dogengenjo

IMDb member since March 2004
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    IMDb Member
    20 years

Reviews

Last Rampage: The Escape of Gary Tison
(2017)

Facts vs Fiction: 2 Weeks that left Arizona residents in shock.
The Last Rampage took liberty in re-telling the factual story of the ruthless killer and escaped convict Gary Tison, with his 3 Sons, and another escaped convict who was also like Gary Tison convicted and incarcerated for murder, Randy Greenawalt.

In August of 1978, I drove to Arizona and back to see friends throughout the two weeks this incident transpired and I have never forgotten it, or the details of this brutal deadly story of the murder of six innocent people including a 22-month-old child Christopher Lyon and his 15-year-old Cousin.

I was driving down the AZ-95 highway south of Quartzsite, Arizona the day after the Tyson family of four were found dead and Arizona State Troopers and police were everywhere along every major interstate and back Highway in search of these dangerous escaped convicts. There was extreme tension throughout the entire State during this two-week ordeal.

The actual automobiles were different makes and models than those depicted in the movie. The first car stolen at the prison was a green Ford LTD stolen from the prison yard, not a Dodge/Chrysler and it was replaced with a black Lincoln Continental stolen from

A hospital nearby from Arizona State Prison. Why does it matter if the film depicted the incorrect make and models of automobiles? Because they took many other liberties with this true story, fictionalizing it along the way, unfortunately.

In the movie, The story falsely depicts the second car another Chrysler as loaned to Tison's Sons by his Brother, and Uncle to the 3 Sons, instead of the black Lincoln Continental they stole from a hospital parking lot a couple of miles from the prison.

The 24-year-old Marine, John Lyon, his 22-year-old wife and 22-month-old Son Christopher, and a 15-year-old niece were driving in Orange Mazda not a Ford Maverick. The fleeing felons stopped and bought some silver paint and repainted it trying to evade authorities.

The movie shows both Tison and the second felon Randy Greenawalt as both shooting Lyon's family of 4. In actuality, the 15-year-old niece was not killed immediately, she crawled out of the car and was found bleeding out to death from her bullet wounds, 100 feet from the car.

It is not clear whether the family was shot in one flurry of bullets or systematically. It is also not clear if they were shot by only Gary Tison and Randy Greenawalt, or if the sons joined in. John Lyon's body was found outside of the car, and it was determined his body was blown out of the car by the impact of the shotguns which killed him. The movie depicts everybody dying in that car.

The movie errantly portrays the youngest Tison son Randy at age 17, when in fact he was 18 a legal adult.

This film undoubtedly takes some dramatic license, as all films based on true events do. But with the Tison Gang, it becomes necessary. There are still many unanswered questions - about the run-up to the escape and the relationships of those involved. Not to mention what happened during the nearly two weeks the gang spent on the road, killing six people along the way. This movie is a fictional portrayal of what happened during those 11 days. The remaining surviving two sons have not spoken on record as to what occurred during the time they were on the run. Thus there has been no clarification as to what transpired in that time frame.

The ending scene was not factual either. After the van, they were driving crashed when Donald Tison was shot in the head and immediately died, the other two sons and the two convicts all fled. Only Gary Tison escaped. The two boys and Greenawalt were spotted by an overhead helicopter's flood light as the men were hiding in a ditch.

Gary Tison did not get far about 400-500 yards from the crashed van. The police officer in the movie on horseback did not gallantly find Gary's body rather, His body was found by an employee of a nearby chemical plant who smelled a foul odor.

In real life Gary Tison's wife had a natural "deer in the headlights look", like a cult member whose facial expression and eyes looked glassy hollow, clueless of reality. Although Heather Graham is a great actress, she did her best in portraying Mrs Tison, but she wasn't quite able to fixate her eyes in such a cult-like dazed and brainwashed clueless looking manner.

Val
(2021)

Save your time and/or money
There's nothing about this movie that impressed me or even interested me!

For several months I looked forward to seeing this movie. The movie is self indulgent and self-serving.

Kilmer shares pieces of his personal video collection, reflecting on past movies. Perhaps that is the only thing of interest here. The clips of his past movies are very short, brief and lack direction overall. I would not recommend this movie to anybody.

