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Reviews
The Brotherhood of Justice (1986)
Actually not bad for a made for t v movie!
The Brotherhood of Justice, cheesy name, but not bad for a made for t v movie! What I like about The Brotherhood of Justice was many future 80's youth actors, Keanu Reeves, Lori Loughlin, Kiefer Sutherland, and others. The storyline of a principles speech which sets into motion another 80's vigilante movie was believable. Some of the vigilante incidents get across as real life events.. Inspired by real life incidents? Perhaps! The sub stories of richer kids, poor working kids, drugs, crimes and different personalities mix well with the story about The Brotherhood of Justice. The Brotherhood gang starts out not so bad, but goes out of control. The ending wraps out well, and the black white stills was a nice touch of how story ends. Still a on the cheaper side made for T V movie, but maybe that's what made the film likable. 6 stars.
Act of Vengeance (1986)
A solid movie!
When H B O started making movies, being more than a first run movie super station H B O had a golden formula. Good for H B O being diversified, unlike Block Buster, H B O survived Netflix first run movie purge. I digress, the golden formula is/was get a named actor Bronson, a decent budget, good director, and great movie location H B O makes movies than cheaper C B S movies of the week. Act of Vengeance has all the components for the golden formula, plus a great true story. Act of Vengeance was done in a gritty manor of union corruption and the assassination of a union critic. A dark story, but a good story. Being a Bronson fan I was waiting for Bronson to go into Death Wish mode which well that was a different movie. 7 stars.
Force 10 from Navarone (1978)
I did not mid Force 10!
If you want to watch an old school world war 2 movie this is it. What works: Decent cast Ford, Weathers, Niven Bach etc. Big budget for a epic W W 2 movie needs strong cast, great locations, and great sets. The secret mission with the double cross, and the banter back and fourth was great. The W W two musical score, and the collapsing dam was epic. Ages well for a 1970's film. Get's across as a book which translate well into a movie. There was a British World War Two movie style of yester year which ages well. Force 10 from Navarone was a fun movie to watch. Just as fun to watch as in the back in the day times. 7 stars.
Magnum, P.I.: Way of the Stalking Horse (1986)
One of the better Magnum episodes.
Way of the Stalking Horse was an episode were a hitman uses the Stalking horse play to trick Magnum and hit someone. I knew something was up from the beginning. One of the more violent episodes, as the hit man takes out several character in a ugly hit. Magnum almost dies and lives with guilt and anger. Ice Pick gives a hospital visit and the low down and says he hurt a friend. The episode turns into a mono a mono show down as Magnum pits himself again the assassin, with the help of a runaway. A gritty, memorable episode with a strong violent finish. Left a viewing impact on me. Well directed, acting and written. 8 stars.
Magnum, P.I.: This Island Isn't Big Enough.... (1986)
The series was slowly fading away!
This Island Isn't Big Enough.... was a sign of the series was slowly fading away! This Island Isn't Big Enough.... has and exciting mob style Yacht assault. Rick is missing! Magnum to the rescue! This time there is a John Wayne style officer on the case too which adds comic relief. Not a bad episode. I liked the ending with the radio mic. This Island Isn't Big Enough more of a filler episode. Acted well, and directed well. One can tell after five season most series start to run out of ideas. The partner tandem of Magnum and John Wayne want a be was okay. Just not a lot heat on this episode. Just okay six stars.
Magnum, P.I.: All Thieves on Deck (1986)
Well a murder mystery 80's style
All Thieves on Deck was a throw back of the Ellery Queen murder mystery aka 70's shows. A stolen artifact, many suspects, and many theories of who dun it. What works was the poor dog got shot. An attempted robbery at Robins nets. Strong stars but fades. A murder after a stolen artifact, with a mix of 40's movie style just got across flat. Kind of went by the number episode. I know a change up in the action from car chases. The suspects were a bit lame. Looked like shot on the quick and cheep. With an anti climatic ending. All Thieves on Deck was a mix of The Love Boat mixed with murder mystery theater. 3 stars.
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
Set the mark for 80's action adventure movies
Before, Rambo, Chuck Norris, Conan there was Raiders of the Lost Ark; which set the mark for action adventure! I had the movie poster and watched Raiders a record four time as a teenager. Raiders never got old, and even today Raiders aged well. Set in a 40's action serial genre was a new look on action films replacing the downer films of the last decade. Raiders made Ford a mega star Jones who had humor, faults, and survived over the top action. Great supporting casts, Sala, and Marion added humor and likability for a script which pitted the good guys pitted against evil Nazis and ruthless French rival for the Ark. Jones chased after the Ark with many well directed action sequences in exciting location in Asia and Africa. The bar shoot out, the Truck fight, and the brawl on the plane are classic action sequences, mixed with humor breaks ie the sward part creates a balance of breaks along with breath taken action. Spielberg and Lucas make great pace for direction and great casting which can only be topped by the over the top, Star Wars style special effects ending, which mixes with an epilogue that ties in the movie nicely. Not to many 10s out there and Raiders was a movie Icon. Such a Icon the great soundtrack was played for Raiders during home games.
