John-Badham Movie Reviews

Critics panned this film that clearly goes against the grain of what was considered tasteful for the times, but that deftly describes the destructive patterns of co-dependency and toxic parenting before they were understood in those terms. Indeed, this movie offers much to the discerning viewer who can crack its promiscuous surface.

You just cannot go wrong with this movie. It shows how kids adapt to very serious situations around them but manage to keep the innocence. Gregory Peck should be a role model for us all. He shows us to stand true to our convictions no matter how hard that may seem. Winning the approval of others does not take the place of following what's in your heart. I give him a standing ovation and 5 stars.

Adapted from Harper Lee's only book, which won a Pulitzer prize, the script itself won an academy award. Added to this is a stellar cast who manage to hold their own against the amazing performance given by, Gregory Peck, an actor at the peak of his abilities. For those who also enjoy Robert Duvall's huge body of work, it may be interesting to note this film as his first, in a non-speaking but pivotal role as Boo Radley.

It would be easy to dismiss an old film that deals with the race issue in Alabama. Some might think this topic has been done to death and, to an extent, they are right. But To Kill a Mockingbird is not solely about racism. It deals with honesty, justice, fear, childhood, quick judgements and parenthood. Even the race card is dealt with fairly, without blowing things out to sensational proportions. It shows that minor, selfish decisions, which rely on the racism in others, can breed larger evils.

An adult Jean Louise 'Scout' Finch narrates much of the story but it is her father, Atticus, around which the narrative hinges. Played with subtle dignity by Peck, Atticus is a small town Lawyer who agrees to defend Tom Robinson against charges of Rape. He agrees, in the full knowledge that many of his neighbours will hate him for defending a black man and still others will expect him to put up only a token effort. Instead, Atticus does what we know he will... his best.

There is an interesting contrast between what we see of Atticus and how his two children describe him. Apparently he's too old to do anything, like play ball, and they are a bit embarrassed by his quite ways. The trial and its associated moral battles put their father squarely in the spotlight and not in a good way. He and they are attacked and ridiculed but in the end Scout and Jem see a different picture of their old Pop. A man who is strong enough to stand against hatred, and brave enough to highlight the weaknesses of flawed white girl against the strengths of an honest black man.

The name of the film is taken from one of Attcus's rules relating to using a rifle. Jem relates his father's instruction "to remember it was a sin to kill a mockingbird...Well, I reckon because mockingbirds don't do anything but make music for us to enjoy. They don't eat people's gardens, don't nest in the corncribs, they don't do one thing but just sing their hearts out for us."

There are several Mockingbirds in this movie; the misunderstood Boo Radley, Tom Robins and even Atticus. For me though, the film is defined when Reverend Sykes asks Scout to stand up in the court gallery, after a failed defence, saying "Miss Jean Louise, stand up. Your father's passin."

You just cannot go wrong with this movie. It shows how kids adapt to very serious situations around them but manage to keep the innocence. Gregory Peck should be a role model for us all. He shows us to stand true to our convictions no matter how hard that may seem. Winning the approval of others does not take the place of following what's in your heart. I give him a standing ovation and 5 stars.

Adapted from Harper Lee's only book, which won a Pulitzer prize, the script itself won an academy award. Added to this is a stellar cast who manage to hold their own against the amazing performance given by, Gregory Peck, an actor at the peak of his abilities. For those who also enjoy Robert Duvall's huge body of work, it may be interesting to note this film as his first, in a non-speaking but pivotal role as Boo Radley.

It would be easy to dismiss an old film that deals with the race issue in Alabama. Some might think this topic has been done to death and, to an extent, they are right. But To Kill a Mockingbird is not solely about racism. It deals with honesty, justice, fear, childhood, quick judgements and parenthood. Even the race card is dealt with fairly, without blowing things out to sensational proportions. It shows that minor, selfish decisions, which rely on the racism in others, can breed larger evils.

An adult Jean Louise 'Scout' Finch narrates much of the story but it is her father, Atticus, around which the narrative hinges. Played with subtle dignity by Peck, Atticus is a small town Lawyer who agrees to defend Tom Robinson against charges of Rape. He agrees, in the full knowledge that many of his neighbours will hate him for defending a black man and still others will expect him to put up only a token effort. Instead, Atticus does what we know he will... his best.

There is an interesting contrast between what we see of Atticus and how his two children describe him. Apparently he's too old to do anything, like play ball, and they are a bit embarrassed by his quite ways. The trial and its associated moral battles put their father squarely in the spotlight and not in a good way. He and they are attacked and ridiculed but in the end Scout and Jem see a different picture of their old Pop. A man who is strong enough to stand against hatred, and brave enough to highlight the weaknesses of flawed white girl against the strengths of an honest black man.

