Paul-308 Reviews

Speedtrap (1977)

Easily written script

[14 November 2011]

It sure must not have taken any time to come up with Speedtrap,just about all of the movie had been done before.What really amazes me,is why Joe Don Baker agreed to star in this film.Sure it was money,but his part is mainly that of grinning car driver and not much else.The whole of the movie is loosely based on Gone in 60 seconds...cars get stolen,and the cops chase them.Usually until both the police car and the stolen car are nearly destroyed.The tip off to the rip off is the 1971-1973 generation Ford Mustang (base coupe,not Mach1 fastback though)that gets stolen and slams into another car leaving the lot.Exactly what happened in "Gone".A slow motion jump from building to building,a slow motion jump from a culvert pipe into a pond...loosely replicates the slow motion jump of "Eleanor" over a row of crashed/parked cars in "Gone".Even the police dispatcher is one of the female dispatchers in "Gone".The car Novick drives is a 1971-72 Dodge Charger,painted up like Starsky & Hutch's "Tomato" Gran Torino,the Charger is even jacked up with chrome wheels a'la S&H.The cops are made to look like buffoons crashing nearly every Plymouth Satellite LAPD ever decomissioned (this must have been stolen from Dirty Mary,Crazy Larry).The female star (Tyne Daley) is treated a lot like her appearance with Dirty Harry,a novice cop who needs to prove herself. Not that this movie is all bad.Good chase scenes,catchy music,and a laughably smug Joe Don pass the time well.Looking back at the promise Tyne Daley held as an actress,and seeing her in her youth (as opposed to her overweight later years) was always a welcome addition,but her addition to the film sorta spoiled the ending,you just knew she was out to prove herself,and make everybody else look foolish at the same time.

Ein Käfer auf Extratour (1973)

Undoubtedly The Best

[8/10 · 21 November 2008]

Certainly,without a doubt,the best of the Dudu films.Many stunts,good rapport of Jimmy Bondy and Aldo Reggazoni,some funny moments with Dudu and the 1960 Cadillac,and a fairly well thought out plot.However,there are some moments of the thought process being momentarily lost when stuff happens for no apparent reason (after Bondy knocks out the bank robber trying to steal Dudu,he is not shown being pulled out of the car before it drives back to the Oldtimer Garage).The music used during stunts is excellent stuff.The opening song "Dudu" is really corny,but its supposedly being sung by Jimmy Bondy himself.Overall a pretty fun movie,some laughs,and without a doubt the best of the Superbug offerings.

Superwheels (1975)

One of the Worst

[4/10 · 21 November 2008]

In the series of 5 DuDu/Superbug movies,this ranks as one of the lowest.To think the high water mark was the previous film (Superbug Rides Again) and then this entry comes along to totally sully the Dudu genre.Most of the actors from Dudu movie #3 are in this #4 installment.Lead character Jimmy Bondi,the female lead played again by Zehetgruber's wife(here as a nun),the 2nd nun is played by Evelin Kraft(who played the leggy/long haired Jac in #3),the male/female duo from #3 (Ms Binghameir,Mr Stutzli) are back here as a comedic pair,Aldo Regazzoni is back (however Bondi isn't friends with him here as he was in #3),and Dudu the yellow Beetle is back (now though with the trunk full of computer gizmos,a net under the engine,yellow painted bumpers,and different aluminum wheels).Dudu's annoying tinny voice trying hard to make one-liners is tiring.His ability to transform into a helicopter (a rotating head pops up thru the roof...yea,where is it when its down?...and the tailrotor plugs into the hole in the engine lid the wind up key once used in film #3)is really far fetched.Actual scenes of Dudu flying is really a remote control heli,as was the actual model heli that Dudu now featured as a companion "scout" vehicle.They threw everything into this weezer,and it ranks as a sad mish mash of ideas with no common thread linking it all together.They would have done better to further the story from film #3 as Hell Drivers once again accidentally bumping into criminal activities.

