proll'y blinked my eye, apologies. Then, of course, we ultimately find an octopus-like creature (so briefly-seen) is the sole representative intelligent creature on one of Jupiter's moons. And who can't, naturally, CMX with us - but never had time to study it (don't you think that would have been one of the Prime Directives in the Mission Statement if we're making an effort to CMX with possible intelligence on a heretofore unvisited planet???). Hearkening back w/Captain John Luc Picard: 'Make it so!' Oh, and how 'bout the 2nd lift-off from Europa when there wasn't 'quite' enough hydrazine for the lift-off & return voyage (discard the inept and time-consuming deaths of the Follywood faces) - but was amazingly there on the 2nd try? Where did that magic fuel come from??? There isn't enough room to explain the other tragic errors within this IMDb format. 90 minutes I'll never be able to reclaim in my life -- and I just lost another 20 minutes with an edit.

Hawkeye (1994–1995)

Great series for appreciating American history and good TV

[10/10 · 1 January 2014]

My wife purchased this series on DVD recently for our bed-time 'belly-telly' viewing. We've enjoyed it immensely - only to discover there was only 1 season's worth. What a great disappointment. It was one of the best-done series ever. Great cast, good stories, well told! Lee Horsley and Lynda Carter had good chemistry - as well as the rest of the acting crew. Rodney Grant as Chingachgook was a delightful surprise, as well as Garwin Sanford (stiff upper-lip Capt. Taylor Shields). Maybe the viewing-time was off-center, or the timing of such a series was competing against, yet another, TV falderal. Still, it was a really wonderful series. Sandie and I would give a load of beaver skins to see that series revived! ~Bob & Sandie Shank, Tucson AZ

The Red Machine (2009)

Great 'caper' film, surprisingly well done

[7/10 · 6 December 2013]

And I agree with Cameron McAllister in Atlanta - kudos to your review, sir. Thankfully-bereft of large-scale, multi-peopled-large-casts, loud noises, over-the-top music and up-scale 'city scenes', this quiet but interesting film depicts, on a mini-scale, some of the most cogent and intimate efforts by the US Guv what it took to capture the essence of the 'newer' Japanese code machine triggering WWII. It won't take a 5th of expensive Scotch (nod to the director for its inclusion, and how many of us knew, then, the Japanese also have a succor for this beverage?) to appreciate this little-known but seriously-considered effort. I was engrossed from the start. But you kind-of have to 'hang in there' for the Cracker Jack surprises.

Into the White (I) (2012)

Worth a serious nod!

[1 December 2013]

Brilliantly conceived, exemplary in depiction. It's not difficult to pay some serious attention to this film, even from the outset. You'll immediately (or eventually) recognize the global crucible among nations reduced to a select few in this simplistic but well-acted scenario: how we all 'get along' - or not. I think it's best to defray the details within this particular venue, although they're readily identified if you're cogent-enough as a film-viewer, a historian or a plain old human being such as myself. One of the most cogently produced films I've had the pleasure of watching. Give yourself a 'Humanology' test and view it for yourself. There are no wrong answers - only succinct and possibly better ones. And, believe me, you'll feel better for having done so.

Skyfall (2012)

Best Bond, with a decades-plethora of memories

[9/10 · 21 November 2013]

'I like you bettah without your Beretta'...he says gently into Severin's left ear in the shower, and her reply: 'I feel naked without it...' With that kind of scene dialogue, and almost half-way through the film, you'll eventually begin to realize you're watching not only a subtler and more refined version of earlier Bond films, but a new genre of them: more seductive musical scores, better background scenery and fewer external distractions which stay tighter with the anticipated action - and impeccably filmed and edited scenes. Nevertheless, your memory will recognize the initial intent within any Bond film: to alert, instantly, on the dramatic - and which exercises one's heart to full capacity in one of the finest movie series ever to hit the big screen.

Top of the World (II) (1997)

Very funny 'heist' film...

