Adams Movie Reviews

OK version of the William Inge Broadway play casts thirtysomething William Holden in the twentysomething role of Hal, a drifter who blows into a sleepy Kansas town on a Labor Day Holiday weekend. How does the movie shake up the sameness of the one set play? It goes on a picnic, literally showing what the play only eluded to, with an entire town celebrating an Americana holiday weekend, with much sly eavesdropping on the American conciousness. Picture Steven Spielberg's work with New England townies in "Jaws", and Director Joshua Logan accomplisshes much of the same with Mid-Westerners in a down home country state of being. I also liked the visual sky and corn stalks references of the farming industry governing, like a sleeping watchdog, over the rural community. The best thing about it though, and the best performance comes from the featured screen debut of Cliff Robertson who brings much spirit and sensitivity to the role of the lead character's best buddy.

Small town soap operas aren't really my cup of tea as a rule but this is definitely a superior offering. Although William Holden is too old for the role he's playing he injects his usual quota of sheer brilliance into the picture. Kim Novak is photogenic and ... well ... photogenic. The rest of the cast were all reliable and competent players who had been around for some time. Particularly noteworthy , however , is a very young Susan Strasberg who plays Novak's sister. She successfully creates one of the most interesting characterizations in the whole show as the intellectual tom boy who's violently jealous of her sibling's physical beauty. This "Boy Named Sue" turns in a great little performance displaying an extraordinary level of skill and versatility which is belies her tender years. Director Joshua Logan gets the best out of an adequate script although he seems to have insisted on a rather theatrical and slightly over the top style of delivery from one or two of his cast members - particularly Ros Russell. Holden , as usual, cuts straight throw all the superflous instructions and stays totally loyal to his own intense and restrained style of purpose built camera acting. That's what made him such an outstanding film talent. He knew what suited HIM and he stuck to his guns.Ms Russell does "Pour it On" pretty thick in some parts but when the scene calls for a "Big Performance" she's right there with the goods. One of the best moments in the movie is when she confronts Holden in a drunken rage and let's him know that SHE knows what HE'S up to i.e. that he's a drifting gigolo "On the Make". We all expect Holden to slap her across the face . Instead ,he totally breaks down. As it turns out, her assessment of him was all wrong . He's just an "Average Joe" who's down on his luck and is desperately trying to "Make a Go" of his life. As for the rest of the movie ... well ... there's some pretty colors and nice visuals and the memorable theme tune is very evocative of the era."Picnic" was a major box office hit and it provides a pleasant viewing experience for those who enjoy this type of picture. Nothing earth shattering but quite enjoyable .

This wonderful movie satisfies on many levels. It calls us back to a simpler time in our minds. It is Americana. It actually is a very strong love story, almost steamy at times (at least for it's day) - believable yet still cinematic. It is an excellent character study. It is funny, and it is sad. It is a movie THE WHOLE family can watch and enjoy, which these days is saying a lot. Although it is easy to see that "Picnic" was derived from a play, this point does not detract - in fact it enhances the film.

The casting is excellent. Rosalind Russell as the spinstery school teacher is flawless, and her hen-pecked boyfriend (Arthur O'Connell) is great too. As another reviewer noted, Verna Felton, who plays "Mrs. Potts", allows us to put everything into a peaceful perspective......even the "chaos" that ultimately ensues is a normal part of life, as her stable persona continually demonstrates. Cliff Robertson is fine as Alan Benson - he does not allow his role to overtake that of Holden and Novak....a lesser-known actor may have worked better for his role.

Holden (and I must admit to being a huge William Holden fan) is superb. Just enough cockiness and false-bravado contrasting with a genuine naiveté of the real world around him (he's "experienced" with football and women, inexperienced with just about everything else). So many of his scenes are gems - his first confrontation with "Bomber", his "women" stories to Alan, and my personal favorite, the scene where he and Millie (his "unofficial date" for the picnic) are driving to the fairgrounds. After singing a rendition of "Old McDonald" together, Holden turns to Millie and says "Hey kid, here's one my old man taught me". Then, after a pause (and realizing he is with a 15 year old girl), Holden shakes his head and instead starts up another verse of "Old McDonald". Priceless!!

