cessnaace Reviews

The Orville (2017–2022)

Best Current Sci-Fi TV Series!

[10/10 · 6 June 2022]

While this is technically Season 3 of "The Orville," it is apparently being handled by imdb has a follow-up series. The full on-screen title of Season 3 is "The Orville: New Horizons". Continuity wise this series follows the events of "The Orville."

As you read this review please take into consideration that only episode 1, "Electric Sheep", has dropped as I write this. A new episode will drop every Thursday. Unlike the Fox aired episodes, which were limited in length to fit into an hour time slot, "New Horizons" has episodes that run between 70 to 90 minutes. I base this on statements made by Seth Macfarlane and the first episode I've seen.

"Electric Ship" concerns the aftermath of Issac's actions during season 2. Most people aboard the Orville, well, let's just say that they have issues with him and leave it at that.

Very well written, acted, and produced. The budget for this series is obviously high, as it shows on screen.

The Boys (2009)

Practically Perfect in Every Way

[10/10 · 4 April 2012]

This film is the perfect companion to the two CD set "The Sherman Brothers Songbook," which I listened to before I watched the DVD of this film.

Let's start with what I already knew. I knew that the Sharman's had written the vast majority of the songs used in Disney's films of the 60s and early 70s. I likewise knew that they had written some of the songs used at the theme parks. But they wrote so much more.

They wrote songs for albums by former Mouseketeer Annette, such as "Tall Paul," which topped the pop charts, and "Pineapple Princess." They wrote "Sweet Sixteen," which became a number one hit for Ringo Starr. They wrote songs for the film musical "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang." I knew that they had written "It's a Small World." But they contributed even more that I hadn't even remotely been aware of.

If you've ever been to a Disney theme park, their footprints are everywhere. "The Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room." "Magic Journeys" at Epcot. "Meet the World," used at Tokyo Disneyland. "There's a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow," the song used at The Magic Kingdom's Carousel of Progress." The real treat of the CD is "Makin' Memories," at "Journey Into Imagination" at Epcot. Disney edited a slew of photos ranging from touching to cute to funny to this song. It's was replaced years ago, but I've always loved that song.

What shocked me is that they had written several songs for "Winnie the Pooh," and the Charlie Brown animated films.

Their are some people that they interviewed for the film that were complete surprises, such as Turner Classic Movies host Robert Osborn, and director John Landis. It was also cool to see Pink Floyd covering one of the Sherman's classics.

Some other nice touches include one of the Sherman's singing and playing the piano for "Feed the Birds." During this song they inter-cut Walt Disney feeding birds on the Disney lot.

Highly recommended.

Fiddler on the Roof (1971)

A Wonderful Film!

[10/10 · 25 November 2005]

I have seen this film several times on DVD in widescreen, which is the only way to see this film. It would be ruined cropped and 'Pan & Scanned.' Norman Jewison shows here that he truly has an eye for filming musicals. It's wonderfully edited as well.

The film mixes humor, heavy drama, and sadness in the fate of some of it's characters, into a film that is truly riveting to watch. The musical score is wonderful, arranged and adapted to the screen by John Williams.

This film was very popular when released to theaters, worldwide. It was a smash hit in Japan. One may find this odd, until you consider that the film is about the confrontations by old and young generations of matters of tradition. This is the soul of the film, and one of the reasons it played so well in so many countries. Everyone can relate to it's basic message.

Jewison relates on the DVD how United Artists had pressured him to sign Zero Mostel for the role that Topal eventually got. Mostel was playing him on Broadway, and his performance was reportedly very good. But once Jewison saw Topal's performance on the London stage, he was convinced that he was the right man for the part. I must admit to agreeing with this, even though I'm a fan of Zero Mostel's work.

The entire cast is good, and convincing in their roles. Jewison cast this film very carefully. Considering that it took 18 months to film, Norman Jewison was truly dedicated to this film. And it shows. I recommend this film most highly!

The Twelve Chairs (1970)

At least It Takes Place In Russia

[6/10 · 25 November 2005]

I have seen this film several times, having owned a VHS copy for years. It has it's funny moments, but Brooks spends a fair amount of time actually trying to remain faithful to the original 1928 Russian novel, which is to his credit.

I just recently watched "12+1," aka "The Thirteen Chairs," which was a 1970 French/Italian co-production. It's most famous for it's cast than for anything else. Top-billed was the late Sharon Tate, who was murdered by the Manson cult shortly after this film was completed. The cast also includes Orson Welles, Lionel Jeffries, and Terry-Thomas.

I mention the above version for a reason. It strays radically from the original novel. Brooks' version is more faithful. It's interesting that both "12+1" and "The Twelve Chairs" were released in the same year (1970). They couldn't be more different. "12+1" takes place in Italy, England (mostly) and the United States. Other film versions have been made in Cuba, Germany, and Argentina.

Brooks' version does have it's humorous moments, mostly when Dom DeLuise or Mel Brooks are on screen. Otherwise it's mostly a serious film. Both DeLuise (looking quite thin for him) and Brooks are scene stealers. One wonders what the film would have been like without them. Not as good, in my opinion.

Mel Brooks proves yet again that he can be quite a good filmmaker when he chooses to be. I'm a great fan of his, but this film is different from anything else that he has done. Just bare that it mind before sitting down to watch it.

Those Daring Young Men in Their Jaunty Jalopies (1969)

A fun film to watch if you like the cast

[7/10 · 12 November 2005]

My wife prefers "The Great Race" over this film. Both films are period comedies involving automobile races. Both star Tony Curtis. As for me, I prefer "Those Daring Young Fools in Their Jaunty Jalopies" (aka "Monte Carlo or Bust.") Why? The supporting cast.

First of all, I'm a huge Terry-Thomas fan. So for me, this was reason enough to purchase a LaserDisc of this film. Eric Sykes, Gert Frobe, et al are all good too! This is also a sequel of sorts to "Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines." Terry-Thomas plays the grown son of the character that he played in the earlier film. And, Eric Sykes is back as his side-kick. Both films also feature Gert Frobe as a German, and both films were directed by Ken Annakin.

There is an awkward edit just prior to the final stage of the rally, but it appears to have been done on purpose (for effect).

I've suddenly remembered that there are at least two versions of this film. The European cut of this film ran 122 minutes. The American cut ran 93 minutes. The LaserDisc release (which I mentioned earlier) is the longer European cut in widescreen with the American opening title sequence. I have never seen the shorter version, so I can't comment on it's relative merits as compared to the longer version.