I had the pleasure to work with Suzanne Somers today and I have to say that she is all that other folks in my business (film and television production) have told me.

Suzanne was extremely friendly with everyone, no star attitude at...
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I had the pleasure to work with Suzanne Somers today and I have to say that she is all that other folks in my business (film and television production) have told me.

Suzanne was extremely friendly with everyone, no star attitude at all and she made the shoot today go easy and quickly with her professionalism, her wit and a great sense of humor. And all the time, being very up front with her life, her age, her problems (her house burnt to the ground two months ago) and her wonderful, cheerful outlook on life, as a 60 year old woman who has battled Hollywood Studios and breast cancer.

Whatever you may think of her, Suzanne is not Chrisy. She's extremely intelligent and a strong confident woman. We had a great time on set today and I hope others get to meet and see the person I did today. Suzanne Somers seems to offer proof that not everyone who works in the film biz is a jerk!

This is just a fun sci-fi film with a feel good ending and it doesn't matter if the cheese factor is high, or the acting is stiff, or the screen play is hokey or any other reason that critics against the film may spout.

Old plot:...
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This is just a fun sci-fi film with a feel good ending and it doesn't matter if the cheese factor is high, or the acting is stiff, or the screen play is hokey or any other reason that critics against the film may spout.

Old plot: Aliens are about to invade the earth and they don't car about the current occupants. They are bigger and much badder than we are and their technology is light years ahead of us. But like typical Americans, we aren't going to take annihilation laying down. The casting is excellent and the screenplay is actually pretty good, for this type of movie. Robert Loggia, Bill Pullman, Mary McDonnell, Jeff Goldblum, Judd Hirsch, Will Smith, Harry Connick, Jr. and Randy Quaid all put in fine performances in this latter day updating of War Of The Worlds, only without Tom Cruise (thank goodness!!!).

If for some reason you haven't seen the film, and you like good science fiction, then this is the movie to rent for a campy evening at home with family and friends and lot's of buttered popcorn!

Making Waves is an independent film, made on a very small budget, which uses a familiar plot of family discord to showcase one of the most popular spectator sports in the rest of the world, not including the United States: Personal Water Craft...
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Making Waves is an independent film, made on a very small budget, which uses a familiar plot of family discord to showcase one of the most popular spectator sports in the rest of the world, not including the United States: Personal Water Craft (PWC's). We tend to call them Jet Skiis or Sea Doos. The film was shot entirely on location in Florida, on some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. While the plot is familiar and the acting is okay, the PWC footage was shot with real professional skiers and much of it was taken during actually races in Florida and at Arizona's Lake Havasu. Cinematographer Bob Scott (a top sports film shooter) shot the race sequences and if for nothing else, if you are a jet ski racing fan, see the film for those shots, which there are many through out the film.

The only problem is finding a copy of this movie. The Screen Actors Guild stole the film through a law suit and has sat on it ever since it was finished, so it's never been released on DVD. But there are some "bootleg" copies floating around, if you can find them. Good luck!

Well right of the bat I guess I should fess up and reveal that I worked on this Imax film, The Magic Of Flight. I was one of the sound mixers on the movie and did much of the sound recording especially the interviews and behind the scenes sound...
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Well right of the bat I guess I should fess up and reveal that I worked on this Imax film, The Magic Of Flight. I was one of the sound mixers on the movie and did much of the sound recording especially the interviews and behind the scenes sound you hear.

It was a great time and I got to spend about two weeks with The Blue Angels, who have been heroes of mine since I was a boy. Having seen their shows numerous times in the past, when I got the call I just couldn't believe I would be able to go on the inside of one of the two top military demonstration teams in the world.

The film is a documentary on aviation, but centered around The Blue Angels, which is the U.S. Navy's aerobatic demonstration team, made up of real Top Gun level Naval pilots. These pilots are stationed all over the world as part of the everyday Navy, some are in charge of their fighter wing, while others are flight instructors. They compete for one of the eight F/A-18 pilot positions by application, testing, flight trials and approval from upteen levels. When a pilot is approved, Naval Admirals must make the final approvals, since that pilot is leaving a post somewhere and someone else must be moved into that post, along with family. But, when that person moves, someone else must move into THAT post, and so on and so on until all the posts down the line are repositioned. It's quite a procedure.

