Richard-T.-Jones Movie Reviews

I originally caught this movie on TNT in the middle of the night. What a sleeper. I was so happy when it came out on DVD. If you liked The Replacements or Any Given Sunday, you will love this movie. The ending is very predictable, but it is fun to watch.

Wow - number 45 on the sidelines made this the most spectacular film I have EVER witnessed. A treasure, the hope diamond of films of the last century. If only more people would use that incredible actor, Jake Reardon. Wow is all I have to say to his performance on screen.

Edmond O'Brien and Tom Ewell have the dubious honor of dealing with Jayne Mansfield's double dose of charm in this 1956 film. The plot (a.k.a. the excuse for the film) is that Ewell is a press agent hired by gangster O'Brien to make his girlfriend Mansfield a star. Director Frank Tashlin gets a lot of mileage out of this lame set up, but the reason to watch this film is for some classic performances by some of the top rockers of the 1950s: Fats Domino, Eddie Cochran, The Platters, Gene Vincent and His Blue Caps, and headlining the list Little Richard doing three songs: "She's Got It," "Ready Teddy" and "The Girl Can't Help It." Hey, just give me that old time rock 'n' roll.

This movie is a great, make that GREAT, musical-comedy!
It's a live-action cartoon (because Frank Tashilin, director of so many of Warner's "Looney Toones") directed it & it's a satire of the music industry.

It's also a great chance to see some early legends of rock n' roll, including Gene Vincent, Eddie Cochran, The Platters, Fats Domino, Little Richard, along with some other minor rockers including Eddie Fontaine, The Three Chuckles, as well as pop singer Julie London & jazz great Abbey Lincoln. Anyone who wishes to hear REAL rock 'n roll music from the '50's (NOT nostalgia musicals like "Grease") as well as to see these rockers in the prime of their youth as they were meant to be seen (not as old men past their musical prime like on those well-meaning, if misguided PBS specials), well...this movie is for you! (I missed out on the '50's, having been a teenager during the '80's, so this film is a fun, "educational" piece of Americana for me!)

If you like comedy, "The Girl Can't Help It" delivers. It's not only a good pop-culture satire, but it's risque' sex-humor manages laughs without outright vulgarity. (Today's comedy writers could learn from this 46 year-old gem.)

And what words can bring justice to the incredibly gorgeous Jayne Mansfield? "Va-va-va-voom!"

I saw this film while I was in high school and I have never forgotten it. Jayne Mansfield was beautiful and it's a shame she couldn't get past being a typical Monroe copy cat because she wasn't. She was smart, funny, and made any woman want to be like her at that time. Her presence was dynamic and Tom Ewell was hilarious as her counter-part in the film. It is by far the best film she made and what a joy to watch so many young talented rock'n'roll singers like Little Richard that exploded onto the screen with his awesome voice. If you like the 50's music and you like Jayne Mansfield then this is the film you should start with.

I can't believe that only 10 people have wrote a review for "Renaissance Man." I thought it was a lot more popular than that and I know that it deserves all the praise and popularity that it can get! Bill Rago (Danny DeVito) takes a job as a teacher in the Army even though he doesn't have any teaching experience and doesn't really want the job. Yeah I agree that that does sound a little far fetched, but not all movies have to tell a true story!

Bill doesn't exactly know what to teach about, so he just teaches the 'students' about something he really likes, the book, Hamlet. Will the army students enjoy learning about Hamlet or will they think it's boring? Will Bill Rago be a good teacher or a fluke? I recommend watching the movie to find out.

I thought "Renaissance Man" was a great movie. Unlike what many people might think or might had heard about it previously, it's not really a full-fledged comedy movie. Danny DeVito is hilarious in the movie and the part that I'll remember the most from the whole movie is one of the funniest parts I've ever seen in any movie!! I couldn't quit laughing at the part where Danny DeVito got to the top of a tall place in the army, and he has to try and work his way down with a rope even though he's TERRIFIED of heights. "Renaissance Man" has a few other hilarious parts, but really when it all comes down to it, it's more of a drama movie and more of a feel-good movie than it is a comedy. Not that that's bad, but that's the only complaint I have whatsoever about the movie, it could've had a few more hilarious parts where more people would have given it rave reviews and remembered it the rest of their lives. However, it wasn't bad enough to take away any of my rating for it, so I still give it a 5.