[9/10 · 21 September 2013]

I think most viewers have missed the point in this very funny serio-comedic 'heist' film. It has a great cast of characters, some very well-done stunts (especially near the end), and had me rolling with laughter in my recliner during most of the film with the dialogue. The comedic lines alone are enough to give a serious viewer moments of hilarity. It was a gas, gas, gas movie and I highly recommend it to viewers with a sense of intelligent humor. If you're very dumb, don't watch it...you'll get confused. Sidney J. Furie, director, and writer Bart Madison, collaborated to produce a genuinely entertaining film in spite of it's low rating. Some of the special-effects are a little over-blown, and sometimes the stunts are often 'relieved' of their actual efforts. Nevertheless, this is a cleverly-done film, with enough action to stir even the most reticent viewer - and enough funny-lines to extract a 'guffaw' from almost anyone who has the guts to watch it.

Sotto il cielo di Roma (2010 TV Movie)

Excellent history - well delivered

[9/10 · 1 July 2013]

In spite of being a 'foreign films' fan, I hadn't been aware of this 2 episode 2010 release until an old girl-friend brought it to my attention on Netflix live streaming. Dragged kicking and screaming into it, I eventually found myself totally captivated with the history and directing. I've always been a James Cromwell follower, even though he often plays the dirty fellow. But in this release he has absolutely nailed-down a reversal in rolls with a deeply-convincing performance. OK, so there were a few lame efforts from less-than-perfect actors, but the intent was right there in your face. And in my humble-but-most-accurate opinion, all parts were sincere and played well into the story. I thought, in my 6 decades of viewing, some of the scenes were 'world class.' Especially near the end, Part 2, with the Pope face-to-face, alone, with the German officer responsible for many of the atrocities).

Up until now, I had been totally unaware of this side of the Catholic efforts during WWII in Rome (I'm a Baptist), and was amazed to find myself fascinated with the depicting of it in this most appreciable movie. I think the history of this film, and its depiction, should be viewed by all serious movie fans and historians. It's worth the kicking and screaming.

Caribe (1987)

Wonderfully terrible...

[2/10 · 30 June 2013]

Among other mis-wrought contrivances in this horribly-designed film was the mid-script change in the female lead from Rosanna Arquette to Kara Glover (what? you didn't notice that?). I love John Savage and Stephen McHattie (have for years) but they're the only +s in this 'minus' film. In addition, there were many (too many) technical flaws from the outset and throughout this movie, including badly-contrived love scenes (mostly non-existent), extremely poor camera work and editing, poor script management, terrible continuity and timing, extended frames which shouldn't have been extended. The only thing I can recommend is the 'lighting' (nicely done!)

Murdoch Mysteries (2008– )

Morgan Freeman, Jack Nicholson 'Bucketlist' viewing

[10/10 · 30 January 2013]

In agreement with most of the top responders, I find this Toronto-based detective series at the very TOP of my retirement 'Bucket-list viewing.' Most of the accolades have already been spent, but I'll add a few viewer-stars to the creator, cast, crew, directors, editors - and to Chris Robinson, music supervisor - only shy of Superior. Even my wife, just home from work and jumping into her nightie with Wednesday's microwaved leftovers on her lap, 'can't wait' for the next episode. You are remiss in your choices if you neglect-to-select these excellently-created and modernly-portrayed Canadian thespian experiences. Our Kudos. We watch on Netflix live-streaming, bereft of commercials, with confidence the series will continue there.

Regarding Henry (1991)

Who doesn't like a dog?

[10/10 · 6 October 2012]

