dansandini Reviews

The Wrong Man (1956)

Boring

[4/10 · 27 August 2023]

Not much here for a movie. Short story? What about adding in some close calls, where Henry Fonda sees the real criminal a couple times in the city. Perhaps he chases him once and falls off the platform: a train stops just in time. The real criminal finds out where Fonda lives and plants some evidence? Fonda almost hits him in the crosswalk. So much potential here. The wife going crazy is not only unbelievable and uninteresting it's poorly acted. Fonda is flat too like he always was. 4/10. I did like the retro footage of NYC and its jails.

Hitchcock suspense to me is always somehow missing something. I'm kept on the edge of me seat supposedly but I never really feel that way. I leave this thinking he's probably one of the most overhyped Wroter/Directors of all time. Compare this to Billy Wilder's Double Indemnity. This movie is amateurish by comparison.

Blackout (VI) (2013)

Not Terrible

[5/10 · 2 December 2020]

Held my attention. They were pretty true to the Drama. These were obviously acting students trying to make something decent. And they did. Good on them. Give it a watch if you like Film Noir.

The Disappearance of Susan Cox Powell (2019)

Good Whodunit Murder Doc

[7/10 · 1 October 2019]

Expands and explodes in all sorts of unsuspecting ways. Good detective work by the series producers. Good "slow unveil" by the screenwriters. I really recommend this one which I found on YouTube.

The Bakken (2017)

Haunting, Thoughtful, Not Overly Judgemental Success

[7/10 · 25 August 2019]

While one might think "Oh Another Anti Capitalist Fracking Film," you would be wrong. The Bakken actually is a study of people which might exist in any community: rich, poor, optimistic and pessimistic. The reality of our modern lives is shown in the the detailed faces and authentic prophetic voices of the people of Bakken, a remote oil boom town in North Dakota. The scenery is is beautiful. The issues dialogue and characters are somewhat random, yet inexplicably addictive and intoxicating. Is it it possible to watch a film, like it, and have no idea why? That's how I feel about The Bakken which is well worth your time.

Escape from Sobibor (1987 TV Movie)

Little Dated But Succeeds Nonetheless

[6/10 · 18 August 2019]

Memorable scenes of Nazi's getting killed by axe, shivs, garrote etc. Some make it out of the camp only to be vaporized in the adjoining minefield. Makes you appreciate the lives we enjoy now. Much credit to the Jewish survivors of the this nightmare on earth. The fact that they chose to live rather than create an excuse to get shot amazes me. Good film free on Amazon Prime.

Basil (1998)

Not Terrible

[6/10 · 15 August 2019]

Slow to start and then the rush to the end. The acting certainly is on mark and the writing not altogether terrible. Basil's life is saved by a stoke of unbelievable luck but not is all as it seems ...

Letters from Generation Rx (2017)

Highly Dangerous Film

[1/10 · 24 May 2019]

Did anyone look at the number of people who killed themselves by being tricked off good and effective medications by these whackjobs pimping vitamin pills? As a prosac patient I can tell you this drug brought immediate safe and effective relief from chronic depression. Do not listen to these charlatan quack film makers . Get a good psychiatrist and take your meds!

The Blackcoat's Daughter (I) (2015)

You Fill In The Blanks With Your Own Fears

[7/10 · 7 October 2017]

This is a very creepy film. How wonderful the Director uses what's not said instead of what's said. The use of sound as others have noted: masterful. All that said I'm not sure what I just saw. While others say it implores a second viewing, I think otherwise. Our writer and director want us to think about this for a while. Like Momento, a movie talked about and puzzled over days after. Perhaps there is no definitive story line, and they want us to fill in our own gaps. Take an egg, crack it, and let the viewer decide what we have here: fried or scrambled? Fill in the blanks with your own fears. Pop some corn. Enjoy.