If you like great comedy/drama movies, I recommend getting "Renaissance Man." You'll laugh your head off and feel the drama at the same time.

This movie is so fantastic. It is deep, yet humorous. It teaches so many lessons of life. Buy it and watch it often to remind yourself of those lessons that we should never forget. Definitely a realistic, feel good movie that holds your attention the whole time. Spectacular performance by Danny DeVito.

Danny DeVito was perfect for his character as Bill Rago. The story is about an unemployed man who becomes a teacher in the Army to train eight iffy soldiers. DeVito's job is to teach his kids to comprehend. The thing is, if DeVito fails, that's it for these guys, they're out of the Army and out of a job. DeVito instructs the kids early in the film to bring something to read to class. Then a soldier asks DeVito what he was reading. He responds, "Hamlet." One of the soldiers then identifies the book as a story about a little bitty pig. But as anyone knows it is written by Shakespear. The kids show great interest in it. The film goes on and DeVito starts to bond with the kids he once hated.

DeVito had been typecasted as a man who is halfway good/halfway bad due to his roll in "Taxi," but he shows his true acting talent here in this film. Rent it, it's a great movie.

This is one of those stories that is fiction but with just enough historical fact thrown in to either make it interesting and entertaining or infuriating. Kind of like "Hogan's Heroes".

The story is set in Utah of the 1870's with the Mormon theology as it's backdrop. It's has as accurate fact that Brigham Young (played excellently by Charleton Heston) was president and prophet of the Church, Porter Rockwell (also played well by James Coburn) was a roguish gunfighter/protector of the faith, that the culture was relatively closed, paranoia existed (for good reason, the Mormon Church up to that time was severely persecuted, including it's first president murdered), and Utah is a pretty place. The fiction in the movie is the Tom Berrenger character, the conspiracy against Brigham Young by church leaders and a few other notable historic errors throughout.

That said, the movie is well done and interesting. The Tom Berrenger character is complex, trying to justify his gunfighting actions with his beliefs. He is a man driven by his faith and it's refreshing to see a strong Western character with that motivation (instead of the more typical genre motivation of revenge) and Berrenger plays it well.

The other parts of the movie plot are fairly standard: gunfights, horseplay, ropin', good guy overcoming the odds and numerous hired guns, etc. Yet I found the setting to be interesting and the movie to be enjoyable.

If not taken on it's historical merits, then it's a film to be recommended.

A movie trailer for "Avenging Angels" claims that what the viewer will see is the "true" story of the Avenging Angel, in this case played by Tom Beringer. Let's face it folks, if this is a "true" story from the American West based on historical facts then we need to all go searching for the grave sites of Rooster Cogburn and J.B. Books.

True? Not nearly! Or as Brigham Young, himself, would have said, "As false as the hinges of Hell!" No Elder Rigby. Even if this character is supposedly based on Sidney Rigdon the story falls considerably short. Rigdon was no where near Utah at any time in his life having left the Church even before the historic days of Nauvoo.

No Brother Parker. No Brother Pike. No Alpheus Young with murderous intentions against a loving father. No Amanda Young. And no Brother Utley either.

But wait, as a western I loved it. Yes, I give it five stars for entertainment value. But don't watch it hoping to look into the cold, dark, historical secrets of Mormon Danism.

Want a more accurate film about the Latter-day Saints and their early history? Pass on this one. Try "Brigham Young" with Dean Jagger.