Self-indulgent, self-serving.

Gordon Ramsay's 24 Hours to Hell and Back
(2018)

I don't get it?!
I don't understand how Gordon appears and informs these Restaurant crew members to: " Call home you will not be leaving here for 24 hours".

When Gordon discovers everything from rotten food, to dead rodents, cockroaches and rat/mouse feces. The restaurant workers are then commanded to clean up all these disgusting things in the kitchen. However, they're never allowed to go home and take a shower ?

None of this makes sense! Why would anyone want to be served by any person, who is not freshly showered after the cleaning up filthy disgusting kitchens?

Somewhere somehow clarification is needed.

El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie
(2019)

Disappointing at best
Nothing worth mentioning. After an incredible story, i.e. "Breaking Bad", the Movie did not come remotely close to my expectations. Movie overall, was a waste of my time.

Captain Marvel
(2019)

Exceptionally Boring
By far the worst movie to ever come out of the Marvel Universe (MU). Reggie the Car has more talent in one paw than Brie Larson has through her shallow short career. The ONLY halfway decent moments throughout this entire movie were Reggie moments.

The SJW agenda has no place in the "MU".

Don't waste your money Marvel fans. I feel cheated for wasting my time and money. Captain Narvel is one hundred percent Boring, poorly written and planned~!

The Last Polka
(1985)

One of the Funniest Movies All-Time
John Candy and Eugene Levy combined their epic genius of comedy wit, in writing and acting for a brilliant gem of a 10 star movie.

This movie has it been impossible to view and or find to buy and watch. Initially aired on HBO I have not seen this great classic since it aired in 1985.

The two Schmenge brothers, are shown from their humble roots, to household rockstar-like status, as polka accordion players.

Ozark
(2017)

As intense of a Show as You will see
I need not go into detail; other than to say "Ozark" was perfectly cast, with a story one will want' to watch all episodes non-stop. Every bit as good of a show, (with less humor) as "Breaking Bad". Ten Stars in all categories. Can't wait for Season 2. Like a book you can't put down until the ending; excellent story and presentation by Netflix, Kudos!!!

Ghost of the Mountains
(2017)

By FAR the BEST Documentary EVER on Snow Leopard's, to grace Our TV's.
Wow, I'm stunned, after watching this incredible outstanding Film. 1st- I'd like to thank the good people who braved 9 mos of grueling filming, in the harshest of conditions, "on top of the world".

Never have I read, or seen film, pictures, let alone Video of this Quality, and overall amount of actual continued footage of not one, or 2 Snow Leopard's, but included Cubs also. Wow. Words fall short of the emotions one receives in seeing this very special and rare footage. Rare as many dozens of expeditions have climbed atop the world in the Himalayas to document, photograph or TRY to film these elusive gorgeous creatures.

I've had some experiences with Snow Leopards, that have been bred in Captivity, at the nearby Endangered Feline Breeding Complex in Rosamond, Ca. Of all the big or small non-domestic cats, I've always felt the Snow Leopards have a look unlike any Feline I've yet to meet. Of course there is nothing much more special than playing with a Bengal or Siberian Cub, (bred in captivity), 'tho the Snow Leopards look deep into one's Soul, unlike any Feline. If I didn't know better, I'd swear these heavenly elusive creatures are all reincarnated Tibetan Lama's, Rinpoche's, great Masters of Life.

Can't praise enough those film crew members, who supported and filmed with pure brevity; to carry on, endure these elements high altitude elements of extreme cold, winds, and high thin air altitudes; to obtain this footage. I more than admire their approach to not trying to get that elusive close up picture, for fear of losing the Leopards trust, of which they seemed to obtain. A feat very uncharacteristic of any snow leopard, IE trust in humans, especially when the cats know humans are nearby let alone in plain sight.

However one aspect of production, and narrative of this movie, deeply disturbed me, which IMHO, downgrades the perfect 10 score I gave this. I almost downgraded this films experience and rating, based on hearing how these gorgeous animals were in the "Chinese" Himalayan's. With not a brief mention, that this IS/WAS Tibet proper, and has been since the Chinese bloody occupation of Tibet and hostile take over of 1957. A simple brief admission would of been nice, instead of a failure to mention Tibet as once home of the largest quantities of these special creatures.

