Michael-Bay Movie Reviews

Unlike some of the 50s and early 60s scifi, don't expect this to be entertaining for youngsters. Janet Munro is enchanting again, but her role is quite a contrast to her Darby O'Gill and
Swiss Family Robinson roles. There are adult situations, but the "nudity" that might have been racey back then is pretty tame even by today's daytime soap opera standards. Some of the societal breakdown scenes are suggestive, but are also tame by today's standards. The violence is tame and not nightmare imagery.

This is serious adult drama, although plot would have to be different today to be credible. With today's internet communication and numerous amateur astronomers and climatologists, the "news" would have been figured out in days, not weeks, so, to some extent,this can be viewed as a period piece, an example of what press and government behavior was expected to be at that time.

Adults and even serious young teen scifi fans should have this in their collection, but for lighter fun the whole family can enjoy, check out World Without End.

This is one of my favorite "hey what's this" finds from the video store ever. The acting is wonderful for the time and category, and the story moves at a sensible pace and builds a ton of tension, from the giddiness of 90 degree summers at Brighton Beach to the terror of water riots as the "Day" draws near. Kudos to director Guest for the sensation of oppressive heat he captured-- I actually began to feel uncomfortably warm as the film moved along. Bernard Goldberg would be proud of the journalists portrayed here, as we see plenty of off-the-record fear, worry and supposition but it's always put away when it's time to print the news, and isn't reflected in what they report. Always the consummate professionals, they print the facts and only the facts to the bitter end...or is it? The ending respects the convention that a story can be allowed to leave the reader, or in this case the viewer, to make up his own mind. Really more of a political potboiler than science fiction, it's more Testament than The Day After and I highly recommend it.

TDTECF is one of a handful of science-fiction movies from the twin decades of the 1950s and 1960s that reek with a powerful message that though humanity has its numerous flaws, some of which are potentially and collectively self-destructive, human beings yet retain the choice between a wise avoidance of mass suicide and a foolish falling into that suicide. Both critics and viewers have hailed it as a stern warning against the dangers of unrestricted nuclear testing.
The hero is a British journalist played by Edward Judd, who discovers quite by chance a reason for the strange weather that has been plaguing England for weeks. He meets a lovely female civil servant played sexily by Janet Munro, whom viewers may recall as the virginal heroine from DARBY O'GILL AND THE LITTLE PEOPLE. She tells him that a pair of nuclear explosions, one by the United States and the other by Russia, have changed the orbit of the earth, careening it toward the sun. He brings it to the attention of his feisty editor, played by Leo McKern, who comes across as a surly yet wise Lou Grant. McKern's newspaper carries the headlines: Earth Rushing to Sun!, with predictable results. At first, the dramatic focus is on how the population carries on amidst the crisis. Typically, the British, at first, display a stiff upper lip. Soon enough, the strands of society break down with some remarkable special effects of a fog-shrouded London in the background. Judd and Munro fall believably in love, a love which is tested by the emergence of chaos in the form of gangs, taking advantage of the civil breakdown to engage in some serious wilding. Hope for man's survival emerges as both the United States and Russia plan to explode yet two more bombs to set the earth back on orbit. The finale of the movie is both understated and deliberately unresolved. As the countdown toward this latter set of bombs climbs down to zero, the countdown is given in various languages, underscoring the co-operation between the nuclear giants. As the countdown hits zero, the bombs go off, but the only visible effect on the screen is a slight sprinkling of dust. The movie ends with McKern printing alternate sets of headlines--one proclaiming EARTH SAVED; the other EARTH DOOMED.
TDTECF is a terrific film of understatement that combines sharp action, believable special effects, and solid scripting, all of which point out that this earth is the only planet we have, and if humanity does not take better care of it, then one of McKern's closing headlines just might be seen as the closing coda for a species that refused to heed warnings from movies like this.

I LOVED IT!!!! I BUY IT BECAUSE IT REMINDED ME OF HOW MUCH I LOVED THIS MOVIE WHEN I WAS GROWING UP IT STILL SCARES ...ME NOW T THE AGE OF 30. 5 PLUS STARS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(...)It was so much fun!! I really enjoyed the movie the first time I saw it. In fact, I have been trying to find a copy for ages. Now I have found that Amazon has it, GREAT!!! (...)..hehe.....ENJOY!!!

i think this was really good. some people hate it buti love it . very original.scary.nothin to go with the first but its good

First off, Mary Steenburgen won the Best SUPPORTING Actress Oscar for this, not Best Actress. Secondly, it is a shame this movie has been somewhat forgotten after all these years. All the performances are fantastic and the direction by Jonathon Demme (Oscar winner for 'The Silence Of The Lambs) is magnificent. A film to treasure.

