BumpyRide Reviews

Sex and the City (2008)

Bring on the Cosmos!

[8/10 · 2 June 2008]

This movie is a worthy follow up that should leave the fans of the show very happy and satisfied. There are many touching moments where you are literally crying one moment and laughing the next. The chemistry, and the majority of the entire cast of the show are all here. The story line drags at times, for me it was every Jennifer Hudson scene. She's new and takes up valuable screen time where we'd rather be hanging out with the foursome drinking cosmos and hearing about their problems.

For a reviewer who said this movie was degrading and would be concerned if there teen daughter went to this move...I'd be concerned because the movie is rated R. In other words, adults only and for a reason.

The group I went with totally enjoyed the movie and exceeded our expectations. It was as if the show never ended.

Winter Meeting (1948)

Much Adieu About Nothing

[5/10 · 26 December 2007]

Somewhat of a misfire for Miss Davis. She walks, she talks (alot) and is dressed in an awful wardrobe complete with an unflattering hairstyle with bangs no less. This script is heavy, heavy on dialog, mostly with Davis doing the talking. Even her talent can't breathe life into this dusty monologue where big secrets turn out to be rather boring and ho-hum. Her costar plays his part adequately (the future Jock Ewing) but he lacks star power. This movie needed another 'prescence' besides Davis to play against. On a positive note, the interior decoration is very nice. Max Steiner's score is in keeping with the movie, I dare anyone to hum a note from this movie. Taking what it is, watch it only for Davis herself. This film is not shown very often, pleasant enough if you are in the mood for a talky film or have problems sleeping at night.

Flash Gordon (1980)

Not the Bore worms!

[8/10 · 24 August 2007]

It's amazing how so many people don't get this movie. It's totally based on the serials of the 1930's. It's supposed to be colorful, loud and over the top, a comic book come to life. The story is faithful to the first Flash Gordon serial (included in the new DVD). The costumes are some of the best designs ever, as are the sets and props. The space ships could have been right out of the serials. Ming is incredible as is Klytus and the rest of the baddies. I do agree with many that a big downfall is Flash himself. Sam J. Jones just didn't have the talent for this project. Meldoy Anderson is OK with some nice scenes but overall she's rather weak. They both look the part but they should have been dubbed. If anything, I wanted to see more of Mongo, such as Fridgia. The ending was clearly set up for a sequel with Zarkov saying they may never get home and the big question mark at the end. Too bad part two was never made.

Rain (1932)

Acid Rain

[7/10 · 13 August 2007]

A total bomb when it first hit in 1932, Rain today holds up rather well for today's audience to enjoy. Perhaps another example of a movie ahead of it's time. One can see why. Crawford's outfits and make up are rather bizarre, one part gypsy, one part hooker. Which I suppose is in keeping with the character of Sadie Thompson. The writing (from a story by W. Somerset Maugham) is not your typical 1930's fluff. There is nothing to like in this world. What I found enjoyable were the clothing and music from the early 1930's. The two "ladies," Mrs. Robert MacPhail and Mrs. Walter Davidson, are decked out from their shoes to their hats which were so stylish and sophisticated, and then comes Sadie. She is not a hooker with a heart of gold but more troubled than in need of salvation. What I found hard to believe was her sudden conversion to Christianity just by repeating the Lord's Prayer several times with Mr. Davidson, portrayed wonderfully by Walter Huston. Sadie's redemption is not to be, once again being taken advantage of by a man, this time by the very man who set out to "save" her. The sins of the flesh run through this movie with the rain perhaps symbolizing the washing away of past sins. Heady entertainment that works well for today with a fine performance by a young Joan Crawford.

Harriet Craig (1950)

Ozzie & Harriet ?

