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The Andy Griffith Show: The County Nurse (1962)
Next in line Julie Adams as the County Nurse
Julie Adams is next in line to play a County Nurse seeking help from Sheriff Taylor to give a tetanus shot to local farmer Rafe Hollister. Rafe is not enthusiastic about getting the shot and gives some warning shots when Taylor and the Nurse visit his farm. The Sheriff seems more interested in checking out the nurse then doing his work as a Sheriff but he manages to show genuine interest in helping the nurse. And why not Julie Adams is definitely nice on the eyes. In the scene in the Sheriff's Office she shows some interest in Taylor (you can see it in her eyes and how she smiled at him). Especially when Taylor expresses an interest in bringing Hollister in for a shot. They drive out to Hollister's farm where they are greeted by shotgun fire and an uncooperating Hollister. He has no desire to get a shot. All that does is irritate Taylor. Hollister is arrested for firing the shotgun
While in jail the Sheriff convinces Hollister that getting a shot is a good thing. Without a shot Hollister risks dying before his time. This caused Hollister to pause and reconsider. The nurse finally gives him his shot and he's surprised how painless it was. This is the only episode featuring the lovely Adams and she seems closer to his age then the other ladies Taylor attempted to romance the first being Eleanor Donohue (aka Ms Ellie). Donohue was featured in the first season in several episodes as the niece of the recently retired town Pharmacist. She appeared to be to young for Taylor who seemed more like a father then a boyfriend. And the all-important chemistry wasn't there. Ms Adams was nice on the eyes probably closer to his age but all she got was one episode.
The Andy Griffith Show: Crime-Free Mayberry (1961)
Many moving parts in this episode
The focus of this episode is the Sheriff's Office being recognized for its low crime rate. The recognition they're receiving is real but the FBI Agent that shows up and his photographer are fake. As the Agent gives his congratulatory speech the photo guy breaks into the bank vault. Taylor (aka Andy Griffith) showing his ability to spot a lie waits for the photography to break into the vault. Once the bad guy opened the vault door Taylor expresses his joy revealing that the bank had lost the combination about 15 years ago and the company that installed the vault had gone out of business. They had to install a door to access any money in the vault. The bad guy was led away with a stunned look on his face.
The Andy Griffith Show: The Bed Jacket (1962)
Of all things a Bed Jacket
Aunt Bea wants a Bed Jacket for her birthday but doesn't share this with Andy. For her birthday Andy has a more practical gift in mind and buys a couple of cases of canning jars. It's not until he learns from Clara (Aunt Bea's best friend) that what she really wants is a Bed Jacket. He goes back to the local store that had the Bed Jacket on display in the store's window. He learns that the Mayor bought the Bed Jacket for his wife. He goes to the Mayor's house and tells him about Aunt Bea wanting the Jacket for her birthday and would he give the Jacket to him. The Mayor agrees but he wants Andy's favorite fishing pole in exchange. The Mayor knows that Andy has caught dozens of fish with this pole. Because it's Aunt Bea's birthday Andy agrees.
In this episode everybody wins as Aunt Bea gets more then canning jars. When she opens her second gift she gleams with joy. She pretends to be concerned about the cost and that Andy shouldn't have but he knows she's happy and calls her best buddy Clara to tell her.
A Bronx Tale (1993)
"I don't trust anyone"
No last name is given all the viewer knows is the first name Cagolero aka C (the 9 year old son and later 17 year old teen), Lorenzo (C's father) and Sonny the neighborhood gangster and his crew. This movie is about life in the Bronx as told by a 9 year old boy who lived in a small apartment with his father a bus driver and mother (Rosina) a stay at home mother. While he is 9 the boy witnesses a fatal shooting by Sonny of a man who assaults Sonny's friend. Cagolero keeps quiet when asked by NYPD thus earning Sonny's respect. Eight years pass and the 9 year old is now 17 and his friendship with Sonny has endured. Sonny is a made guy in the Bronx Mafia.
