Sitcom Review: "2 Broke Girls"

This falls in line with my DVD Reviews segment, but with a twist. Obviously, I am now adding sitcoms into my reviewing. My first review is that of a comedy that you can watch on CBS, and syndicated on TBS, and probably a few other networks.

It stars Kat Dennings, Beth Behrs, Garrett Morris, Jennifer Coolidge, Jonathan Kite, and Matthew Moy.

It's about two girls who work at some little diner while they try and start their own little business of baking / selling cupcakes. One of the girls comes from a wealthy family, and her father got arrested for embezzling or something and she loses her money and goes to work for this diner and .... (Insert yawn here ---> ____)

Let me just get straight to my review. It's not funny. Stale jokes at best. I know when they're coming and I'm always squinting my eyes and saying, "Don't say it, don't say it, don't ... oh, shit, you said it." - And it still isn't funny.

I only tried to watch it about five to seven times, lasting only around ten minutes each time before searching out the remote and turning it to something else.

No one on this show seems to be able to deliver the jokes. The jokes themselves are really bad and expected. I figure only a jobbernowl could watch this show. Bad writing, bad acting, bad directing. If I was given the choice of watching every minute of every episode in season one or eat ten feet of rusted barbed-wire, then grab the BBQ and some water to wash it down.

Hey, I tried to like it. I gave this sitcom more chances than I did 'Dr. Quinn: Medicine Woman' from back in the day. It just doesn't cut the mustard for me. (And my mustard is normally easy to cut, too).

In a world where reality shows dominate, and I sorely despise reality shows, I hate to say I would rather watch 'Big Brother' (kill me now) as opposed to trying to watch one more minute of '2 Broke Girls'. 

My rating - 1 1/2 stars (out of ten)

DVD Review: Elf / Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer

I wanted to do a couple of Christmas DVD reviews and I wanted to start with a couple of my all time favorites.

Let's start with one that quickly became one of my all time favorites the moment I first saw it. ELF - starring Will Ferrell.

 

A baby at an orphanage crawls into Santa's toy bag and soon finds himself in the North Pole living with Santa and his elves. He grows up believing he is an elf despite the fact that he is more than twice the size of all the other elves. He was named Buddy (Will Ferrell) when he was first discovered by Santa that fateful Christmas Eve.

 

Once Buddy discovers he is an orphan, he sets out to find his real father who lives in New York City. He gets hired by his father to work at his publishing company but gets in his fathers way and becomes a problem so his father fires him and Buddy, walks across the street to a toy store and lands himself another job, meets his future wife, and gets into more trouble until Christmas Eve arrives and he goes to rescue Santa Claus who crashed landed in Central Park while distributing presents. The Christmas spirit gets a boost at the end and quite frankly, I just found this movie sweet and funny. It also stars James Caan, Ed Asner, and Bob Newhart. If you have kids and they haven't seen this movie, buy it and let them see it! lol It's awesome.

 

My rating: I give this two thumbs up and a solid 8.5 stars out of ten stars. You just won't go wrong with this one.

 

 

 

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RUDOLPH THE RED NOSED REINDEER is the ultimate all time classic children's Christmas show. I watched it as a kid and now I own the DVD. I'm pretty sure everyone in America has watched this by now, or at least I hope so because it is FANTASTIC!

 

 

 

 

Rudolph is enjoying playtime with the other reindeer while playing reindeer games when after receiving a kiss from a doe, he goes off half cocked, flying all over the place when the cover on his nose, which his father placed on him, comes off, revealing his shiny red nose. Told that he can no longer play reindeer games, he is cast aside and rejected. Determined to find his way in life, Rudolph sneaks off one night and runs away. In doing so, he meets up with a runaway elf who also was rejected by his peers because he wanted to be a dentist.

Together they roam the North Pole looking for a place to belong when they run into a prospector. The trio soon finds themselves on the island of misfit toys but ironically, being misfits themselves, they were not allowed to stay on the island, however, they were allowed to spend the night, which because of his nose, Rudolph decides to sneak away when the other two fall asleep because he feared his nose would lead the snow monster to them.

Ultimately, Rudolph saves the day when he rescues his mother, father, and the pretty doe who kissed him at the reindeer games when they went out to search for him - with the help of the elf and the prospector. Then he goes on to lead Santa's sleigh. Come on, you know how the story goes.

My rating? ... A PERFECT TEN !!!!!



DVD Review Hard To Hold / Supergirl

HARD TO HOLD - Starring Rick Springfield and ... well ... Rick Springfield. Okay, there are other people in the film, like his co-"star"? Janet Eilber. (Whoever that is) But hey, she's kind of cute.

Jamie Roberts (Springfield) is living the high life as a rock / pop star when he falls in love with a girl whom he has a car accident with after a concert of which he got locked out of his hotel room after he took a shower and so yeah, he only has a towel and then he loses that and .... it's pandemonium! Mass hysteria! Chaos even!

Ahem.

She doesn't fall so hard for him in the beginning and so the battle of love begins. He pushes, she pushes back, he pushes harder, she pushes back harder, then after a bit of a courtship, her father dies and she decides it's time to go and Jamie performs another concert which after singing the first song, he runs off stage and heads to LAX to stop her from leaving and ...... "You better love somebody, it's late, you better love somebody, don't wait, you better love somebody, don't tempt fate, you're gonna push it just a little too far ... one night ..."

