Shallow DVD movie review-the JBL-a/d/s sound [Archive]

SEAWOLF97

07-30-2010, 07:45 PM

I like aviation. Watched the PBS show abt "Who shot down the Red Barron" last week and remembered that somewhere in the past I'd seen part of "The Blue Max" and wanted to see the whole thing someday. Picked it up/down 2 days ago.

It's a 1966 movie in glorious 2.0 ....most likely George Peppards best work...the photography is outstanding , the aerial scenes almost as good as Apocalypse Now.
Sound quality is much better than what you would expect from the era.

a couple of synopsis from IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0060177/

the tactics of a German fighter pilot offend his aristocratic comrades but win him his country's most honored medal, the Blue Max. The General finds him useful as a hero even though his wife also finds him useful as a love object. In the end the General arranges for him to test-fly an untried fighter. Written by Ed Stephan <[email protected]> (http://www.imdb.com/search/title?plot_author=Ed%20Stephan%20%[email protected] .edu%3E&view=simple&sort=alpha)

Promoted from the ranks after spending two years in the trenches, Bruno Stachel becomes a flying officer in Germany's World War I air force. Most of the officer corps comes from Germany's aristocratic elite and Stachel feels out of place. This does not dampen his ambition however as he single-mindedly pursues his goal: to be awarded the Blue Max, given for shooting down 20 enemy planes. His blind ambition leads him to claim a kill that is not his and when he confides in the beautiful wife of a General, disaster is inevitable. Written by garykmcd (http://www.imdb.com/search/title?plot_author=garykmcd&view=simple&sort=alpha)

All in all, it had a real story that was interesting , No fuggin CGI , and a good cast ...recommended (http://www.imdb.com/search/title?plot_author=garykmcd&view=simple&sort=alpha) :yes: (http://www.imdb.com/search/title?plot_author=garykmcd&view=simple&sort=alpha)

Oh yea...eqpt has changed to AR90 mains, JBL CL-505 center and a/d/s surrounds

SEAWOLF97

04-05-2011, 05:04 PM

Ducatista47

04-05-2011, 07:24 PM

I like aviation.
Have you seen the documentary title One Six Right? It is an homage to general aviation. Pretty fun if you like flying. A bonus, in the extra features there is a short film of a Pitts Special filmed plane to plane. The soundtrack must be from Stomp.

As for El Cid, I remember being very impressed as a kid seeing it on the big screen. But I didn't think, and still don't, that it was in the same league as Ben Hur. I consider that to be the ultimate big Hollywood movie. Next up in my book, though not really Hollywood, might be Lawrence Of Arabia.

As for the category of epics that are really love stories, I rank Doctor Zhivago over all others, El Cid included. The highest class great film I have ever seen is The Remains Of The Day. I was astonished that films of that quality were still being made, even then. Smaller films, yes, but not big films like that.

All one man's opinion, of course. And this man is movie crazy, more than most.

SEAWOLF97

04-05-2011, 08:50 PM

thanx for the response , Clark

I have to admit that the ending for EC was a tad hokey ...CH discussed Ben Hur in the extras and noted that it was somewhat a 1 dimensional story ....what I found very interesting was the revelation that Heston and Loren got along VERY poorly ....he was jealous of her higher paycheck and in many scenes would not look a "the love of his life" ..they were both pro enough to not show the situation much on screen..

Believe it or not ..... I've never seen Dr.Z ...was in a different universe during its first run and then just never got around to it ...will put it on the list :D

opimax

04-06-2011, 07:02 AM

Dr Zhivago: helps greatly to know the basic Russion history of the times, 1st saw it as kid, was lost on the events around the love sory, still liked it gtratly though

Mark

hjames

04-06-2011, 07:30 AM

Dr Zhivago: helps greatly to know the basic Russian history of the times, 1st saw it as kid, was lost on the events around the love story, still liked it greatly though

Mark
Yep, its a biggie on my shelf, right next to L'awrence!

SEAWOLF97

04-06-2011, 08:06 AM

Yep, its a biggie on my shelf, right next to L'awrence!

BelieveitorNot , I only saw LoA for the first time last year. In my pile of DVDs to watch there is
"Not one Less" ....I saw it a couple of years back and really enjoyed it.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0209189/

from IMDB ..

"In a remote mountain village, the teacher must leave for a month, and the mayor can find only a 13-year old girl, Wei Minzhi, to substitute. The teacher leaves one stick of chalk for each day and promises her an extra 10 yuan if there's not one less student when he returns. Within days, poverty forces the class troublemaker, Zhang Huike, to leave for the city to work. Minzhi, possessed of a stubborn streak, determines to bring him back. She enlists the 26 remaining pupils in earning money for her trip. She hitches to Jiangjiakou City and begins her search. The boy, meanwhile, is there, lost and begging for food. Minzhi's stubbornness may be Huike and the village school's salvation. Written by <[email protected]> (http://www.imdb.com/search/title?plot_author=%[email protected]%3E&view=simple&sort=alpha) "

On my shelf of biggies that get multi plays are:

NxNW
CWO
ApocNow Redux
Red Rock West
Koyaanisqatsi
Manchurian Candidate (Sinatra)
Dr. Strangelove
and....of course..... Lebowski :bouncy:

SEAWOLF97

05-08-2011, 05:42 PM

.
and did a "related search" to see what else was available ....turns out she was in a Western along with Gary Cooper ..called "Man of the West"

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0051899/

IMDB says "On his way to hire a schoolteacher, a homesteader is left a hundred miles from anywhere when the train he is on is robbed. With him are an attractive dancehall girl and an untrustworthy gambler and he decides to get shelter nearby from outlaw relatives he used to run with. They don't trust him and he loathes them but they decide he can help them with one last bank job." Written by Jeremy Perkins <[email protected]> (http://www.imdb.com/search/title?plot_author=Jeremy%20Perkins%20%[email protected] c.uk%3E&view=simple&sort=alpha)

anyway..its in glorious MONO and contains NO LFE or fuggin CGI ....just a good story and acting....recommended. :applaud:

SEAWOLF97

05-23-2011, 07:34 AM

.
http://www.boingboing.net/2011/05/22/cinema-chains-dimmin.html

Cinema chains dimming movies "up to 85%" on digital projectors (http://www.boingboing.net/2011/05/22/cinema-chains-dimmin.html)

The Boston Globe reports that AMC, National Amusements, and Regal cinema chains are leaving 3D projector lenses on for 2D movies (http://www.boston.com/ae/movies/articles/2011/05/22/misuse_of_3_d_digital_lens_leaves_2_d_movies_in_th e_dark/?page=1). This means that the projected image is polarized and far dimmer than it should be. The chains won't acknowledge that they're doing it, but one quoted insider says its an "unspoken" corporate policy.
Given that your HD TV set shows it just fine, and your living room doesn't smell of weaponized butter, aren't they driving customers to piracy? Try this for irony: one reason operators hate changing lenses is reportedly because of crippling DRM on Sony's digital projectors, which "will shut down on you" if a mistake is made when resetting the system. So, they just don't change them, because serving a ruined product is better than serving no product at all.

SEAWOLF97

06-10-2011, 07:02 PM

just watched "The International"

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0963178/

had never heard of it, had somehow popped up on some related search , and had Clive Owen , whom I had enjoyed from the BMW "Hire" series and also from "Greenfingers" and "Croupier"

have no hokey waterfalls, no analysis of the colors ... just story and acting

Clive seems always good , co-stared Naomi Watts and a generally good cast ...a thriller involving evil banks ...well thought-out and filmed

There is a long shootout scene in the Gugenheim museum that looks absolutely real, but the DVD extras show the life size mockup (but only floors G,1,2 then tore down to rebuild & shoot scenes on 3,4,5)

not great/ memorable , but if you can get it free from the library....certainly worth considering . :D

more: looking at the attached poster is funny ...Watts wasnt even in the entire museum scenes , but she's standing behind Clive on the poster...:blink:

SEAWOLF97

09-26-2011, 05:19 PM

The Spy Who Came in from the Cold - 1965

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059749/

prolly done in MONO, but remastered into faux 5.1 .....B&W ....no fuggin CGI , very little gun play/violence ...mostly just story and it's a good one

Alec Leamas, a British spy is sent to East Germany supposedly to defect, but in fact to sow disinformation. As more plot turns appear, Leamas becomes more convinced that his own people see him as just a cog. His struggle back from dehumanization becomes the final focus of the story. Written by John Vogel <[email protected]> (http://www.imdb.com/search/title?plot_author=John%20Vogel%20%3Cjlvogel@comcas t.net%3E&view=simple&sort=alpha)

wish I knew why we can't make films like this anymore ?? :dont-know:

SEAWOLF97

04-20-2012, 08:23 AM

Krunchy

04-20-2012, 12:10 PM

When You're Strange: A Film About The Doors (2010)

Okay, I'll preface this as YES, a longtime DOORS fan here. If you are one too, then this is something new and kinda cool ...for all you 9.1 fans out there ...its reconstituted MONO

Depps narration was flat AND boring ... the film did show some clips from Jims movie HWY.

Hi Tom,
I saw it on PBS' American Masters series a while back and liked it fine but I agree about Depp, he's a good enough actor but I dont like him narrating.
Sometimes (when pressed for time) I take out audio books from the library and they had an unabridged copy of Keith Richards biography (auto or otherwise) and was really looking forward to checking it out but then I realized depp did the narration & put it back on the shelf real fast. Ever since he did his first pirates of the caribean movie & was inspired by Keith I think he somehow thinks he's as cool as Keith or perhaps thinks he is in fact Keith...He most certainly is NOT.

A frind of mine showed me this very interesting interview of Jim's Dad & his sister.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kz63-q8otYM

So I Married an Axe Murderer.....not what you would think of from the title, has a great Bay City Rollers tune in it and a totally smokin bagpipe version of Rod Stewart's If you think Im sexy :D plus some cool spoken word put to jazz.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GlkoQ4bUE5k

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TPMS6tGOACo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-e1dYIWu2ME&feature=fvst

SEAWOLF97

04-24-2012, 05:10 PM

this was rather a nice find DVD ...sounds great..some new nfo too.

The Doors [videorecording] / series producers, Nick de Grunwald, Martin R. Smith ; director, Bob Smeaton ; Isis Productions in co-production with Eagle Rock Entertainment, in association with NRK.

Performer
Participants: Bruce Botnick, John Densmore, Perry Farrell, Jac Holzman, Robby Krieger, Jim Ladd, Ray Manzarek, Michael McClure, Henry Rollins, Bill Siddons, Ben Fong Torres.

Credits
Editor, Julian Caidan.

Note
"The definitive authorized story of the album"--Container.

Previously broadcast on the television series Classic Albums.

Summary
Chronicles the making of the Los Angeles band's first eponymous album with archive footage and recent interviews with band members; includes excerpts from each album track.

Contents
Intro -- Break on through (to the other side) -- The crystal ship -- Back door man -- Alabama song (whisky bar) -- Light my fire -- End of the night -- The end -- Bonus material.

Note
Features: additional & extended interviews, new instrumental demonstrations of songs from the album with Robby Krieger, Ray Manzarek, John Densmore, the story behind "Moonlight drive."

SEAWOLF97

06-26-2012, 03:50 PM

BLOOD SIMPLE

the first of the Coen Bros. movies shows fantastic maturity for a debut effort ....great casting, filming , much suspense and a soundtrack that is clear , appropriate and adds to the scenes.....a true gem from the 80's.

http://www.amazon.com/Blood-Simple-John-Getz/dp/B00005LC4P

Editorial Reviews Amazon.com The debut film of director Joel Coen and his brother-producer Ethan Coen, 1983's Blood Simple is grisly comic noir that marries the feverish toughness of pulp thrillers with the ghoulishness of even pulpier horror. The story concerns a Texas bar owner (Dan Hedaya) who hires a seedy private detective (M. Emmett Walsh) to follow his cheating wife (Frances McDormand in her first film appearance), and then kill her and her lover (John Getz). The gumshoe turns the tables on his client, and suddenly a bad situation gets much, much worse, with some violent goings-on that are as elemental as they are shocking. (A scene in which a character who has been buried alive suddenly emerges from his own grave instantly becomes an archetypal nightmare.) Shot by Barry Sonnenfeld before he became an A-list director in Hollywood, Blood Simple established the hyperreal look and feel of the Coens' productions (undoubtedly inspired a bit by filmmaker Sam Raimi, whose The Evil Dead had just been coedited by Joel). Sections of the film have proved to be an endurance test for art-house movie fans, particularly an extended climax that involves one shock after another but ends with a laugh at the absurdity of criminal ambition. This is definitely one of the triumphs of the 1980s and the American independent film scene in general. --Tom Keogh

SEAWOLF97

07-09-2012, 05:04 PM

.
OK..I like the Coens and Jeff Bridges too , BUT .........this was worth what I paid to rent it (free from the library) . Sound was fine ...everything tech was ok ....the dialogue was stilted, (I'm glad I had subtitles turned ON) , waayyy too many night scenes in the dark , I had no clue what was happening. :confused:

The new Mattie was good , but I'd only give this a 6 of 10 rating. :dont-know:

Blood Simple , the prior reviewed movie and the CB's first was much more enjoyable.

still to be viewed : How the West was Won (no name cast , but ??)
and Burn After Reading.

the preview for Super 8 did look like a DVD I may track down

SEAWOLF97

03-25-2013, 09:27 AM

OK, you HT guys might not be attracted , this flick was B/W & MONO & in Swedish. I had viewed it about 10 years ago and then again yesterday ... made an impression.

here is a good vid clip to provide a clue :eek:

http://www.criterion.com/films/173-the-seventh-seal

also picked up the directors cut of "Das Boot" ...soon to be viewed on the next "stuck in the house" day.

SEAWOLF97

07-03-2013, 11:16 AM

.
we watched this oldie again yesterday , sure, it's low brow , slapstick ,etc. , but it sure is funny , and is a huge cast of Hollywood faves.

sound ? MONO
picture quality ? very good (Cinerama)
story ? cornball, but fitting

Jonathon Winters & Phil Silvers were especially "over the top" ;) (and Edie Adams slit skirt/long legs were nice too)

Lennie Pike (JW) (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005565/?ref_=tt_trv_qu): "*Everybody* has to pay taxes!- Even businessmen, who rob and cheat and steal from people everyday, even *they* have to pay *taxes*!"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apHZKlQJI_c

one reviewer noted : "What can you say about a comedy where the Three Stooges are the most sedate people on screen?"

Jimmy Durante "kicks the bucket"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h57UR-oIE_g

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/It's_a_Mad,_Mad,_Mad,_Mad_World

http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMTIwNjE5NTc0OV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTYwNDU5ODI2._V1._ SX23_SY30_.jpg (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000075/)
Spencer Tracy (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000075/)
...
Capt. T. G. Culpepper (http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0326870/)

http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BNzA1MjU2NzcwNF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTYwNDE1NTQ2._V1._ SX23_SY30_.jpg (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000926/)
Milton Berle (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000926/)
...
J. Russell Finch (http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0016584/)

http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMTI2MzI2MTM5NF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwNTgyMDQyMg@@._ V1._SX23_SY30_.jpg (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0128377/)
Sid Caesar (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0128377/)
...
Melville Crump (http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0043509/)

http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMTY0NjI1OTU3MF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTYwNTgxNTcz._V1._ SX23_SY30_.jpg (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004983/)
Buddy Hackett (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004983/)
...
Benjy Benjamin (http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0016582/)

Ethel Merman (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0581062/)
...
Mrs. Marcus (http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0016587/)

http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMTU5NjA4MDU0MV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTYwMDI0MzQ2._V1._ SX23_SY30_.jpg (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001682/)
Mickey Rooney (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001682/)
...
Ding Bell (http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0016580/)

http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMjA4ODg0NzI3NV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMTQ0OTgwMw@@._ V1._SX23_SY30_.jpg (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0790071/)
Dick Shawn (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0790071/)
...
Sylvester Marcus (http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0016592/)

http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMTIzMTAwMDI1OV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwODQ1NTUyMQ@@._ V1._SX23_SY30_.jpg (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0799014/)
Phil Silvers (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0799014/)
...
Otto Meyer (http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0016590/)

http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BOTA1NDQ5MjIwN15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMTA3MDMzNA@@._ V1._SX23_SY30_.jpg (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005565/)
Jonathan Winters (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005565/)
...
Lennie Pike (http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0016585/)

http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMjExNTQxODI0Nl5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMDc0MzYyMQ@@._ V1._SX23_SY30_.jpg (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0010944/)
Edie Adams (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0010944/)
...
Monica Crump (http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0016591/)

SEAWOLF97

11-05-2013, 07:58 PM

.
It was a dark and rainy day , so I stayed home and worked on the house. Did so good that treated myself to a movie that I'd heard about for quite a while. Had forgotten it, but late last month in prep for Halloween , the local counter-culture newspaper recommended it, and that got me going again.

Nosferatu (released 1922)

color ? Nein. B&W. (well not really ...it is tinted Black&Red for sunrise/sunsets , Black&Blue for night scenes , Black&Orange for day scenes)

Sound ? Nein. It's a silent film. There are 2 soundtracks to choose from. I preferred the traditional. This film will give your sub & center a rest, tho it's modern stereo.

Story ? A rip off of Dracula

"The film, shot in 1921 and released in 1922, was an unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bram_Stoker)'s Dracula (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dracula), with names and other details changed because the studio could not obtain the rights to the novel (for instance, "vampire" became "Nosferatu (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nosferatu_(word))" and "Count Dracula (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Count_Dracula)" became "Count Orlok (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Count_Orlok)"). Stoker's heirs sued over the adaptation, and a court ruling ordered that all copies of the film be destroyed. However, one print of Nosferatu survived, and the film came to be regarded as an influential masterpiece of cinema."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nosferatu

Scarey ? Naw :( (but ,the movie was banned in Sweden due to excessive horror. The ban was finally lifted in 1972)
Memorable ? For sure ..;)
SW's rating = 9/10

It is the first of my new silent trifecta ..next up is "Battle Ship Potemkin" and then the remastered and re-soundtracked "Metropolis"

Nosferatu is now in the public domain and you can watch the whole thing on YouTube, but it's a non-colored fuzzy image w/o the soundtrack. The Kino version seems to be the one to get. :D

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0013442/

SEAWOLF97

11-10-2013, 09:55 AM

.
WOW :blink:

Based on the historical events the movie tells the story of a riot at the battleship Potemkin. What started as a protest strike when the crew was given rotten meat for dinner ended in a riot. The sailors raised the red flag and tried to ignite the revolution in their home port Odessa

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battleship_Potemkin

Styled very much like German WW2 films , but with real impact

Color ? : no, it's B&W (filmed in 1925) with the exception of one scene where a red flag is hoisted (hand colored on the prints)

Sound ? : no, it's a silent film with a modern reproduction of the original orchestral soundtrack

Memorable ?: heck yes ..probably stay with me a long time.

SW's rating = 9/10

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battleship_Potemkin

Battleship Potemkin has received extremely positive reviews from critics. Since its release, Battleship Potemkin has often been cited as one of the finest propaganda films ever made and considered amongst the greatest films of all time.[1] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battleship_Potemkin#cite_note-review1-1)[2] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battleship_Potemkin#cite_note-Potem-2) The film was named the greatest film of all time (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Films_that_have_been_considered_the_greatest_ever) at the Brussels World's Fair (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Expo_58) in 1958.[3] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battleship_Potemkin#cite_note-EbertFest-3) Similarly, in 1952, Sight & Sound (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sight_%26_Sound) magazine cited The Battleship Potemkin as the fourth greatest film of all time and has been voted within the top ten in the magazine's five subsequent decennial polls

Roger Ebert (http://www.rogerebert.com/contributors/roger-ebert) says:

July 19, 1998 |

"The Battleship Potemkin” has been so famous for so long that it is almost impossible to come to it with a fresh eye. It is one of the fundamental landmarks of cinema. Its famous massacre on the Odessa Steps has been quoted so many times in other films (notably in “The Untouchables (http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-untouchables-1987)”) that it's likely many viewers will have seen the parody before they see the original.

“Battleship Potemkin” is no longer considered the greatest film ever made, but it is obligatory for anyone interested in film history, and I got a sense, a stirring, of the buried power it still contains, awaiting a call.

http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/great-movie-the-battleship-potemkin-1925

SEAWOLF97

11-19-2013, 07:00 PM

.
it was a wet/windy day, so ....decided to watch "Nixon" ... have a small interest in that tragedy.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0113987/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

It was typical Oliver Stone crap ...you know, beat you over the head repeatedly with his point until you submit. I could only handle 20 minutes of it

rating = D

but then I put in a disc that I knew nothing about ..The Conspirator
Director: Robert Redford (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000602/?ref_=tt_ov_dr)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0968264/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2

Storyline from IMDB

"In the wake of Abraham Lincoln's assassination, seven men and one woman are arrested and charged with conspiring to kill the President, the Vice-President, and the Secretary of State. The lone woman charged, Mary Surratt, 42, owns a boarding house where John Wilkes Booth and others met and planned the simultaneous attacks. Against the ominous back-drop of post-Civil War Washington, newly-minted lawyer, Frederick Aiken, a 28-year-old Union war-hero, reluctantly agrees to defend Surratt before a military tribunal. As the trial unfolds, Aiken realizes his client may be innocent and that she is being used as bait and hostage in order to capture the only conspirator to have escaped a massive manhunt, her own son."

WOW ..great flick. I would rate this = A-

a high quality cast and an interesting story well acted. I couldn't figure who was the fine actress who portrayed Mary Surratt ? Turns out it was Robin Wright , who I didn't care for in Forest Gump :o:

SEAWOLF97

11-23-2013, 11:31 AM

. I had seen one of the chopped up, short versions of Metropolis sometime in the past , it was murky and hard to follow, but this 2010 Kino restored version brought it up to within 8 minutes of it's original run time (153 min now) . Some of those edited copies are only 90+ minutes.

There is now a newly recorded score that is wonderful.
My reaction ? WOW , I was left almost speechless.

on a 1-10 scale ? about 14.

B&W silent , but with musical soundtrack ( the bonus disk had snippets of the 90's version with Pat Benetar and others ..hideous :eek:)
1926
Science fiction landmark German film

from IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0017136/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Sometime in the future, the city of Metropolis is home to a Utopian society where its wealthy residents live a carefree life. One of those is Freder Fredersen. One day, he spots a beautiful woman with a group of children, she and the children who quickly disappear. Trying to follow her, he, oblivious to such, is horrified to find an underground world of workers, apparently who run the machinery which keeps the above ground Utopian world functioning. One of the few people above ground who knows about the world below is Freder's father, Joh Fredersen, who is the founder and master of Metropolis. Freder learns that the woman is Maria, who espouses the need to join the "hands" - the workers - to the "head" - those in power above - by a mediator or the "heart". Freder wants to help the plight of the workers in the want for a better life. But when Joh learns of what Maria is espousing and that Freder is joining their cause, Joh, with the assistance of an old colleague and now nemesis named Rotwang, an inventor, works toward quashing a supposed uprising, with Maria as the center of their plan. However, Joh is unaware that Rotwang has his own agenda. But if any of these plans includes the shut down of the machines, total anarchy could break loose both above ground and below. - Written by Huggo (http://www.imdb.com/search/title?plot_author=Huggo&view=simple&sort=alpha&ref_=ttpl_pl_1)

In scene after scene, you see devices that have been copied in later movies from Blade Runner to 1950's SciFi flicks. This is most likely better than anything made since 1978. The bonus disk traces the worldwide search for other copies that were patched together and then restored to make this current definitive copy. Fades, montages, stop action ... features of the future. Truly not to be missed by any serious film fan (2010 Kino only). Will need to view again before reluctantly returning it to the library.

SEAWOLF97

11-27-2013, 05:58 PM

2days ago watched ..My Week with Marilyn
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1655420/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Sir Laurence Olivier is making a movie in London. Young Colin Clark, an eager film student, wants to be involved and he navigates himself a job on the set. When film star Marilyn Monroe arrives for the start of shooting, all of London is excited to see the blonde bombshell, while Olivier is struggling to meet her many demands and acting ineptness, and Colin is intrigued by her. Colin's intrigue is met when Marilyn invites him into her inner world where she struggles with her fame, her beauty and her desire to be a great actress. Written by napierslogs (http://www.imdb.com/search/title?plot_author=napierslogs&view=simple&sort=alpha&ref_=tt_stry_pl)

SW rates it at 6/10 ....OK. Michelle Williams does a credible job as Marilyn

then last night. Cloud Atlas http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1371111/?ref_=nv_sr_1

An exploration of how the actions of individual lives impact one another in the past, present and future, as one soul is shaped from a killer into a hero, and an act of kindness ripples across centuries to inspire a revolution

the previews were good (better than the movie).
THREE WORD SUMMATION ??

A BIG MESS :eek:

tons of violence/blood/gore/profanity/slurs/gay sex/unintelligible dialogue. Ripoffs of Blade Runner and even Metropolis. Cut like MTV with short snippets of the 6 stories. Some good acting, some poor. Too much fuggin CGI. Nothing really new here. A real low point was trying to have Jim Sturgess (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0836343/?ref_=tt_cl_t5) as a Korean officer, the pasted closed eyes were amateurish.
Three hours long, best part was when it was finally over. IMDB readers overwhelmingly give it either 10 of 10 or 1 of 10. I'd give it about a 2.5 , the lowest rated movie in this thread. :eek:

BUT, I went riding today, despite the biting East wind and bought these 2 at $1 each. they look promising :dont-know:

The Flying Scotsman* http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0472268/?ref_=nv_sr_1
The true story of Graeme Obree, the Champion cyclist who built his bicycle from old bits of washing machines who won his championship only to have his title stripped from him .

and Ringu http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0178868/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Japanese. A mysterious video kills whoever views it, unless that viewer can solve its mystery.

*thought of Macaroonie as I was reading the label. How ya doin, Mac ? :confused:

hjames

11-27-2013, 08:44 PM

2days ago watched ..My Week with Marilyn
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1655420/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
SW rates it at 6/10 ....OK. Michelle Williams does a credible job as Marilyn

BUT, I went riding today, despite the biting East wind and bought these 2 at $1 each. they look promising :dont-know:

The Flying Scotsman* http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0472268/?ref_=nv_sr_1
The true story of Graeme Obree, the Champion cyclist who built his bicycle from old bits of washing machines who won his championship only to have his title stripped from him .

Stunningly good price, kudos!
Great film with Johnny Lee Miller, best know for playing Sherlock on the CBS show Elementary ...
I highly recommend tracking down some of his other stuff ...

SEAWOLF97

11-28-2013, 09:15 AM

Stunningly good price, kudos!

there is a local chain called "CD-game Exchange" that is mostly games (duh) and paraphernalia/posters that does a lot of used buy/sell. Seems many people are dumping their DVD's (to go streaming :dont-know:) and CGE must be buying them very cheap as they always have a good 200+ selection at $1 per.

I've got about 60 here for days being stuck indoors. They are only a 1.5 mile ride for me, and they have a 2nd store that's about 5 miles out. Also within that 1.5 mile ride is our regional county library who has 12,000+ DVD's for free checkout.

Great film with Johnny Lee Miller, best know for playing Sherlock on the CBS show Elementary ...

Funny, as I avoid that show (despite being a SH fan) because his accent is very difficult for me.

SEAWOLF97

11-29-2013, 09:36 AM

.
CONCLUSION: WOW :bouncy::D :bouncy::D:bouncy::D

SUMMARY: Charlton & Sophia at the very tops of their careers (1961) in a medieval epic that must be among the top 10 movies EVER made....utterly beyond my words ......but

here is what others say: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0054847/usercomments

(it left me stunned , all the movies from that other thread combined aren't worth 2 minutes of El Cid)

watched this again last night. That's probably my 3rd viewing (2x on DVD and 1x in the back of the family station wagon at a drive-in in the 60's). In the bonus section they mentioned that JFK watched it 3x at the WH. (no relation)

It still holds up well for a 53 year old epic. On the IMDB discussion boards, many were calling CLOUD ATLAS a "magnificent epic" :confused: , if that's what they really wanted, here it is. Most likely on par with LoA. Despite the animosity between Loren & Heston, they both turned in great performances. The musical score (including overture, intermission and exit ) was very fitting and well done.

I'd give it an easy 9.8 of 10

SEAWOLF97

12-07-2013, 05:41 PM

I've gone thru 3 more DVD's since last post here ...

1. Don't Bother to Knock (http://multcolib.bibliocommons.com/item/show/2087613068_dont_bother_to_knock) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0044557/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
Marilyn M., but not really the one from Pop history....

Airline pilot Jed stays at the New York hotel where girlfriend Lyn is a singer. He sees Nell in a window opposite his and they get chummy. When the girl she's baby-sitting, Bunny, enters Nell goes crazy and sends her to her room. She fantasizes that Jed is her long lost fiance. Jed comes to realize that Nell is more than a little whacko. Written by Ed Stephan <[email protected]> (http://www.imdb.com/search/title?plot_author=Ed Stephan <[email protected]>&view=simple&sort=alpha&ref_=tt_stry_pl)

got tired after a while and didn't finish ....Grade=D+

2. The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (http://multcolib.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1408790068_the_cabinet_of_dr_caligari)http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0010323/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

(http://multcolib.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1408790068_the_cabinet_of_dr_caligari)Francis, a young man, recalls in his memory the horrible experiences he and his fiancée Jane recently went through. It is the annual fair in Holstenwall. Francis and his friend Alan visit The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, an exhibit where the mysterious doctor shows the somnambulist Cesare, and awakens him for some moments from his death-like sleep. When Alan asks Cesare about his future, Cesare answers that he will die before dawn. The next morning Alan is found dead. Francis suspects Cesare of being the murderer, and starts spying on him and Dr. Caligari. The following night Cesare is going to stab Jane in her bed, but softens when he sees the beautiful woman, and instead of committing another murder, he abducts her. Jane's father awakens because of the noise, and he and some servants follow the fleeing Cesare. When Cesare cannot outrun his pursuers anymore, he gently places Jane down on the ground, and runs away. Francis and the police investigate the caravan of Dr. Caligari, but the ... Written by Maths Jesperson {[email protected]} (http://www.imdb.com/search/title?plot_author=Maths Jesperson {[email protected]}&view=simple&sort=alpha&ref_=tt_stry_pl)

also boring ....Grade =D

3. Winnebago Man http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1396557/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Jack Rebney is the most famous man you've never heard of - after cursing his way through a Winnebago sales video, Rebney's outrageously funny outtakes became an underground sensation and made him an internet superstar. Filmmaker Ben Steinbauer journeys to the top of a mountain to find the recluse who unwittingly became the "Winnebago Man."

In August 1988, Winnebago Industries hired a video crew to shoot two 10-minute long sales videos. They tapped salesman Jack Rebney, a former broadcast news producer, to star in these commercials. They shot the videos in Forest City, Iowa – the headquarters of Winnebago Industries. Just like any other video shoot, outtakes and mistakes were to be expected, but no one could have anticipated Jack Rebney’s melt down. The RV salesman would constantly yell and curse at himself, his crew, and at the flies that were swarming him.
After the grueling two week shoot, Winnebago Industries got their commercial, but the video crew got so much more. They spliced together the outtakes of the shoot and circulated the video amongst themselves and their friends. Basically, the "Winnebago Man" was passed around on VHS tapes for around 15 years before being posted on YouTube for the world to see.

