PredragReviews Reviews

Rosemary's Baby (1968)

Polanski's third suspense masterpiece.

[9/10 · 7 April 2017]

Indeed "Rosemary's Baby" is a classic but let's get the bad points out of the way first. Some scenes are awkward, Mia Farrow and her new found friend in the washing room really doesn't belong in a movie hailed as a classic. Terrible dialogue and acting from both. Farrow seems to change accents throughout the movie, even in her same lines which is a little off putting. However she is terrific in this role as the quiet naive woman who senses over the films two hours that something is very wrong. The movie has been directed much like Nicolas Roeg's classic, Don't Look Now, that classic 70's look of chopping and changing scenes during dialogue. Rosemary's Baby is also very sexually aware of itself, and one could say with all validity was the bridge between censorship issues and what would follow in the glorious 70's.

The movie was shot in the Dakota Buildings, and looks dreadfully eerie, director Roman Polanski makes New York like that too, which all fits with the mood of the film. John Cassavetes has some great lines and is particularly good, though isn't needed once he plays his cards too early. But two actors out-stage Farrow and Cassavetes and that is their old noisy could be witch neighbors played delightfully well by Ruth Gordon and Sidney Blackmer. The performances in the movie are phenomenal, particularly that of Ruth Gordon, who plays the nosy meddling neighbor (she won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her performance). Mia Farrow is also very convincing as Rosemary, the trapped individual whose intentions are always good.

"Rosemary's Baby" is still as watchable today (and, of course, deeply horrific and disturbing) as it was all those years ago. It doesn't need gallons of fake blood or computer-generated effects to be scary. Everything here feels a little too real and is a credit to how films can be made. Don't expect a roller-coaster ride of scares and guts – it's much too 'foreboding' to succumb to anything so cheap and easy. If you're in the mood for something horrible, dark with an every-increasing sense of dread then give this one a watch before it gets remade with too many special effects and no soul.

Overall rating: 9 out of 10.

Top Gun (1986)

"Tower, this is Ghostrider, requesting a fly-by..."

[9/10 · 6 April 2017]

For anyone who loves gadgets, flying, or even dreams of being a pilot, this movie is pure unadulterated pleasure! I don't think Top Gun has even been equalled, in producing some enthralling aerial cinematography that never looks amateurish or unrealistic. If you consider that back in the 1980's the CGI option did not exist, so all the live action sequences had to film real F14's flying; the technical challenges in filming supersonic craft and doing so (and getting decent footage) are considerable. For this feat alone, Top Gun is a classic that has never been equalled before or since.

Watching this movie, it's easy to see why Tom Cruise became the mega-star he did. His clean-cut, good ol' American guy image and toothy grin appealled not only to US audiences, but to the wider world at the time. This part isn't much of an acting challenge for Cruise, since there isn't much depth to the character, but on the other hand, he plays the part of a maverick pilot so convincingly, that you never doubt for a moment you are watching anything other than a top Navy pilot.

The cinematography is superb, the music is just so thrilling it gave me tears in my eyes with happiness.' The scenes of Iceman Interacting with maverick and Goose is just great to watch. The soundtrack has its ups and downs, nice in taking some classic romantic numbers, but failing when loud bursts of American rock signal that Maverick is either in danger or has successfully shot down a plane and 'going home'. That being said this is still a highly enjoyable film, and while the attitude may be a little annoying at times, it can still be genuinely enjoyed as a good, in your face, bit of fun.

Overall rating: 9 out of 10.

Cobra (1986)

You have the right to remain silent!

[7/10 · 6 April 2017]

I had almost forgotten what a great simple thriller this was. Simple plot, maverick cop Marion Cobretti (Stallone) is assigned to protect a beautiful female witness from a cult of Neo-Nazi style supremacist bikers who are terrorising Los Angeles with a spate of brutal murders - You get it all here; a scene reminiscent of Halloween 2, where the cult leader (a monster of a man known as The Night Slasher) goes on a Michael Myers style killing spree at the City's hospital, plenty of bloody shootouts and fights and a couple of superb Car & Bike chases that are second only to the Mad Max movies, in terms of violence and spectacle. Really, really good stunt work and special effects! Also, there's lots of firearms, including Cobretti's hi-tech, laser sighted Jatimatic sub-machine gun, well deployed throughout the many chases and firefights!

The tension throughout the film is well sustained and it is superbly atmospheric, creepy at times, but always entertaining and gripping one way or another. Brigitte Nielsen is also terrific as the model witness who they are forced to protect and she is convincingly terrified a lot of the time. Brian Thompson plays the killer in no doubt one of his first roles, and he of course later went on to play the bounty hunter in The X Files. The direction is top notch, and it was a shrewd idea, possibly by Stallone to bring in George P Cosmatos who Stallone had previously worked with on Rambo 2. Stallone is as good as ever, and if your a fan, I'm sure you've seen this a dozen times anyway.

