strosstrup

IMDb member since September 2002
    Lifetime Total
    25+
    IMDb Member
    21 years

Reviews

Bulmyeolui Lee Soon-shin
(2004)

Korean dramas are amazing!
The Immortal Yi Soon Shin is no exception. Even if you don't understand a lick of Korean, the dialect, or the culture, the acting is amazing! Not only is the acting exemplary, but the cinematography, uniforms, and action trump any drama in the United States. Watch it, you will love it! In the United States, the show has subtitles, so following the dialogue is no problem. If there were no subtitles, the acting is so prolific that I could probably surmise what is going on in the plot or the individual episode. I am hooked on this gem, and I have been watching it for a long time. Luckily, I found episodes of it online, and I cannot tear myself away from it, except maybe when nature calls.

Dare to Love
(1995)

Powerful, scary yet uplifting
This is by far one of the most superbly acted films I have ever watched. Delve into the life of a young woman stricken with schizophrenia and how the disease ravages the afflicted and all those around her.

The cast in "Dare to Love" is amazing. Josie Bissett is so convincing it is disturbing to watch her in this role. Jason Gedrick, Jill Eikenberry, and my perennial favorite James Sikking all deliver powerful supporting roles.

This movie is not all doom and gloom. Although most of the film centers on the horrors of the disease, there are many glimmers of hope and a story line that slowly progresses to a positive ending.

Highly recommended for all audiences, especially those with a family member suffering from the disease.

Gunsmoke: Drago
(1971)
Episode 11, Season 17

Excellent revenger! Buddy Ebsen at his swarthiest!
Buddy Ebsen plays "Drago," a tough, grizzled war veteran who was taken in and given room and board by a benevolent woman and her son. While working on the ranch, Outlaws invade the ranch, killing the woman and critically wounding her young son. When Marshal Dillon, Deputy Newly, and a large posse arrive at the ranch, Marshal Dillon offers to deputize Drago. Drago reluctantly agrees. Thinking Drago's intentions will be to track down and capture the killers, Drago, along with his trusted, fearless and highly intelligent rottweiler, has different plans that involve exacting some revenge. Can Newly talk some sense into Drago before it is too late?

Voyage of Terror: The Achille Lauro Affair
(1990)

Powerful film...contains spoilers....
Based on the true story of the 1985 hijacking of an Italian cruise ship, and murder of a wheelchair bound American who was shot and dumped into the ocean.

By far, one of the best directed and well-acted dramas I have ever seen. All of the actors, including supporting actors, were superb. One of the most gripping and dramatic scenes is when President Reagan orders U.S. fighter jets to force the Egyptian Airliner carrying the terrorist to land at an Italian military air base. As the airliner touches down, Italian authorities are seen responding to intercept the plane. As the Italian military and Carabiniere converge and surround the plane, a U.S. C-130 lands carrying a huge contingent of US Navy Seals and Delta Force. What happens next is for the annals of history! Very worth while to see!

Cast Away
(2000)

An emotional, uplifting, and positive story of hope, faith, survival and perhaps Divine Intervention.
"Cast Away" tells the tale of a successful and much revered Federal Express Executive who's dynamic life takes a surreal turn after he is the sole survivor of a horrific plane crash into the ocean. The storyline pits a business savvy workhorse against the wrath of nature in a desperate attempt at survival.

At the core of the movie is a story of hope, survival, love, and faith. The movie explores the personal successes and failures of a white collar, high-powered Executive who's career and many aspects of his personal life are ruled by the clock. An unexpected and traumatic life-altering event removes Chuck Noland (Tom Hanks)from his regimented lifestyle bound by self-erected parameters, and deposits him smack-dab-in-the middle of a new life where he realizes that, ironically, he now has an abundance of his most treasured and precious resource-the resource of time.

"Cast Away" is an excellent cinematic experience for viewers who have a strong sense of faith, spirituality, and perhaps even divine intervention. Throughout the film, Chuck faces obstacles and scenarios that make "Survivor" look like a walk in the park. Everywhere he turns he is seemingly subjected to tests of his mettle and intestinal fortitude. Watching Chuck navigate each experience, the viewer cannot help but explore his/her own circumstances and wonder if they have what it truly takes to survive if they were left to their own devices. Notwithstanding the physical challenges, one must ask themselves if he/she could overcome the emotional and psychological challenges.

Perhaps most importantly, I believe the premise of the movie is that you are only bound by your own parameters. You can survive just about any situation if you look deep down inside your core and pull out reserves you never knew you had. It also seems to teach you that you should never give up. However, if the situation is too much to handle and you have done your absolute best to survive, you may just get a little help from a divine source.

Powerful, emotional, gripping, exciting! Highly recommended!

