Russell Dodd Reviews

Night of the Ghouls (1959)

Slow, creaky and VERY stupid

[7 March 2002]

Old couple driving past the house where Old Lugosi experimented years before with Lobo (from "Bride of the Atom"). They see a woman dressed in white and are so alarmed they go report it to the police then have to go to hospital for a sedative. In the urgency, the cops call for their off-duty Luitenant, Bradford, to call off his night at the opera with his wife to go investigate. Un-offically, he's the resident ghost chaser you know (though the department can not and will not admit it!!). Anyway, he chooses idiot Cop Paul marco to go join him instead of any of the other guys. Marco somehow doesn't actually go with him, but goes alone about an hour or so later after finally managing to get a patrol car. He spends 1/2 the film in his car outside the mansion fainting from seeing this woman in white and taking potshots at her (as well as a woman in black who has now turned up) Bradford meanwhile, has broken entry to the house and is greeted by a *cough* Dr.Acula. This Acula guy holds seances. he spends ages on one seance with Bradford watching. The viewer is treated to a trumpet that plays by itself, a black man pulling faces as well as a few indescribable objects that look like parts of a car. Anyway, after a (long) while We learn Dr. Ac is a FAKE!!! The woman in white is infact...a woman in white who has to scare the cops away!!! Bradford, in Ac's absence goes off to explore the old mansion and spends some time reminiscing about the bannister (luckily(!) for the viewer, we can hear his thoughts). He bumps into Lobo (who is more hilarious + wooden than ever). Ac finds Bradford with Lobo who lock him up in a room.

Meanwhile Marco has called for help and by now actually gets out the car and enters the place. There are a few confrontations between cops (Bradford escapes from the room with no problems at all) and Ac and the white lady + upon receiving $10K from the seance decide to make a run for it. He sends one of his "actors" to shoot at the cops!! (for a fake seance??). Lobo is finally shot dead, but the real twist has just started...

This is grade Z rubbish. REALLY bad. In an attempt to escape right at the end, Dr. Ac actually RUNS TOWARDS his nemesis'!!

Not as "good" as plan 9 (unfortuntely) but worth seeing for Wood-Fans

F.I.S.T. (1978)

Good, epic story

[11 September 2000]

This is an unappreciated film, mostly because it's star doesn't exactly have a good reputation as an 'actor'. This film is definately worth catching and it is worthy of repeated viewings. The music too is perfect for the film. It charts the rise of a Union leader from his humble beginnings to his fame. The story sustains the attention of the viewer throughout the picture. Stallone is better in the earlier scenes as a young Johny Kovak. His acting limitations come about as we see him as an older man. All he does his makes his voice a little husky and the make up on him (and other members of the cast) is ineffective. Early in his career, kovak has the dilema of bringing in the mob for help after an unsuccessful strike which results in one of his best men being killed. If he brings them in, he can enforce his will on the big companies and make the union very strong. Without them, he has little chance of the union growing. To the dismay of his best friend, he takes them in. His decision comes back to haunt him. Stallone tailored the script so he can play the good guy, originally Kovak wasn't a nice man. There is a nice scene with him and Brian Dehenny who later would turn up as Rambo's nemesis in first blood. I would certainly recommend fans and non fans of Stallone to catch this movie.

L.A. Confidential (1997)

Absorbing

[10/10 · 3 September 2000]

What a great film! Visually stunning, totally engrossing script and performances. Many highlights. Russell Crowe and Kevin Spacey are superb. Both have great screen presence and charisma. Both are 3-D and are well written. Guy Pierce, DeVito and Basinger are also marvellous. Took about 3 or 4 viewings to totally understand ALL the film. That DA guy pops up more with every viewing. It was pretty difficult to remember all the names and faces of the film. Important characters have only one scene in places. The music is superb too. Jerry Goldsmith has created a score that sounds nothing like anything he has done before. WOW. the directing, acting, cinematography and script are top notch. I would love to read the book.

Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman (1993–1997)

Good at first then nose dived to nowheresville

[21 June 2000]

I didn't care much for the pilot of the show. But as the 1st series started, I was starting to enjoy it. The 2nd series was better (except for the new Jimmy whose character was re-written too - no fault of Justin Whalins). There was a great hint of romance, that innocent romance that felt great in the 1st Superman movie. The 3rd series came and it was a disapointment, the 4th series was terrible. Dean Cain, painfully miscast as the man of steel tries. His Clark kent is OK (His Superman NO different except for the arms folding and the frown while lifting criminals in the air) but the writers want to make Clark a little awkward that he is Superman. It's the adventures of 2 reporters that fall in love...except that one of them has been estowed with super powers. Lane Smith was terific as editor Perry white, but they gave him a downer storyline in series III when his wife Alice, walked out on him. John Shea was good also as Luthor, but he lasted only a season making about 3 guest appearances then on. maybe he saw what was coming? Ma kent was great but pa kent was about as wooden as Cain's Superman. Like father like Son? Hmmmm... The music was above par, the effects sometimes clumsy.

