AJSteele Reviews

Supergirl (2015–2021)

Typical network TV junk.

[2/10 · 27 October 2015]

Why are the makers of this show writing for kids? This show is a bunch of kiddie nonsense with rushed scenes and horrible dialogue. Even back in the day when the Chris Reeve Superman films were made, there was this need to show goofy nonsense to prove the film is based on a comic. Supergirl 2015 is as bad as Supergirl 1984, minus the improved special effects.

Look at a show like The Walking Dead. It's successful not just because of the subject matter (zombies), but because it takes the subject matter and plays it straight. People thrive on intense characters. In today's day and age they could have made a dead serious version of Supergirl which BTW has never been done. CBS fell back on the old, "let's make this a lighthearted family show " mentality which ends up losing true comic book fans. TV is filled with comedy shows and other silliness , do we need more of this with a character like Supergirl? Supergirl could have been dark and edgy. You could still have the black Jimmy Olson but not the cheesy TV style version.

Supergirls costume is wrong as well. Put a smaller S on the upper right hand corner like was used in the 70s and 80s comics. This Supergirl looks straight out of the 1950s. And yes, as others have said, the female empowerment angle was played to the hilt. She's a woman and filled with superpowers, why the big sell on how important her gender is? The show is filled with cardboard characters and acting from a bygone era.

I gave it two stars because there was an attempt to give some decent fight scenes. Overall, adults and true comic book fans deserve better .

The Dead Zone (1983)

"The ice is gonna break!"

[10/10 · 2 August 2014]

Excellent movie! The absolute best of all Stephen King stories put to film. Christopher Walken takes you through a wide range of emotions as a reluctant psychic. The key to this film is the wonderful acting by all the players. Brooke Adams as the ex-girlfriend exudes the emotion of a woman with a confused heart in a way rarely seen on screen. The scene at the gazebo where Johnny Smith (Walken) might see the killer with his psychic abilities is astounding. The movie flows smoothly and gives you a clear understanding of how this type of psychic power affects moods, emotions and lives. Although not a big role, Martin Sheen as the sociopathic political wannabe is hands down his finest character. The savior-like ending that precipitates world history is brilliant and mind blowing. Movies combining sci-fi and heart felt drama are hard to come by. This one has it all. Keep it in your DVD library. The DVD picture is decent but the sound could use improvement. A special edition containing the original movie poster artwork and many extras is greatly needed. You will enjoy it.

Fire in the Sky (1993)

"Travis get in the truck."

[10/10 · 2 August 2014]

One of the best UFO movies ever done to this point. This film has scenes of true terror. The character of Travis is played near flawlessly by D.B. Sweeney. His alien abduction is unlike any other thats been put on film. Robert Patricks' role as the concerned friend is a remarkably expressed down to Earth portrayal. James Garner plays an outstanding ultra suspicious investigator. The rural setting adds an understandable skepticism about the bizarre UFO story. The aliens look fakeish, but that doesn't take away from their cold, heartless actions and the otherworldly image they give off. With the same content this movie could easily have been a back shelf bomb. However, careful analysis of thoughts and ideas prevailed. It is based on a supposedly true story and handles it well. The movie also deals with friendship, and the layers it has. The film is different because it deals with two separate issues:Whats happening on Earth/Whats happening with the abducted. Good Sci-Fi all around. The DVD quality is very good. Turn it up.

Wonder Woman (2009 Video)

Wonderous!

[9/10 · 2 August 2014]

If you like Wonder woman your in for a nice surprise. This film (and yes I said film because of it's live action feel)strikes at the core of Wonder Woman with brute force and modern appeal. The movie brings DCs greatest heroine to life with vivid animation that captures the best of your favorite comic book frames. Awesome animation. The characters are so substance rich that you'll forget your watching a "cartoon".

Digging deep into the origin of Wonder Woman the film- makers have fun creating believable landscapes while holding to the mythical charms that endear us to the character of Wonder Woman. To put it plainly , Wonder Woman kicks a*s and does so with plain spoken angst.

The movie even dabbles in giving us Wonder Womans approach to some of todays females while holding to true femininity. Great writing all around with audio that is completely in sync. This animated triumph gives hope to the Wonder Woman fan who is salivating for a serious live action film. Highly recommended, especially for the adult superhero buff.

