Saturday, October 31, 2009

Powers Gem List

My husband and I have a fondness for this library though we've only been in it once and it wasn't to check out books or DVDs. When we called around to be married the only person available on short notice was a municipal judge for Powers. Our plan was to just stand outside and do the ceremenoy, but I had a bad head cold that day and rather than bugging the person with the key to the courthouse we all went into the library.

My husband and I met in a science fiction themed chat room in the mid 90s so appropriately we took our vows in that section. Though that was mere happenstance.

Enjoy these handful of Gems.

The Bucket List Dying old men explore the world together.

Collateral Strange twists and turns with a cabby and criminal battling each other.

Definitely, Maybe Sweet romantic comedy.

Enter the Lone Ranger The first few episodes of the original black and white film serials.

Eragon Family friendly fantasy.

Juno Pregnant teen sorts out her quirky life.

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Cute teen girl flick about a pair of magical pants that fits all four girls.

Spanglish Though Adam Sandler and Téa Leoni get top billing the story is truly stars Paz Vega.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Dog Thursday


This felt like a lame and slow Jane Austin novel. Some relatives of an American family arrive and insinuate themselves into the local society. We're never sure if they are conning the family or if they're real. I had to catch myself before I nodded off. Leave it on the library shelf.

Library: Bandon & Powers.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0079123/

Amazon: The Europeans (The Merchant Ivory Collection)


Completely forgettable Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman stinker had them feigning Irish accents. Ron Howard directed this who cares epic about a couple moving to America and trying to start a new life. Yawn.

Library: VHS; Dora & Powers. DVD; Bandon, Dora & Myrtle Point.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0104231/

Amazon: Far and Away


This tale of a family filled with drama lost me from the start. The poor translations and sound dubbing distracted, but I don't understand why it's titled for the children, or who's point of view I'm supposed to focus on.

Famed director Ingmar Bergman made this toward the end of his life. For huge fans of foreign language and or the director, view it in the original language and leave a comment. I'd like to understand what all the praise is about.

Library: Bandon & North Bend.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0083922/

Amazon: Fanny and Alexander (The Theatrical Version) - Criterion Collection

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Watchable Wednesday


This futuristic tale of a company that enslaves people without them realizing they're enslaved. They sign contracts to give up their bodies for a period of years. Their minds are supposedly stored inside a computer hard drive like device.

Creator Joss Whedon likes to use actors and actresses from his previous series. Eliza Dushku stars as Echo, the most popular "doll." She worked for him in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" and "Angel" vampire themed series.

The series still runs on Fox, but I suspect it's struggling with the final episode on the DVD appearing a series closer. I doubt it aired. The stories feed into conspiracy and serialized plot lines that pique our interest, but ultimately let us down when they end rather conventionally. Watchable none the less.

Library: North Bend.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1135300/

Amazon: Dollhouse: Season One


The library has several seasons of this award winning series about a Cook County Emergency Room. For a few years the plots and trauma tended a bit on the unusual side and held my interest.

George Clooney honed his acting skills, Noah Wyle and Julianna Margulies started their carreers and many of us grew very fond of Anthony Edwards character Dr. Mark Greene. I started losing interest in the show when they started torturing the poor doctors. From HIV to brain tumors and beyond, it got rediculous.

Then they changed staff and started all over again with a new batch to torture.
Anthony Edwards played a doctor everyone loved to hate, adorable Goran Visnjic used his tall, dark, handsome and foreign wiles to make the nurses swoon and Maura Tierney went from beloved nurse to doctor.

With 15 seasons, I'm leaving out many people. Look over the IMDB for your favorites and feel free to leave a comment. The library appears to only have the first few seasons.

Library: Coquille & North Bend.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108757/

Amazon: ER - The Complete First Season
ER - The Complete Second Season
ER - The Complete Third Season


David Schwimmer plays an alcoholic divorced father just tries to keep his life together. Normally I don't like watching people who drink, but this guy does try and make his life work. Janeane Garofalo shows up as his ex-wife.

It's not for everyone, it's quite dark but well acted by all those involved. It felt "real" to me and the attempt at sorting out life and just failing miserably left me feeling so sorry for this guy.

Library: Bandon.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0398982/

Amazon: Duane Hopwood


Eric Leiser creates a series of image filled films that mesmerize and enchant. Though I have no idea what was going on, the sounds and images just look neat. Not something to gather all your buddies around to watch, but quite interesting to see once.

Library: Bandon.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0829159/

Amazon: Eclectic Shorts by Eric Leiser

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Documentary Soso List


Dudley Moore voices the narration on this quite boring comparison to farm animals and their free living cousins. The producers think that lots of flashing from topic to topic will hold the interest of modern children. I think they totally miss how amazing the world really is. This video IS for kids, they might find some of it interesting.

