feakes Reviews

In the Heat of the Night (1967)

Bad things happen In the Heat of the Night.

[10/10 · 20 February 2017]

In the Heat of the Night was in my high school required reading and the movie was required viewing. I've read the novel countless times over the last 45 years and I'm about to start it again, I've seen the movie countless times and each time see something new. Virgil Tibbs and Chief Gillespie both hold your attention. There is a murder. A rich man is dead. He came to Sparta to build a new factory.The man's death signals the death knell for Sparta a dying town. The police must act fast and when a black man unknown to any of them is found at the train station. He's arrested. The man's name is Police Detective Virgil Tibbs a top homicide detective out of Philidelphia. When Virgil's Captain offers Virgil's Services to the woefully inexperienced and under manned police force they accept. Except Virgil is a black man poking around in white man's business and its a good way to get him killed.

The murder is the macguffin that Hitchcock once wrote about. The plot device that drives the plot forward.It matters but not too much the whole point is Virgil Tibbs and Bill Gillespie The murder while complicated and takes twists and turns. Pales in the background.compared to how Virgil is treated by the white community. In the Heat of the night is a wonderful time capsule of what was once The South at its Jim Crow best. The pivotal moment occurs after a long day and after which Gillespie saves Virgil from a beating and possible death from a mob. He brings Virgil home. To his own home and makes a admission. He's never had Anyone over. No close friends as he has none. No wife no kids. Virgil despite his skin color is the first person to ever be in Gillespie's home. When Gillespie makes his admission of sorrow Virgil mistakenly tells him he's sorry and Gillespie flies into a rage telling him he doesn't need Virgil's sympathy. It's a important scene as Gillespie is having a black man in his home where he has had no one else. It's a admission that He sees Virgil as a friend. But southern traditions forbid him from saying so. The police Chief cannot have a black friend who is better then him. then at the end where Gillespie Carries Virgil's suitcase to the train for him, A strong sign of respect and friendship there even their parting words come hard to them. They respect each other. Two scenes stand out one is where the rich man slaps Virgil and Virgil slaps him back. And he shouts to Gillespie You saw that what are you going to do about it ? and Gillespie says I don't know. He tells him I'll remember that and turns to Virgil there was once a time when I would have had you shot for that. You believe it. The menace of the south oozes throughout that scene and you know Virgil tibbs is in real danger despite having the police chief as a friend and protector. In fact he puts both of them in danger for that act. The second pivotal scene is the one everyone remembers where a angry Virgil is being bullied by the police. And Gillespie taunts him with what do they call you and Virgil roars back with a defiant THEY CALL ME MISTER TIBBS ! And the movie stops for a beat and you can feel it. There is a change in the air coming to the south. That is if Virgil can not only solve the case before he himself gets murdered And if he can keep his pride in check long enough to work as a police officer.

A powerful movie that could not be made today. There are a few details form John Ball's novel that are missing and that could have added to the story. Bill Gillespie's back story for instance.. But here we don't need it Rod steiger's Powerful acting carries it over telling us all we need to know about Chief Gillespie. And we already know everything we need to know about Virgil Tibbs. He's black he's proud and he's the best Homicide detective there is and he's good at his job.

A powerful story that demands you watch it at least once. To show us how far we've come and how much further we have to go.

The Legend of Tarzan (2016)

Tarzan Lord of the Jungle King of the great apes is back.

[10/10 · 19 February 2017]

The Legend of Tarzan gets it right. I was 10 years old when I was introduced to Edgar Rice Burroughs Tarzan. The Series makes it clear very clear. Tarzan is a intelligent man an English Lord. A victim of a tragic event in which both of his parents died after being ship wrecked of the coast of Africa. but Little John Clayton the III was raised by Kala she of the great Apes who lost a baby. She took Little John and placed her baby in the crib. There was a bond formed. The Apes Named him Tarzan meaning pale skin. There is a scene at the start of the film where John Clayton arrives home to see Jane teaching school. She's teaching bird calls. And John imitates the calls and enchants the kids that her shows them his hands which became accustomed to walking on all fours his hands become like that of the great ape. His body has adapted to that of the apes. Such an important detail almost overlooked. Here is John Clayton entertaining school kids about his life as Tarzan. but when George Washington Williams played by Sam Jackson in a superb role. He calls him Tarzan. And he replies with My Name is NOT Tarzan I Am John Clayton the III The Earl of Greystoke. You know he doesn't want to be referred as Tarzan the subject of cheap dime novels.

Very important to note.

In the novels Tarzan has also struggled to maintain his name of John Clayton the III to him that name means he is a man Tarzan means he is a Beast. But as in ERB's stories John Clayton the III must always go back to the jungle to the role of Tarzan. Here the Reason is an American George Washington Williams has reports of slave trading and abuse of the natives up in the Belgium Congo. The King of Belguim has gone broke exploring the Congo basin. And for some reason there are reports of Natives going missing and slave trading and reports of mercenaries Williams appeals to the prime Minster of England and gets help from John Clayton . His wife Jane refuses to stay behind. To her Africa is home just as much as England. When they arrive in the Congo there they discover just how dire the situation has become. The King of the lost city of Opar has agreed to give diamonds to Mercenaries and the Belguim King's agent in exchange for one man the man who killed his son Tarzan. The Blood Feud increases when the Mercenaries kidnap Jane leading Tarzan and George Williams on a grand chase to the exciting and vibrant climax that simply makes you cheer.

