jgboston

It has it's moments but lacks the overall entertainment value of movies like Ben-Hur and The Ten Commandments. There are lengthy sections of long shots and monotone dialog delivery. Even some of the bigger or grander sequences don't have the spectacle of other 1960's epics like Lawrence of Arabia, Cleopatra or Doctor Zhivago. But it does display several strong performances (eg. Martin Landau and Sal Mineo) and a cast full of film and television stars of the time. Of course, with such a large story and cast, most stars appear only briefly. But the movie does hit all the major stories one would expect, so it is satisfying in that respect.

It's not a bad action picture but this is a sequel that is short on character relationships. Who is Penny? What's their history? Why is she at Iceman's funeral? Where's Charlie and what ever happened to her? Wouldn't there have been more dramatic interest with a couple of Carole scenes with Maverick and her son rather than killing off that character?

Aside from that, the action is good. Much of the plot is similar to the original movie which should satisfy fans of Top Gun. Good performances all around but especially by top billed actors. The final sequence is quite fun and exciting. Great production values.

Love Carrie Underwood but this is not one of the more entertaining Christmas specials you will ever see. One slow, mostly religious song after another. Humorless. One highlight is the Drummer Boy duet with her son which is charming. Carrie's vocals will see you through but chances are you could nod off.

The movie has several fun moments, some good songs and a couple of nice dances by Ann Miller. The problem is that it really doesn't work as an Esther Williams vehicle so it's best to approach it as a Red Skelton movie featuring Esther Williams. With a slightly different perspective this can be an enjoyable experience.

The live audience drowns out sections of the production. The were even moments that the camera focused on the audience which stops the storytelling cold. And it felt like theater in the round which I always find distracting. Other than that it was nicely done with some great performances.