Hillary's America: The Secret History of the Democratic Party (2016)

Starts Awkwardly, But Finds It's Stride

[7/10 · 23 July 2016]

OK let's see. I think that if you are familiar with Hillary and who she is, you might think "not so great." But there are pieces of history here that I like very much. The staged scenes are somewhat awkward. But if you pay attention there is a history lesson for everyone here. Towards the end it will really grab you in terms of artistic Patriotic gesture. The relationship between Alisky and Hillary is particularly well done. Pay attention to how the legal system in being used to stifle free speech in the US. Catalogs the long list of crimes committed by the Clinton's well. Showing all of history: not so good. Remember Andrew Jackson got rid of the Second Bank of the US (good thing). Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves but he had to shred the COnstitution to do it. Still: worth your time and money.

Inside the Court of Henry VIII (2015)

Fascinating PBS mini Doc Lays Foundations for the Founding Fathers

[8/10 · 9 October 2015]

"Without Henry the VIII there would be no United States of America." That's where you get to in the final moments of this one hour PBS documentary. Fascinating! The entire idea of the self made man came out of this era of the early 16th century. A guy named Thomas Cromwell, who was the son of a blacksmith becomes one of the most powerful people in England. While he has the King's ear he pushes forward Parliament (no taxation without representation) and the Catholic Church's monasteries get sold off making private land available to the ordinary guy. These are concepts we take for granted right? This thing is shot on location with people in theatrical costume. I think you'll like it I learned a lot.

Desert Runners (2013)

An Amazing Story of the Endurace of the Mind and Body

[8/10 · 5 October 2015]

Recommended 7/10 in documentaries from me. I'm trying to figure out when the fun starts. Is it when the guy begins dry heaving and can't hold food or water down for 15 hours, or when the guy has 13 blood blisters on one foot including one the size of a golf ball (close up HD), or when the woman gets raped and they take her back to site of the violent sexual assault so she can finish. I'm trying to imagine that conversation: "hey can some give me a lift back to the place I got raped?"

A true story of amazing human endurance. As a marathoner, completing 4 x 250 km desert marathons in a single year is literally "mind blowing." One of my favorite scenes is this guy who limps in half dead shivering and vomiting. In the interview he speaks of his biggest fear: that his body would simply shut down. That his conscious mind would no longer be able to will him forward. Spoiler alert: at 56 he goes on to be the oldest guy to ever finish.

A special moment is Samantha who is the the youngest woman ever to complete and makes her personal best in the 250 km on Antartica of all places. I would want nothing more than a hot meal and my own bed.

Good doc. Streams free on Netflix. Don't miss it. Hat tip my friend Deb!

Divorce Corp (2014)

One loses track of how many kinds of wrong it is.

[8/10 · 27 September 2015]

The American Judicial system is a farce. Let's say you go to court in a custody battle. You think you are going to get a fair shake. You find out your ex-spouses attorney makes hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions to the judge. The judge orders you to to be evaluated by a court appointed psychologist. The psychologist finds you an unfit parent and charges you $35,000 for the evaluation. The psychologist also makes hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions to the "impartial" judge. Having been found an unfit parent the judge orders you to pay child support which you can not afford. When you are unable to pay you are imprisoned, even though debtors prisons are illegal in the U.S. You speak out against the judge on Facebook. You are imprisoned with drug addicts, sex offenders, rapists and murderers for slandering the court. The judge orders you to stop filing custody paperwork. You refuse and are again imprisoned. Judges leave office one day and begin consulting to their attorney friends the next.

Finally a family court judge is caught on tape beating his child with the belt. Nothing happens.

America is doomed and there's not a Damn thing we can do about it. File this one under YCMTSU. I wish I had better news.

Citizenfour (2014)

Citizenfour: Welcome to my Top Three (Documentaries)

[10/10 · 23 September 2015]

Wow it's hard to overstate the brilliance of Citizenfour. As someone who has held clearances an worked for the DoD, I always felt Snowden was a traitor. Not any more. To me the Snowden story was an ethical dilemma: "do the ends justify the means?" Mr. Snowden you swore an oath and you broke that oath: go to jail, It seemed as simple as that. But what if you swear an oath supporting an organization sworn to protect and defend the Consstitution, and you find that said organization is systematically shredding the Constitution? In my book: the organization broke their promise which premised *your* promise: so all bets are off.

