I like this film. I saw it as a lad and enjoyed it's admittedly corny Monster and creepy moments. It is sad to see Tim Holt after such a Great part in treasure of sierra madre reduced to this fare but Hans is Great and the supporting actors competent to good. My spoiler is that As a resident of imperial valley i know that those canals don't connect To the gulf (sea of Cortes ) thats right ,no water from the Colorado Reaches the gulf.. Probably not in 1957 either.. We and Mexico use it All folks. My question is who is the actor that plays the gate-man that Has his face eaten by the monster. I ask because you cant tell from The credits and he is the spitting image of my grandfather. I can Detect no imperial valley residents in this film but i enjoy the Locations they use and watch for places i can identify . Hey they are Making plenty of worse films these days.. Must stop now the Cattepillars in the yard are getting out of hand..
Reviews
8 Reviews
On the Beach
(1959)
on the beach
22 June 2006
Just saw this film again for about the 10th time.. I don't know which is better the message, the acting, or the story..I was 10 years old when this came out and remember well the, duck and cover drills in school , bomb shelters, FEAR.. you could taste it.. the thing I really would like to impart about this movie was just what a real possibility it's premise was to us who lived through those times,and how that had such an inspiring effect on the actors. These are great performances . I think this film may well have saved the world.. they had to have seen it in the Kremlin..just how does one face the reality of giving poison to your spouse , your child, yourself...Peck ,Gardner, Perkins, Astair.. the beautiful Donna Andersen , they show you in heart tearing performances. How could that message not have an effect on our enemy, they had families too,they faced the same fate if they ever pushed that button. This film's time may have come again. If nothing else i would encourage everyone under 40 to see it just to understand what a profound effect the cold war had on my and my parents generations.SEE IT AND IF YOU HAVE SEEN IT SEE IT AGAIN AND SHOW IT TO YOUR KIDS.
Berserk
(1997–1998)
Great series for people who like realistic anime
26 April 2006
Berserk is an amazing sleeper anime series gaining popularity in the U.S. It follows the adventures of a mercenary, Gatts, who lives a hard life, and survives by his wits and his incredibly large sword. The first season (and how we wish for a second) covers Gatts involvement with the mercenary group "The Band of the Hawk" and its leader, Griffith.
Berserk is realistic in that people are not doing over-the-top, impossible things, all the time that is. Gravity defying moments occur occasionally, but can be viewed as realistic due to the attention to detail and logic of the rest of the show. You will not scratch your head and say things like "That's not possible" with this series. Everything makes sense and the situations will grab your attention.
The story is very well told and follows a long arc from beginning to end, explaining Gatts past to the reason of why he ended up the way he did in the first episode. (In other words, the entire series is a flashback.) In it, you see the lithe and powerful Griffith do whatever it takes to achieve success, with his dark-eyed beauty of a lieutenant Caska ever faithful and always vying with the newcomer, Gatts.
Based on a comic book (manga), the battles are usually shown with interesting single cell depictions of events. And the fighting tends toward a realistic hack and slash as you see each person fight and defeat their opponents. The violence level is high, there is a lot of blood. With such a serious subject matter, some light moments are injected, as well as occasional bits of comedy, to help keep the audience from getting bored.
For such a great series, it lacks in a couple areas. Namely that there are only three main characters, for the rest of the "Band," we have faces and names, but no backgrounds. Also, like other anime series, there are bouts of empty blandness that, one must assume, are supposed to convey emotional impact of statements said by characters. These moments do no translate well and you would just wish the director would get back into the action.
The only other problem is that there is only one season.
If you want to know if you'll like the series, watch the first episode. If you enjoy it, then you will love the series.
Berserk is realistic in that people are not doing over-the-top, impossible things, all the time that is. Gravity defying moments occur occasionally, but can be viewed as realistic due to the attention to detail and logic of the rest of the show. You will not scratch your head and say things like "That's not possible" with this series. Everything makes sense and the situations will grab your attention.
