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Reviews
DNA vs. the Book of Mormon (2003)
Horrible, biased
I'm not a Mormon now, nor ever have been but I sat down to watch this video out of curiosity. The run time isn't too bad at just under an hour but it is obviously a biased production. Supposedly, all the experts on the video whom they cite for evidence for their case are, of course, Mormon scholars (which I doubt). There is not even the smallest hint of another opinion other than that the producers are trying to make. Now I'm not Mormon so I don't think I'm knowledgeable enough about the BoM to make a good argument either way, but I've got to believe that there is/was an entire other side to this argument that wasn't given a second of airtime.
THe intro was good filling in and explaining some of the background of the Mormon movement and BoM history but the evidence for the whole DNA thing wasn't there, IMHO. Just feels like an hour of Mormon bashing...
Avoid this if you can.
The Civil War (1990)
Rating it a 10 doesn't do justice, truly Magnificent!
This is far and away the greatest documentary ever made. Anyone with a remote interest in history will find this a fascinating and spectacular look at most aspects of the American Civil War. You really have to dislike history to dislike this!
If only there was a way to rate this higher than 10. This is a remarkable piece of film-making which everyone needs to see. Gives the war great coverage and lays it all out plain as day, pushing no hidden agendas. Perhaps the emphasis on slavery is a little too much but nevertheless this stands as the best single work ever made about history, whether it be documentary, tv miniseries, or movie. While long at nearly 11 hours it is enjoyable for the whole length and the time will pass before you know it as you take in the breathtaking quality of this masterpiece. A true must see for all ages. This documentary is priceless.
Arsenic and Old Lace (1944)
A Timeless Comedy
5 stars. This movie is truly one of the great comedies. This is truly a must see for everyone of all ages. From the youngest to the oldest this movie applies to them all.
"You look like someone I might meet in the jungle." A great movie, filled with great lines. Who can forget Mr. Spee-nalzo? This is a great movie that never gets old. You must see it. It is worth every minute to see it.
Gettysburg (1993)
Marvelous Marvelous Marvelous!
The best historical movie ever made. Unquestionably. The realism is staggering. It places you in the battle as you see the major parts of America's battle. Nothing comes closer to the truth of the Civil War than this film. Spectacular, done on the actual sites of these battles. The acting is wonderful. Martin Sheen, Tom Berenger, Jeff Daniels, Sam Elliot, Stephen Lang. Magnificent job bringing these figures from the text book to the screen. Great acting. The characters came to life and you could see their emotion, hear what they were thinking and experience what they with through. Wonderful. A true must see. 10+ **********
Gods and Generals (2003)
A Real Treat
Marvelous movie. Movie left me captivated from the opening credits (which went on a tad too long) all through the finale and closing credits. Wonderfully done.
One of the few negative things I have to say about the movie dwells on its comparison to the novel bearing the same name. Now when one reads the initial novel "The Killer Angels" by Michael Shaara and then views the movie "Gettysburg" many are stunned at the degree to which the movie follows novel. However, "Gods and Generals" the movie did differ from "Gods and Generals" the novel. I still intensely enjoyed the movie but I would've liked to see the background story laid out in the late 1850s that is covered in the novel. However, I believe I can understand why this was left out.
Many have complained about the films running length, nearly 4 hours. And with the absence of the battle of Antietam and a few smaller moments I can understand why no backstory was given. The movie would've needed another 30 minutes to an hour extra or a large portion of the theatrical version would've been edited and condensed to keep the total feature running near the 4 hours time frame.
I am a Civil War reenactor for the Union. And I found the battle scenes of the movie remarkable. One major detraction from the scenes is that there is no gore and pure bloody violence. And I think the movie is better without it. This movie was not created to show the brutality of the Civil War, it is a movie showing a war where there are no good guys and bad guys. The viewer is torn between two armies, each shown on a personal level that neither side is comprised of murdering maniacs. In the whole, whether North or South, both sides have regular men fighting. Men that are scared and brave at the same time. Men who believe wholeheartedly in their cause and will fight for it regardless of stereotypical views from others.
Even as I am a reenactor with the Union and from Illinois, a historically northern state, I have no problem with the time spent on the victories of the Confederacy. This isn't a south praising film any more than a northern praising film. The fact of the matter is, in the early part of the Civil War, the south was dominant. Even the smallest study will reveal that in the time frame of "Gods and Generals" the Confederacy was victorious and made the Union look rather helpless. Those who seek a more "Northern" film will just have to wait for the third movie, adapted from the Jeff Shaara novel "The Last Full Measure."
To sum everything up, I have few complaints about this film and many, many positives. The length did not bother me and the toned down battles are an idea Hollywood should consider, tasteful discretion. This movie is a spectacular epic that relies on more than blood and gore to get an audience. Kudos to Robert Duvall on his portrayal of Robert E. Lee. As a fan of "Gettysburg" I must say seeing Stephen Lang (Gen. Pickett in "G'burg") as Thomas Jonathan "Stonewall" Jackson was a real treat. Top notch job by Lang, deserves consideration for an Acting nomination.