honesty Reviews

Mother (II) (1996)

Who would have guessed? Albert and Debbie are great together.

[7/10 · 20 December 1998]

This is a potentially funny situation and it reaches (almost) all the goals it sets for itself. Candy did it in 'Only the Lonely' but this is different Albert is not naturally as funny and any way he's got a delight of a brother. I guess it could have taken some of the funny situations a little further which it doesn't rate a 10 but nonetheless it is a good movie and well worth the time it takes to watch.

Ghosts of Mississippi (1996)

History shouldn't be this boring.

[5/10 · 20 December 1998]

What a disappointment after all the hype a certain black T.V. talk show hostess laid upon us. I understand it is a piece of American history but it could have been made palatable if the mystery of who-done-it was further explored, I mean after all it took then 30 years to find out who did it so why couldn't it have taken just a little longer than 15 minutes to tell us? Many stars got a piece of this film and most of them read the lines pretty well but the lines were crumby and I predict that this film will fade quickly into obsurity where it belongs and maybe some day someone will make an interesting movie about this interesting piece of history.

The Ghost and the Darkness (1996)

Based on a true story it unfortunately pales compared to the original

[6/10 · 20 December 1998]

I've had the pleasure many years ago of reading the original story which was called "The Maneaters of Kuhoman" (please excuse the spelling as I don't have the book in front of me.) The real story is so much more exciting and fast-paced that it seems strange the movie wasn't able to reproduce that excitement. While the story was exciting in parts I found it tended to draw out too much between interesting scenes. If anyone out there really has the patience to read a good book the original story will blow you away compared to this watered-down version.

Hostage for a Day (1994 TV Movie)

If you thought you'd get John Candy...think again

[4/10 · 20 December 1998]

Why on earth John Candy let himself be associated with this loser of a picture is beyond me. The plot is simple and it is rife with possibilities for great humour but it doesn't take advantage of them. George Wendt is not the greatest actor that ever hit the screen but his years at Cheers should have taught him how to create a laugh...apparently they did not. He is so un-funny at times it hurts. I wanted to get up and deliver the line the way it could have been but...well. At any rate if you're looking for a good sit-down to watch a good comedy and maybe have a beer...don't drink the beer too fast, I suspect you'll be on your way out to the store for another movie and you shouldn't drive intoxicated!

Red Rock West (1993)

Corny, predictable and improbable...a real disappointment.

[4/10 · 20 December 1998]

I expected much of Nicholas Cage and much much more of Dennis Hopper and I was disappointed by both of them. Lara Flynn Boyle looks gorgeous in this film and it was with her that I was distracted enough to sit through the whole film but it took an effort. The movie starts out nicely with a few plot twists we hadn't expected but does a sharp turn from reality and goes deeper and deeper into the world of the stupid and unlikely. The ending is so convoluted and unrealistic that I wanted to reach out and turn it off but hoping against hope it might recover at the end I sat through. All I can say is P.U.! THIS MOVIE STINKS!!

Medicine Man (1992)

Not since James Bond have I enjoyed Sean Connery so much

[7/10 · 20 December 1998]

I've just got to put a Bondism in here...Nobody does it better. there it's done and it didn't hurt that much now did it? Sean is as I expected, excellent. The look, the voice and the attitude. So much like Bond it is like deja-vu. Why do we like Connery so much...I'll tell you why...he's got a ton of talent....and he's got an attitude of confidence and he knows how to use it. This film just hums along with some really fantastic photography and despite the luke-warm reviews I believe time will tell a different story. If you like your adventures in the jungle (and I do) then you'll enjoy this film.

True Identity (1991)

Great comedy in the British tradition

[7/10 · 20 December 1998]

This is one funny comedy. For those of you unfamiliar with Lenny Henry he's rude and sweet, as the jacket says a 'British Eddie Murphy' and that's pretty accurate. Star of the British comedy 'Chef' Lenny puts in a fantastic performance in this delightful 'identity crisis' film. You'll love it.

