rshepard42796 Reviews

Up the Yangtze (2007)

A sobering glimpse at the "new" China.

[8/10 · 2 July 2012]

Economic miracle or environmental disaster, the Three Gorges Dam in China has been the source of considerable debate. This movie ignores all of that and explores the social implications of the project. From the peasant farmer who wants to understand electricity but doesn't to the brash young capitalist giddy with new money from free-spending western tourists, the film poignantly documents the upheaval that has been going on in China over the last decade. One has to wonder how much change China can handle. The twenty-first century has been called the Chinese century as the twentieth century was the American century. However, as I write this there is a global recession that has even slowed Chinese growth. Yet there is concern that change is coming too quickly for China anyway. As always, time will tell. In the meantime we have this film to remind us of what is at stake.

Beijing 2008: Games of the XXIX Olympiad (2008)

Shoulda been there...

[4/10 · 25 January 2009]

This is a review of the Opening Ceremonies DVD produced by NBC. None of the actual competition is on this DVD.

I'm sure its hard to even partially capture the monstrous spectacle of an Olympiad, still harder to condense it into bite-size segments for viewing on even a widescreen TV. Nonetheless, and unfortunately, the NBC produced DVD of the Opening Ceremonies actually does the spectacle a disservice.

Essentially, this DVD came straight from the NBC airwaves. It is not the entire ceremony, but has been edited, apparently for "American" audiences. Worse still, it has been overlaid with the banal commentary of the NBC announcers. The only saving grace is that the commercials have been removed.

We can hope that the Beijing Olympic Committee will see an opportunity to produce a complete, full length, and untainted version of the opening ceremonies. But until then this is the best we have, and it still gets only a 4, not because the ceremonies were unimpressive, but because the DVD is decidedly sub-par.

WALL·E (2008)

Modern Times meets The Final Frontier - with brilliant results

[9/10 · 28 June 2008]

Its amazing how much humanity can be infused into a steel claw or a set of battered binoculars. But Lassiter and company do exactly that, and in ways never dreamed of by Disney, or Miyazaki for that matter.

The story is simple enough. A trash compacting robot stranded on earth for hundreds of years after mankind has literally trashed and abandoned the place meets a vastly updated robot who is exploring for signs of vegetation. The love story develops from there.

Yeah, I know...how can robots feel any emotions at all? Anyone who has seen Blade Runner, or 2001, A Space Odessey knows the possibility exists, even if it is far fetched.

While nods are given to 2001-A Space Odessey and Star Wars, this movie draws most of its inspiration from the best of Buster Keaton. WALL-E develops a futuristic tale of romance and slapstick, in which the passion and dedication of the loser finally wins the day. And it does it visually.

There is very little dialog in the movie, and what little dialog there is comes mostly from the humans who inhabit this mostly mechanized world. And that is what makes this movie all the more amazing. Just as the silent movies of old told so much of the story visually, so too this story is a visual story; and a lovely story it is.

That said, I must still say something about the soundtrack, which includes everything from Louis Armstrong to Peter Gabriel and a lot of ground in between. As I was watching the movie I often found myself marveling at how the music enhanced the things I was seeing on screen.

I'm giving this movie a 9 only because I'm sure Pixar will top itself again, and I think I will need the room for that higher rating later.

Young@Heart (2007)

A brilliant testimony to the resiliency of the human spirit.

[8/10 · 26 April 2008]

This movie is not like anything I have seen in years. In Northampton, Massachusetts there exists a group of senior citizens that refuse to take aging sitting down. They sing rock and roll songs with such surprising gusto and élan that even prison inmates stand up and cheer. The play list is especially varied and surprising. The songs range from the Ramones' "I Wanna Be Sedated" to James Brown's "I Feel Good." Along the way we get to know a few of them and why they do it. Sad to say, the chorus looses two members during the filming. But the show must go on. And indeed it does. By the end of the movie you will find yourself on your feet and cheering as you choke back your tears. This movie is a brilliant testament to the resiliency of the human spirit.