Jack Rebney currently lives in a cabin in a Northern California forest, and he’s now the subject of a new documentary about the Winnebago Man phenomenon (http://winnebagoman.com/index.php). Until recently, he was completely unaware of his Internet notoriety

This one was the real sleeper. Enjoyed most every minute. Grade=A-

here is the vid that inspired the movie
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WDQQfBrSUs0

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winnebago_Man

Winnebago Man was released to critical acclaim. On review aggregate Rotten Tomatoes (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rotten_Tomatoes) the film holds a 91% "certified fresh" rating with an average 7.1/10 score

Jack Rebney , aka “The Angriest Man in the World” , is very quotable .. "The Winnebago Man" has scads of websites devoted to the outtake quotes and the vid is described as the first "viral video"

“Will you do me a kindness?” seems to be everywhere, it is one of the WM/JR quotes. The others are too colorful to paste here. (except for my new cleaned up sig)

http://m.imdb.com/title/tt1396557/quotes

SEAWOLF97

12-14-2013, 05:05 PM

since last post , have watched

Dr. Mabuse - The Gambler 1922 Silent
another Fritz Lang film, but not up to Metropolis level 5 of 10

Lincoln (2012 (http://www.imdb.com/year/2012/?ref_=tt_ov_inf)) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0443272/
found it very boring and could only handle a half hour. Daniel Day Lewis seems quite good in the lead role, but it was dark and full of thick dialogue like "True Grit" was.
:( 4 of 10

BUT

Rode out to the flea market and perused a used DVD sellers booth. Found a film that I'd been looking for some while , Crimson Tide , http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112740/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1 .

"On a US nuclear missile sub, a young first officer stages a mutiny to prevent his trigger happy captain from launching his missiles before confirming his orders to do so."

Fine story/acting and a soundtrack that will give most HT systems a good workout. Opened it up to check condition .. :eek::eek: Huge scratches. I asked the seller if he had another copy. He said no, but no problem, he has THE MACHINE. Said it would make the DVD as new again. I was skeptical.
Eight minutes of buffing/polishing and it popped out looking like new. Gave him my $2 and headed home to test it .... plays like new. :applaud:http://www.audioheritage.org/vbulletin/images/smilies/biggrin.gif:applaud:

SEAWOLF97

12-17-2013, 09:29 PM

.
Some Like It Hot (1959 (http://www.imdb.com/year/1959/?ref_=tt_ov_inf))

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0053291/?ref_=nv_sr_1

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Some_Like_It_Hot

American Film Institute (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Film_Institute) lists

AFI's 100 Years...100 Movies (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AFI's_100_Years...100_Movies) - #14
AFI's 100 Years...100 Laughs (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AFI's_100_Years...100_Laughs) - #1
AFI's 100 Years...100 Passions (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AFI's_100_Years...100_Passions) - Nominated
AFI's 100 Years...100 Songs (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AFI's_100_Years...100_Songs):

Runnin' Wild - Nominated

AFI's 100 Years...100 Movie Quotes (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AFI's_100_Years...100_Movie_Quotes):

"Well, nobody's perfect." - #48
"Look at that! Look how she moves. That’s just like Jell-O on springs. She must have some sort of built-in motor. I tell you, it's a whole different sex!" - Nominated

AFI's 100 Years...100 Movies (10th Anniversary Edition) (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AFI's_100_Years...100_Movies_(10th_Anniversary_Edi tion)) - #22
AFI's 10 Top 10 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AFI's_10_Top_10) - Nominated Gangster film

Was voted the 9th Greatest film of all time by Entertainment Weekly, and is ranked on this list high enough to be the greatest comedy of all time.

Upon its original release, Kansas banned the film

Storyline

When two Chicago musicians, Joe and Jerry, witness the the St. Valentine's Day massacre, they want to get out of town and get away from the gangster responsible, Spats Colombo. They're desperate to get a gig out of town but the only job they know of is in an all-girl band heading to Florida. They show up at the train station as Josephine and Daphne, the replacement saxophone and bass players. They certainly enjoy being around the girls, especially Sugar Kane Kowalczyk who sings and plays the ukulele. Joe in particular sets out to woo her while Jerry/Daphne is wooed by a millionaire, Osgood Fielding III. Mayhem ensues as the two men try to keep their true identities hidden and Spats Colombo and his crew show up for a meeting with several other crime lords. Written by garykmcd
(http://www.imdb.com/search/title?plot_author=garykmcd&view=simple&sort=alpha&ref_=tt_stry_pl)
THIS FILM IS SERIOUSLY F (http://www.imdb.com/search/title?plot_author=garykmcd&view=simple&sort=alpha&ref_=tt_stry_pl)UNNY ... (http://www.imdb.com/search/title?plot_author=garykmcd&view=simple&sort=alpha&ref_=tt_stry_pl):rotfl: (http://www.imdb.com/search/title?plot_author=garykmcd&view=simple&sort=alpha&ref_=tt_stry_pl):rotfl:
(http://www.imdb.com/search/title?plot_author=garykmcd&view=simple&sort=alpha&ref_=tt_stry_pl)

9.7 OUT OF 10

Oh yeah, during the film I kept saying the story's hotel looked like the Hotel Del Coronado on Coronado Island. Checked the credits and it was .
I had remembered it from the days that I took C.I. training (1969) at the Naval Amphibious Base ... just 300 yards down the beach.
We used to go up to The Hotel Del and pretend NOT to be military and hang out at the beach bar. A single beer would eat up all my discretionary funds.

SEAWOLF97

12-22-2013, 07:59 AM

.
but if I did , guess I'm in the right place to do so ...;)

Portland ranked No. 1 best city for movie lovers

http://www.oregonlive.com/movies/index.ssf/2013/10/portland_ranked_no_1_best_city.html

According to Movoto, the Rose City is the No. 1 city for movie lovers in the U.S., besting San Francisco, Seattle, New York and even Los Angeles, which somehow didn't crack the top 10 (http://blogs.laweekly.com/informer/2013/10/movie_buff_city_rankings_los_angeles.php)(and casting a suspicious light on the whole process).
Here's what Movoto had to say about PDX:

When it was all shot, edited, spliced up, and pieced back together, the clear winner for Best City for Movie Lovers was Portland, OR. It has five film fests per year, a film museum, multiple film societies, tons of movie theaters, indie theaters, a drive-in theater, and is even home to the unique Kennedy School movie theater.

SEAWOLF97

12-29-2013, 05:51 PM

not a review this time.

stopped by the cheap DVD store yesterday and was happy to grab "Walk The Line" & "The Thomas Crown Affair" (still sealed) for a buck each.

But then today I grabbed the 2 DVD deluxe edition of WTL..for .25 :bouncy:

SEAWOLF97

01-04-2014, 05:31 PM

I went out and blew another $3 on movies to review later . Includes one of my fave comedies (no, not Alice..JW) ..all fine shape. The AIW DVD is the Peters Sellers one, maybe that was one of the duds, can't remember. :dont-know:

SEAWOLF97

02-06-2014, 09:48 PM

It was a cold and snowy Thursday night .... so watched another DVD :D

Source Code (2011 (http://www.imdb.com/year/2011/?ref_=tt_ov_inf))

Colter Stevens, a US Army helicopter pilot whose last memory is flying in Afghanistan, wakes up on a commuter train. However, he discovers that he has assumed the identity of another man. 8 minutes later, the train explodes and Stevens finds himself in some kind of pod. He then talks to someone named Goodwin, who tells him he has to go back and find out who the bomber is. He is sent back to go through the whole thing again and attempts to find who the bomber is but fails. The bomb goes off and Stevens finds himself in the pod again. He is sent back another time, yet still cannot find out anything. When he returns, he asks what is going on. Goodwin and Rutledge, the scientist in charge, tell him that he is part of a project that can put someone in another person's consciousness during the last 8 minutes of their life. Stevens then asks why he cannot just stop the bomb. He is told that he is not going back in time but placed in the moment so he can find out who the bomber is and if ... Written by [email protected] (http://www.imdb.com/search/[email protected]&view=simple&sort=alpha&ref_=tt_stry_pl)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0945513/

a compelling story , good acting , could easily view again. Was wondering why the tension was raised so easily, then it hit me ...besides the presentation, parts of the soundtrack were very Bernard Herrmann-esque , and BH was a very important ingredient in the Hitchcock success.

SEAWOLF97

02-09-2014, 06:31 PM

.
WHOA ,,,,what a blast from the past :D ... It must have been purged from my RAM by an evil MCP (or old age) ....all the terms from my first months in programming school , the associations may not seem as sharp to someone who hasn't pushed code, but still , the quaintness , Disney-ish ... overpowering. The 80's styles hair and clothes were cool in an embarrassing way ...:p

A mixture of BattleStar Galactica , Star Wars , Alice In Wonderland, Gladiator, and graphics just a few steps above "Space Invaders" + a soundtrack by Wendy Carlos ..... just WOW ... loved it. ;)

Storyline

Hacker/arcade owner Kevin Flynn is digitally broken down into a data stream by a villainous software pirate known as Master Control and reconstituted into the internal, 3-D graphical world of computers. It is there, in the ultimate blazingly colorful, geometrically intense landscapes of cyberspace, that Flynn joins forces with Tron to outmaneuver the Master Control Program that holds them captive in the equivalent of a gigantic, infinitely challenging computer game. Written by Anthony Pereyra {[email protected]}

(http://www.imdb.com/search/title?plot_author=Anthony Pereyra {[email protected]}&view=simple&sort=alpha&ref_=tt_stry_pl)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0084827/?ref_=nv_sr_2

SEAWOLF97

02-11-2014, 11:21 AM

.
OK...the sequel/followup has graphics & sound about 200 years advanced from the original.

The story & characters were more complete , but it didn't have the heart & charm of the first film. It was OK , but rather cold , wasn't so much of an "IN" movie. Quorra was great , and afterwards I had to look up who it was ??? Olivia Wilde (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1312575/?ref_=tt_cl_t3) , not recognizeable from my times watching HOUSE. I did enjoy parts of the ST that came from Daft Punk. Jeff Bridges almost reprises his role The Dude from "The Big Lebowski".

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1104001/

Storyline

Sam Flynn, the tech-savvy 27-year-old son of Kevin Flynn, looks into his father's disappearance and finds himself pulled into the same world of fierce programs and gladiatorial games where his father has been living for 20 years. Along with Kevin's loyal confidant Quorra, father and son embark on a life-and-death journey across a visually-stunning cyber universe that has become far more advanced and exceedingly dangerous. Meanwhile, the malevolent program CLU, who dominates the digital world, plans to invade the real world and will stop at nothing to prevent their escape. Written by ZootCatchy (http://www.imdb.com/search/title?plot_author=ZootCatchy&view=simple&sort=alpha&ref_=tt_stry_pl)

SEAWOLF97

03-05-2014, 11:55 AM

.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1210819/

I'm not sure what to make of this flick .... it certainly wasn't as bad as most reviewers tagged it. Wasn't low budget , sound and photography were first rate ...Depp was very entertaining as Tonto (and completely unrecognizable. Many have called him "Captain Jack Sparrow in Indian paint" ) . Sure, I watched the TV series as a kid and don't really want to do a comparo with that, except to say that in the character buildup , was disappointing to see the LR as a semi-klutz. Action parts got almost "comic book-ey".

I didn't realize that Monument Valley was in Texas ? Sorry 'bout that, Utah.

Was a little frustrated by the time I finally got to view it. My Visio BR player would not play past the main menu. Then hooked up an older DVD player and couldn't get past that menu without the remote , no player buttons equaled an "enter" ...finally wired in the DVD player that I use for audio and the 'play' made it past the menu.

Most likely won't view 2nd time before returning to lib. Guess I've give it 7 of 10 rating. It was better than last nights TV lineup ... worth the 3 month library wait :dont-know:

Storyline

In the 1930s, an elderly Tonto tells a young boy the tale of John Reid, the Lone Ranger. An idealistic lawyer, he rides with his brother and fellow Texas Rangers in pursuit of the notorious Butch Cavendish. Ambushed by the outlaw and left for dead, John Reid is rescued by the renegade Comanche, Tonto, at the insistence of a mysterious white horse and offers to help him to bring Cavendish to justice. Becoming a reluctant masked rider with a seemingly incomprehensible partner, Reid pursues the criminal against all obstacles. However, John and Tonto learn that Cavendish is only part of a far greater injustice and the pair must fight it in an adventure that would make them a legend. Written by Kenneth Chisholm ([email protected]) (http://www.imdb.com/search/title?plot_author=Kenneth Chisholm ([email protected])&view=simple&sort=alpha&ref_=tt_stry_pl)

SEAWOLF97

03-08-2014, 05:52 PM

Johnny Lee Miller, best know for playing Sherlock on the CBS show Elementary ... .

Funny, as I avoid that show (despite being a SH fan) because his accent is very difficult for me.

Bored ...I viewed an episode of "the CBS show Elementary" and found it rather mediocre .

conversely ...

I checked out the BBC season 2 DVD of "Sherlock"

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1942612/?ref_=tt_ep_ep1

Ratings: 9.5/10 from 13,722 users (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1942612/ratings?ref_=tt_ov_rt)

and found it to be most likely the best story/production/acting of anything I've ever seen from the Beeb , and possibly the best thing that I've ever seen on broadcast TV ... it surpassed almost all "made for theater" releases.

Critical reception has been highly positive, with many reviews commenting on the quality of the writing, performances and direction. Sherlock has been nominated for numerous awards (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_awards_and_nominations_received_by_Sherloc k) including: BAFTAs (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Academy_Television_Awards), Emmys (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emmy_Awards) and Golden Globe (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Globe_Award), and winning several awards across a variety of categories.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sherlock_(TV_series)

It is a modern update to the old story that does take many liberties. As someone who read the entire series in HS , I was unsure of tinkering with the original , but this new series is spectacular.

hjames

03-08-2014, 08:59 PM

Yep - Sherlock is the BBC series from Stephen Moffat, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steven_Moffat
who took over the new Doctor Who series from Russel T Davies ...
It runs in seasons of 30 90 Minute episodes - series 3 just concluded recently on Masterpiece Theater -- cool stuff!

Much different than Elementary, much different than the Robert Downey Jr Action-adventure Sherlock movies too ...
Much different than The Seven Percent Solution, a 1976 film with Nicole Williamson as Holmes, Robert Duvall as Watson,
Alan Arkin as Freud (working to cure Holmes of his cocaine addiction), Lawrence Olivier as Moriarty ...
its quite a cast, a beautiful but slow film ...

Lotsa Holmes out there - ask BMWCCA he's tracked a lot of them!

Bored ...I viewed an episode of "the CBS show Elementary" and found it rather mediocre .

conversely ...

I checked out the BBC season 2 DVD of "Sherlock"

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1942612/?ref_=tt_ep_ep1

Ratings: 9.5/10 from 13,722 users (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1942612/ratings?ref_=tt_ov_rt)

and found it to be most likely the best story/production/acting of anything I've ever seen from the Beeb , and possibly the best thing that I've ever seen on broadcast TV ... it surpassed almost all "made for theater" releases.

Critical reception has been highly positive, with many reviews commenting on the quality of the writing, performances and direction. Sherlock has been nominated for numerous awards (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_awards_and_nominations_received_by_Sherloc k) including: BAFTAs (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Academy_Television_Awards), Emmys (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emmy_Awards) and Golden Globe (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Globe_Award), and winning several awards across a variety of categories.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sherlock_(TV_series)

It is a modern update to the old story that does take many liberties. As someone who read the entire series in HS , I was unsure of tinkering with the original , but this new series is spectacular.

grumpy

03-08-2014, 09:22 PM

Elementary ... often not as left-brain engaging as BBC Sherlock, but it's Lucy Liu as Watson! :)

I enjoy most Sherlock-based stories as separate entities... they just fire off different entertainment centers in my brain.

SEAWOLF97

03-09-2014, 12:27 PM

but it's Lucy Liu as Watson! :)

she has always seemed annoying to me ... if she were attractive, maybe .... but she would not merit a second glance in the population centers of Asia that are in my past.

BC as Sherlock certainly does have a distinctive look. And IS annoying in character. I got more than a few chuckles at some of Watson's barbs aimed at him.

Watson (http://www.planetclaire.org/quotes/sherlock/john-watson/): Remember—
Sherlock (http://www.planetclaire.org/quotes/sherlock/sherlock-holmes/): Yes.
Watson (http://www.planetclaire.org/quotes/sherlock/john-watson/): Remember—
Sherlock (http://www.planetclaire.org/quotes/sherlock/sherlock-holmes/): Yes.
Watson (http://www.planetclaire.org/quotes/sherlock/john-watson/): Remember what they told you. Don't try to be clever—
Sherlock (http://www.planetclaire.org/quotes/sherlock/sherlock-holmes/): I know.
Watson (http://www.planetclaire.org/quotes/sherlock/john-watson/): —and please just keep it simple and brief.
Sherlock (http://www.planetclaire.org/quotes/sherlock/sherlock-holmes/): I'm confident a star witness at a trial should come across as intelligent.
Watson (http://www.planetclaire.org/quotes/sherlock/john-watson/): Intelligent, fine. Let's give smartass a wide berth.
Sherlock (http://www.planetclaire.org/quotes/sherlock/sherlock-holmes/): I'll just be myself.
Watson (http://www.planetclaire.org/quotes/sherlock/john-watson/): Are you listening to me?

Watson (http://www.planetclaire.org/quotes/sherlock/john-watson/): Punch you?
Sherlock (http://www.planetclaire.org/quotes/sherlock/sherlock-holmes/): Yes. Punch me. In the face. Didn't you hear me?
Watson (http://www.planetclaire.org/quotes/sherlock/john-watson/): I always hear "punch me in the face" when you're speaking, but it's usually subtext.

Sherlock (http://www.planetclaire.org/quotes/sherlock/sherlock-holmes/): Okay, I think we've done now, John.
Watson (http://www.planetclaire.org/quotes/sherlock/john-watson/): You want to remember, Sherlock, I was a soldier. I killed people.
Sherlock (http://www.planetclaire.org/quotes/sherlock/sherlock-holmes/): You were a doctor!
Watson (http://www.planetclaire.org/quotes/sherlock/john-watson/): I had bad days!

BMWCCA

03-09-2014, 05:16 PM

she has always seemed annoying to me ... if she were attractive, maybe .... but she would not merit a second glance in the population centers of Asia that are in my past.

You're probably in the minority here with that opinion, not that it will matter to you. She's one of the most attractive (from a Western aesthetic) Chinese women I can name, and very talented and aware beyond just her acting. My opinion, FWIW.

I appreciate both versions of the Holmes story that we're lucky to have available to us on TV and my eighteen-year-old daughter, who loves the literary character, finds room to appreciate even the Robert Downey, Jr. characterization as well as Benedict Cumberbatch and Jonny Lee Miller. The more the merrier for her. It's all good!

SEAWOLF97

03-10-2014, 11:29 AM

You're probably in the minority here with that opinion, not that it will matter to you. She's one of the most attractive (from a Western aesthetic) Chinese women I can name, and very talented and aware beyond just her acting. My opinion, FWIW.

:rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

continuing on in that vein ... a while ago there was a contest for the world's funniest joke. many accounts put this SH one as number one.

Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson go on a camping trip. After a good dinner and a bottle of wine, they retire for the night, and go to sleep.
Some hours later, Holmes wakes up and nudges his faithful friend. “Watson, look up at the sky and tell me what you see.”
“I see millions and millions of stars, Holmes” replies Watson.
“And what do you deduce from that?”
Watson ponders for a minute. “Well,

http://www.tallrite.com/_themes/blends/blebul1d.gif
Astronomically, it tells me that there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets.

http://www.tallrite.com/_themes/blends/blebul1d.gif
Astrologically, I observe that Saturn is in Leo.

http://www.tallrite.com/_themes/blends/blebul1d.gif
Horologically, I deduce that the time is approximately a quarter past three.

http://www.tallrite.com/_themes/blends/blebul1d.gif
Meteorologically, I suspect that we will have a beautiful day tomorrow.

http://www.tallrite.com/_themes/blends/blebul1d.gif
Theologically, I can see that God is all powerful, and that we are a small and insignificant part of the universe.

But what does it tell you, Holmes?”
Holmes is silent for a moment.
“Watson, you idiot!” he says. “Someone has stolen our tent!”

back to serious:
>>You're probably in the minority here with that opinion

in todays upside-down society/America, I'm rather happy NOT to be in the majority opinion often. ;) thanx.

SEAWOLF97

03-10-2014, 05:26 PM

My Visio BR player is getting picky ... it just won't play the movie (after the menu) on more & more disks. :( So I wired in the dedicated audio hi-DAC DVD player back into the HT.

I managed to get it to play, but couldn't navigate menus .. went on a junk hunt and found a big MX-500 programmable remote. It will do menus, but is capable of so much more that it's almost criminally underused in this capacity.

So I was able to get into disk setup and turn on closed captioning. This was recommended in one of the forums reviewing "Sherlock" , as he can speak so fast and sometimes the dialogue is a little thick.

Re-watched "A Scandal in Belgravia" ... even better this time. On the "extras" the writers say that although the 3 shows per season are called episodes, they are more like stand alone movies and I thoroughly agree.

Coming off DVD , the sound, picture and all are just super. :bouncy: Writers also mention that it's fun to see SH & DW early in their teams career , not aware of the adventures to come.

There was a preview of the last SH movie with Robert Downey Jr. (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000375/?ref_=tt_ov_st), somehow it wasn't appealing ..to me. Maybe I'll check it out when there is nothing else to see.

SEAWOLF97

03-15-2014, 07:39 AM

Just finished "Sherlock" ..season 1. yeah, I know ... did season #2 before #1 , but they are mostly "stand alone" and when you get in the library ques, you take whatever order they give you ..... I'm 167th on 40 copies of season 3 , so it will be a while till I can find out if SH lives in the 2-3 cliffhanger :dont-know: (duh..a real death would rather cancel the series ;))

You can see how the series matured from seasons 1 to 2. One is still far above whatever else is on the tube, but 2 is better and I expect 3 to be better still.

1-1 was essentially a remake of the pilot and a fine intro into the pairing of SH & DW. I appreciate the EXTRAS on the DVD that broadcast viewers miss.

Anyway, so much happens so quickly that season #1 will get re-watched before returning the DVD and most likely enjoyed as much as the first viewing. (or more) :D

SEAWOLF97

03-27-2014, 11:53 AM

.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0122689/plotsummary?ref_=tt_ov_pl

"Originally filmed in December 1968, "The Rock and Roll Circus" was originally intended to be released as a television special. The special was filmed over two nights and featured not only the Rolling Stones but The Who, Jethro Tull (with future Black Sabbath guitarist Tommy Iommi filling in for the recently departed Mick Abrahams), Marianne Faithful and an all-star jam featuring John Lennon, Eric Clapton, Keith Richards and Mitch Micthell. Sadly, this also marked the final appearance of the Stones founder and original guiding light, Brian Jones, who would be dead within six months after filming the special."

What an artifact ...fine for 1 viewing, but not more. LIVE sound , hookey costumes , but nice to see them all w/o current wrinkles ;)

Yoko's "song" almost stopped my viewing all by itself. :eek: :banghead:

SEAWOLF97

03-29-2014, 05:16 PM

.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0988045/?ref_=nv_sr_4

Sherlock Holmes (2009 (http://www.imdb.com/year/2009/?ref_=tt_ov_inf))

to see if it was any better than the reviews ... it wasn't

coming from seasons 1 & 2 of the current gold standard (IMHO) , RDJ didn't stand a chance.

SEAWOLF97

03-31-2014, 07:02 PM

.
Rush (2013 (http://www.imdb.com/year/2013/?ref_=tt_ov_inf))

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1979320/?ref_=nv_sr_1

I liked it , much better than expected. yes, it was rather formula (no pun intended) and I'm reading that the true facts were massaged around a bit for dramatic license, but it was enjoyable.
Left with a real respect for Niki Lauda , as I ignored F1 after 1968, and knew little of the 1976 season that is the focus of this movie. Hunt was a mystery to me , and his most redeeming moment of the film never happened in reality, Well acted and filmed , I'd give it just a half point below what I remember as the best Formula 1 movie .. Grand Prix. trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Chbqa-u8c4c
I did view the "extra/deleted" scenes , most would have been good left in.
It would be a treat for those interested in motorsports, tho the story is as good as the action. Will probably get a second view before returning. :applaud:

trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_u3FODrenM

(http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0484399/?ref_=tt_stry_pl)Storyline

Set against the sexy, glamorous golden age of Formula 1 racing in the 1970s, the film is based on the true story of a great sporting rivalry between handsome English playboy James Hunt (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0402481/?ref_=tt_stry_pl) (Hemsworth), and his methodical, brilliant opponent, Austrian driver Niki Lauda (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0484399/?ref_=tt_stry_pl) (Bruhl). The story follows their distinctly different personal styles on and off the track, their loves and the astonishing 1976 season in which both drivers were willing to risk everything to become world champion in a sport with no margin for error: if you make a mistake, you die. Written by P. Morgan

(http://www.imdb.com/search/title?plot_author=P. Morgan&view=simple&sort=alpha&ref_=tt_stry_pl)

SEAWOLF97

04-05-2014, 08:48 AM

.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1454468/

Picked this up on BD ..visually stunning ,,, had no expectations.

Thin story, acting , but quite a ride. This is a one time viewer , no need for a second.

I'm not a physicist , but to me much of the action did not ring true and I think that contributed to the hollowness of the experience. Just can't fathom constant "bar chatter" between trained astronauts in life & death situations. The Indian sounded just like Raj from "Big Bang" ... had to check his closeup to make sure it wasn't.

Not sure how this was considered Academy award material :dont-know:

I took my own recommendations from prior post and now have "Grand Prix" DVD , which will be next up. ;)

Storyline

Dr. Ryan Stone (Sandra Bullock (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000113/?ref_=tt_stry_pl)) is a brilliant medical engineer on her first shuttle mission, with veteran astronaut Matt Kowalsky (George Clooney (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000123/?ref_=tt_stry_pl)) in command of his last flight before retiring. But on a seemingly routine spacewalk, disaster strikes. The shuttle is destroyed, leaving Stone and Kowalsky completely alone - tethered to nothing but each other and spiraling out into the blackness. Written by MuTaTeD (http://www.imdb.com/search/title?plot_author=MuTaTeD&view=simple&sort=alpha&ref_=tt_stry_pl)

SEAWOLF97

04-07-2014, 08:12 AM

.
Before returning GRAVITY , i read some of the online reviews. They mention how good the BD extra features (behind the scenes stories) were.

So I put the disc back in and ran that section ... yes, over an hour of production details. yes ..new techniques. They went on and on about the soundtrack , about the precision of the earths position in the background of shots , about the position of stars in the background , symbolism in certain scenes ..etc. About the 3 months it took to invert a 3 minute passage. About the 15 hours of computer time to render a single frame. etc,etc.

Figuring that I must have missed all that, the whole movie got re watched. Most of those details added almost nothing. The symbolism was weak and rather basic ..ie: Bullock going into fetal position to show a "rebirth" and new determination to make it home.

Was it better on the second viewing ? NO. The film was fine, just not as big a deal as all the hype.

SEAWOLF97

04-07-2014, 09:28 AM

As for the category of epics that are really love stories, I rank Doctor Zhivago over all others, El Cid included.

Dr Zhivago: helps greatly to know the basic Russion history of the times, 1st saw it as kid, was lost on the events around the love sory, still liked it gtratly though

Mark

interesting story re: Dr. Z

'Doctor Zhivago' had secret publisher: The CIA

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/04/07/newser-doctor-zhivago-cia/7418261/

SEAWOLF97

04-16-2014, 10:19 AM

.
I'd give it just a half point below what I remember as the best Formula 1 movie .. Grand Prix. trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Chbqa-u8c4c

(http://www.imdb.com/search/title?plot_author=P. Morgan&view=simple&sort=alpha&ref_=tt_stry_pl)

revision

So after writing this , I checked out Grand Prix. It didn't hold up as well as remembered. RUSH (which got a second viewing before returning) was better in every aspect , which isn't surprising when comparing a 1966 movie to a 2013. There was only a little CGI in the latter film (weather, crashes) and it wasn't obvious.

GP was rather quaint with non-air effects cars , little safety gear , not too much commercialism , etc. Eva Marie Saint was in it tho and that was a nice bonus. Also contained Graham Hill, Phil Hill , Dan Gurney , Bondurant and many others ... The extras on disk #2 contained a nice feature on Brands Hatch and showed the Ford GT-40 camera car.

So since I was impressed with RUSH , thot I'd see what else Ron Howard directed and decided to give Apollo 13 a try. (I knew nothing of the Moon landing or Apollo 13 incident until long after the facts) .... it turned out to be rather pedestrian , I could predict scenes.

Would only rate it at 6 of 10 , whereas RUSH would make a 9 of 10 , so it seems Ron is getting better as he progresses. :)

so this month I've been picking up $1 DVD's for when the library runs out of interesting ones...

so future reviews can include:

Gran Turismo
Manchurian Candidate (Sinatra)
Harrod Experiment
Australia
Star Wars 3
Sahara
the social network
On the Beach (loved the book)
Family of Spies
Airforce One/In the Line of Fire
Romeo & Juliet (DeCaprio version)

SEAWOLF97

04-20-2014, 09:51 AM

Eva Marie Saint was in it tho and that was a nice bonus.

OKAY , we all remember her from NxNW :D

I picked up a BluRay old chestnut from La bibliotechia that had a leading lady just as memorable as EMS. And had a scene reminiscent of CG being chased by the bi-plane. Any guess ?

Daneila Bianchi . Still can't get it ?

From Russia with Love

great transfer and sound , I think they even found the original titles. Extras were limited to a couple of interviews with Ian Fleming.

We all know the story , it holds up pretty well. Sure, there are some detail flubs , but this is before there was a big budget to work with. Don't recall any scene in the flick that actually matches this publicity photo :dont-know:

a fun watch :D

SEAWOLF97

04-23-2014, 08:08 AM

.
While picking up my holds at the library, I noticed that there is a shelf for BluRay movies only. (there are lots & lots for standard DVD's)

So I grabbed Goldfinger & HELP! ..... the Beatles flick is a 2007 remaster with good extras. Beautiful transfer/color/sound. Acting/Story ? silly, but a real nostalgia trip. Very sharp image.

I really enjoyed the extras section about the restoration process. Those guys were fixing individual dirt spots on EVERY frame. The spotter was saying that he could put in a long day and fix maybe 2 minutes in that day. Color was rebalanced/calibrated/coded to maintain from scene to scene. Looks like the movie was shot yesterday.

007 is next up, but have been watching the last season of "Hawaii 5-O" . The casting had gone to pot by then , with only JL from the original cast. Stories getting even more derivative than earlier. Series was getting tired and ready to be put out of it's misery. :eek:

SEAWOLF97

04-23-2014, 06:29 PM

.
this morning , I scanned the library for BluRays and put these on hold :

Being There (http://multcolib.bibliocommons.com/item/show/2367466068_being_there)
The Big Lebowski (http://multcolib.bibliocommons.com/item/show/2367472068_the_big_lebowski)
El Dorado (http://multcolib.bibliocommons.com/item/show/2378860068_el_dorado)
High Noon (http://multcolib.bibliocommons.com/item/show/2367576068_high_noon)
Little Big Man (http://multcolib.bibliocommons.com/item/show/2367606068_little_big_man)
North by Northwest (http://multcolib.bibliocommons.com/item/show/2367646068_north_by_northwest)
The Spy Who Came in From the Cold (http://multcolib.bibliocommons.com/item/show/2367697068_the_spy_who_came_in_from_the_cold)
Thunderball (http://multcolib.bibliocommons.com/item/show/2367721068_thunderball)
3 Days of the Condor (http://multcolib.bibliocommons.com/item/show/2367435068_3_days_of_the_condor)
L.A. Confidential (http://multcolib.bibliocommons.com/item/show/2367601068_la_confidential)
Apocalypse Now (http://multcolib.bibliocommons.com/item/show/2367454068_apocalypse_now)
Marathon Man (http://multcolib.bibliocommons.com/item/show/2367619068_marathon_man)
Top Gear 20 (http://multcolib.bibliocommons.com/item/show/2355388068_top_gear_20)
Sherlock (http://multcolib.bibliocommons.com/item/show/2375032068_sherlock) Season Three

I've seen most of these already, but on BD the extras are usually better , and I'm a guy who does watch the extras .... these are going to come flooding it , so gotta watch what I have and get my current checkouts back , so

Viewed "Goldfinger" today. have seen it many times , but was still enjoyable and the presentation was first rate all around ...:D

SEAWOLF97

04-27-2014, 07:41 AM

.
is still out there jamming with "The Abiders" ;)

http://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/2014/04/27/dude-parties-with-big-lebowski-fans-at-festival/

"There were bowling pins, bathrobes, white Russians, and even The Dude himself.

