metalrox_2000 Reviews

NCIS: Strange Invaders (2024) Season 21, Episode 6

Fresh take on plot breathes new life

[9/10 · 3 April 2024]

As is typical with many NCIS episodes, the show starts with the murder of a member of the Navy. As the team investigates, they learn that the killer. May be perhaps, out of this world. This leads to a sidebar as the members of the team debate if they believe in UFOs (even though they are given a different name) or not.

After watching video of the officer's testimony before a congressional hearing, they seek answers from the congresswoman heading the hearings. This leads the team to a company producing next generation AI.

Soon, they discover the program had been hacked, leading to the navy officer's death. They enlist the man who wrote the program to bring a stop to it.

In an ending that was inspired by the first "hacker" film, Wargames, the team learns that the program is named for the programmers son. The son, much like in the movie Wargames, died as a child, so in grief, the program named the new software in honor of his son. In an emotional scene, the programmer realizes the only way to stop the hackers from selling the program to foreign enemies, is to terminate it. As the programmer presses the button the delete the program, Parker consoles him by reminding him at least this time, he got to say good bye.

This really could end up a classic episode. It had humor, and in the end, tugs at the heartstrings with an emotion impact. This is really a contender for best episode of the Parker era.

United Passions (2014)

United Propaganda

[1/10 · 28 March 2024]

Back in the 1940's, film makers in both the U. S. and Germany were hard at work making propaganda films. Movies, some released to mainstream audiences, that had a hidden agenda to push a narrative. Propaganda films have come and gone since that era, though more recently, they've had a rebirth as so-called documentaries. See such examples as 2000 Mules and No Intelligence Required.

United Passions is a prime example of a propaganda film. FIFA, perhaps the most corrupt organization outside of the NCAA, overseas Euro soccer. The movie attempts to re-write Shepp Blatter. From a misogynistic power hungry man, to an anti-corruption crusader. That's akin to recasting Daniel Snyder as a compassionate team owner. All of the publicly and privately known scandals are simply swept away, and Frederic. Auburtin seems to care more about giving Blatter, and FIFA a PR make-over.

Re-writing of history aside, United Passions is a very boring movie. A film that overstays its welcome at 110 or so minutes. You'll spent more time looking at your watch than the screen. The plot moves at a snail's pace and the action, when it does happen, is as exciting as watching grass grow.

To further show how much of a bomb United Passions was, the budget for the film was around reportedly, 32 million dollars. The film roughly made north of 900 dollars here in the states, making it the lowest grossing film ever.

United Passions a propaganda film, plain and simple. And it's without a shadow of a doubt, the worst propaganda film ever made.

Night Court: Hello, Goodbye (1985) Season 3, Episode 1

Heartwarming tribute and proper send-off for Selma

[9/10 · 27 March 2024]

Addressing the real life passing of a cast member is tough handle, how does one craft the proper tribute. Especially when it comes to a show more know for comedy. This episode of Night Court provides perfect the best example.

To understand Bull grief over the loss of co-worker Selma, one has to understand their relationship. They were more than co-workers, whereas Bull saw Selma as a friend, Selma took on the role of providing Bull a mother figure, one that could keep him in line, steer him away from danger, albeit with a little tough love. On the outside, Bull looks like a tough, menacing figure, but in reality, he's childlike with a heart of gold. And to that end, is why Selma becomes very protective of him.

Bull always took his role seriously, but the death of Selma has him reeling. In an uncharacteristic move, Bull spends the night getting drunk, and creating havoc. His co-workers, who essentially serve as a surrogate family, staged an intervention. After yelling at Christine, the new public defender, Bull finally breaks down. He's angry at the seemingly quick and easy way everyone else is moving on in replacing Selma, saying "Roses are red, violets are blue, get sick and die, we'll replace you too." Finally, in a cathartic moment, Bull screams, "I want answers, and I want them now!"

Soon, Flo, who is looking to apply for the open position, pops into the office. Seeing how much Flo reminds him of Selma, and suddenly happy Bull runs over to her, turns to Harry, and with a childlike wide smile, ask "Can I Keep her?" Harry sees that Flo is just like Selma, and should be able to fit right in. And once again, everything is right in Bull's world.

One thing that needs to be kept in mind about this episode is the performance of Richard Mull. Usually, Bull is played for laughs, the but of the joke. However, here, Richard Mull takes over the screen, and produces one of the best dramatic performances the show would ever see during its run. The closing scene with Bull mourning Selma is also a window to the dramatic skills Richard Mull had, but sadly, was never given many chances to display. All in all, Hello, Goodbye is rightfully regarded as one of Night Court's best episodes, and serves as the proper send off not only for the character Selma, but the actress, Selma Diamond as well.

Let There Be Light (I) (2017)

Boring generic entry in the religious drama genre

[1/10 · 25 March 2024]

Operating off the false assumption of atheism in general, Let The Be Light picks from ever Lifetime TV drama it can find, takes those elements, tosses them into a blender, and produces Let There Be Light.

