Sacha Baron Cohen is in fine form and Maria Bakalova is a discovery. The two provide an uncommon depth to the movie--two people brainwashed by a nationalistic, puritanical regime (sound familiar?) realizing the truth. The faux abortion sequence is hilarious. And their learning the truths shows people can learn from their mistakes and become better people. MAGA folk, not known for their sense of humor will be offended but most people will have more than a few laughs.
Reviews
15 Reviews
Succession
(2018–2023)
Unpleasant Series with One Saving Grace
28 July 2020
Overall, this is an unpleasant series, something like Knives Out but without the wit. A lot of bland characters plotting against one another. To make another comparison, Dallas or Dynasty without the charismatic cast. The one saving grace is the wonderfully over the top performance by Brian Cox. He commands every scene he's in and can chew up the scenery with the best of them. The best cable shows have always been able to blend a lighter touch with the darkness--the Sopranos, GoT, and Breaking Bad are all examples of this. As is, Succession is a show with potential, one great performance, and a lot of monotony.
It's Tarantino's Valentine to 1969
9 February 2020
Quinton Tarantino is perhaps today's director with the greatest love affair with past greats and not-so-greats. Leonardo DiCaprio plays a washed-up actor with Brad Pit playing his long-time stunt double. Their chemistry is apparent and Tarantino throws in enough '60s references to show his love of the era, from clips of shows like Mannix and The FBI to the brief appearance of such song's as Billy Stewart's cover of Gershwin's "Summertime" to early Deep Purple (who were much bigger in the US than the UK). But "Once Upon a Time" is a fairy tale, with the Manson subplot taking a sharp right turn from reality. Also casting Bruce Dern and having special effects master John Dykstra working together nearly50 years after they did "Silent Running" is a great touch. Like all Tarantino, it will divide opinions--as is shown by the ratings and reviews here. I found it thoroughly enjoyable and one of Tarantino's best.
A Satisfying Conclusion to a Great Series
20 May 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Many people are upset by this episode, primarily because it did not agree with their beliefs as to how the show should end. A pity as their bias made them miss out on a satisfying and logical conclusion.
Dany was NEVER a feminist hero. She was a vengeful tyrant, increasingly murderous for the smallest slight. Jon and Tyrion realized this and both knew what had to happen.
Bran makes sense as it bring it all full-circle. Plus a Stark King with a Lannister Hand contains a strong message of treating people as individuals not groups.
Sansa asserting her right as Queen of the North shows her development. A wallflower turned into a strong ruler. Hers was the hardest of roads and she deserves her title.
The end of the Iron Throne was one of the series most poetic moments. This grotesque--and seemingly uncomfortable--piece of furniture got what its deserved for centuries. While the nobles rejected the idea of democracy, they did decide on an old-style republic, suggesting Westeros was evolving.
An additional word needs to be said about Peter Dinkledge's performance. He turned from the despised "imp" who turned to drink and sex to becoming the voice of reason. His performance was magnificent.
And so, we have Queen of the North Sansa. Jon back at the wall. King Bran advised by Tyrion, and Arya sailing off westward. Hopefully, she'll not wind up in New York, detained by ICE agents.
Dany was NEVER a feminist hero. She was a vengeful tyrant, increasingly murderous for the smallest slight. Jon and Tyrion realized this and both knew what had to happen.
Bran makes sense as it bring it all full-circle. Plus a Stark King with a Lannister Hand contains a strong message of treating people as individuals not groups.
Sansa asserting her right as Queen of the North shows her development. A wallflower turned into a strong ruler. Hers was the hardest of roads and she deserves her title.
The end of the Iron Throne was one of the series most poetic moments. This grotesque--and seemingly uncomfortable--piece of furniture got what its deserved for centuries. While the nobles rejected the idea of democracy, they did decide on an old-style republic, suggesting Westeros was evolving.
An additional word needs to be said about Peter Dinkledge's performance. He turned from the despised "imp" who turned to drink and sex to becoming the voice of reason. His performance was magnificent.
