djbrown-00897 Reviews

Deadpool 2 (2018)

I only liked Vanessa.

[1/10 · 10 April 2020]

I really enjoyed Deadpool 1, so I was so Disappointed in Deadpool 2. How much? The only thing I liked was Morena Baccarin ( Vanessa). She is extremely beautiful but sad to say, she was only in the beginning and the end. It was senseless violence, too vulgar and not the least bit funny. It is one of the worst superhero movies I ever saw ( only trailing Batman and Robin). I give it one star for Vanessa.

Captain Marvel (2019)

A Good Movie

[7/10 · 9 April 2020]

Captain Marvel is a good movie. It is not Wonder Woman or Into The Spider-Verse, but it is not Batman and Robin or Howard The Duck either. Most people know the story of Carol Danvers ( Captain Marvel), and ( or) they have read posters who have dissected the story, so there is no need to repeat the plot. I will just comment. There are three positive things that stand out things. 1: "Goose" The Cat. The cat stole every scene he was in. 2: The process that made Nick and Phil look decades younger. 3: The twist showing Scrulls as victims and the Kree as bad guys. In the Fantastic Four comic, they were the bad guys. In fact, one of them ( Super Scrull) is in the top 10 of FF villains. My biggest complaint is there was nothing tragic involved, to make the story great, Carol was complaining how she lost 6 years of her life, but that is nothing compared to Diana Prince (Wonder Woman) who lost the man she loves and her mom, Miles Morales ( Into The Spider-Verse) his Uncle, or even The Avengers losing Tony Stark ( Iron Man) and Natasha Romanoff ( Black Widow) in Avengers: Endgame. In the comics, quite often, the best super-hero stories involve death. In Amazing Spider-Man you have the deaths of Uncle Ben and Gwen Stacy, and the individual stories Kraven's Last Hunt and The Kid Who Collected Spider-Man, and the Death of Jean DeWolff are tragic stories, that are always listed along with the deaths of Uncle Ben and Gwen in the Top 10 Spider-Man issued ever. That lack of anything tragic is the difference between good and great. I would ordinarily give it 6/10 stars ( between fair and good) but Goose gives it an extra star, to elevate Captain Marvel into a good movie.

The Sheriff of Fractured Jaw (1958)

Excellent Western Spoof

[9/10 · 9 April 2020]

I do not get the haters towards The Sheriff Of Fractured Jaw. It is not Shane, The Searchers or The Big Country, it is a western spoof ( like Paleface, Son of Paleface and Ruggles Of Ted Gap). One point that those who do not like the movie believe is there is no chemistry between British Arms Merchant ( Kenneth More), who becomes Sheriff ( despite having no idea how to use a gun) and Saloon owner/entertainer Kate (Jayne Mansfield).,There is a lot of chemistry between them. From More's perspective ( and mine), just look at Jayne Mansfield. From Kste's perspective he is a gentleman. He knows how to act, is well mannered, well dressed and well spoken. Kate herself notes she would love to get away from Fractured Jaw and be around "His ( More's) kind of people." There is also the kissing scene, after she unsuccessfully tries to get him to learn to shoot. Why? he is distracted by her looks, The one thing I did not like was Mansfield and More Superimposed on a blue screen against a western setting ( Far too obvious there is a blue screen). Finally, If you like westerns and ( or) want to see what Jayne Mansfield looks like, watch this movie. It is important to note her films are rarely shown. Sheriff Of Fractured Jaw and The Girl Can't Help It are the most often screened, and even Fractured Jaw has only 19 posts, about it, which should tell you something. So if you get a chance to see it, do not miss this excellent western spoof. 9/10 stars.

Law of the Lawless (1964)

An Excellent Western

[9/10 · 7 April 2020]

AG Liles made a series of low budget westerns at Paramount with a veteran cast. This is simply one of them. The cast includes: Dale Robertson ( Judge Clem Rogers: A former gunfighter turned Judge who no longer carries a gun), Yvonne DeCarlo ( Ellie Irish a saloon girl), John Agar (Pete Stone the heavy), his father Tom who is the most powerful man in town played by Barton MacLaine, William Bendix as ( Sheriff and Prosecutor Ed Tanner), and last but certainly not least Bruce Cabot. as hired gunman Joe Rile who killed Clem's father years ago. Cabot is the one to watch for. He hangs over the entire film very ominously.The story is about Stone who is accused of murder, his father who will do anything to not only get his son off, but ruin Rogers reputation, by having him seen with Ellie and hiring Rile to force Rogers into a gunfight, and Rogers who is also a friend of Stone's, and is the presiding judge in the trial. It is important to note that there is a most unexpected ending to the movie, but unlike far too many movies with one, it actually works with the theme of the film. For that reason, I will not spoil the ending. It is basically an excellent western 9/10 stars.

