daviddouglas Reviews

Last Orders (2001)

A uniquely wonderful film !

[10/10 · 22 December 2010]

This is a well told poignant story with a collection of great actors unsurpassed in any films of the past 10 years. Other than the regrettable casting of Kelly Reilly, a good actress, in the roll of the young Amy played by Helen Mirren who looks nothing like Helen Mirren nor has similar body language or general presence to her. However; this one small flaw does not keep this from being a very memorable film experience for the viewer.

This well-crafted film has the appeal of being a learning experience as well as one of entertainment. I am a 'baby boomer' and most of us are coming to grips that life is a limited proposition and that the truth of life is that if one has made good friends and brought joy to the lives of others that we have lived a rich and full life and can face death without regret.

If you have not seen this film watch it. If you have only seen it once, see it again as the second time viewing is even more rich with new learning and reward.

Law & Order: LA (2010–2011)

Love L & O.... but not in Los Angeles

[1/10 · 12 October 2010]

I have been a fan of all of the various L&O series until now. This is bad writing, acting and production all in one package. Very sad about this. It will probably be canceled in relatively short order. Alfred Molina is a wonderful actor and I have seen him in both leading and character parts for many years. Never have I seen him give a bad performance until now. Even he cannot defeat a poorly written script and weak support from the other members of the cast. The performance of Terrence Howard ranks among the worst in the long history of the franchise. I did not think any actor could have sunk lower in their acting in their role than Elisabeth Röhm as A.D.A. Serena Southerlyn, but alas I think Terence has out bad-acted her. His mumbling of his lines into the camera displayed no believability of him as a high profile prosecutor. This series is probably that "Bridge Too Far" for Dick Wolf and like General Montgomery, Wolf should have known better.

Rude Awakening (1989)

This is a very funny movie that is worth watching more than once!

[10/10 · 23 December 2006]

I cannot understand why this movie is not rated higher. I have seen this movie several times and it gets funnier and better each time. It is unique and if you are a Baby Boomer that attended university during the 70's, it will bring back some beautiful and nostalgic memories of period of youthful innocence and curiosity that so quickly came and then disappeared. It was an age of new thoughts and philosophies that were lost to our Boomer generation during the oncoming greed and corruption that arose in the selfish "Yuppie" 80's. If you have not seen it ... I recommend you watch it with someone who lived through this time period. Further, if you have seen it before and failed to take it in and appreciate its a unique capturing of a special time in our Boomer generation, try it a second time and perhaps you will get it...because it is definitely there and worth a second chance.