Tracs Movie Reviews

I had watched this movie on TV a few years ago and was moved especially as it was based on the true story of Fr. Flanagan.
Movies like these uphold human values and dignity and give hope in a world were these values are getting blurred and ambiguous as is reflected in today's 'sensational' hollywood movies most of which promote superflous and artificial lifestyles and senseless action which please the senses but leave a vacuum in the soul. Of course, movies like Men of Honor and Jerry McGuire are an exception. Also it is commendable that there also exist producers like Mel Gibson who has the courage to produce "The Passion" in Aramaic (the language spoken by Christ) though it does not make much commercial sense.
All of this makes me think, is Hollywood reflecting contemporary life or is life reflecting Hollywood.
Wonder why no movie is made on the life of Fr.Maximilian Kolbe who resisted the Nazis in Poland and ultimately sacrificed his life in the Gas Chamber in exchange for another inmate in the Nazi Auchwitz camp in WWII. It could make a real good drama movie.
Hope the DVD that comes out on Boystown will have a special feature on the life and times of Fr. Flanagan.

Boys town and sequael(Men in Boys Town) are the by far my most favorite films. I watch them on an old VHS copied from TV in Holland in the PAL format. I had to buy a special muti-system TV and VCR just to watch them. I hope when the DVD comes out they will come together as a 2 disk packet.

Keeping this review "short", I am compelled to echo the kind words of previous reviewers. There's much to be said of Boys Town, but it would fill a 1500 page book and still be too short. Father Flanagan died in Germany May 15, 1948. The tears still well up today, more than a half century later. Watching these 1938 and 1941 films is like reliving my childhood all over again. I recall so well the scenes in the movie.... but "I" remember the rooms, the buildings, the birch trees lining the entryway to Boys Town and the wooden stage where Whitey Marsh (Mickey Rooney) was elected Mayor of Boys Town. Father Flanagan's office (and the rest of the building) where PeeWee got his candy treats became the gradeschool principal's office. I remember it all so well. I relive my childhood with every viewing. Oh yes.... in real life I was there: 1948 - 1953. These two movies are part of me today to share my history with my children and their children.

How could I possibly "not" like these great works?

Bill Ford - Southern California - August 2003

Tenchi Universe ends here, or does it? During the last few minutes of the last espiode, it seems everyone is coming back to Earth and re-start the "carnival" that is Tenchi Muyo!

Tenchi Defeats the evil ruler of planet Jurai, but not easily. After the battle, Tenchi goes back to Earth. Akeya seems downhearted that Tenchi has returned to Earth. Tenchi and the gang gets help from the Bounty hunter Nagi along with Ken-ohki. Ryoko takes Tenchi to the palace of Jurai, but it seems the Ryoko was badly hurt when she was attacked by Kagato. A great ending!

These last four episodes have some sad scenes.... Anyway, I don't want to ruin any part of the ending sinces it's a nice ending. Unfortunately, the ending isn't "complete". You'll know what I mean when you watch it. Tenchi is a very good show and all anime fans should see it.

I just loved the end of the Tenchi Universe series. I really loved the episode when Tenchi and Kagato go head-to-head in combat. Although I still wonder how Tenchi was able to summon his Jurain power after his grandfather (also known as Yosho, the prince who betrayed Jurai years ago after he refused the throne) gave him the magical sword, Sword Tenchi. I mean it just took one episode; it doesn't describe how Tenchi was able to summon his Jurain power...

But overall, the final episodes show the true insights of the characters (most of them or let's say some), especially Grandfather and Tenchi.

Set in the state of Georgia, James Garner renders a powerful and very sensitive performance of a Judge who following the death of his wife, retires from the bench. He tries to with-draw from life esconced in his own grief and bitterness. The mys-tery surrounding an old friend's refusal to accept the Congressional Medal of Honor, and the personal crises in the lives of those closest to him, compel him to step back into the mainstream of society . As he reaches beyond his own pain and into lives of others, he not only becomes an anchor for them, but finds a renewed reason for living, himself.
The supporting cast is superb, esp. Bill Cobbs and Ruby Dee.
This is an exceptional film, providing wholesome entertainment.

Decoration Day is a great movie - lots of heart and such a fine family show. It reminds us not to make assumptions when we don't have all the facts and shows the great value of friendship and family.

James Garner plays a retiring judge who becomes an unwilling, but interested player in a story centered around the government's plan to award the Medal of Honor to an African American man because of heroic actions during WWII's Battle of the Bulge. Here's the catch -- the man doesn't want to have anything to do with medal!