Overall this series wasn't designed for REAL Superman fans who got absorbed in the comics. That was Chris Reeve's Job (who will ALWAYS be Superman). The main storyline here was the romance part but after they fell in love, the characters couldn't be really taken any further. They then decided to write a story of Lois being cloned on her wedding day who must eat frogs to survive. Add a cameo by Tony Curtis and you have a winning formula, or so they thought...

The Time of Their Lives (1946)

Good stuff

[4 June 2000]

1780, during the revolutionary war, there is a ball on. The master of the estate, Tom Danbery, is a rebel who plots against Washington. Bud plays a tipsy servant who attempts to woo a maid who is in love with Costello, a poor tinker called Horatio Prim. Prim has a letter of recomendation from Washington himself and he and the maid, Nora, plan to elope but Abbott tricks him into getting trapped in a large trunk. Some of Danberry's men show up and discuss their plan, only to discover Nora overlistening. They do away with her. Danberry's fiance, Melody Allen, is wise to the plan and after helping Tinker escape from the trunk asks him to take her to the nearest soldiers standpoint. As they race off on their horses, Washington's men arrive on the scene looking for Danberry. Thinking they are rebels, Prim and Melody race off in the oposite direction. Mistaking them for traitors too, the man shoot them dead on the spot. The Leader curses their souls and bounds them to the grounds for all time till they can proove their innocence. The house is destroyed and the furniture taken away. Danberry has hidden the letter which prooves their innocence in the library clock.

Cut to 1946. The ghosts are still their but the mansion has been restored. A man recovering froma nervous breakdown, his girl and her outspoken Aunt move in with the original butler's descendant (again, played by an outstading Bud). They also have a physic housekeeper, the wonderful Gale Sondergaard.

After haunting them, they try and find the letter which prooves their innocence...

This is a more interesting A+C film than a funny one. Great performances by all though Lou tries a little to hard at times. I think it's an interesting perforamce by him as I can see shades of his characters from his early films and also his later films. He fumbles with his hat for the 1st time in this film. Bud is superb. I didn't rate his acting in their last couple of films for universal (especially ...meet the keystone Kops) but here, he shines. All of the supporting are great too.

Both Bud and Lou have memorable opening scenes with Bud, the tipsy waitor and Lou asleep on his horse. Good music, great effects and good fun. It has been labelled as an Abbott and Costello film for those who don't like Abbott and Costello. Fun for all the family!

Buck Privates (1941)

Funny outing

[10/10 · 4 June 2000]

Bud and Lou in their first starring film enlist in the army to escape being arrested for selling ties without a licence. The police officer ends up as their sergeant.

Meanwhile a spoilt playboy and his long suffering valet also enlist. The playboy's dad is an Army bigshot and therefore thinks he can escape doing his service. His Dad has other ideas and makes him stay to make a man out of him. Both men fall for the same girl. The Playboy has a lot to learn about Loyalty.

This is a good Abbott and Costello flick that propelled the boys to superstardom. They perform some great routines and they are both hilariously funny. The Andrews sisters provide very memorable songs. The boys have great chemistry here.

In the Navy (1941)

Top notch Abbott and Costello film!

[9/10 · 7 May 2000]

Famous American crooner, Russ Raymond (Powell) wants to take a break from show business and so joins the navy anonymously under the name Tommy Halstead. A magazine photographer (Dodd) follows him wishing to take photos and bring him back out into the open. Bud and Lou are in the navy who befriends Tommy. Abbott has wrote to Patty Andrews of the Andrews sisters and told her that Costello is a hunk, the girls enlist also as entertainers so she can find him. After realising who he is she gets mad. They become friends in a dance hall but she goes to Hawaii. The Captain, after seeing Costello's track record decides put him on a boat, also going to Hawaii. Abbott and Halstead join them. The photographer also stows on board too? This is a very funny, early outing from the boys. Many classic routines and moments including buzzing the bee, the lemon game, and the hammock sequence. Costello is such a comic powerhouse. His performance comes across so naturally and he is so engaging. The songs aren't bad either. The Andrews sisters have a lot of fun with Lou. Lou's baby daughter (who went on to play the cashier in A+C meet the Keystone Kops and the flower girl in A+C meet the mummy) can be seen in the pram at the start of the film.