I had seen this movie before and tried finding it for my collection. It's an excellent movie and one that I will watch many times more. I hope you give it a chance...it is a learning experience as well. Thank You Amazon.com for being here for a lot of movie buffs and the casual viewer.

finally a independent black movie, that doesn't deal with drugs, and the ever plot line about ghetto life and love. this movie is easily my favorite movie and for many reasons. the main idea of the movie, is that the 3 boys, are reliving all of there high school memories right before the big wedding of taye diggs. i liked every part and i have to say that i was never borded. the movie is so realistic, and it explains teenage life to the full, with realistic problems, language & conversations, its a movie i really could relate to, and i like a lot.

I am sure that just about everyone can relate to this film in some way or another, whether it's in the memories of your childhood and teenage years spent with your best friends or in the marriage-jitters aspect as one'a you prepares to start a new life. I remember walking outta the theater after seeing this movie and having this exhilerated feeling of happiness just flowing through me. It was a feeling that stayed with me for days after that, lingering within, just refusing to leave. It was a mood of reflection. Of memories that I never want to lose hold of. Of childhood days spent with your best friends, the first day of school, making silly little bets about who will get the girl first, the overall hardships and growing pains that you go through as a teenager. I long for those bright sunny days when I had the whole world ahead of me and the awe of the gifts that life had to offer. I cherish those times so much. The cast in the movie work great together, 'specially the three men, Taye Diggs, Omar Epps, and Richard T. Jones. Their performances are charming and cheerful, full of warmth and heart, they exchange humorous dialogue and have a sincere brotherly love together that makes them so enjoyable to watch, it will put a big ol' smile on your face. This movie really does hit close to home. I really can't think of a better way to describe it, so if you still don't get what I'm saying, just see the movie and then you'll know.

This Is Old school...
This is a eflecting film. as you reembark on a journey into the past of these 3 young men, your reminded of your own childgood friends, bringing fond memories of bets "grabbing booties" and just classic fun, This film shows a positive message in the black comunity "friends 4ever" Cause thats what its all about, my advice is is if you like reminicing about back in the days this is the film for you!

finally a independent black movie, that doesn't deal with drugs, and the ever plot line about ghetto life and love. this movie is easily my favorite movie and for many reasons. the main idea of the movie, is that the 3 boys, are reliving all of there high school memories right before the big wedding of taye diggs. i liked every part and i have to say that i was never borded. the movie is so realistic, and it explains teenage life to the full, with realistic problems, language & conversations, its a movie i really could relate to, and i like a lot.

I am sure that just about everyone can relate to this film in some way or another, whether it's in the memories of your childhood and teenage years spent with your best friends or in the marriage-jitters aspect as one'a you prepares to start a new life. I remember walking outta the theater after seeing this movie and having this exhilerated feeling of happiness just flowing through me. It was a feeling that stayed with me for days after that, lingering within, just refusing to leave. It was a mood of reflection. Of memories that I never want to lose hold of. Of childhood days spent with your best friends, the first day of school, making silly little bets about who will get the girl first, the overall hardships and growing pains that you go through as a teenager. I long for those bright sunny days when I had the whole world ahead of me and the awe of the gifts that life had to offer. I cherish those times so much. The cast in the movie work great together, 'specially the three men, Taye Diggs, Omar Epps, and Richard T. Jones. Their performances are charming and cheerful, full of warmth and heart, they exchange humorous dialogue and have a sincere brotherly love together that makes them so enjoyable to watch, it will put a big ol' smile on your face. This movie really does hit close to home. I really can't think of a better way to describe it, so if you still don't get what I'm saying, just see the movie and then you'll know.

This Is Old school...
This is a eflecting film. as you reembark on a journey into the past of these 3 young men, your reminded of your own childgood friends, bringing fond memories of bets "grabbing booties" and just classic fun, This film shows a positive message in the black comunity "friends 4ever" Cause thats what its all about, my advice is is if you like reminicing about back in the days this is the film for you!

Lockdown isn't that bad a movie. It just goes to show you how everything can get taken away from you at the blink of an eye. As one of the producers, Master P wanted to make the jail life as authentic as possible, and he did just that. It was taken place at some prison in New Mexico (which was the site of some big riot in the 1980's. [118 people died.]) If you are an action/drama fan watch this movie.

