George-Miller Movie Reviews

Raoul Walsh directed this gruelling, gritty, compelling war story, produced during World War Two, as the fight in the Pacific was still in full swing. Errol Flynn, in one of his least glamorous roles, stars as a hard-bitten Captain in charge of an American paratrooper unit that gets sent on a commando mission into Japanese-occupied Burma. They easily achieve their goal of destroying a strategic radar post, but are decimated while trying to return from enemy territory. The film is remorselessly well paced, tense, and manages to transcend the conventions of Hollywood's WWII combat melodramas: it is propagandistic and uses certain formulas, but it is also earthy and anxiety-provoking in a way that the grade-B war films of the era were not. The predicament of the soldiers -- stranded behind enemy lines and cut off from their support -- is made visceral in a way which few movies manage to convey, making this film a clear precursor to "Platoon" and "Black Hawk Down." It's bleak tone and realistic portrayal of the foot soldiers, with their dark humor and fatalistic resolve, all rings true. Highly recommended.

Errol Flynn made several films about World War II, but two of them are considered classics. One was "The Edge of Darkness," and the other was 1945's "Objective, Burma!" While the film was angrily pulled from theaters in England because it largely ignored British efforts in the fight against the Japanese in Burma, it did a resounding business in the United States.

In the film, Errol Flynn's character leads a group of paratroopers on a mission behind Japanese lines in Burma. When they are stranded there, only one recourse is left to them: to fight their way out. The ensuing struggle to get back to friendly lines presents some of the most tense and action-packed battle scenes in WWII film history.

Note: Watch for the scene in which Errol Flynn weeps. He is watching one of his men, who has been mercilessly tortured by the Japanese, die. The camera moves in on Flynn's face, an extreme closeup. Watch closely, because the scene is dimly lighted and the moment is brief. Big tears of grief roll from Flynn's eyes, indicating he was a much better actor than many critics gave him credit for. END

A Great transfer to DVD for a great movie. Although not the best history lesson considering Burma was a major British theater of operations and not American, the movie still provides an excellent story about the many obstacles "the fog of war" throws in the way of a group of paratroopers lead by Errol Flynn. The DVD picture is crystal clear and the sound transfer is good. Flynn's acting in this film is surpassed only by The Adventures of Robin Hood and The Sea Hawk.

It is well past time for Flynn's great films to be released: The Adventures of Robin Hood (September 30, 2003 FINALLY), The Sea Hawk, Gentleman Jim, The Charge of the Light Brigade, and Captain Blood!!! It has been a real travesty keeping fine Flynn vehicles like these films unavailable on DVD.

"LIFEGUARD" is one of the freshest, most poignant studies of REAL choices in REAL life I have ever seen in a Hollywood film. The film's topic transcends it's age. I have seen it many times during it's 23 year history (including it's debut) and remain convinced Sam Elliot's portrayal of Rick Carlson, an aging California ocean-lifeguard, is superb! - Daniel Petrie couldn't have found a better leading male roll. There is a 'mystery' to Rick which Elliot portrays sublimbly and expertly. Securely caught in the net of indecision between 'doing what he wants' and 'wanting what everyone else wants him to do', he sits on the fence 'playing the game' with all the emotional ignobilities a 'hunk' has to contend with while making a serious effort to find his own priorities in life -- only Sam Elliot could have captured the 'subtle' intensity of indecision in Rick's character.

The production gave Anne Archer (his Hi-school beau) and Kathleen Quinlan (his under-age beach lover) a huge step-up in their movie careers - and they were excellent in the film. Even Sharon Weber's roll as Rick's 'Stewie' was a dash of ingenuity - Weber was totally believable and had the talent to make 'big-time money' in her all-too-short career -- another Hollywood 'should-have-been'.

