Change Your Image
jack-260
Reviews
Animusic (2001)
Beautiful!
Years ago, I happened across an experimental piece of musical video animation titled "More Bells and Whistles" and was quite taken with its novelty. I searched to no avail for an original "Bells and Whistles".
Recently, while having my son check out various films from the University of Hawaii Library, I transposed 2 digits on one of my requests and what I got was "Animusic".
Oh, Happy Day!
There is no original "Bells and Whistles", but what IS on the DVD more than satisfied my original desire for more of the same.
Yet my appetite is whetted and I look forward to "Animusic 2". So does my son, an avid percussionist.
The Invisible (2007)
The Plot Outline presently in use is untrue. That sucks!
The protagonist isn't really dead...yet...and the antagonist is fully visible to others. What's neat is how she grows in herself to the point where she is led to save him. One lesson to learn is that there's a little bad in everyone and at least a little good in _almost_ everyone (pretty wishy-washy, yeah? But true!) and those qualities can come to the fore. Even his mom eventually came around (a major tear-jerk moment) which I was happy to witness. I was less enthusiastic about her not surviving, but she did avoid having to answer for her crimes in this life. I gave the film 7-of-10, which means it's good for one viewing, but it is not something to be watched again and again. Wait for the video release...and _rent_ it.
Jour de fête (1949)
Overall, not quite as funny as the short.
The short, School For Postmen (Ecole Des Facteurs, L')...my rating is 9...is in French but without subtitles. At least it was so as an inclusion on the videotape of Jour De Fete that I saw. It includes most if not all of the bicycle stunts (reshot afterward in other locales) enjoyed in the feature. The additional footage is not as funny as the bicycling, but there's an amusing side bit that has nothing to do with the plot itself. The movie is in B&W, but bits of color are added along the way...red & blue, then orange, then green...and those color bits (flags, pennants, ferris wheel top, etc.) stay on the rest of the way through. There's an artist doing pencil sketches at the fair where much of the action takes place. Whatever he colors in his drawing takes on & keeps those colors. A colorized version of this film would immediately lose that bit of whimsy.
Tall Tales & Legends: John Henry (1986)
What "animation"?
This was one of the famed (and deservedly so) Shelley Duvall live action presentations from the mid-'80s.
Danny Glover acted the title role with verve and sensitivity. Tom Hulce did a fine job as his Boswell.
Director Ray Danton took some chances with his subtle sex/love stories in a work that seems to have been aimed at the elementary school crowd. I refer of course to J.L. Watkins ("I'm too much man for any one woman.") with a lady-friend on either arm...and also to the effort Big John put into winning the affections of his love (sweetly played by Lynn Whitfield).
The early mano-a-mano challenge and the courtship are extras...not part of the story...but they filled in the time leading up to the legend itself very nicely.
Barry Corbin and Lew Rawls also appeared in the cast.
There is no animation associated with this entry (that I could find).
Les chutes (1897)
Getting it right....
The Plot Summary says, "...looks west from the U.S. side, with the river running right to left...". Reviewer J Hailey also mentions the swift current and the small island (see below).
Trivia says, "First film shot in Canada".
Reviewer Snow Leopard mentions, "2 parts of the falls with water rushing past in the foreground and farther toward the background a stretch of the falls themselves". Reviewer Alice Liddel notes the same arrangement.
Snow Leopard also mentions "an observation point in the middle of the falls". Reviewer James Haugh writes of that same small island and goes on to say that the shot was from Goat Island back toward the American falls.
I lived in the area some 50 years ago. Niagara Falls consists of two cataracts, the 'American' and the 'Horseshoe'. They are separated by Goat Island (U.S. soil, not Canadian). The Niagara River flows straight out of the 'Horseshoe' falls and downstream left to right below the 'American' falls.
The quoted part of the Plot Summary is flat wrong. Looking west from anywhere along the face of the 'American' falls, from the right (or east) bank out to Goat Island, would be a view across the gorge below the falls toward the left (or west) bank. The 'American' falls range basically north-south. Looking south along the lip toward Goat Island, the river runs left to right. Ditto for a shot "west" (south, really) from Goat Island...and there was no islet or observation point between there and the Canadian side.