Overall rating: 7 out of 10.

Crocodile Dundee (1986)

Fair dinkum'....

[8/10 · 6 April 2017]

Crocodile Dundee has a standard fish out of water comedy premise, yet with a number of truly funny sequences and an appealing turn from Paul Hogan as Dundee; it became a monster smash hit that the cinema watching public lapped up with glee. In a decade that is often considered to be the worst for film, it may just be that cinema goers were desperate for a pick me up movie? Something that Crocodile Dundee most assuredly is. But to give that credence would, I feel, be doing it a disservice, for in spite of the rickety concept and the obviousness of where we will ultimately end up, it has bundles of earthy charm, a charm that many can identify with.

As Dundee goes about his way, meeting pimps, transsexuals and muggers etc , they are not only very funny scenes, they are also points of reference to the ever changing way of the Continents. The film does come dangerously close to falling into a sugary rom-com mire, but with a strong performance from Linda Kozlowski as Sue, and Hogan introducing an icon to 80s cinema, Crocodile Dundee safely hits the target that it was surely aiming for. Besides, the love story here is very easy to get on side with.

The film quite naturally, divides into two parts. The first in Australia, has a surprising depth to it and a real feel for the place(the Outback)and its people and of course you get to know the characters. The second part of the film is set in New York and provides the bulk of the humour but still remains character focused and never descends into pointless gag-making. It manages to be hilariously funny one moment and sweetly touching the next. Put simply the film is a delight and a joy to watch and can be seen many times without tiring of it.

Overall rating: 8 out of 10.

Born in East L.A. (1987)

"How to walk the walk and talk the talk"

[7/10 · 6 April 2017]

Delightful with a twist here and there that keeps this classic within the top bracket. A relative from Mexico visits his cousins in L.A. but what happens when he is to be picked up at the destination everything goes wrong. Border crossing are a go at that time and there is plenty of action and amusement with this show, plus the antics are full on from beginning to end. Marvelous story-line with a fabulous cast to make it first class. I rated this movie an A grade plus for a fantastic piece of entertainment that will have you in fits of laughter. So that is all I can say as not to spoil it for you.

Overall rating: 7 out of 10.

Blind Date (1987)

"I went on a blind date... Anyone got $10,000 for bail?"

[7/10 · 6 April 2017]

Walter Davis (Bruce Willis) is required to bring a date to a company function. A relative (Phil Hartman) know for finding weird blind dates seems to have located the perfect date Nadia Gates (Kim Basinger;) the only caveat is that she is unstable when liberated. Walter was warned. Naturally the warning must be an exaggeration as we all get a little tipsy. Nope it was right on the money. Nadia who also gives warning goes from polite to helpful to very helpful. To top this off she is being doggedly followed by a psychotic cop ex- boyfriend (John Larroquette.) This is just for starters.

Filmmaking legend Blake Edwards (The Pink Panther, Breakfast at Tiffany's) is the man behind the camera. He brings a lot of class and experience to what could have been a generic romantic comedy. His widescreen compositions and long, moving camera takes add a touch of sophistication. Many scenes are done in one long take, lending a theatrical edge to the humor. Whilst Willis and Basinger are the main cast, a big nod must go to John Larroquette who plays the maniac David. He provides almost all the laughs. There is also a starring role for William Daniels the guy who voiced KITT from Knight Rider. And he swears, which is interesting.

Overall rating: 7 out of 10.

The Hidden (1987)

Aliens among us.

[8/10 · 6 April 2017]

"The Hidden" is an irrepressible, high-spirited genre flick full of screeching car chases, sprays of bullets and shattering glass that leaves more than a few casualties in its wake. It has a lot of fun with the body-switching premise and maintains a strong sense of humor throughout. Kyle MacLachlan's performance as the unearthly FBI agent offers another great reason to watch. Body switching sci-fi/horror fun from director Jack (Nightmare On Elm Street 2) Sholder, this can't quite keep up the breakneck pace or promise of the first half throughout but it manages to throw out an entertaining story that's loaded with a pleasing amount of action, some alright effects, and solid acting from its two leads Michael Nouri and Kyle MacLachlan. Scripter Jim Kouf (using the name Bob Hunt on the credits) even throws in a few jabs at 80's excess - like having a car salesman giving a potential customer cocaine when they're signing the papers and the Alien villain steals a huge stereo and plays some punk music.