[8/10 · 9 August 2007]

Perhaps one of Joan's last great dramas that had the production values, a good script and fabulous costuming; Joan digs her teeth into Harriet making her a very scheming, perhaps mentally disturbed woman. Turning in a great performance as the brittle Martha Stewart of the 1950's, Joan makes Harriet Craig a stand out movie just as she did with Mildred Peirce, showing what she can do with good material. Wendell Corey, at first seemingly miscast, does embody the role of the "Happy go Lucky" nice guy that the part calls for. Not realizing how calculating Harriet can be, she thwarts her cousin's love life, alienates Walter from his friends from his bachelor days, until finally interfering is her husband's business affairs that would take him to Japan, Walter finally see's her for the fist time. As delicate as her china service, Harriet needs everything to be perfect and in her eyes, change is a very bad thing. She cannot be left alone and will not be ignored. She's as antiseptic as her polished kitchen floor, and just as cold one.

The Caretakers (1963)

You crazy, no sexy

[3/10 · 8 August 2007]

Oh my, where to begin? Joan once said that she picked the best material that she was offered. Not many quality projects must have been flowing her way in 1963. The problem with this film is that it tries to be groundbreaking with its depiction of mental illness but this is something we have seen over and over again. This is essentially a poor man's version of The Snake Pit. While that classic touched your heart and cheered for the heroine, in The Caretakers, there is no likable character around.

Polly Bergan plays the nut, eh patient. Dressed in fashionable clothes and quaffed hair that reaches gigantic proportions, she gets hauled in when she freaks out at a local movie house. You know she's crazy when she doesn't even wait for her change! Not only does she freak out but she runs up to the movie screen doing her little "I'm crazy holding my head dance!" She gets hauled away by men in white coats. She then enters the world of The Caretakers. It should have been called General Hospitol because there is tons of conflama going on here. Joan must have had flashbacks when she played the same character in Possessed. A top notch thriller and a great performance.

Nurse Lucretia (Joan) is the head nurse who teaches her nursing staff karate during work hours so they can protect themselves from the patients. Robert Stack speaks so softly that I had to continually turn up my volume control. I guess that was his attempt to create drama, the earnest Doctor. This movie tries so hard to be groundbreaking and that is the problem. There's very little entertainment value here, no likable characters, and Joan looks totally plastic, including her hair which is Aqua-Netted to death. This film has a made for TV feel to it. I give this movie 2 limp bitch slaps out of 5. Seeing Joan in leotards earned and extra point from me.

Autumn Leaves (1956)

December Returns

[8/10 · 8 August 2007]

In this flick, poor Joan is now struggling as a typist. She works out of her bungalow, and apparently can afford the latest clothes, but there's no man in her life, and she's getting a bit long in the tooth. Destiny sends her a charming, handsome Cliff Robertson. Joan first deters his affections yet he is so boyishly handsome she relents and finally marries him. Troubles abound as Joan realizes her husband is a bit of a nut case. More secrets surface, but Joan if anything, will stand by her man, even as he is hauled away for electric shock treatment. Will he remember her? That is the endearing question.

Despite some of these flicks shortcomings, it's not a horrible mess, just a bit far-fetched at times. Cliff Robertson alone makes this a worthwhile viewing. One forgets how good he could be given material to sink his teeth into. Joan, as always, does her very best and she can not be faulted either. There is the ultimate bitch out fest in this film which leaves everyone cheering for her. You go Joan! Much has been made of her appearance in this film and it is disturbing. A butch haircut with widely drawn eyebrows and harsh painted lips makes her appearance almost frightening. The Joker from Batman comes to mind. The first half of the film drags but the second half speeds up and keeps your attention. Watch out for flying typewriters! This movie earns four bitch slaps out of five.

Die! Die! My Darling! (1965)

Act, Act My Darling!

[7/10 · 20 July 2007]

Talk about a quirky, rather odd, yet highly entertaining movie! While the over-all production has that made for TV movie "feel" to it, rolling out Ms. Bankhead to play the religious heretic was a stroke of genius. There's no rhyme or reason for the setting to take place in England, perhaps things just seem more scary over there. If nothing else, watching Bankhead torment poor Stephany Powers in her rundown house is reason enough to set your VCR on record mode. Bankhead could read the phone book and make it seem suspenseful, but poor Miss Powers on the other hand brings this movie down to the basement like a runaway elevator. Her "acting" ability improved in later years but here she seems just off her college stint of Li'l Abner. Early on, Powers seemed to have an English accent, yet she quickly drops that by the time she bids her fiancée ado. For the rest of the movie Stephany irritates and prances around the house wearing red outfits and lipstick when she should be running away from this psycho family and fast! Perhaps paying homage to the grand guignol that preceded this movie (or perhaps just ripping them off!) "Die, Die My Darling" delivers what it sets out to do in spite of its shortcomings.