Magic Of Flight accomplished a lot of firsts, the greatest being the first time an Imax camera had been attached to the outside of a F/A-18 Hornet. A special mount had to be invented by Boeing in order to mount the camera to the skin of the aircraft, resulting in footage that has never been shot before.

In Magic Of Flight, we follow the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps flight demonstration team through it's daily routine of briefings, practice and then live shows. The footage is thrilling and you won't be disappointed if you get to see this film live (such as at the Pensacola Naval Air Station's Imax theater).

I've not seen the DVD yet but will have one soon. If you like military aircraft or are a Blue Angels fan, see this film!

Wow! Put together a dynamite cast, about the country's most celebrated law enforcement agency, through in a plot to kill the President of the United States with the killer a mole in the Secret Service, add to that beautiful cinematography, a...
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Wow! Put together a dynamite cast, about the country's most celebrated law enforcement agency, through in a plot to kill the President of the United States with the killer a mole in the Secret Service, add to that beautiful cinematography, a moving musical score and gorgeous actresses like Kim Basinger and Eva Longoria and you have one fabulous movie, right?

Well, not really. All of the above is true. "The Sentinel" was photographed wonderfully. The cinematography is stunning in places. Both Douglas and Sullivan are engaging in their roles and the supporting cast is top notch. The music score is chilling and exciting all the way through, and the plot, though it may seem familiar to some, is intriguing because we've not considered there being a traitor from within the ranks of the Secret Service.

So why is this movie not a run away hit? One reason. The screenplay. It's weak. We've seen it all before. Everything else is great and the screenplay just doesn't make it. George Nolfi wrote the script and co-produced the movie and it just doesn't work. The directing was adequate and even good in most of the film. But the story just doesn't develope as the movie goes along. We don't "feel" anything for the characters. We aren't emotionally involved with them. We just don't care. And that's because of the screenplay.

What the viewer needed from this film is to connect, to empathize with the characters. It doesn't happen here. All the other elements are there.

After viewing the wide screen DVD, I watched the other features on the disc. In viewing the deleted scenes, I saw some of the reason this movie didn't work. They deleted some of the vary scenes that would help it communicate feelings to the audience. Scenes that helped explain why the characters acted the way they did were cut. Scenes that gave insight into why were deleted, including scenes about the aftermath. Too bad. It would have gone a long way to improving the movie overall.

What the DVD does have are two good short films about the making of the movie and the Secret Service. Those two videos are worth the rental. It tried the commentary and it was dry I stopped.

"The Sentinel" is an okay film when it should have been a great film. But it still makes a good home popcorn eater!

Right. You may not have heard of this film unless you subscribe to the pay cable channel Showtime. First aired in 1999, "Safe House" is the story of a well to do retiree who seems to have a few quirks. His family knows that he was a low...
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Right. You may not have heard of this film unless you subscribe to the pay cable channel Showtime. First aired in 1999, "Safe House" is the story of a well to do retiree who seems to have a few quirks. His family knows that he was a low end employee for the government. But more openly he tries to convince them that he is an ex-agent for a very clandestine intelligence agency, one with a very spotted past, and one now in danger.

Of course the family thinks he's losing his mind and they take him from doctor to doctor to see what is wrong. Soon, the diagnosis is given, and it's not good. Alzheimer's. And fast moving too.

While this little family drama is taking place, two other events are happening in the world. His alleged agency boss is the front runner for President of the United States, and all of his supposed agency comrades are being murdered, one by one. Mace Sowell (Patrick Stewart) apparently holds the key to the murders and to the Presidency, but in his state of dementia, he is sure that everyone he sees or hears is out to kill him. Thus, he never leaves the house because it is "Safe".

The first time you see the film, you won't be sure of anything throughout the movie, as the screenplay is well written and doesn't give away the surprise ending. After seeing the movie a second time, you now know the truth, and the surprise, but it's still an enjoyable romp through the world of secret agents and what possible could happen after they "retire".

Patrick Stewart is perfect for the part and very enjoyable to watch. Kimberly Williams plays his home care giver and is certainly not hard on the eyes. Hector Elizondo is cast as Mace's latest doctor and lends a sympathetic ear to the agent's condition, trying to help him but recognizing what is approaching quickly.

