erichyoung Reviews

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga (2024)

But is it in you to make it epic?

[5/10 · 27 May 2024]

Benefitting from living a full life, I've seen all the Mad Max films in the theatre. And as I expected, the Furiosa experience is much like Thunderdome. I just didn't get that Road Warrior feeling of wow, but at least it was a Mad Max movie.

It was too long. It had way more CGI than expected. The many mothers village was laughable with wind generators and solar panels! No improvisation in the apocalypse? Heroine was improbable. I get the ferocity. But I don't buy her skills. Imperator Jack was awesome.

I'm a motor head. My favorite scene was the making of the war rig. Spinoff a Mad Max world reality car making show! LOL.

The Call of the Wild (2020)

Dog days

[9/10 · 4 January 2021]

The complaints by reviewers are silly. "The CGI is terrible, don't pay for it." You knew before you watched that it has CGI dogs. CGI is a miracle and they'll only way they could make this. One can't make the dogs act anymore, aka, PETA.

Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)

Haters Gonna Hate

[9/10 · 4 January 2021]

This was a lot of fun, and it takes suspended belief to digest. But it's a comic book movie. The vitriol against this film is way over the top.

Carrie (1976)

Any Less of a Lead Actor Would be Typecast Forever

[10/10 · 24 October 2020]

I am so impressed with Sissy Spacek's acting's in this movie. The intensity of her anguish and turmoil is just electric. And then the covered in blood sequences feature fantastic gestures and expressions which are really quite something. Wow!

Fargo (2014–2024)

Overrated and Devoid of Redeeming Qualities

[4/10 · 29 December 2019]

Stopped watching after episode 6 of season 1. Just too much depravity. Seems that's what makes shows popular nowadays.

Bohemian Rhapsody (2018)

It's a movie, not an autobiography

[7/10 · 12 December 2019]

I don't know what people were expecting, but this semi-true story was really entertaining. As a regular kinda guy growing up in the USA in the age of Queen, we didn't all think of Freddie as gay; he was different. But back then you didn't have endless media. What we had was the music, and that was enough! I bought every album the day they came out from 'Night' on. The guy who played Brian May in this film looks more like Brian May than Brian May does. In the end, I do hope Freddie's dad really did reunite with him.

The Irishman (2019)

Rating as a Movie on IMDB

[7/10 · 7 December 2019]

Like others say here, it's an hour too long. Would be interesting to see a theatrical release version. The 25 minute interview on Netflix indicates what you should expect. MS recounts with AP about a scene where he gets up from a chair after sitting a while like he's in his late 60s...but he's supposed to be a 49 year old Hoffa. And so it goes, old and slow gangsters. Lots of the directorial details are delectable to watch. Like an archaic Jerry Vale. Think he's dead. And the mid 70s Lincoln Continental. Karen Hill from Goodfellas parent's house is used again. So is the diner from a good fellas when Henry Hill thinks Jimmy is gonna whack him - used in this movie where Whispers tries to set up a job with RD's character.

Xanadu (1980)

Olivia Newton-John was a real-life muse!

[10/10 · 12 November 2019]

Your better believe just about every adolescent boy/young man would give anything to be with ONJ. And girls wanted to be her. The director's lens lingers in a gaze the same way in this fantastic flick. The negative adult reviewers incorrectly think this film was made for them. No, it was made for me, 14 years old, hanging with my buddies at the roller rink in the summer, goofing off at the mall, riding bikes all over town, and the inevitable awkwardness of meeting girls. Xanadu is a moment in time. Roller skating was *huge* back then. ONJ was huge back then. This film brought it all together, with music, dance and great video affects for the time. Sheer entertainment. Don't take it so serious - enjoy it!

Earthquake (1974)

The massive dam is ready opened by turning a wheel?

[5/10 · 12 November 2019]

This and other unbelievable facts drove me nuts. Endure George Kennedy as a cop bully for 2 hours! Watch as Walter Matthau attempts to drag out the unaware drunk joke in a bar for 2 hours! Victoria Principal saved the film. "Earthquakes bring out the worst in us all!"

Smokey and the Bandit II (1980)

You'll love this if you're a fan of the original

[9/10 · 26 May 2019]

My son and I laughed so hard at most of this movie. Burt carries the movie. And just listening to The sheriff is pure joy. People reviewing this move got to give themselves a break and just enjoy it!

Howard the Duck (1986)

No duck is an island!

[10/10 · 22 March 2019]

Just watched this tonight with my 13 year old son having not seen it in 33 years. I must say it was pretty entertaining. Of course there are a few cringe moments which made us fowl. The John Barry score was oddly used to underscore Beverly and Howard's duck out of water relationship early on, as if were pushing them into it. Of course during the 3rd act Barry's James Bond touch was perfect for the climactic action. Jeffrey Jones was a treat, doing his 80s thing he was so good at. I collected HTD comics as a kid and I've always had a soft spot for Howard, and Beverly was my mom's name. So my rating is sentimental.