What's the Big Hurry? (1974)

Very strange Scare Film

[4/10 · 13 January 2008]

This is one of,if not the most unusual of the 1950s/60s/70s drivers ed "scare films".Here we don't have reenactments of the crashes themselves,we are shown cars in the junkyard,about to be recycled into scrap iron,the camera focuses on one,and then a voice over begins.This is supposedly what happened,or might have happened to the car in question before its ultimate demise.However,this approach is very flawed.The filmmakers obviously knew nothing of the cars themselves,or what reason they were actually in the junkyard for.For instance,we are shown a full size early 60s Mercury and an early 60s Mercury Comet close to one another.The voice over starts as two kids in the Comet (of all things) talking about catching up to the big Merc and challenging him to a race.One starts,with the passenger telling the driver "Dig Out!"(peel off in other words),which the driver does...(in a Comet?),the big Merc supposedly pulls away but the Comet driver is happily announcing that he's catching up and passing him,right before the "fatal" collision occurs.Well,neither car is showing the damage they are claiming,and there is no way a 170 or 200 cid 6-cylinder Comet is going to pass a roaring 390 cid v8 Mercury.Similar mistakes are made with the Cutlass they are tearing down,the VW that supposedly rolled over,and so on.All the while this is going on,we hear strange out of this world electronica music.Like this junkyard was on another planet and this was all science fiction.Well,it is fiction,because I don't think one car suffered the way they claim it did.Yes they were all scrapped and recycled,but I don't think any attempt was made to research the real cause of the cars final fate.At least the final message was true:These cars were recycled to become new cars,lets hope their drivers follow the rules and drive safely.(this film was made later than 1970.I believe it was around 1976 or so).

Wreckless (1935)

Automotive Propaganda

[4/10 · 12 September 2006]

In her film debut,Patricia Morison played the doe eyed daughter(Mary Jane) who yearned for a young car salesman that was regularly getting into scrapes with the law.Her father forbid her to have anything to do with him,unless she could prove he was worthy as a man and as a car salesman.He then calls her saying he is in jail for driving wrecklessly,and she rushes over.She then goads her fathers lawyer to take on his case.Its his 3rd offense.In the trial,the lawyer defends driving 75 mph as nothing for "modern" cars with modern safety features and safe brakes.He even claims the motorcycle officer who tries to stop him by pulling in front of his car was the wreckless one...he dumps the bike and scrapes his head.Saying he's lucky to be alive thanks to the "careless driver" and the "safe car" he was driving,all charges are dismissed,and its the cop who should be on trial for wrecklessness. Morison was extra cute,and a perfect fit for this film,although Wreckless was nothing more than propaganda for the then current (1935) cars,and the attempt to make them seem safer than they really were.70 years later,cars are still being improved,and Morison is still alive! A long life she has lived.

Easter Parade of Stars Auto Show (1954 TV Special)

The last of its kind.

[6/10 · 20 August 2006]

The last of a TV revolution.The 1st installment of the Auto-Lite Parade of Stars Auto Show(1952) televised live from the Waldorf Astoria Hotel was the first live car show ever attempted in the short life of TV then.The brainchild of Auto-Lite head Royce G Martin,he made sure he was the star of the program appearing front and center with his announcer co-host.The 2nd installment featured Irene Dunne as a car shopper,shopping the new 1953 models (that used Auto-Lite electrical components).The last installment (1954)was revamped heavily with Dunne and Martin sitting at table where car company execs would sit and chat with Dunne before allowing a super model to show off their new car offering.The show went smoothly and with few errors.The weakest part of the show was Royce Martin himself,by this time in poor health and seemingly in near Alzheimers,saying little,being easily confused,and with little energy.Sadly,Martin would pass away a mere couple weeks later after the running of the Kentucky Derby after his horse lost the race.Thus ended the yearly tradition that Auto-Lite would sponsor.Auto-Lite was placed in turmoil after Martin's demise,and it would be sold off to Ford in controversial manner in the early 60s.After lawsuits,Ford was forced to sell off Autolite to an aftermarket company (Bendix)due to lack of fair competition. The New York International Auto Show would replace Auto-Lite's Parade of Stars show for the next 50+ years.