The DVD is attractively packaged and when inserted, seems to reveal a lot of features. But alas, this was a cable tv movie, though very well shot, and the features are short and somewhat disappointing. It boasts cast and crew interviews, but they are two minute sound bites with Patrick, Kimberly and writer/director Eric Steven Stahl. Extra languages are only Spanish. It is closed captioned. The cover says interactive game but it's a simple puzzle that reveals another two minute interview with Stewart. There are a couple of other throw away menu items. And the film was shot 4 by 3, for the small screen. This was after all 1999, so no one then was thinking High Def television and wide screen plasma tvs.

All in all, "Safe House" is a delightful film that any fans of spy-fi, James Bond, and Pat Stewart will enjoy. And most other folks will too. Rent it today!

A great little film. It delights. It makes you mad. You'll probably cry. And you feel involved.

Top flight acting from a super cast! For some reason, if you haven't seen it, it's definitely a great rental or watch it on television. [+] Read Full Review

A great little film. It delights. It makes you mad. You'll probably cry. And you feel involved.

Top flight acting from a super cast! For some reason, if you haven't seen it, it's definitely a great rental or watch it on television.

October Sky, one of those hidden treasures that most missed in the theater. See it at home today!

Lot's of fans of this movie and Tom Hanks here! I can't say that it's a top favorite of mine, but it is a good film, and well done. And if it's on the telly, I'll definitely be there watching it while I am working on the computer.

Tom...
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Lot's of fans of this movie and Tom Hanks here! I can't say that it's a top favorite of mine, but it is a good film, and well done. And if it's on the telly, I'll definitely be there watching it while I am working on the computer.

Tom said in an interview that they really tried to be as accurate as possible, so the few minor slips here and there are those they just didn't care about or couldn't avoid in condensing months and years of work into a 2+ hour movie.

If you haven't seen it ever, or just haven't seen it in a while, we all know the end of the story...they make it back alive! So get your Net Flix going and rent it again! That popcorn is getting a little stale sitting in the cupboard!

.....that on the Ed Sullivan Show, the Beatles did play!

Talk about an event staged for television changing the world forever! Wow!

Yes, I was there. Sitting in front of the box, watching the black and white images of...
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.....that on the Ed Sullivan Show, the Beatles did play!

Talk about an event staged for television changing the world forever! Wow!

Yes, I was there. Sitting in front of the box, watching the black and white images of four lads from Liverpool, rocking and rolling and singing and playing like no one else I had ever seen or heard before in my 12 years of life at the time.

Needless to say, it had a profound affect on me and many of the 73 million other people in this country that watched them. I became a professional musician and have traveled in about 20 foreign countries on 13 tours overseas, as well as across this country, Canada and Mexico.

Anyone else here happen to be sitting in front of the tube, Feb. 9th, 1964 watching The Beatles change the world forever?

Straight out of the comic book, "Predator" ranks as one of the finest sci-fi classics of our times.

With a strong cast, comic book quality scrip, and top level special effects, Predator kicks butt all the way through until...
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Straight out of the comic book, "Predator" ranks as one of the finest sci-fi classics of our times.

With a strong cast, comic book quality scrip, and top level special effects, Predator kicks butt all the way through until the end. I had no idea how the film would conclude until the final scene. Schwarzenegger is perfect as super soldier Major "Dutch" Schaeffer who has no idea what his squad of commandos has accidently gotten itself into. Carl Weathers, Elpidia Carrillo and even Jesse Ventura all fit their roles to a tee. So just in case you've not seen this one, and you're into sci-fi/comic book action and adventure, rent it and put the popcorn in the microwave before turing the lights way down!

I just saw this on television, after not having viewed it for some time. I thought myself I would think it was hokey, but I have to admit, I still enjoyed seeing it again.

Sure, we all know the plot, evil communist bad guys hijack...
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I just saw this on television, after not having viewed it for some time. I thought myself I would think it was hokey, but I have to admit, I still enjoyed seeing it again.

Sure, we all know the plot, evil communist bad guys hijack Airforce One to force the Russians to release their buddies. Okay, so that's kind of an old plot, except for the plane, but it's the plane that gives it a twist.

In this film, the bad guys are really bad guys are REALLY bad and the good guys are kinda dumb. So it's Harrison Ford as the President to the rescue. Yeah, it's Hans Solo and Indian Jones in a suit, but it works, for the most part.

Not a blockbuster movie, but we all can figure out that the good guy is going to win in the end and the bad guys die. That's all that matters!

