Sure, it's not as good as 1932's "The Most Dangerous Game", but it kept my interest, mostly because of the cast, getting to see June Kenney and Gene Persson in something besides "Earth Vs. The Spider", plus an early view of Robert Reed. Wilton Graff does a good job as the menacing doctor, there's no reason to criticize him just because he goes for a more subdued approach than the looney-tunes, over-the-top portrayal that Leslie Banks did as Dr. Zaroff. Bloodlust was worth watching.
Reviews
23 Reviews
Bully
(I) (2018)
Yes, I gave this 9/10 for a reason: I like the theme
10 October 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Okay, the acting isn't always the greatest but I admire the actor's efforts. They carry the story well, especially Jimmy and his eventual girlfriend.
Personally, I don't think there's anything better than seeing bullies get what they deserve, thanks to some helpful reinforcement from Ron Canada and Danny Trejo. Who do these bullies think they are, anyway? And what gives them the right to treat others like they do? Hopefully they learn how to get their heads out of their ______ before they wind up in jail, or pick on the wrong person and end up in the hospital or the grave.
Personally, I don't think there's anything better than seeing bullies get what they deserve, thanks to some helpful reinforcement from Ron Canada and Danny Trejo. Who do these bullies think they are, anyway? And what gives them the right to treat others like they do? Hopefully they learn how to get their heads out of their ______ before they wind up in jail, or pick on the wrong person and end up in the hospital or the grave.
Gangster Story
(1959)
A so-so Storyline that Walter Matthau's Acting Improves Upon
10 June 2021
The movie would be forgettable if it didn't star Walter Matthau. He did a good job as director, within the limits of the script, which according to the Trivia section, he rewrote almost daily to get it to the point it is.
Some Kind of Hero
(1982)
Lack of Character Development disappoints
4 April 2021
I watched this fresh off maybe my third read of the source novel, so for me, the lack of character development really shows up. I understand it's difficult to fit everything covered in a 294 page novel, but this could of been a much better movie if it was lengthened by about 15 minutes, with emphasis on character development, along with more story of what drove Eddie to take the risks he did after the military turned their back on him. I especially missed seeing more of his interaction with his mom, and feel they glossed over Eddie's time as a POW. Richard Pryor performed well as a dramatic actor here, they shouldn't have insisted making the film into yet another comedy vehicle.
Beyond the Reach
(2014)
Not Worth Watching
28 May 2017
Another in a long line of performances by Michael Douglas as, "I'm rich and powerful so I can do whatever I want, buy off whoever I want, and by the way, I'm about to close a $120 Million dollar deal so that's worth more than anyone Else's life. Trust me, it only gets worse from there on in. A weak plot with an even weaker ending had me waiting impatiently for the film to finally be over. I would have to be paid a lot to sit through it again.
Five Thirteen
(2013)
I've seen a lot worse
31 October 2016
Five Thirteen is similar in concept to Crash and Babel in which several people's lives unexpectedly intersect. That may be a weakness to some people, but nevertheless the film held my attention well.
However, this is not the best of films, either. It got a little weak toward the end with how they did the big tie-up, and the Taryn Manning story was the weakest part of it, but there's some solid acting here (some of the cast, anyway) and some surprises along the way too.
I had never heard of Kader Ayd before this and he hasn't directed very many films (none in over 3 years either, so who knows if/when he will) but this is an admirable effort. I will probably watch it again sometime soon.
However, this is not the best of films, either. It got a little weak toward the end with how they did the big tie-up, and the Taryn Manning story was the weakest part of it, but there's some solid acting here (some of the cast, anyway) and some surprises along the way too.
I had never heard of Kader Ayd before this and he hasn't directed very many films (none in over 3 years either, so who knows if/when he will) but this is an admirable effort. I will probably watch it again sometime soon.
The Magnificent Seven
(2016)
A Very, Very Well Done Film
19 October 2016
It's been a long time since I've seen the original, and I wasn't even planning on going to the movies this afternoon. But after lunch I took a look at what was playing and decided that this film sounded promising.
It didn't take long for me to recognize that this was a film worth paying for; it's so rare for me to do that, since I have no personal interest in doing my share to support modestly-talented millionaires in their lavish lifestyles (which is what most of Hollyweird it is to me). But this is one film that I will be adding to my collection, as I know I'll be enjoying it several times in the future.