Emergency!: Greatest Rescues of Emergency! (1978) Season 7, Episode 7

Paramedics no more

[7/10 · 30 June 2006]

The final chapter of the career of Johnny and Roy as paramedics is basically a clip show.Revisiting some of the "greatest rescues" in the series history,accompanied by new background music (a longing,sad tune that plays throughout the 2 hour special),Gage and DeSoto arrive at the site where their promotions will take place and reminisce about their past events,and the people that touched them (Brackett,Chet and the like).Among those promoted are Craig Brice,however not played by the same actor that portrayed him a number of times in the series.(this was highly noticeable,and hit me as a rather cheesy way to fool longtime fans of the show).It was mentioned that once promoted,they could not be paramedics too,so,the EMT life of Johnny and Roy ended with this episode....even though 2 more TV movies aired later that led Gage and DeSoto to view paramedics in action in other locales. To fans of the series,this was a sad ending to such a powerful and informative juggernaut that changed the face of emergency medicine forever.At first I was looking forward to the movie,but after watching it,and letting it sink in,it was actually a cheap way to usher Emergency off the network schedule.Shame on NBC....they deserved the bleak years they got after losing Sanford & Son,and Emergency...those are 2 mistakes that NBC will never live down....they chose to anger loyal NBC viewers all for money.And yet,they lost more than they would have if the series continued.Such a loss....

Real Stories of the Highway Patrol (1993–1999)

Pretty Good

[7/10 · 20 June 2006]

I think this program was far superior to COPS for a number of reasons: There was a host (Maury Hannigan)that gave a narrative to what we were about to see on the screen. Being based on the Highway Patrol,normally pursuits and accidents are shown,normally from in car dash cams.COPS give you less motor vehicle coverage. At the end of a segment,they give you a follow up....the amount of jail time given,the fate of an injured person (for better or worse)....COPS has never done this...and leaves you hanging without closure. COPS a lot of the time focuses on dull activities....calls that really aren't "entertaining" or "attention getting".Yes its a part of police duty,but the show is only 20 minutes long in 3 segments.You cannot fill the 20 minutes with fluff and expect a happy TV viewer. Give me RSOTHP any day.....however,I am sure we have seen the last of it. (TRIVIA:Both Southpark and Beavis & Butthead have done parodies of this show).

Walking Tall: The Protectors of the People (1981) Season 1, Episode 2

Racial Tension in McNeal County

[27 April 2006]

KKK-lookalike members portray black men in their "attack" on a prominent businessman's(William Windom) daughter in an attempt to cease banking support of the new black-businessman-owned Farm Machinery Store (appears to be an IH dealer).I wonder if this is the first time a prime time TV show has portrayed a Klu Klux Klan-type cult? The big flaw here is the fact that the evidence Mr Pusser uses to determine the attackers were white men in black face is not believable.Black makeup was found on the victims clothing indicating the attackers got ahold of her and rubbed their faces against her.....yet,her car doors were locked and windows rolled up....they never touched her or her clothes before they were ran off by a motorist who come across the scene.This continuity error sticks out like a sore thumb.I bet the attack scene was filmed prior to a script change,and nobody thought of viewing the footage....and then ordering a re-shoot.

MythBusters (2003–2018)

MythBusters

[22 February 2006]

This is absolutely the best show on television right now.Without a doubt,it has it all.....the pleasant hosts and co-hosts,the interesting myths,the science involved (we could all learn more about science),the humor,the suspense....no other program can say as much.I don't like all the reruns,and wish they could do 52 new episodes a year...but,even the reruns are better than 95% of television as it stands.Discovery has a huge hit here....keep it fresh and entertaining and I bet it will be on for another 5 years at least.That is if Jamie and Adam can take all the abuse they get from all this mythbusting..... Thumbs way up Discovery.....this is your best series and quite possibly the best on the whole of TV.You can thank Adam and Jamie for your network's ultimate survival.

Beat the Clock (1950–1961)

Mistake

[27 January 2006]

