Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure-1989
Stars Keanu Reeves, , Alex Winter and George Carlin. I was supposed to review this film for the Mock Squid Soup Film Society a couple of weeks ago and got all mixed up so here is my review. There is a reason why I never saw it before and now I know why. It makes me feel ill that these "dudes" are hip or square, not sure which, and that teenagers and others think stupidity will make these morons go far. I can see kids liking it but ..I could not get into it. I am wondering why George Carlin is in this because I consider him one of the most intelligent people I have seen (on TV) and also wondering why it deserves 2 discs. The best part is Napoleon when he goes down the water slides. Sorry but check brains at the door for this flick-the 3 Stooges are Shakespeare compared to these 2 nimrods.
A brilliant film although a difficult film to watch. This should have been up for Oscars and the lead actress (Anne Dorval) should have won in my book. It is a French-Canadian film about a mother, from the wrong side of the tracks who has a son with ADHD plus other learning disabilities. You see her anguish in trying to raise her teenage son and not wanting him to be placed into a home. The actress who plays the mom shows tenderness, brashness, anger, sadness and some bad-ass-ness that you just love. She gets help from a neighbour who also has her own demons and the 3 of them take you on a journey about love, strength and decisions that will change ones' life forever.
Taken 3-2014
Stars Liam Neeson in the same role he played in the other 2 films. It is a good flick but please stop!! I want to see Liam Neeson in a role worthy of his acting ability. If they make any more, we will see him chase down the bad guys with his walker. I find this film the weakest of the 3 but still a flick to watch for fun but let's move on.
The Kingsmen-2014
It stars Colin Firth(dreaming of him in a very nasty way-be still my heart) as one of the top leaders of a spy agency run by Michael Caine. Samuel L Jackson plays the bad guy with a great speech impediment that just seems to suit the fun of this film. It doesn't take itself too seriously like the James Bond films and has no sexy vamps to impede the spies from doing their mission. Firth's character is also helping a newbie, played by Taron Egerton (nope no idea who he is) become a classy spy. All in all a wonderful fun film with sass, class and exploding heads.
Sorry, Wrong Number-1948
Starring the great Barbara Stanwyck and Burt Lancaster as her weak husband, it is a film Noirish thriller that young kids would be all confused about today. Why? It shows telephones and operators when one had to be connected the old fashioned way. The main part takes place in Leona's(Barbara Stanwyck) bedroom. She is an invalid who overhears that some woman will be murdered that night. In flashbacks you find out all about the characters and how they met. You realize how nutty Leona really is and what a sad sack Burt Lancaster's character is. What Leona wants, Leona gets and it started when she was a little girl spoiled by her rich dad played by Ed Begley(love his character). These characters are all just a bit nutty like they are all trying to place something round in a square hole. I loved it!
Pride and Glory-2008
Ed Norton plays one of the brothers in a family full of cops lead by the dad, played by Jon Voight without his white scarf he always has at every awards ceremony. Colin Farrell plays the brother in law who is a bad cop. Yup, Colin is a bad boy and just keeps getting in deeper and deeper until Ed's character finds out all the messy crap Colin's gotten himself into. It is about family, loyalty and honour. It is about doing the right thing. It's a good movie but not earth shattering-one can see it on Netflix or simple TV when it's raining outside. I give it a thumb's up but nothing earth-shattering.
Venus-2006
Peter O'Toole plays Maurice-a great actor both on stage and screen who is mostly forgotten and is dying of cancer. He is friends with Ian (Leslie Phillips) who is also an aging actor and the 2 have a great chemistry together and help one another out. When Ian's niece, Jessie(Jodie Whittaker), comes to stay with him, she causes much mayhem for her Uncle. Maurice takes her off Ian's hands and thus starts a beautiful relationship between this old, dying man and this belligerent, ignorant girl. It is a beautiful film and wonderfully acted especially by Peter O'Toole who gained his 8th and last Oscar Nomination. Highly recommended.
