Con Man The Barry Minkow Story

This film subject is a great film to explore but the film fails on many levels! One thing is the fact the fact the real life subject plays himself. (Never a good idea). Also the film also is "Too Bright". The colors or over saturated. The is a crime story. Also the screenplay doesn't cover what happened to many of the people that helped Barry create his con.

In case you don't know the story Con Man is the real life story of Barry Jay Minkow, a son, businessman, fraud buster, actor, pastor... and felon. Born in 1967, Barry Minkow went on to set up a highly successful carpet cleaning company but was imprisoned in 1988 for one of the world's largest investment and accounting frauds through a Ponzi scheme..

This case is so interesting that I am positive another film will get made. I am sure it will be better than this attempt.

Forget "Three Billboards" "The Greatest Showman" should have won Best Picture

Many people argue that the Academy Awards most of the time rewards the wrong film or performance. Last year "Moonlight" won Best Picture and to me "Hidden Figures" should have won.

This year "The Shape of Water" won Best Picture  and to most people "Three Billboards"  should have won.  I was part of that group however that was until I saw "The Greatest Showman". 

To me this is what going to the movies was all about.  This film was a huge thrill to senses. From a great story to a great cast.  At times I felt I was in tears because I was just loving this movie.

This film however was shunned at The Academy Awards.  In fact it did not get a nomination for Best Picture will not prevent this film from becoming an endearing film like "The Princess Bride" & "Willy Wonka".  Neither one of those films were nominated but those films are beloved today.

"The Greatest Showman" however did catch the audience's attention.  It did stay in the top 10 Grossing Films of the week for months!   It's opening weekend it took in less then $10,000,000 dollars.  It ended up grossing almost $200,000,000 in the United States Alone. In fact after the opening weekend most box office watchers  wrote this film off (I did).  The film however proved it had legs and those legs could "Dance".  

See this movie...

MISTLE-TONES DVD FOR SALE

If you want it let me know $9.00 includes shipping
jawsofoz@gmail.com INCLUDES COVER ART AND CASE

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle I was shocked it was excellent

I was was very shocked that I loved the film "Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle". I did not want to see this to begin with. I am not a fan of "Action/Adventure" or "Comic Book Movies". So I was shocked that I loved this movie. At the beginning I thought "Oh It's The Breakfast Club" stuck in a fantasy world.

Now I will say "That is still partially true" but what this film is rarely hits a false note. It was lots of fun with a huge heart.

If you are looking for a film to see (It hits DVD Soon) then make this your top choice.

A CHRISTMAS CAROL 1938 Reginald Owen Is The Best Version

Every year there is another version of "A Christmas Carol" produced.  It can be an adaption of the book set in the time in which the book was written but more & more version are "loosely based" on the Charles Dickens Story  and seem  set  the story in Modern Times.   I prefer seeing any adaption set in the 19th century.   I have seen  many television adaptions that adapt the story into modern times and all of them are not worth seeing again.

From the beginning of films "Hollywood" has made "Christmas Carol" movies.  The 1938 version produced by MGM is my favorite version of them all.

Made by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, and originally intended to star Lionel Barrymore (who played the role of Scrooge annually on radio but was forced to drop out of the film because of his arthritis, though he narrated its trailer),^[2] the movie starred Reginald Owen as Scrooge and the married couple Gene and Kathleen Lockhart as the Cratchits. Terry Kilburn, better known for his portrayal of Colley in Goodbye, Mr. Chips, costarred as Tiny Tim and a young June Lockhart (Gene and Kathleen's daughter) made her screen debut as one of the Cratchit daughters.^[3] Leo G. Carroll played Marley's Ghost. The characters of Fred (Scrooge's nephew) and Elizabeth, his fianceé (his wife in the novelette), were greatly expanded in order to work in a romantic angle to the story that Dickens did not intend. The couple was played by Barry MacKay and Lynne Carver. Ann Rutherford, better known as Polly Benedict in the Andy Hardy films and as Carreen O'Hara in Gone with the Wind, was a young and attractive Ghost of Christmas Past, rather than the somewhat unusual creation that Dickens described.


I am a child of 1970's. I grew up in the Los Angeles area. On Christmas Eve this film came on at 11:00pm on Channel 11. Every year my family would all gather together to watch this classic! Remember you could only watch this ONCE A YEAR and you had to catch it when it aired! . There was no such thing as Home Video or On Demand. Watching this film with my family is my happiest childhood memory. It was better than a trip to Disneyland. 

This production of "A Christmas Carol" was produced by MGM in its heyday. The film was shot In October and in theaters by December! So this rushed production over the years has been over shadowed by more lavish productions but casting wise this film has no equal. 

In this film Scrooge is a crusty old business man in old Victoria England. He seems to thrive on making money and not caring about anything else! He has alienated his only living family member and seems to thrive on making his trusted employee Bob Cratchit life a living hell. 

