jimkis-3 Reviews

Titanic (1953)

Lukewarm treatment of disaster.

[18 September 2002]

First off, you see this and you ask yourself -- why did Fox spend a fortune using color film for Betty Grable fluff, but one of the greatest tragedies of the 20th Century warrants only black and white? The film seems to be mediocre in every respect -- the stars are sort of big, but not really. Well, you have Barbara Stanwyck, but she was past her prime -- still nice to look at but not as stellar as she once was. Then there's the story -- almost as saccharine as the 1997 film (if that's possible) -- but it's the same old Hollywood pap -- turning a disaster into a soap opera. And though this is less than half the length of the overblown 1997 telling, it still seems too long. There is no tension or build-up presaging the disaster, and it is really, really hard to care about anyone -- especially a family whose main problem is how to live out the rest of their well-to-do lives -- and where they should do it. And what little irony there is so heavy-handed as to be ineffectual. The ultimate question about this film is why was it even made in the first place.

Vivacious Lady (1938)

Fabulous comedy!

[10/10 · 8 August 2002]

The only pairing of Ginger and Jimmy Stewart is a remarkable comedy with almost no wasted moments. Ginger's sex appeal is much in evidence in this film -- indeed, the film is full of sexual tension as Ginger and Jimmy strive to consummate their marriage -- but are constantly interrupted. In addition to many and varied bits of comedy, there is also a great little dance number where Ginger and Beluah Bondi (!) do the "Big Apple." The cast is perfect and the comedy is timeless. Too bad this is not out on video or DVD! One of the best Ginger solo starring efforts, and watchable again and again!

Down to Earth (2001)

Why oh why do they make things like this?

[3/10 · 25 May 2002]

I like Chris Rock, but I feel he is wasted in this film. The idea of remaking Heaven Can Wait is fine, but the filmmakers followed the plot of that turkey too closely. When Eddie Murphy remade Dr. Doolittle and The Nutty Professor, he re-did them totally -- so they became Murphy films/vehicles, not just tepid remakes. That's why they were successful. If Chris had done the same, this could have been a much better film. The few laughs that come are when he is doing his standup routine -- so he might as well have done a concert film. It also would have been much funnier if the white man whose body he inhabits was a truck driver or hillbilly. So why does Hollywood keep making junk like this? Because people go to see it -- because they like Chris Rock. So give Chris a decent script and give us better movies! Don't remake films that weren't that good in the first place!

Heaven Can Wait (1978)

I don't know why this is such a popular story.

[25 May 2002]

After seeing Chris Rock in Down to Earth, I wanted to refresh my memory of Heaven Can Wait -- as both movies are remakes of Here Comes Mr. Jordan. So Hollywood has made at least 3 films with the same plot, changing only what the main character's vocation is. The 1941 Jordan works the best but it had major flaws in plot and sense. And those flaws are carried over into both remakes. (One is the cheating of the main character -- he is not himself and can't remember anything at the end -- what a bummer!) I won't go into the Hollywoodization of Heaven -- as it is so absurd as to boggle the mind. In essence, the story is simple-minded and lacks charm, and has a lot of meanness in it and ends on a sour note. It should never have been made once, let alone 3 times! The worst thing about this first remake is the cutesy-poo music score -- sounds like it goes to a kid's nature flick. The second worst thing is Julie Christie's permanent (or is that supposed to be an afro?). The third worst...well, that's enough! This movie is just lame.

Black Widow Murders: The Blanche Taylor Moore Story (1993 TV Movie)

Not terrible, but not great.

[9 October 2001]

I just happen to have read the book this was based on, and there's a lot missing. It could have been a mini-series, and suffers at just barely over 90 minutes. Elizabeth Montgomery is okay as Blanche -- the woman was not really any deeper than EM portrays her. If anything, she didn't have that even that much depth. She was, apparently, a rather mindless and conscience-less murderer with obvious motives. She was not as an intellectual character (as you find in novels about killers). The main fault with EM playing her is that he is just a little bit too old for the part (being 60 at the time). In any case, because of the length of the film and the lackluster performances by the others in the film, what could have been a good character study becomes rather pedestrian -- just another TV movie. The fact that it is, indeed, based on a true story doesn't make it any more special. It is just well enough done to hold your interest -- an okay time-killer -- worth only one viewing.

Hallelujah (1929)

I really enjoy this film.

