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Reviews
Disneyland: Earth Star Voyager: Part 1 (1988)
A Great Space Frolic!
I remember watching this years ago on the Disney Sunday Night Movie. Not only did it never re-run on network television, but Disney has for some unknown reason, never thought to release this on video or DVD. That is unfortunate, because it's a fun space frolic that has something for just about everyone: fairly good special effects, the ubiquitous "boy genius", Duncan Regehr in all his masculine glory, a rather thoughtful plot line, suspense, Duncan Regehr, cheesy fight scenes, a wonderful space ship, "lovable" bad guys and, of course, Duncan Regehr.
This premiered at the same time as "Star Trek: The Next Generation", which has gone into the annals of TV history as an SF classic, however, at that point most fans were already appalled and disgusted at the Wesley Crusher character being given so much screen time. (It seemed ridiculous that a ship manned by hundreds of intelligent, capable adults constantly needed the help of a preteen to save them from their weekly dilemmas.) On the other hand, "Earthstar Voyager" deals with the subject of precocious scientific youngsters in a believable, understandable way, therefore winning the interest of young and mature viewers alike. The fact that the ship is on a 40 year mission is a great plot device to introduce young crew members, who are being groomed to take over the helm of leadership half way through the voyage.
Over the years, I've thought often about this movie, especially after watching a disappointing major release like "Phantom Menace". It makes me appreciate the fact that Disney made such a worthwhile, fun movie with good characters and plot line on a well defined, yet modest (by Lucas standards) budget.
My friend taped "Earthstar Voyage" when it aired, but the tape was destroyed. Both of us wish we still had it. If anyone reading this has a copy, let me know!
Son of Sinbad (1955)
Bad Boob Romp!
The only thing that saves this horrendous flick is Vincent Price! Otherwise, it's a festival of half-clad dancing girls wearing triple "D" costumes and one of the lamest, most stupid plot lines I've watched in decades! Although I'm an avid Belly Dancer and enjoy watching such "z" grade "fluff" films just to get ideas for dancing, these Terpsichorean attempts hover just this side of burlesque; one of the "daughters of the 40 thieves" even performs a pole dance for Sinbad! I read somewhere that the famed Lilly St. Cyr (yes! the one mentioned so worshipfully in Rocky Horror) designed the costumes. If that's true, then it's no surprise that these women look like stripper rejects.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
A darker, grungier "Potter"
Director Alfonso Cuarón has taken the third film from popcorn culture and entered the realm of true cinema. One might, at first, be taken aback by the washed-out colors and lack of "wizard clothing" in favor of more modern "muggle" wear, but it somehow works, although I must admit to sorely missing the richness and jewel-like look of the previous two films. The sets and props are darker as well and even Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry takes on an almost dilapidated, sinister look for this scarier installment.
The children are becoming accomplished and experienced actors in their own right and one can only hope that future directors aren't stupid enough to call for a new cast as the films progress. There is a great deal of talk about how Radcliff and friends are "outgrowing" their roles, but the truth of the matter is that they are maturing in proportion to their characters as the stories progress; unless there is another delay in filming or in the release of future books, there is no reason that these talented youngsters can't make it through to the very end.
The only criticism for this film is that one really needs to read the book first, as the writers have left out a great deal of important information that could and should have been retained. We could have had a little less of the Knight Bus antics and special effects and more information about the originators of the Marauders Map, Harry's parents, Sirius Black and the symbology of Harry's patronus charm. Friends who were ignorant of the books that accompanied me to see this film felt completely lost, especially at the end. The point of making a film based upon a book is that one should not have to read the book first but in this case, you should!
The Egyptian (1954)
A dull treatment of an outstanding novel
In comparison to other "sand and sandal" fare, The Egyptian leaves much to be desired. The film is very LOOSELY based upon Mika Waltari's well researched novel, which centers around the Egyptian physician Sinhue's adventures at the court of Akhnaton as well as his travels throughout Canaan, Minoan Crete and Africa. Unfortunately, due to the moral strictures of the time, much of Sinhue's story (which is rife with romantic and sexual exploits) remains on the cutting room floor and instead, the audience is treated to reels and reels of Victor Mature's wooden acting. Even Gene Tierney a leading lady "staple" of the time can not manage to look nor act her best in this flick and gives a rather somnambulistic performance which can only be justified by the fact that the actress was having some serious psychiatric problems at the time. There is a great deal of rhetoric and theological machinations over the idea of monotheism vs. polytheism, but Michael Wilding is so tiring as the revolutionary Akhnaton, that one is surely cheering for someone to off him and restore the old religion before the second reel. My advice: buy the book from E-Bay, rent something more entertaining like Solomon and Sheba and then call it a night!
Napoléon vu par Abel Gance (1927)
Anyone who loves old films should see this at least once
This is one of the most beautiful and evocative films ever made and is certainly one of my "top ten" movies of all time. Unlike other silent films, which tend to bore the modern audience, this movie holds your attention from start to finish. Don't be frightened by the four hour length; when it's over, you'll be crying for more! (I'd like to have an opportunity to see the 5 hour Brownlow version which screened in the UK last year!) The original music composed by Carmine Coppola is serviceable but the best part of the film score can be found in the classical music adapted throughout. Listen for key works by Beethoven, Smetana, Mozart, Mehul and Handel. If you ever have a chance to see this in a theatre, you must go! Home video is fine but you'll miss the impact of all of the cinematic innovations Gance created for the film's finale.