Friday, December 19, 2008

Movie Review: Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life


Yes, the data didn't get filled in before Christmas, deal with it!

OK, I love old James Stewart films. He just makes so many things better. I'm calling this one a gem for it's quaint story and sweet story. I loved the characters throughout. Bert and Ernie gave their names to Sesame Streets famous roommates.

Lets get one little flaw out of the way first though. I thought it was a big long and maybe had too many characters to keep track of. I'm thinking they could have fixed that, but we're all so used to what the film is now, we'd miss something. And it does bum me just a little that George Bailey never gets to go explore the world.

Even so. It's great to see a guy learn how much he does for those around him. Love of your fellow man counts for a lot. It turns out that people who give to others really get a lot in their life.

We could take some lessons from this film with regard to today's economic woes. If we work together to help each other, we can all make it. Riches come in many forms, not just money. Donna Reed just shines in black and white and George's wife.

Nobody ever made a meaner bad guy as Lionel Barrymore's Mr. Potter. Even though this is a holiday classic, have a watch even when there's no holiday in sight. It'll lift you spirits.

All libraries have a VHS copy of this film, but only Bandon and Dora have the DVD

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0038650/

Please buy this DVD from Amazon:
It's a Wonderful Life (60th Anniversary Edition)

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Super Lazy Blogger

These are the dogs I had planned but am too lazy to write TODAY. I'll get to them soon.

A Christmas Story - cult classic I hated and found stupid

Deck the halls - Two neighbors in a small New
England town go to war when one of them decides
to decorate his house with a so many Christmas
lights that they are visible from space.
Danny DeVito, Matthew Broderick, Kristin Davis,
Kristin Chenoweth, ANNNOYYYYINGGG!

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Made for TV Movie: Christmas Comes to Willow Creek


Feuding brothers John Schneider and Tom Wopat take a trip to Willow Creek, Alaska to deliver Christmas presents. They try and patch things up on the road but grouse and fight the whole way.

They end up stuck in a blizzard, but eventually make it to the sturggling town where recently a cannery closed down putting many people out of work. Though this is a made for TV movie, I found it charming and worth a watch. It shows the calming effect the holidays can have on some people.

Look for a nice twist at the end. Have a look in Coquille for the DVD.

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092756/

Buy the DVD from Amazon:
Christmas Comes to Willow Creek

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Blog blog what is BLOG

My writing projects are giving me grief at the moment. My laptop went in to have a cooling fan repaired. I'm using one of the Murry's computers and it bugs me. Oh well. I'll sort it out. I am gonna be inconsistent for posting til I sort out life. With over 400 reviews thus far, I'm sure you can find something to tickle your fancy.

I'll post when I can.

Best Holiday Wishes!

Monday, December 15, 2008

Movie Review: Dirty Dancing


Smooth Patrick Swayze teaches demure naive Jennifer Grey how to move her body to the rhythm of the music. As a dance teacher at the Catskills summer camp like resort, he's forbidden from fraternizing with guests. But "Baby" as Grey's character is so aptly named, falls hard for the suave muscular Johnny.

Times they are a changing throughout this set in the 60's romantic drama. Women are just starting to find their place in society, and class lines begin to break down. It tackles some heady subjects even by today's standards. Johnny's pregnant by someone else dance partner has a botched abortion and Baby asks her doctor father to help the girl.

Though it might not seem so from that plot point, the film has a decidedly upbeat flair. The lead couple finds confidence in each other and they thrill on the dance floor. The film explores snobbery and assumptions between parents and their children and many levels of social strata.

I think it works as pure entertainment or social commentary.. You pick what you want to take from it. Coos Bay, Coquille, Bandon, Lakeside and Dora have the VHS tape and look in North Bend for the DVD.

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092890/

Buy the DVD from Amazon:
Dirty Dancing (Ultimate Edition)

Friday, December 12, 2008

Movie Review: South Park, Bigger, Longer & Uncut


Demented Trey Parker and insane Matt Stone created this funky little town for Comedy Central cable network some years ago. It became so doggone popular they got the chance to do a movie.

Though this content is done in crude animation, the plots have a much deserved R rating. Keep this away from your younger children. The teens have likely already seen it at their friend's house. They still make the show and it has a huge cult following.

Should you be offended by humor that pokes fun at EVERYTHING, it's best to stay away. I laughed so much. The plot doesn't really matter and you will figure it out if you've never seen an episode of the cable show. Tasteless would be an understatement.

I like the songs and the weird directions these guys like to go. Satan makes an appearance in a manner that treats him like a mild mannered doormat. Just imagine the context on THAT!

Myrtle Point and Bandon have copies of this EXTREMELY adult DVD.

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0158983/

Buy the DVD from Amazon:
South Park - Bigger, Longer & Uncut

Thursday, December 11, 2008

So Many Dogs, So Little Time

OK, my cooling problem is NOT solved. Here's what I was gonna review but started getting errors. I'll finish these when I can. Thanks for your patience. FINISHED NOW!

