The Next Three Days (2010)

It is difficult for me to give a movie only 3 stars when I can honestly say it kept my undivided attention for the entire film. My wife and I were tense through the whole movie, I didn't even want to stop the film to use the restroom.

There is nothing new about the script, we have seen many movies with the "Fugitive" type mentatlity or in other words an innocent person on the run type movie. But it still worked for me and I was totally sucked in.

Russell Crowe does well, I think that Elizabeth Banks could have done better in her role. Olivia Wilde, Daniel Stern (City Slickers) and Liam Neeson all have small roles.

I really enjoyed watching Russell Crowe as he took his character into someone that was concerned spouse, and then later in the movie really turning the character into a pyscopath.

What holds this movie back from being a 4 or 5 star flick is the lack of originality. Still enjoyable though. It is rated PG-13 for the F word used one time.

Ed Wood (1994)

Tim Burton directed this film on the infamously terrible heterosexual transvestite director Edward G. Wood Jr. Wood (Johnny Depp) worshiped Orson Wells, and wanted to Write, Produce, Direct and act in his own movies, but he just couldn't make it with any studios. One day he hears about a man that goes through a sex change. He approaches the producer who had the rights to the story and begged to be the director of the film.

Before production began on the film, Wood becomes friends with the yet living Bela Lugosi (Martin Landau won the Oscar for his performance in this roll), and find a place for him in the movie. The rag-tag crew that Wood works with are in his films; he also includes his then girlfriend Dolores Fuller (Sarah Jessica Parker). Wood was desperate to become a director for a major studio that he would go in and make up movies on the fly, such as Dr. Acula.

This movie covers three of the bigger movies that Wood's directed; Glen or Glenda, Bride of the Monster, and Plan 9 From Outer Space, all of which Bela are in.

As I watched this movie I realized that Johnny Depp only has about three characters that he recycles from movie to movie, and this is the same one he used in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The only acting that is worth noting is that of Landau. He plays a very convincing Bela.

This movie was so outrageous that I had to do some research after seeing it to find out fact from fiction, and to my disbelief it was fairly spot on. I would give this movie a 3 out of 5; not a great watch, but definitely an insight into the mind and world of the worst director of all times.

Bride of the Monster (1955)

This was one of the first movies directed by Edward G. Wood Jr., and it lives up to his reputation of being the worst director of all times. I read that this movie was made in just a few days with the use of many stock film clips of lightening, explosions, an octopus, alligators, and the house. This was one of the last movies in which Bela Lugosi had a speaking part.

Bela plays the roll of Dr. Eric Vornoff who is working to create super atomic men (the perfect race)that he can control and rule. The movie is only one hour and eight minutes so I cannot go in to too many details without ruining the end.

This is very possibly the worst movie I have ever seen, but it was worth it. After watching Ed Wood, I wanted to really experience one of Wood's movies and this was the only one I could view instantly on Netflix. This movie lived up to its portrayal in Ed Wood. When the actors would run into walls the whole set would move, the stunt double for Bela was wearing about nine inch lift shoes just so he could look as tall as Bela.

The large octopus that they stole from Warner Brothers did not have its motor in it, so when people were being attacked by the octopus you could see the actors thrashing the arms of the octopus over them. Hilarious!! The same lightening flash is seen about fourteen times throughout the film, and the brick wall was obviously painted.

If you want to see the worst movie of all times, see this one.

Social Network - Response

I agree that the sex, drugs, and booze was overdone in this movie and were not really needed to tell the tale of Facebook. However, I feel that the movie was deservant of all the Oscar nominations it recieved especially for the lead actor and best picture.

The Social Network

1. The acting from the main character and his roommate were extraordinary
2. I felt the director could have used less sex, booze and drugs and still go the point across that the group consisted of a bunch of immature brilliant prep boys.
3. I was surprised at how they approached the role of the main character- they really made him out to be a villain
4. I liked the movie but it is not a 5 star movie for me, probably 3.5
5. I had no idea prior to the movie that Shawn (Napster dude) had anything to do with Facebook. His role played a big part in facebook going global.

The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)

I served my mission in Roseville California, and my favorite city was Chico. In the middle of the town was a large park that had large trees and grassy areas. I was told that it was in this park that they filmed many of the scenes from The Adventures of Robin Hood, so for the last thirteen years I have been interested in seeing this film. Many times I have tried to watch it but to no avail. Finally, I forced myself to watch it, and boy was I sad that I waited so long to see it.
It is the typical Robin Hood story of robbing from the rich to feed the poor, and over through evil Prince John to welcome back King Richard from the Crusades. Robin Hood, played by Errol Flynn, is causing an uprising against Prince John (Claude Rains), Sir Guy of Gisbourne (played by the marvelous Basil Rathbone) and the Sherrif of Nottingham, because they have overthrown their authority and made Prince John the new ruler of England.
Robin will not stand for this; he has heard that they must raise 500,000 pounds to free King Richard from a French jail, and goes about recruiting his merry band to help raise (steel) the money.
Olivia de Havilland plays Robin’s romantic interest in Maid Marian.
I really enjoyed this movie from a romantic perspective of Knights fighting for honor, great sword fights in large castles, huge feasts, and wonderful costumes. This is not your Kevin Costner version of the Robin Hood story, this is more of a Danny Kay version of the Court Jester.
When they decide to remake this version they need to cast James Franco as Robin Hood, because he and Errol Flynn are twins. I give this a solid four stars. It is a fun family film (if your kids are into these films).
Watch for the moment when Flynn holds his sword up threateningly to a guard after a sword fight with Rathbone. The sword is bent. 

