Michael-Mann Movie Reviews

What elevates "The Jericho Mile" is the resolution... I do not think I every realized before that this movie was directed by Michael Mann, but it certainly does not surprise me given some of the more stylish moments. I too was struck by the sense of realism Mann creates in this prison film, but mostly what you will remember is the intensity of Strauss's performance, which stands out even amongst this fine ensemble cast. "The Jericho Mile" is not a great film, but rather it is a very good film without serious flaws, which is becoming rarer and rarer in today's world. This was one of my favorite movies from the early days of cable TV when it was a staple offering.

The smaller-scale story is about a traditional Jewish father who is struggling to get by in the world. He explains the meaning of the fiddler on the roof early on and likens it to his survival. Topol gives us a great performance as we see his traditional ways tested with the marriages of some of his daughters.

The larger-scale story is about the changing face of Russia. Pogroms are moving people around or away, and this movie shows the effects on a village. I found it very informative.

OK, the music will stick with you. Even though I am not much of a fan of musicals, I find myself humming "Sunrise, Sunset," and I can still hear the daughters singing of the matchmaker. I music of Isaac Stern will stay with you also.

I would highly recommend seeing this movie.

The story, based on the stories of Sholom Aleichem, centers around Tevye, a poor Jewish milkman who lives with his wife and five daughters in czarist Russia in 1905, on the eve of the revolutionary period. They live in their home in the small village of Anatevka. The story is so engrossing, so I will tell no more of the plot, as to not spoil for you the joys of first viewing it yourself.

Tevye, the deeple religious milkman, is played magnificently by Chaim Topol (he is billed only as "Topol"). Before I saw this movie for the first time, I thought it was a mistake for the filmmakers to not have Tevye portrayed by Zero Mostel, who played him in the original Broadway production. I must say, however, that Topol is a marvel as the lovable Tevye. He is a perfect match to the character...his performance is both funny and touching. I laugh every time I see him dance while singing the famous "If I Were A Rich Man". His performance is one for the ages.

The supporting performances are all extroidinary! Norma Crane is very sincere and fabulous as Golde, Tevye's wife. Rosalind Harris (Tzeitel), Michele Marsh (Hodel) and Neva Small (Cheva) are all magnificent as Tevye's three main daughter's. Their performances are all sentimental and heartfelt. Their rendition of "Matchmaker" is priceless. Leonard Frey is also great as Motel, the tailor and one of the girl's love interests. Only, the way he walks and moves can be quite annoying at times. Nevertheless, he sings a great rendition of "Miracles of Miracles".

The songs are all composed by Jerry Bock with lyrics by Sheldon Harnick. Every one of the songs in "Fiddler on the Roof" is incredible. The hysterical "If I Were A Rich Man", one of the sweetest duets of all time "Do You Love Me?" and the haunting, beautifully written "Sunrise, Sunset".

"Fiddler on the Roof" is an incredible story with incredible music. Th estory is very happy at times, but also very sad. I usually never cry at movies, yet several scenes made me teary eyed. Believe me, you will love this American Masterpiece. It is not just one of the greatest musicals ever written, it is one of the best movies of all-time. If you were a rich man, you couldn't buy a better show. (The DVD extras are great, also).

To qoute the New York Post, "'Fiddler on the Roof' is like your grandmother's house: a place to renew old values and get your soul scrubbed out. If you're lucky enough to have it still, be wise enough to visit it often." You'll be glad you did.

The smaller-scale story is about a traditional Jewish father who is struggling to get by in the world. He explains the meaning of the fiddler on the roof early on and likens it to his survival. Topol gives us a great performance as we see his traditional ways tested with the marriages of some of his daughters.

The larger-scale story is about the changing face of Russia. Pogroms are moving people around or away, and this movie shows the effects on a village. I found it very informative.

OK, the music will stick with you. Even though I am not much of a fan of musicals, I find myself humming "Sunrise, Sunset," and I can still hear the daughters singing of the matchmaker. I music of Isaac Stern will stay with you also.

I would highly recommend seeing this movie.

The story, based on the stories of Sholom Aleichem, centers around Tevye, a poor Jewish milkman who lives with his wife and five daughters in czarist Russia in 1905, on the eve of the revolutionary period. They live in their home in the small village of Anatevka. The story is so engrossing, so I will tell no more of the plot, as to not spoil for you the joys of first viewing it yourself.