Starring Kevin Sorbo, who one can safely assume only got the job because he was sleeping with the director, let There Be Light, religious subtext aside, has a message it wants to convey, but it falls flat. Instead it's a cliche fest that is ultra predictable. Hampering things even further, Sorbo has cast in the first as many scene chewers and first time amateurs best left to make commercials than appear in a full length feature film.

If you're looking for a movie to reinforce your belief that do be a good person, you have to believe in a deity, this is for you. If you're looking for the Ten Commandments, look elsewhere. This movie feels more like United Passions, if that film had been about religion, and not soccer.

Winnie-the-Pooh: Blood and Honey (2023)

Winnie the piece of crap

[1/10 · 21 March 2024]

Once something like Winnie The Pooh falls into public domain, one wonders what a devious mind can create to totally upend the original character.

Instead of something funny, or at the very least, a bizarre porn parody, we get this. A horror film that ignores logic, defies all laws regarding a horror movie, and cares more about gore that plot and character development.

Little attention is paid to anything,really. The film, written and directed by Rhys Frake-Waterfield, a man who'd have to improve vastly to be considered a rank amateur. Frake-Waterfield is so terrible, he makes Coleman Francis look like Francis Ford Coppola. The special effects, if one can even call them that, are so terrible, you'd expect this poor level from a high school film student.

Christopher Robin, the alleged hero, runs away crying, leaving Maria to be slaughtered by Winnie in a climax, that, well, more feels like a relief.

This was a film so bad, even the oxygen must have been embarrassed to be there. I really hope Disney is more protective of its copyrights in the future. If I honestly could have given this film a negative ten, I would have. By far, the worst "film" I've ever reviewed for IMDB.

2000 Mules (2022)

Laughable entry to conspiracy theorist film festival

[1/10 · 19 March 2024]

Had 2000 Mules been presented a comedy, this would have won several awards. Instead, it's a cheaply made, multi-layered flawed, devoid of facts and logic hit piece. A film intended as a hit piece on democracy written and produced by Dinesh D'Souza, a convicted felon who had his sentence commuted by then president Trump.

To repay that favor, after Trump lost the election, D'Souza quickly put together this mess. Taking newsclips and video out of context, and ignoring all election laws, D'Souza tries to paint a picture of the election being stolen from Trump.

Al kidding aside, D'Souza's mission is clear. Make Americans believe that elections are not safe, unless one party, and one party alone is in control of them. 2000 Mules has many fatal flaws in logic, reducing the producers to use slight of hand to make the view believe the election was stolen. Even though since this came out, many of its conclusions have been debunked by agencies hired by Trump to prove there was election theft. 2000 Mules should be remembered in the proper light. An anti-democracy propaganda film.

The Earth Dies Screaming (1964)

An unintentional laugh riot of awesomely bad film making

[2/10 · 19 March 2024]

The Earth Dies Screaming is bathed in camp value, which cheap special effects that would make Ed Wood or even Coleman Francis cringe.

For reasons never explained, aliens invade Britain. They are able to use a gas to either kill people or turn them into zombies to do their bidding.

A plucky band of survivors are determined to outwit and defeat the aliens. Only there's a catch, of them is a pregnant woman due to give birth at a moments notice.

The acting is wooden and by the end of the film, they seem openly embarrassed to have agreed to appear in this movie. The Aliens, who look more like the love child of Robby The Robot than actual aliens, seem to fall to the wayside as the story focuses more on the survivors than the invaders. Which.when the film concludes, and the alien force defeated, the viewer is left to just shrug their shoulders and comment "meh"

If you're looking for Lawrence of the Arabia, look elsewhere. If your looking for a campy film made so cheaply, and so poorly, it makes The Creeping Terror look like fine art, then The Earth Died Screaming is for you.

Hand of Death (1962)

How has the MST3K crew not riffed this.

[2/10 · 26 September 2020]

Director Gene Nelson matches Ed Wood when it comes to utter ineptness, but with none of the Ed Wood charm. Clumsily filmed scenes, passersby watching the action without as much reaction. Hand of Death is about a scientist named Alex Marsh (John Alger) who does what any rational scientist does when he can't find a test subject, he uses himself as a guinea pig. What happens next is pretty predictable, Alger becomes a strange beast because of his experiment, leading his girlfriend Carol Wilson (played by Paula Raymond to a wooden perfection) left alone to cry and plead for Marsh to come to his senses and seek help. Hot on his trail is Tom Holland (played by Steve Dunne, who comes off more as a poorman's Dick Sargent than he does anything else). In Marsh's wake are several unsuspecting victims, including the kindly Dr. Ramsey, who makes the mistake of trying to help Dr. Marsh, and a cap driver who by his very dialogue seems more fitted for a 1930's gangster movie. And the less said about the dialogue the better. It's cheesy, even for a b movie like this and makes anything sound intelligent by comparison. You'll find yourself chuckling at parts that are supposed to be dramatic.