The name of the film is taken from one of Attcus's rules relating to using a rifle. Jem relates his father's instruction "to remember it was a sin to kill a mockingbird...Well, I reckon because mockingbirds don't do anything but make music for us to enjoy. They don't eat people's gardens, don't nest in the corncribs, they don't do one thing but just sing their hearts out for us."

There are several Mockingbirds in this movie; the misunderstood Boo Radley, Tom Robins and even Atticus. For me though, the film is defined when Reverend Sykes asks Scout to stand up in the court gallery, after a failed defence, saying "Miss Jean Louise, stand up. Your father's passin."

What does the title "Jack Bull" mean and what kind of movie would have such a strange handle? "Jack Bull" is the title of a Jack Bull terrier, famous for never letting go once it decides to fight. That describes Myrl Redding (John Cusack) perfectly. A hard headed horse breeder that just wants a quiet life amongst the range, or what's left off it with his son and wife. The tyranny of Henry Ballad (L.Q. Jones) stands in his way however. Henry likes to reign his power and influence over people, but he can't control Meryl Redding. Meryl makes it known that he can't be influenced by any man under God. Henry cheats and double crosses Meryl at ever turn, but goes to far when he unfairly claims Meryl's prize stallion as a road tax and shows them cruel and unsual treatment and harms Meryl's Indian friend (Rodney A. Grant) for trying to protect the animals. This starts a crusade for uncompromising justice that Meryl will sacrifice anything for, even his own life if necessary. He sells his stead to raise a vigilante that will stop at nothing until Henry Ballad grooms and repairs Redding's horses to their original condition. As expected this creates a showdown, two strong willed men, one with the law in his pocket, the other with a will of steel. Will Meryl's crusade for justice cost him all he cherishes, or does sticking up for what you believe in worth giving up your life for?

This movie covers many issues seldom covered in most Western movies. It delves into the physche of strong men...men who don't bend for the laws of men but respond to the call of a higher order. The acting in this movie is superb (except for the charicture performance of a judge given by John Goodman) and never have I seen John's acting in finer form. What I love most about this movie as a viewer is that the writers don't make Meryl out to be some shining, stirring hero. He's just a regular guy who's been pushed to far and will not compromise his honor. I admire this character, especially since it's based on a real life occurance. I can't say this movie has a happy ending because then my opinion on this movie would be that it was decent, but not amazing. Life doesn't always have happy endings, but those who live their life to the highest ideals and aren't afraid of what it costs them are the stuff true heros are made of. Bravo to "Jack Bull" which I gladly give a 5 out of 5 as a lover of true movie craftsmenship.

What does the title "Jack Bull" mean and what kind of movie would have such a strange handle? "Jack Bull" is the title of a Jack Bull terrier, famous for never letting go once it decides to fight. That describes Myrl Redding (John Cusack) perfectly. A hard headed horse breeder that just wants a quiet life amongst the range, or what's left off it with his son and wife. The tyranny of Henry Ballad (L.Q. Jones) stands in his way however. Henry likes to reign his power and influence over people, but he can't control Meryl Redding. Meryl makes it known that he can't be influenced by any man under God. Henry cheats and double crosses Meryl at ever turn, but goes to far when he unfairly claims Meryl's prize stallion as a road tax and shows them cruel and unsual treatment and harms Meryl's Indian friend (Rodney A. Grant) for trying to protect the animals. This starts a crusade for uncompromising justice that Meryl will sacrifice anything for, even his own life if necessary. He sells his stead to raise a vigilante that will stop at nothing until Henry Ballad grooms and repairs Redding's horses to their original condition. As expected this creates a showdown, two strong willed men, one with the law in his pocket, the other with a will of steel. Will Meryl's crusade for justice cost him all he cherishes, or does sticking up for what you believe in worth giving up your life for?

This movie covers many issues seldom covered in most Western movies. It delves into the physche of strong men...men who don't bend for the laws of men but respond to the call of a higher order. The acting in this movie is superb (except for the charicture performance of a judge given by John Goodman) and never have I seen John's acting in finer form. What I love most about this movie as a viewer is that the writers don't make Meryl out to be some shining, stirring hero. He's just a regular guy who's been pushed to far and will not compromise his honor. I admire this character, especially since it's based on a real life occurance. I can't say this movie has a happy ending because then my opinion on this movie would be that it was decent, but not amazing. Life doesn't always have happy endings, but those who live their life to the highest ideals and aren't afraid of what it costs them are the stuff true heros are made of. Bravo to "Jack Bull" which I gladly give a 5 out of 5 as a lover of true movie craftsmenship.