I've always enjoyed immensely watching Sam Elliot on the big screen - he's always had a "Gabel-ian presence" (when he talks, you listen!). I only wish he'd had more 'film exposure' in his early career. He continues to chose wisely his characters, even in B-grade films, and still has an on-screen magnetism unmatched by many of today's shallower, much-ballyhooed male performers (including Hanks, Willis and Gibson) - imagine Elliot in Tom Selleck's starring roll as MAGNUM, PI!! (...no reflection on Tom Selleck's magnetism intended - I love the guy! - in fact Selleck and Elliot have had, arguably, the most magnetic appeal of any duel-male performance roll on the silver screen).

LIFEGUARD is one of those 'quiet' little films that usually slips through the cracks of big-time promotion. But it's 'essence' remains quality study for 21st century high-schoolers and college grads (male and female, alike). In fact, having 'been there' as a lifeguard myself (and only 2 months Elliot's junior), I find 'me' wondering whether I made the right choice as a systems analyst for a world-class missile-producing company -- it pays 'real good', but the most, and deepest, satisfaction I get out of life is still swimming in the ocean and riding my Harley. Maybe I should have stayed a professional 'life-saver' -- or become a licensed motorcycle mechanic. At least I'd be where the 'real money' is - job (and life) satisfaction.

Hooray to films like LIFEGUARD - they often accurately portray steps required by all of us in our mostly 'wimpy' efforts at life-making decisions. At least 'Rick' made his 'right choice' early in life and, ultimatley, had the guts to stick it out - big paycheck or not.

How many of us in today's world, particularly 'baby-boomers' such as myself, have the intestinal fortitude to 'listen to our hearts' as 'Rick' did and chose a profession which keenly describes and fulfills OUR deepest desires???....huh?....how many???

'Sincerely' Bob Shank, Jr. - former lifeguard (LOVED it!) Sr. Information Systems Analyst - (not thrilled) Tucson, Arizona

this movie is one of my favorite movies. but why did they change the original song to just plain music. the original song at the beginning and end of this film went much better with the movie then the song they have now. i wan't to get this on dvd with the original song please thank you.

This movie was a very good film indeed.Watch sam elliot star as a man in his early 30's going thru an early mid-life crisis,trying to decide whether he should finally "so called" grow up and get a real job or stay at a job he truly loves.This film really moved me and i am truly happy of how this movie ended!Buy this video while you still can.

I loved this movie ever since i saw it when i was a kid.
Two additional scenes were added to the broadcast television premiere on ABC. One that stands out is a scene with Jane (Fonda) getting a job behind a cosmetics counter and having to confront a very difficult obese older female customer. This was a very funny scene that seems to now be lost and Is NOT going to be included in the new DVD release.
I didn't have a VCR at the time to timecapsule this extended version, It never was again! I hoped that it would make it's way onto DVD.
Columbia why do this!!!!! that scene as I rembember it was one of the best scenes in the film and made it even more enjoying. Unhappy fan :(

This film is a great comedy form the latter half of the 1970's.
Jane Fonda and George Segal play well of against eachother as a husband and wife forced to face economizing and pinching their pennys after Segal loses his job. After losing welfare and unemployment benifits, they resort to crime to pay the bills!
All in all a god movie and finally worthy of the DVD treatment!

Charming and still funny. Sadly unknown. If you watch this alongside "Klute," you'll see how versatile Jane Fonda is.
RELEASE THE DVD!

This serial finds the Republic cliffhanger machine in top gear with top special effects by the Lydeckers, a pounding musical score by Mort Glickman and the usual knowing direction from ace serial director Witney. It is the better of the two serials with Rod Cameron and while it doesn't have as many slugfests as Secret Service in Darkest Africa (aka Manhunt in the African Jungle) it has much less of the juvenile dialogue of that serial and a much more convincing millieu (Republic's North African settings are not that realistic). Although Nino Pippitone as the Japanese mastermind Haruchi has a very fragile looking frame; he exudes considerable reptilian venom. The Republic Golden Age of Serials had one or two more years to go but after viewing this very entertaining and well-made entry you will wish it never ended.

