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cabaretwoman
Reviews
Take a Hard Ride (1975)
What a complete waste
Thank God blacks have gotten past this stage of films. How completely undignified.
Moreover, this was for me, a painful film to watch. Such a wonderful talent as Ronald Howard, playing the crooked preacher, in this, his last film, which turned out to be complete crap. The cameramen didn't even have the grace to give him one lousy decent shot. Every time it looks as though he might get a little bit of exposure, the camera returns to that damned Lee Van Cleef.
It is clear to see how this led him to finally abandon acting entirely. What a waste of talent.
Very sad indeed.
Sherlock Holmes (1954)
Thoroughly enjoyable
I'd never heard of this series, or even Ronald Howard, for that matter, until perchance I picked up a four-episode DVD in a dollar store. Now I'm completely hooked, and I must have *every* episode.
Ronald Howard is simply captivating here, and clearly enjoys his role. Just as another reviewer said, he makes the viewer believe he really *is* Sherlock Holmes.
Howard Marion-Crawford is splendid as Dr. Watson, as is Archie Duncan as the inept Instpector Lastrade. The series favors many guests over and over in various guest spots; some are good, though many are, well, pretty bad.
It is Mr. Howard that really makes the series. Wouldn't he be thrilled to know that fifty years after the show aired, and nearly 10 years after his passing, that there are a few of us enjoying this charming piece of work.
Here's to you, Mr. Howard. You were nothing short of wonderful.
Funny Girl (1968)
fabulous singer, horrid actress
I've listened to Streisand's singing all my life. I was one of the little girls who used to lip sync her songs in the mirror. Her musical talent is phenomenal. Her acting? Perfectly dismal.
I believe the young Barbra dubbed herself 'an actress who sings'. Please. Barbra plays Barbra. Period. She played the same whiny, irritating little kvetch when she did Yentl. Don't get me wrong, I've enjoyed all her films, but an actor she ain't.
If you want real drama from Barbra, straight from her heart, listen to any of her earliest albums, the ones she made in her twenties. Those are the works of which I believe she should be the proudest.
The Sleepy Time Gal (2001)
If you don't mind thinking, this film is for you.
This is another example of a film that will stay with you.
I am not going to go into a lengthy review here; why? A couple of other reviewers did so very well with their comments. Let me say simply that I found the film to be an interesting 'study' of relationships. I call it a study because is is a film that asks the viewer to listen carefully, and to think. I echo another reviewer in saying that the death scene is very realistic. (So many films make it so sparkling, they almost make death appealing). It was part of what made this film so good; I was amazed at how saddened and disturbed I became in watching Frances' last days.
Sling Blade (1996)
As always, Thornton is top notch
I will not elaborate on why this film is so well-crafted, as other users have already done. I will only say that I rented this film with the express desire to see another Thornton picture. After a few minutes I wondered, where's Billy Bob?
Now, THAT is an incredible actor. He has that rare ability to completely disappear into a character. There have been many so-called 'great actors' who simply cannot do that. They are the same in every role.
Cinderella (1965)
A lovely gem
I was also six years old when this charming little gem first aired. My mother and father recognized how mesmerized my sister and I were, and always let us stay up for it each time it came on. And now, thirty five years later, I clearly remember its wonderful, innocent simplicity. Having grown up in the sixties and seventies I can appreciate the lack of special effects films had access to in those days. Acting and cinematography were what made films. Reading the other user comments have helped to stir my memories. Lesley Ann Warren's innocence and grace were enchanting. The title role was perfectly cast. Walter Pidgeon and Ginger Rogers; what a wonderful, regal couple they made. And the young romance of the Prince and Cinderella even made my father weepy!
I probably haven't seen this film since I was ten. But the very lovely memory is still with me.
The Omega Code (1999)
To see quality entertainment, look elsewhere
Without a doubt, this is the worst film I've ever seen. I've seen bad films that were actually campy and meant to be silly.
Here, the dialogue was completely inane, the acting deplorable; actually sophomoric. The young deserted wife behaved like a whiney teenager. Casper Van Dien is far too young and cocky to be taken seriously in this role at least. I found him incredibly annoying, both his character and his delivery were, I'm sorry, thoroughly nauseating. I don't believe Michael York reviewed the script before signing on for this role. In some ways the acting was terrible in part because the story was so ridiculous, there wasn't much to do to work around it. If the story and text are bad, even decent acting will not make it work. Don't waste an evening on this one.