GoSale.com :: Reviews by A26XOOCIJWDITO

Reviews Written By: A26XOOCIJWDITO

provided by Amazon.com


	Mickey Hart - The Best of Mickey Hart: Over the Edge and Back
	"World music here not jam band music"	2008-09-06
Mickey Hart's solo work doesn't get the attnetion it deserves. He does a different type of music than he is normally associated with as one of the Grateful Dead's drummers. He's not looking to duplicate his successful group work in his solo outings. This is a compilation from various solo CD's so there is different personnel on different cuts. Many times there are multiple percussionists playing various percussion instruments, some of them unusual and exotic. Percussion is universal in so many countries music and it's very interesting stuff here. Many who buy the "best of" here will like it so much that they will search out the individual CDs that these cuts from- I did.
	The Bride of Frankenstein
	"An all time great horror classic"	2008-07-17
One of the best horror movies ever made. A much more human monster is seen here with Karloff making friends, smoking a cigar and even speaking. All the supporting performances are just right, especially Lanchester in the title role and Thesiger. The humor, both dark and otherwise, adds another layer to this classic. Director Whale was at his peak here and he had the story and the cast to present his masterpiece with.
	The Bride of Frankenstein
	"An all time great horror classic"	2008-07-17
One of the best horror movies ever made. A much more human monster is seen here with Karloff making friends, smoking a cigar and even speaking. All the supporting performances are just right, especially Lanchester in the title role and Thesiger. The humor, both dark and otherwise, adds another layer to this classic. Director Whale was at his peak here and he had the story and the cast to present his masterpiece with.
	Amistad
	""Based" on a true story"	2008-02-18
Amistad is a powerful movie about a real incident that had a bearing on history. Let's start with some of the many positives: Spielberg is one of our era's most talented filmmakers and his skills are certainly on display here. The film is well acted by the entire cast, especially Hopkins as former president Adams and Freeman as an abolitionist businessman. These 2 actors are always good and Amistad is no exception. Where the film falters is when Spielberg takes "dramatic license". Putting it simply, when he lies. The real story should have been enough for a great movie so the truth shouldn't have to be stretched to overdramatize events. The slavetraders were lousy human beings without a doubt but they didn't dump half the slaves in the ocean. Adams never met any of the Africans he defended so well and their presence in a courtroom is not believable. The speeches made in the film do not reflect 1839-40 attitudes, they reflect current ones. This could have and probably should have been great. As it is, it is a well told story with too many half truths. 3.5 Stars.
	Amistad
	""Based" on a true story"	2008-02-18
Amistad is a powerful movie about a real incident that had a bearing on history. Let's start with some of the many positives: Spielberg is one of our era's most talented filmmakers and his skills are certainly on display here. The film is well acted by the entire cast, especially Hopkins as former president Adams and Freeman as an abolitionist businessman. These 2 actors are always good and Amistad is no exception. Where the film falters is when Spielberg takes "dramatic license". Putting it simply, when he lies. The real story should have been enough for a great movie so the truth shouldn't have to be stretched to overdramatize events. The slavetraders were lousy human beings without a doubt but they didn't dump half the slaves in the ocean. Adams never met any of the Africans he defended so well and their presence in a courtroom is not believable. The speeches made in the film do not reflect 1839-40 attitudes, they reflect current ones. This could have and probably should have been great. As it is, it is a well told story with too many half truths. 3.5 Stars.
	Amistad
	""Based" on a true story"	2008-02-18
Amistad is a powerful movie about a real incident that had a bearing on history. Let's start with some of the many positives: Spielberg is one of our era's most talented filmmakers and his skills are certainly on display here. The film is well acted by the entire cast, especially Hopkins as former president Adams and Freeman as an abolitionist businessman. These 2 actors are always good and Amistad is no exception. Where the film falters is when Spielberg takes "dramatic license". Putting it simply, when he lies. The real story should have been enough for a great movie so the truth shouldn't have to be stretched to overdramatize events. The slavetraders were lousy human beings without a doubt but they didn't dump half the slaves in the ocean. Adams never met any of the Africans he defended so well and their presence in a courtroom is not believable. The speeches made in the film do not reflect 1839-40 attitudes, they reflect current ones. This could have and probably should have been great. As it is, it is a well told story with too many half truths. 3.5 Stars.