I loved this movie when I saw it at the theater when it was first released but, I was in awe of my idol Rick Springfield back then. Now that I own the DVD and have watched it a few more times, I'm shaking my head. "Rick, what were you thinking?"

Okay, okay, it was the eighties and pretty much, anything goes back then, and egos were cashing the checks too. But come on, it was Rick Freaking Springfield!

"Tony Bennett?"

It's a love story. Don't try and expect a whole lot and you won't be disappointed. The Springfield fan in me gives it a 8 of 10 stars. The realist in me gives it a solid ...... 3? Maybe 4? .... Yeah, you pretty much have to be a Springfield fan to even remotely enjoy this movie. Lucky for me I am a fan. So I enjoyed it. Which is why I own the DVD.

Did I mention it has some really good tunes in it? Well, it does. The hits, "Love Somebody", "Don't Walk Away", and "Bop 'Till You Drop". I also like "The Great Lost Art Of Conversation".

Love is hard to find and even harder to hold when the whole world is watching. Most of us will never know what that feels like unless you watch this movie.

Maybe not. I don't know.

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Look up in the sky, it's a bird, it's a plane, no, it's .... a panty shot! ... No, it's Supergirl. And oh, yeah, a panty shot. Talk about your upskirt fantasies.

It's Helen Slater at her sexy best. In the 80's, Helen Slater was the little sister of Christian Slater. Then she made this movie and became the primary wet dream for all of geekhood. This is a nice way of saying, they made this movie for the dorks and not for the critics. The movie is hohum at best until you get a peek of the undercarriage which, really aren't that many good shots.

I remember being so UP for this movie. (Pun intended) But it let me down and I "limp"ed out of the theater, hand in pocket. And yet .... and yet .... I still bought the DVD. Go figure.

But hey, it is Christian Slater's little sister we are talking about here. Oh, and Faye Dunaway and Peter O'Toole are also in it. Many are scratching their heads, "O'Toole? Dunaway?" Heck, for that matter, many could be asking, "Christian Slater's little sister? Christian Slater?"

Oh, Mia Farrow is in it too, and others you may or may not recognize.

Stop looking at me like that. Many young men (boys) lost their innocence while watching this movie in the theaters. Plot, plot, plot, plot, upskirt, plot, plot, plot and .... I'm spent. Light up a smoke.

But seriously .... I can't review this with a straight face. It's Helen Slater wearing a skirt and flying. Who isn't gonna look? Okay, sure, she saves the day, but afterwards, even a superhero needs a little wine and dine action, no? Yes?

Hey, there's really no plot. It's just Helen being pretty and sexy. But don't let that stop you from enjoying it. Use your imagination for once. And you will need to do so at that. But that's what makes the movie.

I give the movie factor a 4 stars. The Helen Slater factor gets 8 stars. Geek factor is 10. Do with this information as you will. I'm gonna watch it again.

Flaming Star / Blue Hawaii DVD Review

FLAMING STAR

Elvis stars as a half breed in this tale of cowboys versus indians. One of his few Westerns, Sam Burton's second wife Neddy is Indian, their son Pacer (Elvis) a half-breed. A struggle starts between the whites and the Kiowas, the Burton family is split between loyalties. Neddy and Sam are killed; Pacer sides with the Indians, his half-brother Clint with the whites.

Released in 1960.

In the years after the civil war, Western Texas is an un-easy meeting ground of two cultures: one white, the other Native-American. Elvis stars as Pacer Burton, the son of a rancher and his beautiful Kiowa wife. When fighting breaks out between the settlers and natives, Pacer is pulled into the deadly violence despite his peace-making efforts.

My review: Don't go looking for a ton of songs by the king in this one. While he does sing a couple, for the most part, it is another attempt of a serious acting role. The story is weak, the plot is weak, and for the most part, there is no big battle scene between the cowboys and indians. Thus, it comes up a little short on the entertaining side, unless you're like me and just love Elvis movies. But for those who haven't seen any Elvis films and want to try one, pass on this. While the acting is pretty good by all (including Elvis himself) the product as a whole will not excite you. On a side note: A very young Barbara Eden co-stars in this film and she is somewhat pleasant to look at. This is one of her earliest works. Most certainly before "I Dream Of Jeanie".

My rating: Even with Barbara Eden riding side saddle in this one with Elvis, I can only honestly give this film a 6 out of 10 stars. The effort is there, the result is not.

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BLUE HAWAII 

  This 1961 film was one of the king's biggest money makers. Chad Gates (Elvis) has just gotten out of the Army, and is happy to be back in Hawaii with his surf-board, his beach buddies, and his girlfriend. His father wants him to go to work at the Great Southern Hawaiian Fruit Company, but Chad is reluctant. So Chad goes to work as a tour guide at his girlfriend's agency. Chad would rather wear an aloha shirt than a white collar. He wants to make it on his own merit, not have everything handed to him by his wealthy father.

My review: This movie starts out too slow for my taste. The only thing that keeps me in it for the first 30 minutes are the multitude of songs he wails out, seemingly one right after the other before the story starts to kick in. But once it does kick in, it's pretty good. One thing is for certain, there are an abundance of good songs in this one, and after all, isn't that what we expect from the king?

