movingwater Reviews

The Man Who Skied Down Everest (1975)

Give the skier a break!

[8/10 · 18 November 2022]

After reading some reviews, I thought I might post a rejoinder. Others complain that the skier "only" actually skied a stretch of the Lho tse face, the glacier, which ruined their enjoyment as it does not live up to the title.

But to me, that seems like complaining "that a band produced only a single hit." Come on. How many hits did you produce? Remember, Yuichiro Miura, did not make the film. He didn't write the title. The film did use his admittedly pretentious diary accounts for the script, but he never talks about trying to ski from the summit to the base. He did ski very high on the mountain. I think that is an amazing achievement.

The film's critics also complain of the expedition size. But most Everest attempts used these huge parties to assault the mountain. The small, "Alpine style" was only just emerging in the west and didn't really start until with Reinhold Messner, when he and Peter Habeler climbed Gasherbrum I (K5) without oxygen equipment in 1975.

This is a beautiful film documenting a genuine mountaineering feat. The fact that he fell and slid much of the way doesn't detract from the effort of my interest in it. Sure, Miura gets a bit carried away in his writing style but that reflects more on the culture of the 60's in Nepal. This was the hippy era after all.

Alienate (2016)

If I could award negative stars. I would.

[1/10 · 4 October 2022]

Growing up in the 60's I watched those kitschy 50's "creature features", mocking the poor special effects and over-wrought acting.

Those we're cinema classics compared to this dreck. The extras, dead in the streets acted their parts as well as the leads. The central idea, such as it was, getting home to girlfriend made sense. But the disjointed editing made the plot derail rather quickly. At least they didn't try to design a monster/alien costume but left them or completely, except for their killing device's energy burst. Finally, I cold also hear the actors reading lines, so sound department was fine.

The Sting (1973)

A Perfect Film

[10/10 · 21 September 2022]

The Sting continues to entertain, long after George Roy Hill put it in the can in 1973. From the bleak, Depression Era sets, to Marvin Hamlisch's stylistic, "rag time" score, Hill creates a fully realized universe, populated by compelling, sympathetic characters. Although complicated, the plot unfolds logically. No lingering doubts as to what or why events play out as they do. One of Hollywood's best caper films, released the year that the big production companies hit their stride, joined by The Exorcist, American Graffiti, Papillon, Serpico, The Way We Were, etc. With other great movies, notably Star Wars, which returned the studios to space and gave us the Alien series.

7th Cavalry (1956)

Poorly cast

[5/10 · 21 July 2022]

At 58, Scott was just too old for the role. Not just being only a Captain, but still in cavalry. Not realistic he would have physicality for the activity his character displays.

Dark Winds (2022– )

As good as television gets

[10/10 · 14 July 2022]

This adaptation of Hillerman's characters works at every level one expects from really good television. The writing, acting, editing and cinematography all deserve recognition. The Dine world experience vividly, honestly and kindly created, within a "thriller" police format makes a compelling series. A great "binge".

Eden Lake (2008)

Why oh why!

[5/10 · 14 April 2022]

Really, the film is very high quality, pacing, cinematography, writing all fine. My objection is a basic plot point: self/defense!

Two capable adults should recognize the need and legal right of self defense. No explanation is offered as to why they both just submit to the increasingly brutal violence endured. Didn't make sense.

Yellowstone (2018– )

Pointless

[2/10 · 3 January 2022]

I can toerate much in order to watch westerns. Having grown up with Bonanza, The Big Valley, etc. Even Tales of Wells Fargo. So I really wanted to enjoy Yellowstone.

Imagine my disappointment to find a terrible show! Great cast, production values, B-roll, etc. But mostly, Boring!!

Passing (I) (2021)

Blah...blah

[1/10 · 19 December 2021]

Fine. But, come on. This is a boring movie. At least it's short. What space she made for drama, she filled with mood. Really liked to focus on hands for no particular reason.

Time Trap (2017)

Still...worth the watch..