	Amistad - DTS
	""Based" on a true story"	2008-02-18
Amistad is a powerful movie about a real incident that had a bearing on history. Let's start with some of the many positives: Spielberg is one of our era's most talented filmmakers and his skills are certainly on display here. The film is well acted by the entire cast, especially Hopkins as former president Adams and Freeman as an abolitionist businessman. These 2 actors are always good and Amistad is no exception. Where the film falters is when Spielberg takes "dramatic license". Putting it simply, when he lies. The real story should have been enough for a great movie so the truth shouldn't have to be stretched to overdramatize events. The slavetraders were lousy human beings without a doubt but they didn't dump half the slaves in the ocean. Adams never met any of the Africans he defended so well and their presence in a courtroom is not believable. The speeches made in the film do not reflect 1839-40 attitudes, they reflect current ones. This could have and probably should have been great. As it is, it is a well told story with too many half truths. 3.5 Stars.
	Edgar Winter & White Trash - Roadwork
	"A forgotten band"	2008-02-03
With a very brief lifespan and one of the most politically incorrect names for a band ever conceived, EW's White Trash didn't get a lot of radio attention then or now. Winter would go on to have a great deal more success with his next band the Edgar Winter Group with songs such as "Frankenstein" and "Free Ride". The White Trash were a much different band , being a horn based soulful rock band (or rocking soul band). Their style here is much closer to the Blues Brothers than it is to the later Edgar Winter Group. This set is a mix of originals and covers and all are well done. 4.5 Stars.
	Blood Diamond [HD DVD]
	"A powerful and vioelnt movie"	2008-01-28
While not a favorite of the African Tourist Board, Blood Diamond tells an important and violent story. The 3 leads are all good here but the images that will remain are the violent scenes, many involving children. The movie could have been a great one but gets hindered by 3 Hollywood cliches that find themselves in the plot: 1. While DeCaprio is good in his part, he does struggle with the Rhodesian accent. Aren't there a lot of real Rhodesians who would just nail that accent? 2. The 3 main characters are a diamond smuggler, a simple fisherman, and a young journalist. Yet they make more miraculous escapes than Superman, Rambo and Wonder Woman here. 3. The overall "Let's Blame America" tone of the movie. The movie cites America as the dominant consumer of these diamonds- HOGWASH. The fact is that the EU, the Midle East, and Asia are all major consumers of diamonds today. Gone are the days when the US was the dominant consumer of anything, except maybe lies that single them out for the blame. Even in 1999, when the movie was set, it would have been much more truthful to say that the US was one of many major users of diamonds. In bringing the plight of Africa to the attention of the world, the movie deserves great credit but in loading down the story with typical Hollywood cliches and bias, I can only give it 3 stars.
	Blood Diamond [Blu-ray]
	"A powerful and vioelnt movie"	2008-01-28
While not a favorite of the African Tourist Board, Blood Diamond tells an important and violent story. The 3 leads are all good here but the images that will remain are the violent scenes, many involving children. The movie could have been a great one but gets hindered by 3 Hollywood cliches that find themselves in the plot: 1. While DeCaprio is good in his part, he does struggle with the Rhodesian accent. Aren't there a lot of real Rhodesians who would just nail that accent? 2. The 3 main characters are a diamond smuggler, a simple fisherman, and a young journalist. Yet they make more miraculous escapes than Superman, Rambo and Wonder Woman here. 3. The overall "Let's Blame America" tone of the movie. The movie cites America as the dominant consumer of these diamonds- HOGWASH. The fact is that the EU, the Midle East, and Asia are all major consumers of diamonds today. Gone are the days when the US was the dominant consumer of anything, except maybe lies that single them out for the blame. Even in 1999, when the movie was set, it would have been much more truthful to say that the US was one of many major users of diamonds. In bringing the plight of Africa to the attention of the world, the movie deserves great credit but in loading down the story with typical Hollywood cliches and bias, I can only give it 3 stars.
	The Toler Brothers - The Toler Brothers
	"Nice blues oriented set"	2008-01-21
Dan Toler and his brother Dave have been in the Allman Brothers Band and the solo bands of bothe Gregg Allman and Dickey Betts. For this, their first release on their own, they've chosen a very bluesy style with vocals from other band members. The playing is very strong and the overall quality of the CD is a lot better than some might think. At about 35 minutes, the length is a little skimpy but what's there is pretty good.