My rating: Despite the slow start to the story, the songs really make this whole thing click. This is the movie where he sings one of his biggest hits, "Can't Help Falling In Love". Still, all that aside, I will give this a solid 7 1/2 stars out of 10. On a positive note, Elvis is in his prime in this one. I think it would have been better if he had a major co-star with him though to help carry the movie. Granted, Angela Lansbury is in it, but she plays his mother so ..... 

G.I. Blues / Follow That Dream DVD Review

G.I. Blues

"I got the occupation G.I. Blues."

In Frankfurt, the G.I. Tulsa McLean bets all the money his friends Cookie and Rick and he are saving to buy a night-club of their own in USA that his mate Dynamite will seduce and spend a night with the untouchable cabaret dancer Lili. When Dynamite is transferred to Alaska, Tulsa has to replace him in the bet, but he falls for Lili and tries to call off the game. (Co-starring, Juliet Prowse)

One of my favorite Elvis films. This is the first film he did after returning from hsi service in the military. (If i am not mistaken) Here is a little tidbit about the king you may or may not have known - but Elvis never had any formal acting training. (true story)

My rating .... a solid 7 stars.

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Follow That Dream

When the Kwimper family car runs out of gas on a new Florida highway and an officous state supervisor tries to run them off, Pop Kwimper digs in his heels and decides to do a little homesteading. He and his son Toby and their "adopted" children - Holly, Ariadne and the twins - start their own little community along a strip of the roadside. The fishing is good and the living is easy until the mob sets up a gambling operation and the state supervisor sics a sexy social worker on the Kwimpers in an effort to take away Ariadne and the twins.

I am saying it here and now, Elvis doesn't nearly get the credit he deserves for his acting. Or for being funny. His is great at both in this one. It really is a hoot and Elvis does a fantastic job with comedy in this one.

My rating ... I give this one a solid 8 stars. For its time, I thought it was pretty darn good. You will too. 

 

 

 

Fun In Acapulco / Live A Little, Love A Little

Fun In Acapulco

This must have been filmed before the drug cartels. LOL Actually, Elvis never left America for any film or concert because his manager didn't have, nor couldn't get a traveling visa. (He could never leave the country) And he always went where Elvis went thus, Elvis could never go outside the U.S.

Anyhow, Mike (Elvis) works on a boat in Acapulco. When the bratty daughter of the boat owner gets him fired, Mike must find new work. Little boy Rauol helps him get a job as a lifeguard and singer at a local hotel. Clashes abound when Mike runs into the rival lifeguard, who is the champion diver of Mexico. He is angry at Mike for taking some of his hours, and stealing his woman.

This is a middle of the road Elvis film for me. It's good, but not quite good enough to crack my top ten. There are some parts that are boring and the songs, well, not exactly the best although, he does sing "Bosa Nova" in this film, so that's good. And famed actress Terri Garr made her debut in this film as an extra. And it does co-star the beautiful Ursula Andress.

My rating ... I give it a good 6 stars. I think you would enjoy it despite being a film made in 1963. It wasn't that bad of a year. Dinosaurs were fairly tamed back then. 

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Live A Little, Love A Little

Greg Nolan (Elvis) meets Bernice, and loses both his job and his apartment. However, Bernice manages to get him a new apartment, but it is so expensive that he has to get two full-time jobs. Nolan has trouble finding time to do both jobs.

I don't care what anybody says, I like this one. I don't know why. I just do. There are some really good songs in this one and the dream sequence where he performs "Edge Of Reality" is really cool. Not bad for 1968 and not bad for an Elvis flick. Check it out if you get the chance.

Oh, I almost forgot, it has Dick Seargent in it too. You remember him, right? He was part of the Dick York - Dick Seargent switcharoo on the beloved sitcom, "Bewitched". 

My rating .... 7 stars. And I am sticking by it. 

 

 

 

Charro / Change of Habit DVD Review

CHARRO

It's Elvis playing a cowboy. And not very well, I'm afraid. Even though this movie co-stars Victor French and Ina Balin, it's still a kerplunk for and Elvis flick. I know he tried hard in this one, meaning he doesn't break out and start singing, but the script is flat, the props are flat, the acting? ... Flat!

Jess Wade (Elvis) is innocently accused of having stolen a cannon from the Mexican revolutionary forces. He tries to find the real culprits, a gang of criminals.

If you haven't seen an Elvis flick yet, do not, I repeat, do not make this your first one. You'll be turned off. This is for the die-hard fans like myself.

My rating? ... 3 stars at the very, very, very best. (But I like it because I am a die-hard fan)

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CHANGE OF HABIT 

 Like Charro, this is a 1969 release. Unlike Charro, it's pretty good. (To a point) Teaming up with the young and very beautiful, Mary Tyler-Moore, this is about as "ghetto" as you will ever see Elvis. Sure, he sings a song or two, but they are well placed. Obviously, this was the last movie Elvis ever did. It almost wasn't. He was offered the lead male role in the movie "A Star Is Born" with Barbara Striesand however, his manager turned it down because he wanted Elvis to get top billing. As for Elvis, he didn't care about that, he really wanted that part. (Which ended up going to Kris Kristofferson)

Only a few songs as Elvis plays it straight as Dr John Carpenter. Mary Tyler Moore stars opposite as an incognito nun with a mission to help Dr Elvis clean up the ghetto he lives in. Can the King compete against God for Mary's heart? He can if anyone can.