Tevye, the deeple religious milkman, is played magnificently by Chaim Topol (he is billed only as "Topol"). Before I saw this movie for the first time, I thought it was a mistake for the filmmakers to not have Tevye portrayed by Zero Mostel, who played him in the original Broadway production. I must say, however, that Topol is a marvel as the lovable Tevye. He is a perfect match to the character...his performance is both funny and touching. I laugh every time I see him dance while singing the famous "If I Were A Rich Man". His performance is one for the ages.

The supporting performances are all extroidinary! Norma Crane is very sincere and fabulous as Golde, Tevye's wife. Rosalind Harris (Tzeitel), Michele Marsh (Hodel) and Neva Small (Cheva) are all magnificent as Tevye's three main daughter's. Their performances are all sentimental and heartfelt. Their rendition of "Matchmaker" is priceless. Leonard Frey is also great as Motel, the tailor and one of the girl's love interests. Only, the way he walks and moves can be quite annoying at times. Nevertheless, he sings a great rendition of "Miracles of Miracles".

The songs are all composed by Jerry Bock with lyrics by Sheldon Harnick. Every one of the songs in "Fiddler on the Roof" is incredible. The hysterical "If I Were A Rich Man", one of the sweetest duets of all time "Do You Love Me?" and the haunting, beautifully written "Sunrise, Sunset".

"Fiddler on the Roof" is an incredible story with incredible music. Th estory is very happy at times, but also very sad. I usually never cry at movies, yet several scenes made me teary eyed. Believe me, you will love this American Masterpiece. It is not just one of the greatest musicals ever written, it is one of the best movies of all-time. If you were a rich man, you couldn't buy a better show. (The DVD extras are great, also).

To qoute the New York Post, "'Fiddler on the Roof' is like your grandmother's house: a place to renew old values and get your soul scrubbed out. If you're lucky enough to have it still, be wise enough to visit it often." You'll be glad you did.

I've seen just about all of the Disney masterpieces, and like most of them, "Balto" is a classic. Unfortunately, "Balto" seems to be very underrated because it looks like it hasn't been widely watched like it should be. If you like any other Disney movies, or just great movies in general, do yourself a favor and purchase "Balto" before it's too late! "Balto" has some parts that are suspenseful, especially for a cartoon, it has great animation, and best of all, it's a movie you'll never forget.

When Nome is stricken by a diptheria epidemic, the only way the antidote can reach the town is via the local sled dog team, which is led by the arrogant Steele. But when the team becomes lost in a blinding blizzard, it is up to Balto to rescue them, compelling him to embark upon a journey so perilous that he is forced to rely on his half wolf lineage in order to survive, during which he finally learns to celebrate and appreciate this aspect of himself, realising that this uniqueness is a gift.

Unlike with Disney animated features, the cinematic release of "Balto" didn't follow a lot of studio-generated hype. Perhaps that was a shame; perhaps had the hype been bigger, more people might have gone to see it. But no amount of hype can describe the warmth, sincerity, compassion, and wholesomeness of this story. For it is a true gem, which even non animal lovers will enjoy. Balto is a cinema canine who deserves to be placed in the realms of Lassie, Benji, and Rin Tin Tin, cinematic and family icons who have touched the hearts and softened the tear ducts of millions of moviegoers for over half a century.

I've seen just about all of the Disney masterpieces, and like most of them, "Balto" is a classic. Unfortunately, "Balto" seems to be very underrated because it looks like it hasn't been widely watched like it should be. If you like any other Disney movies, or just great movies in general, do yourself a favor and purchase "Balto" before it's too late! "Balto" has some parts that are suspenseful, especially for a cartoon, it has great animation, and best of all, it's a movie you'll never forget.

When Nome is stricken by a diptheria epidemic, the only way the antidote can reach the town is via the local sled dog team, which is led by the arrogant Steele. But when the team becomes lost in a blinding blizzard, it is up to Balto to rescue them, compelling him to embark upon a journey so perilous that he is forced to rely on his half wolf lineage in order to survive, during which he finally learns to celebrate and appreciate this aspect of himself, realising that this uniqueness is a gift.

Unlike with Disney animated features, the cinematic release of "Balto" didn't follow a lot of studio-generated hype. Perhaps that was a shame; perhaps had the hype been bigger, more people might have gone to see it. But no amount of hype can describe the warmth, sincerity, compassion, and wholesomeness of this story. For it is a true gem, which even non animal lovers will enjoy. Balto is a cinema canine who deserves to be placed in the realms of Lassie, Benji, and Rin Tin Tin, cinematic and family icons who have touched the hearts and softened the tear ducts of millions of moviegoers for over half a century.