Rim of the World (2019)

Ruined By A Character

[2/10 · 7 April 2020]

I did not like Rim Of The Would. Why? I could not stand a certain character. The black tween kid named Dariush ( Although his dad is black, his mom is from Iran so he got an Iranian name). Why? He is every bad stereotype of a black kid possible. Into rapping, wearing a large chain around his neck, thinking he is God's gift to women ( despite being fat), and did I forget to say he was a bully, weak, and self centered and that is just a start: oh I almost forgot he comes from a family of millionaires, so he is spoiled rotten. All of this, from someone who is NOT a Politically Correct woke guy. The movie is about four kids who had to save other the world from an alien attack ( spoilers ahead ) they succeeded and even got knighted by Queen Elizabeth. Now, the kids were not bad ( Alex, Gabriel and Zhenzhen (who is from China) but every scene of Dariush made me really hate this film. The only reason I did not give it zero stars is they had a message about overcoming your fears. Spoilers ahead: Alex's dad died in a fire and he had to overcome that in order to live. As you might expect there is a small love story involved where Alex gets a big kiss n the lips from Zhenzhen, and there is a picture of them at a prom together ( the film started out at summer camp), and since a prom happens at the end of a school year, the timeline ( and the fact it was a kiss on the lips instead of the cheek) makes you think then Zhenzhen stayed in the US with Alex and his mom, so their relationship may very well become permanent . But a positive message cannot overcome Dariush. I am giving it a generous 2/10 stars.

Some Kind of Beautiful (II) (2014)

Another Great Salma Hayak Performance

[10/10 · 5 April 2020]

I love Salma Hayak ( this is movie 19 of hers I have seen), so I am extremely biased towards anything she is in. So it goes without saying, she is the the main thing that I liked about Some Kind Of Beautiful. The main star is not Salma, but Pierce Brosnan ( Richard) who falls in love with her character Olivia at first sight ( that I can understand), but he ended up knocking up her sister Kate played by Jessica Alba, and marred her. Two things that are interesting is the more mature sister is Kate despite being younger, and Jake who is the son of Richard and Kate is not only closer to his dad, but Olivia as well. Spoilers ahead: Eventually, Kate divorces Richard because she loves someone named, Brian, and in the final scene Richard proposes to Olivia and she says yes. If you like Salma or Pierce Brosnan do not miss this movie. 10/10 stars.

The Magnificent Dope (1942)

The Best Sales Movie Ever

[10/10 · 5 April 2020]

I actually did a speech about The Magnificent Dope @ Toastmasters. The theme being "Selling Yourself." I strongly believe this movie is first and foremost a sales movie, and the best of it's type. Henry Fonda's character Thaddeus Winsome Page ( Tad) from Vermont is considered the "laziest person in the county" and is offered a free sales course worth $500 ( a lot of money in 1942), by Dwight Dawson ( Don Ameche), to prove his aggressive sales method works with anyone. He does not want it, until he meets Ameche's fiancée Claire ( Lynn Bari) and falls for her. Of course, he does not know they have been engaged for six years. Besides that, she is a sophisticated New York woman, and way out of his league. Spoilers ahead: Although he has no sophistication, the one thing Tad is able to do is sell himself. First he goes over to an old man in a restaurant, someone alone and everyone is afraid of, but not Tad. It turns out he is a powerful Wall Street Executive, and by actually talking to him, finds out there is one thing in his life that he enjoyed ( besides making money), and that was fishing as a boy. He convinces the man to retire and go fishing. He then has to sell an insurance policy to someone considered uninsurable ( which he does not know). Why? So he can buy a fire engine to bring back to his home town. He brings Claire along, and it turns out Claire's Uncle was a Fire Chief in New Jersey, so she knows all about them ( something that not only Tad but Dawson did not know ( despite being engaged to her for six years)). Towards the end he finds out about Claire and Dawson and gives up on her, but still needs the fire engine. He meets the man and finds out the truth. But he was able to get him relaxed, so he passed a medical examination and the man was so happy he gladly took the most expensive policy and Tad was able to buy the fire engine. He then went over to Dawson's to have it out with him, but he heard Claire arguing with him, and admitting she loves Tad. As soon as he heard that he went to the fire engine and when Claire left the building he said "Going my way"? Of course, he ended up taking her back to Vermont with him. Meanwhile Dawson copied Tad's technique and started selling it as his own. Of course, the keys to sales are no fear, being willing to face rejection, and when the opportunity to close the sale arises to take it. The failure to close the sale ( marrying Claire), is the mistake that Dawson made, allowing Tad the opportunity to come in and take her away. Again my favorite sales movie. ps. I did get Best Speaker that day. 10/10 stars

