mls4182

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Reviews

Down with Love
(2003)

Cute
A bit too cutesy at times. It crosses the line sometimes and seems cartoonish, otherwise I would have given it a ten.

The costumers, set designers and writers did a great job of capturing early 60s films. It is obvious they have a loving regard for them as well.

This film is a lot of Doris Day Rock Hudson with some James Bond thrown in. There is also as to ouch of Shi to let Me aclaine musical.

Zelwegger is very charming as the lead. McGregor is outstanding as the cad. Even more fun are the second leads. Sarah Paulson has Paula Prentia Down Pat and the brother from Frasier does Tony Randal better than he does.

The sexual innuendos is a bit heavy handed.

Bird on a Wire
(1990)

Goldie's first face
Goldie's first face was the best. She's beautiful. She is also endearing and funny as always.

This is a fairly decent adventure comedy. There are some chuckles and suspense. The chemistry between Mel Gibson and Goldie Hawn isn't too bad.

You also get to see quite a few obscure filming locations. The supporting cast is pretty good as well.

There are some very un politically correct jokes in this film. I'm sure some viewers today will get a kick out of that.

My favorite scene is when Goldie and Mel meet each other again by accident. It is surprisingly touching. Goldie pulls it off perfectly.

Baby Reindeer
(2024)

As masochist's wet dream
Why? This is so pointlessly depressing and even painful.

The annoying protagonist is stalked by an obviously unbalanced woman. He just rides along with it. A lot of pointless babbling like the moronic guy is achieving self awareness.

We then suffer his painfully unfunny comedic acts.

He then ends up with a man who gets him high to the point of passing out so he could molest him.

If this is biographical, the man is as clueless as he is boring. There was no point to this show. He should have kept it to himself. It isn't entertaining nor is it insightful.

I can't believe this was financed and produced.

Crash
(2004)

Best WHAT?
Best picture? The best at being manipulative, divisive, hackneyed, while reinforcing the worst stereotypes ever. All this movie did was make people avoid, fear and hate people more. The cheapest stunt was having the audience fear the little girl was shot.

The people who bought into the hype must have had some kind of guilt complex with the other half wallowing in victimhood.

How about a film that shows all of us in the 99 percent have struggles, failures and traumas? That we are more alike than different and that we need to have more empathy and respect for each other? Would anyone pay to see that or get the message?

Turning Point: The Bomb and the Cold War
(2024)

Good intentions
For the most part this was well done. When you think you know everything about the history of the cold war, this brought in a few more ... new facts. Let's hope they are facts. Who knows these days.

It was still too long. As per Netflix, this felt like an ad to Congress to get more money for Ukraine. I'm serious. Perhaps it was produced before October 7, but this documentary acts as thought Ukraine is the world's no. 1 problem. I hate to tell you, Israel has the bomb and Iran will soon.

The overemphasis on the current situation in Ukraine was it's only real flaw. Overall it is well done and has some very interesting new details on the fall of the Berlin wall and other events.

It Had to Be You
(1947)

It had to be a nightmare
What a horrid and painful failure. Cornel Wilde has no flair for comedy. He certainly didn't have what it took to overcome an impossibly ludicrous script. This isn't a farce it is a crock of &$#%.

Even Ginger couldn't pull this off. She is charming and lovely but be seems as lost as the audience. Miss Rogers excelled in musicals, comedies and even dramas but she couldn't save this bomb.

It is nice when writers try to come up with something original but most often it fails.

Mr. Wilde should have stuck to dramas and adventures. He just wasn't as versatile as Ms. Rodgers. As for the writers, they should have become garbage men.

Annie Hall
(1977)

Who dressed this woman?
Completely over rated. Both leads have fond much better work. In fact, Keaton went on to play this role the rest of her career. It got old 30 years ago.

I'm sorry. This film wasn't funny, you don't care about them or their relationship and Keaton acting scatterbrained and dressed studied dork becomes annoying fast.

Even the scenes with her family or flashbacks of him are just not funny. In fact, some of it us actually pointlessly painful.

I'm glad I waited until 2024 to watch this. There is less time in my life to regret the wasted time and less time to be scarred and bitter about seeing a grossly overrated film.

Feud: Pilot
(2024)
Episode 1, Season 2

In Warm Blood?
Did someone get shot in here?

The most wickedly delicious and campy scene is in the pilot episode. Only two gay men, Ryan Murphy and Gus Van Sant could exaggerate that bloody scene with Happy Rockefeller, the wildebeest with fat ankles. An elephant couldn't survive that much blood loss.

Naomi Watts and Diane Lane are magnificent. They will make this watchable. The other ladies are adequate.

This miniseries has all the typical Ryan Murphy touches. It has cynical sleaze touched with humor, great lines and a minimum of pointless filler scenes.

Whether you like Murphy or not, you have to admit he creates great projects for actresses. Of lesser note, we see more of Capote's self destructive personality.

Ishtar
(1987)

Not as bad as they claimed
No. It is actually worse. Elaine May has said, "If everyone who claimed to hate Ishtar had actually seen the film, I'd be a rich woman.". Well, I finally sat through it. I am now scarred for life.