When the grand finale comes, Dr. Marsh as the killer creature is dispatched rather easily and his girlfriend Carol reacts with a rather emotionless generic scream. And we're left wit Dr. Marsh's body floating in the water as Carol, Tom, and the policemen for what ever reason, just walk away, leaving Dr. Marsh's body to possibly be washed out to sea.

Overall this is a cheesy move that could have been better served with a slightly longer running time and an entirely different cast. The best way to enjoy this film is to just have your own little riff session because there is plenty to make fun of in this little turkey. Enjoy!

M*A*S*H: Guerilla My Dreams (1979) Season 8, Episode 3

Not everything is Black and White

[9/10 · 30 September 2019]

It what had to be a shocker for TV fans of that era, it turns out that the person the hero was trying to save was the ruthless killer an enemy military general said she was. When she arrives amidst the chaos of incoming casualties, one of whom is Scully, Margaret's latest boyfriend, the medics do their best to attend to everyone. As Hawkeye is attending to Guerilla Woman, Lt. Park, played with great skill by M*A*S*H semi regular Mako, stands over him, watching intently. After Hawkeye expresses his displeasure, Mako explains why he is there and his intentions. Lt. Park is so intent on questioning her, he orders his soldiers to try and remove her when the doctors backs are turned.

Lt. Park cannot understand why Hawkeye rebuffs his attempts, and Hawkeye views Park as just part of the killing machine of war. Once Scully, who knows Park's reputation, if not the man himself, explains that Park intends of killing her once he's done questioning her, Hawkeye and B.J. scheme for a way to get her out alive. Not even her attempts to murder a wounded soldier in post-op tells the doctors that they may be misguided. They just pass it off as her attempt to flee certain death. Even Charles volunteers to help, by challenging Park to a game of chess when Park lets it slip that he enjoys the game. Saying to B.J. and Hawkeye that the game would provide the perfect 'distraction.' While B.J. and Hawkeye load her onto an ambulance that night, Charles engages Park in a chess match, playing rather badly on purpose in order to keep Park distracted. However, it fails as Park and his men (who'd been duped by Klinger into drinking wine and leaving their post) quickly spring to their feet and stop the ambulance before it can leave. He removes the Guerilla woman from the ambulance and attempts to leave with her, saying that since the doctors did their job, it was time for him to his, prompting an angry Hawkeye to call him a SOB and advance on him, only for Park's men to draw their weapons on Hawkeye. A brief, a very tense stand off begins, before Park and his men retreat to the waiting jeep, with their prisoner aboard, and drive off. And we are left with Hawkeye, B.J. Potter, Klinger and Charles mulling about the complex, resigned to the fate of the woman.

The story presents a complex dilemma. Even though the true intentions of the woman are made clear in the end, one can see that once even the doctors see this as well, they remain conflicted. Though they know she's a killer, she themselves don't want to see her put to death.

Overall, this is one of the stronger episodes and the story works better because she is the killer she is considered to be. It would have been too clichéd to have her be innocent. And as for Hawkeye, who saw the world through a prism of right and wrong, he is once again reminded that's not always the case.

If I Leave Here Tomorrow: A Film About Lynyrd Skynyrd (2018)

An excellent documentary on a Simple Band

[10/10 · 19 September 2019]

Documentaries can either reach a point where it feels they are dragging on, or they can leave wanting more. If I Leave Here Tomorrow leaves you wanting more.

This documentary does more than simply give out facts about the band's humble beginnings, this film engaging the view on all fronts and you almost feel like you're in the room when the band members are being interviewed.

First and foremost, this film dispels myth and lays out facts. You learn that the band favored gun control (though a few members own guns themselves) and the line from Saturday Night Special about throwing the guns into the bottom of the sea echoes a comment made by Ronnie Van Zant during an interview. You'll also learn that the band wasn't too happy with being associated with the Confederate flag, as that was a way for MCA to market the band to fans in the deep south. Several of the still living members of the band express deep regret in not putting their foot down over the flag's use.

There are several funny antidotes, including several about the early days and recording in the Shack. I'm not going to describe that any further, because that wouldn't do it justice. Watching the band members explain it themselves brings home the rough beginnings the band had.

Perhaps the most amazing feature about this documentary, is that you know how it ends. You know that Ronnie, Steve Gaines, and his sister Cassie are doomed to die at the bands peak, yet it still feels like a shock and the raw emotions you feel as they visit the crash site, without being exploitative, just can not be explained in mere words.

I would highly recommend this documentary to any Skynyrd fan, or music historian in general. No matter what, you'll look upon the band and it's members in a different light after viewing this film, and with a great deal more of respect.

Killers from Space (1954)

50's Sci-Fi that's cheesy, yet fun to watch.

