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Reviews
Ruffian (2007)
ThreeThumbs up.----From a Hard boot!
I'm a full time trainer, horseman on the Mid-Atlantic circuit, in my off time I see five movies a week. Rarely am I treated to as an enthralling story about my first love as this.
From the timing, and character development there's an honesty about Ruffian, her handlers and their story. The horses used were beautiful, the racing scenes surprisingly realistic, and the camera shots were magnificent. This one ranks slightly below my all time favorite Caseys Shadow and above Seabiscuit, with solid high paced interest toward the eventual tears. Quite a feat for TV. The strength of the movie was the writing, the directing and cast all displaying superior theatrics. Given the budget restraints for a TV movie, I accepted the difference in the substitution of era vans for trailers, and other difficult to substitute prop switches. There were many more strengths in the production than weaknesses.
The ending is done well, with dignity, gently lifting the viewer into a better place,for all that had happened.I especially like the post log and what happened to the characters later in life. All in all, a wonderful two hours of entertainment.
Kingfish: A Story of Huey P. Long (1995)
Weak movie, ---weaker motive
John Goodman played a good mean guy, but Huey wasn't a mean guy.
In this movie the main character claims to be Huey, displaying a bad temper and hitting people, hardly an accurate portrayal of the real "Kingfish." Everyone loved Huey, except for a few greedy elitists. Huey opposed the unjust status que, where 85% of the wealth was owned by 5% of the population. They owned the Papers, oil wells and plantations. He was a valiant public servant working hard for the; oppressed, uneducated and poor of Louisiana. These people loved Huey. Consequently, he won the governorship with over 93% of the popular vote. He gave them reason to believe in good government.
Paul Monash wrote an interesting book but not an accurate book. Taking historical liberties to sell a movie, is wrong. But, to taint a fallen hero's character, while doing it is an insult.
Dallas 362 (2003)
A plot, with a real ending
Transitioning from youth to adulthood, and finding ones self isn't always easy. The genius to keeping my attention in Dallas was gently nudging me through my past by watching someone else through tough times. The movie plays well on the decisions to be made in regards to cultural clashes; city vs.country, divorce and re-marriage, throw in the temptation of drugs,lawlessness honesty and making good impressions.
My interest in Dallas stayed at a high level throughout, thanks to the timing with cinematic flashes and real life situations being addressed honestly .
Inside Man (2006)
A holdup with a moral twist
From the opening scene, I was warned,... pay attention, I did for two hours, and I received what I paid for. A great story and attractive cast.
Spike tested my understanding of prejudice, allowed me to refrain from judging just long enough to reward me with a satisfying ending.
Subtle camera tricks give the movie a surreal quality and snappy dialogue kept it interesting.
In the end it was more than a movie it was a lesson in life, leaving me with a good feeling about myself, my values, and a renewed faith in the human race.