Blade Runner (1982)
bombed at the time, but aged well!
I remember Blade Runner back in 82 and could not wait to, head out with my sister, too see Harrison Ford's new character! I expected another Harrison Ford as another Hans Solo. Well, as a young teenager, I found Blade Runner slow. A Bogart type ex cop with narration with a slow un folding heavy story with heavier dialogue. When I was taking university, and The course of understand ideas threw film our class retraced the Blade Runner movie. The ideas of being a collection of our memories, and controlling the replicants by short life spans add to the movie and dialogue. The 80's mix of music, slow motion sequences, and sets was brilliant 80's film style. Less a action movie, but more of literary classic film. Well directed with a perfect role by Ford. As a young teenager I found Blade Runner a 4 as a college I would give Blade Runner a 8. Split the difference 6 stars.
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
Just lacked the magic of the predecessor!
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom lacked the magic of the predecessor Raiders of the lost Ark. I was a huge fan of Raiders as a kid. Had the movie poster on my wall, and could not wait for part 2. 3 years latter my dad, sister and I went to see with high expectations the sequel. Well what worked: Ford was amazing as Jones. The sets, director and the budget was top notched. But, and there's a but here, without a good script all was meaningless. What did not work: My buddy, Tony told me the kid was annoying and I have to agree. The Chinese kid just took away from the film. Kate Capshaw funny at times, but got across as memorable like a bad date. The story missing any memorable action sequences like the plane flight, or truck flight; also lacking a memorable bad guy like the French guy int the first. The ending was missing the special effects of the first. Maybe, I am too hard on this one because any movie will look bad after following up to a classic, but I still give the second installment a 2 stars.
Witness (1985)
One of Ford's better performances!
I remember my mom going out with her friend to see Witness and my mom gave Witness a thumbs up! Back in the day, as a teenager, I was thinking Witness will be a action Rambo, aka Cuck Norris style film. After seeing Ford in Star Wars, and Raiders I did not see expect a more drama cop movie. When my buddy Darrel and I rented, at the video store, Witness the guys found Ford's film lame. Years latter I found Witness a solid film. Ford performance as a harden big city cop was a believable character. The contrast of the Amish life, and the Amish boy who witness a dirty cop murder creates a contrast story of the big city world vs Amish life. Ford becomes more divulged into the Amish life as the cop hides on the farms and has a spark with the boys mom; while the dirty cops track Ford and the boys down was a great story of contrast and people. Witness' memorable scenes was Ford punching the jerk and the dramatic Amish ending. Great casting and direct of a film which divulges a story of many characters with the right mix of action and drama. 8 stars.
The Mosquito Coast (1986)
Highly under rated
The Mosquito Coast is a Highly under rated movies. Not to often can a concept book, with the exception of King's books, translate well into film. I remember watching The Mosquito Coast as a teenager and got enthralled with film! What was so enthralling? The story/script of a genius dad who is border line crazy which moves to the Amazon to create a new way of life. Ford wants the natives to experience ice for the first time! The Mosquito Coast slowly unravels new twists making the viewer wanting more! There is preacher character and the preacher's daughter, rebels, and other characters which which helps unfolds new problem as the son River Phoenix narrates a strange tale. Ford's acting drives the father character. One of Ford's best characters a likable, but genius/crazy dad. First Ford looks like a genius, but as events move forward a crazy man appears instead of a visionary. I will not divulge the end, but a memorable one it is. Well directed and acted with a memorable story. 8 stars.
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
More of the funny one!
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade was a decent comeback after the Temple of Doom! What the Last Crusade did was have more humor. What worked: The beginning with young Indiana was great with the train. The intellectual Connery dad added goofy humor. The Nazi look a like and getting that book signed by Hitler was memorable funny. What did not work: Too many goofy characters in the action sequences; how could such goofs survived? The tank part was lame because of the goofy comic characters took the excitement out of action wrong placement of characters. The rugged individual of the first Jones' films was watered down with comic characters Jones was rugged and survived the grit was taken out of the action sequence with Connery etc. The Nazi bad guy was good but not spectacular as the original French character. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade was not a bad movie but not a classic either. As my uncle, and father left the theater both said the film was just okay. I give this installment 6 stars.
