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The Executioner's Song (1982)
where's the full version?
I just watched this for the 1st time in 20 years, & there were 2 scenes missing that I've specifically remembered that entire time. The 1st is where Gary & his uncle Vern are arm wrestling & Vern places a toothpick holder under the side where Gary's hand will land. The 2nd is in prison, Gary shows Vern that he's preparing for death by hanging upside down & doing vertical sit-ups.
I also seem to remember that when I saw this movie as a kid, it aired over 2 nights on TV, which means it was at least 3 hours long.
Great movie, but I can't help but wonder what else I'm missing...
Any leads on the full version would be greatly appreciated.
The Stepfather (1987)
much better than it should be
Just as DeNiro was born to play Travis Bickle, Terry O'Quinn found the role of his lifetime as Jerry Blake in the Stepfather series. I'm not comparing him to Deniro. I would never do that. O'Quinn just isn't that good of an actor, honestly. But he really shines in these movies. It's like they were written with him in mind. I wouldn't say the Step movies are "cult hits" exactly. I mean, people watched them, but nobody was out looking for them. They were a product of that time in the 80's when everybody was hitting the local VHS rental store 3 times a week. Everybody I know who saw the Stepfather movies picked them up after they had already used up the entire horror section & were left with a choice of this or Night of the Bloody Apes. I know it doesn't sound like it, but I'm trying to give this movie (and the whole series) a great review. It's awesome. Seriously. It's amazing that a movie with nothing going for it could end up being this good. It's the kind of movie that makes you give yourself secret cool points for having liked it for so long.
The Devil's Rain (1975)
I kinda liked it
If you liked the original Amytiville Horror, you probably won't like this. If you like all the pointless horror remakes that are currently being purchased (as opposed to being produced), you probably won't like this.
For an early 70's American supernatural thriller, it does well. The only real 'camp' comes from the cast itself. William Shatner, John Travolta, Tom Skerrit...It's hard to not laugh at Ernest Borgnine as the red-cloaked Satanic High Priest. I wish I could see it without knowing anything about the actors. It might be more engrossing.
The cinematics balance it out, though. Visually, it's like a cross between 'Duel' & 'Little house on the Prairie'. Big, contemplative shots of a small town in the open West. Story-telling that really pulls you in with patience & style. The last parts are an incredible wave of bad effects that goes on for so long you start to buy into it, but the end pays off huge. Worth paying attention to.
Tom Sawyer (1907)
the 1st film version of the Mark Twain classic
The only fact I know about this is that it was produced by Paramount. This is also one of the 1st films I've seen where the concept of 'cinematography' seemed to be employed consciously. Most silent films have modern musical scores added to them, and they often don't seem very relevant to the film. The version I saw has a gorgeous score, full of character & insight, as if the musical director seemed to -gasp- care about the job at hand. My only regret is that I didn't see the cast of characters. Huck & Tom were played by some great actors.
Quand j'avais 5 ans je m'ai tué (1994)
Like watching an episode of the "Phantome Power Hour"
this movie is a lot like an episode of the Phantome Power Hour....makes NO sense, yet....it's highly entertaining. If you've seen "The Guy what Stayed Around Too Long" or "Sucks to be a Vet", you're prepared. "I Shoot Myself" is another fine piece by this filmmaker.