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brucejr
Reviews
Dune (1984)
The 190 minute special edition is the best
Truly a classic of SF literature, the movie attempts to capture the grandeur and mystery of this epic tour de force. The long version is necessary for those unfamiliar to the book to absorb the plot development. Those who liked the book will love the longer version better than the initial release, even if Lynch didn't want to be associated with it. It has a wonderful cast of actors who despite short screen time convey powerful personalities. The enigmatic prophecy theme is captivating and the music for it is truly inspired. Sit back and get immersed in this wonderful experience (then read the book again). Unlike some other comments, I feel that the plot and vision stayed very close to that in the book
Boh lei chun (1999)
Insipid story but worth watching for the 1-on-1 fights
'Gorgeous' tries to mix two plots, a trite love story and a rivalry between businessmen. Unfortunately, the film focuses on the love story, and while it is okay for the Disney crowd the story is just too cliched and saccharine. The redeeming features of the movie are the 2 one-on-one fights between Jackie Chan and Brad Allan. Both fight scenes are close to 10 minutes long each and are truly amazing. Not the usual Jackie Chan prop-filled acrobatics, but simply back and forth kick-boxing sparring. Both fighters move to a wonderfully infectious musical score, particularly in their second fight where the "bad guy's" flunkies can be seen in the background bobbing up and down to the rhythm of the fight. Hilarious! I watch those two scenes over and over. Brad Allan is incredibly fast and has incredible poise. If he were a foot taller, he could be a Major action star. As it is, he is very credible as the "out of town" fighter brought in to fight Jackie.
Watch the movie once but savour the fight scenes on repeated viewings.
Lat sau san taam (1992)
I love John Woo but this was TOO VIOLENT
While 'Hard Boiled' has remarkable gunplay throughout, it doesn't come close to the simplicity and cohesiveness of Woo's brilliant 'The Killer'. Chow Yun-Fat is once again tremendously charismatic in the role of a hard-boiled gunfighter but he doesn't have a good foil to play against. I cannot recommend this movie to anyone who is squeamish, since there are far too many innocent victims killed in the crossfire of the villains.
Conan the Destroyer (1984)
campy and humorous, but still enthralling entertainment
While the original 'Conan the Barbarian' was more dramatic, the sequel is played more for laughs. Nonetheless, it is still a highly entertaining sword and sorcery fantasy flick. The music is again outstanding and carries the movie where the dialogue fails. Of particular note is Wilt Chamberlain's impressive performance as the immense Bombatta. He has a tremendous screen presence, more than just his stature (plus he had to do his own stunts!).
There are lots of memorable scenes throughout the movie. Not a cerebral film, just good old-fashioned fantasy!
C'era una volta il West (1968)
The Best Western of All Time bar none!
The "fourth" and best of Sergio Leone's Dollars Trilogy, 'Once Upon A Time In The West' is a sprawling, operatic masterpiece of cinematography. The languid pacing only accentuates the meticulously presented scenes and the Ennio Morricone score is powerful, poignant and haunting. Each major character has his own musical theme. Henry Fonda's character has a menacing and jarring score which chills and thrills me every time I hear it (I bought the soundtrack too!). Fonda as Frank is the "coldest villain in screen history" as I have read in other reviews and was cast against type in this film. When the camera pans up into his passionless blue eyes early in the movie, one sees what a brilliant piece of casting it was to have him as the villain. This movie is a metaphor on the death of The Old West and the final word on how a (spaghetti) Western should be. Not to be missed!
Kings of the Sun (1963)
clever premise for plot, Yul Brynner is superb
This would be just an average studio movie but for a clever premise (Mayans flee across the Gulf of Mexico to establish a community in North America) and Yul Brynner's stunning screen presence. Brynner portrays a noble Indian chief as only he could do with tremendous screen presence and boundless charisma. When I first saw the movie, I loved the climactic battle scene but now I relish the human drama in Yul Brynner's character most. One of his best performances!