Coyote County Loser (2009)

Hits some highs

[5/10 · 2 August 2014]

Coyote County Loser appears to be a low budget entry that holds together due to a tight family orientated script. The "fish out of water" premise plays better than usual because it avoids making the man the clueless ape. An LA hip guy with radio skills stumbles into rural Coyote County only to go at odds with the female "love doctor" of the town. His goal? To get the biggest loser in the town to go out with HER, his "relationships are like cars" radio opposition.

This was a Netflix gamble for me that gave some above board interest because of the "romantic" tension between the two leads. The film plays like a big safe worded high school play that gets it right. The male and female stars have no name recognition to me but deserve some praise for there exposition of quickwittedness that keeps a steady hum "gotcha" throughout.

Finally a film that shows a professional woman that doesn't have all the emotional answers to love. And smartly, the film shows how all men are not super tool users and mechanics as well. The two butt heads with the female radio host becoming unarmed by this guys bravado yet still desiring to hold onto her core belief system.

A few more twists and turns prevent the traditional road to an ending. A subplot with two misfit radio staff young adults goes nowhere and drudges up the films hokey origins while displaying some real bad acting. One reviewer mentioned a "Hallmark" film. I see that clear as day in this better than average quickie.

Ultimately though the film could stir up an argument or two if watched with your significant other which means it effectively projects humanity. The low end style of film making does detract. Some indoor shots look like the road crew was used for regular speaking lines. I saw a recognizable face in the female radio stars mom, it was the woman who played Supermans mother in the Lois and Clark TV show. Hey, there's something. But, the amateur look of the movie prevails as it becomes an almost forgettable film saved by some punchy lead roles. I can see why a romantic would appreciate it though. I have to say, in this film, I wouldn't mind getting the girl (with some modification).

Hot Rods to Hell (1966)

Hell of a year "66

[8/10 · 2 August 2014]

Yes "66, not "67 as IMDb says. 1966 gave us all the classics, "Dr. Goldfoot & The Girl Bombs", "Modesty Blaise', "Ghosts In The Invisible Bikini", "Faster Pussycat Kill Kill" and of course "Hot Rods To Hell." I hadn't seen this film in 25 years and suddenly there it was in front of me, a DVD, with the original movie poster artwork right on the case. Dana Andrews gives a serious performance as a old school dad who ends his suburban life and heads out to face some unexpected "animals." Animals being the teenagers who harass his family in hot rods while on the sun lit deserted desert roads of California.

Dads at a distance by phone as we're introduced to the main characters who show their cute family affections at home during Christmas. Mom, played by an under-rated Jeanne Crain, daughter Tina played by the gorgeous Laurie Mock, and seemingly 12 year old spunky son Jamie played by a second tier credited Tim Stafford. Dad gets a bit morose after a near fatal car accident on his return home to the family. This induces a semi reluctant property deal of Uncle Bill's to buy a motel in no mans land. The family packs and off they go.

Nothing like the teeth gritting smiles and wide eyed looks of a mid sixties teenager to charge you up. Enter Duke, the hot rod king and mega sixties siren Mimsy Farmer who plays Gloria, Dukes brassy mouthed flunky. They and the gang do the chasing while dear old dad is just about to crack. One close encounter after another gets dads already frayed nerves to the boiling point while in route to supposed peace. Pops wisely takes a detour into a picnic area for refuge where Duke tries to sneak up and work some "magic" on daughter Tina.

A worthwhile side story involving an arrogant pedal heavy dad and his son at the picnic area works while the real driving force of Dana Andrews carries on with his cranky fed up demeanor. Arriving at the wild atmospheric motel which they intend to purchase, dad rescues Tina from the clutches of Duke with murderous rage. Some jumping sounds emit from the motel bar courtesy of Micky Rooney Jr. And His Combo strumming some nice electrics. Moms always there, never disappointing with her plucky supportive dialog, especially as Tina stokes her ire on the evils of boys. As we race towards hopeful survival some harrowing techniques by dad end up relaying what he was really made of. Duke and the gang turn out to be the punks the teens of that generation thought were hip ,while Daddy O is pretty cool after all.

Hot Rods To Hell epitomizes the 1966 era. I always believed that Laurie Mock should have gone further in films with her natural style and good looks. The generic sixties soundtrack throughout keeps time and pace. The small missing dialog between Duke and Tina is a downer and inexplicable but having the film available at all compensates. Hot Rods To Hell is a classic because of its family focusing universal effectiveness. It rises above the mockery of it's meager means. It's time for a definitive release containing extras, baby, extras!

The Canyon (2009)

Half & half film.

