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jollytom-1
Reviews
Monella (1998)
The version on Amazon Prime
This review and rating is for the version being offer on Amazon Prime for rent. As a collector of 4K movies I saw a new 4K Blu-ray release of this film selling on Amazon for $49.99. The OVERLY HONEST REVIEWS gave it a rating of 3.5 out of 5. I thought I'd rent the Hd version for $1.99 on Amazon Prime before deciding if I should invest in the collector's 4K edition. Well the Prime version was awful. The video in many parts of the film was washed out, with little attention to color correction or contrast. The English dubbing was terrible and didn't attempt to match the English subtitles. Presumably the 4K version corrects these faults. But what I didn't realize before I rented the movie and worst of all, the film was severely edited resulting in a choppy uneven and distorted mess. This distorted mess of the original film can be explained by the fact that this version on Prime is only 78 minutes long. The full length film release is 105 minutes. Amazon censors cut 27 minutes out of this movie... (a fourth of the entire film!!!). And no they didn't say up-front their movie was a censored version. It was only afterwards that I noticed the movie description indicated 78 minutes. Lesson learned: "Buyer Beware" always check IMBD to confirm the true running time of your movie before renting from Prime ...and save your time and $ on this chopped up 78 minute disaster of a Tinto Brass cult classic film.
Once Upon a Time in America (1984)
Make sure you watch the long version
This movie is on my list of best all-time movies... it's iconic as is it's director. This is an epic violent drama by director Sergio Leone depicts life and times of an urban Americana through the story of two gangsters who start their partnership as Brooklyn kids in 1921 and ends in the late '60s. Robert De Niro is at top form of his acting career here. James Wood and the rest of the cast are excellent as well. The music score fits perfectly the film's visual decadence-atmosphere.
I've watched this film a few times over the years, I recommend it for all movie lovers , but make sure you're watching the long version versus the chopped up short version which is terrible. Read Roger Ebert review in Rotten Tomatoes which I totally agree with.
Hombre (1967)
In my top ten westerns of all time.
Hombre is a classic western film from the 1960s that completely debunks the notion that movies need vulgar language and graphic violence to entertain. This film represents the best-of-the-best from that era of moviemaking, showing that a well-crafted story can achieve greatness without resorting to gimmicks like gratuitous swearing or excessive bloodshed.
The movie stars the incomparable Paul Newman in the lead role as the protagonist, showing off his signature charm and wit throughout the film. Newman's character, John Russell, is tasked with transporting a group of passengers via stagecoach through a dangerous part of town. Along the way, they are attacked by menacing bandits. One of the most memorable characters is the cruel and cunning villain, Cicero Grimes, portrayed excellently by Richard Boone.
One of the highlights of the movie is the well-written dialogue that flows between the characters as they journey through the perilous terrain. The tension and suspense build gradually as the group face a range of dangerous obstacles, each seeming even more insurmountable than the last. The action is relentless, and yet there is a sense of realism that is often neglected in contemporary films.
Moreover, the movie is full of moments that are touching, funny, or thought-provoking, making it so much more than just an average western flick. Every time I watch Hombre, I find myself enamoured with the film's compelling plot and dynamic characters. It's no wonder that it has remained an all-time favorite of western fans throughout the years.
In conclusion, I believe that Hombre is a masterpiece that receives my highest rating of 10. If you are a fan of great storytelling, exhilarating action sequences, and memorable characters, then you must see this movie. Hombre is truly one of the best western films ever made - a classic that stands the test of time.
McCabe & Mrs. Miller (1971)
One of All Tie Favorite Westerns
Robert Altman's 1971 masterpiece, "McCabe & Mrs. Miller," is a stunning film that is as beautiful as it is haunting. Set in the Pacific Northwest in the late 19th century, the movie is a meditation on the American West, capitalism, and the cost of progress. Starring Warren Beatty and Julie Christie, the film follows the story of a gambler named John McCabe who sets up a brothel in a small mining town and hires a savvy madam named Constance Miller to help him run it.
Altman's direction is masterful, and the film's cinematography by Vilmos Zsigmond is simply breathtaking. The movie's muddy, snow-covered setting is captured in all its stark beauty, and the film's soft, natural lighting gives the characters a warm, intimate glow. The film's score, composed by Leonard Cohen, is hauntingly beautiful, and perfectly captures the film's melancholic mood.
The performances in "McCabe & Mrs. Miller" are uniformly excellent. Warren Beatty is fantastic as McCabe, playing him as a man with a brash exterior but a vulnerable interior. Julie Christie is equally impressive as Miller, bringing a depth and complexity to her character that few actresses could have achieved. The chemistry between the two is electric, and their relationship is both tender and fraught with tension.
What sets "McCabe & Mrs. Miller" apart from other Westerns is its refusal to glorify the West or its characters. Altman's film is a meditation on the cost of progress, and the destruction that capitalism and greed can bring. The film's ending is tragic and poignant, and the final shot of a snow-covered graveyard is unforgettable.
In conclusion, "McCabe & Mrs. Miller" is a masterpiece of American cinema. Altman's direction, Zsigmond's cinematography, Cohen's score, and the performances of Beatty and Christie all combine to create a film that is as beautiful as it is heartbreaking. It's a movie that deserves to be seen and appreciated by film lovers everywhere, and is easily deserving of a 10 out of 10 rating.
Avatar: The Way of Water (2022)
Superior Family Entertainment
James Camron has set a new bar for visual 3D cinematic excellence. The story flows with enough tension, suspense and physical combat to satisfy your most avid action junkie. Respect for Nature and family values are also an integral part of the story theme. The 3 hour and ten minutes length didn't seem to be that long since the story, it's visuals and screen action kept my interest peaked and made the time fly by. The film should be seen in 3D for best visual effect as it was made for 3D viewing. I definitely plan on buying the 3D blu-ray for my collection when it becomes available. I rate it as a 10- for superior family entertainment.
Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004)
Worst Comedy I've Ever Seen
I don't get the high ratings for this movie- (what were they smoking)? When did good comedy become reduced to silly-stupid? Many of the punch lines remind me of junior high school jokes-but they weren't all that funny even then. I get the impression there was no real dialogue writing in the script but rather the "comedians" we told to be creative and just say what ever just popped into their head. The producers must have decided that if they just got a bunch of so called "funny" people together the final product would be hilarious. I'm sure the actors in this dog of a film were laughing their heads off all the way to the bank. This is beyond a doubt the worst comedy I've ever seen.
Rob Roy (1995)
Excellent adult entertainment
Entertaining story from beginning to its ending. Great acting from all involved. Very well directed and edited. The story line advances seamlessly keeping your interest with suspense intrigue and compassion. Cinematography shows off beautiful scenic locations best when displayed on a larger screen. Every good story has a villain and Tim Roth plays the perfect villain, probably one of the very best villains of all time. I really down understand the low scores for this film. Some have compared this to the movie Braveheart claiming it's not as good but in my opinion it's every bit as good as Braveheart if not better.
A Man for All Seasons (1966)
A great movie
This film should be on every serious ovie buff's must see list. The acting is first class. The filmography is excellent. The true story is well presented with a superb written scrip and outstanding direction. This film is captivating, heart wrenching, and unforgettable.