jpmills-35666 Reviews

And Starring Pancho Villa as Himself (2003 TV Movie)

Odd and Fictional

[5/10 · 2 March 2023]

Let me start by saying prior to this movie I knew nothing about Pancho Villa and the Mexican Revolution. After this movie, I still know almost nothing about Villa and the Mexican Revolution.

Definitely less of a biopic or historical film, this is an odd flick about an even stranger story in history that we do not know much about. The film has a strange pace, strange moments, and even stranger feelings. I felt no connection to the people of Mexico, Villa, or the main character. I found myself wanting the movie to just be over OR for someone to start it all over and make a gritty realistic film about Villa's life.

Villa, although the point of the movie, was just a weird Hollywood character in this film.

The acting was unimpressive except for Arkin as usual. I'm sorry, but I do not recommend this one.

A Family Thing (1996)

Good Story

[8/10 · 24 February 2023]

Sometimes a movie isn't spectacular or life changing but just a good story. With Duvall and Jones, how could you not have great acting. Along with the entire concept, this is a heartwarming down to earth hidden gem.

Irma P Hall's Qunt T was the star of the film with her amazing acting and wonderful lines.

This film, unlike so many today was not agenda driven, not trying to push a side, though you could say certain sides came up simply because life does that. No, instead, they chose to just tell a human, family story. There wasn't a dramatic crisis, just a man coming to learn about his biological mother and being accepted by his half brother.

Greystoke: The Legend of Tarzan, Lord of the Apes (1984)

Well done but unpleasant to watch

[8/10 · 5 January 2023]

I really like the novel by Burroughs and saw that this film was a close rendering to the book. However, some things are better read than watched and it was a very odd and uncomfortable experience to watch some of the scenes of the book come to life. This can only mean they did an excellent job, acting, bringing things to life, effects. All that to say, I give props to this film for following the book in a very very real way but I did not enjoy watching it and will never watch it again. That is probably why it isn't as popular as it could be and also why some books should stay books. Certainly give it a try if you are interested at all but just know Tarzan's growing up will be a weird and uncomfortable watch.

Jake Speed (1986)

One of the greats!

[10/10 · 24 May 2022]

My family and I love this movie. I grew up watching it as one of our favorites.

It's got the best lines. Don't measure it up against blockbuster adventure films. It's a b movie with satire and great humor around being an action hero.

Buy into the story otherwise you'll spend the whole movie thinking it's a joke. If you buy into it, you'll love it like my family does for the great lines, the crazy characters, the chaos, and more.

The Quest (2022)

Original fan but enjoyed this too

[8/10 · 19 May 2022]

Ok, I'm obsessed with the 2014 original. I thought it was so well done and an amazing concept. I've rewatched it even so I had high expectations for a remake.

I watched the first 3 episodes and was sorely disappointed. It was so much more staged, or at least felt more staged, than the original. We weren't getting to know the teens. There was no competition and they spent so much more time on the story than the paladins.

Because I kind of enjoyed the story, I decided to push through and episode 4-8 did not disappoint. Finally! The teens start to emerge, the competition heightens, and it begins to have a sense of the original. In the end, I'm ready for season 2!

I can't give it 10 stars like I would the original but I will give it 8 for the last 5 episodes.

The Wilderness Road (2021)

Chillingly good

[10/10 · 23 November 2021]

True stories, like the Wilderness Road, are reminders that there have always been evil people in this world taking advantage of others. And, the way it is told in this film, is interesting, powerful, and well acted.

The Harpe brothers are notoriously evil. Travis Mills, who plays Little Harpe, did an especially great job at showing the insanity of these persons.

Much of this film was superb from the acting, narration, setting, effects, and writing. Definitely give this one a watch if you are interested in history at all.

The Pleasant Valley War (2021)

Untold History

[10/10 · 20 November 2021]

It always amazes me how many historical events have been untold in film. As someone who loves the Wild West and is from Arizona, this was a fascinating watch.

There were so many unique moments in the telling of this true story, from the modern setting in a significant scene, to the cast/characters themselves being "interviewed", giving us commentary.

If you are a history buff, a western movie fan, or just a film fan in general, I highly recommend giving this one a watch. Beautiful horse riding, cinematography, great acting, and, of course, a great story that has been overlooked for far too long.

The Woman Who Robbed the Stagecoach (2021)

Heartfelt

[10/10 · 20 November 2021]

Yes, this movie has charm, emotion, action, humor, drama, and history!

