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Lady in White (1988)
After Witness, child star Lukas Haas gave another fine performance here
Frankie - Lukas Haas - lives in a loving Italian family. His mother has died but father, brother and grandparents are there to love him. They live in a small NY town where, unhapply, a serial killer is on the loose. At school near Halloween, Frankie's teacher reads a fine fantasy story Frankie wrote to the class. As a result, jealous classmates lock him in the cloakroom. It's there that Frankie meets the ghost of the little girl who was the killers first victim. What can she tell him that identifies the man who no one suspects? This is a fine ghost story with a great performance by Haas as the main character. Those who like to shiver and jump at suspense will find it a good film.
The Changeling (1980)
Excellent ghost story, thrills and chills aplenty
John Russell - George C Scott - is hurting. On a family trip, his car stalled, resulting in a fatal crash which took the lives of his wife and daughter. After months of grief, John tries to start over in Seattle, Washington. A reknowned composer, John will teach advanced music composition. Needing a residence, the local historical society offers a mansion with a music room. Nice. But, things go bump in the night. The house appears haunted. Holding a seance, John learns the ghost may be of a young boy murdered in the attic years before. What does the ghost want John to know? It may involve a United States Senator ! This fine ghost story is excellently creepy and scary. Scott is wonderful as the grieving father who gets entangled in a tale of greed and concealment. Melvyn Douglas, Jean Marsh, and Trish van Devere offer fine support. The visual settings and effects are top shelf. This is a ghost tale for the ages.
The Birds (1963)
Scary, bizarre and well done, but not true to DuMauriers story
Melanie - Tippi Hedren - meets Mitch - Rod Taylor - at a pet store in Frisco. Its a rather acrimonious meeting yet something about Mitch intrigues her. He was there to by lovebirds for his younger sisters birthday. Alas, the store has none. When Mitch leaves, Melanie finds out the store can receive lovebirds the next day. On a whim, Mel buys the birds but learns Mitchs weekend home is in Bodega Bay, an hour north. She drives up and tries to slyly deliver them by boating up to the house. Mitch catches sight of her and gives chase. Suddenly, a seagull flies into Melanie's head. Odd. Soon, Mitch bandages Mel and invites her to Sister Cathy's bday party. She meets the family, which includes Mitchs mother. Even so, more strange bird happenings occur. A farmer is attacked and killed by birds while a huge flock dive bombs children walking home from school. What in the world is making birds a dangerous enemy of humans ? This scary but well done film is a Hitchcock classic. The premise of "what if" permeates the tale, with frightening images of menacing birds. The cast is also wonderful, with Jessica Tandy, Suzanne Plechette and Veronica Cartwright complimenting the 2 stars. However, Dumauriers story is transformed from the setting to the characters to the ending. Perhaps someday a film of the original story will compliment this one.
Exodus (1960)
Epic film all but forgotten today and, at 3.5 hours, it's best to break viewtime in two
In post World War 2 Europe, the Jews who survived the Holocaust have a plan. Some were in death camps, others in hiding, but their goal is the same. They wish to emigrate to their ancient "promised land" : Palestine. Therefore, they are boarding ships and headed to the Middle East. Alas, their boats are being stopped in Cyprus and refugee camps are established. The Brits recognize that a huge influx of Jews into Palestine will create a conflict. That is, without the United Nations establishing a Jewish homeland and, even then, violence will erupt. Ari - Paul Newman - is determined to take a boat full of Jews anyway. Meanwhile, Kitty - Eva Marie Saint - a gentile widow whose husband was a war photographer, nurses the sick in the Cypriot camps. She wants to adopt a Danish / Jewish teen named Karen. Yet, Karen is searching for her long lost father and won't commit to Kitty. Ari succeeds in getting the people into Palestine, where his father was given land. A fellow Jewish teen, Dov, is suffering from his experience at Auchwitz but is eager to help Israel be established. Arabs, once friendly to Ari, can no longer be friends. Word comes. The UN creates Israel. Fighting begins. What will happen? This epic film, based on an equally epic novel by Leon Uris, was quite an event in 1960. Famed director Otto Preminger directed the fine cast, including Newman, Saint, Sal Mineo, John Derek and others. The scenery and amenities are first rate. Yes, it's long, but then so was Gone With the Wind. It can easily be divided in two for any viewing. It's also harrowing and sad, yet inspiring. Exodus remains a classic.
