George-Miller Movie Reviews

It is not often in any James Cagney film that anyone else manages to steal more than a few scenes. Cagney did get top billing in JOHNNY COME LATELY, but he does not even make an entrance until way past the first reel. When the film begins, Grace George, who plays newspaper publisher Vinnie McLeod, is seen as the dramatic center. Her newspaper is going broke, mostly because of a local corrupt politician who is angry over the muckracking editorials of her paper. Along comes an erudite tramp Tom (Cagney), who promptly gets arrested for vagrancy but is saved from the chain gang by Miss McLeod who offers him a job as a reporter. At this point, I was not sure whether the film was headed for the land of romance (Marjorie Lord plays Miss McLeod's niece who breaks up with her boyfriend) or the gritty and sordid world of realpolitik journalism, sort of a pre-WW2 ALL THE PRESIDENT'S MEN. Part of the problem that director William K. Howard failed to resolve is that he could not set a consistent tone with which the audience would feel comfortable. Further, Howard hints at a romance between Lord and Cagney that fizzles out, leaving Cagney without much to do except go after the town bad guy. Still, Cagney manages to infuse JOHNNY COME LATELY with the vitality that his fans had come to expect. There is even a badly choreographed fist fight between him and Lord's boyfriend that ought never have happened, but director Howard obviously felt the need for the two to duke it out. Since Cagney was limited to muckraking, he shared center stage with a bravura performance by Marjorie Main, who plays brothel owner Mary McGregor, who whoops it up and rouses the town against the evil politician. For those who have a sharp eye for second tier actors, keep an eye out for Arthur Hunnicut, who later starred with Miss Main in the Ma and Pa Kettle film series. There is also Hattie McDaniel, who as Aida the maid, is again the brusque Mammy from her GONE WITH THE WIND days. JOHNNY COME LATELY is far from Cagney's best, but it is a tribute to his talents that he can make a grade B film seem far more interesting than it would have been without him.

The great stage actress Grace George (she looks like an elderly Billie Burke) is okay in her only film as Vinnie McLeod but one thinks she could have found a more suitable vehicle. As the itinerant journalist who's jailed for vagrancy, Cagney does as well as can be expected as Tom. Main steals the show as Gashouse Mary (her ex-husband was addicted to catsup!), and there is Margaret Hamilton and Hattie McDaniel (as Aida) in supporting roles. Marjorie Lord is pretty enough to look at yet strangely lacklustre and wooden. This rather feeble comedy-drama was produced by Cagney's brother William and although the period costumes are authentic, the script is lame. Based on the novel "McLeod's Folly" by Louis Bromfield, this film is pleasant enough, but it simply never catches fire.

This movie has everything, what a great story! Cagney of course delivers another one of his best performance's. Alot of people don't realize that Cagney made alot of (otherthangangster) movies where he can make you laugh, cry and feel good all in one. This one is that type. I miss you MR. CAGNEY!

Labor Pains while not a completely horrible movie, is pretty hard to watch. This movie does not have a good script and the acting certainly didn't add anything. There is very little character development, most of the characters never move beyond one dimensional, ... and completely unbelievable people. The acting in this movie is some of the worse I have ever seen, even the more famous actors like Mary Tyler Moore completely over act. This movie is supposed to be a romantic comedy, but I never laughed once. I wouldn't rent this movie, but if it is on TV and you are bored I would give it a try.