And so, we have Queen of the North Sansa. Jon back at the wall. King Bran advised by Tyrion, and Arya sailing off westward. Hopefully, she'll not wind up in New York, detained by ICE agents.
Funny, Heartfelt Episode
13 January 2019
A humorous episode that shows the emotional consequences of last season's episode "About A Girl" on Bortus. Scott Grimes and Mike Henry provide great comic support Seth Macfarlane haters and Discovery lovers will hate anything this show does. But people who understand Gene Roddenberry's ambitions will appreciate The Orville and this episode.
A Very Good Episode.
26 November 2018
A good mix of history and science fiction. It is a fact that James I was an expert on witchcraft and was gay--which the episode strongly hints at. The 13th Doctor continues grow as a character. The dark atmosphere fits well with the Tom Baker / Elisabeth Sladen era (see Brain of Morbius or Planet of Evil) or the Jon Pertwee / Katy Manning era (the Daemons). Being a single episode rather than a 4-part serial, it is rather rushed but overall a good, engaging episode.
The Long Ships
(1964)
Fun But Not To Be Taken as Serious
14 June 2018
The Long Ships is a fun movie. Richard Widmarck's "Rolfe" could be a medieval ancestor of William H Macy's "Frank Gallagher." Having seen both this and the more serious The Vikings, I prefer The Long Ships. Neither is all that historically accurate, though The Vikings claims to be. The Vikings uses a standard Hollywood romantic subplot which is annoying. But The Long Ships exchanges The Vikings' sober pseudo-accuracy for a sharp sense of fun. While very un-PC, there is no doubt Rolfe and Portier's al Mansur did respect one another and in another time and place might have been great friends. Add a rousing score and great cinematography, and you have a winner--just don't take it too seriously..
Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert
(2018 TV Movie)
Good effort with some issues
2 April 2018
Overall, Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert was a valid effort. Sure John Legend is no Ian Gillan, but then even Mr Gillan now requires auto-tune. The rest of the cast was good--although not up to the movie or especially the original album--although the inclusion of "Can We Start Again, Please"--not on the original album was a nice. But the commercials were a problem--I know in the networks mind, content is secondary to advertising--but they could have cut back a bit, given the holiday and the prestige of the work. Spoilers? If you don't know the story already, grab a Bible and read up.
Roseanne
(1988–2018)
Forget Politics--It's Very Funny!
30 March 2018
To be clear, I am an old-school liberal, one who puts free speech above safe spaces. It does not bother me one whit that Rosanne Barr supports Trump (I supported Bernie Sanders but voted for Hillary as the lesser of two evils). She is a talented comedian and shines in the revived series. The chemistry between her and John Goodman (who made a very funny Linda Tripp on SNL) is still there. Also very funny are the inside jokes-the two actresses who played Becky Connors. , Darleen Connors vs Sarah Gilbert regarding sexual orientation. I'm waiting for a line from Darleen's daughter about always ending up with dysfunctional families. Bottom line-Rosanne is very well-written by a cast of pros. And the message of the pilot episode-which many seemed to miss-is that families should not let politics divide them. Respect me and I will respect you. It's that simple.
Star Trek: Discovery
(2017–2024)
One Big Problem
24 September 2017
Star Trek: Discovery is a very distant cousin of the Star Trek franchise. It is about on the same level as ST: Enterprise--which it reboots out of existence. Very good special effects. Fair acting (although the Captain and First Officer do not come off as people who've known each other for 7 years (and who is the principal character, the Captain or the First Officer?) But there is one big problem--The Orville, a show that much more recreates the light-handed approach of TOS (with some TNG elements popping up in the latest episode). Discovery is a much more heavy-handed thing, with neither the brain nor the heart that ST is known for.
And Discovery insists on the season-long story arc concept which is getting old. It was innovative when Wiseguy did it in the late '80s, or Dr Who in recent years (although the 4-6 part episodes where best). Bryan Fuller is no Seth McFarland, let alone Gene Roddenberry, and it is at his feet blame for Discovery's shortcomings must be laid.
