Carpets and Rugs Movie Reviews

I wouldn't call this an awful movie, but it certainly is not worth your time. You'll get absolutely nothing out of watching it. There really is no story, the characters are boring and have already been done to death, and the movie goes nowhere. The only positive thing about this movie is the setting. A relaxing, summer feeling was truly captured, but it's still not enough to save you from complete boredom.

"Swimming" only succeeded in one area: showing the boredom of small town life. However, the acting ranged from over-the-top charicatures (Nicola and the Hawaiian boyfriend) to bland underacting (Lauren Ambrose & the rest of the cast). While Ambrose's attempt was noble, for the most part she gave an one-dimensional performance. The directing was okay if somewhat hoaxy and limited at times (I guess I just wanted more). The writing was probably the most horrible part to the movie. There were so many plot holes that caused me to ask, "What was the point of that?" In the end, "Swimming" is an okay movie to waste sometime with, but don't expect to find any meaning or profound performances. "Swimming" is just like Myrtle Beach, nothing really happens.

Ok, to start, this movie is just pretty good. It's nothing spectacular, that's for sure. It's a bit quiet, and you'll probably find yourself asking why some of the characters even exist, but one thing you won't ask is why is Lauren Ambrose headlining? This is really her movie. If nothing else in this film works she certainly does. I've loved her ever since Can't Hardly Wait and she is really the only reason why I like this movie as much as I do.

This is one of my all time favorite movies...the sequel to Father of the Bride with all the same cast back again. However what a mess this DVD is. The quality is horrible. Some scenes are so lightened up you can't even see faces! Parts of the movie were also cut out, such as when Liz Taylor is sitting in the swing with Spencer Tracy outside while her new house is being built. You can also see cuts and scratches in the film. I also bought Father of the Bride on DVD at the same time and what a difference! The quality is wonderful! I guess that is becuase it was released by Warner Brothers and not some 2 bit unknown company. I hope Warner Brothers will put out of a copy of this great movie some day! Until then I will content myself with the VHS version I taped off of a cable movie channel 10 years ago!!

DO NOT buy this DVD. Another inferior product by Madacy: bleached out picture and tinny sound. Weren't DVD's supposed to be better quality than VHS?!?!

In the light of the huge success of "Father of The Bride" the previous year MGM naturally saw that a follow up movie taking place after a year has gone by in the lives of the Banks family was a terrific idea. Assembling the same cast, director and production crew combined with the usual MGM care and attention to detail they were assured of a worthy successor to its admittedly splashier predecessor. This time around in "Father's Little Dividend" the trauma of a wedding is replaced by that of the news that Stanley Bank's daughter Kay (Elizabeth Taylor) is expecting a child, much to Stanley's annoyance as he has just congratulated himself on finishing paying for the wedding. Vainly hoping for a little peace from now on he discovers his life is once again thrown into turmoil by the emminent arrival of the baby that will make him , horror of horrors, a grandfather!

"Father's Little Dividend" made at a time when movie sequels were a real rarity manages to keep the continuing adventures of the Banks family as seen through the weary eyes of the head of the house , fresh and enjoyable. While certainly not possessing all the magic of it's classic parent this film still is highly entertaining and manages to resassemble all the essential elements that combined to make "Father of the Bride" such a memorable viewing experience. The original cast of Spencer Tracy, Joan Bennet and Elizabeth Taylor are back, ably supported by supporting cast members Don Taylor as Kay's new husband Buckley with Billie Burke and Moroni Olsen as the senior Dunstan's. Seen through the eyes of Stanley and with the same narration so effectively used in the first film we are reintroduced to the characters after a year has passed and where to Stanley's dismay his cherished daughter Kay has announced that she is expecting. Much like the period following Kay's engagement announcement Stanley now sees himself again going into a free fall from which there is no escape as he finds himself engulfed by baby showers, plans for a bigger house for the couple to accomodate the baby, renovations, trouble over naming the baby and then of course trouble between the expectant couple which of course he is required to sort out. Just wanting to escape from the whole mess Stanley finds that like the first time around when the wedding plans were announced, his beloved wife Ellie relishing the idea of becoming a grandmother, has gone into hyperdrive once more and wont let Stanley rest for one minute as a virtual tug of war begins between the Dunstans and the Banks over who is stage managing the whole affair and more importantly who will control this new baby. Many amusing incidents occur leading up to the great day when Kay gives birth and Stanley is almost driven to distraction and worry for his much loved daughter as her time draws near. After a highly amusing false alarm involving a frantic drive to the hospital which ends up with Stanley in trouble with the police, the great day arrives and Kay delivers a healthy baby boy. However Stanley's troubles are not over as the baby seems to have a mind of it's own and takes an instant dislike to him, crying every time Stanley is within view. Spencer Tracy once again steals the whole movie here as the befuddled grandfather trying to deal with further disruptions in his life. Just when he comes to an "understanding" with his new grandson a quite frightening incident occurs where the baby is temporarily lost and only then does Stanley realise the impact this child is having in his life and how important this grandchild has become to him. At the christening, despite earlier arguments about the child's name Stanley receives a real surprise where in a nice touch, seeing the bond existing between the two, both sides of the family agree on Stanley as the child's name.

