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While You Were Sleeping (1995)
Kitty... rich kitty
This is one of those movies that can be watched over and again. The first time you anticipate what is going to happen. The second time you see where they are setting you up. After a while, you can imagine the scene from the sound. Back to the movie.
There is a nice storyline and it is just believable. However, it is the many small scenes that make you enjoy watching. When Lucy (Sandra Bullock) is confronted in Peter's apartment, Jack his brother is already suspicious of her. Peter's real girlfriend Ashley left her cat there. Lucy says she is just there to feed the cat, Jack smugly says that Peter has no cat. About that time what should come around the corner but the cat. Every time Jack thinks he has the upper hand, Lucy has a plausible explanation. I do not want to say too much, as it is fun to watch for the first time. However, I think you will be able to relate to the scene where the family is talking in the church.
Where Were You When the Lights Went Out? (1968)
"Hello Peter...so you're here"
Waldo Zirrer (Robert Morse) the company accountant is showing off the year's profits when the lights in the North East go out. Naturally, Waldo decides to keep the moneyer...uh shall we say "Safe?"
Ladislaus Walichek (Terry-Thomas) producer has an eye on Margaret Garrison (Doris Day) and wants to keep her in his production. When the lights go out opportunities abound.
Margaret's husband Peter (Patrick O'Neal) has a mutual curiosity for Roberta Lane (Lola Albright) magazine interviewer. What he will find after the blackout may wake him up.
The only people that would be disappointed with this movie are the people expecting a Doris Day formula movie. This movie stands on its own. You can call it a Robert Morse movie with Doris Day in it.
However, I have to admit that the Doris Day sleeping potion scene is one of her best. When she practices "Hello Peter... So, you're here" rivals "That Touch of Mink" where she falls out of the window and says "... See that I'm returned"
All I can say is while you are intrigued with the story and are watching the main characters keep an eye on Otis J. Hendershot Jr.
Where to Invade Next (2015)
From the director of "Canadian Bacon" (1995)
I agree with most people that "Michael Moore" is a dirty word. Most of his productions are tripe. He is one-sided, targeted, and opinionating.
The only film I liked even with the "Michael Moore" input was "Canadian Bacon" (1995). His other presentations were hard to watch without making faces.
However, this presentation with all its Mooreisms and targeted narration brings up some good differences and ideas. People like me will never like Moore. However, many institutions have lost sight of their purpose. So, ignore that Moore is a snot and look at what we may be missing.
We also get entertained by great music.
"This Time" by Irving Berlin
"Mind Heist" by Zack Hemsley
"Colonel Bogey" by Kenneth J. Alford
"Volare Parish Version" by Francisco Migilacci
"Slovenian national anthem 'Zdavljica'"
And many others
Many subjects are covered. One is how the war on drugs can be used to control populations. Has been tried earlier "Blitzed: Drugs in the Third Reich" by Norman Ohler and Shaun Whiteside.
Even people that want to turn this off after 10 minutes need to make it the last 10 minutes.
Where the Wild Things Are (2009)
Good stage to screen adaptation
Max (Max Records) mistreated, misunderstood and ignored by others escapes to the world of his imagination. There he has to be the one to mistreat, misunderstand, and ignore. This allows him to at least have empathy for the other (real) world and his family.
Lots of nice colors and sharp teeth make the visuals quite fun to watch, like a spoon full of sugar.
This film is more of a psychological coming of age film that is not intended for a younger audience. If you are familiar with Joseph Campbell's coming of age stories you will see the semblance in the film.
The film is impressive for what it is, not what it is advertised as. Australia produces another film with a similar theme called (Bridge to Terabithia' (2007). Besides, Spain came out with a darker version of this theme with "Pan's Labyrinth" (2006). However, one of the closest films to "Where the Wild Things are" is "Phoebe in Wonderland" (2008).
I only saw the Blu-ray version so I cannot compare it to other versions.
Where the Money Is (2000)
Paul still has it. Linda never lost it
Down through the ages, there have been many great parings of actors from Hepburn and Tracy, to Walter Matthau and Goldie Hawn. This is still happening, as we are witnesses to the phenomena of Paul Newman and Linda Fiorentino. You remember her in the movie "Men in Black" the BUG thought she would make a great snack.
