Change Your Image
boneman4
Reviews
La doppia ora (2009)
Completely implausible and unintelligent
My first complaint is that the subtitles were not infrequently "white on white" making them unreadable and preventing understanding of a convoluted plot that required full concentration.Aside from that,even one fluent in Italian would have difficulty making any sense out of this plot that would require imagination far beyond the Lynchian productions.The example of robbing a facility with such valuable material and such minimal security is absurd.Even Inspector Clouseau could have solved this crime. The psychological and surrealistic portions were misplaced and offered little.I will admit that the acting was good, especially the principals. Ksenia Rappaport is a very watchable actress and could be a benefit in an otherwise well constructed film. In its present state however, I cannot recommend it.
You'll Find Out (1940)
A delightful movie in its time
Most people who enjoy this movie would have had to be children when it came out.It probably hit the neighborhood theatres in the summer of 1941, although being made the year before.Of course,all h**l was about to break loose in the world.This movie was a perfect "Friday night event" for the young kids who would attend in droves, usually chaparoned by a couple of teen-aged girls.Life was simpler then, and parents frequently let their young kids walk to the neighborhood shows in this fashion. Karloff,Lugosi, and Lorre were the popular bogeymen,and most of us knew they were kindly actors beneath the disguises.I recall receiving fan mail and pictures from all three (probably valuable today but long lost).Interestingly,Kay Kaiser was well known then(from radio)and had a reasonably talented band.I've seen it occasionally over the years,and the naustalgic element always resurfaces.Unfortunately,generations born in she fifties and later might consider it dated and silly.How sad!
Religulous (2008)
View of Religulous by a long time Bill Maher watcher
**SPOILERS**I saw the film today. The theatre was almost full and well received by the audience,with much laughter ensuing. Although I've watched Bill Maher for some time,I am ambivalent about his persona in a number of ways. I do find him very articulate.and very succinct with much dry wit.Perhaps this is why I enjoy watching him albeit frequently disagreeing.His overwhelming hubris and supercilious attitude to others can be a turnoff.Bill made a number of good points about the obvious fantasies and flaws of the monotheistic faiths,although completely excluding the far eastern beliefs of Buddhism,Hinduism,etc. probably because of time restraints;and this is understandable.He appeared to deal for the most part to the fanatical fringes of monotheism without giving an evenhanded view to the benefits.Fortunately,most human beings are endowed with a superego or conscience that helps them to perform the "right action",and the proper religious teaching can ameliorate this.I see no harm in teaching young children "creationism", and then allowing their young minds to sort out the rational when they mature. The first century(c.e.)teacher,Hillel, when confronted by an apostate to describe his religion while standing on one foot, simply replied that "what is distasteful to you do not to others.The rest is commentary." A sixth century pope described the "seven deadly sins" that were probably taught centuries before,and if followed would improve all humanity.Religious fanaticism can be evil,but so can extreme forms of socialism,communism,and fascism.Agnosticism can be appreciated, but the agnostic or atheist must also appreciate that the "big bang" theory or the accidental arrangement of myriads of atoms and molecules into a form of meaningful existence leaves much scepticism also.
David & Fatima (2008)
Worth seeing and discussing
At first,one assumes it's another trite version of the Montague/Capulet saga;yet it immediately assumes a realistic event because the story could be 100% true when one considers the Arab-Jewish relationship that currently exists in that small country.The excellent actors are largely not known(except for the terrific cameos portrayed by Martin Landau and Tony Curtis),and though by and large American, are able to portray credible Palestinians and Israelis of modern times.The young actors playing the star crossed couple are a beautiful pair. This motion picture is well worth seeing albeit a bit intense for the under thirteens.
Home Town Story (1951)
A disgruntled ex state senator learns what's important in life.
Hometown Story is one of four obscure movies in a single DVD apparently designed to showcase an early role of an eventual acting icon (in this case Marilyn Monroe).It moves very quickly and transported this reviewer back to an earlier(1951),less sophisticated,but more idealized time zone. Although the Korean War(also unpopular)was raging,and McCarthyism was poking its ugly head;the film exhibited an existing moral that made our country great. It would be good for some of our younger and more cynical citizens to study as an example.The acting was not of today's caliber but reasonably competent.Marilyn in her small role already exhibited what was to make her immortal. The lead actor,Jeffrey Lynn was a good journeyman that never quite cracked the "A" list. Marjorie Reynolds,who later starred in Holiday Inn,but not another major film,was the lead actress.The venerable Donald Crisp had an important role,and as always was excellent.A young Alan Hale Jr.(Gilligan's captain)had a delightful part and was quite good.I also enjoyed seeing the group of uncredited actors who always added to the enjoyment of the film including Byron Foulger,John Alvin,John Archer,Hugh Beaumont,Tom Keene,and Ray Teal.I give it an 8/10 and disagree with all the naysayers.