Defenders of Space

This Korean made animation left a ton to be desired. I skipped through it but there's just nothing of any interest there. Much like Protectors of the Universe, little data was available online. The library didn't have much and I couldn't figure out an alternative title.

They have two copies of the DVD on the library system, one in Bandon another in Dora. Avoid them both.

I can't find an IMDB listing but I did find the link below from Amazon. It might not be the correct film, but it has an interesting review that if you like this sort of thing is worth a read: Defenders of Space - Animated DVD


This was SO BAD I didn't even watch more than a few minutes. The acting and images bored me silly. Maybe very little kids might like it. It's way not my cup.

A father and his two sons find themselves trapped on a mysterious island where humans and dinosaurs live. Everyone speaks English. Ok, this is for kids, I can forgive them for giant leaps of HUH?? but it has to have some kind of, I dunno, flow and focus.

Of the three films with Dinotopia in the title the one called "the Series" is the one I saw. Check North Bend and Myrtle Point for the DVD. The two others one from Coos Bay and one from Bandon seem to be something different, but since I haven't actually checked them out, I'm not sure of that.

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0310443/

Check out this Amazon link to the DVD:
Dinotopia - The Series


Coming of age spanking high school freshman rituals bug me huge. Also, fraternity hazing would too, but this is about younger brats. Abuse rituals just egg on bully behavior. BAH, ok off my soap box.

If you want to check out some really young stars of today, check out this film. Look for Matthew McConaughey, Milla Jovovich, Ben Affleck, Parker Posey, Jason London and Joey Lauren Adams. McConaughey debuts his famous stoner line of "alright alright alright" and Affleck looks scary buff. Fans of the others will have to look for them as I am not as familiar with what they look like.

Bandon has the DVD and look in Coos Bay for the VHS tape.

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000725/

Buy the DVD from Amazon:
Dazed & Confused (Widescreen Flashback Edition)

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Movie Review: 88 minutes


I went back through the list to pick up straggling films that came after I passed that number or letter of the alphabet. Al Pacino stars as a forensic psychiatrist who put away a serial killer who finds a way to get back at him.

Groan! I swear we wouldn't need birth control if all the serial killers from film and TV lived out here in the real world. Plot upon subplot and gruesome deaths. Still I did watch it all the way through. Some of that had more to do with a remote not working so great.

Lots of interesting female interaction with the lead. Amy Brenneman plays his intrepid secretary and Alicia Witt shines as his teachers assistant. These ladies hold their own agains the veteran Pacino. Though the script has them as plyable props, they did their jobs.

Grab a copy of the DVD from Dora, Bandon or Powers.

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0411061/

Buy this DVD from Amazon:
88 Minutes

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

When it rains....

OK, so I get back to posting and I have to take my husband to the ER.. NOT fun. It's all good, he's gotta take some blood pressure meds but he's home and resting. I'm a bad internet blogger for which you'll have to find a way to forgive me. I do have a ton of Soso and dogs to post about. It just ain't gonna be today. ;)

Monday, December 8, 2008

Movie Review: 16 Blocks


I am ashamed to admit I ignored this film a few times when going over the list at the library. I read the synopsis and it looked dumb. Then I thought, hey, this is my job, watch most of the library films and review them.

Wow, I should go against my own instincts cuz I really liked this one. Bruce Willis plays a burned out cop asked to transport a guy to a courthouse to testify in some proceeding. Mos Def plays the witness prisoner who turns out to be quite a character. On the way, burn out cop stops at a bar to get himself a drink. A bunch of his cop buddies show up and try and kill the prisoner.

Murry tells me this is a remake of a Clint Eastwood film called the Gauntlet, but I've never seen it. Though the theme reads similar, this movie takes a slightly different turn. It could come off like Die Hard, but doesn't. The kind of cop Willis is has more to do with being a lazy bad man, but somehow he turns that around over the course of the hours he tries to deliver the prisoner to the courthouse.

Maybe if they'd showed the reasons for this transformation, it woulda rose to a Gem. I think it just showed his innate stubbornness. He was told to do a job, he was gonna do THAT job. I believed the acting and that made it fun to watch.

Dora and Myrtle Point have this good DVD. There's also a copy at ESO for home library patrons.

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0450232/

Buy this good film from Amazon:
16 Blocks (Widescreen Edition)

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

computer problems

My laptop is acting up so I can't post for a few days so I'll get back to it as soon as I can.

I will post new material Monday, Dec. 8. Thanks for your patience.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

No posts the rest of this week. I'm taking a holiday break. Please read back on previous posts and I'll start all fresh next Monday. I hope you and yours have a happy and joyous family gathering. Happy Turkey Day!

