George-Miller Movie Reviews

Rival scientists from the USSR and the US are engaged in a Contact-the-Martians Race. The scientist from the US makes contact first (or does he?) and those stereotypical 1950s commies (evil vodka swilling atheists all) are upset because the superior Martians with a perfect society are Democratic Christians. So the USSR sets out to prove it is all a hoax being conducted against the world, including against the US government, by the american scientist.

In an extremely interesting twist on the usual 1950s sci-fi movie mindset, the originally thrilled US government also becomes afraid and starts to question its scientist's veracity and motives when the Martians' promises of cheap energy, long life, etc., for all humans on Earth begins to panic big union and corporate interests (fuel companies, pharmaceuticals, etc), and so the scientist also has to fight against his own government trying to put a gag on him (hey, they know where their campaign contributions came from). Even "worse", I'm sure, is the fact that the Martians appear to be Socialists. This all helps make the film far more relevant to today than most 1950s sci-fi since although the "Communist scourge" of the USSR no longer exists, rampant Capitalism is still a threat to Democracy.

At turns, this is a very good sci-fi movie which shows great creativity and insight, or a sugary schlockfest filled with caricatures. In either case, it is entertaining and makes worthwhile viewing.

This is a toughie to review, as the only way to review it is practically tell the story.

So lets suffice to say that the movie was made in a time when everyone was into the red scare. A nuclear family has the means and knowledge to build a device (from public domain information) to transmit to a 1952 version of Mars.

Messages appear to return. The content disrupts economics and supports the concept of theocracies over democracies (Iran is a theocracy). However it is not so much the messages that catch your eye, as the 1950's stereotypes. The nuclear family is just missing the family dog. The wife even thought standing beside her husband is more behind him and is scared of her own shadow. The commies are ruthless and dumb. The president (this is before we started to degrade presidents) is fair and benign. I can go on but you get the idea. Now it is amusing to watch in retrospect. But if any of these people existed today it would be scary.

Peter Graves gets to play the good guy "look to the future" father.

Marvin Miller (Arjenian) the confused bad guy (typical 50's commie) can bee seen again as Michael Anthony in the 1955 TV series "Millionaire, The"

I thoroughly enjoyed this Sci-Fi classic 1952 production and feel it has been largely under-rated and ignored!

If you've grown tired of the portrayal of Martians or aliens as nasty, freaky bug creatures, "Red Planet Mars" is for you!

It uses a lot of religious symbolism and touches on issues of atheism and theocracy...

I also enjoyed Peter Graves performance as the "pure scientist' who is only following his profession and then finds himself in a theological, ethical dilemma...

The scientist's wife played by Andrea King is interesting character... as she is torn between her fifties dutiful wife role of supporting her husband no matter what and her strong conservative Christian values which sound a lot like the religious paranoia. She has occasional outbursts that seem unreal at times and you wonder how a scientist could have ever married her!

Eventually the military and security establishment, as usual wants to control the release of these messages from the more "highly advanced" Martians...

The message isn't totally Christian either as the American President eventually makes clear that the religious values are shared by Christians, Moslems and Buddhists!

I thought a lot of the above themes...even, contact via hydrogen tube radio showed a lot of foresight and you can really see how they are played out in the recent film "Contact". I'd recommend watching "Red Planet Mars" first and then view "Contact" to see what I mean!

If you are not a Saterday Night Live fanatic, you might what to give this one a pass. Truly only for collectors.

Eddie Murphy's best character skecthes performed on Saturday Night Live television history in the eighties was his "Mister Robinson's Neighbourhood", "James Brown", "Stevie Wonder", "Buckwheat" and serial killer assassin "John David Stubbs". Are simply the best over it's top to a funny comedian like Murphy himself!

That Dutch person must not understand American comedy. This video is a must for anybody whom Eddie Murphy ever made laugh. This is a wonderful set of Saturday Night Live sketches by one of the greatest comedic geniuses ever to grace SNLs stage. I wish they had more of the Buckwheat sketches, but they do have my favorite of all time: Mr. White. This makes the whole video worth buying.

