Rodent's Reviews

Registered User

10-02-12

Just bought this movie this year and have watched it a few times with my nephews boys who loved it

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JayDee

Miss Vicky's Loyal and Willing Slave

10-02-12

As I mentioned on the Joe Dante thread recently I have been meaning to watch The Explorers for a long while. Will need to look out the disc where I taped it and give it a shot sometime.

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The Rodent

Rodent's Reviews: Delivering The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly In Film

Rodent's Reviews: PART DEUX!

Rodent's 1950-Present Sci-Fi And Futuristic Fantasy Movies

I Am Rick Cottontree

10-03-12

Part Of Rodent's 15 Review Marathon Of The 1980s Classics And Their Sequels

Review #156 (11th of 15): The Untouchables

Elliott Ness, a hot headed and self-sure Beaureau Of Prohibition officer is called into Chicago to stop Al Capone from illegally selling booze at extortionate prices. Ness summons a team of his choosing that consists of Beat Cop Jimmy Malone, new recruit to the police and hot-shot youngster George Stone and an accountant called Oscar Wallace.

The four head out into the big city to bring an end to Capone's criminal dealings... but what none of them counted on was exactly how dangerous Capone really is and they will all be taken down the ugly paths of justice, injustice, police corruption and good old fashioned gunfights.

Another brilliant turn of direction from Brian De Palma brings a beautifully shot and written movie to the screen.

The Untouchables is quite often forgotten about when it comes to movie 'classics'... which is a shame really.
It's a very stylish and gritty turn of events that, with a little artistic licence, gives the viewer some really fine thrills and spills.

The screenplay is top work though. Watching how the team of heroes piece together their investigation and the variety of character that's contained within the group really brings out the best in the cast and gives the story a wonderful flavour of character too.

There's lashings of differing styles as well depending what scene is currently playing. It tends to change dramatically in tone depending whether there's a hero or a villain on screen, which adds much much more to the proceedings.

The other thing the movie has is genuine emotion laced throughout. It's not just a typical gangster shoot 'em up actioner with a story behind it. There's masses of character driven plots and subplots and some of it is pretty touching too.

The acting is also great.
Kevin Costner as Elliott Ness is, well, typical Costner. He's excitable, full of charisma and has a real authority about him when he's on the chase. The quieter scens at home with his family are also played well by Costner.

Andy Garcia is good too as the young recruit George Stone. His natural on-screen chemistry with everyone else is top work and you can tell he's enjoying himself. For me, it's one of Garcia's best roles.
Charles Martin Smith is as always a breath of fresh air as Oscar Wallace. His out of his depth persona works really well with the character and eventually comes into his own toward the end and shows his worth as a tough guy.

Sean Connery however, isn't quite what I was expecting. He plays the role really well, as is always the case with Sean. However he was supposed to be playing an Irishman... and Connery's accent is worse than his attempts in Red October... it's like he couldn't be ar*ed. Still though, his on screen presence is always a good point.

Robert De Niro steals the show almost though as Capone. He's not on screen as much as the others but when he is... wow. De Niro's natural ability to play it cool and extremely threatening at the same time really shines in the role and when he explodes, oh boy does the audience feel it.

Back up comes from the wonderful Patricia Clarkson and the slimy Billy Drago.

There are a few hits of action throughout too and it's well put together. Some of it misses the mark a little though, I couldn't help but want it to be a little bigger.
Still though, the well rounded and different characteristics of the main cast really shows the action for what it is.

The whole lot blends and works brilliantly together.

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All in all, like a few I've covered on here, it's not perfect... but it's still a really gritty yet highly stylised telling of the Al Capone story... this time with the good guys at the foreground, which gives it an edge over most other Capone movies.
There are also some really moving and sombre scenes throughout too that never fail to capture the audience.

My rating: 92%

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Last edited by The Rodent; 05-16-14 at 01:50 PM.

TylerDurden99

Good whiskey make jackrabbit slap de bear.

10-03-12

I really like The Untouchables, good performances, good script, good soundtrack, just a good movie in general.

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nebbit

Registered User

10-03-12

just watched this yesterday must be channeling you

The Rodent

I Am Rick Cottontree

10-03-12

Hehehehe!

*cue spooky music*

mastermetal777

Msg

I don't remember asking you a ******* thing!

10-03-12

Funny, cuz I've always heard about how De Niro's Performance is the weakest in The Untouchables. I found it to be a great one from De Niro, myself.

The Rodent

I Am Rick Cottontree

10-05-12

Part Of Rodent's 15 Review Marathon Of The 1980s Classics And Their Sequels

Review #157 (12th of 15): Flight Of The Navigator

While celebrating the 4th Of July with his parents, David Freeman is asked by them to collect his younger brother from a friends house so they can carry on the celebrations as a family.

