vlevensonnd-1 Reviews

Abraham (1993)

Wonderful Adaptation

[10/10 · 11 December 2013]

This is an engaging movie, however, it is not among the best Biblical adaptations. It does well in holding true to scripture with some'creative license' for areas that are vague.

The film really brings us to a greater place of understanding the reality of what took place back then. As I stated in another review of a Biblical film - One of the mysteries of the Bible is in the manner which people spoke and communicated in various scenarios. Did the person express agitation or anger when he/she said this/that? Or were they always full of patience and grace? Were they serious in appearance, or did they smile often? Each movie and play we view that is an adaptation is a creation of another persons thought of how things were possibly said and done. The creator of this film made most things believable.

I really appreciated how this film made Hagar's story prominent. Rather than thinking of her as merely a disobedient servant, or a jealous, conniving woman, we come to understand the depths of the role and status that she had to endure in this life. Slaves at that time were rarely allowed to marry or have children at all. Their owners were their lives. She got just a taste of what it would be like to have a husband and a family - a life. A film that can bring the life out of an ancient book is worth paying attention to. I would recommend this.

Peter and Paul (1981 TV Movie)

FANTASTIC Adaptation - One of the FINEST!!

[10/10 · 11 December 2013]

This movie is among the more engaging of the TV Biblical films, as well as holding true to scripture, with just a little 'creative license' for areas that are vague. However, when I heard Anthony Hopkins was playing Paul, I was quite leery, at best, yet he did a magnificent job - Magnificent! One of the mysteries of the Bible is the manner in which people spoke and communicated in various scenarios. Did the person express agitation or anger when he/she said this/that? Or were they always full of patience and grace? We must remember that these people were all human beings, just like us. Each movie and play we view that is an adaptation, it is the creators that create the mood and the mode of each scene and conversation. It is simply a guess at best as to how things were spoken or acted out, however, we do know that Paul was a man absolutely full of fire and passion, and had his share of a temper. I believe the execution of Paul's character in this film had greater accuracy then many others, due to this truth that many times is over-looked. And Anthony Hopkins was the man to nail it.

The film really brings us to a greater place of understanding the reality and nature of what took place back then. The cast is filled with actors/actresses that executed their roles just beautifully. Praise God there are players out there that desire to spread the word through their vocation, and to do so with such care.

The Raven (I) (2012)

Unfortunately Over Acted & Boring

[6/10 · 28 April 2012]

I have a great appreciation of Poe, and I have a great appreciation of Cusack. What the he__ went wrong with this movie? From the very first statement that showed on the screen that he was found dead on park bench, I thought, "What???" Poe was found face down in a gutter in front of Ryan's Saloon and died three days later of what was suspected of alcoholism, with a remote possibility of complications of diabetes, or even rabies, however, shortly before his death, it was reported that he was behaving in a manner consistent with mild epilepsy, or of his bipolar disorder. OK, Oh well, it's Hollywood, right?? From the get-go, the acting was so over the top, and made Cusack appear to be an unseasoned newbie, however, Luke Evans shined in his role. The script appeared to be written rapidly and without care.

It said it was a horror movie, however, it is actually a murder mystery, and not a very good one. Agatha Christie would've definitely thrown this one out. If the author makes the suspect way too un-obvious, then what is the fun it in?? This could have been done so far better then what the final product actually was. Unfortunately, it was a large disappointment. Better luck next time.

The Star of Bethlehem (2007 Video)

Far Too Much Self Glorification & Credit, Paired With A Far Speculative Theory

[2/10 · 10 December 2011]

I've read and heard numerous articles on numerous theories of the Christmas Star/Star of Bethlehem since I was a child. Most of the information Larson presents has been already covered many times over, yet this man appears to grace himself with a tremendous amount of more credit then others have. Being a Christian, and knowing this man is also a Christian, this made it very disturbing.

The theory he presented is just that - a theory. There are a number of serious holes in his theory, according to real experts, and he also failed to recognize where the Bible states that the star was a MIRACLE (that would mean that this was not done in the natural order of things, yet the supernatural.) He was using a simple computer program, and basic scientific methods to try to pin down one of God's supernatural miracles.

