mack9201

A great picture depicting the Civil War, and the surprise attack on Saint Albans, Vermont by Confederate soldiers. You will not see many movies wherein the movie industry deviates from the "politically correct" Northern side of the War Between The States. This one takes you mostly to the Southern side. It takes place about the time of the push to Atlanta - or the indiscriminate burning of Georgia by the then estimated (and later confirmed) mentally impaired General Sherman. The lead actors Van Heflin, co-starring the young Ann Bancroft did a tremendous job. It would be a shame for Civil War history enthusiasts to miss this exciting movie.

The movie Eye of the Needle is one of the most exciting pictures I've ever seen - in 40 years of being a movie buff. The historical setting of England at the start of World War II, and the remote channel island puts you in another world. As in other movies, where we often side with the villain, we find a German Admiral played by Donald Sutherland, a spy operating in England. His dedication to his assignment causes him to work tirelessly, and at times ruthlessly for Germany. You might hope that things could end differently, because it involves a heartbreaking romance with Kate Nelligan in an outstanding performance. If you haven't seen this movie, I suggest you make an effort to do so.

Now, we're talking about a wacky, unbelievably good movie, in which you don't have to stretch your imagination, it stretches it for you. All the main actors and singers portray their own voices, and did their own dancing. Renee Zellweger and Catherine Beda-Jones put on a display that you can rarely come by these days. Unless a man is made of concrete, not even dreams could bring out such talented beauty. That isn't to say, all the other actors didn't do a great job in this movie. You'll find real voices of actors that would amaze you, and you'd want their record. If you like music - this is it! If you like romance and passion - this is it too. If comedy is your bag - you've got it here. This is a must-see picture, unmatched since it came out.

If one is inclined to see a movie that has about everything, romance, good detective development and raw scenes - you have hit the jackpot in Hands of a Stranger. The U.S. Version which was done for TV - and then put on VHS is featured in two parts, and it's kind of long, almost 3 hours. However, I found it so intriguing that time flew by. The casting was excellent, Armand Assante, and Beverly D'Angelo are at their best. Each and every player did a great job - extremely convincing. The story line is great, and you'll want to see the whole thing at one time. In today's world, many movies lack convincing story lines and sensible scenes - not so with this one, done in 1987. If you haven't seen it - go for it, you won't be disappointed.

When I first saw My Cousin Vinny, I then realized the difference in those movies that were done pre-2000, and those done today is like comparing a juicy orange to a glass of rancid milk. My Cousin Vinny was from start to finish outstanding in story line and acting. One cannot find one actor in the movie that failed in any way in his or her part. Of course Pesci was great - the woman in it, Marissa Tomei not only was quick, witty, gorgeous, but acted the part easily - and I think was the #1 actor in the movie. There's no doubt that My Cousin Vinny will be my favorite repeat picture in my library. The social conduct of Northerner or Southerner left you with a love for both (allowing that some have leanings either way). It definitely is a must see for anyone, and definitely keeps your interest from start to finish.

This movie "Ada" hasn't received the good publicity it deserved. Susan Hayward acted her best as a hard-spoken woman, intent on serving her new husband Bo Gilles (Gubernatorial Candidate) well. Three weeks before the election, Candidate Bo Gilles (played by Dean Martin - in his first drama picture) marries Ada, a former prostitute. Basically, Bo was not a shrewd politician, but possessed charismatic qualities and was elected in a landslide. The voters of that Southern state loved Bo, and saw him as a regular guy who even played guitar and sang. Eventually Bo realizes the crookedness of the powerful man who had sponsored him, (Sylvester Marin), and the corruption abounding in that government. Eventually Ada's past comes back to haunt her, but it doesn't stop her. Colonel Yancey top State Policeman, (a crooked operator, well-played by Ralph Meeker) tries to bring Ada down - who at the time is Acting Governor. The entire movie is riveting, and is a must-see if you like real movies.

The movie was great because it depicted a time in the U.S. extremely accurately, and gave it plenty of heart. The actors and actresses did their parts very well, and the tough guys acted tough. Of particular interest to me was Gladys George, who radiated a sympathetic beauty, that no one could pass up. She deserved more parts in the movies. The story line was exciting and well mounted. James Cagney and Humphry Bogart, as usual, gave it their very best. It is a must-see movie that all Americans should experience, though it came out over sixty years ago. The Roaring Twenties will remain a classic of gangland adventure and romance as well. Rent or buy it at your earliest convenience.

The movie itself is neither good nor bad - it's nothing compared to the original 1939 smash hit - The Four Feathers. The producer had a message to send, and completely distorted the segments of the original book. Based on my viewing (I took as much of it as I could stand - about one hour)it was a movie based on blind prejudice. The entire content seemed to center about a would-be hero, trying to exhonorate a gentleman falsely accused. The lashing was over-done, and the officer in charge of the torture was meant to be that of a ghoul or sadist. My opinion is the the theme of the movie showed an intention to fulfill a political agenda. The viewer is left holding the bag - either by wasting good money to see it in the movie house, or not turning to the wife and calling it a day. Because of the obvious agenda intended in the movie (whatever that may be) I feel that the viewer was tricked into seeing it in the first place.

There are movies, and then there are the current trash, churned out mass produced garbage of today. Leave Her To Heaven was well acted by all the actors From Cornell Wilde to Chill Wills. In fact too bad that good old Chill, who normally acted minor parts in about 50 pictures, couldn't occupy more of the movie. This rugged and likable Texan was one of Hollywood's first volunteers into the Marines during World War II. The adorable Gene Tierney was outstanding and glamorous, even though cast as a femme fatal. Acting her usual glamorous self, she was still able to portray a woman jealously in love with her husband, to the detriment to all around her. She was involved in 2 deaths (her brother in law and unborn baby boy), plus her own suicide. You could still love her - but only for the reason that she so loved her husband in such a violently jealous way, to the point of derangement. There was sadness overall to the movie, but beauty and a somewhat happy ending with Jeanie Crain, her adopted sister - another outstanding and glamorous actress.

An excellent movie especially if your interest is depicting the horrors of war. No war is ever easy or fun-producing, especially when you consider that the vast number of killed-in-action are from age 18 through age 23. Permanently maimed are in excess of 8 times the number of dead. This movie "Attack and Retreat" seems to depict the German soldiers more monsters than fighting men, and the Russians as gentle and kind - hardly a good description of either. Because of its excellent acting and moving scenes, I rated this movie an 8. It is true that the Italian soldier has been regarded generally as humane. It may be because Italian soldiers have strong family and Catholic values. Also, war is not Italy's strong point or sphere of interest. Too bad that no inference was made as to the many millions of Stalin's own people who were starved to death or killed in his murderous rampages. Of all the war pictures I have ever seen - this movie stands out as one of the most engrossing.