It's is the end of Blake's reign, and the beginning of Avon's. Avon has the idea that he is going to take over the Liberator after the Federation is destroyed. Unluckily for the crew is...Blake isn't standing in his way.

This episode represents the end of the Blake's reign and shows us that Avon plans on taking the ship for his own after the Federation is destroyed. The trouble for the crew isthis.... Blake isn't standing in his way.

The next vol. of Blake's 7 sees much action and suspense in the episodes entitled THE KEEPER and STAR ONE
The episode entitled The Keeper
Blake leaving Freedom City with only one clue the planet Goth. Docholli erased his memory and those working on Star One formerly called control, but left a copy of it on Goth. Now Blake must find who is keeping that information so he can find Star One. On Goth Blake is attacked by medieval warriors lead by a ruthless warlord who may have the key. The warlord has meet Travis and Servalan already and takes a liking to Travis but hating Servalan. Then he meets Blake and the others and taking a rather good intrest in Jenna and Villa rather good sense of hunor. Jenna knows it is up to her to find out who is the keeper of the secrets of Star One or she may end up a warlords wife.
The Next episode entitled STAR ONE
Blake has done it he has finally found Star One. After weeks of huting down Federation officers, runaway medical doctors and waring warlords Blake has found Star One. What Blake doesn't know that Star One is a planet and on that planet reside the technicans ment to live out the rest of there lives servicing Star One. They seem to think Blake is someone else, someone with a missing arm and an eye. Blake has to figure out why they think he is Travis and stop not only him but destory Star One and the whole of the Federation as well. This epsiode shows us the steps Blake goes to see his dream fullfilled and what Traivs will do when finally pushed to the edge. The Universe of Blake 7 shall forever be changed

The next vol. of Blake's 7 with the epsidoes entitled THE HARVEST OF KAIROS and CITY AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD

In the epsidoe entitled THE HARVEST OF KAIROS

Servalan has a cunning plan to take the Liberator but her advisors seem to think her plans as of late have not been working. She finds out that a construction worker has been speaking out on Servalan tatcis. She orders that this man be brought to her. What she doesn't know is that this man was once a general in the Federation army. Servalan is taken by the man and he begins in ernest to capture the Liberator from Avon and the others. Servalan in overjoyed that this man in finally able to do what hundreds of other could not take the Liberator and give Servalan the Federation on a silver platter. Will Avon and the others be ready for whatever cunning plans are in store? Or will they end up as another war story fro this general turned construction worker turned lover of Servalan?

In the next epsidoe entitled CITY AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD
Avon has agreed to Bayban the Butcher(the second most dangerous man after Blake of course) the use of Villa and his safe craking abilites. What Villa doesn't know is what Bayban wantd with this door opened? Bayban doesn't know but wants whatever is on the other side. The people of the planet say it is the doorway to another world. Bayban thinks it is a door to wealth beyond wealth. Villa can only do as he says of die trying for Bayban has only given him an hour. Now Villa is racing against time to save his life and possable give Bayban the means to destroying the world. On a personal note this is my favorite episode. Not only does it have Villa being the hero for once it also has to Doctor Who fans Colin Baker as a rather dangerous villian which is nice to watch. But also the actor who played the Black guardian during the time of Peter Davidson run as the Doctor. So all in all the best episode around.

Volume 16 of the "Blake's 7" video collection contains two more episodes of this excellent British science fiction television series. These episodes continue the saga of the space ship Liberator, whose crew battles the oppressive Federation.

In "The Harvest of Kairos," Tarrant plans to steal the subject of the episode's title: a crystal that grows on the planet Kairos. But his plan leads the crew of the Liberator into conflict with Servalan. This episode features one of the series' all-time best guest performances: Andrew Burt as Jarvik, a former Federation officer who distrusts computers and believes in old-fashioned concepts like honor and courage. This episode features everything you could want in a B7 episode: a thrilling space battle, alien monsters, intrigue, romance, and moral ambiguity.

