George-Miller Movie Reviews

The next vol. of Blake's 7 entitled GAMES and SAND

In the epsidoe entitled GAMES
The planet Mecron holds the most powerful energy source in the universe Feldon crystals. There a twisted man called Belkov supervises the mining for the Federation. He is also known as the Master Gameplayer. There on Mecron he forces the natives to mine while he enjoys his games with his computer. Avon thinks he can out wit the master gameplayer. But can even Avon win at the games that Belkov knows and changes the rules to suit his needs?
In the next epsidoe entitled SAND
The planet Virn is a desert planet. Only one Federation scouting ship was ever sent to that planet. Part of that team was a former lover of Servalan. She goes to down to the planet to finally figure out what happen to that team. Avon gets word that Servalan is going there and intends to find out why. Soon Servalan ships lands but all to soon begins to develope faults and sand seems to be seeping in. Avon sends Tarrant and Dayna down to search but Scorpio has become trapped in the atmospshere of the planet. Dayna gets back to Scorpio but Tarrant is still trapped, worse Servalan is trapped with him. Now the two must work side by side if they intend to live and Avon must make a choice get free of the planet atmosphere or try and save Tarrant.

Volume 24 of the "Blake's 7" video series contains 2 more episodes of this great British sci-fi television series. These episodes, "Games" and "Sand," continue the adventures of Avon and his crew of interplanetary rebels aboard the starship Scorpio.

In "Games," the ruthless Federation is investigating the potential of Feldon crystals as an energy source. Both the Scorpius crew and their nemesis Servalan tangle with Belkov, a corrupt and eccentric official on a planet where the crystals are mined. Stratford Johns turns in a terrific guest performance as Belkov, who is obsessed with playing games. This episode is full of scheming, greed, and betrayal. Great line: "You steal for your reasons, I'll steal for mine!" (Vila).

"Sand" is an excellent episode in which both Servalan and Avon's crew are investigating the fate of a doomed mission to Virn, a mysterious planet that may be the home to a unique and valuable element. This episode is rich in haunting, surreal images. And the deadly secret of Virn is an excellent sci-fi twist. As a bonus, there is a bizarre flirtation between Servalan and Tarrant. Great line: "Power became my lover. Power is like a drug" (Servalan). Overall, "Games" and "Sand" are rich in many of the elements that make "Blake's 7" a great series: great dialogue, compelling characterizations, and an intriguingly dark vision of the destiny of humanity.

Raving gamesmasters on one -- each vying for a valuable commodity; and a plague(?) of vampyric sand, swilring 'round a dangerous and torrd afair, in the other. Quite a mix.

If you've seen this film you know that it's not great but it sure is fun. I was surprised to see Hollywood Boulevard get better treatment on DVD than some better quality films (As of this writing Citizen Kane has not been released on DVD) but that just makes this release all the more fun. The 3-way commentary by Joe Dante (Gremlins), Allan Arkush and Jon Davidson is what DVD commentaries are all about. They're funny, informative, and quite forthcoming with their feelings towards the film. An interesting passage occurs during Candice Rialson's rape scene. Everybody gets quiet. Clearly all were (and always will be)embarrassed by the scene. So much so they don't know what to say except that all films of this nature had the obligatory rape scene. The stories about Paul Bartel and Roger Corman are a hoot. The disc looks and sounds as good as can be. If you're a fan of low budget fun this disc is worth your cash.

never seen the movie, but the cover looks good.

This film is one of my all time favorite slices of cheese. It's from the heyday of Roger Corman's New World Pictures and features many of that stock company, like Paul Bartel, Dick Miller, Mary Woronov, etc.

Two guys from Corman's trailer cutting department, Joe Dante and Allan Arkush, had a great idea: Cut action scenes from various New World Productions, add some comical footage, T&A, action, slasher mystery and a song by country rock legends Commander Cody & His Lost Planet Airmen, mix and stir and you have a wildly entertaining film. It's also one of the cheapest features ever produced by New World.

The story concerns an aspiring starlet, played by the beautiful Candice Rialson, who arrives in Hollywood to seek fame and fortune. After a blundering robbery attempt by buffonish thieves who tricked her, she meets agent Walter Paisley (Dick Miller, using the same name as his character from Corman's classic, A Bucket of Blood), and becomes a stuntwoman for Miracle Pictures ("If it's a good picture, it's a miracle"), a thinly disguised parody of Corman's low budget grindhouse production company, New World. She then becomes a Miracles big star, and wacky filmmaking ensues. Not to mention a behind-the-scenes killer, adding mysterious spice to the events.