American Sniper-2014
OK, first off, I don't get why there was so much controversy about this film. It shows what these men and women go through when dealing with having to kill or be killed. Some break down but others do get a kick out of it-human beings come in all shapes and forms. If you are not into swearing-don't watch this because, nowadays, war films must have all people swear to the nth degree. Do I feel Bradley Cooper deserved an Oscar Nom for this? Nope. He was really good in the role but I have seen better. Sienna Miller played it well as his wife and we really get the sense of what it might have been life when a soldier is over there fighting and having to kill someone who is very young. Where it falters, for me, is how he dealt with his PTSD. It was touched on but it was almost hurried up. It dealt quite well with him being a soldier but the film didn't know how to deal with PTSD so it seemed whitewashed. This fault lies with Clint Eastwood who directed the film. It's a good film but it left me wanting more.
Scarlett Street-1945
Joan Bennett is at her sultry but floozy best. Edward G Robinson plays a mild mannered banker wannabe great artist and Dan Duryea plays the squirrel for brains boyfriend of Joan's who likes to rough her up every once in a while. Of course the dame only wants more. This is a great film noir! It is one of my favourites and who can beat a classic scene where Edward G's character is painting Joan's toenails. When Christopher (Edward G) first meets Kitty (Joan), she is being smacked around by guess who, yup squirrel for brains. Christopher saves the day and takes Kitty, with the ugliest raincoat I have ever seen, out for a coffee. Christopher is smitten and day dreams about his little Kitty even though he is married to a shrew of a wife who makes him do the dishes in a frilly apron. Kitty purrs and Christopher is her true lap dog who starts to embezzle from the bank he works for to please her. When Christopher goes along with Kitty, in her taking the accolades for being a great painter, you know it is not going well. By the way, the paintings are ugly especially her portrait but whatever works! See this film when you can.
Mission Impossible 5-Rogue Nation-2015
Hold the phones! I actually went to the movie theatre-holy filmland Batman! Yup I saw this film yesterday, wasn't planning to as I wanted to see a special on Andre Rieu's concert in Maastricht but the cost was $18! So I used 2 free passes to see this film with my best friend. I am not a fan of Tom Cruise, the person, since he is a control freak who thinks Scientology is something good, but I do like his movies. This film co-stars Simon Pegg, Jeremy Renner and Alec Baldwin. Rebecca Ferguson is the kick ass female who saves him twice actually. This is an excellent flick with plenty of heart- stopping moments. Yes Tom Cruise is actually on the side of that airplane, with cables, no CGI for this one. He loves the thrills-he is nuts. Even though I am rolling my eyes with yet another remake or a continuation of the same character(s) that is so ripe in Hollywoodland, this is a good movie.
Whew! So there is my exhaustive list. have a great week everyone!
Hi Birgit....my list is getting longer...I have starred the Peter O toole to start with and then it's pot luck what I can get hold of....maybe a cinema trip to see Tom cruise...only cos Simon Pegg is in it! hope you are feeling better now..and yes the paste has sparkle in it but I add a bit more! xxxx
ReplyDeleteSimon Pegg is really quite good in this film-He has more screen time than the last one. Oh good to know about the sparkle!
DeleteWow! What an interesting mix of films you've reviewed. Most I've never even heard of. To my shame, I have heard of Bill & Ted's and will admit I actually like it. But I don't think the film was to be taken seriously. I've always looked at it as more of a spoof film. In that context, I find it humorous.
ReplyDeleteOther films, I find Samuel L Jackson plays a good bad guy.
MI5- Are there really this many sequels? I'm bad at getting to the theatre, and hate to admit, I don't recall if I've seen the others in the series.
Yes I like many different genres and yes there is already #5 with MI
DeleteYou were more kind to American Sniper than I think it deserved. It certainly didn't hold back on life at the front. Never liked Barbara Stanwyck, not sure why, Some of the other films sound worth watching.
ReplyDeleteI love Barbara but she is quite the strong one and in this film she is the man and Burt is the woman-interesting play on that actually. I think you might like Scarlett Street. If you are not into spy adventure films then pass on the Kingsmen and MI 5
DeleteWow that was sure a bunch. Still have to/want to see MI5, Taken 3, whenever as it is the same old some old and Kingsmen at my sea.