Henry Manning (Paul Newman) is looking for a way out of prison. It looks like he has found it as he is paralyzed and needs to be pushed around by a suspicious Carol MacKay (Linda Fiorentino). Looks like she may have plans of her own.
They take what would have been a formula plot with the formula twist and changed it into a great comedy that is as much expression as action.
When the Moors Ruled in Europe (2005)
Let's look at the Moore's through Bettany's eyes.
A few people may be watching this presentation who may have not known about the history of the Moors in Spain. Most people have had the standard classes in this history. Others may have enthusiastically covered this area for their occupation or possibly just checked on ancestors.
For some people, this presentation tells them what they already know however explaining it differently verifies and enhances their knowledge.
The advantage in having a one-person presentation such as this is that you get that one perspective instead of a hodgepodge of soundbites by various people each with their agenda conflict being and forcing you to choose sides instead of getting a precise picture.
The disadvantage of any one-person presentation is that a few people will feel that facts were left out or this is being politically correct or for some other reason has problems focusing on the fact that this presentation has a particular viewpoint that needs to be taken into consideration.
I have always liked Bettany's video presentations. However, she excels in writing and I suggest that you read Her first book "Helen of Troy: Goddess, Princess, Whore" to get a better feel of the presenter.
One of Bettany's strong points is her enthusiasm and energy as she points out the different locations where history took place.
Meantime I also learned quite a few new facts to digest.
There are some excellent pictures of places in this presentation. However, the background sound may sometimes be drowned out by what is being said.
You will want to add this to your video library.
Where the Boys Are (1960)
More depth than most beach type movies.
It is Spring break and a group of four innocent young ladies are going headlong into a wild and woolly Ft. Lauderdale, Florida U. S. A where just about anything can happen and does.
The movie was made on location at Ft. Lauderdale, many people can relate. This is called a comedy; however, there are stressful moments and lots of good songs with words by Howard Greenfield and Music by Neil Sedaka
Performed by Connie Francis. I keep it as part of the George Hamilton collection.
Other George Hamilton in different types of films include:
Zorro: The Gay Blade (1981) -
Love at First Bite (1979) -
8 Heads in a Duffel Bag (1997) -
The Power (1968)
When Worlds Collide (1951)
"We gotta get out of this place if it's the last thing we ever do..."
Written by Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil and recorded as a 1965 hit single by The Animals.
The star named Bellus is about to engage The Earth dispatching all of humanity not to mention our furry little friends. Only a hand full of people will be able to escape. Sort of a modern Noah's ark. We even get treated to a far more dangerous threat "government gridlock".
The main love interest in the movie is Joyce Hendron (Barbara Rush) which is the mark of a true 50's sci-fi; see her again as an exotic alien in It Came from Outer Space (1953).
You come away wanting your Differential Analyzer as it knocks the socks off a comptometer.
Find your own book copy of The Differential Analysers by J. Crank.
No Time to Die (2021)
An up-to-date Bond movie
This is another installment of the 25th "official" of the 007 or Bond series. It has all the latest gadgets, Daniel Craig in his fifth Bond appearance, and the same old plot. In fact, you have seen this plot many times, but it has been Bondified for this movie. There are good people and bad people; you cannot tell which is which until they act or react.
We have love, bullets, and chases. Naturally somewhere in there is the statement "Time to die." And many people do. Will bond finally get his Up-and-come'ns?
This was filmed in several places such as Scotland, Norway, Faroe Islands, and Jamaica.
Unfortunately, there will be more bonds but not better Bonds.
The Princess Bride (1987)
Romance and High adventure
It is inconceivable how they could make such a good movie. This is one of those movies that the story is being told and periodically you are drawn back to the reader and listener to see what they think of the story.
The reader is a grandfather played by Peter Falk and the grandson that is listening to the bedtime story is Fred Savage. Of course we are listening also.
Watch the expressions on Prince Humperdinck's (Chris Sarandon) face as he gets foiled again. Exceptional good story and actors. Lots of mush and unexpected trials.
See Peter Falk again with Cyndi Lauper in.... Vibes (1988).
Saving Private Ryan (1998)
Excellent WW II drama with tearjerker ending.