[6/10 · 8 January 2019]

Overall, the story is engaging. A jet carrying a scientist crashing in the desert. Dr. Martin (played by Peter Graves) finds himself wandering around town with no memory of how he got there, not how he survived the crash that killed his pilot. When he's examined, a scar is located on his chest. Soon, Dr. Martin sees that things aren't normal, but he doesn't fully understand why he feels danger lurking around the corner. Soon, Dr. Martin has his memories back, mainly of bugged eyed aliens doing open heart surgery on him. After a long, and seemingly near endless scene where Dr. Martin runs away from the Aliens, only to be caught in a maze surrounded by super sized spiders and other insects. Dr. Martin quickly retreats and finds himself among the aliens again.

Dr. Martin, however, is drawn back to the spot the plane crashed. First he steals a paper out of a safe, and races back towards the crash site, where he runs into the aliens and learns of their devious plans. His next mission is to shut down a power plant that would cause a chain reaction and destroy the aliens with a nuclear blast. Despite his fellow humans not believing him at first, Dr. Martin is able to make them see what was happening, as he destroys the Alien lab.

The movie is fun if you don't take it too seriously. It's a low budget 1950's science fiction flick that seems to run too short at 71 minutes. There's no grand confrontation between the evil aliens out to claim Earth as their own and wipe out the humans, and the humans themselves. The aliens are just killed by remote control. The special effects are laughable by todays' standards. It's still entertaining though and Barbara Bester, James Seay and Steve Pendleton all do great jobs in a supporting role. If you love 50's Sci-fi, then check this hidden gem out.

The Post (2017)

History comes to life with The Post.

[10/10 · 27 January 2018]

Steven Spielberg comes out firing on all cylinders with this epic film about The Pentagon Papers, the first domino that ended up exposing the U.S. Military brass' real views on the Vietnam War, and ends with the events that eventually brought down President Richard Nixon.

The film starts off following Daniel Ellsberg (Played by Matthew Rhys) in Vietnam just before a mission. The mission goes south and many U.S. troops are slaughtered. We next find Ellsberg on a plane, where he is summoned by Robert McNamara (Bruce Greenwood) to get an understanding on if Vietnam is a winnable war. Ellsberg gives his report, and McNamara and others argue while conceding that Vietnam is a lost cause. As Ellsberg leaves the plane, he hears McNamara do a 180 as he tries to sell the war to the American public. Taking things into his own hands, Ellsberg later copies top secret documents, showing the war to be a lost cause. These papers of course, go on to be the infamous Pentagon Papers. For the record, the actual Pentagon papers we learn we stored at the think tank The Rand Corp. This is from where Ellsberg copies the files.

The story shifts to Kay Graham, played by Meryl Streep, in perhaps one of her greatest performances) and the editor of the Washington Post, Ben Bradlee, played by Tom Hanks, who almost plays the role better than Jason Robards did in the classic All The Presidents Men. Many in Kay's circle feels that she doesn't have the make up to be able to run the paper, and they remind her many times that the only reason she was in charge was because her husband took his own life, thus leaving the paper to her. Hanks' Bradlee wants a story that is going to help the post, tired of the paper covering trivial events, like weddings. The New York Times is the first to break the story, but President Nixon is able to get an injunction to prevent the paper from publishing the documents. A legal battle ensues, one that entangles the Washington Post. When it is determined that the injunction against the New York Times could include the post if the source is the same, Bradlee cast fate to the wind and opts to publish. Graham, who though out the film is depicted as being unsure of herself, finally shows an iron cast will, and tells Bradlee to publish the documents. A second legal battle takes place, this time reaching the Supreme Court. A fight the Post wins. They publish the papers, tide turns against the war, and the rest is history/

The film includes actual audio from the infamous Nixon tapes, giving the film a more realistic feel. The acting is top notch, and the film itself never seems to have lagging points. This film is a true must see and should take home a few Oscars when that time comes around. The film makes you feel like you've taken a trip back in time, and you're witnessing the events first hand. And perhaps the greatest impact of the film comes at the end, when it finishes strong with the Watergate break, almost connecting itself to the film All The President's Men.

This film really is a must see, especially given the current state of affairs. A true 10 out of 10.

Bridge of Spies (2015)

History written with excellence

[10/10 · 24 November 2015]

History comes alive with Bridge of Spies. Mark Rylance is excellently cast as Rudolph Able, by all appearances, a kindly man who just wishes to be alone with his paint set. Appearances are deceiving, as we learn he is actually a Russian spy. Playing out as a secondary story, we watch as Francis Gary Powers is selected to fly a US plane in order to gather intelligence on Russia. Given a poison to take should he be captured, Powers realizes how dangerous a mission he was about to undertake.

James Donovan is charged with the task of providing Able a suitable defense, not unlike John Adams had been called to do nearly two hundred years before with the Red Coats who fired into the crowd at Boston. Donovan loses in court, but is able to spare Able's life, citing that killing him would only incite hostilities against the US by Russia.