The Andromeda Strain
(1971)

A Brilliantly well executed SciFi drama...
Ok, I admit that I was never great at math and science, but with a 140 IQ, I'd like to consider myself fairly intelligent, therefore, when I offer up my opinion on the sheer brilliance of "The Andromeda Strain," I feel that I am unequivocally justified. Although this cinematic triumph appears dated by today's standards, the premise and execution of the tenets of the film are, for all intents and purpose, timeless.

The plot is extremely well developed and the scenes flow almost flawlessly into a nearly perfect scientific masterpiece. This film is so well executed and documented, and clearly well ahead of its time, that, albeit the dramatic prose, it could almost stand alone as a scientific documentary. Andromeda's allusion to computer algorithms, medical studies, and even subtle nuances, such as the sound of public address systems in the background, adds to its attractiveness, and gives the audience a true appreciation of the film's talented production and direction team.

"The Andromeda Strain" is a rare situation whereby the film may actually be as enthralling as the book. If you have a child mature enough to watch this movie, I highly recommend that you let them. For all parents out there who are hopeful their children will express an interest in biomedical research, this film is essential viewing! However, please be forewarned there are some disturbing scenes involving animal cruelty that should be approached with extreme caution. Notwithstanding minor flaws that almost all films possess, this is an awesome gem! See it !!!

Prince of Darkness
(1987)

I've got a message for you, and you're not going to like it....
...PRAY FOR DEATH...

What a creepy flick, with a unique plot. Satan, with all of his malevolence, returns in a liquid form to conquer mankind and turn ordinary citizens into disciples of death. Disturbing sequences, good acting, and, none other than Alice Cooper, combine to make this a fright fest. A cerebral masterpiece.

The Prophecy II
(1998)

This should be fodder for Mystery Science Theatre
This is, by far, one of the worst movies I have ever had the misfortune of watching. The acting, the special effects, the violence, all contrived and utterly unbelievable. The makeup was atrocious, and the script was hellacious. I love Christopher Walken, but he was really miscast in this role; he is far too matter-of-fact to play such a malevolent entity. Dreck!

The Ring
(2002)

Not scary, cerebral, innovative, nor interesting.
I have heard so many people saying they found this movie to be "utterly terrifying," "that it was chilling," and that you "HAVE got to see it." To be honest with you, I fell asleep halfway through it. This production was a hodge podge of sloppy acting, predictable cliches, and ridiculous metaphorical rhetoric. I really wanted to watch a scary movie, but instead I watch a jumbled up storyline. Yes, there were a couple of ghoulish scenes, but they were few and far between.

Incidentally, how many of us are still alive? I mean, after all, we watched the movie, and the tape. I truly wonder how many of the people who have watched this tape are still alive seven days after the fact. Now, a study on that premise would make an interesting storyline. :-)

L'amour violé
(1978)

Excellent acting
Well, I have to hand one thing to the French...as long as they are not directing comedies, they are very good at producing excellent dramatic, or erotic cinematography.

"Rape of Love" is a sad, powerful, and poignant look at the events in the life of a woman following her brutal rape. The acting by Nathalie Nell is incredible. In watching her, I actually felt extreme pity for her character. Her portrayal as this sweet and innocent victim, transformed into a different person after the attack, is quite compelling.

Although tough to watch the rape scenes, the rest of the movie is excellent, and very well produced. The dialogue, story line, plot development, and cinematography all work cohesively to keep the viewer riveted. This is a very well produced movie.

Irréversible
(2002)

Whoa...what a film!
There is no doubt in my mind this presentation will evoke some strong feelings among many people. This was a completely sick and twisted film, but damn, the acting was exquisite.

Without spoiling the key scenes, let's just say this is one helluva powerful movie, whether you like it or not. It contains extremely graphic violence and misogynistic scenes. Irreversible is not recommended for the squeamish. It is brutal, sadistic, and realistic.

Irreversible is one of the greatest movies I have ever seen.

Rounders
(1998)

Superior Acting
WOW...what an excellent movie, with superior acting, and a great plot. Damon, Norton, and Malkovich steal the show. I especially loved Malkovich as the character, "KGB," he was simply spectacular. This movie is similar in plot to "House of Games," with Joe Mantegna, which was also an incredibly well acted film.

I highly, highly recommend that you watch this film. It contains an ample amount of profanity, and some violence, so it may not be appropriate for young children. Other than that, it is awesome! It is well directed, well-scripted, and overall, a keeper!

Chain of Command
(2000)

Exciting and engaging drama/thriller/actioner-***No Spoilers***
"Chain of Command," hereby referred to as COC, is one of those sleepers that packs a serious punch. Graced by cinematic stars such as Roy Scheider, Maria Conchita Alonso, Michael Biehn, and Patrick Muldoon, COC is full of action, suspense, and excellent acting. Ric Young, who plays the despotic and sinister character "Fung," gives a stellar and credible performance. Michael Biehn makes a major departure from his stereotypical good guy roles, and serves as a mean-spirited, incorrigible traitor.

