Change Your Image
smpl_mn
Reviews
Big George Foreman (2023)
A Strong Man...A Good Man
There are numerous ways to look at character study movies based on an actual person...look at the actor and how well the character is portrayed, how true to history the portrayal is, whether you like or dislike the person, etc. This one touched all the right buttons for me. I find Foreman (in real life) to be a likeable, strong person. This was demonstrated in the film expertly. One flaw that couldn't be helped due to time constraint, is that many of his life's milestones were only briefly touched upon without the in-depth review that each chapter deserved. But, movies can only be so long. It is possible that this could have been a series instead of a movie, and his life events could have been more deeply dealt with. For instance, I could have taken more Foreman-Ali stories...they became close friends which was only touched on in the closing comments. Foreman had a near death experience and reacted to it with strong conviction and altered the life he thought he wanted. His transition from humble poor kid made good to self-centered, egotistical "new money" was done in the blink of an eye, and needed more plot development (imo). Nevertheless, according to the movie, he triumphed over these issues and events to become a champion that used and still does use his wealth and experience to help many people in many ways. In closing, I liked the movie...it is a story that needed to be told, and was told well. I do recommend it if true to life stories are your cup of tea.
Savannah (2013)
Waiting wantingly for a remake!
You know, I wanted to give this movie higher marks... cinematography was awesome...story was touching, sentimental in a good way. Had some great characters, and good acting. The reasons that it wasn't "great" are lack of plot development, the fact that it was based on a true story (in my opinion probably loosely), and it was fragmented. Was Ward a drunk, or a poet/writer, or both...did he have dignity or was he a bar bum? I want to believe he was all of these, with less emphasis on the "bum". I was just enamored by the story, and how the movie could have been so much better. Very touching, especially the ending.
I don't much get how he could have had a high-society wife when he hunted ducks for a living (maybe family money, I dunno). I think there is a plot flaw in there somewhere...a stretch to the truth.
The actor that played "Christmas" was really good, believable and sincere. He brought the film together and had a lot to teach about friendship.
I think it needs a re-make that is not based on the true story.
Where the Crawdads Sing (2022)
Good Movie...good story...not enough of those lately!
I guess on movies many people make a judgement according to their own experiences in life, which is fine. The more heartfelt efforts seem to bring out a wide variety of opinions and emotions. To have many reviews means that the film has touched a lot of people. This one touched me. The mood was right, the video production highly appropriate. The actors, for the characters portrayed, seemed right on. I'll give a shout out for the Kya character portrayals at all ages. I like the fact that there weren't many high-profile actors in this one. Exception being David Strathairn who is always good.
To all professionals involved (directors, writers, producers, video, etc.) way to go. I understand a lot of the filming was done in south Louisiana. Hope the swamp scenes/sets were kind to you insect-wise. I'm from that area...I know.
I don't really care if it was or wasn't true to the best-selling book...mixed comments/reviews on this one...also don't care how many awards it gets...it's just (to me) a really good movie. So many bad or mediocre films have come out in the past too many years. Series, especially on streaming, seem to be taking first place in the industry, quality wise.
******* Warning Spoilers Below (sort of) ********
I think my only real complaint was the over use of the term "marsh girl".
Our Brand Is Crisis (2015)
Watchable
This movie was OK...watchable for the most part due to the usual good performances of Sandra Bullock and Billy Bob Thornton. An election in Bolivia (partially based on a true story) with behind the scenes goings-on of a professional organization dedicated to a successful campaign by instructing and molding the candidate (portrayed by Joaquim de Almeida).
The movie really didn't have much of a "punch". The central subject was actually a very serious one, so the writers had few opportunities to slip in the Sandra Bullock type of humor. Possibly the problem is that so many have come to expect that elections are largely about manipulation so it's no surprise. Or maybe it's that this is the behavior we expect from so many politicians that we've come to accept and it's "no big deal".
Hell on Wheels (2011)
"Hell on Wheels" A Man's Man
The story of a man's man, construction of a railroad connecting the US, East to West. Cullen Bohannon, an 1800's confederate soldier in a new world. What's he good at? Building railroads, fighting with a gun and without, doing what's right for the time as he sees it. He's a torn hero, but a true hero nonetheless. His compassion for people that he sees as true friends is enormous. You want him on your side. Anson Mount knocks this part out of the park. The series centers around him.
There were many outstanding characters in the show. Thomas Durant (Union Pacific RR), Collis Huntington (Central Pacific RR), and John Campbell, the first governor of the Wyoming Territory. The character of Eva was wonderfully portrayed. A girl captured and imprisoned by Indians in early youth that seemed to accept her fate with unbelievable strength. The role of Eva is loosely based on the true story of Olive Oatman, similarly captured by Indians, who lived with different tribes for many years before her return. Psalms and Elam Ferguson, both friends to Bohannon, were tough workers and leaders. The list could go on and on, great acting in parts of characters that weren't altogether likable or admirable, but outstanding portrayals no doubt.
The story is a series based on a truly historical event. Building of the transcontinental railroad has in some documentaries been characterized as an achievement not unlike putting a man on the moon.
For brevity, I'll stop there...I hope you enjoy the show and the spoilers herein will not take away from anything! The story is complex, gritty and exciting...a western applicable to the time.
What would I have changed and why don't I give it a 10? Writing, though A grade fantastic, could have focused on some different issues. At times the writers expanded what could have been in one episode into two or three. Too much exposure to "the swede"...got so tired of seeing this despicable character. After they established his presence and effect, they could have had fewer episodes with him in it. Maybe it's about format and time-slotting, but I would have liked to have seen more two hour episodes. In so many cases I felt cut short when the show ended in 45 minutes of actual air time.
Fathers & Daughters (2015)
Well done, well acted, touching story
A noted author, Jake Davis, raising a daughter, Katie Davis, and the bond of love between both of them. Well acted, and unusually good movie with the always outstanding Russell Crowe delivering a powerful dramatic performance. He pulls you into this movie by making you feel the joy and pain of being a father with flaws that are not in his control, not of his making. Excellent realism. Amanda Seyfried, always great imo, with her different kind of big eyed beauty and well-delivered performances brings love and life to any movie. This film is no exception. The musical score was well done and appropriate for the movie and setting.
The flow was a bit choppy at times, but the good parts were very good and held the movie together. The flashbacks were not always well defined, but that was OK, because it keeps you guessing a bit and keeps it interesting. Not a feel-good movie, but depending on your walk in life it may touch your emotions as it did mine.
*******Warning Spoilers Below********
I could maybe have given it even a higher rating but for a few things. A bit of weak acting (not the major players). They could have let us know more about the nature of Jake Davis's (Crowe) affliction, but maybe the writers didn't feel that it was important to the plot (I'll give them that if if was intentional).