Jeff Bridges and his band performed Friday at Lebowski Fest, but Joel and Ethan Coen's 1998 campy crime comedy "The Big Lebowski" was still the night's biggest star."

SEAWOLF97

04-30-2014, 08:33 AM

.
that I'm going through a movie every night.

2 days ago ... Eldorado http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0061619/?ref_=nv_sr_1
John Wayne standard stuff , lots of budget and name actors surrounding him couldn't
save this semi-schlock. BluRay transfer couldn't save this one either. 4 of 10 on rating scale. :(

last night ...HIGH NOON http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0044706/?ref_=nv_sr_1
Gary Cooper , low budget black & white , just surrounding character actors , but a whole different experience from ED above

Good story,high tension , GC was great in lead role which is probably why this is such a classic. Good bonus's/interviews included. BluRay was no better than standard DVD in this case.

9 of 10 on rating scale. Only 2 quibbles that kept it from being a 10. Theme music was constant and tiring. Grace Kelly seemed really not cast very well.

SEAWOLF97

05-11-2014, 08:11 AM

L.A. Confidential ... http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119488/

wow, great flick. Everything was first rate. Sound, color, casting, acting , story. Out of the whole movie there was only 1 scene that I could quibble on , it was plot crucial ..but I couldn't get the motivations of the character. movie deserves an easy 9.5 of 10 :applaud:

TOP GEAR (20) successful formula never seems to change, the guys are quite funny , but some of it is getting stale, destroying gear that I would prize sometimes hurts. But I will be getting more seasons copies. ;)

BEING THERE didn't live up to memories and did not get completed.

THUNDERBALL ? guess I've seen it too many times, BluRay did not improve it over the standard DVD

SEAWOLF97

05-18-2014, 05:46 PM

This week I managed to view 4 of my all time top 5. They will all retain their positions.

North by NorthWest
Apocalypse Now Redux
Little Big man
3 Days of the Condor

If I was limited to only 4 films for the rest of my days ... these would surely be there. High Noon was a big fave too (but probably edged out by Lebowski, which is due in this week)

All were great transfers , color , sound, all first rate , but some benefited from BluRay more than others.

My HT is setup so well now, that I'm afraid to mess with anything.

Gotta love my public library system ..:bouncy:

SEAWOLF97

05-20-2014, 10:29 AM

biked to library yesterday , holds waiting. While there I grabbed a DVD of an old movie that I'd seen in a cheapo theater in SD (near the ferry landing) in 1971. It didn't seem much understandable back then and I thought in 2014 maybe it would be :dont-know:

HOW I WON THE WAR - 1967 http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0061789/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

it's a Richard Lester film that shows John Lennon on the cover and plays upon his presence. He really has a minor role. It's a WW2 anti-war comedy. Chronicles a platoon with an inept officer building a cricket pitch behind enemy lines.

Each battle is tinted a different color: red, green,blue etc. As the soldiers are slowly killed off, they return - silent and colored head to foot the color of their fatal battle.

In the end, only the officer is left ... he wins the war by buying the last remaining bridge across the Rhine from a tired German officer , with a bad check :crying:

Even with subtitles on , the dialog was so thick that you just have to guess often.

Worth seeing ... once.

Also grabbed TOP GEAR 17. No variation on the standard formula (tho they did a nice tribute to the XKE). BUT there was a 3rd disk = TOP GEAR- USA. Who knew there was such a thing ?

Absolute copy of music , set , audience in the round , three presenters. They were humorless clones. 10 minutes was enough . In the vernacular , it was GROTTY. :barf:

SEAWOLF97

05-29-2014, 08:22 PM

.
the reveal from season 2's cliffhanger was OK
#2 episode ... wedding best man was the weakest of the lot , I was starting to
worry that the series had "jumped the shark"
but then , an incredible finale that made up for the 2 weak eps.

Oh well, back to whatever season of TOP GEAR is next in line

Clarkson, while entertaining , just isn't SH. :(

the parts of the BBC that get exported sure do wax what on my local channels ..;)

SEAWOLF97

06-02-2014, 08:40 PM

.
the sequel to 2001: A Space Odyssey

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086837/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

BREATHTAKING (ly) .... boring, stupid, inane , an insult to the classic 2001

rating 1 of 10 , lowest so far in this thread. Some of the serious dialog only produced laughter , the tension producing scenes ... ZZZZZZ's , computer graphics, a lower grade than the original TRON

sample dialog: "Whether we are based on carbon or silicon makes no fundamental difference. We should each be treated with appropriate respect."

"Someday, the children of the new sun will meet the children of the old. I think they will be our friends."

"You can tell your children of the day when everyone looked up and realized that they were only tenants of this world. We have been given a new lease and a warning from the landlord."

a waste of time. :barf:

SEAWOLF97

06-03-2014, 08:53 PM

The Blob (1958 (http://www.imdb.com/year/1958/?ref_=tt_ov_inf))

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0051418/?ref_=nv_sr_2

about what you would expect from a 1958 low budget "horror" movie ... mono, but color was good, but still better than 2010, UNexpected leading man = Steve McQueen (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000537/?ref_=tt_cl_t1) 4/10

V for Vendetta (2005 (http://www.imdb.com/year/2005/?ref_=tt_ov_inf))

this film is about 99% perfect. It's on my desert island DVD list. 11/10

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0434409/?ref_=nv_sr_1

SEAWOLF97

06-23-2014, 08:06 AM

been viewing lots of TOP GEAR. Especially like the adventures in foreign
lands in budget cars. The crossing Africa & India & Vietnam & Italy were all very good.

Their theme music always sounded familiar. couldn't ever put my finger on it.
I now know. Do any of you know w/o looking it up ?

The "behind the scenes" extras were an eye opener. Crummy cramped offices,
show shot in an old hanger , most everything low budget , yet they make it look
much better than the reality.

I identify most with James May.

SEAWOLF97

07-05-2014, 03:49 PM

Put on the DVD of TOP GEAR 15 a short time back , ended up doing 3 epps /day.

Jeremy in a Reliant Robin was slapstick, yes, but Brit TG slapstick ...I laughed more in that one show than I have in all the US sitcoms , combined , in all of 2014. :D

here's a You tube highlights (?) clip :eek:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQh56geU0X8

not shown in that vid , they make bets on THE STIG taking it around their test track ... disaster a' la Clarkson on the very first turn. :rotfl::rotfl:

yesterday I picked up another $1 DVD ..Coen Bros. "A Serious Man" . reviews are good , never heard of it before ..should be interesting.

SEAWOLF97

07-10-2014, 07:23 PM

been jumping around different season of TOP GEAR ..... it's funny that I have to turn on ENGLISH subtitles on an ENGLISH Beeb show ...:o: , but I think that may have been cleared up when the vitual "Rosetta Stone" of TopGear showed on my Google search.

http://forums.finalgear.com/top-gear/the-top-gear-british-phrases-explanation-thread-33002/#post876563

I'm in season 13 where The STIG in finally unmasked .... it's really bittersweet to see the helmet come off to reveal Michael Shumacher in his better days. So I went back to Google and learned that he's been in a medically induced coma for 6 months. Geeze he was such a vibrant, talented World Class guy just not so long ago.

dr_gallup

07-11-2014, 02:31 PM

SEAWOLF97

07-13-2014, 04:10 PM

.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0036348/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

During WWII several murders occur at a convalescent home where Dr. Watson has volunteered his services. He summons Holmes for help and the master detective proceeds to solve the crime from a long list of suspects including the owners of the home, the staff and the patients recovering there. [I]Written by Col Needham <[email protected]> (http://www.imdb.com/search/title?plot_author=Col Needham <[email protected]>&view=simple&sort=alpha&ref_=tt_stry_pl)

Basil Rathbone & Nigel Bruce in the lead roles. This was the first time I've experienced the BR versions and it was fun, far surpassing the TV and wretched RDJr depictions.

Not super great acting and won't displace the Beeb modern Sherlock , but nice for fans of the genre.

b&w mono

Corinna Schumacher, the wife of Michael Schumacher, has said he is getting better after coming out of a coma in her first comments since the former Formula One driver's skiing accident last December. Let's hope for the best.

that is good to hear.

SEAWOLF97

07-14-2014, 05:44 PM

.
Early & very good Hitchcock . very obvious that it was made during WW2 . Treatment of the enemy prisoner , calling their negro porter "Charcoal" , and of course, at the closing credits..
The banner WAR BONDS ..you can purchase right here in the theater's lobby.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0037017/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Storyline

In the Atlantic during WWII, a ship and a German U-boat are involved in a battle and both are sunk. The survivors from the ship gather in one of the boats. They are from a variety of backgrounds: an international journalist, a rich businessman, the radio operator, a nurse, a steward, a sailor and an engineer with communist tendencies. Trouble starts when they pull a man out of the water who turns out to be from the U-boat. Written by Col Needham <[email protected]>

(http://www.imdb.com/search/title?plot_author=Col%20Needham%20%[email protected]% 3E&view=simple&sort=alpha&ref_=tt_stry_pl)
here's a review that's pretty much what I'd write if my fingers were a little more flexible.

One of Hitchcock's best that rarely gets a mention. Don't overlook this one! 26 March 2003 | by Infofreak (http://www.imdb.com/user/ur0381265/?ref_=tt_urv) (Perth, Australia) – See all my reviews (http://www.imdb.com/user/ur0381265/comments?ref_=tt_urv)
'Lifeboat' must be extremely high on the list of THE most underrated Alfred Hitchcock movies! I very rarely hear anyone talk about this little gem, which is a damn shame as it is as good as many of Hitch's better known films. The plot is simple but the film makes the most of it with inventive direction, a strong script, and an interesting ensemble cast, most of whom are very good. I believe that Tallulah Bankhead irritates many people but I thought she was effective enough and well cast. I must say I was much more interested in Walter Slezak who played the Nazi and John Hodiak the tattooed tough guy. Both were excellent performances that really added to my enjoyment of the movie. Anybody who likes Hitchcock who hasn't seen 'Lifeboat' is in for a treat. Don't overlook this one. It's dated in some ways sure, but still much more entertaining than 90% of today's so-called thrillers. I strongly recommend it.

(http://www.imdb.com/search/title?plot_author=Col%20Needham%20%[email protected]% 3E&view=simple&sort=alpha&ref_=tt_stry_pl)

SEAWOLF97

07-20-2014, 04:35 PM

.
zzzzz ..ugh.

had it's moments, but not worth the checkout ... IMHO.

SEAWOLF97

07-29-2014, 11:36 AM

We have a fab public regional library just 1.5 miles away. A regional is about twice the size of a branch.. very large DVD section and a huge Viet section that the OL likes.

Sometimes I just grab something on a whim. Since I've been doing various Sherlock Holmes versions, snagged "Memoirs of SH" - Jeremy Brett on the Granada series. >> http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108855/

It was made for TV in 1994. Rather lavish production , was not cheap , as the Basil Rathbone version was. Basil seemed a better actor tho. Jeremy comes across as a stage actor projecting to fill a poor acoustics theater.

On one of the last TOP GEAR DVD's that I viewed. The JC gang were back seat riders in a trio of British Spitfires. Lots of good aerial footage. They went on & on about how the Spitfire saved England during The Battle of Brittan. so , yesterday at the cheap used DVD store the selection was weak but I grabbed "The Battle of Brittan" movie.

Really bizarre side story. I was bent over sideways perusing movies and behind me I hear "nice booty" . Look around and there was an older (my age) woman staring at me. I stood up and she says "good shape too" . Quite obviously insane.

A little more on SH : Claudine Auger , very memorable from "Thunderball" was unrecognizable in this SH epp.

SEAWOLF97

08-14-2014, 09:30 AM

.
5 of possible 10. Many reviewers call it "mediocre" , I'd call it a little better , but ...

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2177771/reviews?ref_=tt_urv

not a movie that deserves a second viewing. Slow, full of holes, lacking detail. I kept waiting for a scene where people weren't in clean, freshly pressed uniforms, but that never came. It was kinda like a Disney laundered version of WW2. Soundtrack WAS mediocre. Very little character development. Everybody was smoking, figured they'd die of cancer before war wounds.

The idea and story were compelling , but the movie recreation was flat. :(

SEAWOLF97

08-16-2014, 09:05 AM

.

http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BOTczNzg5MzAwMl5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwNzE0MjcxNQ@@._ V1_SY44_CR0,0,32,44_AL_.jpg (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000047/?ref_=tt_cl_i1)
Sophia Loren (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000047/?ref_=tt_cl_t1)

http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMTY1OTczNDE2NF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMTY5Mzg3Mw@@._ V1_SX32_CR0,0,32,44_AL_.jpg (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000577/?ref_=tt_cl_i2)
George Peppard

(http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000577/?ref_=tt_cl_t2)

Storyline

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059549/

This is the story of the methods used to defeat Hitler's V1 (doodlebug) and V2 (rocket) "revenge weapons" towards the end of the second world war. Even though the Nazis were in retreat these weapons could have turned their defeat into victory. The film includes references to Hannah Reich, who in real life was a German test pilot. Written by Steve Crook <[email protected]> (http://www.imdb.com/search/title?plot_author=Steve Crook <[email protected]>&view=simple&sort=alpha)

Pretty good for a 1965 film. Effects not too cheesy. Retells a story that I didn't know well.

Sophia's character was un-needed, but then it was the lowpoint of the movie when she was murdered ..:(
The DVD extras go into the history of rocketry and how Goddard is really the father of the science. He did all the hard research , then applied for patents , then the Germans requested the whole patent details from the US govt at a cost of 10 cents a page and were able to start their research from the middle (1930's).

I'd rate it 7.5 of 10 , loses half a point for Sophia's early exit.

SEAWOLF97

09-03-2014, 04:02 PM

since last post, I've watched

The Bag Man ... http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2212008/ about a 2 on the 1 to 10 scale :eek:

Arabesque ... http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0060121/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2 Gregory Peck & Sophia making money by running around in a stupid thriller 3.5 of 10 :o:

13 Tzameti ...http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0475169/?ref_=fn_tt_tt_21 stark French thriller in B&W ...memorable 8 of 10 :blink:

Casino Royale 1967 ... http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0061452/?ref_=nv_sr_2 What can you say about a "007" movie that has 6 James Bond's ?

http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMTI0MjE1MjczMF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTYwMDIxNTQ2._V1_S Y44_CR2,0,32,44_AL_.jpg (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000634/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_i1)
Peter Sellers (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000634/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t1)
...
Evelyn Tremble (http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0000300/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t1) / James Bond 007 (http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0000007/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t1)

http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMTcyMjkyNzg3N15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTYwNDIzOTM2._V1_S Y44_CR1,0,32,44_AL_.jpg (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000266/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_i2)
Ursula Andress (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000266/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t2)
...
Vesper Lynd (http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0000275/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t2) / James Bond 007 (http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0000007/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t2)

http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BNTU3NzU3NjIyNF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwNDUxMTMyNA@@._ V1_SY44_CR1,0,32,44_AL_.jpg (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000057/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_i3)
David Niven (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000057/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t3)
...
Sir James Bond (http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0000007/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t3)

http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMTM1NzU3ODM1NV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMzc1MzIyOA@@._ V1_SY44_CR1,0,32,44_AL_.jpg (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0492002/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_i6)
Daliah Lavi (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0492002/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t6)
...
The Detainer (http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0000401/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t6) / James Bond 007 (http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0000007/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t6)

http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMTI1MjU3MTI2MF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMDgxNTE4MQ@@._ V1_SX32_CR0,0,32,44_AL_.jpg (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000095/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_i7)
Woody Allen (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000095/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t7)
...
Jimmy Bond (Dr. Noah) (http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0058417/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t7)

http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/G/01/imdb/images/nopicture/32x44/name-2138558783._CB379389446_.png (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0178414/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_i15)
Terence Cooper (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0178414/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t15)
...
Cooper (http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0000457/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t15) / James Bond 007 (http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0000007/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t15)

psychedelic , insane , over the top , but it works. 9 of 10 :applaud:

SEAWOLF97

09-20-2014, 07:03 PM

.
but for some reason decided to revisit the old "Rockford files" TV shows.
Season #1 was great, a little wobbly ..getting their footings.
then Season #6 (the last one) ..a disaster , everyone was coasting , even a Hawaii episode
short and not sweet.
backtracked to #5 and it was still good
#4 waiting in my que.

re: my prior comments on SHERLOCK,
huffpost had this article today ...
14 Awesome British TV Shows To Stream On Netflix

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/09/13/british-tv-shows_n_5812136.html

the comment on Sherlock was "Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes is the best thing ever, and that's all we have to say about that."

Oh yeah, slight gear change ....ADS L-1290's for mains, ADS L-300's for surrounds, Mission center , same AVR , Visio BR , Panny DVD player

SEAWOLF97

09-29-2014, 06:50 PM

.
but biked out to the cheap DVD store yesterday and grabbed 3 more.

Casino Royale - 2 disk Daniel Craig version
The Life & Times of Peter Sellers
The Quiet American - the 1958 film with Audie Murphy ...I have the 2002 film
with Michael Caine and enjoy it ... http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0052106/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2

Have really been impressed with the WGN series = Manhatten

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manhattan_%28TV_series%29

waiting for series 4 of Sherlock. ;)

SEAWOLF97

10-05-2014, 10:03 AM

.
I had of course heard the title for many years, but somehow never got around to actually viewing it.

Probable some of Brando's best work ... Too bad JFK et alia had not viewed it before the big Asian Adventure of the 60's :eek:

An intelligent, articulate scholar, Harrison MacWhite, survives a hostile Senate confirmation hearing at the hands of conservatives to become ambassador to Sarkan, a southeast Asian country where civil war threatens a tense peace. Despite his knowledge, once he's there, MacWhite sees only a dichotomy between the U.S. and Communism. He can't accept that anti-American sentiment might be a longing for self-determination and nationalism. So, he breaks from his friend Deong, a local opposition leader, ignores a foreman's advice about slowing the building of a road, and tries to muscle ahead. What price must the country and his friends pay for him to get some sense?
- Written by <[email protected]> (http://www.imdb.com/search/title?plot_author=%3Cjhailey%40hotmail.com%3E&view=simple&sort=alpha&ref_=ttpl_pl_1)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0056632/plotsummary?ref_=tt_ov_pl

SEAWOLF97

10-10-2014, 12:40 PM

.
The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956 (http://www.imdb.com/year/1956/?ref_=tt_ov_inf))

just didn't do much for me ...plot holes and contrivances were huge, and telegraphed so you could almost see them coming. Characters doing things for unexplainable reasons ?

The original story must have been better than this film , tho it did win an Oscar :dont-know:

I expected better from Hitch ...lame ending too

(and if I hear Doris Day sing "Que Sera Sera" one more time ...that will be many too many)

4 of 10

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0049470/?ref_=nv_sr_1

the only inventive thing in the flick is that it opened with the London Symphony playing the theme music and that segment actually was a later part of the plot.

SEAWOLF97

10-11-2014, 09:27 AM

.
WOW ... I won't call it great, but certainly iconic and entertaining . Lots of web reviews, if you are so interested.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunset_Boulevard_(film)

On bluray ... tho in mono & BW it most likely makes little difference. :dont-know:

Holden , Swanson and Wilder ..oh my. easily a 9 of 10

SEAWOLF97

10-15-2014, 09:17 AM

.
I was watching the extras on the SUNSET BLVD. DVD and one of them was a bio on the director, Billy Wilder.

He of course is famous for SOME LIKE IT HOT, but also did some that looked promising .... so I checked the library database and put holds on Double Indemnity , The 7 year itch and on the Private Life of Sherlock Holmes.

Picked up Sherlock yesterday. It's a rather different, but interesting story, but with the familiar cast of characters. Never knew it existed.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0066249/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

SH is a bit more human and Watson a bit more buffoonish in this one, the scenery of Scotland was interesting , the Loch Ness monster turns out to be a British prototype submarine that they've worked very hard on , but then Queen VR comes to christen it and, she asks "so it sneaks up on ships , doesn't show her colors ? And sinks them ? Well, we'll have none of that !!"

All in all an unexpected nice time of a film. 7 of 10.

SEAWOLF97

10-24-2014, 11:42 AM

hsosdrum

10-24-2014, 12:45 PM

If you want Billy Wilder at his best, see "Ace In The Hole." One of Kirk Douglas's best as well.

SEAWOLF97

10-24-2014, 12:58 PM

If you want Billy Wilder at his best, see "Ace In The Hole." One of Kirk Douglas's best as well.

thanx for the recommendation ...it has stayed under my radar, but just put a hold on it.

reviews:
Charles Tatum, a down-on-his-luck reporter, takes a job with a small New Mexico newspaper. The job is pretty boring until he finds a man trapped in an old Indian dwelling. He jumps at the chance to make a name for himself by taking over and prolonging the rescue effort, and feeding stories to major newspapers. He creates a national media sensation and milks it for all it is worth - until things go terribly wrong.Here we have a film that more people need to talk about. Billy Wilder's 'Ace in the Hole' is a fascinating dive into the hive-mind of media culture. The film centers around the arrogant and manipulative journalist Chuck Tatum (Kirk Douglas) who visits a desolate mining town to find out that tragedy has struck when a man is trapped inside the caves. Chuck leaps at the opprotunity for a great story and transforms the problem into a huge media circus. Crowds of families in RVs and minivans gather to the town in support of the man's plight, focussing more on publicity than alieviating the catastrophe. The character of Chuck Tatum is a cold misanthrope, nothing about this film harkens back to soft sentimentality. It takes you into it's dark and leeching world of biased and exploitative journalism, and can't help but seve as a reminder of our own obsession with drama. -

Here we have a film that more people need to talk about. Billy Wilder's 'Ace in the Hole' is a fascinating dive into the hive-mind of media culture. The film centers around the arrogant and manipulative journalist Chuck Tatum (Kirk Douglas) who visits a desolate mining town to find out that tragedy has struck when a man is trapped inside the caves. Chuck leaps at the opprotunity for a great story and transforms the problem into a huge media circus. Crowds of families in RVs and minivans gather to the town in support of the man's plight, focussing more on publicity than alieviating the catastrophe. The character of Chuck Tatum is a cold misanthrope, nothing about this film harkens back to soft sentimentality. It takes you into it's dark and leeching world of biased and exploitative journalism, and can't help but serve as a reminder of our own obsession with drama. -

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0043338/

SEAWOLF97

11-06-2014, 02:05 PM

well , recently I viewed the 2 Roger Moore 007 cartoons , TSWLM and TMWTGG. They really don't hold up well.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0071807/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_45
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0076752/?ref_=nm_knf_i1

then Wallander (season 1) ... BBC can be near SOTA when they want to , but I didn't find the stories very compelling. The photography makes southern Sweden seem rather bleak. Kenneth Branagh is sleepy the whole time and seems not to be interested in being the Chief Detective.

Tried THE QUEEN . http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0436697/ couldn't handle more than abt 20 minutes of it. Tony Blair seemed fittingly shallow & obnoxious.

Finally found one worth watching . SKYFALL http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1074638/?ref_=nv_sr_1 First class all the way. Gritty. Craig makes Moore look like a buffoon.

SEAWOLF97

11-07-2014, 09:56 AM

. WOW, this was good. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0036775/.

(http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0036775/)

http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMTkwMTIyODQ4Nl5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTYwOTk1MTI2._V1_S X32_CR0,0,32,44_AL_.jpg (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0534045/?ref_=tt_cl_i1)
Fred MacMurray (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0534045/?ref_=tt_cl_t1)
...
Walter Neff (http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0011631/?ref_=tt_cl_t1)

http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BNjMxODIzODEzNF5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTYwNDgwNjI2._V1_S X32_CR0,0,32,44_AL_.jpg (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001766/?ref_=tt_cl_i2)
Barbara Stanwyck (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001766/?ref_=tt_cl_t2)
...
Phyllis Dietrichson (http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0011630/?ref_=tt_cl_t2)

http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMjE0NzcwMzU5Nl5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTYwNTkwMjI2._V1_S Y44_CR1,0,32,44_AL_.jpg (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000064/?ref_=tt_cl_i3)
Edward G. Robinson (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000064/?ref_=tt_cl_t3)
...
Barton Keyes (http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0011632/?ref_=tt_cl_t3)

MacMurray & Stanwyck were excellent as detestable characters. Robinson, of all things, was the good guy. well filmed , the dialogue was Chandler-esque and I'm glad that subtitles were turned on.

One part that seemed funny, Neff goes to Barbara's house. A beautiful Spanish house on a hill and remarks “It was one of those California Spanish houses everyone was nuts about ten or fifteen years ago. This one must have cost somebody about thirty thousand bucks – that is if he ever finished paying for it.” Probably 2 million today ?

http://www.lamag.com/citythinkblog/scene-it-before-the-colonial-revival-style-home-from-double-indemnity/

http://www.iamnotastalker.com/2011/10/10/the-double-indemnity-house/

I'd give it 9.5 of 10.

Storyline In 1938, Walter Neff, an experienced salesman of the Pacific All Risk Insurance Co., meets the seductive wife of one of his clients, Phyllis Dietrichson, and they have an affair. Phyllis proposes to kill her husband to receive the proceeds of an accident insurance policy and Walter devises a scheme to receive twice the amount based on a double indemnity clause. When Mr. Dietrichson is found dead on a train-track, the police accept the determination of accidental death. However, the insurance analyst and Walter's best friend Barton Keyes does not buy the story and suspects that Phyllis has murdered her husband with the help of another man. Written by Claudio Carvalho, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (http://www.imdb.com/search/title?plot_author=Claudio+Carvalho%2C+Rio+de+Janei ro%2C+Brazil&view=simple&sort=alpha&ref_=tt_stry_pl)

LowPhreak

11-07-2014, 10:50 AM

. WOW, this was good. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0036775/.

(http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0036775/)

Sounds interesting! Thanks for the heads-up.

hsosdrum

11-07-2014, 01:47 PM

Double Indemnity is often considered to be the prototype of the film noir genre. Although ostensibly about the relationship between Neff (MacMurray) and Phyllis (Stanwyck), the emotional heart of the film is the relationship between Neff and Keyes (Robinson). Edward G. has most of the film's best lines of dialog.

I've seen it dozens of times and never tire of it. (Great writing stays fresh.)

Ducatista47

11-07-2014, 06:23 PM

.
since the title (at least ) is famous, I had some expectations for it ..

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0048605/

boy, was I wrong ...boring, annoying and not very funny ... yeah it was 1955 and the censors gutted it, but ..YUK. Don't bother (IMHO)

A Billy Wilder stinker , looks like not all his were gems :eek:
I still think of the 1950s, 60s and 70s Hollywood comedies as mostly very lame. Since I saw them then I can verify that while they are dated now, they were completely lame then too. It was the culture there. At the same time, Hollywood dramas were in a golden era. They seldom market mainline films like They Shoot Horses Don't They any more. In the 1940's both Hollywood comedies and dramas were often very well done. IMO the better British films in the 50s to 70s were much better than Hollywood's, dramas excepted. The Ealing comedies were side splitting if you knew anything about the culture there. Ah, the Brits.

The films of Peter Yates are highly recommended. Don't forget The Friends Of Eddie Coyle, Murphy's War, Breaking Away and The Dresser. He is known here for Bullitt. He was a Brit who tried Pro auto racing and team managing before becoming a filmmaker. Another director was Joseph Losey, born in the USA but went to the UK. He lived pretty hard. His biography is called A Revenge On Life. He was one of a handful who directed Julie Christie in a lead role.

On a roll, to actresses. Almost everything with Julie Christie is worth seeing. Even the not great films will have a great performance by her. She is amazing.

Many of the best actresses working today are independent film specialists. Sarah Polley, Chloe Sevigny, Lili Taylor and Emily Watson come to mind. The first two are gifted directors when they get the chance. They insisted on learning the craft when they first set foot on a shoot.

Daryl Hannah is an overlooked talent. She makes a lot of so-so films to fund her activism, but give her some control and he is great. in the improvised film Dancing At The Blue Iguana she portrays someone nothing like herself. Hannah is very intelligent in real life. Can't judge a book by its cover.

The young Irish actress Saorise Ronan has done mainstream films, she starred in Hanna, but she is aces in whatever indie film she graces. Every performance is worth the time. Talent wise I think she is another Jennifer Lawrence.

IMO the best mainstream talent in acting currently working is the Australian Cate Blanchett. I have never seen anyone better, with the possible exception of Robert Mitchum. Unlike Mitchum, she accepts only quality roles. Mitchum was a drinker and took films on the basis of how much time off they gave him. He was, despite that, Hollywood's best actor.

A good one who got away was Phoebe Cates. She had a few films and then married a famous actor and retired to raise a family. Like Jamie Smith-Jackson did. I don't blame them, but I miss their abilities onscreen. They were so young when they quit.

Off, or perhaps back on topic, I saw Interstellar last night at the IMAX. Very impressive ideas and execution, and the scientific accuracy was appreciated. An epic yet intimate essay on the idea of home. An exception to quality being an independent film near monopoly today. My first take is that it is probably a really good film, but leave any expectations at home. There is way more to think about here than any particular genre of film would be expected to deliver. If one attends expecting the latest Sci-Fi space opera they will be missing ninety percent of it. Another way of saying that stupid people will give it a lot of bad reviews. No fighting with aliens, no sex and no car chases. The only film I have seen where the setting is equally split between two galaxies. Boggles the mind. Everyone was good, but Jessica Chastain, Michael Caine, Matt Damon and Casey Affleck were standouts as usual. The score was an impressive and appropriate Hans Zimmer effort. In the IMAX I admit earplugs would have been nice a couple of times, because of volume. The dynamic range was stupendous. I think I'll order a pair of Etymotic's ETY Plugs. Cheap, attenuation with accurate frequency response. I use their in ears for portable listening and they are very, very good.

LowPhreak

11-07-2014, 08:15 PM

I agree with you about Cate Blanchett, one of my all-time favorites. I thought she was great in Charlotte Gray, LotR/The Hobbit, Elizabeth: The Golden Age, I'm not There, and others.

On Robert Mitchum, too. I recall an interview I heard with him, in which they asked him how he got into acting. He said (in general, I don't remember exactly) that he had terrible insomnia when he lived in Seattle (or the Northwest, don't recall). He'd gone to a doctor about it and they determined it might have been caused by the job he had at the time, a factory position that he hated and dreaded to get up every day for work. The doctor asked him what he really wanted to do, and Mitchum said acting. The doctor said perhaps if he was doing what he liked, he might sleep better. So he decided to move to LA and seek his fortune, which helped cure the insomnia.

Ducatista47

11-07-2014, 09:18 PM

Cate has done a lot of indie films. Last year I trolled the net for used DVDs of her back catalog. I bought Oscar And Lucinda, Bandits, The Gift, The Shipping News, Heaven, Coffee And Cigarettes, Little Fish, Babel, Notes On A Scandal, I'm Not There and The Curious case Of Benjamin Button. I already had Lord Of The Rings, The Aviator, The Good German, both Elizabeth films,and Robin Hood. I have since bagged Veronica Guerin, Charlotte Gray, Indiana Jones (etc), The Talented Mr Ripley and Hanna. I saw The Life Aquatic and don't care to own it. Don't have/haven't seen Blue Jasmine or The Hobbit movies yet, waiting for disc prices to drop for the Woody Allen film and for all the Hobbit films to be completed and issued in Blu-ray. You might say I am following her career.