He stated that his approach was different then any of the others before him (this, in of itself, is incorrect). Also, Scholars found long ago that Jupiter and Venus were in conjunction around the time of Christ's birth. This was not from Larson's own findings, by any stretch of the imagination.

He pins December the 25th as the date of Christ's birth, yet if you read the Bible, when Mary visited her cousin Elizabeth, who was carrying John the Baptist, it states how far along she was in her pregnancy, the time of year it was (they mentioned the holiday) and that would put Christ's birth in September. Most people, even mainstream Christian's now realize that Christ was not born in or around December. Many people now know that December 25th was originally a pagan holiday/festival, and that it used to be a common ancient practice to place Christian holidays and/or events "on top of" pagan ones, in attempts to eliminate the memory of it.

I have difficulties with the usage of tactics like soft inspirational music in the background when the person is speaking, in attempt to soften and endear the viewers to them (The entertainment industry and Televangelists use this tactic, and it's not a good one to stand by if you want to be taken seriously), nor is the tactic of showing massive amounts of camera/film shots where the person is in deep serious contemplation, or having 'noble' expressions, nor is the tactic of reenacting a person on their knees, reverently praying, tears flowing, etc. (These are the tactics of deception, of fools and the entertainment industry.)

Going on the information given and the methods used, I saw only another speculative theory, but this one coming from a noticeable amateur, seemingly taking credit for other experts work. Going on the tactics used, the self applause, and quality and interest-retention of the film in general, I found it seriously lacking.

It's a good thing I do not doubt the existence of God's work, including His miracle with the Bethlehem star. If I had to rely on theories like this, I'd be in trouble.

J. Edgar (2011)

INACCURATE AND SCANT BIO - Many Speculative Rumors Being Called Truth

[12 November 2011]

I was under the impression that I was going to see a true bio of this man, but I found that an enormous amount of his career was not just NOT portrayed, but not even verbally mentioned at all. Instead, we got a 1/2 assed movie that focused more on a speculative homosexual relationship.

There were so many speculative individual rumors that were being played off as gospel truth, which is always so disappointing, because it has a tendency to invalidate the entire body of work.

Interesting fact: Warner Brothers was the company that made Hoover's FBI movie back in 1959 (and the TV show in the '60s), where they promised J. Edgar that they would paint the FBI in a positive, heroic light (The FBI was a bumbling farce for decades, being compared to the Keystone Cops). We don't know if they were blackmailed into it (as Hoover was notorious for doing), or if it was a legitimate deal. NOW Warner Brothers put out THIS movie also, where they painted him in FAR less of a positive, heroic light.

Leonardo does a fantastic job, as usual, will probably get an Oscar for it, but I hope no further awards to go this movie, because a lot of it is simply a work of fiction.

Limitless (I) (2011)

Another 'I Can Get Away With Murder If I Want To' movie

[13 August 2011]

This movie had me glued the entire time. I was enjoying it. I was thinking it was an anti-drug movie for the newer generation - a modern day 'Dr. Jeckle and Mr. Hyde' movie (which was a campaign against drugs/alcohol) - or like the Ralph Fiennes movie 'Strange Days', or Christopher Walken's 'Brainstorm' - ya know, the old time movies that had actual (and truthful) morals to the story. Then the last minutes of the movie arrived and turned it all around, and it just became another 'the ends justifies the means' story - an 'I can have my cake and eat it too and as long as I don't get caught, it's all good' movie. People, the guy never learned his lesson - which seems to be an all too common theme in stories these days - it's more about learning how to not get caught so you can continue living immorally - then you're the cool one - the winner - the self-centered 'everybody likes me - I like myself' person. I've had enough of being shoveled garbage and sludge like this. Do you want to watch a better movie? Watch 'Brainstorm', 'Strange Days', and 'Dr. Jeckle and Mr. Hyde' (The silent one is good, Mary Reilly is good, etc). It's high time to start boycotting this garbage.