In the 2nd half of the story Cagolero now known as C meets and falls madly in the like with a black girl (aka Jane) and she lives in the black ghetto. A Bronx Tale is told having two stories: a budding romance between C and Jane and Cs continued allegiance to Sonny and his adversarial relationship with his father Lorenzo. They do reconcile in the end.
National Lampoon's Animal House (1978)
A joke taken to the extreme
In one posting jckruize/Dec '01 states, "Director John Landis orchestrates the escalating hi-jinks with masterful comedic precision" ... That about sums it up. 'Animal House' is not to be taken seriously as is Belushi's improv comedic scenes. On one side you've got Delta House (with John Belushi's unfettered high jinks) and on the other end the Omega Theta House (with Mark Metcalf displaying some rather convincing Nazi like leader traits). The Delta's take nothing serious and the Omega's take everything too serious. There's a cadre of future A listers such as Karen Allen, Tim Matheson, and Kevin Bacon who give this comedy farce some depth.
One of my favorite scenes is the death of Neidermeyer's horse in the Dean's Office. Apparently, the horse had a weak heart, and the sudden shooting of a blank gun was all it took to have the horse go into cardiac arrest. This story takes place in the early 60s involving two Greek Houses on fictional Faber College. Both Houses are next door to each other, and they are opposite in personality and conduct. The Omega House students are very serious about how they conduct themselves, on the other hand, the Delta House residence are grown kids behaving very badly. The movie has become a cult classic and probably gave a serious to boost to the acting careers of many of the principal actors.
The Andy Griffith Show: Barney and the Governor (1963)
Deputy Fife doing his job
In this episode the Governor's driver parks in a No Parking Zone (outside the Sheriff's Office) and is ticketed by Deputy Fife. What I like are the old codgers of Mayberry (they hang around the Sheriff's office) who'll take any opportunity to mess with Deputy Fife. In this case they goad him into writing the traffic ticket (which was the right thing to do) and the Mayor is furious when he finds out. In typical fashion the Mayor tells the Sheriff how outraged he is that Fife gave the Governor the ticket. The Sheriff supports what Fife did telling the Mayor it was Fife's duty to write the ticket. The Mayor insists the Sheriff call the Governor and explain that the ticket was a mistake. The Sheriff makes the call and both the Sheriff and the Mayor hear the Governor Praise Deputy Fife for doing the right thing. This stuns the Mayor and pleases the Sheriff. To show his appreciation the Mayor plans to stop by the Sheriff's office and shake Fife's hand.
This episode takes an interesting turn as Otis Campbell spikes the cooler with moonshine. Both Fife and the Mayor (not at the same time) drink from the spiked cooler and get smashed. Th Sheriff finally connects with the drunk Fife and explains that the Mayor is pleased with receiving the ticket and plans to stop by and shake his hand. The drunk Fife appears to understand and the Sheriff takes him to his house and sobers him up. Once sober both Fife and the Sheriff conclude that Otis must've spiked the cooler. Now sober Deputy and the Sheriff arrive back at the Sheriff's Office to meet with the Governor. The Governor shakes a now sobered up Fife's hand expressing his appreciation for the Deputy doing his job.
The Governor leaves and the Sheriff is pleased. This was a good one.
Law & Order: Crashers (2010)
Where is Perry Mason ...
A model is found torched in a dumpster. The brother of the model is told by the detectives of her demise. He fakes the tears and then Detectives Lupo and Bernard start investigating how she may have gotten torched. All roads lead to a crashed political event hosted by a senior Senator and his wife. What we (and the Detectives) learn is the torched lady had interfered with a young man/older woman affair. The young man was her brother, and the older woman was the Senator's wife. Yes, the young man had developed a passion for older women. The older woman being the Senator's wife. This is one of the few episodes that got really creepy in the next to the last scene. Suddenly the wife decides to spill the beans in the ADA's office and let everyone there know who torched the model. You'll have to watch this one to find out. What I can tell you is we learn how older women can have surgery to turn their bodies back about 40 years. Yuck!!!
Il buono, il brutto, il cattivo (1966)
The Good the Bad and a little bit of the Civil War ...