Library: VHS; Coquille. DVD; Bandon.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0482421/

Amazon: National Geographic Really Wild Animals Farmyard Friends

Eyewitness Ocean

This DVD explores the myths and legends related to the oceans. Quite boring and forgettable. I couldn't find additional information on the Internet Movie Database. I even looked under narrator Martin Sheen, no luck. Use the Amazon link to find out more.

Library: Myrtle Point & North Bend.

IMDB: NO INFO

Amazon: Eyewitness: Ocean


Gene Wilder narrates this film all about the Chicago Worlds Fair of 1893. Truly fascinating subject, but I felt told very badly. I understand very little survived from the amazing event, but the focus jumped all over the place. I didn't like the stock current shots juxtaposed with drawings and sparse photography.

It went on much too long. If you're in the library, pick up a book on the topic. Then you can just scan through the interesting bits without having to sit through this dull bit of fluff.

Library: Bandon & North Bend.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0455940/

Amazon: EXPO - Magic of the White City DVD


This film tells the story of explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton who tries to be the first to cross the Antarctic continent. He and his crew of 27 fail miserably, but remarkably they all survive. Interesting video and photography and an intriguing tale, just again, told badly.

I find it truly surprising that these people didn't die from the poor planning and lack of leadership. Pick up a book on the topic, why waste a couple of hours on a film?

Library: Bandon

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0264578/

Amazon: The Endurance - Shackleton's Legendary Antarctic Expedition

Monday, October 26, 2009

Repost of Old Gem: The Closer


Today I'm doing a bit of a recap on this series. I noticed two more seasons came up on the list and wanted to alert you to their availability. I like that in seasons three and four the main character, Deputy Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson, begins to mature. She starts to stand up for herself with her overbearing father and becomes engaged to her long time boyfriend.

Lots of times series fail to let characters have a real life fearing that it will interfere with the story telling. I think it enhances things to make things more "normal." I am adding links to the old message found by clicking the title at the top of the page. Happy watching!

Friday, October 23, 2009

Myrtle Point Gem List

Enjoy these 25 great films from Myrtle Point. Remember, it's easy to place a hold on films either in person or from the library website. Log on to: Coos County Library System and search for any one of these charmers.

About a Boy Sweet story about a grown up boy who meets a boy who's grown up too fast.

Amazing Adventure A spoiled rich man makes a bet with his doctor to live in poverty an entire year. Early Cary Grant SWOON!

The Apartment A young hard working office executive wanna-be trades evenings at his apartment for the hope of work advancement. Won the Oscar for Best Picture and should have won Best Actor Jack Lemmon and Best Actress Shirley MacLaine.

Attack of the Killer Tomatoes Silly cult classic that's so bad it's funny.

Because of Winn-Dixie Family friendly dog tale about an uprooted little girl and the dog she befriends.

Broken Trail Nice un-western western with Robert Duvall and Thomas Haden Church.

The Bucket List Dying old men explore the world together.

Capote Another bio pic this time of the author interviewed the killers for his book, In Cold Blood.

Chisum Rugged western starring John Wayne as a rancher who runs a vast New Mexico spread where he raises cattle. He protects himself and other ranchers from rustlers and tries to keep the land accessible to other less fortunate cattlemen.

Das Boot Gripping tale of a u-boat and its crew in the waning years of World War II.

A Day at the Races Marx Brothers mayhem. Family funny.

Doctor Who Twenty-first century version of the long running British TV program.

Dreamgirls Fictionalized account of the rise of a girl group from Motown.

Duma Delightful family friendly story of a boy and his pet cheetah.

Ever After Spunky Cinderella story starring Drew Barrymore.

Juno Pregnant teen sorts out her quirky life.

Last King of Scotland Scary bio pic of the life of Ugandan leader Idi Amin.

Little Miss Sunshine Very much an adult film, despite the name and the outstanding kid actress. I laughed until tears poured down my face.

Pan's Labyrinth Spanish language fantasy.

Serenity Movie finale to the science fiction series Firefly about a ship full of ragamuffins.

Sicko Michael Moore documentary about health care. Interesting no matter what side you find yourself on.

South Park, Bigger, Longer & Uncut Very ADULT animated long version of the Comedy Central series about four fourth grade boys. Lots of humor they couldn't put in the TV series.

Spanglish Though Adam Sandler and Téa Leoni get top billing the story is truly stars Paz Vega.

Stardust Fallen celestial fantasy.

The World's Fastest Indian Outstanding film about one man's perseverance.

Thursday, October 22, 2009


So bad I chose not to watch more than the first five minutes. Send a comment if you want to write a review. I can't believe I checked it out twice. If I reviewed this before, I can't find it on the site. Look for Lorenzo Lamas if you want to see it.