Life with Lucy (1986)

Granny a No-No

[5/10 · 27 June 2007]

When one thinks of this show the word "illconceived" comes to mind. This wasn't a bad show, nor was it good. It was just average fodder that was being pumped out in the 1980's. It's unfortunate that Lucille Ball didn't go with her first intuition and leave well enough alone. A golden opportunity was missed. If the show had been about Lucy Ricardo as a retiree living with Little Ricky and his family, that might have had some possibilities. But this show suffered from scripts and stories that we have seen over and over again, along with characters that were bland, also to be a bit blunt, watching an old lady perform some of the stunts she did just didn't work. Broad slapstick was gone and was replaced by clever writing that was shown on The Golden Girls. Times and tastes had changed and it's too bad that Lucy didn't realize this. A sour note to end a stellar career that didn't tarnish her overall body of work.

The Man with the Golden Gun (1974)

Solex Agitator?

[7/10 · 4 June 2007]

Despite having some serious flaws with the script and character development, this movie does have some very good scenes sprinkled throughout. The highlight for me was first of all, Scaramonga. Finally we have a villain not bent on world domination but gunman against gunman. I also found most of the scenes with Knick Knack to be very enjoyable especially the dueling scene and at the wrestling match. Amusing to find him so well rounded that he's even a French Chef. Goodnight on the other hand could have been better developed instead of the typical, accident prone blonde (think Three's Company). She is enjoyable nonetheless. I also found the filming on the island and the interior sets to be very well done. Even Roger Moore gives a believable performance with very little humor thrown in for good measure. A lot to like but if they could have bypassed Sheriff Pepper this would have been a highly regarded film more than it is.

The Wild Wild West: The Night of the Man-Eating House (1966) Season 2, Episode 12

Mysterious & Spooky

[9/10 · 13 April 2007]

A fan favorite and a personal one as well. From all the episodes, this one is remembered more than any other. Due in part because this is a ghost story that takes place in a deserted, haunted house. A house still furnished but draped in cobwebs and layers of dust. A house that cries and shrieks when injured and can keep everyone inside as prisoners by closing shutters and locking the doors. The "aging" prisoner who once lived in the house, whose mother is the one crying for her son. Of course there has to be a laboratory for nefarious purposes and a jail cell that has a small hatch built in to hold thousands of rats who will carry out their mission once released. This has a "dream-like" quality but it's much more a nightmare. A top notch episode worthy of its legion of fans.

Bus Stop (1956)

Ride a Cowboy

[7/10 · 19 January 2007]

Proving once again that Mariyln is much more of a presence (or fabulous model) than an actress, "Bus Stop" does prove to be mildly entertaining nonetheless. The supporting cast is filled by Fox contract players or future stars making their first appearance here, think Hope Lange. Don Murray is affable enough, however at times he does need reeling in and can be a bit annoying over his quest for Cherie with his hooting and hollering. Country boy goes to the big city, we get it. Despite performances that are fine, the script seems to be very dry and not that engaging. For me, the movie picks up only once they arrive at the Bus Stop. Certain scenes are beautifully photographed, and you do get a sense of being stranded during a snow storm. Barriers melt like the snow and true feelings finally emerge. Cherie and Bo ride off into the sunset together, was there any doubt?

