Lost Empires

Lost Empires - I'll be honest, I expected this to be more like the Empires Specials series and less like As the Stomach Turns. But when I ignored all the soap-type sap, I found the Vaudeville and sociopolitical commentary fun and interesting. Clearly, the reprise of turn of the last century popular entertainment was well-done and very enjoyable. One is left wondering at the apparent differences between what they found entertaining and what we enjoy now. Additionally, the juxtaposition between an on-stage personality with off-stage perversion does seem to say more about the audience than the performers.

Of course, then there is also the insanity of World War I with it's ensuing patriotic fervor -- here too is a great deal of substance, but instead this mini-series (shown in the US on PBS' Masterpiece Theatre) seems mostly focused on the love relationships of it's myriad characters. Granted, there is much more than simple romance and there is value in showing love's abuses, but this just didn't keep me interested.

In the past when I've seen a program like this, that was not only well-reviewed and well-rated on IMDb but which has provided some substance, if thought, "well, maybe I just missed something important" and watched the show again. I have now done this enough times to know that in this case I don't think it is really going to be worth the time. This just isn't my cup of tea. I'm moving on...

Rating: 7 out of 10 (I'd prefer to give it a 6.5 but feel a 6 is unfairly low) Buy from Amazon.com

Rain Forest

Rain Forest - An interesting though somewhat dated look a life in the rain forest of Costa Rica. Mind, by dated I mean that the film's image isn't quite as spectacular as more recent nature programming. Still, if one runs across this on the shelf and has an hour to spend, it's interesting and pretty enough.

Rating: 7 out of 10 (not available from Amazon.com, check your local library)

Nurse Betty

Nurse Betty - description to follow.

Rating: 7 out of 10 Buy from Amazon.com

Thomas Jefferson

Thomas Jefferson - This Ken Burns documentary provides a balanced look at who the third President of the United States most likely really was. Especially when approaching the topic of Sally Hemmings, the show seeks to provide the viewer with different viewpoints on the historical information and we are left to make up our own minds. Interesting and compelling, this is a great introduction to one of the creators of America's contradictory nature -- "All men are created equal" and yet he owned slaves is a good example. But don't worry, he's not made out to be the guy next door who probably would listen to rap and drink microbrews if here today, he's very much a man of his time and through this film we get a glimpse of what that meant at the turn of the 19th Century. I'd recommend this film to those interested in history, the President, and this country's founding.

Rating: 8 out of 10 Buy from Amazon.com

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - Of the three films I've seen to date, this is by far my favorite. I have to admit that some of it now feels cheesy, but it's still fun and funny with the right combination of the kids and their surroundings. But my favorite is Dobby - where can I get a house elf?

Rating: 8 out of 10 Buy from Amazon.com

Marat/Sade

Marat/Sade - This is probably one of the hardest movies/plays to comment on since it defies quick, off-hand comments. It's interesting, compelling, repulsive, wierd, you name it. It is definately hard-core art and was probably considered avant-garde in it's time. If you hate the ordinary, dispise the mainstream, and crave the peculiar, then this might be just the DVD for you. I don't regret having watched it.

Rating: 7 out of 10 Buy from Amazon.com

The Right Stuff

The Right Stuff - While watching the first tape I was thinking, "wow, this is really a fun movie. Why don't I have it?" Then I watched the second tape. The first half is inspiring and hilarious! The second half, while bringing to life those earliest launches, just seems to lack most of what made the first part so endearing. Those who haven't seen it should but I guess I'll leave it to grab off the library shelf every couple of years.

Rating: 7 out of 10 Buy from Amazon.com

Wilde

Wilde - After watching this one the main thing on my mind was "I want to get C-33 tattooed on my back to show my solidarity with my brother, Oscar Wilde." It's hard for most anyone who doesn't fall into the "God Hates Fags" crowd to watch a movie like this and find persecution of private, consensual sexual acts between adults, let alone love and friendship, totally reprehensible. And for it to happen to such a thoughtful, caring, feeling individual and brilliant artist, it's all that much more heartbreaking.

This movie was fun, funny, moving, and enjoyable but I felt that maybe it portrayed Wilde's last years with too light of a hand. Maybe the makers didn't want to totally depress the viewer, but my reading of what actually happened to Wilde, his family, and those he loved and cared about (and those that returned his favors) is much grimmer than what is shown. Some might argue that this decreases the movie's powerful message - that persecution of sexual minorities is morally wrong and apprehensible. However, it does a magnificent job of humanizing this larger than life literary personality who seems more like a character in one of his novels than an author.

I'd recommend this film but not for those who like movies that explode or find man-on-man love emotionally challenging.