Library: Bandon

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0367136/

Amazon: 13 Dead Men


I can't believe this badly made flick has more than one copy at the library. I've made no bones about disliking cheaters and mobsters and here we have both. This character works for the mob when he wants, but he's always up in people's face about what's right and it's no surprise he hardly gets anywhere in the organization. He cheats on his girl too.

This features very early Joe Pesci work and I figure someone thought he was worth watching. The main character collects debts for his mobster overlords, but we're not sure why they put up with his attitude. Avoid.

Library: Bandon & Coos Bay (maybe)

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0072855/

Amazon: Family Enforcer


Chalk this one up as a badly titled film. The quake had little do do with the plot, I guess they just wanted to capitalize on the idea. An undercover cop, Traci Lords, gets pulled off an assignment to transport a mobster and finds out she's being set up.

Lots of explosions and special effects wasted on this crappy plot. Lords can do a good job, but they didn't give her anything decent to say.

Library: Bandon

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0233656/

Amazon: Epicenter

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Watchable Review: 8MM


Glorified violence turns my stomach. This film explores that kind of exploitation with its own brutality, but I believe to the purpose of good. I don't want to see this ever again, yet the compelling well acted story kept me at the edge of my seat.

A wealthy widow finds a pornographic film depicting the brutal death of a young woman. She assigns an investigator to discreetly research the film and he goes on a dance with the devils involved.

Nicolas Cage broadens his acting range in this role as vengeful protector of the innocent voiceless murdered girl. We see opportunistic porn producers glorify the worst deviant human behavior as Cage struggles to keep himself on the trail.

He meets up with a decent but slightly twisted young man, Joaquin Phoenix, who helps him explore the underbelly of the pornography world. I believe there are people that use the young and vulnerable without regard to their welfare, but thankfully I don't think there are very many who go this far. At least I don't want to know if this world exists as portrayed.

Myrtle Point has the DVD and look for VHS copies in Coquille and Powers.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0134273/

Amazon: 8MM

Agatha Christie Soso List


They told this dramatic semi-bio pic in the style of one of her mysteries and while that might have worked with a better script and director, this fell on its face. Flashing forward and backward in time leaves one with a sense of disorientation that could entertain if there were some purpose to it. Here it only leaves the viewer confused.

Christie herself creates a media frenzy after she disappears and claims amnesia. The filmmakers seem to imply a true breakdown and there were lots of reasons that might be true, but it could just as easily have been a publicity stunt.

I'm sure fans of the author would enjoy this snippet of her character, but the casual viewer might find it a bit convoluted and dull. I felt they revealed nothing of her character in later life and I don't know why they even included that. Plus her whole second marriage story seemed a rushed afterthought.

Hmm, the library website tells me the film with this title has only a VHS copy in Bandon, but I know it's DVD format.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0426394/

Amazon: Agatha Christie - A Life in Pictures

Agatha Christie Marple series 2
BBC Series

These films all rate about the same, I felt high end of Soso or a little better for a true fan. Geraldine McEwan plays a sweet dotery Miss Marple in each episode. Perhaps the complicated plots that detract from my enjoyment may just be the nature of Agatha Christie's original stories. These play frequently on PBS so you may not need to go to the library to see them. Look for the collection at the Myrtle Point branch. I will not review any further DVDs in this series. I find they all run about the same level of quality. Find an Amazon link at the bottom of the post.


Marple: Sleeping Murder

Energetic young Gwenda Halliday finds a house she wants to live in after she marries only to discover a vision of murder in her hallway. After Miss Marple is brought in to investigate they find this isn't Gwenda's first stay in the house.

Her father died along the cliffs there just after his wife to be leaves him. Plots and sub plots lead to finding the fiance murdered along with a maid asked to recount her recollections. Suspects include the comedy troop the wife to be worked in before meeting her man, the man himself and her older brother.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0472135/


Tuppence Beresford and Miss Jane Marple set out to investigate the disappearance a guest at a retirement home after Beresford aunt dies suddenly. They have a strange painting and set out to find the house depicted in it's design.

A false trail of witches distract the pair from finding the old woman and the cottage. But eventually the sleuths ferret out the truth about the murder of the aunt and a village child.

IMDB; http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0489227/


Poison pen letters drive an acquaintance of Miss Jane Marple's to suicide and while she's there for the funeral others die as a result of the accusatory letters. Brother and sister Jerry and Joanna Burton help sleuth out the suspects from the village elite.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0479955/


I didn't expect Timothy Dalton to show up in a BBC mystery series and his ward looks a lot like the blond Bond guy, but it's not him. He plays a possible future prime minister candidate who gets murdered at a snow bound hotel near his home.