Kind Lady (1951)

Blind Lady

[8/10 · 18 January 2007]

"Kind Lady" is a disturbing, little film that doesn't seem to be very well known. Ethel Barrymore (did she ever give a bad performance?) of course plays the kind, rich art patron who is generous with her wealth. She lives in a lavish, antique infested house where famous paintings adorn the walls like wallpaper. Being duped by a con-man, he and his posse, slowly weave themselves into the kind lady's life until suddenly, (after it's too late of course) she realizes what is going on but by then, she has become their prisoner. Slowly and deliberately, the start selling off her beautiful antiques and paintings for personal gain, while telling her caller's that she is ill and mentally unstable. Reminiscent of "Gaslight," you quickly relate to Mary and her plight. Of course there are the heart pounding attempts when she tries to get away, only to be caught. A well made movie that deserves to be more popular than it is.

Gilligan's Island (1964–1992)

"Maybe I can find a cashmere tree?"

[6/10 · 16 January 2007]

This review may sound caustic but I hope I never have to watch another episode from this show ever again. I grew up watching this show in syndication from 1969, then it went to Saturday morning TV, then through the colorized TBS years, past the not so special reunion shows, up until a few years ago watching "The Real Gilligan's Island" movie. I've gorged myself with Gilligan's Island and I've had my share, one can only eat so much cake. I always enjoyed the earlier shows the most, having them building their huts, trying to fix the Minnow only to have it fall apart because the glue disintegrated, hiding from savages in a cave and so on. It was a great ensemble cast with a pretty cool lagoon set complete with running waterfall. I've moved on now, and it's time to say goodbye and farewell. Thanks for the memories little Buddy.

Dynasty (1981–1989)

Alexis Carrington-Colby-Dexter-Monroe

[8/10 · 15 January 2007]

The ultimate guilty pleasure show cashing in on the 80's mentality of "I want to be rich, and I want to be rich now!" Dynasty had it all, the big expensive mansions, the over-blown characters, the mall hair, those big shoulder pads! While the plot lines were often much ado about nothing (or who was in bed with whom), everyone tuned in to watch Alexis and Crystal battle it out in a fashion reminiscent of the WWF, thrashing around in a lily pond or throwing furniture at each other, all the while pulling each other's hair out by their dyed roots. More famous than the fashions were their cliffhangers at the end of each season. Can anyone ever forget the Maldavia Massacre? Blood spattered on everyone and a great way to eliminate everyone who's contract was not renewed. A true product of the fun, funky 1980's.

For Your Eyes Only (1981)

A Return To Basics Of Sorts

[8/10 · 10 January 2007]

This is one of the better Roger Moore Bond films owing to the fact that a return to basics was in order after the overblown "Moonraker", that verged on comedy. Thankfully, what little comedy there is has been greatly toned down. There is a lot to like here but the pre-title sequence is simply ludicrous and even appears tacked on. Throwing a Bloefeld like character down a smoke stack while throwing out quips about buying Bond a delicatessen. Huh? This movie does more than take a nod from "On Her Majesty's Secret Service." From the opening scene showing Tracy's grave (finally, a mention that Bond was married), to a ski chase scene (Moore wearing blue as did Lazenby), there's also an ice skating and sleigh ride scene, only to top it off with a mountain hideaway for the bad guys. The villain is rather weak, for the life of me, I can't remember his name. The electro-pop score seems to jar you away from the movie at times but overall it does work paving the way for other electronic score such as "Goldeneye." Not a bad Bond outing and this film should have been Moore's swan song for they almost got it right.

The Bad Seed (1956)

Spare the rod and spoil the child

[7/10 · 20 December 2006]

This is a strange, quirky movie. Based on a stage play, several scenes in the film are very talky and they must have lifted several scenes directly from the play. Rhoda is such a devil child yet oozes sweetness, but I found her mother to be the stranger of the two. In fact all the grown-ups are played for fools by Rhoda. Even though we never see her do any of her dastardly deeds, we never once believe that she did not commit them. Backed up by a good supporting cast, and perfect casting by the way of Patty MaCormick, the movie does succeed. Despite her evil deeds, I felt rather sad when her mother gave her the sleeping pills. What I also found even more bizarre was her mother apparently shooting herself in the head and lives. What a bad shot yet her head is covered in bandages by the end of the film. The ending, when Rhoda gets electrocuted was almost comical. Now you see her, now you don't! The tacked on ending was rather silly with everyone taking a bow and Rhoda's mother spanking her. Give the audience credit for knowing the difference between real and make believe.