Though "Melvin And Howard" is a gem of a movie it remains relatively unknown today. It has slowly become a cult classic since it's release in 1980, particularly due to director Jonathan Demme's success with the film "Silence Of The Lambs". After he became the proverbial "household word" fans of 'Lambs', movie buffs, film fanatics, cultists, etc. anxiously searched out other works by Demme. I had been an ardent fan of "Melvin And Howard" having seen it way back then so I was pleased when it resurfaced for several showings on cable tv and made the revival theater circuit as well.

Though the phrase has been used too often "Melvin And Howard" is a one-of-a-kind classic. The movie tells the story of Melvin Dummars, one of life's unfortunate losers living a hand-to-mouth existence. A financial ruin trying to live beyond his means, he never sees his life quite the way he should - his truck and motorcycle are repossessed shortly after he arrives home from work. Earlier in the film Melvin has an encounter with Howard Hughes that has to be seen to be believed. This event will change his life inexplicably a few years down the road, resulting in chaos and personal trial. But all that takes up surprisingly little of this film. It centers firmly on Melvin and his efforts to make something of himself - any success will satisfy him immensely. The episodes of Melvin's life that are played out for us range from comedic to tragic to bittersweet to frustrating to exhilarating. Definitely more of a fable than a document of Melvin Dummar's true life experiences, it still doesn't diminish the effectiveness of the movie. As portrayed by Paul Le Mat, Melvin embodies a spirit that assures you he will endure and survive long after many others will have given up.

It's too bad Paul Le Mat's career never really took off, as he played the common man, good or bad, as well as anybody. While he achieved immortality in the "American Grafitti" movies, and got the thankless role in "The Burning Bed", "Melvin and Howard" was his star vehicle.

The movie tells the story of the very real Melvin Dummar, who made a big splash over twenty years ago by having his name appear in one version of the will of Howard Hughes. To the unitiated, Howard Hughes was at one time the richest man in the world, and flat-out owned several Las Vegas casinos. Dummar claimed his only prior contact with Hughes was giving him a ride once late at night after the billionaire had crashed his motorcycle while riding in the desert.

The motorcycle riding would not have been out of character with Hughes at the time. However, nobody has ever been able to prove that this will was real. In fact, several investigations have leaned towards Dummar instigating a very clumsy fraud. But on the other hand, nobody has been able to say with 100% authority that the will was NOT real. The movie chooses to take this premise, to the gain of the American cinema.

So the story goes on the premise that Dummar was telling the truth. Hey, if they can make the fictional "Shakesphere in Love", using real characters, why not this story? The genius of the movie is that it portrays mostly Melvin, and mostly the parts of his life that have nothing to do with Howard Hughes. He is portrayed as a complete loser when it comes to finances, barely able to hold even menial jobs, and foolishly spending money he doesn't have. This kind of person would probably try a scheme like the Hughes will, but yet the character is likeable. We feel the pain of not being able to pay everyday bills, and really root for the guy. We don't know whether it's a true reflection of the man, but we like who we see on the screen.

I first saw this film when it came out, and I was living in Illinois. I never dreamed then that I'd someday be living in Las Vegas, where a lot of the story takes place, and next to Utah, where the rest does. While the movie doesn't dwell on the tourist part of Vegas, it does provide some interesting shots that show the incredible growth the Strip has experienced in the last twenty years. The entire location of the film is now my home turf.

This, and seeing that other participants in the film would have future successes (Demme, Mary Steenburgen, Dabney Coleman, Pamela Reed) baffles me why I only see four reviews of a movie this good, that's been around so long.

Find it and see it.

First off, Mary Steenburgen won the Best SUPPORTING Actress Oscar for this, not Best Actress. Secondly, it is a shame this movie has been somewhat forgotten after all these years. All the performances are fantastic and the direction by Jonathon Demme (Oscar winner for 'The Silence Of The Lambs) is magnificent. A film to treasure.

Though "Melvin And Howard" is a gem of a movie it remains relatively unknown today. It has slowly become a cult classic since it's release in 1980, particularly due to director Jonathan Demme's success with the film "Silence Of The Lambs". After he became the proverbial "household word" fans of 'Lambs', movie buffs, film fanatics, cultists, etc. anxiously searched out other works by Demme. I had been an ardent fan of "Melvin And Howard" having seen it way back then so I was pleased when it resurfaced for several showings on cable tv and made the revival theater circuit as well.