Jack Sholder's direction is extremely good, not just in the excellent action scenes but in small character touches that add a lot and elevate it above the straight-to-video fodder of the day - it's a real movie movie, so much so that it's surprising he never broke into the mainstream. There's nothing much to say about it because it's just so much fun. If you like horror, action, or sci-fi, then you really should see this film. It has all of those elements, wrapped up in a simple plot with simple special effects and simplistic performances from its actors.

Overall rating: 8 out of 10.

Barfly (1987)

"Don't hate 'em, but feel better when they're not around."

[8/10 · 6 April 2017]

Barfly was written directly for the screen by one of my all-time favorite authors, Charles Bukowski. Mickey Rourke has never given a finer performance than as Henry, a "Bukowski-esque" writer/barfly struggling to survive along with the other dregs of society. Faye Dunaway shines as Wanda, Henry's newly found, (sometimes lover) drinking partner. Directed by Barbet Schroeder, Barfly did not find a large audience but critics and the lucky few to see this film in the theater became instant fans, knowing they have just viewed a small masterpiece.

However the real thrill is Dunaway appearing at a time when her Hollywood star was suffering still from "Mommie Dearest". I find her performance here probably one of her best and she captures beautifully the louche attitude of a beautiful woman too attracted to the bottle and heading for oblivion. This film is certainly up there with Bonnie & Clyde, Chinatown and Network in showing what she was capable of when well directed and stretched.

Also special mention should be made of the two support actors J. C. Quinn as Chinaski's friend and Alice Krige as the wealthy and attractive publisher attracted to the doomed Chinaski and not realising she is out of her depth when confronted by Dunaway. Add to this a very memorable cast of cheap bar low-lifes who all feed off each other and some smart art direction and camera-work. The several shots of daylight streaming into those dark room long bars when the bar door is opened and the inhabitants react dazedly captures the milieu of their twilight existence perfectly, and the bitter sweet ending of having gone full circle in the story depicts the entrapment of such an existence beautifully.

Overall rating: 8 out of 10.

Beverly Hills Cop II (1987)

"The heat is back on"

[8/10 · 6 April 2017]

Of all the Beverly Hills Cop films this is actually the one I prefer. True it focuses less on the development of the Axel Foley character but it's tight linear structure, iconic baddie (in the form of leggy blonde Bridgette Nielson), witty one liners and fast paced action sequences provide the bread and butter of any half decent action flick.. Oh and it also has the added bonus of featuring the Playboy Mansion too.

It suits Eddie Murphy perfectly, given that his stage persona is all about being the coolest, biggest personality in the room. Although it presents as a 'fish out of water' story, BHC2 is actually more like the tale of a virus entering a new population that has no immunity to it. Nobody can defend against the motor mouth of Axel, Murphy's character. I sometimes wished someone did in fact, just once, so that he could get out of the situation some other way, but he talked his way out of or into everything perfectly, without fail. It's an enjoyable romp, with a central trio whose friendship I believed in. Scott's fingerprint is visible in the thrilling car chase sequences and (literally) explosive shoot-outs. There's not much depth to it, but you can get that elsewhere, like in the work of Tony Scott's older brother Ridley. Tony (now sadly deceased) did stylish action thrillers, and he did them damn well.

Overall rating: 8 out of 10.

Angel Heart (1987)

"Watch out for those chickens Harry."

[9/10 · 6 April 2017]

This is an intriguing, unusual, beautifully directed, highly atmospheric film that successfully crosses any number of genre: film noir, thriller, mystery, and horror. The plot is simple. In the mid nineteen fifties, a mysterious and slightly sinister business man, Louis Cypher (Robert De Niro), hires Brooklyn gumshoe, Harry Angel (Mickey Rourke), for a missing person case. Angel's investigation, for which he is being paid a princely sum for the time, takes him from Harlem to New Orleans, as he looks for a former crooner named Johnny Favorite, who sometime during the early nineteen forties apparently welched on a business deal with Louis Cypher and hasn't been heard from since.

In my opinion this is very much a film which you will be able to enjoy on repeated viewings, to savour the art of the cinematographer as well as to get a better understanding of the complexity of the plot. Yes, there are several murders and quite a lot of blood but I think you will be doing yourself a disservice if you choose not to buy for that reason. To a great extent the violence is retrospective and not in the same stomach wrenching category of 'Saving Private Ryan'.