ReplyDeleteIt is a bunch! Taken 3 is same old actually but you may enjoy The Kingsmen-a bit more original than what one may think
DeleteHi, dear Birgit! My oh my, you have been busy! You remind me of myself in 2007, the year I was inspired to watch as many old films as possible to expand my knowledge of the history of American cinema. That year, Film Noir became my favorite genre. Therefore, I would be very interested in seeing Sorry, Wrong Number and Scarlett Street. It seems likely that Mrs. Shady and I would enjoy Mommy because we both gravitate to character driven films that explore the complexities of relationships. My least favorite genre is Action/Adventure, especially formulaic films that rely heavily on car chases, crash stunts, gunfire and explosions and which star veteran male actors in the roles of macho heroes. However, I would love to see MI5 and intend to do so. I watched Clint Eastwood's American Sniper for the first time a few days ago and agree with your critique. The PTSD aspect was swept under the rug and I needed to Google Chris Kyle to find out exactly how he died. Why didn't Eastwood show us what happened that final day or at least explain it in the text at the end?
ReplyDeleteThank you very much for the great reviews, dear friend Birgit!
I think you will really enjoy Mommy as it is excellent! Sorry, Wrong Number is like a gender reversal in some ways because Stanwyck's character is more the man and Lancaster's is the female especially for those times. Yes You must see Fritz Lang's Scarlett Street-great film! As for American Sniper-I think Eastwood wanted to leave in a somewhat "happy" ending. Make it look like he found peace and contentment instead of being shot to death by a loon.
DeleteMission Impossible was awesome!
ReplyDeleteI still want to see Kingsman and American Sniper.
I was in my early twenties when Bill and Ted came out, so maybe that's why I got it. Thought it was hilarious, with lots of great lines and an awesome soundtrack.
The soundtrack is good-I shall give it that but I think, you are right, it belongs to that era and that time for young kids. I really enjoyed MI and The Kingsmen
DeleteLoved Bill & Ted when I first saw it at 10 years old, still loved it when I saw it again a few months ago. #notashamed
ReplyDeleteThe only other movie I saw on this list was Kingsman, which was quite good but took an incredible glee in portraying explicit (if stylized) violence. I was expecting it after Kick-Ass and Wanted, but I know some people who were turned off by it.
Hahhaaaaa about Bill & Ted-we all have films we love that others just don't get. The Kingsmen is quite violent but I didn't mind it and thought it quite funny when the heads exploded like fireworks. I loved Firth's quick speech to that KKK lady in the church-I agreed with all he said:)
DeleteHow have I never heard of Scarlet Street? And what a creepy cover! I never got the Bill & Ted thing (or the Wayne's World thing, for what it's worth). I think for some reason marijuana-influenced college kids have always loved moronic guys. That might explain Saturday Night Live's enduring success, actually!
ReplyDeleteHahahaaaa-That might be! Pot plus being 20 something would go along with this type of film.
DeleteI've only seen one of those but I've seen it several times. 'Sorry'.
ReplyDeleteWhich one? Curious of course:)
DeleteKeanu Reeves playing someone brainless and idiotic? I just could never imagine that!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely loved Kingsman. It definitely exceeded my expectations, and that scene of Colin Firth in the church was worth the price of admission in itself.
BTW, the controversy with American Sniper was because of the really bad fake baby they used. Not really, but what a stupid thing to put in a Hollywood movie.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLwAcU0bYl0
That is my favourite scene in The Kingsmen and I agree with everything he said to that Bible thumping KKK twit woman. Keanu was definitely not playing against type in that film. I am trying to remember the fake baby...Oh yes! My hubby and I were laughing a bit over that one
DeleteI do want to see Mission Impossible 5 since everyone is raving about it.
ReplyDeleteIt is actually quite good. I wasn't sure because sometimes the hype is just that and the film sucks but this had some good scenes and more of Simon Pegg
DeleteI want to see Mission Impossible.
ReplyDeleteI would say to see it if you get the chance
DeleteWhat a feast of films! I enjoy your reviews so much. I saw a few minutes of Scarlet Street on TV several months ago. The apron on Edward G. Now I know what it is and can look for it. Other than that, I've only seen The Kingsman, but fell asleep an hour in. Maybe sooner. It wasn't because of the story or sweet Mr. Colin Firth. Simply tired. The Husband and I haven't seen a Mission Impossible movie ever. We've heard so much hype on this last one that we just might.