This film is great fun and a true classic from the boys.

It Ain't Hay (1943)

Good Abbott and Costello

[9/10 · 5 March 2000]

In this film, I think Costello wanted to add a bit more depth to his character. He is a taxi driver and Abbott is is pal. Costello inadvertently kills a horse and takes it upon himself to replace it. as Mr Warner, the bad tempered manager who keeps popping up in the film. The songs have been blasted but I rather like them.

There is real character to this film and a good atmosphere. There are many funny gags here and Eugene pallette is hilarious

I would of liked Erle C. Kenton to of directed more than just 3 Abbott and Costello movies. he directed some of 'Hit the Ice' too till he fell out with Lou and was replaced with Charles Lamont who said it would only be a one off!!! This is a very pleasing film for Abbott and Costello fans and the kids would love it too. They don't make em like this anymore!

Bud Abbott and Lou Costello in Hollywood (1945)

Not enough time spent on interesting story

[8/10 · 2 March 2000]

The film starts off in a Hollywood barber shop. After a brief opening scene where two hairdressers are seen bickering, the story starts where Bud and Lou are in a back room where Abbott is conning Costello out of more money. Apparently, Abbott went to barbering school but left Costello at home so he would have to pay Abbott to teach him the trade. So Abbott teaches Costello how to shave a balloon! Of course, Abbott is using the soft end of the razor and is making Lou use the razor end so Costello will continue to fail so therefore will end up having to pay Abbott more money. After getting wise to this scam, Costello 'shaves' the balloon successfully then puts it down on a heater (or something hot) whilst putting more lather on the balloon., of course after putting the razor near the balloon again, it pops. But wouldn't of Lou felt how hot it got before putting it near to the balloon? Anyway, it's a good start off scene and establishes both Bud and Lou's characters. Costello, after giving his last 5 dollars to Abbott has to then break a date with one of the girls. The dialogue here is very funny as he reminds her he asked her for a date and then she apparently said to him to see him next year 'and tonight the year is up!' She asks whether he is still falling for Abbott's scam and convinces him to shave the next customer. So Lou convinces Bud to shave the next customer while the boss is out. Rags Ragland walk in and Lou proceeds to shave him. Of course this is a Burlesque routine that has it's moments. Bud and Lou get called off to a job at a big-time agent's office. On the way to their car, they bump into their friend, Claire Warren, who used to work with them but is now a big star. Her and Costello's 'date' are roommates and best friends. Gregory Lemaise, the big crooner and big time star drives up and as he and Claire are to star in a new romance film, invites her to his beach house, presumably so he can seduce her. She turns him down (Indirectly by Lou - a good bit here) and he drives off. He is already established as the bad guy. Abbott and Costello make their way to the agent's office and get to work. Abbott is the barber and Lou is the shoe polisher. They are very impressed with how he operates his business, by producers phoning him and asking to use his clients therefore making him a lot of money without him apparently doing nothing. In walks new talent, who reminds the agent that him and his dad used to be best friends but the agent can't remember. Anyway, the kid persuades the agent to let him sing him a song and he is very successful. Lemaise walks in and threatens to pull out of the romance picture as Claire turned him down and the agent offers the kid the part. Even though Lemaise is supposed to be a big star, the kid doesn't recognise him till he sees a photo of him on the piano! As soon as The kid walks out the door, Lemaise persuades the agent to give him the part back so the agent's idea is to drop the kid. Bud and Lou then decide to become the Kid's agent and get him the part. This Abbott and Costello film has a good background story but their routines aren't up to scratch and a couple of them go on to long, thus disrupting the flow of the story. The result is an uneven film. Had they concentrated more on the story then it would have been a lot better. An unsual film for the boys. They show a bit of business acumen in an order to advance themselves. Though Lou is not as funny as he was a few years previously, he has the odd laugh here and there. The part where he runs amok in the studio lot goes on a bit to long and ends abruptly. The funniest bit is certainly the end with Lemaise chasing Lou on a roller coaster. Though the wheels don't match up to the tracks, it somehow makes it more hilarious

This is for fans only and I find that the more I watch it the more I get from it. The end musical number is entertaining with Costello on the run from the big shot actor. When A studio Policeman asks a worker if he has seen Gregory Lemaise and the worker asks 'who?', it's like asking a worker at Warner Brothers if he has seen Sylvester Stallone.

MGM was disappointed with the grosses for this film and subsequently dropped the option to produce more Abbott and Costello films. It's a shame as for better or for worse, the films done at MGM had a totally different atmosphere to the films made at Universal.

Rio Rita (1942)

Superb comedy!