This would make a good first time Elvis movie to watch. If you haven't seen an Elvis film yet. You have seen one, right? You haven't? Really? What the freak?

My rating ... let's go and give this one a cool 8 stars. Better yet, make it 8 and a half stars because of Mary Tyler-Moore. 

 

 

 

Clambake / Kissing Cousins DVD Review

CLAMBAKE

Clambake, gonna have a clambake! It's Elvis Presley on the beach, under the sun and having fun. Girls, parties and ... boats?

Scott Heyward (Elvis Presley) rebels against the plans and expectations of his father, extremely rich oilman Dusty Heyward (James Gregory). He drives off (in a Chevrolet Corvette) to find himself. When he stops for some food, he runs into Tom Wilson (Will Hutchins), on his way to take a job as a water-skiing instructor at a Miami hotel. A chance remark by Tom gives Scott an idea: he switches identities with Tom so he can find out how people react to him rather than his money. Tom has fun staying at the same hotel and pretending he is rich.

The old switcharoo. The classic "I want people to like me for me and not for my money." Nobody plays that role better than the king. Also starring Shelley Fabares, Bill Bixby (The Incredible Hulk's Dr. David Banner)and Gary Merrill.

One of my favorites. I don't know why. Maybe because it has Shelley Fabares in it and she is easy on the eyes. Maybe because it's just a fun movie to watch. Elvis actually looks like he still enjoys making these movies.

My rating ... lets's go with 8 and a half stars!

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Kissing Cousins

 Twice the Elvis! Twice the fun!

Elvis Presley plays a double role in Kissin' Cousins. When the U.S. government wants land owned by the hillbilly clan headed by Pappy Tatum (Arthur O'Connell), they send Air Force Lieutenant Josh Morgan (Presley), a cousin of the Tatum's, to try and secure the land for a proposed missile base. Josh comes face-to-face with Jody Tatum, his blonde-haired look-alike. Glenda Farrell plays Ma Tatum, and distaff interest for Elvis is provided by Cynthia Pepper, Yvonne Craig, a busty Beverly Powers, and Hortense Petra. Watch for Maureen Reagan as one of the Kittyhawks, a group of desperate, man-hungry females out to get some love.

It's a hillbilly of hooting time.

My rating ... I give it 7 stars. Not bad for an Elvis flick. 

 

 

 

Love Me Tender / Viva Las Vegas DVD Review

LOVE ME TENDER

The first movie Elvis did. Released in 1956 in black and white, and directed by Robert D. Webb, this film also starred Richard Egan and Debra Paget. A Western drama with musical numbers, this film was originally called The Reno Brothers, but when advanced sales of Presley's "Love Me Tender" single passed one million - a first for a single - the film title was changed to match.
Synopsis:

Presley plays Clint Reno, the youngest of the four Reno brothers who stays home to take care of his mother and the family farm as older brothers Vance, Brett and Ray fight in the American Civil War for the Confederate Army. The family is mistakenly informed that eldest brother Vance has been killed on the battlefield. After four years of war, the brothers return home and find that Vance's girlfriend Cathy has married Clint. Although Vance accepts this wholeheartedly ("We always wanted Cathy in the family"), the family has to struggle to reach stability with this issue. The subplot of unresolved passion carries the film; it is clear from the outset upon the Reno brothers return home that Cathy still loves Vance, although she is true to the younger Clint. Honor prevails for Vance, but jealousy turns Clint into an irrationally thinking rival for the love of the heroine. In the film's opening scenes, the main plot is presented; the three Reno brothers, serving as Confederate cavalrymen, attack a Union train carrying Federal payroll of $12,000. They do not know that the war ended only a day before. The Confederates come to a decision to keep the money as spoils of war, an issue that will come back into the plot after the Reno brothers return home. A conflict of interest ensues when Vance tries to return the money against the wishes of some of his fellow Confederates, all of whom are being sought by the U.S. Government for robbery. The film reaches its tragic conclusion with a gunfight between Clint and Vance, ironically ending with Clint's death during a final shootout. In the end, the money is returned, the Reno brother's are acquitted, and the other three ex-Confederates are arrested for Clint's death. The youngest Reno brother is laid to rest at the family farm.

My rating: While you have to keep in mind how long ago this film was made, I still found it very entertaining. There are only a few musical numbers in the film but well placed. You also have to understand that all of Elvis Presley’s movies are basically classified as musicals. Maybe you have to be a fan of Elvis to appreciate his films, I don’t know, however, I am a fan so …. I give this a solid 7 Stars. 

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VIVA LAS VEGAS

This is a 1964 American romantic musical movie that co-stars Ann Margret. By this time in his career, Elvis was already established as the king of the musicals and was doing two movies a year at about half a million dollars each at the time. (Which back then, was a lot of money) This movie is regarded by many fans of these actors and by film critics as one of Presley's best movies, and it is noted for the apparent on-screen chemistry between Presley and Ann-Margret. It also presents a strong set of ten musical song-and-dance scenes choreographed by David Winters, and featuring his dancers, and a reasonably interesting story. This film was a hit at movie theaters, becoming the number 11 movie in the list of the Top 20 Movie Box Office hits of 1964.