The second episode on the tape, "City at the Edge of the World," is a marvelous adventure that focuses on Vila, the Liberator's cowardly resident thief. Vila gets involved with the notorious bandit Bayban the Butcher (played with a touch of campy humor by Colin Baker), finds romance with a lovely bandit girl (Carol Hawkins), and even gets to expound his theory of safecracking. This episode features lots of action and humor, and great dialogue. Great line: "He's lost a lot of weight, hasn't he?" (Vila, upon seeing a skeleton). This episode shows why Vila is one of sci-fi's all-time classic characters. Together, "Kairos" and "City" represent two of the most entertaining hours in the entire run of this classic series.

City at the Edge of the World is one of the best Vila episodes written,as well as developing the characters of Tarrent, Avon, and Cally. This is a critical episode if you are a Vila fan. It offers a good glipse of Vila's skill, intelligence, and a rare display of bravery. It also shows Avon, and Cally in a good light. Tarrent forces Vila to go down against his will as part of a trade with the natives; which quickly backfires. The others do their best to come to Vila's aid. This is the only episode in which Vila saves the day and gets the girl. The final scenes are exciting, touching, and humorous.

Harvest on Kairos is a decent episode. If you are a Servelain fan this is an episode you will want to see. Avon comes though in the end, but this isn't one of his best episodes. It is an interesting show however, but I didn't care too much for it because Cally and Vila were largely ignored. The only enjoyment I got was out of the further development of Servelain's character. If you like Tarrent this is an episode you will want to see, but if you like Avon better this episode will make you sick!

I give City a 10 and Harvest a 5(lower if not for Servelain)

I think if they had included the studio audience laugh track, it would be more fun to watch (kind of creepy without it). The later shorts do include the laugh track, which must have come from the SNL broadcasts.

The "Mr. Bill" short films are as bizarrely endearing as ever, but the DVD is a disaster. (Note that all the earlier reviews are for the VHS tape.)

Here's the rub: ***ALL*** scanning and skipping functions are disabled throughout the entire disc! Want to go to the next film? Don't press the skip button; it won't work. You have to go back to the tedious menu and arrow your way slowly to the episode you want. Want to back up or fast forward a little in the film you're watching? Sorry, but there's no way AT ALL to do that.

This disc is a cruel joke and should be withdrawn. It cannot be recommended at all as issued, though I found it impossible to give poor Mr. Bill only one star....

can't rewind a one minute film? Who cares? You DVD nerds are the worst.
The menu is cute.

Seek, Locate, and Destroy is a FANTASTIC Blake's Seven episode that introduces a most interesting character, Travis. The Web? Laughable! You might just want to fast forward through The Web (it has NO impact on the plot what-so-ever) and watch Seek Locate Destroy. Don't get me wrong - if your idea of high sci-fi includes midgets hopping about, wearing green tissue paper suits and squeeling at the top of their voices, then this is the episode for you! *NOTE* You might want to hit the mute button during the scene where the mutant midget decimas destroy the laboratory. (I use the term destroy losely, because the scene of destruction is mostly comprised of jumping and yipping, but I think I saw one midget knock over a table!) Why did I waste good money on this video? Because I have the nerd dream of collecting the entire series and let's face it, TRAVIS IS A HOTTIE!....

