mariposa-9 Reviews

John Wick (2014)

Keanu, a focused, bad ass!

[25 October 2014]

Yesterday I saw the first matinée showing of John Wick. Like I anticipated, judging by reviews, it was well worth my time. However, what I didn't anticipate was how ordinary the story was. We've seen this type of story many times where the Hero has an excuse to kill a lot of people.

What separates John Wick from other films of this type is it's style. I don't remember seeing people get shot in the head and then blood splatter in such a way. Many times this happened, and it's very effective. But more than anything, it's Keanu Reeves' focus that makes this movie special.

Many times I'll watch a film, and look to see the actor, "acting", or just going through the motions for a paycheck. The last Indiana Jones adventure comes to mind. But throughout every frame of John Wick Keanu Reeves is 100% focused on the character. In the fight scenes, many of them, I never saw a stunt man. That was Keanu, potent, violent, and effective.

For me, the movie could have used a little more exposition, i.e a little more Bridget Moynahan, and a little more of his bonding with the dog. There probably was in the original cut, but I'm sure some hotshot exec said "cut all that stuff out. They just wanna see Keanu kick ass!" But don't get me wrong. This film is a must see, for stylized action sequences and particularly, Keanu Reeves' performance. The latter is really something to see.

The Audrey Hepburn Story (2000 TV Movie)

Fine performance by J Love.

[17 July 2003]

Although the story could´ve been improved, and some of the other characters could´ve been a bit more interesting, I believe JLH`s effort would´ve made Audrey very proud. I say that because it´s 1. A good performance, and 2. Seeing Audrey in screen and movies, it seems totally out of her nature to criticize one so harshly. I think Audrey would offer nothing but praise for any honest and faithful attempt.

I think these so-called Audrey Hepburn fans should remember this before posting their scathing remarks.

Chris Rock: Bigger & Blacker (1999 TV Special)

One of the most unfunny stand-up routines of all-time

[10 January 2001]

Chris Rock has been funny in the past, but in "Bigger And Blacker" all Rock seems to know how to do is curse. And with that shrill voice of his constantly spouting expletives, it's akin to repeatedly getting hit over the head with a baseball bat. Also, Rock had this disturbing habit of pacing back and forth THE MAN COULD NOT STAND STILL; which, told me that he's very nervous and has little confidence in his routine. But, for some reason, the audience was howling with laughter! I could only conclude that they must of been paid for I could only manage a few forced chuckles -- and I was in the mood to laugh!

Now, I love Eddie Murphy. Eddie doesn't rely on just curse words or vulgarity to get a laugh like Rock or, the equally unfunny Andrew dice Clay. Thus, if you like that kind of humor, then maybe this is for you, but if you want real laughs, rent "Eddie Murphy Delirious."

Life with Mikey (1993)

Very enjoyable movie.

[10/10 · 25 August 2000]

I've always enjoyed Michael J. Fox in "Family Ties" and this film is perfect entertainment for fans of that show.

Along with Fox, we have the cute, talented Christina Vidal Who for some reason we don't see anymore. She is perfectly poised in her scenes with Fox. And quite wonderful as we see her transform from a street-smart toughie, into this warm-hearted little girl.

All in all, great family entertainment with a great ending and a lot of good laughs. 3 out of 4 stars.

The Cotton Club (1984)

The most underrated movie of all-time!!

[10/10 · 25 November 1999]

Forget all the behind the scene's politics; Francis Ford Coppola's dazzlingly stylish, THE COTTON CLUB is certainly one of his best efforts. A movie that deserves it's place alongside other Coppola masterpieces such as, THE GODFATHER and APOCALYPSE NOW.

But the legacy of this film is very strange: The behind the scenes shenanigans is legendary, it was unjustly panned when it was first released, and box-office was slight; however, watching this film you can't help but wonder why?

Everything from the performances to the look of the film is first-rate; with James Remar particularly good as Dutch Schultz, and the ending of this film is nicely reminiscent of THE GODFATHER.

So if your looking for what might be considered a buried Coppola classic, check out THE COTTON CLUB.

The Postman Always Rings Twice (1946)

ONE OF THE ALL-TIME BEST!