Synopsis:

Lucky Jackson (Elvis Presley) goes to Las Vegas, Nevada, to participate in the city's first annual Grand Prix Race. However, his race car, an Elva Mk. VI, is in need of a new engine in order to compete in the event. Lucky raises the necessary money in Las Vegas, but he mislays it when he is distracted by a nubile local swimming instructor, Ms. Rusty Martin (Ann-Margret). Soon, Lucky's main competition arrives in the form of "Count Elmo Mancini", (played by Cesar Danova, who attempts to steal both the auto race and the affections of Rusty. (Famous actress, Terri Garr also makes an appearance in this film before she was famous, playing a Vegas showgirl.)

My rating: I also like this movie. I think it is one of his better ones. I like the songs and the dance numbers and Ann Margret. I also like Las Vegas itself so … I give it 7 ½ stars. 

Kid Galahad / It Happened At The Worlds Fair

KID GALAHAD

When he completes his military service Walter Gulick (Elvis) returns to his birthplace, Cream Valley, New York. He was orphaned as an infant and grew up elsewhere but always wanted to return to where he was from. He hopes to be a mechanic but soon after his arrival finds himself working as a sparring partner at a boxing camp. Having lost all of his money in a crap game, Walter is happy to take any kind of work but a devastating right hook sends him down a different path. Willy Grogan (Gig Young) thinks he has a winner in Walter who, after helping a lady out, is dubbed Kid Galahad. Willy (Charles Bronson) is a likable man but gambles too much and may have been a witness to a mobster's conversation that would best be forgotten. As Walter gains more success, and falls in love with Willy's sister Rose, Willy Grogan finds himself coming under pressure from mobsters to make Walter takes a dive at his next big fight.

My Take: I like this one. Sure, it helps that Charles Bronson is in it, but he's not exactly playing a tough guy that he would later get the reputation of being in his "Death Wish" franchise. And yes, Gig Young is in it too.  Still, this is Elvis all the way. It's not half bad and has it moments. While E gets to sing and strut his stuff, it's not as much in your face as in many other of his films. My favorite song in this one is probably "I Got Lucky". 

I give this film an 8 out of ten stars. For an Elvis flick, it's in my top ten. I think you'll enjoy it too, provided of course you could ever imagine Elvis being a heavyweight champion of the world in boxing. LOL I know, it's a stretch, but hey, it's still Elvis. . 

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IT HAPPENED AT THE WORLDS FAIR

Mike (Elvis) and Danny fly a crop duster, but because of Danny's gambling debts, a local sheriff seizes it. Trying to earn money, they hitch-hike to the World's Fair in Seattle, Washington. While Danny tries to earn money playing poker, Mike takes care of a small girl, Sue-Lin, whose Uncle Walter has disappeared. Being a ladies' man, he also finds the time to court a young nurse, Diane.

My Take: This was one of the films by Elvis I never got to see until about a couple years ago when I finally found the DVD. Many of his films I saw on Turner Classic Movies, then got to watch them on DVD. Most of which are easily available. However, I searched and searched for this one for the longest time. Once I finally found it, I couldn't wait to finally watch it. I think I hyped myself up a little too much. While it was good, it just didn't meet my lofty expectations. I still give it a 7 stars.

 

 

 

 

 

Girls, Girls, Girls / Girl Happy DVD Review

GIRLS, GIRLS, GIRLS

One of Elvis Presley's biggest moneymakers, Girls Girls Girls casts ol' swivel-hips as a tuna-boat fisherman working out of Hawaii. Elvis chases after all the wrong girls, while ignoring the girls who genuinely care for him. Here, as Ross Carpenter, Presley has two main love interests: sexy vocalist Robin (Stella Stevens and heiress Laurel (Laurel Goodwin), who pretends to be poor so as not to wound Ross's pride. When rude 'n' crude Wesley Johnson (Jeremy Slate), who owns Ross's boat, makes a play for Laurel, Ross punches him out. He loses his boat, but it hardly matters since he and Laurel have found true love. Songs crucial to the action are the title tune, "Return to Sender," and "Song of the Shrimp."

This is one that I watch about three times a year. One of my top Elvis movies. It's fun, some really good songs and Elvis at the top of his game.

I give it a good 7 and a half stars. Okay, maybe an 8. 

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GIRL HAPPY

A Chicago mobster hires a rock and roll singer and his band to keep an eye on his daughter during Spring Break in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

It's Elvis on Spring Break. I find this one somewhat comical and very entertaining. However, there are parts in this movie that seem to drag. While I do like this one a lot, just not in my top ten of Elvis flicks.

I still give it a solid 6 stars.

 

 

 

King Creole / Wild In The Country DVD Review

KING CREOLE

King Creole is a 1958 American film directed by Michael Curtiz and produced by Hal B. Wallis. The story was adapted from the Harold Robbins novel, “A Stone For Danny Fisher”. It also stars Walter Matthau and Carolyn Jones.

The story centers around young Danny Fisher and his troubled life in the heart of New Orleans. He gets mixed up with the wrong crowd and a gangsters lady.

One of the better Elvis movies. He was young, about to enter the U.S. Army, he was raw as far as his acting was concerned, but dynamic all the same. It helps that he has a solid cast around him as I may have mentioned before, Elvis always did better when the talent around him pushed him.

As for the song selection in this film, love it! And with that being said, I give it a solid 8 stars. One of my favorites in my collection. I watch it about twice a year. 