If the movie has any "problems" at all, they are minor. Susan Strasberg ("Millie"), who is supposedly Kim Novak's bookwormy, unattractive sister, is anything but unattractive. It will take more than a pair of pointy horn-rimmed glasses to put her out of Madge's league! And there is something a little "stand-offish" about Novak's performance at times, although I have never been quite able to identify what it is.

But this movie is 5 stars all the way. Sit back and enjoy a movie for the ages, when actors could still act and a great and enjoyable story was still told. If you need violence or vivid sexual imagery to hold your attention, don't bother. Otherwise, you may love this film!

Definitely DATED, this film has 70s "High Times" written all over it. These guys have not much more than "pot" on their brain. All jokes lead to the same subject...dope, man!

Cheech and Chong, already celebrated novelty song artists with several best-selling albums to their credit just had to take their "message" to the next level. "Up In Smoke" gave them plenty of exposure and secured a solid fandom. 25 years later, though, the laughs drop drastically on the dime-bag-scale.

When I was still in high school (and I didn't give in to the smoking of anything, then or now), I may have enjoyed this sort of nonsense more. As a middle aged intellectual, I can offer only a few tired smirks. Give me Laurel & Hardy instead!**

Up In Smoke is C&C's best in my opinion. Their close brushes with getting busted, along with their 'innocently goofy' characters, and the tight chase by the incompetent Sgt. Stedanko make this a nonstop laugh. After watching this film several times, "Next Movie" was kind of a let down because of long, slow periods in the plot as compared to Up in Smoke.

the genesis of stoner humor. cheech marin and tommy chong are among the best comedians out there. this has more mexican jokes and comedic drug escapades are what you'll find in this movie.

This is a classic and I never miss it when it's on television. A terrific tale of mistaken identity turned deception. Tony Randall is delightful as a cad who wants Doris! Terrific plot, excellent performances, pacing, and twists. Terrific movie!

Rock and Doris are magic together in this delightful 1959 romp. The film is too fun and Thelma Ritter's comments are the capper. I highly recommend this delightful pairing in this film. Although it may seem terribly sweet and dated, in contemporary film genres trashed with violence, sex and computer wizardry, this film relies upon acting.

I have to admit - I love this movie. It is very, very funny and so clever that even though it is a very dated product of it's era - it still always feels fresh and lively to me. Doris Day is adorable here and Rock Hudson is hysterical. (Shades of truths to come!) Tony Randall was a great comic foil and Thelma Ritter still makes me alugh out loud even after 100+ viewings. It is so 60's chic - the clothes, cars, apartments - it still seems cool! Enjoy! They can't make them like this anymore.

Of course I love Bob Dylan and I have most of his albums and I've even met him. His talent is limitless and far beyond everyone else's. He is as dynamic today as he ever was and his every song stands on its own merit. But, this video was shot such a long time ago -the 60s. It's arty and well-done and it's certainly an important historical piece. If you're a big fan you'll enjoy it but it's not the type of movie most people wold watch again. It's slow moving and can't compare to the type of documentary we are used to nowadays. Worst part is that there are no complete songs. The interviews and songs are cut up and mixed. I feel that one can't have Dylan explained to you - you have to open yourself to Bob Dylan and just feel the song as best as you can. Everyone will feel it differently. That is the mastery of his gift.

I watched this film after just starting to get turned on to the music of Bob Dylan and was shocked at how good this was. Most of what you see behind the curtain's of concerts and of the daily lives of singers now are closely scripted. You will never see anything like this film on MTV, it is real unscripted ?fly-on-the-wall glimpse of one of music?s most influential figures,? says the box of this film. Britney Spears or any of the so-called artist MTV shoves down America's mouth will never be shown yelling and swearing over glass in the street.

This film shows Bob's manager cursing and threatening a hotel worker, Bob Dylan yelling and going crazy over someone throwing glass(very funny), Great concert footage and footage of Bob singing in hotel rooms, Bob making the press look stupid, Bob's sly manager milking BBC people for every dollar in order to get Dylan to perform for them, Dylan completely ignoring Joan Baez as she sings, Dylan making jokes about Donovan, Dylan smoking every second, Dylan's card video for Subterranean Homesick Blues, Dylan being swarmed by fans and screaming for people to get a girl who jumped on his car off, Bob meeting a crazy old lady who acts like she is someone big in England and shows off her power by telling Bob and his friends to stay at her mansion (very strange), Bob obsessing over what number his songs are on the charts and what his picture looks like in the paper, so on and so on.