Onto the characters. Edward Snowden. What a set of brass ones! He could have easily have been murdered by the CIA but he eluded them. Laura Poitrous,Glenn Greenwald and Ewen MacAskill: thank you for risking your own personal well being and freedom and showing what real journalism is all about.

The emotion conveyed here is unreal. Like watching a horror film in slow motion where the killer is constantly in the room: only it's non fiction. The fear and paranoia are palpable. Then at times it was laugh out loud funny. By the end the viewer is left thinking: "I've lost track of how many kinds of wrong this is." The look on Snowden's face when he himself learns the traitor Barrack Obama (as much as Bush was) is systematically murdering Americans via remote control drone strike without the Right of due process ... is priceless.

To the Director of the film you will change hearts and minds here, and in the process perhaps save freedom itself. Hard to imagine what you'll do for an encore. Must see amazing film: *the* defining documentary of the decade.

Doctors of the Dark Side (2011)

Eye opening film can change minds

[7/10 · 3 September 2015]

I'm someone interested in the American Judicial System and the corruption of judges, prosecutors, police and corrections officials. So when I stumbled upon this documentary free on Amazon Prime, addressing torture at GITMO and Abu Gharab I did not have a lot of interest. I bought the line that subtle mild torture was necessary to save American lives. Now I am very much against this. The film shows the cooperation, complacency and even leadership of American Psychologists and Psychiatrists in torturing information out of Islamic terrorists, and in some cases, our own American Citizens.

Doctors are supposed to help people. The Hippocratic Oath says "Do no harm." The documentary accurately points out that Allied Tribunals sentenced Nazi doctors to death at Nuremburg for committing similar atrocities. In their defense, perhaps mental health professionals feel if they weren't involved then worse acts would occur? The film makes a compelling case that these actions constitute the greatest medical ethics malpractice scandal of our time.

Somber, thought provoking, and well researched; this film has the potential of changing minds and bringing people together from all sides. Streaming free on Amazon Prime, it's well worth your time.

Savage Memory (2011)

Karmic Insights and Influence from the Grave

[7/10 · 27 August 2015]

Let's begin by summing up my knowledge and interest in Anthropology: none and non existent. But I am a sort of filmmaker and so I am a documentary addict. I'm also a seeker of deeper knowledge of Civilization specifically, man's concept of justice. How have I missed Anthropology?

This is a story of Malinowski who apparently is to Anthropology what Turing was to my field of Computer Science, or Adam Smith was to Economics. It's hard to imagine the field without them. Malinowski was evidently the first person to go and sit in one spot and live and fully participate in the culture of his subjects, who he called "savages." His work and life is related through his great grandson who I will add has done an immense service in the production of this controversial film biography.

I say controversial because the Malinowsi after becoming a rock star in the world of Anthropology was given his comeuppance by his critics. Eventually through the publication of his private diaries, some very controversial views are exposed. Ill leave it there so as not to include a spoiler. But I was shocked. Even the story by which his diaries are published becomes an interesting rabbit hole exploring the transfer of knowledge between generations.

I'm really not sure how to describe this film. It's changed the way I view western civilization and how I can modify my own perspectives. It invites the viewer include objective analysis of our American culture that we are immersed in every day.

It might get a little boring at times but hang in there for the cemetery scene at the end. Malinowski speaks to us from the grave. At 0$ on Amazon Prime I think you'll find this erudite, cerebral, and at times even amusing documentary, well worth the cost of admission. 7/10 stars.

Anatomy for Beginners (2005– )

A Tasteful and Respectfully Performed Autopsy for the Layman

[10/10 · 20 August 2015]

We truly live in an age of miracles. It's a little hard to look at at first but what a miracle we are! You can see the body fat and the tendons and the bone and see in action which muscle groups cause which movements. When you see von Hagen's exhibits in museums in no way does it do it justice. Learning comes from hearing and seeing. While of course culture and evolution has made us uncomfortable and installed us with taboos; the age has arrived when we can all look upon man with wonder.