The Trivia entry *could* be right. I saw the film about 10 years ago and don't recall it precisely, but it *feels* right with the description of the water rushing past in the foreground (running right to left). The view would be from Canada, back upstream a bit from their end of the 'Horseshoe' (to capture the river's rush). The stretch of the falls in the background would be the 'American' falls in their entirety. That observation point would be Goat Island.
But the shot could as easily have been *from* Goat Island. I recall that before I came to the area, there used to be an islet between Goat Island and the U.S. side and there may have been an observation point on it, but it has since fallen over the lip. The view, however, would have to be "east" (north, really, along the face of the 'American' falls...but with right to left flow) toward the U.S. bank. That side of the river is relatively shallow with lots of rocks breaking up the surface. The water doesn't rush past so much as it splashes past, unlike the deeper 'Horseshoe' falls.
Lumiere would have taken the most interesting shot possible, right? To my mind's eye, that would be from the Canadian side as described above, but he would have had to deal with the mist that is constantly rising from the pool at the foot of the 'Horseshoe'. Second best would be from the U.S. side out past Goat Island and centered on the 'Horseshoe', as little or no mist rises from the rubble at the foot of the 'American'.
I'm looking for a copy of The Movies Begin so I can re-view this clip.
Speaking of Animals Volume #2 (1993)
I've seen a rather different version of Volume 2
But I'll speak first of Volume 1 which I have on a beta tape copyrighted in 1983 by Jerry Fairbanks and released by U.S.A. Home Video Presents. It includes 'Speaking of Animals and Their Families' (1943 Academy Award) and 'Who's Who in Animal Land' ('45 Oscar). The other titles on the tape are 'Monkey Business', 'Fun on the Farm', 'The Hill-Billies', 'Swingin' on a Star', 'The 3 Little Sisters', and 'Animal-ology'. The 2 award-winners are listed separately in IMDb, but as far as I have been able to determine, the other 6 are not.
Now, Volume 2...I have it on that same tape. I don't know how it got there but it obviously didn't come from the store that way. However.... The titles included are 'Video Hounds', 'A Musical Way', 'The Lonesome Stranger', 'Calling All Animals', 'Your Pet Problem', and 'From A to Zoo'. Not a match in the bunch to what another reviewer listed, and not one of the 12 titles has a separate listing in IMDb.
Yes, they're amusing, but the films could never be made today. They are NOT politically correct.
Category 7: The End of the World (2005)
Gina G. as head of FEMA?
Makes as much sense as Bush's guy. She did a better job, too.
Amen, Chris...and what was the last hour like for you? Here we got 5 minutes of film and 10 minutes of ads...it seemed like that, anyway. For the last half hour, I kept track and I promise not to buy or use any of the products or services that I noted there-in. It was totally ridiculous!
Yeah, the early voters ought to be tossed out. We know they didn't watch the whole thing. Shot their mouths off with insufficient information.
The movie? Not too bad...I'd say 8 out of 10. I did have a problem with some of the weather/cloud SPFX...way fake. And the weather cleared up much too quickly when the power was shut off. Not to mention that this type of presentation always has to have a "message" tacked on at the end, just in case somebody didn't get it earlier...over-kill, I call it.
Sister Dearest (1984)
I wish! What I saw was "Back To Class"
I feel not quite right giving a 5 rating to the movie "Sister Dearest", but that's what's available. Really, "Back To Class" should have its own entry in IMDb. Lack of continuity is what did the film in for me, but maybe that's what cutting Traci Lords' scenes did. There were some exciting scenes left, but the whole seemed haphazardly put together.
I feel somewhat deprived at never having seen the original, but there is a sequel ("Back To Class 2", 1988 I think). The production values are much higher so it's a better viewing experience...a 7 at least.
Le médecin du château (1908)
Regarding A Duplicate
Perhaps the entries under "Physician of the Castle, The" (1908) should be moved to this title. It is after all the same movie.
Well done by cast and crew. The only problem I have with it is the telescoped time for Doc & the Ruler to get back to Doc's house...it seemed too short.
Moscou sous la neige (1909)
Fascinating idea....
Run segment 4 first, then segment 1 (the first half, up to where the column of soldiers passes the broken bell) and it could almost be the introduction to a James Bond spy thriller. Didja notice in segment 2 (just after the mushroom market scene) that even in those days there were both hams and people who were camera-shy?
Anal Annie and the Willing Husbands (1985)
Borrowing the soapbox for a moment....