[4/10 · 2 August 2014]

This is one of those films that almost lost me due to it's terrible beginning. A crushingly slow B movie was in full play when a change suddenly took place. The undeserving husband adopted a more believable face towards survival and the wife's portrayals of frustration accurately increased. The viewer now gets to see a man and wife trapped in an unforgiving expanse, leading to some fresh turns. Interesting action along with life lessons made what could have been a run away bomb entertaining. A good, reasonably thought out ending really helped. A nice little tricky survival film that may fit your mood when the video idea well runs dry.

Cat City (2008)

Underrated and under appreciated.

[6/10 · 2 August 2014]

Here's a film that to my knowledge never made a blip on the radar. This is the type of movie a lot of folks are looking for. Here we have THE sexiest woman around, Rebecca Pidgeon doing what she does best, acting. She lights up every scene. The dry heat setting and razor sharp dialog lured me in from the beginning. This is that curious style of thriller-mystery that really hits the mark. If you like a basically 5 or 6 character film that runs the gamut of emotions, this is right up your alley. Top notch acting by all. Brian Denehey looks like hes doing just about his last role, but lets hope not. The ending is a little messy but don't forget to check the DVD extras to see the original ending. You have to get lucky to stumble upon an engrossing quirky little movie like this. Should be a blu-ray candidate.

The Thing (I) (2011)

Second viewing payed off.

[9/10 · 2 August 2014]

Maybe I was nodding off or having a bad day the first time I saw this film because I remember feeling ho hum about it. The second time I watched it on blu ray I really liked it and became more engrossed in the nuances. I'm a huge fan of the 1982 Thing (as well as the 1951 version)so I believe I come at this being a hard core skeptic. As with the 1983 film this version has a very real dynamic going on between the cloistered players. Mary Elizabeth Winstead impressed the heck out of me portraying an outwardly bland scientist that invokes inner strength when confronted with fear. As well, her fear is genuine.

Many already know this 2011 version is a prequel. I didn't think the Norwgian camp needed to be revisited but, my predilections aside, it worked very well. Many of the actors are big Norwegian film stars. One was referred to as the "Brad Pitt" of Norway in the DVD extras. The film basically holds to what our minds remember the creature being in the "82 masterpiece and that goes a long way. I do agree with some reviewers that one or two CGI scenes were somewhat weak but it could also be that I am so used to the thing being "live action" that the CGI just throws me off for this type of creature. I would also say that some necessary dark scenes leaned a little too dark for me. I also don't understand why the film was given the title "The Thing". Remakes are usually entitled the same, not prequels or sequels. This could have been "The Thing- A Beginning" or something like that. I think the marketers needed this title to sell it to newer audiences.

The movie doesn't have the memorable lines that the classic has but I can't forget the line, "be careful, that thing went through the ------ roof" (lol). Seeing the creatures space ship could have sunk the film but wisely this area was handled smoothly and added greater fascination. Kate's outcome left me a bit more wanting but I can live with it. What needs to happen now is the sequel to the 82 film that many are salivating for. The Thing is not done yet.

The Lone Ranger (2013)

Ruined Ranger

[1/10 · 2 August 2014]

"The Lone Ranger" is easily a one star film. No matter what you've heard this movie is regretfully a "comedy". I think that if you liked a film like "The Green Hornet", this poorly written and acted mess is your kind of entertainment.

Like many I'm sure, I was hoping for a straight, no nonsense take on the Lone Ranger, giving this long repressed character the resurgence he needed. This was not to be. It seemed every few seconds you could see a purposeful setup for an intended laugh, but what came instead was a mockery of the characters, forcing an under the breath," oh geez".

Why filmmakers would destroy such rich material is beyond comprehension . The start of the movie was a clear giveaway that I was about to witness a bomb. What a horrible segway, and absolutely childish as well. Depp actually had a good voice for Tonto but nothing could save his vaudeville style portrayal of an American Indian.

The actor that attempted an embodiment of the Lone Ranger himself is hardly worth mentioning. The only adjective coming to mind is "pathetic". What a waste of energy , costumes and sets. It's hard these days when there is so much ability to produce fine films about characters as classic as the Lone Ranger, only to be given shear garbage. Very disappointing.

Young Adult (2011)

Very freak'in good.

[9/10 · 2 August 2014]

The brilliant actress Charlize Theron turns in a soul sapping performance as she brings home many an adult's convoluted memory of high school. Black comedy? I suppose. But it tends more towards pure drama. We've all seen movies where a writer narrates a film while penning their adventures. What a great twist here though. It's more of a deluded fantasy because the viewer hears an occasional lofty narrative, but what plays out is a weird anti- fairy tale.

