Cal-16 Reviews (24)

Choices (1981)

Top billing?

[8/10 · 6 January 2005]

How odd that Demi Moore received top billing for this movie when it was Paul Carafotes, not Demi, who was in almost every scene. And what an excellent actor he is, too! As a viewer who is also hearing impaired, I found this story to be quite inspiring and true-to-life. The hardest thing we such challenged people have to deal with is not our disabilities but, rather, prejudice. It takes super-special people to break through that barrier and succeed -- and woe to those small-minded people who try to keep that from happening.

Carafotes did a fine job, as did Val Avery (coach), Victor French (father), and Pat Buttram (Pops). John's father and coach fought for his rights. Pops, even though the proprietor of an establishment where rough teens hang out, provided good, solid advice. John is very fortunate to have such caring people in his life.

Oklahoma! (1955)

I love it!

[30 April 2003]

The first time I saw this movie was soon after we had moved to Oklahoma and they were celebrating the state's 75th birthday. I loved the music and dancing. All the players were great, but the most amazing to me was Rod Steiger. My gosh, was that his real singing voice in "Poor Jud is Dead" or was it dubbed? It had an opera-quality richness. I wonder how many more generations will enjoy this film just as we do.

Home, Sweet Homicide (1946)

Great film, but missing one thing

[11 September 2002]

Cute story that combines comedy with mystery. The kids are great little actors, aren't they? But, phenobarbital!!!! What a shame that Barbara Whiting didn't have more scenes. She and Peggy Ann were such a great team in "Junior Miss" and I was hoping they'd be cast together in a similar way for this film. While this was a terrific movie and I enjoyed all 3 of the siblings, I think Hollywood shot itself in the foot by not using the Barbara-and-Peggy duo to its best advantage.

American Dreamer (1984)

A Must-See For Sure!

[23 August 2002]

I agree with Larbo - this is one great film! It took a few minutes to figure out exactly what was going on. Once I did, though, I laughed so hard I cried.

Who said writers are loners? LOL

Petrocelli (1974–1976)

My all-time favorite lawyer show

[9/10 · 5 April 2002]

I think the best lessons "Petrocelli" teaches us are that 1) things aren't always as they seem, and 2) there's a good reason to presume a person innocent until proven guilty - because he just might be innocent, after all. This is a cast that worked very well together, and the writing, too, was excellent. I liked the fact that we would see the crime being committed from different perspectives. I don't know if "Petrocelli" was the first show to ever do that, but it sure kept me tuned in every week. It would be wonderful if TV Land would run this series again.

A Beautiful Mind (2001)

Simply Awesome!

[27 March 2002]

I went to see this picture for two reasons - 1) because my city is very proud of its "hometown boy" (Ron Howard), and 2) because I wanted to see what all the Oscar hoopla was about.

The film was mesmerizing. It touched us, stirring deep emotions while, at the same time, teaching us a very important lesson. I'll never view mental illness with callousness again.

I sat in the very back row of the theater and was the first one out when it was over. I then stepped aside and watched everyone else as they were leaving, and I noticed that not a single one of them was laughing or smiling. Every one of them was dead serious, and yet seemed to have gained a new and unexpected awareness of what it's like to have a mental illness. I suspect they were just as profoundly affected as I was.

This film deserved every Oscar it received. Bravo!

Something Big (1971)

Don't forget the subplot

[8/10 · 3 September 2001]

Sure the story's great and the dog's adorable, but I think the subplot's the best part. All Jonny Cobb wanted out of life these days was a woman, but women were hard to find in such an arid place. Ol' Baker's a resourceful guy, though, so let him find Cobb a woman. Give him a little incentive and there's no end to what he could accomplish. So that's what Jonny did. He promised to get him a gatlin gun if Baker would get him a woman. The way this subplot ends makes me laugh out loud. The perfect solution!

Two of a Kind (1982 TV Movie)

Very realistic parents

[1 August 2001]

While it's true that Robby Benson and George Burns did a remarkable job in this movie, Cliff Robertson and Barbara Barrie also deserve much applause. They both demonstrated so well the awkwardness of a father who loves his family but is having a difficult time making that love understood, and a mother who is dealing with a disabled child the best way she knows how but is unwilling to accept his growing independence. Their portrayals are true-to-life. I know. I've been there myself.

Two of a Kind (1982 TV Movie)

Two Incredible People!

[22 July 2001]

This is a story of a beautiful relationship between grandfather (Papa Ross) and grandson (Noel). Papa Ross had been written off by his family and was doomed to a bleak future in the nursing home. After all, his son and daughter-in-law had a retarded son to care for. Taking care of both would be too much for them. Papa Ross was getting weaker and weaker, and had become quite uncommunicative. Noel loved Papa Ross and refused to give up on him. Taking what he learned in his life-skills classes and what he knew about Papa Ross' life in previous years, he helped his beloved grandpa rediscover joy and become active again. Each helped the other, arriving at the story's fantastic conclusion.

As the mother of a son with a similar disability, I especially appreciate Robbie Benson's portrayal of Noel as a warm, loving, incredibly sweet human being. He must have done extensive preparation for this role because he did it exceedingly well. Robbie, if I had the power, I would give you an Emmy for this film.

The Dream Team (1989)

Together, they can do anything!

[24 April 2001]

One thing that I thought was so great about this movie is the fact that individually these people were "problems", but together they were heroes. Each of them had strengths that, when united to a common purpose, saved the day. In many ways, they were wiser than their doctors.

