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videojohn
1984-1997: EFP Director. Hollywood, Los Angeles, Apple Valley, California.
1998-present: Semi-retired; writing Screenplays & short stories. Apple Valley, California.
Obtained AA, BS & MA degrees and California (Jr. College) State teaching (life) credentials.
Reviews
The Parent Trap (1998)
Great family picture for all ages.
Ladies & Gentlemen...Moms & Dads;
I didn't see or don't remember the first one, but this one's really great, with a lot of neat action scenes for the kids etc.
All of us have memories of "summer camp" hidden somewhere and please keep this in mind before you "send them off".
Lindsay Lohan does the best job with a 'dual role' since George Hamilton did ZORRO for Mel Brooks. This will be said by many I feel.
Lots of fun with a unexpected ending and Walt would really be proud of it too.
Check it out today!!
Gone in 60 Seconds (1974)
A comedy about car thieves.
A really funny story about organized car theft operations, set in the 1970s southern California area. It shows in almost documentary style how these function and the procedures they use etc.
This is the original "car guys" movie with lots of really great cars and 'car' jokes.
I all ends with a 40 minute car chase scene where this Ford Mustang runs from the Police through several Cities. This took weeks to film with all the permits, street closeups and logistics involved. They had to rebuild the car several times in the process ending up at a Car Wash where the wrecked one is 'switched for one in perfect condition.
If your a "car buff" rent this one to show your friends.
Two sequels were made; The Junkman and one in 2000 with the same name staring Nicolas Cage. All are action packed & good films but the first one is the best.
The Making of 'Purgatory House' (2005)
Excellent production
Mr.Oaks shows great promise with this documentary.
It truly shows how much work the "kids" all did to 'make it happen'.
Celeste; A first time writer and actor at age 14, talks about various parts while 20+ "big sister" Cindy (director/producer) explains why it was made.
It also shows some of the current technology available to film makers today and encourages the viewer to become interested as well.
As part of the film's (Purgatory House) DVD this may be missed by many but definitely a needed portion.
The original film created such a powerful statement it deserves much more credit than the many awards it won throughout the 'film festival circuit' last year.
Check it out today!!
Last Breath (2001)
Great legal story
This film was great, "keeps you going" till the last minute. A great tribute to the film 'short'.
I ran across it by accident while doing research on another project and am I glad.
Shows the workings of our 'justice system' in detail.
Although it used a variety of 'unknown' actors, they all worked together creating an outstanding result.
This was Joe's Directing debut and I expect his work will be seen and enjoyed often in the years to come.
This is a "must see" for anyone doing legal research for a crime drama.
Excellent comments by veteran actor Ed Asner as well.
If Someone Had Known (1995)
A really well done crime drama
Although our 'justice system' is the best in the world sometimes things just go wrong. This story (based on true events) deals with spousal abuse in years past.
Since "OJ" & that trial, this is much less likely to happen again.
I especially liked the courtroom scenes and the way the camera(s) were used to show it all.
The writers did a 'super' job too.
A great surprise twist as well.
Purgatory House (2004)
A great 'teenage' fantasy/story.
This film was great. Talks about the trials of teenagers today. Really well done & written by a 14 yr. girl, who stars in it @ age 16.
Lot's of neat F/X computer graphics.
Although several "time shifts" are presented it all shows well looking at the picture in total.
A 'must see' for all young girls and should be shown in all Jr.High Schools throughout the USA.
Check it out today!!!!
Lies of the Heart: The Story of Laurie Kellogg (1994)
A good film, but sad story.
I survived one of those (murder trial) in l997 and understand more than the "average bear" about the our justice system.
The film shows how fast things can go horribly wrong and 'out of control' for todays youth.
This should be shown in High Schools across the country,
Night of the Comet (1984)
Teenagers win the world.
What a great show.
I actually wore out my copy years ago.
It was like an 80's version of American Graffiti, with a surprise ending.
Watch this only if your "young at heart".