billmarchio Reviews

The Sand Pebbles (1966)

A masterpiece of art in filmmaking

[10/10 · 2 March 2023]

I first watched this movie at a movie theater at the age of 9. I had no idea what it was about but just wanted to see a new film starring my childhood hero. After watching this piece of art I lost my innocence and was never able to view war in the same way. Steve McQueen was at his peek and deserved an Oscar for this amazingly sensitive and human portrayal of a conflicted and imperfect hero. Richard Crenna and Richard Attenborough were also amazing. The last scene showing my hero die sacrificing himself not for some cause but for people he cared about left a lasting impact on me. His last questioning of his life choices that brought him to this tragic ending was poignant. I remember walking out of the theater stunned by the needless loss of his life.

Our Friend (2019)

This movie broke my heart

[9/10 · 30 July 2021]

The treatment of this story of a woman and her loved ones experiencing a terminal illness was amazing. The acting was also exceptional. This broke my heart for the second time in my life. The first time was when my wife and I and our 2 boys experienced my wife's terminal illness and passing. They addressed so many issues that we had to work through during my wife's illness. I probably shouldn't have watched this movie but I couldn't stop watching it. My compliments to everyone who took part in this move.

Once Upon a Time... in Hollywood (2019)

A nice trip back in time to 1969

[8/10 · 30 April 2021]

This was a special movie for me. I grew up in Southern California and was 12 years old during the Summer of 1969. That was a very memorable time with the 1st man landing on the moon, Woodstock, the Vietnam War, and the Manson murders happening especially close to home. Quentin Tarantino was so incredibly accurate with his depiction of the look of Southern California at the time along with including many items only Southern Californians would be familiar with. That convinced me he is a serious student of the history of Hollywood. His attention to detail was amazing down to the inclusion of a picture of a local news celebrity (George Putnam) on a bus stop bench. I realize there may not be enough action for some Tarantino fans but the last part of the movie should satisfy some. The actors do not disappoint and the fairytale ending although shocking the first time I saw it was rather satisfying the second time around. After all these years it was nice to watch the Manson followers finally receive the justice they deserved back in 1969.

The Talk (2010–2024)

Sharon Osbourne gone

[1/10 · 27 March 2021]

An already poorly run show now unsurprisingly falls in line with the cancel culture agenda.