I Dream of Jeannie (1965–1970)

By Your Command

[7/10 · 8 December 2006]

I guess I'm just a "Bewitched" kinda guy. While I watched IDOJ (during it's original run-yikes!) I always felt she was a poor step-sister to Samatha and the gang. Jeanne was very child-like, throwing tantrums, getting jealous, and if not getting her way she would do some Jeanne maneuver to screw up the situation. While I liked Tony and his cool bachelor pad of season one, I never liked Major Bellows or the Admiral. The secondary characters were always the same, Bellows always thinks he has Tony caught in his trap, only to find in the end that his scheme didn't pan out.

Of course, I can't dismiss the show totally. Jeanne's evil sister and the occasional appearance of the Blue Gin added much needed momentum to a show that relied heavily on mayhem and mischief from Jeanne. Larry Hagman, as Major Nelson, turned out to be a comedic genius during the show, who would have known? Once Jeanne and Tony married, the show went from a situation comedy to essentially a drama about married life. A true death knell for any show, think "Get Smart." On a parting thought, I will admit that Jeanne's bottle was way cool and I have a Jim Beam bottle on my coffee table as a reminder of the show, but alas, no circular couch inside.

Bewitched (1964–1972)

"Sam, make that a double!"

[8/10 · 5 December 2006]

I grew up watching this show, (as did probably everyone else posting on here), and when asked by my Middle School Guidance Counseler what I wanted to do when I grew up, I said, "I want to work in an office like Darren." Today, I do work in an office, but I'd rather go back to those care free days and watch "Bewitched." I'm a Dick York guy, he IS Darren, and always will be. This isn't a fall off your chair laughing kind of show but it does entertain in it's own magical way. I can't add anything to my comments that hasn't already been said but, one aspect that I still love today is the Stephens house! That has to be the best designed set of all time. It has great rooms and it flows, plus (not counting the last season) had stylish, sophisticated 1960's chic furnishings. But a visit to Bewitched isn't complete if you don't have a little martini to go with the witchcraft!

Forbidden Planet (1956)

I, Robot

[7/10 · 27 November 2006]

I know I should like this film, and I do for the most part, but as other's have mentioned, it is a bit long in the tooth. I to also found the raging hormones of the all male crew to be a bit annoying. It's a wonder they didn't start panting and howling at the moons as well. I also have to say that overall, the movie leaves me cold. It's a very sterile atmosphere that permeates the film. On the plus side the effects are great (besides the cartoon monster), as are the effects, props, costumes and of course Robbie. If the robot was not in this film, I don't think it would have been as popular as it was/is. The second half of the movie picks up steam once we start to investigate the forgotten gadgets of the "Krell." As many times as I've seen this movie, the Krell still leaves me scratching my head as to exactly who or what they were. Based on what was being produced at that time, besides "This Island Earth," Forbidden Planet is miles above the average Sci-Fi movies of the time. Being filmed in color also adds to its enjoyment. Certainly a classic in its own right, flaws and all, and deservedly so.

The Wild Wild West: The Night of the Whirring Death (1966) Season 1, Episode 20

The worst of the series?

[2/10 · 27 November 2006]

Maybe it's just me but I found this entire episode just dreadful. From the laborious "Dickens-esque" opening that featured the future Mr. Roper in fake beard seemingly awaiting to go on stage to play Scrooge, to the sickening sweet Priscilla (volunteer social worker) whose father was a toymaker but has no clue as to what's going on even though she lives above the toy store. Voltaire, who has been mute to this point, suddenly can speak and Loveless doing his usual song and dance routine on a toy carousel, not to be outdone by Artemus who also decides to sing in this episode. It's never explained how Loveless and Voltaire can continuously break out of prison. I think this was the fourth time the did just that this season. Just bad.