The Adjustment Bureau (2011)

Another "God Isn't Going To Control Me" movie

[13 August 2011]

On a very surface level, I liked this movie. On a deeper level, I don't. It's another movie that reflects the modern way of thought: 'God makes mistakes, too.' - 'God doesn't know best, I know best' - 'It's all about me' - 'I'm going to have things my way (my way or the highway)' - 'I can defy God because I have free will' - (and the list goes on). When we are given precious knowledge and insight into the way God works and is moving, and we STILL demand on doing things our way, we are in a very serious danger zone. What caused Satan to fall? Pride - by thinking that he could do what he wanted apart from the Almighty - then acting upon it. It's movies like this that seem to have such a strong-hold on so people's minds, that if you cannot be with the person you want to be with - not even life itself is worth living. How many suicides occur each year because someone broke up with someone and they felt they could not live any longer? Love stories that convey those things are indeed dangerous on the young and weak in society. Stories that convey defying, disrespecting, and distrusting God are indeed dangerous to everyone in society. The end message is 'If you push Him enough, He'll give in and give you what you want' - 'God actually does want you to fight against him and fight for your free will because its a gift worth fighting for' - Can you see where these are serious twists on truths? Very serious twists. Watching this movie reminded me of one of the very first novels I ever read when I was a teenager, called 'Heaven, Hell, and the Megas Factor'. It's basically the same principles - or lack thereof. I don't recommend watching this movie for those purposes, but if you did like the movie, you would like the book 'Heaven, Hell, and the Megas Factor'. I really did love it when I was a child, but I've grown a little bit older and wiser since then.

The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)

Acting is SUPERB and the story HIGHLY INTERESTING!

[17 July 2011]

The Pros to this movie: Excellent Actors/Actresses; Excellent acting; Very interesting story; Suspenseful; and Engaging.

The Cons to this movie: It's a bleak testament of human weakness and desperation that grew into extremes, which life is like, unfortunately, far too many times.

Some people thought the story was way too far fetched to be realistic. I disagree. I've seen these things, and I've also learned of numerous stories throughout human history that were even more extreme - and true.

Human nature is not always a beautiful thing. People can be among several people on a regular basis and have an adequate number of friends, yet still feel completely alone and isolated within their minds. The fear of loneliness, of an inadequate life, of not being accepted or truly loved can plague such a high percentage of people. All of us can experience those things at one time or another in life, yet there are those that are consistently and literally tormented with those fears.

This is a story of a such a man, who was given a very tempting offer, where an alternate opportunity of evil presented itself. He could have done the right thing to assist a father, as well as to positively influence that father's son in doing the right thing, yet, due to the character not tending to his mental/psychological ills, he choose that alternate opportunity, which lead to his, and to other's demise.

The story is completely believable. All we have to do is pick up the newspaper to realize that these kinds of things go on all around us, all over the world. And THAT is what makes this story so unsettling and frightening.

Juno (2007)

OF VERY LITTLE VALUE, Yet HIGH In Offensiveness

[17 July 2011]

Do you know what it's like to listen to someone tell a joke for an hour before finally getting to the punch line?? Do you know what it's like when someone goes on for an extremely lengthy period of time just to tell you something they could have told you in 3 minutes?? Do you know what it's like to have to wade through a mound of garbage to find one singular element of value?? That describes this movie to a 'T'.

I have never met anyone in my life, much less an entire community of people, like these depicted in the movie, ANYWHERE in the Upper Midwest part of our country. How offensive it would be to people from there being depicted in such an offensive, base, degrading manner. I thought the movie "Fargo" and "Drop Dead Gorgeous" was BAD, but they are practically human praise reports in comparison to this piece of work. The Scandinavians I've met and gotten to know from there have been the KINDEST, MOST MANNERLY, ETHICAL, NON-OFFENSIVE, and CLEANEST LIVING PEOPLE in our country - Not the stupid, simple-minded, alcoholics like they are far too frequently depicted as. If they really were like that, the rest of the country wouldn't continue to make such drastic attempts to get them to live and work where they're living.

I honestly tried to look beyond all the distractions of ill behaviors, vulgar phrases (to put it MOST mildly), & numb-skulled existence, but the volume of it was set so high that it drowned out any kind of message the Writer and/or Director was trying to convey. The acting was good, the execution of it was extremely poor.

It just goes to show us, again and again and again, that enough hype and carefully chosen 'Critics' who'll script a response for the movie before it's even released, and enough 'plugs' on television shows, can indeed fully influence massive amounts of people into believing that garbage is a work of art.

Godsend (2004)

Are You Kidding Me????

