This is a terrific small budget film with very good performances and taut direction by Paul Donovan. Yes, rightfully compared to Assault on Precinct 13 and the classic western Rio Bravo. However, it certainly holds its own. Tom Nardini stars. I worked with him in the movie The Young Animals(aka Born Wild). Super guy off screen. He co-starred in Cat Ballou. I always felt he should have been a big star. The movie is in his capable hands as Horacio, the lead. Subject matter depicting terrible violence in a gay bar was before it's time. It has great value as how one film production looked at hate crime and strongly depicted it on screen in 1983. It's well worth the watch. The 8 I gave it as opposed to a 9 or 10 is only because it could have had higher production money spent on it, BUT, it deserves great credit for its great relevance and merits high praise. Today, it has some worthy cult movie status. It's sometimes hard to find, but, currently can be watch without cost on Freevee with commercials or at Amazon Prime. Highly recommend!
Reviews
19 Reviews
Lean on Pete
(2017)
Lean On Pete is Really Charley's Search.
26 August 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Despite the title, which is the name of the horse, the film actually has little to do with the wonderful steed. Instead, more appropriately, it should be called Charley's Search. The movie is about the 16 year old well played by Charlie Plummer. Lean On Pete also includes good performances by Steve Buscemi and Chloe Sevigny. The first half is really good and it seems to be headed into an inspiring story between boy and horse. It badly deteriorated after the needless and violent death of Pete. After that, interest wanes. This is NOT about a horse. Keep that in mind. It deals with the sad state of a neglected youth. It could have been so much better.
Flight 666
(2018)
Better Than Most of These Rrvires
10 April 2022
Actually, the acting is very good and there are some key surprises. Look, it's a B movie. What they spent is all up there and on the screen. It's a good action, thriller horror. I was entertained. I watched it on my Roku channel. Even with commercials, I stayed with it. Fun, popcorn flick.
Alone
(V) (2020)
Far Better Than Many Say Here
20 November 2021
Anyone who gives Alone a 1 review will NEVER be pleased. Even the meager 2-5 ratings are silly. I'm hard to please, but, I admire filmmakers who put their talents and efforts together to leave something worthwhile for an audience. The pacing in Alone is very good and it uses all of its locales in a realistic and engaging way...including the raging rapids of a river. It's essentially a two actor movie-Jules Wilcox as the frightened, pursued Jessica and Marc Menchaca as the villainous pursuer. I thought I had seen Marc before and midway through the movie, it came to me that he had just played the "nice" Klansman in Larry David's Curb Your Enthusiam. Also, he played Russ on Ozark. This 46 year old is going to be on screen more and more. Terrific presence on screen. It's a very, very good thriller. Pay no attention to the naysayers on here. It's well worth your time. For a relatively nice budget, it hits all the right buttons. Kudos also to director John Hyams. Get out the popcorn.
Best Sellers
(2021)
Let's Not Exaggerate Its Value
22 September 2021
I love Michael Caine, but, this is simply not a good vehicle, script-wise. It takes itself far too seriously "comedy-wise." There is one ridiculous scene, which I certainly won't give away, but, has a touch of arson. It's beyond silly. Michael, unfortunately, doesn't have many performances left obviously due to his age. I'm sure he's grateful to be working, regardless of his immense abilities. I stuck with it until the end, but, I was deeply disappointed. Aubrey Plaza seems miscast to me. Other characters are stereotypical.
Queen of the South
(2016–2021)
Well Done. Exciting & Eventful
4 April 2021
Ok. Now, for the bad part. Every performance except for one is exceptional. Unfortunately, the one-dimensional performance by Veronica Falcon diminishes the whole series because she is the co-star. She plays Camila, head of her own cartel. The hype says she's on of Latin America's best actresses. Hell no! She has no depth of character whatsoever. Zero personality with every line delivered it the same way. Can't blame it all on her. Didn't the Director and producers sit down with her and get her to commit to a more rounded villain. God, she's just terrible. I have seldom disliked the performance of a leading character in a series I liked. When she's off screen, the series is a 10.
The Last Outlaw
(1993 TV Movie)
A Seriously Inane Plot
27 March 2021
Wow. This is a really badly done movie with an inane plot and lots of over the top performances by normally excellent actors. I don't want to reveal any spoilers, not that it matters here...let's just say most of the problem lies in the unlikeable character Roarke plays and the dialogue and performance he brings with it. Pretty dumb all around.