[10/10 · 19 November 1999]

The Dynamic John Garfield and Lana Turner, sizzle in this adaptation of James M. Cain's bristling novel of love, betrayal, and murder.

Garfield plays Frank Chambers (a role he was born to play), a drifter, whose "feet are just achin to go places," he spots a sign at a cafe that says "Man Wanted," and that's where the fun begins.

He meets Cora Smith, a beautiful blonde, silhouetted in the doorway, bathed in white. Chambers is breathless (as we are). This initial sighting of each other is one of the all-time greats in the history of cinema; it's boiling over with sexual heat, and right from the start, Chambers knows she's his for the taking

Except there's one problem: she's married to Nick Smith, an older, jovial man, who seems unaware of his wife's affect on other men.

This is the set-up, and to reveal more would be sacralegious. So just hold onto your seats, because TPART is a great ride.

Angel and the Badman (1947)

Remarkably Underrated!!!

[8 November 1999]

ANGEL AND THE BADMAN is a film that many John wayne fans may not have seen; nonetheless it's one of his best that shows a very different side.

Wayne as Quirt Evans is wounded and taken in by a gentle Quaker family. After he recuperates he notices their daughter--the absolutely drop dead gorgeous Gail Russell.

The plot of AATBM is remarkably similar to Harrison Ford's WITNESS (probably a remake).

But what ultimately makes this movie work is Wayne's performance, and Russell's natural "Angelic" qualities. The camera really loves her. There's one scene where she confesses' her love for Wayne, and is surprised he doesn't feel quite the same: "I never thought it could happen to one and not another." Her outright innocence in this scene is incredibly touching, and endearing, and you see how this affects Wayne in the same way.

Eddie Murphy: Delirious (1983 TV Special)

FUNNY FUNNY FUNNY FUNNY!!!!!!!

[10/10 · 7 November 1999]

EDDIE MURPHY DELIRIOUS is easily the funniest stand-up concert film I have ever seen. Most stand-up acts usually have lulls at some point, but not this one folks. For 90 min there is not one moment that is not side-splittingly funny. From the moment Eddie does a hilariously dead-on impression of Mr.T, the laughs are non-stop.

Sadly, this was done in 1983, and Eddie hasn't done anything nearly as funny. it's unbelievable that the man who wrote this phenomenally brilliant show, wrote a movie called HARLEM NIGHTS which was not very funny at all.

Eddie, if you're out there, please go back and do a concert film in the vein of DELIRIOUS. Believe me your fans will love you for it. And I think you know that.

Revenge (I) (1990)

Romantic,Violent, and beautiful

[18 October 1999]

Kevin Costner and Madeleine Stowe have sizzling chemistry in this adaptation of Jim Harrison's novella. And with Tony Scott directing, It's also wonderful to look at (The love scenes between Costner and Stowe are shot extraordinarily well). Then when you have the antagonistic Anthony Quinn thrown in the mix, you've got something extremely memorable.

This movie plays a little bit like a western. The early, thrilling scenes of Costner blitzing, low, over the mexican landscape in his X-15, are one of the few reminders of modern day America. And like a western, death is easy, life is hard.

Watching REVENGE one is reminded of those great David O' Selznick films. And like the Selznick movies it's about a lost love, that is eventually found. And the ending of this movie is one of the most memorable of all-time.

Off-hand I can't think of any Romantic film I've enjoyed more in the last twenty years.

Unlawful Entry (1992)

Predictable but entertaining

[17 October 1999]

You've seen this story a million times. You can predict what will happen at every turn. But sometimes it's well worth the ride if their is someone cool to go on this ride with. In this case you've got Ray Liotta at his psychotic best. So folks, You'd better hold onto your seats for this one. 3 out of 4 stars.

Dragnet (1987)

WHERE'S THE SEQUEL!!??

[19 September 1999]

If there's ever been a movie begging for a sequel, it's this one. "Dragnet" is one of the funniest movies of all time. With Dan Aykroyd's rapid fire Jack Webb impersonation, and Tom Hanks as his comedic partner in crime prevention, this is a must see. I've never laughed so much in my life.

Forrest Gump (1994)

MAYBE THE GREATEST OF ALL-TIME....