Tuesday, November 25, 2008

So Many So Little Time


Judd Nelson stars in this Christian inspired mostly clunker about a message from Lucifer himself. Scientists think they've discovered a message from another planet only to find out it's demonic. It turns non-Christians into murderous sinners.

I know Nelson and Louis Gossett Jr. know how to act, I just don't know what they're doing in this film. I guess they needed the money. Nelson plays a part deaf technician who does not get corrupted by the signal. Neither does his Christ loving ex-girlfriend.

It's done by the same people who did the "Left Behind" series which I haven't seen. The plot has a logical flow, but it just falls short of being worth a watch. I also don't like the idea of baggin on science for exploring the universe.

Library: Coquille

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0291850/

Amazon: Deceived


With cutesy tag lines like "the devil is in the details," we know this has to suck. Keanu Reeves and Al Pacino spar over lawyering for Satan. Reeves character takes on a job without really understanding all the ramifications.

I dunno, I'm just pretty clear on this idea of good and evil and right and wrong that it's not much of a brain teaser for me. I am not enamored of this topic and therefore I found it dull.

Library: Bandon & Powers

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118971/

Amazon: Devil's Advocate


This film only features a figurative Satan. Harrison Ford plays a kindly Irish cop who unknowingly takes in an Irish terrorist played by Brad Pitt. These filmmakers do nothing to set up why we should believe in or trust the terrorist and believe why the cop trusts him so redily.

Seems to me they just tried to do so much. The cop's partner shoots an unarmed suspect and Ford treats him like a bad cop. He didn't know the guy didn't have the gun anymore. Pitt effects an Irish accent. Why couldn't they find an Irish actor?

I find terrorism flat out stupid. I don't get why these guys are even in the states, and what their plan really entails.

Library: VHS Bandon & Coos Bay; DVD Bandon, Coos Bay & Myrtle Point

Amazon: The Devil's Own

Monday, November 24, 2008

Docomentary Review: Frontline; The Diet Wars

Frontline;
The Diet Wars

This episode of the PBS documentary program Frontline discusses the various diet programs and asks questions about how they work, what leads to health and what just makes us all fatter.

It's a fairly unbiased view of the various plans but really just kind of falls short or really being honest about weight issues. Indeed it talks about the popular Atkins and South Beach plans, but not really in detail. They even show a photo of Dr. Phil's book, but never say a word about the plan or what it entails.

This mirrors every news report I've seen on weight loss. Eat less and move around more seems to be the consensus. Though they do suggest eating more "whole" grain breads and pasta and less "white" foods including sugar and potatoes.

Despite the lack of detailed specifics, I did like the information. Pick up the DVD from SWOCC.

No IMDB available.

Check out Amazon for more information:
Frontline: Diet Wars

Friday, November 21, 2008

Movie Review: Juno


Diablo Cody won an Oscar for writing this witty film about a quirky teenager who ends up pregnant. Ellen Page plays Juno. She decides to give the baby up for adoption to a rather repressed couple. Well, at least the adoptive mother doesn't seem to lead an exciting life.

Juno visits the adoptive father, Jason Bateman, while his wife, Jennifer Garner, is at work and they find they both like bad horror films. He also plays guitar, reads comic books and acts a bit like a juvenile himself.

We see a lot of the life of a pregnant teen and her relationship with her dad and step-mom. I got my first impression of this girl's kitschy life when she drank a whole bottle of Sunny Delight to have enough pee for her third pregnancy test. She has a a hamburger phone, her step-mom obsesses over dogs and her conversation with her best girlfriend needed a teen-speak decoder.

I luaghed so hard. My husband looked over at me and asked me if I needed help. Dora, SWOCC, Coss Bay, Myrtle Point, Bandon, Powers and North Bend all have copies of this odd little gem.

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0467406/

Buy this DVD from Amazon:
Juno

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Double Dog Day


Nick Nolte and Jacqueline Bisset star as a couple who dives into the ocean and finds a shipwreck. Some drug smugglers intimidate them after they find some drug vials during their treasure hunt.

I've seen more entertaining underwater scenes from TV shows. What's the fun of lookin at a pretty woman in a wet suit? Nolte and Bisset failed to convince me they really gave a crap about what they were doing. I yawned and hit fast forward. Look for Robert Shaw, the fisherman from the film Jaws.

North Bend or Bandon has the DVD. Look in Coos Bay or Coquille for the VHS tape.

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0075925/

Check out Amazon for additional information:
The Deep


Gotta love confident Samuel L. Jackson gettin ate pretty early in the film. Ok, so these lame scientist guys enlarge the brains of these sharks, right. So the sharks have bigger brains, right. So we're penning up huge big brained sharks... WHAT COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG????

I'm told by my horny net geek friends that Saffron Burrows is hot. Maybe that means something to guys, but not to me. This really lame horror film has scary bits, but as I've said time and again, I don't like horror. Jackson's departure did make me stop and laugh. He's all confidently speechafyin and suddenly a shark leaps forward and chomps him whole. Memo: don't show confidence to brainy sharks.