The Queen (2006)

The Royals

[8/10 · 27 November 2006]

This is a rather sad movie. There really seem to be no winners here. The depiction of Queen Elisabeth, which to me seemed to be a balanced, accurate portrayal of her, comes across as being a rather lonely woman. Helen Mirren doesn't chew the scenery here, and the majority of the actors turn in fine performances, but it does come down to Mirrin herself. At times, she truly does look like the Queen but it's her talent that makes us believe we are indeed seeing into the Queen's world, and that world is very sad. With all the riches, it seems her personal life is very barren and cold. Her dysfunctional family offer no assistance to her except perhaps, "Mummy." The stag scene was very symbolic to her. It represented her, a lone survivor caught in a world of change and danger. And like the stag, at that time, people wanted her head on a platter. Tradition must be upheld but at what cost? "The Queen" might be a figurehead but it turns out that she is a woman, capable of making mistakes in judgment.

Casino Royale (2006)

Blonde Ambition

[9/10 · 20 November 2006]

Finally! All the pretty and silly Bond's of recent years have been swept away and put in their place is the Bond Ian Fleming must have envisioned. Daniel Craig IS Bond from the first glimpse of him photographed in cold black and white. His Bond is cruel, imperfect, emotionally wanting and can take a beating but keeps on ticking. Casino Royale packs an action packed punch from the opening scene where Bond is chasing an animal like man who can climb up girders of a building being constructed using his bare hands and feet, and who can propel himself through narrow openings; to an ending, where again, Bond is in a building, but this time it is collapsing as is Bond's chance to find love. No silliness or wise crack one liners or "invisible" cars here.

His journey is long in the film and he is changed by the end of it. Eva Green pales in comparison to Craig's Bond. Perhaps lovely to look at but she offers little more than window dressing. Her Vesper lacked a fire that would temp Bond to leave MI5, and run away with her into the good night. But these complaints are minor because there is so much about the film that works. An excellent villain (fabulously portrayed), a testy M, with locales that are so incredible you want to call your travel agent and book the next flight to Montenegro.

The second half of the film more or less follows Fleming's novel, which has one of the better story lines. Thankfully, the story was not thrown away and replaced with a "typical" Bond formula. The final scene says it all, but I will not spoil anyone's enjoyment of it, but Bond is definitely back and rightfully so!

Green Acres (1965–1971)

"Oli-va!"

[8/10 · 15 November 2006]

Watching this as a child during the late 1960's I didn't like this show. I didn't find it funny because it frustrated me! With all of the locals frustrating Mr. Douglas endlessly, they frustrated me too. Stumbling upon the show years later, the frustration was gone and I could finally enjoy the humor of it all. This was light years ahead of the tame (and boring) "Pettycoat Junction." This was life with "The Three Stooges." I always loved the on-going home improvement projects with the closet doors opening to the outside, the telephone poll phone, the over-blown big chic New York City furniture stuffed into a little farmhouse, Lisa's pink appliances, her cooking, Arnold the pig and many more. When they say they don't make 'em like they used to, they don't, and that's a darn shame.

Battlestar Galactica (1978)

By Your Command

[5/10 · 27 October 2006]

Being 15 at the time when this show first hit the airwaves I was in Sci-Fi Heaven! After seeing Star Wars and "Classic" Star Trek uncountable times, here was a new show that had great special effects just like in the theaters. The sets, costumes and the actors seemed all first rate for a mere TV show. I didn't ask for much back then because to me, it was a good show. Evil Cylons in their marauders with their telltale red eye seeing, all blasting the rag tag fleet...how much better could it get? Well, it could have been much better. Recently watching several of them when the new BSG arrived I found them to be almost unbearable to watch. The plots were nothing like Star Trek or even Lost In Space for that matter. Characters quickly became cartoon-like, with little character development after the premiere episode. Special, special effects (for that time) do not a show make. However, we have to applaud that the show was even put in production since TV Execs hate Sci-Fi shows, and now we can enjoy the new Battlestar that is everything its predecessor was not.