El Cid (1961)

This is a keeper

[8/10 · 20 April 2008]

As a movie El Cid grows on you. At first it is the story of a relatively ordinary man whose trip to his wedding is interrupted by a battle between the Moors and the Christians of 11th century Spain. But this is no ordinary man. Or perhaps he is an ordinary man who is destined to do extraordinary things. Early on he is forced to kill his fiancé's father as a matter of family honor, thus earning the enmity of his fiancé, who nonetheless cannot stop loving him, however hard she tries. And much of the story is devoted to the doomed nature of their love, as historical events continue to overtake the plans they would rather make. And with each new episode El Cid's stature grows, from warrior to hero to legend to mythic figure. Even in exile he has a following. And if the script is not true to history, this film still does a great service to the memory of a great man who put God and country ahead of himself. Something extra must be said about the crowd scenes. There were real people out there, not multiple CGI images made to look like the hordes that are a part of all epics. Over 30,000 costumes were made for this movie and General Franco donated the Spanish army to fill them. The difference is stunning, and sobering. There is a reality to the battle scenes that simply doesn't obtain in later movies such as Gladiator or Lord of the Rings. Now that old films such as this are so readily available in various formats we are presented with the dilemma of deciding which ones should occupy our bookshelves, to return to again, to remember a detail, or to reclaim the feeling that the story may create. In terms of the greatness, the mission and the struggles of the human spirit, this one's a keeper.

August Rush (2007)

"The music is all around you, all you have to do is listen."

[7/10 · 6 January 2008]

This is another one of those movies where you either get it or you don't. It is not an epic. It is a fable. And what a fable it is! This is a story about the rhythms of life, about the crossings and re-crossings our paths have with one another, and how the ordinary hustle and bustle of everyday life can have its own orchestral quality and sound. Finally, it is a story about faith. If you believe and love something strongly enough it will become the reality. Here, that "karma" (for the lack of a better word) was out in spades.

August Rush (Evan Taylor in the first part of the movie) is the abandoned child of a chance meeting and momentary love affair between two accomplished musicians. He is convinced that his parents are out there looking for him and will eventually find him. He hears their music in the grass, the rain and the high-tension wires. Consequently, he is the subject of ridicule by the other children at the orphanage.

Finally he runs away knowing he must, and will, find his parents. In an obvious nod to Oliver Twist, he has various adventures of a musical nature, wherein the Fagin and Artful Dodger characters are also musicians, that eventually lead him to Julliard School of Music--it turns out he is, after all, a musical prodigy--and a major concert in New York's Central Park.

In a subtle hint at the interconnectedness of it all, we learn later that the Fagin character (played by Robin Williams) was the harmonica playing musician in New York's Washington Square playing Van Morrison's "Moondance" on the night that August's parents met. Meanwhile, his musician parents, whose lives have become dull and meaningless (and without music) since they were rudely separated by her father, "pick up the vibes" of their son's quest and slowly return to their musical roots. And here, in another obvious nod to Close Encounters of the Third Kind, all three are mysteriously drawn to that concert in Central Park.

Something must also be said about the soundtrack to this movie. It is very innovative and impressive. Jonathan Rhys Meyers has a surprisingly good voice. Leon Thomas and Jamia Simone Nash turn in amazing performances. The final concert piece played at Central Park is near overwhelming. This is one of the few times where I would actually recommend purchasing the CD.

Some reviewers have complained that the characters lack depth or that the plot is scattered. But that is often the way with fables. We are never told, for example, the name of the mouse who takes the thorn out of the lion's paw, or the name of the fox who can never reach those allegedly sour grapes. We are to learn the lesson within the fable.

And here the lesson is both simple and profound. As August says at the beginning and the end of the movie, "The music is all around you, all you have to do is listen." Some may think the idea too schmaltzy or New Agey. But for me it is simply a way of telling us that God really does exist and that he really does love us all.

Hairspray (2007)

A film to remember, worth seeing again

[7/10 · 7 October 2007]

Throughout this movie (I have never seen the original) I couldn't help thinking about The Rocky Horror Picture Show. The plot is simple but nonetheless bizarre. A "pleasingly plump" teen-aged girl in 1962 wants to dance on Baltimore's version of "American Bandstand" and along the way does her part for civil rights in America. If somebody told me they were going to make a musical about civil rights in the 1960s I would never have believed it. But that is exactly what Hairspray is.

But in a way the movie is spot on. Back then the "crackers" saw themselves as squeaky clean, even when they weren't. The "negros" still lived on the wrong side of the tracks and were usually the only ones sent to detention. Sad to say, while there has been some improvement since then, there is still more to do.

Anyway, it is the circumstance, richly drawn in an outlandish sort of way, that gives this movie its substance. The colors are brash and the soundtrack loud, the dancing well choreographed.

Meanwhile the dialog is often quite hilarious. In one scene Michelle Phiffer is trying to seduce Christopher Walken and he is as obtuse as a 2 X 4. As if. There are several other memorable scenes, such as when the heroine bops a policeman over the head with a protest sign, all designed to convey a message; and that is that it is OK to be different. You don't have to wear your hair the same way as everyone else, or even dance with only those of your own race.