This film is a lot of fun, worthy of many repeated viewings. At least for me. There are lots of industry in-jokes and gentle satire aimed at Roger Corman himself. It's never taken too seriously and every scene of it is delightful fun, especially for fans of Corman's particular brand of guerilla movie making. My only complaint is that Hollywood Boulevard 2 isn't included on the same disc. It's just as funny and entertaining as the first one. Here's hoping it will be among the next releases by Corman's New Concorde Home Video.

Watching this you cant help but be overcome by the senselessness of the entire boxing industry. For two decades I followed pro boxing (I almost became one myself!)- Ive seen hundreds of pro fights- both current boxers, and old fighters on film. Marciano and Louis were the best heavyweights ever. This film's emotional highlight is Marciano's destruction of his idol Joe Louis. I predict the boxing industry will eventually be outlawed, or at best watered-down to a harmless sport like pro "wrestling".

THE ACTING WAS GREAT THE STORY WAS GREAT AND THE FIGHT SCENES WERE GREAT.I liked how it was inspirational, how an unlikely boxer rose to being the only undefeated heavyweight champion.

I have to say that this movie was extremaly well made. The True Story of a Great legend. "Rocky Marciano" Not only was the acting a 5 star Job well done, But the Music was very Beautiful. The fight scenes were awesome. The best fight was the Marciano/Louis fight. This fight brought a few tears to my eyes. The way they kept goin back and forth. The Music was emotional. The Touchin scene of Rocky visiting Louis after the fight in the dressing room. How that scene went back and forth where Rock was with Louis at the mental institute. Very Terrific film. I can't wait to purchase the Video.

I thought this tape was real funny. They made fun of Entertainment Tonight and that was very funny. If you like Tom Hanks or Peewee Herman, you'll love this tape! 1985 was quite a funny year on SNL,which is proved on this tape.

The 1985-1986 season was the best season of SNL. However, nobody gave it a chance. Debuting strongly, the season got mixed reviews, and the ratings declinded, making SNL the 2nd [and at times 3rd] highest rated show of the evening. However, the humor was fresh, and due to the return of Lorne Michaels, everything seemed to be more like the original groundbreaking cast.

Only characters that Dan Aykroyd played in which I remembered on Saturday Night Livetelevision history during the seventies and brief eighties. Was his skecthes of "The Coneheads" family with the father Belzar and Elwood one of the Blues Brothers character he did that's all to come through my mind for the moment!

The Best Of Dan Aykroyd was a terrific video. I mean, you can't see these classics anymore/ as NBC doesn't show SNL reruns from 1978, you know. Not everyday do you see The French Chef cut her finger and gush all over the place. And another thing-Irwin Mainway. It killed me! Fred Garvin went too far, and Crazy Ernie was dumb. Otherwise, I recommend this video to anyone who grew up on Danny, John, Chevy, Garrett, Gilda, and the rest of the Not Ready For Prime Time Players! If you love classic comedy, this is for you. If you loved this, there are about 100 other SNL videos to choose from. Hope you'll agree that this video earns 5 out of 5 stars. Goodbye, and one more thing-LIVE FROM NEW YORK, IT'S SATURDAY NIGHT!

Gene Autry was a recording artist, a radio performer, and a business man, and in his films he played Gene Autry, a recording artist,a radio performer----etc. This strategy, plus his singing, helped to make him the No.1 Singing cowboy and it's all there in this film. The movie also shows that he knew the value of a good supporting cast, in this case including Ann Miller, who became a major star in Musicals, comedian Shnozzle Durante,
and Gabby Hayes. Players of this calibre, plus Gene's delivery of several songs, guarantees an entertaining 84 minutes.Of course I really like it because (a)I first saw it in 1942,(b) I always liked his singing, and it takes me back....