Tarzan has been many things over the years. And like Sherlock Holmes partner and friend Dr. John Watson has been dumbed down by the still popular Johnny Weismuller Tarzan films to the extant many people think all Tarzan is ME Tarzan You Jane. And that is such a dis service to the Tarzan of ERB's novels Here we see what Edgar Rice Burroughs saw in Tarzan he is a intelligent man filled with a resolve to be a good man. But when the situation calls for it he can become the beast a smart cunning animal called Tarzan.

To me this film keeps the promise made years ago when Edgar Rice Burroughs first wrote Tarzan and that the first Screen Tarzan Elmo Lincoln made. That Tarzan is More then a animal. He's a man that can do extraordinary things. Things that are impossible for a a normal man.

The Legend of Tarzan is by far the best adaptation of Tarzan to date.

Cool Hand Luke (1967)

Luke Coolness under pressure.

[11 February 2017]

Cool Hand Luke is one of those rare films that lasts. It defies being dated despite being filmed in 1967. Cool Hand Luke tells the story of a Rebel named Luke Jackson who can't conform to Society's expectations. He went to War and came back with medals and proved himself a Hero many times over. But Luke can't settle down and so one night after drinking Luke takes the heads off of several parking meters . For this crime he is sent to the prison farm. Luke for the most part doesn't care. to him its all a big game. And in time Luke and Dragline the top inmate in the prison form a powerful friendship.

It's only after his dying mother comes to see him that Luke starts to change and after she dies that Luke no longer sees it as a game but a challenge to get out and as a result Luke plays a deadly game with people that don't play.

Luke is a die hard rebel to the end.

the Film seems like it was filmed last year and is still as fresh as ever. Luke isn't a anti hero. He's not a hero. He's just someone who is lost confused and is trying to figure it all out while in prison. And lucky us. We get to come along .

The Last of Robin Hood (2013)

Twilight of the Gods : The last days of Errol Flynn.

[29 January 2017]

the last of Robin Hood. It's a heartfelt look back at the dying days of the Golden age of Hollywood. And of Hollywood's greatest swashbuckler and legendary hellraiser Errol Flynn. but its more then that. It's a tender love story about Errol Flynn and his last great love Beverly Aadland . Flynn met Beverly in the summer of 1957 he was a faded movie star she was a 15 year old would be actress. Sparks flew between them and that led to a serious relationship that was problematic at best illegal at worse. And Flynn wily old Flynn countered it by befriending Beverly's mother Florence. She becomes so smitten with Flynn and with the Hollywood scene she lets Flynn do anything he wants to with her daughter. The Tragic end that Errol Flynn suffered didn't end any of the messes he made . In fact he complicated Beverly's life worse in death then he did in life. In life towards the End Errol Flynn struggled to make Beverly a Movie star making the Cuban Rebel Girls a film so bad it will go down in immortality as Errol Flynn's last movie.

But Kevin Kline portrays Errol Flynn with Flynn's trade marked devil may care attitude He flows with confidence and he is damn near Perfect as Errol Flynn ! Dakota Fanning does a remarkable job as Beverly Aadland and there is real chemistry between the two leads. Susan Sarandon steals the movie as Beverly's mom Florence.

A well done movie about a sad time in Hollywood. When Robin Hood grew sick and old. and Captain Blood died penniless. But loved and he died still admired by his legions of fans. and most importantly. He died in the arms of the woman he loved. not even Hollywood could dream of a ending that wonderful for a man who was a legendary bad boy. Errol Flynn knew he was dying. and as he said in My wicked Wicked ways he had no regrets. he did it his way. And in the end he died happy.

A movie that should have won Oscars Galore and had a longer run in theaters. But it didn't and somehow that's fitting, And Somewhere Errol Flynn is raising a glass every time someone sees this movie and smiles and laughs. and says. "Did you really think they could get rid of Robin Hood that easy I'm still here old Chum"!

And we are grateful for this movie in reminding us that Errol Flynn was a legend every bit as a legend as say Robin Hood. And Legends don't die.

They just get bigger.

Rollerball (1975)

The Rollerball murders.

[10 January 2017]

Rollerball is both a sci fi film and a social commentary on mankind. Set in the near future of 2018. War is no more same with poverty and crime. Also politics. the world is ruled by corporations dedicated to having complete power. In order to hide their illegal acts or at best The Shadier aspects they introduce a violent sport and recreate the bread and circus atmosphere of Rome and her Gladiators. Rollerball is designed to hold the population's attention to give them something to dream about argue about and gamble . And Rollerball is also designed to show the futility of individual achievement. Except. Jonathon E is a complete Champion. he's been rewarded more times then any other Rollerball Champion. He's popular. He's an idol to billions and he's setting the wrong example. Jonathon has the distinction of being the oldest player in the game. ten years and running. Quite a feat in a game designed to do one thing and that is to maim or murder. Jonathon's popularity worries the corporation and they fear that Jonathon E could be used as a sign to the people to revolt. Jonathon has no such designs. Until he's told he is retiring. He has no such idea he doesn't want to. But the corporate world wants him to. Do it nicely or have it done by force. Jonathon decides that now is the time for action and refuses to retire which sets the stage for the Championship Rollerball game where the objective for the other team is simply Kill Jonathon E.

The Film was written back in 75 and adapted from a short story called the Rollerball Murder. And it was such a far fetched idea Corporations ruling the world giving us everything and the only thing we give up is freedom and will.

Now its 2017 And suddenly the World of Rollerball doesn't seem so far fetched. It feels like the truth.

Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice (2016)

The World's finest Team

[10/10 · 1 January 2017]

Batman Vs Superman Dawn of Justice is to me the best film of 2016. And perhaps like Man of Steel the most misunderstood. The film opens up as the attack on Metropolis is at its worst and Bruce Wayne arrives to see his office tower destroyed and his employees die. and injured. flash forward two years and Bruce Wayne is still as bitter. He's Forgotten what The Batman is supposed to have stood for. He's still doing the job but he's killing and torturing the criminals. And he's worried about Superman. He believes that one day Superman will turn on them and he must have a plan in place. When Superman rescues Lois Lane from a warlord in the Middle East Superman and Lois interfere in a CIA plot and people die. superman is blamed for those deaths. And its added to the destruction of Metropolis there is a senate hearing already in effect on the Superman problem. And there is the little matter of a mad man named Lex Luthor who is stirring the pot creating even greater trouble. Luthor has discovered a mineral that can kill Superman. He names it Kryptonite . The only problem is its rare. Things heat up when the capital building is destroyed and Superman is believed to be involved . Bruce Wayne finds out there are others like Superman and that Luthor has files on them. And when he tries to steal them he meets a Wonder woman named Diana Prince.

the movie comes together in a big finale that is action packed energetic and wonderfully filmed. And it sets up The Justice League nicely

The reason the movie is misunderstood is this. Batman does not kill That is wrong he does and he has killed in the comics The Martha scene. Again pretty much like the Tornado scene in Man of Steel people fail to realize that there is actually something going on inside the character's head .Martha is a word that acts as a trigger and to me that's the most realistic scene in the movie.

There are other things but Synder is aiming for a realistic take and he succeeds. People compare this so much to Christopher Reeve and his movies or Adam West / Christian Bale or the comics and fail to see that this movie has nothing at all to do with any of those.

This is a stand alone movie not having any ties to the other versions of Superman and Batman it's its own Earth .

To me the film works because when you look at it. how else would a Superman or a Batman be precievced by the public except as Gods and Monsters .

Cape Fear (1991)

Inferior

[20 December 2016]

They should not have bothered. Robert De niro goes over the top chewing the scenery and over acting. His Max Cady while demented and seemingly inhuman isn't the scary menace of the original . Robert Mitchum endowed his Max Cady with a human anger and his Cady was human. and all the more believable. Mitchum gave his Cady an intelligence that shone thru. While Deniro only hints at his Cady's intellect.

the movie only bares a passing glance to the original and quickly dissolves into parody. Juliette Lewis portrays Danni as a spoiled angry disrespectful teen and nick nolte portrays Sam as border line mentally challenged. And Jessica Lange comes off the worst as her Leigh comes off as a shrew.

Either way by the end which was too over the top I no longer cared what happened. Cape Fear deserves another remake because it shouldn't be remembered for this one and give it to a director that wants to do it and stars that want to actually do it and understand the script first.

Cape Fear (1962)

Robert Mitchum as Max Cady is just a force of nature.

[10/10 · 19 December 2016]

Robert Mitchum is the show in 1962's CAPE FEAR. Just to watch his Cady prowl and menace is to be Scared. Cady is a animal out for revenge. and he is smart and cunning and tough. Gregory Peck is Sam Bowdern the Lawyer who stopped Cady 8 years ago. Cady was trying to rape a 16 year old girl and he beat her and Sam saved her. Cady spent 8 years in jail. Now he's free and wants revenge and his revenge is terrorizing the Bowderns By using the very system that Sam serves and the same system that put Cady away for 8 years. Cady has devised a way to use that system as a weapon. Cape Fear was ahead of its time. No one actually thought anything like this could happen but now sadly it does all the time.

Robert Mitchum gives Max Cady a air of menace. he's a brute that's always thinking always one step ahead. And Peck Gives Sam a Sense of justice he wants to do this legally even after that matter has been taken out of his hands.

A dark moody Film noir that never disappoints.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)

Rogue one The Rebels Strike back.

[10/10 · 18 December 2016]

Rogue one is outstanding. The story is the best of all the Backstories that needed to be told. The movie has everything going for it. The pacing is remarkably done. And the movie has a little bit of everything and after its done you are put thru the wringer. Action suspense comedy Tragic events and even a hint of romance everything has the right amount and the right touches. Even the CGI is done wonderfully . The director and story writers studied Episode 4 very well and captured its spirit. The movie comes off as a triumph and it is. It's simply a Star Wars Tale told from long ago from before the Adventures of Luke Skywalker even began. And When Han Solo was the king of the Smugglers. A quick tossed away line in episode 4 When Mon Mothma tells our heroes how they got the plans. A group of Bothan Spies died getting those plans for us she told them. Rogue one is that story. Remarkable in every way. And Not a MI's step along the way. And this is perhaps the best movie of 2016.

My Darling Clementine (1946)

Classic Fictional Story of Wyatt Earp Doc Holliday and Tombstone.

