The War of the Worlds is one of my top five favorite films. But, I have a question for fans. Bear in mind the recent airbrushing techniques used in the DVD version of E.T. to turn guns into walkie-talkies. There isn't an aspect of The War of the Worlds that isn't chilling and awesome. But, the clarity of the suspension wires holding the fighting machines is disconcerting. At some expense, the wires or cables could be eliminated. Some purist fans I've talked with are opposed to the idea in fear that a trend would start in which movies would be tampered with at will. Others think it would improve the film. Eliminating the wires would be the only change I would ever imagine for this incredibly classic film. As of this writing, a revised June 2005 release of The War of the Worlds has been announced; whether enhancements will be made remains to be seen. Your thoughts?
Reviews
15 Reviews
The Rutles 2: Can't Buy Me Lunch
(2003 TV Movie)
A Painful Rip-Off
9 March 2005
As hilarious as "The Rutles: All You Need is Cash" is, this one, "Can't Buy Me Lunch" is a clear cut put-on and rip-off. The pasted-in, recycled footage from the original footage with spliced-in unfunny cameos by various celebrities does not make for an enjoyable viewing. In fact, some of the commentary clips are from the 70's Rutles production. Proof is in the footage of a much younger Mick Jagger. Beating the "trousers" bit into the ground became embarrassingly old, as did the stilted writing. Stick with the original, enjoy the two Rutles CD's (which are incredibly delightful), but "Can't Buy Me Lunch" is downright disappointing and sad.
Heavy
(1995)
A rambling character study with heart.
6 September 2003
"Heavy" takes a self-conscious artsy approach to commenting on the noble premise that big people are actually very worthwhile, decent people. The film's flaw is that it is so very careful that the point could elude casual viewers. Pruitt Taylor Vince as Victor is perfect as a humble, kind, and thoughtful man. He is a delight to watch in many ways. Director Mangold, who recently featured Vince in "Identity", avoids cliches regarding large people. The people surrounding Victor are refreshingly free of "fat slurs". You can't help but feel for this man. And that's the strength of "Heavy".
Gypsy Colt
(1954)
A real 50's matinee favorite
9 January 2003
In the 50's, choices for kids' movies weren't quite what they are today. Gypsy Colt was a real favorite of exhibitors at the time -- entirely clean content and a short running time. It's corny by modern standards but still very charming in its own way. Interesting to see some of the same MGM props that turned up in some of their other films, War of the Worlds is one. If you love horses and a warm, fuzzy, sentimental feeling, Gypsy Colt is a winner. Although, Lee Van Cleef sure plays a real mean guy here.
Devil Doll
(1964)
A step back in time
5 January 2003
Keeping in mind that Devil Doll takes place in England right about the time of the Beatles invasion, Devil Doll is a pleasant curiosity. Sure, it's a little slow and quaintly dated, but take yourself back and you'll have fun. Amusing touch is the dance sequence featuring a frantic Twist display. William Sylvester is a familiar face: 2001 A Space Odyssey and Gorgo, to name only two of many. It's nice that it's available and to be able to see Devil Doll as a step back in time.
Margaret Cho: Notorious C.H.O.
(2002 TV Special)
Sold Out to Niche Audience
3 January 2003
Cho is a brilliant and insightful comedienne with a remarkable history. Then, Notorious C.H.O. reveals a selling out to stay in the limelight by pandering to a freaky demented audience (clearly depicted at start of show as they enter the Paramount). Staying alive in this business is hard, and if tailoring raunch to a twisted niche fanbase is what it takes to keep a comic in the public eye, it's hard to criticize. Beats the hell out of being an extra on MASH. Somehow, though, the messages and humor could be delivered in a more broadly palatable manner. I really adore her, saw her in the Village years ago, I just feel like I'm losing her.
Earth vs. the Flying Saucers
(1956)
Quintessential Fifties Sci-Fi
28 October 2002
There are no dull frames in this remarkable saucer invasion film set directly in the center of the fifties. Harryhausen met the challenge of animating flying machines. Sure enough, they whiz, spin, even wobble when need be. Saucers even have a protruding ray-gun device. The action begins during the credits and never lets up. Admittedly, it's fifties. But it was impressive enough to heavily influence Tim Burton's Mars Attacks. You can't miss the references. Film is packed with clever and creative touches such as the tape recording including aliens speaking at a speed natural for them, but not for us on Earth. If you are not terribly put off by 50's, black and white, and (god forbid) stop motion, you can't go wrong with this quintessential sci-fi extravaganza.
Night of the Blood Beast
(1958)
Even Baby Boomers Must Be Amazed
29 September 2002
Typical of the "Z" sci-fi films of the fifties, the viewing of Night of the Blood Beast takes significant time-warp calibration in order to appreciate it. Even Baby Boomers must be amazed at how much progress the world has seen in four decades. Night of the Blood Beast sure served its purpose at the time, but by today's standards is a clunky relic. One major redeemable factor, though, is the unrelenting grimness of the movie. Kowalski brought the same dark tone to Attack of the Giant Leeches, a less talky and cohesive film. One curious observation is the extensive footage of the shirtless and hairy-chested astronaut. Hollywood almost always insisted on bare-chested men being shaved -- weird as it may seem. There are other envelope-pushing facets in Blood Beast (and Giant Leeches) if you look close enough. Kowalski probably knew what he was doing.