All wars are different but some contain similar elements. I was in Tet-68 and can relate to many of the attitudes in this picture. I also had a father that was in WWII. So we compared stories.
Because of the nature of the movie and the Spielberg effects, this movie lends itself to all the latest resolution, color, and sound equipment of the day and will probably adapt to future presentation features. Many people are more fascinated with the movie's sound, resolution, and color than the story or acting, or message.
I saw the streaming version, so I am more fascinated with the extra information on the screen that tells a lot of the background of the making of the movie and how it fared in various countries. We find out where the concept of the story originated. We learn that the main town is fictitious but based on many other towns. We also get the filming locations and interest in the color filtering of the movie for artistic purposes.
The basic story is that there are four brothers (Ryan) that go to war and three are killed. After reading a letter from President Linkon on the same situation in the American Civil War it is decided that the fourth brother needs to be found and sent home. So, the over theme is about doing just that. However, in the process, we are given a lot to think about as each soldier on the mission grows with each step they take. Will they find Private Ryan and if so, what then?
You can see Spielberg's hand in this and among the great actors is Tom Hanks giving a stellar performance. Yet I think that the process reminds me more of a Joseph Campbell hero's journey.
Wheels of Power: History of Official Cars (2017)
Unique cars and the unique leaders that chose them.
We only had time for four cars. I am not sure who or how the particular four cars were chosen.
We get glimpses of the technology and glimpses of the lives of leaders and how they overlap.
You can tell right off that the presentation is contrived to intrigue you more with leader stories and not very technical beyond the fundamentals. We get to see how a turbocharger works without calling it a turbocharger. The newer cars completely leave out the computer controls. It is on the level of a "How it is Made" program. On the leader level we get to see how Hitler and the Pope get to stand tall; we see how Trump gets tucked safely inside. There is a quickie of Kennedy but does not describe the convertible.
Made in 2018 we get only to see the cars of the recent U. S. leaders. But no leaders. (well it is really about cars)
Wheel of Time (2003)
Great filmography - no substance
German filmmaker Werner Herzog, as usual, is exceptional at film and captures the everyday life of Buddhists on their pilgrimage to Bhod Gaya. We concentrate on the 12-day Kalachakra initiation. For those familiar with Buddha you recognize Bhod Gaya as the location where the Buddha attained enlightenment.
There is great background music much of it sounds a little more Hindu. However, we do hear some well-known chants. Occasionally there is a conversation with His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. Also, we get a glimpse of a few people mugging for the camera.
All in all, this film is worth watching but does not give any real insight or surprises.
What's Up, Doc? (1972)
What are you doing with Howard's rocks?
Dr. Howard Bannister (Ryan O'Neal) is on his way to a convention to try to win a grant; he carries a plaid overnight bag containing experimental rocks. A mysterious stranger at an airport picks up an identical plaid bag containing top secrets. A rich lady carries (you guessed it) a plaid overnight bag full of her jewels. To add to the mix is a walking accident Judy Maxwell (Barbra Streisand) carrying her plaid bag.
Soon all are inevitably going to converge. Toss in mistaken identities and a bubble bath. You have one of the most memorable comedies.
Lots of fun comedy with most of the clichés, Back and forth in a hallway, Obligatory chase scene, they show their puns, and even a quasi-food fight, all over a hand full of bags. At one point Judy hangs around outside Howard's window; one wonders how her towel stays on.
If this ever gets sorted out, we are in for a surprise.
If you find the concept of mixed bags funny then you need to also watch Sylvester Stallone in Oscar (1991).
What Is the Electric Car? (2010)
How long do the batteries last? There is still mechanical maintenance.
Yep, aside from the cheesy "I am doing a report" presentation so many practical questions seem to be missed. Have you ever seen a corroded terminal? What is the battery life? There are still mechanical parts that wear. How much power is used to heat the car in the dead of winter? Just going from Fort Worth to Dallas is a 100-mile round trip. Does uphill make a difference? Take some time and think about all the logistics and ramifications not mentioned in this slick-focused presentation.
Some cars may be over looked.
A better presentation was much earlier:
Who Killed the Electric Car? (2006)
Revenge of the Electric Car (2011)
Perhaps hybrids are better placed for efficiency?