The Bygone (2019)

Fair Movie

[5/10 · 5 April 2020]

There is a lot of good and a lot of bad in this movie. One problem I have is too many unanswered questions like does the father live or die? Another problem is the heavy handed message saying white people are responsible for what happened to Native American women becoming abused. The best part of the movie was the relationship between Kip ( Graham Phillips) and Waniya ( Sydney Schafer). He was a very weak person, who grew by going through a lot to save her from (spoilers ahead) his uncle Beckett and Paris ( who are two of the most evil characters you will ever find), and he will be rewarded with an incredibly beautiful woman who will be devoted to him. For Waniya, she went from being a victim to a victor by killing Beckett and Paris, and after a life of misery and abuse, she will have someone who proved he will be devoted to her. Watch the final scene where they are on the horse, and they are holding hands and finally became a couple. Finally, I am giving Bygone 5/10 stars. Why? A large negative for the unanswered questions and the politics involved. But a large positive for characters you either care about or hate.

6 Underground (2019)

A Great Movie

[10/10 · 4 April 2020]

If someone likes action, funny dialogue ( the movie quotes really work), and beautiful women ( Adria Arjona and Mélanie Laurent are knockouts), then 6 Underground is for you, if you are into Lifetime and ( or) "Sensitive" films it is not for you. The standout is Manuel-Garcia Rulfo ( Javier/Number 6). He steals every scene he is in, such as those with his mother, and Camille/Number ( Mélanie Laurent). Since I am a fan of action, humor and beautiful women, I love the movie. 10/10 stars.

The Hustle (I) (2019)

Not Funny

[1/10 · 2 April 2020]

I admit I am not the demographic target of this movie. But with theCoronavirus, I am stuck inside because of the "Stay At Home" order, and I wanted a laugh. My mistake. This remake of Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is not the least bit funny. The scene at the end where Rebel Wilson punches her boyfriend for conning her and Anne Hathaway sums up what I would like to do. Punch those involved for conning me into wasting 90 minutes of my life. I was going to give this movie 2 stars but I am cutting it back to one. The only reason it is not getting zero stars is that is reserved for even worse "So called comedies" like Machete, Damsels In Distress, Candy ( 1968) and Jewel Robbery. Basically, it is not the least bit funny.

Black Moon (1934)

Pre-Code Horror

[8/10 · 2 April 2020]

Before I start to comment, I want to point out that Black Moon is not a racist movie. How do I know? Think about it. "Lunch" McClaren, a black man played by Clarence Muse is a hero, and spoilers ahead: Actually survives the film, something not shown very often until the 1960's. The best thing about the movie ( besides Fay Wray of course), is the atmosphere. The drums, and the darkness really work well here. It is about a wealthy woman named Juanita played by Dorothy Burgess who escapes an Island as a child, but is cursed and feels she must return to face her demons. Her husband Stephen ( Jack Holt), her daughter and their nanny Gail ( Wray) accompany her. As you might expect, Gail is secretly in love in love with Stephen. Spoilers ahead: When they get to the island Juanita really goes native, and becomes a murderer. How far does she go? She is willing to sacrifice her daughter, by stabbing her to death. It is up to Stephen to stop her, and he does by shooting his wife to death. I saw a poster say Stephen will be haunted by this action, but he really will not. How can I be sure? In the final scene of the movie, he kisses Gail's hand ( so not only does he save his daughter, but gets the much better looking Faye Wray). Finally, Black Moon is without question a Pre-Code movie. If you think about it, where else do you see a parent willing to murder a small child? In fact the only other movie made years ago (where the "other woman" gets the husband and kid through death), is Three On A Match ( another Pre-Code shocker with Joan Blondell ending up with Warren William and his son, while ex-wife Ann Dvorak commits suicide). Oddly enough both Three On A Match and Black Moon deal with cursed rich women. It is a good movie ( especially for Fay Wray and Pre-Code fans).