This is an off-the-wall movie about a young woman (Kyra Sedgwick) who gets pregnant by her boyfriend (Rob Morrow), then breaks up with him because he fears commitment. She doesn't bother to tell anyone but her best friend (Lela Rochon) about the little bun she has in the oven. She considers abortion, but (thankfully) not for very long. She finally decides to give the baby up for adoption after its birth (maybe...). She goes into labor maybe 20 minutes into the movie, and leaves everything up to her best friend, who calls the baby's father and her parents, who all converge at the hospital for a hilarious "family reunion". I'm not going to give the ending away...and I'm not going to say that this is the greatest, funniest movie I've ever seen. In my opinion, it's a worthwhile rental. Keep in mind that it's not all that true-to-life; for instance when the doctor asks her how far apart her contractions are, she replies with a big smile and, "you know I've really lost track". YEAH, right! Not only that, but she finds the time somewhere in all of this while she's at the hospital (even though she went into labor at a restaurant and wasn't carrying any visible bags) to slip her huge pregnant self into a clingy red dress, complete with slits up the sides. Isn't that just all the rage in every maternity wing for laboring women??? If you can get past these few little quirks, you might find this movie enjoyable. One of the funniest aspects of the movie was that all of the older married couples seemed to still be quite...active. It has an R rating for some language and a few fairly explicit sex scenes, so it's definitely not a family movie, but it could have been a lot worse. As a young single woman, I get tired of renting movies targeted towards me that are filled with all sorts of propaganda promoting abortion, homosexuality, and/or other things I'm not involved with and don't really want shoved down my throat at every opportunity. It was nice to see a new movie come out that actually promoted marriage and parenthood.

Labor Pains while not a completely horrible movie, is pretty hard to watch. This movie does not have a good script and the acting certainly didn't add anything. There is very little character development, most of the characters never move beyond one dimensional, ... and completely unbelievable people. The acting in this movie is some of the worse I have ever seen, even the more famous actors like Mary Tyler Moore completely over act. This movie is supposed to be a romantic comedy, but I never laughed once. I wouldn't rent this movie, but if it is on TV and you are bored I would give it a try.

This is an off-the-wall movie about a young woman (Kyra Sedgwick) who gets pregnant by her boyfriend (Rob Morrow), then breaks up with him because he fears commitment. She doesn't bother to tell anyone but her best friend (Lela Rochon) about the little bun she has in the oven. She considers abortion, but (thankfully) not for very long. She finally decides to give the baby up for adoption after its birth (maybe...). She goes into labor maybe 20 minutes into the movie, and leaves everything up to her best friend, who calls the baby's father and her parents, who all converge at the hospital for a hilarious "family reunion". I'm not going to give the ending away...and I'm not going to say that this is the greatest, funniest movie I've ever seen. In my opinion, it's a worthwhile rental. Keep in mind that it's not all that true-to-life; for instance when the doctor asks her how far apart her contractions are, she replies with a big smile and, "you know I've really lost track". YEAH, right! Not only that, but she finds the time somewhere in all of this while she's at the hospital (even though she went into labor at a restaurant and wasn't carrying any visible bags) to slip her huge pregnant self into a clingy red dress, complete with slits up the sides. Isn't that just all the rage in every maternity wing for laboring women??? If you can get past these few little quirks, you might find this movie enjoyable. One of the funniest aspects of the movie was that all of the older married couples seemed to still be quite...active. It has an R rating for some language and a few fairly explicit sex scenes, so it's definitely not a family movie, but it could have been a lot worse. As a young single woman, I get tired of renting movies targeted towards me that are filled with all sorts of propaganda promoting abortion, homosexuality, and/or other things I'm not involved with and don't really want shoved down my throat at every opportunity. It was nice to see a new movie come out that actually promoted marriage and parenthood.

EDWARD JAMES OLMOS AND GEORGE DZUNDZA TURN IN EXCELLENT PERFORMANCES IN THIS THINLY VEILED RECREATION OF THE ZODIAC MURDERS OF SAN FRANCISCO. OLMOS' ROLE STARTS OUT PURPOSEFUL BUT ENDS UP PATHETIC WHILE DZUNDZA BEGINS AS WEIRD AND TURNS PREDATORY. IT WAS GREAT TO WATCH THEIR CHARACTERS CHANGE AS THEY PLAYED OFF OF ONE ANOTHER. WHILE IT WAS INTERESTING THAT THE SCOREKEEPER'S VICTIMS AND M.O. CLEARLY PARALLELED THOSE OF THE ZODIAC, I FEAR THAT THIS FILM WOULD ONLY BE A 2 STAR AFFAIR (AT BEST) FOR THE NON-ZODIAC BUFF. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.

