Don Movie Reviews

I first saw this film as a child, when it was on the "Million Dollar Movie" one Sunday afternoon. The whole strange story and really unexpected plot twists, as well as its dark and eerie denouement, stayed with me for 25 years till I rented it and watched it again. And 25 years later, "The Baby" still packs a disturbing punch.

Firstly, the whole premise is unsettling. Without getting too much into a plot summary, suffice it to say that social worker Ann Gentry (played by Anjanette Comer) has to determine the Wadsworth family's eligibility for aid. The Wadsworth family consists of Momma (a middle-aged, rough-and-tough, cigarette-smoking, miniskirt-wearing woman played by the redoubtable Ruth Roman), two adult daughters named Alba and Germaine, and one son simply called "Baby" (played by David Manzy). Throughout the whole film, we never learn what Baby's real name is, or if he even has a real name.

In any case, Ann is horrified to find that Baby is actually a young man in his twenties who wears diapers, sleeps in a crib, sucks his thumb and doesn't walk or talk. According to his mother and two adult sisters, Baby was born severely retarded and so never was able to walk, talk or develop normally in any other way. However, as time goes on Ann becomes more and more convinced that Baby is not at all retarded, but rather is a normal young man whose development has been monstrously stifled by his sick family. She becomes determined to take him from his family and care for him herself, and soon finds herself in danger from Momma, Alba and Germaine, all of whom resent what they see as Ann's "butting in".

The second thing that makes this film disturbing is the evolution of Ann's character throughout the film. As the plot unfolds, the viewer begins to gain insight into Ann's true motivations and intentions. After a narrow escape from the clutches of Momma, Alba and Germaine, Ann actually succeeds in taking Baby from his family. Momma, Alba and Germaine trace him to Ann's house and go there, determined to get him back by any means necessary (packing a gun for this purpose). I won't give away the plot twist or ending, but suffice it to say that nice, sweet Ann turns the tables on Momma, Alba and Germaine in a rather...unexpected manner. And this unexpected turn of events will stick in your mind at least for weeks, or perhaps for years.

So, in conclusion, this is a thriller that's definitely worth watching. The acting is really good all around. Ruth Roman always turns in a solid performance, and in "The Baby" she takes on her role as big bad Momma with gusto (including beating the living crap out of a babysitter with a belt when she thinks that the sitter has been getting...uh, shall we say too friendly wtih Baby). The two women who play Alba and Germaine (unfortuantely I forget their names) also turn in excellent performances, particularly Alba, who seems to relish in "correcting" Baby with blunt instruments if he tries to do anything "bad" like walk or talk. And David Manzy steals the show as Baby. You truly find yourself pitying him, especially when it seems more and more apparent that he's a normal person who's never been allowed to develop normally. This is a well-done little film that will definitely unsettle you.

It's hard to believe this flick played in the theatres in the mid-70's and people actually thought they were seeing a HORROR FLICK! This seems more like an Experimental Art Film...INCREDIBLE non-the-less!

The Babysitter scene was truely twisted...MUST SEE for that, if nothing else!

=^..^=

Rod Steiger must have simply loved making this film! He is picture-perfect as the multi-faced serial killer on the loose in New York City.

If you like Mr. Steiger, this is the movie for you.

George Segal is the detective - hot on the trail [Jewish mother Eileen Heckart in tow] with the cool, lovely Lee Remick as the love interest, and possible victim....

It's a dark, dark comedy about a serious subject - an unmarried Jewish detective! No, the murders intertwine the romance, and with this cast - who can possibly go wrong!

Great double-bill? This one with "Where's Poppa?"

Vilmos Zsigmond's cinematography is delicate and attentive; Mark Rydell's direction is ham-fisted and silly. The script is pure agitprop, and laughably bad.

If this film can be recommended (and I'm not sure it can), it would be for Spacek's performance.

The River wins on all fronts......acting, plot, historical and cultural significance......it's great to see reviews from social commentators and farmers alike......the film has the ability to stir controversy as well as inspire to more human interaction among us all.

Regardless of your personal perspective this one is worth the time and effort to enjoy, then watch again to analyze, and then.....(important last step)....watch again to make sure you remember how much you enjoyed it.