I've always been a "cheer for the good guys, get upset at the bad guys" kind of person, and to see what the townsfolk go through at the bad guys' expense quickly got me motivated to see justice done. The seven that they eventually hire served it up in a hurry. The first gun battle alone was worth the price of admission, and the intensity doesn't let up throughout the film. It was the quickest 2+ hours I've enjoyed in the movie theater in a long time. Kudos to Antoine Fuqua and a great group of actors.
It didn't take long for me to recognize that this was a film worth paying for; it's so rare for me to do that, since I have no personal interest in doing my share to support modestly-talented millionaires in their lavish lifestyles (which is what most of Hollyweird it is to me). But this is one film that I will be adding to my collection, as I know I'll be enjoying it several times in the future.
I've always been a "cheer for the good guys, get upset at the bad guys" kind of person, and to see what the townsfolk go through at the bad guys' expense quickly got me motivated to see justice done. The seven that they eventually hire served it up in a hurry. The first gun battle alone was worth the price of admission, and the intensity doesn't let up throughout the film. It was the quickest 2+ hours I've enjoyed in the movie theater in a long time. Kudos to Antoine Fuqua and a great group of actors.
Plato's Run
(1997 Video)
A Fun Watch, In Spite Of A Weak Script
13 August 2016
A great cast of characters makes up for the script, but this isn't a film I could watch very often.
I've always found Gary Busey to be a very watchable actor. I enjoy his quirky approach to his characters and his sense of humor. It's the reason I've seen quite a few of his films. Here he's teamed with some actors I hadn't seen for quite a while, like Steven Bauer (Scarface) and Jeff Speakman (The Perfect Weapon). And they do a great job with a script that's got a weak plot point regarding the bad guy and at times some poorly written dialog. The script is weak enough that I'm surprised to see a top-notch actor like Roy Scheider associated with it. But all in all, the film is a fun way to kill some time. Especially if you like lovely babes, guns and explosions.
I've always found Gary Busey to be a very watchable actor. I enjoy his quirky approach to his characters and his sense of humor. It's the reason I've seen quite a few of his films. Here he's teamed with some actors I hadn't seen for quite a while, like Steven Bauer (Scarface) and Jeff Speakman (The Perfect Weapon). And they do a great job with a script that's got a weak plot point regarding the bad guy and at times some poorly written dialog. The script is weak enough that I'm surprised to see a top-notch actor like Roy Scheider associated with it. But all in all, the film is a fun way to kill some time. Especially if you like lovely babes, guns and explosions.
Terminator Salvation
(2009)
Seriously, who writes this crap?
18 August 2009
I thought Terminator 3 was kind of a letdown, but then what wouldn't be, after T2? So I was willing to give this movie a shot, hoping that it would help redeem the series, and put it back on the right track.
Terminator Salvation fails dismally. Other than some cool effects (e.g. Hunter-Killers), tell me, just how does this differ from all the other "super-action films" that have been churned out over the last several years? Characters that you don't care about, going through some elaborate, fast-cutting action scenes that nobody could even remotely survive, let alone get up and start running again. You would think that even the supposed 'humans' were enhanced with invincible strength.
The kid that plays Kyle Reese is the most interesting portrayal here, the rest aren't much worth watching. I'm very glad that I only paid $1 to see this. I feel sorry for the schmucks that ran out and paid full price for it when it first came out.
I'm going to stick with the first 2 Terminator movies, and do my best to pretend they never made any sequels after that.
Terminator Salvation fails dismally. Other than some cool effects (e.g. Hunter-Killers), tell me, just how does this differ from all the other "super-action films" that have been churned out over the last several years? Characters that you don't care about, going through some elaborate, fast-cutting action scenes that nobody could even remotely survive, let alone get up and start running again. You would think that even the supposed 'humans' were enhanced with invincible strength.
The kid that plays Kyle Reese is the most interesting portrayal here, the rest aren't much worth watching. I'm very glad that I only paid $1 to see this. I feel sorry for the schmucks that ran out and paid full price for it when it first came out.
I'm going to stick with the first 2 Terminator movies, and do my best to pretend they never made any sequels after that.
Fun with Dick and Jane
(2005)
Great vehicle for Carrey and Leoni, blows away the original
15 January 2006
This remake lived up to all my expectations, and then some. I heard that Jim Carrey and Tea Leoni were great together, and they certainly were. It's been a long time since I laughed out loud this many times at a movie theater.