Of all my collection of Republic's "Golden-Age" Serials, this is the one I can watch again and again and enjoy it better with each viewing. This serial surely equals the "ultimate" cliff-hanger, "Spy Smasher." For one thing, everything in this stunningly directed, edited, acted, photographed chapter-play is so darn fresh. Only a few stock shots are used. Another great plus is the fantastic cast: Rod Cameron,probably the greatest of all action heroes, and the cool, voluptuous and feisty Constance Worth who isn't afraid to get her hair mussed as she jumps right in with machine guns, revolvers and pluck to help out Cameron. You wonder whatever happened to her? By far the most chilling and inventive cliff-hanger ending comes at the end of Chapter 8 and it features our gal, Constance. I won't tell you what happens but it involves a spear. William Witney proves himself to be a master craftsman, an over-looked genius who was the major force that elevated Republic Studio Serials to great art--and fantastic entertainment that can be seen and enjoyed by modern audiences. Bravo to Rod, Constance and Witney!

The best WWII-themed serial, with directors William Witney and Spencer Gordon Bennett teamed up for the first and last time. Witney was a storyteller and Bennett an action man. Together they mixed up a heady brew. The unique ending of Chapter 8 is often mentioned, but it's the end of Chapter One that stands out, with a strong feel of chaos unleashed upon the earth. From then on Rex Bennett has not one but three bad guys to contend with, and they keep him busy right up to the moment civilization is saved in the rather perfunctory ending. One of the few serials that you wish could have been longer.

When you search for a movie that sums up the exotic fairytale world that Hollywood seemed to be in the silent era, few other films come as close as this 1921 original, which was also the father of all "sand dune sagas" that were to flood the screen in the 1920`s. Though the film is somewhat dated and the plot very much of an aquired taste (especially the love scenes), the movie builds up a strange power as it continues and Valentino still contains a kind of mysterious aura that probably made him the legend he still is seen as today. Watching the film in comparison to its` sequel "Son Of The Sheik" it is less stylishly made but this was due to the early 20`s when films were less glossy than in 1925 or 1926. So when you want to know what built Hollywood as the dream factory it is still seen, "The Sheik" is one of the clues. Also the synthesizer score ads to the "dream" atmosphere of the movie.

I saw this film on PBS quite a while ago and was tickled when I found out Amazon was selling it. It was interesting to watch how the actors projected themselves since this is a silent film. Of course, I fell in love with Mr. Valentino even though some of his facial expressions were hysterically funny. (I understand he was an excellent comedian, and I wonder if he was just having fun with this movie.) All in all, it is a great film to own!

For great romance and passion, "The Sheik," really has it. It's a great film. It's a silent film and is great. In my opinion it's one of the best. Rudolph Valentino is great as the desert lover.

Folks, FORGET about the horrible acting, corny dialougue, and stupid story, the MUSIC is the thing here. The obscure, unpolished R&B and Rockabilly acts are fun to watch and listen to. We see Southern R&B in the raw with the Five Stars, Preacher Smith and the Deacons (what a catchy name!), and perhaps the best known of this bunch, Roscoe Gordon with his "Chicken time" (complete with rooster on the piano). On the Rockabilly side, we have the Bluell Bros. (sorta like the Everly Bros. with choreography). The Cell Block 7, with a unique mix of dixieland and rock and roll (a clarinet in a rock and roll band!? No joke, folks). And yes, there's the Elvis/Gene Vincent clone Johnny Carroll, who makes up in energy what he lacks in originality. The great thing about this film is that it preserves Dallas rock and roll acts who would have otherwise lived only in the memories of those who were there. "Wild Style" goes rockabilly.

Can anyone please tell me what song Johnny Carroll sings in this movie? Thanks!

As far as music goes, ths movie Rocks.....many a cool Rockabilly riff can be heard in this flick....but the acting leaves alot to be desired. It was filmed in Texas in the 50's using "local" talent....so there are no real "names" in the film. The "local" talent, I am sure.....stayed that way, and NEVER went on to make another film......or at least we can hope. Although the storyline is weak at best......the music carries it through!! Rock Baby Rock It!!