On Christmas Eve of course he gets visited by not 3 but 4 ghost. Bob Marley (his late former business partner) and the Ghost of Christmas Past Present and Future. The ghost of course come to teach Scrooge about the joy of not only giving but also the joy of living. 

This I think is the first film that makes the Ghost come in one night. In the book they come on different nights.

What also is great about this version is that its never boring! It moves quit quickly and watching this in black and white gives this a the correct tone. It is a delight! 

I am not lying at when I say my Christmas Season is not complete without watching this! This film plus "Christmas Vacation" are mandatory viewing in my home. 

Please if you have never seen this version you should. The Jim Carey version borrowed heavily from this adaption. 

I beg all of you to watch it with your family. There is something so special to me about this film and viewing it with family.

The Birdcage Special Edition wanted

The Blu-Ray Transfer is Terrible.  Also no Special Edition of this film has ever been released however this might be the reason. 

Mike Nichols might be a director that never wanted the deleted footage released on DVD.  It is not uncommon for a director not wanting them "out".  However most studios have content control over the Television Editions.  That is why the Television Cut of this film is about 30 minutes longer.  However it would be nice if the famous Nathan Lane Performance scene was released someday. When that scene was cut it was a huge blow to Nathan Lane and may have cost him an Academy Award Nomination! 

Now if we ever get a Special Edition I would Like To See

*Behind The Scenes Footage
*Making of documentary
*The Extended Broadcast Version
*The Nathan Performance That Has never been scene
*Cast Interviews
*Audio Commentary with Elaine May and nathan Lane

Murphy Brown Is Needed now More Than Ever

I am so glad this show is  returning.  However its sad that that "Colleen Dewhurst", "Jay Thomas", "Pat Corley", "Robert Pastorelli" and "John Hostetter" have all passed on.

This shows creator (Diane English) is a great writer.     I hope Barnet Kellman will helm this new incarnation.  

With the United States having all sorts of problems that will not go away anytime soon it will be nice to see "Murphy Brown" shine spotlight on how inept Donald Trump is as well as his supporters/enablers! 

 

IS THE RESTORED SUPERMAN II TELEVISION CUT COMING TO DVD 2

Years ago I bought this DVD.  It was a great set.  It was "Superman II" the television cut that ran about 30 minutes longer than the original theatrical cut.  It included many before scenes that were filmed by Richard Donner who was later fired from finishing this film. Richard Lester finished the film.  It wasn't fare to fire Richard Donner.  (Long Story) however "Superman II" has always been a favorite film of mine to watch.  This "Fan Edit"  ended up leading Warner Brothers to release "Superman II: The Richard Donner Cut".  Now I have seen that version of the film but "The Restored International Cut" is much better.   As much as I loved the beginning of "The Richard Donner Cut" I felt they cut too much out of the "Niagara Falls" segment of the film.  I also missed the scene where Clark and Lois are making orange juice.  Those scenes were omitted because Richard Donner did not film them and (to me) they make the Richard Donner cut feel incomplete!  

This brings me to last year and the original "Superman" movie.  Last year Warner Brother Released "Superman The Movie" the 3 hour Television version.  Nobody ever thought that would be released. (It was a fluke they found it in the vaults).  It was a huge success.  It had scenes that were never before released on home video. (Even as deleted scenes) Besides it was also in the Widescreen Format. This was something fans have wanted for years!

That is why I want a "Superman II Restored International".  That has lots of footage that has never been released on home video.  I would love to see Warner Brothers release this version on home video!   I am sure I am not alone!  I am hoping if Warner Brother found the original "Superman"television cut in their vaults then there is a more than likely chance that the television cut of  "Superman II"  is in there as well.

2018 marks the 40th Anniversary of the original film.  It would be an ideal time for Warner Brothers releases a 4k Set of the original films.  A set that would include the television cuts of the first two films!  The timing seems right! 

THE MISTLE-TONES IS ADORABLE. ONE OF THE BEST CHRISTMAS MOVIES on dvd

   In past few years I have seen over 500 "Christmas Related" movies, cartoons, and television specials.   There is a few films that I just love to watch over & over.  One of them is this film "The Mistle-Tones".   

  In later post I will say post my other raves but this film just wows me every-time I have watched it!   This film is very clever and has a specialness to it.

  This film is not the typical "Television Christmas Movie".  This is not about a person that is tormented that "Christmas is here" and hates it for one reason or another.  Its also not about someone looking for love.  It is a refreshing film about the joy "Christmas Brings" to Holly and wanting to join a local singing group.

In this film Tia Mowry plays Holly.  Holly is excited to audition for the Snow Belles, a Christmas-themed pop group founded by her late mother. However, lead Belles singer Marci denies Holly a chance to audition when she shows up late. Nevertheless, Holly takes to the stage and delivers a sensational audition and is upset when Marci passes her over in favor of Staci. Holly is depressed about being turned down, even after her sister suggests she start her own group. 


Soon, though, Holly begins to see merit in the idea and decides to ask the manager of the local mall if she can perform at the local Christmas Eve celebration. The manager decides to hold auditions and a competition as a publicity stunt and agrees to let Holly's group into the show. Holly however doesn't have one!   