D.O.A. (1988)

Stylish, slick and suspenseful, a compelling whodunnit

[8/10 · 20 December 1998]

This is a whodunnit in the Hitchcock tradition. You are kept in the dark as suspects come and go. Dennis Quaid is supurb as Dexter, a man doomed to die and Meg Ryan excellent as his babe. There is not much not to like in this little suspense and all the pieces fit neatly together the way they should. You won't be sorry you watched this one if you like suspense.

Gung Ho (1986)

This is a typical Keaton comedy...excellent!

[7/10 · 20 December 1998]

This comedy is bound to be good from the get-go. East meets west and east doesn't want to lose...west doesn't know what losing is like. It starts a little slow but it grabs you very soon and it doesn't let go. This is definitely worth seeing.

Smokey and the Bandit (1977)

As car chases across America go this is pretty good

[6/10 · 20 December 1998]

Let's face it Burt did not spend a great amount of time pondering the complexities of plot interactions vs. character development...they promised him a truckload of money and he provided them with a boy-next-door-like grin he is so famous for and within the bounds of the quality of the material he was given........he did a pretty good job....BUT...Sally Field makes the movie interesting and fun. She's great as his maybe love-interest. Anyway it's a whole lot of fun and it's probably in the .99 section anyway so go ahead...make your day.

The Wilby Conspiracy (1975)

Fast paced action mystery thriller with Poitier and Caine

[8/10 · 20 December 1998]

This is definitely a sleeper. Not much is said about this film and yet it is one of my favorite movies starring Michael Caine. Sidney Poitier is on the lam with his new non-friend Caine who by mutual agreement have to escape. Prunella Gee plays the glue that for a while gets and keeps them together. The movie moves along quickly from cricis to crisis ending in a complete surprise. You are going to like this although there are some slow sections.

The Trouble with Harry (1955)

An absolute gem, one of the few 10's I've ever given!!!

[10/10 · 20 December 1998]

This movie is fantastic. I don't think anyone except Hitchcock could have made such humour out of a dead body. Shirley MacLaine (in her first role) is delightful and Edmond Gwenn perfect. You'll see a young Jerry Mathers pre-dating Leave it to Beaver by a few years. Don't miss this little gem, it's as funny today as it was in 1955 and I suspect for a long time to come.

Crimson Tide (1995)

Despite the hype it's a pretty lame movie.

[5/10 · 18 December 1998]

Before I saw this movie I heard great things about it so maybe I was expecting too much...but one thing became clear very soon...I was not going to get too much...that was believable at any rate. I mean how many times have you heard of someone escaping from the brig in 5 minutes? And having just escaped from the brig you might expect the escapee to be somewhat cautious about his brigging techniques but OH NO the brig's new occupant escapes in record time (oh did I spoil the plot ) and it begins again. Now I'm not all that well versed on the rules and regs in the U.S. Navy but I'm pretty sure they wouldn't give you a raise for that.

Three Fugitives (1989)

This movie will make you laugh 'till you cry at times

[7/10 · 18 December 1998]

This movie starts out funny and keeps on being funny until the very end. Naturally it has to have the mandatory American 'happy ending' but despite that the characters are lovable and compelling. The scene with the 'doctor' is priceless and is in keeping with the whole insane reason from the start. I would be tempted to call this movie a humorous version of 'Dog Day Afternoon' Don't miss it!

Tucker: The Man and His Dream (1988)

Anothe quasi-true drama about how the big guy squashes the little guy

[6/10 · 18 December 1998]

I'm not certain I agree with the casting of this 'epic' movie. It takes too long to tell the story and finally we get a sort of 'in-your-face' closure to the whole story. Normally a story like this compels me to do a little research into the story but this left me flat If I have to listen to another story about the auto battle between the big guy and the little guy let it be of the style of 'Gung Ho'....that one at least had a laugh or two. Don't expect to laugh during this movie...it's against the plot..

