Scott-166 Reviews

Ben and Charlie (1972)

A great fun!

[7/10 · 11 April 2000]

I saw this movie for the first time twenty years or so ago. In this time,I found it absolutely fantastic, extremely enjoyable, with a good plot (what is not common in a spaguetti western) and two very interesting characters superbly played by Gemma and Eastman. If you can find this movie (under its English title "Ben and Charlie) take it. It's really a good western movie, not just for addicts, I can guarantee. You'll find that even in the so under-estimated genre of the spaghetti western, there's some good moments that makes us wonder: maybe these times of bluffing, crazies westerns-movies, that made the fame of actors like Giulliano Gemma, Terence Hill and Bud Spencer are not so bad at all!

The Blood of Others (1984 TV Movie)

A good story of war and love!

[14 September 1999]

This movie has some points that invites a viewer: first of all, the story is based upon a novel written by the great Simone de Beauvoir; second, the movie has a fine director, Monsieur Claude Chabrol and last but not least, a good cast where we can find some great names, like Jodie Foster and Sam Neill (in a great performance, as a sick and deeply in love nazist). The important is that all these points are not a deception. The movie has a witty and elegant screenplay, the direction of Monsieur Chabrol, if it's not a overwhelming work of art, is good and convincing and the cast is really a standout. A good love and war story that goes on in a pleasant way. Watch out: the very last scene is a really knockout! Cotation (7 of 10).

Soldier Blue (1970)

A Pointless Movie

[13 September 1999]

"Soldier Blue" is one of these movies that can't find a way between a love story, a tongue-in-cheek western or a political rewiew of a sad and violent episode of the American history. In any way, this movie is a great failure. We don't find a heartwarming love story here (although the relationship between Bergen and Strauss takes almost a half part of the movie)or any scenes of a gripping western adventure. In the final part, the movie tries to be impressive with some shots of extremely violence, but it's too late because the viewer is tired after a long and pointless narrative. The cast seems to be lost all the way and even the usual appealing presences of Candice Bergen and Donald Pleasence are subdued by the peasant plot and the shallow direction. (2 of 5)

Basil (1998)

An English Soap Opera

[9 June 1999]

"Basil" is a film that has all the ingredients of a classic soap opera. There's plenty of love deception, jealousy, a rich man who falls in love with a poor girl etc. But that's not one more and forgettable soap opera like the others. First of all, the film is based on a novel written by Wilkie Collins, one of the most important English writers of the 19o. century (a great friend of Charles Dickens) and that makes a great difference. On the other hand, this film has a nice direction and a fine cast, never sliding in hollow sentimentalism. Maybe the only negative point is that the plot is too predictable but even though you can still have a good time watching the film.

Julius Caesar (1970)

A Great Roman Adventure

[8 June 1999]

This adaptation of Shakeaspeare's play is a really winner. The dialogues are precise, the cast is outstanding, with great performances by Heston, Gielgud and Richard Johnson.I think this film could be reprogrammed in all the theathers around the world to give a chance to the new generation appreciate a fine work based upon a play of one of the most important writers of the history.

Lost in Space (1998)

Really Lost!

[7 June 1999]

When I see this movie,I felt that the Robinson family was not the only lost in space, I was lost too, if not in the space but certainly in a very bad screenplay and a confuse and undistinguished direction. In fact, this new version of the famous tv series of the 60's tries to find a way between some good special effects ( for that matter, LucasFilm work is always correct!) and some action scenes with no grip at all. The plotline is weak and extremely dull. For the other hand, the cast is not at the point and even Gary Oldman is unconvincing as Dr. Smith ( 2 stars of 5 = rating).

The Quest (1996)

Another Bloodsport

[7 June 1999]

This film has two curious points: one, its story has been written by Van Damme and he's the director too. Unbelievable! But that's all, folks. In fact, that's another poor and extremely boring kickboxer film with no plot and only one or two good moments (like the sequence when Van Damme escape from America). The plot line resembles another Van Damme film, "Bloodsport", maybe the best film that he had acted until now. It's a pity that the master of kickboxer, in this one, gets no kick at all. (1 star of 5 = Rating).

Field of Honor (1986)

A sensitive movie!

[7 June 1999]

"Field of Honor" is a movie with a great point: although it's a war story, it's a movie about how a soldier could feel lonely, tired of so many slaughter and anxious for love and compassion. In this way, "Field of Honor" is a remarkable movie and the character played with subdued mood by Everett Mc Gill deserves to be remind as one of the most strong and convincing war/phisochology type already done. If you not pick this film up until now, do it. You'll see a real and painful story but a very sensitive one too. (3 stars of 5 = rating).

Joshua (1976)

A Complete Waste of Time!

[4 June 1999]

I really like western films but this one is absolutely insupportable. There's no story here, no acting, no directional touches. The cast is completely lost in a series of scenes that made no sense at all (like the showdown in the cave when Joshua killed the last outlaw). There's no dialogue here, too. Williamson develops a zombie-like performance all the time and that contributes to make this mess a complete waste of time and a great exercise of patience.

Land of the Giants (1968–1970)

Unforgettable!

[4 June 1999]

Land of The Giants was my favourite TV-Series when I Was at first grade in school and today, about thirty years after, it still is the best of all for me. I think that everything goes perfect with this series, the central plot, the episodes, the cast (especially Kurt Kaznar and Don Matheson)in a way simply unforgettable. I would like to see "Land of The Giants" again, but in a new production and, if possible, with the same cast. What about a movie called "Escape From The land of the Giants"? That would be a great present for me and for all the millions of fans all around the globe!