I remember watching this movie back when it first premiered on television, and now, years later, I watched it again. I enjoyed it both times. A family decides to take in a seal as a pet once they find it on the verge of death. Two people in the family, the father and the youngest kid, get attached to the seal, but they both know that the seal, named Andre, cannot stay there forever.

"Andre" is one of the best family movies that I've seen in awhile. Andre is a smart seal that can be both entertaining and hilarious at the same time. I'm not a kid anymore, but I can see where "Andre" is best suited for kids. A little girl is the one that mainly takes care of and hangs around Andre, so when kids watch it, they'll probably be imagining themselves raising a seal. As a matter of fact, you shouldn't be surprised if they ask for a seal or if they want to go to the zoo right after they watch this movie.

If you have any kids that like seals, or if you just need a great family movie that you can sit down and watch over and over with your kids, niece, nephew, etc., I recommend getting "Andre."

When a bright-eyes youngster (Tina Majorino), who becomes best friends with a Seal. But when an animal-protection agency threaten to tear the Twosome Apart.

Directed by George Miller a well made family film, which is Based on a True Story. The real scene stealer is the Seal (Played by Tory), who has remarkable versatility and skill. Great family fun. Based on a Novel by Harry Goodridge and Lew Dietz. Clairmont-Scope. Grade:B+.

I have always loved ths movie. It is such a cute show and is fun to just watch. Whenever I'm in the mood to watch a movie but I don't feel like a new release I put in Andre. It's just a pleasent show. Wonderful for children and adults.

I remember watching this movie back when it first premiered on television, and now, years later, I watched it again. I enjoyed it both times. A family decides to take in a seal as a pet once they find it on the verge of death. Two people in the family, the father and the youngest kid, get attached to the seal, but they both know that the seal, named Andre, cannot stay there forever.

"Andre" is one of the best family movies that I've seen in awhile. Andre is a smart seal that can be both entertaining and hilarious at the same time. I'm not a kid anymore, but I can see where "Andre" is best suited for kids. A little girl is the one that mainly takes care of and hangs around Andre, so when kids watch it, they'll probably be imagining themselves raising a seal. As a matter of fact, you shouldn't be surprised if they ask for a seal or if they want to go to the zoo right after they watch this movie.

If you have any kids that like seals, or if you just need a great family movie that you can sit down and watch over and over with your kids, niece, nephew, etc., I recommend getting "Andre."

When a bright-eyes youngster (Tina Majorino), who becomes best friends with a Seal. But when an animal-protection agency threaten to tear the Twosome Apart.

Directed by George Miller a well made family film, which is Based on a True Story. The real scene stealer is the Seal (Played by Tory), who has remarkable versatility and skill. Great family fun. Based on a Novel by Harry Goodridge and Lew Dietz. Clairmont-Scope. Grade:B+.

I have always loved ths movie. It is such a cute show and is fun to just watch. Whenever I'm in the mood to watch a movie but I don't feel like a new release I put in Andre. It's just a pleasent show. Wonderful for children and adults.

Radioland Murders is one of the best movies I've ever seen! I bought it, so I can watch it whenever I want, and that is at least once a month. I'm hooked, 'cause the movie is total fun and games and the lines are so witty and fast. The interaction between Benben and Masterson and perfect and their witty arguing keeps the movie going forward. The bodylanguage of Benben is another story, that makes me laught one minute and being totally charmed the next. So the cast and crew can really pat their backs for making sutch a wonderful movie. So go and see it, the irony and complications of the cast will make you laugh

This movie is very dynamic. There is no pausing or reflecting juts good drop-dead comedy. Many things ar not anticipated.

The actors have been seen before and will be again except Anita Morris (Date of death 3 March 1994) as Claudette. She was really superb in Ruthless People (1986) ASIN: 6300276570 as Carol the girlfriend that knew she was next to die.