The story is very well told and follows a long arc from beginning to end, explaining Gatts past to the reason of why he ended up the way he did in the first episode. (In other words, the entire series is a flashback.) In it, you see the lithe and powerful Griffith do whatever it takes to achieve success, with his dark-eyed beauty of a lieutenant Caska ever faithful and always vying with the newcomer, Gatts.
Based on a comic book (manga), the battles are usually shown with interesting single cell depictions of events. And the fighting tends toward a realistic hack and slash as you see each person fight and defeat their opponents. The violence level is high, there is a lot of blood. With such a serious subject matter, some light moments are injected, as well as occasional bits of comedy, to help keep the audience from getting bored.
For such a great series, it lacks in a couple areas. Namely that there are only three main characters, for the rest of the "Band," we have faces and names, but no backgrounds. Also, like other anime series, there are bouts of empty blandness that, one must assume, are supposed to convey emotional impact of statements said by characters. These moments do no translate well and you would just wish the director would get back into the action.
The only other problem is that there is only one season.
If you want to know if you'll like the series, watch the first episode. If you enjoy it, then you will love the series.
Jojo's Bizarre Adventure
(1993– )
Bizarre Anime Action
22 April 2006
When you watch this series, you will be confused. The anime picks up in the middle of a long-running manga series in Japan. And while the introduction gives you an idea of the background for the story, you are more or less left in the dark as to who the people are, their purpose, the struggle, etc. Each introduction is different and adds more to the background of the series as each show progresses.
But do not let this discourage you. The story telling is pretty well told. The characters get a little over the top at times, but maintain a level of realism that works, and if anything, they add a sense of humor to an otherwise bloody crusade that the main characters are pursuing.
Brought to you by the same creators of "Fist of the North Star," "Jojo's" features a unique assortment of characters (including a dog) with super powers. The powers, without spoiling the show, are alter egos of the characters, metaphysical extensions of the person using them which can be manifested to do battle for the character. These alter egos are represented of tarot cards, as well.
So the background are men on a crusade to locate and destroy an evil being with the same powers as them. The humor comes from some of the confrontations of these super powerful men, in a good way, and after the second episode, you will come to greatly enjoy the series and wish for more.
But do not let this discourage you. The story telling is pretty well told. The characters get a little over the top at times, but maintain a level of realism that works, and if anything, they add a sense of humor to an otherwise bloody crusade that the main characters are pursuing.
Brought to you by the same creators of "Fist of the North Star," "Jojo's" features a unique assortment of characters (including a dog) with super powers. The powers, without spoiling the show, are alter egos of the characters, metaphysical extensions of the person using them which can be manifested to do battle for the character. These alter egos are represented of tarot cards, as well.
So the background are men on a crusade to locate and destroy an evil being with the same powers as them. The humor comes from some of the confrontations of these super powerful men, in a good way, and after the second episode, you will come to greatly enjoy the series and wish for more.
He-Man and the Masters of the Universe
(2002–2004)
The Tale of Battling Heroes
25 August 2005
A new theme that seems to have sprung up lately in shows and movies is this "sympathy for the devil." Basicaly, you get more information on the enemy, not just "they are bad guys" or that they are totally evil. The bad guy has an agenda, a reason for being, and some charisma. This makes the story more dynamic and character interaction more interesting and even intense.
This is what the new He-man has, the multiple aspects of characters. It seems the original featured whatever goofy thing was going on till the time for Adam to become He-man. Then it was fighting till he won. Boring. This show features a lot more which really adds to how deep the story gets, how impactful events are, etc.
He-man is all powerful, but he is still a boy (not an altar-ego like the original). The "masters" are drawn together in something of a loose coalition as they can be misled or almost switch sides. The power possessed by everyone can be countered in some way or another, which is good for the fact that it provides a weakness and thus need on the character's part to "think" about what is going on.
The real neat aspect of this show is Skeletor. We see how he is created. We learn of his past. We know why his followers follow him. Skeletor is no coward, as evidenced by an episode in the first season where, faced with He-man and the King, Skeletor can run, but instead, turns and fights! He won't back down, and thus gained my respect. Sometimes the writing did not always follow through on this, but they did a good job of showing Skeletor as the man. (Interesting to see a new version of G.I. Joe written with Cobra Commander like this.)