[5/10 · 27 June 2011]

Such a horrific waste of good talent!! The acting was really great from all of them, but it wasn't enough to make this movie into anything of quality or interest. (I truly think Mr. DeNiro needs to sit down to have a SERIOUS talk with the Director and Writer! I'm betting he already has, since this was made back in 2004!)

I don't have much good to say about this other then the great acting, and since I was quite open and strong with my review on 'The Ballad of Jack and Rose', I'll just quit here. The acting in that movie wasn't as good as it was in this, so I'll spare it for this review due to that!

This is another 'don't waste your time' movie, but if you insist, like I suggested in the other review, be sure to have plenty of tasks at hand to do while watching - that way it won't be a complete loss of your precious time!

The Ballad of Jack and Rose (2005)

A Disgraceful Waste of Good Talent

[3/10 · 27 June 2011]

Good actors and good acting were not enough to save this movie.

The Fathers intentions to become an anarchist hippy and enter a family into it; his intentions to remove his daughter from school at the age of 11 and try to teach her what HE thought were important tools for life for her; his intentions to keep her isolated from wicked society to the point where she was socially and morally stunted; his intentions of springing a nearly moral-free girlfriend and her two boys upon her (when she wasn't even aware that he had one)not because he loved the woman but because he needed someone who'd take care of his daughter when he died (he was ill), were all good intentions. Unfortunately, they just were never effective and sound intentions.

His expectations upon his young daughter were unrealistic and it forced her into taking negative actions/reactions, because she was so socially inept from isolation, and not nearly equipped to handle a situation of three complete strangers moving into their quiet and peaceful existence. They meet for the first time when she's moving in with her sons - I guess it never occurred to the woman either that more sound and moral steps should be taken?? Then to hop in the sack with each other nearly immediately after showing up, and when the kids were present, really showed the audience just how self-centered these two characters really were.

They show that he doesn't even love the woman right when her character is introduced when he meets her at her place in town. He doesn't even say hello, yet he just grabs her and 'does his business on her'. Thankfully, he does offer a tad bit of conversation to her afterward. The second sign that shows the real status of this relationship is when he pays her a fat check to move in with him - and she accepted it!! I think it was quite apparent that she would've shacked up with him for free. The third sign, is when she tries to get an idea if he truly wants her there and if he's in love with her - and by his responses it's pretty clear that he likes her, he likes the act of sex, but he is in no way in love with her. Yes, of course, this woman with a high self esteem and moral base still moves in with him. Smart move, Mama.

Then comes a barrage of issues after they move in. The real emotionally stunted and badly behaved children in this film are the two legal adults - Jack and the shack-me-up girlfriend. It's appalling how surprised and shocked they are when the kids start acting out. Duuuuuuuuuuuuhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...........................

OK, so situations are rectified, and lessons are FINALLY LEARNED, and he gives her a check for $15,000 to move out, but she wants $20,000 - fine. All is right with the world again. THEN!!! to make this snoooore of a movie even over-the-top worse, they just HAD to add a touch of incest between the Father and daughter, AND (wait, there is more!)to add salt to the wound, they even made it RECIPROCAL. Good job, fellas. Kudos. Yer terrific. The cake already fell. Please, don't bother to try to frost it at this late date. Just throw it in the trash (which is where this movie belongs).

Don't waste your time watching this. You will regret being robbed of your precious 2 hours of life. If you insist on watching it, be sure to have plenty of tasks to do at hand so it's not a complete waste of time.

Sunset Boulevard (1950)

Gutsy, Gritty, Dark, Entertaining

[8/10 · 25 June 2011]

I've heard about this movie since before I was even a teenager, and have seen little snip-its of the film, and have always wanted to see it, but I hadn't actually seen it until tonight - at age 46.

It's one of those movies that you hear so much about - you hear the praises and glorification, but when you know you'll finally be seeing it, you wonder if you're going to be disappointed, like I certainly was with 'Gone With The Wind'. The only thing I was disappointed with Sunset Boulevard, is I wish it was in full color. Other then that, THIS MOVIE WAS FANTASTIC!!