Just buy this movie if you like Dylan, if your just starting to like him, if you never heard of him. It is a welcome relief from today's bad music with overly scripted artist who can't play instruments and who don't write the words to the songs they sing. After watching this you?ll want to download all of Dylan?s songs.

This documentary was both enlightening and entertaining. This DVD is a must see for any Dylan fan. Never before had I truly seen Dylan's ferocity and playfulness. The live stuff is great as well. The guy who made this documentary (name is escaping me) also made a Jimi Hendrix one and a Monterey one I think...hope that they are as good as this one. This documentary is a little window into how Dylan was back in '67...around Bringing It All Back Home and Highway 61 Revisited and all...good stuff!

This video cassette was released about 15 years ago, but it still proves to be one of the best music video compilations ever. It was released way back in 1988, when the album "BAD", was taking the market by storm, and "Michael Jackson", was at the height of his powers. If you enjoyed the "BAD" album, along with "Thriller" and Michael's output with "The Jacksons", then this VHS is for you. "Man in the Mirror", "Bad", "Speed Demon", "Leave Me Alone", and "Smooth Criminal" represent material off of "BAD (1987)." While a medley of "Billie Jean", "Human Nature", "Thriller", "Say, Say, Say" and "Beat It" represent The 1983 "Thriller Hey Day."
You also get some snippets of the songs "State of Shock (1984)", "We Are The World (1985)", and "Dirty Diana (1988)", which are unavailable on any "Michael Jackson" video release, past or present. The special effects on "Smooth Criminal", "Speed Demon", and "Leave Me Alone" are phenominal, and rank up their with "Thriller", "Black or White", and "Ghosts." Too bad no live performance footage from the "BAD World Tour 1987-1989" was included, but what's here is golden. Hopefully this VHS will be remastered for a DVD re-release some time soon.

I think that any michael jackson fan who buys this movie will be proud! this awsome movie ia a great display of michael in the performing and music video era! it starts of with the pepsi comercial then right into a stunning live performance of man in the mirror (my favorite part!) then flashbacks of michael and his succsess from when he first started to now, up next is badder (bad performed by talented little kids) then right into speed demon a great funny music video, then leave me alone which i think has a great message, then comes the breath taking mini movie smooth criminal the main part of the whole movie, then straight into a great performance of come together then one last song dedicated to michael by a group of afircan american singers. i sugjest all you michael fans get this as soon as you can. it will blow you away!

As a huge MJ fan i know that Michael likes to create mini movies through his videos (thriller). Followng a few other videos (badder and speed demon) the best part starts. The storys plot is centered around an evil drug supplier who wants to get kids hooked on drugs all around the world.Its up to Mchael to save the day, encluding an AMAZING smooth criminal performance that never gets old. The story ends with Michael singing "come together" and put a spectacular finish on the whole thing. IT IS WORTH EVERY PENNY YOU SPEND!! YOU WONT REGRET IT!! michael's talent will astonish you!!

The Who were the greatest live band ever between 1969-1976? or they still are? Well, The Who here seems like it.
This is truly amazing stuff. The selection of the songs is great too, since includes some rare songs hard to get on video, like "Relay" or "Bargain", and the versions here are awesome.
Keith Moon will be so proud of Zak Starkey (as his dad is for sure). He just has the "Keith Moon" spirit, and that's why The Who are like in the old days in this concert.
John Entwistle as always, superb!!.
Daltrey's in great shape, with a stronger or deeper voice than in the 80s concerts like "Rocks America" or "Tommy Live - 20 anniversary".
Pete Townshend is very inspired and wild. His acoustic performance for a couple of songs in the middle of the show, is superb too.
John "Rabbit" Bundrick is excellent as always and adding the right keyboards for the songs that originally didn't include them.

The only thing I don't like about this concert is the guest singers. I would prefer to listen to Roger singing "Substitute", for example. The only one I enjoy here is Noel Gallagher in "Won't Get Fooled Again", seems he limits to play the guitar (which adds a lot of power to this particular song) and adds backing vocals to the chorus.
Buy this DVD or VHS. The Who were back and this was their testimony. Unfortunally John Entwistle passed away :-(

All that has to be said about this disk: This performance shows true legends at work, showing what it takes to get to get to such an icon status as they undeniably have achieved. Do yourself a huge favor and buy it, you won't be disappointed. Given that, I think I need to try to make a small point: (and I refuse to go into a huge rant cause this isn't the forum such a thing but - ) To all audiophiles who trash the audio quality of invaluable dvd's such as this: If sound reproduction of such a high caliber is what is needed to enjoy a performance as priceless as this.... man I feel so sorry for someone like that. Just enjoy the music! Can't you remember a very long time ago the first time you heard The Who tune on a little piece-of-junk AM radio or from a horribly warped & worn vinyl record that constantly snapped and popped through your first Sears hi-fi? That's all it takes to get most people hooked. The DVD is truly awesome. Buy it.