To this day Tibet exists in those persons hearts who have not forgot this bloody time in History. The Snow Leopards diminished greatly over the time of China's military invasion.

and of course Tibet was not the only home of the Snow Leopard, IE these nations have or had snow leopards since mankind first met them: Tibet, Afghanistan, Bhutan, China's Mongolian Plains, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

Great work Disneyture, and outstanding work and kudos (hats off) to those who made this possible, IE those who physically ensured this film made it to the studio.... Bravo!!!

Country: Portraits of an American Sound
(2015)

Incomplete
This documentary fails to discuss numerous contributors to the Country Western Sound. No Bill Monroe, only a vague mention of Emmylou Harris, with no mention of an essential collaborator, that was Gram Parsons. No mention of the Byrds Sweetheart of the Rodeo, which inspired a generation. No mention of Boy Dylan's expose with Johnny Cash, on Nashville Skyline. There is a bit piece on Rosanne Cash, who speaks of her father, and her own career. This documentary is missing essential members of pioneering sound. No Rodney Crowell, but over emphasis on Keith Urban, who in my opinion is not a true Country Musician, rather a pop star. Pitiful documentary which leaves out too much of our rich history.

The 40 Year Old Virgin
(2005)

The Standard for Outrageously Funny Comedies
The standard for all screenplay writers can be found within the comedy & hilarious hysterical laugh per minute script & film. The writing and acting is second to none. The comedy and some improvisation from Steve Carell, Paul Rudd, and Seth Rogen are second to none. Including all the other supporting actors and actresses as well. The 40 year old Virgin takes a sociological approach in its well written screenplay, as the film has laughs and all types of comedy from black humor to flat, naive humor that occurs in everyday laugh. By doing so, this movie is a definite gut wrenching comedy with hilarious comedy in its screenplay and acting, by all personnel within the film. At times the humor was so intense, when I watched it the second time, I literally fell out of my chair, trying to catch my breathe from the incredible level of every day happenings, with a twist, which allow one to look at life itself, their own lives, and laugh at it. By far the best comedy film of the year it came out. The first viewing I took my Father, Son and 14 year younger brother who was then 38, which made for 4 generations of humor, with all of us, liking every different type of humor. If this movie doesn't make you laugh all throughout it, then your a bore, lacking the ability to laugh or see life in the humorous eye. Steve Carell has a great cast of comedians around him like Seth Rogen & Paul Rudd, yet its Carell who comes out on top as far as the funniest character by far. This movie is so very important to Carells career as it launched his illustrious career full of great films, such as Dinner For Shmuchs. Carell's participation as the main actor, or shared with the actual writer of the Office, which is played by the actor known as Dwight, in the Office. Personally, I am stunned the OFfice lasted beyond its six showings, in which the show is either canceled or revised for a longer contract. The Office actually brings Carell's comedic abilities & spontaneity improvisation with his characters lines, by pulling him down, acting in a TV Show which is below his true abilities, which does Carell no justice at all as far as his abilities to make people laugh. Although at that time right after the release of the 40 yr. old virgin, Carell needed to stay in the publics eye, until he could make more comedy films. Carells true calling is definitely not in The Office, which bland humor written by the character who plays Dwight, is just too far below Carells true abilities as an actor & comedian. Carell can't and has never failed in bring his audience the highest form of laughter & comedy, in all of his films, as in Dinner For Shmucks or any movie he has had a leading role in. The 40 yr. old virgin not only launched Carells future, it brought him a lot of movie acting offers, of which he is being written out of the TV show The Office, so he can dedicate his work time to making movies full time. Bravo Steve, for making such outstanding movies. This is a must see, with all forms of comedy, from dry wit, to black humor, slapstick, all other forms, including the most important, it leaves us with a sense there is humor in every aspect of life, no matter how messy life is. Bravo, 10 stars out of ten. I've got to mention Rogen tho' as being one of the best comedy writers of his time. Whatever he touches turns to gold. As does Carell in all of his films, this one, I would say is my favorite.