Spike of Bensonhurst (1988)

Compared to this movie cutting the lawn would be fun

[4/10 · 18 December 1998]

There's not much I can say that could be taken as flattering except that it didn't go on any longer than it did. I didn't pay very much for this movie when I bought it but I felt bad when I sold it knowing that it was not worth what I got for it. Save your money and get a root canal instead.

The Silent Partner (1978)

One of the best thrillers to hit the screen

[8/10 · 18 December 1998]

This film starts out slowly and bit by bit, twist by twist it pulls you in until you're not sure who you'd rather see succeed. Elliott Gould (from my home town) has never been my favorite but this is definitely the best performance he has given in his career with the possible exception of M.A.S.H. which was fantastic.

Donovan's Reef (1963)

Just about the best the 'Duke' has done.

[8/10 · 18 December 1998]

If you like knock-down drag-out punch-drunk macho hard-drinking soft underbelly kind of movies then this one's for you. How can you watch John Wayne and not expect this kind of movie and yet it's good. There's a bit of plot (not too much) and a lot of character examination (and that's a good thing) and in the end they've made a very watchable movie...heck maybe even memorable.

Man Trouble (1992)

Perhaps the rental fee would be better spent on a six-pack

[2/10 · 17 December 1998]

How Nicholson could let himself be talked into this loser is beyond me. I hope that the producer lost whatever he had on Jack 'cause I don't want to see another wreck like this for quite a while.

Madonna: Truth or Dare (1991)

THIS SHOULD BE CALLED..MADONNA, TRUTH ? WHO CARES?

[3/10 · 17 December 1998]

PLEASE........ IS THIS WHAT THE WORLD OF ENTERTAINMENT IS COMING TO? WHEN SHE ISN'T MUGGING FOR THE CAMERA(WHICH SHE DOESN'T KNOW IS THERE...wink wink nod nod say no more) SHE PRACTISES HER HOBBY WHICH IS OBVIOUSLY ABUSING HER STAFF...DON'T ALL PRIMA DONNA'S DO THE SAME? IF SELF-INDULGENT PABLUM IS YOUR SCHTICK THEN HOP ON BOARD AND WAIT FOR YOUR TURN WHEN THE MADONNA EX-PRESS GOES BY.BYE

Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987)

you'll laugh 'till you either cry or wet yourself

[8/10 · 17 December 1998]

This is one of the funniest movies made by one of the funniest guys the world has ever seen. Candy's comic genius was natural. you could see it in the way he moved, in the way he spoke and in his face. He did more with his face and his voice than any other comedian that I know of except perhaps.............MR. BEAN Don't miss this one and look for the scene in the bed.

Overboard (1987)

If you only watch one of Goldie's movies...make it this one!

[8/10 · 17 December 1998]

I've seen this movie at least a dozen times and every time I laugh at the same things and as far as I'm concerned that's what a great movie should do. When I look at The Odd Couple (which I've seen many many times) I still laugh at the same things and that too makes it a great movie as well. I can't imagine anyone watching this movie and not liking it.

The Long, Long Trailer (1954)

thank god they were great on the little screen 'cause...well....

[7/10 · 17 December 1998]

First let me say I love Lucy and Desi...I grew up with their show every week and they were fantastic but this movie just didn't have much plot. If you enjoy watching the banter between the two of them then great you'll love the movie but unfortunately if you look a little closer there's not a whole lot going on. Oh well I guess it was that time of life when if a woman spoke her mind she must have had something really important to say (and it no doubt was correct)

The Maltese Falcon (1941)

PERHAPS THE BEST MYSTERY OF ALL TIME

[9/10 · 17 December 1998]

THERE'S NOTHING I COULD SAY ABOUT THIS MOVIE THAT IS UNFLATTERING. I ONLY WISH THERE HAD BEEN ANOTHER LIKE IT. IN MY OPINION REAR WINDOW COMES CLOSE AS DO ALMOST ALL THE HITCHCOCK MYSTERY MOVIES.