Movies, Mom & Me

• 
  Commentary:  Still workin' on it, honey. Got a ways to go.
    Funny, though, I'm having a hard time finding an interesting, informative review of this specific collection. Not sure why, and it's possible I'll be completely unsuccessful, but, in the meantime, I think it's important to include the fact that no one seems to want to take on a critique of this collection.
    In the meantime, you might want to read a short, pithy interview Roger Ebert conducted with Spike Lee as Lee was preparing to shoot Malcolm X in 1991. I attached the interview to the title of this post.
    This is, of course, not the only collection of Spike Lee films in existence, nor will it be the last. In the meantime, for what it's worth, here is the official Wikipedia perspective on Spike Lee, his life and career.
  
  
  • 
    Do the Right Thing
    Commentary:  Under construction.
      

    Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role
    Spike Lee	Mookie	Danny Aiello	Sal	Ossie Davis	Da Mayor	Ruby Dee	Mother Sister
    Giancarlo Esposito	Buggin' Out	Bill Nunn	Radio Raheem	John Turturro	Pino	Richard Edson	Vito
    Rosie Perez	Tina	Joie Lee	Jade	Martin Lawrence	Cee	Samuel L. Jackson	Mister Señor Love Daddy
    Robin Harris	Sweet Dick Willie	Paul Benjamin	ML	Frank Vincent	Charlie	John Savage	Clifton
    Leonard L. Thomas	Punchy	Frankie Faison	Coconut Kid	Rick Aiello	Officer Gary Long	Luis Antonio Ramos	Stevie

    
    → john-turturro; ruby-dee; ossie-davis
      Roger Ebert included this movie in his "Great Movies" collection, the review for which is connected to the title of this movie.
      This movie is loaded with cameos. Although I listed 20 actors, above, the actual list could go on forever. You'll notice this, if you watch the movie, as every other scene involves an actor of which you think, "I know that one. Who is that?" A more complete list (although I can't swear that it contains all the cameos) can be found in the Wikipedia write up for this film, linked below.
      Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of this film.
      Release Date: 1989
      Directed by Spike Lee.
  
  
  • 
    Mo' Better Blues
    Commentary:  Under construction.
      

    Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role
    Denzel Washington	Minifield "Bleek" Gilliam	Spike Lee	Giant	Wesley Snipes	Shadow Henderson	Joie Lee	Indigo Downes
    Cynda Williams	Clarke Bentancourt	Giancarlo Esposito	Left Hand Lacey	Bill Nunn	Bottom Hammer	Jeff "Tain" Watts	Rhythm Jones
    Dick Anthony Williams	Mr. "Big Stop" Gilliam	Abbey Lincoln	Lillian Gilliam	John Turturro	Moe Flatbush	Nicholas Turturro	Josh Flatbush
    Robin Harris	Butterbean Jones	Samuel L. Jackson	Madlock	Coati Mundi	Roberto	Rubén Blades	Petey

    
    → john-turturro
      Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of this film.
      Release Date: 1990
      Directed by Spike Lee.
  
  
  • 
    Jungle Fever
    Commentary:  Under construction.
      

    Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role
    Wesley Snipes	Flipper Purify	Annabella Sciorra	Angela Tucci	Spike Lee	Cyrus	Ossie Davis	The Good Reverend Doctor Purify
    Ruby Dee	Lucinda Purify	Samuel L. Jackson	"Gator" Purify	Lonette McKee	Drew Purify	John Turturro	Paulie Carbone
    Frank Vincent	Michael Tucci	Anthony Quinn	Lou Carbone	Halle Berry	Vivian	Tyra Ferrell	Orin Goode
    Phyllis Yvonne Stickney	Nilda	Nicholas Turturro	Vinny	Miguel Sandoval	Officer Mark Ponte	Debi Mazar	Denise
    Tim Robbins	Jerry	Brad Dourif	Leslie	Queen Latifah	Lashawn	Giancarlo Esposito	Homeless Man

    
    → john-turturro; debi-mazar; ruby-dee; ossie-davis; tim-robbins
      Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of this film.
      Release Date: 1991
      Directed by Spike Lee.
  