Rudolph and Frosty's Christmas in July (1979 TV Movie)

Rudolph and Frosty down the rabbit hole

[8/10 · 10 December 2018]

Given 2+ hours, the writers went fantasy and the studio created a souljourn requiring mind-altering drugs for the viewer. This is pretty far out and obviously not a toddler film but rather something a bit deeper. Lots of Rudolph/Santa/Frosty backstory. Rankin Bass flexing their creative peak with a variety of sets and designs. Ethel Merman takes over a third of the way through as a circus barker for 2 musical routines. Frosty and his family ride elephants. A talking sperm whale. Yikes. Mickey Rooney reaching his peak cranky age as Santa. Don't watch sober.

Cold Sweat (1970)

Write-Off that Vacation to the South of France!

[9/10 · 27 December 2003]

I watch movies for specific reasons. I don't always look for such things as a plot. What did I get out of "Cold Sweat"?

First, a reminder to mix business AND pleasure. The gentlemen who produced this could have filmed in New Jersey. Rather, they chose the south of France. Good choice! Beaulieau-sur-Mer in the south of France, as well as the lovely French countryside way down south.

Charles Bronson pumped up, as usual. It appears that he does a set of push-ups before every scene. He's cut, in a black T-Shirt for the whole film. And he's not in his famous revenge mode. Here, he calculates. And expresses himself, emotionally. See the quote section...

Terrance Young's direction. Yes, the early Bond-film director is at his bond-vivant! best, with rich panoramas and an eye for pretty things. I'll have another, garson.

Nice Airport and a really cool 1970 hair salon. Think Korova milk bar ala Clockwork Orange.

Old French cars from the late 60's. Those Citroens are cool. And that off-roading experience in that red sedan was hilarious. Also, the close-up of the bias-ply tire folding over...priceless.

Finally, attractive leading ladies.

If you can find this movie, watch it! I found my DVD at Fleet Farm coupled with another Bronson movie, "Chino" for the reasonable charge of $4.99.

Hare Do (1949)

Bugs Finally Rids Himself of Fudd (SPOILERS)

[7/10 · 28 June 2003]

In this typical Bugs Bunny vs. Elmer Fudd cartoon, Bugs finally rids himself of Fudd. The final scene has Elmer actually being eaten by a Lion. Typically, he would be able to climb out. But not this time - and Bugs likes it that way!

Fictional lobby poster (while in a theatre); "Hopalong Shapiro".

Ah, the non-PC days...

Porky in Wackyland (1938)

30+ Years Ahead of R. Crumb

[10/10 · 28 June 2003]

Watching this fabulous pre-WWII creation, I was immediately reminded of the American cartoonist R. Crumb. What is interesting is that R. Crumb admitted to taking hallucinogenic drugs to draw his strange comics in the late 1960's. Of course, this cartoon with Porky Pig doesn't include Crumb's sense of pornography (thankfully). Crumb's comics are simply rehash seeing some of the inhabitants of Wackyland. I wonder what the illustrators back then did to create such fantastic off the wall stuff. Sure, there were some obvious inspirations in this cartoon (3 stooges) but just about everything is going insane!

Thoroughly enjoyable and liberating cartoon for 1938! I saw it in color on Cartoonland. I wonder if I saw the colorized version (It was in color...)

Salesman (1969)

Missing a finger, but hitting the mark (SPOILERS!)

[8/10 · 22 June 2003]

What a fun film to watch. As a professional business to business salesperson, I sat down to watch this "documentary" because I truly enjoy the extremely democratic and free will world of sales.

Having 10 years of experience, I recognized all the different types introduced in the movie. It hurts to watch "The Badger". He's next to be cut. He thinks too much - a sure way to lose your edge in sales. The direct sales manager chafed me - who wouldn't dislike his jock mentality, bloated neck and equal sized ego? Going through the role-playing doing the hard sell to the point of intimidation - grrrr. But then again, the point isn't making friends...it's selling!

The leads the fellows pursue are extremely qualified, and yet a few of the salesmen bumble with stupid stuff - bad addresses, etc...They churn through the objections like an assembly line.

Lastly, it was interesting to learn of The Rabbit's instant empathy-building tool and conversation starter - his right hand. I thought when I first saw him that he would be a good producer! Notice in the scene shot from the rear seat of the car while he is driving. He waves bye to The Badger and you'll notice he has no middle finger on his right hand. It's gone, clear down past the knuckle in the fist. Surely anyone meeting him at first would notice shaking hands, and if not then, when he shows the book with his hands. This disfigurement isn't drastic or horrific, but it certainly will lower a prospects guard - allowing The Rabbit an opportunity to close!

Jackass: The Movie (2002)

Anything left in that bottle?

