anborn3000 Reviews

Borderless (2019)

Well Done and Eye Opening

[9/10 · 27 May 2019]

Insightful look st a polarizing subject that has endless opinions but fewer facts. This documentary educated me and provided a lot of the facts the MSM simply will not or is unable to convey. This documentary is a good start, but I find it missing a bigger angle of compliant governments allowing this to happen when he outcome is well known. Few can deny there is a worldwide collusion amongst the leaders of the west to introduce this element into those countries with disastrous results. I would've like to see the bigger elements addresses although that could well be in the mix for a sequel. I gave this 9-Stars, an excellent doc.

The Thomas Crown Affair (1999)

Simply Captivating

[31 October 2004]

It's been awhile since the release of this spectacular cinematic effort. I own the DVD and find myself returning to it often enough. I'm not an incureable romantic, far from it. I'm an observer of life, and this film has a slice of life rarely captured or portrayed adequately...... I'm referring to Thomas Crown himself. Too often we see the baubles and toys of the rich, famous and powerful. They're detailed endlessly on superficial, tightly edited shows that air on television every night. We never see the person behind the toys and what really makes them what they are. In The Thomas Crown Affair, Pierce B. took a little suave from Bond, but added that certain air of confidence and assurance we see in the upper crust of achievers in our society. We're privy to witness that extra drive and risk-taking behaviour the top rung share; while the rest of us clap as the parade goes by. Give McTiernan credit. Those subtle nuances of Brosnan betting huge $$$ for a golf shot, that tremendous splash as he races the catamaran to a wet end, as well as Crown's open friction and flirtation with authority. Pure genius. This film is a five-star effort from stem to stern; but it really is an eye-opening experience for the 95% of the populace content to just eat, breathe and sleep. It shows us the real difference between the rich and powerful and the wannabees.

Rollerball (2002)

Why!

[31 October 2004]

The original film was a masterpiece. Not only for the (at the time) over-the-top action, but for the marvelously clear look into the future. Only science-fiction would dare suggest the future holds society completely employed by six corporations! What a brilliant prophecy!

In the self-centered and hedonistic 70's, isn't it amazing the true gist of the original film is the attempt to keep a famous player from becoming bigger than the game he plays? One need only peruse today's business section to see how our society now strives to eliminate the notion of the individual in favor of an identity-nullifying "team concept."

So one can say the original is all about the triumph of the individual.

The 2002 version is nothing more than a haphazard mess that shows what happens when a studio changes hands and a cinematic vision is compromised for a PG-13 rating that effectively destroys the film. Rollerball could do with a well-intentioned remake; this wasn't it.................by a long shot.

Night of the Comet (1984)

End Of The World Fun!

[31 October 2004]

What an amusing little gem of a film! Budgetary constraints being overlooked, this cinematic effort is genuinely entertaining. Catherine Mary Stewart is simply captivating; she brings so much depth to her characters. This amazing actress should have had a lot more work in the 80's! CMS was the strong woman prototype way before Sigourney Weaver's ALIEN. This and her work in Nightflyers should have made her the poster girl for Science Fiction films for the past two decades, alas it wasn't meant to be.

The story is quite enthralling. I really enjoyed the survival aspect of the group. Imagine migrating to an automated radio station at the end of the world, just because it represents the remainder of civilization.

Night Of The Comet is definitely a keeper in your post-apocalyptic film library. I'm anxiously awaiting a potential DVD release.

Underworld (2003)

Only One Reason To See This Effort

[23 November 2003]

What a great storyline and what great potential! They almost got it right too! Unfortunately, it got messed up from page to film. The Vampires are horribly weak and wimpy. The Lycans are just beastly monstrousities. What could have been an epic battle of mankinds two favorite nightmares ends up being a silly romp into an underlit world of urban chaos.

As for the answer to my "one line summary" stated above? Well if you haven't figured it out by now, for shame! Kate Beckinsdale is achingly gorgeous and has a sultry pout on her lips for the entire film. I have no doubts that fetish clothing similar to what Kate wore jumped in sales after the publicity photos of her came out. Overall, a decent little film for its genre; but it could've been so much more.

Wizards (1977)

Where's the DVD?

[23 November 2003]

As many reviewers already stated, this movie is a unique and enjoyable animated experience. I still believe it is a grossly underrated film as a whole. Bakshi at his best. I just wish Ralph would get up out of his laz-e-boy and finish what he promised. By that I mean a note he wrote in the back of the book for the "Wizards" Role-Playing game. He promised "Wizards 2" to all the fans who loved the original. Well Ralph? Where is it???!!! Ralph, here's a "To-Do" List for 2004: 1. Get "Wizards" out on DVD 2. Use the $$$ to bankroll "Wizards 2!"

The Blood of Heroes (1989)

How Did People Miss This Great Film?

[9 February 2002]

What a hidden gem of a cinematic effort! I cannot believe that this film didn't receive the notoriety it deserved back in '88! The backdrop is the standard post-apocalyptic mess that humanity has left itself in after "who knows what." The juggers travel town-to-town in search of food and entertainment, in return for providing matches against the local teams.

The script is well executed and one is led to believe this sport would have a wide following in the aftermath, almost like a team sport of UFC of the future. The characters are superb and Hauer and Chen really give them life. Rutger needs to go back to this flick and see what he has lost! I really cared about this band of juggers and it seemed like everyone in the ensemble was on the same page. The Blood Of Heroes is a tremendous miss in the anals of great sci-fi films. Please go rent it.

Nightflyers (1987)

Quirky film, but worth the viewing.

[9 February 2002]

As far as low-budget, sci-fi horror goes, Nightflyers is definitely above the fray. I can't say enough about Catherine Mary Stewarts character: beautiful, courageous, mysterious and intelligent. Her performance also lists as a cut above the average. Sure there are deficiencies in the script; but I thought that Nightflyers was an ambitious little entry into the sci-fi film market and definitely worth the effort. I am anxiously awaiting a potential DVD release.