[10/10 · 13 September 1999]

"Forrest Gump," Is probably the greatest movie of all time. And those who don't like it, are missing out on one of the great movie experience of all time. It's difficult to fathom someone not enjoying this wonderful film, for it demands repeated viewings. My feeling is; some just over intellectualize and forget about enjoying this simple, wonderful film. Or, maybe others have heard too much about it, and it's a letdown. I find it hard to believe this would be a letdown for any reason.

I can't add much more to what other reviews have already said. Other than to say; I'll never forget, in the theater, when Forrest is talking to jenny at the grave.I took a moment to look around and, so many people were wiping tears from their eyes. That's a story I hope to tell my kids 20 years from now.

Turbulence (1997)

Formulaic, but Entertaining

[11 September 1999]

"Turbulence" is one of those movies where you can pretty much figure out what's gonna happen next. You've seen it before. But sometimes the ride is nice.

In this case the ride is with one of the all-time great psychos, Ray liotta. One of the few guys who can play these kinds of roles, and not bore you.

He's had lots of training in these types of roles, "Something Wild," "Unlawful Entry," and here, he's at the top of his game. Ray's really having a good time in this role. It's easy to tell.

Along on this ride you've got the spunky heroine, Lauren Holly, who does a good job. Some of her early scene's with Liotta bristle with intensity. Particularly when he asks her about her first sexual experience.

All in all if you want to be entertained by one of the most underrated actor's in the business, and not mind that the plot is fairly predictable, and you just wanna have a good old time, "Turbulence" is for you.

A Killing Affair (1977 TV Movie)

OJ is Bewitched...

[9 September 1999]

The "Killing Affair" is a 1977 tv movie where OJ Simpson plays a cop. And Elizabeth Montgomery as his seasoned world weary "new" partner. As time goes by they develop an attraction and have an affair. No big problem except, OJ is married. And his son is Todd Bridges.

There's nothing really special about "A Killing Affair," although Montgomery is quite good. This movie is mostly a curio, for those that are still Simpson obsessed. Also it's interesting to see a young Todd bridges as well. All in all it's not really bad entertainment, particularly if you have nothing to do on a friday night. It might even be fun.

Saving Private Ryan (1998)

could of been better...

[7 September 1999]

The first 30 minutes of "Saving Private Ryan" is one of the all-time great sequences on film. however I believe Spielberg made a fatal flaw in casting such known actor's In such an historical film.

During this opening sequence the camera pan's up and we see Tom Hanks. And the first thing that came to my mind was: "my name is Forrest Gump...people call me Forrest Gump."

Spielberg's casting of "Schindler's List" and "Amistad" was so much better. he should've taken a cue from two of his own movies!

Bandolero! (1968)

Extremely Unintentionally Funny!!!

[28 August 1999]

I realize the producers of this movie were serious about their opus, however It's just plain hilarious. Dino and his gang kidnap Raquel kills her husband and what does she do? she falls in love with him. hehehehe, Then there's these banditoes, and the head Bandito looks exactly like Evander Holyfield. hehehe The climax of this movie has Evander and his gang kiling Dino and his gang. But first Evander has to rape Raquel. It's suppose to be terrifying but It's filmed in a tittillation manner. So therefore it looks like Raquel is enjoying It. Woo, lol. So Dino has to save Raquel. But after beating Evander up for a while Dino just get's evander in a clinch, and just stares at him. Which gives Evander time enough to pull out a knife to stab Dino. This is funny stuff. then Raquel grabs a gun and starts mouthing spanish words while she shoots the guy. oh this is too much. there's all kinds of other funny stuff in this finale. too many to name. So if your looking for good actors to give you a good belly laugh then rent this one.

Vampire in Brooklyn (1995)

underrated

[24 August 1999]

How pleasant it is to see a movie that you feel you won't like and to your surprise you actually enjoyed it. that was my experience watching vampire in brooklyn. On paper, Eddie Murphy as a vampire? What is this a remake of Blacula? or an on purpose career killer? What It is is a deft blend of horror and comedy. and eddie proves what snl only hinted at is that he's also an excellent actor. too bad the critics felt a need to bury this movie. I give it 3 out of 4 stars.