The Facts of Life (1960)

Kitty (Lucille Ball) is in a loveless marriage, she is in a stale friendship with people from the country club, she is the president of the PTA, a den mother, and a very lonely person. Larry, played by Bob Hope, is a advertising agent for the local pickle company, is married with two children, and is a very lonely person. Kitty and Larry (and their spouses) are in the same group of friends from the country club, but Kitty and Larry cannot stand each other.
Each year this group of six friends takes the same trip down to Mexico. Circumstances arise and Larry and Kitty spend the whole time together for the week, and fall madly in love with each other. The affair continues as they return back to their everyday boring lives. As time goes on they struggle with how to carry on the affair without getting caught.
After a year they decide to fly back to Mexico where it all began, just he two of them. Unfortunately, not everything turns out to be roses for them, in fact quite the opposite. They discover that they cannot continue on with their relationship, and decide to end it.
As I watched this movie I felt as though I was watching I Love Lucy – Ten Years Later; Ricky and Lucy are bored with each other and Lucy seeks adventure through an affair with an interesting new person. This movie had jokes, which might have been funny for the era, but fell flat with today’s standards. Also, the chemistry between Ball and Hope seemed forced and studio produced. For one and three-quarters hours I was bored and uninterested; this story had already been tried, and is still being reproduced today with no success. Affairs on your spouse are not funny – this is a lame 1 ½ star movie.
I was hoping (forgive the pun) for more from these two funny comedians.

You were right about Temple Grandin. An amazing movie. Claire Danes gives an amazing performance. I give it 4 stars. I believe it was worthy of a best actress award.

I love this movie. The way that Henry & Jane Fonda acted in the movie towards each other is how they were in real life (according to Jane's autobiography). I do remember a lot of swearing as well. I am glad you liked it. I think it is a fantastic movie, it is on my top 100. Dabney Coleman also does a nice job.

Clash of the Titans (2010)

This was a remake from the original film made in the 1970s, and it didn't feel like the technology had improved very much. This movie war relying on CGI too much and you could tell. The story line was simple and boring; the set design was awful; and the acting left much to be desired. DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME!!!

On Golden Pond (1981)

I watched this on your recommendation, and I hate you for it. I watched it on the computer in my kitchen, not knowing I would be crying by the end of the show. My wife asked me if I was becoming weak; thanks a lot Ryan.

This was probably the best screen chemistry I have ever witnessed between the two lead actors. Henry Fonda and Katharine Hepburn were made for each other. I was surprised to read that they had never worked together before and in fact had never met each other before the filming of the show. They were both deservant of the Oscars they won for these roles.

I was surprised with the rough language for the PG rating, but it felt very natural between Fonda and Hepburn. This movie felt like I was actually witnessing it, instead of just watching it. I especially loved the tension between Jane and Henry Fonda; I believe it was real.

This is a good, but gut wrenching watch. I loved it, but be prepared to cry.

Don't Bother to Knock (1952)

I was completley blown away by this movie. I was expecting another MM 2.5 star 90 minute movie. That is what amazes me about her, once in awhile she will just completley stun me with her acting. THis is a 4 star movie. The director was able to work with a very unpredictable script for the viewer and the acting is perfect. Well done MM.

This is what Richard Windmark had to say about his time filming this movie with MM "Marilyn Monroe wanted to be this great star but acting just scared the hell out of her. That's why she was always late - couldn't get her on the set. She had trouble remembering lines. But none of it mattered. With a very few special people, something happens between the lens and the film that is pure magic. And she really had it."

This movie represents the film debut of Anne Bancroft, and you can tell she was ready for stardom, I was impressed with what she pulled off in her first movie at a young age of 20.

Don't read any reviews or watch any trailers. Just watch the movie and you will enojy the surprises better. I still can't believe how good this movie was for a MM movie.

The Top 10 of My Top 100 List

1 King's Speech 2010
2 Citizen Kane 1941
3 Sunset Blvd. 1950
4 Dr. Strangelove 1964
5 Some Like It Hot 1959
6 Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? 1966
7 Singin' in the Rain 1952
8 Doubt 2008
9 The Burbs 1989
10 Psycho 1960

The Men (1950)

Marlon Brando's first film. Add to that a great performance by Everett Sloane and Teresa Wright. I couldn't find a preview of this film on youtube.

The film is about life after the war for veterans who became paralyzed as a result of combat injuries. I give it 3.5 solid stars. It is avaliable on instant viewing on Netflix and I think it is worth watching. These men go through so many phases of acceptance of their lifelong disability. Brando showed all of those emotions so well, it didn't seem to me like it was his first movie.

