Ratings
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Reviews
Alien Showdown: The Day the Old West Stood Still (2013)
One of the worst movies I have ever seen.
Writing, acting, plot and effects are just awful. They forgot to put in punching sounds on the fist fights which were nearly silent. On the plus side, Robert Amstler has a great body and fills out his costume nice. That's what the three stars are for.
The Prodigy (2019)
A real thriller
This movie literally raised the hair on my arms several times. I found myself saying "Oh no!" out loud too. I won't discuss any plot details because they are all surprises. The best horror film I have seen in years. All the actors were excellent, especially the little boy.
Steel (2015)
Exceptionally good gay themed movie
I am always pleased when I see a gay themed movie with good acting, an engaging story, and high production values. Chad Connell put in a very strong performance as an emotionally conflicted gay man as he goes through a major psychological crisis. The cinematography was excellent, and showcased the beautiful city of Winnipeg and the Manitoba countryside. The music by Vincent Ho was absolutely gorgeous. I was looking for the famous composer of the lovely classical piano and violin sonata, and surprised and pleased to discover it was an original score. I hope we see more of Vincent's compositions.
Christmas Under Wraps (2014)
Beautiful Christmas movie
This is one of my favorite Christmas movies. I watch it at least twice every year and never get tired of it. Candace Cameron Bure is perfect as the ambitious young doctor who mistakenly takes a job running a storefront hospital in a tiny town in rural Alaska, and comes to love it. There are no surprises, and the plot (like most Hallmark movies) is pretty predictable. But it has a very comfortable, satisfying feeling. It manages to convey the Christmas spirit without getting too gooey. The characters are all likable and believable. The story delves a bit into fantasy without being stupid. It is just one of those movies that makes me smile beginning to end.
Ladies in Lavender (2004)
Beautiful story, glorious acting
Two of the greatest English actresses turned in absolutely stellar performances. The story, the writing, the direction, the cinematography, even the props (pristine 1936 Rover sedan), all of it made for a modern classic. I will say nothing about the plot. You need to watch and see for itself. Well worth the time and any amount of money that may be involved. I cried through the last 15 minutes. See it. You won't be disappointed.
Into Thin Air (1985)
Good story, great acting
This is one of Ellen Burstyn's best performances. She is the mother of a young Canadian man who disappears while driving across the US. She hires a private detective to find out what happened because of the inaction of Canadian and American authorities. I won't say anything about the story, because it is a mystery. It is based on a true story. The final five minutes cap the story perfectly. Worth watching. I've seen it twice.
Aleksandr's Price (2013)
Shocking and horrifying
The story, told in flashback sequences in a therapy session with a psychiatrist, follows the story of a young Russian man brought to New York by his unstable mother searching for his father. After her suicide, Aleksandr, who lacks immigration documentation, goes for a "dancing" job in a gay strip bar, and ends up as a high class prostitute. He does not enjoy his work, but finds himself with no viable choices. His horrendous experiences take him further down to the brink of suicide. Many of the scenes are frightening and appalling. This is a damning look at the seamy underside of New York gay life. It is never made plain whether Aleksandr is gay or not (I do not believe he is). None of the gay characters is sympathetic. Well worth watching. Pau Maso is outstanding as Aleksandr. The other actors turn in creditable performances.
A Closer Walk with Thee (2017)
Disturbing yet engrossing horror thriller
I was put off at first because for some reason, Amazon Prime classified this as a comedy. The story concerns a small church community in an old house in a not-so-great neighborhood of Los Angeles. A young man, Jordan, has a secret attraction for the pastor, Eli. He keeps it hidden until discovered and outed by another resident. Eli proceeds to exorcise the "demon" out of him. There is much more to the plot. I won't spoil it. The ending is horrific. It was well acted, particularly the two lead actors. Recommended if you have strong nerves.