[10/10 · 16 December 2016]

If you want historical accuracy about Wyatt Earp check out Kevin Costner's Wyatt Earp. You want historical accuracy concerning the OK Corral check out Kurt Russell as Wyatt Earp in TOMBSTONE. But if you want a fun Wyatt Earp story that has Nothing to do with the facts . The Check out MY DARLING CLEMENTINE simply because it is a great deal of fun. Wyatt Earp was many things . A prospector buffalo hunter Lawman for brief periods of time . and professional gambler. Earp was always in search of the quick fortune. Money is what drove him and he had many shady sides to him. My Darling Clementine is the fulcrum of the Earp legend all the misinformation about Earp can be found here. But that doesn't detract from the fun. Henry Fonda plays Wyatt Earp as taciturn and socially stiff. but a man of bravery and good moral fiber. We are led to believe. He becomes Marshall of Tombstone to avenge is brothers murder and to find out who did it and rustled his cows. The Real Earp was never a cowboy. But the moody film noir of this movie gives it grit. Fonda and Ward Bond steal every scene they'll in. Bond was a wonderful actor who knew how to steal scenes and since it's a John Ford movie Bond is a scene stealing Gem. My only complaints are Victor Mature as Doc. I personally thought Frank Sinatra of 1946 would have been perfect. Mature's Doc doesn't come across as sick and suddenly he's a Surgeon What a load of rubbish the real Doc was a Dentist. But still this is a movie about good guys and bad guys after you break it all down that's what it's all about . A movie for kids that transcends its audience because adults thrill to it as well and I did. This movie has so much going for it that you overlook the flaws and watch it simply because it's a great western adventure story. John Ford Knew the Real Wyatt Earp and based his Gunfight at the OK Corral on Earp's memories. The Gunfight lasted 31 seconds and overshadowed Wyatt Earp for the rest of his life. and gave birth to a legend and a myth. Well to Quote John Ford. when the legend becomes fact. Print the Legend .

Texas Rising (2015)

GTT Gone To Texas.

[10/10 · 24 November 2016]

Texas in the 1830s offered a brand new start. It seemed as if anything was possible in Texas. MAny an Outlaw or poor man with debt collector scrawled those letters on a door GTT or Gone to Texas.

But in Texas President Santa Anna declared war on those arriving from The States calling them Land Pirates. It got so bad that President Andrew Jackson stepped in and Named Sam Houston as the General of the Army of the Republic of Texas to Fight Santa Anna and create a New republic of Texas free from tyrants.

Houston sent Colonel Travis and Crockett and Bowie to their deaths at the Alamo. He asked them to buy him time to create a Army for Texas and in a way they did. The Slaughter of The Alamo and The Massacre of Goliad. Sparked such outrage that Houston had his Army.

A untrained and undisciplined Army. Houston also picked his battles and chose the ground for his showdown against Santa Anna. Altho it took many months and many wasted Chances. Houston became hated for what was seen as cowardice. When Houston finally confronted Santa Anna He won the War and the Battle for the soul of Texas.

Texas Rising begins after the slaughter of the Alamo and Houston's struggle to create an army and to come up with a battle plan to defeat Santa Anna. The film borrows heavily on history. and yet it remains fresh. The Story is compelling. And the acting marvelous. Is this the "True "Story ? I doubt it although it does lean heavily on the facts. It's an enjoyable movie to watch.I watched it at first for Kris Kristofferson in his altogether brief role of The president But I found myself won over by Jefferey Dean Morgan's portrayal of Deaf Smith. Morgan makes Smith vibrant and a incredibly sympathetic character as well as the toughest of the early Texas Rangers.

Texas Rising is in my opinion must see . A fantastic feat of story telling all around and a still exciting story filled with some of the most colorful heroes to ever grace a history book.

Suicide Squad (2016)

Welcome to the Suicide Squad complete the mission or die trying.

[10/10 · 21 November 2016]

suicide Squad is really a excellent adaptation of the DC Comic book. They got the basics down pretty well here. And the actors plating the Squad each do a tremendous job. While Margret Robie Is fantastic Eye Candy and Her Harley Quinn is the scene stealer of the movie the focus Should be put on will Smith as Floyd Lawton AKA Deadshot. Smith gives us a Deadshot without conscience or ethics except one. The love of his daughter. after a wonderful scene where Batman arrests him Deadshot becomes the head and soul of The Squad and Harley its Heart.

The plot is simple There is a menace the super heroes can't handle it as its a killing mission. Assemble a Squad of Killers Mercs Freaks and a Hard Assed Colonel to go save the world. Fail to do so They Die by getting the bombs implanted in their heads blowing. Along the way this group of psychs learn to function as a team and finally as friends. And while they refuse to admit it. They become heroes.

To me as a long time reader of John Ostrander's Suicide Squad run from the mid 80s This movie takes a lot from that run . And that alone is worth the price of the ticket.

nicely paced good solid acting and lots of surprises makes this the summer movie of the year.

Doctor Strange (2016)

Journey to a dimension not of sight or sound but of mind.

[10/10 · 19 November 2016]

Doctor Strange debuted in Marvel comics Tales of Suspense sharing the magazine with Nick Fury Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D. The First few stories were clichéd and uninspiring Then Steve Ditko and Stan Lee expanded the worlds of Doctor Strange. Ditko didn't like Lee and when Lee just handed the story /plots off to Ditko he encouraged Ditko to get inspiration and to do what he did best design strange new worlds that no body could imagine and Ditko did just that. Afterwards Gene Colan took over and expanded it further. Lee was trying to create a world within worlds and that magic was real. Dr.Strange was often described as the acid trip comic of the 60's and That's saying a lot for the 60's

Doctor Strange the movie picks up and expands and improves the comic in areas that were never made clear .

The Basic Story is Doctor Stephen Strange is perhaps the greatest neurosurgeon in the World and he only takes the most challenging cases. Cases that'll bring him glory or money. Then one night Strange is in a car accident and his hands are damaged. he cannot operate ever again and loses his one reason for living.until he learns of the Ancient one and travels to Tibet. He begs and pleads for her to heal him. and then he gets a rude awakening into a bigger universe. Strange learns and studies to be the best and soon he becomes good enough to stumble on a threat to our world. A former student of The Ancient one and his followers are determined to hand this world over to the master of the dark dimension The Dreaded Dormmanu. The problem is they believe Dormmanu will grant them immortality where he just wants to conquer and destroy Earth. Doctor Strange is pulled into the fight and learns there is things that are not about him. And he becomes a hero and eventual Guardian.