Well now, we can all see this famous no-nonsense cowboy and his little sidekick Indian boy, Little Beaver in action. This was a perfect pair & their complete honorable taming of the west.

Red Ryder & Little Beaver adventures dominated the comic strips in the 1930's - 1950's. Late in the 30's REd Ryder came to the screen in a 12 action packed episode serial. Pretty good stuff and a sample coming attraction of this early Red Ryder serial is included on this double feature DVD.

The 1940's Red Ryder introduced the most popular Red Ryder with Wild Bill Elliot and Robert Blake an Little Beaver. This duo went on to make over a dozen Red Ryder movies in the 40's.
This Double Feature remastered DVD Full Screen Black/White includes 2 of thier movies.

An Antonio Kid (1944 / 52 minutes) - greedy outlaws pursuit of the coveted "Black Gold" by terrorizing ranchers.

Cheyenne Wildcat (1947 / 50 minutes) - Red becomes the object of desire of 2 ladies while he & Lil' Beaver pursue outlaws.

This is wholesome fun family entertainment. Red & Lil' Beaver compliment each other and there is genuine onscreen friendship chemistry between them. This is fun stuff. Nice addition to the old western DVD library. Also included is a movie billboard & comic strip montage extra.

Also, now we see why Ralphie Parker from "A Christmas Story" obsessed over Red Ryder!!! Enjoy.

Episode 235:Out From The Broken Sword: Gohan has finnaly mastered the Z Sword training. But in an attempt to see how powerful it is, it breaks. It seems all hopes for Majin Buu is shattered, but an old kai suddenly pops up and explains that he was freed from his imprisionent from the Z Sword, and can awaken powers. Then when no one beleives the Elder Kai, he wishes to show his abillites.....On Gohan!!!Can Gohan surive 25 hours of the process?

Episode 236:Gotenks Is Born:Now that the fusion dance has been perfected by Goten and Trunks, they are ready to put it to the test. By preforming the fusion dance, they fuse into two odd forms, and it seems that they messed up. Finnaly, Gotenks is born. But when Piccolo suggests trying it as Super Sayin, Gotenks dissgrees and flies off to fight the Majin Buu. Can the new warrior defeat the rubbery Majin Buu?Or will he be crushed?

Episode 237:Unlikely Freindship: While Goten and Trunks de-fuse and start to obey Piccolo`s orders, Hercule [Also known as Mr. Satan], goes off to defeat Majin Buu, with gernades disguised as chocolates!!!Will Majin Buu, fall for the bait?Or does the champion really have what it takes to blow the rubbery Buu to nothing?

Episode 235:Out From The Broken Sword:As Gohan masters his Z Sword training, it seems the wrath of Majin Buu comes to an end! But in a test, to see how powerful the sword has become:IT BREAKS! Hopes shattered, it seems that no one can defeat Buu. But luckily, out from the sword comes the Elder Kai! Telling his story, about how he was trapped in the Z Sword, well, no one beleives him! But now, he`ll prove himself, by unlocking Gohan`s sleeping powers.....In 25 hours!Can Gohan stay awake?

Episode 236:Gotenks Is Born:As Gohan is embarrased by Old Kai, Piccolo is ready to put The Fusion Dance to the test. But turned into a lazy fatso, and an old,skinny dude, it seems that Goten and Trunks have messed up. But finnaly perfected, Gotenks is awakened, with powers, that seems unreachable. But disobeying Piccolo`s orders, the fusion result, goes off to battle Majin Buu! But will he be able too....without going Super Sayin?

Episode 237:Unlikely Freindship: As Gotenks fails against Majin Buu, it seems the two boys must train untill they reform again. As Buu causes chaos, another, but faint hope walks out of his hideout:Hercule! But using chocolate, disguised as hand gernades, and an exploding Gameboy, it seems Hercule is going to be in big trouble!But instead Majin Buu, is now freinds with the Champion! What will happen next?