One Sunday Afternoon (1933)

One Of Cooper's Worst

[3/10 · 2 April 2020]

If I named my top three actors ( or actresses) of Hollywood's "Golden Age" I would choose in Alphabetical order;James Cagney, Gary Cooper and Myrna Loy. I am sorry to say, One Sunday Afternoon ) and the slightly better Strawberry Blonde) just did not appeal to me. Why? I found the story to be boring. As a Cooper fan. I have seen 70 movies of his ( IMDB lists 118 in total but I do not count cameos ( regardless if I have them such as Paramount on Parade) or not), lost films ( Arizona Bound and Legion of The Condemned to name two), or films where he was an extra), so I can say I know most of his work. There are very few Cooper movies that I do not consider good ( at least 7/10 stars), and this is one of them. I'm fact, it falls in the bottom 3 I have ever seen. The best things I can say about it are. 1: I did not despise it like Design For Living ( by far the worst Cooper film I have ever). 2: I actually got to see it in 2019 ( the only two movies that were newer to me are The Texan and The Last Outlaw that I caught this year). Since this is film 67 ( out of 70 I have seen), and third from the bottom In likes (Return To Paradise and the previously mentioned Design For Living are the other's). I give it 3 stars

The Conquering Horde (1931)

A Good Movie

[7/10 · 2 April 2020]

I am a western fan, and I have seen many of the 50's westerns, so catching up with a western that I have not seen is a treat ( the fact it is pre-code os something else I like). I happen to consider The Conquering Horde to be a good but not great movie. The best scenes involve the cattle drive and the photography involved. I have read some complaints about Fay Wray ( Tassie Lockhart) in this movie. Fay gives a very realistic performance. She is not very nice nor is she a "Damsel In Distress" ( like in King Kong or Most Dangerous Game). The weakest link is Dan McMasters ( Richard Arlen), who is supposed to be the leading man, but is far too nice to be a Colonel ( which you find out he is), he is also a spy for the Government against carpetbaggers, but very unconvincing. For example: There is one scene where he waived a white flag to Indians. White flag means surrender, and I doubt Indians understand what that means ( a military man and a spy would know better). I can only imagine what Gary Cooper ( who was also at Paramount when this movie was made) would have done with the role. See Cooper ( and Fay Wray) in The Texan and you will get the idea. Spoilers ahead: You know it is a pre-code movie because McMasters actually turns the bad guy Marvin Fletcher over to the Indians ( it is heavily inferred he raped an Indian Girl). You would never see a Government man doing that in the 50's. Believe it or not, there is little romance in the movie ( until spoilers ahead) the final scene where Arlen says he is going to Washington, and Wray says she always wanted to see Washington, so of course, Arlen will take her with him. Finally this is an entertaining movie, that I doubt most western fans have seen, so it is well worth the time ( especially because it is available on Youtube). 7/10 stars.

Personal Maid (1931)

Fair Movie

[6/10 · 2 April 2020]

Nora Ryan ( Nancy Carroll) plays a maid who pretends to be wealthy to impress Pat O'Brien ( shades of a much worse film ( Maid In Manhattan)). But unlike Maid In Manhattan there is another option played by Gene Raymond ( who never impressed me one way or another). Who does she end up with? Go to YouTube and find out. Here is something about Nancy Carroll, for some reason her films are hard to find. You never see them on TCM or anywhere else. Which means although Personal Maid is not a great movie (fair at best), it represents an opportunity to see Nancy Carroll so take advantage of it, In fact, this is only the second film of hers I have ever seen ( and I do not remember the details of the other one at all) I will give it 5/10 stars.

The Girl from Mexico (1939)

An Essential Movie.