I have a copy of the original in my movie collection, so I obviously found it enjoyable. But this one will be there soon too, and I know I'll be watching this version much more often. The situations presented here are really well grounded in the hi-tech and corporate meltdowns that have been in the news over the last few years, and aided me in getting pulled into the plot line.
Nice to see a movie worth spending a few bucks to see, for a change.
I have a copy of the original in my movie collection, so I obviously found it enjoyable. But this one will be there soon too, and I know I'll be watching this version much more often. The situations presented here are really well grounded in the hi-tech and corporate meltdowns that have been in the news over the last few years, and aided me in getting pulled into the plot line.
Nice to see a movie worth spending a few bucks to see, for a change.
Wisdom
(1986)
Emilio and Demi and a neat original concept
9 September 2005
I've watched Wisdom several times, and still enjoy it every once in a while. I've always been attracted to films with an original idea in them, and this is that kind of flick.
I like Emilio Estevez anyway, and to see him get his first chance to direct was cool. Demi Moore turns in an enjoyable, believable performance too, as did Tom Skerritt and Veronica Cartwright.
The particulars of Wisdom's methods might be a bit muddy, and the end not entirely satisfying to some, but this film is waaay more watchable than what's been out at the theaters lately. Can Hollywood really be SO out of good, original ideas?
I like Emilio Estevez anyway, and to see him get his first chance to direct was cool. Demi Moore turns in an enjoyable, believable performance too, as did Tom Skerritt and Veronica Cartwright.
The particulars of Wisdom's methods might be a bit muddy, and the end not entirely satisfying to some, but this film is waaay more watchable than what's been out at the theaters lately. Can Hollywood really be SO out of good, original ideas?
Saturday Night Live
(1975– )
Great start, but it's totally sucked for the last 25 years.
9 August 2005
This was a fantastic show back when John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Lorraine Newman, Jane Curtin, Bill Murray and Garrett Morris were doing it. Too bad it went down the drain when they left.
Sure, there's been some good people to come out of it since then, like Chris Farley, David Spade, Mike Myers, Dana Carvey, and Al Franken, but the content of SNL is pitiful. Looking over the memorable quotes page, I can see that I haven't been missing anything, by blowing off the show years ago.
Who are these talentless nobodies that get their rocks off by catering to liberal crap and badmouthing the country? All you do is mess with people's heads and bring this great country another step lower. Great contribution, $h!th3@ds.
Sure, there's been some good people to come out of it since then, like Chris Farley, David Spade, Mike Myers, Dana Carvey, and Al Franken, but the content of SNL is pitiful. Looking over the memorable quotes page, I can see that I haven't been missing anything, by blowing off the show years ago.
Who are these talentless nobodies that get their rocks off by catering to liberal crap and badmouthing the country? All you do is mess with people's heads and bring this great country another step lower. Great contribution, $h!th3@ds.
Passenger 57
(1992)
Half-way decent action flick
10 July 2005
Warning: Spoilers
Wesley Snipes as John Cutter is the best thing this movie has going for it. I never get tired of watching him in this. Confident, quick, incisive. Bruce Payne (as Charles Rane, the terrorist) and Tom Sizemore do well in their roles, as do some of the others like the terrorist gal and the flight attendant. But I've seen Shari Rhodes do much better casting in some other movies she's worked on.
Maybe Shari had limited resources on this one, but two of the terrorists are waaay miscast, to the point of laughable. One of them is Vincent (Mark Macaulay), who is apparently convinced that frowning and narrowing his eyes throughout the entire movie will make him look like a hard a$$. I've seen this flick a few times, and he makes me laugh every time now. The other miscast is the four-eyed boy scout that can't seem to do anything right, but walks around like he's a tough guy, too. Pathetic! How'd he ever manage to get hired by a heavy hitter like Charles Rane? Not at all believable.
***** Spoiler follows *****
Passenger 57 also suffers from a plot that gets rather thin at points. Perhaps if the movie wasn't so short, they could've expanded and clarified a few parts, like taking out the terrorists when Rane is returned to the plane after he's captured at the fairgrounds. Cutter suggests one (oversimplistic) plan, then a minute later he's just part of the crowd of cops aiming his gun at the plane. What's up with that? More background on how Charles Rane got so insane would've been nice, too.
Snipes makes this watchable every once in a while, but it could've been much better with a few casting changes, and better screen writing.