[10/10 · 5 September 2001]

This film, despite its early talkie crudities, is one of the best religious dramas ever filmed in my opinion. It gets better with each viewing, as you discover more and more nuances in the script and the filmmaking as well. The performances of the leads are stellar -- especially Daniel J. Haynes in the lead. And Nina Mae McKinney is fabulous as "Chick" -- a seductress who tempts Haynes on so many different levels -- subverting and perverting his religious fervor to mold to her pure carnal lust. The spirituals are stirring; the story, though somewhat maudlin, is compelling and quite plausible. The revival scenes are both uplifting and moving. Forget that it was the first "all-black" musical or drama or whatever...it holds it place as a fine film...and doesn't need to be pigeonholed as a historical or "race" period piece. Bold, brave...and ultimately reverent...this is a true film classic.

What Women Want (2000)

Vacillating on this one.

[20 July 2001]

I like Mel Gibson, and I like Helen Hunt (the quintessential sexy girl next door to me), but they don't really go together that well. Part of the problem is that Mel, bless him, is getting a bit too old for romantic roles. (Or "young male stud" romantic roles, to be more precise.) He seems way too old for Helen, but they are obviously supposed to be contemporaries. This is the type of film you really, truly want to like -- but it pushes you away with so much of what is frankly just plain bad writing (the actors try and try to save it too --I'm sure they all had trouble deciding how to read some of the lines!). Marissa Tormei is just plain wasted, and the sex scene with her is distasteful. Then Mel's character dumping her by claiming he is gay -- I was embarrassed for everyone involved in that -- the writer, the actors, the director -- and the camera men who had to shoot it! The absurdity of it beggars description. The way it is ends is pretty predictable too. It should have been much better! (A different writer, Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks -- or?)

Godzilla (I) (1998)

I liked it.

[7/10 · 21 November 2000]

I don't understand why people don't like this movie. It's extremely well-done. The SFX alone are miles ahead of the best Japanese Godzilla movie ever made. The hugeness of the monster in this film is awesome as well. Overall, watching this film was a very fun experience, and I'd watch it again!

The Greatest Story Ever Told (1965)

Disappointed.

[4/10 · 21 November 2000]

With a powerhouse cast, this should have been much, much better. But that's the problem -- it would have played better with a bunch of unknowns, and you spend too much time saying -- Wow, that's Ed Wynn, instead of appreciating the story. The script is turgid as well, and for every unique touch there's a counterbalancing scene that's a dud. And Max Von Sydow, as Jesus, does not exhibit the proper passion one expects in this role.

Leap of Faith (1992)

Disappointed overall.

[5/10 · 20 November 2000]

This is the type of movie you anticipate, hoping it will be much better. But it just doesn't work -- for a lot of reasons, the chief being that Steve Martin just is miscast. True, he has played "straight" roles before, and he does okay in them, but he is not really a believable preacher. Perhaps that's because the movie can't decide if it is a satire or a drama, and Martin can't decide what his character's motivation truly is. The cynicism is too overt, and Jonas is too deceptive. I also sense an overall mean minded attitude, in most of the characters, which is a reflection of the script -- and leaves one with an unsatisfied feeling.

Police Academy 2: Their First Assignment (1985)

An alternate opinion.

[6/10 · 9 May 2000]

While it's true most sequels are pretty lame, I felt this one kept up with the spirit of the original film quite well. Its main problem is that it's not quite as gross -- or as outrageous as the original (note the original was rated R, and this one is only PG13) -- so it's not as outrageously funny. Still there are quite a few good moments, especially in the first half or so, and while it's not as laugh-out-loud as the first film, it still holds one's interest.

Road to Singapore (1940)

One of my personal favorites.

[9/10 · 15 April 2000]

The first "Road" picture remains, in my opinion, about the best. While there's not quite as much zaniness as the rest of the films in the series, there is a solid story, and a surprisingly good bit of acting by Bob Hope in the film's more serious scenes. Plus the soundtrack has a lot of entertaining music to offer, especially "You're Too Romantic." Lots of fun from beginning to end!

The Great Outdoors (1988)

Somewhat disappointed.

[5/10 · 8 April 2000]

With two great comic actors -- Akroyd and Candy -- this should have been much better. Instead, it is labored, strained, and lame overall. So much of the humor is obvious and/or forced. A good example is when Candy eats the giant steak -- and throws up soon afterwards. Most of the film is just plain uninspired and predictable. In short, the writing is just below par, though the actors try to do their best. To me, the best sequence is the end credits, where Akroyd is dancing at the diner. (I wonder if this was supposed to be in the film and then cut later?) If the rest of the film was as much fun as that, it could have been a winner.