Two bounty hunters and a thief. Clint Eli and Lee. They are in pursuit of $200k in gold coins. The coins are buried in an unmarked grave. In the final scene they are in a standoff. You've got Blondie (Clint) Tuco (Eli) and Angel Eyes (Lee). Who will win the standoff. Who has the fastest draw. Whos gun is not loaded. OMG one of them has an unloaded gun. The backdrop of the movie is the Civil War. With three seasoned Western genre actors this fictional account of the Civil War moves along at a good pace with no wasted scenes. One of my favorite scenes is when Tuco is taking a bath and is encountered by another bad buy who remembers him as being someone who tried to kill him. The other bad guy pushes open the swinging saloon door and pulls a gun on Tuco. The guy threatens him but doesn't shoot. Tuco wastes no time and shoots him saying, "If you're going to shoot then shoot don't talk", he chuckles as the other bad guy is layed out very dead. Back to the final scene and all three are standing in a large round area in a Mexican Standoff.
This scene lasts just a few minutes and when all three draw Blondie out draws Angel Eyes.as Angel Eyes falls dead into an empty grave. Tuco discovers he has an unloaded gun that was unloaded by Blondie the night before. Blondie is told to dig up another grave that is unmarked this is where the gold is found. This scene is too long but we see how good a shot Blondie from a long distance. In the end Tuco and Blondie get their share as Angel Eyes lays dead in the grave.
Point Break (1991)
A Remake may not work
'Point Break' is the ultimate thrill seekers movie that takes you right to the edge. Reeves and Swayze carry this movie to the final scene. I'm guessing Garey Busey had some serious fun in his role as Johnny Utah's supervisor (aka Pappas). Then there's the love interest played by Lori Petty (aka Tyler). She holds her own in her scenes w/Utah. I'm not crazy about John McGinley's character (aka FBI Supe Ben Harp). He's too high strung and seems more of a caricature then an actual person. Every scene he's in he's very manic and doesn't appreciate what Pappas and Utah have done. However, there are no wasted scenes as Reeves and Swayze keep 'Point Break' moving forward to the final scene in Australia where the ultimate BIG WAVE is ready to be conquered. Bodhi gets his chance as Utah decides to give him his final chance to ride this humongous once in the lifetime wave. What we see is Bodhi paddling out and positioning himself at the top of the curl. The wave's white water slowly gobbles him up. Run credits.
The Andy Griffith Show: Ellie for Council (1960)
Eli runs for public office
Mayberry is a country community of about 2500 to 3000 folk. It wants to be more city like. That's never going to happen. In this episode Ms Eli Walker (aka Eli Donahue), on a picnic with Andy, decides she wants to run for City Council. This idea is not supported by Andy who gives her reasons for his lack of support. All of his reasons are what he believes a woman's role in the family and community should be. His reasons support the notion that women's place is a secondary role. Although this episode was shown in Dec 1960 four years later the passing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 changed the women's role in American Society. Eli is elected to Mayberry's City Council as the first female member. I tip my hat to the writers for their progressive writing.
The Andy Griffith Show: Opie's Charity (1960)
Only three cents ???
In this episode Sheriff Taylor is appalled when he learns Opie gave a measly three cents to a charity for kids whos families are poor. All Sheriff Taylor does is focus on the three cents and fails to ask Opie why he's donating so little an amount. The reason is not revealed until the final scene. In the final scene we learn that Opie is saving his money to buy his girlfriend a coat. The girlfriend's mom doesn't have enough money so Opie thought it would be a good deed to help. The Sheriff asks Opie why he didn't him why he contributed so little. Opie's response was, "You didn't ask me why". Learning the reason the Sheriff realizes how he over-reacted and a look of embarrassment suddenly appeared on his face. This was a well written script as the writers kept things simple and only revealed the reason in the ending scene.
The Blues Brothers (1980)
If you can watch the entire movie give yourself a Gold Star
Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi are the Blues Brothers (Jake and Elwood) and they push comedy to the ridiculous level. They are on a mission from God to raise $5k (in back property taxes) that is needed to save the orphanage where they were raised as kids. They decided to put their old band together and stage a fund raising concert. Sounds very bland until you add some sub plots such as Carrie Fisher who's trying to kill Jake (aka Belushi) for leaving her at the altar. She uses a variety of high end weaponry to do Belushi in (fails at every attempt). Another sub plot involves an interaction with an American Nazi Party on a bridge.