"Father's Little Dividend", makes delightful viewing and as with the first film despite being firmly positioned in 1950's America, has alot that even present day audiences can identify with in regard to how families react to an upcoming birth. Spencer Tracy once again displays that unique talent of his in this performance as he turns from reluctant grandfather to devoted carer for the baby and his work with both Joan Bennett and in particular Elizabeth Taylor is a joy to behold. In the christening scene in particular he appears totally real as the proud grandparent and his repeated scenes of concern for Kay's welfare not only are absolutely convincing but is work that reflects his real life affection for Elizabeth Taylor who during production of this film was going through the horrors of the break up of her Hollywood marriage of only 8 months previously. Directed again with much affection by veteran Vincente Minelli this is a slice of Americana from a simpler time and although certainly idealized reflects alot of the very real concerns that parents have when their children are having their own off spring. All those feelings of possessiveness and wanting to "help out" the new parents are amusingly represented in the script with Joan Bennett's "wanting to get her claws into this new baby (according to Stanley!)and her "grand idea" to move Buckley , Kay and the baby into their home to be able to "help out" being highly amusing and very identifable.

The "Father" films released in 1950 and 1951 make great double viewing. They captured once again the excellence of Spencer Tracy in a tailor made role and they also captured forever the beautiful and talented Elizabeth Taylor just as she was making the transition from teenage roles to those as a young adult. The example of Spencer Tracy's acting skills has been quoted by Elizabeth Taylor as being a wonderful learning experience for her as can be seen in her later efforts like "A Place in the Sun". Enjoy Stanley Banks being taken on another nightmare ride care of his loving family in MGM's "Father's Little Dividend".

This is one of my all time favorite movies...the sequel to Father of the Bride with all the same cast back again. However what a mess this DVD is. The quality is horrible. Some scenes are so lightened up you can't even see faces! Parts of the movie were also cut out, such as when Liz Taylor is sitting in the swing with Spencer Tracy outside while her new house is being built. You can also see cuts and scratches in the film. I also bought Father of the Bride on DVD at the same time and what a difference! The quality is wonderful! I guess that is becuase it was released by Warner Brothers and not some 2 bit unknown company. I hope Warner Brothers will put out of a copy of this great movie some day! Until then I will content myself with the VHS version I taped off of a cable movie channel 10 years ago!!

DO NOT buy this DVD. Another inferior product by Madacy: bleached out picture and tinny sound. Weren't DVD's supposed to be better quality than VHS?!?!

In the light of the huge success of "Father of The Bride" the previous year MGM naturally saw that a follow up movie taking place after a year has gone by in the lives of the Banks family was a terrific idea. Assembling the same cast, director and production crew combined with the usual MGM care and attention to detail they were assured of a worthy successor to its admittedly splashier predecessor. This time around in "Father's Little Dividend" the trauma of a wedding is replaced by that of the news that Stanley Bank's daughter Kay (Elizabeth Taylor) is expecting a child, much to Stanley's annoyance as he has just congratulated himself on finishing paying for the wedding. Vainly hoping for a little peace from now on he discovers his life is once again thrown into turmoil by the emminent arrival of the baby that will make him , horror of horrors, a grandfather!