Powers' mission is a failure as he is shot down, and tortured by the Russians. To add to the events, the Berlin Wall is going up in Germany, causing strife in that country as well. Fredric Pryor, an American college student studying abroad, is taken prisoner. Sent under orders to do an even change, Able for Powers, Donovan doesn't like the idea of leaving an American behind.

To the dismay of the US Government, Donovan begins to set negations to get both Pryor and Powers, telling the Russians that they won't get Able if the US doesn't get both of their citizens back. The drama intensifies as it appears Germany may balk at the suggestion of giving up Pryor.

The events come to ahead on a snowy bridge, as Able and Powers stand on opposite sides of the bridge, not knowing if they would step foot on the homeland again. At the last second, the Germans show up at Checkpoint Charlie with Pryor, and the exchange is made, and Donovan is happy with his success, yet worried about Able's fate, as the two have become friends amongst the madness of world politics.

The brisk pace of the movie, as well as the engaging characters make this a must see movie. Alan Alda proves he still has it, even though he appears briefly in the film. Both Tom Hanks and Mark Rylance both forth such amazing performances, that both should be considered Oscar worthy.

It's next to impossible to make a suspenseful film about a historical event of which you already know the outcome. Yet Spielberg is able to do just that. This is a true must see film! 10 out of 10.

The Simpsons: The Winter of His Content (2014) Season 25, Episode 14

Funny send up the Warriors is a home run

[10/10 · 16 July 2015]

While the living conditions at the Springfield Retirement Castle are a part of the story, the best is the parody of the cult classic movie "Warriors. Bart is wrongly accused of attacking the leader of the Bullies, leaving him, Nelson, Jimbo, Kearny, and Dolph to make it back to their home turf. As in the movie, Bart and the boys encounter many themed bully gangs, including the Furries. In order to save his friends, Nelson sacrifices himself, flinging himself at the lone standing furry and they roll down the hill, and out of view. Bart and the crew trudge home.

There they encounter the main bully that set him up, Luther. Bart and friends are out numbered until Homer and Grandpa Simpson ride in and save the day.

The show does well to parody Warriors, exchanging the violence for some really good laughs. The story and jokes are proof that The Simpsons still have a lot of life left, and the writers can still come out with some good plots.

Somewhere in Georgia (1917)

Terrible early baseball fluff

[2/10 · 8 May 2015]

Often cited as the worst baseball movie ever made, time hasn't exactly been kind. Noted only for Ty Cobb's appearance as the film's hero, the movie suffered badly from choppy editing, and a terrible plot.

The film is a about a baseball player (Cobb) who is a star. He's approached by gamblers about throwing a few games. When he declines, the gamblers kidnap and hold hims hostage. They bet large sums of money that Cobb's team will lose.

He manages to escape, and rides to the game on a donkey (yeah, you read that right) in order to get into the line up in the ninth inning, and save the day for his team.

Hard to watch, with a plot that had to seem silly, even in it's time.

The Simpsons: Sky Police (2015) Season 26, Episode 16

Instant classic

[10/10 · 9 March 2015]

I have to say I was impressed with Sky Police. The writers managed to get more mileage out of the destroy the church gag. Last time it was Homer and an off course rocket that destroyed the church, which led to Mr. Burns buying the church, and changing it, which in turn, led to Lisa adopting Buddism as her religion. There was also the time Homer was injured on Church property, and won the church itself in the settlement.

Chief Wiggum receives a jet pack was had been destined for Clancey Wiggins, a military officer. We quickly get a funny montage of Wiggum singing Sky Police (Which includes a terrible fate suffered by two spray painting punks) until Clancey Wiggins arrives to claim his jet pack. Wiggum tries to escape, but events lead to the unmanned jet pack crashing into the church.

What happens next is a plan to recoup the money by card counting at the local casino. Thanks to help from Apu, Marge, Rev. Lovejoy and his wife Helen, along with Ned Flanders and Skinner's mom take the casino for as much as they can, returning at times dressed in various outfits.

This leads to one of the best gags of the show, when Marge arrives at Rev. Lovejoy's house to get the money back. The pit boss has taken Homer hostage until the money is returned. Marge is shocked to see Rev. Lovejoy still dressed in one out the outfits. He explains that role playing has added zest to his and Helen's love life. Helen, hearing Marge's voice, replies that if there is a woman at the door, that Rev. Lovejoy should bring her inside, implying that she is looking to have a swinging three way bisexual experience. Marge escapes from the Lovejoy love nest, and goes to the Casino. The Pit boss agrees to let Homer go, and Homer goes on a rant on how Card Counting isn't really against the rules.

Without a doubt this was a return to the envelope pushing that the show had been known for in the past. And yes they do overlook Marge's previous addiction to gambling that still doesn't take away from the humorous story.

M*A*S*H: The Billfold Syndrome (1978) Season 7, Episode 5

One of the best shows of the entire series, bar none

[10/10 · 2 March 2015]

Without a doubt, this is one of the best episodes in the entire run. The story is acting with amazing brilliance, and Kevin Geer does an outstanding job as the ill-fated Sergeant Nielson.