Roxanne Arlen was not on this show.It was Delores (Roxanne) Rosedale that was the co-star.In the early 50s she was a major league star...and among the most glamorous females on TV.Many people remember Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield,but the actress with real style,real quality and real honor was Roxanne Rosedale.Her run on Beat the Clock (1950-1955) made her a regular television attraction for untold how many guys.From what I read she left the show to get married and have a child.I guess after that she became a full time mom and wife and ducked the Hollywood scene.Roxanne even had a Roxanne doll back in her Beat the Clock days.It sorta didn't look a whole lot like her,but she handed them to girls that appeared on the show with their parents.The dolls had a camera with strap that went around the dolls neck,much like the real Roxanne did on the show when a contestant would get covered in some gloppy mess,she would dart out from offstage with camera at the ready to take a snap of the laughable scene.Of course using the Sylvania blue dot for sure shot flash bulb the sponsor was hawking.Wonder if there ever was any film in that camera....and if so,where are those shots today? There very much needs to be a DVD of seasons of Beat the Clock offered for sale,the 3-4 episodes (Kinescope versions)that are now commercially available are surely not enough for BTC and Roxanne fans everywhere. *******Update*********** Roxanne fans....we need to straighten the Roxanne tale out....Seemingly every site has Roxanne Arlen in the place of Dolores Rosedale.....We know she was married in 1954 to Tom Roddy from New York,and we know she had a daughter "Anne" in 1955 after her Beat the Clock stint was over.She was dismissed from Beat the Clock,supposibly asking for more money.She later blamed it on Bud Collyer for her dismissal,him being jealous of her and all (false).She was in a 15 second beach scene in "the Seven Year Itch",and was on many magazine covers.She wanted to be a serious actress and a wife more than anything else on earth.She got 50% of her wish by 1954.There's what we know people.....Keep the Roxanne Rosedale spirit alive.....lets set her career straight...and find out what happened to the biggest thing on TV in the 50s.....

Parade of Stars Auto Show (1952 TV Special)

30 Minute Commercial

[4/10 · 19 January 2006]

This obviously was an attempt by the Electric Auto-Lite company to promote its auto maker constituents (purchaser of A-L's products)on national TV in what amounts to a 30 minute car commercial.Noticeably absent are Ford and GM products because they purchased zero from Auto-Lite.Taking place at the Waldorf Astoria,Front and center is Royce G Martin,a longtime leader of Auto-Lite and the man who led them into spark plugs.Along with announcer Rex Marshall(and the clumsy microphone on a pole),and various car company executives,vehicles are shown and ballyhooed in passing.Many errors and goofs (the Nash Vagabond???...no,the Henry J Vagabond),obvious of Live TV and the youthful nature of TV back then.The Crosley representative seemed near death as he could barely raise his head and utter the features of his Super Sports Crosley roadster....the company was gone after that year (52) as well.Numerous models decked out in appropriate attire for each car (the Vagabond model had a pole and bedroll over her shoulder)add some spice,but their errors (and poor vision of the cue cards)spoil their pluses,making them look rather ditzy. This program was also aired in 1953 and 1954 keeping Mr. Martin's promise on show #1 that it would be a yearly program...with the same announcer.Shortly after the 1954 airing,Mr Royce Martin passed away.However,what he started was continued in 1955 with the 1st year of the New York International Auto Show....which continues to this day. Kaiser's Edgar Kaiser was on all three airings,but in 54 he was pushing Kaisers and Aero Willys and not the soon to be dropped Henry J.The model singing the virtues of the Aero Willys was 1950s siren Roxanne Rosedale....a rather unique and stunning lass.Irene Dunne played a car shopping superstar looking over the 53 models in year #2,while she played sidekick to a rapidly deteriorating Royce Martin in 1954 who could barely utter his lines.One is tempted to laugh at the mistakes and amateurish quality of this example of live TV from the 50s,however there is a sense of honor and reverence for those who appear on screen...because,some 54 years later there are hardly any one of those shown still alive today.Set still in time are the dazzling beauties and the elder statesman professionals,and history makers.A slice of time gone by,never to return again.

J.J. Starbuck (1987–1988)

Corny,but warm hearted endings.

[26 December 2005]

JJ Starbuck is a millionaire who drives around in a 1960s Lincoln Continental Convertible (like Green Acres' Oliver Douglas)doing good and righting wrongs. In one particular heart warming episode,Starbuck's Lincoln breaks down in a town where the local restaurant (owned by Telly Savalas)was being forcefully taken over,Tellys son ashamed of his father and distant from him in his time of need.Starbuck finds out that Telly's character has cancer and tells the son.They re-team up to fight off the takeover of the family business.Starbuck's car gets fixed and everybody thanks JJ for his help.The family is back together and the restaurant is saved.Makes you want to tear up now doesn't it? A particularly good episode...as Telly Savalas would pass on a few years later.This episode is a good one to remember him by.