  
  • 
    Crooklyn
    Commentary:  Under construction.
      

    Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role
    Alfre Woodard	Carolyn	Delroy Lindo	Woody	David Patrick Kelly	Eyes	Zelda Harris	Tony
    Carlton Williams	Clinton	Sharif Rashed	Wendell	Tse-Mach Washington	Joseph	Chris Knowings	Nate
    José Zúñiga	Tommy La La	Isaiah Washington	Vic Powell	Ivelka Reyes	Jessica	Spike Lee	Snuffy
    N. Jeremi Duru	Right Hand Man	Frances Foster	Aunt Song	Norman Matlock	Clem	Patriece Nelson	Viola

    
    → delroy-lindo
      Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of this film.
      Release Date: 1995
      Directed by Spike Lee.
  
  
  • 
    Clockers
    Commentary:  Under construction.
      

    Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role
    Harvey Keitel	Det. Rocco Klein	John Turturro	Det. Larry Mazilli	Delroy Lindo	Rodney Little	Mekhi Phifer	Ronald "Strike" Dunham
    Isaiah Washington	Victor Dunham	Keith David	Andre "The Giant" Ashley	Sticky Fingaz	Andres "Scientific" Atkins	Regina Taylor	Iris Jeeter
    Fredro	Elvis "Go" Atkins	Tom Byrd	Errol Barnes	Lawrence B. Adisa	Stan Gilmore	Hassan Johnson	Trevor "Skills" Jeeter
    Michael Imperioli	Det. Joey "Jojo" Thompson	Mike Starr	Det. Shawn "Thumper" Ferrell	Paul Calderon	Jesus at Hambones	Spike Lee	Chucky Bridges Sr.

    
    → john-turturro; delroy-lindo
      Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of this film.
      Release Date: 1995
      Directed by Spike Lee.
  
  
  • 
    Inside Man
    Commentary:  Under construction.
    
    
    
    
      

    Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role
    Denzel Washington	Det. Keith Frazier	Clive Owen	Dalton Russell	Jodie Foster	Madeline White	Christopher Plummer	Arthur Case
    Willem Dafoe	Cpt. John Darius	Chiwetel Ejiofor	Det. Bill Mitchell	Spike Lee	Civilian	Kim Director	Valerie Keepsake/Stevie
    James Ransone	Darius Peltz/Steve-O	Carlos Andrés Gómez	Kenneth Damerjian/Steve	Bernie Rachelle	Chaim	Waris Ahluwalia	Vikram Walia

    
    → christopher-plummer; jodie-foster; willem-dafoe
      Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of this film.
      Release Date: 2006
      Directed by Spike Lee.
  
  
  • 
    BlacKkKlansman
    Commentary:  Under construction.
      

    Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role
    John David Washington	Det. Ron Stallworth	Adam Driver	Det. Philip "Flip" Zimmerman	Laura Harrier	Patrice Dumas	Topher Grace	David Duke
    Topher Grace	Kwame Ture	Harry Belafonte	Jerome Turner	Jasper Pääkkönen	Felix Kendrickson	Ryan Eggold	Walter Breachway
    Frederick Weller	Pt. Andy Landers	Paul Walter Hauser	Ivanhoe	Ashlie Atkinson	Connie Kendrickson	Michael Buscemi	Jimmy Creek
    Ken Garito	Sergeant Trapp	Alec Baldwin	Kennebrew Beauregard	Nicholas Turturro	Walker	Damaris Lewis	Odetta

    
      Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of this film.
      Release Date: 2018
      Directed by Spike Lee.
  
    Wikipedia doesn't have a write-up of this specific film series. I've included the Wikipedia links for the individual movies in their write-ups, above.