Robert De Niro is sensational in the highly stylized, role of Louis Cypher. He imbues the role with just the right amount of sardonic humor and restrained menace so as to make the character memorable. De Niro leaves an indelible imprint on every scene in which he is in. Mickey Rourke, who is in nearly every scene in this film, shows that he has the ability to carry a movie, as he is simply terrific as the private detective who is slowly unraveling. As the film progresses, the toll that the investigation is taking on the tormented Angel is evident on his face. Angst ridden, bleary eyed, and disheveled, Angel is definitely involved in the biggest case of his life. As he gets closer to the truth of what happened to Johnny Favorite, the more his life seems to be spinning out of control. Rourke manages to convey all this, no easy task. The supporting cast is uniformly excellent and adds to the flavor of this delicious gumbo of a film, which is reminiscent of Goethe's Faust.

Overall rating: 9 out of 10.

The January Man (1989)

How come this didn't work better?

[6/10 · 6 April 2017]

This movie is not a typical "mystery thriller," at least not in the usual sense of the genre. The characters unravel intriguingly but very fluidly, and it is easy to relate to almost all of them (I bet we can all think of parallels in our own lives.) Theme-wise it is ostensibly presented as a suspense movie where an ex-cop (Kevin Kline) is re-instated into a homicide detective role to solve a brutal murder spree by a NY psychopath. There is an interesting subplot of unrequited romance between Kline's character and his brother's (who is commissioner of police) wife. Kline's artist friend, his new girl friend (the Mayor's daughter), and in fact the Mayor himself, are all amusing characters. But Kline is clearly the pivot of the movie, he turned what many might consider a very below standard screenplay and turned it into a very keepable film.

The first hour though really doesn't know what it wants to be. A murder, family drama, random eroticism, serial killer movie, comedy, thriller. It's all here and all flawed. Aiello has never been so typecast in a film, whenever he's on screen, he's just angry. Keitel just seem bemused by the whole thing and spends the majority of it staring at Sarandon, who I turn spends the majority of the film staring at Kline and stalking him. The rest of the cast are thankfully brilliant. Kline is as good as always, and is ably supported by Mastrantonnio, and another brilliant turn by Rickman. The film comes into its own when the Red Herring gets thrown in. The comedy and thriller aspect of the film meld into one and work, and it turns into a half decent movie.

Overall rating: 6 out of 10.

K-9 (1989)

The super cop and James Belushi.

[8/10 · 6 April 2017]

Back in the day, Belushi was the man! Taking Care of Business, Mr. Destiny, The Principal, K-9, these were some of his best movies, in my opinion anyway. Belushi plays a fly by the seat of his pants cop who does not like working with a partner. Until he meets Jerry Lee, a veteran police dog who has seen it all and is even more volatile than his soon to be partner. Belushi is obsessed with trying to catch a drug lord that has eluded him for years. With the help of Jerry Lee, perhaps this time the bad guys will go down. The dynamic of the 2 heroes is perfect and makes a person want to go out and get a German Shepard, or any dog for that matter.

This was one of those films that I absolutely loved as a kid, and could watch it over and over, because who wouldn't like a film where a dog can say 'oh oh'? Take the element of the dog away, and you pretty much have a dog of a story though. It's basically the buddy cop movie with a twist, and thanks to Belushi being quite likable, the film manages to be funny whenever the dog is off screen. Support is okay, but it looks like they are just letting the two get on with it.

Jim Belushi gives a career best performance as a funny,cool and take no messing cop who doesn't like to play by the usual rules of a police officer and he don't care if he breaks any rules,though he is no nonsense he is a bit of loser who has often lost the love of Tracy and doesn't get much better with the arrival of Jerry Lee even if the dog makes him a better more caring person as the story goes on, Belushi is just marvelous and doesn't get enough credit and seems to be forgotten in the decade of heroes like The Terminator, John McClane, Batman, Indiana Jones, Marty McFly and Peter Venkman (who for me is similar in style to Dooley and Bill Murray would of been excellent too as Dooley), check out "Red Heat" opposite Arnie for a same sort of character for Belushi.

Overall rating: 8 out of 10.

Sea of Love (1989)

Superb steamy thriller, one of Pacinos best films!!

[9/10 · 6 April 2017]

Sea of Love is directed by Harold Becker and written by Richard Price. It stars Al Pacino, Ellen Barkin, John Goodman, Michael Rooker and William Hickey. Music is by Trevor Jones and Ronnie Taylor is the cinematographer. Plot has Pacino as New York Police Detective Frank Keller, a borderline alcoholic and lonely after his wife left him for one of his colleagues. Tracking a serial killer of men, an investigation set-up leads him to date a number of women with the idea of obtaining forensic evidence off of the wine glasses. One of these women is sultry blonde, Helen Cruger (Barkin), who Frank starts to have a passionate relationship with...