The Story isn't bad it could have been better but its still good enough. The Effects are stunning. And the story's pacing is good and steady. The director knows what he's doing and he does it smartly. You feel the movie is progressing in its own time its not rushed and its payoff is a movie that feels natural and its a treat for the eyes.. Maybe the best Marvel has to offer and hopefully a good omen for Marvel's next phase of movies

Luke Cage (2016–2018)

Luke Cage Hotter then Bond cooler then Shaft

[10/10 · 5 October 2016]

Luke Cage is marvel's third netflix series and its better then Jessica Jones and better then Daredevil. There are things that they took away that made Luke cage Luke CAGE ! his comic was called Luke cage or power man or Luke cage Hero for hire.

He did the hero bit at first for money in trouble hire a superhero he named himself power man and later on discarded that title. and simply went by his name. when his book was on the brink of being cancelled they teamed him up with Iron fist and they had a great run.

This show captures the essence of the comic updated to the 21st century and its fantastic well done and it gives us a street hero that cares and sets a example of how this type of show should be done.

Nicely acted the story isn't a ground breaking story but its good enough to carry the 13 episodes with no problems. worth watching if the super hero genre is your cup of tea. If not then watch something else but if you like action and super heroes in general give it a shot .

Designated Survivor (2016–2019)

A Good Start lots of potential

[10/10 · 25 September 2016]

I usually wait until the series starts and review it as a whole. But this pilot episode impressed me enough that I wanted to review the pilot. Is it a original story ? No its an old story the president and most of the sitting government are killed and a fish out of water becomes president. A plot point that's been used before and to great effect in Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan novels in which Ryan assumes the office of the President of the United States of America.

Here the Fish out of water is the secretary for housing Tom Kirkman a regular guy who ran HUD and was given the post of secretary of housing because he impressed the president in how he did his job getting housing for the poor and disadvantaged. That was 3 years ago.

Now the president is looking at the net term and he finds Kirkman lacking and he decides to offer him a posting of Ambassador Kirkman isn't being fired per say he's being given a choice in which he has really no choice the president is going to fire him. Unless he steps down on his own as fate would have it that night the state of the union address is being given and Kirkman is the designated survivor the president and the sitting government is killed by a terrorist bomb And suddenly Thomas Adam Kirkman finds himself President in a crisis in which war seems likely IS Kirkman strong enough to lead the nation in this tie of need? can Kirkman survive the shark infested political waters swimming with people waiting for hi to fall or make a mistake

Only one way to find out and that is to watch the series I am eagerly looking forward to it. IF the show is as well written as the pilot it'll be a treat to see.

Star Trek Beyond (2016)

Star trek Beyond goes where no trek has gone before

[10/10 · 6 September 2016]

It was 1974. and I saw Star Trek for the first time. Captain Kirk was the first hero I really remember having after Superman. I was a Trekker hook line and sinker. Which is why I took the JJ Abrams reboot so hard. this isn't Star Trek then I saw the 2009 reboot and loved it.Suddenly Star Trek was fresh again. Gone was the Next generation Deep space nine voyager everything after TOS was gone waiting to be rewritten.

And to me this New U.S.S ENTERPRISE is a sweet treat. Star Trek Beyond goes back to Starfleet's roots and its history how the federation was formed and what it took to get there.

A Lot of people saw this movie and hated it they didn't understand it. the story is simple.Kirk and the ENTERPRISE are asked to go on a rescue mission that turns deadly the ENTERPRISE is destroyed and Kirk and the crew are split up. his People are being held by a madman named Krill who hates the Federation despises Star fleet and no one knows why.When Scotty finds a long lost starship the legendary U.S.S Franklin some of the pieces fall into place. Who is Krall? why does he hate the Federation? I'm not going to say but I am going to say this. this Star Trek explores a theme I never thought they would . the History of the Federation and what it took to create it and the price paid for it.

the Story is sharp engrossing and fresh. people hate it but so what the chances are they never understood Star Trek in the first place. I loved Star Trek Beyond and I find it to be a fun film.

After All isn't that what's Star Trek is supposed to be about?

Bridge of Spies (2015)

This is how you do it..

[10/10 · 25 August 2016]

Bridge of spies is based on a true historical event. When Rudolph Abel is caught sending secrets to the Soviet Union and is found out to be a spy Abel needed a lawyer and when no one came forward to do it. One lawyer named James Donovan was appointed. Donovan formerly a criminal lawyer and had served at the Nazi war trials had settled down and became a Insurance lawyer. Donovan doesn't want it. But it becomes clear to him that the case has already been tried and Abel found guilty in a court of public opinion. Donovan decides to do his best to win by any means Legal. This makes him a target in many quarters and unpopular. In an age where anti communist feelings ran high. The case was done in a highly illegal manner and Abel found guilty. Donovan however found a way to save Abel's life by suggesting that he may be useful in the future if say a American Spy had been caught. In this Donovan was smart and foretelling the future because that is what happened. Francis Gary Powers and A young medical student are captured as spies Powers for his failed U2 flight in which he got caught shot down and Pryor for being on the wrong side of the Berlin wall. the U.S. Government wanting to secure the release of both men but not seem involved ask Donovan to work for them but Publicly Donovan works for himself his mission get Powers home. Donovan finds out about Pryor and is determined that Both men come home. Donovan is on his own. no gadgets no tools no back up a lot of handlers watching him and giving him orders which he ignores some he takes seriously but over all he refuses to give up on Powers of Pryor. both men he insists are innocent and are coming home. Alone in a strange country not speaking the language and scared Donovan does the impossible. And that is the movie in every bit of glory. This humble man that would never think of himself as a hero is one. And this man who does the impossible wants one thing to go home and get rid of his cold.