Labels: christopher-plummer, debi-mazar, delroy-lindo, denzel-washington, giancarlo-esposito, jodie-foster, john-turturro, ossie-davis, ruby-dee, samuel-l-jackson, spike-lee, tim-robbins, willem-dafoe

# posted by gail @ 08:35    0 comments    email......this post

• 
  Commentary:  Under construction.
    In case you're wondering, yes, I've seen every single one of the following movies. It's funny, I never think of myself as a Star Trek fan, but I really enjoy these older movies. I've watched some of the newer series episodes, but never a whole newer series. I think I've seen one of the movies based on the newer series, but that's it. It's not that I didn't enjoy it. After some thought it has occurred to me that the earlier series are likely more "baby-boomerish" in tone than the later ones. I have no cogent reasons for thinking this, and, perhaps, I will think about this, but it's not something on which I'm focused. Probably the spin-off of which I've seen the most episodes in Star Trek: Voyager, which I enjoyed as much as the first three series. Seven-of-Nine, a startling character. Hmmm ... maybe, someday, I'll collect that series, as well.
    And, of course, Star Trek: Deep Space Nine is a part of my collection. I've had it for some years and continue to watch and enjoy episodes of it to this day.
  
  
  • 
    Star Trek: The Motion Picture
    Commentary:  Under construction.
      

    Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role
    William Shatner	James T. Kirk	Leonard Nimoy	Spock	DeForest Kelley	Leonard McCoy	James Doohan	Montgomery Scott
    Walter Koenig	Pavel Chekov	Nichelle Nichols	Uhura	George Takei	Hikaru Sulu	Majel Barrett	Christine Chapel

    
      Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
      Release Date: 1979
      Directed by Robert Wise.
  
  
  • 
    Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan
    Commentary:  Under construction.
      And, yes, with the procurement of this set I now have two copies of this movie, a standalone and this one. Which is fine. It's my favorite of all the Star Trek Movies, so it's nice to have an extra copy, you know, just in case.
      

    Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role
    William Shatner	James T. Kirk	Leonard Nimoy	Spock	DeForest Kelley	Leonard McCoy	James Doohan	Montgomery Scott
    Walter Koenig	Pavel Chekov	Nichelle Nichols	Uhura	George Takei	Hikaru Sulu	Bibi Besch	Carol Marcus
    Merritt Butrick	David Marcus	Paul Winfield	Clark Terrell	Kirstie Alley	Saavik	Ricardo Montalbán	Khan Noonien Singh

    
    → bibi-besch
    
      Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
      Release Date: 1982
      Directed by Nicholas Meyer.
  
  
  • 
    Star Trek III: The Search for Spock
    Commentary:  Under construction.
      

    Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role
    William Shatner	James T. Kirk	Leonard Nimoy	Spock	DeForest Kelley	Leonard McCoy	James Doohan	Montgomery Scott
    Walter Koenig	Pavel Chekov	Nichelle Nichols	Uhura	George Takei	Hikaru Sulu	Christopher Lloyd	Kruge
    Merritt Butrick	David Marcus	Dame Judith Anderson	T'Lar	Mark Lenard	Sarek	Robin Curtis	Saavik

    
      Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
      Release Date: 1984
      Directed by Leonard Nimoy.
  
  
  • 
    Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home
    Commentary:  Under construction.
      

    Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role
    William Shatner	James T. Kirk	Leonard Nimoy	Spock	DeForest Kelley	Leonard McCoy	James Doohan	Montgomery Scott
    Walter Koenig	Pavel Chekov	Nichelle Nichols	Uhura	George Takei	Hikaru Sulu	Catherine Hicks	Dr. Gillian Taylor

    
      Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
      Release Date: 1986
      Directed by Leonard Nimoy.
  
  
  • 
    Star Trek V: The Final Frontier
    Commentary:  Under construction.
      

    Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role
    William Shatner	James T. Kirk	Leonard Nimoy	Spock	DeForest Kelley	Leonard McCoy	James Doohan	Montgomery Scott
    Walter Koenig	Pavel Chekov	Nichelle Nichols	Uhura	George Takei	Hikaru Sulu	Laurence Luckinbill	Sybok

    
      Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
      Release Date: 1989
      Directed by William Shatner.
  
  
  • 
    Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country
    Commentary:  Under construction.
      

    Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role
    William Shatner	James T. Kirk	Leonard Nimoy	Spock	DeForest Kelley	Leonard McCoy	James Doohan	Montgomery Scott
    Walter Koenig	Pavel Chekov	Nichelle Nichols	Uhura	George Takei	Hikaru Sulu	Kim Cattrall	Valeris
    Christopher Plummer	Chang	David Warner	Gorkon	Rosanna DeSoto	Azetbur	Iman	Martia

    
    → christopher-plummer
    
      Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
      Release Date: 1991
      Directed by Nicholas Meyer.
  
  
  • 
    Star Trek VII: Generations
    Commentary:  Under construction.
      

    Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role
    Patrick Stewart	Jean Luc Picard	Jonathan Frakes	William T. Riker	Brent Spiner	Data	LeVar Burton	Geordi La Forge
    Michael Dorn	Worf	Gates McFadden	Dr. Beverly Crusher	Marina Sirtis	Deana Troi	Malcolm McDowell	Tolian Soran
    Whoopi Goldberg	Guinan	Patti Yasutake	Alyssa Ogawa	Barbara March	Lursa Duras	Gwynyth Walsh	B'Etor Duras

    
    → malcolm-mcdowell
    → whoopi-goldberg
    
      Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
      Release Date: 1994
      Directed by David Carson.
  
  
  • 
    Star Trek VIII: First Contact
    Commentary:  Under construction.
      

    Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role
    Patrick Stewart	Jean Luc Picard	Jonathan Frakes	William T. Riker	Brent Spiner	Data	LeVar Burton	Geordi La Forge
    Michael Dorn	Worf	Alice Krige	Borg Queen	Alfre Woodard	Lily Sloane	James Cromwell	Zefram Cochrane

    
    → alice-krige
    
      Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
      Release Date: 1996
      Directed by Jonathan Frakes.
  
  
  • 
    Star Trek IX: Insurrection
    Commentary:  Under construction.
      

    Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role
    Patrick Stewart	Jean Luc Picard	Jonathan Frakes	William T. Riker	Brent Spiner	Data	LeVar Burton	Geordi La Forge
    Michael Dorn	Worf	Gates McFadden	Dr. Beverly Crusher	Marina Sirtis	Deana Troi	F. Murray Abraham	Ru'afo
    Donna Murphy	Anij	Anthony Zerbe	Vice Admiral Dougherty	Gregg Henry	Gallatin	Daniel Hugh Kelly	Sojef

    
    → f-murray-abraham
    
      Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
      Release Date: 1998
      Directed by Jonathan Frakes.
  
  
  • 
    Star Trek X: Nemesis
    Commentary:  Under construction.
      

    Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role
    Patrick Stewart	Jean Luc Picard	Jonathan Frakes	William T. Riker	Brent Spiner	Data	LeVar Burton	Geordi La Forge
    Michael Dorn	Worf	Gates McFadden	Dr. Beverly Crusher	Marina Sirtis	Deanna Troi	Tom Hardy	Praetor Shinzon
    Ron Perlman	Reman Viceroy	Dina Meyer	Cmdr Donatra	Kate Mulgrew	Adml Kathryn Janeway	Wil Wheaton	Wesley Crusher
    Jude Ciccolella	Cmdr Suran	Majel Barrett	Voice of Enterprise Computer	Whoopi Goldberg	Guinan	Shannon Cochran	Senator Tal'aura

    
    → whoopi-goldberg
    
      Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
      Release Date: 2002
      Directed by Stuart Baird.
    
  
    You'll notice that I only appended the reviews of these movies to two critics, despite the fact that many have (and continue to) critique these first ten Star Trek movies. I mean, the choice of reviewer opinions is endless. In one article, though, posted at Roger Ebert's review website, Ebert gives space to a reader who has several bones to pick with Ebert's reviews of this franchise. It makes for interesting reading. You might want to check it out.
    Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the collection.
    Release Date: 1979 - 2002
    Directed by Various.