Heart of the City (1986–1987)

Overlooked

[29 October 2005]

Because this show finished in the bottom 3 in the ratings for the 1986-1987 season,I'm sure the production company has no plans to release this on DVD.....in their minds...."who would buy it?".Well,I would for one,and I'm sure there are more out there that would.But not the MILLIONS they are looking for.This is pretty much an overlooked,cult show.I would have to praise every actor on the program....the characters Van Duzer,Arno,Haliui,Kennedy,Robin,Kevin,Bumford were brought to life by some of the best.And while the program was full of gun shots and violence,it dealt with it very realistically.....if Wes shot someone,he was punished or investigated.The gun fight scenes were pretty corny....a police car getting shot up while the officer hides behind the door without a scrape? Wes's Bronco rear window getting shot out by a machine gun but he doesn't get hit in the head? Hoods popping open when the grille of a patrol car is shot? And since when did the police use Grand Marquis Mercurys instead of Crown Victoria Fords? Overall a good show,but overlooked by almost everyone.

The Third Killer (1966)

Very Different

[6/10 · 5 June 2005]

Rather different than typical Highway Safety film fare,The Third Killer employs a nationally known actor in the main character of "Rellik".In the opening,Rellik is seen meeting with his boss over his three "accounts",discussing "sales figures".These actually turn out to be Heart disease,cancer,and traffic deaths.He suggests an all out blitz to push #3.Rellik visits a hospital and is amazed at the advances in medicine,and the work with Heart problems,and cancer.Disgruntled he decides to push #3....auto deaths.Walking along the roadway he flags down 2 teens in a 1966 GTO convertible,gives them a letter to mail and tells them to hurry....hoping they will crash to their deaths.He occupies a "Giant Saveway" store and tells a caller that they are closing shortly and they better rush over.Also,he's playing pump jockey at a filling station and tells an old lady that she has a bulge on her tire's sidewall,but tells her not to fix it...to save money.In between these scenarios,actual footage of gory car crashes and deaths are inserted (Mustang split in 2,1965 Dodge Coronet (complete with console shifter)hit by train and rolled-over,head on crashes,new station wagon driver plants his face into the rear of a flatbed trailer).The reactions and actions of the main character are priceless...the worth of a real actor portraying the character. Here's a bit of trivia.....Rellik comes across a black 20+ year old man crossing the street.He asks if he has any free samples in his briefcase,he says sorry he doesn't.Rellik isn't very smart..because this man played the part of a guy who along with his buddy were killed when their 1957 Fairlane 500 slammed the back of a Consolodated Freightways tractor trailer in "Wheels of Tragedy"(1962).This "actor" was from a local playhouse,which HSF regularly used.

Full Metal Challenge (2002–2003)

Got Tired Quickly

[22 May 2005]

A good premise....build machines that can take on a number of events...sort of an Olympics for trucks.They play truck soccer,drive thru man-made swamps,and drive on a roller coaster for vehicles.If one of the 3 teams didn't pass muster,their vehicle faced doom by being "blown up" courtesy of Howard Rollins (when in fact the blast happened,but the vehicle was nowhere near the impact).The remaining 2 teams would challenge head to head in a nose to nose showdown/demo derby.This format happened over and over again with 3 different teams.It got boring and tired pretty fast.I was never a fan of Rollins,yet I thought his energy and craziness was a good match for such a show.And Cathy Rogers was always welcomed on American Televisions for her demeanor,style and cute smile.Alas,this program didn't last,Rogers was never seen on Junkyard Wars or American TV again,two other individuals take over on "Mega Wars" and quickly ruin that show too.Its all over folks,TLC/DC have moved onto automotive reality programs like American Hot Rod,and Overhaulin.But JYWs and FMC will not be forgotten.Good work Cathy...you had us American blokes under your spell...its just a shame it didn't last longer.