Very disappointing. AA & The Backdoor Housewives (first in the series & a 9 by me) had some really hot scenes...but more than that, the camera work was superb. Here in the collection's #2, the filmer seemed taken with recording _faces_ during much of the more interesting action. The film earns a 6. We view these films to observe that interesting action, not the faces...at least not to the extent that happened here. A brief shot of the face from time to infrequent time to indicate intense feeling is OK, but elsewise reveal that interesting action. It needn't be close-ups; full-length shots are good, too...as long as they include that interesting action. Thanks...you can have your soapbox back now.
Hercules: Zero to Hero (1999)
Worthwhile if you haven't seen the series.
This Disney feature includes 3 episodes from the television show "Hercules" and a new connecting story of Meg (Susan Egan) learning about her muscled hubby's teen past when he was already strong but lacked control. The segments deal with his first day of High School and visits by the Grim Avenger and by his father, Zeus. In the voice cast, the key returnee is Tate Donavan as our Hero. I much prefer the Disney animation of the cartoons of the mid-30s and on, but this work by the TV people is adequate.
Make Mine Music (1946)
Still worth viewing
The DVD version I've just seen included 9 of the original 10 segments. The loss of The Martins & the Coys is lamentable. This DVD did not include two titles listed as inclusions by IMDb...Two for the Record and The Misadventures of Chip & Dale...neither of which I've seen. I'd rated Martins/Coys (seen elsewhere) at 8 and usually rate a C&D 'toon at 8, so not much change there. This DVD did include 3 other titles, but not as part of the featured program...I rate Music Land, The Band Concert, and Farmyard Symphony at 9 each. Other 9s from the original line-up are All the Cats Join In (great art-work _and_ great memories), Casey at the Bat (comedian Colona was a fine choice as the narrator), Johnny Fedora and Alice Bluebonnet (good art & super love story), and Peter and The Wolf (excellent match between the action & the music). After You've Gone is an 8...Jazz isn't my thing, but the visuals are nothing short of fantastic. Blue Bayou and Without You are nicely drawn but monochromatic and the music is unmemorable...both are rated 7. So are Two Silhouettes (I expected 2S-on-the-Shade & was disappointed) (& I _know_ I've seen -Shade done by Disney somewhere, somewhen) and Willie's story (I just don't like the way the tale turned out). So, based on the 4 9s, an 8, & 4 7s, Make Mine Music is an 8.
To See Such Fun (1977)
Disappointing
There were some funny bits included herewith, but as there was no narration and no other identification of the snippets, I find myself with no way to further research the snippet sources so I might find and view the whole feature. A 6.
Sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi (2001)
What an odd experience!
The animation becomes magical (the best involves a trip across the sea), but cultural mythology might limit total understanding of what's happening. I sure could've used scene-by-scene write-ups to explain why sometimes the good guys became bad guys...or vice-versa.
Zion Canyon: Treasure of the Gods (1996)
Somewhat disappointing
in that the film is less about the National Park than it is about some isolated incidents in the Park's history. The 'treasure' (from the film's content) is a gold cross...lost thrice, but found only twice.
A better use of the title would have been to show how the Park came to be...both geologically and by development. The physical features of Zion Canyon and its surroundings are the REAL treasure.
Educating Nina (1984)
What I saw of it was winner material!
I didn't get to view the entire tape. As part of a discussion, a friend was showing me excerpts from his collection and the segments he showed me of this one starred Miss Hartley. 'The Birthday Gift' also featured Karen Summer (another favorite of mine)...the girl/girl action was exciting while the reaction of the ignored hubby was quite amusing. I couldn't identify the 'Male Stripper', but it's the first tale of its type (he gets it on *onstage* with a member of the audience) that I can recall seeing anywhere. Each segment rates an 8 individually, but since I have yet to see the rest of this offering, I can only give the totality a 7. I'm still actively seeking a rental copy of this video so I can update my files and my IMDb vote.
Finally! After 10+ years of occasional searches, I have at last seen the full film. I can now give it the 8 (up from 7) that it deserves, thanks mostly to the Aunt Peg segment. Based on other recent viewings, I would say Nina has aged beautifully.
The Singing Nun (1966)
Good music....
The film is somewhat syrupy and a bit simplistic, but correct in most essentials and, after all, quite entertaining. The music, of course, is the best thing about it...quite uplifting. "Raindrops" is my particular favorite, but the duet on "Beyond the Stars" is excellent as well. Miss Reynolds' voice is more than adequate to do justice to the music, most of which (I see from the Soundtrack listings) Sister Sourire wrote herself.
