Reviews

This would have been a 10 if not for too much repetition which started in episode 6. Before that, it keeps you glued to your seat. Conrad's makeup,performance and accent is outstanding. I didn't even recognize him immediately. Dr. Kildare (Chamberlain) previews himself for his later title, King of the Miniseries. Alex Karas surprises portraying a character through many decades. Yes, some of the costumes (the nylon stockings) and other touches are a little off. But where do we get such detail today except in cable-only outlets such as The Tudors. There is a strong ecological underpinning to the whole miniseries which sometimes slaps you right in the face as if you haven't read 'The Silent Spring'. Beware one scene will get you quoting I will not lay quiet in Montparnasse.

Inspired by the early 20th century attacks by a shark in New Jersey (see "Close to shore" by Mike Cupuzzo), this movie still strikes fear into the hearts of many swimmers, including me. In addition to being one of the best "Creature Features" ever made, the movie also asks the 'no place like home' question since the Brody Family have mistakenly moved to Amity for safety -- away from the nasty city of New York where you have to even walk your children to school. Here in Amity, your children are safe; or, are they?

The third choice as Quint, Robert Shaw, gives one of his best performances and he was not even nominated for an Academy Award. With the exception of the totally miscast Lorraine Gray, the rest of the cast is superb, including Bruce who we do not see until at least 2/3s of the way in.

American Steven Fitzgerald doesn't believe in any of the lore he hears when visiting Ireland. But he knows a pretty lass when he sees one and becomes immediately smitten with sweet, innocent, gullible Nora (Anne Baxter) who believes in faith, family, leprechauns and God knows what else. But then there's that beautiful dame in New York-- sophisticated, smart and, did I mention, the boss's daughter. What's a fellow to do? There's also a sweet irascible, white haired fellow who keeps following Steven and who thinks he's a leprechaun.

Lighthearted basic plot has serious notes of ethics and judgment. Should Steven reach for the golden ring of corporate accomplishment or be true to his mind and heart, and follow his love to Ireland?

And should we all put a Banshee on whoever is keeping this movie out of print on DVD.

George Lucas used elements of folk motifs, added spectacular visual effects, and cast then-unknowns who had chemistry to craft one of the most enjoyable films of all times.

Not to get too Joseph Campbellesque but by tapping into those traditional-held elements (e.g. the sword, the orphan who is really the lost lord, etc.) predisposed the audience understand the conflicts that Luke must endure in this and future episodes.

Add the mysticism of The Force with its ying/yang Zen of good versus evil and we were ready to follow the Jedi to the end of the cycle. It is criminal that Mr. Lucas broke faith with all of us and will not do the final three episodes.

This overblown epic deserved the accolades and Academy Awards it received as much as someone who does a paint-by-numbers Mona Lisa. To think it now ties with 'Ben Hur' for most awards. Yuck!

If you want an accurate historical Titanic see British Night to remember.

At this point in time, it is unrealistic to portray a woman to not to the 'right' thing -- marry for money, status and protect her own family -- for love of Leonardo di Caprio of all people. I, for one, never saw the appeal. If I never hear Celine Dion singing the song, it will be too soon.

It was nice to see an actress as the main character who actually looked like a woman instead of an anorexic waif.