Though the phrase has been used too often "Melvin And Howard" is a one-of-a-kind classic. The movie tells the story of Melvin Dummars, one of life's unfortunate losers living a hand-to-mouth existence. A financial ruin trying to live beyond his means, he never sees his life quite the way he should - his truck and motorcycle are repossessed shortly after he arrives home from work. Earlier in the film Melvin has an encounter with Howard Hughes that has to be seen to be believed. This event will change his life inexplicably a few years down the road, resulting in chaos and personal trial. But all that takes up surprisingly little of this film. It centers firmly on Melvin and his efforts to make something of himself - any success will satisfy him immensely. The episodes of Melvin's life that are played out for us range from comedic to tragic to bittersweet to frustrating to exhilarating. Definitely more of a fable than a document of Melvin Dummar's true life experiences, it still doesn't diminish the effectiveness of the movie. As portrayed by Paul Le Mat, Melvin embodies a spirit that assures you he will endure and survive long after many others will have given up.

It's too bad Paul Le Mat's career never really took off, as he played the common man, good or bad, as well as anybody. While he achieved immortality in the "American Grafitti" movies, and got the thankless role in "The Burning Bed", "Melvin and Howard" was his star vehicle.

The movie tells the story of the very real Melvin Dummar, who made a big splash over twenty years ago by having his name appear in one version of the will of Howard Hughes. To the unitiated, Howard Hughes was at one time the richest man in the world, and flat-out owned several Las Vegas casinos. Dummar claimed his only prior contact with Hughes was giving him a ride once late at night after the billionaire had crashed his motorcycle while riding in the desert.

The motorcycle riding would not have been out of character with Hughes at the time. However, nobody has ever been able to prove that this will was real. In fact, several investigations have leaned towards Dummar instigating a very clumsy fraud. But on the other hand, nobody has been able to say with 100% authority that the will was NOT real. The movie chooses to take this premise, to the gain of the American cinema.

So the story goes on the premise that Dummar was telling the truth. Hey, if they can make the fictional "Shakesphere in Love", using real characters, why not this story? The genius of the movie is that it portrays mostly Melvin, and mostly the parts of his life that have nothing to do with Howard Hughes. He is portrayed as a complete loser when it comes to finances, barely able to hold even menial jobs, and foolishly spending money he doesn't have. This kind of person would probably try a scheme like the Hughes will, but yet the character is likeable. We feel the pain of not being able to pay everyday bills, and really root for the guy. We don't know whether it's a true reflection of the man, but we like who we see on the screen.

I first saw this film when it came out, and I was living in Illinois. I never dreamed then that I'd someday be living in Las Vegas, where a lot of the story takes place, and next to Utah, where the rest does. While the movie doesn't dwell on the tourist part of Vegas, it does provide some interesting shots that show the incredible growth the Strip has experienced in the last twenty years. The entire location of the film is now my home turf.

This, and seeing that other participants in the film would have future successes (Demme, Mary Steenburgen, Dabney Coleman, Pamela Reed) baffles me why I only see four reviews of a movie this good, that's been around so long.

Find it and see it.

Great suspenfull movie.... Gene Hackman and Danny Glover are great together in this movie that makes men as one..,. They go beyond race, religion, and creed to be as one and rescue someone.

I,m not much for words so this shall be short. This Movie was outstandind! I served in the USMC and my father in the army in WWII. I had Realatives in the Vietnam War! This movie really Depicts what could have and probably did go on in the war with no Supersilliouse I made it throught the whole movie unscaved hero. Gene Hackman is true to heart and Danny Glover gives an Excellent performance, you can see why they are actors. This movieis gripping and I could see it over and over again!!

Cant Wait to own it!! This movie stirs the soal and touches the heart of any who possess them!

I have the movie BAT21 and i love it so much that i watch it over and over agian.Danny Glover is very go in the move.And the flying sceens were great to.

Love'em or hate 'em, idiosyncratic films that dabble with subversive notions and stories of fringe people make some viewers uncomfortable. You either get it or not. For those who do, there are rewards.

Martha (Shirley Stoler) and Ray Tony LoBianca) are two misfits whose sick pathologies collide into something greater 1969's THE HONEYMOON KILLERS (Criterion). Based on The Lonely Hearts Killers case (1949), Leonard Kastle's only film, luridly shot in black and white, documentary style, connects with a visceral impact. No pin up movie star arty slo mo stuff here. Stoler's authentic emotions transcend the B-movie schlock. Original director Martin Scorsese was fired for being too slow, too artful. Great extras.