The main character leaves her phony glamorous life as a young adult book writer due to a miserable existence and heads back to small town USA where she grew up. She tries to capture the boyfriend of her teens that is now married and has a baby. Great acting all around as the psychological passings of life give you a zing. Alcohol fuels the fire as an old nerdy high school classmate tries to set her straight while living in his own undesirable state. A film about not growing up and being full of yourself. There's an entertaining sadness about it all because it is done so well, unlike the crap that's often in films that drag you through tears. The blu ray is worth it.

Tower Heist (2011)

One chuckle gets one star.

[1/10 · 2 August 2014]

I really expected this film to be funny and good. I hung in there thinking some actual laughs would come during the heist portion of the film which took forever to come. Eddie Murphy doing his same old shtick and Ben Stiller as flat as possible left me expressionless. Also, were the film makers freakin kidding me with Matthew Broderick. The guy looked half dead and uttered words that looked like some untalented schleps first audition.

Toss in a depressing ultra straight portrayal by Alan Alda to secure the fate of this bomb. The film was trying to be outrageous to the point of distraction on one end while not knowing where else it wanted to go with the serious elements . I cringed at the dialog.

A heist comedy with this kind of talent should have sailed. The only standout was Gabourey Sidibe. Her scene with Murphy where she asks if he's married was funny. Why couldn't more of that have been there? So much lost potential.

It just didn't work, period. Glad I didn't pay for the rental as I would have done when the film was first released.

Out of the Furnace (2013)

Brilliant and intense entertainment.

[10/10 · 17 June 2014]

"Out Of The Furnace" blew me out of the water. Christian Bale was meant for this role, easily causing a non remembrance of the Dark Knight series, much to the chagrin of many hard core fans I'm sure. Bale is raw humanity, coiled and ready to strike with purpose as a deep leveled doting older brother to actor Casey Affleck. The story, which simply put, is about people's lives and their choices also gives us a courageous stomach churning performance by Affleck as a rage filled war vet unable to channel his emotions.

Woody Harelson is absolutely chilling as a half hillbilly/half street smart racketeer with long reaching power. His uneasy demeanor codifies rural danger. With William Defoe mixed in, holding down a balancing act between corruption and sincerity, the film tests new ground by playing down caricatures as hard boiled heads collide. It would be an injustice for me to spill too much about the film if you haven't seen it, so I have provided some character assimilation to emphasize the grip of the movie.

"Out Of The Furnace" is cinema at its best. The film title is also an interesting one and worth contemplating.

Trial by Jury (1994)

>Several viewings good<

[14 June 2014]

I discovered this film while searching for laserdiscs. It's a good way to find forgotten gems. TBJ is a crime film that never becomes tiresome mostly due to the fantastic emotionally alluring portrayal of a single mom by Joanne Whalley. She's your average girl stuck in a mess with a megalomaniac king pin. Fortunately for the viewer her body is not average, giving her character that added, "I don't know I'm sexy" vibe. Armand Assante turns in a great performance as he easily puts out charm and terror with a simple stoic glance. The root of the film which is the two worlds colliding, gets delivered with believability.

The real gritty hoots of the film are William Hurt playing a twisted x cop that still has remnants of good in him and the ever delectable Kathleen Quinlan as a quirky sot. I really liked the script. The seedy undercurrent feel that the film has is captured with words that give an inner chuckle and a solid outer grimace. Some courtroom antics are quite stagey but those scenes can be muscled through if you like the genre. TBJ is not a routine crime thriller and throws some very interesting entertainment punches.

The Trials of Cate McCall (2013)

Theatrical medicine for sobriety

[10/10 · 14 June 2014]

Your getting lucky when you select a film like "The Trials Of Cate McCain" even considering that it is such a mundane sounding title. Kate Beckensale as an attorney battling alcoholism is thoroughly absorbing as the splinters of life consume her. The film contains a wide array of excellent actors that most of us haven't seen in awhile and their portrayals are definitely worth multiple viewings. Nick Nolte especially, who's name I thought may have been stamped on the movie just to give it gravitas, is certainly compelling as he seemingly brings his life experience to the script and sells it 100%. A simple but subtly powerful performance as Beckensale's mentor.