King of New York (1990)
Violent stuff but Walken and cast are terrific
Frank White - Christopher Walken - is a drug gang leader who is getting out of Sing Sing after a long stay. As it turns out, it wasn't long enough. White takes up residence in the pent house of the Plaza Hotel and begins to take back territory. He's smart and has his right hand man, Jimmy Jump - Laurence Fishburne - who can fire two weapons at once. He also has a new goal: build a hospital for the Bronx poor. Once Frank wipes out the Colombians, the cops take notice. Again, its their lucky job to stop a ruthless kingpin who has no qualms about shooting cops. Get a crown ready ? This violent film has fine performances. Walken, Fishburne, David Caruso and others make it worthwhile. Fans of action will like it.
Solomon Kane (2009)
Too heavy on black magic for me, beware
Solomon Kane - James Purefoy - is a medieval adventurer who plunders and fights, sometimes killing others. On a castle raid, the Grim Reaper appears and tells him the Devil wants his soul. Immediately. Kane jumps out a window and escapes. Now appprehensive, he retreats to a monastery and gives all his money to the church. Nevertheless, the Abbot soon has a dark dream and insists Solomon leave. He does but swears never to fight. Naturally bad men beat him up but a kind Puritan family restores his health. The beautiful daughter casts her eyes on Solomon. Alas, there is no peace. Men bound by dark forces attack the family. Will Solomon fight? This film has too much sorcery and black arts for this viewer. There are some horrific images and happenings. But for those who like such things, they will likely find it a good watch.
The Natural (1984)
Classic baseball film, from tragedy to triumph
Roy Hobbs - Robert Redford - is a 19 year old baseball phenomenon from Iowa. He is going to Chicago to give the Cubs a look-see. When he strikes out another hotshot hitter, folks are impressed. Alas, a disturbed woman grievously wounds Hobbs by shooting him in the gut before committing suicide. Hobbs disappears, alive but presumably ruined for baseball. Yet, 16 years later, Hobbs reappears with his own bat made from a lightning struck tree. Out of nowhere, he is signed for the New York Knights, a struggling team. Hobbs begins a miracle comeback. Yet, dark forces may again tamper with his abilities. Can the Knights be winners? This classic baseball movie has a mysterious undertone and subtle messages. Based on a book by Bernard Malamud, its merits are on two levels. For those who love baseball, it gives thrills. But for those wanting a deeper philosophy, it has that, too. Plus, it stars Redford and a great cast. Don't miss it!
Slow West (2015)
Unusual Western with fine performances and gorgeous settings
Jay - Kodi Smit- McPhee - is a 16 year old Scot who travels to America's Wild West in 1870. He does this to find a woman named Rose, who he loved in his homeland. Unhappily, Rose's father accidentally killed a fellow Scot and they have run from justice to hide out West. Jay is pretty capable for a teen surrounded by outlaws, Native Americans and wild animals. But, when a bounty hunter named Silas - Michael Fassbender - crosses his path, the older man insists on joining forces to protect Jay. As they continue their search, it becomes apparent that the bounty for Roses father has reached the New World as posters are posted. Who will find Rose and her Pappy first? This unusual Western has a fine cast and breathtaking scenery. It's all too real with gunfights and dangers around every corner. Those loving Westerns will find this movie a great choice.
Don't Be Afraid of the Dark (2010)
You will never think of the Tooth Fairy the same way again!
Alex - Guy Pearce - restores old houses. He takes on a giant project in a Rhode Island mansion once owned by a famous artist. His girlfriend, Kim - Katie Holmes - is an interior designer helping him with this restoration. They both have big dreams of garnishing attention and wealth from the project, almost done. At this inopportune time, Alex's daughter Sally, 6, arrives to stay with them indefinitely. Sally's Mother in California is having problems. When she arrives, Sally is one unhappy girl. Alex and Kim try hard to make her feel welcome but, mostly fail. Suddenly, Sally finds a hidden basement the grownups didn't know existed. From that moment, Sally hears voices and is afraid to go to sleep. Is there something in the basement to fear? This middling level film has a fine cast and a beautiful design. It's tale is rooted in Welsh folklore and tooth fairies but strains credulity. Nevertheless, those who enjoy movies where things do bump in the night will like it.
