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Reviews
The Giant Claw (1957)
Bird Scares Three Year Old
I love old "monster movies" for the pure camp value. This one does not disappoint if you find that sort of thing amusing.
The acting is pure 1950s stilted crap. You do get used to it when you've seen enough of these... the dialogue is very silly and ultimately forgettable. You're just there for the giant bird.
The "science" in this movie is hilarious. A monstrous otherworldly avian that can manipulate anti-matter... intent on wreaking havoc and eating people... an alien who has come to Earth to nest. Some of the best scenes in the movie (that don't have the bird in them) include the "scientists" explaining what is going on.
A lot has been said about the ridiculous bird marionette. It looks like a new baby bird... bald and ugly with ruffled feathers. It even caws like a hungry, angry fledgling. However, the bird scared the crap out of my three year old, who had big scary bird nightmares for the evening. It's a bit creepy.
I was very sad about the scene where they shoot the egg. (Somehow the egg is not protected by an antimatter shield.) But I'm a bird lover, what can I say?
Around the Bend (2004)
Caine and Walken Are Reason Enough
To see this movie! Humor, pathos, sufficient acting, sensitive and thoughtful subject matter (without getting sappy), well-chosen locations, and a compact story help as well.
I hear the DVD has many missing scenes that are good as well, but I've always caught this one on the television.
Caine is funny and of course eminently watchable in just about anything he is in (Sleuth comes to mind!). Walken handles his role with understated aplomb. You find him slightly distasteful, but quite a scene stealer anyway, and quite likable. The younger family members are cast well.
A believable film.
Joshua (2007)
Depressing, strange, and answers no questions
This movie is very mediocre.
The park beating scene was my favorite. I spent all movie wanting to hit this kid. I only wish he would've gotten beaten to death. That would've been a better ending than the one they chose.
I think the kid had a homosexual urge for his uncle. That is twisted. I only wish they would have clarified the uncle's role a bit. And perhaps picked a better actor in that role.
McKean's small part was pretty solid.
This is not something I would ever watch again, but I didn't want to clamor for my 2 hours back. However, you would think that in 2 hours they would not raise so many questions that leave you hanging.