A little history about this movie- It was released theatrically in Hungary and reportedly had a bad box office return. It was decided that a U.S. and UK release would be skipped. The film was bought by the Lifetime network and some watched it there giving it bad on line reviews, possibly because of its connection to a supposed low quality network and whatever else. Thankfully the theatrical version was cold pressed to DVD which saved it from bogus network editing. I also read that actor Taye Diggs was in the film but his scenes were removed. I find that odd but never the less he is listed as an actor in the film. My personal feelings are that marketing mistakes and knee jerk decisions caused this very good film to die an untimely movie theatre death.

Anyone that is either in recovery or recovered from substance abuse should seriously identify with many scenarios in the film but there are enough accurate emotional stirrings for the average movie goer to ponder as well. Ms.Beckensale is Oscar worthy as she navigates through the dilemmas of her fractured life. It's good to see the philosophy of the 12 steps incorporated into a movie in a realistic way. The believability factor is exceptionally high on all fronts. I intend to purchase this film and I obviously highly recommend it.

Millennium (1989)

Cheryl Ladd shines

[10/10 · 18 May 2014]

"Millennium" is an 80s sci fi masterpiece that examines time travel with such uniqueness that any and all cheese connected to the era becomes a worthwhile embrace. I don't think the concept of using airplane victims to preserve our future has ever been put on film, but it gets delivered pointedly in this back shelf treasure.

The film really works and with Cheryl Ladd giving the performance of her career, you get time travel with sex appeal and sincerity. Ms. Ladd had the potential to be a Holllywood film star, but either by choice, talent or fate, she ended up in Hallmark movies and sub par TV shows. This movie proves however that my prior sentence has no place in this universe. She sells the character of Louise Baltimore from the future in the most convincingly appealing of ways.

Kris Kristofferson is also on his game while Daniel J Travanti has some powerful sci fi grounding scenes. An offbeat future world containing a weird array of thought provoking characters including a believably fake robot named Sherman (that is the epitome of 80s cool to look at) should satiate your distant future doldrums.

The story flows logically with limitations while the wonderfully natural aura of the film dumps paradoxes, time travel gates, duplicate persons, swirling colors and retro future technology into the thought pleasing synapses of your brain. 1989 was a good year because of this flick. Creative brilliance all around from directing to acting. Engrossing and ahead of its time. Lets get some behind the scenes snippets and directors commentary with Cheryl Ladd chiming in before the world ends. Ah, Millennium!

Supergirl (1984)

Get the THX version ONLY!

[5/10 · 7 June 2013]

Supergirl is basically a poor movie. It does however have a shinning star in Helen Slater as Supergirl who even though overtly green at times manages to give the character not only an appealing presence, but a natural innocence. She overcomes the clumsy script and amplifies her alien persona. If your a comic book buff (especially of DC comics) you may have a natural inclination to want to like the film, but feelings can't save the awful reality of the movie. The shame is that they had a real Supergirl surrounded by a big mess. Childish antics which make you cringe even more than Superman's "Otis" abound. With a premise that has Supergirl traveling to Earth to re-obtain the Omegahedron that will save her city, can all be lost? Coming off the ridiculousness of Superman III, I can only figure that the filmmakers thought audiences wanted more buffoonery. Or, they just sank into their own selfish indulgences which were not all bad. The gaudiness remains pervasive throughout though. Hart Bochner's contrived "romance" is embarrassing, especially the poetry scenes. The villains to me are all clownish to the point of distraction. Had Faye Dunaway played her evil witch straight, we may have had something. Mia Farrow is bland and Peter O'Tool turns in an "oh well the planet will blow up" delivery. We also never got any bullets bouncing off Supergirl which made me, well, mad. On the plus side the Phantom Zone is well done and Supergirls perils within it bring a needed darkness that plays nicely. The flying scenes are quite good for the era, and playing the THX remastered DVD in a blu ray player adds beauty. The only way to watch this film IS the THX version as the print is surprisingly good compared to the grainy "directors cut".

The "limited edition" DVD which contains the THX version (and directors cut)is pricey now being that "only' 50,000 were made. You may get lucky on ebay as I did. The extras are well worth it for "Superman family" DC fans. The lengthy "making of the film" featurette is a great watch as Slaters evolution is discussed. Multiple trailers, storyboards, and a cautious directors commentary fill out the disc. Supergirl fails in most ways, but strangely triumphs in giving us a memorable film heroine embodied by Slater that succeeds in it's own right.

Chiller (1985 TV Movie)

Good premise- horrible picture quality.