And Discovery insists on the season-long story arc concept which is getting old. It was innovative when Wiseguy did it in the late '80s, or Dr Who in recent years (although the 4-6 part episodes where best). Bryan Fuller is no Seth McFarland, let alone Gene Roddenberry, and it is at his feet blame for Discovery's shortcomings must be laid.
What Do People Want?
7 June 2015
For ages, people have complained "Family Guy isn't as edgy or as gutsy as in its early seasons". Finally comes an episode that recaptures the show's early weirdness, and people complain "It's too disturbing." What do you people want? Perhaps too many years of more traditional, "safer" sitcoms like "Bob's Burgers" and "Brooklyn 99" have softened viewers sensibilities. The stupid dropping of American Dad (Fox's loss, TBS's gain) shows Fox's dislike of "in your face" shows (and AD was typically more edgy and innovative than FG, anyway)
Yes, "Stewie is Enceinte" is a weird episode. It is also gutsy and funny, and Brian and Stewie's "puppies" are hilarious. Not to every taste, but when has Family Guy ever been that?
Yes, "Stewie is Enceinte" is a weird episode. It is also gutsy and funny, and Brian and Stewie's "puppies" are hilarious. Not to every taste, but when has Family Guy ever been that?
Doctor Who
(1996 TV Movie)
Paul McGann Deserved a Better Script.
15 November 2013
This movie is not as awful as some negative reviews state. Paul McGann does a good job as the Doctor, some glimpses in his performance from the Baker/Davison era, with hints of the darker Doctors of late. Daphne Ashbrook is a decent companion and there is a good amount of chemistry between the two.
Eric Roberts' Master is a bit problematic, a slimy '90s film noir character lacking either Roger Delgado's savage charm or Anthony Ainley's smug self-assurance. And the whole worm- thing does NOT work.
But the big problem is with the writing, it's as if they were trying to fit as many Hollywood cliché's into the movie as possible. From a corrupt, evidence-destroying hospital administrator, to a confused plot-line about New Years Day 2000 (maybe the writer really thought the world was going to end and nobody would be around to see the stupidity in his script.) It is these standard clichés that give Hollywood such a bad name, and wreck this effort.
I've never completely bought into the whole "Curse of the Time Lords", business, (it always seemed something could be going on between the Jon Pertwee Doctor and Jo Grant) so found the kisses between the Doctor and companion trite, but not devastatingly so. Ah, but I remember Jon Pertwee and Katy Manning, as well as Hartnell, Troughton, T Baker, Davison, C Baker, and McCoy. I have to wonder if any of the writers or producers here gave past episodes any more than a cursory glance.
Fox seems to have been very cynical about this whole project. The acting is good, and the special effects good. but it lacks the heart and soul of the original (or the current) series, leaving an altogether mediocre movie.
Eric Roberts' Master is a bit problematic, a slimy '90s film noir character lacking either Roger Delgado's savage charm or Anthony Ainley's smug self-assurance. And the whole worm- thing does NOT work.
But the big problem is with the writing, it's as if they were trying to fit as many Hollywood cliché's into the movie as possible. From a corrupt, evidence-destroying hospital administrator, to a confused plot-line about New Years Day 2000 (maybe the writer really thought the world was going to end and nobody would be around to see the stupidity in his script.) It is these standard clichés that give Hollywood such a bad name, and wreck this effort.
I've never completely bought into the whole "Curse of the Time Lords", business, (it always seemed something could be going on between the Jon Pertwee Doctor and Jo Grant) so found the kisses between the Doctor and companion trite, but not devastatingly so. Ah, but I remember Jon Pertwee and Katy Manning, as well as Hartnell, Troughton, T Baker, Davison, C Baker, and McCoy. I have to wonder if any of the writers or producers here gave past episodes any more than a cursory glance.
Fox seems to have been very cynical about this whole project. The acting is good, and the special effects good. but it lacks the heart and soul of the original (or the current) series, leaving an altogether mediocre movie.