[9/10 · 2 March 2000]

Abbott and Costello stranded in a petshop (this part was filmed after the film was completed as Kathryn Grayson's opening number was considered racist and was cut!!) and lose their jobs. They are stranded in a town. Oddly enough, they decide to go their separate ways!! I didn't like this idea. Bud and Lou are supposed to be partners (well for most of their films).

They sneak into the boot (trunk) of famous crooner Ricardo Montera, as they wrongly assume he is going to NY. He is on his way to Vista Del Rio, A radio station in Texas to sing on a live broadcast. Rita, is a big star on the station and has eyes only for Montera, who they had a brief encounter with 10 years previously. He arrives next morning, with the boys still in the back of the car and immediately gets on his horse and rides off to the plains. He grew up with the rangers. Ricardo, not remembering Rita, meets up with her and comes on fresh to her (After a boring song). After, she reminds him who she is, the rangers then appear and they sing the only good song in the movie. Bud and Lou(after an absolutely hilarious - and I mean HILARIOUS!!) routine with the car, find themselves wondering around starving. After stealing fake apples used by the nazi owners (they are really radios), they are more hungry than ever. A waiter lays a table right where they are lying and they eat the food. After the waiters chase them away, Rita tells Lucette, also after Ricardo, that she sent them the food. She then employs the boys as house detectives. The boys have to get Lucette away from Ricardo and the manager has to get a broadcast out that night to fellow nazis in code. This is a hilarious, top Abbott and Costello comedy. There is a good background story and plenty left over for the boys to do many routines and wordplay. If only they made more films of this standard. They did make better films though. The only downside is the many songs. Kathryn Grayson performs a never ending opera number which slows down the pace. The rest of the songs, after 10 years of watching this movie (and STILL laughing) I can sit through.

Look out for the best bit: Lou trapped inside a giant washing machine!! Abbott and Costello fans will certainly not be disapointed with this movie.

There was something so special about the films they made in the early 40s that I just can't define! Wonderful!

King Solomon's Mines (1985)

Not so bad - or is it?

[30 December 1999]

I have mixed feelings about this one. I think I have to be in the mood to watch it. The 1st 1/2 is definately the best. By the time they reach the umpteenth tribe, there is a feeling of repetition. Chamberlain is not a bad choice really though he was 50 when he made it. I haven't seen any of the other versions nor read the book so I can't compare. The music is great and some of the humour is quite funny really. The 'you can always bargain' line always brings a smile to my face. In fact 1 or 2 other lines do the same. Obviously, not everyone will like this but it's a tongue in cheek, good natured, simple adventure movie that will keep the kids entertained. I have to say, however, that the sequel was awful!

Who Done It? (1942)

Brilliant

[10/10 · 5 December 1999]

This is a great piece of entertainment. A+C are soda jerks who also want to sell one of their radio scripts that they write. After talking to a man who has just tossed their dream job away, he invites the boys to the broadcast of 'murder at midnight' where they may be able to sell a script.

Then the network president is murdered... This film has, for me, great atmosphere. There are many highlights and routines but the finale stands out most of all. First Abbott and Costello not to have any songs and the film benefits. It's fast paced fun and every fan should love it.] What more can I say?

Pardon My Sarong (1942)

Great comedy

[8/10 · 20 October 1999]

Abbott and Costello are both hilarious in this tale of Bus drivers who end up on a tropical island. They take their time to get there but it's great fun. A few good songs help this out too. Many funny moments and very funny finale.

Most enjoyable comedy which, in my opinion, is impossible to dislike.

The Adventurer (I) (1917)

Brilliant

[9/10 · 19 October 1999]

Certainly, in my opinion, the Greatest comedy short of all time. Charlie, an escaped convict, saves life of rich woman and is taken in by her family(and jealous Eric Campbell - who tragically died in an automobile accident a year after). How long will it be till the law catches up with him? There's an absolutely SUPERB sequence as him dodging the law using sliding doors, it will leave you laughing loud. This film alone demonstrates Chaplin's unique and incredible talent. Many people get turned off by Chaplin's shorts as they are silent. It's a shame as some of them represent his best work.

Citizen Kane (1941)

It's terrific!

[17 October 1999]

The first time I watched this film, I thought it was terribly boring and apart from the obvious technical wizardry was not impressed. Actually, watching a documentry about the film was more interesting as it showed loads of things to look out for.

The 2nd time I watched it, I think I turned it off after half an hour. I had an urge to watch it again last week(after a couple of years) and I tell you that I absolutely LOVED it. In fact I am gonna watch it again soon. I think for the people who say it is boring, they should really wait till they are in the right mood instead of feeling obligated to watch it because of the enourmous popularity of it amongst critics.