Labels: alice-krige, bibi-besch, christopher-plummer, f-murray-abraham, leonard-nimoy, malcolm-mcdowell, science-fiction2, star-trek, whoopi-goldberg

# posted by gail @ 18:28    0 comments    email......this post

• 
  Commentary:  Yes, I already own this movie. When I heard, though, that Criterion recently released this movie, complete with its stunning (as usual) restoration work and a slate of Special Features that I can't wait to view, well, I knew I had to add it to my collection, which is probably a good idea, anyway, because, since I first added it to my collection in August of 2016, I've watched it at least once a year, occasionally more. It's one of those movies for which I find myself hungering. So, I have two copies, now. Chances are, I won't view my original copy, again, but I'm going to hang on to it, for awhile, just in case. I don't ever want to be without a copy of this movie.
    If the Special Features are intriguing, I'll return here to write about them. The movie, itself, is a wonder to behold, full of amazing acting and Spike Lee's innovative, intriguing auteurism at its best. The design and execution of so many of the scenes grab you by the ears and force you to get each and every moment of this astonishing story of, not only a man, but a people-movement that has yet to achieve ultimate success.
    Yes, I've listed it as both a biography and an autobiography. For those of you who are familiar with Alex Haley's and Malcolm X's collaborative book, as well as this movie, you'll understand why I did this.
    

  Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role
  Denzel Washington	Malcolm X	Angela Bassett	Betty Shabazz	Albert Hall	Baines	Al Freeman Jr.	Elijah Muhammad
  Delroy Lindo	West Indian Archie	Spike Lee	Shorty	Theresa Randle	Laura	Kate Vernon	Sophia
  Ernest Lee Thomas	Sidney	Christopher Plummer	Chaplain Gill	Lonette McKee	Louise Little	Tommy Hollis	Earl Little
  Giancarlo Esposito	Talmadge X Hayer	Wendell Pierce	Ben Thomas	Leonard L. Thomas	Leon Davis	Leland Gantt	Wilbur McKinley
  Roger Guenveur Smith	Rudy	James McDaniel	Brother Earl	Steve White	Brother Johnson	Veronica Webb	Sister Lucille Rosary
  Jean-Claude La Marre	Benjamin 2X	Debi Mazar	Peg	Karen Allen	Miss Dunne	Peter Boyle	NYPD Captain Green

  
    Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
    Release Date: 1992
    Directed by Spike Lee.

Labels: biography1, christopher-plummer, debi-mazar, delroy-lindo, denzel-washington, drama6, film-art1, giancarlo-esposito, haunting1, period2, political2, spike-lee

# posted by gail @ 15:44    0 comments    email......this post

• 
  Commentary:  I haven't watched this series, yet. I'm expecting to receive it today (7/15/22). I have to mention, though, despite its continued popularity, no film critics considered "accomplished" by film media reviewed this series; not then (back in the 1980's) and not now, despite the high caliber talent engaged, the fact that it continues to be lauded as the second most popular mini-series in history (the first one being Roots) and, besides these, it won several major awards. Even its Wikipedia write-up dispensed with its usual "Reception" section on this movie, although it did include a stocked Awards section, of which, might I add, this production was nominated for and won several. Despite this, I had to scrounge to find two reviews, one attached to the title of this post and the other here, written on the occasion of the release of the DVD of the series in 2004. Both are excellent and informative. If you read reviews of video media, you'll appreciate both. In addition, the DVD version I'll be receiving includes a "Commemorative Documentary" that I can barely wait to watch.
    The above linked reviews, despite the fact that I'll be receiving a few more DVDs/Blu-Rays in the same package, guarantee that this series will be the first into which I dive. I find it so incredibly curious that no "critic of prominence" wanted to weigh in on this series. I suspect I will discover why top tier critics were afraid to review this series (even though I'd put good money on the proposition that all of them saw it) and that it will have something to do with being afraid of somehow getting their minds dirty. I mean, a mini-series about a priest falling in love with a woman ... starring the likes of Richard Chamberlain, Rachel Ward, Christopher Plummer, the list goes on and on ... somehow, I can imagine lots of critics cringing, shaking their hands frantically and squealing, "Eew!"
    So, Dear Reader, stay tuned. Although this post remains "Under construction", I'll be completing and polishing it soon.
    

  Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role
  Richard Chamberlain	Ralph de Bricassart	Rachel Ward	Adult Meggie Cleary	Sydney Penny	Child Meggie Cleary	Barbara Stanwyck	Mary Carson
  Richard Kiley	Paddy Cleary	Jean Simmons	Fee Cleary	Bryan Brown	Luke O'Neill	Mare Winningham	Justine O'Neill
  Philip Anglim	Dane O'Neill	Ken Howard	Rainer Hartheim	John Friedrich	Frank Cleary	Dwier Brown	Adult Stuart Cleary
  Vidal Peterson	Child Stuart Cleary	Piper Laurie	Anne Mueller	Earl Holliman	Luddie Mueller	Christopher Plummer	Archbishop Vittorio di Contini-Verchese
  Brett Cullen	Bob Cleary	Stephen W. Burns	Jack Cleary	Barry Corbin	Pete	Holly Palance	Miss Carmichael
  John de Lancie	Alastair MacQueen	Allyn Ann McLerie	Mrs. Smith	Richard Venture	Harry Gough	Antoinette Bower	Sarah MacQueen

  
    Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
    Release Date: 1983
    Directed by Daryl Duke.

Labels: §4, barbara-stanwyck, christopher-plummer, coming-of-age2, erotic, jean-simmons, john-de-lancie, period7, piper-laurie, religion2, spiritual2, TV3

# posted by gail @ 10:15    0 comments    email......this post

• 
  Commentary:  Under Construction
  
  
  
  
  
    

  Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role
  Colin Farrell	Cpt. John Smith	Q'orianka Kilcher	Pocahontas	Christopher Plummer	Cpt. Christopher Newport	Christian Bale	John Rolfe
  August Schellenberg	Chief Powhatan	Wes Studi	Opechancanough	David Thewlis	Edward Wingfield	Yorick van Wageningen	Samuel Argall
  Irene Bedard	Pocahontas' Mother	John Savage	Thomas Savage	Ben Chaplin	Robinson	Jonathan Pryce	King James VI & I
  Ben Mendelsohn	Ben	Raoul Trujillo	Tomocomo	Brían F. O'Byrne	Lewes	Alexandra W. B. Malick	Queen Anne
  Myrton Running Wolf	Tockwhogh	Will Wallace	William Sentry	Rulan Tangen	Two Moons	Jesse Borrego	Pepaschicher

  
    Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
    Release Date: 2005
    Directed by Terrence Malick.

Labels: §3, ben-mendelsohn, christian-bale, christopher-plummer, Criterion3, jesse-borrego, jonathan-pryce, period6, wes-studi

# posted by gail @ 14:38    0 comments    email......this post

• 
  Commentary:  I initially saw this years ago, and it has haunted me, since, as an innovative biography as well as its depiction of the man. Yet another serendipitous going-out-of-business find.
    This is another one of those movies where several people working for and contributing to RogerEbert.com wrote articles pertaining to this movie. Just search it at the site.
  Update 11/17/2021:  This post was originally published August 14, 2016. It was one of the accidental deletions that occurred, which is covered in this post.
    

  Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role
  Denzel Washington	Malcolm X	Angela Bassett	Betty Shabazz	Albert Hall	Baines	Al Freeman Jr.	Elijah Muhammad
  Delroy Lindo	West Indian Archie	Spike Lee	Shorty	Theresa Randle	Laura	Kate Vernon	Sophia
  Ernest Lee Thomas	Sidney, Fruit of Islam	Christopher Plummer	Chaplain Gill	Lonette McKee	Louise Little	Tommy Hollis	Earl Little
  Giancarlo Esposito	Talmadge X Hayer	Wendell Pierce	Ben Thomas	Leonard L. Thomas	Leon Davis	Leland Gantt	Wilber McKinley
  Veronica Webb	Sister Lucille Rosary	Jean-Claude La Marre	Benjamin 2X	Debi Mazar	Peg	Peter Boyle	NYPD Cpt. Green

  
    Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
    Release Date: 1992
    Directed by Spike Lee.

