chows-55430 Reviews

Good Morning, Vietnam (1987)

Still so poignant after all these years

[10/10 · 17 August 2023]

Every time I watch this movie, it's a new decade - and yet this movie evokes stronger and stronger feelings each time. At age 71 and being in the DMZ in 2016, I have still not reconciled to the horror. It breaks my heart every time. And yet, the music was the best and Williams was utterly brilliant. I often wonder what the still living military leaders think of this movie. Does it make them squirm?

I've watched it numerous times with my husband, a double Purple Heart from Viet Nam. As a matter of fact, they used his name in the movie. It made him cry and laugh - and yes, while not as graphic as so many other Viet Nam era movies, it captured the spirit of human nature under stress. Humor is the fallback for rational human response in terrible times. This movie balances the horror, the day-to-day reality, and the blessed ability of humans to compartmentalize and survive.

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings (2021)

I can't remember when I've enjoyed a movie more!

[9/10 · 16 January 2022]

I'm burned out on the Marvel and DC universes, but saw this on a seatmate's screen on a flight and was entranced immediately. OMG, Asian characters with universal sensibilities and wonderful powers! Katy rocks!!! Came home and immediately watched it - just ordered the soundtrack and 4K video. Oh yeah, did I mention I'm 70 years old?

Dune (2021)

It Wasn't What I Hoped For

[5/10 · 29 October 2021]

I was so excited to see this - and yet, after watching, it left me cold. I had NONE of the enchantment of Star Wars. I've read the book over 20 times - and the fact that they gave the most important line to Duncan Idahol (Jason Mamoa) instead of Paul Atreides ("I accept your gift of water") was just wrong. Duncan Idaho is a strong character in his own right, but most importantly, Paul had to establish himself with the Fremen. Great special effects - but how could "Paul" fight with all that hair. Wrong, wrong, wrong! I didn't need another brooding young man. So once again, I've been disappointed - although the ornithopthers really were cool! They got the technology right - but they had no clue about the depth of the characters.

Mrs. Mike (1949)

Dick Powell was no Sgt. Mike

[3/10 · 25 October 2021]

I love the book and have read it probably 50 times. Kathy and Mike Flannigan's life in the far north of Canada - dealing with the indiginous peoples and interesting people of all ilks, plus the sisterhood of the strong women who faced so many hardships, are fascinating story-telling. And the Sargeant, trained but still having to do things like dentistry by reading books, is a wonderful testimony to the RCMP dedication to the country. This movie has none of the depth or pathos of the book; and it's actually seriously missing much of the romance as well. They made it a vehicle for Powell (who was too old and heavy for this role) without any regard for the actual story of real people facing real hardships and finding unexpected joy in harsh conditions. If you don't know that Kathy and Mike lost BOTH their children to diptheria, then you have no real understanding of their lives.

Little Women (2019)

Great production values, awful editing

[6/10 · 16 January 2020]

If you don't know the book, following this story is probably really tough. It starts in the middle of the book then jumps around with flashbacks in almost dizzying order, to the point where you don't know if Beth's scarlet fever recovery is real or not. And sorry - as someone who has read the book over 30 times, spent 50 years in book publishing, and is a huge advocate for women's empowerment, the end was complete nonsense. Gerwig's overlay of woman power doesn't ring true and I can guarantee that Alcott never had any such kind of copyright conversation with her publisher. So why ruin a beautiful story with such artifice except to push an agenda? Such a shame when there was a competent cast and clearly the resources to tell this beautiful story dramatically and powerfully on its own.

Heartbreak Hotel (1988)

Sweet and Poignant

[7/10 · 9 January 2020]

Don't expect a laugh-a-minute comedy here - in fact, the plot set up is actually somewhat sad. But if you're looking for a well-acted and directed fantasy about a superstar who becomes just a regular small-town hero, you'll love this film. There are some very funny moments but mostly I loved the magical scenes like the impromptu polka party and escape to the gazebo on the island. And the music, of course, is great!!

La La Land (2016)

Meh

[1/10 · 8 June 2019]

I cannot remember a movie where I cared less about the characters or disliked the music so much. As everyone else who hated this film has said, hats off to the marketing pukes who pulled this little coup off. The Rocky Horror Picture Show is more "sparkling and scintillating"!