A San Francisco detective is obsessed with catching a serial killer who has been killing people for over 20 years. When the detective learns that he has only a few weeks of life left, he tries his one last shot - taking the suspect for a ride down memory lane, hoping to force him into a confession...

What makes the movie interesting to true crime buffs like myself ;) is the fact that it's very obviously based on the never-solved case of the serial killer "Zodiac" from San Francisco area in the 1970s. The movie is a faithful recreation of the "canonical" crimes of the Zodiac, with Edward James Olmos starring as an SFPD detective clearly modelled after Inspector Dave Toschi (who hunted the real Zodiac).

....

Unfortunately, the film concentrates on a certain theory proposed by one recognised writer...This almost spoiled the movie for me, as I find many aspects of this theory annoying in the extreme. Still (and in spite of its ending, as realistic as the idea of Jack the Ripper being the Duke of Clarence), so far it's the best movie on the Zodiac out there (the 1970s movie is reportedly too silly to watch), and it has a nice musical score, too.

Man Made Monster is an excellent example of Universal Studios' work during the 1940s. This neat little B picture has great mood and art design, some good special effects, and excellent performances by Lon Chaney Jr. in another of his sympathetic parts, and Lionel Atwill playing another of his (almost) over-the-top mad doctor roles. Highly recommended.

Lon Chaney, Jr's role will evoke sympathy. Some light hearted moments as well. Though not as campy as "Indestructable Man" (another Chaney film from the same era)to this viewer this film has the same "feel" to it. The ending is awesome.

Chaney plays a man who is immune to electricity. He is turned into a monster by a mad doctor and goes on a rampage escaping from prison and killing the Doctor and the prison wardon. A great movie for halloween

Murder at 1600's strong point is that it has characters you want to care about. Wesley Snipes has this type of character nailed down as an "officer just wanting to do my job" (Detective Regis) as he's done in pictures such as Passenger 57. Diane Lane as Special Agent Nina Chance is once again great and beautiful as ever. The plot of the movie has some twists as a murder in the White House is used as a cover up (or not as a cover up) to disgrace the First Family. One complaint is, somehow Ronny Cox should have continued his run as a "baddie" (Total Recall, Robo Cop) in films. He and Alan Alda (as Alvin Jordan, National Security Advisor) should have switched roles in the film. Alan Alda should have played the President in the movie. Otherwise, a pretty good thriller from start to finish.

Any movie that allows former-M*A*S*H star Alan Alda to play against type is worth a look.

Star Snipes adds another "action role" to his ever-expanding arsenal of "kick butt" types. Diane Lane, Ronny Cox, and Daniel Benzali supply enough backing to make this thriller passable.

The appearance of Diane Baker as the President's wife makes the movie work for me.

Wesley Snipes stars as a DC homicide cop brought into the White House to help solve the brutal murder of a White House staffer. He gets very little support from the Secret Service, who want the matter resolved quickly, even if that means bending the facts a little. Snipes begins to realize that there is a coverup in progress and that he is only one man standing against the machinery of Washington. Snipes is a good fit for this role, not relying on simply mugging and attitude like he sometimes does. Diane Lane as the Secret Service agent assigned as his liason gives the film's best performance. She really deserves to get her "breakout" role that would give her a shot at better scripts than this one. It starts out promisingly, but the mystery and action becomes increasingly ridiculous as it moves along. The supporting cast are never given a chance to flesh out their roles as their characters do things that don't make much sense. By the ending of the film, the best I could muster was, "Yeah, right." A murder mystery involving top level political cover ups in Washington is a ripe topic to say the least. But this was a good idea that needed a lot of reworking before filming. It's a wasted opportunity.