This is a good film EVEN IF YOU ARE NOT A MASTER P FAN.
Solid story line and pretty good acting.
Worth getting.

This movie was great! It depicted jail life to the fullest. I always tell my son, that by being with the wrong crowd or being in the wrong place at the wrong time can get you in a world of trouble and this movie just backed me up to the fullest. The movie is a must see for older teens and adults alike. It will definately make you think twice about wanting to be a thug or having a "go-hard" attitude. Please see this movie

Lockdown isn't that bad a movie. It just goes to show you how everything can get taken away from you at the blink of an eye. As one of the producers, Master P wanted to make the jail life as authentic as possible, and he did just that. It was taken place at some prison in New Mexico (which was the site of some big riot in the 1980's. [118 people died.]) If you are an action/drama fan watch this movie.

This is a good film EVEN IF YOU ARE NOT A MASTER P FAN.
Solid story line and pretty good acting.
Worth getting.

This movie was great! It depicted jail life to the fullest. I always tell my son, that by being with the wrong crowd or being in the wrong place at the wrong time can get you in a world of trouble and this movie just backed me up to the fullest. The movie is a must see for older teens and adults alike. It will definately make you think twice about wanting to be a thug or having a "go-hard" attitude. Please see this movie

If you haven't seen the movie by now, go and see it. It's a classic. Robin Williams is Adrian Cronauer, a DJ sent from Greece to Saigon. He meets the people he'll be working with and befriends his assistant named Garlick (played by cute Forest Whitaker). He also befriends a Vietanamese boy trying to woo the boy's sister. The best scenes are when he's at the mike doing his improv and like his stand-up, it's brillant and hilariuos. Then things go wrong in Adrian's life. He witnesses a bombing but isn't allowed to say it on the air but does anyway and is kicked off. I think Williams does best when after going through something difficult, he tries to be funny and happy but can't. Then more things start to happen and it isn't just a conincidence. Adrian also teaches English to impress the girl and it's hilarious when he tries to communicate with the people. The movie is everything from war to comedy to stand-up to drama to political issues to relentless entertainment. Don't miss out on this one!

Robin Williams turns in a hilariously wonderful performance in a part he was born to play. Adrian Cronauer (Willliams), a disc jockey in Vietnam, is a great and hilarious jockey but runs into trouble with his two uptight bosses, who hate him and want to kick him off the air. However, the general loves him, and even goes to bat for him a couple times. But the general has to suspend him for reading "unofficial news", and one of his bosses replaces him and is so bad at comedy it is actually uproarious. Meanwhile, he falls hopelessly in love with a Vietnamese girl, and even teaches a class she is taking just to be near her. Some very funny sequences, including the reading of the hate mail sent to his boss that replaced him. A must see for anybody, especially Williams fans. Some great sixties hits on the soundtrack, especially a great number by Louis Armstrong. A heartwarming movie which simply does no less than delight!

A serious and funny performance by Robin Williams. A must see for any movie fan.

Well some people never learn... In this film a reporter gets released from jail after being set up by corrupt government. He then runs into a rich wife looking for someone to help her and her step daughter stage a kidnapping to get money from her husband. This is a really good dark film. I love a good movie that you can never tell who's messing with who! Elizabeth Shue makes a great femme fatale. Beautiful setting! Because its in Palmetto, Florida, I love to watch this film on a sultry summer night.

I think this movie is quite underrated. It's not that bad. I have only seen one of Schlöndorff's other movies, The Ogre, which is very differnt from this one. The actors are good, especially Gina Gershon, Woody Harrelson, Elisabeth Shue and the fantastic Chloë Sevigny, and the story is quite good with some unexpected turns. The movie is, in some outdoor-scenes, also very beautiful, with the clouds, beach and sea at night. Harry (Harrelson) narrates the movie, like in many film-noirs, but the voice-overs are so few that when they come, it's a bit annoying.

And no one could play it better then Woody Harrelson
The plot is very good.It's simply a cult movie though underrated.Also, Eliszabeth Shue was soooo hot.It'll be a great loss, if you miss this flick!