Angels in America
(2003)

The Most Intellectually Stimulating Movie in Decades!!!
What more can one say, when 234 persons have already made such wonderful, broad, insightful, in depth comments, on what is perhaps the very best movie I have seen in Decades. The first words that come to mind, to summarize this Classic, is by far this is the most intellectually stimulating movie I have seen as long as I can remember in my 51 yrs. of life. So many wonderful comments, of which I agree wholeheartedly with, by others, have many times been said. Sensational Acting, while all performer's in this film deserve kudos for their performances. Streep's many characters were some of the best performances of her great career. Pacino and Justin Kirk, also display such brilliance in performance, such acting is beyond the norm, and resides in genius. Kushner's writing is superbly refreshing, and full of life. Kushner's perspective as a writer is equal to any. He has created a Masterpiece of which I was stunned, while my wife and I could not take our eyes off one second of this very long but masterful film. To reiterate, this movie moved us more-so, than perhaps any movie in several decades. I can attribute this, to great writing, acting, every single aspect of the movie. A must see for any and everyone. If one maintains a open mind, one will be entertained beyond their wildest imagination, with every form of drama, i.e. humor, creativity, originality, writing, acting.

Kundun
(1997)

Tibets King and Spiritual leader, & the true story of a nation besieged and slaughtered
Several fair movies have been produced, concerning the Chinese unauthorized occupation and hostile take over of the most peaceful nation on earth. Many others have failed and caused boredom, where this brilliant perfectly produced movie of Kundun aka His Holiness the Dalai Lama stands above the others in many ways. No other movie emphasizes the Tibetan way of life, rituals,way of living, in general Scorcese defines the small details and specifics, which make realism all the more integrated throughout his movie. It reveals how Holiness is the virtue of all Tibetans alive. Perhaps the only civilization other than Mustang and Bhutan, where though ruled by a theocratic person, who uses a board of advisers, much like a president and congress. The democracy shown in this movie is in the knowledge of the Tibetan Holy way of living, which Scorcese also reveals exceptionally. Martin also goes deeper inside to reveal the hidden traditions which lay unspoken and dormant for decades in the schooling and how the Dalai Lama was brought up in politics and spiritual matters as a child to a man. Several persons who saw this movie could not see this point, that Tibet perhaps was the best ran democracy without internal problems, due to their treating all sentient beings as their wisdom and religion teaches them. Yes Tibetan Buddhism is a religion compared to say Zen Buddhism. Tibetans have numerous rituals and are like the Catholic Church of the Buddhist world, as the Dalai Lama is like the president and Pope all in one. Zen Buddhism on the other hand is a way of life, and a focus to refine. Only one other movie I will suggest later comes very close. However with Scorcese's movie, we see the deep inner workings of a child tulku (re-incarnation of the 13th Dalai Lama) and Tenzin Gyatso is sought out and found to become the 14th Dalai Lama. This film reveals from the start how a Dalai Lama is found and chosen, what the requirements are to decide without doubt they have the right re-incarnation, which often takes hundreds of separate bands of of men, years to search for. and many years to find this diamond in a hut shack. It is revealed here for example that the Tibetan people do not refer to the Dalai Lama as anyone but His Holiness, while only his house servants, teachers, and other high Lama's who see over the countries financial and food needs, only they call him Kundun. The name of this movie and breaking of that barrier, is exactly the best way to describe how Scorcese made this movie, by breaking down all barriers. Prior to the movie being screened, the Chinese rebelled, and threatened what little they could, until they determined if Disney released this movie then they could not build a Disney Land in China. So Disney distributed it through it subsidiary company Buena Vista, which appeased the unknowledgable Chinese. This movie also shows a horrible but true, and perhaps even tuned down for spectator, how the Chinese marched into Tibet to reclaim the land for themselves, and in the process marched into monasteries and slaughtered innocent women, children and harmless holy monks. Over 6,000 monasteries were dynamited, some of these buildings averaged 2 to 3 thousand years of age in construction, a couple dated to 6,000 BC and were laden with priceless artifacts of the Tibetan culture. Artifacts which can never be replaced, statues made of solid Gold, one 37 feet tall and huge around, which the Chinese melted down tons of all the golden statues and other priceless antique trinkets, and destroyed many a ancient painting or fresco. No wonder the Chinese did not want the world to see this. To this day, during the blessing of the favorable nations status, Pres. Bill Clinton would not sign the favorable treaty trading status with China until they promised to at least direct talks toward it. Of course politics played out and it was signed, with a promise America would hold a hard line on China to give Tibet back, as politics prevailed the tens of thousands of protesters standing outside the building meeting held in Seattle who had their hopes up our government would finally stand up to China's inhumane treatment of Tibet, and illegal occupation. To this day Tibet remains under strict Chinese rule, and even their religion has been replaced with a false form , yet China fails to even lend a ear to this untouchable subject, the one most Civil Abuse against a society which still is going on longer than any other civil abuse in the world. Enjoy Kudun , I know you will.