It was really a gutsy move to make this back at that time, with Hollywood trying to hang on to all the glamor and glitz (behind their mask), because I do not believe that Swanson's character, Norma Desmond, only represented one woman. I believe her character was symbolic of sooooooo many actors and actresses (but mainly actresses, because of the main value placed with actresses are youth and beauty. An aging male actor is still more marketable then a middle aged actress.) There seems to be certain professions that draw certain types of people. Acting seems to draw an ENORMOUS amount of hyper-insecure, overly dramatic, and overly sensitive people - those that just thrive on gaining attention from others. The insecurity very quickly becomes egomania, snobbishness, and false pride when they gain a bit of fame, and then they become professional victims who claim childhood abuse or other when they don't get their way, or when the public knows they've done something very wrong. To show certain aspects of this in a movie made back then is TRULY GUTSY!! KUDOS!! It made way for other like movies to come about, like, "Whatever Happened to Baby Jane?", "Play Misty For Me", "Fatal Attraction" (Where the emotionally disturbed woman was played by Glenn Close, who later played Norma Desmond in the Broadway version of Sunset Blvd.), and so many others.

I would highly recommend seeing this flick. Now that I have finally seen this, it is now time to own it!!

Torn Curtain (1966)

An Unusual But Still Suspenseful Classic Hitchcock Thriller

[7/10 · 25 June 2011]

I'm not sure what made this Hitchcock thriller seem so different from his other classics. Maybe it was just simply odd to see Andrews in such a film. Maybe it was just simply odd to see Newman in such a film. Maybe it was the odd combination of Andrews and Newman together. I think it was all the above, however, it was still a very good movie.

Andrews did a superb job playing the completely confused, emotionally injured, and betrayed woman. Newman was good at playing the typical American man - silent and brooding when in a very concerning situation. They're characters were played in a very honest and realistic manner, especially the scene in the farmhouse, where you can see that Newman's character, being involved in a situation where a man needed to be 'silenced', was in shock and didn't quite know what to do. You could tell he was thinking it was all too surreal - and due to his incapacitation, the poor farm wife had to do most of the work. One may think 'What a pansy', but I don't believe that most men are created to be like a James Bond character, or a professional hit-man.

Lila Kedrova was wonderful, as usual. She didn't need a leading role to be effective or memorable. The character of the old professor was fantastic, especially in the scene at the chalk-board, LOL!!

I think this is a fine Hitchcock film that any Hitchcock lover shouldn't miss! It should have also received higher ratings!

Raise the Red Lantern (1991)

Powerful, Beautiful, Disturbing, Ironic, Cruel. Very Well Done.

[8/10 · 24 June 2011]

I rented this without being familiar at all with the title, or actors, or Director. I was glad I gambled on it.

What is beautiful, is the absolutely wonderful acting, the cinematography, the clothing, and the manner of decor.

What is disturbing, is the manner in which women were used, what they were subjected to, how the method of living pitted the women against one another, and how the new and intelligent 4th Mistress fell into the trap and game of it all.

What is ironic, is how certain methods of living were to bring about peace and tranquility, yet this method shows only turmoil, agitation, competition that becomes dangerous, and the resulting heart breaking insecurity and fear.

What is cruel, is the manner in which the women are left to fight for these 'bone tosses' of foot massages (that are still not even really a gift for them - yet a kind of method used to prepare the women for intercourse and to better serve the Master, as he himself stated), and for the shreds of attention from the Master. How incredibly demeaning to have to stand there each evening to see where the red lanterns will be hung that night. I was thoroughly disgusted.

Though they are all expected to support and exalt one another, did you notice what the 1st Mistress whispers after the very first meeting with the 4th Mistress? Ironic. If a rich man's way of life with having several wives and concubines is acceptable and even respectable and honorable, why then would it be considered sinful and wicked for the women who became the Mistresses to him???? The irony.

All this makes for one very powerful message that was sent out. No wonder it was banned in that country. No wonder it never made it to the theater screen over there.

This film is a powerful work of art. Do see it.

The 1900 House (1999–2000)

What Fun!! Educational, Too!!

[8/10 · 21 June 2011]

This film was great fun for me to watch! I grabbed it without even really knowing what it was about, so I was very pleasantly surprised.

It was fun to see them reworking the house, by removing portions of walls and appliances, and making awesome discoveries behind it! I appreciated the efforts and research measures they took in remodeling and redecorating. I learned quite a bit more then what I was expecting. There can be so much that one does not expect or take into consideration (Example: The reason's for all the Inspectors concerns).