This just may be the best spy movie to come out of the last 35 years . and it also is tom Hanks best. Mark Rylance shines as Abel the unworried spy who becomes a pillar of strength to Donovan in the darkest points of the trial. You're not worried Donovan asks him and his reply is a classic No should I be ? would it help if I was ?

These are the things movie gold is made of.

The Buddy Holly Story (1978)

the Legend of Buddy Holly.

[10/10 · 23 August 2016]

The Buddy Holly Story is a Hollywood Biopic . fiction based on fact. But still heads and tails above anything else Hollywood produced in the way of Hollywood bio pics on Rock and Roll stars in the 70's and 80's. But the movie omits so many people and omits so much that actually should have been told that in the end while it serves as a great reminder of Buddy Holly. It also stands as a dis service to him as well. What did they omit ? 1) Buddy at one point in time was a budding Country singer who toured with Marty Robbins and became friends with him. It was actually Robbins advice to Buddy to pursue the music he actually wanted to play and Robbins helped him get set up for his first ever recording session

2) Buddy's parents supported him and his music. While they might not have personally liked rock and roll they Supported Buddy .

3) his cousin Nikki Sullivan who played supporting guitar for the Crickets on their first hits. His stories of the rickets paint a different picture of Buddy.

4)Norman Petty. The Cricket's first manager who ultimately took writing credit for the songs and took money from them he should not have. and in the end caused the Crickets break up and Holly's financial problems that led to the winter dance party of 1959 and the tragic events of Feb 3 1959

but this being a movie you can't fit every thing in some things are omitted Simply for lack of time. But the Buddy Holly Story serves as a great time capsule of how movies where once done. They didn't film the Buddy Holly story they filmed the Legend of Buddy Holly. And it still holds up well.Almost as well as the man and his music that inspired it .

Houdini (2014)

The great Houdini

[10/10 · 18 July 2016]

Houdini isn't going to pass as fact. Actually it isn't going to pass as a truthful account. Seeing that everyone associated With Harry Houdini is long dead. this is only speculation. Entertainment if you will. Houdini is an immortal larger then life. So if you were to tell the story how would you do it ? Tell the story that might not be nearly as compelling as the Myths around Houdini. Or tell the Myths and legends that made Houdini great and immortal and a legend. Cue John ford in the man who shot Liberty Valence. When the legend becomes fact print the legend.

Anyone that argues that this is incorrect or not factually based must understand one thing. Houdini in the end was a showman. This biopic tells us that over and over again. And its true. Adrian Brody is fantastic as Houdini. I am a fan of Adrian Brody's and liked his movies but this one is his best yet. People might bash him or this movie and they have no reason to. If you know anything about Houdini This movie is not going to disappoint. If you're a fan of Houdini you get a new appreciation for the man . And remember this is TV This is a movie. They are not real life. this is entertainment. and like the Great Houdini there are slight of hands tricks that'll trick you. Houdini a spy ? Houdini a womanizer Houdini a pilot Houdini a movie star and writer of pulp novels . Houdini a spiritual investigator busting fake mediums . Houdini a Mama's boy Houdini The Master escape artist and master Showman.

He was all of these things and more. And if this movie isn't fact then it's fiction. And if its fiction then its entertainment. And its grand entertainment and fun.

What more can you ask ?

The direction is good the acting superb. and its watchable. what else are you looking for? Sit back and enjoy the greatest master escape artist that ever lived tell his story.

Room (I) (2015)

a perfect tale of what happens After !

[16 July 2016]

ROOM much like its title is a perfect self contained story. The acting is simply flawless. and the story Chilling. The Kidnap and rape of a 17 year old girl held captive for seven years. That isn't the main story. It is but it's the frame work of a a much bigger and better story. Joy Newsome was kidnapped seven years ago by a deranged manic called old nick. During one of those rapes she became Pregnant. And she gave birth to her son Jack. this gives her a reason to go on living. By the time Jack is five Joy has spun a tale of a universe in Room. There are television people magic and Jack doesn't need to want anything. And they Joy plans a dangerous breathtaking escape that frees them. Now the real ordeal begins. coming home. everything has changed. suffering from PSTD and Jack isn't too sure of what to make of all of this. but together they must struggle to find a way out of the darkness and into the light. A stunning film and it hits every rung on the emotional ladder. And most of the credit must go to Bree Larson. Her acting is nothing short of compelling and believing that She really is Joy. A fast tight direction. the director kept a tight rein on it and steers it to where the story needs to go. this just may be one of the greatest films Holly wood has done in the last 35 years.

The Finest Hours (2016)

We all live or we all die.

