garpo Reviews

Creature from Black Lake (1976)

Very Scary

[10/10 · 3 November 2001]

I saw this movie for the first time in the theaters when I was 11. It replaced Jaws as the scariest movie I'd ever seen. Jaws has since replaced it again, but having just watched it 25 years later, it still spooked me. It's shot in a sort of documentary-style graininess, with a menacing score, and an effective use of shadow, which almost always obscures glimpses of the creature. I'd say the performances were exceptional for such a low-budget pic. As lush and gracefully beautiful as the swamp looks, you're always apprehensive seeing it as a constant backdrop because of what lurks within it -- much like the graceful ocean always made you uneasy in Jaws. There are hokey moments of course, but let's face it, you don't want to see this movie before you go camping in Louisana. Thumbs up.

Dead Man Walking (1995)

Amazingly objective and moving

[10/10 · 12 March 2001]

I'm astonished how a filmmaker notorious for his political left-wing fervor could make such a subtle, non-sanctimonious picture. If you're for capital punishment, you'll still be for it after seeing this. If you're against capital punishment, you'll still be against it. But whatever your stance is, this movie will, at the very least, make you reflect on why you feel the way you do. There's not one false note in the film.

Lonesome Dove (1989)

More Than a Western

[10/10 · 20 June 2000]

I generally hate Westerns but I love this show. It's a masterpiece. The quintessential epic. It's one of those shows that is so involving and so moving that it can actually be emotionally draining. It ain't light fare to be viewed repeatedly for kicks.

Jesus Christ Superstar (1973)

This film has the touch of God.

[10/10 · 12 April 2000]

There are moments in this movie that are so ethereal and have such spiritual resonance that you can't help but be moved by them. Unlike his other pictures, Jewison takes full advantage of his cinematic medium, manipulating images to full religious impact. He turns a quaint, low-budget stage production into a sweeping epic with majestic landscapes and dazzling editing. Carl Anderson's conflicted Judas is the most believable and heart-breaking rendering of the man who betrayed Christ that I've ever known. And what a singer he is!! As for Neeley's Jesus, all I can say is that I have to believe the performance was truly inspired by God Himself. For all who think the film is sacrilegious, note it has the same EXACT ending as Ben Hur. The entire film is a complete religious experience.

A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965 TV Movie)

Favorite work of art of all-time

[10/10 · 8 March 1999]

This masterpiece is my favorite work of art of all-time. It's so innocent and honest, and yet profound and inspiring at the same time. It moves me today the same way it moved me as a child. Its unabashed Christian sentiment is refreshing to see amid all the Santa Clause specials, but it is not preachy or pious. I wish the whole world could be cast under this program's magical spell.