Most of you have seen the film by now considering its age, so you know the conclusion from the complicated-and-warmly-evolving Aristotelian premises. But who'd expect a small, young waggely hound playing his dutiful roll (also via the protagonist's dog-bereft-and-emotionally-distant daughter, his wife Annette Bening, and a magic-man of remedial therapy played brilliantly by Bill Nunn), in this concentrated review of the shot-brain-recovery of a worldly-corrupted attorney, to help slowly regain his sense of priorities in life? And, to ultimately make apologies to his former and bereft clients? On an nsupervised 'outing', while he's still in recovery at home, former high-class lawyer, Henry Turner (Harrison Ford), finds himself at a New York pet-shop with a doggie-in-the-window ('how much' doesn't matter). Something 'cognitive' (a remote memory) suddenly occurs - and he brings the young hound home with assistance from searching friends and the hotel doorman at the 'Ritz'-Carlton' - where he lives but cannot remember the way home as a virtual 12 year-old. Healing now really begins. Although 'Buddy's' screen-time is limited by Mike Nichols the director, it's perfectly installed in several memorable moments - especially in the end where Buddy joins the family walking down the steps of Henry's rehab center after his release in a jumping, yelping 'I wanna be part of the family too!' kind-of-scene. I don't know about you, but I was fortunate enough to be part of a doggie's life every single day for 17 years, 9 months - right at the front door and every place else in my home and around town. I also needed healing - and my doggie? Well, she was the one. Right up to 11-22-11.

Catch-22 (1970)

Sanity trying to make sense of the insanity of war

[10/10 · 17 March 2012]

Despite it's 42 years since initial release, still one of the best films ever made and directed about the insanity of 'creating' war - and the mindlessness and trauma suffered from its consequences of both those conscripted to engage in it and neither more nor less than the civilian victims of it's long-time aftermaths. Warfare's far-reaching ramifications touch us, individually and globally, even into the 21st Century and beyond. Being philosophically cogent of war's deep-seated egoistic, bizarre and greedy nature of those who foment it may not get you a Pulitzer, but perhaps you may garner a 'Catch 22' medal from those of us who've managed to live through them. Mike Nichols et al, within this film, remind us of war's senselessness and of it's bitter and long-effected remains. Superb, finely crafted, and in my sense, a must-see for 2nd and 3rd generation adults.

The Andromeda Strain (1971)

ANDROMEDA STRAIN - still, One of the Best

[10/10 · 18 December 2011]

Still one of the best Sci-Possible in film archives. You have to be old enough (...or, you can still do that 'Rent-A-Brain' thing from Mass Gen'l Hospital if you're under 40 and still clueless - I think they still have that program?) to cogently clue-in both brain hemispheres to what's going on in this absolute classic under Robert Wise's direction 40 years ago. Fortunately, it's on NTFX live-streaming, you can watch forever. Discover the 'wildest possible' in this excellent film. Prerequisite: you must have an IQ larger than the length of your shoe-laces. What, you don't have shoe-laces?? I'm shocked. Here's a quarter - go buy a life.

As Far as My Feet Will Carry Me (2001)

A very pleasing, and worthy, rainy afternoon movie...

[12 September 2011]

I took pleasure from this film =8-). I enjoyed it, and see no reason to diagnose its content to death, as so often happens within this IMDb venue of puerile reviewers begging attention. It is a good film with credible acting and directing. In the right mind-set, its flaws are easily overlooked. Its true story-line has obviously garnered interest from a plethora of international viewers, most of whom (as well, myself) are pleased with its content, acting, directing - and who have eloquently expressed so in their own words. I found humanity and justice within its depiction, the attendant emotions (oh yeah, I teared-up on occasion), and not just a little of history unbeknownst to me. My hope is, viewers can beg-off cultural bigotries of their own and work-through this little gem with an open frame-of-mind from the outset, emotionally digesting its often not-so-subtle atrocities and poignant beauty.

Jesse Stone: Night Passage (2006 TV Movie)

One of the best reasons we don't go to a 'theatre' anymore

[25 August 2011]

Comments not just for 'Night Passage': My wife and I have quickly noticed a recent ground-swell of others who've keenly picked up on this wonderful CBS-released series with Tom Selleck, Kathy Baker and the ever-entertaining Kohl Sudduth as 'Suit(case)' Simpson. The scripts, dialogs, excellent camera-work, the wonderful lighting, directing, staging ...and the supreme mood created with Jeff Beal's superb music, all set a complete and satisfying tone for enjoying one of the, IMHO, best series ever produced for television, bar none. Selleck, in his maturity, is a great performer in character (he has done so well in recent westerns - which we rarely get to see enough of from today's 'Wacky' Follywood!) and as the 'recovering' scotch-drinking sheriff in the sleepy-but-up-tight New England town he slides into from his former LA police job on his 'last stop', his character lives up to the ideal that Robert Parker must have envisioned in his books. Sandie and I encourage you to try out some of television's best in today's cocky world with the 'Jesse Stone' series. Quality is still among us, believe it or not, and we believe you'll be very pleasantly surprised with the efforts. We now own all 7 DVDs including 'Innocence Lost', and watch them frequently when we need to get away from the world from time-to-time. I, personally, think you'll find them 'timeless.' Watch 'Jesse Stone' - become a believer again.