This is what the new He-man has, the multiple aspects of characters. It seems the original featured whatever goofy thing was going on till the time for Adam to become He-man. Then it was fighting till he won. Boring. This show features a lot more which really adds to how deep the story gets, how impactful events are, etc.
He-man is all powerful, but he is still a boy (not an altar-ego like the original). The "masters" are drawn together in something of a loose coalition as they can be misled or almost switch sides. The power possessed by everyone can be countered in some way or another, which is good for the fact that it provides a weakness and thus need on the character's part to "think" about what is going on.
The real neat aspect of this show is Skeletor. We see how he is created. We learn of his past. We know why his followers follow him. Skeletor is no coward, as evidenced by an episode in the first season where, faced with He-man and the King, Skeletor can run, but instead, turns and fights! He won't back down, and thus gained my respect. Sometimes the writing did not always follow through on this, but they did a good job of showing Skeletor as the man. (Interesting to see a new version of G.I. Joe written with Cobra Commander like this.)
Conan the Adventurer
(1992–1993)
The show in a nutshell
25 August 2005
Warning: Spoilers
The series revolved around Conan and a mysterious "star metal." A meteor shower in episode one resulted in the discovery of this mystical metal that was as good as steel and had an unique color. But other then that, it was nothing spectacular. Conan's father, a blacksmith, forged a magnificent sword and placed it in a sort of tomb, with a heavy stone slab covering it. He told Conan that he would not get the sword till he was old (and strong) enough to remove the stone slab.
Years passed and Conan became strong, and a fighter. Men answering to an evil wizard general appeared, looking for star metal. They killed Conan's father and took whatever star metal they could find. Conan retrieved the sword and set out to seek vengeance.
Now, as he journeyed, Conan encountered others who possessed star metal and through their own tales, ended up joining him in his cause to fight the serpent men. (Close proximity to the metal revealed their true faces.) Most notable was a female circus performer with shuriken and a African prince who could summon and control animals, he had a whip. His other constant companion was a young phoenix bird, that could become an emblem on Conan's shield and sleep. Other friends included a viking with an axe and a wizard with a magical staff. (I can't recall any others but think their might have been one more, but the wizard was a scarce character, likely due to how powerful he was.) The primary drive of the serpent men was to collect all the star metal they could find (Conan's father had made a lot of weapons and items) and use that to make the apexes of pyramids. This was to create a portal to another dimension ruled by the snake god. The star metal, though, not only revealed the true face of the serpent men, but when struck, sent the serpent men back to their dimension. Their wizard-general who led them could survive a strike, but if hit enough, also would disappear.
BIG SPOILER The serpentmen eventually did succeed in making enough pyramid apexes and opened a portal for their snake god to journey through. Conan fought the god (can't recall if on earth or in the other dimension) and narrowly won.
Years passed and Conan became strong, and a fighter. Men answering to an evil wizard general appeared, looking for star metal. They killed Conan's father and took whatever star metal they could find. Conan retrieved the sword and set out to seek vengeance.
Now, as he journeyed, Conan encountered others who possessed star metal and through their own tales, ended up joining him in his cause to fight the serpent men. (Close proximity to the metal revealed their true faces.) Most notable was a female circus performer with shuriken and a African prince who could summon and control animals, he had a whip. His other constant companion was a young phoenix bird, that could become an emblem on Conan's shield and sleep. Other friends included a viking with an axe and a wizard with a magical staff. (I can't recall any others but think their might have been one more, but the wizard was a scarce character, likely due to how powerful he was.) The primary drive of the serpent men was to collect all the star metal they could find (Conan's father had made a lot of weapons and items) and use that to make the apexes of pyramids. This was to create a portal to another dimension ruled by the snake god. The star metal, though, not only revealed the true face of the serpent men, but when struck, sent the serpent men back to their dimension. Their wizard-general who led them could survive a strike, but if hit enough, also would disappear.