Maybe Shari had limited resources on this one, but two of the terrorists are waaay miscast, to the point of laughable. One of them is Vincent (Mark Macaulay), who is apparently convinced that frowning and narrowing his eyes throughout the entire movie will make him look like a hard a$$. I've seen this flick a few times, and he makes me laugh every time now. The other miscast is the four-eyed boy scout that can't seem to do anything right, but walks around like he's a tough guy, too. Pathetic! How'd he ever manage to get hired by a heavy hitter like Charles Rane? Not at all believable.
***** Spoiler follows *****
Passenger 57 also suffers from a plot that gets rather thin at points. Perhaps if the movie wasn't so short, they could've expanded and clarified a few parts, like taking out the terrorists when Rane is returned to the plane after he's captured at the fairgrounds. Cutter suggests one (oversimplistic) plan, then a minute later he's just part of the crowd of cops aiming his gun at the plane. What's up with that? More background on how Charles Rane got so insane would've been nice, too.
Snipes makes this watchable every once in a while, but it could've been much better with a few casting changes, and better screen writing.
Closer
(I) (2004)
Four characters that don't have a clue.
22 March 2005
Great actors and actresses, but they can't save a pitiful screenplay. All four of the leads can act well, but the people they are portraying don't have the first idea what love truly is.
The advertisement for Closer stated that the movie was about real relationships between people in love with each other. Maybe this is Hollywood's idea of what real relationships are like, or maybe they want to influence people into thinking that this is an acceptable way to behave when you're in love with someone. But I'm really glad that my marriage relationship has none of this screwy thinking in it! If this is how people really do conduct their personal relationships, this country is in REALLY BIG TROUBLE!
The advertisement for Closer stated that the movie was about real relationships between people in love with each other. Maybe this is Hollywood's idea of what real relationships are like, or maybe they want to influence people into thinking that this is an acceptable way to behave when you're in love with someone. But I'm really glad that my marriage relationship has none of this screwy thinking in it! If this is how people really do conduct their personal relationships, this country is in REALLY BIG TROUBLE!
Dawn of the Dead
(2004)
Get the unrated director's cut!!!
22 November 2004
I reviewed this film back in March 2004, and said, "Wow! I just got home from seeing dotd-2004 and can't wait to add it to my collection." Well, I just added it - the Unrated Director's Cut in widescreen edition. After watching it this weekend, I just had to add a footnote about this version of the film.
IT MAKES A GREAT FILM EVEN BETTER.
Comments from other reviewers have sometimes made reference to a lack of character development in the film. The UDC version restores this kind of content, and is one way that the UDC version improves on the theatrical release. I see better character development in this version of dotd-2004 then in the (1978) original version of Dawn.
The other improvement the UDC version makes is to restore some really excellent gore shots. If you're into that thing, of course. And if you're not - well of course you're into it - that's why you're checking out this film!
IT MAKES A GREAT FILM EVEN BETTER.
Comments from other reviewers have sometimes made reference to a lack of character development in the film. The UDC version restores this kind of content, and is one way that the UDC version improves on the theatrical release. I see better character development in this version of dotd-2004 then in the (1978) original version of Dawn.
The other improvement the UDC version makes is to restore some really excellent gore shots. If you're into that thing, of course. And if you're not - well of course you're into it - that's why you're checking out this film!
Shaun of the Dead
(2004)
Enjoyed it
2 October 2004
Shaun of the Dead was well worth seeing. It has lots of funny scenes and one-liners, as well as some well-timed, just plain silliness. It also has some great gore, but I wouldn't of minded seeing a little more of it. There are some great references to other zombie movies, which added even more fun.
On the down side, I found the pace to be a bit too frantic, I was a little worn out by the end. Also, being a yank, the accents wore me out at times. I kept thinking that I can't wait to watch it on DVD, so I could turn on the captions. Just spoiled, I guess.
Well worth seeing, I give it 7/10.
On the down side, I found the pace to be a bit too frantic, I was a little worn out by the end. Also, being a yank, the accents wore me out at times. I kept thinking that I can't wait to watch it on DVD, so I could turn on the captions. Just spoiled, I guess.
Well worth seeing, I give it 7/10.
Southern Comfort
(1981)
What a bunch of f***ing idiots!