Find this DVD in Dora or Bandon.

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0149261/

Buy this doggie DVD from Amazon:
Deep Blue Sea

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Miniseries Review: Andromeda Strain


Benjamin Bratt stars as a team leader of a group of scientists trying to sort out a germ that kills all but two inhabitants of a small New Mexico town. Much of this parallels the original 1971 motion picture based on Michael Crichton's novel, but they diverge from the story with cast and direction of plot.

They focus more on the guy running the team, where the film focussed on the "odd man out," single man. I think the newer film has some nice scenes and I enjoyed seeing Eric McCormack in a serious role. It's less an alien film and more a science versus military plot.

Some of the acting fell short. Plus the plot points of the smart bug and how quickly they cured the outbreak once they figured it out, bumped me out of my suspension of disbelief. I'm not sure if they were setting up for a possible series. It kind of felt that way.

Worth a watch nonetheless. Gonna have to go into Coos Bay for this DVD.

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0424600/

Find out more from this Amazon link:
The Andromeda Strain Miniseries

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Soso Tuesday


Will Smith raises this above a dog, but just barely. He plays a military doctor who seems to be the sole survivor of a plague blanketing the world. Some people survive but turn into violent zombies who spread their disease by biting. Smith's character continues to search for a cure.

I'm told this resembles a film called Omega Man, but I haven't seen it yet. It reminds me of the earlier review of Dawn of the Dead. I enjoyed the relationship between the man and his best friend dog. As relationships on film go, I found it very touching.

Horror stories, even well acted, still don't thrill me. Lets face it, this just seems scary and horrible.

Library: Coos Bay, Dora, Myrtle Point, Powers and Bandon.

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0480249/

Amazon: I Am Legend (Widescreen Two-Disc Special Edition with Digital Copy)


I can't quite figure out what Christian Slater does for a living in this film. I guess he's somehow involved in making Wall Street deals, but what it really means, seemed vague and convoluted.

He's brought into an oil deal after a friend of his dies. He tries to be diligent about the details but when people give him the runaround and cold shoulder, he stumbles upon a plot within the oil company itself. He finds they're buying oil from a fictional country the United States is at war with.

I'm not interested in plots that confuse me. I'd skip it and watch something like Broken Arrow. Far feteched plot as well, but at least it's entertaining and understandable.

Library: Dora and North Bend

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0405861/

Amazon: The Deal


A married Clive Owen meets also married Jennifer Aniston on a train and starts an affair. They hook up in a hotel where a man breaks in and beats up and robs the man and rapes the girl. A few days later, Owen's character gets a blackmail call.

He goes to talk to the girl and find her hugging the attacker. He pays the blackmail but stalks the thieving pair and catches them in the act.

I found the plot too easily telegraphed. It seemed inevitable. Infidelity as plot point turns me off too. I didn't care about these cheaters enough to be shocked by the attack.

Library: Dora

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0398017/

Amazon: Derailed (Unrated Widescreen)

Make Up Post

Because I flaked out last Thursday and didn't write some dog reviews, I decided to write two posts today. Also I'm switching soso and watchable days. I write another blog Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I takes longer to write a multi review post and I usually have more dog's and soso's to write. I'll now use Tuesdays for soso and keep Thursday for dogs. Wednesdays become watchable day. I like starting and ending the week on a movie worth seeing.

These films are Dogs to make up for last week. Later I'll write the soso post.


Internet Movie Data Base calls this a B movie and I so agree. The plot, if you can call it one, involves archaeologists and some bad guys going into the jungle to study some ruins. Apparently this is in the Florida everglades but I didn't catch that when I watched it. The baddies are looking for the fountain of youth.

Teenage boys might like this film for frontal female nudity, but nothing about it held my interest. The creatures they run into look so stupid as to make it laughable.

Library: Bandon

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0355364/

Amazon: Deadly Species



A few months back I reviewed a film called "The Cave" with a very similar theme. This film has cave creatures who can't see but have outstanding hearing and the humans who find them speculate they "evolved" and come out at night to hunt.

All in all it just follows the typical boring horror film boiler plate. Many dead, one left to tell the story. Yawn. Maybe it could be interesting had they really examined how a group of women started going on adventures together. No, they missed that opportunity. Shame on them.

Library: Bandon

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0435625/

Amazon:The Descent (Unrated Widescreen Edition)



I'm so not a horror fan so little of this film appealed. The logic of a virus that makes dead people walk and want to infect others just doesn't begin to work for me.

A group of non infected people barricades themselves inside a mall until they hear about an island that's "safe." They make plans to get to this island and again with the high body count of who really cares everyone is gonna die anyway.