David decides to take a short-cut through a nearby wooded area but falls off the edge of a small cliff and knocks himself out cold.
Upon waking up he heads home, a little drowsy and feeling knocked about, only to realise that his family have vanished from his home and in his home are strange people.
It transpires that David has been missing for 8 years, his younger brother is now older than him and his parents now look like grandparents... yet David hasn't aged at all.

When NASA scientists, researching the appearance of an Alien craft hear of this turn of events, the call David in for testing...

... but this 'chance' meeting will take David, and the occupent of the Alien craft, on a fantastic voyage of discovery and adventure with the authorities hot on their trail.

Another lovely movie for my thread, Navigator is another film that utilises extremes in tone from act to act and does it extremely well too.

It all starts out very brooding and full of spooky mystery and sci-fi fantasy mixed with some really fine discovery... then goes for a more comedy orientated and slightly zany but still very engaging sci-fi adventure.
The comedy and humour doesn't disappoint either. Most of it comes from Max, the alien. He has a character developement very early on after his introduction that makes him one of cinema's most memorable characters. There are some other humourous characters and scenes too, but like I said, it's mostly from Max.

What makes the whole thing work though is that the screenplay is absolutely fantastic. The entire story unfolds in front of the characters and the audience in a friendly yet relatively complex way, there's a wonderful backstory going on too that keeps the viewer fixed to the screen.

The more exciting scenes of action anda peril are also well put together. There's not massive amounts of explosions and chases, but the more highly charged scenes are given a sci-fi/sci-fact blend and utilises alien tech on board the craft in a fantasy based yet believeable way.

It's hard to explain but basically the whole thing combines elements of fantasy and realism perfectly and gives what is basically a child friendly movie a real edge over almost any other sci-fi movie going, even after near 30 years.

The acting is also top drawer. It's mainly based around David and Max on their adventure with the others actors playing backup.

Joey Cramer plays David. He's wonderfully lost in the series of events and the more emotional scenes of being a 12 year old boy in the situation he's in, are played perfectly by Cramer.
Paul Reubens is the voiceover of Max. He's highly enthusiastic, full of charisma and really brings the puppet to life.

Back up comes from Veronica Cartwright and Cliff DeYoung as David's parents and Matt Adler as David's little/older brother.
Howard Hesseman makes a great show too as the leading NASA scientist, researching David and the craft.

An early show from Sarah Jessica Parker is another plus point, it's nice to see her actually acting rather than just looking like a bloke in drag and talking about sex.

Adler in particular stands out from the rest of the cast and has a relatively important role toward the end.

The effects are another top piece of filmmaking. All of it comes from the scenes with the Alien craft. There's combinations of early CGI and practical effects mixed with miniatures and the puppetry and design of the various pieces of alien tech seen through out are rendered/built/handled absolutely perfectly.
Some of it does show around the edges if compared to today's effects technology, but even so, it's still mesmerising to watch.

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All in all, a family friendly movie filled with mystery, humour, a little action, great effects and some really fine acting and voiceover.
Mainly for the kids but adults will enjoy the funride of discovery and sci-fi adventure.
If anything, it's that good a film as a whole, it's almost too good for a family/kids movie.

My rating: 96%

Last edited by The Rodent; 05-16-14 at 01:50 PM.

TheUsualSuspect

28 days...6 hours...42 minutes...12 seconds

10-05-12

That film brings back memories of my childhood. Loooooove it.

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Suspect's Reviews

akatemple

"akatemple of movie reviews"

Sit Ubu Sit.... Good Dog

10-05-12

I love all these 80's classics, really bringing back memories, great reviews Rodent.

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The Rodent

I Am Rick Cottontree

10-05-12

I've had a look at my list of 20... most of them are sci-fi and fantasy... Navigator, Explorers, Big Trouble In Little China, Who Framed Roger Rabbit? etc etc...

... I've got a couple of others on the list, war, comedy, but I guess it kinda shows why the 80s was such a special decade... the memorable movies are mainly sci-fi and fantasy based adventure movies.

Glad you're liking the nostalgia trip though guys!

Deadite

Badash Mofo

10-05-12

Great review of Navigator!

I had known about The Untouchables for years before I finally got around to watching it. I have to admit I was a bit underwhelmed but it was still a good solid crime drama. Have to agree that De Niro was one of the highlights for me. Very menacing performance.

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JayDee

Miss Vicky's Loyal and Willing Slave

10-05-12

Originally Posted by The Rodent

but I guess it kinda shows why the 80s was such a special decade... the memorable movies are mainly sci-fi and fantasy based adventure movies.

Exactly what I was saying when I was listing all those type of movies.

