aa4353 Reviews

The Deer Hunter (1978)

War is still the same

[10/10 · 12 June 2013]

Read the reviews by date and one can tell which generation knows war and which does not. The effects shown on the characters is what we see on returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan. Regardless war is still the same and has lasting effects on the participants just as this movie shows. The acting is good because they are all professionals in the true sense of the word. The script is good because all of it is true to some degree for veterans of the Vietnam debacle. the scenes are authentic-. Racist against Vietnamese-it is what it was. The film should be viewed today as a good history lesson for all. The only thing that has changed is that the steel mill has probably closed.

Agora (2009)

Science vs Religion

[8/10 · 12 July 2012]

I am late in viewing this movie as it is now shown on Showtime2. While it is a beautiful movie scenic-wise and very well acted, I feel that the VERY important point is that mankind is still fighting science through religion. We are indeed an unwise species and our ignorance obviously has come down through the ages as the common man tries to understand the marvels of science all the while fearful of losing control politically. The scenes that illustrate the destruction of the library is repeated today as we close libraries, tolerate children who do not read so that minds can be controlled. The speech interpreting the role of women was the breaking point for me.

Sarbane's-Oxley (2007)

Good Movie

[7/10 · 9 February 2009]

Having worked in the Dot.com environment and now in the Finance debacle, I found this little movie to be right on target. The fact that little known actors were in it made it a lot more believable. I was able to speak with the director and heard his slant on the storyline and the production which made the viewing even more interesting. Little movies with big stories for first-time out directors/writers always give the audience something to think about other than stunts, stars and costs of production. If you see this movie, you may be able to think about how you would react when the bottom falls out. I am sure we will hear more in the future from this production team and I hope they do not lose the realism.

The Aryan Couple (2004)

A Thoughtful Movie

[30 August 2008]

I recently viewed this film on cable TV. I found it interesting and it led me to do more research on some of the history of the era. Since I do not view movies from the prospect of the acting, scenery, etc. I found that this storyline does reflect what some experienced. It is certainly true that many objects'art were confiscated by the Nazis and it is certainly true that many lost their homes , businesses and lives. History later will reflect some of the same type of incidents from Iraqis who escaped Sadam's exploits. Since this movie was never to be a documentary, it does remind us of man's inhumanity toward man. And, we must never forget. Martin Landau is a great actor. While this movie may not have brought him awards, it is a chance to once again view his character-driven face which we have enjoyed in other venues.

Life Is Beautiful (1997)

A must see movie

[9/10 · 9 December 2007]

Thank heaven for CDs. My family and I have watched this movie each year for the past two years. We still laugh, we still cry and we still get the message that love and humor are important in life. The father's love for his son and wife needs to be practiced today. The acting is good the directing is great. I do not feel that the actor who plays the son gets enough credit--his lines are delivered so child like (not the disrespectful attitude of children in most movies). This movie is not a documentary. Therefore, those who pan it as treating the holocaust irreverently are watching the movie with different color glasses. Many who have experienced serious injury, disease and war have used humor to endure.

Getting Played (2005 TV Movie)

No Redeeming Features

[4/10 · 21 October 2007]

While there are other movies that represent these actors in a better light I did get a few laughs viewing this movie. My adult children watched with me and they could name a few ladies who fit the bill of the three characters---and that's too bad. The sound track was enjoyable, the costumes (clothes) were realistic and the comic was funny. The friend Josh is entertaining. But,there certainly will not be even a little rush to the DVD rentals by many to get this movie. The movie obviously was an attempt by the director to rush through a project--let's hope he is not remembered for this one. And, let's hope the actors/actresses did not count on this one to be the big one for their careers.

Half Past Autumn: The Life and Works of Gordon Parks (2000 TV Movie)

A Life of Accomplishment

[10/10 · 8 July 2007]

This is story that should inspire everyone. Parks was truly an artist of the highest caliber. Most would say he was a renaissance man which is maybe a cliché in today's world. He let the camera capture the real America of his time; he was a pioneer as an African American filmmaker; he was a musician, painterand writer. Artistic talent at its best. While all of this took its toll on his personal relationships, the documentary seems to support that he loved his children and supported them in their endeavors. His Kansas roots certainly did not project the success he was to have throughout his life. We were privileged to have had him for so many years.