Most of her little know indies are really well made films and are a really good watch. To comment on some that were not widely seen in the States: Her small part in The Shipping News depicts one of the least likable characters in the history of cinema, Petal. The only reason why her young daughter wasn't killed with her is because she had SOLD her. Not a big spoiler, watch it anyway. Heaven is a completely unusual film. Remember the helicopter. Little Fish is a priceless, small scale drama with a terrific Hugo Weaving performance as a bonus. Oscar And Lucinda is a brave not quite little film that delivers on every level. Notes On A Scandal is a compact British drama with great acting by all concerned, including Judi Dench.

I'm Not There was something else, wasn't it? One of the best films I ever saw. What a structure. Cate was unbelievably good, even for her. How could anyone else have realized that part any better? She is known in the industry as a chameleon, and is sometimes resented for it by critics and some actors. She is the best. And she has even more range than Meryl Streep.

The biography of Robert Mitchum is called Baby, I Don't Care and is very informative. He was a genius with limited formal schooling. As a young teen he had hit the rails as a hobo. He would be handed a script with all the overnight rewrites when he came to a set. He would glance quickly at it, hand it back and say "I got it, " I think it was, and he knew everyone's parts from the glance. He could talk with great intelligence and depth about nearly anything, like Charlie Parker could. Everyone who knew him said he was the smartest person they ever met.

He could also fight like nobody's business. Robert Ryan was known in Hollywood as the toughest hombre in town in a fight, but Mitchum was tougher.

LowPhreak

11-07-2014, 11:10 PM

Very good, Duc! I'll make note of those titles. Some I don't know if I've seen yet or not. And might look up that bio of Mitchum. :) Now that you mention it, I seem to recall that part about him bumming around for awhile, which makes the rest of his story all the more amazing and I'd say, legendary.

On a different thread here, I've said I'm not much of a HT guy (just 2-chan for everything), but if this keeps up you all might start turning me into some kind of film buff! Hey, audio is expensive and time-consuming enough! Actually, I haven't owned a TV for a couple of years now. I've grown to despise most American TV, and what video I do watch now is on my PC since I have a decent GPU, or a rare theater outing, (there's so much dross not worth even a matinee ticket anymore). I may get a 32"-40" TV though and a BR/uni player just for a few decent movies and one of my favorite media forms - concert/music videos.

Tangents aside, I really don't get what the criticism of Cate B. is about from some in Hollywood and her peers. If one just took I'm Not There as an example, well if she's a chameleon then she's probably one of the very few who could have portrayed Dylan, since he's a chameleon in spades. I've seen him live several times since the 70's and every show, every number...and often his demeanor...was arranged differently than the last time I'd seen him, or what was on the studio or other recorded live versions. I don't think I've ever heard the same Tombstone Blues or It's Alright, Ma twice. And with Zimmy you know he's as real as it gets - in his mercurial way. Cate did a great job on his character.

I think Peter Jackson damned well knew who to cast as Galadriel (and speaking of Hugo Weaving...Elrond) in LotR. :applaud:

Bollocks to the critics and less-talented!

Ducatista47

11-08-2014, 02:23 AM

I'm into strictly two channel, have a TV but no cable or antenna. Discs and Netflix streaming are it for me. Sometimes I'll watch Netflix on a tablet with headphones. With the TV, I use headphones there too unless I have company. Then I have JBL 4333s for that.

I've done surround but for me it adds nothing of any value to the experience. It's like 3D, a sad gimmick for lousy films that can't be made any better by tricks anyway. Useless for true film lovers. YMMV and all that, but it sounds like we are on the same page.

LowPhreak

11-08-2014, 03:08 AM

Agreed, and to me it never made sense that the sound is so much "larger" with a surround rig than the pictures you're watching, even if you have a big screen. I get enough ambience with a couple of decent horns in front of me. Haha!

SEAWOLF97

11-08-2014, 09:28 AM

On a different thread here, I've said I'm not much of a HT guy (just 2-chan for everything), but if this keeps up you all might start turning me into some kind of film buff! Hey, audio is expensive and time-consuming enough! Actually, I haven't owned a TV for a couple of years now. I've grown to despise most American TV

My family room (14x24) got converted to the master bedroom many years back. It got tighter & tighter with the addition of my 2 desks (+2 computers) and the wif's desk.
So the room does double duty mainly for the 2 channel (primarily TT & MD) and only secondary for the HT. I've done this by using thin-ish towers (a/d/s L-1290's) for mains and they are shared by both systems.
Adding HT only entailed adding a center + 2 rear speakers, an AVR, DVD player and switchbox. Totaled under $100 (was all used)

I do NO HT streaming. MY local library has nearly 15,000 DVD's in English and many, many in tieng viet (for the better half). A favorite bike ride is to the used video game store. They have a big selection of movies in the dollar section.

I TOTALLY agree that American broadcast TV is $hit. I'd say 90% of what I do view is on PBS or Discovery. Sports don't hold any interest (except Oregon Ducks football) and even staying on PBS, it's mostly "Nova" type shows or UK imports.

Mitchum ? He's been very good in one where he played a Navy Officer, but there was some Western with John Wayne where he left me unimpressed. I never thought of him as having great range, only that he was playing himself in different situations. Maybe that's what makes a great actor ?

I think you are correct, Clark, that the 40's/50's had breakthrough drama films, but the comedy of those times was lame (UK the exception on that) ... maybe some of the blame goes to the Movie Review boards.

actors ? Through the BMW "The Hire" clips I got to know Clive Owen. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clive_Owen

damn, he is good and not afraid to do small films ie: Green Fingers , Croupier.
I thought that he would have made a great 007, but am impressed with Daniel Craig. Maybe when DC gives up ?

LowPhreak

11-08-2014, 02:49 PM

I should be so lucky here in Redneck Central (near Nashville, TN) to have that many DVD titles at the local "lah-berry". :flamed: (I'm from upstate NY, got here due to health reasons but don't ask.) The local branches have 50-100 or less, many being forgettable. You can request something if it's in their system, but who knows when/if it'll show up. Meh.

A Studio 520C might be nice for bringing up dialog in the mix when the engineer has pushed it down too far. Rear channels in this room would be impossible to set up well without a good DSP/delay to compensate for the asymmetry.

SEAWOLF97

11-16-2014, 12:08 PM

.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0062765/

so most come for the chase scene , but it's a pretty good flick in it's own right. SMQ playing (?) his standard character. As mentioned by Peter in the "old cars" thread, the soundtrack music by Lalo Schrifrin is outstanding. This is a remaster on BD and transfer is nice.

BD went straight into movie ..no apparent extras. BUT when it was done, the extras appeared. Nice documentary on SMQ and fine one on film editing too.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0062765/soundtrack?ref_=tt_trv_snd

This week I also tried to watch RED (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1245526/?ref_=nv_sr_4)
got thru about 20 minutes before giving up. Bruce Willis trying to be SMQ just doesn't hold up well.

Also checked out the new GODZILLA and changed my mind and didn't watch.

Storyline High profile San Francisco Police Lieutenant Frank Bullitt is asked personally by ambitious Walter Chalmers, who is in town to hold a US Senate subcommittee hearing on organized crime, to guard Johnny Ross, a Chicago based mobster who is about to turn evidence against the organization at the hearing. Chalmers wants Ross' safety at all cost, or else Bullitt will pay the consequences. Bullitt and his team of Sergeant Delgetti and Detective Carl Stanton have Ross in protective custody for 48 hours over the weekend until Ross provides his testimony that upcoming Monday. Bullitt's immediate superior, Captain Samuel Bennet, gives Bullitt full authority to lead the case, no questions asked for any move Bullitt makes. When an incident occurs early during their watch, Bullitt is certain that Ross and/or Chalmers are not telling them the full story to protect Ross properly. Without telling Bennet or an incensed Chalmers, Bullitt clandestinely moves Ross while he tries to find out who is after ... Written by Huggo

(http://www.imdb.com/search/title?plot_author=Huggo&view=simple&sort=alpha&ref_=tt_stry_pl)

SEAWOLF97

11-17-2014, 06:38 PM

.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0043503/?ref_=nv_sr_2

Humphrey Bogart (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000007/?ref_=tt_cl_t1)

...

and a bunch of the nameless

A crusading district attorney finally gets a chance to prosecute the organizer and boss of Murder Inc.

1.65 on a 1 to 10 scale. For a 1951 film it was as bad as a 1930's story. Even Nosferatu (1925) is a better film. Nothing notable , memorable here. Crap acting, story, holes you could drive a truck through. COPS "contract, hit ?? what do those words mean ??" On Blu-ray, tho I can't figure out why :dont-know:

Also grabbed "A Clockwork Orange" on bd. This should be great ..:bouncy:

SEAWOLF97

11-19-2014, 11:23 AM

.
Also grabbed "A Clockwork Orange" on bd. This should be great ..:bouncy:

I don't recall ever seeing this in a theater. :dont-know: have viewed many times on VHS, DVD and now blu-ray. This was easily the best pic/sound one. ST was outstanding.

We all know the story ...great use of LVB's 9/4 ...it's just a real experience (this from a guy who turns off anything violent). Interesting that the concept for the book came from the actual rape of the authors first wife.

The extras were long and informative ... did not realize that it was withdrawn/unavailable in the UK for 27 years.

Whatever the reason for the withdrawal, it was difficult to see A Clockwork Orange in the United Kingdom for 27 years. It was only after Kubrick's death in 1999 that the film reappeared in cinemas and was released on VHS and DVD. On July 4, 2001, the uncut version premiered on Sky TV (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BSkyB)'s Sky Box Office, where it ran until mid-September.

In the extras they also mentioned that if Malcom McDowell had not been available for the film, Mick Jagger would have been asked. And the Stones would have been cast as the Droogies.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Clockwork_Orange_(film)

Many iconic , copied scenes ...will prolly watch again before returning.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0066921/

SEAWOLF97

11-28-2014, 07:48 PM

If you want Billy Wilder at his best, see "Ace In The Hole." One of Kirk Douglas's best as well.

So I watched it today ... had never heard of it.

Kirk was great as the conflicted reporter. Wilder's filming was impeccable. Somewhat "over the top" like an Orson Welles movie.

an easy 8 of 10

SEAWOLF97

12-09-2014, 08:30 PM

.
looked thru the shelves for movies ... China Beach TV show jumped out at me,

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094433/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

and since I was one of the 5 persons that actually lived at China Beach , thought I'd
give it a try.

Theme music was good , Dana was cute , idea was OK , BUT .... the inaccuracies were
piling up so fast that I kept FF'ing to find something that was right. Never did.

Now I remember why I didn't watch the series in late 80's/early 90's. It was just *MASH*
in a different setting, but still shot in SoCal.

Not recommended. :crying:

hjames

12-10-2014, 06:04 AM

So I watched it today ... had never heard of it.

Kirk was great as the conflicted reporter. Wilder's filming was impeccable. Somewhat "over the top" like an Orson Welles movie.

an easy 8 of 10

Thanks for the heads up on this - hunted it down last weekend - it was a good film ...
reminded me of aspects of Kazan's "A Face in the Crowd" with Andy Griffith ...

SEAWOLF97

12-10-2014, 05:06 PM

.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093058/

Kubrick films are the Gold Standard . This one stayed true to form.

I'm not going to retell the story. Did FF through the boot camp scenes ,
as basic was not the highpoint of my past experiences.

Lot & lots of inaccuracies. I was in Hue only 8 months after the main scene
of the film. Didn't even look similar , but how could it ..when filmed in the UK ?

It's also hard to distill down the experiences of 5 million persons over a ten year period
without cherry picking just the photogenic. But that's not representative.

9 0f 10 ... I'm not up on the violence, but it was integral to the story. :eek:

SEAWOLF97

12-21-2014, 11:30 AM

License to Kill (1989 (http://www.imdb.com/year/1989/?ref_=tt_ov_inf))

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097742/?ref_=nm_knf_i2

dreary , tho theme music was good. 3 of 10

there has been a lot of rankings of the various James Bond's ...Dalton is many times listed in the top 3. If this flick is representative, then I'd disagree.

Sink the Bismarck! (1960 (http://www.imdb.com/year/1960/?ref_=tt_ov_inf))

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0054310/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

better, but not great .... 4 of 10 ... fine if you like model ships fighting in a water tank.

Sherlock season 2 in blu-ray was on the shelf, so I grabbed it. (again)

A Scandal in Belgravia (ep 1) was outstanding , an easy 11 of 10 :D

this may be the highest ranked feature that I've seen on IMDB

Ratings: 9.5/10 from 16,624 users (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1942612/ratings?ref_=tt_ov_rt)
Reviews: 33 user (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1942612/reviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt) | 21 critic (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1942612/externalreviews?ref_=tt_ov_rt)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1942612/?ref_=ttep

LATER: I was reading the reviews .... BelieveItOrNot ..they are even MORE positive than mine

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1942612/reviews?ref_=tt_urv (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1942612/?ref_=ttep_ep1)

SEAWOLF97

12-25-2014, 05:19 PM

.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1942614/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2

absolutely stunning. could suggest no improvements.

from on online review: Be aware R Falls' end is sure to leave you utterly breathless and perhaps stunned with a tear or two rolling down your face….

I'm not sure that any review can truly do this episode justice...

only neg is that you'd most likely have to go through the preceding 5 eps to get the full impact of this one. ;)

SEAWOLF97

12-29-2014, 11:18 AM

when i grab my holds at the library , the BD rack is close, so I usually check it.

came home with 2 Pierce Brosnan films.

THE GLOSTWRITER .... wasn't bad , Polanski film , ending was poor but still a 6/10

DIE ANOTHER DAY ....A CGI fest. Not even well done. Kind of a comic book of a film.
Plot holes, un-needed scenes. The title song was SO BAD that I had to watch the credits to see
who the perp/singer was ....Madonna :eek:, I should have known. 5/10

SEAWOLF97

01-04-2015, 03:35 PM

Casino (1995 (http://www.imdb.com/year/1995/?ref_=tt_ov_inf))

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112641/?ref_=fn_al

I guess Martin Scorsese's films just aren't ever going to make my appreciate list //:banghead: . Good acting , story. Crappy directing , soundtrack selection ...nothing original , just pop tunes ...randomly played with no regard to context.

just a mess .... 4/10

Vertigo (1958 (http://www.imdb.com/year/1958/?ref_=tt_ov_inf))

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0052357/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

lots of plot holes/silliness , but it's all saved through Hitchcock's directing and Herrmann soundtrack ....maybe Martin should take some tips. a true classic . easy 9.5/10

I'm starting to realize that the benefit of Blu-ray isn't always the picture/sound quality, but , with that much room on a disk there is plenty of space for much more "extras" . I like the background stories and "making of" shorts.

SEAWOLF97

01-10-2015, 10:01 AM

.
but I remembered enjoying this long ago , and grabbed it again

High Fidelity (2000 (http://www.imdb.com/year/2000/?ref_=tt_ov_inf))

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0146882/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

John Cusack does a fine job ..jack Black is annoying . cast good , well directed etc. CZJ was a treat.

Storyline

High Fidelity follows the 'mid-life' crisis of Rob, a thirty-something record-store owner who must face the undeniable facts - he's growing up. In a hilarious homage to the music scene, Rob and the wacky, offbeat clerks that inhabit his store expound on the intricacies of life and song all the while trying to succeed in their adult relationships. Are they listening to pop music because they are miserable? Or are they miserable because they listen to pop music? This romantic comedy provides a whimsical glimpse into the male view of the affairs of the heart. Written by <[email protected]>

(http://www.imdb.com/search/title?plot_author=<[email protected]>&view=simple&sort=alpha)

(http://www.imdb.com/search/title?plot_author=<[email protected]>&view=simple&sort=alpha)

SEAWOLF97

01-10-2015, 07:19 PM

To Catch a Thief (1955 (http://www.imdb.com/year/1955/?ref_=tt_ov_inf))http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0048728/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

iconic film, real movie star actors, Hitchcock .....what could be better ? Well, since SW gives it the same
numeric rating as IMDB readers (7.5/10) ...I guess it could be better, not one of Hitch's best. :crying:

No suspense ...just mostly an overblown tour of the French Riviera. It was good to have watched , ONCE.

When a reformed jewel thief is suspected of returning to his former occupation, he must ferret out the real thief in order to prove his innocence.

Since Cary Grant is supposedly from Portland, there were many good jokes. ;)

"This is better than anything we have back in Portland, Oregon!"

"Almost anything is..."

LowPhreak

01-11-2015, 04:01 AM

Well I ask ya - who wouldn't want to have been on the French Riviera in 1955 (is there really any other "Riviera", the Redneck Riviera of the Gulf States notwithstanding)?:rotfl:

SEAWOLF97

01-11-2015, 08:37 AM

Well I ask ya - who wouldn't want to have been on the French Riviera in 1955 (is there really any other "Riviera", the Redneck Riviera of the Gulf States notwithstanding)?:rotfl:

Well , I grew up on the Santa Barbara Riviera in '64 ..ain't really the same, but was still very nice. 1955 ? Reseda, Cal ..near the freeway ..:crying:

LowPhreak

01-11-2015, 12:52 PM

Looks ok. At least it wasn't Biloxi. ;)

Ducatista47

01-11-2015, 10:55 PM

I

Sink the Bismarck! (1960 (http://www.imdb.com/year/1960/?ref_=tt_ov_inf))

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0054310/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

better, but not great .... 4 of 10 ... fine if you like model ships fighting in a water tank.

Some footage was indeed models, but the Admiralty gave full cooperation and most scenes were real capital and fleet vessels. The fifteen inch naval rifles were for real. Bells, soot, powder and all.

A related film I liked better was Above Us The Waves, the tale of the X class British midget subs sneaking into a Norwegian fjord and disabling the Bismarck's sister ship, the Tirpiz. http://www.bismarck-class.dk/tirpitz/history/tiropersource.html

A film I enjoyed even more, though I haven't seen it for decades, is Pursuit Of The Graf Spee. I saw it in the theater under that American title. It was made as The Battle Of The River Plate by the peerless team of Michael Powell and Emerich Pressburger, the Archers. Again the Admiralty cooperated and an incredible addition was an American heavy cruiser as the German pocket battleship. Different number of turrets, but the match of offensive main batteries and armour protection was good.

The battle preceeding the flight to neutral harbor was done at sea with real warships. The story is a most interesting one. A small, outgunned group of three light and heavy Admiralty cruisers had at it and actually forced the battleship to run. The decision was badly informed as the British cruisers were no match and badly mauled. The neutral country would allow only a very limited stay, but long enough to attract the attention of the entire World. British subterfuge convinced the German admiral aboard the Graf Spee that a much more powerful fleet had arrived and awaited them. When the ship put out to sea it was assumed it would engage, but it came to a stop in the mouth of the river and scuttled by blowing itself up. The crew had been put aboard a German freighter and was saved. There is more to the tale, but that is the bones of it.

SEAWOLF97

01-12-2015, 11:32 AM

.
typical Hollywood/John Wayne buddy/non-buddy schlock. 4/10

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0054757/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_34

Texas Ranger Jake Cutter arrests gambler Paul Regret, but soon finds himself teamed with his prisoner in an undercover effort to defeat a band of renegade arms merchants and thieves known as Comancheros

Lee Marvin was far away the best actor in this one.

The World Is Not Enough (1999 (http://www.imdb.com/year/1999/?ref_=tt_ov_inf))

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0143145/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

James Bond is back. An oil tycoon is murdered in MI6 and Bond is sent to protect his daughter. Renard, who has a bullet lodged in his brain from a previous agent, is secretly planning the destruction of a pipeline. Bond gains a hand from a research scientist, Dr. Christmas Jones who witnesses the action which happens when Bond meets up with Renard, but Bond becomes suspicious about Elektra King, especially when Bond's boss, M goes missing. Bond must work quickly to prevent Renard from destroying Europe. Written by simon (http://www.imdb.com/search/title?plot_author=simon&view=simple&sort=alpha&ref_=tt_stry_pl)

I like Pierce Brosnan . He plays 007 seriously. He's a lot grittier than RM . The best part of the film was the title song ...by GARBAGE. They really nailed it. 6/10

LowPhreak

01-12-2015, 11:49 AM

I like Pierce Brosnan . He plays 007 seriously. He's a lot grittier than RM . The best part of the film was the title song ...by GARBAGE. They really nailed it. 6/10

Same here. I always thought Brosnan was the best JB. He's really made for the role and does it well.

SEAWOLF97

01-12-2015, 12:41 PM

I
A related film I liked better was Above Us The Waves, the tale of the X class British midget subs sneaking into a Norwegian fjord and disabling the Bismarck's sister ship, the Tirpiz. http://www.bismarck-class.dk/tirpitz/history/tiropersource.html

A film I enjoyed even more, though I haven't seen it for decades, is Pursuit Of The Graf Spee. I saw it in the theater under that American title. It was made as The Battle Of The River Plate .

Library didn't have AUTW, but did have TBOTRP and I put that one on hold . It brought up more of the genre , and there was one that I have to watch , tho the plot is not my normal interest

The SeaWolves
The Last Charge of the Calcutta Light Horse ;)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0081470/

In March of 1943, a group of Boer War veterans is recruited by British intelligence to destroy a Nazi spy ship in the harbor of Goa, India.

a little closer to home, but a book , was interesting (at least to me)

U.S.Navy Seawolves: The Elite HAL-3 Helicopter Squadron in Vietnam

http://www.amazon.com/U-S-Navy-Seawolves-Helicopter-Squadron-Vietnam-ebook/dp/B001NJUPGQ

the blurb:

There were no dry runs for Seawolves in Vietnam.
They put their lives on the line—every time.

In the Viet Cong-infested Mekong Delta, where small SEAL teams were always outgunned and outnumbered, discovery brought swift, deadly consequences— and a radio call for backup from the United States Navy’s very best: the Seawolves. The whir of approaching rotor blades signaled their arrival as they tore through the jungle at treetop level, gunners hanging off the skids, shooting M-60s, raining down their lethal mix of high explosives and incendiary death.

Seawolf Dan Kelly describes the origins of this extraordinary outfit. Put through a training program unlike any other, these men emerged to perform unparalleled feats of courage. The stories of these elite warriors capture America’s real heroes in all their guts and glory, and demonstrate why the Seawolves are known as the most successful and most decorated unit in the Vietnam War.

http://www.answers.com/Q/Most_decorated_unit_in_Vietnam_war

SEAWOLF97

01-18-2015, 10:55 AM

.
as is said ... "they don't make 'em like this anymore"

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0070917/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2

A police sergeant is sent to a Scottish island village in search of a missing girl whom the townsfolk claim never existed. Stranger still are the rites that take place there.

very memorable , good cast , filming , but the story is what will stay with you. Thought I recognized Mac in some of the scenes ..:dont-know:

In the extras ..the interview with Christopher Lee (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000489/?ref_=tt_cl_t2) , he said the story was so intriguing that he worked for free.

SEAWOLF97

01-18-2015, 02:10 PM

A film I enjoyed even more, though I haven't seen it for decades, is Pursuit Of The Graf Spee. I saw it in the theater under that American title. It was made as The Battle Of The River Plate by the peerless team of Michael Powell and Emerich Pressburger, the Archers. Again the Admiralty cooperated and an incredible addition was an American heavy cruiser as the German pocket battleship. Different number of turrets, but the match of offensive main batteries and armour protection was good.

Just finished it. Not bad. The USS Salem doubled for the Graf Spee . Not too much "models in water tanks".
Got a laff out of officers in combat in dress whites. ;) Definitely a story told from the UK side. Only vaguely had known the real story . Thx Clark. 7/10

Unfortunately , NO subtitles available. Sometimes the UK English dialogue escapes me.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_cruiser_Admiral_Graf_Spee

http://www.uss-salem.org/museum/history/movie_star.htm

The Battle Of The River Plate

River Plate is a mis-translation of the Spanish name for the river, Rio de la Plata. Plata is Spanish for silver and Plato is Spanish for plate. The river is actually called the Silver River.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0048990/trivia

(http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0048990/trivia)

Ducatista47

01-18-2015, 03:53 PM

Glad you enjoyed it. The decision of Captain Langsdorff, while soon costing his own life, saved many more. If memory serves, only about a hundred survived the Bismark and only three from the Hood. Reading a good Wikipedia entry, I am amused by how numbers of the German crew settled in South America permanently. This battle was apparently the first naval surface action of World War II and the only combat in South America during the conflict.

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_River_Plate

When I was a kid I used to endlessly study old National Geographic maps and I knew the river as the Rio de la Plata. The maps had a cross to mark the spot of the sinking.

SEAWOLF97

01-19-2015, 09:25 AM

Not too much "models in water tanks".

(http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0048990/trivia)

when my ship was home ported at NAS North Island (Coronado) , I'd frequently drive a bit south to Imperial Beach to a restaurant by the pier called "Long Juan's"

The story went that the owner was a former Hollywood prop master who took a lot of nautical props with him when he retired, There were glass display cases built into the walls. A dinghy hanging from the ceiling had male & female legs dangling from it ..in positions where you knew what was happening. A large picture of a sea Captain at the helm in a night time squall had his great coat open with a petite nude blond peeking out. Fun place.
He also had the model ships from some movies ...they were 8-12 feet long and the detail was amazing

We enjoyed our great/cheap chowder & beer there, making the rounds checking the props. Always seemed to be something new , it was like a museum with everything tagged with it's history.

This memory was kicked off by the thought of the huge expense of the various Navies in providing real ships to be in "Plate".

Long Juan's wasn't there when I was in Counter Insurgency training at the Amphib Base in Coronado in early '69 , and reading on the net ... it's gone now. :( ...anybody else been there ?

OH yeah, "River Plate" had Christopher Lee in it, but his role was so small & insignificant that if it were cut , surely would not be missed.

SEAWOLF97

01-23-2015, 09:37 AM

.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0035937/

Just one that I picked up in a "walk by grab" as was passing the movie shelf at the library. Didn't have much expectations , but it wasn't bad. Ship scenes looked real, but from IMDB trivia, turns out it was just a set.

Guess I like conflicts between authority :dont-know: ...B&W, mono

Storyline - Ghost Ship

Tom Merriam signs on the ship Altair as third officer under Captain Stone. At first things look good, Stone sees Merriam as a younger version of himself and Merriam sees Stone as the first adult to ever treat him as a friend. But after a couple strange deaths of crew members, Merriam begins to think Stone is a psychopathic madman obsessed with authority. He tries to tell others, but no one believes him, and it only makes Stone angry.. Written by Ken Yousten <[email protected]> (http://www.imdb.com/search/title?plot_author=Ken%20Yousten%20%3Ckyousten@bev. net%3E&view=simple&sort=alpha)

I also checked out "Benjamin Button" , but can't get up the enthusiasm to watch it.

the better half has the flu so I stayed home to assist. 3 movies today

#2 was The Leopard Man (1943 (http://www.imdb.com/year/1943/?ref_=tt_ov_inf)) (on same disk with Ghost Ship)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0036104/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Storyline

At the encouragement of her manager, a nightclub performer in New Mexico (Kiki Walker) takes a leashed leopard into the club as a publicity gimmick. But her rival, angered by the attempt to upstage, scares the animal and it bolts. In the days that follow, people are mauled and the countryside is combed for the loose creature. But Kiki and her manager begin to wonder if maybe the leopard is not responsible for the killings. Written by Ken Yousten <[email protected]> (http://www.imdb.com/search/title?plot_author=Ken%20Yousten%20%3Ckyousten@bev. net%3E&view=simple&sort=alpha)

#3 was Kagemusha (1980 (http://www.imdb.com/year/1980/?ref_=tt_ov_inf))
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080979/?ref_=nm_flmg_dr_5

epic, but I couldn't tell who's who ??? w/o subtitles, would have been even more lost

Storyline - Kagemusha

When a powerful warlord in medieval Japan dies, a poor thief recruited to impersonate him finds difficulty living up to his role and clashes with the spirit of the warlord during turbulent times in the kingdom. Written by Keith Loh <[email protected]> (http://www.imdb.com/search/title?plot_author=Keith%20Loh%20%[email protected]%3E&view=simple&sort=alpha)

(http://www.imdb.com/search/title?plot_author=Ken%20Yousten%20%3Ckyousten@bev. net%3E&view=simple&sort=alpha)

SEAWOLF97

01-28-2015, 12:01 PM

La Dolce Vita (1960 (http://www.imdb.com/year/1960/?ref_=tt_ov_inf))

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0053779/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

I was under whelmed at this "masterpiece" and FF'ed through the 2nd half 3.5/10

The Sea Wolves (1980 (http://www.imdb.com/year/1980/?ref_=tt_ov_inf))

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0081470/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

good true story ...but played out too much as comedy , judging by music
big cast , but didn't live up to potential ...Roger still can't act. 4.5/10

Gregory Peck (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000060/?ref_=tt_cl_t1)
...

Roger Moore (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000549/?ref_=tt_cl_t2)
...

David Niven (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000057/?ref_=tt_cl_t3)
...

Trevor Howard (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0002145/?ref_=tt_cl_t4)
...

Barbara Kellerman (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0445808/?ref_=tt_cl_t5)
...

Patrick Macnee (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001495/?ref_=tt_cl_t6)
...

I did pickup Hitchcock's "Rope" and hope it will be better.

hjames

01-28-2015, 12:48 PM

.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0035937/

#3 was Kagemusha (1980 (http://www.imdb.com/year/1980/?ref_=tt_ov_inf))
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080979/?ref_=nm_flmg_dr_5

epic, but I couldn't tell who's who ??? w/o subtitles, would have been even more lost

Storyline - Kagemusha

When a powerful warlord in medieval Japan dies, a poor thief recruited to impersonate him finds difficulty living up to his role and clashes with the spirit of the warlord during turbulent times in the kingdom. Written by Keith Loh <[email protected]> (http://www.imdb.com/search/title?plot_author=Keith Loh <[email protected]>&view=simple&sort=alpha)

(http://www.imdb.com/search/title?plot_author=Ken Yousten <[email protected]>&view=simple&sort=alpha)

If you like Science Fiction, check out Robert Heinlein's novel -
DoubleStar ...
Hammish actor is hired to secretly impersonate a major politician who was wounded
during an assassination attempt ... the public can not know -
but there are clashes with his original life and life he winds up living ...

SEAWOLF97

01-28-2015, 01:43 PM

If you like Science Fiction, check out Robert Heinlein's novel -
DoubleStar ...
Hammish actor is hired to secretly impersonate a major politician who was wounded
during an assassination attempt ... the public can not know -
but there are clashes with his original life and life he winds up living ...

I wouldn't say that Akira Kurosawa (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000041/?ref_=tt_ov_dr)'s story of feudal Japan has much to do with Science Fiction :dont-know:
(and I usually don't either) Have you noticed much Science Fiction in this reviews blog ? (Tron excepted)

hjames

01-28-2015, 04:37 PM

I wouldn't say that Akira Kurosawa (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000041/?ref_=tt_ov_dr)'s story of feudal Japan has much to do with Science Fiction :dont-know:
(and I usually don't either) Have you noticed much Science Fiction in this reviews blog ?

I saw Kagemusha in the 80s when it first came. I enjoyed the film.
I read the novel years before. Heinlein's story was first.
I WOULD say that they are similarly themed - one man subsuming his life to live another's for the greater good.
I was simply making the point that Double Star is a similar story in a different setting ...
I am not the first one to notice the similarities.

Its just a casual conversation, Tom, and often about the art of story telling. Take care.

Wiki - Double Star is a science fiction novel by Robert A. Heinlein, first serialized in Astounding Science Fiction (February, March, April 1956) and published in hardcover the same year. It received the 1956 Hugo Award for Best Novel (his first Hugo). A brilliant actor and mimic is down to his last coin when a spaceman hires him to double for an unspecified public figure. It is only when he is on his way to Mars that he finds out he will have to impersonate one of the most prominent politicians in the solar system, Bonforte, one with whose views Smith deeply disagrees
... At the moment of electoral victory, Bonforte dies and Smith realizes he has little choice but to assume the role for life.