We learn all about his sordid past and all the people who want him dead. It seems when people die in these series they deserve it. Boy did this guy. He murdered an archaeologist years before and stole riches from a tomb in Egypt.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0491050/

Amazon: Agatha Christie's Marple: Series 2

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Blog Blues

Well, not really. I live a pretty positive happy life and I keep the blues away on purpose. I spent a lot of my life being unhappy and now I just refuse to be that way without a darn good reason.

I've been reading a book on marketing and the writer, Seth Godin, talks about doing something "remarkable" so that your customers tell their friends about what your business is doing. I thought, I'm not remarkable. Well, *I* am, but the blog isn't. That's OK, honest. I just thought, hmm what can I do to change that. How could I possibly make writing this thing something you want to tell your friends to read.

Tons of folks write reviews. I thought maybe it would be a fun niche to focus on the library. I STILL love it, suprising considering I tend to be flakey and quit doing things after a while.

It's still just so much fun popping a film in and finding something different and going WOW. So I keep getting the DVDs and keep picking through the dogs in order to celebrate the gems.

I plan to stretching myself to write more remarkable posts. I realized that I can do that with bad as well as good ones. Ok, so now I have a solid beat the blog blues plan. Feel free to comment on posts. I want to hear from you.

I'll try and hit a double post tomorrow. I just wanted to share something different today.

Monday, October 19, 2009

Good Review: Fallen Angel


I find it rare to see a story told out of order work so well. This BBC mini series tells the tale in three distinct parts, starting with the most recent events and going to the oldest.

We see the life of a young woman unravel to the point where she kidnaps a little girl, but her motives stem from her own childhood resentments. As the tale goes on, we see more how the older members of her family failed to get her the mental help she needed.

Emilia Fox plays the title role as Rosie 'Angel' Byfield. She manipulates a pedophile into helping her kidnap little girls and finally plots to take the daughter of her rival. In the second episode, we see her as a young woman struggling with a new stepmother and a mysterious drug using boyfriend. Finally, we see her childhood where her mother kills herself after being suspected of stabbing senile grandpa.

We need all three episodes for a complete picture of who this girl becomes. Each tale shines a light on a different corner of her mind, but leaves enough up in the air to draw us to the next part. It explores side plots of working mothers, relationship dynamics and faith without ever pushing any topic in your face.

Check out this intriguing drama from Coquille.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0939235/

Buy it from Amazon: Fallen Angel

Friday, October 16, 2009

Bandon Gem List

Bandon has the most DVD Gems by far with 65. As with all my posts I encourage you to post any comments good or bad. Also, I have only you to help me catch errors I've made, so feel free to bring those to my attention too. Enjoy!

10 Items or Less Fictional story about an actor researching a role at a convenience
store. Morgan Freeman and Paz Vega star.

13 Rue Madeleine Very entertaining Word War II spy story.

3:10 to Yuma Old west sheriff tries to take a bad guy to the train. Very well acted.

1000 Journals Documentary about an intriguing worldwide art project.

About a Boy Sweet story about a grown up boy who meets a boy who's grown up too fast.

Aeon Flux Charlize Theron stars in this weird mix between the Matrix and the Sixth Day. It surpassed both in story quality, acting and look.

Airplane! Spoof on flying related disaster films from the 60s and 70s.

All the Kings Men Fictionalized account of legendary politician Huey Long's life, Sean Penn transforms himself from a humble mayor into a man of the people.

The American President Andrew Shepherd lost his wife before his first election and now during his second, he meets a lovely lobbyist. Their relationship causes him some political trouble. Funny and touching.

American Splendor Odd character, Harvey Pekar, bumbles along in his real life and creates a popular comic book.

Baadasssss! True story of filmmaker Melvin Van Peeble self promoted and distributed film about life in the African-American community.

Babe Sweet tale of a sheep herding pig and the farmer who believes in him.

Bagdad Cafe Quirky story of strange goings on at a California desert truck stop.

Beautiful Thing and Better Than Chocolate Two separate sweet stories of gay romance.

Blue Collar Comedy Tour I don't care where yall be from these guys is FUNNY. (Bad English intentional. )

Blue Vinyl Environmental concerns over PVC drive a daughter to replace her parent's siding.

Broken Trail Nice un-western western with Robert Duvall and Thomas Haden Church.

The Bucket List Dying old men explore the world together.

Bullitt Old school cop thriller staring Steve McQueen.

Capote Another bio pic this time of the author interviewed the killers for his book, In Cold Blood.

Chestnut: Hero of Central Park Sweet family friendly tale of two little orphan girl's love for their found dog.

Chocolate Rather strange woman opens a sweets shop in a small French town. She has a sixth sense about people and their favorite tastes.

Chuck Jones: Extremes & In-betweens, a Life in Animation Lovely documentary of the legendary animator.

The Closer Cable series about a lady cop who manipulates defendants to confess.

Code 46 Weird controlled future where travel restrictions prevent people from going wherever they want. Tim Robbins falls for the wrong girl and pays the price.