I bought this DVD on impulse. That was two weeks ago I'm still watching this movie over and over. It's well directed. I love Shirley Stoler and Tony Lo Bianco's acting. Stoler is especially amazing, everytime I rewatch the DVD something new is revealed, her nasty character is consistent throughout the movie. After watching this movie the first time I couldn't get some phrases out of my head like Stoler's "Awww ain't that cute", and Lo Bianco's "don't be a shy nurse", although said in the scene it's distubring, but funny. I highly recommend this film, the sound is monoaural, but I believe it enhances the movie. Watch it's directing and Stoler's acting.

For years I had to watch a pan and scan video of this dark, sad movie. Now Criterion has released an enhanced widescreen DVD which is like a Holy Grail for lovers of this underground cult classic. This film makes the list of classic murderous, hetro couples genre along with BONNIE AND CLYDE, BADLANDS, THE GETAWAY and GUN CARZY. Ray Fernandez is a hot looking Latin stud; he fleeces lonley women who respond to his ad in the type of Lonely Hearts correspondence club found in the back pages of seedy magzines. He only takes their money and their hearts until he hooks up with a fat, miserable nurse named Martha. While pretending to be brother and sister, they go on a murderous spree as they hook up with spinsters, widows and an ugly assortment of women who look for love in the wrong place. Although there is only two scenes of actual violence, this is one of the most violent movies I have ever seen due to the ruthlessness, and cold blooded greed of Ray and Martha. It's dark, violent, and extremely brutal; not recommened for the squeamish.

If you are expecting an "all-new" Thomas DVD, this is not it. There are a few stories here that appeared on the earlier "Thomas' Winter Wonderland," which was a stronger collection. I have mentioned this on other Thomas DVD reviews, but once again it seems that Alec Baldwin is here and there when it comes to using consistent voices with these characters. Not a bad set (I applaud any new Thomas release), but I found this somewhat disappointing. Now when are they going to release "The Best Of Toad The Brake Van"?

One last question: Are they ever going to put these episodes in order? On many DVDs, stories that relate to one another are clearly out of order. It would be nice if the video folks put a little more care into these things.

If I was a Thomas fan in America I would feel slightly short changed that this DVD features 3 episodes that have been on other Thomas releases meanwhile in the UK, a new Thomas DVD features 8 brand new episodes made in 2003 and never before been seen anywhere.

I am confused as to what is going on exactly, not all of the 2002 season has been released in any country yet but a new season has already been made only one year later and is being released in the UK already(?)

Anyway, about this DVD-

Thomas's Snowy Surprise Story David Mitton, Writer James Mason(Titled It's Only Snow in UK) Thomas gets into trouble with a Christmas Tree when his snow plough breakes down.

Jack Frost, Story David Mitton, Writer Paul Larson- The engines are convinced that Jack Frost is just a legend but when Percy stays out on a freezing night, they are in for a big surprise!

Toby Had A Little Lamb, Writer Jenny Mcdade. Toby is the only one who can help Farmer Mcall get through the snow with his new baby lambs.

Those first 3 are all brand new episodes then comes-

Snow, 1998. Rusty tells Thomas the story of Skarloey's adventures in the snow during an avalanche.

Thomas's Christmas Party, 1984. Thomas and friends help Mrs Kindly who is trapped in the snow and then have a special party to celebrate.

Thomas and The Missing Christmas tree, 1986. Thomas is on a mission to collect the Christmas tree but heavy snow leads to trouble, can Thomas make it home for the carrols?

It would be hard to better the previous Christmas song "Snow Song" but this new Christmas song "Winter Wonderland" is just as good and would be enjoyed by all.

So overall this DVD would bring a smile to any Thomas fan this Christmas, the new episodes are pretty good and although it is a bit annoying to get 3 repeats, they ae classic episodes and the song rounds it off nicely.
Definetly recommended!

I don't know that Jack Frost is too scary!!
Oh,Sodor Special Delivery is a game.
Remember my dad tell me.
My dad talks english.
Dad has to do those troublesome trucks.
The new DVD!!
Well,The King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry is a Deltic Diesel.
The Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry's diesel number is 55002.
Is Class 55 Deltic.

If you are expecting an "all-new" Thomas DVD, this is not it. There are a few stories here that appeared on the earlier "Thomas' Winter Wonderland," which was a stronger collection. I have mentioned this on other Thomas DVD reviews, but once again it seems that Alec Baldwin is here and there when it comes to using consistent voices with these characters. Not a bad set (I applaud any new Thomas release), but I found this somewhat disappointing. Now when are they going to release "The Best Of Toad The Brake Van"?

One last question: Are they ever going to put these episodes in order? On many DVDs, stories that relate to one another are clearly out of order. It would be nice if the video folks put a little more care into these things.