Wiki - Kagemusha (影武者 literally "Shadow Warrior"? (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Installing_Japanese_character_sets)) is a 1980 film by Akira Kurosawa. In Japanese, kagemusha is a term used to denote a political decoy. It is set in the Sengoku period of Japanese history and tells the story of a lower-class criminal who is taught to impersonate a dying warlord in order to dissuade opposing lords from attacking the newly vulnerable clan.

Update - Both stories actually owe it all to a book from 1894 that has been made into a film MANY TIMES over the years

The Prisoner of Zenda is an adventure novel by Anthony Hope, published in 1894. The king of the fictional country of Ruritania is drugged on the eve of his coronation and thus unable to attend the ceremony. Political forces are such that in order for the king to retain his crown his coronation must go forward. An English gentleman on holiday, who fortuitously resembles the monarch, is persuaded to act as his political decoy in an attempt to save the situation.

SEAWOLF97

01-28-2015, 05:50 PM

.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0040746/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Storyline

Brandon and Philip are two young men who share a New York apartment. They consider themselves intellectually superior to their friend David Kentley and as a consequence decide to murder him. Together they strangle David with a rope and placing the body in an old chest, they proceed to hold a small party. The guests include David's father, his fiancée Janet and their old schoolteacher Rupert from whom they mistakenly took their ideas. As Brandon becomes increasingly more daring, Rupert begins to suspect. Written by Col Needham <[email protected]> (http://www.imdb.com/search/title?plot_author=Col%20Needham%20%[email protected]% 3E&view=simple&sort=alpha)

This was actually better than expected. It's a film adaption of a stage play and edited to look like one continual unedited scene. James Stewart was quite good. It must have been a real revelation in 1948. The small touches that Hitch adds total up to great film making.

7.5/10

SEAWOLF97

02-03-2015, 07:09 PM

Slacker (1991 (http://www.imdb.com/year/1991/?ref_=tt_ov_inf))

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0102943/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

A day in the life of Austin, Texas as the camera roams from place to place and provides a brief look at the overeducated, the social misfits, the outcasts and the oddballs.

It was OKAY for half an hour , but EVERYBODY being a misfit or wacko just got grating. Finally gave up 3/10

Spartacus (1960 (http://www.imdb.com/year/1960/?ref_=tt_ov_inf))

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0054331/

Storyline

In 73 BCE, a Thracian slave leads a revolt at a gladiatorial school run by Lentulus Batiatus. The uprising soon spreads across the Italian Peninsula involving thousand of slaves. The plan is to acquire sufficient funds to acquire ships from Silesian pirates who could then transport them to other lands from Brandisium in the south.
The Roman Senator Gracchus schemes to have Marcus Publius Glabrus, Commander of the garrison of Rome, lead an army against the slaves who are living on Vesuvius. When Glabrus is defeated his mentor, Senator and General Marcus Licinius Crassus is greatly embarrassed and leads his own army against the slaves. Spartacus and the thousands of freed slaves successfully make their way to Brandisium only to find that the Silesians have abandoned them. They then turn north and must face the might of Rome. Written by garykmcd (http://www.imdb.com/search/title?plot_author=garykmcd&view=simple&sort=alpha&ref_=tt_stry_pl)

Director: Stanley Kubrick (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000040/?ref_=tt_ov_dr)

Stars: Kirk Douglas (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000018/?ref_=tt_ov_st), Laurence Olivier (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000059/?ref_=tt_ov_st), Jean Simmons (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001739/?ref_=tt_ov_st)

The role of a lifetime for Kirk and he took advantage of it ... superb.
Should have won Best Pic ...LO & JS fantastic too.

Saw this long ago , it still holds up , ending left me misty eyed.

Got to thinking ...Did Spartacus copy El Cid or was it the other way around ...almost same story. :dont-know: 10/10

Much Recommended.

SEAWOLF97

02-17-2015, 10:23 AM

most of the 2.3 LH members that actual and read my bicycles thread will know that I had shoulder surgery last ffriday and cannot type right now. using voice recognition and a microphone and if the looks of the 20, blame bill gates and not me.
I watched top gear 21 and then it was funny and typical cop year. The finality was a crew crossing Burma and searchable river Kwai, they drove in large delivery Loris and the final task was to build a bamboo bridge across a river. Lieu of that victory it was an epic journey and quite enjoyable.

But I found an old nugget, airplane - that don't call me surely eddition. It had a lot of a heart aches and behind the scenes Packwood and hunt was signaled airplane. I'd give it a day and seven halftime of 10. All axiom that I have to do a lot of left hand and can. That I watched two seasons of the British SANDBAGGERS
show. They send bankers. While we're finding and I agree that an eight out of 10. That's rather low budgets by the way the real harry polymer ovaries were.

And I walked three episodes of the four season of mission impossible, they were predictable a very entertaining. I greet them was six of 10.

Then I walked the old Hollywood epic, HollywoodLand. That's a story of the life and death of TV superman, George Reeves. A very good cast, very well done, better than expected from him halfway. Eight that have loved him.

But I started to want to hold favor, a book I enjoyed long ago, on the beach. That seemed to be almost all Australian cast, but Armando assante to a of the texas accent was just a little too much as the submarine captain Allen got around to furnishings get, so no rating as of this time.

The pile of dvds to watch your saint I can't drive can do much of anything or left arm on the stack is a battle of Britain, you 571, 1941, inception, and Laurel Canyon.

gee, this VM stuff is great :p

SEAWOLF97

02-18-2015, 06:58 PM

.
I got to the end of on the beach, closing credits, and was disappointed and seem to be very incomplete.

The opening credits to normal, WT Health, and the story contended. Turns out it was a two part miniseries. The second port was much more emotional, and brought the two years for the eyes were intended.

That's a pretty good updating of the 1962 book and except for having Armando slumped a head an American submarine captain, but was terrible and aspen, the movie was for ticket. I'd given to seven out of 10.

I then went on to the battle of Britain and if you like airplane airplane combat this is remotely. Online may complain about so many models being used for the movie, and I've often were pretty well done. OPS a big names from the British movie industry, but they really didn't have much to the story.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0064072/?ref_=fn_tt_tt_1

Why this voice recognition stuff just south of these men are diverted.

Battle of Britain night given eight out of 10, and was pretty well down.

While I guess I can give my old fingers a rest, vr and stuff is incredible. Whistling off

At least two excerpts are used by Pink Floyd (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0969139) in their "The Wall" album: Audio from Stuka diving during the attack to the radio station is used at the end of the first track, "In the Flesh?". The scene in which Simon is shot can be heard at the transition between the songs "Nobody Home" to "Vera". The phrase "Where the hell are you, Simon?", for example, is clearly recognizable at this point.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0064072/trivia?ref_=tt_trv_trv

SEAWOLF97

02-19-2015, 10:58 AM

.
Routing back to last two reviews, I've noticed than rousing accuracy of voice recognition.

The patterns and quality it produces reminds me of when when my ship would pull into Subic Bay and we would go into along to olongapo for night of drinking. After having as many San miguel's as a person could hold, crawling off to the nearest hotel, and negotiated with a manager didn't speak English, the quality is just about the Same. I think that all temporarily a rename this ballade, the drunken Sailors movie review guide.

So last night I watched the Cincinnati kid. That's a big name cast and Steve Mcqueen Edward G. Robinson ann Margaret Karl Malden and Tuesday weld. For 1965 film that's very well done, obviously a big budget. The millers story, new contender challenging the old pro.
That such a classic but I don't know how I avoided it so long. I would rate it at 8 1/2 out of 10.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059037/

At the library yesterday I also grabbed Capitan Phillips, . And we'll see if I can get through that today.

it looks like me and Mr. Mike (he's an Altec) are getting along a little bit better and this is a bit more readable.
Looks also like if I can ever get trained, voice recognition may be more viable.

Doctor_Electron

02-19-2015, 07:38 PM

Anyone remember "The Last Run", w/ George C. Scott? An edgy tale of criminal skullduggey. Love the supercharged BMW.

SPOILER ALERT: NO CGI. REAL ACTORS. GOOD CONTENT

SEAWOLF97

02-19-2015, 07:42 PM

I just couldn't get into captain Phillips today. So instead I went for one that I've been wanting to watch for a while.
I did watch one called final countdown (i originally wrote "final destination"). It's about the silliest concept for a movie that's possible. But USS Nimitz sailing just off Hawaii goes through some kind of time vortex and thus is transported back to December 6th 1941.

They detect the Japanese fleet approaching Hawaii and are in a quandary of what to do about it. their ship can take on the entire Japanese fleet but becomes classic time travel problem movie.

the DVD hung up right before the ending and I had to go to the web to see how it turned out.

Although it has a lot of stars in the cast including Kirk Douglas it was really a b-grade movie. Well filmed and brought back memories of my carrier time.

I tried running it on different players but it hung up about 10 minutes from the end. So I've gone online to the library and put a hold on the other copy to see if I can finish the movie.
I'm trying voice recognition this time on the fondleslab and editing correcting is more difficult.

So maybe you will read this before I can go back and do some corrections with the PC on a bigger screen. in the meantime final destination is an interesting concept but a strange movie.
I would rate it at 7 out of 10

(edited for readability and fix name problem that dr. e spotted)

Doctor_Electron

02-19-2015, 07:51 PM

Seawolf, it was "The Final Countdown". Well worth watching.

The Navy radio operator's reply to the big-shot senator is classic.

"I suggest, *ssh*le, you quit imitating some other *ssh*le, and get off this frequency !

(or very similar).

SEAWOLF97

02-19-2015, 08:29 PM

Anyone remember "The Last Run", w/ George C. Scott? An edgy tale of criminal skullduggey. Love the supercharged BMW.

SPOILER ALERT: NO CGI. REAL ACTORS. GOOD CONTENT

no, but i'll try to track it down.

-just a tad later- found it at the lib and have a hold on it now.

Dr. E ...thot you mite notice the ref to Po City a few posts back - 154 ??

Doctor_Electron

02-20-2015, 04:56 AM

Dr. E ...thot you mite notice the ref to Po City a few posts back - 154 ??

Yes and I must admit I got shwacked there more than once, I miss that REAL San Miguel !

SEAWOLF97

02-20-2015, 06:43 PM

Captain Phillips (2013 (http://www.imdb.com/year/2013/?ref_=tt_ov_inf))

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1535109/

ok, on an enjoyment rating this is a 1 of 10 for me. don't think I'll ever be a fan of Somali pirates ..:eek:

the USN is the good guys again*, but i don't mind. the Navy Seals are the pros and I'm great with all the props they get. they saved me twice during my Asian adventure , (once in a paddy, and once from the green beanies - (a story for another time)) :blink:

hanks was good as a somewhat ineffectual guy. insanity not to arm commercial ships.

wouldn't watch 2x. i think over rated. high point was the 3 SomPi's getting nailed.

'The true story of Captain Richard Phillips and the 2009 hijacking by Somali pirates of the US-flagged MV Maersk Alabama, the first American cargo ship to be hijacked in two hundred years."

overall rated 5/10.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1535109/trivia?ref_=tt_trv_trv

In real life, Richard Phillips (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3697679) never offered the pirates to take or shoot him instead of his crew. He was held in the lifeboat for five days and was psychologically tortured by the pirates who even conducted mock executions with him as the victim. He never got any pen or paper during his captivity in the lifeboat and never tried to write a farewell note to his family. He didn't ask to go outside to urinate before attempting his escape. He saw from his seat one of the pirates urinating outside and used that opportunity to jump the lifeboat. His reaction of absolute shock after being rescued by the SEAL team never happened in real life. He was hit by what happened only after he tried to go to sleep for the first time after being rescued

counterpoint.

Crew members: ‘Captain Phillips’ is one big lie (http://nypost.com/2013/10/13/crew-members-deny-captain-phillips-heroism/)

http://nypost.com/2013/10/13/crew-members-deny-captain-phillips-heroism/

* i really like the fact that the USN's current catch line is "A Global Force for Good"

SEAWOLF97

02-23-2015, 05:11 PM

I did watch one called final countdown (i originally wrote "final destination"). It's about the silliest concept for a movie that's possible. But USS Nimitz sailing just off Hawaii goes through some kind of time vortex and thus is transported back to December 6th 1941.

They detect the Japanese fleet approaching Hawaii and are in a quandary of what to do about it. their ship can take on the entire Japanese fleet but becomes classic time travel problem movie.

the DVD hung up right before the ending and I had to go to the web to see how it turned out.

I tried running it on different players but it hung up about 10 minutes from the end. So I've gone online to the library and put a hold on the other copy to see if I can finish the movie.

despite the spectacular success of voice recog, my right arm is mobile again so that I can type with 2 hands, and this post s/b a little more ...:dont-know:

the lib came through with copy of FC and I got to view the ending. It was so hokey that I'm going to deduct a half point from the previous rating. :eek:

Did pickup the DVD's of "le Mans" (Steve McQueen) , The Villain :blink: and Julius Caesar. Hopefully back to riding next week.

SEAWOLF97

02-25-2015, 08:05 PM

Almost in breadth and depth of a documentary, this movie depicts an auto race during the 70s on the world's hardest endurance course: Le Mans in France. The race goes over 24 hours on 14.5 kilometers of cordoned country road. Every few hours the two drivers per car alternate - but it's still a challenge for concentration and material. In the focus is the duel between the German Stahler in Ferrari 512LM and the American Delaney in Gulf Team Porsche 917. Delaney is under extraordinary pressure, because the year before he caused a severe accident, in which his friend Lisa's husband was killed.

- Written by Tom Zoerner <[email protected]> (http://www.imdb.com/search/title?plot_author=Tom+Zoerner+%3CTom.Zoerner%40inf ormatik.uni-erlangen.de%3E&view=simple&sort=alpha&ref_=ttpl_pl_1)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0067334/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

In the extras, McQueens son mentions that the filming was done before there was a script. :blink: It showed.

The cinematography was very good , the soundtrack was pitiful , the Porsche 917's battling the Ferrari 512's was the best part. Acting ? well, there wasn't much. dunno if they ever developed a script ..:dont-know:

Glad I watched it ONCE. Ron Howards "RUSH" is still the superior racing film , but he had a great script and modern photography .... 7.5/10

Also tried Julius Caeser ... poor quality vid & sound combined with Shakespeare dialogue made it too much work for the payoff .... made 20 minutes.

Tried "The Villain" ....made in the vein of BLAZING SADDLES, but NOT funny. 15 minutes then done.

xtra: I have a nice cast model of the GULF 917 (blue & orange) from the movie.

When I belonged to the Porsche Club_of America , went to a banquet and sat next to Monte Shelton. He's the local Jag dealer and Porsche racer. I had read that he had a 917 and asked him about it. He replied " yeah, I bought it as an actual basket case for 10k in the 80's and had it rebuilt. Sold it before it became valuable" I asked how much he got for it ?? 100k.
He said now they got for 1M+. :crying:

SEAWOLF97

03-08-2015, 10:52 AM

.

Anyone remember "The Last Run", w/ George C. Scott? An edgy tale of criminal skullduggey. Love the supercharged BMW.

SPOILER ALERT: NO CGI. REAL ACTORS. GOOD CONTENT

Got/viewed it. Fun. I like GCS , but in the end felt empty, like there wasn't much story there.

The opening driving scene, I thought was Hiway 1 going South of Big Sur ..wrong continent. Also thought it was an Alfa :o:, but yeah ..a BMW (though seemed to blow a cylinder after some hard driving)
6/10

Rewatched "The Life of Brian" http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0079470/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1 . Guess my tastes have changed a bit. Didn't seem as funny as it did 20 years ago. Pretty standard Monty Python fare. 6/10

also grabbed THE GETAWAY ...http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0068638/ It was Peckenpaw standard mush. Seemed below McQueens abilities, and showed off Ali MacGraw's lack of acting talent (tho she was cute) ... Slim Pickens 2-3 minutes of screen time was best acting in the whole film 6/10

My better half is NVN . She grabbed a Chinese melodrama/soap "The Diamond Family" .. a direct ripoff of TV's "Dallas". Well filmed/acted , but with lame ending. I watched with her (the whole 36 hours ... wish I could get that time back tho we made a picnic out of the viewing experience)
It was dubbed in Vietnamese and I guess it triggered off old USN training ( attended 47 weeks school in that language - Monterrey 1968) and could actually understand 10-20%. :blink: 6/10

LowPhreak

03-08-2015, 01:56 PM

Is that really you in the new avatar, Seawolf? :D

:duck:

SEAWOLF97

03-08-2015, 05:30 PM

Is that really you in the new avatar, Seawolf? :D

:duck:

sure is ...:nutz:

SEAWOLF97

03-15-2015, 08:02 AM

Since last shallow review I've viewed:

Bram Stoker's DRACULA , about 10 minutes was enough.
then ..BEN-HUR. same result. I guess that SPARTACUS had
maxed me out on Roman Centurions. :blink:

then , Hitchcock's THE BIRD's ...this was fun. Watched with the OL.
She is not a native English speaker and sometimes gets lost in English dialogue.
NO problem with some AH movies. You don't even need audio with some of his flicks.

The disc had a nice extras section and it was interesting how "green screen" could
not handle the action, so a newer process - sodium matting- was used. 9/10

A wealthy San Francisco socialite pursues a potential boyfriend to a small Northern California town that slowly takes a turn for the bizarre when birds of all kinds suddenly begin to attack people there in increasing numbers and with increasing viciousness.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0056869/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

lastly ..The Sand Pebbles (1966 (http://www.imdb.com/year/1966/?ref_=tt_ov_inf)) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0060934/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

I didn't realize that this was a "roadshow movie". ie: with intro/intermission. That's the version on the disc that got viewed. 192 minutes and most likely SMQ's best performance.

In 1926, U.S. naval engineer Jake Holman is assigned to the gun boat U.S.S. San Pablo - nicknamed the Sand Pebble - this being the latest in a very long string of assignments due to a unyielding view of his work leading to conflicts with many of his colleagues and ship captains. Life on the Sand Pebble is no different. The Sand Pebble is patrolling the interior waters of China, where the the U.S. government is trying to protect its interests in the face of Nationalist and Communist battles against the feudal warlords. On board the Sand Pebble, Holman must deal with a captain whose wants often do not match what Holman can carry out. Ultimately the Sand Pebble is placed under quiet siege by the Chinese who are using this action as a symbol of the unwanted U.S. presence. Holman is implicated in an incident which could cause the start of an "all out" war, and as such places him in a bad position with his shipmates. Amidst all this turmoil, two romances occur, the first between Holman's colleague, good-hearted Frenchy Burgoyne and a slave girl named Maily, and the second between Holman and missionary schoolteacher, Shirley Eckert. Both romances face major obstacles.
- Written by Huggo (http://www.imdb.com/search/title?plot_author=Huggo&view=simple&sort=alpha&ref_=ttpl_pl_2)

Really a pretty good movie. Had only seen snippets in the past. Real boat, filmed in Taiwan, no CGI,good story/acting , beautiful girl (half Thai - the writer of "Emmanuelle") , easily a 9/10.
I did find Candace Bergen's acting to be subpar, but maybe it's just the character that she was playing :dont-know:

LowPhreak

03-15-2015, 01:42 PM

I can remember seeing the previews of that version of Dracula (when we called them previews, not trailers), and right away I knew I wasn't interested. Sorry I can't give you back those 10 minutes, man!

As kids, when we first saw The Birds in the 60's it freaked us out plenty well and good. No one wanted to go outside and play for several days later, and even then, we didn't trust anything on wings for some time. Haha!

That movie is what kept Hitch forever on my radar. :hyp:

SEAWOLF97

03-15-2015, 02:19 PM

As kids, when we first saw The Birds in the 60's it freaked us out plenty well and good. No one wanted to go outside and play for several days later, and even then, we didn't trust anything on wings for some time. Haha!

back in the ...90's (?) , the was a hats/shirts company called "NO FEAR" . The wifs sister (who was a boat refugee) ... is afraid of EVERYTHING* (maybe even her own shadow). I always joked that we should get her a cap that says "ALL FEAR". The only place she feels safe is in her backyard garden.

after we watched THE BIRDS , I remarked that we should take it over and play the movie for her. Was told that I'm a BAD MAN , that idea might kill the last safe place that she can go. ;)

*fat/chemicals/phone calls/internet/doorbell ringers/spam/doctors/bills/cats/etc ... and maybe ME.

Oh yeah, in the DVD extras they noted that many of the birds were real. Gulls were too dumb to train, but ravens/blackbirds took direction well. Some are hard to train as adults, so eggs were bought and school started at day 1 of life.

the LoveBirds leaning on the curves was great.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsNF6VedBl8

And the Aston Martin DB2/4 Drophead was cool too.

http://www.classicdriver.com/en/article/autos/featured-%E2%80%98-birds%E2%80%99-aston-martin-db24-drophead-coup%C3%A9

SEAWOLF97

03-16-2015, 08:53 AM

so last month I was biking out to Gresham where 2 thrifts and one used DVD/games store are located. on the cheap shelf of CD/Game Exchange was

The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes: 36 Episodes + 4 Feature Films (DVD) for $1. I like SH and gambled on it. 4 DVD's.

So went thru disc 1. It's the 1954 UK Ron Howard TV series. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sherlock_Holmes_%281954_TV_series%29 Now I know why Ron looked so old in his Apollo 13 interview ... he was born in 1918.

This has all 39 episodes and is quite fun. Ron does a good, younger, more energetic SH. Watson is intelligent , not like the buffoon in the Basil Rathbone series. 1954 B&W 1.0 sound, variable pic quality, filmed in France and many questionable British accents, but some future/past recognizable actors in the cast. One was very appealing, but I couldn't put a name to the face. Was Paulette Goddard, who I didn't know much about.

reviews: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0046642/reviews?ref_=tt_urv

If you are interested , there are currently eBay auctions for a cheap copies.

RE: The Birds. On the extras was an interview with Rod Taylor in 2007. He was unrecognizable. The years had certainly ruined his athletic profile ..:eek:

LowPhreak

03-16-2015, 09:34 AM

RE: The Birds. On the extras was an interview with Rod Taylor in 2007. He was unrecognizable. The years had certainly ruined his athletic profile ..:eek:

Aw, that's too bad. He and Tippy cut good figures in their day.

SEAWOLF97

03-18-2015, 07:58 AM

I got through disc 1 of the Ron Howard "Sherlock Holmes" set. It was a 1954 half hour TV series, so an epp is about 23 minutes. Not really enough time to go deep. Liner notes say that Watson changed later in that series to ...Ian Fleming. We'll see.

But I was grabbing DVD's for 2E at the library and noticed a Jeremy Brett 1984 3 disc set for checkout.
It's the GRANADA TV series. Lavishly produced. Not so much studio filming. Actually using large estates and lots of extras. Jeremy does a fine job and in my book, this is second only to the BBC "Sherlock"

The "Scandal in Bohemia" (Brett) has scenes that were directly lifted for the BBC current series. The person who played the character of "Irena Adler" seemed familiar ...it was
Gayle Hunnicutt . http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0402281/
http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0107247/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_16

In fact, if I had to rate the ones that I know, my ranking would be:

1. Cumberbatch
2. Brett
3. Howard
4. Rathbone
5. Downey
6. that current TV thing

SEAWOLF97

03-20-2015, 09:22 AM

In fact, if I had to rate the ones that I know, my ranking would be:

1. Cumberbatch
2. Brett
3. Howard
4. Rathbone
5. Downey
6. that current TV thing

After finishing the GRANADA/Brett series and on reflection, a re-ranking seems in order. (out of 6)

1. TIE - Cumberbatch & Brett
3. Howard
4. Rathbone (would be higher w/o the idiot portrayal of Watson)
173. TIE - Downey & that elementary current TV thang

Brett really does a fine/enduring job. He is helped by a learning/intelligent Watson, in the vein
of Martin Freeman. GRANADA production is first rate. I don't know where they got all those horses/carriages/extras , some are readied and only have a quarter second film time. The props and houses/decorations appear authentic . England must have tons of Victorian artifacts still in use.
The production does not attempt to replicate London of the times the way the Downey film did, but it feels like you are genuinely there. Mycroft was Charles Gray* (Blofeld from DAF)
Mrs. Hudson is charming , Moriarty seems brilliant and believable and the finale "The Final Problem" is lavishly filmed in the Swiss Alps.

I have the 2 other sets (The Casebook of Sherlock Holmes & The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes (http://multcolib.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1798987068_the_memoirs_of_sherlock_holmes) ) on holds . both same production company.

Next up: Titanic. (no, not the one with little Leo) - Barbara (http://multcolib.bibliocommons.com/search?q=%22Stanwyck%2C+Barbara+++%22&search_category=author&t=author) Stanwyck, (http://multcolib.bibliocommons.com/search?q=%22Stanwyck%2C+Barbara+++%22&search_category=author&t=author)Clifton (http://multcolib.bibliocommons.com/search?q=%22Webb%2C+Clifton+++%22&search_category=author&t=author)Webb, Robert (http://multcolib.bibliocommons.com/search?q=%22Wagner%2C+Robert+++%22&search_category=author&t=author)Wagner.

*He played Henderson, an Australian (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australia) intelligence officer assigned to the Australian Embassy in Tokyo (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo), in the 1967 Bond film You Only Live Twice (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/You_Only_Live_Twice_%28film%29). Four years later he appeared as Ernst Stavro Blofeld (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernst_Stavro_Blofeld) in the James Bond (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Bond) movie Diamonds Are Forever (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamonds_Are_Forever_%28film%29),[2] (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Gray_%28actor%29#cite_note-NYT-2) both films starring Sean Connery (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sean_Connery) as Bond. These make Gray one of the small number of actors to have played a villain and a Bond ally in the film series,

SEAWOLF97

03-30-2015, 09:54 AM

After finishing the GRANADA/Brett series and on reflection, a re-ranking seems in order. (out of 6)

1. TIE - Cumberbatch & Brett
3. Howard
4. Rathbone (would be higher w/o the idiot portrayal of Watson)
173. TIE - Downey & that elementary current TV thang

so, about 3 weeks ago I logged onto PDX's library site and put holds on every Sherlock Holmes DVD that looked interesting. And watched almost all.

At this point, I think elevating Jeremy Brett to solo #1 is in order. He doesn't just portray SH , Brett becomes him. The entire GRANADA SH series is superb.

I also got The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0066249/?ref_=ttqt_qt_tt) . It has a great interaction between the submarine engineers + Mycroft and Queen Victoria, who is about as wide as she is tall ;)

MYCROFT
This is the main engine, which propels it
under water at the rate of two knots --
the stabilizing mechanism -- the multi-
stage compressor -- the ballast tank
trimmer -- the air-pump which filters and
recirculates the air --

QUEEN VICTORIA
How charming.
MYCROFT
The air pump, Ma'am?
QUEEN VICTORIA
(pointing)
The canaries. Must make the crew feel at home.
MYCROFT
Yes, Ma'am. These are the levers for
firing the torpedoes, which are accurate
up to as much as 120 feet -- the
periscope for scanning the surface of the
water --
QUEEN VICTORIA
But where is the glass bottom?
MYCROFT
The what, Ma'am?
QUEEN VICTORIA
The glass bottom.
HOLMES
You know -- to see the fish --
QUEEN VICTORIA
-- and the plants and the corals --
MYCROFT
That's not quite the idea, Ma'am.
H.M.S. Jonah is being commissioned as a warship.
QUEEN VICTORIA
A warship?
(waving her hand)
Stop that noise. Stop it!
At a signal from Mycroft, the sub engines are turned off.

Mycroft:
Ma'am, if I may explain --
QUEEN VICTORIA
You had better.

MYCROFT
The Admiralty regards this craft as the
ultimate weapon in naval warfare. It can
seek out enemy ships and destroy them --
with these torpedoes -- while remaining
completely invisible.
QUEEN VICTORIA
You mean in can fire at other vessels while under water?
MYCROFT
Yes, Ma'am.
QUEEN VICTORIA
Without any warning?
MYCROFT
That is correct, Ma'am.
QUEEN VICTORIA
And without showing her colors?
MYCROFT
Indeed, Ma'am.
QUEEN VICTORIA
Mr. Holmes, we are not amused.
(Mycroft stares at her)
It is unsportsmanlike, it is un-English,
and it is in very poor taste. We will
have none of it!
MYCROFT
I beg your pardon, Ma'am?
He exchanges a look with Holmes.
QUEEN VICTORIA
Sometimes we despair of the state of the
world. What will scientists think of next?
MYCROFT
That's precisely it, Ma'am. At this very
moment the Germans under Count von
Zeppelin, are experimenting with a dirigible --

QUEEN VICTORIA
A dirigible? And what, pray, is that?
MYCROFT
A rigid balloon, which could fly over
London and drop a bomb on Buckingham
Palace. It is being developed at the
express orders of Kaiser Wilhelm the
Second.
QUEEN VICTORIA
Nonsense. We refuse to believe that our
grandson Willie would do a thing like that.
MYCROFT
We have conclusive proof, Ma'am. Our
agent in Friedrichshafen , a man named
Ibbetson , actually saw the dirigible, and
made a drawing of it. Unfortunately, he
was apprehended before he could cross the
border

QUEEN VICTORIA
(indicating sub)
Nevertheless, we don't want any part of
this beastly invention. Get rid of it!
Scuttle it! The sooner the better.
MYCROFT
May I point out, Ma'am --
QUEEN VICTORIA
And don't concern yourself about that
dirigible dropping bombs on us. We shall
write a very sharp note to the Kaiser.
Now we wish to return to
Balmoral.

SEAWOLF97

04-01-2015, 10:25 AM

I ran out of Sherlock flicks and started digging in the pile, and came out with the "special edition"
of GOLDFINGER.
Didn't have enough time to watch the movie , so the extras were perfect.

They touched on a glaring fault that I've always ignored. The girl who gets gilded , Jill, is NOT the gilded one in the posters/albums.

She is Dink , the hotel masseuse. She has zero contact with Goldfinger , but was somewhat curvier/sexier. So there were 2 girls painted gold for the production and hardly anyone noticed the substitution.

SEAWOLF97

04-02-2015, 08:08 AM

I snagged this during a big SH grab. Glad I did. :)
If you are interested, it's a worthy 2 hr. expenditure.

How Sherlock Changed the World (2013)

http://www.pbs.org/program/sherlock-changed-world/

About the Program

How Sherlock Changed the World reveals the impact Sherlock Holmes has had on the development of real criminal investigation and forensic techniques. From blood to ballistics, from fingerprints to footprints, Holmes was 120 years ahead of his time, protecting crime scenes from contamination, looking for minute traces of evidence and searching for what the eye couldn’t see. The film features interviews with forensic scientists, toxicologists, crime scene investigators and criminal profilers.

NEXT UP: On the Beach ....Gregory Peck, Ava Gardner , then :I'm not there. ..multi Bob Dylans

SEAWOLF97

04-04-2015, 07:59 AM

But I started to want to hold favor, a book I enjoyed long ago, on the beach. That seemed to be almost all Australian cast, but Armando assante to a of the texas accent was just a little too much as the submarine captain Allen got around to furnishings get, so no rating as of this time.

.
I got to the end of on the beach, closing credits, and was disappointed and seem to be very incomplete.

The opening credits to normal, WT Health, and the story contended. Turns out it was a two part miniseries. The second port was much more emotional, and brought the two years for the eyes were intended.

That's a pretty good updating of the 1962 book and except for having Armando slumped a head an American submarine captain, but was terrible and aspen, the movie was for ticket. I'd given to seven out of 10.

So I have seen both adaptations of Neville Shute's "On the Beach" , a book that I read ..at sea ..in 1971.

The dictated quotes from above are for the later 2000 version. Last night I watched the 1959 - Gregory Peck one.

They are slightly different. Here's the synopsis ..for those unfamiliar.