This is rated PG, and I guess I can see why. But some themes are clearly over the heads of most pre-teens, and even many teens whose knowledge of history is spotty won't appreciate the humor.

Still in all, this is a film to remember, worth seeing again.

Nancy Drew (2007)

Wholesome surrealistic fantasy mystery

[7/10 · 20 June 2007]

By now everybody knows the script in this movie is nothing like the kinds of stories found in the immensely popular and ubiquitous (and over 70-year-old) girl detective book series. Nancy is transplanted to Los Angeles for a taste of the fast lane. And in a funny, surrealistic kind of way it works.

In one sense, this is the practically perfect Nancy Drew we have always known. She is sharp, intelligent, well-mannered and well-dressed. But in another, she is quite different. For example, this Nancy ignores her father's explicit instructions, "No sleuthing," and provides a misleading response when later he asks her directly if she has obeyed his instructions. She places herself in socially compromising situations without a thought to the impression she might present if her father were to walk in.

This movie gets its surreal feeling from the juxtaposition of small-town customs against big city excesses. There is, in fact, very little that is realistic about this movie. No teen-aged girl that I know has the poise, resilience and invulnerability that this Nancy has. Even after the narrowest of escapes from danger, every hair on Nancy's head is perfectly in place. All the bullets go astray or wind up in a conveniently placed prop. Thusly cast, Nancy finds herself within the seamier side of humanity (well, as seamy as a PG rating might allow), and never skips a beat.

Of course, in true fairy tale fashion, it all comes out well in the end. Nancy solves the mystery, and in the process gains the friendship of high school rivals and the respect of her elders. It is a light, fun movie to watch with your children.

Down from the Mountain (2000)

Roots Music Writ Large

[8/10 · 20 June 2007]

This is a film for music lovers. Here we have some of the most talented performers of folk/bluegrass/blues in America today doing some of the most enduring songs ever written. It is the music that is the star, not the performers or the filmmakers. In fact, I think the filmmakers knew that and deliberately played down the cinematic tricks. What you see (and hear) is what you get. The introductory documentary is more a mosaic than a story. It sets the mood of the entire movie, showing the performers as ordinary folk who might as well be gathering for a neighborhood picnic. The performances are all excellent. Standouts include Ralph Stanley, John Hartford and Alison Krauss. If you have even a passing interest in American Roots music this is a film not to be missed.

Jumanji (1995)

Do you always finish what you started?

[7/10 · 30 April 2007]

Jumanji is a game that teaches you a lesson...If you start something you'd better be prepared to finish it.

Thankfully, this is a movie in which that is easy to do. The premise, a game that produces real consequences (like a stampede of wild African animals, or a floor that turns into quicksand), is a fun way to introduce several exciting--sometimes hysterical, sometimes terrifying--circumstances for Robin Williams and the rest of the cast to have fun with, and fun it is, like a roller coaster at Six Flags.

But in a way this film is also about growing up; about learning how to fit in, how to be responsible for yourself, and above all how perseverance can win the day. Yes, this is a fantasy-adventure movie. But there is a point to it all, and that point is that sticking to something in the face of terrible adversity has its own very special rewards.

One last thing. This is supposed to be a Robin Williams movie. But good as he is, Jonathan Hyde as Hunter Van Pelt and David Alan Grier as Carl Bentley steal every scene they are in.

Mystic River (2003)

There, but for the grace of God, go I.

[8/10 · 22 April 2007]

Clint Eastwood seems to like irony, and how well he tells us about it! In Mystic River, as in Unforgiven, we see damaged characters doing their best to cope with their memories of the past. Three childhood friends were scarred by an incident that occurred while they were playing street hockey. Chance brings them all back together again about thirty years later, basically to show us all the pall that childhood incident cast on the rest of their lives. Ordinary reality is distorted by their respective consciences, and we see how each one struggles to come to terms with the memory that will not go away.

This is not a feel good movie, but it is a good movie. It is a movie about what happens when life has dealt us the Queen of Spades. There are no heroes here, only people doing the best they can at what they know. And in that sense there is some nobility to these characters, as the wife of one claims toward the end. There, but for the grace of God, go I.

Amazing Grace (2006)

Enthralling story of struggle and triumph

[8/10 · 24 March 2007]

Similar to an earlier role as Horatio Hornblower in the acclaimed A&E series of the same name, Ioan Gruffudd is here the central character, William Wilberforce, in a moving drama of 18th century England. Once again he demonstrates his adeptness to playing characters with a mission. Here, of course, the mission is the abolition of slavery within the British Empire. But unlike Hornblower, Wilberforce is afflicted with colitis, self-doubt and failure. And Gruffudd does admirably portraying the struggles and hardships he endured in his decades long quest to advance legislation in the British Parliament that finally does the job. And the relief of his success is as moving as the climax of any Rocky movie. The supporting cast is superb and cinematography captures the era well. Although rated PG, this film is likely to bore the adolescents in your family. Take your mother-in-law instead, and impress her with your interest in history. But go see it!