Dahmer
(2002)
Painful viewing experience
29 August 2002
Telling the story of true crimes in films can be riveting and profound. Examples are In Cold Blood, Ten Rillington Place, even Bonnie and Clyde. The theatrical release of this movie is hard to research. It's likely viewers would have walked out or promptly fallen asleep. Distributors were wise to skip this one. It seemed to have no connection to the true Dahmer story. The extremely slow pace and self-conscious shots of Dahmer just sitting in a chair were enough to drag down any well-intentioned effort. Somewhere in here is the seed of a good movie -- and that's what is sad, disappointing, and downright annoying. There was an intriguing and tragic story here, but was sadly lost on this sorry, soft relating of what could have been a hard-hitting and informative film.
Signs
(2002)
A tense and satisfying movie-going experience.
4 August 2002
The roots of Signs run deep. It's hard to shake the feeling of Howard Hawk's The Thing, the claustrophobic fear of Night of the Living Dead, or the menace of War of the Worlds. It's all there in modern, restrained style. It's a commentary on our world that most of the fear of alien encounters comes to us over TV sets in this story. The twists and surprises make this film difficult to write about, but rest assured that every second is riveting. The thrill of fifties horror and sci-fi films has faded due to current day action and demand for high-tech effects....but to Shyamalan's credit this present day genre film creates a mood and thrill not felt in many decades. Not to be overlooked, the past meets the present in a breathtaking fashion in Signs.
My Big Fat Greek Wedding
(2002)
Warm and Delightful!
22 July 2002
My Big Fat Greek Wedding succeeds on several levels. It's a fairly wholesome, involving film in a sea of violent and nerve-rattling movies. You have to look for the necessary conflict that makes any story work. In "Wedding" it's simply the clash of cultures humorously portrayed. The pic is sly in that it hints that things will turn terribly sour any minute. Instead, you are thrown off balance by the sudden jolts of unexpected warmth and ironic humor.
Pleasant and generous people are hard to find...and truly "feel good" movies are rare. They both come together in My Big Fat Greek Wedding. "Oh my God, I look like Snow Beast!" Better go see it to find out what that line is about. Enjoy.
Pleasant and generous people are hard to find...and truly "feel good" movies are rare. They both come together in My Big Fat Greek Wedding. "Oh my God, I look like Snow Beast!" Better go see it to find out what that line is about. Enjoy.
Tell Me Something
(1999)
A surprising crime thriller
5 July 2002
Tell Me Something is slick, fast, and entirely unpredictable up to the last second. This Korean film appears to possibly be made with an international market in mind.Terrific acting and very high technical credits add up to present a shocking, relentless crime drama. The DVD provides options for the comfort of various types of viewers (choice of Korean or English, with or without subtitles.) Some scenes are disturbingly graphic. If you are a fan of Seven or Silence of the Lambs, though, Tell Me Something comes recommended.
Dakota Incident
(1956)
A cool 50's Western
20 March 2002
Dakota Incident is a curiosity for several reasons. It will be obvious from the start that it was made long before anyone ever thought of political correctness. Although, the Ward Bond character softens the edge with "maybe we can communicate with them, after all they're humans, too" type of dialogue. His part stands side-by-side with the preacher attemtping to communicate with the Martians in War of the Worlds. In fact, it's uncanny. The title is curious too. Use of the word "Incident" contributes an importance and sophistication to the film that probably didn't hurt boxoffice. The contrived assortment of characters and Linda Darnell's fancy dress and hat are wonderful dated touches that make Dakota Incident a cool western artifact from the mid-fifties.
Women of the World
(1963)
A wonderful, lost 60's Mondo movie
6 March 2002
Women of the World felt like a direct sequel to Mondo Cane. It did fairly well in art houses -- considered a little too edgy for early 60's sentimentality to open very wide. Regrettably, it seems to be a lost film, at least in the U.S. The Riz Ortolani score is terrific. The main theme is a rousing twist number with a delightful montage of a variety of women. The rest of the score is a real treat for soundtrack aficianados. Look for this great movie score in vinyl bins.
Gosford Park
(2001)
This year's period "art" act.
28 February 2002
It had to happen. It wouldn't be a year for the industry without a stuffy (usually British) art piece. Gosford Park fills the bill with more than enough syrup. Technical credits were all fine, but today's audiences deserve more. Take out the pretentious overdone high society British schtick, add some coherence and satisfying twists and Gosford might have been deserving of whatever praise it is receiving. The obligatory cursing was a distraction. It's the film that bumped much more worthy productions such as Amelie or Black Hawk Down from the best picture nominations. And what was with everyone hating the adorbale "Pip the Dog"? Thank goodness he made it through the film. When he rode away with his head sticking out of the travel bag, I felt good that all was not lost.
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