[4/10 · 25 August 2021]

Sure. The premise is a tired sci-fi device. The writing, acting, and pace all leave much time be desired. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the movie, watched it all, and was satisfied with the resolution. Don't pay but if you see it free, give it a watch.

Black Box (II) (2020)

Nothing new, almost

[8/10 · 19 July 2021]

Sure. It all seems vaguely familiar to Black Mirror, Blum House, etc. Fans. But, what sets this apart is that this movie is populated by black actors, without being a story about BLM, rap, gangsta, Atlanta (tv show not city) culture. These characters are doctors, photographers, homeowners, etc. Just regular middle class life, well, disrupted by tragic, disarming events, that, ultimately, ends as a familiar love story. A father for his daughter.

The Open House (2018)

No one knows.

[7/10 · 6 June 2021]

Any reviews that identify the antagonist don't understand the point of The Open House. Which makes this film so very interesting.

Well paced, plotted and conceived. Sure. The acting and writing wasn't great, but perfectly adequate for the film.

"Horror" movie? No. "Thriller" better captures the genre. A true "Who done it?"

Ouija 3: The Charlie Charlie Challenge (2016)

Wildly amateurish!

[2/10 · 5 June 2021]

Looks like a film school project. At least production values are passable. Well lit, sound adequate, pacing works. Passing grade for class project, but unacceptable as a commercial release.

Tenet (2020)

Merely "Confusing" would be easier

[6/10 · 31 May 2021]

I found Inception easier to follow. The action keeps the film's pace humming along sufficiently not to worry about following the plot. But if one needs to "understand" the action, other than merely surviving, perhaps look elsewhere.

Like other reviewers, I suspect a or even third watch might be required to fully inform the viewer. But then, maybe not.

Better to surrender to the not understanding and just enjoy the ride.

Stowaway (I) (2021)

Don't bother

[2/10 · 25 April 2021]

The only reason to watch this is if you feel compelled to watch anything these actors make. Otherwise, it's too hard to watch. The dramatic pace (slow), the unexplained basic plot points, and the bad science combine to make the movie not worth the watch.

With so much happening, space launch, cool ship, impending tragedy, the editor managed to make a snooze fest!

The "stowaway" somehow managed to get sealed into a critical component. How? Why? By whom? No answers. That might have proved interesting. Furthermore, how could he possibly not have been missed? Ridiculous.

The critical component has no backup?! Unlikely. Even your car has a spare tire. Algae dying off? Have you ever tried to get rid of an algae bloom? The cockroach of plant life - you can't kill it off.

The errors just pile too high to bear watching,

The Equalizer (2021– )

Get better writers!

[3/10 · 1 March 2021]

All the production values & screen talent can't save bad writing. The plots are canned and the writing is boring and cliche. More fun to watch turning off the sound and making up your own dialogue.

Wonder Woman 1984 (2020)

What just happened?

[1/10 · 29 December 2020]

How did they have the guts to release this movie? Target audience must be right year old girls, nothing wrong with that, but let us know. I felt badly for the stars that they were even involved.

Aliens (1986)

Great action. Annoying dialogue. Disappointing creature.

[7/10 · 28 October 2020]

I like Bill Paxton, except in this. His character apparently was supposed to provide some humor. But the tone annoys so outrageously, both the braggert marine, precontact, and the whiny marine after-action. Even another character tells him to just, "Shut up!" Literally.

But his is only the best example. There is the butch Latina, complaining about her liutenant in her single Spansh phrase, other than "vamanos" and "Vaya con Díos," so three phrases. The bungling, young officer, who conveniently gets knocked out so Ripley can take charge. The venal corporate stooge, not only responsible for sending the "families" into harm's way, but also setting up Ripley for the violent death from her nightmares. Finishing with the creature, a faint shadow of the adaptable killing machine of the original. These creatures look like puppets of the original!

Fortunately, the actual action is pretty engaging and well done. One almost has a better experience watching without the dialogue. Maybe mute the sound and watch while listening to a record. (What we used to call recorded music.)