The Ultimate Gift (2006)

Wonderful journey of self-discovery

[7/10 · 24 March 2007]

Spoiled trust beneficiary playboy Jason Stevens is angry with his incalculably rich grandfather Red Stevens, and with his own life. When Red dies Jason shows up late for the funeral and makes a scene when he does show. But Red has prepared a "gift" for Jason's inheritance, unlike anything he leaves to the rest of the family. Indeed, Red leaves the rest of his self-absorbed and greedy Stevens family merely money. However, Jason's "gift" must be earned, and so Jason sets off on the quest. The quest for what Jason initially has no idea. In essence, Jason's quest is the quest of the aspiring knight who must slay his dragon to prove he is a man. Consequently, some may find the plot contrived or even hackneyed. But, as with all fables, it is the struggle that matters, not the circumstance, and what this movie shows is the very real struggle of all young men to find meaning in and a purpose for their lives. For some reason this kind of sentimentality is lately acceptable in war movies, but rarely elsewhere. Thus, it is refreshing to see in a context if minimal violence. When Jason finally gets his "gift" he has become a man that Red could be proud of, and who can be proud of himself. This is a deeply moving picture, and a well constructed one. But it is also one that one must be ready to watch.

Bridge to Terabithia (2007)

A movie to watch again and again.

[9/10 · 24 February 2007]

From the beginning this movie shows it means business. In a few short scenes we learn of the difficulties of a young boy named Jesse in a large family that forgets he's there except when there is work to be done, and who is at the bottom of the pecking order among his school peers. That all changes when Leslie moves in next door and happens to be in his same class at school. She too is lonely, because she is an only child and her parents are too busy with their own lives. After a rocky start their friendship grows and becomes a bulwark against the troubles they each face in the world. Leslie's rich imagination helps them create their own "Terabithia" in which they can play out the fantasies of all girls and boys, of Kings and Queens, good and evil, trolls and elves. The themes and--dare I say it?--lessons contained in this movie are multiple and deep. As with many movies based on Newbury Award books, this is not content-less fluff masquerading as a story looking for market tie-ins. Some younger children may even be overwhelmed. But this movie treats those themes with a delicacy and dignity rarely found in what passes as art these days. It is a movie to watch again and again. Although the entire cast is superb, Anna Sophia Robb stands out and is magnificent as Leslie. Her portrayal is bright and delightful, exactly fitting her character. This, along with her performance in "Because of Winn-Dixie", leads me to believe she will be a major star for many years to come--if only she can successfully make the transition from kid roles to adult roles. If there is anything to criticize in this beautiful and beautifully developed tale, it is over-reliance of the makers on computer graphics in the fantasy scenes. Obviously given the importance of fantasy to the story some CGI was crucial. But in certain scenes, especially the closing scene, it overpowered the story. But this is a minor blemish on a near perfect movie.

The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension (1984)

Wherever you go...there you are...

[9/10 · 10 February 2007]

Love this movie or hate it. But it ain't average. Not even close. If you see this movie you will remember it, perhaps fondly, perhaps angrily...but remember it you will. Either way it will be emblazoned on your brain forever.

I happen to be one of those who love it. Sure its cheesy and low budget. That's all part of the fun. The whole point is to spoof those crazy sci-fi monster movies of the 50's.

And maybe that is why you may need to be over 50 to enjoy it. Sure there is action. Sure there is adventure. But far and away what carries this movie over the top is its humor, some of which is in-your-face and some of which is so subtle you won't catch it all on one viewing.

And even if you don't like the story line the casting is over the top. Weller, Lithgow and Barkin are superb. Lloyd and Goldblum are rarely better.

Despite the bitterness of the Bansai haters, my prediction is that some day this will be considered a classic. Don't think Captain Kirk or Darth Vader. Think Sniddly Whiplash.

20 Million Miles to Earth (1957)

If you love cheesy sci-fi, you'll love this one.

[8/10 · 15 January 2007]

All right. I admit it. I love these movies! The plot is hokey and painfully predictable, right down to the closing scenes, with the monster hanging by his fingernails from the top of the Roman Colosseum. There's lots of tanks and jeeps and sirens in the background, pyrotechnics and cannon fire. The monster gets it in the end. Despite a few sparks in the beginning, the hero and heroine walk off arm in arm.