[16 July 2016]

THE FINEST HOURS is simply one of the finest movies I have ever seen. From the opening scenes where Young Bernie Webber is pulled into a blind date by his friend and He meets the Woman that becomes his wife. To Bernie's dedication to the coast guard. Chris Pine is totally engrossing as Bernie. The Story is one of Heroism sacrifice. And Skill and courage under fire . During a Winter Storm on Feb. of 1952 Two Oil Tankers fall victim to the raging waters one of the Ships the S.S. Pendleton breaks in half. The Men trapped on the floating Stern Are forced to work together to keep the floating hulk afloat. The Head Engineer Played brilliantly by Casey Affleck has the knowledge and the skills to keep them alive until they get rescued. But so far no one knows they are out there. And The other Oil Tanker commands all the attention. When the Pendleton finally gets the message out. The picking for rescuers are slim and Bernie is ordered by his commanding officer To mount a rescue . Bernie in command picks a crew and takes out the only boat remaining. A small boat. And in those waters agitated by the storm it amounts to a Suicide mission. As Bernie tells his men. "They tell us to go out. They don't tell us to come back"! Bernie is also working under the spectre of a failed mission in which he failed to save the lives of a sinking ship the year before. So Bernie is looking for redemption. That and the fact that Bernie is driven to save those men. All lives matter to Bernie and to him failure is not even a option they'll do it or die trying.

The Special Effects are spectacular. But they pale in comparison to the acting and the story. Both are the finest kind you'll see in any movie released this year. This movie easily climbed on to the top of my favorite movie list. The style of the movie is beautiful and makes one long for the simpler times back then. And makes us believe in heroes again.

The Doors (1991)

No one here Get's out alive. The Legend of Jim Morrison.

[10/10 · 26 June 2016]

THE DOORS Is a stand out Rock bio. first class all the way. Playing right up to the myths of Jim Morrison. The Story of The Doors is a easy one to tell. The Story of Jim Morrison isn't. Oliver Stone does his best here giving us the old John Ford adage. When the legend becomes fact print the legend. Morrison's childhood wasn't an easy one. A true genius Morrison read everything he got his hands on and memorized it books became his only friends.His only true friends in school remember him as a risk taker and a practical joker. The teachers Hated him Because Morrison Had been more well read then them and always thought outside the box. I time he became a Rebel against the system testing people Always testing them. Morrison became interested in film and went to The film school at UCLA there he met Ray Manzerek a Man that became his best friend and mentor . Thru Ray Morrison met Robby Kriger and John Densmore after Morrison read his poetry to Ray on a beach in Venice California after quitting film school Morrison spent a year on a friends roof top taking drugs and writing poetry. To Ray these sounded like songs. The popular line is Ray told Jim let's start a band and make a million bucks and Morrison replied I already have a name for it THE DOORS. That part is true. Morrison was influenced by the works of Huxley and the poems of William Blake took the line if the Doors of perception were cleared everything would appear as it is infinite. Together They created a revolution that is still felt today. The Myths of Jim Morrison are great stories but they eclipse the Actual Jim Morrison. The Jim Morrison that actually was a nice guy that cared about his fans and loved his friends and had a problem in Drugs and booze. The Drugs and Booze twisted Morrison into a bizarre parody of himself. A Morrison that slept with every woman that crossed his path and caught his eye. Yet a Morrison that was hopelessly in love with Pam Courson. They had a stormy and chaotic relationship as the movie indicates. But each was the love of the other's life. Morrison was also a first rate poet and a first rate singer. A fact that gets overlooked by his looks and his body. A fact he hated which is why in his later years Morrison became fat and bearded trying to destroy the sex god image. Oliver Stone touches on all of this and he gives us the myths trying to look like facts. and he omitted a lot. But it's a two hour long movie and Stone had to omit a lot but add in Indians and Foretelling Morrison's death. But the movie itself never suffers from that. In fact the movie is a steady roller coaster ride. Going from one extreme to the next that by the time it ends you just sit back and go Wow. And man does this movie make me miss Jim Morrison. I never knew him but it makes me wonder .What heights could this man have reached If he had still been alive. The possibilities are endless. Or maybe it was a merciful act by fate to take the Lizard King so early. Either Way the movie is a powerhouse keg of dynamite. As for Val Kilmer I've just one question. How the Hell did he NOT get nominated for his portrayal of Jim Morrison ? He should have been and Won the Oscar. His portrayal is simply that powerful. A Incredible movie by any means of the imagination.

Rocky Balboa (2006)

I got a beast in me and I get so angry..

[10/10 · 21 June 2016]

ROCKY BALBOA is a incredible send off to an icon.Stallone Writes a heart felt ending to the Rocky series .This is perhaps the best in the series it certainly bookmarks ROCKY nicely.

Rocky Balboa has a strong plot and its like this. The Current Heavyweight Champion Mason The Line Dixon isn't getting any fans. He fights too quick knocks them out too quick and he is a dirty fighter. Dixon has no heart. He's a angry man and he cares nothing for the fan's opinion. Then a popular sports show does a superfight matching all the Champions of the past into matches and Rocky Balboa is paired against Dixon. the computer has Rocky winning. and this gets people talking.

As for Rocky he now owns a restaurant called Adrian's and he spends his time there greeting guests telling stories and taking pictures. Rocky is unhappy. Adrian has died. She developed Cancer and died on him and since then rocky has been a ghost in his own life. His Son Robert is estranged from him. Paulie lives with him but isn't the greatest company. Rocky meets little Marie ( You remember her right ? Little Marie who used to hang out at the Atomic hoagie shop )

Marie now bar tends at the lucky seven bar working for Andy these days. Andy lost a leg but still manages the bar. Rocky and Marie start talking and Rocky gives her a ride home. It's a start.

Rocky sees the computer fight and begins to Wonder if he could fight again and he begins to get his license to fight back. In a stirring speech Rocky tells off the commission after they deny him and he changes their mind. rocky doesn't want anything big just some local club fights. And then Dixon's people come around and convince Rocky to fight Dixon in Vegas.