[5/10 · 7 June 2013]

This 80s film has a very good concept. What if you died and were cryogenically frozen immediately after, then thawed out years later. Would you be "soul-less?" Watch the film to find out.

Some very creepy moments but it's basically a dated 80s TV movie. Why bother releasing a film to DVD if there is no desire to enhance it? To make money I know, but, it's just wrong. The picture quality is awful and that's enough to make you want to shut it off. The "film" could stand a remake with a much broader scope because of it's interesting premise. There are a dime a dozen horror films out there but I don't think this approach to terror has often surfaced. What makes the film all the more relevant is the fact that man-kind could actually come face to face with this issue for real.

Chloe (2009)

Near perfect art

[8/10 · 7 June 2013]

I came at this film knowing nothing about it except what I read on the back jacket and that it included the incredible actress Amanda Seyfried (pronounced Zi- freed). Man, what a ride. Seyfried plays a quirky prostitute that really aims to please. That pleasing is focused on the seemingly dejected wife of Liam Neeson, Julianne Moore. Rarely do you see a film that can capture eroticism with such accuracy. The film is art in motion. The trio of Seyfried, Mooore and Neeson portray real people with believable emotions and desires that raise raw sexuality to true everyday existence. The couples teenage son also adds a fresh approach to intimate encounters.

The term "erotic thriller" really hits the mark as Seyfried walks a tightrope that envelopes you with thrills and chills. Her body is made for the cinema. Liam Neeson does not typically play the confused husband role but handles in deftly while Moore reveals the amazing range of her acting abilities. Not to be missed on a cozy night home with a lady friend.

Red Lights (2012)

Misses the mark

[5/10 · 7 June 2013]

Sigourney Weaver who is a great actress was wasted in this trip through the land of the supernatural. She was great with what she had to work with but the story just couldn't grip me. I kept waiting for something really powerful to happen only to be lead around the corner into another elongated moment. The film is about a supposedly famous psychic named Silver who has come out of "retirement" while some paranormal debunkers (Weaver, Murphy) are bored with the typical charlatans of our day. Deniro is off the mark as Silver and seems to be looking to generate a wow moment but never finds it. A very contrived acting turnout from one of the greats.

Cillian Murphy (Weavers "sidekick") attempts to carry the film and does what he can to keep the viewer hooked. There is actually some great material here that just can't translate properly to full entertainment, at least the way this film handled it. This was another case of wanting to like a film but having to come to terms with the reality that it just wasn't done well. I will however probably remember the movie compared to so many other easily forgotten movies because a liked the subject matter.

As a side note the extras on the DVD are horribly edited and the featurettes are of little interest. Comment Comment | Permalink

Hitchcock (2012)

"I Confess"

[6/10 · 7 June 2013]

You hear the name "Hitchcock" and it is a film you just have to check out. Like Hitchcock himself the movie is odd but entertaining. Peering into old Hollywood and the stars of yesteryear always delights with its speculative nature. "Hitchcock" starts off with the director already inhabiting his celebrity, so you will not be watching a bio of the man. Anthony Hopkins who plays the title role never sold Hitchcock to me. And, being that I could not even find a hint of facial connection to the famed director, the loss was even greater. Of course Hopkins is a great actor, but the performance was contrived to the point where I felt it was a "I will now do my Hitchcock imitation", which isn't all bad, it just is what it is. Hitch's wife Emma played by the talented Helen Mirren was in counter a charming, possibly unrealistic, encapsulating portrayal of a lesser known figure.

Watching the origins of the Psycho film play out before you is like putting puzzle pieces together. What shape goes where? Unfortunately there's a little too much TV movie style assembly which detracted from any theatrical magic happenings. There is a bulls-eye Anthony Perkins portrayal, a cardboard Vera Miles incarnation (intentional?) and a Janet Leigh physical upgrade (Scarlett Johanson) topped with a dead on hairdo. A standout is Hitch's secretary who has just the right glossy eye rolls and bewildered demeanor. Finally the (Paramount) picture head antagonist role safely keeps the caricature alive and well. If you want it all to fit, it will. If your missing pieces just push anything together to get this flexible bit of fun working.

Psycho (the book) apparently derived some weird ideas from Hitch's dream mentor in the film, serial killer Ed Gein, which trickles in through the film in an attempt at creativity that falls flat on it's face. One of those "just not necessary" moves the slows the cinematic movement to a near kill.