Rating: 9 out of 10 Buy from Amazon.com

Cecil B. Demented

Cecil B. Demented - I have so enjoyed John Waters mature work (post-Polyester) and was actually somewhat hopeful this was just a sleeper. Well, the audience were the sleepers, let me promise you, since you get the gist of the movie in the first 5 minutes (15 if you are slow or just slow to jump to conclusions). A couple of the jokes were funny the first time, but it just got very repetitive even if the whole idea of guerilla cinema (freeing us from Hollywood Korporate Domination!) is somewhat attractive. No, you have to be a pretty hardcore Waters fan to really get into this one - everyone else should not bother wasting the time or money.

Rating: 6 out of 10 Buy from Amazon.com

Hildegard of Bingen

Hildegard of Bingen - I'm unclear if this was so brief because it was only allotted 60 minutes of running time or because real details of the live of Middle Age Abbess Hildegard of Bingen are scarce. I enjoyed the presentation though I felt I hungered for more and felt the storyline a bit disjointed more than once. Still, for major media (BBC) this is a compelling look at spirituality (and heresy) and it's nice to know that women have been standing up for themselves for a since the 40's -- 1140's that is. Observant viewers will enjoy Patricia Routledge (Hyacinth Bouquet/Hetty Wainthropp) continued versatility. However, this one is probably of very limited appeal and even more limited availability.

Rating: 8 out of 10 Buy from Amazon.com

On the Beach

On the Beach - An interesting if depressing look at life after the last war - not WWII mind you, but the one that luckily never came. Most of the story is told from Southern Australia where the Nuclear Winter has been held off by winds and currents. Unlike the Mad Max films, this one deals with how people react to change that will eventually lead to death. This is also an interesting film to remember the 'good ole days of the late 50's Cold War.' I would recommend this one to those who like thoughtful, if unspectacular, movies.

Rating: 8 out of 10 Buy from Amazon.com

Papillon

Papillon - I'm not really sure what to say about this film. Interesting story made during that shift away from studio films but certainly it lacks the feel of cinema verite. A very interesting look at human nature and just what one is able to cope with. Oh, for those unfamiliar with the story, it is an adaptation of the true story of a French criminal who is sent to Guyana to do his time -- and from the standpoint of a look into prision life, this is certainly not romanticized. Still, it's a bit long and I had trouble staying awake. This is probably not going to please 'average' video watchers but is worth seeing if you are looking for something out of the beaten and abused mold.

Rating: 8 out of 10 Buy from Amazon.com

The Eyes of Tammy Faye

The Eyes of Tammy Faye - Boy, it sure was fun to watch the media frenzy that surrounded the Falwell coup that ousted Bill and Tammy Faye Bakker from PTL Ministries but watching a light documentary like this makes it hard to hate Tammy Faye or call for her blood. In some ways, one has to admire her for being who she is and she's sure not afraid to be Tammy Faye. Fun, funny, poignant - you know, I think I might actually like to be friends with Tammy Faye. I think this was a great pick and more fun than I've had in quite a while.

Rating: 8 out of 10 Buy from Amazon.com

PS - And did I mention that even as a Christian, she loves gay people!?! Now that takes balls! Get a clue, Falwell, you moron!

The Onion Field

The Onion Field - It's been over 20 years since I first saw this on HBO. While it feels somewhat stiff by today's standards, the story is compelling. It's kind of fun to see such a big star like Ted Danson in his rookie role. This is definately a film that has staying power and is worth looking up. Even if one doesn't think it's a great film, it's worth seeing since it's a true story, well enough told, but it is also a slice of film making. Maybe one of the last major films of that with that older studio feel.

Rating: 8 out of 10 Buy from Amazon.com

Leon Golub & Days of Waiting

Leon Golub & Days of Waiting - these two were combined for a single installment of P.O.V. I got it on VHS from the library. Both were interesting with the first a look at how Leon Golub (an artist which I was not acquainted with) creates his controversial pieces. I like how he pulls together bits and pieces from a file cabinet full of clipped photos to make a huge painting that makes a statement about the state of the world. Great look at an artist's process.

I also enjoyed Days of Waiting even more. It looked at the work and told the story of an American woman who chose to accompany her Japanese-American husband into the internment camp of WWII and then out onto the fringe of society afterwards. Both are compelling, human stories that more people should know to understand just what Americans are capable of during times of fear and discrimination. A good argument against interning people with AIDS, Arabs, etc.