Rocky's son is mortified everyone is talking about his crazy dad it seems and when people talk about Rocky it ends badly for him. he confronts Rocky and he gets schooled in the art of telling the truth and accepting that he has to be his own person and not blame Rocky for everything.

they reconcile and Robert Paulie and Duke begin to train Rocky.

Marie and Rocky figure their relationship out rocky is still in love with Adrian BUT it's nice being around Marie she makes Rocky feel better and he makes her feel better so they decide to have a companionship relationship. Then the big fight and Rocky goes out like a gladiator and he teaches Dixon how to be a Champion.

Rocky Balboa is the perfect end to the series. you get the sense that for everyone time has moved on but not for Rocky. Then at the end Rocky must acknowledge the fact time has moved on. The most important people in life are gone. Mickey Apollo Creed and Adrian. Life has slowed down and Rocky is now in the twilight of his career. Stallone captures that perfectly. This is how goodbyes are meant to be.

Rocky V (1990)

Nature is smarter then people think. the measure of a man.

[10/10 · 20 June 2016]

Rocky V gets a bad rap. the fans don't like it and the critics hated it and its the only Rocky movie to LOSE money at the box office. But I love it. Actually it's my favorite rocky right after The first one. And I'll tell you why. ROCKY III and ROCKY IV took Rocky out of his elements. ROCKY III HAD to do this as it showed how success affected Rocky. ROCKY IV had too many ideas going thru it. Man VS Machine VS Steroids And political Ideas running rampant. Rocky in an American Flag basically. Rocky IV is not a bad movie but I still don't take it as a serious Rocky movie. Rocky V on the other hand takes us back.

Rocky V opens as Rocky starts to feel the effects of Drago's super punches He collapses in the shower and as a frightened Adrian holds him he talks to her and he speaks to Mickey we can't see him. rocky is existing in both worlds the living and the dead. He talks about how mickey used to fight so hard that sometimes he felt like he broke something inside and how he now feels it too. They go home to a media circus where George Washington Duke A crooked promoter is trying to get rocky to defend the Heavyweight Championship against his fighter Union Cane. Rocky is tired and Adrian tells the press after this match against Drago rocky is now officially retired. a medical check up reveals brain damage from drago's punches. Putting a end to Rocky's career. then rocky finds out he's broke sending him back. It seems he had a crooked accountant that tricked Paulie into giving him power of attorney and that and the fact that he had not paid Rocky's taxes in four years leaves them penniless. the Balboa's find themselves back where it all started in Paulie's old house. Rocky finds to his amazement that Mickey had left His gym to Rocky. and Adrian has gone back to the pet shop. sometimes it seems like they never even left.

then Rocky meets a young fighter named Tommy Gunn. Tommy grew up idolizing rocky and wants him to train him and manage him. rocky takes him on and soon Tommy begins a quick rise to the top. But Rocky while living thru Tommy begins to lose his family.

Tommy soon falls under the influence of George Washington Duke and he turns Tommy against Rocky. Tommy Wins the Heavyweight Championship but no one takes him seriously comparing him to Rocky. forcing them into a street fight. rocky Wins and he realizes. He didn't need the money the fame and the glory/ all he needed is his friends his family and Adrian.

ROCKY V ends on a happy note. rocky is in a happy place and has his family back. And to me that is Where Rocky belongs On the streets of Philly not rich not poor but doing very Well for himself and inspiring others to do their best. Like I said ROCKY IV took him the furthest away from the roots of Rocky. Rocky V returns him to them.

A Good solid story. and maybe the second best one in the series. at least for me. |

Rocky IV (1985)

Then where do we go from here Stallion cause we sure as hell can't be born again.

[16 June 2016]

Rocky IV should be titled ROCKY THE AVENGER.It's themes are simply technology VS human achievement Man VS machine. And the main theme politics/ Or Rather us VS Them. The USA VS Russia. Stallone as gifted a writer as always writes a compelling story. About the three themes and adds a fourth. what happens to the old warriors ? The old Champions ? where do they go after the fight is over ? To me Rocky IV is a mixed bag. A great movie to watch nicely packaged and done with style. but it's also the one that Takes Rocky the furthest away from the core of what Rocky is.

When the Russians toss their hat into the boxing ring The world takes notice they even offer to challenge Rocky to a exhibition bout but Rocky declines. Apollo Creed however has his own ideas about that. five years retired. Apollo misses the spotlight the adoration of the crowds. Apollo feels old out of date and worse of all he feels forgotten. Ivan Drago is the Russian Boxing Champion. he's huge strong and a walking billboard for better health thru science. The two men could not be further apart. The Russians are looking for a top contender. And Apollo asks Rocky to help him. "Please Rocky I'm asking you as a friend. Please stand by me one more time." Rocky agree to train Apollo. the fight becomes a bloodbath and Apollo is killed in the ring. after the Russians are leaving the USA. And Rocky has challenged Drago the Russians agree except the match Must be held in Russia. Rocky has a fight with Adrian. She tells him he can't win. Rocky just can't turn his back on this. He had watched his best friend get murdered by a Russian killing machine. And Rocky has a desire to bring him down. Stallone once said that he ran out of ideas for the movie that explains the long training scenes.

The fight itself is Very good as Rocky battles Drago. a Modern David VS Goliath match. Rocky wins the big match. And the end speech is right out of the 80's when Hollywood felt they had to get political every now and then. Not bad as far as entertainment goes and I find myself still watching it even after all theses years. the Worst in the Rocky series. but still overall on it's own a damn good movie.