In the subplot, Charles is upset that his post in Korea as port of the M*A*S*H unit has resulted in him missing a dream job in the states. During this time we are introduced to a fresh faced, yet seasoned Sergeant Jerry Nielson. Nielson is very much like Radar. On the outside, he seems like a miscast kid in a war who is able to handle things with such skill, you can only marvel. This is n display as Hawkeye compliments Nielson on the way the wounded have been bandaged and cared for. During a scene in the OR, Nielson admits that he wanted to be a doctor, but had to take care of his mother and younger brother.

Charles, the victim of a prank telegraph, vows to never to speak to anyone in camp again. The 4077 is again overrun with wounded. Neilson returns with the wounds, but Hawkeye and BJ realize via the poor job bandaging, that something is amiss. They soon learn that Neilson has zero memory of who he is.

Dr. Freedman is recruited to help, and gets BJ and Hawkeye to agree to react elements that may have led to Neilson losing his memory.

What occurs next is one of the most dramatic, engaging, and possibly tear jerking scene through the show's entire run. As BJ and Hawkeye react the sounds of bombs falling, and the voices of Neislon's comrades, that make a startling discovery to what led Neilson to lose his memory. Neilson had discovered the body of his brother, dead in a fox hole. As Neilson comments about his promise to look after him, because he's the oldest, Hawkeye grimly comments "Not that too!", giving the viewer an insight to the fragile existence of Neilson's family life.

Once the session is over, Freedman brings Neilson out of his hypnotic state. After realizing what happened, emotions overwhelm Neislon, and he leans forward, crying on Freedman's shoulder.

There have been many one and done characters through the shows run, but Jerry Neilson remains one of the most memorable. The story here is well told, and the viewer should a box of Kleenex handy for the pay off of the tale of Jerry Neilson.

Quiet Riot: Well Now You're Here, There's No Way Back (2014)

One the most engaging documentaries of all time.

[10/10 · 23 February 2015]

This was more than a documentary, it's many things on many different levels. It's about keeping a dream alive, it's about coming to terms with a friends death. It's about forging on when others tell you to quit, it's about the loyalties of the fans.

The film features posthumous comments from the late Kevin Dubrow, and it examines the close bond that he and Frankie Banali had. The seeds to Quiet Riot to tour again where sown, until Dubrow's unexpected death. After first saying that Quiet Riot will cease to exist, Frankie decides to resurrect the band, to keep Kevin's spirit alive.

After auditioning several hopefuls, the band settles on Mark Huff, a former lead singer from a band that never went anywhere. And while Mark's stay in the band starts off promising, it quickly nosedives into oblivion, as Huff routinely gets lost on stages, or forgets the lyrics to such well known songs like "Bang Your Head". The band quickly decides Huff is not the right guy, and he's fired from the band.

What's left is some soul searching from Frankie, we he is forced to not under come to terms with the possible demise of the band, but his anger issues with Kevin over his death. In one of the most emotional scenes of the movie, Frankie visits Kevin's grave, and is finally about to let go of the emotions that he'd been bottling up.

The band meets Scott, a professional singer who auditions for the band, and to everyone's amazement, is able to hit the high notes like Kevin. The band has several successful shows, and the future of Quiet Riot is bright. Though it's not explained why, Scott exits the band, and is replaced by Jizzy Pearl.

There are some comedic moments, such as Chuck Wright getting into a disagreement with a fan who doesn't believe Chuck when he tells him that he played bass on a few tracks of the album Metal Health. Chuck is the source of one the humorist themes as they poke fun at all of the times Chuck has joined and left the band.

Another memorable moment comes when a fan enters the sound check, and meets Frankie. After their conversation, Frankie gives the young fan both of his drum sticks, and promises him a meet and greet with the band after the show.

All and all, this is truly one of the better documentaries in a long time, and I highly recommend it.

The U.S. vs. John Lennon (2006)

Lennon was one of a kind.

[10/10 · 20 January 2015]

There is a line in the movie from a former FBI agent. He said "If Lennon had just kept his mouth shut, and made his music, there never would have been a problem." And there is the fundamental issue. Here was John Lennon, who had fame and fortune as a member of the Beatles. Does he continue to write disposable pop tunes, or does he use song to uncover some of the injustice in the world? Thankfully for us, he chose the later.

John Lennon used his platform for the greatest good. He gave a voice to those who were shunned. He allowed Bobby Seale of the Black Panthers to have his say, and refute how the news media had portrayed him. Lennon was a man of peace, which made him a threat to men like Richard Nixon, who dedicated their lives to war.

The film goes into great depth Lennon and his views, as well as the infamous fight by the Nixon Administration to deport Lennon as an "undesirable alien" simply because he spoke out. The film features interviews with both Yoko and the attorney who fought the deportation and won.

The documentary focuses heavily on his activism, and reveals many details not generally known, even to the most hard core fans. The film makes great use of home movies and news clips as well.