This movie was a classic western musical. It had the talents of lovely Ann Miller, famous dancer, the fabulous comedy of Jimmy Durante and Gabby Hayes and of course the sweet voice of young Mary Lee. Gene, a radio star, returns to his home town of Torpedo as honorary sheriff for a day and winds up running for a permanent place as sheriff. The bad guys were ruling the town and Gene had to stop them. This was classed as a musical because of the many songs and dance routines, but it was also a classical Autry action movie as only he could make..If you have never been an Autry Fan or seen any of his movies this is the one to start with....Strangly enough, this is the very one that made this Autry collector fall in love with the life and legacy of Gene Autry and I have been collecting since that time....I highly recommend this movie!!!Give it a try and you'll become a fan of America Greatest Singing Cowboy!!

"Men of boys town" was a good movie. It revolves around the same characters that where in "Boys Town" although not being as great as boys town. However if you loved "Boys Town" you will like "Men of boys town".

As you may have already known, this is a film all about the boys that hang out with men. They like to get sweaty at times, tell jokes at other times, and play hanky panky at other times. If you're into older guys hanging out with young boys then this movie is for you.

The next enstallment of the series Blake's 7 with the titles HOSTAGE and COUNTDOWN
The epsidoe entitled Hostage
Orac picks up a strange message sent to Blake by of all people Travis. Travis is holding his cousin and is willing to kill her if he does not meet with him. Blake seeing now course but to meet with travis and see what he has to say. The Federation gets wind of the message sent by Travis to Blake they speed off to capture not only Travis but Blake as well. Can Blake save his cousin? Will he figure out if Travis is on his side? Will the Federation capture them both? Will this mean Travis and Blake will have to be cell mates on a penal planet? Who knows?
In the next epsidoe entitled COUNTDOWN
Blake has finally found where control has been moved to. Only one Federation officer named Provine knows where and he is on the planet Albion. What Blake doesn't know is that Provine and his forces have been fighting off rebel attacks and has put into motion the most deadly weapon at hand. Blake and the others try to help the rebels while finding Provine but to Avon discuss he meets up with a man who said he would kill him if he saw him again. This particualr epsidoe shows a bit more into the past of Avon and what is yet to come from him.

Both stories add dimension to lead characters.

"Hostage" is a Blake story and "Countdown" is an Avon story.

"Hostage" is seemingly a typical story, but uses parts of Blake's family to make the story into something special.

"Countdown" itself is about a revolt on an outer world, complete with some cool ideas as to how the destruction of the rebels would be accomplished. Having a nemesis of Avon adds to the tension, and the ending is astounding.

As with "Hostage", the charcaters in "Countdown" make the stories more than what they are. And it's characters that make us watch and want more. Definitely worth buying.

Volume 11 of the "Blake's 7" videos contains 2 more episodes of this classic British sci-fi series. These episodes--"Hostage" and "Countdown"--continue the saga of rebel leader Blake and his interplanetary crusade against the oppressive Federation.

In "Hostage," Blake's enemy Travis seeks to lure him to a planet with a hostage: an important person from Blake's past. This episode begins with a memorable space combat sequence, and contains some great Vila one-liners. A tense and violent episode, "Hostage" also offers a glimpse into another aspect of Blake's character.

"Countdown" opens with a gritty ground combat sequence on the planet Albian, which is attempting to break free of Federation domination. Blake and his crew arrive to help their fellow rebels evade a deadly Federation countermeasure. This episode is important because it reveals more about Avon's past. Great line: "I'm really looking forward to this: danger, excitement, sudden death. I can't wait" (Vila). This is a suspenseful episode with good guest performances.

These episodes exemplify the strengths of this series: compelling plotlines, memorable characters, and great dialogue. Highly recommended for fans of great sci-fi sagas.

It's lacking a few great skits, the Landshark opening was nice but one of the JAWS spoofs could have been added. It's definitley worth it but lets hope we see a season by season deal soon! Stuart Smalley, James Woods Dracula, Scream spoof with the
CheerSquad, Wayne & Garth's Halloween Costumes and Landshark are the highlights. But, come on, lets see NBC's SATURDAY NIGHT (live) Complete 1st Season on DVD soon! With Lorne Micheals & former Cast, Writers and Hosts interviews and behind the scenes stuff, maybe 5 discs? 4 for the show, one for extra's. It sounds good to me. "Oh well, good night and have a pleasant tomorrow"
Check out:
SNL-Christmas
SNL-25 Years Of Laughs
Nothing But Trouble-Chevy Chase
Caddyshack-Chevy Chase, Bill Murray, Rodney Dangerfield

THIS 60 MINUTE TAPE, HOSTED BY WAYNE AND GARTH, IS A GOOD MIX OF OLD SCHOOL AND RECENT SNL SKETCHES. IT IS A GREAT COMPANION TAPE TO SNL'S CHRISTMAS VIDEO. GET BOTH AND HAVE MANY HOLIDAY LAUGHS FOR YEARS TO COME.