In 1964, atomic war wipes out humanity in the northern hemisphere; one American submarine finds temporary safe haven in Australia, where life-as-usual covers growing despair. In denial about the loss of his wife and children in the holocaust, American Captain Towers meets careworn but gorgeous Moira Davidson, who begins to fall for him. The sub returns after reconnaissance a month (or less) before the end; will Towers and Moira find comfort with each other? Written by Rod Crawford <[email protected]> (http://www.imdb.com/search/title?plot_author=Rod%20Crawford%20%[email protected] ashington.edu%3E&view=simple&sort=alpha).

The 2 viewings were close enough to make a comparo.

CAST: By far the 1959 was better. Peck was born for the role of sub Captain. Assante was badly miscast. Moira: chunky Ava Gardner fit the role much better than Rachel Ward (tho I really liked her in "Against All Odds"). Tony Perkins was very good and surprisingly, Fred Astaire was too.

STORY: There were slight differences. The 2000 Aussie version cleared up details a bit better and had a more upbeat (and different) ending. Sadly, it's been so long since I've read the book, that I don't remember which one is more faithful :dont-know:

personal opinion : it should be illegal to have more than 25 choruses of "Waltzing Matilda" in one movie. (1959 version)

but, no matter ...it's such a greatly woven story that either version is entertaining.

stopped at cheap DVD store yesterday, picked up "From Here To Eternity" & "The Crossing Guard" . Gotta view the time dependent ones first, so Pee Wee's Big Adventure is up next. :blink:

SEAWOLF97

04-10-2015, 03:49 PM

.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0813547/?ref_=ttfc_fc_tt

The Counterfeiters is the true story of the largest counterfeiting operation in history, set up by the Nazis in 1936. Salomon "Sally" Sorowitsch is the king of counterfeiters. He lives a mischievous life of cards, booze, and women in Berlin during the Nazi-era. Suddenly his luck runs dry when arrested by Superintendent Friedrich Herzog. Immediately thrown into the Mauthausen concentration camp, Salomon exhibits exceptional skills there and is soon transferred to the upgraded camp of Sachsenhausen. Upon his arrival, he once again comes face to face with Herzog, who is there on a secret mission. Hand-picked for his unique skill, Salomon and a group of professionals are forced to produce fake foreign currency under the program Operation Bernhard. The team, which also includes detainee Adolf Burger, is given luxury barracks for their assistance. But while Salomon attempts to weaken the economy of Germany's allied opponents, Adolf refuses to use his skills for Nazi profit and would like to do something to stop Operation Bernhard's aid to the war effort. Faced with a moral dilemma, Salomon must decide whether his actions, which could prolong the war and risk the lives of fellow prisoners, are ultimately the right ones.
- Written by Sony Pictures Classics (http://www.imdb.com/search/title?plot_author=Sony+Pictures+Classics&view=simple&sort=alpha&ref_=ttpl_pl_1)

One of the best WW2 films that I've seen. Never have even heard of it. So how did it come into my viewing que ?

Bought a used DVD player whose drawer would not open. Took the cover off to clear the problem and there was this DVD stuck inside. A great find.

No CGI , explosions and minimal violence (well , for a concentration camp, and was it germane to the story)

Trivia: First Austrian film to win an Academy Award in the Best Foreign Language Film Category.

I'd give this an easy 9 of 10.

SEAWOLF97

04-11-2015, 09:08 AM

so I'd heard a lot about Inception (2010 (http://www.imdb.com/year/2010/?ref_=tt_ov_inf)) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1375666/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
the CGI looked good.

BUT , I shut it off after about an hour , just couldn't take any more. By the time I hit the button , whether the protagonists lived or died was of no concern.

The story was somewhat Matrix'ish , and I rarely find DeCaprio's acting believable (save Romeo & Juliette and The Beach (where he was a squirrelly little weirdo))

This film essentially substituted CGI and gun violence for a comprehensible story. Yes, it was a Chris Nolan movie, but he doesn't always make winners like Memento.

The benefit to this viewing was that parts of the soundtrack were reminiscent of Phillip Glass's in Koyaanisqatsi. So I started up iTunes and transferred that to the night pod and had an enjoyable listening experience.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085809/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Movie=3 , Koyaanisqatsi ST at good levels=8

Dom Cobb is a skilled thief, the absolute best in the dangerous art of extraction, stealing valuable secrets from deep within the subconscious during the dream state, when the mind is at its most vulnerable. Cobb's rare ability has made him a coveted player in this treacherous new world of corporate espionage, but it has also made him an international fugitive and cost him everything he has ever loved. Now Cobb is being offered a chance at redemption. One last job could give him his life back but only if he can accomplish the impossible-inception. Instead of the perfect heist, Cobb and his team of specialists have to pull off the reverse: their task is not to steal an idea but to plant one. If they succeed, it could be the perfect crime. But no amount of careful planning or expertise can prepare the team for the dangerous enemy that seems to predict their every move. An enemy that only Cobb could have seen coming. Written by Warner Bros. Pictures (http://www.imdb.com/search/title?plot_author=Warner+Bros.+Pictures&view=simple&sort=alpha&ref_=tt_stry_pl)

SEAWOLF97

04-12-2015, 05:50 AM

Sherlocks I have known .. in best performance order: (there's more..I'm sure)

1. Brett
2. Cumberbatch
3. Peter Cushing (new)
4. Howard
5. Rathbone (would be higher w/o the idiot portrayal of Watson)
.
.
.
176. TIE - Downey & that elementary TV thang

After the BBC TV series with Cushing and the very good Nigel Stock as Watson, that combo
has rocketed to #3 in the ratings. :D

Although it is rather low budget, Cushing seems to get the essence of SH very well. The high budget production of the Granada/Brett series certainly helped it.

Also re-watched THE BEACH. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0163978/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Garland's novel centers on a young nicotine-addicted traveler named Richard, an avid pop-culture buff with a particular love for video games and Vietnam War movies. While at a hotel in Bangkok, he finds a map left by his strange, whacked-out neighbor, who just committed suicide. The map supposedly leads to a legendary island paradise where some other wayward souls have settled.
- Written by Mike Arndt <[email protected]> (http://www.imdb.com/search/title?plot_author=Mike+Arndt+%3Cclayton%40hooked.n et%3E&view=simple&sort=alpha&ref_=ttpl_pl_1)

Probably wasn't worth a second viewing. Not a bad plot , tho some funny holes. Little Leo playing
Rambo was a hoot. Moronic, unintentionally. In the end, not very satisfying. 5 of 10

hjames

04-12-2015, 06:31 AM

If you want to be a complete at these things ... (tho its not from A.C.Doyle)
The Seven-Per-Cent Solution (1976 (http://www.imdb.com/year/1976/?ref_=tt_ov_inf))

To treat his friend's cocaine induced delusions,
Watson lures Sherlock Holmes to Sigmund Freud in Vienna.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0075194/

Nicol Williamson as Holmes
Robert Duvall as Watson
Alan Arkin as Sigmund Freud
Lawrence Olivier as Moriarty

An interesting film, good actors, and beautifully filmed, tho a bit long in places.
And utterly unavailable to purchase in the US DVD market (I bought a Region 2 copy overseas)

Thanks for the heads up for On The Beach - I'll try and hunt it down ...

SEAWOLF97

04-12-2015, 06:48 AM

.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112744/

I had NO expectations for this one. Good story/great acting (esp. Morse) .. a real sleeper
seems a strong 8/10

After his daughter died in a hit and run, Freddy Gale has waited six years for John Booth, the man responsible, to be released from prison. On the day of release, Gale visits Booth and announces that he will kill him in one week. Booth uses his time to try and make peace with himself and his entourage, and even finds romance. Gale, whose life is spiralling down because of his obsession towards Booth, will bring himself on the very edge of sanity. At the end of the week, both men will find themselves on a collision course with each other. Written by Anthony

(http://www.imdb.com/search/title?plot_author=Anthony&view=simple&sort=alpha&ref_=tt_stry_pl)

Jack Nicholson (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000197/?ref_=tt_cl_t1)

Freddy Gale

David Morse (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001556/?ref_=tt_cl_t2)

...
John Booth (http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0023879/?ref_=tt_cl_t2)

Anjelica Huston (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001378/?ref_=tt_cl_t3)
...
Mary

Robin Wright (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000705/?ref_=tt_cl_t4)
...
Jojo

I noticed Priscilla Barnes on the credits , but couldn't place her in the flick. The brunette
wig threw me.

SEAWOLF97

04-12-2015, 03:46 PM

If you prefer to read ...free ...it all went public domain a while back

http://www.openculture.com/2014/11/download-the-complete-sherlock-holmes-arthur-conan-doyles-masterpiece.html

(http://www.openculture.com/2014/11/download-the-complete-sherlock-holmes-arthur-conan-doyles-masterpiece.html)Download the Complete Sherlock Holmes, Arthur Conan Doyle’s Masterpiece (http://www.openculture.com/2014/11/download-the-complete-sherlock-holmes-arthur-conan-doyles-masterpiece.html)

as for the big deal of SH using cocaine , it was legal in that time period and even
Queen VR used it.

In my surfing , I found ...

700 Free Movies Online: Great Classics, Indies, Noir, Westerns, etc. (http://www.openculture.com/freemoviesonline)

http://www.openculture.com/freemoviesonline

SOME of the interesting highlights ..

Wattstax Documents the “Black Woodstock” Concert Held 7 Years After the Watts Riots (1973) (http://www.openculture.com/2014/08/wattstax.html)

Watch Documentaries on the Making of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon and Wish You Were Here (http://www.openculture.com/2014/01/making-of-pink-floyds-dark-side-of-the-moon-and-wish-you-were-here.html)

Watch The Last 48 Hours of Kurt Cobain on the 20th Anniversary of the Musician’s Suicide (http://www.openculture.com/2014/04/the-last-48-hours-of-kurt-cobain.html)

"The Battle of Midway," directed by John Ford, provides a relatively
brief account of the Japanese attack of American ships at Midway atoll.
The film is comprised mostly of authentic footage from the battle, with
dramatic narration by Henry Fonda. "Behind every cloud, there may be an
enemy," he intones as American fighter pilots search the sky. The rest
of the film mocks Emporer Tojo of Japan and portrays him as ruthless,
bombing hospitals and churches as he tries to conquer the Pacific.

Chaos & Creation at Abbey Road: Paul McCartney Revisits The Beatles’ Fabled Recording Studio (http://www.openculture.com/2010/06/paul_mccartney_revisits_abbey_road.html)

Inside Dr. Strangelove: Documentary Reveals How a Cold War Story Became a Kubrick Classic (http://www.openculture.com/2013/03/inside_dr_strangelove_how_a_cold_war_story_became_ a_kubrick_classic.html)

American Masters : Les PAUL Chasing Sound

A To Zeppelin: The Story Of Led Zeppelin

the whole BMW "Hire" series

Watch The Hire: 8 Short Films Shot for BMW by John Woo, Ang Lee & Other Popular Filmmakers (2002) (http://www.openculture.com/2014/07/watch-the-bmw-film-series-the-hire.html)

and I fond the CR info interesting on this:
Free Online: Charade, the Best Hitchcock Film Hitchcock Never Made. Stars Cary Grant & Audrey Hepburn (http://www.openculture.com/2012/09/charade.html)

http://cdn8.openculture.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Charade_se-e1382764176385.jpg
The best Hitchcock film Hitchcock never made. That’s how certain enthusiasts of American film think of Charade (http://archive.org/details/charade1963), Stanley Donen’s 1963 lightly comedic mystery thriller filled with international intrigue. Its cast list draws deeply from the era’s formidable well of cinematic icons: Cary Grant, Audrey Hepburn, Walter Matthau, James Coburn, and George Kennedy. Its action takes place in no less a screen-illuminating world city than Paris. The Criterion Collection has seen fit to give it a scholarly, respectable DVD and Blu-Ray release (http://www.criterion.com/films/603-charade). It comes scored by Henry Mancini. It has inspired four remakes, including one in Bengali and one in Hindi. It director also made On the Town, Singin’ in the Rain, Funny Face, and Bedazzled. “A terrifically entertaining comedy-thriller,” critic Dave Kehr calls it (http://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/charade/Film?oid=1054917), “perfectly crafted” and “a marvelous use of Paris.” All these qualities and more strongly recommend the picture, at least to my mind, and if you’d like to see it for yourself, you have only to pull it up on Hulu (http://www.hulu.com/watch/94303).
Wait — really? A film of such seemingly high profile, made only 49 years ago? You don’t exactly come across the likes of Charade in the public domain every day. But I have an explanation, and it will surely delight those film fans who make sport of pointing out the incompetence of major studios. It seems that pre-1978 United States copyright law absolutely required you to include some sort of mark on your work indicating your intent to claim copyright at all — ©, for instance — and in Charade‘s case, Universal Pictures seemed to have just sort of forgotten about it. The film thus went public domain as soon as it came out. Criterion’s provides a superior transfer and a wealth of cinephilic accoutrements besides, but if you want to dip into the picture right now, simply click play. An unknowable but capable Cary Grant and a Givenchy-clad Audrey Hepburn pursued through the early sixties’ City of Light for gold stolen in wartime — who, especially those on an office lunch break, could resist?

SEAWOLF97

04-13-2015, 10:49 AM

HARDWARE WARs :blink::eek:

Back in 1977, San Francisco filmmaker Ernie Fosselius (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0287629/) had the brainwave to make a spoof of a movie that had just come out. It was a risky move. Nobody had any sense that Star Wars (http://starwars.com) would become the worldwide cultural phenomenon that it did. And just as George Lucas’ (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000184/)s space opera earned staggering amounts of money, so did Fosselius’s parody, Hardware Wars. You can watch it above (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ymFxkFfIhU#t=168). Made for a mere eight grand, the 13-minute movie became a pre-internet viral hit and a staple on the festival circuit, ultimately earning over $1,000,000 – an unheard of haul for a short film. In fact, in terms of money spent versus money earned, Hardware Wars (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0077658/combined) ended up being far more profitable than Star Wars. And it’s considered the most profitable short film ever made.
“I think a lot of the charm of that movie is the fact that we didn’t really know what we were doing,” said (http://www.salon.com/2000/11/16/fan_films/) Scott Mathews, who donned a blonde wig to play the movie’s lead, Fluke Starbucker. The movie’s production is so gleefully cheap and half-assed that you can’t help but be charmed by it. Irons, toasters, and tape players are used in place of spaceships. A canister vacuum cleaner stands in for R2D2, and Chewbacca appears to be a Cookie Monster puppet dyed brown. At one point, while on a desert planet of Tatooine, you see a beach-goer sauntering in the background. And Star Wars’s famous cantina scene is in this movie simply a stroll through a crowded tavern. If you know anything about the bar scene in 1970s San Francisco, you know that it was at least as weird as anything George Lucas managed to put up on the screen.
The often litigious Lucas reportedly really liked the movie, called it “cute.” He even invited (http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Ernie_Fosselius) Fosselius to voice the inconsolable sobs of Jabba the Hutt’s animal trainer after his beloved Rancor gets killed by Luke Skywalker in Return of the Jedi (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086190/combined).
Hardware Wars ended up launching an entire subgenre of movie – the Star Wars fan film. And with the advent of Youtube and digital filmmaking technology, the ability of nerds and mavens to make increasingly sophisticated takes on Lucas’s universe became easier and easier. One of the better, and older, ones is Troops (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bocmVZXXY8w&feature=kp). A mash up of Star Wars and the reality TV series Cops, the short shows the challenges and the struggles of being an Imperial Stormtrooper.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=0ymFxkFfIhU

SEAWOLF97

04-14-2015, 07:46 AM

The Counterfeit Traitor (1962 (http://www.imdb.com/year/1962/?ref_=tt_ov_inf))

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0055871/?ref_=nm_flmg_act_24

An American oil company executive of Swedish descent, now living in Sweden, is blackmailed into spying for the Allies during World War II. At first resentful, his relationship with a beautiful German Allied agent causes him to realize how vital his work is. When he learns that his anti-Nazi German associates are under suspicion from the Gestapo, he risks his own life to go back inside Nazi Germany to finish his work and try to save his friends. It's an exciting story with great characters, filmed partly in the locations where the story took place. Written by Carol (http://www.imdb.com/search/title?plot_author=Carol&view=simple&sort=alpha&ref_=tt_stry_pl)

William Holden (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000034/?ref_=tt_cl_t1)
...

Lilli Palmer (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0658339/?ref_=tt_cl_t2)

OK. I like WH, and Lilli was easy on the eyes. Fine history based story. Euro locations were nice, but
Holden was too passive at times and the telling was somewhat uneven. 6.75 of 10

Red Rock West (1993 (http://www.imdb.com/year/1993/?ref_=tt_ov_inf))

kinda of Western noir. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0105226/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

I THINK it's the best thing Nick Cage has ever done. An easy 9.9 of 10. Great cast/story/direction/music/location.

When a promised job for Texan Michael fails to materialize in Wyoming, Mike is mistaken by Wayne to be the hitman he hired to kill his unfaithful wife, Suzanne. Mike takes full advantage of the situation, collects the money and runs. During his getaway, things go wrong, and soon get worse when he runs into the real hitman, Lyle. Written by Rob Hartill (http://www.imdb.com/search/title?plot_author=Rob+Hartill&view=simple&sort=alpha&ref_=tt_stry_pl)

This could have easily been a Coen Bros. production , it's so good. Somewhat reminiscent of Double Indemnity. Hoppers performance was worth the price of admission all by it's self. :applaud:

Nicolas Cage (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000115/?ref_=tt_cl_t1)
...
Michael Williams (http://www.imdb.com/character/ch0020758/?ref_=tt_cl_t1)

Dennis Hopper (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000454/?ref_=tt_cl_t2)
...
Lyle

Lara Flynn Boyle (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001223/?ref_=tt_cl_t3)
...
Suzanne Brown

J.T. Walsh (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000687/?ref_=tt_cl_t4)

highly,highly recommended if you like noir, coens, :applaud:

SEAWOLF97

04-15-2015, 07:04 AM

.
for an 1887 London leather/gilt bible that I'm selling. She's about 45 or so. We'd been emailing about the details.

HER: I remember it's pretty old.
ME: 1887 .. over 125 years ...from the time of Queen Victoria & Sherlock Holmes
HER: Were they real people ?
ME:: (kinda stunned/shuddering) Well, one was ...
HER: :dont-know:
ME: (breaking the pregnant pause) ..The Queen actually existed.
HER: Oh yeah ....

:crying::crying::crying:

SEAWOLF97

04-16-2015, 12:34 PM

.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082934/?ref_=fn_tt_tt_14

Jack Nicholson (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000197/?ref_=tt_ov_st), Jessica Lange (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001448/?ref_=tt_ov_st)

This remake of the 1946 movie of the same name accounts an affair between a seedy drifter and a seductive wife of a roadside café owner. This begins a chain of events that culminates in murder.
- Written by Craig Clarke <[email protected]> (http://javascript:void(0))
The sensuous wife of a lunch wagon proprietor and a rootless drifter begin a sordidly steamy affair and conspire to murder her Greek husband.
- Written by Gabe Taverney ([email protected]) (http://javascript:void(0))

An acting "tour de force" until the last scene which whimpers out. I have a much better ending, but was NOT consulted during the production, :(

Jessica was a babe in 1981 (still is) , Jack was balding..even back then , but despite the ending, I would rate it 8 of 10

SEAWOLF97

04-17-2015, 08:40 AM

.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0942385/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

we've got great weather and I'd rather be riding than movie watching , but the Little Boss had a bad night and it was better that I attend to her than enjoy the weather.

Through a series of freak occurrences, a group of actors shooting a big-budget war movie are forced to become the soldiers they are portraying.

A film crew is in Southeast Asia filming a Vietnam-war memoir. It's early in the shooting, but they're already behind schedule and over budget. On the day an accident befalls the novice director, the cast and crew are attacked by a gang of poppy-growing local drug dealers, except the cast and crew don't realize these aren't actors who are stalking them. The thugs kidnap Tugg Speedman, an actor whose star seems on the decline, and it's up to the rest of the ragtag team to band together long enough to attempt his rescue. But will Tugg want to leave? Written by <[email protected]> (http://javascript:void(0))

Jack Black (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0085312/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t4), Ben Stiller (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001774/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t7), Nick Nolte (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000560/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t17),Tom Cruise (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000129/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t35),Robert Downey Jr. (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000375/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t2)

Cruise and Downey rather stole the show. TC as the greedy, profane, dancing (?) producer was "over the top" ...Downey as the angry Black , Aussie vet was "spot on". He takes a drug to make himself Black for the film within a film.

very funny..in places, juvenile in others..... 6 of 10

trailer ...

http://www.imdb.com/video/screenplay/vi2677539609/ (http://www.imdb.com/rg/VIDEO_PLAY/LINK//video/screenplay/vi2677539609/)

SEAWOLF97

04-18-2015, 06:25 PM

.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0038355/

Private detective Philip Marlowe is hired by old General Sternwood to stop a blackmail attempt concerning his youngest daughter Carmen. Marlowe tails the blackmailer Geiger to his house at Laverne Terrace. Suddenly he hears a shot and sees some men rushing out to their cars. He breaks into the house, and finds Carmel drugged in a chair, with Geiger's dead body at her feet. An empty camera proves that a photo has been taken of her and the corpse, probably intended for further blackmailing. A series of clues lead Marlowe to various persons involved in gambling. Wherever he finds them, he also finds Sternwood's oldest daughter, Vivian Rutledge, a divorced beauty. She and Marlowe fall in love with each other, although she continues double-crossing him. When Marlowe's investigations lead him to the casino owner Eddie Mars, the situation starts becoming very dangerous. Everyone, including the district attorney, advises Marlowe to stop the investigation, but he is stubborn. Eddie Mars has a ... Written by Maths Jesperson {[email protected]}

(http://www.imdb.com/search/title?plot_author=Maths+Jesperson+%7Bmaths.jespers on1%40comhem.se%7D&view=simple&sort=alpha&ref_=tt_stry_pl)As famous as this movie is ... I expected more. Bacall can't act her way out of a paper bag. Bogart was playing his standard character. Story was an incomprehensible mess. Snappy dialog was hard to follow.
It made 1946 seem like 3 century's ago. Only a 5 of 10.

Absence of Malice (1981 (http://www.imdb.com/year/1981/?ref_=tt_ov_inf))

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0081974/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Mike Gallagher is a Miami liquor wholesaler whose deceased father was a local mobster. The FBI organized crime task force has no evidence that he's involved with the mob but decide to pressure him perhaps revealing something - anything - about a murder they're sure was a mob hit. The let Megan Carter, a naive but well-meaning journalist, know he is being investigated and Gallagher's name is soon all over the newspaper. Gallagher has an iron-clad alibi for when the murder occurred but won't reveal it to protect his fragile friend Teresa. When Carter publishes her story, tragedy ensues. Needing to make amends, Carter tells Gallagher the source of the first story about him and he sets out to teach the FBI and the Federal Attorney a lesson.

I guess that Sidney Pollack movies seem right to me (I'm a big fan of "3 days of the Condor) . Doesn't hurt that he has Newman and Field playing the leads. Well done all around. 8.5 of 10

SEAWOLF97

05-27-2015, 09:22 AM

I've slacked off a bit on the reviews (things going on in my life,,more important) and some DVD's
recently watched escaped this thread, so ...

Flight of the Phoenix (2004)

modern remake of the classic "The Flight of the Phoenix" (1965) film. Why ?
the original was great , memorable,well cast ..etc.
The remake ? none of those qualities. Highly excrete-able. 1.5 of 10. a new low rating for this thread.

2004
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0377062/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1
1965
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0059183/?ref_=fn_al_tt_2

but then, an old favorite.

Repo Man (1984)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087995/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1

Frustrated punk rocker Otto quits his supermarket job after slugging a co-worker, and is later dumped by his girlfriend at a party. Wandering the streets in frustration, he is recruited in the repossession of a car by a repo agent. After discovering his parents have donated his college fund to a televangelist, he joins the repossession agency (Helping Hand Acceptance Corporation) as an apprentice "repo man". During his training, he is introduced into the mercenary and paranoid world of the drivers, befriended by a UFO conspiracy theorist, confronted by rival repo agents, discovers some of his one-time friends have turned to a life of crime, is lectured to near cosmic unconsciousness by the repo agency grounds worker, and finds himself entangled in a web of intrigue concerning a huge repossession bounty on a 1964 Chevy Malibu driven by a lunatic government scientist, with Top Secret cargo in the trunk. Written by Baroque <[email protected]>

Ranked #7 on Entertainment Weekly's "Top 50 Cult Films of All-Time"

Produced by a former MONKEY ..Michael Nesmith

funny, memorable, great soundtrack , appropriate acting 9.5 of 10

the trivia for this film is interesting too.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087995/trivia?ref_=tt_trv_trv

SEAWOLF97

05-29-2015, 10:17 AM

Blood Simple. (1984)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086979/

A bar-owner in Texas is certain that his wife is cheating on him and hires a private detective to spy on her. This is just the beginning of a complex plot which is full of misunderstandings and deceit. Ethan and Joel Cohen's first feature film. - Written by Mark Logan

Abby is cheating on her saloonkeeper husband, Marty. The object of her affections is Ray, one of Marty's bartenders. Marty hires Visser, an unscrupulous detective, to kill them. But Visser has other, more lucrative plans of his own. So begins a calculating round of double and triple crosses that build to a bloodcurdling, surprise-filled climax. - Written by Fiona Kelleghan

A rich but jealous man hires a private investigator to kill his cheating wife and her new man. After that, this cold-hearted thriller really heats up. - Written by Tim Kretschmann

The Coen's early and one of their best. If this said "Alfred Hitchcock" on it instead, no one would question it.

Considered one of the best "modern noir" available. Brilliant story , casting, dialogue, theme , cinematography .. etc.

This film has it all for the "noir fan" This is on my "desert island DVD's" 9.99 of 10

SEAWOLF97

05-30-2015, 10:21 AM

.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0047396/

I'd better not put down too much negative (there isn't much) on this beloved classic. :)

Professional photographer L.B. "Jeff" Jeffries breaks his leg while getting an action shot at an auto race. Confined to his New York apartment, he spends his time looking out of the rear window observing the neighbors. He begins to suspect that a man across the courtyard may have murdered his wife. Jeff enlists the help of his high society fashion-consultant girlfriend Lisa Freemont and his visiting nurse Stella to investigate. Written by Col Needham <[email protected]>

2007: The American Film Institute ranked this as the #48 Greatest Movie of All Time.

very enjoyable, if you've never seen it, at least put it on the "view someday" list ...... 8 of 10 stars

SEAWOLF97

05-31-2015, 09:34 AM

. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0816692/

In the near future, Earth has been devastated by drought and famine, causing a scarcity in food and extreme changes in climate. When humanity is facing extinction, a mysterious rip in the space-time continuum is discovered, giving mankind the opportunity to widen its lifespan. A group of explorers must travel beyond our solar system in search of a planet that can sustain life. The crew of the Endurance are required to think bigger and go further than any human in history as they embark on an interstellar voyage into the unknown. Coop, the pilot of the Endurance, must decide between seeing his children again and the future of the human race. Written by Warren D'Souza

Matthew McConaughey as an engineer/ace pilot ? tech errs ? huge plot holes ? themes ripped from "2001" ?

A general BIG mess, up 'till the maudlin ending (which was the best thing in this long flick) 6 of 10

SEAWOLF97

06-02-2015, 06:35 PM

for those that enjoy Sherlock Holmes as much as some here do ... this may
be an interesting article on the phenomena.

http://www.salon.com/2015/05/30/the_televisual_sherlock_the_role_that_made_benedic t_cumberbatch_a_star_drove_another_actor_insane/

The televisual Sherlock: The role that made Benedict Cumberbatch a star drove another actor insane
Before Benedict Cumberbatch there was Jeremy Brett, defined by Holmes, and maybe, in part, killed by Holmes

SEAWOLF97

06-20-2015, 12:10 PM

.
Storyline

A Japanese couple obsessed with 1950s America goes to Memphis because the male half of the couple emulates Carl Perkins. Chance encounters link three different stories in the city, with the common thread being the seedy hotel where they are all staying. Written by Ed Sutton <[email protected]>

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097940/

Joe Strummer , Screaming' Jay, a hilarious Japanese couple, great music and 3 stories that connect at the end ... what more can you want ? 8.5/10

SEAWOLF97

07-11-2015, 07:55 PM

.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0056218/

B&W mono

The remake of this with Denzel is good , but I enjoyed the original with Sinatra much more . Superb acting, casting, story, photography.

Storyline

Major Ben Marco is an intelligence officer in the U.S. Army. He served valiantly as a captain in the Korean war and his Sergeant, Raymond Shaw, even won the Medal of Honor. Marco has a major problem however: he has a recurring nightmare, one where two members of his squad are killed by Shaw. He's put on indefinite sick leave and visits Shaw in New York. Shaw for his part has established himself well, despite the misgivings of his domineering mother, Mrs. Eleanor Shaw Iselin. She is a red-baiter, accusing anyone who disagrees with her right-wing reactionary views of being a Communist. Raymond hates her, not only for how she's treated him but equally because of his step-father, the ineffectual U.S. Senator John Iselin, who is intent on seeking higher office. When Marco learns that others in his Korean War unit have nightmares similar to his own, he realizes that something happened to all of them in Korea and that Raymond Shaw is the focal point. Written by garykmcd

my only quibble was that tho Janet Leigh was great eye candy , her character was superfluous. Lawrence Harvey as the lead was great.

as a side note, I met Khigh Dhiegh (Hawaii 5-O's Wo-Fat and a baddie from this film) at a lecture on Asian philosophy in the 70's and talked with him a bit. Surprised that he could not read Ch1nese.

from wiki and the DVD extras .."According to rumor, Sinatra removed the film from distribution after the John F. Kennedy assassination on November 22, 1963." , as the film too eerily foreshadowed the JFK murder.

SW gives it a 9.9 of 10 rating ..highly recommended.

LowPhreak

07-12-2015, 10:04 AM

Good reviews, Seawolf. Though I don't watch many flicks anymore, I do keep an eye out for a decent one now and then.

SEAWOLF97

07-18-2015, 06:15 PM

.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116996/

what a cast :)

Jack Nicholson
Glenn Close
Annette Bening
Pierce Brosnan
Danny DeVito
Martin Short
Sarah Jessica
Michael J. Fox
Rod Steiger
Natalie Portman
Jim Brown
Tom Jones
Christina Applegate
Pam Grier
Jack Black

For being almost 20 years old, the CG was good , story/acting appropriate .... a BD shelf grab 7.5/10

SEAWOLF97

07-19-2015, 10:17 AM

.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0368008/

a little earlier I reviewed the 1962 version of this story . In this 2004 remake Sinatra has been replaced by Denzel, Lansbury by Streep and the story has been massaged around a bit. Better ? no.

Had never thought of Frank as an actor , but he fit the part better. The others did too. The remake has cut the scene that was most chilling ( NJ flower ladies/Communist demo members) . It was a brilliant 360 degree pan with ladies turning to soldiers & back.

Every night the Major is plagued by a reoccurring nightmare. Marco is lying on his bed in his uniform and is perspiring during a dream in which he is sitting with other soldiers in a greenhouse listening to a woman talk about hydrangea flowers. Ladies are also listening. The scene changes with the same eight soldiers sitting and listening to Dr. Yen Lo (Khigh Dhiegh) talk about brain-washing as they are observed by men in a small theater. He explains they think they are in a Ladies Garden Club in New Jersey. The lady presents the great Raymond Shaw, and Yen Lo tells him to move his chair closer to him. He says it is believed that no one can be hypnotized to do anything against his moral nature. He says that is nonsense and cites scholarly papers. Chunjin is taking notes. Dmitri in the audience asks if a man has ever killed anyone. The lady responds to his question. She asks Raymond if he has ever killed anyone, and he says no. She asks about in combat, and he says he thinks so. Yen Lo says of course he has. The lady asks for the bayonet, and Dmitri says not with a knife but with the hands. A lady offers a handkerchief, and Dmitri gives him a cloth. Yen Lo asks Raymond whom he likes least of those there. He says Captain Marco, but the lady says they need him to get him his medal. Raymond says Ed Mavole, and Yen Lo gives him the scarf and tells him to strangle Ed Mavole to death. He walks behind him and puts it around his neck. Yen Lo tells him to sit there and cooperate, and he replies, “Yes, ma’am.” Raymond pulls the scarf tight. http://www.san.beck.org/MM/1962/ManchurianCandidate.html

IF you only have access to the remake, it's OK. 6 of 10. IF you have access to the 1962 version, skip the redo.

