The Fall of the Roman Empire
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The Fall of the Roman Empire Limited Collector’s Edition 3.5 out of 5 stars Reviewed for Coffeerooms by Mike Jefferson |
With a remastered print of the three hour theatrical film, promotional spots, a “making of” documentary spread out over 3 DVDs, plus post cards, and a Technicolor reproduction of the original program, trying to absorb all the material contained in this collector’s edition may feel as if the Roman Empire has fallen on you. But bear with it, citizen. The Miriam Collection’s “The Fall of the Roman Empire” has a forum for everyone, and is as sumptuous and striking as the film itself.
Released way back in 1964, “The Fall of the Roman Empire” isn’t as creaky as you might think. There’s none of the overboard, rip ‘em to shreds violence found in today’s productions (like watching 300 Spartans get hacked, severed and filleted down to none). It’s not an unforgettable epic in the vein of “Gladiator,” but it’s an enjoyable example of the extravagant epic genre. So if you’ve got young children, they won’t be exposed to anything they haven’t gawked at on prime time, making “The Fall” a good PG rated family movie night candidate.
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Posted April 25, 2008 Permalink
John, Paul, Tom and Ringo
 | The Tomorrow Show With Tom Snyder John, Paul, Tom and Ringo 4 out of 5 stars Reviewed for Coffeerooms by Mike Jefferson |
It’s ironic that an entire generation has grown up not knowing who Tom Snyder was. “John, Paul, Tom and Ringo,” a 2 DVD set of “Tomorrow Show” interviews from Shout Factory, ought to enhance Snyder’s reputation as a provocative, determined and entertaining interviewer. Snyder, a former newscaster, hosted “The Tomorrow Show,” on NBC from 1973-82. His hard-hitting interviewing style, off the cuff exchanges with the stage crew, and cloud-wafting chain smoking made him a celebrity in his own right. He also had the distracting habit of making every interview about Tom Snyder. If you’re interviewing Uncle Floyd, that’s one thing. If you’re fortunate to have landed three out of the four Beatles, you need to be prepared, be polite, suck on your Salem and let them do the talking. Tom does none of the above, which makes “John, Paul, Tom and Ringo” an occasional out of control clown car. Snyder’s ego aside, these interviews haven’t been seen in twenty five years, and are worth delving into because it’s the Beatles, kids.
John….
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Posted April 23, 2008 Permalink
Atonement
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Atonement Keira Knightley, James Mcavoy 3.5 out of 5 stars for romantics 2 out of 5 stars for hedonists Reviewed for Coffeerooms by Mike Jefferson |
(editor's note: Though I don't disagree with MJ's review and would strongly suggest the book over the movie, the girl in me must recommend the movie on the strength of the Green Dress which is uncredited but deserving of its own award.)
I have atoned for my many sins, having only dozed off twice while sitting through the dry as a doggie bone romance of “Atonement.” The film was recently nominated for seven Oscars and wound up winning just one – for best original score. The Academy can be shockingly wrongheaded when it comes to doling out awards, but in this case they got it right. There’s no doubt that “Atonement” deserved to be recognized, but “No Country For Old Men,” was the rightful winner for Best Picture and Best Supporting Actor. “Atonement” is a lavish period piece, manna for the eyes, and the music is lush and elegant. But stunning? Spellbinding? Those words best describe “No Country For Old Men” and “There Will Be Blood.” “Atonement” is a Lifetime movie with a bazillion dollar budget.
Posted April 10, 2008 Permalink
Gone Baby Gone
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Gone Baby Gone Casey Affleck, Morgan Freeman, Ed Harris 4.5 out of 5 stars Reviewed for Coffeerooms by Mike Jefferson |
Don’t cringe or chuckle when you see Ben Affleck’s name on the screen followed by the unlikely titles of director and screenwriter. “Gone Baby Gone” is a much better film than almost everything Affleck’s ever acted in, and it owes its success to a brilliant cast and Affleck’s ability to turn the suburbs of Boston into a central character.
The opening of “Gone Baby Gone” sets the viewer down in the middle of a media circus. A child, Amanda McCready, is missing from one of Boston’s congested, working class neighborhoods. Helene, her single drug huffing mom (marvelously trashy Amy Ryan), puts on a concerned front for the cameras, but in private, lounging on the couch in her seedy apartment, she’s more concerned about where her next high is coming from than her daughter’s safe return. Amanda’s aunt (tough love personified in the person of Amy Madigan) and uncle (working stiff Titus Welliver) hire a pair of young private investigators, Patrick Kenzie and Angie Gennaro (boyish Casey Affleck, and the brains of the outfit, Amy Monaghan) to supplant the police department’s search, which after three days appears to have already reached a dead end.
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Posted March 22, 2008 Permalink