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WILD IN THE COUNTRY

 Also starring Tuesday Weld, Millie Perkins, and Hope Lange.

Elvis stars as Glenn Talbot, a country boy with a problem temper and a yen for literary greatness in this typical Presley vehicle directed by Philip Dunne. After Glenn is sent packing by his father for mixing it up one too many times with his brother, the court makes him a ward of his uncle. His inner turmoil leads him into therapy with the older and very attractive Irene (Hope Lange), a patient-doctor relationship that is misconstrued by their small town. The two spend a platonic night in the same room in a motel, but no one is believing it was innocent. Glenn's romantic interests include Noreen (Tuesday Weld), with whom he shares a drink or two or more, and a song, and Betty Lee (Millie Perkins). Between the singing and carousing and fist fights, it still looks like a happy resolution looms large on the horizon.

If you were going to try just one Elvis movie, this would be a good one to go with. I give it 8 stars. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jailhouse Rock / Roustabout DVD Review

JAILHOUSE ROCK

After serving time for manslaughter, young Vince Everett becomes a teenage rock star.

It's Elvis at his absolute best! Not only are the songs in this movie awesome, but the dance scene to the song of the same title, Jailhouse Rock, showcases just how well Elvis could dance with choreography. I think this film also better demonstrates the acting potential that Elvis had, but was never reached because of the films his manager got for him. It is no secret that Elvis wanted to be taken seriously as an actor. He was even devastated when Kris Kristofferson got the part in the Barbara Streisand movie, "A Star Is Born". Elvis wanted that part so much. It may have been what helped to lead him to his death. Depression is a killer. 

Still, if you haven't seen an Elvis movie and you want to give one a try, go with this one first. You will love it, I promise. And with that, I give it a solid 9 stars. Perhaps the best Elvis performance of all his films. 

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ROUSTABOUT

Charlie Rogers (Elvis Presley) is a coffeehouse singer who joins a financially troubled carnival in Roustabout. He is hired by owner Maggie Morgan (Barbara Stanwyck) and soon catches the eye of his pretty female co-worker Cathy Lean (Joan Freeman). Cathy's irate father Joe (Leif Erickson) clashes with Charlie when he tries to romance his daughter, but Charlie's singing helps bring in the much-needed money for the failing carnival and keeps the wolves from the big tent show. A disagreement has Charlie joining another carnival before things are smoothed out. Watch for Raquel Welch and Terry Garr in bit parts. Presley delivers 11 songs, the highlight being the Mike Leiber/Jerry Stoller tune"Little Egypt".

I love this one most in part because of Barbara Stanwyck, a legendary actress in her own right. Also known in her later years as Miss Victoria Barkley on the hit 60's Western, "The Big Valley".

I also like all the songs in this one too. Not his best acting performance but I just like the vibe of it or something. It's a fun flick to watch.

I give it a solid 6 and a half stars. I watch this movie about two or three times a year. 

 

 

 

DVD Review: G.I. Joe / Snakes On A Plane

G.I. Joe: Rise Of Cobra (2009)

An elite military unit comprised of special operatives known as G.I. Joe, operating out of The Pit, takes on an evil organization led by a notorious arms dealer.

This movie stars Dennis Quaid, Channing Tatum and Marlon Wayans

Carroll's take: Maybe you just have to like this kind of thing, I don't know. As for me? Yeah, I like this kind of thing. I thought there was a lot of action in this film, a good story, but more importantly, Rachel Nichols. (I love her eyes)

There were times I thought this movie could have been a little bit better. The CGI was pretty good. Oh, and one of my all-time favorite actors, Brendan Fraser, was in it. He played Sgt. Stone, but was not given recognition in the credits for his role.

This is a fast paced, fast moving film and I like that. Over-all, I really enjoyed it. The outfits, the stunts, all was good. Word of warning though, if you're not into the G.I Joe genre, you probably won't like this. Having grew up playing with G.I. Joes, I like it plenty.

Carroll's Rating: Like I mentioned earlier, you have to be a fan to probably like this film. With this mind, I give it a 6 1/2. You know you made something special if you can draw in the non-G.I. Joe crowd to watch you film, and this one I don't think has that kind of draw to it. If you're a die hard fan, you might have loved it! Although, I have heard from some die-hards that they felt the film came up a bit short. (Too comic book-like, I think is the consensus.) If you have a son between the ages of 9 and 13, then yo umight want to get this one for them.

Snakes On A Plane (2006)

An FBI agent takes on a plane full of deadly and poisonous snakes, deliberately released to kill a witness being flown from Honolulu to Los Angeles to testify against a mob boss.

This film stars Samuel L. Jackson, Julianna Margulies and Nathan Phillips.

Carroll's Take: OMG! I hate snakes! But surprisingly, I really liked this movie. Maybe it was because Samuel L. Jackson is in it. Or maybe it was becasue of Julianna. Either way, if snakes gives you the willies, and you want to be creeped out, then you will love this. The whole concept of being trapped in an airplane full of poisenous snakes is kind of scary. But let me tell you, there are snakes all over the damn place in this one. And of course it has the usual characters. (The brave one, the fighter, the guy and or girl who always complains, the freaking out too much person, and a lot of people crying in fear as they get bitten one by one.) I guess because of that, it's also kind of funny.