Collateral Strange twists and turns with a cabby and criminal battling each other.

The Color Purple Amazing family drama, adult themes.

The Commitments An Irish lad forms a rock band and they hit it big until the inevitable infighting breaks them apart.

Dave Comedy about the president of the United States getting replaced with an impersonator. Kevin Kline and Sigourney Weaver star.

Deadwood Western series, adult only, season one and two.

A Decade Under the Influence This series of programs speaks with actors, directors and producers on the topic of film in the 1970s.

Definitely, Maybe Sweet romantic comedy.

Dexter Creepy serial killer of serial killers, very adult themes.

The Dick Van Dyke Show Black and white, comedy writing dad situation comedy from
the 60's.

Dirty Pretty Things This outstanding UK drama tells the story of the lengths immigrants go to in order to survive.

D.L. Hughley Unapologetic Showtime comedy special.

Doctor Who Twenty-first century version of the long running British TV program.

Dreamgirls Fictionalized account of the rise of a girl group from Motown.

Dumbo! Disney classic animated children's film about a flying elephant.

Eagle vs Shark Quirky romantic comedy about a outcasts who find each other.

Eagles: Hell Freezes Over The classic rock band reunites after decades apart.

Eddie Izzard: Circle Cross dressing comic stands up for his views of the world.

The Emperor's New Clothes Napoleon tries to regain is throne and finds joy in the simpler things in life.

Enter the Lone Ranger The first few episodes of the original black and white film serials.

Eragon Family friendly fantasy.

Fail-safe Compelling and well acted 60s era nuclear war drama.

The Fifth Element Futuristic stunning romantic "dramedy" staring Bruce Willis as a former military cab driving maniac who's enlisted to save the world. A pretty girl falls into his cab and he falls for her doe eyed good looks.

Forbidden Planet Mad scientist, Walter Pidgeon, and his daughter live alone on an amazing alien planet until Leslie Nielsen flies down in his space ship to check out the place. Scary monsters and robots make for interesting interactions.

Frank Capra's It's a Wonderful Life George Baily finds out he's worthwhile after all. Holiday Classic.

Galaxy Quest Mmm spacey. A group of science fiction actors get caught up in a real live space opera. Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver and Alan Rickman star.

The Incredibles A family of animated super heroes fight an evil genius. Suitable for the entire brood.

Juno Pregnant teen sorts out her quirky life.

Last King of Scotland Scary bio pic of the life of Ugandan leader Idi Amin.

Little Miss Sunshine Very much an adult film, despite the name and the outstanding kid actress. I laughed until tears poured down my face.

My Fellow Americans Two former presidents uncover a plot to kill them and they go on the run. Preposterously funny.

O Brother, Where Art Thou? Based on Homer's epic poem the Odyssey, directors Joel Coen and his brother Ethan Coen, send us on a wild tale set in the depression era.

Pan's Labyrinth Spanish language fantasy.

Plesantville A teen boy and his sister get drawn into a 50s era TV show and learn the value of color and genuine passion.

Sicko Michael Moore documentary about health care. Interesting no matter what side you find yourself on.

South Park, Bigger, Longer & Uncut Very ADULT animated long version of the Comedy Central series about four fourth grade boys. Lots of humor they couldn't put in the TV series.

Spanglish Though Adam Sandler and Téa Leoni get top billing the story is truly stars Paz Vega.

Stardust Fallen celestial fantasy.

The Visitor Love a great character driven drama? This is for you.

Working Girl Secretary makes a big business deal while her boss is away. Melanie Griffith and Harrison Ford star.

The World's Fastest Indian Outstanding film about one man's perseverance.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Dog Review: The Dark Knight


Yep, this is me calling Batman a dog. Yep, I know Heath Ledger won the Oscar for his performance. I think it's just guilt for overlooking him for Brokeback Mountain. I liked Christian Bale in many things before, but he just got over dark and broody in this film.

Here's what I miss: a plot with a purpose. If you are just a bad man like say The Joker, you have to have some motivation for being so violent. I need to see some childhood trauma, some industrial accident or just some therapy session gone terribly wrong.

OK, I'm not dumb, I get that this is a comic book film. I just expect a LITTLE depth. Why protect people if you do it in ways that risks them as much as the bad guys?

It looks like every branch except Lakeside has a copy. Look for the DVD in Bandon, Coos bay, Coquille, Dora, Myrtle Point, North Bend, Powers and SWOCC.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0468569/

Amazon: The Dark Knight (Widescreen Single-Disc Edition)

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Funny Watchables.


Someone steals the Miami Dolphin's mascot and they hire the title character to find the animal. Jim Carrey slides on the scene with his hilarity and investigates what happens.

