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griggsda
Reviews
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine: Business as Usual (1997)
Good Noir Spoof
This is DS 9's idea of a spoof of Film Noir, with Quark as the criminal who is not all bad, and Odo as the hard-boiled detective. The highlight must be the presence of Lawrence Tierney who is one of the giants of 1940s and 50s crime dramas (see esp. "Born To Kill"). He only does two scenes, but his icy presence gives this little comedy/drama a pedigree and authenticity.
The Twilight Zone: The Incredible World of Horace Ford (1963)
Great drama, good psychological portrait
I am surprised at how few positive reviews this teleplay gets. I consider this program one of television's finest hours. It seems that many viewers lack sympathy for the main character, Horace M. Ford. I see him as a man with a troubled childhood who has spent most of his life in denial about his psychological baggage. His unwillingness to face reality has caught up with him and he is having what they called in the 1960s a nervous breakdown. So, of course his behavior is childish, he is having a nervous breakdown. I assume that for most of his adult life he was able to act more like an adult, but at the age of 38 the wounded child within finally demanded attention. In a 'magical realism' sort of way, the resolution is convincing and satisfying. The acting, casting, and set designs are first rate. "The Incredible World of Horace Ford" is a meaningful psychological drama.
MacGyver (2016)
Clichés and stereotypes
The Cairo episode was packed with every cliché, stereotype, and old joke about Egypt. It did not come off as campy or cute, just racist, superficial, and utterly lacking in imagination. Since the new series has little connection to the original version, I suppose the creators are aiming for a young audience who might be new to cliché and old jokes. Over all, the show has some potential, if only the creators will take a more thoughtful approach. It does not need to be profound, but why go for dull and second-hand?
Arrival (2016)
sentimental sap
Most of this film is good. The pacing is steady, thoughtful, and not too busy. Most films (esp. action movies) have rapid-fire takes and assume that a movie is more interesting if they maximize the mayhem. Most of 'Arrival' is more grown up. My objection is the beginning and the end, both of which are packed with sappy sentimentality. I simply don't care about the character's kids; parenting does not make her more interesting or heroic. The film makers might have invested in some humor for this movie; instead they went with empty sentimentality. I suggest that you arrive a bit late, and walk out right after the phone call (you will know what I mean).
After Earth (2013)
Well worth seeing
Perhaps because AFTER EARTH had a huge budget, a big star (Will Smith), and renowned director (M.Night Shyamalan), expectations were high. But if you bracket expectations (always a good idea for a Shyamalan film) and just take it at face value, it holds up as a good, simple, father and son story in an adventure context. I liked the simplicity of it; economical story telling seems rare these days. And unlike too many films, this movie does not resort to constant, very short takes (as if most people get bored when a take is more than two seconds long).
The story is a bit familiar, formulaic if you will, but singers are not expected to sing all original music all the time, so film makers can be forgiven for repeating themselves. Also, AFTER EARTH has some surprises, my favorite being the part played by the large bird (I will not say more on account of those who have not seen this movie yet).
The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas (2000)
good cartoon fun
This film is good cartoon fun. No wasted scenes; it is short enough that it never drags. Harvey Korman gives the movie a connection with the original series (1960s). Joan Collins and Jane Krakowski brighten up any movie. The character Gazoo helps to solidify the plot. The humor is cute and in good taste. The set designs are colorful and clever; they keep every scene lively.
I have only two criticisms. The resolutions to the main conflicts are a little too easy.
Also, they should have let Jane Krakowski sing (perhaps instead of Mick Jagged). Jane is an excellent singer; she is probably the biggest talent in the cast. Jane K. has an on-camera charisma that begs comparison to Marilyn Monroe, and her body language is always flawless and engaging.