Lafayette: The Lost Hero (2010 TV Movie)

Marquis de Lafayette: the ultimate French American you don't know

[10/10 · 30 July 2011]

Within this superior 1 hour documentary (with drama) by writer/director Oren Jacoby, those of us history-ignorant US citizens discover it was a very young, very wealthy, very passionate French nobleman who, on learning of our Declaration of Independence, immediately sailed the Atlantic from his own country at his own cost to eventually lead in decisive battles in the American Revolution to become one of this nation's greatest patriots and generals. One of George Washington's closest, youngest and long-time friends, Lafayette, along with the assistance of the venerable Thomas Jefferson, conceived and put-to-paper 'a vision of human rights as the core value of any society', even within France, the nation of his birth. You may remember 'Lafayette' as the name of numerable towns across America (and there are many, more than 30) in his honor. But you really don't know the 'man', and you should. If you're reading my enthusiasm between the lines, I'm glad. I watched this gem of history on Netflix live-streaming. You can too.

The Spirit of the Beehive (1973)

If you're a Spanish psychiatrist...

[2/10 · 26 February 2011]

...and have a penchant for history (and little kids), this interminably-long film may appeal to you. It is very 'quiet' and requires long periods of intense concentration (I suggest abstaining from liquor during the 1.6 hours of its viewing - I broke down after 50 minutes), the ability to split time in numerous venues and great memory recall while focusing on clinical issues with split-scene incoherent photography (exposed very nicely, by-the-way). This film is not a 'popcorn' movie in the traditional sense - more of a v-e-r-y l-o-n-g documentary on child (directorial?) psychoses. In addition to the above, you'll need the following qualifications for viewing: 1) knowledge of the Spanish Civil War/Inquisition and its global implications, 2) a degree in childhood psychiatry, 3) a neurotic director's view of substance and t-i-m-i-n-g, 4) a very long afternoon, all by yourself, 5) and, the patience of Job's wife for an anti-climatic ending.

Game, anyone?

The Big Blue (1988)

A wonderful, haunting, compelling film

[21 December 2010]

One of the most haunting and beautifully constructed films I've ever seen. Unique in theme, unusual in story, masterfully photographed, compelling in content - and with a gorgeous, dreamy musical score by Bill Conti in the 'short'-version USA release (owning, and having seen both releases, I much prefer the 'short' one). In my viewing of both versions, the 'long' one stutters and stammers, becomes much too complicated, and misses the poignancy of emotion directly attached to this film - which is the essence of its beauty. A film unlike any you've seen in content, viewers are compelled to attempt to put together the 'theme' from the outset…? The first clues come in black and white at the film's beginning as we realize the slight French boy and the burly Italian kid are heart-friends - yet rivals at a distance. The scene is set, and now we can't wait to experience their reunion (and a hint at the plot!) years later, as they meet each other from vastly different venues within the same dangerous sport of free diving. How many of you even realized there was such an extreme sport as 'Competitive Apnea', http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_diving, when you first viewed this film?…and more, that it is world-class?? I'll wager the vast majority of you hadn't a clue. And yet I see the many reviews as if it were 'extreme skate-boarding'(!) Here's a shiny Euro in the harbor, buy yourself a life with it - if you can hold your breath that long. This is a glorious movie. See 'both' versions - then, be honest with yourself. Luc Besson is not to be toyed with… ~Bob Shank, Tucson, AZ (and, yes, I dive - in the Sea of Cortez, Baja California - 4 hours away)