Garner is convinced that he should intervene and persuade the man to accept the medal. A story of racism, bitterness, decepetion, and revelation unfolds as the movie progresses. Be sure to watch for an interesting, unexpected plot twist toward the end.

This is top-notch drama, and a real treat for James Garner fans.

5 stars all the way! Watch this movie, you'll be glad you did. This is the "Hallmark Hall of Fame" at its best!

Alan Holyoak

I love this classic movie, about 2 men being forced to changed their evil ways, by working in a community center with under privilege youths, all the while trying to find the mystery man who is behind this blackmailing scheme. The movie features Bill Cosby, Sidney Poitier, Denise Nicholas, James Earl Jones, Tracy Reed, and many more up and coming actors and actressess.

This was the last pairing of Cosby and Poitier in 1977 and watching it, you can easily see where Quentin Tarantino and a lot of other young filmmakers get ideas for plotting, pacing and musical backdrops. The most refreshing thing about the film is that it manages to deliver a message about empowering today's youth without beating you over the head with it's preachiness. Brilliantly scored by the late, great Curtis Mayfield and featuring contributions from The Staple Singers, "A Piece..." perfectly encapsulates it's time without sinking to the depths of 'Blaxploitation' and buffoonery. The terrific all-star cast includes James Earl Jones, the impossibly gorgeous Denise Nicholas matched only by the lovely Tracy Reed, a very young Sheryl Lee Ralph and the soon- to- be- a- star-via-"What's Happening!", Ernest Thomas. One scene is of particualar note: one of the youngsters involved in the job search program, Willie, delivers a powerful, tear-filled monologue about why he has to find a job 'or something, so that he can be a man' that just breaks my heart and lends the film an air of poignance that elevates it above the level of simple comedy. With that said, "A Piece Of The Action" is an all time favorite that contains elements of drama, action & suspense (I could watch these people plot, scam and sneak to get Nikki back all day!) and comedy that makes for a very satisfying viewing experience. A Classic. Go get a piece!

I have seen this movie many, many, times, and I just wanted to own a copy of it. It's a funny upbeat true to life movie. I recommend it to all who like Sidney Poitier, Bill Cosby, and especially James Earl Jones.

Before there was Daria/Is It College Yet? (2002), there was this DVD - Daria/Is It Fall Yet? (1997). This MTV movie follows Daria, Jane, Quinn, and the rest of the crew (with Up Chuck being noticeably absent) as they go their separate ways to muddle through their own versions of purgatory known as summer vacation. Be sure to check out Mr. DeMartino' escape from the OK To Cry Corral (a la One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest). Also included are the bonus episodes "Fire!" and "Dye, Dye, My Darling" as well as Mystik Spiral's "Freakin' Friends" music video. Until someone steps up and puts out a Daria DVD boxed set (hint, hint!!!), this and the College DVD are as close as we're going to get for now.

It's a bit of a paradox to think the station that brought us such tripe as The Real World and Tough Enough could have produced such a sharp, witty and well written show. The first movie "Is It Fall Yet?" is a magnificent turning point in the series as well as a stand-alone movie-length episode.

The movie centers on each of the characters' summer activities ranging from Quinn getting a tutor for the summer, Daria being forced into volunteering for a lame summer camp and Jane taking a two month stint at an artist's colony.

Even if you're not familiar with the characters, you'll be rolling at all the jokes and dry wit that Daria and Jane spout. What makes the movie a step up from the series is that several of the characters start to grow, especially Quinn. With a little help from her tutor she finds that she doesn't have to be as shallow or dumb as her fashion club friends. Some of the minor characters don't end up doing that much (Mack, Brittany and Kevin, for example). But I defy you to try not to laugh hysterically when Mr. DeMartino snaps, pulls the sink from out of the wall and throws it through the window after all of the campers are cooped up inside.

As a little bonus on the video, there's a music video for Mystik Spiral's "Frickin Friends". I only wish I could have seen the DVD to see what other extras there might have been.

"Daria: Is It Fall Yet?" is an excellent movie packed with great wit, humor and characters. Do yourself a favor and give it a look. You won't be disappointed.

I have been a Daria fan for about as long as the series started. This last show (hopefully not) is Daria at her best, dealing with those issues of transitioning to college, before she gets to college. This would be a nice place to start another Daria series regarding her college life.
I love this girl's spunk and complete lack of respect for her classmates. While this is usually obtained after some problematic experiences as an adult, it is quite palatible. Makes me wish I had more spine when I was in high school. Get this DVD...there is a regular show included that i hadn't seen before...very good!!!