The Rodent

I Am Rick Cottontree

10-05-12

Part Of Rodent's 15 Review Marathon Of The 1980s Classics And Their Sequels

Review #158 (13th of 15): Platoon

In 1967, Chris Taylor is thrown into the harsh world of the Vietnam War.
Finding it hard to fit in around some of the more battle hardened members of the Platoon, he finds himself alienated and contemplating some of his failings in life and how fruitless war really is.
As his tour of duty goes on, he becomes a more respected soldier in the group, but at the same time discovers the real depths of depravity that the human psyche can delve to...

... and as his mission goes deeper into the Jungle, he discovers that his Band of Brothers have become just as twisted as the mission itself.

A highly philosophical war movie laced with one of the best screenplays and some of the finest acting in any movie of its kind, Platoon is an absolute must see for any movie fan.

The special thing about the movie though is that the philosophical side of the film from Taylor's point of view isn't built on to the point of becoming boring.
The movie has a tendency to throw action and some disturbing turns of events into the mix, showing the Platoon's reactions during the action and events, then having Taylor show and talk (with an inner monologue) about what he's just seen.

It's an incredibly clever balancing act of drama, action, emotion and sheer acting.

There's also some immensly clever and real character developements throughout too with the various soldiers involved. The ensemble cast makes the best of the developements too, they're all on serious top form.

The other thing is the occasional hits of humour throughout, some of it from the soldiers' reactions to the more exciting scenes but mainly during their down time when they're resting in their tents and camps.
It's very realistic in tone and dialogue.

The effects and action are a definite plus point in the technical side of things too. It's occasionally gory and explosive but utilises fear and human emotion more than anything else and the well written characters add a massive depth to the horrors that are unfolding on screen.
The filmmakers keep it real too, there's no Hollywood nonsense going on in the action.
The other thing is that the film isn't just an all out guns blazing movie, the action is used to tell the story rather than having the story take a backseat to the action.

The acting though, like I said is top drawer.
Charlie Sheen as Taylor is a wonderful turn from Sheen. His character also has a back story and his progression through the story, from newbie to hardened but haunted soldier are fantastically written. It's also by far one of Sheen's most memorable roles.

Tom Berenger and Willem Dafoe though are the stand out roles as Sergeant Barnes and Sergeant Elias respectively. Their chalk and cheese personas and differing styles, expecially when they come to loggerheads with one another is certainly some of cinema's greatest showdowns.

Forrest Whittaker, Kevin Dillon, Keith David and Johnny Depp are just a handful of recognisable stars on show giving backup.
John C McGinley stands out among the others too though as a slimy Sergeant who has probably the worst luck out of all the cast.

The soundtrack really ties the film together too. It's not very often I mention soundtracks but Director Oliver Stone really hits the nail on the head.

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All in all, a damn fine war movie and it keeps it extremely real in the turns of events. Top acting, top action, top screenplay and top character writing.
It also outweighs most Vietnam movies in terms of sheer tone and direction.

My rating: 98%

Last edited by The Rodent; 05-16-14 at 01:51 PM.

The Rodent

I Am Rick Cottontree

10-06-12

Part Of Rodent's 15 Review Marathon Of The 1980s Classics And Their Sequels

Review #159 (14th of 15): Uncle Buck

Bob and Cindy Russell have a problem, Cindy's father has taken a turn for the worse and they have to visit as it may be the last time they get.
Unable to find a sitter to look after their 3 children, they're forced into calling Bob's brother, a lazy, good for nothing slacker.
They're extremely uncomfortable, especially Cindy, with leaving the kids under Buck's care... but they have no choice...

... so they call Uncle Buck, and just hope that the house is still in one piece and the dog is still alive when they get back...

Another John Hughes comedy for the collection, Uncle Buck is an incredibly realised, immensely funny and heartwarming tale of family, morals, life lessons and, at times, basic slapstick.

For a start, the premise is very simple, but Hughes and the cast have built on the simple plot and created some of the most memorable scenes in cinema history.
Most of the humour is mainly down to John Candy and his character's fish-out-of-water shenanigans and yet, when he decides to take charge of his situation in his own personal way, his character really comes to life and even more comedy takes place.

The screenplay is pretty formulaic, broken home (almost) with the eldest kid being a tearaway but being 'shown the light' and the overall learning curve of a guy who's out of his depth etc... but it's the humour involved and the fact that everyone involved seems to have enjoyed themselves that lifts the screenplay and plot magnificently.

There's also the scenes of more serious filmmaking too, especially with the morals and life lessons I mentioned a minute ago.
Mainly based around relationships with boyfriends, girlfriends, in-laws, family etc but it's still nicely pieced together and is really quite touching at times too.
Buck's treatment of Tia's boyfriend is definitely a highlight of the movie and one that most uncles and parents can associate with!