Worth the rent if you have a coupon for a freebe. Or watch it on television.

Not one of any of the actors' better films. Hokey in places and self indulgent in others, Armageddon tries too hard in places to move us emotionally and...
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Worth the rent if you have a coupon for a freebe. Or watch it on television.

Not one of any of the actors' better films. Hokey in places and self indulgent in others, Armageddon tries too hard in places to move us emotionally and doesn't succeed. On top of that, you have to endure the terrible acting of Ben Affleck. Bruce Willis is...well Bruce Willis. You either love him or hate him. I like Bruce and he's one of the few brighter moments in the movie.

Pretentious, uneven, plodding, hokey, and just plain poor in some aspects, I'd still say that Armageddon can be a fun rental for a Saturday night with friends who want to have a howl and good laugh!

Actually, Gibson is an American of Irish decent, born in Peekskill, New York and transplanted to Australia at the age of twelve. He didn't come to notice in the States until after the no budget film Mad Max hit our shores.

"We...
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Actually, Gibson is an American of Irish decent, born in Peekskill, New York and transplanted to Australia at the age of twelve. He didn't come to notice in the States until after the no budget film Mad Max hit our shores.

"We Were Soldiers" is a solid film, well shot, and seen through the eyes of two very different men. Production value is high and the acting inspired. Strong screen play with twists.

It's not a feel good story but what movie about war is. If you are a Gibson fan, or your genre is war films, or you just want to watch a well done film, definitely check this one out!

A real sleeper of a movie, "Forever Young" is actually one of Mel Gibson's best movies, and it one of those feel good films that actually ends well.

The plot is simple and imaginative. Daniel McCormick, a test pilot from the...
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A real sleeper of a movie, "Forever Young" is actually one of Mel Gibson's best movies, and it one of those feel good films that actually ends well.

The plot is simple and imaginative. Daniel McCormick, a test pilot from the late 1930s falls in love, only to have to watch his love succumb to illness and lay lifeless in a coma. He convinces a friend to use him instead in a cryogenic experiment with the intentions of being awoken a year later.

But when his chamber is accidently defrosted, he soon discovers that it's 53 years later.

Strong but properly understated performances make this a sweet little film for all members of the family, featuring a young Elijah Wood. Jamie Lee Curtis is great as usual and Gibson is perfect for the part.

Highly recommended!

By now, most who will see this film has seen it. There are few who didn't see it either in the theaters, or on television, or on video or DVD. So it's now all about opinions and those are as varied as Episodes I and II are from the first three. [+] Read Full Review

By now, most who will see this film has seen it. There are few who didn't see it either in the theaters, or on television, or on video or DVD. So it's now all about opinions and those are as varied as Episodes I and II are from the first three.

For those who may not know, a bit of history. George Lucas started formulating the initial premise of Star Wars while in film school. He developed the saga to be split over nine films, three in the present, three in the past and three in the future, relatively speaking, of course.

He began in what he considered the past's present with the first Star Wars movie, later numbered IV. Those three pictures took over a decade of his life, cost him his marriage and nearly drove him insane. To the great disappointment of Star Wars fans worldwide, he said he would never do the other six films. It just cost him too much of his life. But later he said he may consider doing three films for television.

Then something happened. New technology appeared in the form of digital video cameras. After taking a long break, Lucas reconsidered his vow to never visit Star Wars again, and finally decided that he was at least going to do the three films that lead up to his first trilogy. In the midst of production, Sony was developing a new high level High Definition digital video camera, later called the Cinealta, and invited George to help it's evolution while using it on Star Wars Episode II. Epi III was almost totally shot on this camera.

But while the technology helped get these three "films" made, something happened in that long period between trilogies. Lucas lost the vision. Or maybe the ability to translate the original feel and form of the story to cinema. Whatever it was, Episode I was shocking to millions of fans of the original films. Shocking and extremely disappointing. It was absolutely terrible! Episode II was a slight improvement, but the direction was MISdirected and the acting wooden at best. It wasn't really until Episode III, that the spark seen in the first three films finally appeared once again.

This film, the third part of the second trilogy made, comes closest to capturing the best of the first set of films, and even steps beyond in some areas. All these years later, the special effects have gotten better, easier to do and best of all to the studios, cheaper. Most are done inside a computer in the comfort of a digital effects suite. Lucas purported that 95% of Episode II was done digitally. He was shooting for 98% for Epi III.