This took off in 2004 I think as a web short before being transformed into a hit movie.

Carroll's rating: Normally, I don't go for this kind of movie. I got it on sale though so I took a chance. I am glad I did. While the basic plot is predictable - snakes on a plane - ha-ha - it's worth watching. I give it a solid 7 stars.

DVD Review: Doom Generation, Candy

When I started doing my DVD reviews, I posted the first one in my "Pages" section instead of posting it as a singular post on my blog. I have since decided to shut down or slow down on doing the DVD reviews as it stands, I haven't been watching many movies lately. I may do some occasionally in the future, here and there, but as it currently stands, I am deleting the "DVD Review" page. I will keep the DVD Reviews themselves, but before I can delete my DVD Review Page, I thought I should officially post the first DVD Review that I did. So, here it is, officially.


DOOM GENERATION

 Released in 1995, directed by Gregg Araki. The Doom Generation defined the period of time I was living in. I was dating a girl much like Amy Blue at the time.

The story centers around two young adults, Jordan White and Amy Blue, who pick up a drifter hitch hiking, Xavier Red. (Notice the last names here?) . The threesome embark on a sex and violence filled journey through an America of psychos and quickie marts.

I give it 7 ½ stars. If you see this in the bargain bin, BUY IT! You could do so much worse. It does contain adult content, vulgarity, nudity, adult situations and extreme violence. Released as a “B” movie, the acting is superb.

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CANDY


This is a Heath Ledger movie that many of you may not have ever seen. If you haven’t, I feel sorry for you. While “The Joker” put him over the top (in my book) this movie got him to the top in my opinion. It was after watching this film did I decide that Heath Ledger was good enough to be on my all time favorites list of actors.

Released in 2006, Candy is about a poet who falls in love with an art student who gravitates to his bohemian life style … and his love of heroin. Hooked as much on one another as they are on the drug, their relationship alternates between states of oblivion, self destruction, and despair.

I give it 8 stars. An Independent film that definitely deserves to be seen. Warning: If you are on the fence where Heath Ledger’s acting is concerned, this film will finally get you off that fence. (In a good way) Just see it already. Geesh. Would I steer you wrong?

DVD Review #26 (Amadeus, Howard The Duck)

AMADEUS

The incredible story of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, told in flashback by his peer and secret rival Antonio Salieri - now confined to an insane asylum.

This film may be from 1984, but it is a film well worth seeing. Even if you are not into Mozart and or his music. An amazing movie from beginning to end. I have watched this film so much that I have lost count. I first got to see it when I bought the VHS around 1992 and I still have it. Even now, it gets a watch at least once or twice a year. It's just one of those movies you like to watch again and again. Well, for me anyway.

My rating - I am giving this film a full 10 stars.

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HOWARD THE DUCK


A sarcastic humanoid duck is pulled from his homeworld to Earth where he must stop an alien invader.

This 1986 film stars Lea Thompson, Jeffrey Jones and Tim Robbins. Many people don't know this, but Howard The Duck is based on a Marvel Comics character. Anyhow, I like this film very much. It was the "Ted" of its day, I would guess. It didn't get much critic accalim nor did it smash any box office records, but it has fallen into that "Cult Classic" catagory. I think it's a pretty funny movie. Not that the butt shot of Lea in her panties isn't amusing, it may be worth the cost of the video alone. LOL Don't worry, it's the only "hot" shot in film. believe this or not, but I would let my nephew watch it. The only problem with that is my sister. She may not allow it. Haha

My rating - For what it's worth, you have to approach this film in the proper manner. With that being said, I am giving this movie a solid 8 stars. Why? Because it's a duck! Named Howard! It's cute, funny and it has that one very good Lea Thompson shot.

DVD Review #24 Wonderland, A Soldiers Sweetheart

A SOLDIER'S SWEETHEART


This 1998 film will leave you blown-away. In the war-ravaged jungles of Vietnam, a lonely field medic pulls off the ultimate scam - and succeeds in bringing his beautiful American girlfriend over to join him. Her arrival is a reminder to his friends of the "normal" world they left behind. Things start off perfect in the beginning, but then ... you know the old saying, you become your enviroment.

OMG! You guys just have to see this film. It stars Kiefer Sutherland. Skeet Ulrich and Georgina Cates. Love and war collide in a tale of riveting action. If you like a great story of love and war, you have to see this. Wait, let me say that again. You have to see this!

My rating ... I am giving this 9 stars. The writing, the acting, the story, everything about this movie was awesome. I really think this movie is for both, men and women. It will blow your mind.

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WONDERLAND


In the police investigation of a brutal crime scene, one man was at the center of it all: legendary porn star John Holmes.

An all-star line-up tells the tale of the finals days of legendary porn-star, John Holmes. Val Kilmer and Lisa Kudrow (Friends), Kate Bosworth, Carrie Fisher, Ted Levine, Christina Applegate, Eric Bogosian, Paris Hilton and Dylan McDermott. (Just to name a few)

Released in 2003, this film captures the unique world lived by John Holmes. It's not as pretty as one may think. Sex, drugs, murder. It's all right here.

My rating ... another high score from me. I give this a solid 8 stars. This film kept me on the edge of my seat. very exciting, very fast paced. Not at all what I was expecting. Just a great movie.