Yes, you read correctly: four stars. Not five. Why, might you ask? Am I crazy? No, I am not. At least I don't think I am :)

I am a huge fan of Peanuts. Every year, I look forward to the holiday specials on television. A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS is one of them. Yet, I must admit: much like IT'S THE GREAT PUMPKIN, CHARLIE BROWN and IT'S THE EASTER BEAGLE, CHARLIE BROWN, this show is kind of dated. I do still love it -- the characters and classic Peanuts gags we have all come to cherish. Not to mention having a great storyline and wonderful soundtrack (second only to the superb score for BON VOYAGE, CHARLIE BROWN)! But truth be told, the animation in these earlier specials is sort of crude and the timing between most of the dialogue is very very very offbeat (example: when Lucy is whining about her Christmas Queen bit in the play, there are annoying pauses in the dialogue where there shouldn't be pauses at all. This error in timing is repeated through most of the show; and it does get somewhat boring).

Yet I still love them. There is just something about these shows that we can all relate to again and again. Yes, the later films, tv shows and specials are all better drawn, and the timing is right on the dot; and some have a much smoother feel.

But these, I think, contain a certain nostalgic feeling. And that's why they are "classics."

I realize that some fans may be angry with this review; that I am somehow insulting Charles Schulz. But, you know what? I am sure even he would agree, if he saw the Christmas show now, that, say, episodes from his Charlie Brown and Snoopy Show or the masterfully done NASA special is more smoothly-flowing and the timing is right on.

Before you click "no" under this review, watch the Christmas show again. You'll see what I mean by boring pauses in between much of the dialogue.

I am not being mean here; I'm just being perfectly honest about how I feel. And while A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS is a true, honest-to-God classic, it is not the greatest Christmas special ever made.

As kids, we waited with great anticipation for Christmas to roll around and nothing marked the onset of the season like this Peanuts classic. As much an integral part of the holidays as the smell of turkey roasting, decorating the tree and the Arizona Cardinals not making the postseason. Possibly THE best soundtrack of all time, featuring Vincent Guaraldi's jazzy takes on Christmas classics and "Linus and Lucy." You owe it to yourself, your kids and grandkids to add this to your collection!

It is delightful to finally have "A Charlie Brown Christmas" on DVD, to be enjoyed year after year. The bonus feature, the 1992 sequel, "It's Christmastime Again, Charlie Brown", is also a great plus.

In the classic installment Charlie Brown learns the true meaning of Christmas. In the 1992 episode Charlie Brown and the gang attempt to keep the message in perspective while working through yet another Christmas play, as well as avoiding the urge to get caught up in the materialism of it (well, Sally doesn't actually avoid it). :)

It appears there is an almost universal five-star rating for this film among Amazon reviewers. It is of course an important film. But it is also a self-important film. Its interminable running time of 186 minutes can be excruciating. Its release in 1961 came a year before Nazi henchman Adolf Eichmann was executed and the year after Preminger's "Exodus", so the film perhaps provided essential insight into wartime criminal responsibility, an issue obviously still with us. But to say that it today delivers its intended wallop is just not so -- it is too flawed artistically. First, Kramer's direction is obvious and plodding. The cinematography & editing provide long pans and zooms in courtrooms, long looks of knowing reactions, long silences, good Germans singing long lieder ("Germans love to sing" says Dietrich) and long-winded observations by folks about everything from autobahns to death camps. In short, everything's too long! Second, the writing makes you squirm -- I challenge anyone to name a major feature with as many repeated lines. Writer Mann apparently imagined that for this film repititions of superficial thoughts added up to deep ones.

Third, the acting is surprisingly wooden, given the talent. Lancaster as a Nazi Justice Minister alternately blusters and conducts soul searches; Garland as a 'collateral damage' racial victim gives an unusually unconvincing performance, for her; Dietrich's appearance as a Nazi widow is stiff and also odd, given her real-life staunch opposition to Nazism; Widmark as the prosecutor is just tiresome. Oscar-winner Schell as the defense attorney, allowed by Kramer to continuously yell in the court scenes, is full of sound and fury signifying practically nothing. Tracey as the head judge is a brighter light, but still mostly sleep-walks except for two sterling scenes --first, as he announces the court's decision eloquently from the bench and second at the end of the film (which I won't give away for anyone who hasn't seen it).