Gunsmoke: Abe Blocker (1962) Season 8, Episode 11

Amazing television

[10/10 · 11 August 2020]

We (over 60) grew up with Gunsmoke, but from a child's eyes it was just a good cowboy show. Watching the series again as an adult, I'm amazed at how really special are some of the episodes. Abe Blocker from this season and season 7, episode 22, The Gallows, really take my breath away. Television showing what it could have become.

Unforgotten (2015– )

Slow but steady burn.

[7/10 · 3 June 2020]

As a series, Unforgotten is well worth your investment in time. The payoff may be slow in coming, but very big. The players, as with many UK productions performance maintains the highest standards, down to the most insignificant parts. For a crime drama, there is almost no violence. No mayhem. No car chases. Just explorations of the human condition and the consequences of our behavior, however remote.

Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood (2019)

Brad & Margaret

[9/10 · 1 April 2020]

Brad Pitt and Margaret Qualley really steal the show! Every week they share the sorts really fly. Between her youthful exuberance and Brad's laid back cool the two captured the spirit of the film. The ride out to the Spano Film Ranch had me smiling for the whole day.

The Lone Star Trail (1943)

Hey, isn't that Robert Mitchum!

[3/10 · 1 March 2020]

That's right. This 1943 B Western from Tex Ritter introduced "Bob" Mitchum in his first year as a credited Hollywood actor. With a few lines, spoken in that smooth baritone for which Mitchum would soon become famous, a vary young Mitchum mostly looks around a little but surprised to be in a movie!

Easy enough to view, The Lone Star Trail has nothing much more interesting to offer. Typical of the period for westerns, a few songs, a couple of fights, and good ultimately triumphs over adversity.

The Gunfight at Dodge City (1959)

Early "modern" Western

[8/10 · 28 January 2020]

Released in 1959, Gunfight falls squarely into the "modern" Western genre, rather than the '50 studio-system mellow-drama westerns. Joel McRae's plays his character with complex motivations, emotions, and loyalties. Unlike his earlier work, here McRae is not the 100% hero in white hat. Instead he plays a man struggling to decide what is right and fair. Both in his personal life, in which he wrestles over which of several love interests best suits him; and in job, taking over his murdered brother's sheriff job. As Bat, McRae has a dark side, which he must confront to become the man he wants to be.

The only dissatisfying element to the plot comes in the climactic final scene. The outcome feels contrived and rushed. Almost as though the producer told the director, "Okay, that's enough. Let's wrap this up."

Ultimately, though, Gunfight takes its place as one of Joel McRae's finest, and most entertaining films.

Law of the Lawless (1964)

Decent B Western

[7/10 · 17 December 2019]

Decent B Western but with one of the better frontier criminal trials I've seen in a movie. Seems very realistic by modern standards, (other than the sheriff acting as prosecutor).

The Eiger Sanction (1975)

Best viewed as a climbing movie

[4/10 · 21 September 2019]

This odd entry in the Eastwood filmography is better watched as a climbing film than a thriller. Skip or ignore the scenes until George Kennrdy joins, forgive the sub-plot with "Jemima" as a '70's oddity, and don't worry about following the spy plot and the movie is lots of fun. I enjoyed watching Clint work his way up the Eiger. (Although the notion that a man the size of Clint Eastwood being a world-class climber is absurd.) It's also fun to see the period outdoor and climbing gear. I wish I still had my pair of Vasque Hikers Clint wears, although how useful they might be in technical climbing is doubtful. A fun movie to watch, but not a serious thriller, dated by time.

The Duel at Silver Creek (1952)

Fine western but for the 1940's noir jargon

[5/10 · 5 August 2019]

Whose to say how folks spoke during western expansion following the civil war. But, it seems unlikely they sounded like they were acting a 1940's Noir film, using nicknames like Lighting and Bown Eyes, fighting Rat Face and Johnny Sombrero!