If you can get past it's scripty deliveries and hindering insertions, "Hitchcock" is an effective period piece that quickly whips figures into shape while holding just as fast to it's rather purposely morose intentions. Its a capable showing of entertainment and the endeavor is commendable, enabling me to toss out my, "for The Birds" title in favor of a more "review-esque" film title from one of Hitch's less notables.

The Loneliest Runner (1976 TV Movie)

70s Heartugging Winner!

[10/10 · 7 June 2013]

stomer Reviews 4.8 out of 5 stars (4) 4.8 out of 5 stars 5 star 3 4 star 1

I saw this TV movie when it first aired back in 1976. Lance Kerwin, in some really good acting, plays early teen John Curtis who has a bed wetting problem. The movie lures you in with sympathy for the boy and it is very effective. Michael Landon plays John Curtis as an adult, an ace runner, who we see breaking through the finish line at the start of the film . While pondering the question of his track abilities during an interview, he stares into a wall clock that triggers a childhood flashback. The story unfolds as we witness young John Curtis rising early and scampering to gather his bedsheets for washing. Johns father(Brian Keith)who internally wants to help his son, lives in a household where he appears to be verbally dominated by his wife. As a father with a secret, he tries with heavy machismo to reach and cure his son. At the age of 12 or 13, John's fear of being ridiculed for bed-wetting by his parents and friends is monumental, and understandably so. He desperately tries though shear will and lack of sleep to end or hide his condition to please his parents. You really feel his pain.

This may all sound like a boring or outdated topic, but stay with it to see a family dynamic exposed and some great acting as well by Brian Keith. John obviously has a condition that can't be helped. You could almost apply any embarrassing ailment, or even an addiction to the story and get a good message from it. His mother is downright mean and determined to embarrass her son by hanging his urine stained bed sheets out the window for all his friends and neighbors to see. The film takes place in the 50s so you can somewhat understand the naivete'. To avoid ridicule John bolts home from school everyday to take the sheets in before they can be seen. Doing this daily, he develops great speed and is recognized by the school track coach as a standout. A wonderful and eventually forceful showing of compassion by dad makes it all worthwhile. As we return to the adult John Curtis at the films end, he makes a bittersweet and humbling statement (in true Landon fashion). The Loneliest Runner is a surprisingly interesting and entertaining movie. If your in the mood to stir up emotions, this well done and probably forgotten seventies TV movie will do it. Watching it as a parent by yourself could be a learning experience. The Loneliest Runner deserves a quality DVD release.

Delusion (1991)

NO reviewer comments about no DVD.

[6/10 · 6 June 2013]

I looked around this web site and saw nothing that points out that Delusion is only available on VHS, which does the typical pan and scan butchering job on it. This is a widescreen film that can only been seen in widescreen on laserdisc. Remember laserdisc? This site used to be dedicated to it. Anyway, I think some are overrating this movie. Its not a bad film, its just not the masterpiece its being made out to be. Delusion does have that lonely highway thriller feel and some kooky characters, one of them being the very sexy Jennifer Rubin who's body is made for the cinema. The entertainment is in waiting for the next twist on the hot open road film locales. It's mostly B movie actors performing slightly above the norm, and that's where the freshness lies. Don't forget to sit through the credits if you want to see the further sexiness of Jennifer Rubin as she dances to a wicked cover of "These Boots Are Made For Walk'in".

Teenage Bank Heist (2012 TV Movie)

Superlative

[10/10 · 5 April 2013]

Thank you. Yes thank you actors, director Doug Campbell, and everyone else who was involved in creating this solid piece of film-making. This is a film you may typically skip over when looking for the big blockbusters, but don't. I actually almost did the aforementioned, but do to my interest in "heist" films, committed the title to memory from Red Box where I saw it, then scanned the web for further info on it.

I'm pretty sure this was a direct to home video film from MCI but it plays as good as any high end Hollywood film. This is a "TV movie" because of the affiliation with the Lifetime network but you would never know that to be the case after seeing it in my opinion. Also it is shot in widescreen and doesn't have a clunky TV aura to it. I can tell you that the film is not so much about plotting and planning a bank robbery, but more about the dynamics that reveal themselves in between. The acting is top notch for this kind of budget restricted film, and I can be one tough critic. These are some "giving it all you've got" portrayals that deserve recognition. I was on the seat of my pants waiting for the next twist or latent clue to come that eventually did and never failed to satisfy.