It is one of the best snl videos ever

When "The Winning Team" hit theatres in 1952, moviegoers gave it an enthusiastic welcome. Doris Day, billed first, was the top moneymaking star at Warner Brothers and Ronald Reagan was nearing the end of his contract run at that studio.
The pair had briefly dated some years before, and they clearly evidence an on-screen chemistry which propels this tale of the late, great pitcher, Grover Cleveland Alexander, to a near homer.
While it may play lose with some of the facts surrounding "Alex the Great's" life, toning down his drinking problems and virtually ignoring his epilepsy, the resultant film is a well crafted, lovingly enacted story that will please a variety of audiences including those who enjoy baseball tales and those who prefer some homespun Hollywood biography.
This smartly directed story pretty much limits its scope to the years during which Alex and his wife Aimee were courting and married. The popular standard, "I'll String Along with You" is utilized as part of the film's score during many scenes involving the pair. Although not actually written at the time the story takes place it is nevertheless poignant and sweet.
Ronald Reagan clearly worked hard at his role in this film. He delivers one of his most convincing performances and capably displays the many layers behind the great pitcher with heartfelt feeling and emotion. As noted earlier, his chemistry with Doris Day is never forced or artificial but seems to be completely real in every way.
Few actresses could play wife and/or mother with the conviction of Doris Day. In the 40's, 50's, 60's, or 70's, she consistently and with subtlety played such roles in a real and completely believable fashion. She never resorts to sacchrrine sweetness or cloying mannerisms. Although only in her 20's when making this film, she displays a natural maturity and warmth as well as strength of character that gives the role of Aimee more complexity than it may appear to have on the surface. One shudders to imagine what the role would have been in the hands of someone like June Allyson or Debbie Reynolds.
During their marriage and the ups and downs that occurred with frequency, Aimee becomes a force behind Alex's comebacks and renewed success. While never diminishing Alex's own strengths and skills, Aimee is, nonetheless, a presence in his life that he can always turn to with certainty.
The supporting cast is fine headed by the always reliable Frank Lovejoy, turning in another fine performance. Baseball scenes are interlaced with real footage, and staged with excitement and an obvious love for that most American of sports.
"The Winning Team" is the perfect antidote to livening up anyone's day. This is one ball game you should be happy to be taken out to!

This biographical film about the great baseball pitcher Grover Cleveland Alexander actually gives top billing to Doris Day as Aimee Alexander rather than to Ronald Reagan as Alex the Great. "The Winning Team" actually manages to stick to the facts of Alexander's career, although it tones down his alcoholism and says nothing about his epilepsy, with the film suggesting his health problems had to do more with a blow to the head and being exposed to loud noises when he served in the artillery in France. To be fair, Alexander did prefer people think he was a drunk rather than let on about his epilepsy. Still, the film does deal with his rise, fall and celebrated comeback in leading the St. Louis Cardinals over the New York Yankees in the 1926 World Series when he struck out Tony Lazzeri with the bases loaded (in the 8th inning of Game 6). This film offers one of the finest performances by Ronald Reagan, in what proved to be his last film for Warner Brothers. Certainly he captures the dignity of a man who does not want anybody to know the terrible truth about what is wrong with him. Doris Day is the epitome of a supportive, albeit rather emotional, wife. As Rogers Hornsby, the player-manager who gives Alex his last shot, Frank Lovejoy plays the Rajah with a lot more personality than he ever showed in his Hall of Fame career. Alexander's widow Aimee served as the consultant on this 1952 film directed by Lewis Seiler, which stands second to only "Pride of the Yankees" as a baseball biopic of that era.

This is one great movie. Have you ever tried to explain to somebody who doesn't understand how great baseball is? Show them this movie. Ronald Reagan is Grover Cleveland Alexander!Compared to all of the great baseball movies there are out there, this one is still one of the greatest!