What I like about Blues Brothers is it goes to the extreme in sub plots. Throughout the movie the Blues Brothers seem determine to find their former band mates no matter where they are or what they're doing. They eventually raise the money. The final scene is in Joliet Prison with the Blues Brothers performing "Jailhouse Rock" for the inmates. Updated versions of the Blues Brothers didn't quite hit the mark.
Fighting (2009)
"Fighting" is not about fighting in the ring
The type of fighting shown in the movie "Fighting" is circuit/street fighting that pits two fighters in a battle of tough guy v tough guy. Shawn MacArthur aka Channing Tatum is a street hustler hustling on a corner near Radio City Music Hall. A group of street hustlers attempt to take over the corner that Shawn is occupying. Shawn shows some fighting skills as he attempts to fight them off. There are too many of them and they take his merchandise and money. Later on Shawn sees the same guys in a restaurant with their leader Harvey Boarden aka Terence Howard. Harvey took notice of Shawn's fighting skills and asked him if he wanted to make some real money instead of the nickel dime money he was earning at his corner. Harvey sees and opportunity to make real money (thousands of $$$).
Shawn's advantage when he fights is the will and skills necessary to win. The movie has some sub plots that gives "Fighting" depth. The sub plots I liked because we learn about Shawn. We learn that he doesn't like talking about his father and he doesn't like to be touched especially by someone who's messing with him. At a club scene Shawn meets a former college teammate (Evan Hailey aka Brian White) that he trained with. We learn there is bad blood between them. That bad blood will eventually come to a crossroad. The pacing of the movie is good as Shawn grapples with an Asian fighter who has boxing and martial arts skills. We see in this fight that Shawn can take a punch and recover quickly. The Asian fighter attempts to put Shawn in various submission holds that Shawn can counter. Shawn doesn't back down but rather counters the Asian's skillful moves. Shawn shows the ability to adjust and counter. In the end the Asian wraps his legs around Shawn's neck and Shawn lifts him up and slams him down. This move stuns the Asian fighter who lays down nearly unconscious. Two street fight promoters are watching the fight and notice that Harvey has a legit fighter to fight their guy Evan.
In the final fight Shawn and Evan meet to fight for some serious cash (i.e. $500,000.00). This is a winner take all fight. Harvey wants Shawn to throw the fight. Shawn at first agrees then changes his mind. Evan manages to put Shawn in a choke hold thinking Shawn will either tap out or pass out. Shawn knows that this is where he showed throw the fight and tap out. Shawn changes his mind and reverses the hold and gets back on his fight where he exchanges blows with Evan. Evan doesn't have Shawn's punching power and eventually Shawn knocks Evan to the ground where he commences to punch him. Evan is too weak to counter his punching and/or defend himself. Shawn sees that Evan is no longer responding.
Shawn stands up knowing he has won. This does not set well with those who set this up expecting Evan to win. In the final scene we learn that Shawn and his lady friend Zulay bet on Shawn to win. The final scene is in Harvey's apartment where Harvey tells Shawn that he (Harvey) is a dead man because beat Evan instead of throwing the fight. Shawn tells Harvey that he bet money that he would win and opened up a gym bag showing one million dollars that he won.
Shawn invites Harvey to join him, Zulay, her grandmother and daughter. As the credits role we have an aerial view of the station wagon assuming Shawn, Zulay and the rest are heading out of New York City. Harvey suggested they head west to California. Does Shawn follow Harvey and head west. "Fighting" offers a snap shot of life in the streets and those who choose to live there. It's survival of the fittest. Shawn is a young man who knows how to survive and isn't afraid of the unknown. I liked "Fighting" because you see New York City as it is.