Episode 238:I Kill No More: As 20 more hours of awakening takes place, it seems Gohan is ready to take a nap. On the Lookout, Goten and Trunks preform another fusion...as Super Sayins! Now that Super Sayin Gotenks is bornm, say goodbye Majin Buu!But ready to show Piccolo his power, the fusion result speeds off. Circling the world about 10 times, Gotenks then goes off to fight Buu, but his fusion wears off, narrowly escaping the wrath of Majin Buu. As Buu finds a puppy, Buu heals his broken leg. But when he tries to scare, him, he find finds that the dog likes him. But when a deadly duo appears,and opens fire on the puppy, it seems that Majin Buu has unleashed an angry monster inside of him!

The ghost-effects of seeing the long dead crew and passengers superimposed upon the wreck, and the 'then and now' shots are chilling.

BUT: There is wayyyyy too much Bill Paxton in this movie, which keeps me from giving it full stars. More Bill Paxton than anyone could possibly want. I realize that Cameron felt that the audience needed someone to relate to, some everyday yokel to go 'wow' etc and be our proxy for the experience, but really, it wasnt needed.

If this ever comes out on DVD I want more Titanic, and less Paxton, please.

Well now, we can all see this famous no-nonsense cowboy and his little sidekick Indian boy, Little Beaver in action. This was a perfect pair & their complete honorable taming of the west.

Red Ryder & Little Beaver adventures dominated the comic strips in the 1930's - 1950's. Late in the 30's REd Ryder came to the screen in a 12 action packed episode serial. Pretty good stuff and a sample coming attraction of this early Red Ryder serial is included on this double feature DVD.

The 1940's Red Ryder introduced the most popular Red Ryder with Wild Bill Elliot and Robert Blake an Little Beaver. This duo went on to make over a dozen Red Ryder movies in the 40's.
This Double Feature remastered DVD Full Screen Black/White includes 2 of thier movies.

An Antonio Kid (1944 / 52 minutes) - greedy outlaws pursuit of the coveted "Black Gold" by terrorizing ranchers.

Cheyenne Wildcat (1947 / 50 minutes) - Red becomes the object of desire of 2 ladies while he & Lil' Beaver pursue outlaws.

This is wholesome fun family entertainment. Red & Lil' Beaver compliment each other and there is genuine onscreen friendship chemistry between them. This is fun stuff. Nice addition to the old western DVD library. Also included is a movie billboard & comic strip montage extra.

Also, now we see why Ralphie Parker from "A Christmas Story" obsessed over Red Ryder!!! Enjoy.

Also stuff about valuing humanity over technological comfort- meaning, as a cautionary not to become too enamored of the creation of man instead of recognizing the value of the creation of God.

Also stuff about how some meanness in this world could be the result of dyspepticism.

Good camera work. Good music (which creates a religious feel).

Way to go, Robert Downey, Sr.!!!

A no-frills DVD package. The feature cleaned up nicely, but the original trailer shows wear. The Dolby 5.1 audio was a surprise, though, and plays well front and back.

ROADIE is a guilty pleasure, but such camp was fun sharing with unsuspecting friends -- we laughed 'til we cried. Chair dancing, the distinctive rattle of a beer truck, narcs snorting Tide. Some odd remembrances, too, of the brouhaha over cancelling concerts for energy conservation, often believed an excuse for censorship. Oddly enough, there's little or no swearing in ROADIE; Lola's quest for deflowering and a little substance abuse (and perhaps the close-up of Alice Cooper's codpiece) earned the PG rating.

"Everything works is you let it," a worthy sentiment.

If anyone can appreciate what a roadie goes through, it's the bowlerpimp. I was a roadie for Glass Tiger on their US tour in 87. It was insane. I would set up the drum kit and then start handing out backstage passes. The shows were off the hook as you could imagine. Glass Tiger was as big as it got in 87 and the tour was off the hook. We were selling out 4,000 seat venues like they were cracker jacks. There was this one show where we closed it with "Don't forget me" and we thought that was it. So I run onto the stage and start taking the drum kit down. The singer turns to me and says, "What are you doing dork?". Little did I know they decided at the last minute to close with a cover of "The Hokey Pokey". The whole crowd did the Pokey with the boys from Glass Tiger. I was fired after that show, but the memories stayed with me for another 2 weeks.