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Reviews
Another 48 Hrs. (1990)
Bigger, Faster, Funnier, Smarter...and Better
Forget what you've heard, this is a far better film than the original. Sure, the story is implausible, far-fetched and unrealistic, with plot holes you can fly the Spruce Goose through, but it's a lot more fun.
In the first film, the big baddie, Albert Ganz (frighteningly realized by the fine character actor James Remar) lends a touch of realism to the proceedings. The big baddie in the sequel is none other than Ganz's brother Richard "Cherry" "Ganz, a killer that makes "his brother look like Gandhi." They say bad guys make the movie, and Andrew Divoff does an admirable job as the psychopathic biker out to kill both Reggie and Jack.
The shootout finale is classic, and the twist ending sure to please.
Hill's direction is first rate and the action sequences, especially the scenes with the motorcycles, unparalleled, even by today's standards. And did I mention it was pretty darn funny? If you are a fan of the first movie, don't miss this.
A High Wind in Jamaica (1965)
An Underrated Gem!
I first saw "A High Wind in Jamaica" in the late sixties one evening on late night TV. It's a compelling, realistic, well-filmed action movie with outstanding performances by Anthony Quinn and James Coburn and a fast-paced, exciting storyline. It even features a brief appearance by Gert Frobe, of "Goldfinger" fame.
Despite the presence of young children and pirates, it's definitely not a children's movie. There are dark undertones and some surprisingly adult themes. Quinn and Coburn give first rate performances as pirates who inadvertently kidnap a group of British children on their way back to Great Britain from Jamaica after a storm...but this film belongs to Deborah Baxter. Her performance as the feisty Emily is absolutely mesmerizing. It's hard to imagine she only made two movies (she plays Teddy Roosevelt's daughter in "The Wind and The Lion"). Her acting seems well beyond her years. I guarantee it's a performance that will stick with you long after the final credits.
I highly recommend this film.