"Teenage Bank Heist" has some real actors in it that spout their lines with an incredibly realistic delivery. Almost nothing screamed "fake" to me and the little that did was based in pure sentimentality that works for films anyway. The camera shots were absolutely superb with limited but highly plausible action sequences. I would love to have seen extras on the DVD with interviews or behind the scenes footage but I don't even know if the film-makers knew how good a film they made. Plus, this was probably a package deal that had limitations with its distributing. This goes beyond just renting, its a keeper. I hope it catches on.

The players:

Maeve Quinlan: Joyce (Cassie's mom played with authentic determination) Abbie Cobb: Cassie (carries the film with bewilderment and empathy) Cassie Thompson: Abbie (knows how a gutsy thinking girl acts) Augie Duke: Maria (rage, spot on, period) Davida Williams: Grace (a quiet loss projected) James Ferris: Nick (has the unstable bad a$* role cornered) Rosa Blasi: Agent Mendoza (this is the FBI- a talented to the core portrayal with sugar on top) The "secondary" cast members more than held their own as well. And yes I know the two female leads Cassie and Abbie must have switched their real names with each other for their characters names- cool.

King Kong (2005)

Decent, but at times missing important elements of realism.

[6/10 · 22 December 2005]

I just saw the movie today and I have mixed feelings about it, especially as a Kong enthusiast. The movie starts out with visuals of large animals in a 1930s zoo which gives scope and size of what is to come. The entry into the 30s world of deep poverty ridden streets is near flawless as is the opulence of some of the era. It's nice to see the extreme attention thats paid to detail. I tolerated Jack Black as Carl Denham. He's "okay" playing the aggressive, quirky but friendly role. Some say the beginning of this film is to long and I would agree somewhat. It is helpful to establish the characters particularly when the star is computer generated, but the substance added was nothing gripping or captivating. Jackson(director)or whomever should never have played around with the original characters roles. I'm speaking mostly of Adrien Brody who plays Jack Driscoll. He should have remained the first mate, not a screenwriter. That change added a ridiculous new character(played badly by the star of the canceled TV series Early Edition)who was very unneeded and just plain silly.

The trip to Skull Island is pretty much a bore and at times was filmed kind of cheap looking. There was supposed to be some kind of interesting dialog and depth to the characters of Hayes and a kid named Billy. The acting by both was terrible. The ships captain Englehorn looked out of place. Am I the only one thinking an older person needed to play Englehorn's role? I mentioned Brody, let me mention him again, Stinks! I was sorry to see some of the crew members meet an early demise, they stood out more then some in the forefront. Now, Naomi Watts. She shines. Not only because of her beauty, but she can emote. She gave the film what it needed, wonder and awe. King Kong is a far fetched premise but she anchored it.

When they all reach the island there are some stunning sites to behold. I couldn't figure out for the life of me why Jackson was using the cheesy looking slow motion and jutting camera effects. It was pathetic. You would see something like that in an episode of Lost maybe. Again, he detracted from the possibility of realism with that foolishness. The natives on the island are very weird but effective. It seems Jackson was capitalizing on the recent zombie craze with how the natives move and look. Kong himself is a fantastic, engrossing image. Every movement is extremely real and the action scenes of him(rather her)fighting T-Rex(s) is brilliant. Where the film took another down-spin is when what human beings can do is stretched beyond comprehension. You should expect some extremes in an action picture, but try to hold fast to common sense at least. Driscoll has giant bugs all over him and the kid is firing a machine gun right at him! Repeatedly! Of course he doesn't catch a bullet. As some have said the Brontosaurus chase had some big weak spots in the effects department.

Where was Kong fighting a Teradactal on the cliff? That should have a been standard. Instead we got big Lord of the Rings type gargoyle wizard bats. No spider fight(but that's excusable since he restored that to the original Kong). But no snake fight? I don't even think I saw a snake in this jungle! I could be wrong.

With all my negatives its still in many ways a magnificent movie. The arrival in New York plays up to par, and Kong barreling through the caverns of the city is my kind of movie making that shows the startling remake of King Kong that I knew was underneath it all. Kong atop the Empire State Building was spectacular and gave me a genuine feeling of wanting to hold on. Like War Of The Worlds this year the special effects ruled the day, but to a lesser degree in this film. I realize Jackson had great intentions of triumphing with Kong and in many areas he did all he could. Unfortunately there were some big-time down-spots. If not for the charm and solidness of Watts, a few good tweaks and a very real Kong, this could have REALLY bit the dust. The DVD should be interesting if done right. Maybe some nice extra scenes. No "Son Of Kong" please.