ReplyDeleteScarlett Street is worth it to see and son is The Kingsmen. Of the MI movies I would say the 3rd and 5th one are the best. 4th is good but they are all of the same style so if you are not into that style then skip
DeleteWow, that's quite a list. And I have like 5 awful movies sitting on my DVR for months...
ReplyDeleteI always thought Bill & Ted were idiots. I'll have to check out the others.
Yes I have the list and have seen more. I also have movies on my DVR for a while now. I always get side tracked
DeleteI saw the Mission Impossible movie yesterday too, LOL. I'm wondering how many more of these movies Tom Cruise has in him :)
ReplyDeleteAll great reviews. I hadn't seen any of the other ones you featured, but there were several that seemed interesting, like the Mommy one.
betty
That is too funny that you also saw MI5. I want to see Tom Cruise and Liam Neeson when they have dementia and are trying to escape the long term care home. With all the knocks on the head those 2 got, they are certain to have dementia. Yes check out Mommy!
DeleteI always like Bill and Ted Excellent Adventure, but it is not a movie I would take seriously. Yes, it came out when I was young, and no it is not historically accurate. However, I like that it is a movie from a time when not everyone was a blow up shoot them movie, which seems to be the stuff being pushed more and more today. I think kids always knew Bill and Ted were kind of ditsy. It is sort of a play on the valley girl, but they are valley boys. It is not meant to be taken seriously, but I remember being twelve and actually looking up historical references to see what they got right and wrong in the movie.
ReplyDeleteI'm super excited to watch the new Mission: Impossible. I've been hearing lots of good things about it.
ReplyDeleteIt is actually very good and it is non stop
DeleteMOMMY!!!!
ReplyDeleteI love that you love that movie. Like...LOVE THAT YOU LOVE IT!!!
And yes to everything you said about American Sniper.
Mommy is an amazing film and was overlooked for sure. Of all the films I have seen, this film still is in my head.
DeleteVery diverse list. The only one of these I've seen is Bill & Ted's... I liked it when I saw it back in 89? but probably wouldn't enjoy it now. I also made it out to the movies this week. Since we were accompanied by 2 ten year old girls, we couldn't see my first choice, instead we saw Inside Out. It was cute.
ReplyDeleteI heard good things about inside out. I think Bill & Ted was a movie for that time and you had to be that certain age
DeleteVery diverse list. The only one of these I've seen is Bill & Ted's... I liked it when I saw it back in 89? but probably wouldn't enjoy it now. I also made it out to the movies this week. Since we were accompanied by 2 ten year old girls, we couldn't see my first choice, instead we saw Inside Out. It was cute.
ReplyDeleteVery diverse list. The only one of these I've seen is Bill & Ted's... I liked it when I saw it back in 89? but probably wouldn't enjoy it now. I also made it out to the movies this week. Since we were accompanied by 2 ten year old girls, we couldn't see my first choice, instead we saw Inside Out. It was cute.
ReplyDeleteWow- you have been watching lots of movies! Thanks for the reviews. As I mentioned in the post when Bill and Ted's came up- it came out when I was in middle school and I watched it a million times with my friends. We thought it was hilarious and it made fun of the valley girl/valley guy thing and all the lingo at the time. I have not seen it since I was in 8th or 9th grade, so I would be curious to see it again.
ReplyDeleteI have been hearing great things about Mission Impossible- but I haven't seen the others, so I am guessing I won't see it (but you never know).
I am very curious about Kingman and Mommy! Added to my list! Thanks!
~Jess
If you see MI films I would see the 3rd and the last one. There are recurring characters but it won't matter if you don't see all the films. Yes Kingsmen and Mommy should be seen especially Mommy
DeleteThe three stooges are sheer genius when compared to Bill and Teds cardboard caricatures of 1989. I've seen three, American Sniper and Taken 3 being the others. Liam Neeson is winning easily.