Presumed Innocent (1990)
Slow!
Presumed Innocent was so slow I am actually surprised a series was made about the lame movie! There was a strong start of a murder with Ford being the suspect. Started out as an interesting murder mystery. Some would assume a character driven movie. Presumed Innocent was not a gripping or thrilling, but de evolves into a self loathing character facing a mid life crisis with a lawyer who snaped after a younger lawyer hustle and played the mark. Presumed Innocent was not a slow burn movie, but more of a slow character death! Hard to feel for a cheater and the player victim! Presumed Innocent maybe made too well; I call Presumed Innocent a hard too watch soul crushing film . Maybe the series will be better. 3 stars.
The Watchers (2024)
Watched The Watchers for the bird
I would not have watched The Watchers but my wife love parrots. A golden conure was in the add, so we had to go! That guy from The Happening usually makes movies with great concept but fails as a story. This was a little bit better! Well The Watchers was an adaptation of a novel. Feels more like one of those B B C tv movies. In the woods watching, with concepts of rules and rituals makes for a long winded game of dugon and dragons. I saw the plot twist coming, which was when the Watchers picked up. A little too fantasy and too little horror. Less a scare fest but more like a board game. Of course the parrot plays a pivotal role! Seen better. 4 stars out of ten.
Regarding Henry (1991)
Boring feel good filem
Regarding Henry has Ford playing another grouchy character. A tough lawyer. Well there was a shooting an a injured Henry started out interesting with a bang, but became another boring, feel good, old school movie of a week. The drama just starts to slow the story down and just gets slower, and even slower. Watchable but drags. What works: Ford has strong performances. The back up actors were okay. I believe Regarding Henry tried to shoot for another family drama like Tom tom Cruise's Rain Man but falls way short. Regarding Henry misses the sizzle and fast pace of Rain Man, and just become another run of the mill movies. 4 to 6 stars depending on what you watch this forgettable film.
Clear and Present Danger (1994)
mmmm just okay!
Clear and Present Danger was mmmm just okay! Would I buy the D V D or V H S (back when it was out) no. Would I V O D Clear and Present Danger? No! Watch Clear and Present Danger while channel surfing? Yes. Not a great movie but watchable. When I went for date night, back in 64, I found what worked for Clear and Present Danger: A list actors Ford was solid actor as always. The supporting cast was exciting and dynamic. What did not work: Story was okay but formulated Hollywood scripts. Special forces, drug cartels, a super hot coast guard female captain, the double cross, and Jack Ryan running around to the rescue was stale. Just the same old mumble jumble of most 90's film. Watchable, but seen it done it before movie. 6 stars.
The Twilight Zone: Welcome to Winfield/Quarantine (1986)
Well kind of lame!
First one with the guy running away from death was lame. I know such was a humorous installment but lame humor. The actor was not as scary as death. No tension from Mr Death for comedy which misses the uneasy comic tension the episode espoused for The friendly small town characters were a little too much 2 d short flat characters. Needed a little more detail for comic laughs. Well the white car suit death on hold with the phone just feels flat with out a heavy into his episode. The second installment has a guy wake up to help a future world of psychics who can move time space and matter. Interesting but becomes slow with the soundings of a over peaceful hippie cult. The need of a guy who knows space weapons was a good twist. Leaves out the Truth if the metor was a ship could the character believe what was told for the deception about shooting it down. Is it a quarantine or prison the protagonist got awakened too? Installment just felt so wrong.
The Twilight Zone: Still Life/The Little People of Killany Woods/The Misfortune Cookie (1986)
Stupid, but entertaining!
Still Life/The Little People of Killany Woods/The Misfortune Cookie are Stupid, but entertaining! Still life has a guy who buy an old chest with a hidden camera. Seems these old chests are always bad in The Twilight Zone! Well, the developed film has an old expedition and the university prof tells about the exhibition were the locals believe the camera takes their souls and attacked. Well the twist was the natives were right and a surprise awaits the protagonist at home. So stupid but entertaining. The Little People of Killany Woods was a Irish tale of little green men a bully and a little drunk guy who no one believe about the green men. Everything about the little people from cast, sets and story feels like a Irish yarn; except for the space aliens. Twice as stupid, but even more entertaining. The Misfortune Cookie has Elliot Gould looking like a 40's villain food critic that destroys restaurants and Gould gets cookies messages that turn out true. All I can say was the cookies are demented, revengeful with a Twisted memorable ending. Gould shines in a memorable 80's Twilight Zone. 7 or 8 stars but fun too watch.
The Fugitive (1993)
Okay but dragged!