[9/10 · 1 April 2020]

The Girl From México is not only a classic, but essential, because without it, despite being one of the great female comics of all time, Lupe Vélez would be forgotten about ( especially because too many of her films are unavailable (Wolf Song with Gary Cooper is one of the films I am looking for the most. East as West with her and Edward G. Robinson is another)). Her fiery temper, her dancing, her impressions and the ability to do physical comedy really work here. For anyone who has heard of Lupe Vélez, but has never seen her, this movie is where to start ( if you have seen her before and have not seen The Girl From Mexico what are you waiting for?). Was Lupe beautiful? Oh yea. Did she have screen presence? Without a doubt. But so did many actresses who have been forgotten about ( Betty Grable, Elsa Martinelli ( one of my favorites), Elke Sommer and Delores Del Rio ( who Lupe despised) are examples of this). But Lupe ( like Clara Bow and Jean Harlow ( other actresses from her era) she lives on. 10/10 stars.

A Good Year (2006)

A Modern Classic

[10/10 · 1 April 2020]

There are two exceptionally beautiful things about A Good Year: Marion Cotillard and the French Countryside ( wine vineyard included). As for Russell Crowe, he is a great actor ( LA Confidential in particular), but it is unusual to see him in a light role, and he excels at it. His character Max is a cutthroat London trader who inherits his uncle's French vineyard and goes to sell it, but has second thoughts. Spoilers ahead: In the end, it came down to the choice of his job and being being a partner in the firm where he worked ( and being like his boss), or not selling the vineyard and living in France. He realized that he is much happier in France. Especially being with Fanny ( Cotillard) who he realizes is his soul mate. He actually met her as a child, and she gave him his first kiss. She also said to him "Forgive my lips they find pleasure in unusual places." Fanny forgot that incident until he reminded her by repeating those words. It made her realize Max was her soul mate as well. There is a line by Max that sums everything up: "I want to spend my life with an irrational, suspicious, goddess", and that is exactly what he will do. One of my favorite movies of the past 20 years. A very easy 10/10 stars.

A Witch Without a Broom (1967)

Good Movie

[7/10 · 1 April 2020]

I saw this movie, many years ago, and just saw it again on YouTube. A Witch Without A Broom is a nice diverting comedy with Professor Garver Logan ( Jeffrey Hunter) being surrounded by lots of beautiful women; Past, present and future. The most beautiful Mariana ( Maria Perschy), is actually a witch who falls in love with him. Does he end up feeling the same way? Spoilers ahead: Of course, and they will end up happily ever after. If someone is looking for a nice light movie with pretty woman, this is a good choice 7/10 stars.

Ghost Town (1956)

Underrated B Movie

[8/10 · 31 March 2020]

Is Ghost Town Shane, or The Magnificent Seven? No not even close. It is a B Movie with B level or lower ranked actors ( Kent Smith being the most famous). But for what it is, it is well above average. Why? It is not predictable. It is about stagecoach passengers ( and others ( a cowboy his sidekick, an Indian woman and her father)) are stranded in a ghost town under attack by Indians. What makes it work is the unpredictability of who will live and who will die, and even at the end there is a surprise in store. I will not spoil that information, and ruin the movie. 8/10 stars.

Falling for Grace (2006)

Am Asian Maid In Manhattan

[5/10 · 31 March 2020]

I cannot understand the love for Falling For Grace. Why? It is a rip-off of Maid In Manhattan. The ending showing pictures of the characters and what happened to them is proof of this. So was the mistaken identity/Cinderella concept with the hard working woman ending up with a guy who is above her social class. I admit to not liking Maid In Manhattan even a little bit ( I prefer crime, action and western films), but I suppose neither film is targeted towards me. Between the two of them I prefer Falling For Grace. Why? The filming in Chinatown. I lived not far from there in 2006, so I know the area quite well, and the streets and even the stores are authentic. I am giving the movie 5/10 stars. All for the accuracy of the settling

The Range Feud (1931)

Good Early Duke

[9/10 · 29 March 2020]

I just saw Range Feud on Youtube. The main reason I saw this movie is for John Wayne. It is actually one of his better early movies. He plays Clint Turner who is accused and convicted of a murder he did not commit. It is up to his best friend Buck ( played by Buck Jones), to find the culprit and save Clint. Does he? Spoilers ahead: Of course, he does. There is only one woman in the movie ( Susan Fleming with the Million Dollar Legs), and she is Wayne's girl. Fleming is right up there of the beautiful women who appeared opposite Wayne ( Maybe third behind Sophia Loren and Elsa Martinelli). As for Buck Jones, this is only the second Jones film I ever saw and he is good, but one poster called him the best 30s cowboy. Is he? No way, that belongs to Gary Cooper. Finally, keep in mind this is a Buck Jones movie NOT a John Wayne movie, so do not expect the Duke to dominate the movie, but it is very good and should be a must see for Wayne fans. 9/10 stars.