The first thing I noticed about this DVD was the production value. I kind of expected it to be half hearted (as I can't imagine that any Who DVD at this point would be a huge seller) - I was wrong, the production is top notch. The picture and sound is flawless.

The song selction is great. It has most of the FM Who standards + some rarely played songs (Relay, So Sad About Us, etc.) that the die hard fans hope for.

There are guest appearances that are actually appealing (I would tend to dislike this addition to any show). Highlight of the appearances is Paul Weller (formerly of The Jam) doing an acoustic duet with Pete Townshend.

Overall, it is a much more inspired performance compared to the 1982 Toronto show, or the Isle of Wight DVD.

Check out John Entwistle's bass solo on 5:15 with the "bass cam" giving you a view down the frets. That is a great example of the care that was taken in the production of this release. The Stones recently added this to a few songs in their recent HBO special (think I know where the inspiration for that one came from). Another highlight is Townshend's acoustic version of Drowned.

The special features are pretty good. This is the only DVD I own that has a multi angle feature (finally I was able to get use out of that button on my remote). There is some cool rehearsal footage that you don't want to miss.

I have watched this DVD several times. Think anybody that buys it will be doing the same, especially if they have a surround sound system.

This movie is cinematic gold. It is the most beautiful, heart-wrenching story I have ever seen. Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr make a perfect team. The film is full of so much hope for the two young lovers, however, something devastating happens that will change their lives forever. What happens at the end is so sad and beautiful that I couldn't stop crying. This is a wonderful, top-rate film that you must see.

I really loved this movie. I wasn't expecting to, because I always had thought old movies were probably too old fashioned. This movie is dynamic with dialog that is fun and full of wit. The acting is great, especially Deborah Kerr. She seems so relaxed when she delivers her lines. I feel like they both had a good time making the movie. Cary Grant so much reminds me of George Clooney, I'm not exactly sure why, but he does. I liked the story line and the color of the film, its depth. It was just an overall must see. The film pulls on your heart a bit and it is a romance, so hopefully women will not be the only ones who want to watch this movie, enough said. It really makes you want to find the one out there thats just for You!!
Lisa Nary

In April of this year I bought this DVD. I love it so much. I remember when I was little and saw it . It brought tears to my eyes. I especially love the special features that are on this DVD. I have always loved The Extremely hansome an Debonair Cary Grant. He is a role model of what Male Actors Should Be.

Cary Grant, and Deborah Kerr meet on a Ocean Cruise well they meet and they fall in love. But one problem They are both already engaged to different people. Well as the Ocean Voyage goes on they get more and more romantic. Well when they get off the boat they make an agreement that 6 Months from that day they would meet at the top of the Empire State Building to see if they still love each other. Well that day comes and Cary Grant is on the top floor. But as Deborah Kerr is running to the Empire State Building she gets ran into by a car and is paralyzed. But at the end Cary Grant finds her and they Kiss and Get Married. Great Movie. The way that all movies are supposed to be.

This movie is cinematic gold. It is the most beautiful, heart-wrenching story I have ever seen. Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr make a perfect team. The film is full of so much hope for the two young lovers, however, something devastating happens that will change their lives forever. What happens at the end is so sad and beautiful that I couldn't stop crying. This is a wonderful, top-rate film that you must see.

I really loved this movie. I wasn't expecting to, because I always had thought old movies were probably too old fashioned. This movie is dynamic with dialog that is fun and full of wit. The acting is great, especially Deborah Kerr. She seems so relaxed when she delivers her lines. I feel like they both had a good time making the movie. Cary Grant so much reminds me of George Clooney, I'm not exactly sure why, but he does. I liked the story line and the color of the film, its depth. It was just an overall must see. The film pulls on your heart a bit and it is a romance, so hopefully women will not be the only ones who want to watch this movie, enough said. It really makes you want to find the one out there thats just for You!!
Lisa Nary

In April of this year I bought this DVD. I love it so much. I remember when I was little and saw it . It brought tears to my eyes. I especially love the special features that are on this DVD. I have always loved The Extremely hansome an Debonair Cary Grant. He is a role model of what Male Actors Should Be.