Library: Bandon

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0363547/

Amazon: Dawn of the Dead (Widescreen Unrated Director's Cut)

Monday, November 17, 2008

Movie Review: The Martian Child


This film comes from the mind of David Gerrold who created such memorable science fiction concepts as tribbles from the Star Trek universe. Though that's my least favorite TOS series episode, I still appreciate his SciFi creds.

A science fiction writer adopts a boy who believes himself to be Martian. Rather than deny the child's unearthly fixation, he helps him work on ways to live on this world while maintaining his creative connection to another.

John Cusack plays the father to be in what I am only guessing is a self portrait from Gerrold's own life. He also feels somewhat disconnected from the "real world" by his interested in a fantastic reality. As the child learns to relate to "humans" some situations arouse stressful reactions and he pulls away.

I try and accept people for who they are and that's the message I took from this film. Head on out to Bandon, Dora or Powers and pick up a copy if this sweet DVD.

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0415965/

Have a look at Amazon for information on this DVD:
Martian Child

Friday, November 14, 2008

Old Series Review: The Dick Van Dyke Show


As I don't see as well as the average person, you might think I wouldn't appreciate such a physical comedy style. I think it helps that they use music to coordinate and emphasize the pratfalls and dancing around they act out on this show.

Carl Reiner created this program as a bit of an art imitating life piece. He worked as a comedy write as depicted by Dick Van Dyke, Rose Marie and Morey Amsterdam. Mary Tyler Moore began her marvelous comedy career as Van Dyke's wife.

These black and white sketches of suburban New York life tickle with the absurdity of it all. Making us worry about the need for a skit idea or the trials of a housewife that just wants to please her husband. Laugh at their antics and see bits of our own life too.

Bandon, Coos Bay and North Bend all have copies of this DVD. These appear to be separate DVDs with different episodes. I did not watch the library copies. Any episode can stand on it's own. If after viewing you have something to add about these, please do.

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0054533/

Buy the DVD from Amazon:
The Dick Van Dyke Show - The Complete Series

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Old So and Sos


I've never heard of Bruce Bennett, but he stars as Boone. He leads a group of settlers across Indian territory to a fort. A French rabble rouser incites the locals into thinking Boone and his group are there to slaughter them.

I think they could have done a way better job explaining what was going on because I got lost. I knew Indians fought back, it just seemed vague why. I prefer more realistic history to films like this.

Library: DVD in Coquille, VHS in Myrtle Point

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0049121/

Buy the DVD from Amazon:
Daniel Boone, Trail Blazer


You'd think Orson Welles would class up the film, but alas, it didn't happen. He plays paranoid King Saul who gets deposed by honorable David. Our hero goes off to certain death to fight the giant. Much to the surprise of all, David defeats Goliath and the king's men start to look to him for leadership.

I guess the time the studio filmed this, they were going through a faith phase. Taking stories from the Bible and playing them out on screen. I am not sure why they didn't put some more effort into making a plot to hold an audience's interest. It fell terribly short of entertainment and or a labor of love of faith.

Library: Bandon, Coquille, North Bend

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0054788/

Buy the DVD from Amazon:
David & Goliath


Billed as a sequel to The Robe this film takes off where that one came to an end. Demetrius strives to hide the robe Jesus wore from the Romans. He's captured and trained to fight in the arena.

First he's placed with tigers, then he's expected to fight other gladiators. He refuses until gladiators abuse and appear to kill his lady friend. He abandons God and takes up with the wife of Claudius.

The fighting may entertain for a few minutes but the plot twists and turns tend to make my mind swim. Also the "dramatic" thrashing about acting style leaves a lot to be desired. Ain't no such thing as subtle in 1954 I guess.

Library:DVD in Bandon, VHS in Dora

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0046899/

Buy the DVD from Amazon:
Demetrius and the Gladiators

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Poltical Flicks Worth Watching

Death in the Bunker:
The True Story of Hitler's Downfall


This documentary on the last days of Hitler inside his bunker made me wonder about him as a human. He and some of his cohorts preferred death over capture. Though
I don't get why the Goebbels children were executed. Well, that's not true, zealots kill themselves and their family if they don't get their way.

Amazon has more information but I couldn't find this film on IMDB. I did find a few of the people who contributed: Traudl Junge (Hitler's Secretary) Bernd Freytag von Loringhoven (author and adjutant to two of Hitler’s generals) Armin D. Lehmann (Hitler’s courier)

Library: Bandon

No IMDB page, so here's the DVD from Amazon:
Death in the Bunker: The True Story of Hitler's Downfall


I'm a huge Tom Hanks fan and I think he's great, but as he's gotten older the roles he's picking just seem not very good. Don't get me wrong, this film has some really good elements that I found interesting, I just didn't see Charlie Wilson. I saw Tom Hanks. Now Julia Roberts, threw herself into her character with gusto. She's almost a caricature of the lady she portrays, but I lost sight of the actress.