If you liked films such as "Escape From New York" and "Executive Decision," I believe you will really enjoy COC. Although it is not a big-budget blockbuster with perks such as gratuitous sex and violence, it must be appreciated for its action and suspense.

Maniac
(1980)

This sucked
I had the misfortune of watching this movie the other night. With all of the reviews, and hype, that I read here and at other sites, I was positive that I was in a for a no-holds-barred, tear 'em up, grind 'em, blood feast. I was sorely disappointed.

In watching "Maniac," I found the movie to be excrutiatingly boring. I like to gauge the value of a movie by the way the effect it has on me. If it has a profound effect on me, and has me thinking about particular scenes days after watching the film, then I know that it was a success. Maniac simply did not have this affect on me. The acting was atrocious, the horror was not that gruesome, and it was just plain stupid. The ending was so abrupt. This movie was not nearly as diabolical or sinister as, "One False Move," "Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer," or "Confessions of a Serial Killer." Those films were brilliantly produced, scripted, and acted.

The only thing "maniacal" about this film is that it has been embraced so warmly by horror fans.

I give it a rating of 1 star.

Black Knight
(2001)

Hilarious
I realize the majority of people who posted comments about "Black Knight," did not find it particularly entertaining, however, I thought it was hysterical. Just the sheer fact that Lawrence is wearing a Fubu jersey over his chain mail is a true testament to his ascerbic wit; I saw that and I had to watch the rest of the movie. The humor is ridiculous, outlandish, and off-the-wall, just the way it should be in a Martin Lawrence masterpiece.

Kangaroo Jack
(2003)

Stupid
What a moronic, asinine plot. Not only is the movie stupid, it isn't even cute, and the computer graphics are so poorly synchronized you can't help but overlook them. I felt like turning the kangaroo into steaks. After watching this fiasco, it is obvious that some producers are stretching for plots they think will be cute and redeeming; rest assured, this is neither. A five year old could've producer and directed a more endearing project.

I give this a thumbs down and suggest the producers go hide in a pouch.

Final Destination 2
(2003)

My synopsis, minus the fluff
Good points:

1.) Interesting, unique, and thought provoking plot. Not insulting to viewer's intelligence, like Darkness Falls. 2.) Very good, if not excellent, special effects, unlike Darkness Falls, whose producers seemed to chinse on the effects. 3.) Thorough scene weaving with minimal plot holes, again, unlike Darkness Falls. 4.) The characters that you want to die the most, do, and in heinous ways. 5.) Plenty of mayhem,destruction, and gratuitous violence. 6.) Obviously a huge budget was approved for this movie,yet again (take a guess), unlike Darkness Falls.

Bad Points:

1.) Jumbled dialogue between characters, sometimes leading to sloppy scene development. 2.) Inappropriate and morose humor injected into scenes. It so inappropriate, you almost could miss that humor was intended. 3.) Not enough gore. 4.) No sex. 5.) Relatively predictable scenes. 6.) Boring at times. 7.) Dialogue when Kim Corman goes to visit Clear Rivers in sanitarium is stupid and unrealistic. 8.) Throughout the film, lots of cliches, really infantile gestures, and crappy character development. 9.) Mediocre acting. 10.) You actually hope for a violent demise of the main characters, instead of rooting for their safety. 11.) Horrible development of suspense. Producers appeared to concentrate on gratuitous violence, thus sacrificing ample opportunities to develop true suspense and horror. This is the primary flaw and downfall of the movie. They blew it here, big time.

All in all at best, I give it a 2/4 rating. That is being generous on my part.

Darkness Falls
(2003)

Hellacious!!! No spoilers here.
Ay yay yay...this movie was a trainwreck.

The movie starts out with a very brief overview of the tragic life of Matilda Dixon (aka "The Tooth Fairy"), a beautiful woman who suffered a series of terrible events in her life, culminating in her torture, disfigurement, and subsequent murder by some pre-emptive townsfolk who convicted her of a crime she did not commit. Dubbed the tooth fairy because she would reward children with money and other gifts if they would provide her with their baby teeth, the premise for the movie was pretty unique.

Since most of the folks have already posted comments which already provide a synopsis of the movie, I will jump right into my comments. Darkness Falls had great potential to be a shining star in the realm of horror. Unfortunately, it fell woefully short. In my opinion, there were several major problems with this movie: 1.) The horror scenes are not scary, despite the fact the producers had ample opportunity to capitalize on many potentially opportunities to inject sheer fright and terror... 2.) The plot holes are wide enough to drive a double-wide, tandem tractor trailer through. 3.) The "Tooth Fairy," whom the audience gets to see briefly up close and personal, but mainly in silhouettes and whispering shadows, is not even scary; I have witnessed my nephews draw scarier pictures. 4.) The movie is painfully predictable. 5.) The acting is atrocious. 6.) The dialogue is chock-full-'o-cliches. 7.) The infantile scrip and events are insulting to intelligent human beings.

