Sintelin Reviews

Born Free (1966)

One of the most Important Films in History

[8/10 · 25 February 2006]

While thoroughly entertaining for audiences of all ages, this mostly accurate true story has the distinction of being one of the most important films ever released. Why you say? Until the publication of the Adamson Born Free trilogy of books (Born Free, Living Free and Forever Free) lions, and most wild animals, were considered in the human consciousness in one way - dangerous. This franchise of books and movies, most especially the widely viewed Born Free film, changed all of that throughout the entire world. The Adamsons, both in real life and as depicted so expertly by real life husband and wife actors Travers and McKenna (who actually spent as much time with their actor lions as the Adamsons had with Elsa and family had) demonstrated that a wild animal, Elsa, could be emotional and full of love for her caretakers. Having personally raised an African lion for more than a decade (not to mention countless other wild animals) I can attest to this being so. But more importantly Born free showed the world this was so. As an impressionable pre-teen when this film was initially released, I can recall the impact it had on all of those my age and their parents as well. That change in attitude continued to grow and the development of insightful studies via National Geo, Discovery Channel, et. al, has assisted mightily in helping protect animals. I'm afraid, without Born Free we would have succeeded in eradicating all free roaming wildlife, thank goodness that at least some remain! While Born Free accomplished this change in mankind's perspective, there are true heroes who have dedicated their lives to protecting animals in whatever manner they may. Perhaps the greatest of these protectors is world renowned Jane Goodall, who has been studying and communicating with the world on wild chimpanzees since the release of Born free in 1960 or so! People fret that the youth have no role models, they are out there folks, and visible, just need to direct these impressionable minds to the right people like Jane Goodall.

Lovers and Other Strangers (1970)

Holds Up So Well After 35 plus years

[9/10 · 25 February 2006]

Classic comedy with legendary comedians (e.g. Stiller and Meara.) Imagine holding up and being topical for more than 35 years! While the superb writing as mentioned holds up fantastically, the 60's style also adds to the overall pleasure of this movie. Do you get the feeling I like this flick! Do yourself a favor and take the time to watch this when you get the opportunity. Check out the cast and see just how amazing an impact this movie had - Bea Arthur year before being cast as Maude in All in the Family (Conrad Bain in small role, to be linked as Maude's neighbor within a couple of years of the movies release.) And the casting director, was he prophetic or what, see how many appeared for the first time in a movie here, Diane Keaton of course, but how about Sly Stallone as an extra, Jerry Stiller, etc, etc.

Minding the Store (2005– )

Wow...

[9 August 2005]

I know that Mr. Shore's earlier works were genius (Son-in-Law, Encino Man, etc), but this is just something else. The way that this man can keep reinventing himself is incredible, and I give him full credit for it. I believe he deserves to be recognized as one of the role models of our time, and he is so often pushed down as some sort of "moron". Honestly, this show shows how much he has changed, and how he comes to terms with people's opinions of him, and I think that is just fantastic. *looks up to the skies* Now, WHY is this series only 5 episodes long?! That's craziness! But, yet, I can understand the logic...of course he wouldn't want to keep repeating himself, that's the beauty of Pauly Shore, he keeps reinventing. All I can say is, keep going Pauly! For sure you'll win an Emmy for this!

Son in Law (1993)

The Best of the Best

[6/10 · 22 March 2003]

I have to say this movie puts Star Wars, Lord of the Rings and even the Godfather movies to shame, this is one of the best movies ever, and I am astonished that Pauly did not receive at least an Oscar nomination. This was a well-written movie, with great performances(especially Patrick Renna, who was outstanding in his role as Zack). I highly suggest people to watch this movie. Thank you Steve Rash and the whole crew who made this movie possible.

I believe that it was from this movie that Patrick Renna's career took off. His acting performance was incredible in the recent Sobe commercials, and I think he got the part because of this movie.

So I definetely recommend this movie to everyone who wants to see a ground-breaking movement in the movie business.