The erotic thriller is a tough premise to get right on film, so many elements have to fall in to place for the film to win over critics and film goers alike. Chemistry of lead cast members, a gripping plot, plausible outcome, and so on. Too many over the years have failed miserably at it, resorting to either gratuitous tactics or simple star casting to entice the paying public in to the theater. Sea of Love is not a complete success, but it's certainly one of the best of its type. Were it not for a weak murder motive that's not fully explored, resulting in something of an unsatisfying finale, we would probably be talking about Sea of Love being the template movie for the erotic thriller.

This movie of the same name, made 30 years later, evidently uses "Sea of Love," an evergreen rock and roll hit, as a theme. The song was written by New Orleans native John Phillip Baptiste, AKA Phil Phillips, who had a hit with it on its first release in 1959. John Goodman brings a lot to this movie: he ably supports the stars, when they've got their clothes on, playing Pacino's new cop partner Sherman Touhey. And when the Missouri-born Goodman delivers an "acapella" version of "Sea of Love," in that New Orleans accent he's entitled to use, well, he just stops the show. This movie has great New York ambiance, a good plot, good acting, a good sound track, Ellen Barkin at her most gorgeous, hot sex scenes, and touches of humor. It stands up to repeated viewings, and like Mr. Dangerfield, it deserves some respect.

Overall rating: 9 out of 10.

Eddie and the Cruisers II: Eddie Lives! (1989)

Great rock music

[8/10 · 6 April 2017]

"Eddie and the Cruisers" came out in 1983 and did not do well in the box office but once released into video, it became a lion! It was just a "cool" premise and people fell in love with the lost Eddie. The music on this is fantastic, at least to lots of us. Michael Pare' embodies the songs he sings. Even knowing that it was John Cafferty singing, the voice was strangely similar to Pare's natural speaking voice. At any other time, Cafferty doesn't sound like this. So the movie was special in several ways and people loved it. Enough so that in 1989, Eddie and the Cruisers 2 was released with more of Cafferty's music. I feel this was even better than number one. You also see a lot more of Pare' who I think absolutely "made" the role. The movie has a lot of fire in it and great music along with subtle humor.

This sequel movie is about a rock and roller that faked his death in the first movie "Eddie and The Cruisers." The story keeps your interest to the end but the music never lets you go as this is one of the best soundtracks of the 80's! The music that is on both soundtracks of these cult movies gives me chills each and every time I listen to them. John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band did an excellent job with these tunes. I can't say enough good things about Michael Pare playing the lead role as Eddie Wilson in both movies either. It is hard to lip sync to music and make it look believable. Michael Pare did an excellent performance. He was so totally believable as Eddie Wilson. Even though I know it is not him singing these songs, when I listen to them, I see him performing them in my minds eye. All the albums that John Cafferty released as the voice of Eddie Wilson are marvelous!

Overall rating: 8 out of 10.

We're No Angels (1989)

Could be better.

[6/10 · 6 April 2017]

"We're No Angels" is a movie made for those faces, and one of the pleasures of watching the film is to see them looking sidelong at each other as they try to figure a way out of the complicated mess they're in. The movie has a lot of other good stuff to look at (including dramatic period locations in a small Canadian town) and to listen to (dialogue by David Mamet), but I can think of no other recent movie in which so much of the pleasure lies in watching the expressions on the faces of the actors - especially when they're reacting, not talking. Mamet and Neil Jordan, who directed the movie, wisely remember the most important thing about any mistaken- identity comedy: The fact that someone's identity is mistaken is not always funny even the first time and rarely thereafter. Movies that depend on mistaken identities for their laughs are among the slowest, dreariest slogs through cinema.

Too bad that the film came out to be both simplistic and ordinary despite of the talent involved especially when it features De Niro and Penn,two of the best actors in Hollywood; and Jordan,one of the finest director of the industry.There were a lot of boring moments.Also,it just turned out to be somewhat corny and provides minimal laughter in a lot of scenes.Overall,it was definitely a misfire from the cast and the director involved as it does not live up to its potential.

Overall rating: 6 out of 10.

Johnny Handsome (1989)

Rourke at his Rourkeiest!

[8/10 · 6 April 2017]

This is a latter-day noir masterpiece, far too low-key, grimy, and pessimistic to get the respect it deserved the first time around, but thanks to Amazon, maybe it is now getting the reappraisal it richly deserves. If memory serves correctly, Roger Ebert was one of the few critics to understand how good this thing was during its initial run. A moody, somber revenge films that recalls the film noir of the 40's. Great cast led by Rourke as the disfigured ironically named "cheap crook" of the title. A crook who is wronged and uses a controversial facial surgery to seek revenge against the scumbags that killed Johnny's friend, framed him and tried to kill him twice.