One of the strongest uses of news clips comes at the end. The public display that went on for John Lennon was unmatched by anyone up to or since then. The raw emotions of the fans gathered for the tribute to him was grim, it was real, and it brought home how beloved John Lennon was to a people tired of war.

John Lennon isn't simply portrayed as a musician turned social activist. He's not portrayed as a superhero either. He's portrayed as a man who looked upon the world, and asked why. Why must there be so much death and destruction? And looking at the state of affairs in the world now, we really could use John Lennon.

The Hangover Part III (2013)

If you ever want a blue print for killing off a series

[2/10 · 15 January 2015]

It's hard to fathom why this ever got green lighted. Even though The Hangover II wasn't as good as the first, it still had its charm. Stu hooking up with the transsexual stripper was truly one of the highlights of that movie.

Hangover III offers no highlights. The humor was cruel and crude below any level of laughter. Ken Jeong's Mr. Chow is pretty much the highlight of the movie, even if some of the humor seemed force and stupid on a Police Academy level. Alan always had a stupid Homer Simpson charm. In this one, he's pretty much an unlikable jerk. He lost that childlike persona that made him so likable in the first 2. Not even the return of Mike Epps as "Black Doug" saves this clunker.

The film starts off badly with the death of Alan's father, which was a terrible plot device for the film. Maybe having Sid pay Stu, Doug and Phil to take Alan and try to find him a woman would have been a better choice, if clichéd. Sid's the lucky one, he gets to drop dead and not live though this mess.

John Goodman is wasted as the main villain in the movie. Melissa McCarthy as Cassie is perhaps the most unlikable character in a film since Jar Jar Binks. To have Alan fall for her not only derailed the film off the cliff, but made zero sense. It seemed like they were forced together.

The Hangover series limped out to the back, and like Old Yeller, it was put out of its misery. Or was it put out of our misery. The only way The Hangover IV could ever be made is if the directors decided that this was all a drunken stupor dream by Alan at Mr. Chow's wedding.

I'd go more into detail about some of the funnier jokes, but outside the bit with Mr. Chow and Stu in Gangster Goodman's house, I really can't remember any, and indictment on the writers more than the viewer like me.

Over all, it's best to ignore The Hangover III like it never happened. Just stick with the first two, and treat the Hangover II like it was the final movie in the series.

However, if you seek a blueprint on how to truly kill off a movie series beyond all possible repair, please, watch The Hangover III till your hearts content. The rest of us will blissfully ignore it as if it never happened, sort of like a really bad date or job interview.

Alien Nation (1988)

New twist on buddy-cop film excels on all levels

[10/10 · 13 January 2015]

This movie manages to marry several genres; Sci-Fi, buddy-cop films, and even has a blend of comedy and social commentary to it as well.

When the film starts off, we are introduced to a new race of beings whose ship has crashed on Earth. These beings were originally bred as slave labor. Once on Earth, the find new worlds opened to them they never imagined, and they also find the ugly side of bigotry from the humans.

So they begin to adapt to everything in the new world. From displaying intellectual strength, to falling victim to some of mankind's worse vices. And that is where this story comes into play.

Matt Sykes is a grizzled, jaded police Sargent played to perfection by James Caan. He's estranged from his daughter, despite her efforts to mend their relationship. He's also not a fan of the newcomers, often referring to them as "slags". One night, he long time partner on the force is killed in a shoot out by one of the new comers. Ordered not to investigate the crime, but looking for justice, Sykes plots away.

He agrees to team with Sam "George" Francsico (Mandy Patinkin), a police officer promoted to Sargent as part of a new policy implemented by the mayor. Sykes uses a partnership with George to investigate the death of his long time friend and partner.

Soon, he realizes he in for more than he bargained for as a seeking of revenge as turned into a fight against an illicit drug that if put on the streets, could make the newcomers slaves all over again. The man at the head of this crime wave, the same one that played a role in the death of Sykes partner, is newcomer William Harcourt, played by Terrence Stamp. Stamp plays a role just as evil as his classic General Zod from Superman II.

The issue is that Harcourt is a man held in high regard by Los Angeles society and powerful. He's won several awards for his charitable work. Now it's up to Sykes and Francsico to expose Harcourt for what he really is.

The climax of the film is a well staged and intense fight that takes place on a boat. Sykes dispatches Harcourt by shoving him into the water, seeing how the newcomers' bodies react fatally to salt water.

This was clearly one of the best sci-fi movies of the 80's and perhaps, one of the best all-time. It gives a flawed hero in Sykes who manages to overcome his own bigotry and forges a new friendship with his new partner, and friend, Francisco. The movie spawned a short lived TV series that become a cult classic.

I highly recommend this movie to any serious movie fan, because this film is so well crafted, it has appeal that reaches beyond any specified genre.

A Football Life: Jerry Smith (2014) Season 3, Episode 21

A life that should be known by all.

[10/10 · 18 June 2014]

This episode of the NFL Network on going series focused on the life and playing career of Jerry Smith.