I don't blame Elaine May. I blame Warren Beatty mostly. He has no business acting in a comedy. He has no talent or sense for it. He is awful.

Dustin Hoffman is best as the befuddled reactionary in comedies. Thanks to Warren being so awful, Dustin is lost at sea.

Elaine May's writing isn't up to par with her previous projects, but I still do not blame her completely for this horrible abomination.

I wonder if it had broke even after 37 years?

And the Beat Goes On: The Sonny and Cher Story
(1999)

Amazing
You will laugh, you will cry.

Renee IS CHER. She did an amazing job of capturing her look, her moves and her style. I was absolutely amazed.

I always expect camp when watching these biopics. There was very little of that in this movie.

It is heartbreaking their marriage didn't hold up. I think they stayed in love afterward.

This film could be about any couple who fell in love, grew apart because of life's pressures but still have a bond.

A good copy of this is on YouTube. You can also watch Cher's speech and Sonny's funeral, which basically tells the same story as this film.

This is definitely worth a watch. Based on Sonny's book. I think he was pretty honest.

War of the Worlds
(2005)

Greatest argument for birth control.
This film is the greatest argument for birth control. I don't just mean the writers, I mean the horribly annoying characters they created. The kids in this film are beyond idiotic and irritating. That Fanning brat has barely any actual lines, just constant screaming.

The CGI special effects aren't bad. No one really minds seeing Bayonne, New Jersey destroyed.

What this film lacks besides good writing, likeable characters and a believable plot is comic relief Every disaster movie has comic relief. This one doesn't even have some unintentionally funny moments.

If you enjoy dense and obtuse characters and constant high pitched screaming, this film is for you.

Lace II
(1985)

Uhm, yuck
I loved the first movie. This is just putrid. The plot is based on three rapes. One is more than enough. They really tried to kill off the success of the first film. That makes it all worse.

The plot is convoluted and implausible. Worst it isn't even entertaining.

One can't blame Bess Armstrong for opting out. She had good taste.

I loved the first movie. This is just putrid. The plot is based on three rapes. One is more than enough. They really tried to kill off the success of the first film. That makes it all worse.

The plot is convoluted and implausible. Worst it isn't even entertaining.

One can't blame Bess Armstrong for opting out. She had good taste.

Lace
(1984)

A must see
Your life will not be complete until you watch this miniseries. Watching this is a life enriching experience. This miniseries is great fun.

The three principles are all beautiful and charming. So is Phoebe Cates. So are the French Alps. The gorgeous locales alone are enough reason to watch.

In 1984, this was considered trash. Glossy trash of course. Compared to television today, it is very classy.

Angela Lansbury has a small role and other stars from the past have supporting roles.

A clear copy is on YouTube. There is no reason to miss the miniseries with the most famous line in television.

Interval
(1973)

Watch a falling star
This was painful for Merle Oberon fans. It had to be unbearable to see a star of talent, beauty and grace stoop to a role unworthy of her.

The plot is blurry, the direction is blurry and her face is so blurry her stand in could have done the role. The entire production seems to be soaking in KY jelly - just like the real life relationship between the costars.

The dialogue is tiresome and droll even for the 1970s Also, I don't understand all these stories about older people becoming empowered by humping people a generation younger. Doesn't that imply the younger person is a trophy? That a partner their own age is a compromise? Talk about ageist subtext!.

This film and marriage ended up killing poor Merle six years later.

Mame
(1974)

Assault on humanity, culture, the arts and everything holy
I want to start by saying I grew up on I Love Lucy reruns and was one of millions who fell in love with Lucille Ball. I didn't care for her follow up TV shows.

I had seen small clips of this version of Mame and thought it should be avoided at all cost. Tonight I finally decided to watch.

Lucille Ball was a mediocre featured contract player for most of her early career. She struck gold with her three cast mates and three brilliant writers with I Love Lucy. She then proceeded to beat the same character to death in three subsequent TV series in which she started bearing an increasing resemblance to Ronald McDonald.

Then came this abomination. The worst vanity project in history. Literally stolen from the legendary Angela Lansbury who had made magic in the stage show.

The script is corny, the songs forgettable. I refuse to comment on the singing. The few good comedic lines aren't even delivered well.

This is a movie I wouldn't wish on a dog. Watch the Rosalind Russell version.

The Exorcist
(1973)

You're joking, right?
I finally watched this film, fifty years after release.

I was a child when this came out. I wasn't allowed to see it, nor was I allowed to play with my peers who had seen it. There were stories of people throwing up, people leaving the theater in tears and even some leaving by ambulance. Are you kidding me?

This isn't a horror movie, it is a vulgar, bad comedy. This film isn't scary. It is just foul and crude. Now one of the performances stand out. In fact it is mostly dull.

It was a cheap, overblown gimmick with bad special effects. Don't even get me started on the religious mistakes made it n the film.

Of Love and Desire
(1963)

Oh dear
The only reason to watch this film is to see the timeless beauty of Merle Oberon and Mexico. The price you pay is sitting through this horrible script and seeing the effects of years of alcohol on Steve Cochran and Curt Jergens.