Director Walter Hill was on a tear in the late 70's until the mid 80's (with a certain revival period in the 90's, when he dipped his toe into the Western Genre). This movie features several actors at the peak of their powers, including Morgan Freeman (before he was typecast as a good-natured, paternalistic friend (i.e. in "The Bucket List" or "Shawshank Redemption"). Ellen Barkin and Lance Henriksen are suitably over the top, and Forrest Whitaker inhabits his character with compassion and sensitivity. The only possible weak link is a miscast Elizabeth McGovern doing a painfully bad Cajun/Creole accent. The city of New Orleans (previously featured in Hill's "Hard Times" with Charles Bronson) is also a strong presence throughout.

Overall rating: 8 out of 10.

Harlem Nights (1989)

An excellent story line and cool reality

[8/10 · 6 April 2017]

Both Richard Pryor and Redd Foxx are not with us anymore, but this is here. This film shows us the comedic talent of both these men, and to have stars like Eddie Murphy, Danny Aiello, and Della Reese is delicious icing on the cake. Pryor as Sugar Ray and Murphey as Quick try to keep a vicious mobster from taking over their business. As you might think, they turn the tables on the bad buys! Jasmine Guy stands out particularly as the mobster's girlfriend, and so does Della Resse as the hard-fighting madam with a heart of gold.

The style and feel of the film is perfectly evocative of the thirties, and although the plot is rather derivative, its pulled together by a great supporting cast including Redd Foxx, Charlie Murphy and Arsenio Hall. The one major flaw is that Richard Pryor is miscast as the straight guy to Eddies hot headed youngster, but on the other hand it shows he could play more subtle roles if needed.

Overall rating: 8 out of 10.

Tango & Cash (1989)

"Yeah, I'll never forget that time in the shower."

[8/10 · 6 April 2017]

Tango and Cash and well known in the state, and are well rewarded for their heroics to stop drug deals, and other crimes. When they annoy Yves - they didn't expect their whole world to be turned on it's side, and their lives to be in such danger. Tango is more lavish, loves his suits and playing the stock market, where as Cash is a fighter and doesn't really care for people who waste his time. I love the camaraderie in this movie, even though they don't like each other, they find it in themselves to collaborate for the good of the city. I also though Terri Hacher's role as Katherine was a great start to her career, and the typical 80's styling of this movie made it fun. The jokes and dialogue between the pair is classic cop stuff, and reminds you of the good days of Glover/Gibson in Lethal Weapon.

Non-stop violence, witty back and forth banter, and nasty bad guys might not be hard to come by in action film territory but rarely do they add up to as good a time at the films as they do with Tango & Cash. If ever there was a film that really did require you to completely turn off your brain, only to reward you with thrills, chills, laughs and action galore this is it. Enjoying an exemplary sense of humour that's the perfect complement to the picture's high- energy action scenes, amazing chemistry between its leads, and a superb score that's light and catchy but also a fine compliment to the bullets and explosions, 'Tango & Cash' retains every bit of its appeal with each viewing, and for the most part, refuses to acknowledge its age with the passage of time.

Overall rating: 8 out of 10.

Look Who's Talking (1989)

Wait for milk time!

[6/10 · 6 April 2017]

Look Who's Talking is the definition of Hollywood mediocrity. From the acting to the script, the soundtrack to the visual look of the movie, everything shouts average. Hell, even Kirstie Alley managed to maintain an average weight for the duration. This isn't to say the movie isn't funny because it is, but aside from a few one liners by Mikey (voiced by Bruce Willis) we never really get anything that makes you want to laugh out loud which is a real shame considering the potential of the situations in the movie. If you want a movie that will let you chill out and relax, whilst being instantly forgettable, this is it.

Overall rating: 6 out of 10.

The Punisher (1989)

Dolph Lundren as the PUNISHER.

[7/10 · 6 April 2017]

This movie is the best version out there of "The Punisher." Believe it or not, Dolph Lundgren did a hell of a job on his character. Since Dolph's all about body count, Lou Goseph Jr. really balances out the acting and plot parts of this movie. While Tom Jane did alright on the modern version and war zone was really that, this one really portraits the true dark nature of Frank Castle and the demons and criminals he swore to fight after events in his life.