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Pay the Ghost (2015)
A ghost story with lots of troubles, most should skip it
Mike - Nicolas Cage - is a professor who wants tenure. Therefore, he works overly long hours, which limits his time with son Charlie. Even on Halloween, Mike shows up late. But, Cowboy Dad and Pirate Charlie go to the local carnival and the twosome have a blast. While getting ice cream, Charlie suddenly disappears. Mike is frantic but, alas, Charlie isn't found. Yet, Mike tells his wife he senses Charlie is alive. In fact, Mike sees Charlie at odd moments. With the help of mediums and local legends, can Mike find his son a year later? This film has giant holes and unbelievable plot elements. Cage tries hard but he can't make "it work". Only the most diehard horror fans should seek it out.
Lavender (2016)
Similar to The Messengers but far less successful; beautiful scenery
Jane - Abbie Cornish - is a wife and mother to a little girl named Alice. She's also a fine photographer/ artist whose passion is abandoned farm houses. Once a foster child, she remembers little about her childhood. One fateful day, Jane is injured in a bad car accident and, suddenly, memories of her childhood come back. She realizes she grew up in one of the empty farm houses she loves. Also, it is revealed an uncle, Patrick - Dermot Mulroney - still lives in a neighboring farm. As Jane visits the house, bringing Alice along, supernatural happenings begin. Is Jane in danger ? This film has gorgeous scenery, I will say that. Also, the cast is nice. But, it's a rather poor derivation of the movie The Messengers, where horrific past events haunt the house involved. The old song Lavender Blue adds some scary moments. Watch it if ghost stories are your "thing".
Dragonfly (2002)
As far fetched as can be but, intriguing
Dr Joe Darrow - Kevin Costner - has just lost his pregnant wife, Emily, also a physician. Dr Emily joined a Red Cross mission in Colombia and her bus was washed into a river, following a landslide. Seven months pregnant, her body isn't found but she is presumed dead. Meanwhile, Dr. Joe keeps working without taking time to grieve. Suddenly, a young patient whose heart stopped and then was revived tells Dr Joe he talked to Dr Emily in his near death experience. She advises Joe to look for a rainbow. How can this be? Things don't stop there. From talking parrots to dragonfly sightings, Joe comes to believe Emily is alive. Is she? Yes, this film is far fetched and a bit crazy. Nevertheless, it's offbeat story is intriguing with a nice performance by Costner. Those who like "something different" will find this one fits the bill.
The Gift (2015)
Ferociously unsettling, with a trio of fine peeformances
Simon - Jason Bateman - and wife Robyn - Rebecca Hall - are relocating from Chicago to Los Angeles. It's a coming back to his roots for Simon, 20 years later. The move is for a fresh start, after a miscarriage and other issues. Their new house is lovely. On a shopping trip, Simon and Robyn are approached by a man, Gordon - Joel Edgerton - who says he's an old classmate of Simon's. He is, as it turns out, albeit changed in appearance. Before they know it, Gordo sends a gift to their address, housewarming present. Then, Gordon starts dropping by, unannounced. He seems kind and friendly. But, all too soon, past secrets come forth, about Simon and Gordon's relationship as classmates. The couples dog goes missing. Is Gordon a friend or foe? This ferociously unsettling movie is a head spinner. What a dark script ! The trio of lead actors deliver startling performances and the scenery is lush. Here is a fine thriller with hairpin twists and turns.
The Fugitive (1993)
Thrills by the minute, great cast, too
Dr Richard Kimble - Harrison Ford - is called into emergency surgery after a big gala. So, wife Helen goes home alone. When the Doc does arrive at his house, he finds Helen dying and the Doc struggles with a one-armed man who attacked his wife. The intruder gets away. Soon, Richard is charged with murder, found guilty and is sentenced to death. However, while being transported to prison, prisoners attempt escape and the van collides with a train. Richard escapes. Before long, there is a huge manhunt and US Marshall - Tommy Lee Jones - leads the team. But, brilliant Doc jumps off dams, dyes his hair, changes residences and more to keep just ahead. He's back in Chicago to find the one armed guy and clear his name. Can he ? This epic thriller has the fantastic van/train crash that is cinematic genius. Also, Ford and Jones are perfect foils in the chase, with Jones giving a comic turn that is hilarious. The scenery in Chicago is lovely and harsh. Don't miss The Fugitive!
The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018)
Genius on display in 6 Western tales, fabulous film!