The first major saving grace is the deeply moving performance of Montgomery Clift on the stand - the best piece in the entire 3 hours. His singular portrayal speaks more of horror and responsibility than everything else in the entire movie. The other saving grace is the historical events it, unfortunately, rather ineptly presents. (For my background see: ahlynde under People).

I think this is an important film and I would very much like to see it come out on DVD. I think it is important because it brings the Holocaust down to human terms. It profiles two people who were victims of the slaughter as well as those who purpatrated it. I have watched it many times and never fail to see something new and provacative in its retelling. And I am always stunned by its final remarks, as Burt Lancaster calls Spencer Tracey into his cell and says, I never thought it would come to this. Spencer Tracey replies, the first time you convicted an innocent person you knew it would come to this. Chilling.

Spencer Tracy stars as an American judge who travels to Germany in 1948 to take part in the Nuremberg trials. For eight months he chairs the panel trying four German judges, one of whom is respected scholar Burt Lancaster. Defense Attorney Maxmillian Schell makes the case that the men were simply following the law as written in Nazi Germany and cannot be held accountable for the brutality inflicted on those found guilty. Prosecutor Richard Widmark argues that the men knew what they were doing and understood the fate of those found guilty and that they acted inhumanely. Both men argue their cases well in a trial marked by emotion and great drama. Judgment at Nuremberg is a powerful movie, since it deals with atrocities and wounds that may never be completely healed. It also deals with a fundamental question that surrounds war: Are people who are simply following orders (or the law as it exists in their country) to be held responsible for their actions and the fate of those they affect. The film's screenplay is sharp, honest, and makes points on both sides, although emotion certainly affects how one answers the questions it raises. More than anything, however, this movie is about acting. Tracy is the rock that centres the film, the weight of his characters decisions ever present on his face and in his motions. Schell and Widmark have plenty of chances to set off fireworks as the lawyers, and they take full advantage of the opportunity. Lancaster is quietly strong and imposing, never getting much dialogue, but establishing a presence throughout the whole film. Judy Garland and Montgomery Clift have brief scenes as victims of Nazi laws who testify against the defendants. Both actors give outstanding performances, almost uncomfortable to watch they are so real. Marlene Dietrich as the widow of an executed Nazi general is also very strong in one of her last performances. Her scenes with Tracy are a joy to watch - two old pros who have seen a lot in their lives. Judgment at Nuremberg is a long film, but it never lags. Whether you simply watch it as a fine courtroom drama or take its messages about responsibility deeper, it is well worth watching. It deals with a part of our history we would probably like to forget, but never should.

Though this film will probably not have much appeal to anyone under 40, it is a clever and entertaining look at the most exciting and creative period in pop music history. Many 'stars' of this era are parodied here, and those familiar with the music of the 60's will immediately recognize the characters portrayed. The original music is beautiful, and recorded with incredible authenticty. John Turturro is marvelous as the New York hot-shot music publisher, carefully nurturing his latest discovery, a female songwriter (played by Illeana Douglas) who turns out hit after hit and makes a fortune for herself and the publishing company, but wants only to make her own record as a singer. "Denise" finally gets to do just that, but only after losing two husbands and for a short while, her own mind. This is one of just a few films that I watch at least 3 times a year.

The reason I mention OAK, is that all the performances are wooden. I never thought I'd see John Turturro and Matt Dillon in a STINKER (I was wrong - and their acting STINKS too, thanks to Allison Anders). Allison Anders (Dir.) should be sent back to film school and when she gets out, only be allowed to be a "gofer".
How Martin Scorsese EVER agreed to put his name behind this tripe is beyond me!
Elvis Costello and Burt Bacharach must have gone to the Songwriters Nursery School for this rot.
Illena Douglass should be planted in the ground and studied in botany class to see if she could produce a denser wood than her performance (which is NOT AT ALL POSSIBLE!).
You want GOOD music movies? Try, "That Thing You Do", "Victor/Victoria", "The Music Man", "The Commitments".

My twenty something daughter & I both love this movie. It was the first time I had seen Illeana Douglas & John Turturro in a movie, & I loved them both. I've found since then that John Turturro is a chameleon, changing physically with each character. I'll never forget Illeana D. in this role--like one of your reviewers said, it's hard to believe she wasn't singing the songs. I loved the music of all the groups in this movie--wish all of the songs were included on the music cd. The girl who sings "God Give Me Strength" was fantastic! As were all singers in this movie. Matt Dillon, Eric Stoltz, & Bruce Davison were excellent, as always. Christina Pickles & Bridget Fonda were great in their small parts, also as usual. I was disappointed that Leonard Maltin gave this movie only 2 1/2 stars, but he does that for a lot of movies that I like. I watched this movie at late night on HBO or some cable channel about two years ago, & became addicted to it, & guess I also infected my daughter. I have ordered a dvd for both of us for Xmas--am looking forward to seeing all the extras. I thought that Edna served as a symbol of the growth of rock music from the early sixties through the eighties. Also, it showed the treatment of a woman in this industry, although probably not as really hard as it was. And, it showed the relationship struggles that real women go through every day. But, it was the music that makes this movie so great for me, & the portrayal of this music & the music business by the great actors.