Murder at 1600's strong point is that it has characters you want to care about. Wesley Snipes has this type of character nailed down as an "officer just wanting to do my job" (Detective Regis) as he's done in pictures such as Passenger 57. Diane Lane as Special Agent Nina Chance is once again great and beautiful as ever. The plot of the movie has some twists as a murder in the White House is used as a cover up (or not as a cover up) to disgrace the First Family. One complaint is, somehow Ronny Cox should have continued his run as a "baddie" (Total Recall, Robo Cop) in films. He and Alan Alda (as Alvin Jordan, National Security Advisor) should have switched roles in the film. Alan Alda should have played the President in the movie. Otherwise, a pretty good thriller from start to finish.

Any movie that allows former-M*A*S*H star Alan Alda to play against type is worth a look.

Star Snipes adds another "action role" to his ever-expanding arsenal of "kick butt" types. Diane Lane, Ronny Cox, and Daniel Benzali supply enough backing to make this thriller passable.

The appearance of Diane Baker as the President's wife makes the movie work for me.

Wesley Snipes stars as a DC homicide cop brought into the White House to help solve the brutal murder of a White House staffer. He gets very little support from the Secret Service, who want the matter resolved quickly, even if that means bending the facts a little. Snipes begins to realize that there is a coverup in progress and that he is only one man standing against the machinery of Washington. Snipes is a good fit for this role, not relying on simply mugging and attitude like he sometimes does. Diane Lane as the Secret Service agent assigned as his liason gives the film's best performance. She really deserves to get her "breakout" role that would give her a shot at better scripts than this one. It starts out promisingly, but the mystery and action becomes increasingly ridiculous as it moves along. The supporting cast are never given a chance to flesh out their roles as their characters do things that don't make much sense. By the ending of the film, the best I could muster was, "Yeah, right." A murder mystery involving top level political cover ups in Washington is a ripe topic to say the least. But this was a good idea that needed a lot of reworking before filming. It's a wasted opportunity.

Murder at 1600's strong point is that it has characters you want to care about. Wesley Snipes has this type of character nailed down as an "officer just wanting to do my job" (Detective Regis) as he's done in pictures such as Passenger 57. Diane Lane as Special Agent Nina Chance is once again great and beautiful as ever. The plot of the movie has some twists as a murder in the White House is used as a cover up (or not as a cover up) to disgrace the First Family. One complaint is, somehow Ronny Cox should have continued his run as a "baddie" (Total Recall, Robo Cop) in films. He and Alan Alda (as Alvin Jordan, National Security Advisor) should have switched roles in the film. Alan Alda should have played the President in the movie. Otherwise, a pretty good thriller from start to finish.

Any movie that allows former-M*A*S*H star Alan Alda to play against type is worth a look.

Star Snipes adds another "action role" to his ever-expanding arsenal of "kick butt" types. Diane Lane, Ronny Cox, and Daniel Benzali supply enough backing to make this thriller passable.

The appearance of Diane Baker as the President's wife makes the movie work for me.

Wesley Snipes stars as a DC homicide cop brought into the White House to help solve the brutal murder of a White House staffer. He gets very little support from the Secret Service, who want the matter resolved quickly, even if that means bending the facts a little. Snipes begins to realize that there is a coverup in progress and that he is only one man standing against the machinery of Washington. Snipes is a good fit for this role, not relying on simply mugging and attitude like he sometimes does. Diane Lane as the Secret Service agent assigned as his liason gives the film's best performance. She really deserves to get her "breakout" role that would give her a shot at better scripts than this one. It starts out promisingly, but the mystery and action becomes increasingly ridiculous as it moves along. The supporting cast are never given a chance to flesh out their roles as their characters do things that don't make much sense. By the ending of the film, the best I could muster was, "Yeah, right." A murder mystery involving top level political cover ups in Washington is a ripe topic to say the least. But this was a good idea that needed a lot of reworking before filming. It's a wasted opportunity.