	Dirty Harry
	"Usually the first is the best in a series"	2008-01-06
And that is the case here although the 4 sequels are all pretty good. The movie is not a bloodbath filled with constant violence- it's more a suspense tale of the chase for a serial killer. The writers, producers, and dircetor are trying to advance a point of view here and very successfully. They set their story in San Fransisco, probably the most liberal city in the US. The San Fran's DA consults the Univ. of CA at Berklee for legal advice- another icon of liberalism. The film asks if the criminals follow no laws, aren't we handcuffing our police to follow laws in their fight with these criminals? Like the "Death Wish" series, the "Dirty Harry" series not only enertains but got America to think about serious issues. Moreso than almost every other film, these movies helped shape the political and legal debate for years to come. 4.5 Stars.
	Dirty Harry
	"Usually the first is the best in a series"	2008-01-06
And that is the case here although the 4 sequels are all pretty good. The movie is not a bloodbath filled with constant violence- it's more a suspense tale of the chase for a serial killer. The writers, producers, and dircetor are trying to advance a point of view here and very successfully. They set their story in San Fransisco, probably the most liberal city in the US. The San Fran's DA consults the Univ. of CA at Berklee for legal advice- another icon of liberalism. The film asks if the criminals follow no laws, aren't we handcuffing our police to follow laws in their fight with these criminals? Like the "Death Wish" series, the "Dirty Harry" series not only enertains but got America to think about serious issues. Moreso than almost every other film, these movies helped shape the political and legal debate for years to come. 4.5 Stars.
	Dirty Harry - Limited Edition Collector's Set
	"Usually the first is the best in a series"	2008-01-06
And that is the case here although the 4 sequels are all pretty good. The movie is not a bloodbath filled with constant violence- it's more a suspense tale of the chase for a serial killer. The writers, producers, and dircetor are trying to advance a point of view here and very successfully. They set their story in San Fransisco, probably the most liberal city in the US. The San Fran's DA consults the Univ. of CA at Berklee for legal advice- another icon of liberalism. The film asks if the criminals follow no laws, aren't we handcuffing our police to follow laws in their fight with these criminals? Like the "Death Wish" series, the "Dirty Harry" series not only enertains but got America to think about serious issues. Moreso than almost every other film, these movies helped shape the political and legal debate for years to come. 4.5 Stars.
	Dirty Harry
	"Usually the first is the best in a series"	2008-01-06
And that is the case here although the 4 sequels are all pretty good. The movie is not a bloodbath filled with constant violence- it's more a suspense tale of the chase for a serial killer. The writers, producers, and dircetor are trying to advance a point of view here and very successfully. They set their story in San Fransisco, probably the most liberal city in the US. The San Fran's DA consults the Univ. of CA at Berklee for legal advice- another icon of liberalism. The film asks if the criminals follow no laws, aren't we handcuffing our police to follow laws in their fight with these criminals? Like the "Death Wish" series, the "Dirty Harry" series not only enertains but got America to think about serious issues. Moreso than almost every other film, these movies helped shape the political and legal debate for years to come. 4.5 Stars.
	Dirty Harry
	"Usually the first is the best in a series"	2008-01-06
And that is the case here although the 4 sequels are all pretty good. The movie is not a bloodbath filled with constant violence- it's more a suspense tale of the chase for a serial killer. The writers, producers, and dircetor are trying to advance a point of view here and very successfully. They set their story in San Fransisco, probably the most liberal city in the US. The San Fran's DA consults the Univ. of CA at Berklee for legal advice- another icon of liberalism. The film asks if the criminals follow no laws, aren't we handcuffing our police to follow laws in their fight with these criminals? Like the "Death Wish" series, the "Dirty Harry" series not only enertains but got America to think about serious issues. Moreso than almost every other film, these movies helped shape the political and legal debate for years to come. 4.5 Stars.
	Dirty Harry
	"Usually the first is the best in a series"	2008-01-06
And that is the case here although the 4 sequels are all pretty good. The movie is not a bloodbath filled with constant violence- it's more a suspense tale of the chase for a serial killer. The writers, producers, and dircetor are trying to advance a point of view here and very successfully. They set their story in San Fransisco, probably the most liberal city in the US. The San Fran's DA consults the Univ. of CA at Berklee for legal advice- another icon of liberalism. The film asks if the criminals follow no laws, aren't we handcuffing our police to follow laws in their fight with these criminals? Like the "Death Wish" series, the "Dirty Harry" series not only enertains but got America to think about serious issues. Moreso than almost every other film, these movies helped shape the political and legal debate for years to come. 4.5 Stars.