Even if you do not like horror movies, this one is so tame, and should really not scare even the faint-hearted. About 45 minutes into the movie, I was already looking at my watch.

Despite my "constructive criticism," I have to give the Producers of Darkness Falls some serious credit. They did an excellent job of marketing this movie. The commercials were very compelling, and even the website is done very professionally. In reality, what do they care about negative comments. The marketing will ensure that Darkness Falls makes a boatload of greenbacks.

See it just for sheer curiosity, but do not set your expectations very high.

Rating: 1/4.

Casino
(1995)

Wickedly entertaining
This is one of those gangster flicks where the acting is so incredible, you actually think you may intimately know the characters...but then again, I am from New Jersey!

Anyway, Pesci is by far, the best. He portrays Nicky, a real crazy goomba with a mean attitude, and a tendency to make people dead.

DeNiro...what can I say? Awesome as usual. Don Rickles is even in the movie. Sharon Stone turned out one hell of a performance...and James Woods, one of my all time favorites, is just fantastic.

The violence is disturbing, but not gratuitous, and highly effective in accentuating the scenes.

For sheer violence and authenticity, I give it a 9.0 out of 10.

Judgment Day: The John List Story
(1993)

It was ok
I love Robert Blake. He is a perennial favorite(up to this point, of course). He is versatile, dynamic, and compelling. However, I think he was miscast in this role. Part of the problem is that nothing about him resembles John List. Although in a lot of scenarios, it is easy to look past the physical resemblance to characters, I found it very difficult to accept his portrayal of John List.

Insofar as the overall acting, it was marginal. Caruso was boring, and not particularly enthralling. D'Angelo was excellent as List's wife. The other tertiary characters added breadth to the film.

All in all, not a bad piece. It is watchable when you are flipping through cable looking for something other than reruns of Home Improvement.

A Christmas Story
(1983)

How could you not love this!!!
This is by far, one of my favorite movies of all time. The networks play in year round. It is seen in summer, spring, winter, and fall. It is hysterical and so well done. The producers didn't miss a beat. Watching this movie makes me yearn for a more peaceful and sentimental time in America's history. It was a time of joy and happiness, and family values.

The casting could not have been any more perfect. Billingsley was perfect as Ralphie. Dillon and McGavin were classic. Randy was priceless.

I give it a 9.5 out of 10. Watch it over, and over, and over!

Backdraft
(1991)

Sort of interesting...
For a movie chock-full-of awesome actors, I must echo the sentiment of several other viewers who have posted comments on IMBD; the movie was long and fractured. However, I respectfully disagree with some on the idea of the plot. I think the plot was an excellent idea.

There were several aspects of the movie that turned me off. The most irritating was Steven McCaffrey (Russell) entering the fires without a Scott-pack. I mean REALLY, come on. I realize that Howard was trying to portraying McCaffrey as an on-the-edge, suicidal maverick and renegade who could survive thick, black, acrid smoke, but it failed to convey him as superhuman; instead, it dehumanized him.

Insofar as Deniro is concerned, why he chose to be in this movie is beyond me. Obviously, money was a factor. I think Russell's portrayal of McCaffrey was decent, but perhaps Scott Glenn would've been the better choice as the lead role. In my opinion, Glenn comes across more grizzled. Sutherland, as usual, was amazing. He is one of the most versatile actors to grace the screen. Baldwin was blah. Jennifer Jason Leigh, although nice to look at, was blah.

Overall, I would give Backdraft 2.5 out of 4 stars.

Airwolf
(1984)

Delectably cheesy!
Ok, I love this series. It is classic 80's. Mr. Bellisario could not have cast it any better. Some of the plots are weak, but the battle scenes are riveting. The music and the opening theme score are great. This writer gives Bellisario kudos for maintaining action and excitement during the thrilling chase scenes. The cinematography is professionally executed. Obviously, when viewing this series, do not be surprised to witness a boatload of inconsistencies, and several "stock" scenes.

Great series!

*** out of ****

Everybody Loves Raymond
(1996)

I can sum this up in one word...
Horrible. The show is horrible, the characters are horrible. This is infantile humor written to appeal to the basest human being.

Stop the horror, please. Please, pretty, pretty please, do not renew this show for another season.

MADtv
(1995)

Hilarious...
The skits absolutely crack me up. I find Nicole Sullivan, Debra Wilson, Phil LaMarr, and Will Sasso to be absolutely hysterical. However, my favorite of all the characters is Michael McDonald. I love to watch his "Stewart," skit...it is priceless.

See all reviews