The next two titles in Blake 7 called The Web and Seek-Locate-Destroy
Blake and the others outrunning federation pursuit ships for weeks now have just about lost them. What they didn't count on was Cally. Trying to destory key functions of the Liberator and send them to some unknow part of the galaxy. Unknow to any of the crew but Cally mind is placed under control by a group called The Lost. A group from her planet Auron long ago who were exiled and went out into the stars to do dangerous experiments on themselves and other beings. The liberator traveling at speeds unheard off rams itself into some kind of webbing. Blake and the others are stumped as to why they can't get free. The Lost contact Blake informing him that they need power to replace thier own dying power source. Blake makes a teleport and finds two humans fighting off strange creatures weilding crude weapons (Doctor who fans should note that the aliens look an awful lot like Zygons or just took the concept from them and made for that). Worse Blake meet the last of the Lost or should I say the remains of the last of the Lost and his combined minds of the others now dead. Blake finds out they want to kill the creatures that the Lost created along with the web that got out of control. For only they can free the Liberator and its crew. But Blake doesn't know that federation pursuit ships are fast on thier trail.
In the next episode entitled Seek-Locate-Destory
We are introduced to the main villianess Supreme Commander of Federation Forces Servalan (Doctor Who fans should note she appeared in "The Two Doctors")who would dog Blake until his capture or his death. She would like that latter. Her first act to stop Blake is bring in Space Commander Travis a man who knows Blake all to well. Seeing as how he was the one who took Travis eye and arm when Blake was leader of the first rebellion. Travis wants nothing more then to see Blake dying before him as he aims his gun at Blake to get his revenge. He has his chance when he finds out that Blake and the others just hit a communications centre and ran off with a cyper device but in the process of getting away Cally is hurt and left behind. Blake has to find a way to get Cally back and avoid Travis traps along the way.
Now the stage has been set for fans to watch the villans try and stop or even capture Blake. The charter of Travis would be in many of the adventures to come but Servalan was the true villian of Blake 7 and I couldn't see it any other way.

This tape collects two episodes of "Blake's 7," the classic British space adventure TV series. These two installments continue the adventures of Blake, who leads his crew of rebels in their quest to overthrow the corrupt, tyrannical Federation.

In "The Web," the spaceship Liberator is trapped in a giant web in space, and Blake bargains for help to get it free. This episode features a genetically-engineered race of creatures known as the Decimas. There are some genuinely surreal and disturbing scenes in "The Web," as well as an interesting moral dilemma for Blake.

In "Seek-Locate-Destroy," Blake masterminds a daring raid on a Federation facility. This episode is especially important in the overall saga for introducing the recurring villains Servalan and Travis. This episode also reveals the conflict at work within the Federation and its space officer corps. Travis' fascinating backstory is part of this conflict.

Overall, these two episodes are good examples of B7's first season. If you like low-budget sci-fi with well-written dialogue and memorable character dynamics, check this tape out.

I think if they had included the studio audience laugh track, it would be more fun to watch (kind of creepy without it). The later shorts do include the laugh track, which must have come from the SNL broadcasts.

The "Mr. Bill" short films are as bizarrely endearing as ever, but the DVD is a disaster. (Note that all the earlier reviews are for the VHS tape.)

Here's the rub: ***ALL*** scanning and skipping functions are disabled throughout the entire disc! Want to go to the next film? Don't press the skip button; it won't work. You have to go back to the tedious menu and arrow your way slowly to the episode you want. Want to back up or fast forward a little in the film you're watching? Sorry, but there's no way AT ALL to do that.

This disc is a cruel joke and should be withdrawn. It cannot be recommended at all as issued, though I found it impossible to give poor Mr. Bill only one star....

can't rewind a one minute film? Who cares? You DVD nerds are the worst.
The menu is cute.

The second volume of "Blake's 7" on video contains two more episodes of this beloved British sci-fi series. In "Cygnus Alpha" and "Time Squad," the foundations of the B7 saga are still being established. This series tells the story of a band of rebels who wage a campaign against an oppressive interplanetary power known as the Federation.

"Cygnus Alpha" opens with escaped prisoners Blake, Avon, and Jenna in possession of a mysterious alien spacecraft (given the name "Liberator"). They stage a mission to rescue other prisoners from the Federation penal colony on Cygnus Alpha. There are some good suspenseful scenes, and the episode also contains an interesting depiction of a religious cult that has evolved on the planet. The B7 crew dynamics continue to evolve as the story unfolds.

In "Time Squad," Blake masterminds a daring attack on a Federation facility. This episode introduces a new regular character: Cally, a telepath from the planet Auron. By the end of these two episodes, the original "Blake's 7" of the title (including the computer named Zen) are fully assembled, and ready to chart their bold course into sci-fi history.

Viewing these episodes (which set the stage for even better installments to come), I am struck at how much later space operas like "Babylon 5" and "Farscape" seem to echo some of the themes and narrative strategies of B7. Yes, B7's special effects and props may look a bit primitive today, but the show had a wit and intelligence that are still sharp. If you're a sci-fi fan who hasn't yet discovered "Blake's 7," check out this and other videos in the series.