BIG SPOILER The serpentmen eventually did succeed in making enough pyramid apexes and opened a portal for their snake god to journey through. Conan fought the god (can't recall if on earth or in the other dimension) and narrowly won.
Millennium
(I) (1996–1999)
What makes this show so good? It's dark.
23 May 2005
The thing about American society is that we are all fascinated by and work with fear. Some of us actively pursue it, some of us spend all our energy avoiding it. Chris Carter understood this and that is how he made Millennium.
Frank Black is a FBI profiler for pyschotic killers, he does this by using a psychic ability to "see" what the killer is seeing. Worn down by his work, desiring to live a life with his family and put his wife at ease, and becoming embroiled in a "conspiracy," we are drawn into Frank's world. Whether it is the end of the world, a killer, or that someone is out to get us, this show plays on our fears, feeds our paranoias, and tells a good story on top of it all with great acting.
Black on the outside seems mild-mannered and calm, but that barely conceals an inner rage and power, that surfaces when his family or security is threatened. Black won't lie down if someone challenges him. And when he has to pull his gun, he does know how to use it.
Great show over all.
Frank Black is a FBI profiler for pyschotic killers, he does this by using a psychic ability to "see" what the killer is seeing. Worn down by his work, desiring to live a life with his family and put his wife at ease, and becoming embroiled in a "conspiracy," we are drawn into Frank's world. Whether it is the end of the world, a killer, or that someone is out to get us, this show plays on our fears, feeds our paranoias, and tells a good story on top of it all with great acting.
Black on the outside seems mild-mannered and calm, but that barely conceals an inner rage and power, that surfaces when his family or security is threatened. Black won't lie down if someone challenges him. And when he has to pull his gun, he does know how to use it.
Great show over all.
Roar
(1997)
Great show that could have gone somewhere
22 May 2005
In the wake of Braveheart, and with Hercules becoming the juggernaut of New Zealand B-rated show entertainment, Roar came out with some hype and fanfare, appealing to fantasy/history buffs out there. Roar featured warriors, Romans, druids, and early Christians. Some supernatural stuff is featured, but it is small and only figures in some of the plots.
The majority of the show focuses on young Connor, forced to become the leader of a tribe, fighting against Roman encroachment and the problems of being a leader. Heath Ledger, young and fresh, fills these big shoes quite well. The acting all around is superb, many of the characters unique (for their day) and stand outs. As you watch the show, Lisa Zane and Sebastian Roche become some of the most fascinating characters and you almost want to see more of their tortured, bizarre lives.
The show has some faults. How a black man ends up in Ireland can throw some people off, but he is quickly and succintly explained away, and his race never figures into any of the episode plots. Gun powder is mentioned in one episode (one too many). A few episodes are a little cheesy, but can be tolerated.
Overall, a great show, great episodes, great use of a shoe-string budget to keep the episodes going. When you compare this show to others like "Lost World" and "Beastmaster," you wonder why those continued on and this show didn't. The show pretty much started out with a story arc, which could have hurt it; other shows of this genre usually have episodic plots, or maybe they sold the show to the wrong people.
The majority of the show focuses on young Connor, forced to become the leader of a tribe, fighting against Roman encroachment and the problems of being a leader. Heath Ledger, young and fresh, fills these big shoes quite well. The acting all around is superb, many of the characters unique (for their day) and stand outs. As you watch the show, Lisa Zane and Sebastian Roche become some of the most fascinating characters and you almost want to see more of their tortured, bizarre lives.
The show has some faults. How a black man ends up in Ireland can throw some people off, but he is quickly and succintly explained away, and his race never figures into any of the episode plots. Gun powder is mentioned in one episode (one too many). A few episodes are a little cheesy, but can be tolerated.
Overall, a great show, great episodes, great use of a shoe-string budget to keep the episodes going. When you compare this show to others like "Lost World" and "Beastmaster," you wonder why those continued on and this show didn't. The show pretty much started out with a story arc, which could have hurt it; other shows of this genre usually have episodic plots, or maybe they sold the show to the wrong people.
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