Guns, knives, throwing stars, explosions, it's all here (well, as far as the explosions, at one point the Punisher is firing a grenade launcher, and the explosions seem less than spectacular, more flashy than boom boomy). Not only that but there's a good amount of karate. Lundgren, a former karate champion himself, performs most all of his own stunts, and there is almost no choreography within the marital arts scenes, as real artists were used, and training in stunt techniques. Does the film stay true to the original character portrayed in the comics? For the most part...some minor changes, along with a few major ones (he never dons a shirt emblazoned with a white skull on it). I think one of the main reasons this film was ill received is because comic fans are a particular picky lot, as they spend a lot of time getting to know these characters, and tend to have high expectations when someone adapts one of their favorite characters to the silver screen.

The direction was pretty good in most areas, given that this was Goldblatt's second film, his first being the Joe Piscopo/Treat Williams cop flick Dead Heat (1988). Goldblatt has since returned to editing, which seems a much better fit for him. Gossett is fun to watch, but again, given the dialog, he is given some completely rotten lines, but he does seem to try to make the best of it, earning whatever he got for appearing in this film.

Overall rating: 7 out of 10.

Driving Miss Daisy (1989)

"I love the smell of a new car"

[8/10 · 6 April 2017]

The film obviously deals primarily with the issue of racial bigotry - specifically in the southern United States. It gives you a great feel for the way things were in that part of the world, from the 40's through to the present day. The film follows the relationship (it would be too simplistic merely to call it friendship) between a widowed Jewish lady, Daisy Werthan, and her black chauffeur Hoke. Miss Daisy is adamant she neither wants nor needs the driver, provided by her exasperated son to ensure she doesn't have any more car accidents. However, over the next quarter century her frostiness thaws (albeit sporadically) and an understanding develops between this unlikely pair.

Jessica Tandy and Morgan Freeman well deserve the accolades they have received for their roles in this film. These talented actors have to share the limelight though - with a truly magnificent classic car ensemble. If you think modern cars are boring, it is worth viewing this film merely for the pleasure of seeing Miss Daisy's succession of cars - beautiful classic models from the late 1940's to the early 1970's - a time when cars truly deserved the title 'automobile'.

With great character development and spot-on performances by the cast, Driving Miss Daisy is an example of "old" Hollywood, taking time to tell a story about people you can care about, and without polemics that require choosing sides. That it was a box office smash and Best Picture of the year only goes to show that the public mood in the late 1980's was accepting of a quiet and low-key presentation, as long as it was a good story well told.

Overall rating: 8 out of 10.

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)

The Last Crusade evokes the spirit of Raiders.....

[9/10 · 6 April 2017]

In 1988 Steven Spielberg was deep into bringing Rain Man to fruition, all thoughts of Indiana Jones had gone by the wayside with the harshly judged part two, Temple Of Doom. In stepped George Lucas to politely remind Spielberg that they had an agreement to make another Indiana Jones picture, Spielberg no doubt obliged and humble, passed on his Rain Man work to Barry Levinson who promptly bagged himself an Oscar for the film. It can be guessed that Spielberg was probably grouchy around this period, but he needn't have worried, because The Last Crusade provided a much needed hit for not only himself (post Empire Of The Sun), but also Lucas (Willow) and Harrison Ford (Frantic).

Although Last Crusade follows the basic structure, borrowed from the James Bond series, of the other movies by starting the film with the end of a previous adventure before introducing the main story-line, the film tweaks the formula by showing us Indy's first big adventure.. in 1912 Utah, when the future archaeology professor is a Boy Scout (literally) living with his widowed father, Henry Jones. While on a Boy Scouting sojourn in the mountainous desert, young Indy (River Phoenix) wanders into a cave and sees a group of ruffians pilfering the long-lost Cross of Coronado. "That cross is an important artifact," Indy says to a fellow Boy Scout. "It belongs in a museum." Indy sends his friend for help, steals the Cross of Coronado from the ruffians, but ends up being chased as he attempts to escape on foot, horseback and even a circus train. In this interlude, Indy acquires most of the traits established in the earlier films, his fear of snakes, his affinity for the whip (and the origins of the scar on his chin) and, yes, his choice of the leather jacket and snap-brim fedora.

Last Crusade brings all the usual elements that are now expectant of the series. Fights, chases and dangerous animals. After seeing the great but horribly uncomfortable inclusion of the snake in Raiders it was almost equally spine tingling to view Indiana in the tunnel of rats, a squirming sequence that is rattled with action and suspense. As for chases the tank scenes stand out and although lasting a small time the boat sequence in Venice is memorable for some death defying thrills. Far more than an action adventure the inclusion of a mythical legend adds to the dazzle of the film's appeal and if you have seen the previous two then this is an essential watch!

Overall rating: 9 out of 10.