From the mesmerizing minds of the Coen brothers, comes 6 Western tales of laughs and anguish. In the first, the title story, Buster Scruggs - Tim Blake Nelson - sings and six shoots his way from town to town. Some try to turn the gun on Buster, but end up undetestimating his skills. Until, one fateful day arrives. Other stories include a traveling stage show where the impresario - Liam Neeson - has a British orator reciting classics but
soon gets upstaged by a chicken; a bank robber who almost gets hung, is saved, but finds he is not off the hook; and a prospector who won't let anyone invade his territory. All six tales are entertaining, albeit with some violence. Some of the source material comes from Jack London and others but the Coens adapted screenplay is beyond clever and engaging. Here is a other work which cements the Coen brothers repertoire as sheer genius.
Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)
Terrifying film with great performances
Elizabeth - Brooke Adams - is a health inspector who catches violations at restaurants regularly. Also an amateur botanist, she finds a strange flower one day, one she's never seen. Meanwhile, at home, her live in boyfriend suddenly begins acting strangely. He's cold, distant and doesn't care about his usual interests. Elizabeth gets the crazy idea it's " not him ". Friends Jack and Matthew - Donald Sutherland - also report they know others who say the same thing about spouses. They suggest Elizabeth see a shrink, who doesn't believe her. But, then she finds a duplicate, not quite formed body of HERSELF in the spare room. She realizes the flower she found grows into human doubles and are taking over. Matthew and she try to catch a plane out of San Francisco. Can they make it to safety? This remake of a classic film stands well on its own. How terrifying to realize aliens are taking over one by one, duplicating themselves from human hosts. The cast is great with Sutherland's end scene a moment of sheer horror. Don't miss this one, podners !
Commando (1985)
Arnold to the rescue. AGAIN.
Colonel John Matrix - Arnold Schwarzenegger - is retired and living with his 13ish daughter in NoCal. As he explains, he missed so much of her life rescuing and saving soldiers for the US government, he's content now to hang out with Jenny - Alyssa Milano. But, our John made a few enemies in his former job. Now an ex-colleague of Matrix kidnaps Jenny and demands John kill a man standing in the way of his plans. Then, Jenny will be released. Haha. John has his own ideas that are a tad different but rescue his daughter he will, if possible. This exciting movie has plenty of action and big guns for those who appreciate these things. Schwarzenegger shows off his super toned body in every possible setting and it's impressive. Rae Dawn Chong is along to keep the interest factor. Nice. Commando is a great popcorn flick which will entertain action lovers .
Apocalypse Now (1979)
Horrifying but brilliant. Heart of Darkness Redux
Captain Willard - Martin Sheen - is struggling with his identity. Stateside, he just went through a divorce. Now, he's back in Vietnam and is lost without a mission. He gets one. Superiors ask Willard to find rogue Colonel Kurtz - Marlon Brando - deep in the Cambodia jungle. Kurtz was once a decorated officer but now he's gone AWOL. It's believed he commands his own army of natives and followers. As such, he must be stopped. Killed. Willard has a small party of soldiers and a Colonel played by Robert Duvall. As the journey is long and filled with danger, will he succeed? This film is horrifying brilliance. A great cast, spectacular sets, and a theme of war is hell. Don't bypass it .
Passenger 57 (1992)
Decent thriller, Snipes and Payne are good foils
John Cutter - Wesley Snipes - is a former cop who now trains airline staff on self defense. He's still mourning his wife's death and is content to be "out of the action". Yet, his former boss recommends John for a higher position in airline security and he boards a plane for LA. Unhappily, a dangerous criminal Rane - Bruce Payne - is also on the flight as he is being transported to face murder charges in California. Despite two guards, Rane has co-horts on the plane in various roles and succeeds in taking over the plane. Now Cutter is forced to prove his worth. Can he outwit the Brit? This is a decent thriller with two great leading roles by Snipes and Payne. It's cheer for the good guy as he faces an evil terrorist. Who doesn't like that ?
Ticket to Paradise (2022)
Adorable and beautiful, get a ticket without delay
David - George Clooney - is divorced from former wife Georgia - Julia Roberts. They haven't got along for years. Yet, they meet again at daughter Lily's graduation from law school and the news of her cushy job on the horizon. First, though, Lily and best gal friend are taking a vacation in Bali. On day one, the girls swim too far from shore and are rescued by a handsome young seaweed farmer. Lily has eyes for him and Visa versa. They fall in love and plan a wedding. Upon hearing this, David and Georgia both rush to Bali, to be at the ceremony, but in fact to stop their daughter from making a big mistake. Can they? This adorable movie has two fine comic performances from Clooney and Roberts while also boasting breathtaking scenery. The customs and natives of Bali are also a big asset. Don't miss this lovely romantic comedy. It's a winner.