I've seen just about all of the Disney masterpieces, and like most of them, "Balto" is a classic. Unfortunately, "Balto" seems to be very underrated because it looks like it hasn't been widely watched like it should be. If you like any other Disney movies, or just great movies in general, do yourself a favor and purchase "Balto" before it's too late! "Balto" has some parts that are suspenseful, especially for a cartoon, it has great animation, and best of all, it's a movie you'll never forget.

When Nome is stricken by a diptheria epidemic, the only way the antidote can reach the town is via the local sled dog team, which is led by the arrogant Steele. But when the team becomes lost in a blinding blizzard, it is up to Balto to rescue them, compelling him to embark upon a journey so perilous that he is forced to rely on his half wolf lineage in order to survive, during which he finally learns to celebrate and appreciate this aspect of himself, realising that this uniqueness is a gift.

Unlike with Disney animated features, the cinematic release of "Balto" didn't follow a lot of studio-generated hype. Perhaps that was a shame; perhaps had the hype been bigger, more people might have gone to see it. But no amount of hype can describe the warmth, sincerity, compassion, and wholesomeness of this story. For it is a true gem, which even non animal lovers will enjoy. Balto is a cinema canine who deserves to be placed in the realms of Lassie, Benji, and Rin Tin Tin, cinematic and family icons who have touched the hearts and softened the tear ducts of millions of moviegoers for over half a century.

I've seen just about all of the Disney masterpieces, and like most of them, "Balto" is a classic. Unfortunately, "Balto" seems to be very underrated because it looks like it hasn't been widely watched like it should be. If you like any other Disney movies, or just great movies in general, do yourself a favor and purchase "Balto" before it's too late! "Balto" has some parts that are suspenseful, especially for a cartoon, it has great animation, and best of all, it's a movie you'll never forget.

When Nome is stricken by a diptheria epidemic, the only way the antidote can reach the town is via the local sled dog team, which is led by the arrogant Steele. But when the team becomes lost in a blinding blizzard, it is up to Balto to rescue them, compelling him to embark upon a journey so perilous that he is forced to rely on his half wolf lineage in order to survive, during which he finally learns to celebrate and appreciate this aspect of himself, realising that this uniqueness is a gift.

Unlike with Disney animated features, the cinematic release of "Balto" didn't follow a lot of studio-generated hype. Perhaps that was a shame; perhaps had the hype been bigger, more people might have gone to see it. But no amount of hype can describe the warmth, sincerity, compassion, and wholesomeness of this story. For it is a true gem, which even non animal lovers will enjoy. Balto is a cinema canine who deserves to be placed in the realms of Lassie, Benji, and Rin Tin Tin, cinematic and family icons who have touched the hearts and softened the tear ducts of millions of moviegoers for over half a century.

I've seen just about all of the Disney masterpieces, and like most of them, "Balto" is a classic. Unfortunately, "Balto" seems to be very underrated because it looks like it hasn't been widely watched like it should be. If you like any other Disney movies, or just great movies in general, do yourself a favor and purchase "Balto" before it's too late! "Balto" has some parts that are suspenseful, especially for a cartoon, it has great animation, and best of all, it's a movie you'll never forget.

When Nome is stricken by a diptheria epidemic, the only way the antidote can reach the town is via the local sled dog team, which is led by the arrogant Steele. But when the team becomes lost in a blinding blizzard, it is up to Balto to rescue them, compelling him to embark upon a journey so perilous that he is forced to rely on his half wolf lineage in order to survive, during which he finally learns to celebrate and appreciate this aspect of himself, realising that this uniqueness is a gift.

Unlike with Disney animated features, the cinematic release of "Balto" didn't follow a lot of studio-generated hype. Perhaps that was a shame; perhaps had the hype been bigger, more people might have gone to see it. But no amount of hype can describe the warmth, sincerity, compassion, and wholesomeness of this story. For it is a true gem, which even non animal lovers will enjoy. Balto is a cinema canine who deserves to be placed in the realms of Lassie, Benji, and Rin Tin Tin, cinematic and family icons who have touched the hearts and softened the tear ducts of millions of moviegoers for over half a century.