Reviews
Michael Jordan: An American Hero (1999)
don't be like this Mike, cause it aint easy being cheesy
An over dramatized and partially fictional account of the life of his airness. This is one of those cheesy, before it's time, yarns that could've waited a few years until it was picked up by a director with the expertise and resources to sign believable and talented actors and to treat the story with the reverence and dignity that it will deserve in time.( see The Greatest). the fast food type environment in which this film is presented, complete with cheesy, fake NBA uniforms, Stadiums that look like your local high school gym, and just a general appearance of lookalikeness that borders on condescending, just adds to the tedious nature of the proceedings. I'll admit that the storyline, all the familiar Jordanesque tales, and following this "Michael" mimic the life of the real MJ, will hold your attention. But as you watch, you keep shaking your head at the overall quality and cheesiness of the whole affair. Don't fool with this one unless you're an MJ junkie, and even then, only if you can stand sports themed flicks with actors with little to no athletic skill.
Nixon (1995)
nixon , a man of many moods and feelings....
Not a totally historically corretct portayal, but in the instances where it deviated, it kept things interesting and flowing along smoothly through some moments that could have become quite tedious during this long runner. Hopkins is magnificent as our beleaguered chief executive, and has a strong supporting cast to back him up. As the scandal blossoms, Hopkins actually made me feel sorry for Nixon the human being, who was brought down by his own zeal and lust for power, though he thought he was acting in the best interest of the country. The best sequence in the movie is one that actually hit the cutting room floor due to time constraints, but was included by Stone on the video, where Nixon visits the CIA. Rent it, borrow it, buy it, but make sure you see this one.
The Lost Capone (1990)
all the tough genes didn't go to Al......
Another movie where a twist of historical fact can prove fascinating and make for as much, if not more entertainment than some that take pains to stick to the facts. After a street fight during which a rival is killed, Al dupes brother Jimmy into believing that he committed the crime. Jimmy leaves New York on the run, landing in a small midwestern town, where almost inadvertently, he becomes sheriff. Hearing of his older siblings "success", and longing to renew familial ties, He makes a trip to the windy city. The meeting that ensues leaves Jimmy with a choice, does he remain on the good side of the coin? Or does he take advantage of his brother's offer of easy money, wine , women, and song? A splendidly scripted movie, and the actors bring off the story in magnificent fashion. TV movies should aspire to be this good.
The Outcasts (1968)
The wild west undergoes integration
The short lived story of white bounty hunter Earl Corey, who teams up with newly released slave Jemal David, to form an integrated bounty team riding the west of all criminals,both black and white, during the 1860's. Both characters are well rounded and bring the parts off quite well, making the whole thing believable. The arrangement is purely one of convenience, as there is actually no love lost between the two parties. the bickering by play between the two, sometimes simmering with racist overtones,is sometimes fascinating. this series was well written and was actually of the favorites ofthe day. It's short run could be more attributed to the ever changing racial climate of the day, as opposed to the actual quality of the series.
The Legend of Nigger Charley (1972)
key word here is "legend"
This is one blackploitation film with no redeeming value. Slave gets beaten one too many times, escapes, and becomes a wild west outlaw, feared and despised by every white man in his path. And why not? Once Charley has the upper hand , he proves to be just pyschotic, sadistic, and brutal as was his former masters. Very dated movie and concept, hence the name of the film. Appealed to the "lets get even in 1.5 hours for 400 years of oppression", mentality that pervaded the thoughts of a good number of African Americans when this film was released in 1972, now it just seems like a rather silly and unnecessary flick in the 90's
The Guardian (1984)
Is he a protector of the people, or a perpetrator of evil?
I've seen this title several times, and I'm still trying to answer the previous question. Louis Gossett Jr. is brilliant in his role as John Mack, the hard to figure out security whiz. This is one of the best made for tv'ers ever made. The kind of stuff that made you run out and get cable after seeing it at a friends house. Unfortunately, they haven't made too many more this good sinse then.
If you can find it, rent it, you'll enjoy it.