To call this character and film weird would be an understatement. Toilet humor and making funny faces tend to be Carrey's stock and trade so to expect anything less would be to be in denial about him as an actor. Still, it has a lot of laughs and twists you wont expect.

Library: VHS; Coquille & Powers. DVD; Coos Bay.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0109040/

Amazon: Ace Ventura: Pet Detective


Steve Carell and Anne Hathaway charm as Control agents 86 and 99 in this remake of the classic TV show. It worked even if you either didn't see or weren't a big fan of the original series.

They took an approach of paying homage to the original while making a serious plot film with funny circumstances and dialog. The bits made sense and weren't just shoved in to be funny.

Fans will love the cameo with Bernie Kopell who played Siegfried a KAOS agent on the original series. Watch Careful for his appearance, it comes and goes quick.

Library: Bandon, Coos Bay, Dora & North Bend.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0425061/

Amazon: Get Smart (Single-Disc Widescreen Edition)



I like her comedy style, just with this one, I felt it was everything I've heard her do before. If you're a fan and don't mind seeing the jokes she did on Carson or Letterman again, grab it and enjoy. It's good, I just want something new and fresh.

Library: Bandon & North Bend

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0365156/

Amazon: Ellen DeGeneres - Here and Now

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Soso Tuesday


This HBO series form the mid 80s shows us the story of the California Bulls, a fictitious football team owned by Delta Burke. The male owners try and dominate and manipulate her into doing their dirty work like getting the players to agree to random drug testing.

Generally the plot involves contrasts between players misbehaving in goodhearted fun or vicious abusive team destroying ways. Very little gave me any insight into behind the scenes. It attempted a "dramedy" air and didn't quite pull it off.

I laughed some and almost put this in a higher category. At the same time, other scenes just made me cringe. The first season (which I happened to watch second) had some female frontal nakedness and just seemed exploitative. The second season featured O.J. Simpson. Kind of sad that his was one of the better acting jobs.

I only watched the first disk of the three available. If you have seen the other seasons, please comment and let me know what you thought.

Library: Bandon.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086660/

Amazon: 1st and Ten - Complete Collection


Disgruntled football star Jeff Bridges gets involved in a scheme to find the girlfriend of his mobster buddy James Woods. We're not exactly sure why Bridges gets sent or why the girl and he get together but they do.

Rachel Ward plays the daughter of a wealthy woman real estate developer. Bribery, intrigue and murder follow. My beef comes from not having any heroes. It seems everyone craps on everyone else. Powerful people bribe politicos, mobsters manipulate their "friends" with blackmail and women betray their lovers.

I'd just take a pass and find something else to watch. Try The Last Boy Scout with Bruce Willis. Much better film and has a similar feel.

Library: VHS; Bandon. DVD; Bandon & North Bend.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086859/

Amazon: Against All Odds (Special Edition)

Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls - I just found out this is no longer available in DVD format so I'm going to not review it.

Monday, October 12, 2009

Good Review:


Normally, I leave off the how to DVDs, but I wasn't sure what this film was about so I selected and THEN found out it was Jacques Pepin. He's a funny very French chef that's been around cooking shows for ages.

He's friendly and encourages us to try new and interesting dishes. Though I haven't tried any of the dishes from this program, I did try once to make stuffed chicken breast with plum sauce. I could have done better, but no one got sick. Yay me.

North Bend and SWOCC have copies of what might be the same program, but they have different data so I can't tell for sure. Then there's a book that would probably be the most helpful for cooking. Pick that up from Bandon

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0475912/

Buy this fine cooking DVD from Amazon: Jacques Pepin Fast Food My Way

Friday, October 9, 2009

Coquille Gem List

Last week I did a single film review. This week I've gone back to the lists of great films from a particular branch. I hope you will enjoy these 11 films as much as I did.

About a Boy Sweet story about a grown up boy who meets a boy who's grown up too fast.

Because of Winn-Dixie Family friendly dog tale about an uprooted little girl and the dog she befriends.

The Closer Cable series about a lady cop who manipulates defendants to confess.

Dreamgirls Fictionalized account of the rise of a girl group from Motown.

Enter the Lone Ranger The first few episodes of the original black and white film serials.

Eragon Family friendly fantasy.

The Incredibles A family of animated super heroes fight an evil genius. Suitable for the entire brood.

The Razor's Edge VHS ONLY. A tale of a man trying to find himself after he experiences World War I as an ambulance driver.

Serenity Movie finale to the science fiction series Firefly about a ship full of ragamuffins.

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants Cute teen girl flick about a pair of magical pants that fits all four girls.

The Visitor Love a great character driven drama? This is for you.

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Thursday Dog Pile

Because I missed last week's Dog post I am tacking on a couple extras. You will NOT enjoy these films.


I know I've seen this film before, but I haven't review it and I don't know why not. A drunk starts to talk to a preacher who tells him that God will make everything better. Terrible production values mixed with stupid plot just made this confusing and AWFUL.