Days of Waiting Rating: 9 out of 10 Buy Days of Waiting from Amazon.com

School of Rock

School of Rock - This movie attempts to answer the age-old question, "Just how much Jack Black is enough?" Hmmm, I'd say this one makes the strong case that that this much Jack Black is way too much. Somewhat funny, it relies too heavily on Black and a bit of kid cuteness to carry the picture. Derivative and trite - I'm only surprised they didn't manage to find a cure for cancer along the way as well. Yawn.

Rating: 6 out of 10 Buy from Amazon.com

Berkeley in the Sixties

Berkeley in the Sixties - This one started out interesting and then kind of got lost, much like the student's free speech movement, in the whole sex, drugs, rock 'n roll, flowerchild mess that most people remember as the 60s. Interesting but not fascinating. I'm glad I saw it, but could also have continued on with life had I not.

Rating: 7 out of 10 Buy from Amazon.com

Disneyland USA

From the Walt Disney Treasures series, this is a colleciton of historical (hysterical) broadcasts to hype the opening of Disneyland in 1955 as well as keep interest going. A great look at what TV used to be like when broadcasts were live and in black and white. It's amazing at how simple the original park was compared to those we visit today, especially the DisneyWorld complex in Florida. The other shows are from Disney broadcasts on ABC and include Disney After Dark with live music performances from early 60s and a 10th Anniversary Special. While funny and cheesy, it's an interesting look at how things used to be - from the music, to Walt's corny jokes, to the objectification of women, to those crazy rides that went the way of the Journey to the Moon and Flying Saucers. For fans of Disneyania, this is probably a must see.

Rating: 7 out of 10 Buy from Amazon.com

Stargate

Stargate - I had seen this movie some time ago and watched the SG-1 series from time to time but finally decided to request the whole first series from the library. Overall I enjoyed it and wanted a reminder of what preceeded the series. I seemed to like this better the first time around and found the costumes a bit cheesy and the acting a bit too wooden. Actually, I think the series is much more compelling than this easy to skip feature film.

Rating: 7 out of 10 Buy from Amazon.com

Egypt's Golden Empire

Egypt's Golden Empire - From the makers of the Empires Specials, this is a 2002 look at those famous Egyptian Pharaohs, you know the one's with all the pretty golden stuff and huge temples. Interesting, light but the reenactments are a bit distracting in their attempt to be somewhat amorphous. Still, an interesting 'pop' history well enough made to introduce a topic and hopefully encourage those who want to know more to visit their library. Lots of pretty pictures...

Rating: 7 out of 10 Buy from Amazon.com

1924 On the Line

1924 On the Line - is yet another installment from the PBS series People's Century 1900 - 1999. Each episode focuses on the life of ordinary people generally centered around a topic and a year. In this episode, we look at how the assembly line changed not only the life of the manufacturing classes but also the lives of those who bought the cheaper products produced on the assembly line. Combines archival footage and interviews with those who lived through it to provide a popular look at the last century. Can be a bit dry at times (I found myself napping through this installment) but I especially enjoy that we are not only provided a look at the American examples but also see and hear from those in other countries as well. Interesting, but not great.

Rating: 7 out of 10 Buy from Amazon.com

In Search of Shakespeare

In Search of Shakespeare - A particularly enjoyable look at the life of William Shakespeare through what basically amounts to a public records search. The host combines narration, searches of various archives in England, and exerpted performances of various works performed by the Royal Shakespeare Company in locations close to where performed in the Bard's own time. Maybe a bit to 'pop' for those serious about history, but an interesting and engaging documentary that provides some believable answers to those who question if Shakespeare existed or even wrote those works attributed to him. It also does an interesting job of bringing this man and those surrounding him to life in a way that is much more real than that done in most school rooms.

Rating: 9 out of 10 Buy from Amazon.com

Every Mother's Son

Broadcast on PBS' P.O.V. this was an interesting, short look at the shooting of three young men by New York police during the clean up the streets campaign of former mayor Giuliani. It provides an interesting look at the social questions which surround a "tough on crime" type of policy and uses the cases of three mothers, each who lost a son to excessive police violence, to illustrate the real life impacts on real people when things go wrong. This should be required viewing for anyone who cares about making communities safer.

Rating: 9 out of 10 (not available from Amazon.com, check your local library)

Kavanagh QC 2

Kavanagh QC 2 - I saw the first series some time back and remember complaining that the show seemed divided between the casework and personal life of the main character. While this didn't seem quite as big an issue this time around, I only found the show moderately interesting. Yet another court room drama is probably the easiest way to sum it up, but then again, there are much worse court room shows on broadcast TV.