Carroll's DVD Review #22 (Zombieland)

ZOMBIELAND


A shy student trying to reach his family in Ohio, and a gun-toting tough guy trying to find the Last Twinkie and a pair of sisters trying to get to an amusement park join forces to travel across a zombie-filled America.

This funny/scary/funny movie stars Woody Harrelson and Emma Stone. It is a riot. Wait, let me say that again only, I wanna use more mustard on my sandwich. "This movie is a riot!" - Yeah, much better. I am not one to really get into zombie movies. In fact,I really do not care for them much. I mean, they are all the same. Some undead humans going around to try and eat real humans and or turn them into zombies also. Then the humans who are alive are trying not to get bitten or eaten. What I like about this movie, is that the plot is really about a man trying to find an edible twinkie. The zombies just happen to be there. A really entertaining film and quite frankly, perhaps my new all-time favorite zombie movie.

My rating: Ihave to roll with 9 stars on this one. The only reason I didn't give it a ten is because Emma Stone failed to give me enough booty/panty shots. Hey, shake that money-maker, you know what I mean?  I also deducted for them killing Bill Murray. I mean, it's Bill freaking Murray!

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CAPTAIN AMERICA


After being deemed unfit for military service, Steve Rogers volunteers for a top secret research project that turns him into Captain America, a superhero dedicated to defending the USA's ideals.

After being deemd unfit for my Marvel collection, Carroll Bryant volunteers to give this CD to charity that turns me back into a fan of movies being filmed based on comic characters.

I swear, this one almost had me ready to toss in the towel on comic book hero's. It just wasn't my cup of tea. I was bored an hour into it if not sooner. I just couldn't connect with this one, but hey, maybe you will.

My rating: I give it a 5 and a half stars. It was worth a shot to make I guess. Just next time, maybe Captain America could fight some other super-hero or something. maybe he could fight the Hulk. The military has been trying to capture him. Get to working on it Hollywood!

Carroll's DVD Review #21

THE HOLY GIRL

16-year-old Amalia looks to save the soul a middle-aged doctor.

The Holy Girl is Holy Crap on a cracker. I fell asleep. LOL I tried to watch it again a few days later, ended up knocking out some more zzz's. LOL So, if you're looking for a good movie to put you asleep, perhaps you are suffering from insomnia, then pick up this movie! It's better than pills and hypnosis.

Being a French film, I was under the impression this was supposed to be a sensual movie. And in certain circles, it is. Mercedes Moran is very beautiful to look at and very sexy. Think of it as foreplay before sex ... minus the sex .... and there lies the frustration of it all. LOL Foreplay is great if the sex follows soon afterwards, however, it's just a pain in the "you know whats" if there is no release. Trust me, with this movie, there is no release.

My rating ... I will give it 2 stars. (One for Mercedes and one for the fact that a good nap goes a long way. And I had two good naps with this one.)

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AMAZING GRACE


This 2006 release was pretty good. The idealist William Wilberforce maneuvers his way through Parliament, endeavoring to end the British transatlantic slave trade.

Based on actual events, I found myself drawn to the story right from the start. I love historical movies when they are accurate in its portrayal and not Hollywooded-up and hyped with CG robotics. I have always said that a good story with good writing and great acting goes a long, long way. This movie has it!

Make you children watch the film. watch it with them and you have an entertaining evening that will also include a little education too.

My rating .... let's roll with 8 stars on this one. (And as always mostly the case, you can find it in the bargain bin) Great deal all the way around!

Carroll's DVD Review

THE VIRGINITY HIT

Released in 2010, this comedy has its good, its bad and its very ugly moments.

Shot to look as if the whole movie had been cobbled together from camcorder footage taken by a bunch of randy, YouTube-obsessed kids, the film uses that concept to sell the audience on the gimmick: that the film is somehow real "found" footage. The movie purports to be the actual story of four actual high-school-age friends: Zack (Zack Pearlman), Justin (Justin Kline); Jacob (Jacob Davich) and Matt (Matt Bennett). One of the film's few likable characters, Matt is also the lone virgin among them. He's on a quest to lose his virginity to his girlfriend of two years, Nicole (Nicole Weaver). Early in the film, Matt and Nicole break up. That sets the stage for further misadventures in his effort to "do it."

I didn’t like the way it was shot. Other than that, it was pretty good. There are some laughable moments. But there are times when you shake your head and ask yourself, “Didn’t I see this movie before? Oh yeah, that’s when it was called ‘American Pie’.”

It’s just … believability is everything. In my day, my friends and I were not concerned in the least about trying to help our buddies to get laid, we were just trying to get our own-selves laid.

My rating ….. Six stars. (Did I mention that I didn’t care for the manner in which it was shot?)

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CHARLIE BARTLETT


In this 2007 comedy, A rich kid becomes the self-appointed psychiatrist to the student body of his new high school. These kids have some 'issues' and Charlie is coming to their rescue with a briefcase full of prescription pills and a head full of pop psychology. It stars Anton Yelchin, Hope Davis (Yummy), Kat Dennings (Yummier), and Robert Downey Jr. (Ironman)

Now this is my kind of comedy right here. A good story behind the comedy. I actually knew a kid in my school a lot like Charlie Bartlett.


My rating …. I am giving this a solid 8 and a half stars.

Here is hoping you all have a fun and romantic weekend.