Lincoln—very smartly written political script—portrays American President Abraham Lincoln as a more than astute politician deeply committed to ensuring future generations of African slaves their personal rights to freedom while defining American destiny. The film becomes another Steven Spielberg classic that not only entertains, but teaches and inspires. Daniel Day-Lewis (My Left Foot and Last of the Mohicans) is, as usual, at the top of his form, as he interprets the character of Abraham Lincoln. Sally Fields, brilliantly cast as Mrs. Lincoln, creates an absolutely perfect male/female tension between herself and Daniel Day-Lewis. The movie deserves an A+ rating across the board. The script, deeply thoughtful, makes its audience feel like we purchased insider seats on the actions that changed the course of a nation’s conscience.
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Additional Thanks
Thank you to Director Steven Spielberg for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producers Jonathan King, Daniel Lupi, and Jeff Skoll for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: William Seward (David Strathairn), Robert Lincoln (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), W. N. Bilbo (James Spader), Preston Blair (Hal Holbrook), and Thaddeus Stevens (Tommy Lee Jones).
Raiders of the Lost Ark has
mesmerizedaudiences, as of this 2018
writing, for 37 years and continues to be the definition of action/adventure
films based on its unique storyline, well-written script, perfectly timed
sequencing, exotic stage settings, casting choices, ‘fresh’ action scenes, and
satisfying breaks of unforgettable comedy. Kudos to Director Steven Spielberg
and Producer George Lucas for creation of an entirely satisfying saga.
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Storyline
Nazis
search for the Ark of the Covenant, Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) finds it, and
the fight is on to establish control of the priceless archaeological find.
Additional Thanks
Thank You to Director Steven Spielberg for directing effort.
Thank you to Executive Producers Howard G. Kazanjian and George Lucas for making
the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Marion (Karen Allen),
Bellog (Paul Freeman), Toht (Ronald Lacey), Sallah (John Rhys-Davies), Brody
(Denholm Elliott), Sapito (Alfred Molina), Dietrich (Wolf Kahler), Gobler
(Anthony Higgins), Barranca/Monkey Man (Vic Tablian), and Colonel Musgrove (Don
Fellows).
Indiana Jones and the Last
Crusade—may be the best of the series—spices it up a bit with the addition
of Sean Connery’s performance as Indiana Jones’ father. The relationship and dynamics
between the two are unforgettable. Great performance for both actors. Once
again, the audience gets the treat of non-stop adventure, journeying to unknown
regions and, believe it or not, pushes its envelope beyond even that. Thank you
to Steven Spielberg and George Lucas for providing an adventure that audiences will
not soon forget and love to view time and time again. Best work by all
involved. This movie is the third installment in a four-set saga. It takes 19
years to release the next story in the series: Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.
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Storyline
Indiana
Jones (Harrison Ford) and his father, Dr. Jones (Sean Connery) search for the
Holy Grail.
Additional Thanks
Thank
You to Director Steven Spielberg for directing effort. Thank you to Executive
Producers George Lucas and Frank Marshall for making the film possible.
Additional characters/cast include: Marcus Brody (Denholm Elliott), Elsa
(Alison Doody), Sallah (John Rhys-Davies), Walter Donovan (Julian Glover), Young
Indy (River Phoenix), Vogel (Michael Byrne), and Kazim (Kevork Malikyan).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes.
It’s worth every dime and every minute of your time to see this movie. The special
effects are spectacular. Sean Connery works with Harrison Ford like a dream.
The Lovely Bones—another
Peter Jackson-directed classic—deals with the serial killer persona and how
that can be enabled. The story runs with a strong spiritual background that
helps relieve its gruesome reality. A Bravo! Bravo! film that needs to be
watched if for nothing else than education concerning this
personality type and as a precautionary tale.
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Storyline
Fourteen-year-old
Susie Salmon (Saoirse Ronan) makes a deadly mistake and ends up a victim of serial
killer George Harvey (Stanley Tucci).
Additional Thanks
Thank
You to Director Peter Jackson for directing effort. Thank you to Executive
Producers Ken Kamins, Tessa Ross, Steven Spielberg, and James Wilson for making
the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jack Salmon (Mark
Wahlberg), Abigail Salmon (Rachel Weisz), Grandma Lynn (Susan Sarandon), Len
Fenerman (Michael Imperioli), Lindsey Salmon (Rose McIver), Buckley Salmon
(Christian Ashdale), Ray Singh (Reece Ritchie), Ruth Connors (Carolyn Dando), Holly
(Nikki SooHoo), Samuel Heckler (Andrew James Allen), and Brian Nelson (Jake
Abel).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes.