Detractors Miss the Point
2 October 2013
The point this episode's detractors miss is that Love & Monsters is a very funny parody of the X Files (or more precisely, X File and Doctor Who fandom). There are musical cues taken directly from Mark Frost's score. And one can imagine a high school version of Mulder and Scully in Elton and Ursula. Moreover the episode borrows elements from past episodes that will be used in the future. Hardcore fans, in general, tend to miss humor aimed in their direction. They need to lighten up and realize that in 2006, Doctor Who was Russell T Davies 's (and currently Steven Moffatts) baby, not theirs--nor can it ever be theirs. Most fan's writing skills--regardless of fan fiction success-- are not up to that of a Davies or Moffat or even a John Nathan Turner, for that matter. With Love & Monsters, Davies wrote a very funny episode.
So Well Remembered
(1947)
Fine, Compelling Melodrama
26 October 2011
I saw this movie on TV many years ago on a local late-night movie program which followed the 11pm news. It was during the week between Christmas and New Years, so my mind was occupied with other matters so all I really remembered was that it starred John Mills and that it took place over the span of several decades, but something about the movie stuck in my head. Thanks to IMDb I was able to identify it as "So Well Remembered", and that it was out on DVD.
John Mills is great as George Boswell, reform-minded newspaper editor and member of the town council in a bleak Lancashire mill town, who falls in love with the daughter of the town pariah, a corrupt industrialist.
Based on a James Hilton (Lost Horizon) novel, the film has it's share of soap opera-like moments, but enough of its literary heritage to tell a highly compelling story. The story also has a certain relevance today with the political and social elements, and it is a little depressing to see how things have not changed since 1919.
John Mills is great as George Boswell, reform-minded newspaper editor and member of the town council in a bleak Lancashire mill town, who falls in love with the daughter of the town pariah, a corrupt industrialist.
Based on a James Hilton (Lost Horizon) novel, the film has it's share of soap opera-like moments, but enough of its literary heritage to tell a highly compelling story. The story also has a certain relevance today with the political and social elements, and it is a little depressing to see how things have not changed since 1919.
Soup to Nuts
(1930)
Not Classic Stooges But Quite Entertaining.
28 July 2011
The best way to understand Soup to Nuts is not as a Three Stooges movie, but as a Charles Winninger movie that includes the embryonic Stooges in a secondary role. Winninger plays the proud but struggling owner of a costume shop that has gone into receivership. This is a variation of the old "farmer in danger of losing the farm" plot. He, of course, has an attractive niece whom the young credit manager falls for.
But Winninger's portrayal stands out, particularly when discussing matters with his friend Gus, a struggling restaurateur (remember, this was made in 1930, during the Great Depression) and everyone was struggling).
The Shemp-led (this is before Curly joined the group) Stooges are close to developing their identities, but aren't there yet. Larry has some of the best lines, particularly the "Elevator Dance", and the "Pick a number" routine.
The fact that this movie was made pre-code shows up on a couple occasions. This was made during prohibition, and the use of alcohol could be seen as being on the same level as the use of pot in contemporary movies. Also there's Fred Sanborn whose character is obviously gay. Sanborn's presence is an eccentric one, but his excellent xylophone performance is one of the film's highlights.
So if you want classic Stooges, get one of the many collections available. But if you want a pleasant look into early sound motion pictures Soup to Nuts is worth your while.
But Winninger's portrayal stands out, particularly when discussing matters with his friend Gus, a struggling restaurateur (remember, this was made in 1930, during the Great Depression) and everyone was struggling).
The Shemp-led (this is before Curly joined the group) Stooges are close to developing their identities, but aren't there yet. Larry has some of the best lines, particularly the "Elevator Dance", and the "Pick a number" routine.
The fact that this movie was made pre-code shows up on a couple occasions. This was made during prohibition, and the use of alcohol could be seen as being on the same level as the use of pot in contemporary movies. Also there's Fred Sanborn whose character is obviously gay. Sanborn's presence is an eccentric one, but his excellent xylophone performance is one of the film's highlights.
So if you want classic Stooges, get one of the many collections available. But if you want a pleasant look into early sound motion pictures Soup to Nuts is worth your while.
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