Rating: 7 out of 10 Buy from Amazon.com

Extreme Oil

This is a PBS three-part series which looks at issues related to the extraction of oil, transportation to the users, and the impact on the environment. While it seems clear that the Oil Industry is minimally supportive of the program, it seems quite balanced and evenhanded given the time constraints. The actual programs were well made and current as of a couple of years ago, but it is still valid and interesting.

Rating: 8 out of 10 (not available from Amazon.com, check your local library)

HMS Surprise

After starting The Aubrey/Maturin Series by listening to the book on CD, I realized two things: 1) the library did not have the complete collection on CDs and 2) I found myself often doing other things while listening to the CD. And while that is not a problem in and of itself, I guess I wasn't getting as much out of the books as I wanted.

So I decided to start over and read them in large print this time around. I am glad I did. Not only am I picking up on all sorts of things that I missed, but I feel like I'm getting a better sense for Patrick O'Brian's style.

I can't say that HMS Surprise had me on the edge of me seat the way parts of the prior Master and Commander and Post Captain did, but it wasn't a complete waste of time either. Of course I find the whole 'bunch of guys on a boat' thing pretty interesting and that special friendship between the main characters - well, one wonders if these two were buddies today if they might not even bother with those silly old women. Ah, but that's just some hopeful thinking, still, in terms of friendship, it doesn't get much deeper or stronger than this.

I also really like the different settings. A great thing about a naval story in the Napoleonic Wars is all the world is within reach of the sailing ship and with Maturin's insatiable quest for flora and fauna, there is plenty to explore and even more to fascinate!

Needless to say, I've put the next installment The Mauritius Command on hold, but I'll have to wait a week until I get it from Multnomah County since it's not available at the Washington County Libraries in large print.

Rating: 8 out of 10 Buy from Amazon.com

Cooking Under Fire

COOKING UNDER FIRE on PBS

I was pretty dubious when I saw the concept of this program. To date, the hallmark of PBS 'reality' program has been the emphasis on cooperation and teamwork, with a drive to teach the audience about something they normally have little contact with in life. But with CUF it was more of the same (as those other networks which I NEVER watch any more) - ego, competition, and pot-shots. Granted, the contestants were pretty engaging but the playing up combat and ego, EGO, and more ego was a bit much (and that last ego was for the 'hosts/judges').

I can't decide if I want to see more of this kind of programming on PBS - I like that it was different from other PBS shows but I disliked that in its difference it ended up being much like all the other garbage that passes for TV these days. Maybe that is a bit harsh since this show was clearly better than just about any other (non-PBS) 'reality' series and the goals and objectives were set and met, but as the Viewer's Poll points out, there is a disconnect between the Judges and viewers. Maybe PBS viewers believe that one person being "better" is too old school, too egotistical, and too New York. Maybe we choose PBS because we are tired of those ways of getting the job done and prefer accepting that different people bring different skills and by working together, we ALL get the job done better.

It was interesting to see Katie thrown to the wolves at the very end of the show since it suggested that she was just one of the pack from there on in and that too was a bit of a disconnect, but I thought all the way through she would win and clearly, given the goals and objectives of the show, she clearly deserved to win. But many of us will cling to the phrase, "Autumn lives!" Autumn lives in our hearts and best expressed our motto - I'm not better than these other two great women, I'm different! A great big hug to Autumn and Sara - Left Coast Style with the right attitude for me!

about ~ view . read . listen ~

In this attempt to reestablish my blog (I lost my very active blog when the host Jablog imploded at the end of 2004), one problem I noticed right off the bat was the lack of folders to group posts or another way to 'categorize' posts other than just by date. Given Blogger's limitations, one work around is to create different blogs, each centered on a theme, and then include links between them. I will also do a Welcome/Index page which ultimately be the starting point for any and all blogs.

Like many things I have done for myself on the Internet during the last decade, this will always be a 'work in progress' with things changing day to day as I try to improve and mold the tool to my own design and ends. I generally find the best way for me to learn something is by using, and maybe even misusing it. But in time I will find what I want it to be or else move on to something else.

As for ~ view. read . listen ~ the idea is to reprise the portion of my blog where I listed the videos/DVDs I have viewed, the books I have read and the CDs I have listened to. I don't plan to provide the detailed critiques as I did on my last blog, but I want to provide a quick opinion using a IMDb style rating of 1 - 10 with 1 being "totally unredeemable" and 10 being "one of the best I've come into contact with." I will also provide a link to purchase the item from Amazon using my Amazon Associates (affiliate) program.

Last, there will always be a place for visitors to add their comments and questions. While this is my way of keeping myself writing and expressing my thoughts, I enjoy offering others the chance to provide their own take.