jebstuart63 Reviews

Champagne for Caesar (1950)

Champagne improves with age

[9/10 · 1 September 2014]

Champagne for Casear is bubbly and takes it self not-too-seriously, which probably explains why it slips under the radar today. As many fun films from the 40s and 50s, it has a dash of camp, but is an A-list Hollywood comedy displaying the dominance of radio, quiz shows and the onset of television. It is also prescient - while still besting the mega shows of the late-90s until today in terms of stakes. This is a must-own for true fans of Vincent Price beyond the horror genre. It is also satisfying in its conclusion as are such seasons of television such as Curb Your Enthusiasm. I toast this film and will recommend it to friends going forward. Thanks!

Hassel Unbound (2012)

Hassle 4 aka Symbols

[9/10 · 27 October 2012]

William "Bill Hassle" is an Unbridled, Unleashed fury - the nightmare of global villains wise enough to fear his potential taste for justice. This fourth installment can be viewed as a stand alone yet has elements, references, and characters from prior installments. The original "Hassle" introduced arch-nemesis Robert Krauser. This original short has Hassle's son (8 yr old?) locked away in a brutal "Saw"-esque location ending at a cliffhanger.

"Hassle Unbridled" (Part 2) moves much of the action to the "sixth boro" of New York City - Hoboken. Brilliant biochemist Krauser's wife Caroline is introduced as well as the reason why Krauser goes insane toward Hassle. There are some lovely locations shots from the New York City skyline to the Delaware Valley (NJ/PA border due west of NYC). How can Hassle save his son and himself as well as many others? The ending of this film is masterful and is much appreciated. Note: If baby crying disturbs you, please beware.

"Hassle Unleashed" (3) finds our hero equipped with a stylish "Bond"-esque mini-sub infiltrating The Islamic Republic of Iran. The martial arts in this one are sweet and many new characters are introduced. Spoiler: Not all of our favorite characters make it out alive. The scope of this "full length short film" is broad and the action is fast and furious. Many of the actors have subsequently gone on to impressive film careers. Another fine ending wraps of "Hassle 3" in a neat bow.

"Hassel Unbound" (4) is by far the most ambitious undertaking in the franchise in terms of FX. The effects are not overdone - there is live action aplenty. Bad guys old and new fill this silver screen with alternate answers to many of the 21st century's most guarded secrets. 4 million people are killed instantly as a mysterious weapon destroys D.C. and Chicago. The U.S. is in chaos when a 3rd major political party - The Continuum - rises to restore order and pride. The first woman president in U.S. history wins in resounding fashion on 11-6-2012. We soon learn that many more world cities are threatened and only one man can save them. But he will need to leave the Earth itself to do so. One scene in particular is reminiscent of "Tron". A classic finale places the future direction (if any) of this franchise in question. A final will-o-wisp flourish at the very end tempts the viewer to speculate what direction that may be!

(N.B. for some reason Hassel is sometimes auto-corrected here to Hassle)

Hassel Unleashed (2010)

Weird New Jersey

[9/10 · 9 December 2010]

This Short, is filled with high and low profile locations in New Jersey. Liberty State Park in Jersey and the Paulinskill Viaduct aka Paulinskill trestle are featured prominently in the first several minutes. Clearly there is more here than initially seems. How many times those did the actors hurt themselves practicing? I detect an earnest passion for storytelling that can pay homage to Bond and other action heroes. Music and tight editing take things to a new level of pacing. Hassle Free is a song that signifies both an attitude and a desire. Tension builds and the climax pays off. There are open-ends and issues that remain to be dealt with. I wonder what else Mr. Hassle is capable of and what else he will endure in the future. There is eye candy to keep even the most distractible viewer intrigued. Valiant struggles are not without loss. Hassle is a survivor and comes across as real.

Iron Man (2008)

Tin Man

[5/10 · 14 May 2008]

This is just a stupid anti-intellectual pile of drivel. Literally, I almost left the theater when he was building an Armor Suit in a cave in Afghanistan. How disrespectful is this to engineers and the scientific method of trial and error? Never mind crashing with broken armor, (but no broken bones). At least if they gave him "super powers" it allows the viewer to suspend disbelief!

There was some humor which redeemed the movie to 2 out of 4 stars. The Pepper Potts banter about taking out the garbage (she-journalist) and the robot arm. Some of the holographic computer manipulators were actually legitimate science fiction.

However, the dry conclusion and a lack of caring for the actors, led me to actually leave the theater a couple minutes before the closing credits. this is something I almost never do.

The Princess Bride (1987)

There is a well known quote missing from many reviews

[10/10 · 1 May 2007]

The quotable quotes of The Princess Bride are many. Upon reflection, this film is worth more than every penny The man in black, makes an inconceivable attack and his lion share of pain, will come soon after the iocane does tragedy, death, and misery portend or a chance at happily-ever-after in the end Which brings us to the film's beginning over when the oft-quoted utterance is, "I will never love again..."

Thanks be to fairy tales and mythical creatures. All these support the ribald wry bread features. Keep holding your eyes up to the skies and believing love can be eternal. Mercy and geography can blend as one hope for sassy iconography. Remember the Sicilian is the most brillian genius in his own mind.

Deliverance (1972)

You done took a wrong turn. This river don't go to AINTREE.

[9/10 · 12 August 2006]

I am a member of a canoeing club and I can tell you the truth that Deliverance is synonomous with the peacefulness and tranquility of the experience. As we put our boats into the water, banjoes echo in the back of the conscious mind. This movie is timeless because it waxes philosophical of human's place in nature and technology's effect upon man's relationship with nature. We see it in the bow fishing. We see it in the home made tent. There is also city man's disdain and feeling of superiority to the rural woodsman "cracker". The fact that the Banker from Atlanta (Ned Beatty) has "bad teeth" is meant to put him on the same level with the woodsmen who also have bad teeth. Ultimately, the struggle of life and death supersedes "civilized man's" suppositives about "The Law". This canoe trip ends too soon for the viewer, but alas Not Soon Enough for the characters.

This Is Spinal Tap (1984)

One of the most Amazing Hard Band Bios

[10/10 · 2 August 2006]

When I first saw "Tap" on television as a young lad I was blown away by the candid nature of this 'Rockumentary that goes places others simply avoid. Rob Reiner has an obvious love for the band and under the guise of Marty DiBergi shows the ups and downs, as well as the lefts and rights of a band that has followed in the footsteps of so many other great rock bands in history. The list goes on and on and on - as far as the review can see. The Stonehenge debacle influenced the Block Sobboth to attempt a similar stunt with even worse results. The Isle of Luci festival was one of the most important in rock history and Spinal Tap was not only there - but they stole the show! To display the versatility of the brilliant band members: The 2 lead-singer-songwriters St. Hubbins/Tufnel have gone on to read poetry for audiobooks and direct several major motion pictures. The bedrock of bass - Smalls - has gone on to be a world reknowed commentator for the Cartoon Simpsins. This is Rating would get an 11 out of 10 because Spinal Tap has vied (with Moterhed) for the title of England's loudest band.