I had bought this DVD specifically for its Spanish subtitles since I have family that doesn't understand English very well. Que pena.

There are two very funny moments to watch for in this film. First, does the military give guided tours to the public of NORAD? My guess is no, but it is cleverly included in the plot. Second, listen to the background when Matthew Broderick enters his parents house and goes upstairs. Something about "condom recycling"? I guess they wanted to see how close we were paying attention.

Although the plot is kinda lame, this movie boasts state of the art (in 1983) aerial combat action sequences over Los Angeles (L.A. natives will recognize the Piper Tech building, where air support is headqurtered, the downtown cityscape, the L.A. river), and a cool chase scene through the LA River, which like the rest of L.A., is concrete and steel. Roy Scheider (Murphy), Daniel Stern(Lymangood), and Warren Oates (in his last picture), give great performances, however, Malcom MacDowell's character, a sinister Army Lt. Colonel, is a bit hard to believe. The real star of the show here is Blue Thunder, a modified 1972 French Gazelle, outfitted with listening devices, video and infrared cams, and an M61 20mm vulcan cannon fitted to the nose. Blue Thunder is able to see through walls, peek down dresses at 1000 feet, and destroy a city block at the touch of a button. Some will notice the similarities to the Apache AH-64, and the cockpit windows are faceted, much like the then-classified stealth fighter.

Blue Thunder takes us to that "big brother is watching you" card reminicent of 1984,(which is the year the Olympics were in L.A.) what with its surveillance equipment, and there is even a reference to that in the movie, when Lymangood asks Murphy, "Big Brother, you want it on or off?" referring to the cockpit recorder which records their conversations. "I think we can lose that,"he replies.

The ending battle scene is great, with an awesome finale, and a somewhat chilling epilogue, as the credits begin to roll. You get the feeling that Murphy has avenged.

All in all, a pretty good movie with a bit of techno-sci-fi-thriller.

As a boy growing up in the 80's, this was just about as cool as it got this side of Star Wars. Although my tastes have become somewhat more sophisticated over the years, I still enjoy a well-crafted action movie, and this certainly qualifies. Although the movie at times becomes campy due to overacting or poorly choreographed action sequences (hey, Badham didn't have $150M to work with, OK?) the movie's themes regarding the dangers of advanced technology as a tool of repression and protection of the homeland against terrorists still ring true. And besides, the helicopter is still really cool, even if the cockpit is reminiscent of Knight Rider's KITT (another 80's must).

Technically, the film is quite good overall. Especially in the chase scenes, one gets the feeling that Badham and his crew spent hundreds of hours in the air to get the quality and quantity of footage necessary to pull this movie off. The editing, however, leaves something to be desired at times, particularly the ADR, which on numerous occasions does not appear to match the actors' mouth movements. Otherwise, however, the film is masterful, especially considering the technology used to edit it at the time.

If you are looking for high art, look elsewhere. If you are looking for Matrix-like special effects, look elsewhere. If you are looking for an entertaining action movie from the Reagan era, you're in the right place.

The futuristic premise concerning the ominous prospect of the L.A. police experimenting with military hardware in preparation for the Olympics is even more profound in this day and age then it was twenty years ago.

The hero, played by veteran actor Roy Scheider of Jaws fame, is an L.A. police helicopter pilot assigned to test pilot an experimental attack helicopter. Later he becomes disturbed by the implications of the department using such a monstrous attack vehicle in an urban setting. Which puts him at odds with the projects secret sponsors.

Blue Thunder does an excellent job of combining elements of the action genre with the police thriller. Famed N.Y. film critic Pauline Kael described the film as "elegantly kicky" and that John Alonzo's night time cinematography gave the film's night shots "a psychedelic, futuristic quality like (the film) Alphaville." Alonzo's hard photography does give the night scenes on the DVD a particularly radiant and atmospheric mood.

The film's only few setbacks are mainly in the first half. After a great, documentary like opener, the plot shifts into low gear. And only glosses over the intrigue and socio-political implications when it would've fared much better had it delved deeper into them. Like in one clever scene at a military demonstration site.

Fortunately, by the middle of the film things take a turbo charged turn as the hero and his side-kick uncover the sinister goings on and are forced to take drastic action. The aerial combat scenes are exhilirating. While the car chases on the ground provide an amusing counterpoint to an action convention.

All in all, a great DVD. Providing great acting, an intriguing premise and thrilling action.