This movie is bad but unfortunately without fun camp moments. It is obvious that Merle Oberon only made this film because offers were drying up. A shame since Oberon is lovely and probably didn't need the Vaseline on the lens treatment.

The film also reels of the double standard. A sexually compulsive man is no big deal but a woman with the same issue is the basis for an entire movie.

The Apology
(2022)

Where is my apology?
Who wrote this? Who approved this? More importantly who financed this?

Horrible. Bad writing. Baaaad overacting. Ludicrous premise. The plot is stretched threadbare and filled with inane dialogue and lake physical fighting.

I only watched this for Jeanne Garafalo. There isn't enough of her to make up for this awful movie.

I can't believe I am holding out for the ending which has to be lame and predictable. This isn't even worth the required characters to qualify for a review but I want to earn others for wasting nearly two hours.

There are free old movies on YouTube better than this that can be watched for free.

Ladies of the '80s: A Divas Christmas
(2023)

Painful
I loved Golden Girls. I loved These Old Bags. I would rather watch seasoned veterans instead of nubile youth any day. Except today.

This hurt. I've never seen people try so hard to hold onto the past. These actresses must have had more than beauty and glamour. They basically play older bimbos, not mature interesting women. I know this is fluff, but it isn't fun fluff. It tries so hard to be polite the only catty scene - the food fight - is a big yawn.

All of them seem the same, yet look misshapen, stretched and literally in pain. They seem in pain every time they move. All of them seem barely able to speak from facial surgeries or injections.

I've seen mature actresses in great roles giving great performances. This was just the opposite of life affirming.

The Bachelor's Daughters
(1946)

Delightful
What a cast! Some of the most underrated actresses of the 1940s. Gail Russell is beautiful and endearing. You can see her unrealized potential. Ann Dvorak is lovely and at her wisecracking best. Claire Trevor is gorgeous and hard working dged. Billie Birke us lovable as always.

Movie lovers will recognize the plot. At first it will seem like the forerunner of How to Marry a Millionaire six years later. That film was a bit wittier. This film has more depth and an edge.

I think most people will consider this film time well spent considering the cast alone. The writing and direction punches it up even more.

Week End
(1967)

Oh my Godard!
What did I watch?

This film is more West Bank than Left Bank. It certainly didn't make me want to visit France.

The film starts out with a boring, overlong and vulgar sexual admission. From then on it is one car wreck and violent encounter after another.

The film is mean spirited and graphic for today let alone by 1967 standards. Godard is clearly bitter and angry with the world.

There is no payoff in this film. There is no explanation for this mess. There is no reconciliation or purpose. The film makes no moral or social statement. It is clear Godard wanted to offend at least four of his audiences' senses. He succeeded.

Crime Scene Confidential
(2022)

Pointless
This show rips open old wounds and rarely gives any new answers or solutions. So, WHY?

This cheap show is just a means to make a buck off of old tragedies. It is pretty despicable if you think about it.

The host is tiring. I get tired of being distracted by her teen age bizzare look at me look at me hair color. Grow up. Are you an adult or not? Are you a professional or not? The ring in the nose doesn't help with credibility, not that she show has any.

This is the absolute bottom of crime shows. There are amateur videos on YouTube that are better.

Watching this show makes you feel like an accessory to grave robbing.

Le couteau dans la plaie
(1962)

Oh my lord
You've got to see this. The first two thirds of the film feels like driving with the emergency brake on then WOW! The film shifts into overdrive.

Anthony Perkins was a handsome, talented actor. He was no leading man. He comes across as a child next to strong, beautiful, earthy and savvy Sophia Loren. Really bad casting.

Sophia did great with what she was given. You couldn't ask for anything more.

Gig Young is unbearably irritating and was most likely drunk during filming. The rest of the supporting cast is irritating as well. Particularly the annoying neighbor kid

It is still worth watching for the last act of the film. It's a lulu.

Point Blank
(1967)

Dull revenge film
It God old watching hungover Lee Marvin snack the heck out of people. Angie Dickinson was wasted.

The film tries some 1960s tricks, like wrecking a new Chrysler Imperial convertible. Not to mention throwing a body off the roof of a high rise.

The real star of this clinker is the locales. Some great shots of 1967 Los Angeles.

I can't think of anything else to recommend this film. It is all violence perpetrated by the constipated and cranky Lee Marvin. It gets old pretty fast.

I never understood his appeal. Was he an unremarkable every man put in unusual situations?

The supporting cast were all more interesting than him.

Too Good to Be True
(1988)

Too ghastly but it's true
Dime store mannequin Loni Anderson is back again, this time in another butchered remake of a classic, Leave Her to Heaven. (Anderson has also done remakes of Sorry Wrong Number and A Letter to Three Wives.)

Loni punches it up this time. She exposes her strange looking cleavage in EVERY scene. She also sports hair extensions. She was middle aged when she made this but is playing a young woman.

Along for a paycheck is Patrick Duffy, Glynis O'Connor and Julie Harris.

This can't hold a candle to the original but it does have camp value because of Loni Anderson's overgrooming, artificial appearance and stinkbomb acting.

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