A ladies man congressman begins to arrange for the arms and training for the Afghani people to fight the Soviet Union invasion in 1980. He uses his considerable political clout to build consensus and gets the CIA to funnel the equipment. He's urged to do this by socialite Joanne Herring, played by Roberts. Oh and look for Philip Seymour Hoffman's outstanding performance.

I expected more from this film. It should have really shook me up, but all I felt was eh. I think they could have put some pizazz in it. Something that would have moved me in some way. They almost came close when they talked about school funding. That part seemed tacked on just to foreshadow the rise of the Taliban.

Library: Myrtle Point, Coos Bay, Bandon, Dora, Powers and North Bend.

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0472062/

Check out the DVD from Amazon:
Charlie Wilson's War (Widescreen)


I grew up in Las Vegas around Mormons so this film interested me. Katrina refugees from Louisiana find themselves in the Utah desert. The filmmakers followed two families struggling with the different climate both in physical world and the social aspect.

Rabbi Shmuley Boteach, comes to town to meet with the survivors and help them integrate into the community. An action for which he was fired from his radio show.
He went on to help some families meet with locals and have barbecues and associate with their new neighbors.

I'm not sure what the documentary was trying to say. On one hand, the men from Louisiana featured had problematic pasts and yet the filmmakers were critical of the Salt Lake City residents for not involving refugees more fully into their society.

I suspect the resistance to helping these newcomers assimilate into their society had more to do with rejecting the unfamiliar than real bigotry. After all, the Mormon Church sends missions to Africa. Though that's mainly my personal feeling. We all need to talk to each other.

Library: Bandon

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0899238/

Amazon also has a better page on this film. Have a look:
Desert Bayou

Monday, November 10, 2008

Comedy Special Review: Dress to Kill


I felt Circle came off much brainier. Eddie Izzard does such a good job with an audience. I think I commented that he's weird on talk shows though. Ah well. Well worth a couple hours of time. Some of the references are stale, but no matter.

Yet another "adults only" performance. He enjoys juxtapositions of his twisted little connections. It makes sense in the viewing but describing would diminish the program.

Bandon has the DVD.

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0184424/

Check out Amazon for additional information:
Dress to Kill

Friday, November 7, 2008

Showtime Series Review: Dexter


ADULTS ONLY for this one. I wonder if I am a super dirty gal that I love all these adult only programs and comedy bits. Ah well.

Michael C. Hall plays serial killer Dexter. Though he's had his urges channeled into killing "bad" people. Mostly other serial killers. He lives his life as a sociopath with a set of rules that prevent him from killing "good" people.

I don't exactly know how I feel about the morality, I just find the twists the writers take fascinating. How they set up the "rules" for killing and social interaction. The voice over says he fakes all emotional contact, but it feels as though he may have more "true" emotions than even he realizes.

I'm a little squeamish about all the blood and the adult content doesn't stop with the violence. Lots of coarse language and naked breasts and backsides. Beware.

Coos Bay has seasons one and two, Bandon only has season one.

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0773262/

Look for additional information on this DVD from Amazon:
Dexter - The First Season
Dexter - The Complete Second Season

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Double Dog Day


This film depicts a nondescript girl preparing to set off a suicide bomb in the center of Times Square. Luisa Williams stars as she. Never named, never explained why she might wish to do this or who the people prepping her are. They also explain nothing of their agenda.

This profound topic might need an exploration similar to this, however, this has zero entertainment value. It went on too long and didn't make me wonder about the elements left in or left out. I wish to be moved. I like films that intrigue me. I expect that, in fact.

Bandon has the DVD.

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0499455/

Look up additioanl information from Amazon:
Day Night Day Night


This fictionalized assassination of George W. Bush kinda freaked me out. It strikes me as bordering on treasonous to propose and confusing of history. They mixed stock footage of Bush visiting Chicago with personal interviews with staff, security, cops and suspects. The documentary style made it seem real.

Even being a huge liberal, I felt uncomfortable watching it. I wondered if the filmmakers hoped that someone would do this. I didn't like that. I don't agree with his politics but I believe in our system and he IS the president.

Some of the topics of who the perpetrator ended up being I felt had some validity in how it was portrayed. But I sincerely wish they'd picked a fictional figure head to play out the fake story. In my mind, nothing could save the film from that flaw.

Badon aslo has this film.

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0853096/

Check out Amazon for information on this DVD:
Death of a President (Widescreen)

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

One Post Two Reviews

Due to my election fever I didn't get online until past midnight. I figured the post date would be Wednesday anyway so I waited till today. Tuesday's film will be watchable with a normal Wednesday soso. Enjoy!


Lovers Burt Lancaster and Yvonne De Carlo get together in a plot to kill her husband and run away together. It was nice seeing De Carlo without her Lily Munster makeup. I knew she was a studio starlet but I hadn't seen her in anything before.

As a plot, the story telegraphed the probable happenings. In thrillers, I prefer unexpected twists and turns.