What Did You Do in the War, Daddy? (1966)
James Coburn, just being himself
A by-the-book captain is ordered to capture a strategic village in Italy. The Italian soldiers are willing to surrender if they can have a festival first. The lieutenant (Coburn) convinces the Captain (Shawn) "Wake Me When It's Over" (1960) this is the only way.
Because of aerial reconnaissance, they must look like they are fighting. To sort this out an intelligence officer, Potter (Morgan) is sent in and gets lost in the catacombs singing "Pea's portage hot". Meanwhile, the festival gets complicated with the Mayor's daughter. Who wins?
There are plenty of sub plots and amusing scenes spared throughout the whole movie.
Nova: What Darwin Never Knew (2009)
Forget about Darwin; what do we not know?
Part of Nova - series 36 episode 17 - Episode aired Dec 29, 2009
Yes, we know a lot that Darwin never knew as we grew a bit older.
However, depending on when you left school there may have been a few changes and additions to the way evolution and the mechanics of DNA have changed.
This is more than a cutesy overview of DNA as if it was new, this presentation takes the time to go into depth on how the various genes are triggered and what controls the trigger. We go beyond opposable thumbs and even target brain development.
It starts with a complete montage of what we are about to watch.
The program is based on the books:
"Endless Forms Most Beautiful" and The Making of the Fittest" by Sean B. Carroll
Still, we do get a quickie overview of Darwin's travels; we get just enough to lead you into today's technology and understanding of what Darwin never knew.
The only negative is that they spend far too much time showing animals eating animals to make the point the hard way.
The presentation is from 2009 so things may have changed; at least we will be caught up to 2009.
What a Way to Go! (1964)
"Our life is frittered away by detail... Simplify, simplify." Henry David Thoreau.
Louisa May (with a string of last names) is on the psychiatrist's couch explaining her life(s). We see this as a series of flashbacks resembling a series of movies.
Louisa May Foster (Shirley MacLaine) comes from a family of modest means, her mother (Margaret Dumont), with dollar signs in her eyes, figures it is beset for Loisa May to marry Lenni Crawley (Dean Martin) whose father owns the town.
Louisa could care less about money, especially Linni's insufferable attitude, and wants love. So, she marries for love and each time after what looks like an ideal life, an unforeseen circumstance enriches $$$$ her husband and causes their demise. Try as she may she cannot change the pattern.
Can the psychiatrist (Bob Cummings) help?
Is she destined to be a rich widow?
And what became of Lenni?
Westworld (1973)
Yul never be the same
Theme parks get more sophisticated. Now instead of faking it with actors, the people at Delos have come up with the ultimate getaway; they have created several theme parks of which one is called "Westworld" and use robots instead. They can take real bullets and be repaired. As a side interest, they also have other realistic body parts.
To this theme park comes Peter Martin (Richard Benjamin) for a little R&R. At first, he is a little shy then he gets into things. Everyone is having a great time.
Unknown to the guests Delos is experiencing an anomaly with its system. It seems that despite all the fail-safes a guest gets shot. Then everything snowballs out of control. The most out of control is a robot gunslinger that looks an awful lot like Yul Brynner.
You feel that you are there. So what can you do?
Westfront 1918: Vier von der Infanterie (1930)
Very similar to All Quiet on the Western Front
People are familiar with Erich Maria Remarque's story. In this Georg Wilhelm Pabst directed film it is Karl (Gustav Diessl) is up against the French in WWI. He gets a respite in the form of leave to see a different home than he remembered. On return to the front, he will soon face French tanks.
This is not so much an anti-war movie as it shows trials and tribulations one may suffer through as part of a war.
I was introduced to this film in my first German class. Other movies around the same time.
S.O.S. Eisberg (1933) Gustav Diessl plays Professor Dr. Karl Lorenz
Die Liebe der Jeanne Ney (1927) also directed by Georg Wilhelm Pabst,
Die Büchse der Pandora (1929) Gustav Diesel plays Jack the Ripper.
There are many more great films of the time. This film will grow on you with repeated viewings.