[7/10 · 22 November 2002]

I saw jackass while in Des Moines on business. Nothin' legal to do in the hotel, so I went to the Copper Creek cineplex hoping to find something to watch. Jackass was about it. I'm watching it along with 2 other bored people. I laughed damn hard recalling my stupid college days. So there I am watching these guys in the movie having fun while I'm in my later 30's sitting virtually alone in a crappy theater box on a dark November night on a business trip. Whoa, the reality!

How Come Nobody's on Our Side? (1974)

Even grass can't hide this turkey

[3/10 · 27 February 2002]

That's right, smoke a bowl and you'll still tire quickly of this classic piece of junk from the 70's. It's not funny, it's not entertaining, and it's barely laughable. Not even good for ridicule MST3K tradition.

Give this one a wide berth. Why Penny Marshall and Meathead are in this...maybe they owed someone a favor. Who knows.

Bang Bang Kid (1967)

A Spaghetti Westworld Comedy? Charming!

[8/10 · 25 September 2001]

Tom Bosley pulls off a surprisingly funny performance in this odd-ball Italian western tale. Some camp, a good-looking girl, a handsome guy and some baddies. Oh yes, an overweight robot Sheriff!

My favorite quote - "In the hands of a woman, even a broken machine can do better than a man."

See it for fun - you'll be afraid at first that it will become a bore-fest but it really is charming.

Carnival Story (1954)

There's A Reason to Be Skeptical of Carnies

[5/10 · 19 September 2001]

Baxter is trained for the high-diving act, and her trainer/partner in the act waits until they both stand at the very top, 100 ft up. Then, as she prepares for her dive, he announces "Willie...I love you...and I want to marry you. I waited until now to tell you." Say what? Let's get this straight. You are a high diver, doing a dangerous routine. Everything about your act is highly structured and professional. To do otherwise is suicide. But in this case you'll make an exception?!

Besides this unlikely and plain stupid event, the rest of the film is the standard "I love him, but he's so bad" routine. Add in the obligatory mid-century Freaks with their prejudiced behavior (fat lady is too happy, etc.) and you'll learn, as I experienced, why this movie is shown at 3 AM on television interspersed with "can-around" and "diet pill" offers.

It Conquered the World (1956)

Death...Fire...Loss...Disillusionment

[3/10 · 7 September 2001]

Peter Graves gives the most dramatic speech of the 50's at the very end of this flick. Fast forward to 60 minutes (of a 70 minute movie) to catch all the action and the harrowing conclusion of..."It Conquered the World"!

"He learned almost too late...that man is a feeling creature. And because of it the greatest in the universe. He learned too late for himself that men have to find their own way to make their own mistakes. There can't be any gift of perfection from outside theirselves. And when men seek such perfection, they find only death...fire...loss...disillusionment; the end of everything thats gone forward. Men have always sought the end of toil and misery, but it can't be given. It has to be achieved! There is hope, but it has to come from inside...of the man himself."

Mad Max (1979)

Cundalini Wants His Hand Back!

[8/10 · 3 September 2001]

If you're a real man and you like sci fi, wackos, cool cars, trick bikes, demolition camper trailers and bad guys vs. good guys, then this is your movie. Oh yeah, you ought to be at least 35 years old to appreciate some of the production values. This isn't slick, and can get too sentimental in a 70's flashback kinda way (soft-focus lenses...)

I saw Road Warrior (Mad Max 2) in 82 in the theater before I saw this, so it was nourishing to find Max's roots. I still am depressed about Thunderdome...who wants to see their heros develop?!?!?

Get yourself a Rondo (the thirst crusher) 'cause your get hot and thirsty watchin' dis one, mate!

Roots (1977)

Glad My Mom Made Me Watch It

[10/10 · 3 September 2001]

I grew up in the whitest small town in the upper midwest. I had one fellow minority high grad (out of 800) who was chinese but was adopted and named "Anne Palmquist" - that's how white it was. So I grew up without any minority contact.

My mother made me watch Roots back then so I could visualize what I read about...and it had a positive impact on my little world. Of course it was merely a lesson in my parents greater plan, I'm glad it existed and was aired.

I'd like to see it again as an adult.

Baseball Bugs (1946)

This is the one you remember...

[10/10 · 30 August 2001]

This is the one you remember from when you were growing up and watching Saturday morning "Bugs Bunny and Roadrunner" cartoons. I recently watched this cartoon a 15 years at least since I last saw it and laughed out loud at all the pranks that Bugs pulled out of his hat. I know I must have used some of these jokes when I was playing baseball as a kid.

And the cameo at the end of America's perennial first lady was a hoot - and Bugs goes and lampoons her on the spot!

Classic is the only word for this one.

Russian Rhapsody (1944)

What would Hitler order at a deli?

[10/10 · 30 August 2001]

This cartoon answers the question of what Hitler would order at a deli. In fact, Hitler's entire speech centers on the subject! Very funny! What an outstanding cartoon, with many references which people of my age won't understand. (I need to ask my dad about these things). Highly recommended.