	Sea Level - Sea Level
	"One of the better jazz fusion efforts"	2008-01-05
With Chuck Leavell, Lamar Williams, and Jaimoe from the Allman Brothers, you know there was a lot of talent on board here. This was the first (of 5) LP's the band did in the late 1970's and early 1980's. This may be their best but all are worth seeking out. The style is a jazz fusion not unlike what John McLaughlin, Weather Report, Santana, Miles Davis and many others were doing at the time. A really strong set of songs here- 4.5 Stars.
	B.B. King - Anthology
	"2 disc sampler of BB from 1962 to 1998."	2007-12-28
This is a 2 Cd set with 34 tracks BB did from 1962 to 1998. I think for many fans that this will be the right amount. King is just too good and too prolific for a one disc sampler and 4 CDs is a big box and big bucks for many fans. What this set is missing is the first 13 years or so of BB's career (there were many good songs there), the last decade (still worthwhile music) and just a very light sprinkling of the 1990's. His over 50 year career is just too big even for a big 2 disc set but you will get a lot of quality music at a reasonabale price here. I like the fact that there is some live music here along with the studio cuts. Besides being a great guitarist, King has a great voice, is a fine songwriter and an excellent interpreter of others songs and has had a great stage presence. If you have all that and a little luck, you can be successful for as long as BB King.
	Dracula
	"Great Lugosi performance makes this special"	2007-11-10
Universal released this in early 1931 and it is an early talkie with no music score. While there are fine performances from Van Sloan and Frye, the aspect of the film that fascinates all these years later is the great performance by Bela Lugosi. While Lugosi may not have been a great or a versatile actor, he had played this part on Broadway for a few yaers prior to making the movie. He is absolutely perfect- every line, every movement of the eyes, every gesture is true. Being from Transylvania, he even had an authentic accent. There are some weak performances in this movie but Lugosi's Dracula more than makes up for them. You can't take your eyes off him in any of his scenes. While many other actors have played the part, only Bela Lugosi IS Dracula.
	Dracula
	"Great Lugosi performance makes this special"	2007-11-10
Universal released this in early 1931 and it is an early talkie with no music score. While there are fine performances from Van Sloan and Frye, the aspect of the film that fascinates all these years later is the great performance by Bela Lugosi. While Lugosi may not have been a great or a versatile actor, he had played this part on Broadway for a few yaers prior to making the movie. He is absolutely perfect- every line, every movement of the eyes, every gesture is true. Being from Transylvania, he even had an authentic accent. There are some weak performances in this movie but Lugosi's Dracula more than makes up for them. You can't take your eyes off him in any of his scenes. While many other actors have played the part, only Bela Lugosi IS Dracula.
	Dracula
	"Great Lugosi performance makes this special"	2007-11-10
Universal released this in early 1931 and it is an early talkie with no music score. While there are fine performances from Van Sloan and Frye, the aspect of the film that fascinates all these years later is the great performance by Bela Lugosi. While Lugosi may not have been a great or a versatile actor, he had played this part on Broadway for a few yaers prior to making the movie. He is absolutely perfect- every line, every movement of the eyes, every gesture is true. Being from Transylvania, he even had an authentic accent. There are some weak performances in this movie but Lugosi's Dracula more than makes up for them. You can't take your eyes off him in any of his scenes. While many other actors have played the part, only Bela Lugosi IS Dracula.
	Dracula
	"Great Lugosi performance makes this special"	2007-11-10
Universal released this in early 1931 and it is an early talkie with no music score. While there are fine performances from Van Sloan and Frye, the aspect of the film that fascinates all these years later is the great performance by Bela Lugosi. While Lugosi may not have been a great or a versatile actor, he had played this part on Broadway for a few yaers prior to making the movie. He is absolutely perfect- every line, every movement of the eyes, every gesture is true. Being from Transylvania, he even had an authentic accent. There are some weak performances in this movie but Lugosi's Dracula more than makes up for them. You can't take your eyes off him in any of his scenes. While many other actors have played the part, only Bela Lugosi IS Dracula.