Smith was a star tight end for the Washington Redskins from the late 60's and into the 70's. The documentary tells the secret life Smith hid from many. Jerry Smith was a gay man in the NFL at a time when an openly gay player would not be warmly welcomed. The documentary focuses on Smith's life, his struggle to hide his secret life, and the ultimate price he would pay. Dave Kopay, who was a one time teammate of Smith's and the first NFL player to "come out of the closet", is interviewed. Kopay expands well on the friendship he had with Smith.

The show also focuses on Smith's life post career, and his continued struggles. Sadly, Smith would become the first American athlete to contract and die from the AIDS virus.

This gripping and tear-jerker stands out as well of the most emotional shows of the series. In the A Football Life extra. which aired after the show, two of Smith's former teammates are interviewed. Calvin Hill, and Brig Owens. Owens stated in no uncertain terms that if Jerry Smith had been a heterosexual man, he would have already been enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

It's not often that one can write a review of any special involving the NFL, and use the term "tear jerker." This well produced documentary will tug at your heart, and give you plenty to think about.

Intergalactic Swingers (2013 Video)

Erotic b movie fun

[9/10 · 4 January 2014]

I the chance to check this movie out and have to see I was entertained. The plot is borrowed and the special effects are quite decent for a movie in this genre.

The plot involves two aliens (Christie Stevens & Krissy Lynn) trying to find a new planet for their species to harvest. They end up helping a scientist in blowing up an asteroid heading to Earth.

Both Stevens and Lynn give credible performances, both acting and in their sexual performances. Erika Jordan is also pretty good in this movie, though she seemed bored in her sexual scene with Ryan Driller. Jordan clearly prefers women, and that becomes clear during her lesbian encounter with Stevens, and later during a steamy three way between her, Stevens, and her other boyfriend. Lynn has a steamy encounter with Sophia Bella that is one of the best I've ever seen in a soft core film like this.

Overall, if you are a fan of the soft core direct to video movies like this, you won't be disappointed. It has a fine cast, acceptable acting, and decent special effects.

The Wild Rebels (1967)

Plan 9 of biker films

[7/10 · 25 May 2013]

Let say, thank you to MST3K for getting me into this movie.

After years of searching I was finally able to locate a compilation DVD that had this film on it. I wanted to see the original version.

What I got was a movie that was so bad it's good, entertaining in a Plan 9 from Outer Space sort of way.

After wrecking his car during a race, Rod decides he's had enough, and is going to retire, and just enjoy life. He winds up in Florida at a go-go club. He carries his trusty guitar with him everywhere he goes. While at this bar, he is noticed by a group of outlaw bikers from a gang called Satan's Angels. One of them recognizes Rod from his race days, and a plan is hatched. They are going to hire him as their driver for a series of robberies. After Rod performs with the band, The Birdwatchers, a terrible Monkees clone band, that is playing at the club, they make they move. The use the seductive skills of Linda, (Bobbie Byers, a sexy woman that could charm anyone) who happens to be the girlfriend of the leader of the gang, Jeter.

Somehow, Rod ends up being followed by the Florida state police, and is used by them to infiltrate the gang to bring the them to justice. The film climaxes with a gun fight at a Lighthouse.

Yes, there are plenty of gaffs and continuity errors. You'll see a few scenes that are supposed to take place at night, but clearly take place later in the afternoon. You'll see guitars disappear and re-appear, People who seems to wear the same clothes everyday, despite this film's plot unfolding over several months. and you'll see plenty of vehicles that catch fire for no real reason.

The dialog is pretty bad, even worse then Plan 9, because even the actors seem like they are having a hard time saying them without laughing. Steve Alamio simply is a horrible actor, mediocre singer, and a terrible choice for the film's hero.

Add all of that up, and you have the perfect so bad it's good entertaining b movie that is perfect for a day when nothing good is on cable, and by judging of the play list for the premium channels as of late, that's a lot of days. I highly recommend this movie for all lovers of b-movies!

Plan 9 from Outer Space (1957)

Bad movie lives up to legend

[8/10 · 5 May 2013]

From the opening, where we told about people testifying about future events that haven't happened, to some of the worst set designs ever, Plan 9 From outer Space lives up to the legend of it being one of the worst movies ever.

And this is where the movie is actually okay, if the plot could be co-herent. The plot, if one could call it that is about a race of aliens looking to invade Earth using an army of the dead, which can be controlled by Electro guns.

There are several cases of night turning into day, and day into night, and a scene where a police officer scratches his head with a loaded gun. This all in addition to severe overuse of stock footage to advance the plot.

That all being said, Plan 9 is not with out charm. It is the perfect b level low budget film. It is entertaining, funny in spots where its not supposed to be, and filled with enough over the top scene chewing acting, It really is a so bad it's good style movie.

However, I don't think that Ed Wood should still have the honor of being the worst director of all time. At least, not while Michael Bay is still making movies