Flammen & Citronen (2008) foreign w/subtitles [spoiler]Intrigued when listening to my friend Henrik and his discussion of his Uncle and others involvement during the Second World War, it was cool to find and view this film. The principle characters, upon whom the drama is based, were part of the Danish underground: Holger Danske. The movie itself describes moral conflict and uncertainties of struggling against an opposition not necessarily identified by uniform.

Starring Hugh O’Brian. No romance featured in the story plot line to spoil the action adventure drama. At least, that’s what my younger brother used to bemoan when reviewing TV action back then. “No girls! Yeach.” I’ve returned to this Western, via Netflix DVD, to absorb the 1950’s attitudes on honor, morals, ethics — oh yeah and for the wild frontier gun slinging. “Strong courageous and bold…” Capella singing music accompaniment lends to the period quaintness. Hey waidaminute. There ARE scarcely any females in this series. This handsome star isn’t another Rock Hudson kind of fellow, is he?

Playing now, early episodes of a English Go-Go Spy genre: The Avengers. Undecided if these episodes were filmed on a limited budget or more likely; the Brits were waaaaay behind Hollywood. In fact, the DVD re-master(ers) allow a disclaimer/apology for the primitive sound stage and video output. This is an early (1962) series pre Dianna Rigg (Emma Peel) featuring Honor Blackman. The socially incorrect acting dialog give historical insight into a classy era sans action stunts and fight scenes.

Idiocracy is a slightly dark comedy about the dumbing down of Uhh-merica. Shelved shortly after debut. Thought provoking and with a story line similar to A Day Without a Mexican (2004), I can never watch network TV again without thinking of this movie.

A Day without a Mexican (2004) – a must watch for us immigrantphobic conservatives.

I haven’t seen it [yet] but previous chapters in the series would predict that the action, special effects, and visual imagery is top rate. The acting and dialog wooden and disappointingly lame. The lines will be monotone, as if read from cue cards – minus any pizzazz. I’d had the idea that this was attributed to the no name talent or the casting department, but now I’m convinced otherwise. The acting is bad by design. The keepers of the Star Wars Series are jealously guarding the franchise. No one actor or actress will be allowed to steal the show. The idea is to sell the theme and movie fantasy (and action figure toys) and not enhance the celebrity of or to create movie stars. The movie wishes to be known and remembered as epic sci-fi. There has never been a splashy marquee or whos who list of acting credits to compete with or detract from this George Lucas Industrial Light & Magic title. (for instance note: that the actor(s) identity of the Wookie or Threepio characters has never been officially acknowledged, certainly not promoted — a contractual thing I’ll suppose). One can only imagine what it must have been like on the set during filming. If an actor got too dramatic or used artistic license in his character role he was likely slammed or asked to stick to the tone, thereby maintaing uniformity and conformity and for the sake of selfish protection of the [franchise] empire. Must have been as frustrating for the talent as it is for us to endure the end result. The movie could offer so much more. Glorious, if they could maintain the level of special effects fantasy while releasing some of the capabilities that the role players surely must be capable of. Once more next time. With feeling!

Flower girl has great skill in selecting good ones. The following list (in random order) is available on DVD / VHS:

• Abril Despedacado (2001)
• All the Pretty Horses (2000)
• Chicago (2002)
• The Curse of the Jade Scorpion (2001)
• Moulin Rouge! (2001)
• Russian Ark (2002)
• Diarios de motocicleta (2004)
• Fabuleux destin d’Amelie Poulain (2001)