Maybe you're not as picky as me. Check out the DVD from Bandon. Merely watchable.

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0041268/

Look at the reviews on Amazon:
Criss Cross (Universal Noir Collection)


OK, I'm only calling this less than stellar because the Coos Bay copy was poorly produced on DVD. There's a really neat version set to modern music put out several years ago. Forgive my poor skills at finding the information on that version through IMDB.

I also lowered my rating because it's very much over visual. Which is pretty much a DUH realization as it's a silent film. But there you have it.

In this future, humanity divided itself into two groups: thinkers and workers. These groups never mix until one man thinker falls for a woman worker. Those who wish to keep the two separate societies create a robot in the likeness of the girl and try and thwart the man's interest in the workers.

Much neato robot and other visual effects make the images really interesting. Though viewing them did leave me a bit confused.

Avoid the Coos Bay copy, but have a look at the North Bend DVD or Bandon's VHS copy.

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0017136/

I figured if you wanted to buy a version of this film, Pick a good copy. This Amazon page contains tons of interesting information:
Metropolis (Restored Authorized Edition)

Monday, November 3, 2008

Movie Review: Chaplin


Robert Downey Jr. leads the cast portraying the life of a man who dominated the silent film industry. It seems the universe hands out great sadness with great talent as we see Chaplin's life rocked by troubled marriages and scandals of many kinds.

Downey garnered himself Golden Globe and Oscar nominations for his characterizations. Possibly cementing himself as an outstanding go to actor despite his own personal demons.

Director Richard Attenborough, is credited with pulling amazing performances from the entire cast. Look for Anthony Hopkins, Dan Aykroyd and Kevin Kline.

Check Bandon for the DVD and North Bend and Coquille have VHS copies.

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0103939/

Buy the DVD from Amazon:
Chaplin (15th Anniversary Edition)

Friday, October 31, 2008

Movie Review: Das Boot


I've stated I cannot do subtitles. I'm told from several reliable sources this film totally rocks in German. So, should you be able to handle the subs (hah always intend the pun!) please start with the German version of this fine film.

During the waning years of World War II, a German submarine crew goes on their mission with a propaganda reporter aboard. The young raw crew struggle through their missions unsure of the reason for continuing the war. They grumble about the wisdom of orders that mean certain death, yet they get on with their job.

I cannot say I enjoy "war movies" terribly much. Yet this film depicted human beings dealing with a messed up bureaucratic war machine. I think everyone can relate to that. Yes, it's a bad idea to question orders in the field. I just wonder what would happen if more thoughtful people asked what the fighting is for?

Grab a copy of this Oscar winning DVD from Myrtle Point. Bandon, Coos Bay and North Bend have VHS copies.

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082096/

Pick up the DVD from Amazon:
Das Boot - The Director's Cut

Thursday, October 30, 2008

These Dogs Are Barkin !


Don Johnson chases murderers until he uncovers a white supremacist plot. I flipped through this story so I didn't pay attention to much of the details. I know Johnson gave it his all, but it didn't save the story.

Look for Tim Reid. I like him and think he makes better anything he's in.

Library: Bandon

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097166/

If you really want to see it, Amazon has the DVD:
Dead Bang


I liked how they showed this story from different points of view, but who needs the downer of it all. I hate how people protect the bad acting people in their life. In a way it's like other films where they tie disparate people who seem unconnected.

I'd prefer a more linear style with the different views. I get less confused and annoyed.

Library: Bandon, Coquille

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0783238/

If you really want to see it, Amazon has the DVD:
The Dead Girl


Robert Wagner and Kate Jackson star in this lame made for TV flick. An old Hollywood starlet haunts a house where the young couple stays to write her story. The vague references to a sorcerer who helped the actress defy death and stay beautiful forever.

Wagner becomes enamored of the mythical love story between his father and the woman. He pushes his wife away and has visions of the woman. Lots of stormy scenes. Avoid this crap.

Library:Bandon

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0074384/

If you really want to see it, Amazon has the DVD:
Death at Love House


Charles Bronson's character Paul Kersey just shouldn't hook up with women. They always end up attacked and dead. Maybe HE is the one with the death wish?

Typical vigilante one dimensional characterizations for these films. Yawn. It would be nice to see something with some depth.

Library: Bandon

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109578/

If you really want to see it, Amazon has the DVD:
Death Wish V - The Face of Death

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Soso Seconds, Two reviews.


Inhabitants of a small Kansas town cope with life after nuclear war devastates their community. Jason Robards stars as a local doctor. He helps as best he can, but there's little he can do.

I chose not to watch this again. I saw it years ago and it's quite graphic and depressing. Yeah, that's the point. I don't consider that as the reason for calling it merely adequate. I want things I watch to enlighten me in some measure. I'm pretty sure I knew even before this film that war devastates real people.