Library: Bandon.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0235166/

Amazon: Against All Hope


Good people don't always make a good film. This follows the lives of a bunch of degenerate gamblers and how they get themselves in over their heads. Lots of death and mayhem.

Here's a part list of who's in it: Danny DeVito, Forest Whitaker, Kim Basinger, Kelsey Grammer and Ray Liotta. Some of them use their talents well in this film, but they couldn't begin to make it entertaining. If you want to see something interesting about gambling, watch The Cooler.

Library: Bandon

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0404163/

Amazon: Even Money : Widescreen Edition


I've seen better acting in a high school play. Just don't even bother. This is what the library entry says: Two reporters from a college newspaper track down a forgotten California town, only to find it inhabited by murderous zombies. Maybe I need to invent a "Dead Dog" category just for crap like this.

Library: Bandon.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0400329/

Amazon: Evil's City


I cannot begin to tell you how deeply this film offended me. Matt Dillon plays a man who supposedly wants to write, but along the way he screws over employers, women and friends. He drinks and gambles too much and hits his degenerate drunk girlfriend. Marisa Tomei needs to find another decent part someday. AVOID.

Library: Bandon.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0417658/

Amazon: Factotum


Memo: if they say "that was impossible," after a big stunt, turn off the film. Cindy Crawford and William Baldwin star in this clunker about a Russian mobster trying to kill a pretty lawyer. She stumbled upon the existence of an asset for a client, a boat the mafia guy was using to make a heist, and nearly dies for her efficiency.

Baldwin plays a cop who tries to protect her. Look for a cameo of Salma Hayek as his hot tempered Latina girlfriend. Or better yet, don't. Even the stunts don't save this poorly written and acted mess.

Library: Bandon & Coos Bay.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0113010/

Amazon: Fair Game


Michael Douglas can act and he does convince me he's this guy, but I just couldn't grasp the point of the film. We're really not given an idea of what his stress points are that make him so crazy as to go on a rampage after being stuck in traffic. It just seemed all random and erratic. I want a setup and then an evaluation by a cop or counselor or someone.

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

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106856/

Amazon: Falling Down

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Watchable Wednesday


Fred MacMurray stars in this silly tale of an inventor who creates some amazing rubber like substance that bounces super high. He coats the basketball team's sneakers and they begin winning.

In typical Disney form, a corrupt business man tries to steal the formula. This is a nice family friendly film from 1961. It's in black and white, but your kids will still like it.

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

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0054594/

Amazon: The Absent-Minded Professor (Widescreen Edition)


Dan Aykroyd and Tom Hanks pay homage to the classic TV series with this madcap comedy film. A straight laced detective, Sgt. Joe Friday, tries to break up a mysterious cult looking for a virgin to sacrifice.

He and his scroungy partner find the girl, but the cult captures her. Sure they took a drama and made a comedy out of it, but that's alright. No one is really as stuff as the original Joe Friday.

The library system has several copies of the original series. They're quite watchable too. Look for the film at the branch below.

Library: Bandon

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092925/

Amazon: Dragnet


Not really a huge Will Ferrell fan, but I LOVE Bob Newhart. Buddy finds out he's not a true elf and he goes to find his real father. How far wrong can you go watching Ferrell sit on Newhart's lap.

In general the cast just makes for a laugh party. Look for Edward Asner as Santa and James Caan, Mary Steenburgen and Zooey Deschanel will charm you with their comedy antics.

Library: VHS; Powers. DVD; Bandon, Dora & North Bend

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0319343/

Amazon: Elf : Widescreen Edition


Quite an entertaining pun filled romp about a pair of kindly exterminators who take all the animals and put them on the farm of their lady friend. One of them pair gets exposed to a Were-rabbit (like a were-wolf only in bunny form.) He then goes around terrorizing the town until his partner figures out it's him.

It might take a couple of watches to catch all the pun goodness. Many of them go by so fast. Husband Murry liked it more than I did, but I laughed enough to give this the watchable rank.

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

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0312004/

Amazon:Wallace & Gromit - The Curse of the Were-Rabbit (Widescreen Edition)

Tuesday, October 6, 2009


This film depicts a more accurate and less mystical version of Spartan King Leonidas efforts to fight off a Persian invasion of thousands with just 300 of his own men. He did have some untrained fighters from other Greek states, but they were quite ineffective.

Made in 1962, this film looked old and worn. it lacked as much entertainment value as 300, but told the tale well enough. I think a good documentary with reenactments would be better.

Library: Bandon

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0055719/

Amazon: The 300 Spartans


This 70s era comedy depicts a male dominated newsroom where a fresh faced new gal comes on the scene threatening the lead anchorman. Will Ferrell and Christina Applegate star.