So just in case you haven't seen this film because Episodes I and II were so bad, you really should do yourself the favor and finish off the Star Wars saga with the rental of this movie, shown on a wide screen plasma set with digital surround sound. For maximum effect, see them in the order they were made, 4, 5, 6, 1, 2, 3. Or, if you just want to see the best, watch Episodes 3, 4, 5, and 6, leaving off 1 and 2. At least you'll see the best films and won't have to suffer through the bad ones! Now if we could only convince George to do the last trilogy!

By now, everyone who will see this film has seen it. There are few who didn't see it either in the theaters, or on television, or on video or DVD. So it's now all about opinions and those will be as varied as this movie is from the first...
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By now, everyone who will see this film has seen it. There are few who didn't see it either in the theaters, or on television, or on video or DVD. So it's now all about opinions and those will be as varied as this movie is from the first three.

For those who may not know, a bit of history. George Lucas started formulating the initial premise of Star Wars while in film school. He developed the saga to be split over nine films, three in the present, three in the past and three in the future, relatively speaking, of course.

He began in what he considered the futuristic present with the first Star Wars movie, later numbered IV. Those three took over a decade of his life, cost him his marriage and nearly drove him insane. To the great disappointment of Star Wars fans worldwide, he said he would never do the other six films. It just cost him too much of his life. But after a while, he considered doing three films for television.

Then something happened. New technology appeared in the form of digital video cameras. After taking along break, Lucas reconsidered his vow to never visit Star Wars again, and finally decided that he was at least going to do the three films that lead up to his first trilogy. In the midst of production, Sony was developing a new high level digital video camera, later called the Cinealta, and invited George to help it's evolution while using it on Star Wars Episode II. Epi III was almost totally shot on this camera.

But while the technology helped get these three "films" made, something happened in that long period between trilogies. Lucas lost the vision. Or maybe the ability to translate the original feel and form of the story to cinema. Whatever it was, Episode I was shocking to millions of fans of the original films. Shocking and extremely disappointing.

Many were sure that it must have been someone else who produced, or wrote, or directed this movie. It is so bad that it's, as one of the other reviewers here stated, painful to watch. The casting was hideous, the screen play terrible, the acting stiff and lifeless, and the characters stupid.

Not to mention the look of the film with all the video technology just didn't look like the original three. So that brings us to the opinion part. Yes, I was really looking forward to the new film. And yes, I was extremely looking forward to the new group of movies. And yes, I too would not recommend this as a first film to watch just in case you've somehow avoided seeing any of the Star Wars franchise.

What SHOULD you do? See them in the order they were made, 4, 5, 6, 1, 2, 3. At least you see the best first and then if you don't want to go any further, you can stop whenever you want.

"Westworld" is one of those guilty pleasure movies. It is fun to watch and the fact that it looks like it was shot on a budget doesn't matter.

The futuristic plot is simple. In the not to distant future, technology has...
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"Westworld" is one of those guilty pleasure movies. It is fun to watch and the fact that it looks like it was shot on a budget doesn't matter.

The futuristic plot is simple. In the not to distant future, technology has advanced to the place where we not only can build robots but use them for pleasure. They are so good and realistic that the only way to tell if they are indeed a robot is to look at their hands, which for some reason the scientists could not figure out how to create proper creases and folds.

In typical capitalistic fashion, someone figured out how to use the robots for fun and pleasure and what else is more fun than being a gunfighter in the wild west. So for an expensive fee, you too can pretend to be a bad guy or good person. You can also fulfill your fantasies with the realistic female robots which play their parts equally well.

But as with all things mechanical, it's pretty easy to expect problems only when your dealing with robots, the problems get dangerous.

"West World" featured strong performances from Yul Brynner, Richard Benjamin, James Brolin and numerous other "television" actors. If you haven't seen it, don't expect an academy award winning film, but it's a good fun DVD to eat popcorn to when you need a cheap date!

Being old enough to be a fan of the original Fugitive television show, I didn't think I'd like the movie. But I was very pleasantly surprised that it was not only good but a great movie.

It didn't surprise me either that they would...
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Being old enough to be a fan of the original Fugitive television show, I didn't think I'd like the movie. But I was very pleasantly surprised that it was not only good but a great movie.