It was hilarious to see some of the reactions from family members when they were confronted by things they had not anticipated, LOL!! That's the way it is with so many things in life (Example: We many times have no idea everything that a person is responsible for in a job/position, until we do it ourselves).

The most valuable thing this film produced, was stated beautifully about taking care what we 'romanticize'. We human beings have great tendencies to do that. NO, the grass is NOT always greener somewhere else!

Rust (I) (2010)

Thumbs Way Up!!

[10/10 · 21 June 2011]

I rented this movie knowing that it appeared to be low budget, and seeing that the only recognizable actor was Bernsen, therefore, I was not going to expect to see an Oscar nominated movie. And that's OK! I read what it was about and it looked like something I was most definitely willing to give a try.

I knew who Bernsen's character was speaking to immediately in the beginning scene. As a Lay Minister/Deaconess I've been there before - and more then once in my life. The movie held my interest from beginning to end. I'm an excellent person to figure out the 'who dunnits' and I generally always know well before others how a movie is going to end. This had a couple curve balls I was not expecting! I don't know about you, but I've been fed up with raunchy shows and movies before I was even an adult, so that's why when I come across movies like this, I'm not only willing to give it a shot, but I'm also able to overlook some aspects of low-budgeting, few actors, less frills, few special effects, etc, and look at the heart of the film, and believe me, this movie does indeed have heart.

I was not expecting tears to flow at the end, but down they came, and down they came again while watching the extras.

One thing that has occurred in my life on a number of occasions when the curve balls come - is that when something unexpectedly comes to an end, or a transition comes, whether by choice or by force, what always seems to follow is a needed task, to further learn a lesson, to be there for someone else, or for some other unexpected blessing. This is what I saw in this movie. Had Bernsen's character not went home at that time, he'd not have been there to help his friend. No one else was there to go the distance, and that's the way it is many times in life. No unexpected transition in my life, or the closing of a door has ever gone un-blessed or un-reciprocated. Thank the good Lord for that! Awesome message and awesome delivery. For the heart of the movie I'm giving it a 10!

Powaqqatsi (1988)

Absolutely Beautiful. Absolutely Powerful.

[10/10 · 20 June 2011]

I was completely unfamiliar with this when I came across it in a second hand store. It looked like something I'd maybe like. I found that to be an extreme understatement. I was glued. I was mesmerized. I was completely taken by this most beautiful piece of work, and piece of art.

I so loved watching the manner and methods in which the people in the 3rd world countries performed their jobs and daily tasks. Though one can detect the harshness and agony associated with some people's tasks, there were numerous others where it looked poetic, majestic, and noble. Yes, noble. When contrasted with the scenes of modern society, the city looks utterly ugly, incorrigible, stark, cold, and dead.

Are we really at an advantage living in a modern and wealthy civilization? Is not the sweat of the brow still blessed by God if it's done for His glory? Watch this beautiful, superb, disturbing, poetic work of art. See what you yourself glean from it.

KJB: The Book That Changed the World (2011 Video)

Truly Excellent and Completely Engrossing!!

[10/10 · 20 June 2011]

I was not expecting to be as engrossed with this documentary as I was. Davies is a superb narrator, and the acting in the film by the actors was unexpectedly good.

I was not aware of all the issues that surrounded the composition of this version of the Bible, and I was really taken by surprise by several aspects, as I was with the total irony of the relationship between King James and Queen Elizabeth, knowing that she had his Mother imprisoned; having James taken from her permanently as a baby; then then having her beheaded. I was surprised by this man's piety and straight-forward tactics, that seem overly harsh in one sense, yet on the other hand, with all the present day corruption, it was indeed necessary.

The things I wish were added to this documentary are: More history of the scholars who worked on the book; The relationships they developed with one another; What followed in their lives after the completion; and more details on King Jame's life before, during, and after the completion. Regardless, this was wonderful despite that.

Rarely do I ever purchase documentaries, but after seeing this, I had to have a copy of my own. I would encourage anyone to watch this.

Paul (2011)

They R Hilarious, But The 2nd Half Crashes & Burns

[1/10 · 27 March 2011]

I wanted to see this movie (even though I saw no previews to it) because I think Simon Pegg is absolutely hilarious. I've been wanting to see him in his other movies, as well as Nick Frost, as it is extremely apparent that they make a awesome duo.