SEAWOLF97

07-26-2015, 06:38 PM

.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1042877/

In this tale of sex, violence, race, and rock and roll in 1950s Chicago, "Cadillac Records" follows the exciting but turbulent lives of some of America's musical legends, including Muddy Waters, Leonard Chess, Little Walter, Howlin' Wolf, Etta James and Chuck Berry. Written by Sony Pictures

This looked interesting despite Adrien Brody in the lead (he's a fine actor, just not one that I enjoy) , story was of events that I didn't know, but ....

then I read the reviews before watching it.

first IMDB one starts "This is mostly fiction and an insult to the artists and the history of Chess Records.
16 December 2008 | by Davo Sambo

Pretty much everything in this movie is the work of fiction. It reminds me of one of those Simpsons episodes where a TV studio does a biopic and makes up half the story for 'dramatic effect'. But this is even worse- honestly it was bad enough that the stories were fictional, but they are also just an insult to the people (for some strange reason(!) though all except the white studio owner that is, who was a hopeless romantic, who was also apparently the pioneer of the Chicago blues...all things to all men. He was a saint, everyone else, the musicians were anything but(!)

many more agreed, so I went into it a bit soured. So it's like a soap opera with names of the past substituted in ?

Anyway, the music was very good. Muddy Waters was somewhat milquetoast , Beyonce as Etta James was miscast , Brody ? nope , the only strong performance was Eamonn Walker as Howlin' Wolf. Cedric the Entertainer as Willie Dixon was kind of a joke. When Chess meets The Rolling Stones, I really couldn't even tell which one was Mick. Through the haze of drugs and screwing around, I didn't end up caring about anybody but Leonard Chess's wife. (Gabrielle Union)

And for the story of St. Chess bestowing Cadillac's on his stars , well that was in lieu of their royalties. 5 of 10

SEAWOLF97

08-01-2015, 09:06 AM

The highest class great film I have ever seen is The Remains Of The Day..

So Clark , your statement stuck with me for a long time , and since the vast majority of your recommendations are "spot on" , I tracked it down.

Fine photography, cast, acting , BUT ... the story wasn't very involving (IMHO). In the DVD extras they interviewed the author , who is Japanese , and I wondered what insights he had in the workings of an extravagant English manor ?

Hopkins and Emma Thompson are excellent in most everything they do , but their motivations/actions escaped me. Maybe because I don't live in a huge estate and go fox hunting or have a staff of 20+ waiting on me ? 6 of 10

The last couple of days have been nasty (patio thermometers have shown 103 & 105 for 2 days now) , so I hid indoors and caught up on flix. Re-watched seasons 2 & 3 of the BBC's SHERLOCK. So much is going on in those shows that I see new details on each viewing. That is TV as it should be. :)

Don't stop with the film recommendations tho, I've seen many new, good ones because of this thread.

SEAWOLF97

08-12-2015, 07:43 AM

.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0089343/

Storyline:

Four 1950's cultural icons (Albert Einstein, Marilyn Monroe, Joe DiMaggio and Senator Joseph MacCarthy) who conceivably could have met and probably didn't, fictionally do in this modern fable of post-WWII America. Visually intriguing, the film has a fluid progression of flash-backs and flash-forwards centering on the fictional Einstein's current observations, childhood memories and apprehensions for the future. Written by Jeanne Baker <[email protected]>

One of the more interesting films that I've seen in a while. Don't know why it was never on my radar. Only found it as I was browsing the CRITERION collection and noticed this.

The scene with Marilyn showing her (very good) understanding of the specific theory of relativity to Albert is one of the best that I've witnessed. Theresa Russell does a credible job as MM , The unknown as AE is excellent too. Gary Bussey as DiMaggio was a flop, Tony Curtis as Sen. JMcC was a bust too.

Those 2 poor castings held my rating back a bit , but the interaction between MM & AE really is the focus of the film.

7.99 of 10

Quotes:

The Actress: I only said I knew, because you said you knew.

The Professor: I lied. Knowledge isn't truth. It's just mindless agreement. You agree with me, I agree with someone else - we all have knowledge. We haven't come any closer to the truth. You can never understand anything by agreeing, by making definitions. Only by turning over the possibilities. That's called thinking. If I say I know, I stop thinking. As long as I keep thinking, I come to understand. That way, I might approach some truth.

here's a pretty good summation:

Meeting of minds
2 June 2003 | by rosscinema (United States) – See all my reviews

I have always been a great admirer of Nicolas Roeg and "Walkabout" is one of my favorite films. This is a film version of Roegs stage play and while most of the film takes place in a hotel room it still has some of Roegs cinematic flare.

Very unique story is about a famous actress (Theresa Russell) who after a hard nights work on a film in 1954 goes to a hotel to visit a famous professor (Michael Emil) and together in his hotel room they talk. After awhile she wants to go to bed with him but as they start to get undressed her husband is banging on the door. Her husband is a famous ex-baseball player (Gary Busey) and he wants to know what is going on. The three of them in the hotel room talk about what is going on and what the future holds for them. Meanwhile, a famous senator (Tony Curtis) is threatening to take away the professors papers if he doesn't testify at a hearing. Theresa Russell is just excellent and while she's not trying exactly to impersonate Marilyn Monroe she does a wonderful job of exuding the phobia's and nuances that Monroe is very well known for.
One thing the film does is show her as not only a woman on the verge of a mental breakdown but show her as a physical wreck as well. She talks of being unable to have children and at one point in the film she suffers a miscarriage. You can make an excellent case that this is Russell's best performance and I probably wouldn't argue. The film does an interesting thing in showing many flashbacks as the characters continue to talk about one thing and in the flashback we see one of many reasons for their actions. Busey also gives a good solid performance and it reminds me of what a strong persona he gives off on screen. Emil as the professor is a character that has many more things on his mind then we originally thought.
The last scene in this film is a demonstration of his darker side! One of the highlights of the film for me is the little conversation he has with the elevator man (Will Sampson of "Cuckoo's Nest") and they discuss what Cherokee Indians think about at all times. But of course the famous scene in this film is where Russell demonstrates to Emil how she does understand the theory of relativity and uses toys to show this. The professor is delighted by her demonstration and so are we! Russell and Roeg are married in real life and they do admirable work when they are in collaboration and this is probably their best film together. Good performances and a very interesting job of directing make this a challenging and visually thought provoking film.

LATER: An interesting website : Find #1 Movie Day You Were Born & Watch Trailer

http://playback.fm/birthday-movie

SEAWOLF97

08-13-2015, 10:16 AM

.

The scene with Marilyn showing her (very good) understanding of the specific theory of relativity to Albert is one of the best that I've witnessed.

here, I found it on Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JS0n_fr1Fyo

..just to add some context: AE flashes back to aftermath caused by A-bombs during her explanations.

SEAWOLF97

08-15-2015, 10:29 AM

.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058182/

this is a Criterion collection remaster with added extras. figured it to be a trip down memory lane, but actually
it was as charming as ever.
I always enjoyed the music from their first 2 movies.

The extras feature was hosted by Phil collins, who does as well as Depp can. :(
He did note tho that there was trouble coming up with a film title and it came from a Ringo misapprop.
Once they had a title, then an opening/closing song was needed (of the same name) and the Beatles delivered
"A Hard Day's Night " overnight , on command.
Also the overhead scene of the 4 skylarking in a big field was really only 3 of them. Lennon was not available
and a stand-in was used. Faces not shown.
The movie was produced mainly to promote the album.
And Pattie Boyd , George's future wife had quite a bit a screen time.

In my perception, the 3 look like pro's doing a job during concerts, where George is actually enjoying it . On several occasions, he does a little sidestep jig while playing and seems to exude joy.

Holds up well. 8 of 10

(the Brit birds of the 60's were cute, at least in the film)

the trivia is fun: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058182/trivia?ref_=tt_trv_trv

Storyline

The Beatles--the world's most famous rock and roll band--travel from their home town of Liverpool to London to perform in a television broadcast. Along the way they must rescue Paul's unconventional grandfather from various misadventures and drummer Ringo goes missing just before the crucial concert. Written by Jim Beaver <[email protected]>

LowPhreak

08-15-2015, 06:22 PM

Haven't seen that one in forever.

SEAWOLF97

08-18-2015, 09:35 AM

.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0038787/

Storyline

Following the conviction of her German father for treason against the U.S., Alicia Huberman takes to drink and men. She is approached by a government agent (T.R. Devlin) who asks her to spy on a group of her father's Nazi friends operating out of Rio de Janeiro. A romance develops between Alicia and Devlin, but she starts to get too involved in her work. Written by Col Needham <[email protected]>

Stars: Cary Grant, Ingrid Bergman, Claude Rains

This was the best of 4 DVD's that I picked up. Not really Hitchcock's best, but still good. Plot holes, Cary's acting just OK, but Ingrid was so good that it made up for the problems. 7 of 10

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (1966)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0060438/?ref_=fn_tt_tt_6

slapstick and snappy dialogue and name stars in ancient Rome. Funny but wearing

Storyline

Pseudolus is the laziest slave in Rome and has but one wish, to purchase his freedom. When his master and mistress leave for the day he finds out that the young master has fallen in love with a virgin in the house of Lycus, a slave dealer specializing in beautiful women. Pseudolus concocts a deal in which he will be freed if he can procure the girl for young Hero. Of course, it can't be that simple as everything begins to go wrong. Written by John Vogel <[email protected]>

6 of 10

SEAWOLF97

08-19-2015, 08:30 AM

.
too hot today to get out, so another DVD ....

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0067959/

A privileged British family consisting of a mother, a geologist father and an adolescent daughter and son, live in Sydney, Australia.
Out of circumstance, the siblings, not knowing exactly where they are, get stranded in the Outback by themselves while on a picnic. They only have with them the clothes on their backs - their school uniforms - some meagre rations of nonperishable food, a battery-powered transistor radio, the son's satchel primarily containing his toys, and a small piece of cloth they used as their picnic drop-cloth.
While they walk through the Outback, sometimes looking as though near death, they come across an Australian boy who is on his walkabout, a rite of passage into manhood where he spends months on end on his own living off the land. Their largest problem is not being able to verbally communicate. The boy does help them to survive, but doesn't understand their need to return to civilization, which may or may not happen based on what the Australian boy ends up doing.
- Written by Huggo

I like character motivations and reasonable reactions in situations. Neither were well developed in this flick. We get lots of the Outback, Jenny Agutter :) , and Aborigine's .
The 2 suicides really made little sense to me and rather soured what could have been a good movie.

5 of 10

SEAWOLF97

09-13-2015, 05:37 PM

.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1809398/

I HAD high (mostly unrealized) expectations for this flick.
A general disappointment, I won't list all the problems with what was a compelling story.

IMHO , angie Jolie's direction just flattened it. Nothing about motivations, character development, just "this happened, then that happened" .... too much dwelling on prison camp mistreatment. The camp commander was a corporal ?
Mr. Unbroken was very broken.

War was over..story over. but only half his life was over ? Epilogue text so fugging small that I'd have to put my nose on the screen to read it ? Left me high & dry. gimme a break.

ONLY memorable scene was a B-24 mission. 5 of 10. Hollywood schlock.

SEAWOLF97

10-06-2015, 05:26 PM

.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0065988/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Big_Man_%28film%29

This epic film is easily among the top 5 that I've ever seen.
If this was the only film that Dustin Hoffman had ever done, he would still be a great actor. easily 12 of 10
Holds up under repeated viewings. :)

Academy Awards, USA 1971
Nominated
Oscar Best Actor in a Supporting Role
Chief Dan George

cannot believe that DH was not nominated for an Oscar ?

"Little Big Man Was Either The Most Neglected Hero In History Or A Liar Of Insane Proportion!"

By the end I despised "Garry Owen"

In the present day 1970, 121-year-old Jack Crabb (Dustin Hoffman), who resides in a hospice, is recounting his long and colorful life story to a curious historian (William Hickey). Among other things, Crabb claims to have been a captive of the Cheyenne, a gunslinger, an associate of Wild Bill Hickok, a scout for General George Armstrong Custer, and the sole survivor of Custer's force at the 1876 Battle of Little Bighorn. Having been adopted by the Cheyenne and reared in their culture, Crabb has perspective on both Caucasian and Native American life in the 19th century.

Flashing back to 1859, the 10-year-old Jack and his older sister Caroline (Carole Androsky) survive the massacre of their parents' wagon train by the hostile Pawnee. Found by a Cheyenne warrior, Jack and his sister are taken back to a Cheyenne village. Caroline manages to escape on horseback, but Jack is reared by good-hearted tribal leader Old Lodge Skins (Chief Dan George). Life among the Cheyenne proves to be idyllic, though Jack unwittingly makes an enemy of another boy, Younger Bear (Cal Bellini). However, Younger Bear eventually owes his life to Jack, who saves him from a Pawnee warrior. Jack is given the name "Little Big Man" because he's short but very brave.

In 1865, when Jack is 16, he is captured by U.S. cavalry troopers after skirmish between them and the local Cheyenne. Jack then renounces his Native American upbringing in order to save himself from being killed. After his interrogation and debriefing, and being that he is still a minor, he is put in the care of Reverend Silas Pendrake (Thayer David) and his sexually frustrated wife, Louise (Faye Dunaway), who tries to seduce Jack. Jack cannot accept the contradiction between Louise's piety and sexual appetite. When Jack finds Louise one day seducing the owner of a local soda shop/pharmacy, he leaves the Pendrake household.

A year or so later, Jack becomes the apprentice of the snake-oil salesman Merriweather (Martin Balsam). The two are tarred and feathered when their customers realize that Merriweather's products are fraudulent. One of the angry customers happens to be Jack's sister, Caroline. Once Caroline realizes that one of the men she helped to tar and feather was her brother, they reunite. She attempts to mold her brother into a gunslinger named the Soda Pop Kid (after his favorite beverage). Jack meets Wild Bill Hickok (Jeff Corey) at a saloon, and Hickok takes a liking to the young man. When Hickok is forced to kill a man in self-defense, Jack loses his taste for gun slinging and Caroline deserts him.

Another year or two later, Jack becomes a partner in a general store and marries a Swedish woman named Olga (Kelly Jean Peters). Unfortunately, Jack's business partner turns out to be a thieving scoundrel and Jack is forced to close the store. The famous cavalry officer George Armstrong Custer (Richard Mulligan) happens upon the scene and suggests the couple re-start their lives further west.

Jack and Olga set out, but their stagecoach is ambushed by Cheyenne hostiles. Olga is abducted and Jack sets out in search for her. During his quest, he is reunited with Old Lodge Skins, who is overjoyed Jack has returned to the tribe. Younger Bear has become a contrary (a warrior who does everything in reverse) and, having been humiliated by Jack years before, is still bitter. After a short stay with the tribe, Jack continues his search for Olga.

He eventually becomes a "muleskinner" in Custer's 7th Cavalry, hoping to obtain information on Olga's whereabouts. He takes part in a battle against the Cheyenne, but when the 7th troopers begin killing unarmed women and children, Jack becomes enraged and turns on them. Nearby, Jack discovers a Cheyenne woman, Sunshine (Aimée Eccles), giving birth. He saves Sunshine from the marauding troopers and returns with her to Old Lodge Skins's tribe. Sunshine becomes his wife and bears him a child. Jack again encounters Younger Bear, who has undergone another life change. No longer a contrary, Younger Bear is now the henpecked husband of the long-lost Olga, who has become a Cheyenne squaw. Olga does not recognize Jack, who makes no attempt to remind her of their previous relationship. Sunshine asks Jack to take in her three widowed sisters as wives and to father children with them. He is reluctant at first, but finally agrees and has sex with all three.

One day during the winter season, Custer and the 7th Cavalry make a surprise attack on a Cheyenne camp in Oklahoma (to be known as the Battle of Washita River, which took place on November 27, 1868). A now-blind and elderly Old Lodge Skins is saved by Jack, but Sunshine and their child are killed along with her sisters. Jack tries to infiltrate Custer's camp to exact revenge. At a crucial moment, with knife in hand, Jack loses his nerve, and is mocked by Custer for it.

Flashing forward eight years later in 1876, a disheartened Jack has become the town drunk in Deadwood, South Dakota. While in a drunken stupor, he is recognized by Wild Bill Hickok, who gives him money to clean up. When Jack returns to the bar, Hickok is shot and killed. With his last breath, Hickok expresses a dying wish involving a widow he was having an affair with. Jack goes to see the widow, a prostitute who turns out to be Louise Pendrake. Jack gives her the money that Hickok intended for her to use to start a new life.

Jack soon becomes a trapper and hermit. His mind becomes unhinged after coming across an empty trap with a severed animal limb. Poised at the edge of a cliff, he prepares to commit suicide. Jack suddenly hears the faint chords of the traditional cavalry tune Garryowen echoing through a valley and spots Custer and his troops marching nearby. Jack decides to exact revenge. Custer, who remembers that Jack once tried to assassinate him, hires him him as a scout, believing anything he says will be a lie, thus serving as a reverse barometer.

Jack leads the troops into a trap at the Little Bighorn on June 25, 1876. Before the attack, Jack truthfully tells Custer of the overwhelming force of Native Americans hidden within the valley of the Little Bighorn. The arrogant and overconfident Custer does not believe him and leads the 7th Cavalry to its doom. During the frantic battle, Custer begins to rave insanely. Ignoring the closing circle of Sioux and Cheyenne warriors, Custer points his pistol at Jack. Before he can pull the trigger, Custer is shot and killed by Younger Bear, who removes the unconscious, wounded Jack from the battle by carrying him to Old Lodge Skins' tepee pretending that he is carrying a fellow warrior. Having thus discharged his life debt, Younger Bear tells Jack that the next time they meet, he can kill Jack without becoming an evil person.

Back at the Indian camp, Jack accompanies Old Lodge Skins to a nearby hill, the Indian Burial Ground, where the old man, dressed in full Chief's regalia, has declared "It is a good day to die", and decides to end his life with dignity. He offers his spirit to the Great Spirit, and lies down at his spot at the Indian Burial Ground to wait for death. Instead, it begins to rain. Old Lodge Skins is revealed to still be alive, and says, "Sometimes the magic works, and sometimes it doesn't". They return to his tepee to have dinner.

Back in the present, Jack's narrative abruptly ends and he tells the historian to leave the room. The film concludes with an extended shot of the elderly Jack sitting in his wheelchair and sadly staring into space.... thinking about the memories of a world which is no more.

SEAWOLF97

11-19-2015, 10:42 AM

I've essentially stopped adding to this thread as nobody seems to care, but
this post isn't really about a film.

I'm American, never been to the UK.

but last night I watched The Bletchley Circle - Cracking A Killer's Code .... from the BBC.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Bletchley-Circle-Cracking-Killers/dp/B00BCXW106

Very fine stuff , as is most that is imported from the Beeb. Do we import the cream and leave the FLUFF there or is it all of this quality ? I don't know.

I do know that it was great acting, story, (NO fuggin CGI) and memorable. The same can be said for most everything that I've seen from this source.

What does the US offer ? Mike & Molly ? Law & Order ? Survivor ? Transformers ?

Why do I have to hang on PBS to get quality programming ? Are US viewers really so shallow ?

SEAWOLF97

12-01-2015, 04:27 PM

.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Stones_in_the_Park
http://ultimateclassicrock.com/rolling-stones-hyde-park-1969-dvd/

very good concert DVD ..just before Woodstock and right after the death of Brian Jones. fine performances, sound and cinematography. Mick looked a bit daft in lipstick and a Romeo shirt/skirt, but was in fine form. In some shots he had a demonic look .. he wasn't just "phoning it in" :)

Even the Hell's Angels were dancing to the finale , extended and with African
percussion aided version of "Sympathy for the Devil"

I discovered that you can watch it on you-tube for free , but in limited color
and reduced sound , but the full concert , not the shorter one on the DVD.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SidS9XuZFqY

69,70, 71 and 72 were prolixly their prime years and this DVD really shows it off

8 of 10 :)

Think I'll go spin Sticky Fingers ...... :) :)

SEAWOLF97

12-05-2015, 11:36 AM

.
watched a DVD movie yesterday, it starred

Martin Sheen
Vic Morrow
Michelle Phillips
Stuart Margolin
Nick Nolte

can anyone come up with the title without The WEB ?

hint: I'd give it a 2 STARs rating

SEAWOLF97

12-27-2015, 03:33 PM

.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Stones_in_the_Park
http://ultimateclassicrock.com/rolling-stones-hyde-park-1969-dvd/

very good concert DVD ..just before Woodstock and right after the death of Brian Jones. fine performances, sound and cinematography. Mick looked a bit daft in lipstick and a Romeo shirt/skirt, but was in fine form. In some shots he had a demonic look .. he wasn't just "phoning it in" :)
69,70, 71 and 72 were prolixly their prime years and this DVD really shows it off

8 of 10 :)

From The Vault - L.A. Forum (Live In 1975)

http://www.amazon.com/From-The-Vault-Forum-Combo/dp/B00O64D3HI/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top?ie=UTF8

I'm a Stones fan , but this was just above mediocre. With Mick in his red ballet shoes, I initially thought he was on SPEED , then revised that to LSD , but he was chugging JD too ... dunno, maybe he was on all three ?

Sparklers, 5 pounds of makeup, throwing buckets of water on the crowd , manic performance ... what a tosser.

This doesn't have nearly the entertainment of Hyde Park '69 . I thought "Sympathy" might save it, but no ..ended up FF'ing thru most of the poor track selection. 4 of 10

SEAWOLF97

01-04-2016, 05:18 PM

.
much better than I expected. A ron Howard movie.

Was a little putoff with Frank Langella (who I do enjoy) portraying Nixon, but I think he pulled it off.
Conversely, the fellow playing Frost made him look like a twit, don't know if that was intentional ?

Message Boards
Frost/Nixon (2008) : Frost comes out very badly
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0870111/board/nest/129221691?ref_=tt_bd_5

good clip ==>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFHYiOfBRng

trailer ==>> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Axo80kr9DM

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0870111/

Storyline

Writer Peter Morgan's legendary battle between Richard Nixon, the disgraced president with a legacy to save, and David Frost, a jet-setting television personality with a name to make, in the story of the historic encounter that changed both their lives. For three years after being forced from office, Nixon remained silent. But in summer 1977, the steely, cunning former commander-in-chief agreed to sit for one all-inclusive interview to confront the questions of his time in office and the Watergate scandal that ended his presidency. Nixon surprised everyone in selecting Frost as his televised confessor, intending to easily outfox the breezy British showman and secure a place in the hearts and minds of Americans (as well as a $600,000 fee). Likewise, Frost's team harbored doubts about their boss' ability to hold his own. But as cameras rolled, a charged battle of wits resulted. Written by alfiehitchie

SW's rating ? 8.5/10

SEAWOLF97

01-12-2016, 06:09 PM

.
Don't quite understand how it is that I haven't seen this before ? it's somewhat
the blueprint for one of my faves ... Crimson Tide.

CO & XO butting heads during tense combat moments.

Storyline

The captain of a submarine sunk by the Japanese during WWII is finally given a chance to skipper another sub after a year of working a desk job. His singleminded determination for revenge against the destroyer that sunk his previous vessel puts his new crew in unneccessary danger. Written by Kevin Ackley

for 1958 vintage it's well done and Gable & Lancaster could not have been much better . 9 of 10

SEAWOLF97

01-14-2016, 10:36 AM

.
RSRD had a fine performance by Bert Lancaster and so I watched one of his other biggies.

From Here to Eternity (1953)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0045793/

realizing that it's a classic , guess a lot was expected. NOT realized for me. Once was enough. 6 of 10.

In the extras section it was mentioned that Sinatra's career was stagnant at that point and he begged to be in the film, and was let in, but for minimum pay.

Storyline

It's 1941. Robert E. Lee Prewitt has requested Army transfer and has ended up at Schofield in Hawaii. His new captain, Dana Holmes, has heard of his boxing prowess and is keen to get him to represent the company. However, 'Prew' is adamant that he doesn't box anymore, so Captain Holmes gets his subordinates to make his life a living hell. Meanwhile Sergeant Warden starts seeing the captain's wife, who has a history of seeking external relief from a troubled marriage. Prew's friend Maggio has a few altercations with the sadistic stockade Sergeant 'Fatso' Judson, and Prew begins falling in love with social club employee Lorene. Unbeknownst to anyone, the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbor looms in the distance. Written by Ed Sutton

SEAWOLF97

01-24-2016, 11:57 AM

Stopped in at the Game Store yesterday. Thats a place with lots of cheap DVD's.

There were about 300 in the dollar section, you have to browse bent over with your neck kricked sideways.
Went through about 280 with no selections, then BINGO .... pulled these 4 , all in great shape = $4 :)

2 Kubricks :)

SEAWOLF97

04-15-2016, 10:18 AM

.
The story behind the partnership between The Beatles and Cirque du Soleil that resulted in the Las Vegas stage production of "LOVE."

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1305839/

Product Description
"All Together Now" details the story behind the unique partnership between The Beatles and Cirque du Soleil that resulted in the creation and launch of LOVE," the stage production still wowing audiences in Las Vegas, and the double Grammy-winning album of the same name.

Bonus features include:

- Changing The Music (22:00): A behind-the scenes look at the decision-making process for the LOVE concept and music production.

- Music In The Theatre (07:00): A look at the process of creating the LOVE show s unique audio design.

- Making LOVE (09:00): A backstage pass to explore the design of LOVE, including the art direction, costumes, props, screen imagery and the use of The Beatles voices in the LOVE stage production and its soundtrack.
From the Contributor
TRACK LISTING DISC 1 1. The Beatles (& Cirque du Soleil) - All Together Now documentary (84:00) 2. Changing The Music (22:00): An in - depth look at the decision to rework and remix the Beatles music for the show 3. The Beatles (& Cirque du Soleil) - Music In The Theatre (09:00): A look at the process of creating the LOVE show's unique audio design in the theater 4. The Beatles (& Cirque du Soleil) - Making `LOVE' (10:00) A backstage pass to explore the design of "LOVE," including the art direction, costumes, props, screen imagery and the use of The Beatles' voices in the stage production and soundtrack

Don't know why, but I expected THE SHOW. It was instead a "making of" documentary. Enjoyed the processes , audio setups and interviews with George Martin & son , but the silly-assed costumes and acrobats did little for me.

Music sounded like it was made yesterday :)

http://www.amazon.com/All-Together-Now-Cirque-Soleil/dp/B0017QMRJS

hsosdrum

04-15-2016, 12:28 PM

hjames

04-16-2016, 05:44 AM

If the silly-assed costumes and acrobats do little for you (they do nothing for me either) you should skip the show entirely and simply get the LOVE soundtrack CD that contains all the Beatle music mash-ups the Martins created for the show—that way you get the good stuff with none of the silly stuff.

Absolutely - in 2 ch or the amazing multichannel version, the LOVE CD is a real audio treat.

Hoerninger

04-16-2016, 05:53 AM

that way you get the good stuff
The DVD-Audio (multichannel) is stunning!
___________
Peter

SEAWOLF97

04-16-2016, 07:28 AM

Absolutely - in 2 ch or the amazing multichannel version, the LOVE CD is a real audio treat.

It is. I have the 2ch somewhere. Need to dig it out.

Never understood why "Love" sounds so much better than the remastered material , except maybe they are for different audiences/purposes and voiced thus ?

I did find it interesting that GM found a copy of "While my Guitar.." on some home recordings from Olivia to be superior to the studio versions and it was used instead.

SEAWOLF97

06-25-2016, 09:39 AM

.
viewed BATTLESHIP POTEMKIN again yesterday. Made in 1925 , B&W , silent and propaganda , but very powerful. Only slightly related to my Canoe Club experiences.

Based on the historical events the movie tells the story of a riot at the battleship Potemkin. What started as a protest strike when the crew was given rotten meat for dinner ended in a riot. The sailors raised the red flag and tried to ignite the revolution in their home port Odessa. Written by Konstantin Dlutskii <[email protected]>

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0015648/

Battleship Potemkin was named the greatest film of all time at the Brussels World's Fair in 1958. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battleship_Potemkin

Act IV: The Odessa Steps

The best known sequence of the film is set on the Odessa steps, connecting the waterfront with the central city. A detachment of dismounted Cossacks forms a line at the top of the steps and march towards a crowd of unarmed civilians including women and children. The soldiers halt to fire a volley into the crowd and then continue their impersonal, machine-like advance. Brief sequences show individuals amongst the people fleeing or falling, a baby's pram running down the steps, a woman shot in the face, broken spectacles and the high boots of the soldiers moving in unison.

In retaliation, the sailors of the Potemkin decide to fire on a military headquarters with the guns of the battleship. Meanwhile, there is news that a squadron of loyal warships is coming to quell the revolt of Potemkin

I found a tube vid of the Odessa Steps sequence , tho the score on the Kino DVD version is better ...
a "dead" classic (pun intended ;))

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laJ_1P-Py2k

SEAWOLF97

08-19-2016, 11:25 AM

I'm not much of a Tarantino fan, but watched "Jackie Brown" last night and thot it quite good. read the bio on Pam Grier, she's a month younger than me.

Sam Jackson is so annoying on those TV credit card commercials, that I'd forgotten that he was good "in his day" (this film)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119396/

good for a 7 of 10

"Am I crazy for thinking this is Quentin's best flick ???"

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119396/board/nest/213251964?ref_=tt_bd_6

SEAWOLF97

08-19-2016, 06:37 PM

.
Last Thanksgiving my son's family came for a visit , stayed in the extra bedroom. They were unimpressed with the 20 inch CRT TV in there, so .... last Xmas a 32inch flat screen showed up. I've enjoyed it and thought it must be time to upgrade my 26 inch CRT also , but couldn't.
Can't dump it while it still worked fine. Fortunately the 16 y.o. set croaked earlier this month. finally time for a bit newer one.
Did my due diligence/homework and got a nice smart 4K UHD set ... Dolby digital , DTS , quad core, web connected etc..etc.. What a difference.

So with this heat wave , figured it's time to stay in & install and reconfig the HT.

Today with the 102 reading outside, I put on "Mulholland Drive" inside, an old fave. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0166924/ . The new set is sooo sharp that I'm seeing new detail. The films soundtrack is almost like another character in the story. Very moody , lots of deep bass.
I have 2 ten inch subs, each a/d/s tower has twin 8's and the DefTech center has a powered 8 also. So 7 bass reproducers.

Great quirky David Lynch flick ,,,, an easy 10 of 10 , and the soundtrack rates equally well. :D

"After a car wreck on the winding Mulholland Drive renders a woman amnesiac, she and a perky Hollywood-hopeful search for clues and answers across Los Angeles in a twisting venture beyond dreams and reality"

SEAWOLF97

08-22-2016, 08:13 PM

.
Did my due diligence/homework and got a nice smart 4K UHD set ... Dolby digital , DTS , quad core, web connected etc..etc.. [/I]

so I decided to check out the new system with the SKYFALL dvd. Everything was fine, except I noticed a slight mis-synch of audio to video image. Stuff like that bothers me.

Since there was a 16 foot component wire run from the source to the monitor, I figured that it was too long and causing the issue. had been contemplating for a while on moving the AVR and DVD player closer to the monitor.
Decided that it's now the time to move stuff. Lots of issues ... had to make wires & cables. got it all done today and retried. Same mis-synch issue :blink: WTF.