In the first episode you see von Hagen remove the entire skin as a single organ. You can see the yellow subcutaneous fat which I've struggled to remove. You can clearly see the tendon sheaths and the tendons. He extracts the spinal cord, sciatic nerve and nerve ending all as one piece, illustrating juxtaposed with a live model just how our body moves and feels.

I found his approach respectful. He uses tools like a meat slicer for the brain, and a chisel to open the skull. It's all a learning experience conducted for the layman, with the decorum of a fine medical school. I can only hope he spends more time in areas of my particular ailments in the following episodes.

Kidnapped for Christ (2014)

deeply troubling. upsetting.

[7/10 · 5 August 2015]

For a little independent free on Prime film, this one really packs a wallop. Don't think reeducation camps exist in modern America: think again. Kids taken against their will and shuttled off to foreign nations where they have no rights: outside the help of US Authotities. Think these are troubled kids who deserve what they are getting? Think again. We're introduced to David who is being hidden from his parents rich friends because he embarrasses them because he is gay. He left the U.S. involuntarily with a 4.0 GPA. What is Tue world.coming to you.

Teach your kids that if they are ever taken outside the country against their will they still have their unalienable rights as free men! Get to a U.S. Embassy!

God help these kids and their friends as they begin their healing process.

Hollow Man II (2006 Video)

Not Absokutely Terrible

[7/10 · 30 July 2015]

Quite frankly I did not find this film all that bad. The should have written Slater out entirely. Other than that it wasn't bad. The acting by the Detective really works. The plot and concept are kinda interesting. One of those films without a center or a purpose, but somehow it holds your peripheral attention and gets you interested. It might be the large amount of action shots and the interesting quick changing shots. Not quite sure if I can put my finger on it. I do like how they kill off Slater at the end. A spade to the chest. That's gonna leave a mark. The whole concept of being invisible, what cures it, deteriorating health, etc is as old as the hills. But somehow they make it work.

Money for Nothing: Inside the Federal Reserve (2013)

The Risks of Eliminating "Moral Hazard"

[6/10 · 19 July 2015]

I'll save you the time: the "Great Moderation" that I began working during in 1984 is over. The stock market bubble became the housing bubble which became ... the Government Debt bubble (which has yet to burst). It's incredible to watch each crisis, and how each one has driven interest rates lower and lower, until we are at ... zero. We have created a scenario where we can't lower them again. Quantitative easing has kept us afloat but for how long?

Inflation remains low but my understanding is the CPI no longer includes food or energy? And while unemployment has lowered my understanding is that is because people have left the workforce, and very few if any "real jobs" have been created. The films producers point out we are an economy that has consumed more than we have produced for an entire decade. They ask the question: "how long can this continue?"

The film really got me thinking about a term they brought up: "moral hazard." If I know the Fed will bail me out on the downside why not accept the risk? It also applies in my mind to debt. In olden days people worried about putting debt on their children and grandchildren. That's no longer the case for many people like me. Free Heath care? Why not? Oh if an anti-viral will save me I can practice unsafe sex? Why not? I never knew it had a name but it does: "moral hazard" and I think it's becoming rapidly absent in modern society.

It's especially applicable to the Justice System. I'm now officially a true crime addict. And one common thread in these horrendous cases is truly dangerous people are released into society time and time again. Criminals routinely violate their paroles with no negative consequences. Yes I'm against the "Prison State." But if we promise to punish but in the end "bail out" the truly bad guys, what are the consequences for a safe society? No easy answers.

Anyway I suppose I should start a blog rather than meander in emails. This movie is kinda a snoozer but I wanted to share my thoughts.

Pantani: The Accidental Death of a Cyclist (2014)

Inspiring ... Great human story of Courage

[7/10 · 12 July 2015]

A human story. After breaking his leg he came back. He became the only man to back-to- back the Tour de France and Tout de Giro (which from the movie I gathered is another huge race.). He was a hill climber and a tiny guy. The leg break was because some moron let a car out on the course! He hit it on the downhill where they do 60. He spent a year in the pool recovering. There was doubt he'd ever walk again ... From there I leave it to you.

