franco-10 Reviews

Rocky Balboa (2006)

Worth all the hype

[10/10 · 24 December 2006]

Fortunately I had decided to watch the original Rocky a few days before seeing this last one, and I am glad I did since there are lots of references to characters and events from the first movie. So I would recommend seeing the original first. I actually believe Rocky Balboa is better than the original! One of the main reasons for this are the impromptu speeches he gives to the boxing commission and to his son, speeches full of real-life advise that really are coming from what Stallone has learned in his own personal life. Also the character of Rocky Balboa has obviously matured, but still retains his sense of humor and likability.

A Face in the Crowd (1957)

An outstanding performance by Andy Griffith!

[10/10 · 16 December 2002]

I just find it hard to believe that Andy Griffith received no kudos or award nominations for his role as Lonesome Rhodes in this movie. His performance is quite amazing. I think that because he played such an obnoxious person, one that we really come to dislike, that people confused the role with the actor. I just saw it on TV (Dec, 2002), and maybe the world of 1957 just was not ready for this kind of realism.

The Legend of 1900 (1998)

A Classic

[10/10 · 18 November 2002]

I think this movie will become an all-time classic. The story is unique and the music is grand, and there is even some philosophy thrown in. This is a movie that reaches your soul. It's not for those who thrive on special effects, sex, and violence - that probably accounts for the disparity in some of the reviews. Personally I rank this with the greatest movies I have ever seen.

Jack Slade (1953)

Actually pretty good

[8/10 · 29 July 2002]

While watching this on TV the thought came to be that this is a neo-realist American Western. Then I realized it was made at the height of the Italian neo-realist craze. This movie is worth seeing. There is great chemistry between Slade and his woman, Dorothy Malone.

What Lies Beneath (2000)

entertaining and suspenseful

[9/10 · 22 November 2001]

I'm glad I did not read any of the mixed reviews of this movie before I rented it, nor did I see the trailer. The result was a very entertaining and in parts scary thriller for me. A little slow getting off the ground, and a little drawn out at the end, but full of surprises for those that are not exposed to any spoilers.

Cast Away (2000)

It's God who has been cast away

[1 September 2001]

I found it incredible that someone stuck on a deserted island for four years not once is shown in prayer or seeking help from a higher power. As far as the movie is concerned the spiritual dimension does not even exist. The man can not rise above himself, all he can do is talk to his alter-ego, a volleyball. I guess the movie just reflects where society is today, at least a large segment of it.

The Family (1987)

I want to see it again

[10/10 · 1 January 2001]

This is a wonderful movie, but it starts off kind of slowly. At one point as I was wondering why I am watching it. But it grows on you and before you know it you are hooked. It's not the kind of movie Americans are used to - it deals with emotions, sensitivity, love, involvement, but without much reliance on special effects, sex, or violence. It explores the meaning of life, but it's one flaw is the failure to bring the search for God into it.

Proof of Life (2000)

very entertaining

[8/10 · 10 December 2000]

This was a fun movie - quite entertaining, good story line, and suspenseful. We don't care that the pro reviewers didn't like it - too bad for them. Maybe they were counting a hotter romance between Meg and Russ, given what happened in real life. We give it an 8. Frank and Suzanne.

The Postman (1997)

Very Entertaining

[9/10 · 16 July 2000]

I was entertained - I enjoyed it - and that's all that counts. It makes one wonder about the mentality of the professional film critics. I guess Kevin is being punished because he is not playing the liberal Hollywood game.

The Nun's Story (1959)

great spirituality

[10/10 · 23 March 2000]

There is deep spiritual wisdom in this movie - especially regarding the spiritual direction of the nuns. Sadly, the Catholic Church has thrown almost all of this away after Vatican II. You can see in this movie the glory and strength that the Church once enjoyed, not so long ago.

Life Is Beautiful (1997)

A light shining through the darkness

[10/10 · 23 April 1999]

This is a film of contrasts, making it very easy to see just how dark the darkness can be. The attempt by a death camp inmate to paint his family's incarceration brightly for his son to protect him from the darkness, serves to emphasize by contrast just how horrible these events really were.

I felt even greater aversion and disgust for the depth of the horrors of WWII from this movie than I did from "Schindler's List" or "Saving Private Ryan". And yet, I found my self laughing at Begnini's translation of the threats and rules of the Nazi camp guard into a sugar-coated tale that his son could believe in. I had discovered the breadth Benigni's comic genius from watching "Johnny Stecchino", and now believe that his potential for dramatic work is just as vast.

The Godfather Part III (1990)

Underrated

[10/10 · 26 December 1998]

Godfather III is generally underrated because because it is more intellectual, subtle, and psychological than the first two. There's lots more Italian language, operatic venues, references to subtleties like the P2 masonic lodge, and there is the inner revelation of Michael Corleone's soul. Pacino should have won an Oscar for his performance. The movie would be a good staging point for a Godfather IV, with "Vincenzo Corleone" and Connie Corleone running things, while developing further the relationship between Michael, and his wife and son.