Hard-to-get-through, unpalatable, but must be told, subject matter serves the late
teen/adult audience. It takes an outstanding set of producers and directors to
balance earthly savageness with the kindness of heaven, but the right people
were involved to perfectly balance this hard-to-be-told story. Kudos to Director
Peter Jackson, Steven Spielberg, DreamWorks Pictures, WingNut Films, and Film4
Productions.
Indiana Jones and the Temple of
Doom falls into that elite ‘multiple-rewatch-is-absolutely-gonna-happen’
classification that only a few films achieve. The movie captivates its audience
with superlative background sets, terrific actors, outstanding script, tense
action sequences laced with comedic episodes to break tension, and balances
everything with that unique aura that dominates the Indiana Jones series. Watch
for the cameo appearance of Dan Aykroyd.
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Storyline
Indiana
Jones (Harrison Ford) finds himself involved in an adventure to rescue children, retrieve
Sankara stones, and defeat members of the Thuggee cult.
Additional Thanks
Thank
You to Director Steven Spielberg for directing effort. Thank you to Executive
Producers George Lucas and Frank Marshall for making the film possible.
Additional characters/cast include: Willie Scott
(Kate Capshaw), Short Round (Jonathan Ke Quan), Mola Ram (Amrish Puri), Chattar
Lal (Roshan Seth), Captain Blumburtt (Philip Stone), Lao Che (Roy Chiao), Wu
Han (David Yip), Kao Kan (Ric Young), Chen (Chua Kah Joo), Maitre d’ (Rex
Ngui), Chief Henchman (Philip Tan), and Weber (Dan Aykroyd).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes.
The film works as a classic study in non-stop action placed in outrageously exotic
settings while being completely entertaining.
Men in Black—unforgettable film that establishes classic status within the first five minutes—doesn’t flag in its deliverance of originality, creativity, and novelty in every scene and dialogue line. Tommy Lee Jones and Will Smith are a great casting combination. Tony Shalhoub, Vincent D’Onofrio, Rip Torn, and Siobhan Fallon Hogan are terrific choices for supporting cast. This film is award winning entertainment. Great storyline, script, and portrayal. The imaginative rendering of a variety of alien life forms makes this movie outstanding.
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Storyline
Kay (Tommy Lee Jones) serves as an enforcer for aliens who live on earth under a variety of disguises.
Additional Thanks
Thank You to Director Barry Sonnenfeld for directing effort. Thank you to Executive Producer Steven Spielberg for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Jay (Will Smith), Laurel Weaver (Linda Fiorentino), Edgar (Vincent D’Onofiro), Zed (Rip Torn), Jeebs (Tony Shalhoub), Beatrice (Siobhan Fallon Hogan), Gentle Rosenburg (Mike Nussbaum), Van Driver (Jon Gries), José (Sergio Calderón), Arquillian (Carel Struycken), INS Agent Janus (Fredric Lehne), Dee (Richard Hamilton), First Lieutenant Jake Jensen (Kent Faulcon), Mikey (John Alexander), and Perp (Keith Campbell).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. Once in a while a movie is produced that stands alone as completely unique—a one and only. This film is it. It’s winning entertainment.
Amistad,
based loosely on the true story of a slave mutiny aboard the 1839 slave ship, Amistad,
takes us into the courtroom as 50 captured African slaves fight for their
freedom and right to return to Africa. The incident involves the United States Supreme
Court as well as President Martin Van Buren (Nigel Hawthorne). It’s a true-to-form Stephen
Spielberg classic about greed, power, and evil being thwarted by the few just
individuals who fight for right. The tale is told through the eyes of Cinque
(Djimon Hounsou), the leader of the African ship revolt.
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Additional Thanks
Great
work for Director Steven Spielberg. Thank you to Executive Producers Laurie
McDonald and Walter Parkes for making the film possible. Cast
include: Djimon Hounsou, Morgan Freeman, Stellen Skarsgård, Anthony Hopkins, David Paymer, Pete Postlethwaite, and Razaaq
Adoti.
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. This watch works well for Steven Spielberg fans. Video Available Critique Available Here:
T The Fabelmans—WOW!—watch is like the feeling of going to Disneyland
for the first time. Everything is a wonder due to the way the story has been compiled.