After the accident, he had external metal plates holding his leg together. He looked completely broken. In an interview someone said "will your body ever heal?," and he said something to the effect: "It's not the body it's the mind. Compared to the mind the body is nothing." Truly an inspirational story.

One of the other cyclists said: "I do judge a man by the decisions he makes. But those decisions cannot be judged in isolation." I found that thought provoking.

On Netflix.

Goldfinger (1964)

Bond at His Best

[7/10 · 5 June 2015]

Of course this is dated, but digitally remastered it really is worth the price of admission. Sean Connery plays James Bond and has some pretty good one liners. As a matter of fact it's the gafaws that keep the entertainment coming. How did they get Bond to say "Pussy" so many times without breaking a smile. Note also the impeccable costuming here. Bond's creases are razor sharp, even while in a violent struggle with Pussy et. al. Points also for some striking scenery in the Swiss Alps. Points also for Q providing Bond with a pretty good approximation of what decades later was to become "Google Maps." Grab a Martini and re-enjoy this timeless classic. (shaken not stirred, of course.)

Unbroken (I) (2014)

Who the killer is writing these reviews?

[7/10 · 11 May 2015]

While not great this was a darn good film. Powerful and emotionally compelling. At times difficult to watch. This movie is like stepping into a WWII reality film. Perhaps it comes from having worked with the Japanese Military and a Watanabe no less! Perhaps it's from having an Uncle who died flying the B-25. Perhaps it was because Zamperini came from a very similar background as my Dad's family. Here is a story of *real* emotional and physical triumph over *real* ethnic and racial hatred. Well acted, I didn't think you could make a film that made me glad we nuked 'em. This film did: and simultaneously made me ashamed of the work I did to help the Japanese. Good acting, costumes and cinematography. Yeah the Director could have left a little more on the cutting room floor. But you're going to rate it a 2 because the Director was a little long winded? Get real, and watch this film.

Selma (2014)

I really want to like this but ... (yawn)

[2/10 · 11 May 2015]

OK for starters I came into this with low expectations and they were met. The importance of what Martin Luther King Jr. did just does not necessarily make for riveting historical fiction. It can and "Mississippi Burning" is a great example of that. Gene Hackman is the bomb in that film. This thing is boring like a metal pail, and definitely not "Mississippi Burning.". The first time one takes a trip it's wonderous. But here we all know where this train is going, and that's exactly where it does go. Spoiler alert: when the church explodes at the beginning that took me out of my chair. After that it's all downhill sorry to say folks. Banal acting and a lackluster script do not exactly make for riveting entertainment. Throw in lousy rap as a score and you get dog vomit. It redeems itself only slightly at the end as the lead does a decent MLK impersonation. Big whoop. I feel jipped at one dollar fifty cents. Yawn.

The Homesman (2014)

Nothing Spectacular But If You Hang In There ...

[5/10 · 10 May 2015]

Tommy Lee Jones Wrote the screen play and directed it. He also acts in it ala Climt Eastwood. He gets some good shots and produces some touching moments. I was surprised at times when I thought it predictable. I also found at some points I laughed out loud when I could not determine what the joke was. Little character development around the crazy ladies made me wonder how they all went crazy at the same time. Also why does Hillary Swank take this on and throw money at it as well? Nonetheless Hillary Swank does her finest work here by at times ... Saying nothing. In it's awesome portrayal of the deafening silence of the plains this movie fits the niche of a western turned reality flick. While it drags at times I recommend it for free when you can find it,

The Invisible Front (2014)

Touching Documentary of the Lithuanian Resistance

[8/10 · 1 May 2015]

9 out of 10. Much more than the story of the underground resistance in Lithuania: this is a love story. It's the story of one man, Luksa, who never gave up his love for one woman, nor his quest to liberate his country from the tyrannical boot of the Soviet Union. Ohman captures something here. In interviews of palpable candor, coupled with top notch cinematography and a heart touching score, he conveys the barest essence of man's true yearning to be free. This was a story I had never heard of. How is it that it's not being told in American history classes. How sad and tragic that alternatively Communism is being taught in Universities all across America. Not to be missed. Streams on Netflix.