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Reviews
Madame Web (2024)
Better than the Marvels
At least this movie was better than the Marvels. I know that isn't saying much. The direction is poor and the writing not much better, resulting in a movie that is rather dull. And like all the other Sony Spider-verse films so far, too much takes place at night or in the dark, adding to the dullness and making it sometimes difficult to follow. Presumably Sony does this to save money on special effects, but it makes for difficult viewing. As a poorly written and directed Marvel Comics based movie led by a multi-racial female cast, I couldn't help thinking about the recent release of the Marvels. And between the two I have or say this one was better. While obviously not realistic, it at least made sense within its own world. And it does share the Marvels' one virtue of staying under 2 hours.
Baton Bunny (1959)
Mediocre Bugs
Not every Bugs Bunny cartoon can be a classic, and this one isn't. Not bad, but a mediocre effort. The video (probably out of print as I write this) called "Overtures to Disaster" uses "Baton Bugs" as a framing device for 2 Bugs classics, "Rabbit of Seville" and "What's Opera, Doc", plus a few other good sequences, which highlights the difference in quality levels better than I could possibly describe in words.
The Anniversary Party (2001)
Better than Pearl Harbor
This movie was better than Pearl Harbor, but that's about the best that can be said for it. It is moderately entertaining with a few interesting scenes. But it is ultimately overly self-indulgent and empty (who really could care about these characters), and cannot sustain the occasional humor that may have overcome its significant flaws. You can do worse than this among the summer movies that are out right now, but you can do much better at Blockbuster.
La dolce vita (1960)
Too long, boring & pretentious
This movie does have some memorable and effective scenes - most notably the opening. But the rest is just 3 long hours following the wanderings of shallow, self-absorbed, spoiled, bored and boring people. I suppose the 60's generation identified with these dropouts, and apparently some people find them interesting even today. I don't. And although I enjoy many "art movies", I still don't see what people enjoy about this one, other than their genuflecting before the name "Fellini".
The Sixth Sense (1999)
Disappointing
Neither a terrible movie nor a great one. Just one of the many movies that fall in the middle, despite the hype. The supposed "twist" at the end is telegraphed early on, and so isn't surprising when it comes, although it is well handled when it finally arrives. While Haley Osment and Bruce Willis are good actors, the dialogue between them is stilted, and the movie drags for a long stretch in the middle. When the situation between them finally gets resolved, it is handled in too perfunctory a fashion given all the time spent leading up to it. A lot of time is spent between Willis and Osment accomplishing little, then one incident is shown leading towards the resolution, and then the situation is resolved, and that's it. 4/10.
Mission: Impossible II (2000)
VERY Disappointing
The plot was incoherent, and major "surprises" were telegraphed from miles away. If you just want to see mindless violence you may enjoy some parts of this movie, but the most fun to be had from watching it is laughing at how bad it is.
The Goat (1921)
One of Keaton's two best shorts
Along with Cops, The Goat is one of Keaton's two funniest shorts. Which makes it one of the best shorts ever made. This has an decent "plot" for a short, and it forms a perfect line on which to hang some great gags. Keaton is mistaken for an escaped convict (how the mistake happens is a classic) and then must elude the authorities. Best gags - the bread line and t he "elevator".