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CharliePecoraro
Reviews
The Crusaders #357: Experiment in Evil! (2008)
I've never seen a comic book film like this
The Crusaders is a comic book film that seems to have been way ahead of the curve in terms of giving heroes & villains an actual grounded persona. It's low budg, but it has a LOT of fun & innovative special effects that shows the filmmaker is obviously a true comic fan. After watching it two, three times, I realized there are a BUNCH of Easter eggs, so keep your eyes open. Super fun details are ALL over this film. I think it's a sleeper that's gonna catch a cult following!
Music Man Murray (2011)
Vinyl treasure trove curated by life-long music-file
Music Man Murray is a TRUE gem of a short doc. And perhaps you can only TRULY know that if you have actually been to Music Man Murray's for yourself. It is one of the special places in this world. And this doc, w/ so much warmth, truth & heart, tells the story of the man who makes it so special; Murray Gershenz himself. Richard Parks saw a story in this magical place & set about to tell it for everyone that can't go there & experience it themselves. And he did a really nice job. It's a quiet doc, a short doc & it's all so very human. People who rate it poorly are looking for something slick, something plastic, bright & shiny. People who don't appreciate this gem probably don't have time for old people, probably don't appreciate stories told by WWII veterans & wouldn't be fascinated by Murray's collection of wax Edison rolls anyway. This is a doc for people who appreciate personal history, the greatest generation, the quiet hopes, dreams & disappointments of a man's life. It's an earnest look into an Angeleno treasure that even most locals don't know about. Well done.
Rhinestone (1984)
Silly but funny
This film is definitely a goof ball but that is what it set out to be. It's totally farcical & wonderful. Favourite scenes include Steven Apostle Peck who plays Sly's dad. The first is when we meet Peck's character in the organ room & the second is the hilarious scene around the dinner table. I bust a gut watching that scene. So funny.
One important thing I've learned in studying film is that there is a difference between a film you love & a great film. They can be one in the same, as is the case with a film such as The Godfather Part II. This is an masterfully made film that I enjoyed. Or they can be separate. For instance, I recognize that Slumdog Millionaire is a well made film, I just didn't like it. I didn't connect with it. I didn't care what happened. And on the converse, I recognize that Rhinestone isn't really that great a film but I really enjoyed it. I connected with the characters, it made me laugh & I generally found pleasure in it. So I rate it 10/10 for enjoyment.
Love to Steven Peck