"Father's Little Dividend" made at a time when movie sequels were a real rarity manages to keep the continuing adventures of the Banks family as seen through the weary eyes of the head of the house , fresh and enjoyable. While certainly not possessing all the magic of it's classic parent this film still is highly entertaining and manages to resassemble all the essential elements that combined to make "Father of the Bride" such a memorable viewing experience. The original cast of Spencer Tracy, Joan Bennet and Elizabeth Taylor are back, ably supported by supporting cast members Don Taylor as Kay's new husband Buckley with Billie Burke and Moroni Olsen as the senior Dunstan's. Seen through the eyes of Stanley and with the same narration so effectively used in the first film we are reintroduced to the characters after a year has passed and where to Stanley's dismay his cherished daughter Kay has announced that she is expecting. Much like the period following Kay's engagement announcement Stanley now sees himself again going into a free fall from which there is no escape as he finds himself engulfed by baby showers, plans for a bigger house for the couple to accomodate the baby, renovations, trouble over naming the baby and then of course trouble between the expectant couple which of course he is required to sort out. Just wanting to escape from the whole mess Stanley finds that like the first time around when the wedding plans were announced, his beloved wife Ellie relishing the idea of becoming a grandmother, has gone into hyperdrive once more and wont let Stanley rest for one minute as a virtual tug of war begins between the Dunstans and the Banks over who is stage managing the whole affair and more importantly who will control this new baby. Many amusing incidents occur leading up to the great day when Kay gives birth and Stanley is almost driven to distraction and worry for his much loved daughter as her time draws near. After a highly amusing false alarm involving a frantic drive to the hospital which ends up with Stanley in trouble with the police, the great day arrives and Kay delivers a healthy baby boy. However Stanley's troubles are not over as the baby seems to have a mind of it's own and takes an instant dislike to him, crying every time Stanley is within view. Spencer Tracy once again steals the whole movie here as the befuddled grandfather trying to deal with further disruptions in his life. Just when he comes to an "understanding" with his new grandson a quite frightening incident occurs where the baby is temporarily lost and only then does Stanley realise the impact this child is having in his life and how important this grandchild has become to him. At the christening, despite earlier arguments about the child's name Stanley receives a real surprise where in a nice touch, seeing the bond existing between the two, both sides of the family agree on Stanley as the child's name.

"Father's Little Dividend", makes delightful viewing and as with the first film despite being firmly positioned in 1950's America, has alot that even present day audiences can identify with in regard to how families react to an upcoming birth. Spencer Tracy once again displays that unique talent of his in this performance as he turns from reluctant grandfather to devoted carer for the baby and his work with both Joan Bennett and in particular Elizabeth Taylor is a joy to behold. In the christening scene in particular he appears totally real as the proud grandparent and his repeated scenes of concern for Kay's welfare not only are absolutely convincing but is work that reflects his real life affection for Elizabeth Taylor who during production of this film was going through the horrors of the break up of her Hollywood marriage of only 8 months previously. Directed again with much affection by veteran Vincente Minelli this is a slice of Americana from a simpler time and although certainly idealized reflects alot of the very real concerns that parents have when their children are having their own off spring. All those feelings of possessiveness and wanting to "help out" the new parents are amusingly represented in the script with Joan Bennett's "wanting to get her claws into this new baby (according to Stanley!)and her "grand idea" to move Buckley , Kay and the baby into their home to be able to "help out" being highly amusing and very identifable.

The "Father" films released in 1950 and 1951 make great double viewing. They captured once again the excellence of Spencer Tracy in a tailor made role and they also captured forever the beautiful and talented Elizabeth Taylor just as she was making the transition from teenage roles to those as a young adult. The example of Spencer Tracy's acting skills has been quoted by Elizabeth Taylor as being a wonderful learning experience for her as can be seen in her later efforts like "A Place in the Sun". Enjoy Stanley Banks being taken on another nightmare ride care of his loving family in MGM's "Father's Little Dividend".

This is a rip off as Pandora Peaks barely features in the footage.