Bullet Head
(2017)
NOT a dog lover's movie!
20 June 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Several reviewers says this is a dog lover's movie. It is NOT. A film in which a dog is killed with a mallet and another is shot and killed brutally is not a dog's lover's movie. It doesn't have to be a family movie, but the violence in this mostly all talk movie is not something to write raves about. Brody is excellent as always and the movie is dedicated to a dog, but, hard to watch for many reasons. Dog lovers? Go elsewhere.
Moonfire
(1970)
I'm biased. I was in it. I had 5 roles
23 May 2020
What an experience! I was in the movie with 5 roles. I'm the radio guy at beginning of the movie and the on camera newscaster are the end of the movie. I'm the silent, smiling cop inspector with Chuck Napier(my future roommate) and Sonny Liston. I'm the flamboyant assistant with the insane yellow/brown wig and 'stache as well. We shot most of it in Tucson and a little of it in El Paso. Great truck scenes and nice scenery. Muddled plot. Film had to be shut down til more money was raised. Egan wouldn't come back unless salary doubled. Napier became the lead. Action plenty, but, hard to figure out. I was assistant to director Parkhurst as well. I brought in Rosenthal, Bosnia, and pretty Pat Magrini for roles. The behind the scenes story is unbelievably wild. It would be a great book. (Oh, Ed Begley, Jr was on the crew and the sound guy, Keith Wester would go on to be nominated for 6 Oscars.)
Green Book
(2018)
Superbly Done---Great Dramedy
13 December 2018
Viggo Mortensen is especially outstanding. One of the top movies of the year. This is a film that bis extremely entertaining and at the same time, teaches a valuable lesson, especially to young people who cannot imagine a time like this in America! At the same time, it's filled with great humor. 10+
Disappointing Mid Season Finale
28 November 2018
I LOVE this series, but, I really disliked this episode. It was like a daytime soap opera episode-overly dramatic and made sure it got all the characters some screen time. It was shoddily written and pedestrian, as if the writers were trying to fit things in quickly and effortlessly. So disappointing in so many ways. I thought the usual award winning writers had been replaced by the B team. This Is Us can be so much better.
When I Grow Up
(1951)
Wonderful movie
24 November 2011
This could easily be the best performance Bobby Driscoll ever did. Like the other comments, this is a wonderful and unforgettable movie. Like others here, I saw it as a child. I think I was 10. I'm a movie buff and it has stayed with me all these years and yet almost nobody has ever heard of it. It is truly a shame that it's not available with such memorable performances from Driscoll, Robert Preston, Charley Grapewin and the others. Can it be that costly to make this exceptional film available again? It excels in every way possible ---directing, acting, music, cinematography, editing, and a superb original script. It's a rare treasure and deserves to be saved and seen. Please, someone, make it happen!
Relentless
(1948)
Far above average western
15 September 2011
This is a well made western that star Robert Young also produced. It includes three solid performances by Young, Marguerite Chapman and Barton MacLane. There is also a fun and somewhat poignant subplot involving a burro and a colt that is most unique. The title comes from the fact that Young's character never gives up in his pursuit of finding a killer. Chapman is highly engaging and real as she stands by her man (Young)with evidence to the contrary. Highly recommended. (Oh, watch for the appearance by Willard Parker as the sheriff. In a scene, towards the end, his physique and attitude remind you that he would have made a pretty good Lone Ranger if the commanding Clayton Moore hadn't been around.)
The Timber Tramps
(1973)
An Insider's Look
25 November 2010
Make all kinds of fun of this movie if you want to, but it was certainly not a tax write-off. It was done sincerely and with concern by writer/director/producer Chuck Keen. I know far more about what went on than most, including the stars of the film. I was in charge of the Four Wall distribution, which was done with great success throughout Oregon in 1976. Keen was a self made man who looked and talked like a lumberjack. He was folksy, didn't believe in banks and his handshake was his word. I didn't get along with him 100%, but I respected him. He worked long and hard on this film, as he did with others he did. I don't think he was creatively talented, except with a camera, but he pulled it off, folks...like a lot of determined people in a dog eat dog industry. They deserve a pat on the back for getting it done. "Timber Tramps" is not ever going to rate highly, but it has superb photography and shows off Alaska grandly. Watch it for that and realize one man at least made it happen despite all odds.