This is simply a must-see film. It hasn't been this successfully critiqued over the years for no reason.

The Spy Who Loved Me (1977)

Moore is better than Connery (IMHO)

[24 August 1999]

Moore's 2nd best(after Octopussy). Live and let die and man with the golden gun were disapointments but Moore put his Bond character back on the map with great flick. It's dated but fun. Great sequences include fighting in Egypt by the pyramids while a big show is taking place and the music to the show corresponds to the action - marvellous - and Roger Moore's line to triple X when he's done is priceless. Great humour and action make this a must see. The title song is perfect for a Bond flick and is the best one to date and Barbara Bach is so dam sexy(especially at the end). Great stuff!

Rush Hour (1998)

Not the best...

[10 August 1999]

This film holds the attention of the viewer but fans of Chan will be disapointed. There's hardly any action, about 3 fight sequences and not very long either. Lets face facts, the main reason we watch Jackie Chan is because he is number 1 and choreographing fights and stunts and he always delivers with eye popping routines. The film is toned down and makes way for character development and story. Chris Tucker spoils most of the film but has 1 or 2 good scenes. The film has a predictable ending. Chan has made much better(and much funnier)films that this such as Twin dragons. I'd recommend that you see them instead.

Abbott and Costello Meet Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1953)

Great fun

[10 August 1999]

I found this to be Abbott and Costello's last great movie. It's most underrated. The music and sets create a good Victorian atmosphere. Bud and Lou aren't at their funniest but they are highly enjoyable. Karloff is good too. Kids should love this movie though A+C aren't given much screen time in the first quarter of an hour, but the story is well set by then. Great stuff.

Abbott and Costello Go to Mars (1953)

Not so good...

[10 August 1999]

I am a huge Abbott and Costello fan but I found this to be their worst. The only funny scenes are done by their stuntmen. A boring script. The boys were capable of so much more than this. The budget lets the film down too. Joe Kirk(Lou's brother-in-law) does best as Dr Orvilla. The girls are beautiful but bland. I'd say go and watch 'Hold that ghost' instead.

The Abbott and Costello Show (1952–1957)

Great fun

[10 August 1999]

The first series(with the montage of earlier films in opening credits) was excellent. Very funny and great atmosphere. They hardly made any sense and the scenes with Stinky seemed to be used mostly to pad out the episodes. Most enjoyable.

The second series(Where Costello yells"Heeeeeeey Aaabbooooott!!) concentrated more on plot and the laughter was all from children and was less funny. Only a handful of episodes stood out. Half the cast left after the 1st series and they were sorely missed and Sid Field's character was toned down for some reason.

This nostalgic fun should please the viewer. Always good for laugh. Good fun and good atmosphere.

Back to the Future Part III (1990)

Brilliant conclusion

[5 August 1999]

This film was slower paced than the other 2, we had time to breath (especially after the manic part II). Definitely the best of the three. This film had more heart, a better storyline and a very exciting finale. Thomas F. Wilson played the best characters in the series and is certainly entertaining here. It's imperative to see the 1st two before watching this.

Great stuff!

Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989)

A great party!

[5 August 1999]

Hugely enjoyed this film. Keanu Reeves should make another instead of churning out the likes of most of the stuff he churned out in the 90s. The soundtrack is excellent and the scene where Beethoven playing the keyboard was outstanding. Very funny. Excellent performances from all, much better than Waynes World and 'Bogus Journey'. Teens will not fail to like this movie and that's a promise!

Trouble Brewing (1939)

Great Formby flick

[4 August 1999]

One of Formby's very best has George working in the printing department for a major London newspaper. Counterfeit notes are spreading around and George and his partner Bill take it upon themselves to solve the crime. The songs aren't as good as they are in usual Formby films but the film is very well written and is very funny. Anyone who likes Ealing comedies will love this.

It's champion!

Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987)

Totally funny

[3 August 1999]

This is laugh out loud comedy. This is a movie to see with your mates. Candy and Martin both at their best. You can even forgive the schmaltzy ending as you enjoy the ride so much. Many hilarious moments "Those aren't pillows!!" "Did you see the ball game?" and "You're going the wrong way!!". Candy's impression of a drunk driver here split my sides, and don't forget the F*** scene. Ha ha ha. If you have any sense of humour at all, go grab a beer and a few friends and treat yourself to this movie... Unforgetable

Arthur (1981)

Brilliant

[9/10 · 3 August 1999]

This is one terrific movie. Funny, sincere and very well done! 1st rate script and performances from all. This movie will leave you aching for a drink!!! I've watched this film many times. Men and Women alike will love this flick. Go and get it tonight!