OK, as to be expected, the visionary, prophet, and his own cameraman, Stanley (99 takes is never too much) Kubrick, fucked it up. You know, Stanley, the Huck Finn to Spielberg’s Tom Sawyer. 2001 is a Frankenstein murder mystery. In this case the good doctor is his own monster. What’s up with the three scientists […]
Twilight (1998)

Film Title
TwilightSynopsis
A retired and washed-up private eye accepts one last challenge
Director
Robert BentonCast
Paul Newman
Gene Hackman
Susan Sarandon
James Garner
Reese Witherspoon
M. Emmet Walsh
Stockard Channing
Liev Schreiber
Harry Ross (Paul Newman) is an ex cop, ex P.I., ex drunk, who knows being a detective is a hell of a way to make a living. Robert Benton’s 1998 film noir, Twilight proves it. It becomes like a law of nature, especially when you get close to the beautiful people of Hollywood. Star power. […]
The Fighting 69th (1940)

Film Title
The Fighting 69thSynopsis
James Cagney is a loudmouthed, self-centered braggart, and a soldier fighting in WW1. How will this turn out?
Director
William KeighleyCast
James Cagney
Pat O'Brien
George Brent
Jefferey Lynn
Alan Hale
Frank McHugh
( “Faugh a Ballagh” ) A battle cry of Irish origin meaning ‘clear the way’ was first used as a regimental motto of the Royal Irish Fusiliers back in and now the motto of the Royal Irish Regiment. It was adopted by the the Fusiliers back in 1798 after the exploits of Sgt Patrick Masterson […]
John Welsh’s Look At Turner Classic Movies
For a movie lover, life can change for the good even in these troubled times when Turner Classic Movies re-enters. Yes, I went without TCM for years, when last week a miracle occurred. Yes, a miracle. Great films are on my television screen. What need have I of HBO or Showtime? Ha! I say Ha! […]
Miller’s Crossing

Film Title
Miller's CrossingSynopsis
Gangsters, Prohibition and a guy with a gambling problem trying to play both sides
Director
Joel & Ethan CoenCast
Gabriel Byrne
Albert Finney
John Turturro
Jon Polito
Marcia Gay Harden
Steve Buscemi
J.E. Freeman
I had trouble finding a hook for a critique of the excellent Coen Brother’s film, Miller’s Crossing. I read several reviews, even going so far as to read Roger Ebert’s pedestrian analysis. As to be expected, Ebert, who seemingly offers reviews from beyond the grave like a Dracula with press credentials, the piece was about […]
A Monster’s Ode to John Welsh
In the 1970s and 1980s I worked on several movies by the Arkansas based filmmaker, Charles B. Pierce. He achieved minor fame and a cult following for his films, The Legend of Boggy Creek and The Town that Dreaded Sundown. [EDITOR’S NOTE: Both included with Amazon Prime] The Legend of Boggy Creek was a pseudo […]
The 1939 movie year: First in a series.
A recent question on Jeopardy reminded me 1939 was a banner year for the release of the greatest number of quality films ever in a single year. Most were the product of the studio system. I will briefly discuss some of my favorites, starting with my favorite film genre, the Western. Jesse James ( “He […]
Dark Waters

Film Title
Dark WatersSynopsis
Just another example of blood on the hands of DuPont Chemical
Director
Todd HaynesCast
Mark Ruffalo
Anne Hathaway
Tim Robbins
Bill Camp
Bill Pullman
The French born Chemist E. I. du Pont arrived in the United States on January 1st 1800, a symbolic date for several reasons. (Aaron Burr came within a hair’s breadth of becoming president in the election of that year). In 1802 he established a factory in Wilmington Delaware to manufacture gun powder, using the improved formula of […]
Ford v. Ferrari: A Final Look

Film Title
Ford v. FerrariSynopsis
Two Guys with some Hot Wheels
Director
James MangoldCast
Matt Damon
Christian Bale
Josh Lucas
Tracy Letts
Caitriona Balfe
Remo Girone
Jon Bernthal
The first thing you notice about Ford v Ferrari is the sound, even before the first frame of picture. The telltale sound of motor racing. Cars speeding by. The Doppler effect, changes of perspective, gears changing, the sound of breaks, wheels on the track. The crowds. Sounds there throughout the racing scenes. Sound that puts […]
Another Look At Some Of The Significant Films Of The Past Decade
The last decade has given the film viewer a tidal wave of sewage in the form of endless remakes, sequels, and a combination of the two with comic book superhero movies. It is just the way the film industry’s way of saying, we’re bereft of imagination and are willing to pander to vulgar tastes of […]