It didn't surprise me either that they would somehow figure out a way of creating a sequel to the movie, especially with Tommy Lee Jones as such a strong second lead in Fugitive.

And as with some sequels, "U.S. Marshalls" is not as strong as the original film. Jones is great, as he is in most about anything (when he's awake and not drunk while filming) but the film suffers from a weaker plot and not as well written screen play.

Marshalls reunites most of the original cast and they basically do the same thing, only instead of an innocent man, they have to deal with an escaped prisoner who appears to be a real bad guy. The movie gets into repeating the first film when Wesley Snipes character appears to be falsely accused and wants to find out the truth of the real crime. Sound familiar?

So where U.S. Marshalls is a good film, with some good to great performances, you get the feeling that we've been there before with these same folks. Not a bad film and one you should definitely see if you are a fan of Jones or Snipes. Watch it on network tv or get your coupons out for a free one at Blockbuster!

I've been unimpressed with much of Jim Carrey's work in recent years, and when I heard that he was doing a movie about him taking over God's job for a while, I was really skeptical, since Carrey, a one time professing Christian, has gotten pretty...
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I've been unimpressed with much of Jim Carrey's work in recent years, and when I heard that he was doing a movie about him taking over God's job for a while, I was really skeptical, since Carrey, a one time professing Christian, has gotten pretty raunchy in his career.

But after watching "Bruce Almighty" I have to admit that I was pleasantly surprised. The movie was quite entertaining, typically funny in the Carrey way, and actually had a very good message throughout the film.

Visually, it was shot okay but nothing fancy. Acting was understated and some have noted that, since Carrey's typical style is way over the top. But I think for this film, it works. And Morgan Freeman is perfect as "God". If you haven't seen the film, and thought maybe you'd be offended by it's premise, or just didn't make it out to the theater in time, either wait for it to hit the tv screen again, or rent it from Blockbuster or Netflix. And if you ARE offended, then come back here and let everyone know how you feel!

Being a fan of vintage aircraft, any film that boasts airplanes and those who fly them will get my attention. Now keeping my attention is another story.

"Memphis Belle" definitely kept my attention. Based on a true story...
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Being a fan of vintage aircraft, any film that boasts airplanes and those who fly them will get my attention. Now keeping my attention is another story.

"Memphis Belle" definitely kept my attention. Based on a true story near the end of World War II, the crew of the Belle is about to go home, after completing their tour of duty. And with a milk run, there should be no problems, that is until their orders change and they are to now fly into the danger zone, a bombing run to one of the hottest and most defended areas over enemy territory.

A period film is hard to do to begin with. And then add the challenge of using vintage aircraft, of which there are only a few left that safely fly. And try to keep that authentic and believable. "Memphis Belle" does that and more. Though I was not familiar with many of the cast (to me they were 'no-names'), they all did a convincing job of taking me back to the day of my father. Shot mostly in Britain, the costumes, vehicles and acting all lend to make us believe we are right there in the war.

Credible acting, authentic props, a good screen play from a true story, if you haven't seen "Memphis Belle", check it out. I think you'll enjoy it!

I have to admit, when it was announced that finally someone was going to attempt to make a feature film about Spider-Man, I was really skeptical about it. I couldn't see HOW in the world they could capture the wild excitement that so many millions...
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I have to admit, when it was announced that finally someone was going to attempt to make a feature film about Spider-Man, I was really skeptical about it. I couldn't see HOW in the world they could capture the wild excitement that so many millions of kids created in their minds from reading the comic books over the decades. I was prepared for disappointment. THEN, they announce that Tobey Maguire would play the lead role. Not someone I like at all as an actor, I was ready to not even see the film at all!

But...I did! And WOW! Boy did I like it. Yes, Spider-Man, the movie, is about as good as it could be and did not disappoint at all. Even my wife liked it and she would rather see chick flicks than action/adventure/science fiction films. This is a special effects movie. It would have to be with Spidey flying through the air from building to building. But it's actually done very well and the effects don't look fake. And Maguire did a fine job of playing Peter Parker, Spider-Man's civilian self. Not to mention Kirsten Dunst is not bad to look at with her girl next door wholesomeness.

All in all, this is a very entertaining film and if for some reason you haven't yet seen it, and you like Batman, Superman, etc. characters, get to Blockbuster and rent it (along with the sequel), make some popcorn and have a good time with Spider-Man, the movie!