The overall acting involved is also pretty good.
John Candy is definitely at his best as Buck. He's engaging, funny and has a superb chemistry with everyone who is on screen with him. As usual with Candy, he's able to play the serious side of things wonderfully too.
Jean Louisa Kelly as the eldest kid called Tia is also good in the role. She's a tearaway with a chip on her shoulder and really plays it very, very well. She has little to no humour with her character, but she plays off well against John Candy.

Macaulay Culkin and Gaby Hoffmann as twins Miles and Maizy are also on top form. Culkin in particular has a massive chemistry with Candy and the two little actors really make for good humour too.

Back up comes from Amy Madigan, Jay Underwood and Laurie Metcalf.

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All in all, not much else to say about the film... still though, it's flat out funny from start to end, has some fine acting, some great comedic dialogue, occasional slapstick and a good spoonful of emotional content thrown in too.
Top 80s comedy.

My rating: 90%

Last edited by The Rodent; 05-16-14 at 01:51 PM.

Deadite

Badash Mofo

10-06-12

I adore Uncle Buck. Those characters still live and breathe in my head. For me, it's one of the very best comedies of the 80s, full of heart and hilarity but with touches of sincere drama to it that make it more than a cliched situational comedy. It got me to care about the characters as people. John Candy's performance was phenomenal, awkwardly endearing yet the movie didn't feel overly sentimental to me, just rather memorably bittersweet.

nebbit

Registered User

10-06-12

Uncle Buck

The Rodent

I Am Rick Cottontree

10-08-12

Part Of Rodent's 15 Review Marathon Of The 1980s Classics And Their Sequels

Review #160 (15th of 15): Weird Science

Gary and Wyatt are two nerds... they have little to no reputation, no girlfriends and are seen as outsiders by the 'in' kids at school.
In their spare time in Wyatt's bedroom, as a kind of wishful thinking, they devise a Frankenstein style experiment to create the perfect woman using a computer, a barbie doll and pictures cut from a pile of magazines...

... what the geeky duo failed to realise was that a bolt of lightning would hit the house and make their fantasy come true... and a rather beautiful Kelly LeBrock magically appears in Wyatt's bedroom.

A really, really strange movie based on the comics of the same name, Weird Science combines elements of all sorts of influences... Frankenstein, Bedazzled, some more far out scenes that reminded me of dream sequences from American Werewolf In London and even some influences from Robert A Heinlein stories.

Director Hughes though has managed to create an pretty funny, wacky and yet strangely loveable turn of events that has aged relatively well over the years.

The screenplay is a bit lacking and the overall story and plot of a guy (in this case two guys) having a Guide to help them overcome their own failings, fears and makes wishes come true for the weakling hero has been done a few times... but Weird Science goes for the more extreme side of things in terms of character and plot points.

It can at times get a little wearing... the fantastical side of the story and the supernatural goings on reach tipping point on occasion and gets a little overcooked but what makes it work is the chalk-chalk-cheese of the main trio.
The three characters are very engaging and hold the humour up tp some really great heights and it actually forces the slightly lacking and OTT plot and fantasy to work.

The overall acting is good.
Anthony Michael Hall and IIan Mitchell-Smith as Gary and Wyatt are wonderfully nerdy and confused in the various dealings and situations they're thrown in. They work great together and their differing styles contrast and blend brilliantly as believeable school pals.
Kelly LeBrock makes a brilliant show as Lisa, the boys' creation. He natural chemistry with all involved and seemingly endless charisma and sexy charm is brilliantly different to Hall and Mitchell-Smith.

Bill Paxton also makes a great show as Wyatt's older bully of a brother. Paxton revels in the role and seems to have had tons of fun in his relatively short lived screen time.

Robert Downey Jr, Robert Rusler, rent-a-baddie Vernon Wells and Michael Berryman give back up in the various weird events.

There's not masses of action going on, but there are some hits of high energy scenes from time to time and the more fantastical stuff going on is, like I said, backed up well by the humour involved.
Some of the effects are a bit dated too by today's standard.

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All in all, not one of Hughes' best and technically not one of the greatest 80s films in the world... but it's still a cult fave and has some memorable scenes, imaginative characters and some well utilised ideas going on throughout.
Not all of it works but it's still a lot of fun for a night in.

My rating: 79%

Last edited by The Rodent; 05-16-14 at 01:52 PM.

dadgumblah

Registered User

10-12-12

Love Weird Science, mainly for Anthony Michael Hall's performance and the brilliance that is Bill Paxton. I still laugh at him every time I see this flick. His line near the end..."It was done out of love"...I use that one a lot. Hilarious! Nice review.

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The Rodent