docadams Reviews

Being Human (1994)

A good, thoughtful film

[8/10 · 15 June 2004]

This is one of those comfortable Sunday-afternoon-while-it's-raining films. It is one of Robin Williams more serious characters.

A little moody in places, the film offers reflections on what it might have been like to live at other times, as a sort of social history (no being a king or queen or royalty). The main character plays his life issues out through time, from ancient Rome, a Viking raid, a 16th or 17th century continental vagrant, to the present. Love, life's tragedies, children, and home are all themes. There is a light-heartiness to the film, and it plays on the contemporary character's life as it unfolds. Robin Williams turns in a typically great performance.

The themes and emotions all play in their times. Settings are as varied as the emotions. Sweet and sentimental, the movie captures and makes a statement about the human condition.

Hush...Hush, Sweet Charlotte (1964)

Childhood Nightmares

[9/10 · 15 June 2004]

When I was five I saw this movie on television. I have to say that it gave me nightmares for years. Even now, I still consider it one of the scariest movies I ever saw.

Bruce Dern plays an excellent cad in the film. Betty Davis, well, what can you really say about her. She's terrifying and sad (as in Baby Jane).

After all these years I had the pleasure of seeing this movie again. It stands up to time. Big Daddy did it I'm certain, but you'll never really know for sure.

The head is what I really remember. Jaws was just another take on this one!

We've Never Been Licked (1943)

See it at the Grove

[9/10 · 15 June 2004]

This World War II propaganda film is not to be missed. As one of my father's friends described it: "The other night I saw this crazy movie about an Aggie kamakazie..."

Well the plot is odd, set at Texas A&M College (Whoop!). You have to see this movie at the Grove, on campus in the summertime to really get the full effect. Audience participation is essential.

It is a classic of sorts, along with the Victory at Sea series, this belongs in a time capsule about political incorrectness. Still, it's fun to see Robert Mitchum playing his minor part. The voice will grab you anyway. Fun stuff from a bygone era. The closing scene is worth waiting for.