Two Paladins
8 July 2010
I think what's interesting in this episode is that TV's Paladin, Richard Boone meets up with radio's Paladin, John Dehner. Since the radio version was popular and on that medium just a few years earlier, I wonder how many watched this episode of the TV version and got a little confused on hearing the voice of the Paladin they had known so well? John Dehner was always an excellent actor and he is so in this fine episode as well. William Conrad played Matt Dillon on radio's "Gunsmoke" and he did something similar as well. However, in 1973, only his voice was heard on TV's "Gunsmoke" in a narrative-driven episode. Conrad was too portly to play the action-driven Dillon on TV and Dehner was tied up doing TV's "Roaring 20's."
Take the High Ground!
(1953)
Basic training during Korean war with a stellar performance by Richard Widmark.
26 June 2010
This is an overlooked military film about basic training during the Korean War. Although it's far less probing and gut-wrenching than "Full Metal Jacket," it's still an enjoyable movie with a stellar performance by Richard Widmark. It's one of his best roles. There are also fine performances by Karl Malden, Carleton Carpenter, Robert Arthur, a very athletic Russ Tamblyn, and Elaine Stewart delivers a poignant and tender portrayal as the troubled Julie (God, she is beautiful here!)Most of the scenes were shot at Fort Bliss, Texas. Yes, it's formula in many ways, but what makes it work is Widmark, surely one of the most underrated actors ever in the movies. He died in 2008 at the age of 93. For years, friends in the Motion Picture Academy tried to get him an honorary Oscar, but the votes were never there. So, watch "Take the High Ground" for Widmark. He'll evoke sympathy and you'll care about him. Oh,by the way,few actors have ever offered so many variations of a simple smile. You'll see them on display here. Young actors take note.
Out to Sea
(1997)
A Fantastic Voyage
6 June 2010
Once in a blue moon, along comes a film that is genuinely "sweet." This is one of those rare gems. Expertly directed by Martha Coolidge. What a fun ride this must have been for all concerned. There are legendary performers having a great time on screen and sadly most are now gone. Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon have an on-screen give-and-take that is delicious and funny to watch (and Lemmon has a poignant and wistful scene as well.) Dyan Cannon(with a delightful giggle and a contagious laugh) and Gloria DeHaven are the romantic counterparts to Lemmon and Matthau and it's terrific to watch Edward Mulhare, the great Elaine Stritch, Rue McClanahan, Hal Linden, and wow ---there's Donald O'Connor showing he's still got it(wish his role was bigger.) Finally, although it would seem impossible to steal the movie from such greats –Brent Spiner virtually pulls it off as the arrogant singing cruise director. (He should star in a TV sitcom. –not too late!) His timing is superb. Along with established ballroom dancer, Andre Fortin, the dancing sequences would make "Dancing With the Stars" fans applaud with joy. Don't miss the added dancing sequence during the end credits with all of the stars and some funny outtakes. "Out to Sea" makes you want to finally book that seven day cruise
if only you could bump into these wonderful characters before you head back home.
This Movie Should Not Be Forgotten!
15 May 2010
I agree with many others who've commented about this wonderful movie. My sadness is that other generations have not been able to see it on TV, VHS, or DVD. Because of that, it has been lost to new fans. There are few movies that have captured the era after the turn of the century as well (although this one encompasses a period of time beyond that.) "The Strawberry Blonde" is another. David Wayne, always an under-rated screen actor was celebrated on Broadway, winning Tony Awards for playing Sakini in "Teahouse of the August Moon" and Og in "Finian's Rainbow. Here, we follow his character's life as a young man as he grows old with friends and family beside him and his love for Nellie everlasting. It's a touching story full of nostalgia. It deserves better. Isn't it amazing that so many of us remember it from our youth? That's how good it is.
Shuttle
(2008)
Despicable Film
27 March 2009
Fortunately, this movie failed financially as well as critically. I'm not remotely close to being a feminist -- but NOBODY who likes women would admire this offensive, boring, film with a disgusting unsatisfying ending. It's a piece of crap!It lacks any satisfying result and the dialogue is plain silly throughout most of the story. Acting? Credits to all. The fault here, dear Brutus --is in the writing and directing. In the interest of creating something "new." they decided to create a silly way to make the characters utter ridiculous statements! So dumb and unsatisfying --shame on all of you. Still --the satisfying thing here is that it made NO money. Thank God!
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