Yes, there are laughs here and I'm sure fans of Farrell will love it, but I don't like when films just think stupid equals funny. Seems lazy and boring to me. Oh and not suitable for younger viewers.

Library: Bandon & North Bend

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0357413/

Amazon: Anchorman - The Legend Of Ron Burgundy (Unrated Widescreen Edition)


Keanu Reeves stars as alien Klaatu sent to decide the fate of the Earth. As much as I loved the original, this one disappointed a lot. The filmmakers failed to realize the subtle message of the original that gave humanity a chance to change.

In this version the alien is dispassionate for the most part. Then he changes, but we're not really sure why. We also don't know why the woman helps him. Why destroy mankind when they have such powers. Why not just create a new planet and save species there.

It really seemed like an excuse to do a bunch of special effects. Get the original and avoid this one.

Library: Bandon & Coos Bay

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0970416/

Amazon: The Day the Earth Stood Still (Two-Disc Widescreen Edition)


Al Pacino and Johnny Depp do a good job, I just find mob flicks generally boring. An undercover FBI agent feels more at home with his mob buddies than his regular civilian life. You'll have to decide for yourself if these actors will inspire you to see this based on a true story flick. I forgot the plot and to me that's a bad sign.

Library: VHS; Lakeside. DVD; Coos Bay & Dora.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119008/

Amazon: Donnie Brasco (Special Edition)

Friday, October 2, 2009

Gem Review: Fail-safe


For as much as I didn't like Dr. Strangelove, I loved this serious version of the same topic. A bomber group gets mixed up signals and begins an attack on Russia. President, Henry Fonda, has to attempt to thwart his own soldiers from setting off a nuclear bomb over Moscow.

First, we're twisted with serious "get them before they get us" rhetoric from Walter Matthau as a military consultant. Once the emergency starts, he urges the president and military to devastate the enemy while they're trying to figure out what's happening.

Strangely, the military personnel urge caution and cooperation. One general wonders aloud about the need for live bombs and the safety of systems set up to prevent errors.

Look for a very young Larry Hagman has the Russian translator helping the president and Dom DeLuise as a computer tech. All these comedic icons in serious rules, just shows the huge talent they can bring to great projects like this.

Though the nuclear threat no longer lingers in the same way, your pulse will race. The way the filmmaters foreshadow climatctic events, the sight of Henry Fonda shouldering the fate of the world from a desolate bunker setting and the tension created from acting proowess instead of wiz bang special effects all consipre to set us on the edge of our seat.

I sometimes overlook the special features, but have a look at these. It talks about how it compares to Dr. Strangelove and how George Clooney loved this screenplay so much he remade it in 2000.

Run don't walk to the library for this fantastic film. Look in Bandon for the DVD and Coquille has a copy of the VHS.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058083/

Head to Amazon to buy this amazing film: Fail-safe (Special Edition)

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Unrelated Watch List


A Brit girl flirts with her boss and lands him only to find out he's a philandering jerk. Renée Zellweger stars as Bridget with Hugh Grant as the boss man.

Eventually she comes to her senses and takes up with Colin Firth, but things go a bit wrong and they have a disagreement.

Lots of funny scenes of a single girl trying to manage a modern career. Bits of it smack of desperation, but that's funny I guess. I find it sad. Still worth a watch.

Library: VHS; Bandon, Coos Bay, Coquille & Powers. DVD; Coquille & North Bend.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0243155/

Amazon: Bridget Jones's Diary (Collector's Edition)


This musical features folks you don't immediately associate with singing. Ambitious singer/dancers Renée Zellweger and Catherine Zeta-Jones find themselves on death row together. They team up to try and make their cases go away with the help of lawyer Richard Gere.

Look for an outstanding performance from Queen Latifah as the prison matron. A lot of times when they take a successful play to film, they lose something. I think they managed to keep this Oscar winner just as entertaining as the stage version.

Library: Bandon, Dora, Coos Bay, Coquille, Dora & North Bend.

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0299658/

Amazon: Chicago (Widescreen Edition)


This classic Henrik Ibsen tale features Anthony Hopkins as Torvald Helmer a controlling husband who's wife Nora borrows money from a scurrilous character to save her husband's life. We see the couple now doing well and stable and Torvald wanting to fire the lender for being of low character. Nora, Claire Bloom, pleads with him to give the man his job back, but control freak Torvald refuses.

The money lender writes a letter threatening to expose Nora's borrowing and Torvald over reacts and hits her. He tells her she's unfit to be a mother. The money lender takes pity on her after a friend of hers asks him to and suddenly Torvald loves her again.

She realizes he's too erratic for her and packs her bags and she sets out ot find herself. She leaves her husband bewildered. I just love the strong confident woman she becomes.

Library: SWOCC

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0069987/

Amazon:A Doll's House