When Harry Met Sally... (1989)

'I'll have what she's having'

[8/10 · 6 April 2017]

It is a great love story and a great comedy, and the segments with old couples telling the story of how they met (based on the real life stories of the crew's families) are brilliant, and will have you look back on when you met your significant other. The movie world owes Rob Reiner a favour for the fact that his fine film is truly timeless. Part of this is due to the fact that it is set over a fifteen year period. Part of it is due to the fine easy listening score. Most of it is due to a very refined director extracting two brilliant performances from a flawless script and a perfectly cast couple of actors.

Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan are the titular two, and neither have ever been better. The observation of their relationship is utterly convincing and completely engrossing. Beyond this, there are subtleties that neither actor has ever shown before or since. There are moments early in the film where we can see Sally is falling for Harry (for example, her response to Harrty telling her he is pleased she is going on a date with another man) but these moments are never overplayed. The credit for this is due as much to Reiner as it is to Ryan, as it is his pacing of the film that really allows the actors to embrace their characters.

The film is a perfect balance. Its story-line unfolds like real life without seeming thin or dissatisfying, and the viewer never loses interest. Both Billy Crystal as Harry and Meg Ryan as Sally are perfect; in 1989, the former was still funny, the latter was still charming, and both of them were still young. The chemistry between them is flawless. But this would be nothing without the dialogue. The film's razor-sharp, conversational dialogue is the true selling point. Witty, realistic and above all hilarious, it's what makes the film the classic it is. Making legitimate observations about relationships, combined with some laugh-out-loud moments (the white- man overbite, for example), the film draws you in, makes you laugh and then, at the risk of sounding clichéd, makes you think.

Overall rating: 8 out of 10.

Lethal Weapon 2 (1989)

They're back, they're bad. He's black, he's mad.

[9/10 · 6 April 2017]

As much as Lethal Weapon may have stepped outside its genre trappings to strike an unexpected chord, its sequel was the film that gave the series the legs it needed to continue onward and upward. While it still plumbs some dark, painful subject matter for its lead characters, Lethal Weapon 2 skews lighter by treating the Murtaugh-Riggs dynamic as the stuff of fruitful comedy, an approach intensified by the slightly annoying, but still faithfully endearing, Leo Getz character, whom Joe Pesci makes all his own.

But it's the supreme comfort of Mel Gibson and Danny Glover, with both each other and the script that rockets this to the top of buddy movies to such an extent that it became ripe for parody. The director again proves his command of this material with a handful of memorable scenes, and especially his use of Gibson in his trademark "lethal weapon" scenes, which coined the franchise title. Even though Gibson is a lot less depressed in this film you still completely believe him as a guy that has nothing to lose.

It's fair to say that this is Gibson's movie, because it's written that way. Some of Riggs' back story is filled in and he even gets a love interest in the slender form of Patsy Kensit. Riggs cracks the jokes and does the outrageous mental stuff, while Glover's (still doing fine work in Gibson's shadow) Murtaugh continues to be the counter opposite. Tho some of the astute written sequences involving Murtaugh and the South African core of the story are excellently handled by Glover. But regardless of character development and nifty political observations, it's the action that dominates proceedings. Director Richard Donner has a wail of a time putting the cast thru their paces. There's explosions, fights, shoot-outs, more high speed pursuits, and on it goes till we get to the finale, a potential cliffhanger one too.

Overall rating: 9 out of 10.

18 Again! (1988)

George Burns rocks!

[8/10 · 6 April 2017]

I love this film! It is a fun, playful film that is great for a Saturday afternoon. George Burns plays a man celebrating his 81st birthday. He makes a wish to be 18 again and after a car crash with his 18 year old grandson (Schlatter), they swap bodies. Schlatter is fantastic in this film and gives a great energetic performance. His big cheesy grin throughout is definitely a reason to watch this film. Despite being mostly a fantasy film, this movie packed a lot of wit and humor to the racial stereotyping of the times (which may still be just as valid today). C Thomas Howell was able to perform the transmutation into a black man without a hitch (even if he only on rare occasions actually spoke like a black man). James Earl Jones is the "black" teacher we all dream of having, which few of us ever do.

Despite its flaws, this movie manages to get it's point across reasonably well and can be appreciated by both adults and kids. One of the biggest reasons for my liking this film is the fact that I like the way the romance subplot was handled. Rather than having the love-interest fall into the hero's lap right away (like they do in most movies, books, or stories), in this movie, the hero had to actually EARN the girl's love rather than just get it for free! In that way this movie is quite rare and I respect it for that reason. More movies should handle romance stories the way this one does since one of the biggest flaws society suffers from is the fact that very few people really have to earn anything anymore and thus do not really know the true value of something as a result.

Overall rating: 8 out of 10.