Labels: biography1, christopher-plummer, debi-mazar, delroy-lindo, denzel-washington, drama6, film-art1, giancarlo-esposito, haunting1, period2, political2, spike-lee

# posted by gail @ 02:55    0 comments    email......this post

• 
  Commentary:  Did you know that the material in this movie is not only a book written by Stephen King, but inspired an opera, as well? I'm not surprised. The themes are sturdy, well-portrayed with a lack of sentimentality and an abundance of complication and so incredibly well acted and ever-inspiring: mother vs daughter, employee vs employer, wife vs abusive husband, community vs stalwart, self-protective woman. I swear, someday, when you and I are long dead, Stephen King will be considered the Shakespeare of our age.
    This movie has had a hold on me for years. I purchased it because I've checked it out of our library system so many times I believe I am partly responsible for the fact that at least one copy is always being "mended" by the staff. That's why I own it, now.
    There is only one aspect of the story with which I quibble: Dolores inheriting Vera's estate. On the one hand, she certainly deserves it, the inheritance places Vera in a kinder light, and Dolores' character certainly isn't changed by the news of the inheritance, although I suspect her circumstances are. On the other hand, you know, every time I watch this movie, I imagine Dolores not inheriting and realize, yet again, it wouldn't matter to the overall effect of the movie and the story. At any rate, it's a tiny quibble I have. Doesn't change my undying love for this movie, this character and the character of Vera.
    

  Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role
  Kathy Bates	Dolores Claiborne	Jennifer Jason Leigh	Selena St. George	Judy Parfitt	Vera Donovan	Christopher Plummer	Det. John Mackey
  David Strathairn	Joe St. George	Eric Bogosian	Peter	John C. Reilly	Cons. Frank Stamshaw	Bob Gunton	Mr. Pease

  
    The Wikipedia write-up for this movie (not the opera, that's earlier in this post) is here.
    Release Date: 1995
    Directed by Taylor Hackford.

Labels: bob-gunton, christopher-plummer, david-strathairn, drama3, haunting1, jennifer-jason-leigh, journalism, period1, psychological1, taylor-hackford, tragedy1, women's-movie1

# posted by gail @ 08:55    0 comments    email......this post

• Who's watched:  M & G
• Mentions:  None
• 
  Commentary:  I didn't know about this movie version of Rudyard Kipling's story (which I read some time in late high school, I think, in a collection of short stories, and remained haunted by it) until te late 1970's when the sister of a good friend of mine told me of the movie, extolled it's virtues, told me it was her "favorite", that it was showing on television that night and persuaded me to watch it. I was enchanted. Not only did the half remembered story come back to me in full, the movie overshadowed the story, for me, so well is it done. It is a movie I've never forgotten. A few years after I came to live with Mom and we began renting movies, I scoured several video stores before I found it. Mom loved it, too. I've rented it since, a couple of times, so I was thrilled when I ran across a copy of it. I was determined to buy it, cheap or not, as long as it was letter-boxed, which it was.
    The presentation is sparkling, but, being a very cheap version, the movie is cut in two; half on one side of the DVD, half on the other. This surprised us wen we watched it this afternoon. "I don't remember it having an intermission," I said.
    "I couldn't tell you," responded Mom, "I don't believe I've ever seen this movie."
    Good. I can get away with watching it a few more times before she becomes suspicious!
    For the curious and uninformed, while looking for links about the movie I came across the original short story here.
    

  Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role
  Sean Connery	Daniel Dravot	Michael Caine	Peachy Carnehan	Christopher Plummer	Rudyard Kipling	Saeed Jaffrey	Billy Fish
  Shakira Caine	Roxanne	Doghmi Larbi	Ootah	Jack May	District Commissioner	Karroom Ben Bouih	Kafu Salim

  
    Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
    Release Date: 1975
    Directed by John Huston.

Labels: adventure3, christopher-plummer, drama8, haunting2, michael-caine, period4, popcorn-and-soda3, shared-favorite

# posted by gail @ 23:48    1 comments    email......this post