"Old Explorers" is a delightful little movie about two old retired men, who have seen their best days, and bored out of their minds.

But they soon discover that if they meet in a certain part of the certain park, they can...
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"Old Explorers" is a delightful little movie about two old retired men, who have seen their best days, and bored out of their minds.

But they soon discover that if they meet in a certain part of the certain park, they can start imagining historical moments and then somehow are transported back into those situations.

Starring legendary actors Jose Ferrer and James Whitmore, the movie was shot in different parts of the country, including the jungle wilds of central Florida, where I met and worked with both Ferrer and Whitmore, two charming and extremely talented men. We spent a week in the Hillsborough River State Park north of Tampa filming the scenes in the film that are supposed to take place in the jungles of South America. It was not an easy shoot and the first time director complicated the filming even more. But it was a great experience.

It is not a blockbuster, and may be considered slow in some parts. But it is a nice little movie which indirectly addresses a serious problem in this country. Our seniors can too many times be not only overlooked but neglected and forgotten, thinking their best days are over and that the only thing left is to wait for death. It's a sad fact and something that needs to be reexamined by everyone. Call your mom, dad, aunt, uncle, or check in on a neighbor TODAY!

"The Shawshank Redemption" has over time become a favorite feature film of mine. I did not have the opportunity to experience it on the big screen, which is really the only way to get the full experience of a movie, but after repeated...
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"The Shawshank Redemption" has over time become a favorite feature film of mine. I did not have the opportunity to experience it on the big screen, which is really the only way to get the full experience of a movie, but after repeated viewings (every time it's on television), I literally HAVE to watch it.

The plot starts out as a well known story, a man is falsely convicted of the murder of his wife (shades of The Fugitive here) and finds himself in the infamous Shawshank prison, which is little better than hell itself and ruthlessly run by a crooked warden. But it's what is allowed to happen in the prison population that Andy Dufresne must deal with and survive through.

Based on a short story by Stephen King (which King sold the rights for one dollar just to get it made into a film), the picture is a horrific look at how easy it could be, at least back in the 1950s, for someone who is completely innocent, to be accused, tried, and convicted of murder, and then land in the worst prison in the country, all in a short period of time. That's probably the point of the film that hits at me the most, what if this had happened to me, someone who is as ill prepared to step into this environment as Andy was. I don't think I'd last a day. Andy had to last many years and the screenplay is absolutely excellent in depicting the horrors of prison life, the corruption in the system back then, and the struggle to survive.

Where I totally disagree with lead actor Tim Robbin's personal political opinions, he is perfect for this role which is probably his best performance ever. The film, shot in the Ohio State Reformatory, boasts an extremely strong cast including many of my favorites. James Whitmore, one of the finest character actors as well and leading men, is not only a favorite, but also someone I've had the opportunity to work with. What a wonderful man and actor. There are too many more to mention here.

If for some reason, you've never seen the film, it's high on my must see list for heavy drama. It's not a feel good movie until the end, and it contains extreme language and violent and graphic scenes, though none which I would classify as gratuitous.

If you love good drama, excellent acting and intelligent screen plays, you'll find all of those and much more in "The Shawshank Redemption"!

In The Beginning

When I was beginning my career in movie making, I had the pleasure to work with Virginia Madsen as she was starting off too. We were both employeed by HBO in the production of their very first self made movie Long...
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In The Beginning

When I was beginning my career in movie making, I had the pleasure to work with Virginia Madsen as she was starting off too. We were both employeed by HBO in the production of their very first self made movie Long Gone, which was about the Grapefruit League of baseball players back in the 1950s in Florida.

All I can say is that Virginia was a stunningly beautiful woman, a great talent we could all see even then, and she was very nice.

One day on the set at a baseball stadium, her part called for her to run up to the fencing behind home plate and look through to where the camera was. She did this several times and then one time she ran and slipped and fell hard. I ran up to her and starred down into her multi-colored eyes and asked her if she was okay. As I reached my hand out to her, she said she was fine and smiled a smile that melted my heart instantly. No more mister tough guy. I was putty.

After that, whenever she would she me on set, she would smile and say, "Hi Rob!"

I've worked for 20 years in the biz and it's so refreshing to see that there are indeed nice folks still making movies today.

Thanks for the memories, Virginia. May you continue your wonderful ride!

sd