ReplyDeleteYes I don't think I will ever watch Bill & Ted again nor American Sniper unless it's on TV and I am too lazy to change the channel(OMG-I have a remote).
DeleteI bought Kingsmen when it came out. So hilarious! I heard a bunch of folks didn't like it, but I felt like it was an action movie that totally didn't take itself in any way serious.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you-it is tongue and cheek and I love that Church scene which probably upset a few God-fearing, gun-toting racist Americans
DeleteWell now I have some films I need to watch, I think. Venus sounds pretty interesting! I just loved Kingsman. I thought it was pretty fun and a great spy spoof.
ReplyDeleteVenus is quite good-a hidden gem and The Kingsmen is a great spy spook from yesteryear
DeleteBIRGIT ~
ReplyDeleteI think I can safely say that the only two movies on this list that I would like are 'SORRY, WRONG NUMBER' and 'SCARLET STREET'. And the first one, I've seen a couple times, so I know.
'Sorry, Wrong Number' scared the bejabbers out of my Brother and me when we were little. I didn't really find it scary as an adult, but I still kind of liked it.
'Scarlet Street' sounds like it has possibilities in a bizarre, B-list Film Noir kinda way. I mean, just to see Edward G. Robinson doing dishes in a frilly apron...
The others here... I can easily pass, based solely on the plot descriptions.
Right now I'm off to watch some ROCKY & BULLWINKLE. Now that's truly A-list viewing! Ha!
~ D-FensDogG
'Loyal American Underground'
I knew you would love the 2 older films and Scarlett Street is the better of the 2. Poor Edward G-he can't catch a break. The others I know would not be your cup of tea. I love Rocky & Bullwinkle and I watch them and Bugs when I get the chance. Have you ever seen that horrible last Indiana Jones flick? Even if you haven't, you-tube Cate Blanchett as Irena. I like Cate but OMG-it's like watching Natasha!
Delete'Action" movies aren't my cup of tea either, so I haven't seen the last Indiana Jones movie. (I saw the first one, and maybe the second, but that's it. Saw the first two Star Wars movies also, and that was my limit.)
DeleteI'll check out Blanchett as you suggested. I love Natasha, but only in cartoon form! :-)
~ D-FensDogG
Oh Same here about Natasha and I don't think they meant to channel The cartoon babe-that's what made that film so hilarious in a bad way
DeleteThese are thoughtful reviews, and you've made me want to see Sorry, Wrong Number. At least Keanu Reeves is easy on the eyes, right, BB?
ReplyDeleteI don't find Keanu too easy on the eyes because his stupidity gets in the way:) Now as for Colin Firth..well,,... bring on the strawberries and whip cream
DeleteI've seen a handful of these. My two cents:
ReplyDeleteNot a big fan of Bill & Ted, but I get the appeal for those who first saw this in their teens or early 20s. I also think its Reeves best performance. The role is just perfectly suited for his particular talents.
Mommy is excellent. It is a tough watch, but deserves to be seen. Anne Dorval is brilliant as the mom.
Taken 3 was bad, but I still like it better than Taken 2. That's not saying much of anything, though.
Kingsman was all sorts of fun. Not sure I want to see a sequel even though I'm sure that we'll get one. The problem is we can't bring back the two guys that carry the film, Firth and SLJ. The young dude just didn't make much of an impression on me. Plan on getting my full review for this posted soon.
Glad to see the love for Scarlet Street. It's one of my favorite noirs. EGR kills it, as always. Now, I have to see Sorry, Wrong Number.
I really want to see Rogue Nation soon, but I'll probably wait until it hits Blu-Ray. I plan on seeing American Sniper this weekend.
Great post.
I love that you think it is Keanu's best performance-egad! Mommy is tough but sooooooooo good. Taken should have just stayed as 1 and that's it. I know what you mean by the Kingsmen and it is set up for a sequel which I hope never gets made. It needs Colin Firth. Love Scarlett and hope you see Sorry soon. It will be interesting to see what you think of American Sniper
DeleteGosh...you're all over the shop with this list. I've seen Colin...I mean Kingsmen, Sorry Wrong Number and Venus. Must get my hands on Mommy...sounds interesting.
ReplyDeletex Asha