Who's Harry Crumb? (1989)
Candy makes "Crumb" worth the view
John Candy plays inept to perfection. When his character "Harry Crumb" displays his ineptness, you see Crumb take it in stride. He somehow comes out looking good. Crumb is hired to find the recently kidnapped daughter (Nikki Downing aka of multi-millionaire P. J. Downing aka Barry Corbin. Thru ought the movie Crumb wears on disguises when he does his investigation. Each disguise is an exaggeration of the character he's portraying. In each disguise you see how comfortable Candy is and what he's willing to do to make the scene and his disguise work. Candy is one of my favorite comedians. Jeffrey Jones plays a bad guy who sends Harry down many rabbit holes hoping Crumb will fail or look like a fool. To his amazement Crumb comes out of each rabbit hole looking brilliant. In the next to final scene Jones, thoroughly frustrated, admits his part in the kidnapping of Jennifer Downing aka Renee Coleman. This news surprises Crumb and gives him a new sense of confidence as he is promoted to President of Crumb and Crumb and takes on a new case that's in San Francisco. Crumb leaves dressed as a Show Girl.
The Andy Griffith Show: Aunt Bee's Invisible Beau (1965)
Aunt Bea creates a beau
Clara easily influences Aunt Bea when it comes to matters of the heart. In this episode it's about Clara convincing Bea that she needs a beau in her life so Andy can have the freedom of marrying Helen. Unfortunately Bea makes a beau who happens to be married. When Beau shares this with Andy he's delighted and shares this news with Mr. Nosy Deputy Fife. Fife wants to know everything about the guy but Andy has little to share. This frustrates Fife as Fife assumes Bea's beau could be a bad seed. Bea's beau turns out to be a butter and egg man and Fife sees his truck when he pulls in to get some gas. To Fife's shock he learns that the butter and egg (Mr Hendricks) man is married. He learns this from talking to the man's son. Such news causes Fife to go into overdrive and he wastes little time in telling Andy. Andy then visits Mr Hendricks with Fife in tow. Hendricks is also shocked when he hears the news and decides it would be best to cancel his business with the Taylors. In the next to final scene we have Clara having a chat with Andy about his relationship with Helen. He lets Clara know there is nothing new to share. Andy knows that Aunt Beaus desire to make up a boyfriend came from a conversation she had with Clara. This is the 'The Andy Griffith Show' at its best.
The Andy Griffith Show: Opie Loves Helen (1964)
Opie the romantic and Fife Mr tight
In 'Opie Loves Helen' Opie develops a crush on Ms Crump (i.e. Helen) his teacher. He seeks advice from his dad and dad is not very helpful. He then goes to Deputy Fife and Fife (not knowing who the ladies is) has him choose a romantic poem from a book he has in his personal library. Opie suggests that he calls the girl up and recite a selected poem over the phone. Fife agrees to call her and recite some verses from the poem. All goes well until Fife learns that Opie has called his teacher. Ms Crump calls the sheriff's office and informs Deputy Fife the phone call he just had with Opie. This alarms Fife because he didn't know Opie was reciting the poem to her. Earlier in this episode Fife shares with Andy his dinner date with his girlfriend Thelma Lou. We learn that Fife is a tight wad and Thelma Lou is ok with his tight ways. Under normal circumstances Fife and Thelma Lou go out to dinner going dutch. He's ok with his girlfriend paying for her meal. But that's the character Don Knotts developed and he would leave at the end of 1965 at the height of tightness. He was brilliant and his desire to be a bit tight was so comical. So this scene where he's describing his experience at an Italian restaurant is a treasure. He feels he's done something special leaving a 25 cent tip. He considers himself a ladies' man and has three ladies that he romances in his 5 year stint as Deputy Fife. So we have Opie showing his romantic side and Deputy Fife sharing his dinner with Thelma Lou and he's covering the bill. What guy!
Mississippi Burning (1988)
The KKK has its way until the FBI changes strategy
Racism has been a scourge on our culture since its inception in the 17th and 18th century. You don't have to visit the south where slavery was it's own culture to see people still embracing racial or class superiority. The one race is superior to another has gone on from generation to generation in the U. S. and other countries. In movie, 'Mississippi Burning' it's the mid 60s south and three young men representing CORE (Congress of Racial Equality) at CORE station in Mississippi were pulled over for speeding and eventually encountered Klansmen from Neshoba County. They were shot to death and their bodies wouldn't be found for over a month later by FBI Agents investigating the incident.