If I was a Thomas fan in America I would feel slightly short changed that this DVD features 3 episodes that have been on other Thomas releases meanwhile in the UK, a new Thomas DVD features 8 brand new episodes made in 2003 and never before been seen anywhere.

I am confused as to what is going on exactly, not all of the 2002 season has been released in any country yet but a new season has already been made only one year later and is being released in the UK already(?)

Anyway, about this DVD-

Thomas's Snowy Surprise Story David Mitton, Writer James Mason(Titled It's Only Snow in UK) Thomas gets into trouble with a Christmas Tree when his snow plough breakes down.

Jack Frost, Story David Mitton, Writer Paul Larson- The engines are convinced that Jack Frost is just a legend but when Percy stays out on a freezing night, they are in for a big surprise!

Toby Had A Little Lamb, Writer Jenny Mcdade. Toby is the only one who can help Farmer Mcall get through the snow with his new baby lambs.

Those first 3 are all brand new episodes then comes-

Snow, 1998. Rusty tells Thomas the story of Skarloey's adventures in the snow during an avalanche.

Thomas's Christmas Party, 1984. Thomas and friends help Mrs Kindly who is trapped in the snow and then have a special party to celebrate.

Thomas and The Missing Christmas tree, 1986. Thomas is on a mission to collect the Christmas tree but heavy snow leads to trouble, can Thomas make it home for the carrols?

It would be hard to better the previous Christmas song "Snow Song" but this new Christmas song "Winter Wonderland" is just as good and would be enjoyed by all.

So overall this DVD would bring a smile to any Thomas fan this Christmas, the new episodes are pretty good and although it is a bit annoying to get 3 repeats, they ae classic episodes and the song rounds it off nicely.
Definetly recommended!

I don't know that Jack Frost is too scary!!
Oh,Sodor Special Delivery is a game.
Remember my dad tell me.
My dad talks english.
Dad has to do those troublesome trucks.
The new DVD!!
Well,The King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry is a Deltic Diesel.
The Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry's diesel number is 55002.
Is Class 55 Deltic.

We have several Thomas videos and this is not our favorite -- James is just too ill-tempered and cranky to make this enjoyable. In nearly every story he's criticizing or making fun of other engines. He usually gets his comeuppance in the end, but overall it's just not a positive experience. There are plenty of other good Thomas videos to buy besides this one.

If there is ever a flash of red paint, you will find out it might belong to James, the shiny red engine. Now everyone can meet their friend again as he stars his very own Thomas video! Help James & Percy out of a sticky situation & see what happens when James gets stung by a swarm of bees! So make sure you have your ticket ready!

Of all the videos in my Thomas collection, I have to say this is my most favorite. The stories on this video are: A Proud Day for James, James in a Mess, Old Iron, No Joke for James, James Learns a Lesson, Percy, James, and the Fruitful Day, James Goes Buzz Buzz, Time for Trouble, and the music video Don't Judge a Book by It's Cover. Once again it sports George Carlin's superb narrations. I thought they should have put in the music video James the Really Splendind Engine instead of Don't Judge a Book by It's Cover until I realized this video was planned in 2001 and James the Really Splendind Engine wasn't seen until 2002. My favorite story is A Proud Day for James and No Joke for James is very funny. I don't have a least favorite.

This is probally the most scarry tape. In this tape watch Percy trick Thomas and eventually get pay-back, save an engine named Oliver, and many other things. This tape I don't recomend until the kid is four. This is a must have! Hope you like it I sure do!

The only reason I put it as second best was because Tenders and Turntables is a better tape. Overall I loved this tape and I watch it again and again.It also introduces a new engine Oliver who is Great Western and helps on Duck's branchline. In Percy's Ghostly Trick Percy gets back at Thomas for teasing him. In Wooly Bear Percy gets hay stuck to him when a box of treacle falls on him. In Thomas and Percy's Mountain Adventure A huge snowstorm falls and Thomas, Percy, Terence, and Harold help save the villagers. In Escape Douglas helps a new steam engine Oliver and his brakevan Toad escape from scrap. In Oliver owns up when Oliver boasts to everyone else the cars push him into Donald and Douglas's turntable. In all at sea Duck helps a sailor with a broken wrist. This tape also includes the first Thomas music video.

This Thomas the Tank Engine video is the best. Thomas The Tank Engine's first music video Thomas' Anthem. Episodes. Percy's Ghostley Trick, Wooly Bear, Thomas & Percy's Christmas Adventure, Escape, Oliver Owns Up and All at sea. I got the video at A Day Out With Thomas when I was 6 yrs old. Percy broke the cart in smitherens. That was funny. This is 4th favorite episode of Thomas The Tank Engine. Do not miss it.