Like Father Like Son (1987)

Closes the "generation gap"

[14 April 2001]

The way I see it, this story gave each of the two groups (teenaged students and middle-aged professional people) a better understanding of the trials and tribulations the other experiences on a daily basis. As kids, we think our parents' lives are easy, and as adults, we tend to forget the pressures experienced by highschoolers. I enjoyed this film, and hope others will, too.

Jesse (1988 TV Movie)

A very good representation of the legal system!

[9/10 · 11 March 2001]

I especially enjoyed this film for several reasons. Having worked in the legal system for 6 years, I like seeing an accurate representation of how a case should be handled. Both sides have valid points. In addition, this made-for-TV movie reunited two excellent actors, Lee Remick and Albert Salmi, decades after their initial joint project, "Wild River". Together, they show young actors the way it's supposed to be done.

80 Steps to Jonah (1969)

A Touching Story

[8/10 · 10 September 1999]

I feel that there was excellent casting in this picture. Wayne Newton handled the lead quite well - he played it with heart, but resisted the temptation to make it overly sentimental. Not afraid of being upstaged by animals or children, he worked well with them to tell us a beautiful story. Brought to the foreground was how independent people with disabilities can really be. The music, too, was a definite plus!

The Sweet Creek County War (1979)

I loved it!

[5/10 · 4 January 1999]

This film was hard to find, but was well worth the trouble it took to get it. It's a western with a lot of heart and humor. Apparently, it was the last film Richard Egan made before succumbing to cancer. He and Albert Salmi did an excellent job portraying these very different characters who at first were on opposite sides of the law and later became buddies who could depend on each other. That strong bond was very much necessary in order to get through the tribulations they faced.

Rain Man (1988)

Like seeing our family life on the big screen!

[27 December 1998]

This is probably my family's #1 favorite film of all time, simply because it very realistically depicts high-functioning autism at its best and most frustrating. My son is very much like the main character, and he enjoys the movie, too. When we were viewing it for the first time in the theatre, we couldn't help but laugh out loud at the more familiar parts of it - much to the dismay of the "normal" people around us. I'm very glad "Rain Man" was made and was seen by so many people. It helped the general public understand high-functioning autism better. It's amazing to me that the same actor, Dustin Hoffman, could be so very convincing as both an autistic man and, in "Tootsie", as a woman. What a skillful actor that man is!

Lost in Space (1965–1968)

I LOVE that character!

[24 December 1998]

Two episodes, "The Sky Pirate" and "Treasure of the Lost Planet", introduce us to the most delightful character: a pirate named Alonzo P. Tucker. Guest-star Albert Salmi, one of America's best character-actors (in my humble opinion), portrays this pirate with a lot of heart. Wish there were still shows like this these days.

Menace on the Mountain (1970 TV Movie)

An unexpected reaction!

[7/10 · 11 December 1998]

This is a really engaging story in which a boy takes over the male head-of-the-family role when his dad goes off to war. My reaction, tho, was probably quite the opposite from what Disney had in mind. I found myself rooting for the bad guy, when the leading lady was so rude and self-righteous. (Guess that's what happens when someone from the 90's watches a film from the 70's.) All main characters were very well cast, and I'm sure we're all rooting for the boy. Good family values, as are in all Disney films. This is one of my favorite videos.

Born American (1986)

Whew!

[8 December 1998]

This film makes me want to stay home and thank God every day that I live in such a wonderful country. Even the good guy turned out to be a bad guy in "Born American". Shook me to my foundations.

Burned at the Stake (1982)

I was surprised to find myself really enjoying this film!

[3/10 · 2 December 1998]

Time travel is a fun concept, and this film gives it a different slant. I got a kick out of Captain Billingham, one of the more down-to-earth characters, who was just not having a good day. Ordinarily, I don't choose to watch horror films, but this is an exception. Good story, excellent acting.

Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971)

Science fiction at its best!

[2 December 1998]

You'll fall in love with these characters as they do their best to survive among us predatory and downright strange earthlings. I love Zira's spunkiness and the strong bond between her and her husband, Cornelius. They're great role models for humanity.

Love Child (1982)

A real eye-opener!

[8/10 · 27 November 1998]

This is quite a fascinating film. It shows us how the criminal justice system works and what it's like inside prison. We feel intimidated, hopeful, disgusted, and downright "in love", just as the lead character does. We can see both sides of the picture, too - from Captain Ellis' very logical advice to the lawyers' dilemma. The games the lawyers and judges play are very realistic, as well. This is based on a true story, and you'll be very much caught up in it. Both sides of the issue have good points. I'm very glad this important issue was given center stage.

The United States Steel Hour (1953–1963)

"Bang the Drum Slowly"

[11 November 1998]

This is absolutely the best video I've ever seen! The acting is amazing - both Paul Newman and Albert Salmi were masters of their craft, even back then. This was done in play form, and the transition from one scene to another was very smooth. The story was paced just right. I would highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys quality entertainment.

The Flim-Flam Man (1967)

Good fun!

[4/10 · 2 November 1998]

This film has a bit of Keystone Kops, the Dukes of Hazard, and The Music Man, all wrapped into one. If I were casting it, it would never have occurred to me to cast George C. Scott in the lead; but he does a terrific job.

The Brothers Karamazov (1958)

Initial reaction

[10/10 · 31 October 1998]

This is the first time I've viewed this film and am quite impressed. Now I see why it's considered a classic. I got totally immersed in the storyline, even though I had laundry to do. I'm amazed only one actor was singled out for an award. Several of them deserved it, including Albert Salmi. Is it true this was his very first film???