The movie bases itself on the events of Steven Spielberg’s early years but uses
the moniker of Sam Fabelman and family to tell its story. This movie is a
winner for movie enthusiasts, aspiring directors, critics, and more. Don’t miss
it.
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Storyline
This
drama film is about: a young man, who from a
very early age, wants to be involved in the film-making industry.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director Steven
Spielberg for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Kristie Macosko Krieger,
Steven Spielberg, and Tony Kushner for making the film possible. Cast includes
Michelle Williams, Paul Dano, Seth Rogen, Gabriel LaBelle, Mateo Zoryan, Keeley Karsten, Alina Brace, Julia Butters, Birdie Borria, Judd Hirsch, Sophia Kopera, Jennie Berlin, Robin Bartlett, Sam Rechner,
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes, and YES! This movie could be easy to miss if a person relies
on plotline alone to determine attendance. Don’t miss it and after watching
think more deeply about the story than a superficial judgement. This again
proves the outstanding value of doing what you are meant to do. It’s another
work of art directed by Steven
Spielberg. The story stands the test of time and will stand as a classic watch
for many years to come.
Fabulous work for all involved.
Munich—intellectual watch—takes
full audience engagement to follow its story line. The script has been written
with depth and excellent tone. Everything in this film works at an above
average level. It is not a formula story nor does it follow a trite, genre
format of spy, action, thriller movies. It bases in real life events and has
been well portrayed. Know that the movie contains full nudity scenes and
mature, adult dialogue. It is wise to read a plotline before engaging this film
to follow the story with complete comprehension.
Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images
Storyline
An Israeli sports team is attacked at the Munich
Olympic games.
Additional
Thanks
Thank
you to Director Steven Spielberg for directing effort. Thank you to Producers
Steven Spielberg, Kathleen Kennedy, Barry Mendel, and Colin Wilson for making
the film possible. Cast includes: Eric Bana, Daniel Craig, Ciarán Hinds, Mathieu Kassovitz, Hanns Zischler, and Geoffrey Rush.
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. This movie works outside established legal order and becomes a ‘James
Bond’- type story in an effort to accomplish justice. It earns its watch time
and monetary investment.
Duel—wonderful walk down memory lane in classic film-making
techniques—offers a WOW! treatment for this thriller/action film. Director
Steven Spielberg offers a parade of scenes and dialogue that capture the audience
from the film’s beginning to its ending. When many movies, in recent years,
have lost the technique this film shows, this movie relies on all the small
nuances that create an outstanding production. The movie struts into theater release
quality. It’s original release as
television entertainment comes as a surprise. Wonderful watch shows Dennis
Weaver on a much higher quality level of acting than some other roles in the past
years. This comes recommended as a good addition to the home video library.
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Storyline
A business man is terrorized by a gasoline truck while traveling on the highway.
Additional Thanks
Thank you to Director Steven Spielberg for directing efforts.
Thank you to Producer George Eckstein for making the film possible. Cast
includes: Dennis Weaver, Jacqueline Scott, and Carey Loftin.
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. This is a creative, unique story with
superior camera work. It has some interesting and innovative filming techniques
at the beginning of the film, such as the radio broadcast, that add to the
quality of the film.
Empire of the Sun—incredibly good watch—shows exceptional acting
skill in one of Christian Bale’s early acting works. His supporting cast of John
Malkovich and Joe Pantoliano become the perfect choices to balance the story’s well-written and
well-timed script. The haunting musical score works at the unforgettable level
and features Christian Bale performing a WOW! musical piece that literally sets
the tone for the entire movie. GREAT work for Director Steven Spielberg.
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Storyline
A young boy becomes separated from his parents
during wartime and must find a way to survive.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to
Director Steven Spielberg for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Steven
Spielberg, Kathleen Kennedy, and Frank Marshall for making the film possible.
Cast includes: Christian Bale, John Malkovich, Miranda Richardson, and Nigel
Havers.
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. This finely crafted story becomes an outstanding
example of the talents of Christian Bale and Steven Spielberg’s abilities to
WOW! their audiences. The movie deeply touches the human spirit and involves
its audience on a profound emotional level.
West Side Story—well written script—does not even begin to bring the quality of the
original 1964 movie to the screen. There are some outstanding vocalists that are
chosen for the movie, but there is a human element, a certain heart, that,
while present in the original film, is missing here. It tells the basic story but
without the creativity or fabulous emotional involvement present in the
original entertainment piece.It is what
it is.
