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Road House (1989)
Entertaining
Disregard all the nay-saying reviews; this is a fun, satisfying film to watch. Sure it's predictable and it's often over the top, but it's a romp, too, and a lot of fun.
Although Dalton studied philosophy, one would go astray trying to attach a deep philosophy to the film. I would have liked, however, some closure with regard to Dalton's personal demons which supposedly devolve from a backstory episode where he had to kill in self-defense.
I especially appreciated Ben Gazzara's bad guy portrayal and his "come- uppance was sufficiently vengeful and of course, more than richly deserved.
As usual Sam Elliot was a hoot and Kelly Lynch held up her end with humor, grace, beauty and aplomb.
Brooklyn's Finest (2009)
A Wonderful Find
I usually post reviews when I'm grumpy about some "film" I've just watched and found lacking. In this case, I can only recommend "Brookly's Finest" so very highly (I've never seen a perfect movie and I'll only rate a handful at 9, so 8 is my high grade). The acting is believable, the cinematography appropriately dark, and very well done. (artistic cinematography is wonderful--as in "Chicago" or "October Sky"--but often the only requirement is to tell to the story, and this one succeeds without a hitch).
The story is engaging and timely, and the surprises come along at just about the right pace. Director Fuqua IS apparently enamored of having bullets whiz in from instantaneously anonymous shooters, and even one more of those scenes would have been one too many. As it is, I expect it will (or has) become one of his trademarks.
Rio Grande (1950)
Not much, even for that era
The cinematography is terrific, but this over-rated film really isn't worth watching. Ms. O'Hara's performance is unrealistic for her situation, John Wayne just plays John Wayne, and the rest of the cast go about their duties as if they were paid by the hour.
The lack of story values (as opposed to production values) in the early days of movie-making can be forgiven to a point, but the sophomoric dialog for every character is painful. Furthermore, Wayne's movies up to "True Grit" required very little effort on his part (including "Stagecoach" and the rest)and it shows. And shows.
The Sons of the Pioneers contributed greatly to any redeeming qualities this movie might have, but the continuous layering of the theme song, "I'll Take You Home Again, Kathleen" is over the top.
I'm continually reminded that just because a movie is old doesn't mean it rates our high opinion.
Superman Returns (2006)
Lack of storytelling principles
There are some wonderful moments in this film, but all were ruined for me as it became evident I would not be told a "real" story.
Rather than following the hard-won lore of storytelling as described in the Hero's Journey by Joseph Campbell, Chris Vogler and others, this movie contains several beginnings and endings, sometimes without the benefit of a bridging middle to one of the beginnings/ending pairs. Furthermore, attempts to "raise the stakes" and create real viewer empathy is almost totally missing.
Let's hope the next Superman movie (as well as the next Batman movie) can attract some writing and directing talent.
Batman Begins (2005)
A jumble of groovy scenes
There are some wonderful scenes but the movie left me cold since it didn't tell a "real" story.
Rather than following the hard-won lore of storytelling as described in the Hero's Journey by Joseph Campbell, Chris Vogler and others, the plot meandered, starting a new thread, failing to end another, and then jumping back to a thread which had petered out. Finally, the viewer was left not really caring what happened, resigned to watching special effects for their own sake rather than as part of the story.
Let's hope the next Batman movie (as well as the next Superman movie, et al) can attract some writing and directing talent.
Once Upon a Time in Mexico (2003)
Not really a story, but more of a 'Happening"
Rodriguez will not agree with me, but he rose fairly rapidly from the ranks of the un-anointed to the rank of Almost Super Director. This shortened period of suffering didn't allow him to question or understand the lore of storytelling, and his movies show it.
I'm sorry I spent time watching this movie, but I was drawn in by the trailer, the theme and the stars who (I'm guessing, unwittingly?) gave of their talent to make this aimless happening.
Until Rodriguez shows some indication of having read and understood the "hero's journey" as described by Joseph Campbell, Chris Vogler, and others he won't attract my attention again.
He's not alone: the last Superman movie, the last Batman movie--to name but two "blockbusters"--suffer the same, lame lack of attention to the hard-won lore of storytelling.
Unforgiven (1992)
General Critique
As is often the case when movies are made which reflect an earlier time, little attention is given to the ways of speech of the time being presented. In this case, for instance, several references are similar to the comment by one of the prostitutes where she says, Little Bill "kicked the s**t out of" your partner. This phraseology did not gain popularity until well after WWII, coming into use in the early 1950's.
Note also that Eastwood's performance early in the movie leaves much to be desired when he attempts to show his incompetence at catching and sorting pigs, and in mounting a horse which had grown wary of riders. That is, his apparent clumsiness is an example of amateurish and unbelievable "acting."
Overall, the movie is absorbing and amazingly different with wonderful cinematography and splendid acting by both Freeman and Hackman. Thank goodness Eastwood's "nose for a good story" didn't involve any writing by him since we've seen how inept he can be in such movies as "Gran Turino."
Band of Brothers (2001)
Inaccurate Dialog
I was just a lad during WWII, but as the son of a military officer I heard a lot of cussing, all of which would sound downright quaint today.
Therefore, my ability to "suspend belief" was pretty much destroyed by the modern sound of the actor's dialog in this series, particularly when using so called "foul language." They sounded like modern soldiers to me, and this is not the only time DreamWorks has failed in this regard. "Saving Private Ryan" suffered from this--as well as some other--anachronism(s).
The cost of movie production could easily include a couple hundred dollars for someone a bit older than Spielberg to take a quick look, so I'll classify this shortcoming as an amazing, disappointing, and unnecessary failure by the writers and the studio.