Okay, this movie....oh man. This horrible clash of genres features over the top and under the top acting, idiotic characters, "special" Effects that are none too impressive and is the worst thing Isaac Hays has ever been involved with. Seriously, this is one ripe for MST3K, folks. Buy it only to torture yourself or other people. I have a long, curse-filled, spiteful review on my website, but I can't post the URL here so whatever. If you are going to buy, BUY USED. Do not waste any extra money on this thing. Spend it on a bag of Oreos or something instead. You'll be glad you did.

Oblivion is a campy, fun loving Sci-Fi Western movie that doesn't try to explain itself, nor does it take itself too seriously. If you are a trekky like me, its almost worth the cost of the DVD just to hear George Takei (who plays a drunk doctor) pay hommage to "Bones" McKoy with such wonderful lines as "I'm a doctor dammit, not a magician!" Oblivion has all the stuff you would expect in a B-movie western, including the wooden hero with a problematic past, the nasty villain with a band of losers, the hostage, and the shootout. This is combined with the sci-fi laser guns and bizarre B-grade off-world creatures.

This movie has all sorts of weird scenes. The best without question (also worth the price of the movie) has to be the funeral scene with the simultaneous Bingo game taking place on the second floor. This hilarious combination of sappy funeral speeches with bingo announcements like "B-1" going on in the background is a scream.

And while this movie has a really hot black nylon chick in Musetta Vander (if you're into the Trinity "Matrix" look, get this!), it is truly missing the gratuitous T&A. Musetta (the hot siren from "O Brother Where Art Thou") is hot though, so the movie still survives.

I give it 3 stars on the B-movie scale - T&A would have brought it to a solid 4.

The best of the stacks and stacks of direct-to-video junk out there.

Self-consciously campy, with stop-motion creatures, and (thankfully) good-natured, with no really objectionable stuff to speak of.

If you hear the words "low-budget" and run for the hills, pass this one up. But if you know and love AIP movies of the late 50's, it's a good bet you will enjoy this. This is as close to the feel of those that I have so far found among modern [movies].

Okay, this movie....oh man. This horrible clash of genres features over the top and under the top acting, idiotic characters, "special" Effects that are none too impressive and is the worst thing Isaac Hays has ever been involved with. Seriously, this is one ripe for MST3K, folks. Buy it only to torture yourself or other people. I have a long, curse-filled, spiteful review on my website, but I can't post the URL here so whatever. If you are going to buy, BUY USED. Do not waste any extra money on this thing. Spend it on a bag of Oreos or something instead. You'll be glad you did.

Oblivion is a campy, fun loving Sci-Fi Western movie that doesn't try to explain itself, nor does it take itself too seriously. If you are a trekky like me, its almost worth the cost of the DVD just to hear George Takei (who plays a drunk doctor) pay hommage to "Bones" McKoy with such wonderful lines as "I'm a doctor dammit, not a magician!" Oblivion has all the stuff you would expect in a B-movie western, including the wooden hero with a problematic past, the nasty villain with a band of losers, the hostage, and the shootout. This is combined with the sci-fi laser guns and bizarre B-grade off-world creatures.

This movie has all sorts of weird scenes. The best without question (also worth the price of the movie) has to be the funeral scene with the simultaneous Bingo game taking place on the second floor. This hilarious combination of sappy funeral speeches with bingo announcements like "B-1" going on in the background is a scream.

And while this movie has a really hot black nylon chick in Musetta Vander (if you're into the Trinity "Matrix" look, get this!), it is truly missing the gratuitous T&A. Musetta (the hot siren from "O Brother Where Art Thou") is hot though, so the movie still survives.

I give it 3 stars on the B-movie scale - T&A would have brought it to a solid 4.

The best of the stacks and stacks of direct-to-video junk out there.

Self-consciously campy, with stop-motion creatures, and (thankfully) good-natured, with no really objectionable stuff to speak of.

If you hear the words "low-budget" and run for the hills, pass this one up. But if you know and love AIP movies of the late 50's, it's a good bet you will enjoy this. This is as close to the feel of those that I have so far found among modern [movies].