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nancyann56
Reviews
Pontypool (2008)
The destruction done by talk radio
This is much more than a horror fantasy film it has a message in my estimation. I think the ultimate point of this film is the seeds of destruction which are spawned in Talk Radio and certain entertainer/commentators who have begun blurring the lines between journalism and entertainment for ratings. This movie shows what could happen if enough people begin to listen and believe all they here on programs which seed doubt and conspiracy in all things-in the guise of informing the public.....in reality all they want is ratings and money. The shock jock says and does whatever he needs to do to draw and keep his audience-yet the consequences of doing this over time breeds discontent in government, political parties, and peoples lives in general. People who draw back from the world and join survivalist cults-could get their start from the talk radio shows which tell them how corrupt, dishonest and futile life is becoming because of ______ .....(fill in the blank)...and that revolution of one kind or another is needed to get us back on track.......words spread insanity-that is the point of this film.
Elvis on Tour (1972)
Great Chronicle of 72 Tour
Elvis explodes on screen. What was it like to tour with Elvis? This film will show you. A lot has been made about Elvis's appearance and weight in this movie. It does seem when Elvis is in the white jumpsuit he looks more trim, in face and body. Why more of the performances from the concert he wore this suit in were not used is a mystery. He seems puffy and the lighting is not good in a lot of the concert shots that were used(mainly Hampton Roads performances)Still pictures from this era show him much trimmer than this film shows. Vocally he gives varied performances from gospel, to rock, to country. His vocal range is shown to be vast when compared with many other pop and rock singers. His old hits are now done to give the fans what they want, but the songs that he pours his heart into are the gospel and the newer songs he has added. Burning Love was not even out when this documentary was being filmed and its a treat to see him do it fresh. Creedances Proud Mary is another he seems to love. The split screen was a new rage in this type of music film and it can be distracting. If you like Elvis this film is for you.
Space Probe Taurus (1965)
Okay b-movie
This is no better or worse than a lot of b-movies. The 50s and 60s spawned hundreds like this. Written & directed by Leonard Katzman who was the huge force behind Dallas in the 80s it is average for sci-fi of the time. The scenes underwater seem to be in a fish bowl. James Brown was a stoic(even emotionless)as the hero. He was later Det. McSween on Dallas under Katzman. Katzman also had a hand in the Wild Wild West TV show. If you like b-movies for the fun of " making fun" this is for you. I like this type of picture But to each his own. Francine York is worth a look. Their is no true science in the picture. I give it and overall b-rating of 5.
Kissin' Cousins (1964)
Double Elvis
I think this is a good movie, it does what it is suppose to do make you chuckle and listen to Elvis sing. The cast is totally into the "backwoods characters" they play. Elvis himself (in a dual role) gives a great performance as the backwoods cousin Jody, a Jethro type character but a little sexier and a little smarter. The Air Force pilot cousin Josh is more like the typical Elvis role. Arthur O'Connell is great as Papa Tatem. Jack Albertson(from Chico and the Man fame)was also good as Capt. Salvo. The production was low budget and made in about 14 days. Elvis hated the blond wig. The idea here is fun. Nothing serious just 60's fun.
Kid Galahad (1962)
Good fight musical
This was an Elvis movie with some drama, some comedy, some music. It was a little more than the formula movies and had some good fights. Mushy Callahan a boxing coach who coached all the big stars into the 60s for fight movies said of all the actors he coached " Elvis was best, quick hands, knew karate and judo...."Great so-stars and scenery. If its not Rocky or even Rocky 5 its an enjoyable escape. The few songs are pleasant including "I Got Lucky" and "A Whistling Tune" Reportedly Charles Bronson was not very friendly to Elvis. Joan Blackman also made "Blue Hawaii" with Elvis. If you want a diversion on a rainy Sunday this is a possibility.
King Creole (1958)
Great picture
As the lad himself might say, cut my legs off and call me Shorty! Elvis Presley can act...Acting is his assignment in this shrewdly upholstered showcase, and he does it." Howard Thompson. Review of King Creole, New York Times, 1958
This was one of the few Elvis movies in which he was able to show his talent as an actor. Micheal Curtiz a great director of the 30s and 40s was skeptical at the Elvis casting which required the rewrite from a boxer to singer. But after production began he saw that one Elvis was a hard dedicated worker and two that he had acting talent. The story was at one time a James Dean possibility and Elvis must have been aware of it. The shame is he was not given more scripts and directors like this movie.