Change Your Image
nozmoking
Reviews
Command Decision (1948)
An all time favorite
The actors of that time were on top of their game. Passions were high and patriotism was definitely the gravy on the meat of this film.
It's a great portrayal of the tensions that existed between the military and the country's legislators, and in the end is likely more accurate than most would have expected depicting which adverasry gets egg on their faces. This film still sends chills up my spine and is masterfully lighteneed with unexpected flair of cynical humor.
The film does a magnificent job of imparting the feeling and depth of the sacrifices made during the war. And it truly captures all of the human factors that were poured in to those sacrafices.
The rights are still to this day well protected but well worth watching if you can find it.
Rogue Cell: Shadow Warrior (2020)
Quite laughable
It's hard to believe this is part of a trilogy. The acting is amateurish at best and the plot is disjointed and fragmented. Fight scenes are awkward to say the least. Apparently, would-be operatives can get really sophisticated and high tech combat weapons in the dollar store toy aisle. Sorry, but the production company would do better making forklift safety videos.
Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown (2013)
Interesting but a bit redundant
I have dipped my toe into Anthony's work over the years. Being a foodie myself, I have always been critical of someone who makes their living by peddling their expertise on food while roasting their taste buds with tar and nicotine. Nonetheless, I still find his escapades entertaining although the people he meets up with add far more value to the show than he does.
I do however find the mix of political investigation, historical commentary and food a bit odd (as is the occasional and random injection of "This, is CNN." into the dialog) although food is most certainly relevant to the history of a culture. I've found nothing grossly inaccurate or distasteful in the political or historical elements of the show. It's mildly entertaining, but left playing in the background I've not yet been compelled to stop and rewind because I have felt like I may have missed something of significance.
The most impressive thing about the series is that it has lasted so long. It feels redundant to me; in fact it has run long enough for us to experience Anthony's second visit to some places. I am not sure that adds to its relevance. But if you enjoy watching Anthony bop around the globe, and wander the streets seeking the most delectable fish heads and braised animal parts you will most certainly enjoy it.
Polk County Pot Plane (1977)
Call me crazy...
Yes, I'm a "B" movie freak. But this cinematic epic goes so much further into the "black hole" of low budget projects I could not help but enjoy the heck out of it. "No stunt men were used" - well Junior, you don't need stunt men to pick up a cardboard box painted up like a 2-ton safe and toss it into the trunk of an old Chrysler for Pete's sake. But there are plenty other gut-busting "beyond slapstick" antics to make up for the cheese and a surprising feel of reality in some of the dark corners of the picture.
The one aspect of this film that captured my attention is the down and dirty honesty in the acting - even in scenes where unbelievable things are happening you get the feeling that you're seeing exactly how these people would react in the moment and somehow the phoniness drains off in a really weird way. It's kind of like the 8mm shoot 'em up you made as a kid and you're lying face down on the sidewalk knowing full well it's ketchup - "but it sure looked like blood to me..." I just couldn't help but enjoy this one "warts and all" as they say; maybe it's fitting that this was the one and only performance nearly all the actors ever produced. You just couldn't top it - even if you tried.
Impact (1949)
An excellent and heartfelt Brian Donlevy performance
As usual, Brian's deep, smoky voice and impish expressions kept me deeply engaged in anticipation of each unfolding situation. Supported exquisitely by Ella Raines with a very solid performance, the film moves through what could easily have been a thick and sluggish plot at a pleasing pace.
I've always enjoyed Brian's brilliant yet simple interpretation of his roles and this one is particularly refreshing and interesting. Charles Coburn's portrayal of a stuffy yet sharp and humorous cop adds a delightful bit of saltiness.
Rarely am I left disappointed that a film has come to its conclusion like turning the final page of a really good book; this is one of those films. I was left disappointed to be sure - only in the fact that it was over. "Impact" is a simply a very good film in nearly every way.