Look in Bandon or Coos Bay for the DVD

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085404/

Buy the DVD from Amazon:
The Day After



Dennis Quaid stars as a climate scientist who warns of an imminent weather catastrophe. This absurd film features water filling up and instantly freezing New York City. They so lost me with their action adventure special effects drivel that the only reason this isn't a dog is because the actors didn't play it campy.

It's OK as an adventure, but don't try to apply any logic to the ideas. The importance of paying attention to our planet gets so lost in this film. Thousands if not millions of people die and what are we all supposed to do? Clap at the end? Not me.

I got the library to work for this one. Bandon, North Bend, Myrtle Point, Dora and Coquille have copies of the DVD.

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0319262/

Buy the DVD from Amazon:
The Day After Tomorrow (Widescreen Edition)

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Movie Review: Crime Broker


Jacqueline Bisset plays a no nonsense magistrate who arranges thefts in her spare time. She contracts with criminals who perform the acts she carefully plans. Her bad guys don't always follow her instructions to the letter and this makes a mess for her to try and clean up.

A Japanese policeman, Masaya Kato, finds her out and blackmails her into taking on a big score. He kills the guys she was working with and arranges that she'll be blamed for the murders.

Made for TV in Australia, it held my attention throughout. I liked it much better than some of the American made crime dramas. Bored smart people strike me as really dangerous. It went directions I didn't expect and kept me watching.

Make a nice batch of popcorn and invite some friends over. Look in Bandon's collection for this DVD.

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106622/

Buy the DVD from Amazon:
Crime Broker

Monday, October 27, 2008

Movie Review: A Day Without a Mexican


This film explores what it would be like without any Mexicans in California. It's fake documentary style mixed with regular drama. The political message amused my liberal sensibilities.

I've heard people gripe about "multi-culturalism" like it's a dirty concept. Honestly, I love different people with different ways. If for for the food alone, I'd be a fan. But there's so much more. Country music came over as a blend from Africa and Ireland. Which strikes me as funny as many southern state American's consider it unique to this country.

The story revolves around a few stories where Mexicans become essential and when they don't show up for work, people stress. Crops don't get picked, children are left unattended and construction stops.

Check out the DVD from Coquille. Gather some friends around, watch and have a discussion.

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0377744/


Buy this DVD from Amazon:
A Day Without a Mexican

Friday, October 24, 2008

Documentary Review: A Decade Under the Influence


This series of programs speaks with actors, directors and producers on the topic of film in the 1970s. It's really neat seeing all these people talk about how the end of the Hollywood studio system changed every aspect of film making.

I really liked what Ellen Burstyn said about the roles for women. She didn't want to portray common place rules. She wanted to take chances and do something beyond the mother, the whore or the wife.

The decade became a crossroads. Directors like Peter Bogdanovich explored sexuality and Robert Altman used his new freedoms to make a movie of the insanity of war.

This decade also explored the black experience with acting by Pam Grier and commentary on films like Shaft. In addition to the Italian American stories related to the mafia as told through Francis Ford Coppola's Godfather series.

Gather some adult friends and have a look at this interesting documentary. Bandon and North Bend both have copies of the DVD.

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0342275/

Check out Amazon for this fine DVD:
A Decade Under the Influence

p.s. I started watching the second season of Deadwood and I must reiterate my love for the program. The script while for ADULTS ONLY has poetic language when you get past the profanity. So much of the incidental conversations just ring of Shakespeare. Please grab the program at your first chance.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Double Dog Day!


Wow, I didn't realize this Kevin Bacon was so new. Man, this violent dog of a flick left me wondering what I am doing watching almost all the library films. Bacon plays a family man with a great job and two active teenage sons.

A bunch of hoodlums kill his older son in front of him and dad goes on a revenge spree. The baddies fight back and go after his wife and other son. I don't think the world works the way this 2007 film portrays. I don't think cops are quite so hostile to crime victims and quite so forgiving when they go on killing sprees.

I wonder what some films want us to think about the world. I realize Coos Bay is far away from the "big city," but it's just not as scary out there as some want you to think. Turn away from these scare tactics.

I have NO IDEA why the system has two copies. Dora and Bandon both have copies of the DVD.

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0804461/

If you really want, Amazon has this on DVD:
Death Sentence (Unrated Edition)


Enjoying seeing her on Dancing with the Stars? Have a look at a young Cloris Leachman. She plays a fact checking housewife who gets picked for a jury. She finds herself suspecting her husband killed the woman. Nick Nolte plays the man charged, the husband of the murdered woman.

This made for TV film just doesn't raise to the level of good entertainment. We see her husband kill the woman in the beginning. So when she starts to suspect, we don't care. Maybe the style of the day exposed everything then let us guess how it would work out. This ain't Columbo.

Bandon and Coquille have copies of this one.

IMDB
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0071400/

Check out Amazon for the DVD:
Death Sentence