The next volume of Blake 7 with two titles called "Cygnus Alpha" and "Time Squad". Roj Blake former rebel leader now prisoner on his way to Cygnus Alpha was written off dead along with Jenna and Avon by the captain of the prisoner ship taking him and the others to the prison planet. What the captain doesn't know is that Blake and the others are alive and figuring out the newly dubbed ship Liberator and what is offers to Blake in his quest to stop the federation. Zen the ships computer is not what you would call forth coming with answers about who made Zen and why no one was on board still. Avon thinks Zen is defective, Blake thinks Zen knows more then he is willing to let on. Jenna just pushed a button that sent them flying thorugh the universe at break neck speed. Blake realizing he needs a cerw heads for Cygnus Alpha knowing that those on the ship as he would want to get off that planet as quickly as they arrived. Blake, Jenna and Avon all make discoveries on board the Liberator. The most important is the teleport device with witch they can go down on the planet without landing. Meanwhile Gan, Villa and the others land or should I say dropped on Cygnus Alpha where they find a clut has been formed by the prisoners sent before them. They are controlled by a madman who (Played by veteran actor of such other great BBC shows and of other movies Brian Blessed) is called "He who Must be obyed". Blake finds out that those on Cygnus Alpha are infected with some kind of illness and He who must be obeyed has the only cure. Blake has to find a way to get the cure get the others out and begin in earnest his mission. What will Blake do?
In the next Episode entitled Time Squad
We see Blake and the others adjusting themselves to life on the ship. Blake has picked his first target it the federation planet Saurian Major holding a vital communcation network. Also in hope to try and find rebel natives trying to stop the federation as well. Along the way they find a small craft floating in space with a distress beacon asking for help. Blake and the others bring the craft aboard. Inside they find three men forzen. Not knowing where they were going or where they are from they deforst them and try to help. While waiting they arrive on Saurian Major. Blake, Avon and Villa teleport down and try and make contact with the rebels. Gan and Jenna stay on board but face challenges from the three from the craft. Blake makes contact with but a lone rebel left after all the others are gone. A woman not from the planet but from a planet called Auron a woman called Callie. She helps Blake and the others destroy the network all the while Gan and Jenna are fighting to save the ship themselves and Blake when they need to get out. All in all it was really the first four episodes that would set the stage for Blake and his seven. Those wishing to think of jumping ahead shouldn't because these were what laid the foundation for a rather long running show.

BLAKES'7 IS THE GRANDFATHER OF SHOWS LIKE BABLYON-5 ANDFARSCAPE. THIS SET THE STAGE THAT YOU COULD HAVE A QUEST SPACEOPRASCIENCE FICTION SHOW. VILLINS YOU RILLY LOVED TO HATE. BLAKES'7 HADTHE FEDRATION AND SERVALAN BABLYON-5 HAD EARTH FEDRATION, THE SHADOWS,and BESTER OF THE PHICORE WHO YOU COULD MAKE A GOOD CASE FOR BEINGSERVALAN'S GRANDFATHER OR GRATE GRANDFATHER. SAME TYPE OF NASTYRUTHLESSNISS. AND AS FOR FARSCAPE THEY HAVE AT THIS POINT SCORPY ANDTHE WHOLE OF THE PEACEKEEPERS AFTER THEM. ALL RILLY GOODSTUFF. P.S. DR.WHO TO IS IN THIS LINE WATCH DR.WHO AND THEDALEKS.1963(WILLIAM HARTNILL) AND 2150AD{1965}.(FIRST DOCTOR/WILLIAMHARTNILL) AND GENNESS OF THE DALEKS (4TH DOCTOR-TOM BAKER AND LIZSLADEN AS SARAH JANE SMITH) FROM 1974. A GOOD ANTWAR AND ANTYFASHISOMSHOW. FIVE STARS!!!