2 October 2004
This squad of National Guardsmen got everything they had coming to them. What a disgrace to armed forces everywhere! They steal things, shoot at civilians for yuks, blow up civilian property for no good reason, refuse to obey orders from superiors, have no common sense whatsoever, should I go on?
Now that I got that off my chest, I will say that the actors, especially Keith Carradine and Powers Booth, did the best they could with the unrealistic script. The scenery is beautiful, the pacing of the film is very good, and the Cajun people are very convincing. I wish the Guardsmen were as convincing. I give it 6/10.
Now that I got that off my chest, I will say that the actors, especially Keith Carradine and Powers Booth, did the best they could with the unrealistic script. The scenery is beautiful, the pacing of the film is very good, and the Cajun people are very convincing. I wish the Guardsmen were as convincing. I give it 6/10.
The Rundown
(2003)
Average Action Flick
11 May 2004
The plot itself was quite predictable, no real surprises for any fan of the action genre. I'm not a wrestling fan, so The Rock was a new actor to me. But he plays a very enjoyable character here, and it was fun watching him. He has good screen presence and kept my attention throughout. As always, Christopher Walken was great. Rosario Dawson really looks HOT here, enjoyable dialogue between her and The Rock.
Major drawback to the film was Seann William Scott's character, what an empty-headed blabbermouth that just WOULD NOT SHUT UP! Within 5 minutes of his appearance in the film I was hoping that someone would PLEASE kill him and have mercy on us all! Aarrrgh!
Major drawback to the film was Seann William Scott's character, what an empty-headed blabbermouth that just WOULD NOT SHUT UP! Within 5 minutes of his appearance in the film I was hoping that someone would PLEASE kill him and have mercy on us all! Aarrrgh!
Dawn of the Dead
(2004)
A great movie in it's own right
19 March 2004
Wow! I just got home from seeing dotd-2004 and can't wait to add it to my collection. Even though I saw the original several times in the theater when it first came out, I was able to enjoy this one a lot also. No, this is not a remake as in "true to the original". It is an update of that concept, with some welcome homages to the original thrown in (Gaylen Ross Fashions? Cool!). I've already heard a lot of criticism out here, but really, I think people need to refresh their perspective, put their pre-conceived notions to the side and enjoy it for what it is: a truly original concept that was created in 1978, updated here to tell the story of another group of people fighting their way through this incredibly impossible situation. Didn't you wonder, watching the original over the years, about other people and their stories of trying to survive the situation? I know I did. And after all, if Ken Foree and Scott Reiniger (not to mention the great one, Tom Savini) lent their endorsement to this project by being in it, why knock it? Relax and enjoy! My rating: 9 out of 10.
Leaving Las Vegas
(1995)
Amazing, and gritty performances
3 May 2003
It's not a movie I could bear to watch very often, because it's sad to see people destroy themselves. But Nicolas Cage and Elisabeth Shue are riveting to watch here. As a person who has a past involvement in alcohol and substance abuse, I found Cage's performance especially compelling, and after watching him in this one, I am sure glad that lifestyle is behind me!
The chemistry between these two is really great, two people that need each other in different ways, trying to cope with how screwed up their lives have become. Very real performances, if you're faint-of-heart be ready for some strong words, and not just obscenities. Wow! They really lay it on the line. Great performances by two of my favorites.
The chemistry between these two is really great, two people that need each other in different ways, trying to cope with how screwed up their lives have become. Very real performances, if you're faint-of-heart be ready for some strong words, and not just obscenities. Wow! They really lay it on the line. Great performances by two of my favorites.
Heist
(2001)
What a waste of talented actors
1 December 2002
My cable company built this up to be a really good film, and since it also had actors in it like De Vito, Hackman and Lindo, who I always enjoy watching, I was looking forward to seeing it. What a disappointment! I didn't even last to the 40-minute mark before I gave up in disgust! What's up guys? Did you think that going for a world's record in using variations on "f**k" makes for good dialog? I have no problem with a guy expressing himself that way to make a point, but this was completely useless to the point of annoying. Can't believe David Mamet wrote this piece of trash!
The Spider
(1958)
Classic 50's horror flick, still very enjoyable
7 August 2001
I caught this on American Movie Classics last night, and I'm glad I had a tape handy! I have been looking for it for years. It is very superior to "Tarantula (1955)" IMHO, and it has great special effects for the time it was made. I saw this on TV a few times under the title "The Spider" when I was a kid. Ah, memories!
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