Carpocalypse (2005– )

Certainly Different

[23 April 2005]

A show about demo derby drivers,being challenged weekly to participate in various forms of automotive mayhem.You are given a budget to buy a vehicle,modify it,race it,and if you win there is a payoff.The show is based in Bithlow Florida.Its the stereotypical southern good ole boys and gals racing on the weekend program.Spike TV is trying hard to get us to get to know and like the racers....maybe to even get a favorite.Well,I cant really say that any are all that likable.Maybe Demo Dave the family man....but the rest...well...they are unique. There's Marilyn the Motor Mamma....she runs a towing company and seems to be a real professional both on the track and off,but she isn't my cup of tea. There's her daughter Misty the Bikini Racer (she wears a bikini under her racing suit).She's young,foulmouthed,not respectful of her mother,and knows she has a rather ample chest (I think her boyfriend knows it too).She shows some promise as a decent racer to follow her mother,but her temper may get the better of her on the track. Chuck the go-to man who sets up the race track,handles the drivers,and generally has a bad attitude. Don the track operator.He's the old pro who makes the challenges.Gotta love this guy.He's seen and done it all. Raybo.The guy's rather different.Wild,and seemingly always out-of-it,he always makes an impact.For good or bad. Ben,the bus driver.Seems to be a decent guy.His father is a wise cracker. Nick. Who? Jeff.Fordzilla the crowd thriller.Wild,wild looking,and a fearless stunt driver.His poor old Ford pickup bears the brunt of his indiscretions. He teamed with Misty to cheat for a blindfold race win. The rest of them are rather forgettable. The show may not have a very bright future. 15 minutes of fame? Maybe. NEWS FLASH****** I read that there is supposed to be a season 2 of Carpocalypse...split equally between Bithlow Florida and NY,they plan on pitting the Southerners VS New-comer Northerners.This probably would have been filmed already this past summer...so its now up to SPIKE TV to schedule its airing.I wonder who's going to return and who isn't? My guess is Raybo will be gone,as will the drunk guy,but Fordzilla and Misty (the whiney bikini racer)probably will once again "grace" our screens with their off the wall high octane personalities. Mark my word though,Season 2 should be all she wrote.If it even airs in the first place. Spike TV,whatever happened to the original Friday night "Motor Madness"? I mean before Dusty Rhodes,and Butterscotch Jackson....? RIP Steve Evans.....you were the only sanity on that show.

I Like Bikes... But (1978)

Boring and repetitive

[1 April 2005]

A General Motors film thats meant (I guess) to alert car drivers to the dangers of bicycles on the roads.Its a GM production afterall so a 1977 Olds Cutlass Salon and 1977 Caprice/Impala share air time along with a rather cute young gal "Lisa" (the new driver who trades her bike in for a car).Wonder who she is? The cast members are never given credits.The boring voice over "I Like Bikes" drives you crazy after 10 minutes of hearing it over and over.They stretched this one out too far....however the air time given to the lass with those big glasses was time well spent.I give the drivers ed Olds Cutlass a 6,the Impala a 3,the film a 4,and the gal a high 8.I like bikes,but.....I think I like her better.

FYI:We never see Lisa's parents who obviously own the Caprice after she takes drivers ed. FYI:Lisa's middle toe is longer than her first toe (the one after the big toe). FYI:Showing Lisa at age 10 (or younger)should mean the cars that are shown should be 5-6 years older than 1978,however the GM full sizer in the neighbor's garage is only about 2 or 3.

The Last Prom (1980)

Predictable

[3/10 · 1 April 2005]

You could see the final outcome from a mile away.All the signs were there....the prom,the liquor,the fast ride,the distraction of the females.... A good commercial for seatbelt usage,and later model vehicles that sit the passengers further back from the windshield.Also,the ending is rather anti climatic,as the Ford Econoline van barely suffers a crease across its nose after hitting a bridge abuttment at high speed (highly unlikely).More damage to the van would have made it a little more believable.And why do these films always take place during/after a prom? Is it a case of once you survive the prom,you will be good for life? More than anything else,it shows the lack of policing the prom for liquor,and not keeping tabs on the MINORs who are leaving the dance for a joyride.

The Last American Hero (1973)

A Real Legendary Movie

[6 October 2004]

This is what the Dukes of Hazzard could have been,or at least this help inspired the Dukes.Junior Jackson drives a Mustang fastback,he runs moonshine in it,he outruns the revenoors in it,he races it on the track (sorta like the General Lee?).When his racing ambition outgrows the Mustang,he buys a Chevy (ugg) and proceeds to move on to an established team.This is the story of Junior Johnson,long time NASCAR racer and car owner.His family runs moonshine,but is trying to conform to modern tastes.Juniors talent makes him a star,and catches the eye of cute in the face V Perrine.A very southern story,a very southern feel,a great big slice of a time gone by.Bridges is excellent as Junior.Don't think anybody could have done as well.His smirks and facial expressions (or lack thereof) are classic.Very underrated film.Should have been given more attention.