Willy's Wonderland (2021)
Pretty sick stuff but Cage is entertaining
The drifter - Nicolas Cage - has the misfortune to have his car break down in Hayes, Nevada. A supposed good Samaritan gives him a ride to the auto shop but the estimate is $1000. Having no money and saying very little, a townie gives the Drifter a job. Clean the local restaurant Willy's Wonderland that night and his car will be fixed. But, uh oh. This pseudo Chuck E Cheese has a deadly secret: killer animatronics. It's a setup for our drifter. Can he survive ? This sick movie is billed as a comedy-horror flick. Not for me and please keep it away from the kiddies. Nevertheless, Cage gives a droll performance as the silent drifter with good fighting skills. Skip it, mostly.
The Magic of Ordinary Days (2005)
Lovely story of an arranged marriage with beautiful results
Livy - Keri Russell - was an archeological graduate student in Denver. However, a brief romance with a WW2 pilot has left her pregnant. Her minister father is outraged and insists she marry a farmer named Ray - Skeet Ulrich. Traveling to rural SE Colorado, Livy and Ray are soon married. She wonders why he agreed to the wedding and he tells her he wanted to help her and was lonely after his younger brother died. They seem like opposites. Livy is book smart and Ray knows about farming wheat and sugar beets. Slowly, things change. There is a side story where Livy meets two Japanese American ladies, assigned to work in Rays fields as part of their roundup by the US government. Can this marriage work ? This Hallmark film is a beautiful love story between strangers who get married. The times of the 1940s are recreated well and the two leads are marvelous. If you are searching for a romantic movie you could hardly do better than this one.
The Untouchables (1987)
Amazing film, stylish and violent, a surefire conversation starter
In 1930, the tail end of Prohibition, Al Capone - Robert De Niro - rules Chicago. He's wealthy from his bootleg booze importation from Canada and most of the police force and city officials are in his pocket. Of course, he wipes out those who oppose him. One day, a little girl is a victim of a suitcase bomb left by Capones men for someone else. It's a camels back straw. Now, the Treasury Dept send Eliot Ness - Kevin Costner - to end Als reign. He's determined, is Ness. He does need the help of an old cop, Malone - Sean Connery - and a rookie - Andy Garcia - to help fight. It's a dangerous battle with Capone and his ruthless enforcer Frank Nitti. If only Ness can find Capones bookkeeper, they can nail Big Al for tax fraud. Who will win? This amazing and stylish film has a great true tale to tell. The cast is marvelous and the costumes beyond wonderful. Most importantly, the film is a treasure trove for inciting discussions on the law, even a Prohibition law that most everyone is breaking. Most viewers will admire this movie greatly.
The Mighty Quinn (1989)
Decent thriller, enhanced by star Washington.
On an unnamed US Caribbean island, police chief Quinn - Denzel Washington - has to deal with a gruesome murder. A wealthy American hotel owner has been killed in his hot tub, his head decapitated. Also, a bag with a large sum of money is missing. Everyone wants to point the finger at Quinns childhood friend, Mauphee. He's an odd jobs man with a record. Nevertheless, Quinn sends the body for an autopsy. Unbelievably, the cause of death is a venomous snake bite, the man's head was cutoff post-mortem. As Quinn searches for Mauphee, he tangles with the local witch - Esther Rolle - and others, including his estranged wife and a CIA agent. Will he be able to clear his friend? This is a decent thriller in a beautiful setting. Washington is a great leading man with fine support. Naturally, most of the Americans are shady tricksters. Fans of mysteries will enjoy it.
A Simple Favor (2018)
Don't envy the "perfect ", chances are they aren't
Stephanie - Anna Kendrick - is a new widow with a 6 year old son. Her work from home job is being a vlogger plus living off insurance money from her husbands death. One day at school, she meets a fellow mother, Emily - Blake Lively- who has a son in the same class as Steph. Emily invites her to come visit and have a drink while their sons play. Oh my, Emily seems to have it all. Great job, nifty house, handsome husband - Henry Golding - and more. Soon, they are semi-friends. Yet, a few weeks later, Emily asks Steph to pick up her son at school and babysit until she gets home from work. That's fine. Only Emily disappears and no one knows her whereabouts. Helping Sean the husband, Steph finds they have a mutual attraction. Meanwhile, secrets about Emily come tumbling out. What's going on? This is a decent thriller somewhat akin to Gone Girl. The cast is nice and perfectly chosen. Scenery and script are other assets. Most mystery fans will do themselves a favor finding this movie.