Peppermint (2018)

Great Movie

[10/10 · 29 March 2020]

Peppermint is an awesome movie. Jennifer Garner plays Riley North a woman seeking revenge for the murder of her husband and daughter. She becomes a vigilante because a combination of crooked cops, lawyers and a judge help get off the guilty. Why? Because all of them work for a major drug dealer named Garcia who is basically untouchable. Spoilers ahead: Does she get Garcia and the bad guys? Of course. What happens in the end is a shocker though. If you like movies like Death Wish and Dirty Harry you will love this film. A very easy 10/10 stars

X-Men: Dark Phoenix (2019)

Did Not Like It

[1/10 · 29 March 2020]

I just saw Dark Phoenix on HBO. If I would rank the worst comic book movies ever: Dark Phoenix would be fourth . The ones that are worse? . 3: Superman 4 The Quest For Peace. 2:,Jonah Hex. 1: Batman and Robin.( I even preferred Howard The Duck, Electra, and Catwoman to Dark Phoenix). I disliked the photography ( I could see a movie from the 1920's and it has better photography), the special effects, and Sophie Turner as Jean Grey /Phoenix. I will say Sophie is nice to look at , but I cared nothing for the character. The best I can say is I did not despise her like I did Alicia Silverstone as Batgirl in 'Batman and Robin.' Is there anything I liked? Maybe the chess scene at the very end. I will give it a generous 1 Star for the scene at the end.

Joe Kidd (1972)

I Loved It

[10/10 · 28 March 2020]

As a Clint Eastwood fan, I cannot believe people consider Joe Kidd to be the worst of Eastwood's Westerns. The First Traveling Saleslady, The Beguiled, Two Mules For Sister Sara and Ambush At Cimeron Pass are worse films. I happen to love this movie. The train scene, the scene in the church, and the courtroom scene with Robert Duval were very well done. John Saxon is very interesting in this movie. His Luis is a slightly nicer character then his other Mexican character (Chuy) in The Appaloosa. Here his girlfriend Helen is only good to keep him company on "Cold Winter Nights" and his girlfriend Trini in the earlier film was basically an object as well. Which is why like Trini ( who ended up with Marlon Brando in The Appaloosa) spoilers ahead: Ended up with Kidd ( Eastwood) here. If you like Eastwood, Duval or Saxon you will love this movie ( like I do), and consider it a classic 10/10 stars,

The Time Machine (1978 TV Movie)

Did Not Like It

[2/10 · 27 March 2020]

This is without question the worst version of The Time Machine. I have seen both the Rod Taylor and Guy Pearce versions and they are superior. The Pearce version is very much a remake of this film and if you saw it, you know there is a happy ending ( just like here). I read some comments, and one person said this is the worst movie version of a novel ever ( I would certainly say Valley Of The Dolls was worse, but that is not saying much. It is not all time bad movie, but it is not good. The highlight is Priscilla Barnes who is certainly hot to look at. I give it 2 stars. Both for Barnes

The Benson Murder Case (1930)

The Best Of The Vances

[10/10 · 16 March 2020]

Most people consider Kennel Murder Case to be the best of the Vances, but for me it is Benson.,This is really a "Cat and mouse" between Vance ( William Powell) and the killer. What Vance has to do is not only identify the killer, but as it turns out, how and when it was actually done. Vance really shows just how he brilliant of a detective he is ( especially unlike Greene). I will not spoil the ending and identify the culprit, but you can find a good showing online. For those who know Powell only as Nick Charles, check him out as Philo Vance, it is like a dress rehearsal for The Thin Man. Start here ( or Kennel), then Canary followed by Greene. I give you t 10/10 stars. Only surpassed by The Thin Man as Powell Detective movies.