It is so odd to me when certain people in history that held such fascination are lost to most of us in the present times. Pearl Hart is on of those people that has been lost in the pages of history, that is, until this film.

Pearl is a complex character and yet simple too. She is relatable as a woman and yet incredibly unique and powerful. The main actress does a beautiful job expressing such a legendary figure.

And then there is Joe Boot, the character who steals the show. He adds such a charm to this film and Travis Mills does a great job fleshing out someone we know very little about.

I definitely recommend giving this one a try if you enjoy history and westerns!

A Guide to Gunfighters of the Wild West (2021)

So Fun!

[10/10 · 16 May 2021]

I heard the writer of this film call it a romantic comedy western and I wholeheartedly agree. It has all the clever funny lines, lovable characters, and silly moments of a rom com while mixing in the gun fights, horses, and other elements of the wild west.

There were a lot of wonderful things about this film from the costumes, lines, and sets, but the two greatest parts were the story and characters.

I would be surprised if you watch this one and do not walk away With a list of new characters you will forever treasure. Our main couple is so likable and down to earth that I was rooting my heart out for them. Lucy was so well fleshed out with her husband that I could have watched an entire film about her. From Katie's dad to each gunfighter who came to fight our main man, to Wilson and the church people, every character was truly memorable. I honestly can't wait to revisit them again!

The story is so fun to ride along with. It's easygoing, funny, sweet, even almost poignant at times. Honestly, if you are looking for a new favorite hidden gem to add to your list, this is the one!

Counting Bullets (2021)

Wonderful

[10/10 · 4 April 2021]

Just like any mission movie, the film begins with a bunch of characters being thrown together and we have no idea what is in store for them. But the setup has us already wondering about the background of some characters and as Mumford says, "This should be entertaining"!

The dragoon mountains, where it was filmed, sent us way back to the harsh desolate western days. Some humor and conversation is thrown between characters but one event changes the entire film and from that point on, there is no looking away.

In a small space (literally) and in a small amount of time, we grow to love the characters in this misfit gang. Each one is fleshed out with great dialogue. Each one we get a small taste of who they are as a person and who they might become due to the situation they face. Unlikely alliances and friendships form and in the end, you can't help remembering every single one of them like an old friend.

The acting, all around was superb. Michael Estridge played Lieutenant Lowe to the key. I knew exactly who he was and enjoyed his character's progress. Wayne Lundy did a great job with a somewhat outlier character, he fleshed him out real well. I had a special admiration for William Shannon Williams' Mumford character, he played it with such ease! But, the one who took it all was John Marrs, not just because he looks classically western, but because you fell in love with his character within his first moments on screen and he just kept getting better.

There is only so much I can review without giving away the whole movie but I hope I've convinced you to give this one a try because it will stay with you (in a good way) for a long time.

She Was the Deputy's Wife (2021)

Compelling

[10/10 · 26 March 2021]

Forgive my unoriginal title, but don't let it deter you from this film. I truly felt like a townsperson watching the excitement of this western AZ town. As the story begins, I was as clueless as anyone else but intrigued by what was playing out. Very quickly some characters were clearly good and clearly bad. The characters were well fleshed out through dialogue and actions. When the story began to unfold, I could not take my eyes away. As a woman, I found much of the lines and dialogue insightful and moving. I was worried the romance wouldn't sit well at first, but the explanation worked superbly and I felt, was realistic. By the end, there had been murder, redemption, romance, evil, shoot outs, and more. The acting was great, no one better than the Marshal. Great film. One you will want to watch all over again after understanding some things you didn't the first time.

Texas Red (2021)

Masterful Storytelling

[10/10 · 28 February 2021]