This tape is more of a "must have" for Jerry Seinfeld fans or diehard SNL fans. For others, you may want to think twice before spending good money on this one. That is only because of the length, a mere 32 minutes (and that includes the video company's opening credits). The comedic skits and comedy bits are very good. I believe this originally aired in 1992, a couple of years BEFORE the TV show "Seinfeld" hit its prime. Jerry's fans will like this tape a lot. Especially the "Superman" sketch and the "game show" sketch (where the contestants answer questions, using Jerry's trademark delivery style). Again, if you're a fan of anything "Seinfeld," grab it while you can. It already seems like a collector's item to me. If you're an SNL fan, be aware that the only skits on this tape (except for the opening bit, before the monologue) are the ones in which Jerry appear. The episode's other skits are not included. For fans of both Seinfeld and SNL, definitely purchase it.

This is a very enjoyable video if you are a Jerry Seinfeld fan. It starts with a sketch (4.10 minutes) with Phil Hartman playing Clinton and Dana Carvey playing Brown. They are talking about a political debate they are about to have.

Then comes Jerry Seinfeld's monologue (6.1 minutes), which consists of some material any fan will be familiar with because it is also covered in his book SEINLANGUAGE and in his stand up act I'M TELLING YOU FOR THE LAST TIME (available on VHS and DVD). My favorite part of this bit is when he talks about the water at the edge of the runway at La Guardia Airport. I know exactly what he is talking about; it is kind of freaky to be in a plane going down a runway that ends at a body of water. Jerry suggests that they put piranha in the water to make the experience even more pleasant.

"Stand Up and Win" (8.26 minutes) is the first sketch we see Jerry in. In this sketch, Jerry is the talk show host of a game that tests contestants' knowledge of commedian catch phrases. Jerry gives a question, and the guys have to answer with a "Jerry" response. Also in this sketch are: Dana Carvey, Rob Schneider, and Adam Sandler.

"Make You Think" (6.28 minutes) has Jerry as an exasperated high school teacher. His students are incredibly dense as he tries to teach them about World War II. I really enjoyed this sketch because one of my favorite SNL alumni is in it, Ellen Cleghorn. And Jerry makes a very good teacher, if only his students weren't so dumb (one student being Chris Rock, and another being an even-skinnier-than-usual David Spade).

Probably the best part of the video is "Superman" (4.32 minutes). In this sketch Jerry plays the man he will always be famous for wanting to be: The Man of Steel. Jerry as Superman is being interviewed on the radio by a radio personality played by Phil Hartman.

"Goodnight" (1.31 minutes) is just the standard "Thank you for watching, Goodnight" thing that all SNL hosts do after the show with the cast standing behind them. Apparenlty Annie Lennox was the musical guest that night, because she is in the crowd.

I'm not exactly sure what the original air date was, but it was obviously in the very early 90s - probably 1992 or 1993. And my only complaint is that I believe that they failed to include all sketches that made it into the original airing. .

Other than that, what Jerry fan could ask for more? The Patron Saint of Mr. Average playing Superman. This is why we love him.

If you can still get your hands on this one, do it. This features Jerry at his younger comedian days along with the talented crews at Saturday Night Live. See how his nothingness evolved into His Royal Nothingness.

Peggy Lee as Rose: "Is there a place called Coffeyville?"
Jack Webb as Pete Kelly: "Yes, it's in Kansas."
Peggy Lee as Rose: "Don't go there. It's full of bad people."

Excellent music, stylish camera set-ups, cornball yet riveting dialog, plus a predictable denouement verging on the pathetic. All in all, one of Webb's finest achievements. What a director. Director of tourism.

Great Music. One of Hollywood's best movies. I have it on VHS. I want it on DVD.

Jack's the greatest. If you are not an American, Jack's your American icon, circa 1955. And you can't really argue with his friends Peggy Lee, Ella, and Miff Mole (it's his band that's featured). Other viewers and critics remark upon the versimiltude, but this misses the point; Jack captures the jazz myth. I don't care if this is the way it was; it's enough--more than enough--that this is the way I imagined it was. Jack reached into my imagination and put a part of it on screen. Wow-ow!