The first half of this film, I laughed very much out-loud in the theater, as did my friend, and as did the full-house audience. We were having a really good time with it. Then the character of the one-eyed woman and her Father were introduced. From that point on, it became an over-the-top, all-out, no-holds-barred, everything-goes, Christian bashing movie. THANK GOD that the laughter from the audience was cut to nearly nothing during the second half. It was definitely not just me who was offended.

For the past couple decades I've noticed the dramatic and frightening increase of verbal attacks and intolerance against Christian's from this particular culture, and it has become so INCREDIBLY blatant, harsh and so common-ground (this movie drug it on throughout the ENTIRE later half), however, if someone so much as merely disagrees with something one of them may be doing, someone will scream "Intolerance!" or "Anti-Semitism!" Why the difference???

For those of you who may not have had a complete education in prejudism; by simply not agreeing with something or someone from a different culture does NOT mean it's prejudism. If we disagree with something our child, spouse, friend, or family member does or says, reprimanding them does NOT mean we hate or loathe them - on the contrary - it's because we desire others to use more amicable manners and methods that express respect and acceptance towards others.

How ironic that some want others to constantly remember what they were forced to suffer through, yet some want to create a Christian Holocaust in the country where Christianity WAS THE FOUNDING FAITH, AND one of the countries that went to their aid and allowed multi thousands into our own country so they could be safe. We did that from our hearts, but we didn't do that so our own country could be turned upside down and our faith could be horribly spat upon.

I would give the first part of this movie a 7, but because of the later half, a zero. Sorry guys, I don't care how popular ANYONE gets - it just doesn't ever give a person the right to bash other people in such a horrendous manner.

The King's Speech (2010)

AMAAAAAAAAAZING!!! Absolutely Amazing!!!!!

[29 January 2011]

I had seen no previews to this movie, and I had read no reviews. The only exposure I had was the ad for it on this website, and I knew I had to see it. I was fully expecting to be 'satisfied' with 'a good flick', but what I was not anticipating was to be swept away by an utterly amazing work of art. I cannot recall a single character or even bit-part in this film that was not played with such refinement and skill. When an actor(s)can make you forget that you're even watching a movie, yet make you feel like you're watching real life taking place, you know they have really worked their magic.

I've seen very few of Colin Firth's movies, but what I have seen I was very impressed with. Helena Carter can play such wide a variety of characters, and is truly a skilled actress that seems to know how to nail each role, whether she's playing the Queen of Hearts in Alice In Wonderland; a mentally unstable woman in Fight Club or Sweeney Todd; or her more refined roles in Room With A View and The Kings Speech. Then there is Mr. Rush, who is always a pleasure to watch, and really made me understand the tremendous power a supporting actor can have in a film.

I missed this when it first came out in theaters because I had no knowledge of it at that time, so I was so pleased to have been able to view this during the re-release before Oscar time. I've not seen the other movies that are up for Oscars, but I am positive that this is going to be the movie of the year, and justly so.

Time After Time (1979)

Awesome Movie Born From The Modern Day Ripper Case

[9/10 · 2 January 2011]

Back in 1978/79 I was following the sensationalized story that plastered the news and gained world-wide attention on the modern day 'Ripper' case. The IRONY of this new California serial killer was not as much that he was duplicating the murders attributed to the most notorious Jack the Ripper, as much as there were details from the original murders that the killer was including that had NEVER EVER been made public knowledge before!!! One detective was quoted by remarking that it was as if Jack the Ripper himself traveled in a time machine to our day. Thus, the movie Time After Time was born!

I cannot count how many times I've watched this movie. Malcolm McDowell was unfamiliar to me, but I have since sought out his other works, and he is indeed an amazing actor. David Warner is amazing in this role - very cold - very removed - chilling. Had he been younger, I would've much rather seen him in the role of Hannibal Lector. He is another one that I have since sought out his other works. Mary Steenburgen's character could have been a bit more toned down and less silly, but I suppose they were using her role for the comedic relief aspect.

This is a movie that I've introduced to my children, as well as many friends and family members. Not a single one dislikes this movie. It's fun, engaging, thrilling, suspenseful, charming, and (unlike so many movies these days that have such poor character development)the characters are truly endearing.

