Visits With a project like this, it is as likely that it is a random goof as something with some structure. It could be both. As this was sent to me by a fellow viewer, and because I am so inclined, I tend to see structure. And what I see I like — a lot.… Continue reading Funky Forest: The First Contact (2005)
Category: IMDB Comments
Comments made for the Internet Movie Database
French and Saunders (1990)
Asher to Ashes I came to this quite by accident. I was looking for recent appearances by Jane Asher. There is a bit, it turns out, at the end of the “bonus” collection, where she plays herself. But getting to that, I patiently watched this and tried to get it. No, I was trying to… Continue reading French and Saunders (1990)
Frances (1982)
Metaexploitation I continue to be astounded at films that are self-destructively self-referential. That’s where a story is about a certain trend, often in filmmaking, that is portrayed as evil. But at the same time, with the same players, the form of the film is precisely along that trend. Here is the story of a fragile… Continue reading Frances (1982)
Flash of Genius (2008)
Wipeout There are all sorts of fabulous interminglings between film and life. At a general level, I study these things. But when “life” is meant in the sense of historical truth, and the film purports to represent that, then the examination gets a bits boring. Okay, so we have a movie where Napoleon went somewhere… Continue reading Flash of Genius (2008)
Glitch (2008)
Canine Cells This is bad in all the ordinary ways. The idea is bad and the general setup. The science is bad. But many of the background characters are worthwhile. The usual pattern for these cartoony projects is to have the main characters operate in an environmental sea of props and secondary characters who are… Continue reading Glitch (2008)
A Fistful of Dollars (1964)
Joe Meets Akira This is an ineptly made film, but which lives because of its sheer importance. It is the reconstruction of the western, the birth of the hardboiled, loveable thug and the reinvention of Kurosawa for the masses. Kurosawa had already been appropriated by the Hollywood western with “The Magnificent Seven,” but that project… Continue reading A Fistful of Dollars (1964)
Federal Agents vs. Underworld, Inc. (1949)
Red Haired Magic This is a Republic serial, which is to say that it is tedious watching. You’ll find everything about this cheap and unimaginative. The device this time is an evil woman who has one of a pair of golden hands. Obtaining the second and solving a puzzle will result in untold riches. The… Continue reading Federal Agents vs. Underworld, Inc. (1949)
Fatty Joins the Force (1913)
Behind Bars Sometimes it is a joy rummaging around in the old Hal Roach and Mack Sennett comedies. There’s an assumption behind the humor that by itself is rewarding: physical stuff and often heartfelt goodness. But sometimes they fall into sour recall, the times not being so forgiving of the humor of pain and embarrassment.… Continue reading Fatty Joins the Force (1913)
Clue (1982)
Hasn’t a Clue No genre has more opportunities for mind-bending and/amusing bends than the mystery. Especially film mysteries. And this one has a very promising foundation: a parody of a parody: ‘Murder by Death,’ which itself was rather clever in a lowbrow sort of way. Add to this the also clever notion of building on… Continue reading Clue (1982)
First Spaceship on Venus (1960)
The Beginning In 1958 Russia changed the world by launching Sputnik. This really was a shock; modern readers may not appreciate it as of the magnitude (in the US) of 9-11. In terms of national will, there was a more universal mobilisation and commitment of resources than after 9-11, that’s for sure. Both the Russian… Continue reading First Spaceship on Venus (1960)