The Hindenburg (1975)

This is a story of the historically tragic Hindenburg flight of 1937. George C. Scott plays a Germany spy of sorts who is called upon to monitor the activities of this flight due to letter claiming the flight was doomed. This flight was taking place during the rise of the Third Reich, and Scott was not a Nazi lover, but to keep peace in his life he accepted the mission. The visual imagery of the Zeppelin is very impressive, and I love the sound engineering of the movie each time you see the exterior or skeletal interior of the aircraft.

This story had a slow development but eventually built up to a fairly good suspense due to a hidden bomb on board the aircraft. It was a cat and mouse chase. This was not one of the greater George C. Scott films. I felt it could have been a great movie if they would have spoken in native tongue to each other and broken English to the American passengers.

The director used actual footage of the disaster at the end of the movie, mixed with handheld camera work for the fictional re-enactments. All of the disaster was shot in black and white giving it a newsreel feel to it.

I liked this movie in a Towering Inferno kind of way, but this movie could be a really good Titanic or Schindler's List film if done properly today.

California Suite (1978)

Lame movie staring Jane Fonda, Alan Alda, Walter Matthau, Richard Pryor, Bill Cosby, and Michael Caine. I give it one star. I only watched it because I am trying to watch all of Jane Fonda's movies. This one is about a bunch of people that come to Hollywood for the Oscars.

Killers (2010)

Katherine Heigl and Ashton Kutcher. Dumbest movie I have seen in about 3 years. My wife made me watch it with her.

The Pride of the Yankees (1941)

Gary Cooper stands up to the plate. The pitch is on its way... its a stand up double. Next up is Teresa Wright, and she hits a two run homer. Both players are stars. Okay enough of the funny business. Simply put, this is a 4 star movie which portrays the life of Lou Gehrig.

What impressed me the most is that the movie was made one year after Gehrig's death. The reason that is important, is because the director was able to use real Yankee players, and ex Yankee players, to be in the film. These were men who played with Gehrig, and here they are working alongside Gary Cooper as he pretends to be Gehrig. Babe Ruth and Bill Dickey playing themselves in a movie- I think that is such a great idea, and it worked perfectly.

Nominated for 11 Oscars, the film only took home one. And I truly felt that Teresa Wright deserved an Oscar, which she did not get. Her role as Gehrig's wife was a standing ovation performance. Cooper did a great job portraying an innocent, child like personality in Gehrig, even when he was an adult.

This is a great movie for all baseball fans, or any American for that matter. Imagine how Americans felt watching this movie right after Gehrig died, this would have been very emotional for those viewers, as it was for me even 70 years after his death. A time when there were no steroids, just real baseball.

The Andersonville Trial (TV 1970)

As I was looking for an instant movie to watch of George C. Scott’s I ran across this movie. He did not act in this one, but he was the director. It is a play, and the movie feels like it (the visual appearance of it is just like a soap opera). With that aside it was an interesting watch.

William Shatner played the Judge Advocate for the Union. Buddy Ebsen and Martin Sheen had bit roles in the play as well. This is the trial of Confederate Captain Henry Wirtz who was one of the leaders over the horrors that took place at the Andersonville compound in Atlanta Georgia. Witness after witness come in and explain more and more of the horrors that were allowed to take place there.

I liked this from the perspective that it was a play and not a movie, so the acting and angles were that of a play. If I went to the movie theater to see this I would have been angry, but if I would have gone to a theatre to see this I would have been well pleased. It is an interesting watch for a historic perspective, but nothing else.

The Hustler (1961)

I hated this movie.

I started this film a couple of weeks ago (the disk was skipping…it is now an instant watch on Netflix), and I loved it. The marathon pool match between Fast Eddie and Minnesota Fats was fantastic. Gleason and Newman were amazing actors, and I had high hopes for the movie; enter Piper Laurie and the movie was ruined. Many people enjoyed her performance, but for me it was very flat and uninspiring. I guess I just didn’t care about her, so I found no depth with her.

From the first forty minutes of the film I thought it was going to be a lot of pool when in fact it was just another show about the decline of human decencies. Newman, Gleason, and Scott all gave superb performances but I will never waste my time with this show again. 2 out of 5 for me.

Touch of Evil (1958)

If you watch this and appraoch it as a "B" noir type movie movie, you will give it at least 3.5 stars. Orson Welles is a genius despite what anyone says. His mind was created to change the film industry. I liked this movie. Janet Leigh (Psycho) and Marlene Dietrich were beautiful. Charlton Heston is a good actor, I need to watch more of his films.

The movie is about a crooked cop (Welles) who will stop at nothing to protect his name. I would only recommend watching this movie if you like Orson Welles. This movie it really is about Welles, and him and how they have remade this movie to be like what he wanted. the studio dumped Welles as he was a pain in their side during post production (which he was do every director he worked for). He wrote the director a 58 page memo of the changes he demanded. This DVD version has those changes. The man was a crazy genius.