Cary Grant, and Deborah Kerr meet on a Ocean Cruise well they meet and they fall in love. But one problem They are both already engaged to different people. Well as the Ocean Voyage goes on they get more and more romantic. Well when they get off the boat they make an agreement that 6 Months from that day they would meet at the top of the Empire State Building to see if they still love each other. Well that day comes and Cary Grant is on the top floor. But as Deborah Kerr is running to the Empire State Building she gets ran into by a car and is paralyzed. But at the end Cary Grant finds her and they Kiss and Get Married. Great Movie. The way that all movies are supposed to be.

He should also release "From Russia With Elton", and "Live in Australia" as well. Maybe he'll do somerthing now that the Disney Theater is open in Los Angeles?

This would have been great had he put something out similar to "Here and There", where the first part was an intimate, "unplugged" performance, and the second half was more of a rock show.

There should be a video collection from past and present compiled in 2 DVDs. I think it's gresat to see him in the early days doing "Your Song" when he really didn't have much money, or some of the live shows he did for TV that haven't been seen in years. Not to mention all the videos he's done since the mid-70s. I remember seeing "Step into Xmas" and "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" as promo videos. I think having it end with the "West Coast" videos would be great. I'm disappointed that they are passing off this show as a "Greatest Hits" DVD, with the same cover as Greatest Hits 1970-2002.

Being a very big fan of Elton John, I just LOVED this concert. But beware, the duets are HORRIBLE.

These classics would've been better off with Elton singing solo.

I'm so upset. But the DVD is certainly worth purchasing.

Try the Barcelona concert, too. That one is certainly a kickin' DVD.

I'll give you a star explanation of what each bandmate did.
For starters Elton is excellent. His voice is fine, unlike what some say, and he plays piano beautifully. *****
Davey Johnstone- Incredible. He's always perfect, singing and playing guitar. Great job, Davey. *****
John Jorgenson- What is WITH this man? He must have had seven coffees before the show because he NEVER gets tired! He plays like seven different instruments. He's practically a one man band. *****
John Mahon- I think percussion is the essential part of a recording (I'm an amateur drummer) and John does a great job at what he does. *****
Billy Trudel and Ken Stacey- I can't really give a starred review as their voices are lost with everyone else's. ****
Bob Birch- Excellent bass player. He even gets into the funk on "Philadelphia Freedom." Good job. *****
Curt Bisquera- Why in the name of Keith Moon did they hire this guy? They didn't need double drums, all they needed was Nigel! **
Nigel Olsson- Breathtaking. Priceless. Excellent. *****

You may be noticing that I didn't include Guy Babylon in here. Why? He plays the synthesizer/ keyboards throughout the show and gives it a too-modern feel. Don't ever do this to us again Elton. Hire James Newton-Howard on the organ/harpsichord/Moog/Arp/Elka/clavinet and a full orchestra just NOT THIS GUY!
Great overall.

This is actually a pretty informative and entertaining look at Star Trek fans and how they love the shows and movies of Star Trek. Denise Crosby did a good job hosting the film and I wish someone would make a similar film that looks at the fans of Star Wars.

While I'll admit that many of the people in this film are far more fanatical about Star Trek than I am, I must say that I found myself identifying with them at more than one turn. It is the blessing of Trekkies/Trekkers/Spiner Femmes that they are able to love Star Trek but also joke about their own obsessions. I often found myself breathless during this film, but I don't think I would have found it so funny if I didn't see small elements of myself in the people involved. It is my love for Star Trek that allows this movie to find a good natured place with me. I'm sure some people who don't like Star Trek find this enjoyable as a mean spirited form of humor, but to me, and I'm sure for the producers, it is a good natured laugh with the fans of a fantastic show.

I've fallen away from the Star Trek phenomenon since TNG went off the air, but in many ways this documentary has reinvigorated me in the year 2003. People are fascinating when they relax enough to reveal themselves. Many in this film reveal sides that would make any mother shudder, but these are basically very good people with a quirky passion.