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Reviews
PT 109 (1963)
PT 109 Was this film pure propaganda or fact?
I came across this film while flipping channels on a Saturday afternoon. It was about 1/4 way through when I realised that it was about JFK. While the film was very well done and enjoyable I found that the role of JFK was simply too good to be true. At every despairing event JFK would simply just roll up his sleeves and declare that he was going to get everyone home safe and sound even under ridiculous circumstances, just because he said so. Basically if he said so, it would happen. Throughout the film this prophesy prevailed which made you wonder was this retrospective propaganda or actual fact. This dilemma would not be of any consequence in a regular film, but when it portrays a sitting President in 1963 a few warning flags should be waved. However now in 2005 following the multiple tragic lives of the Kennedy dynasty, this self belief of being right no matter what the conditions (if true as portrayed in the film) might have proved a genetic flaw that his siblings should well have acknowledged.
The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
Questioning the Science!
I'll keep this short as all the long comments have covered all the positive or negative aspects to this film already. I was enjoying the science and special effects in the early part of the movie, when to my dismay I noticed the large presentation screen at the multinational weather conference. Quaid was giving a detailed analysis of the possible effects of global warming, explaining how the gulf stream kept the northern countries warm. He explained how global warming could stop this gulf stream or as is known "turn off the tap" of the gulf stream. Meanwhile however, in full view of all concerned, the visual display had the gulf stream going in reverse! My understanding of the global effect is that it might stop the flow but not reverse it. Either way it looked ridiculous as it never was explained that the reverse process was being discussed. It looked like someone got the graphics wrong and nobody was aware of the "mistake".
Apart from this, and some other meteorological anomalies the film is reasonably enjoyable.
The Dead Pool (1988)
Sure thing to end Dirty Harry Movies
This film would be OK if it was presented as a spoof film to the previous Dirty Harry Movies. However you can't have it both ways. There was no under current of humor presented in the film, even with the ridiculous "car chase". I agree with comments that Mr. Clint may have been taking the proverbial p***, but none the less, as a film this is not implied or suggested. Therefore overall the film is just bad. Film buffs may read into things that will portray Clint as sending up himself, but he or his acting in this film does not entitle him to a "get out of jail" clause for how bad the film really is. I was shocked that Clint allowed himself get involved with such a dire movie from start to finish, not to mind Liam Neeson. Jim Carey however will earn a "get out of jail" clause as his form has continued in the same manner.
The Marriage Fool (1998)
Very Enjoyable
I watched this in the wee small hours of Saturday morning on Irish Television, RTE, and found it totally enjoyable. Never mind the obvious talent of Walter Matthau and John Stamos, for me the beauty in this film are the women. Carol Burnett and Teri Polo and the wives of the sons bring great humanity (if that's the right word) to this film. It was wonderful to see a film of this quality at 2 O'clock in the morning.
Well done RTE for showing it.
I have been asked to write more on this subject but I have run out of any more comments. This seems silly. It's like being back in school when you were asked to write an essay about collecting blackberries during the Summer and to ensure that the report had 3000 words or more, otherwise you won't get a prize. Surely you can make a comment for whatever length.!!! This just doesn't make sense!!!
The General's Daughter (1999)
Overall quite enjoyable and even amusing
With all the negative comment from generally American sources, I have to say that I have enjoyed this film, even on seeing it two or three times. I am always amazed that people from countries, that have large armies, and are easily willing to use them, consider that the members of such armies are different to everyone else or other armies. The events in Abu Ghraib should convince any hardliner, that soldiers of any flag are capable of any atrocity. There are regular comments about this film that these events could never happen, but in my view, people are people, and there is nothing as queer as folk. So do not be surprised if such events ever happened, though of course it is an untrue story and therefore could "never" happen.
Again to finish I for one enjoyed this film.