The Ray Bradbury Theater: The Playground (1985)
Introduction by Ray Bradbury 1920-2012
The Ray Bradbury Theater Season 1 Episode 2 "The Playground"
Episode aired Jun 4, 1985
All grown-up Charles Underhill (William Shatner) must loosen his parental grip on his son. Yep, it is time to go to the "Playground". Unfortunately, Charles had a bad time thee as a child and does not want his son to experience the same.
He has to find a unique situation to exercise the playground demons. What and see how or if he does this.
We all know this series is cheap and has bad or no CGI. However, "The Playground" is very dark and could stan a flashlight or two.
Take time to see the real Shatner in Shatner in Space (2021).
Julie & Julia (2009)
Half of the movie was great
A woman with no direction in a dead-end job in life, takes to cooking and blogging as an escape. This disrupts what little family life she has. As a standard formula movie this has been done better.
Another story overlapping is that of Julia; she also is searching for meaning in life and finds she has a unique culinary skill and panache for the violent processing of food. This is quite fun viewing.
I immensely enjoyed the interspersed sections that display Julia Child (Meryl Streep) and her husband Paul Child (Stanley Tucci) as you could see their enthusiasm and depth of acting. This could have been a great docudrama. The one-dimensional tripe if the interspersed Julie Powell (Amy Adams) could have been left out and nothing would have been missed.
I have only seen the Blu-ray and cannot compare it to other forms of media. For the people interested in the media the special features contend the standard as a commentary with Writer/Director Nora Ephron. One advantage is you can fast forward with sound through the Julie parts.
See an early Stanly Tucci as Muerte in Undercover Blues (1993).
Father Brown (2013)
It is quite fun trying to outguess Father Brown
Mark Williams plays father Brown in this series based on G. K. Chesterton's books. I cannot tell you how close this comes to the books themselves as I have not read them yet.
Each episode is a complete story in itself where we meet the characters, build up the mystery, try to second-guess father Brown, and wrap up in the end. The ending of his stories is not that neatly wrapped as he usually leaves it to the culprit to do the right thing.
John Light plays Hercule Flambeau (Father Brown's friend); he is advertised throughout the DVD but does not show up for several episodes.
I have to admit that several times on my first viewing I had to stop and think about where I have seen the actor(s) before.
As with many series, there are guest actors. Some of the guest actors show once and others are peppered throughout the series.
The quality of each story varies widely so there will be some favorites and some duds depending on what you want to see. The production itself looks quite inexpensive and locations and production sets. The quality of the recording leaves something to be desired; I am not sure if it is the original recording or the media. In any case, you will be so wrapped up in the story that you will care about the production quality.
As with any series the character mix changes over time. Some of your favorites may disappear. Yet again you may find new favorites.
Chronicle (2012)
Great Blu-ray - the credits were exceptional
Many people watch superpower hero movies. Quite a few have read the comic books behind most of them. And of course, speculate as to what it would be like if you had the powers.
Put on a towel and jump off the roof. It is much more thrilling than this movie. I suppose it is a popular gimmick nowadays, but "Blair Witch" movies do not thrill me. If you enjoy this type of presentation, then definitely watch the movie "Apollo 18" it is just as hokey.
Three teens (Dane DeHaan, Alex Russell, and Michael B. Jordan) fall in a hole. It is too bad they did not stay there. Of course, if they had we would not have much of a movie I guess, such that it is. Then came the proverbial powers. It is not so bad watching them struggle with their newfound abilities, but having to watch it on a phony homemade movie genre is more than one can take. You can guess the outcome before it starts; so, you better enjoy these people throwing objects around and throwing more objects around and throwing more objects around until they run at objects that are around.
Tomb Raider (2018)
Keeps making the dumbest decisions.
The movie is a series of dumb decisions by the protagonist Lara Croft (Alicia Vikander.)
The story and the people barely fit the Toom Raider formula. However, there is lots of action, many subplots, and a cliffhanger ending.
The basic story is Lara's father, Richard Croft (Dominic West) is missing and presumed dead. Lara has a different take on the situation and goes hunting for her father that was hunting for an evil Chinese queen.
Will she find him?
Will the evil Queen get her revenge?
Will an evil cabal find Lara?
Will this ever end?
Alicia Vikander said that it only took three weeks after filming ended to lose all the muscle mass she'd gained for the role. We all know what happens when you suddenly sop exercising. All that flappy skin.