Vatel (2000)

Historical Drama

[8/10 · 1 July 2007]

I enjoyed this movie due to the historical treatment of how politics played out during the time of the European kingdoms. Money is always the problem and the money is always from the poor for the selfishness of the rich---some things never change. Vatel like so many perfectionists of their crafts comes to the realization that no one cares--not even his employer! Good film with underlying truths that quite possibly could be reviewed in today's world. If you have visited castles in Europe you will enjoy getting a feel about how the sub-basements were used--no more complaints about your kitchen. Gerard Depardieu gives a good performance and the costumes and scenery are exquisite.

Hom rong (2004)

Culture Important to Civilization

[9/10 · 30 June 2007]

An excellent biographical representation of a great musician. It is important to note some of the quotes that relate to the importance of keeping traditional music if a culture considers itself civilized. This may be a hint for we Americans to remember. I knew nothing of the instruments played in the movie. However, it surely held my interest and has encouraged me to do some research on them. Some of the scenery is so beautiful that it makes you want to make travel plans. More information on the musicians in the movie would be of interest. It is easy to understand why this movie won awards and nominations for awards. More movies showing the cultural side of Thailand will be welcomed in my home.

10,000 Black Men Named George (2002 TV Movie)

History All Should Know

[7/10 · 4 February 2007]

This film is an excellent way to illustrate to the current generations that the historic struggle for civil rights started long before the 1960's. It is also interwoven with the labor movement of other workers and the treatment by big business. While historic, it may be wise for some to pay attention to the current standing of unions and to the fact that unions really made the middle class of today. The dirty tricks of the Pullman company including the "communist threat" are illustrated as they have been in past movies. The actors in this movie do a great job. Duton and Braugher offer stellar performances as usual. Director Ronert Townsend solidly directs the events .

The River Niger (1976)

Never too young to understand

[8/10 · 3 February 2007]

There are several things to understand about this movie. 1. The actors and actresses are African American and at the time of the movie were not necessarily appreciated for their outstanding talents that have been showcased in later years. 2. Comments that the "gang" members were hokey perhaps come from those who have never been residents in the Watts area of LA, the south side of Chicago or the east side of Detroit in the early 1970's. (3) I find that the use of the"n" word brings about discussion with today's students of communication and film who are products of the rap culture's influences. All in all the film's adaptation from the original play is a good one.

In Pursuit of Honor (1995 TV Movie)

You'll want to know more

[9/10 · 24 September 2006]

Besides being an enjoyment for anyone who likes horses, this movie also covers shameful incidents from out nation's history. It identifies several issues that warrant further investigation by anyone interested in U.S. history. These include the rise of General McArthur, the treatment of returning W.W. I Veterans,the difficulty of changing the way war is fought.(an issue today)and the influence of the press.. All of this might shed some light on how decisions are made today by men in power. Excellent acting by some actors who are sometimes not praised enough for their craft. Personally, I would accept more movies of this genre.

The Caveman's Valentine (2001)

A great movie

[8/10 · 12 February 2006]

This movie made me think---how many of the homeless in my large urban city probably have hidden talents too that are lost to the rest of us and hidden under the mental illness? One can feel the pain of the daughter at having "lost" her father and the pain of the ex-wife who obviously had a difficult time when living with him. Jackson does a credible acting job as usual and has had a consistent acting career. The sound track is fabulous. Choreography of his"demons" is worth noticing,especially at the end of the movie. Usually a Jackson fan,I do not know how I missed this movie when it came out-- Thank goodness for DVDs.

Street Smart (1987)

Great Movie

[8/10 · 10 December 2005]

I recently rented this movie and was pleasantly surprised. Good plot and great acting. Morgan Freeman shows how versatile he has always been as an actor. It is no wonder his career has lasted so long. Christipher Reeves should be remembered for this movie along with the hyped Superman exploits. For me it was the first time I had viewed him as a serious actor. The soundtrack featuring Miles Davis is treat to the listener of such things. The action and resulting end are as applicable today as they were when the movie was released. The protected right of journalists is always under fire by the government and has been exploited in other movies as well. But not as realistically as in this movie. Thumbs up!