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Reviews
Midway (1976)
How bad is this movie ? Let me count the ways.
How bad is this movie ? Let me count the ways... Alright, I'm a WWII history buff and I have seen some really good WWII movies. This is NOT one of them. This is very unfortunate because The Battle Of Midway is one of the most important naval battles ever fought in the entire history of the world. Others before me here have pointed out various problems with this movie so I will try not to rehash them. It is obvious that this movie was made on a shoestring budget, and part of that problem is that they may have spent too much on the salaries of the actors. Just about every actor in the film, even in the smallest of roles, is a big star. Plus, it's obvious that they stole scenes from other movies, including "Tora ! Tora ! Tora !" which is a MUCH better movie, and far more historically accurate. There are many glaring inaccuracies in this movie, but I think the worst omission, is the sinking of the USS Yorktown. The USS Yorktown was an integral part of the Battle Of Midway, and its sinking was a terrible loss. But it isn't even mentioned in the film. This is a great disservice to the mens' lives who were lost on her as well as the heroic efforts of the men to save her. If you don't know ANYTHING about WWII, you might be entertained for a few hours with this. If you DO know anything about WWII, you will be sorely disappointed in this hack job, and I wouldn't waste my time.
It's a terrible shame too, because it is one of the most important battles ever fought, and if it had been done with the same style and care as Tora ! Tora ! Tora !, it would have been a great film. But it's a turkey.
Operation Crossbow (1965)
Secret Mission To Destroy The German V-1 & V-2 Weapons Threatening England
This is actually a very good movie with a lot more truth behind it than one might imagine. As this is a British movie, it was a very smart marketing idea to have a famous American actor, George Peppard, and a famous Italian actress, Sophia Loren, co-star in it. This way they could say "Starring (insert famous British actor name here)" when marketed in Britain, and advertise it as "Starring George Peppard" and "Starring Sophia Loren", when marketed in the U.S.A.and Italy respectively. This gives the makers of the film a much larger audience than just Britain. George Peppard and Sophia Loren have significant roles, but are not the stars of the movie. Details like portraying Hanna Reitsch and having accurate, and very good special effects make this far better than most World War II movies. Especially since most of the stars of the movie don't survive. If you enjoy historical accuracy, a well thought-out plot, and the unexpected, then I think you will find this movie a top-notch production and well worth watching. Without spoiling the ending, I will tell you though that the Gemans did not win the war.
The Time of Their Lives (1946)
I liked it :)
Although not a great fan of Abbott & Costello ( alright, who can forget the Susquehana Hat Company ? Niagara Falls ? ! ROFL ! ), I do think this is one of their best films, particularly since Bud & Lou never actually interact with one another. I found it very enjoyable.
Dark Night of the Scarecrow (1981)
I liked it :)
I like movies where attention is paid to detail and there are surprises. What am I talking about ? See the ketchup scene in this movie. <g > Charles Durning, one of my favorite actors, is deliciously evil in this movie and Larry Drake so sweet and innocent. It also has something to say about prejudice and justice which I like.
Battle of the Bulge (1965)
LOUSY
As a student of WWII history, this is a most disappointing movie. The glaring inaccuracies, confused storyline, and stereotypical characters ruin what could have been an exciting and educational film. Instead it uses cheap production values, ( United States Army M-60 tanks from the 1960's are supposed to look like 1940's German Tiger and King Tiger tanks ??? !!! ) ( German officer to subordinate: " What do you mean we forgot to bring the gasoline ? ! Don't they have gas stations in Belgium ? ! " ), silly plot lines and a terrible waste of an all-star cast. Got 2 hours to waste ? Don't even bother wasting it on this turkey.
Battle of the Bulge (1965)
LOUSY
As a student of WWII history, this is a most disappointing movie. The glaring inaccuracies, confused storyline, and stereotypical characters ruin what could have been an exciting and educational film. Instead it uses cheap production values, ( United States Army M-60 tanks from the 1960's are supposed to look like 1940's German Tiger and King Tiger tanks ??? !!! ) ( German officer to subordinate: " What do you mean we forgot to bring the gasoline ? ! Don't they have gas stations in Belgium ? ! " ), silly plot lines and a terrible waste of an all-star cast. Got 2 hours to waste ? Don't even bother wasting it on this turkey.
Witness for the Prosecution (1982)
PERFECT whodunit !
I have never liked the murder mystery genre. However, this is one of my favorite films. I have also seen the original 1957 version starring Marlene Dietrich and think this version is far better. Why ? Because this version is more compelling, and the cast is excellent. But by far, it is because Diana Rigg is PERFECT in her role and outshines the rest of the cast.
Barry Lyndon (1975)
One of Kubrick's BEST & certainly one of Ryan O'Neal's BEST pictures.
Barry Lyndon is one of my favorite pictures of all time. I first saw it in the theatre when it was first released in early 1976. I have recently purchased it on DVD. Although I am generally not drawn to period costume dramas, the protagonist played by Ryan O'Neal is complex. While he is certainly a cheat, a liar, a deserter, and has many more negative qualities, he also displays LOVE, courage and compassion at times. Sometimes when you least expect it because you know what a thoroughly dishonorable scoundrel he is. And since the movie is also a study of the times as much as a study of a man, I have thought for a long time that Kubrick should have simply titled the movie " The Life and Times ", rather than the more cryptic " Barry Lyndon ".