Watch this and enjoy!

The Buccaneer (1958)

Engaging, Entertaining, Fun!

[8/10 · 2 January 2011]

This is an entertaining and fun older movie! The acting is in the typical 'over the top' Hollywood form, such as in the Ten Commandments (That Yul Brenner and Charlton Heston were also in), but it's enjoyable and it kept me engaged. If you are looking for something historically accurate, this will not be what you are looking for. It is apparent that the writer sympathizes with the Pirate Lafitte. He definitely romanticizes him,and holds him nearly blameless in this story. In all actuality, there are many areas of Lafitte's life that remain a complete mystery. I liked the bits of humor added into the story, especially by the characters played by Heston's side-kick, and Brenner's side-kick. The colors, clothing, props, battle scene, are all visually attractive, and of course, Yul Brenner is as mesmerizing as ever! This movie most likely isn't going to be one of your top 10 all-time favorite movies, but it definitely doesn't belong in the 'rotten tomatoes' list, either. I'd say it's definitely above average!

Inception (2010)

Sigh...... Another Extremely Predictable & Repetitive Psycho/Action Thriller

[5/10 · 19 December 2010]

It was a pretty good movie, however, when I am able to predict the twists and turns that are going to be taken - and in the first 15 minutes of watching the movie - the movie automatically gets a lower score with me. I cannot count how many of these movies are being made, and most of them are using the same repetitive path - what you think is reality isn't - the one who's in charge - or 'In the know' is the one who's psycho, schizophrenic, or mentally unstable. I was surprised that after Leo did Shutter Island, that he'd just turn around and do the same kind of movie. (For those who didn't notice - the top kept spinning in the end shot - meaning he was dreaming - not actually awake - which means he was the one all along who was in err). The acting was a bit over the top and not convincing enough. The script wasn't that great, and I already can visualize certain types of people making attempts to practice this sort of thing. Among those 'certain types' you will also find hoards of conversations about 'lucid dreaming' and 'out of body experience', huge attractions to witchcraft, Harry Potter, etc, 'reality' shows, trash TV, RPG's and other games - basically - a lot of fantasy and unreality type of attractions. This movie will be a cult classic to them, maybe even their bible. The good thing about this movie does indeed need to be noted, however. We are living in an unreality & fantasy based society and it's ever growing. This movie shows the dangers of living in in that kind of mode, where a person starts getting more and more confused about what is real and what isn't. I ended up fast forwarding through quite a bit. It's getting a total score of 9??? Up for awards??? Com'on people. There's no logic why this movie is getting these kind of ratings.

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time (2010)

O' Disney, Where Has Your Magic & Imagination Gone??

[21 November 2010]

I watched this movie for 30 minutes, but nothing was taking hold of me. Nothing was grabbing my interest. I felt myself going cross-eyed and nodding off (and I'm not a person who naps), so I put it on super fast forward, stopping at a number of different scenes, thinking that maybe it just had a slow, dim-witted beginning. No, every scene was the same: Old, tired, over-the-top, unimaginative Hollywood tripe. I just couldn't continue, since it was far too painful of a venture. I love Ben Kingsley, but not even he can save this flick. Maybe it's me. I think I'm possibly too old for this. Maybe it'll appeal to those under the age of 40. Maybe grade school. No more Disney for me. The magic left so long ago.

The Astronaut's Wife (1999)

Tripe & Drival - Disgraceful Waste of Good Talent

[3/10 · 21 November 2010]

I saw this for the 1st time last night - I've seen it on the movie rentals shelf for years but never brought myself to rent it. I know better then to go against my better judgment, but I had only 30 minutes to pick out movies and race home because supper was still in the oven. Sighhhhh..... I'll try to never be in such a hurry again.

This reminded me of a modern version of Rosemary's Baby, and just as dense. Charlize Theron, however, did a far better job of acting then did Mia Farrow, whom I never considered to be an actress of any significance. Her acting was the only plus to this movie. Johnny certainly couldn't pull it off. With the less then educated script, and stupid remarks of him "living there" and pointing to his wife's gut, truly left much to be desired. Then of course the completely brainless ending with evil triumphing over good, is always the sludge on top of the sh_ _ cake. Don't waste your time on this. There are far better movies out there that can capture your interests.