The Fugitive was okay but dragged! What worked: Ford and Jones are great actors. I never would write that either actor never had their A game on for a major picture. The famous First Blood style Rambo water fall style jump was great. The start with the murder was fast paced. What did not work: Some of the characters were a little too P C (woke is the rename) which added story drag and less gritty characters. Not gritty enough, but Jones added girt for the F B I role. The Fugitives was a little too Hollywood with cliche, and formulated plot twists. But hey the movie was based off a T V show which was full of T V cliche and plot twists. Well directed but the above mention made the story dragged. 6 stars.
The Twilight Zone: Night of the Meek/But Can She Type?/The Star (1985)
The x mass zones!
Night of the Meek/But Can She Type?/The Star. Night of the Meek has a story of a drunk Santa who was burned out by the neighborhoods' poverty. Very old school twilight zone style Santa got fired but the gift bag just keeps giving. The store manager believes Santa took the stores goods, but all was tied up in a nice T W Z ending. The x mass story keeps me watching, with such memorable characters. But Can She Type was a weird story. An abused secretary was abused by her boss was put into a alternative universe of secretaries being treated like rock stars. So strange I could not stop watching But Can She Type. Memorable. The Star has a Priest and a Atheist debate the Birth of Christ with a star explosion in the galactic future. There a memorable twist. Good X mass stories. 7 stars.
Night Gallery: The Doll of Death (1973)
Evil for evil
The Doll of Death was Evil for evil story. A young bride runs off with a carefree man. I guess non age appropriate older rich guy did not see the tragic weddinging disaster coming . Let her go, better she leaves before the marriage than after. A heart broken country song style broken hearted theme hits the Gallery! Well being the Night Gallery, black arts and no common sense collide! The stakes get higher when the colonial times rich old guy gets a voodoo doll and take revenge out on the eloper guy. Yeah that will win her back?! Nope a bad backfire plan. Second act has a woman's scorn with dueling voodoo dolls. The Doll of Death turns into the Springer show! A cruel display of retched humanity of two hurting characters. A hard to story of depravity. 7 stars.
Night Gallery: She'll Be Company for You (1972)
Spock could not save this one
She'll Be Company for You has Star Treck's Spock portraying a rich guy who's wife died. Ignored and abused dead wife's friend friend drops of a cursed cat which becomes part of a sinister plan. Directed well and acted, but lacking in script. I liked the ringing's and haunted amiss as the haunted unravels. What was entertaining was watching the cat morphed into a bigger one. Watching the protagonist slowly being driven mad was choppy in spots and could of had a story rewrite. A revenge episode of a self absorbed, cheater getting pay back for beyond the grave made me not mind the episode. Regrettably, Spock could not save the choppy script, but still enjoyable to watch. 6 stars.
Night Gallery: Finnegan's Flight (1972)
So dumb it's beyond stupid!
Finnegan's Flight was so dumb it's beyond stupid! Finnegan ( Micky from Rocky) was a life long felon who can not take incarceration anymore. Finnegan's Flight starts out interesting with a story development of hypnosis helping Finnegan's incarceration. Finnegan has the ability to take hypnosis to a higher level of making the subconscious into reality. Starts out find but becomes silly. Good acting, directing etc, but regrettably no hypnosis can not do this. All the way down to the memorable stupid ending. The prison explodes threw hypnosis. Blanking type stupid. I remembered the ending for the wrong reasons. 3 stars.
Night Gallery: The Other Way Out (1972)
Not bad, but a repeater!
The Other Way Out was not bad, but a repeater! If you saw the other revenge motive Night Gallery episodes we got dejavu. The Other Way Out was easy to figure out. Starts out strong a desperate guy on the road involved in black mail. Very, Rod Serling the desperate guy story angle. Good casting, and strong acting, but part way threw one see the sinister revenge plot. A man with a plan, which was underestimated was the plot twist. Reminds me of the plot in every 80's horror revenge story. The wrath of the wronged. A twisted ending which fits the twisted late 70's to 80's revenge horror genre. Not bad, but repeat of a repeat. 5 stars.
Night Gallery: You Can Come Up Now, Mrs. Millikan/Smile, Please (1972)
Did not mind it!
You Can Come Up Now, Mrs. Millikan I did not mind it! Ozzie plays a crazy science guy in a 50's fashion of a family sit com. I did not mind it, but morbid for 50's wholesome T. V. Someone dumb enough to do such a stupidly is believable in todays world. Less bizzarro now then 50 years ago. The ending saves the installment. Twisted, in a funny way! Smile Please was just another stupid comic stick. The viewer could see the sight gags which are old. I had a feeling about the jump scare twist ending. So bad actually I found the ending memorable. Both installments are lame, but the saving power was the twisted plot twists. 6 stars.