Night Shift
(1982)

Keaton's funniest movie? Costner's character is 2 minutes long
This could easily be considered THE funniest movie if not as funny as any movie Michael Keaton has ever been in, including, Mr. Mom, Beetlejuice, Multiplicity, and probably even funnier than Johnny Dangerously (because Dangerously is intended to be pure slapstick and black humor COMEDY all the way). Whereas Night Shift is a parody and shows some pretense towards the normal but abnormalities of living in a big city, yet does so with pure improvised humor, the type that leaves you rolling on the floor laughing literally so, by the movies end. Perhaps Ron Howard's best Comedy he ever directed as well. If you need a guaranteed night of hard laughter, definitely rent or buy this movie. It can still occasionally to rarely be found in VHS sale racks, and was remastered for DVD. Definitely one of my favorite comedies. This movie and Keaton's role as the bumbling fumbling crazy but serious idiot makes this movie what it is, while Henry Winkler and Shelly Long attempt to balance this hilarious riot comedy with some serious sides of what is a attempt of living a normal life, but infiltrated with Keaton's wit, (which is as sharp and funny spontaneously as any Robin Williams stand up comedy has ever been). Keaton at his best, while his character is intensely amped up and nuts but serious. Keaton's character, Billy Blazejowski is the new hire in the Night Shift at the local morgue, a apprentice to the withdrawn surrendered Winkler. Blazejowski always carries around a mini tape recorder to capture his moments of brilliance, as he often comes up with inventions one after another. For example, at one point on his way out the door, he stops due to a brilliant plan for a invention and speaks into his voice recorder. New invention, feed Tuna mayonnaise, that way you already have Tuna Salad, boy would that save a lot of work! Kevin Costner's little role in this movie is not even worth mentioning, as he perhaps is on screen for 1 or 2 minutes, and this role could of been played by anyone. Costner's role was not cast with anyone special in mind. However, perhaps only Robin Williams is the only other actor who could of fulfilled Keaton's role, with the genius spontaneity of comedy. This movie was during a period in Keaton's life when he was only known for his comedy, and he definitely peaked with it here. However being the great actor he is, and like so few are unable to (exception being Robin Williams, again), was gifted enough to break away from the stereotypical nut ball comedian, by performing in serious roles with brilliance, later on in his career. This is a real sign of a great actor, who can float between a wide diverse number of different roles, from comedy, to serious drama, to Super Hero, and wicked criminal, to any serious drama and horror characters. Without doubt a 10 rating, and a genius by the Director Ron Howard, and lead actors, mainly Keaton.

Ladies Man
(1999)

Humor is relative
Humor being relative to each individual and their life and minds experience and a few other things. If you consider a show bad, then why would you watch it if you had nothing else to do. In other words if you were bored. The real issue is why are you bored or have nothing else to do. If my approach and viewpoint to life was of this type, I don't think I would laugh at any comedy either, no matter how funny. SO JUST DO NOT WATCH IT IF YOU DO NOT LIKE IT, IT WILL NOT MISS YOU! AND YOU WILL NOT MISS IT! GET A LIFE AND FIND SOMETHING TO OCCUPY YOU SO YOUR OUTLOOK ON LIFE IS ONE OF HAPPINESS AND FUN! Not dry and bored with nothing to do. Heck man get a life and a bag of chips and watch Married with Children reruns, if those don't make you laugh, you might wan't to see a doctor for depression, or just toss the tele away. Austin Powers lost in L.A. Shagadelic; find your groovy spot and stay with it, life is not always a box of chocolates, and some boxes set out in the sun too long.

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