Rudyard Kiplings beautiful novel, Captain's Courageous, is about the experiences of a rich, spoiled 15 year old boy who must adapt to the working man's life on a fishing schooner after falling off a luxurious ocean liner. The part didn't really fit Freddie Bartholonew, who was about 13 at the time and looked no more than 10. But he was a very popular child actor with lots of box office draw, so Hollywood destroyed the character of Harvey Cheyne in an effort to make it fit Freddie Bartholomew. It wasn't Bartholomew's fault, but it spoiled the film. Another version was released in 1977 starring Karl Malden, Ricardo Montalban, and Jonathan Kahn as Harvey Cheyne. This is an execellent version, and the one I would like to see made available on DVD.

I do not particularly care for black-and-white or old movies, but this has got to be my family's all-time favorite movie. It has several great messages running throughout the movie. If you have children, you may want to pick this movie up. If you enjoy Spencer Tracy, you would undoubtedly want to pick this movie up.

This is a marvelous movie about a spoiled, insecure child who brags, manipulates, and uses his wealth & positon to feel strong & good about himself (sound like anyone you know?). After being suspended from school for his antics he is dragged to Europe to accompany his father on a business trip. En route, he accidentenly falls overboard from the oceanliner (that's how they travelled in those days) and is rescued by a fisherman. He learns his lesson, matures and acquires integrity through his association with the crew of fisherman & in particular Spencer Tracy's character.
This fine cast consists of legends who give wonderful performances: John Carradine, Lionel Barrymore, Mickey Rooney, Melvyn Douglas and of course, Spencer Tracy.
The film also gives you a rare glimpse into a way of life past. Today we have huge fishing ships that net miles of fish and have the canneneries right on board. Without it being intentional, the movie shows you what life was like when people still cared about the work they did and had pride in the honest work they had accomplished (rather than life being a succession of "jobs").
You may show this movie to your children without fear;not only is there nothing unseemly in it, it has a valuable lesson to teach us all. And it is of much better quality than any of the so-called "family films" that have been produced in the last two decades.
HOLLYWOOD TAKE NOTE: you don't need punchy soundtracks, death defying stunts and high tech wizardry to make a good movie - - just an honest story, a good script and a fine cast. This movie proves that. It was made 70 yrs ago and we're still buying it.
My only complaint with this film is that it's not availabe on DVD.

I used to watch this show regulary. Loved the relaxed, friendly feel to it. Thought I revisit the series and brought this video. It introduces you to the characters well..[I believe this is the first episode of the series]. You get to meet the Mc Gregor family...a nice bunch of people..with very fine looking sons. Matt McGregor is the father...the famous man from Snowy River. This story revolves around the race he did many years ago...to catch a horse. It, also, introduces a family feud. Fine performances all around. A warning to all you Hugh Jackman fans though..he isn't in this episode. He appears later on in the series but than Guy Pearce is in it..so...[big smile]

I have watched this movie several times and each time I watch it, I seem to like it more. It is a good family movie. Movies about Australia and horses are always my favorites. Andrew Clarke and Wendy Hughes were excellent in their roles. I would like to see more movies with these two people.

Snowy River, The McGregor saga, the Race, is awesome! It is one of the best "Snowy River" episodes ever made! Andrew Clarke plays great at the lead role Matt McGregor. Along with his daughter Danni(Joelene Crgnorac), his oldest son Colin(Brett Climo), and other son Robb (Guy Pierce), he competes with Oliver Blackwood(John Stanton) and his son Frank. Meanwhile Robb is trying to win Victoria Blackwood's (Amanda Douge) heart away from Luke McGregor(Joshua Lucas): Robb's cousin from America who is fighting to get Langara(Matthew's property) from him. Matt and Oliver also try to run Kathleen Oneal(Wendy Hughes), a widow with her young son Michael(Ben Geurens) who are home from England, off her property. I strongly recommend this video! It is a great family video full of fun, rivalry, love, and competition.