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Storyline
Street gangs fight. Young people die. Life goes
on.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Director Steven Spielberg for directing
effort. Thank you to Producers Steven Spielberg, Kristie Macosko Krieger, and
Kevin McCollum for making the film possible. Cast includes: Ansel Elgort,
Ariana DeBose, David Alvarez, Mike Faist, Rita Moreno, and Rachel Zegler.
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. It works as a good story. Choose the 1964 West
Side Story over this one for higher entertainment value.
Ready Player One complicates itself with a continual presentation
of characters from many movies and games that serve in the capacity of 'extras' in
this movie’s presentation. That single production decision diverts attention away from the storyline because as the story progresses one suddenly sees Beetlejuice or Iron Giant in a crowd. This creates an unwelcome
distraction that causes loss of focus. The story progresses forward while the audience is forced to refocus and play 'catch up'. While there is an
overwhelming amount of ‘eye candy’ in the form of technological advancements, there
is also a boring repetitiveness in presentation of the same technology such as the
clear box-shaped screens that are constantly accessed by the characters. It’s almost as if the 'imagination well' for story
telling has run dry and has chosen to rely on improbability to substitute for the well-written story. Depth of story is lacking and the human aspect that makes
one care and become emotionally attached to the characters does not appear in
this film. That aspect has disappeared and is replaced by a cold, almost calculated, indifference. As always, this Spielberg film retains Spielberg's unique
mark, but not as strongly as in his earlier films.
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Storyline
A game offers a high stakes’ prize for successful
accomplishment.
Additional
Thanks
Thank you to Steven
Spielberg for directing effort. Thank you to Producers Donald De Line, Kristie
Macosko Krieger, Steven Spielberg, and Dan Farah for making the film possible. Cast
includes: Tye Sheridan, Olivia Cooke, Ben Mendelsohn, Lena Waithe, T.J. Miller,
Simon Pegg, and Mark Rylance.
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes. Lots of technical eye candy keeps eyes busy,
but artificially-introduced backgrounds tend to de-involve audiences to the
point of distraction.
The Money Pit—comedy—stars
Tom Hanks and Shelley Long. It’s a light comedy and has ‘B’ grade entertainment
appeal. Particularly enjoyable scenes involve construction
workers and their interaction with the owners of the home. There are some sexual references.
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Storyline
Walter Fielding (Tom
Hanks) and Anna Crowley (Shelley Long) buy a lovely mansion at an exceptionally
good price and quickly find that their darling purchase is falling apart. As
their relationship with each other becomes increasingly strained, contractors
come in to renovate and update the whole building.
Additional Thanks
Thank you to Director
Richard Benjamin for his directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producers
David Giler and Steven Spielberg for making the film possible. Additional
characters/cast include: Max Beissart (Alexander Godunov), Estelle (Maureen
Stapleton), Art Shirk (Joe Mantegna), Curly (Philip Bosco), Jack Schnittman
(Josh Mostel), Shatov (Yakov Smirnoff), Brad Shirk (Carmine Caridi), Ethan
(Brian Backer), Benny (Billy Lombardo), Marika (Mia Dillon), and Carlos (John
Van Dreelen)
Buy a ticket?Yes?
No? Maybe?
Maybe. It’s funny and, if you’re a Tom Hanks fan, it will suit
nicely.
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial—one of the best movies of 1982—is another
Steven Spielberg-directed, cultural phenomenon. This classic family film
provides a strong acting platform for introducing the acting talents of young Henry Thomas. E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial works as an outstanding
movie selection for all audiences and a terrific child/adult share movie.
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Storyline
Elliott (Henry Thomas), a 10-year-old
boy, finds an alien in his back yard. His older brother, Michael (Robert
MacNaughton), his little sister Gertie, (Drew Barrymore), and his mother, Mary
(Dee Wallace), find their lives changed forever.
Additional Thanks
Thank
you to Director Steven Spielberg for directing efforts. Thank you to Executive
Producers Kathleen Kennedy and Steven Spielberg for making the film possible.
Additional cast/characters include: Mary (Dee Wallace), Keys (Peter Coyote),
Michael (Robert MacNaughton), Gertie (Drew Barrymore), Greg (K.C. Martel),
Steve (Sean Frye), Tyler (C. Thomas Howell), and Pretty Girl (Erika Eleniak).
Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?
Yes.
It’s a childhood classic that will become as much a part of the nursery library
as collections of Disney animation films, Beatrice Potter stories, Hans Christian Andersen tales, and the illustrated Berenstain Bear stories. Video Critique Available Here:
