Stincil Reviews

Fox and Friends (1998– )

Morning fluff, just like the rest

[8/10 · 29 June 2013]

How the previous review escaped scrutiny by IMDb is astonishing. I thought such despicable displays of hatred would be weeded out of the review boards. Ignorant hillbillies? Really? Then, is it okay to refer to the viewers of GMA as scum-sucking libs? The network morning shows, like F&F, are fluff. They are all biased. But, according to the previous reviewer, a scum-sucking liberal, GMA, et al., are high minded political commentary.

F&F, not to be confused with Fast & Furious, is something to wake up by while I drink coffee before work. The network morning shows are left-wing propaganda. I don't need that in the morning.

The Hills Have Eyes 2 (2007)

These "soldiers" were completely unbelievable.

[2/10 · 23 April 2012]

Fine special effects and make-up do not save this garbage. This movie does explain why stupid, bumbling teenagers are used in horror movies: Because stupid, bumbling National Guardsmen are wholly unbelievable. Read the goofs section to get an idea - Misplaced weapons, an accidental shooting, wandering off alone, coupled with non-sensical, non-military conversation and jargon. The soldier Napolean, who should have been taken out and shot, manages to stay alive and save the day. Not bloody likely. The two women are some of the best looking soldiers ever. And they should be, wearing make-up while on maneuvers. And what's with all the rope climbing? You'd think they were headed up El Capitan and not a simple desert plateau. Go around the back side!!! This movie sucks.

Americana (1981)

An odd little independent movie; the anti-Twister

[9/10 · 28 May 2000]

This movie was so low budget it should be collecting welfare.

This was David Carradine's project and obviously he is the only one who believed in it. It was filmed mainly in 1973, but not finished until 1981, and includes a scene where Carradine appears to have aged about ten years; make-up being to costly, I presume.

The film is about a recently discharged Vietnam vet who wanders into a small Kansas town and comes across a dilapidated Carousel, which he takes to fixing, arousing the suspicions of the townspeople. That is the plot.

Carradine plays the character much like his Kung Fu's Caine: The quiet, unassuming and ambiguous wanderer. A man with a hidden past. A man of uncertain principle.

The townspeople, played by Barbara Hershey, small time actors and townspeople, react by offering him odd jobs while questioning his intentions; by quietly giving support, or by trying to drive him off. Even the mangy dogs seem particularly mangy, like small time animal actors.

For some reason it all works. If Carradine had one more dime to spend on this film it may have ruined it.

Americana is an outstanding film.

A Face of War (1968)

Incredible war footage

[9/10 · 14 May 2000]

This gritty B&W early footage of a Marine company is some of the most intense war footage I've ever seen. The sometimes dark and erratic footage conveys the confusion of war far better than the overproduced documentaries that followed.

Following a Marine company into an ambush, complete with hectic radio transmissions calling for medivac, there are scenes showing medics treating sick and wounded Vietnamese civilians and helping a young woman give birth. A great dichotomy.

This was filmed when there was still hope for victory, militarily, as well as in the "hearts and minds" of the civilian population.

The film has a genuine surrealistic quality to it; e.g., a flame throwing tank torching an empty village seems not of this world.

This film is an absolute must for anyone interested in the Vietnam War.