	The Grateful Dead - So Many Roads (1965-1995)
	"A very good boxed set"	2007-10-31
You have to admire the way this set was put together- trying not to duplicate what Deadheads already own and presenting 5 discs worth of unreleased and rare material. There really is a lot of great music in here and a great variety as well. In the extensive liner notes to the set, the compilers admit there's not enough Pigpen in it- WHY DIDN'T THEY PUT MORE PIGPEN SONGS THEN??? This is a great set that could have even greater if they included more early material and more Pigpen. 4.5 Stars- very very good but by their own admission, they could have done better in their choice of material.
	Sandy Denny - No More Sad Refrains: The Anthology
	"A great voice"	2007-10-18
A proper collection of British folk music should start right here. As well as being a fine songwriter, Denny had a tremendous voice. Her voice is one of the best voices you'll ever hear from any singer doing this or any other style of music. It really is special. This collection includes a nice sampling of her solo work along with some of her Fairport Convention work. I would have liked to see the great Fairport epic "Tamm Lind" included here but it is not. You'll have to buy "Liefe and Liege" to get that but "Liefe and Liege" is something a fan of this type of music should certainly own anyway.4.5 Stars- Very Good.
	Duane Allman - Anthology
	"The best guitarist of them all"	2007-10-08
This set will give a taste of the tremendous talent Duane Allman showed both as a leader of the Allman Brothers Band and as a sideman. Highlights include the great solo on Boz Scaggs "Loan Me a Dime", the classic "Layla", "Down Along the Cove", his slide work on the Allman Brothers "Dreams" and "Don't Keep Me Womdering" along with Duane's composition "Little Martha". I can't imagine a set of great music without Duane Allman and this set hits on many high notes. Also highly reccomended is Volume 2.
	The Marx Brothers Collection (A Night at The Opera/A Day at The Races/A Night in Casablanca/Room Service/At the Circus/Go West/The Big Store)
	"A lot of laughs here"	2007-09-11
This set features the 3 Marx Brothers - Zeppo had left by this time. The first 2 films they did after Zeppo left are both 5 star classics. "Night at the Opera" is famous for its stateroom scene and Chico selling Groucho all the racing programs he'll need in "Day at The Races" are true classics. "Room Service" was not specifically written for the Marx Brothers and it's really not that good for a Marx Brothers movie- 3 stars. "Go West", "At the Circus" and "A Night in Casablanca" are all pretty good although not great- all in the 3.5 to 4 star area, better than "Room Service" but not the equal of their earlier classics. One of the problems with these movies is that MGM put in too much (bad) singing and dancing and less Marx Brothers comedy into these movies. The Brothers were always funny but they were at their best when not weighted down by too many characters and songs that no one cared to hear. All in all- 4 stars. Some great ones, some very good ones and one just okay movie here.
	Jesus of Nazareth
	"Excellent treatment"	2007-08-19
This is an over 6 hour treatment on the life of Jesus. The motive seems to be to bring to life the stories in the Gospel and nothing else. They're not trying to advance far-fetched alternative theories (Last Temptation of Christ, DaVinci Code, etc) and this is refreshing. When there's dialogue not in the Gospels, it's to support not to contradict what's in the Gospels. It's very well acted, especially by Powell in the lead role. Ernest Borgnine is just great in a small supporting role as a Roman Centurion- he does more with facial expressions than most actors can do with 10 pages of dialogue. This is something that is exctremely long but well worth the time.
	Jesus of Nazareth
	"Excellent treatment"	2007-08-19
This is an over 6 hour treatment on the life of Jesus. The motive seems to be to bring to life the stories in the Gospel and nothing else. They're not trying to advance far-fetched alternative theories (Last Temptation of Christ, DaVinci Code, etc) and this is refreshing. When there's dialogue not in the Gospels, it's to support not to contradict what's in the Gospels. It's very well acted, especially by Powell in the lead role. Ernest Borgnine is just great in a small supporting role as a Roman Centurion- he does more with facial expressions than most actors can do with 10 pages of dialogue. This is something that is exctremely long but well worth the time.
	Libeled Lady
	"Classic Powell/Loy Comedy"	2007-08-12
William Powell and Myrna Loy made many movies together during the 1930's and 1940's- both Thin Man movies and comedies. They probably never had better support than this movie with Spencer Tracy and Jean Harlow in key roles. Audiences never tired of seeing Powell and Loy's characters fall in love but this movie presents a complicated plot around the love story. Very well done with many laughs and of course, great chemistry. 70 plus years later, still a classic!