Have I spoiled the movie for you now? Of course not! You knew it all along, didn't you? King Kong, Godzilla, Rodan, Creature from the Black Lagoon. They all die and the hero gets the girl. And you watch them anyway.

There is something endearing about these shallow monster movies, good versus evil and all that...fantasy masquerading as drama. Everything turns out all right in the end no matter what...well, except perhaps for a few ruined buildings...and who cares about that anyway? And here even the Colosseum looses only a few bricks!

Well, enough on the philosophy of cheesy sci-fi movies.

This movie was made for no reason other than for Ray Harryhausen's monster. And what a monster it is! Harryhausen is in top form on this one. Here, due to some metabolic aberration the monster gets larger in each succeeding scene, creating the impression that it is indeed larger than life. In fact, it is safe to say this monster has more character and depth than most of the cast. The fight with the elephant is simply classic, on par with the dancing skeletons in Jason and the Argonauts.

If you love cheesy sci-fi, you'll love this one.

The Magical World of Disney: Man in Space (1955) Season 1, Episode 20

Turn around, turn around, turn around and again...you're wondering how much has really changed in 50 years.

[8/10 · 27 December 2006]

Oh, where are you going, my little one, little one...

Turn around and you're two, turn around and you're four...

I remember these shows when they were first broadcast on Disneyland. I remember sitting there, electrified by Werner Van Braune's explanations of rocket science. I watched as history, science and humor were all interwoven in an engrossing story of possibilities.

That was fifty years ago. And the shows are back in the Disney Treasures series, and what a treasure they are. I watched them last night and tonight with my 8 year old daughter, who at first would not even come in the room, but later changed her mind when she saw they were partly animated. As she watched I watched her, and by the end she was nearly as engrossed as I had been.

Turn around and you're a young wife with babes of your own...

Sure, some of the predictions about reaching the moon were wrong. But there is a lot of information that is still quite accurate, and the overall presentation is still impressive. I found myself thinking my daughter's teacher might want to show them to her class, not only as a 50 year old artifact, but also as fun and easy to understand lessons in history.

Turn around, turn around, turn around and again...you're wondering how much has really changed in 50 years.

Happy Feet (2006)

A visually stunning film with some fun thrown in

[6/10 · 20 November 2006]

This is the first time I have seen live action added to enhance the CGI. But it is, in the end, the CGI that makes this film work. The influence of March of the Penguins is obvious, and the underwater scenes are so impressive you could easily forget this is a cartoon.

Unfortunately, the film tries to make up for its less than original story with several cutesy song and dance routines. Don't get me wrong. The song and dance routines were fun to watch. I will probably never forget Memphis' impersonation of Elvis.

But it seemed after a while the music was there to ensure this is a full length movie. While the characters are very likable, the story could have used more development. Mumble's short life with humans was pretty disjointed and not very believable. Better, methinks, it might have been if Mumble could have bonded with one at arms length than through a piece of glass. On reflection, its almost as if the music was more important than the script.

Still in all it is a visually stunning film with some great fun thrown in.

Little Miss Sunshine (2006)

Hysterical look at a loving family - worth every minute

[8/10 · 4 November 2006]

This film tumbles all over you like a truck load of bricks. The opening scenes thrust you into the middle of a family of odd characters having multiple crises. The only character who is even close to normal is 8 year old Olive (played by Abigail Breslin, who also puts in a fine performance in The Ultimate Gift), who wants desperately to be in the Little Miss Sunshine pageant in far off California. The dialog is sharp, witty, hysterical, full of pathos and poignant all at the same time. These characters are real. You probably have neighbors, or perhaps relatives, who are just like them. You'll laugh and then you'll cry, and then laugh again. This may be a dysfunctional family but it is a family that cares and pulls together no matter what the odds. In the end, Olive gets her wish, but it doesn't turn out anything like you might expect. All in all, this movie is great fun and worth every minute.

Gigi (1958)

Rich allegory for something that never happens...

[21 February 2004]

Did anybody ever live like this? Probably not. At the turn of the 19th century a sugar tycoon is torn between bachelorhood and an attractive, brash girl who has turned into a young lady right under his nose. This is no girl-next-door story. Neither is there any mistaking of roles. Men do what men do and women do what women do. Everything is overdrawn, garish, brash, lush, beautiful. Several classic Lerner-Loewe songs help remind us this is allegory. My personal favorite, perhaps a reflection of my own advancing years, is "I'm Glad I'm Not Young Anymore." All in all, a good, but not perfect, film.