In this movie Gene Hackman and Willim DeFoe play the lead characters. Hackman is a sheriff and DeFoe is a Senior FBI Agent in charge of the investigation of the murdered students. The local sheriff his deputy and mayor waste little time in expressing their dissatisfaction of the presence of the FBI and the sheriff. They dismiss the theory that the three young men were killed, and the bodies are buried somewhere locally. The black town people are very reluctant to help due to repercussions from the local KKK. I've seen the movie several times and I'm impressed with how real it is.
I grew up with racism in a Midwest city that had an east and west side divided by a couple of bridges. If you lived on the east side diversity was embraced. If you lived on the west side you had best have the right color of skin. I never understood how the color of a person's skin mattered. It does to those who truly believe their race is superior.
The movie is very believable in its portrayal of the Klan and how it did its dirty work. The FBI has to bend the rules a little in order to bring the guilty Klan members to justice and sent to prison.
The Andy Griffith Show: The Mayberry Band (1962)
If the Band could only play ...
The Sheriff has to resort to trickery to get the mayor to ok the voucher that sends the Mayberry Band to a state competition. Unfortunately, the band is horrible. They may have instruments but their ability to play has gone south. It is only through deception that the Band gets the ok from the mayor. That ok comes with the mayor being made to believe that the marching band he sees is a much improved Mayberry Band. He buys the deception and wishes them well at the competition. As they drive off they make the mistake of playing and the mayor realizes he's been duped. The mayor is played to perfection by seasoned character actor Parley Baer.
The Andy Griffith Show: The Beauty Contest (1961)
Being the Judge is a lowly assignment.
Ms Ellie nominates Andy to be the Judge of the 'Miss Mayberry' Beauty contest. Following the nomination Andy has a conversation with Ms Ellie suggests (much to his dismay) that the reason she nominated him was so he could pick her though other candidates would enter. Ms Ellie wastes no time and berates Andy for suggesting she had that thought in mind. Taylor is then inundated with parents parading their daughters before Andy as possible winners. Eventually Miss Ellie is put in the mix of Miss Mayberry candidates, and she expresses her displeasure to Andy at the crowning ceremony.
At the last-minute Andy chooses the lady that has assisted him through the various stages of the contest (Erma Bishop). Erma is played by veteran character actress Lillian Bronson. Ms Ellie shows her appreciation to Andy as the other candidates begin to cry feeling they should've been picked. As a final touch Floyd the barber sings the song 'Hail to thee Miss Mayberry'.
The Andy Griffith Show: Only a Rose (1966)
Clara shows much class in stepping down and letting Aunt Bea step up.
Aunt Bea finally grows a beautiful rose for the annual Mayberry Flower Show. It is a beauty. Clara Edwards has entered a flower and feels confident that her entry is a winner. She has won the previous seven shows. But her entry doesn't have the depth and vibrant color that was grown by Aunt Bea. Andy was so impressed with Bea's entry that he took a photo. Unfortunately, Opie decides to play catch with his best buddy and his buddy misses catching the football. The football hits the rose and breaks the stem. They try to tape the rose back on the stem but that didn't work, and the rose is destroyed.
Much to his dismay Opie does the right thing and shows the broken rose to Andy who tells Aunt Bea. She has no choice but to withdraw from the competition. At the show Aunt Bea knew who the winner would be as Clara sat behind her and smugly talks about her about her soon to be winning rose. She says it too bad that Bea had to withdraw from the show. Andy explains why Bea had to withdraw and the camera shows a different expression on Clara's face (one of disappointment).
Opie shows up with a gift wrapped package. The package is the framed photo of Bea's entry. Opie had the photo of the Bea's rose (taken by Andy) framed and Clara saw how exquisite Bea's entry was. She knew that Bea's entry was superior to hers. With no hesitation she took the framed photo to the judges table and removed the blue ribbon from her rose and put it on the framed photo of Aunt Bea's entry. The audience was in agreement with Clara and Aunt Bea's rose was declared the winner. One of the best episodes of Clara showing much class considering her penchant for winning.
