Reviews
The Sixth Sense (1999)
Excellent film, but you don't know it until after it ends
My overall rating is 9.5 which is arrived at as follows:
First 95% of the film is a 7. Its OK, but it drags in spots. Last 5% of the film is a 10. Surprise ending brings the film up from fairly good to excellent. And, after leaving the theater, your mind will review everything you saw, and you will want to see it a second time, just to see if everything agrees with the surprise ending. The only movie I ever saw that got better (in my mind) after I left.
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)
A bit below expectations
I rated it a 6. It didn't live up to the tradition of the Star Wars films - the characters weren't well developed, and the plot could have been easier to follow. The pod racing segment, which must have lasted nearly half an hour, interrupted the flow of the movie. Way too much use of computer-generated and 'cartoonish' characters this time - maybe to create a larger market for toy sales? If asked why a person just can't sit back and enjoy it for the escape that it is, I'd answer that a person can't help but expect it to be at the same level of excellence as the last three were. >
Primary Colors (1998)
Travolta has been better
The film fell short of capturing my interest, despite the intriguing subject. John Travolta has done wonderful things lately, but he was not a convincing "Clinton", in part due to what I thought was poor makeup. But, the character of his wife was done well and was much more convincing. Reflecting current events, the message delivered at the end of the film seems to be that despite the shortcomings of the man, he is doing a good job as President. And, as is almost customary these days, there was lots of swearing which did not support the story line, and was perhaps one more attempt by Hollywood to make us think this is the way everybody talks!
Elephant Parts (1981)
Good family entertainment, funny, good music
Comprises many segments which include comedy sketches and
musical videos. The comedy sketches include a variety of
subjects that mirror real life, while the musical portions are
very well done. Although this is an older video, it is more or
less timeless in its ability to entertain.
Murphy's War (1971)
Interesting action film, with a message
The role of sole surviver of a German U Boat attack, and his
obsession with revenge is well played by Peter O'Toole.
Exciting scenes as he tries various ways of destroying the U
Boat, while the audience is made aware of the emotions and
thought processes of the people involved. The film takes place
in the final days of WWII, and on the final day, the Germans
view the formal surrender of Germany as an immediate end to
hostilities. But O'Toole is motivated by the continuing and
overriding desire for revenge.