burger-5 Reviews

Michael Landon, the Father I Knew (1999 TV Movie)

Above average TV movie

[1 June 1999]

So, the film lacks all of the hype of recent Tv movies. But makes up for it in good performances. I was truly impressed with John Schneider's performance. At first, I didn't even know it was him. He melts into the character of Michael Landon with ease. The film revolves around Michael Landon Jr.'s memories of his father and his life growing up as the son of a famous actor. His father is portrayed as the wholesome figure we all knew from his shows, but grows into a cheating husband and throws his families away, again and again. It was refreshing to see a different aspect of Michael Landon's life.

Leap of Faith (1992)

A satirical look at traveling ministries.

[19 May 1999]

This is a movie that sneaks up on you when you least expect it. On the surface, it looks like a comedy. But the more you look into it, it becomes a character study of a flawed man who has bitten off more than he can chew. Steve Martin plays the main character with conviction. You are not really sure of his intentions, and that makes it more interesting. A great job by Martin. Martin is surrounded by other strong actors and the whole cast blends well together. It is like looking at a family. These characters know each other. The film features great gospel music that is a treat by itself. And the "preaching" scenes are quite funny. They are a satirical masterpiece. Enjoy this film as a comedy, but try to figure out Martin's character. That is the real key to enjoying the film.

Talk Radio (1988)

A masterpiece of shadows and doom

[25 March 1999]

A top notch drama enhanced by Stone's camera work. The story involves the meteoric rise and fall of a popular shock-jock. The main character's ego and opinions drip out of his pores like sweat on a hot afternoon. Stone's camera sweeps and glides around the radio studio like a hungry panther. His use of reflections turns up the heat until the whole world starts to warp and melt around the main character as his world starts to crumble. Bogosian's dialogue is sharp but sometimes preachy. The voices over the telephone seem brainwashed and generic but I think that was done with purpose to enhance the DJ's view of his audience as being mindless followers. The technical work on this film is what does it for me. It adds up to a fine film.

Off Limits (I) (1988)

Praise for an overlooked and fine film

[8/10 · 23 March 1999]

Off Limits is a tense and even paced thriller. It concerns two cops is Viet Nam investigating a murder of a prostitute and the first suspect is a high ranking Army Officer. The film contains shock after shock, with plenty of plot twists. The dialogue is snappy and the interplay between Dafoe and Hines is excellent. The supporting actors are convincing as well. Kudos to Keith David who plays a paranoid witness to the murder. And one may not soon forget Scott Glenns portrayal as a crazed Officer. The scene in the helicopter is as tense and thrilling as a scene can get. The film is not a preachy summary of the war in Viet Nam but rather just a good mystery and slam bang action. The ending comes around too fast but you have to check it out for yourself. I suggest this film for a rainy Sunday afternoon if you are looking for a good action flick.