There were a lot of great sounds in this movie including:

"Love is on the Air Tonight"

"That Old Feeling"

"What'll I Do" Written by Irving Berlin. Hear it again The Butcher's Wife (1991) ASIN: 6302289025

"Crazy People"

"Big Noise From Winnetka"

"Don't Let Your Love Go Wrong"

"I'll Be Glad When You're Dead (You Rascal You)"

"The Green Hornet Theme"

"In the Mood"

"I Miss You So"

"I Love a Mystery 'Valse Triste'"

"Java Jive"

"Back in the Saddle Again" Hear it again in Sleepless in Seattle (Special Edition) (1993) ASIN: B00003Q42R

"Tico Tico"

"Let's Face the Music and Dance"

"A Guy What Takes His Time"

"And the Angels Sing"

"That Old Black Magic"

"Sabre Dance"

"Flight of the Bumblebee"

This is a manic, crazy and fun film, largely due to the Keaton-like performance of Brian Benben. Mary Stuart Masterson is known for great dramatic talent, but this is the first comedy I've seen her in, and she's a natural. This was directed by Mel Smith; is it the same Mel Smith that had a small but hysterical part in "The Princess Bride"? I wonder if this film was given a bad rap because it came out the same year as Woody Allen's brilliant "Bullets Over Broadway" (1994). There are comparisons to be made, if only for period and music. Otherwise, this film takes on its very own character. A wonderful ensemble cast , including Ned Beatty, Michael Lerner, Jeffrey Tambor & Christopher Lloyd, must be commended. Cameo appearances from George Burns and Rosemary Clooney are wonderful. Whatever this film lacks in plot, is made up for with energetic performances, quick editing, and loads of great one-liners. There's also a lot of great period music to entertain. I DO enjoy this film a lot, and at the reasonable price and a great 2.35:1 Widescreen, the DVD is a bargain. If you like "silly", you'll love this. And Brian Benben is marvelous. Too bad the stuck-up critics didn't like it. We, the audience, know better.

While this movie certainly isn't Accademy Award Winning material, it is a very intertaining, good-valued, family movie - and my children (4 and 6) loved it! Both wanting to be "dolphin trainers" when they grow up, we had exhausted the Flipper movies and this was a fresh dolphin adventure for them. The dog (Zeus) just added to the excitement and fun. He is a wonderfully trained animal. We just had to buy it for our collection.

I know the general consensus is that the movie is a little too "dear", but I rather enjoyed it,--So did my Great Dane Courageous, who watched it entranced. Perhaps the Dog-Dolphin connection is real!--but then what I do for a living (surgical intensive care) is so intense and so often lacking in happy endings that I take whatever opportunities arise for an emotional vacation. This was certainly that. Steve Guttenberg was his usual Mister Nice Guy--he's done that same roll several times (Three men and a Baby, Cocoon, etc.); he just says different things each time, but he along with the tropical setting were nice to look at anyway. I'm less familiar with Ms Quinlin's vita, but I thought she was quite creditable as a dedicated bio-oceanographer/dolphin specialist. Certainly the quest for the elusive grant is a theme with which I am familiar, working as I do at a university hospital. I especially enjoyed seeing veteran bad-guy Arnold Vosloo in a wonderfully comedic roll as the villianous foil of dog and dolphin. Some of the expressions on his face when dealing with the assorted animals in the film were worthy of Cary Grant in his comedy hay-day (Bringing up Baby and I Was a Male War Bride). Probably the very best performances however were given by Zeus (the dog) and Roxanne (the dolphin) who were some of the best trained animals I've ever seen. (I do hope Courageous was taking note, as he is often not the paragon of polished canine behavior!) My favorite scene was the "escape of Zeus" by means of the balcony. Definitely worth a replay.

This is a fun movie, to learn more about dolphins, also check out: Captain Jon Explores the Ocean on DVD!