Hell's Highway: The True Story of Highway Safety Films (2003)

Great to Bring this Genre to the Forefront

[5 September 2004]

A great idea,but a rather shaky production.Great interviews with members of the Foundation,and video archivists.They missed the chance to possibly interview those who appeared in the films (as victims) and those who recreated scenes in their films (like Wheels of Tragedy).But overall,thank goodness this genre has been given a new voice.Kids today laugh at death and blood.Society has felt it better to shield kids from the reality of death and agony rather than shock them/damage them,with the truth.Death isn't pretty,but its reality.Many thousands die every year,and millions are injured....what better subject to showcase than the fact that car crashes kill and maim American lives.For those who feel that sacraficing even one soldier in Iraq or Afganistan is wrong,just stop and think....how many Americans die in just ONE day on our roads? And nothing our "mighty" SUVs,pickups,semis,muscle cars or exotic imports can prevent.People die in EVERY vehicle,in every state and in every town.And over time,in every street.Think about that next time you tool around town talking on the cell phone or adjusting your radio knob.Take the advice these films were meant to give...think,use your head,and fear for your life.You will be a much safer driver as a result.

Super Adventure Team (1998– )

Way Underrated

[22 August 2004]

Here is another short lived program that didnt get the respect it deserved.Fully off the wall and very low budget,it nevertheless was a unique and welcomed addition to the MTV line up....while it lasted.Now the movie "Team America" seems to be torn totally from the blueprint of Super Adventure Team.Marionettes out to save the world.Ummm....sounds familiar.They even have a female member (Talia Criswell anyone?).We'll see if it does any better on the big screen than SAT did on MTV... I urge MTV and the creators of this series to release the few episodes that aired (and the couple that didnt) on DVD soon.Now is the time.Take advantage of the interest in the "feature film" thats coming and apply some of that enthusiasm toward SAT,rightfully where it belongs! "Damn you Buck Murdock!" lol

Pay Cards! (1969– )

Done on the Cheap

[21 August 2004]

The 1981 revival was called "Super Pay Cards".The final round boasted a top prize of $5000,however that was rarely won.The next level down was $500 and even that was tough to take home.Its obvious this show cost very little to produce.A very different kind of game show to say the least.No questions or answers,merely turning over cards and trying to match them by memory.In between takes,hostess Mary Lou would interact with the audience,however that never made it on TV,and she merely played announcer/card cutter on screen.Mr James always seemed to have a perky attitude,even when the contestant lost the game/big money.Advertisers included "Micro Go Round",the turntable that was spring powered for microwave ovens (before they featured their own turntables).Not an overly exciting game show...but one I wouldnt mind seeing again.If for no other reason than nostalgia.

The 20th Anniversary Hazzard County BBQ (2004 Video)

Many Memories

[10/10 · 13 July 2004]

Supplied as a bonus extra to the First Season Dukes DVD,the Hazzard BBQ reunion was a welcome addition to a great DVD.The feelings these people have for one another is obvious to all....they have known each other for 25 years now and they all like one another.No animosity here.John Schneider impresses as the one who holds on to the Dukes days the most,although Ben Jones isn't far behind,and James Best has always done his part for the memory of the series as Sheriff Rosco.Funny moments with Mr Best and Sonny Shroyer,and the great hoop of a laugh from John brings back the memories.America and the world loves these characters AND the actors that played them.That hasn't changed.And the way those actors feel toward the show and its fans hasn't changed either.God bless the Dukes of Hazzard,and every talent from the show.

Essentials (1996– )

Different

[6/10 · 12 June 2004]

This program was a variety/informational/talk show for females.The hosts were always having fun on the air,but it was Andi that was the cut-up of the pair,always griping about being single for life and not being able to find a guy.I remember when they rode a 67 Mustang to fast food joints and ate like a pig.It was the lead in to a segment on fast food nutrition.Also,Andi got a pedicure on stage one time and Forbes had to take over half the show....Andi's toes seemed to take forever to finish....Not that they needed any improvement...Andi had very nice toes! The show was a 1-hour program,and aired in the mid afternoon time slot.