The Women (1939)
A fun film
Taking up the challenge to find the male in the movie, I succeeded! In the scene specified by another User, there is a photo on the table by the wall directly behind Sylvia as she speaks the line noted...is it a male? It seems so from the hair style.
But there is another! Earlier in that same scene, the women are glancing through a high society news-magazine...on the back page of which is what appears to be an advertisement dominated by a man's portrait.
So we've now discovered TWO male images in this 'all-female' film. Are there more?
Sister Dearest (1984)
I wish! What I saw was "Back To Class"
I feel not quite right giving a 5 rating to the movie "Sister Dearest", but that's what's available. Really, "Back To Class" should have its own entry in IMDb. Lack of continuity is what did the film in for me, but maybe that's what cutting Traci Lords' scenes did. There were some exciting scenes left, but the whole seemed haphazardly put together.
I feel somewhat deprived at never having seen the original, but there is a sequel ("Back To Class 2", 1988 I think). The production values are much higher so it's a better viewing experience...a 7 at least.
China Sisters (1979)
Some good in it, some not so good....
Under the 'good' (mind you, this is MY opinion...your taste may differ), I'd list the girl/girl, the teacher/student, & the wife-in-the-closet scenes. 'Not so good' are the gay boyfriend (I doubt that one's orientation can be changed in that manner) & the rape (out of place everywhere except in products aimed at a very limited audience) scenes. I noted Vicky Lyon as the lead, Tina Wong as the sister, and Lisa Grant as the closet-dweller. I also noted a Bobbi Robinson in the credits, but for the life of me I can't find her on the tape. I looked them up in IMDb, but I find none of the 3 (or 4) with any credit elsewhere. Odd, I thought. Maybe Tina is Linda Wong (I gotta go find "Oriental Babysitter" to rent) later on & the others took on new identities too.
A Tale of Two Kitties (1942)
Still funny after all this time.
Actually, the response phrase, "I did! I taw a puddy tat!" WAS included. It was clever how the filmmakers got around the Hayes office to include the line about Catstello wanting to give Babbet "the bird". A solid 8 of 10.
Backside to the Future (1986)
An interesting premise
I know not much should be expected in the way of story quality in this genera, but every film should be internally consistent. Shouldn't she-as-an-adult have remembered something of the visitation from the future-when-she-was-a-teen? The teen-she invites her future hubby up her ass...surely the adult-she would have remembered THAT! Back home after their adventure, she mentions having been had by both her dad and her mom...PLUS her own teen self...and I couldn't help but wonder why HE didn't get a shot at the mom, too. It would have been an obvious encounter to me.
Stuart Little (1999)
Suspension of disbelief was working overtime here
No explanation of how or why mice speak...not only with humans, but also with cats! There's no evidence that cats & humans communicate although it's obvious that cats understand human speech. Jennifer Tilly is my favorite actress...it's weird, but her character manages to look (move, dress) just like her. I expect that in Stuart Little 2, the Little family will be moving out to Nebraska so that they can take advantage of living in the Little house on the prairie.
I'm a little (no pun intended) surprised that I enjoyed this film and I do recommend it. Rating? A solid 8-of-10.
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)
I wanted so much to give this a 10,
but the end was much too abrupt. The senior Senator's blurted confession on the Senate floor did the work of Smith's boys back home a bad service and their efforts were wasted. I had been looking forward to their success in getting the word out, never mind that it was just one city & just boys on bikes or with wagons. The Machine's goon tactics needed to be exposed and Taylor & the Gov should've been brought low. I suppose one could assume all that would happen after the film's end, but I wanted to see it for myself. Most especially the triumph of the boys. What was it anyway that finally crumbled Payne's cookie? He stormed out, then we heard "gunshots" (I thought he'd suicided...it would have been more in character than what did happen), then he stormed back in to make his confession...and I don't understand why. Maybe he somehow learned of the hurts suffered by the home boys. Of course the movie would have run somewhat longer had they gone the suicide-&-exposure route. Finally, I must say I really enjoyed the work done by Harry Carey as the Vice President. I got the impression that he enjoyed doing it. Had I my choice of parts to play in this production, for sure his is the role I'd choose.
But no more than 9-of-10...darn!