The Virginian: Ah Sing vs. Wyoming (1967)
The writers did their homework on this episode
The Shiloh Ranch Chinese cook Ah Sing wants to open a Chinese Restaurant in Medicine Bow. He is denied a license due to being Asian and the concern (s) the Medicine Bow's Justice of the Peace Milo Temple has regarding the Asian culture. His concerns are not well founded and Mr Grainger is angered when He hears Mr Temple's reasons.
Ah Sing is not defeated and knows Mr Temple is wrong! The episode is well written as Ah Sing shows resilience in his efforts to fight Mr Temple using the Constitution as his weapon. Mr Grainger hires a seasoned alcoholic attorney to represent Ah Sing in a Circuit Court hearing. And to add a twist to this episode Edmond O'Brien plays Ah Sing's alcoholic attorney.
The Circuit Court judges are not impressed when O'Brien shows up inebriated. With as much tolerance as they can muster O'Brien is allowed to stay and represent his client. That turns into a blessing as O'Brien does a super job pointing out the injustice Ah Sing encountered when applying for a license. In the end his request for a license is approved. The final scene shows Ah Sing's bride arriving and a close sign is displayed as he decides to spend some time w/his new bride.
Frankie (2019)
In my first go around I gave this movie 10 minutes ...
Although 'Frankie' had a seasoned cast the story and its energy level waned. Marisa Tomei and Greg Kinnear should be enough to carry the story of a movie forward they failed. I'm not familiar with French actress Isabelle Huppert. She played the principal character. The story has her visiting Portugal with only a few months to live. In this story you've got love, marriage and money problems to juggle. It's considered a drama.
The one silver lining could be where the film was shot ... Sintra, Portugal. Sintra is near Lisbon, Portugal and has it's share of castles. Some very picturesque castles. However, this movie was not about the magical castles but Sintra has natural beauty and that helped move 'Frankie' along. This wasn't 'Love Story' or 'Terms of Endearment' with a very compelling story. Instead we have a woman with a few months to live choosing to spend those days with her family and offering some sage advice. Yawn!
Let's say I choose to give 'Frankie another shot. I would already know that love, marriage and money problems are sub plots I'd let those issues serve as my multiple anchors. Of the ten actors giving their all (in this 98 minute drama) Marisa Tomei and Greg Kinnear stood out. They both have strong resumes: Marisa Tomei was amazingly funny in 'My Cousin Vinny'; Greg Kinnear played a distraught gay man in 'As Good As It Gets'. In 'Frankie' they are paired up as a couple that might get married. There's a scene where Greg gives Marisa a ring and sort of asks her to marry him. They seem to come to an agreement that marriage could or would be a good thing. I found that scene humorous because it was as though they were playing a board game and Greg decided to stop playing and give her a ring and she seemed pleased that he did. She then asked if this was a marriage proposal and he replied that perhaps it was. He didn't get on his knee or offer a rose or make it more romantic.
I wouldn't put this movie on the shelf. But know that the energy level is low considering you have such seasoned actors. I'd say give it one more try.
Godzilla (1998)
Cut his/her head off ????
In this version of the classic Japanese action series, you've got a gigantic lizard/reptile that swims to New York and looks for a place to hatch its eggs. When it reaches New York conventional methods (rockets from helicopters) fail to stop this version of Godzilla. I'm wondering couldn't they get close enough (if that was possible) and cut his head off. Surely well-placed missiles could've slice of his head. Matthew Broderick's character (Dr Tatopoulos) join a group of French mercenaries to go to Madison Square Garden and pursue the creature where he/she has laid a bazillion eggs and attempt to get rid of them. Meantime there's been a few eggs hatched and the baby lizards have grown at an alarming rate. Yes, that's right they've grown at an alarming rate. That means the pursuers are being chased by some very hungry creatures with sharp teeth.
