soup831 Reviews

The Scarf (1951)

Memories...

[16 June 2021]

>finds refuge on the ranch of turkey-raiser Ezra Thompson. Barrington, who has suffered from amnesia, finds his memory returning slightly and he sets out on his mission of learning the truth about whether or not he really murdered his sweetheart and is actually insane.

Whew! I thought he would remember that he was a turkey-raiser. Or, worse, a turkey.

White Comanche (1968)

Peyotehead

[22 May 2021]

After 15 dizzying minutes of "White Apache," I would like to apply to Hollywood for a director's job. Even the music and wind noises suck. I work cheap. I dont use peyote but I can learn.

Kronos (1957)

Popcorn

[29 March 2021]

Movies should be rated in the number of boxes of popcorn nervously eaten.

The Big Operator (1959)

Unforgivable

[22 July 2020]

Its unforgivable that the main reviewer didnt mention Grabowski and Vito Musso as two of the actors. And Rooney in Crooked Mile was so wimpy w/the woman that I couldnt watch more than a few minutes.

Secret Agent X-9 (1945)

Missing!

[7/10 · 8 June 2020]

The only thing missing is a secret decoder ring in a box of Rice Crispies!

S.O.B. (1981)

James Garner

[3 June 2020]

An amazing number of SOB actors worked on The Rockford Files w/James Garner: Robert Loggia, Stuart Margolin, Richard Webber, Ken Swofford and John Pleshette. Julie Andrews worked w/Garner in two movies. Robert Preston worked w/Garner and Andrews in one movie.

SOB is a hilarious comedy. But I wonder if Hollywood's business model is properly satirized. Creativity is not easily managed or planned and frequent changes may be necessary.

Shack Out on 101 (1955)

Ive got it!

[6/10 · 7 February 2020]

Most reviewers are confused about this enjoyably bizarre movie's theme. Its simple. Madcap Americans vs commie spies. Get stoned and drunk and invite your buddies. Theres nothing wrong with weightlifting and scuba gear. Did Lee Marvin almost laugh in the weightlifting scene? If he did, was in or out of character and does it matter to the missing artistic unity of this movie? Imagine ,if you will, that youre a fly on the wall when the producer pitched this movie to the moneymen. In fact, now that I think of it, decades of moneymen were convinced to finance horribly ,horribly wrong movies, as I see from the many library vids of poorly known (and properly so) movies. Shouldnt these feeble-minded moneymen have a support group? By the way, Little Shop of Horrors cost only $25K, proof that you and your brother-in-law can become movie producers.

Hail Caesar (1994)

Fly on the wall

[21 January 2020]

An interesting movie could be made of the "thinking" that guided the financing of such a bad movie.

Flight from Destiny (1941)

A Better Policy

[16 October 2019]

Professor Todhunter is told he has 6 months left to live, he is barred from teaching by his college so there won't be a scandal if he drops dead in class.

But it would give his students something for reflection...

Zizek! (2005)

Focused At Last!

[10/10 · 5 September 2019]

I am seeking funds for a movie in which the heroine, Ayn Rand, played by Susan Sarandon, chases Zizek, playing himself, around the universe until he confesses that he's a blithering idiot. The movie ends with Zizek laughing uncontrollably and manufacturing nose picks in the shape of Stalin.

Secret Agent (1964–1967)

Old shows are better.

[10/10 · 3 September 2017]

The only TV series I watch are old ones, either on TV or on library copies. Perry Mason, Rockford Files (my favorite), The Third Man, Magnum PI, Cheers, Wings, Route 66, Twilight Zone, Gunsmoke, Have Gun ,Will Travel (second favorite), Flash Gordon (just kidding, but Ming The Merciless was a great villain) The Saint and Secret Agent. Im trying to find Miami Vice and 77 Sunset Strip. Id rather watch Nazi Megaweapons than new TV series. I saw The Saint and Secret Agent when originally on but only recalled that they were excellent. I'm now amazed by their high quality. The directing on the 30 minute, Secret Agent series is so tight that it squeaks. Along w/The Saint, a very satisfying, intelligent drama. Perry Mason is so well done that even when the first half doesn't have Mason, it is still excellent.

The Rockford Files: Quickie Nirvana (1977) Season 4, Episode 7

Rockfish The Philosopher

[10/10 · 8 February 2013]

"Quickie Nirvana" is a perfect integration of plot, acting, theme and dialog, a hilarious, fast-paced, sharp-witted, satire of the New Age movement (whether in 1970s America or ancient Rome).

Sky Aquarian: I'm into my consciousness. Rockford: You're never conscious!

There's something about the Rockford Files that made it a sharp concretization of the ideas of its time. I know its fiction but its characters seem real to me. Rockford is usually considered a Pragmatist but he's usually the only one whose mind is consistently focused on the long-run. He's not philosophical but he's rationally practical.

The next time I'm on the Coast, I'll amble over to 29 Cove Road and leave a taco and jellyroll for Jimbo.