"Pandora Peaks" is the wrong title for this DVD!
It should be named the "random scrap" or "Russ Meyers show of objects". Pandora is seldom seen but traffic lights, cars, houses, desert... All in all, Pandora is seen a maximum of 5 minutes out of 72 minutes. These 5 minutes are spread over the whole time as small increments between 2 to 15 seconds. Often she is seen only from far away. This DVD is not to recommend.

This is a rip off as Pandora Peaks barely features in the footage.

"Pandora Peaks" is the wrong title for this DVD!
It should be named the "random scrap" or "Russ Meyers show of objects". Pandora is seldom seen but traffic lights, cars, houses, desert... All in all, Pandora is seen a maximum of 5 minutes out of 72 minutes. These 5 minutes are spread over the whole time as small increments between 2 to 15 seconds. Often she is seen only from far away. This DVD is not to recommend.

Ted Prior plays Bud McCall, aka Hardcase. He's an honest cop who is framed for drug possession by his crooked partner Vincent (Vincent Barbi). Before he can testify to the FBI about his partner, he is sent to a prison run by Warden Borden. Carter Wong plays Eddy Lee, aka Fist. He is Hardcase's cellmate, and the two quickly become friends. Hardcase shoots first and asks questions later, while Fist uses kung fu to fight the bad guys. Fist also speaks broken English with a thick accent, which makes it hard to understand what he's saying most of the time. The mob wants Hardcase killed before he can testify, so they choose Tony Marino to finish him off. Tony is played by the multi-talented Tony Zarindast, who also wrote and directed this film. What the mob doesn't know is that Tony can't bring himself to do the job, because Hardcase saved his life when they were fighting in Vietnam. Actually, he told the mob that but they still didn't know it, because Tony speaks with a thick accent, making it hard to understand what he's saying most of the time.

I won't bore you with the rest of the plot. Suffice to say, Hardcase and Fist are busted out of prison, there's a lot of fight scenes, and many people get shot and killed during the course of this movie. The fight scenes with Fist suffer from the typical Kung Fu Movie Syndrome. When confronting a group of bad guys, each bad guy fights Fist individually until he's knocked
down, and then the next bad guy fights Fist, instead of them all attacking Fist at once. The biggest disappointment involves Angelyne, a blonde bombshell who is mentioned in the description of the movie on the back of the DVD. Angelyne appears on stage in a seedy bar, but is only on camera for a few seconds.

This interminable wannabe thriller set in Palm Beach and directed by Andy Wolk has many distinguishing features, none of them very good. Probably the best thing is Lorraine Bracco using her slow speech patterns to add character touches to her femme fatale role. However Wolk inexplicably doesn't know what to do with her, and eventually she gets shunted to the side, so he can bore us with the labrynthine plot convolutions of a search for a serial killer who over-applies Yves St Laurent ruby red lipstick clown-like to his victims. Wolk miscasts James Belushi as a womanising detective, as if his bull manner and loud-voice would appeal to women, though since the victims are all women associated with Belushi, that may be motivation enough. Belushi is the kind of policeman that litters in the street and in his own home, and has a fondness for faux big band music - Dinah Washington slaughtering These Foolish Things. One wonders if making some swamp bad guys all overweight is an attempt to scale down Belushi's own stockiness, and he pales next to Bracco in their scenes together, she making him look even more amateurish. The screenplay by Jim Piddock is full of impossible lines - "In Palm Beach there are 3 lives: public, private and secret", "time was money and the girls were bigtime", "Don't start asking me about my experiences. You could become one of them", "Don't try to make me into something I'm not. How do you know what you're not?", and "You're not who you thought you were, boy". The contextual assumption of Belushi's opening narration is taken from Billy Wilder's Sunset Boulevard, but more troubling is the connection Piddock wants to make between child abuse and womanising. The narrative actually improves about ¾ of the way in when Belushi's partner, Tony Goldwyn takes over the investigation in Key West. He matches up better with Bracco, and a sex scene is more convincing than the ones in which Belushi participates, partly because Goldwyn is a more attractive specimen. Although Goldwyn doesn't have a leading man persona, he at least suggests more emotional depth and psychological dimension. Wolk gives Bracco's office a huge carpet with lipstick pattern, has her leave an apple in a fruit bowl with a bite taken out of it, puts heavy breathing on his soundtrack, and casts Edgar Allan Poe IV in a supporting role.