Let me add that these lizards are rather large and can scamper at a very fast pace. What I don't get is how do they can see their pursuers (ie the humans). Ok let's say they have no problem seeing them and of course there's no way to chop off their heads. Yes I'm still on that issue. How about shooting their eyes out. And why are they that hungry for human flesh. Ok maybe too many questions. What I surmised is the creators of these creatures gave them some amazing traits. In one scene Matthew Broderick is able to push back a lizard with his boot. He's in an elevator and a lizard is pursuing him. He wore some very strong boots.
This movie requires some suspension of reality as BIG mother lizard seems highly adaptable. Again, no chopping off of the head just a ton of missiles launched and hitting their target (the lizard) while on a bridge. Do I recommend it ... yes ... it has entertainment value as a mixture of drama, action and some comedy combine to make this pic viewable. The scenes in Madison Sqaure Garden are worth the view.
The Andy Griffith Show: Floyd, the Gay Deceiver (1962)
Floyd the Barber the gay deceiver.
Floyd the Barber (aka Howard McNear) decides to deceive a lady in a lonely hearts/pen pal correspondence. He makes himself out to be a wealthy business man and she decides to visit Mayberry and meet him. Andy Taylor volunteers to help in his deception thinking that the lady (Madelyn Grayson) may be just as a much a deceiver as he is. He is right she is.
Taylor happens to be housesitting one of Mayberry's wealthy citizen's mansion while that citizen is visiting a family in New Orleans. He decides to use the mansion as Floyd's residence. Fast forward to Madelyn showing up in a Lincoln Coupe. The charade begins as Floyd meets Madelyn and his maid (Aunt Bee), his very older son (Andy Taylor) followed by an unexpected visit from Opie. Madelyn buys into this charade and is invited to sit down and begins a friendly conversation w/Floyd.
Ms Grayson is pleased that Floyd is who he says he is. Unfortunately the conversation shifts to Madelyn suggesting she stay longer then one day. She says she's not in a rush to drive to Palm Beach. She goes outside to get her luggage and asks Floyd to send out Andy to help her. Floyd shares this news with Andy. Andy decides that's it it is time for the truth to be told. Floyd goes to the kitchen and Andy waits for Madelyn to return. Andy reveals who he is and shows Madelyn his sheriff's badge. He further states that Floyd is not the wealthy man he claims to be. As he speaks the truth Madelyn begins to chuckle and asks Andy where she went wrong. She reveals that she's not a wealthy widow and is Andy going to arrest her. Andy says he's not going to arrest her because not actual crime has been committed. But he suggests she moves on. She also reveals that the car she's driving is a rental. Madelyn leaves and comments that this is the first time she's been caught in her lie. Andy says the next sheriff may not be so generous.
I can't imagine any other actor playing the role of Floyd. He was Floyd the Barber for 6 years. In this episode I found Howard McNear to be at his quirky best. He'd joined a pen pal correspondence club and reinvents himself becoming a wealthy businessman. Of course the lady (aka Doris Dowling) he corresponds was equally deceptive. Dowling plays a very convincing role as Madelyn. She arrives driving a Lincoln and dressed to the nines. A lovely lady putting on a rather convincing show.
Rambo: Last Blood (2019)
Way too much violence but what do you expect for a Rambo Movie
Rambo is intrepid in his pursuit of good and fighting bad guys. In this installment Rambo is in Bowie, Az. He will be dealing with a Mexican Cartel. This installment is not shy about showing violent scenes and drug overdose. The bad guys are really bad and the women they manipulate are very weak and submissive. Oh and did I mention you've got heroine overdose and excessive beatings on women. And with many of Rambo movies women die. About two thirds of the way he muscles his way into a brothel and finds his niece who's been over injected with heroine. Fast forward and she dies. Rambo is a good man and with his niece's death comes retribution on those who caused her death.
What I find intriguing about this movie is there is an attempt to balance the violence with good deeds. When the good deeds are shown the movie takes a turn in a more positive direction. Atd this point the bad guys are now being pursued by Rambo. He has no problem taking them to an early grave. When you live by the sword you die by the sword. And that death will not be the result of natural causes.