So as a last resort I got to digging into the TV monitor settings. Even found an anti-virus app. (it runs downloadable apps) . so anyway , in expert audio settings, there is an adjustable delay setting. Default at 70ms. I thought "who needs any delay" ?? Set it at zero.

No joy, Stepped it up at 10ms per try. 50ms appears to be optimal.

Who would have believed that 10ms makes a noticeable change :dont-know:

grumpy

08-23-2016, 06:44 AM

bugs me too. to the point where I turned off the HT receiver extra DSP processing
in my prev system as the video was what got 'ahead'. Guitar Hero with a sound/vid
offset was the worst.:biting:

keep in mind that shortening a cable 16ft only delays the signal tens of nanoseconds
(if a wide bandwidth cable, matched impedance and load and there are no other
processing shenanigans)

SEAWOLF97

08-23-2016, 07:42 AM

keep in mind that shortening a cable 16ft only delays the signal tens of nanoseconds
(if a wide bandwidth cable, matched impedance and load and there are no other
processing shenanigans)

it was cobbled together POS cable and I was reaching for a reason to explain the mis-synch*. Had wanted to move gear and shorten lines anyway.

Never had a TV monitor where you can adjust the audio delay in milliseconds before and the owners manual is not a big help.

The old "exploring around the settings" routine has brought up lots of tweakable adjustments. Things that I've never thought of .....;)

* all of 20ms.

SEAWOLF97

08-28-2016, 08:46 AM

.
Bridge of Spies
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3682448/

Spielberg has developed a talent for turning good stories to boring.

In the cold war, a lawyer, James B. Donovan is recruited by the CIA and involved in an intense negotiation mission to release and exchange a CIA U-2 spy-plane pilot, Francis G. Powers. The pilot was arrested alive after his plane was shot down by the Soviet Union during a mission and stays in the company of a KGB intelligence officer, Rudolf Abel, who was arrested for espionage in the US. Written by Gusde

over simplified , NO grit. It was like a Disney retelling. rated 4 of 10

Lost Highway
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116922/?ref_=nv_sr_1

a favorite, tho I still don't understand it* :crying:

After a bizarre encounter at a party, a jazz saxophonist is framed for the murder of his wife and sent to prison, where he inexplicably morphs into a young mechanic and begins leading a new life.

BUT, as with many David Lynch movies, the ride is good enough w/o comprehension.
9.5 of 10

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5I7lXV9b88

* from IMDB

What is this movie about?

One of the most accepted theories (since Lynch or Gifford never admitted any explanation to the strange going-ons in the movie) is that the whole movie takes place in Fred Madison's mind. Fred is a man who has either hired someone (The Mystery Man) or has himself committed the murders of his wife Renee and her lover, Dick Laurent. After this, he is put on death row, and in order to relieve himself of the guilt, creates alternative realities to cope. Note: the highway appears every time one of these realities starts.

The first reality is realistic. Fred probably was a jazz musician who was paranoid about his wife cheating. Tapes show up that slowly bring him back to the reality that he did something bad to his wife. The two cops brought in to investigate the tapes are actually the cops that arrested him for his wife's murder. The truth eventually comes through too much and shatters this reality. He winds up on death row again.

Another theory is that the jail scenes in the middle are indeed reality. He refuses to remember what really happened and this is his way of remembering how things were before his trial (which echoes back to his line about how he likes to remember things his own way, not necessarily how they happened). After he is sentenced to death, his condition deteriorates more to the second rationalization.

The second reality is in response to the first one not working. He now morphs himself into Pete Dayton, a young guy who exists in a fantasy world, a world where his wife is alive but as someone else. Things are changed, including who dies (Andy is killed. In the script, it is made clear that while Fred is on death row, Andy is alive and well). The persona of his wife is no longer aloof but insatiable; Pete has an active social life, as opposed to Fred's isolation. Ultimately, the fantasy incarnation of his wife tells him "you'll never have me," shattering the illusion. Reality sets back in and he once again is sent on the lost highway to create another reality.

Another theory is that he is killed in the electric chair at the end, which explains its frenzied editing of the final shot.

Co-writer Barry Gifford summarized the film as being "Double Indemnity meets Orpheus and Eurydice," the classic film noir about marital infidelity crossed with the Greek myth concerning a man repeatedly trying and ultimately failing to retrieve his lover from Hades.

SEAWOLF97

09-08-2016, 07:53 AM

So after enjoying Mullholland & Lost Hiway , checked to see what else
of David Lynch's was available.
Checked out "Eraserhead" , but having trouble getting in to it.

Also got "Twin Peaks". Didn't know what to expect. I don't even know how
to describe it. Very pro acting/directing/production etc. More like a movie than
broadcast TV show. Don't know how this ever made it on the air :dont-know:

It does showcase much of the Pacific NorthWest with character plays on local names. The logging community, regional humor and dress is certainly authentic for Oregon tho the show is set in Washington. It's so unpredictable, that I have NO idea what's coming next. Usually a scene is over and I've got a big chuckle.

here's an IMDB review that kinda sums it up.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098936/reviews?ref_=tt_urv

Everyone's Talking About It. The Talk Is Good and Bad. It Definitely Strikes a Nerve.
Author: tfrizzell from United States
31 October 2003

Stunning and explosive, completely misunderstood by many when it ran from 1990-1991 and definitely trail-blazing for the art of television production, "Twin Peaks" is one of those could-have-been, should-have-been television series that ended up being remarkable anyway. A teenage girl (Sheryl Lee) is murdered. A strange FBI detective (Kyle MacLachlan) is brought in to solve the mystery as the local police just cannot cope with the crime.
Strange situations continue to pop up all over the landscape of the titled Pacific Northwestern town though and it becomes sadly apparent that the crime will likely never be solved.
Side-stories galore confuse and intrigue and the viewer is left wondering, "Does this have anything to do with the initial crime?". Then just when you think the puzzle is about solved, total chaos strikes with whacked dream sequences that make you question your own sanity.

What is really happening in the town and do we really want to know or are we happier letting the mystery suck us in? "Twin Peaks" was created by David Lynch (arguably the finest American film-maker, along with Martin Scorsese, living today) and over two very abbreviated seasons (only 29 total episodes) television reached an age that may never be experienced again. At the time many (perhaps myself included) did not know what to make of the show and even more panned it completely. The fact that the series did not really end the way it should have is sad, but in another way it just adds to the legends and myths involved here. There were eight writers on this series and a mind-blowing 15 different directors (Lynch did some of the work and even Diane Keaton got an opportunity to add to the program). Performers like Ray Wise, Piper Laurie, Joan Chen, Lara Flynn Boyle, Sherilyn Fenn, Russ Tamblyn and Madchen Amick appear, disappear and re-appear so frequently that you become confused as to what their roles in the show truly are. Monumental, gigantic, legendary, interesting, dominant and definitely thought-provoking, "Twin Peaks" is one of those television shows that amazes and dazzles with its highly unique brand of commentary.
Followed by a theatrical movie ("Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me") in 1992 that was made to answer the questions presented throughout the program, it was also sadly misunderstood by most in the viewing public (even being rubbished by some who loved the series). A real gem in the history of television art. 5 stars out of 5.

(SW again)
I gave up trying to follow the cast and subplots and am just along for the ride at this point.

SEAWOLF97

09-13-2016, 07:24 PM

.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0090110/

Storyline

Patsy Cline was the first female solo artist to be elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Thirty-two years after her untimely death in a plane crash in Tennessee, her "Greatest Hits" album sold over six million copies. Loved by her fans today as much - if not more - than she was at the height of her fame, the life, the loves and most of all the voice of Patsy Cline is legendary. This film tells the story of the passionate, fun-loving, soft-spoken, loud-living life of one of country music's - and one of popular music's - greatest singing stars. This film covers the years 1956 through 1963, from her rise to fame and the top of the charts through TB talent shows and country bars - through her turbulent marriage to Charlie Dick and the demands of touring which would lead to the fatal plane crash. Written by HBO Home Video

BACKGROUND: I don't really care for "Country & Western Music" , (non-related aside) = especially "Modern Country". Also not really fond of biopics.

This was a biopic of a C&W singer. Recipe for a bad review ?? Nope.

Always enjoyed Jessica Lange and really, really enjoy Patsy Cline's voice/songs. Thankfully Jessica did not sing, but just lip syched the real songs. They sounded stellar. The biopic stuff sucked, and I FF'ed through that. :eek:

On balance, I'd rate it 7 of 10 , if it were just the songs and Jessica just standing there, I'd make it 10 of 10. ;)

SEAWOLF97

09-18-2016, 09:49 AM

Also got "Twin Peaks". Didn't know what to expect. I don't even know how
to describe it. Very pro acting/directing/production etc. More like a movie than
broadcast TV show. Don't know how this ever made it on the air :dont-know:

It does showcase much of the Pacific NorthWest with character plays on local names. The logging community, regional humor and dress is certainly authentic for Oregon tho the show is set in Washington. It's so unpredictable, that I have NO idea what's coming next. Usually a scene is over and I've got a big chuckle.

So I really enjoyed season 1 of the TV series. Then season 2 it started to fall apart. ABC cancelled season 3 and so the viewer was left hanging with no resolution from the S2 ending.

In 1992 , Lynch made a full length film to supposedly answer those questions.
Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twin_Peaks:_Fire_Walk_with_Me

I located it and viewed last night. YUCK. Had to FF through most of this horror film wannabe.

This may be a new low in my ratings history. 1 of 10 :eek:

weirdness just for weirdness's sake...

Release
Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me received a reaction quite the contrary to the television series. The film was entered into the 1992 Cannes Film Festival,[13] where it was greeted with booing from the audience and met with almost unanimous negative reviews. According to Roger Ebert from The Chicago Sun-Times, the film was met with two extremes, one side being overall positive, while the other side being the exact opposite.[14] Filmmaker Quentin Tarantino, who was also in attendance, said in a 1992 interview, "After I saw Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me at Cannes, David Lynch had disappeared so far up his own ass that I have no desire to see another David Lynch movie until I hear something different. And you know, I loved him. I loved him.

LowPhreak

09-18-2016, 11:53 AM

SEAWOLF97

10-01-2016, 05:38 PM

.
OK, we've all seen this at least once. I'm not going to repeat the storyline or rate it.

I've viewed it on beta, VHS & DVD. This time it was on BluRay. Also new, it was viewed on my new 40 inch 4K monitor. Sure, it wasn't filmed in HiDef or 4K ... it was done in 1963 tech.

The monitor upscales to 4K and what a great job. Looks like it was filmed last week. Sharp, clean and high detail. Colors were perfect . Would make me guess that the vid was recorded on digital.
I don't know how those little built-in speakers do so well (my AVR is having issues right now) . The ads call it DTS and 5.1 :dont-know: , and sound is really nice.

Anyway , it was a much, much nicer experience than I've ever had before with this film. ;)

SEAWOLF97

10-07-2016, 07:12 PM

.
and that time is ..NOW

Idiocracy (2006)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0387808/

Officer Collins has been spearheading one of the US Army's most secretive experiments to date: the Human Hibernation Project. If successful, the project would store its subjects indefinitely until they are needed most. Their first test subject - Joe Bowers - was not chosen for his superiority. Instead, he's chosen because he's the most average guy in the armed services. But scandal erupts after the experiment takes place, the base is closed, and the president disavows any knowledge of the project. Unfortunately Joe doesn't wake up in a year, he wakes up in 500 years! But during that time human evolution has taken a dramatic down turn. After waking up, Joe takes a prison-assigned IQ test and finds that he's the smartest guy alive! Awaiting a full presidential pardon if he can solve one of the country's biggest problems - the dwindling plant population, Joe races against time to solve this problem. But in doing so he alienates half the country in the process! Can he make things right ... Written by halo1k

Idiocracy is a 2006 American satirical science fiction comedy film directed by Mike Judge and starring Luke Wilson, Maya Rudolph, and Dax Shepard. The film tells the story of two people who take part in a top-secret military hibernation experiment, only to awaken 500 years later in a dystopian society where advertising, commercialism, and cultural anti-intellectualism have run rampant, and is devoid of intellectual curiosity, social responsibility, and coherent notions of justice and human rights.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Idiocracy

6/10

hsosdrum

10-10-2016, 06:09 PM

.
Idiocracy (2006)

I saw it 3 years ago and found the humor kind of obvious and the plot far-fetched. I had no idea then that in 2016 it would turn out to be so prescient. (Which is very, very sad.)

SEAWOLF97

10-12-2016, 07:56 AM

SEAWOLF97

10-15-2016, 06:00 PM

.
Four denizens in the world of high-finance predict the credit and housing bubble collapse of the mid-2000s, and decide to take on the big banks for their greed and lack of foresight.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1596363/

better than I expected....no reason to comment on the audio.
Steve Carrell is actually deeper than The Office boss Michael Scott was.

had read that the financial terms made the dialogue too difficult.
I had no problem and don't have a BG in finance

6.5/10

SEAWOLF97

10-16-2016, 03:26 PM

.
The Coen's have finally "jumped the shark" :eek:

only 106 minutes long, it felt like 14 hours. don't waste your time/money.
(even on a free checkout from the library, I was yearning for a refund)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0475290/board/nest/253460234?ref_=tt_bd_3

I didn't think they were capable of such a mess .... 2/10

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0475290/

audiomagnate

10-17-2016, 09:00 AM

.
I've enjoyed the "007" movies for many years, even have the comps of the films themes music on LP . Awaited this newest one.

Long, boring, sleep inducing , terrible theme music , requires suspension of belief.. :barf:

Many goofs, incoherent story ... from Craig to the director , almost everybody was "phoning it in" .... main love interest was the best thing in this hot mess.

3/10

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2379713/

I have had this on Blu-Ray for months and haven't been able to get to the end.

.
Four denizens in the world of high-finance predict the credit and housing bubble collapse of the mid-2000s, and decide to take on the big banks for their greed and lack of foresight.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1596363/

better than I expected....no reason to comment on the audio.
Steve Carrell is actually deeper than The Office boss Michael Scott was.

had read that the financial terms made the dialogue too difficult.
I had no problem and don't have a BG in finance

6.5/10

Great movie that even a financial dummy like me could follow.

.
The Coen's have finally "jumped the shark" :eek:

only 106 minutes long, it felt like 14 hours. don't waste your time/money.
(even on a free checkout from the library, I was yearning for a refund)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0475290/board/nest/253460234?ref_=tt_bd_3

I didn't think they were capable of such a mess .... 2/10

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0475290/

I actually blew $15 at the theater (and two hours of my life) on this one. Awful.

SEAWOLF97

10-17-2016, 09:52 AM

I actually blew $15 at the theater (and two hours of my life) on this one. Awful.

Did you read this IMDB thread about viewers like you getting refunds ?

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0475290/board/nest/253460234?ref_=tt_bd_3

I think there may (should ?) be a law about treble damages on something like this ?

audiomagnate

10-17-2016, 01:28 PM

What's really sad is that was the first movie I'd seen at the theater in over two years. I don't like superhero, post-apocalyptic or horror movies so I don't have much to choose from.

SEAWOLF97

10-17-2016, 04:33 PM

What's really sad is that was the first movie I'd seen at the theater in over two years. I don't like superhero, post-apocalyptic or horror movies so I don't have much to choose from.

Hope that doesn't keep you away for another 2 .;)
I've usually enjoyed Coen Productions, especially "Blood Simple" .. WOW, that one is good.

The OL isn't feeling well today, so I stayed home to assist. While she napped, I watched ...

Battle of the Bulge (1965)
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058947/

In the winter of 1944, the Allied Armies stand ready to invade Germany at the coming of a New Year. To prevent this occurrence, Hitler orders an all out offensive to re-take French territory and capture the major port city of Antwerp. "The Battle of the Bulge" shows this conflict from the perspective of an American intelligence officer as well as from a German Panzer Commander. Written by Anthony Hughes <[email protected]>

I'm not really a war movie buff & WW2 was before me (so I can't judge the accuracy) , but since the 50 year memoriam on secrets has been lifted , "Secrets of the Dead" (PBS) has had some really interesting shows and perked up my interest a bit.

On BD it looks great , lots of stars , anticlimactic (I knew the ending) , but worth watching once. Funny how the enemy officers fought in dress uniforms & on the US side, only Bronson seems to get dirty, but still I'd give it a 7/10

Later: Tho it's before my time, thot it ODD that in the entire battle ... No one bled. No blood in the whole thing. Now I'm NOT a fan of blood & gore, but really ? when shot ... they would raise their hands in the air, spin around and cleanly fall ?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Bulge_(film)

The filmmakers attempted to condense the Ardennes Counteroffensive, a World War II battle that stretched across parts of Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg and lasted nearly a month into under three hours. They also shot parts of the film on terrain that did not resemble actual battle locations. This left them open to criticism for lack of historical accuracy, but they claimed in the end credits that they had "re-organized" the chronological order of events to maximize the dramatic story.

Unlike most World War II epics, Battle of the Bulge contains virtually no portrayals of actual senior Allied leaders, civilian or military. This is presumably because of controversies surrounding the battle, both during the war and after. Though Allied forces ultimately won the battle, the initial German counteroffensive caught them by surprise and caused many casualties.

Reaction

Former U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower came out of retirement and held a press conference to denounce the film for what he considered its gross historical inaccuracy.[6]

The film was one of the most popular movies at the British box office in 1966

SEAWOLF97

10-30-2016, 06:52 PM

.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0052415/

Spinning three story lines into motion the film follows the activities of Christian Diestl (Marlon Brando) - Christian Diestl, a German soldier troubled by the drive of Nazism in his beloved country and his association via the war with Noah Ackerman (Montgomery Clift) a Jewish American soldier and Michael Whiteacre (Dean Martin) a popular singer who is coerced by a loved one to join up and fight for his country. As the American soldiers Ackerman and Whiteacre go through training to eventually be sent to fight for their country, their story is balanced by the German soldiers Diestl and Capt. Hardenberg (Maximilian Schell) in their adjusting to the war defeating their country and their own unfounded beliefs in a national philosophy. Ultimately the forces at work are reduced to a personal level as the human quality in Man supersedes the ravages of war.

I would subtitle this movie "The Sensitive Nazi" :rotfl:

Marlon Brando as a blonde, Nazi officer (quite the German accent ;)) , Montgomery Clift as a private , Dean Martin as ... :dont-know: Dean Martin ?? ...the supporting women were good.
Altogether a different kind of WW2 story.
MB was resplendent in his tight uniform (back when he was well built ;)) .... movie was different, not in a bad way.

8.5/10

SEAWOLF97

11-24-2016, 06:28 PM

.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0056264/

Marlon Brando ...
Trevor Howard
Richard Harris

In 1787, British ship Bounty leaves Portsmouth to bring a cargo of bread-fruit from Tahiti but the savage on-board conditions imposed by Captain Bligh trigger a mutiny led by officer Fletcher Christian.

Ultra Panavision 70 (anamorphic)
2 hr 58 min (178 min)

somehow I'd never gotten around to viewing this. It is panned online and did not make money nor earn awards . :o:

I really enjoyed it , (a little different than my "Connie" time.) 9.9 of 10

SEAWOLF97

11-27-2016, 09:46 AM

.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0056937/

In 48 B.C., Caesar pursues Pompey from Pharsalia to Egypt. Ptolemy, now supreme ruler after deposing his older sister, Cleopatra, attempts to gain favor with Caesar by presenting the conquerer with the head of Pompey, borne by his governors, Pothinos and Achillas. To win Caesar's support from her brother, Cleopatra hides herself in a rug, which Apollodorus, her servant, presents to Caesar. The Roman is immediately infatuated; banishing Ptolemy, he declares Cleopatra Egypt's sole ruler and takes her as his mistress. A son, Caesarion, is born of their union. Caesar, however, must return to Italy. Although he is briefly reunited with Cleopatra during a magnificent reception for the queen in Rome, Caesar is assassinated shortly thereafter, and Cleopatra returns to Egypt. When Mark Antony, Caesar's protégé, beholds Cleopatra aboard her elaborate barge at Tarsus some years later, he is smitten and becomes both her lover and military ally. Their liaison notwithstanding, Antony, to consolidate his position in Rome, marries Octavia, sister of the ambitious Octavian. The marriage satisfies no one. Cleopatra is infuriated, and Antony, tiring of his Roman wife, returns to Egypt. There he flaunts his liaison by marrying Cleopatra in a public ceremony. Sensing Antony's weakness, Octavian attacks and defeats his forces at Actium. Alarmed, Cleopatra withdraws her fleet and seeks refuge in her tomb.
- Written by alfiehitchie

I've heard mostly negs about this film ever since it was released, and so never pursued it. Actually quite a fine epic , fine acting, sets, music..etc 8.5 of 10

here's a review that I agreed with ...
It has it all
10/10
Author: John W Wirtanen
2 November 2002

Breathtaking photography, fabulous costumes, wonderful lead and supporting role performances, a dual love story that is timeless - the romance with Caesar for power and the romance with Marc Antony for love, unmatched music by Alex North, that's what's in Cleopatra. From the time that it came out, I have remained a person who has not been afraid to say that I have loved it.

Elizabeth Taylor's legendary beauty is very evident here. My favorite scenes of hers are Cleopatra's anguish upon finding out about Marc Antony's [Richard Burton] marriage and the closing scene with her reunited with the dying Marc Antony. Similarly, Caesar's [Rex Harrison] opening war scene, Marc Antony's gut-wrenching soliloquy as a broken man after the defeat at Actium , Octavian's [Roddy McDowall] harsh scolding of an officer that let him know of Marc Antony's death, Sosigenes' [Hume Cronyn] death scene, Apollodorus' [Cesare Danova] support for Cleopatra, and Rufio's [Martin Landau] support for Marc Antony are all permanently etched in my memory.

The shear lushness of the production has to be seen to truly believed. Remember, this was released in 1963 far before the gimmickry of computer enhanced effects. The crowds in these scenes are real, the buildings are real, this is not a movie that was put together with the smoke and mirrors of computers. I truly do hope that restorers are able to eventually find the footage that was deleted, primarily due to Zanuck's influence and not Mankiewicz's desire, so that we may see more of what Mankiewicz had in mind.

I also strongly recommend that one view the DVD release. The included documentary about putting the film together helps one get a good perspective about the real headaches involved in getting this film made.

I really enjoyed "Bounty" and went back to check the trivia on it ...

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0056264/trivia?ref_=tt_trv_trv

The scene where the ship arrives in Tahiti to be rapturously greeted by the natives was filmed in exactly the same spot where the real Bounty dropped anchor in 1788. 6000 local extras were used for the sequence.

The ship built for the film sank in the Atlantic Ocean after taking on water on October 29, 2012 during Hurricane Sandy off of the East Coast of the United States. It was last seen with only the masts standing above the water.

Marlon Brando's notorious on-set antics reached a pinnacle on this film. According to Peter Manso's Brando biography, Brando had so much clout by this point that he got MGM to green-light virtually every outrageous idea he had. At one point, he pulled people off the film crew to decorate and design a friend's wedding in Tahiti. Another time he had airplanes filled with cases of champagne, turkeys and hams flown to Tahiti for parties.

Marlon Brando, wearing his naval uniform, was widely booed and jeered at the New York premiere, while Trevor Howard received thunderous applause. Brando walked out of the cinema after the audience started laughing at his English accent.

Lieutenant Bligh (his rank was only that of a Lieutenant, but as he commanded the ship, he was automatically called Captain) was chosen for the mission to Tahiti because he was considered one of the most skilled navigators in the world, having been personally selected by Captain James Cook as Master (his title now would be Navigator) on his third voyage around the world. Additionally, Captain Bligh had with him the second copy (referred to as K2) of the John Harrison 'Longitude; watch, the world's first Marine Chronometer (a clock or watch accurate and rugged enough to be used for navigation at sea). It was recovered, still functioning, from Pitcairn Island and is stored at the National Maritime Museum near London.

Trevor Howard was initially reluctant to play Bligh, because he felt he was far too old for the part. The real life Lieutenant William Bligh was 33 when the Bounty set sail, and 35 at the time of the mutiny. After all the problems filming, Howard said he wished he had turned the film down.

In reality Captain Bligh was not a "flogging captain." The ship's log shows that Bligh flogged less, not more, than most other captains. But he had an acid tongue, believed he was always right, and did not hesitate to berate his officers in front of the men, destroying their authority. This was the real cause of the mutiny.

When Richard Harris arrived in Tahiti, bottle of bourbon in hand, the clerk at the check-in desk said, "Good morning, Mister Harris". A bemused Harris asked, "How do you know my name?" The clerk replied, "I recognized you from your hand luggage".

Even though The Bounty was larger than the original ship, the vessel was so small crew members were hard pressed to find places to hide so they would be out of camera range. (30 feet longer, 6 feet wider)

The Bounty's original reason for going to Tahiti was to transport breadfruit seedlings to Jamaica where they would be cultivated to provide inexpensive food for the slaves working on British plantations. Ironically, the breadfruit seedlings which Bligh brought to Jamaica as an inexpensive food for the slaves working on British plantations were an utter failure. The slaves took one bite, and refused to eat any more. In effect, they mutinied, just like Bligh's crew.

Not only did Marlon Brando improvise his lines in scenes with Trevor Howard, making it impossible for his co-star to pick up his cues, but he even started putting cotton in his ears so he couldn't hear Howard's lines.

In 1811, Bligh was appointed to Rear Admiral and in 1814 to Vice Admiral, but never commanded a ship again after his governorship.

Marlon Brando turned down starring roles in Lawrence of Arabia (1962) and Cleopatra (1963) in order to star in this film.

Marlon Brando's death scene was filmed with Richard Harris talking to a log, because he refused to act any more with the star. When Brando wanted to film his close ups, Harris threw the log down and said, "Let him talk to this.

The MGM built vessel was to be burned at the conclusion of the movie, as the historical ship had been: Marlon Brando said if they burned the ship he would not finish the film. A 40-foot model Bounty was constructed and burned instead.

Marlon Brando's death scene was directed by an assistant, as Lewis Milestone couldn't bear dealing with him. An actress was kneeling beside Brando off-camera with his lines written on her forehead.

SEAWOLF97

11-30-2016, 09:18 AM

.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086879/?ref_=tttr_tr_tt

Storyline

Antonio Salieri believes that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's music is divine and miraculous. He wishes he was himself as good a musician as Mozart so that he can praise the Lord through composing. He began his career as a devout man who believes his success and talent as a composer are God's rewards for his piety. He's also content as the respected, financially well-off, court composer of Austrian Emperor Joseph II. But he's shocked to learn that Mozart is such a vulgar creature, and can't understand why God favored Mozart to be his instrument. Salieri's envy has made him an enemy of God whose greatness was evident in Mozart. He is ready to take revenge against God and Mozart for his own musical mediocrity. Written by Khaled Salem

The BD copy I viewed was the 3 hour "Directors Cut" .. although only 20 minutes longer, there seemed to be many scenes that I couldn't recall from a prior viewing.
Lavishly done, awarded acting , great story ... what more could you want ?

interesting..among the trivia = Mel Gibson, Mick Jagger, Sam Waterston, and Tim Curry all auditioned for the role of Mozart.

It was a Saul Zaentz movie ... you may remember him from the days of president of Fantasy Records & the contractual fights with CCR's John Fogerty . He used much of those profits to develop his film company that eventually produced = One Flew Over the Cuckoo's ,The Lord of the Rings & Amadeus, among others.

an easy 10 of 10

hsosdrum

12-01-2016, 06:17 PM

an easy 10 of 10

+1 on that. IMHO one of the best movies ever made.

SEAWOLF97

01-20-2017, 10:17 AM

Sherlock season 2[/B][/SIZE] in blu-ray was on the shelf, so I grabbed it. (again)

A Scandal in Belgravia (ep 1) was outstanding , an easy 11 of 10 :D

this may be the highest ranked feature that I've seen on IMDB

I've really enjoyed the BBS series "Sherlock" ...some of the best broadcast viewing that I've experienced.

There are usually about 2 years between the series 1,2,3 .... and now S4. Had been eagerly awaiting 4.

Somehow missed the broadcasts on PBS and so logged the TV onto the net to view.

IMHO .... S4 Sucked. It was so bad that if that is now the end, that's OK.
they departed from all that made it great and turned it into an incomprehensible drug fueled mess with no warmth or character dev.

https://inews.co.uk/essentials/culture/television/sherlock-outraged-critical-reviews/

http://www.vox.com/2017/1/16/14279588/sherlock-finale-final-problem-review

SEAWOLF97

02-09-2017, 05:12 PM

Haven't done one of these in a while.

For Xmas my son gave me a years worth of Netflix. So there are just too many movies to review anymore. That said, when I was last at the library grabbing DVD's for the little Boss, usually the Blu-rays get a look-over. I grabbed the DVD of StarTrek TNG:Insurrection . not going to bother with a review ... rates 2 of 10 . Waste of TIME.

Now I just watched all 3 seasons of the original Star Trek TV series. Remastered and some scenes subbed and re-shot. Sure looks great. Saw some eps that I'd missed it the past.

S3E6 was my pick as best of litter. Called "SPECTRE of the Gun" , it's another worldly recreation of the "Shootout at the OK Corral". http://trekguide.com/padd/tos56.htm

BUT, Netflix is creating original series. I read a review of them and they highly recommended "The Crown" . I have a slowly developing interest in the UK and gave it a try. Wow. Really enjoyed the 10 one hour epps. Starts at 1933 and is essentially the development of Queen Elizabeth 2. More twists & turns than any Soap Opera. rates 9.5 of 10 :)

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt4786824/?ref_=ttfc_fc_tt

The Crown focuses on Queen Elizabeth II as a 25-year-old newlywed faced with the daunting prospect of leading the world's most famous monarchy while forging a relationship with legendary Prime Minister, Sir Winston Churchill. The British Empire is in decline, the political world is in disarray, and a young woman takes the throne....a new era is dawning. Peter Morgan's masterfully researched scripts reveal the Queen's private journey behind the public facade with daring frankness. Prepare to be welcomed into the coveted world of power and privilege and behind locked doors in Westminster and Buckingham Palace....the leaders of an empire await. Written by Netflix

SEAWOLF97

04-08-2017, 07:29 AM

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3 reviews in 1 post

Mr. Holmes
The story is set in 1947, following a long-retired Holmes living in a Sussex village with his housekeeper and her young son. But then he finds himself haunted by 30-year old case. Holmes memory isn't what it used to be, so he only remembers fragments of the case: a confrontation with an angry husband, a secret bond with his beautiful but unstable wife. Written by Anonymous

Ian McKellen does a great job in this rather different Sherlock story. 9 of 10

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt3168230/

While watching some History of WW2 feature, I came across the "Battle of Los Angeles", which of all things really happened. :blink:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Los_Angeles

it came up with links to the Speilberg movie "1941" . All star cast, comedy, renowned director , .....must be a missed jewel :dont-know:

Quick summation: a lousy turd = 1 of 10 = a time waster.

The Beatles: Eight Days a Week - The Touring Years (2016)

Storyline

In the 1960s, the Beatles exploded on to the public scene, seemingly out of nowhere as the band's formative years of constant performing at home and in Hamburg, and Brian Epstein's grooming, finally paid off beyond their wildest dreams. Accompanying new interviews of the remaining Beatles, their associates and fans as well as archival interviews of the late ones, this film features footage of the heady concert years of 1963 to 66 when the band became a worldwide cultural phenomena topping them all. Furthermore, it also follows how the Fab Four began to change and grow while the excitement of Beatlemania began to sour their lives into an intolerable slog they needed to escape from to become more than what their fans wanted. Written by Kenneth Chisholm ([email protected])

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2531318/?ref_=nv_sr_1

Much of the footage felt new , some was colorized , music/sound has been remastered. A Ron Howard film, and that usually stands for quality. Well done, and may make you want to drag out some of your Beatles tunes. :D

8 of 10

MORE: interesting trivia. The group had a lousy contract and made very little money from record sales , concerts were much more lucrative and that's why they did 250 concerts from 1963 to 1966.