Sometimes, a film that reminds you of other films, makes it just another copy of those originals. But, then, sometimes, a film that reminds you of the greatness of other films, makes it an original great of its own. Texas Red is the latter and had me thinking of films like Braveheart, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and The Assassination of Jesse James by the Cowardly Robert Ford. This is not to say that Texas Red is not unique. Texas Red, even in the beginnings of the opening scenes, with clips of African Americans dancing and singing freely, draws you in to the story laid before you. The music, the introducing of characters, setting ,history, the culture, instantly has you hooked. I could write a paper on this film, but you only came for a review. The story, people, cinematography of Texas Red are all compelling and well communicated. Texas Red is a masterpiece of storytelling, using elements of the old outlaw from beloved westerns (a gunfight between law and the "outlaws" occurs, but the line between the two is almost reversed and very blurred) to elements of the legend and myth (Texas Red, himself, has moments of William Wallace, becoming a legend as word spreads and truths are stretched, both for good and bad). The acting from such a diverse cast and collection of characters, never came off weak. What a feat for ALL who worked on this film. From Cedric Burnside, who played Texas Red, and had never acted before, his somewhat guardian angel wife (Anquanizia Hall), Oklahoma Kid (Herman J.R. Johnson) to the law (a range of actors here), the "bad guys", and the tracker who has some kind of morals, non were forgettable, all felt fleshed out and very real. To make an already long review short, believe me, when I say, you have not seen a film or a story like this before and you will be sorely missing out if you do not give it a watch. You will leave it having been told a compelling, moving, even uncomfortable and convicting story, not because the filmmaker forces these emotions on you as many films try to do these days, but simply because they tell the story well and you can't help but feel in response to this glimpse into history, culture, and man.

Kartini: Princess of Java (2017)

Untold Story

[7/10 · 11 January 2021]

As an American, I am honored to have had the chance to watch this film and learn about Indonesian culture, history, and in particular, the struggle for women.

The acting was well done and the creativity of scenes in the film were fascinating from the caged birds to the moments where the girls read books and see the characters and authors right next to them. Beyond proud and inspired by the strength of these women and I admire so much Kartini and even her father for being willing to lean into change.

However, I could not give this a full 10 out of 10 because much of the film also felt very inauthentic and forced. From the silliness of the girls to the outbursts of emotion and support from others, it felt less realistic. This took away from the real struggle and suffering of these people who truly lived and went through these things.

As said, I am happy I watched it, but I wish it had felt more grounded and real than succumbing to happy moments just to smooth over the tough things.

Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael (1990)

Quirky Treasure

[10/10 · 11 May 2020]

Quirky Treasure

"I had never heard of this film. It has such an 80's feel to it. It is super quirky and that is why I loved it. It spoke to some very real situations through some quirky ways, but the message was great. I laughed a lot. I enjoyed all the different characters, the small town feel, the hopes and dreams, the disappointments, and well, I will never forget Roxy Carmichael. ;) If you are a lover of obscure 80's films (since it has an 80's feel), watch this. "

The Chosen (2017– )

Miraculous

[10/10 · 16 April 2020]

This show is so filled with the Holy Spirit, but you do not have to be a christian to like it. If you are a follower of Jesus, you will find yourself falling in love with Jesus even more as this depiction of Him is so human yet still Holy, and the disciples are so relateable. The acting is superb! If you are not a christian, please watch! This is great story telling, authentic people, costumes, places. You will enjoy this for the historical drama it is and understand christians and bible in a new way!

The Chosen (2017– )

God With Us

[10/10 · 17 February 2020]

This series lets you experience Jesus, the disciples, and others in a whole new way. It feels more real than it ever has.

For those who do not believe: If you don't believe in Jesus, don't dismiss this series. This is an incredibly well done historical drama. The costumes and sets are amazing! The characters are so fleshed out. The acting is superb. Believe me, you will find yourself hooked!

For believers: Watching this series is an act of worship. That sounds crazy! But it is true! Never before have I watched something and felt the power of Jesus, the realness of Jesus, the tenderness, the indwellingness of Jesus. He came as flesh to be with us. That is what this show makes you feel. The disciples and the other characters are so fleshed out that you can not help but relate to them and root for them and be frustrated for them.

The Deadbeats (2019)

A Circus Show you won't forget

[10/10 · 29 October 2019]

It's not every day that a crazy angry pyschotic clown gets your sympathy, but that is exactly what happens in this film. The lead actor is incredible, showing us all off the bat (pun intended) that there is something a bit off about Patch the clown. Our "side" characters, who play a huge part scenewise and storywise add to this creative world being built, part fantasy part reality...essentially a circus show, with magic tricks and eccentric characters. I was never quite sure what our clown would do next and he does some awful things. Yet, somehow I end up laughing with him and then feeling bad for him...somehow I am rooting for this lunatic. That's another cool part about this movie, all these slimy characters...these deadbeats have something enduring about each of them. This is the blood of the film, but the story is crazy fun, the music perfect, the imagery wacky, all in all, I'd buy a ticket again to see this one.