To give more away is wrong.  I went into viewing this "Blind".  I had no idea what the plot was.  However without giving away the plot I will say "Since you know all the songs that they sing in this film you as a viewer become a cast member". 

.  YOU CAN BUY IT  from me Its $9  The best $9 you will ever spend.   Has art work and case

If you love Christmas then this movie is for you!     Even if it's Summer put this on.  Its just "Adorable" 

Mandie and the Forgotten Christmas A Great Family Film

In this film is a third in a series of films (I did not know this at the time of viewing) This time around Mandie is thrust into Miss Heathwood's School for Girls, she struggles to grasp the school's new rules. As Mandie tries to stay out of hot water with Miss Heathwood and discover what the headmistress seems to have against Christmas, she stumbles upon a mystery in the school's forbidden attic. Uncovering the truth may lead to unlocking the memories of a long-forgotten Christmas.

This film is not meant for the "Home Alone" crowd. It is slowly paced and the acting is "laughable at times". What does work is the fact the film does convey a message of "what seems right is wrong". It also shows that we are all here in the world to help one another and we can't do it alone! 

The target audience is women but men should give it a chance. However keep bratty boys away from the television. 

The IMDB score is low because women (The Target Audience) are not as active as men and boys.  That's too bad.  The score of this film will be much higher if women voted! 

Watch this film but realize its not perfect but "worth seeing". 

The Star of Bethlehem Dvd Blown Opportunity

Presenter Rick Larson walks you through Biblical and historical clues revealing the incredible significance of this celestial event as well as the vastness of God s creativity. Features: Produced by Stephen McEveety (Braveheart, The Passion of the Christ) Dramatic presentation on the significance of Bethlehem s Star and its connection to the life of Christ.

Now I believe Jesus was an actual person. The events surrounding his birth life and death are always controversial. 

Now this one presentation was poorly filmed and edited. Because this was a videotaped lecture most of the time the camera is just focused on Rick Larson. He has visual aids that that he refers to but the camera really doesn't cut to the visuals. One time the camera just cuts to "Nothing" and we just hear the man talking. 

I think whoever made this DVD was just out for a cash grab. The filmed it and just put on a DVD to sell without much effort in post production. 

The whole thing needs to be blocked and re-shot with multi cameras. This was poorly made. It is so bad you may fall asleep.

Now again the information is interesting but the presentation shown here was made for a live audience. So there is no impact on a home viewer. It would of been an easy fix in post production. They could have shown the "Visulas" more clearly and use the original voice track over the visual inserts. Or they could of provided us a link to download the visuals.  

If you own this film or involved with the "Making of It" I am not "critical of the message" just the way "You delivered it".  

The Christmas Card A Great Film

I am on a quest to watch every Christmas theme film ever made. I have seen over 500 in the past 2-3 years and this one is one the best. 

For a change of pace this film is not about a poor young widowed mother. (That seems the major plot lines for Hallmark Movies) Its about "Love" and taking chances. In this film a soldier on leave (John Newton) visits a small town and falls for the woman (Alice Evans) who wrote a well-wishing card to the troops. The whole town has in fact sent soldiers Christmas Cards that have been fighting in Iraq. When one soldier loses his friends in combat his commander suggest that he "take leave". The soldier has no family of his own but his commander tells him he needs to go back to the USA to remember what he is really fighting for.

This is a perfect movie. The film never drags. The leads are attractive. The location a beautiful co-star.  Most of all it has many characters that you love.  

Merry Christmas

THE SNOWMAN 1982

This nice little short film is one of awe and wonder.  The story is that on One winter's day, a boy builds a snowman who comes to life at the stroke of midnight. He and the boy play with appliances, toys and other bric-a-brac in the house, all while keeping quiet enough not to wake the boy's parents.

They have a journey of a lifetime.  This animated special is very special.  The animation is not "Typical".  Its like watching illustrations come to life.  

This is available on line to watch (You Tube) and it is a show worth seeking out.  

Loved this One!

"Star Wars The Last Jedi"? Makes me miss "Jar Jar Binks"

I saw this at the theaters and was bored.  I thought I would give it a try and I was even more bored the 2nd time around.  Sad all the goodwill the "The Force Awakens" gave fans was all thrown away by a less talented writer/director.  This was so bad that I have no desire to see any further "Star Wars" films! 

Watch "Fir Crazy". A Great Feel Good Movie

"Fir Crazy" is a Hallmark Christmas Movie that is great to watch any time of the year! 
 Sarah Lancaster stars and she makes her part look effortless!

In this film she plays Elise.  Elise  is a woman just  fired from her job & loses her boyfriend on the same day. At the same time it happens to be Christmas and this woman must work at her family "Christmas Lot". Now Elise detest this lot because she spent her childhood at this lot but she needs to be there this year because her dad broke his foot. 

Also this happens to be a new owner of the business next door and he "Hates the Christmas Lot" more than Elsie. What happens over the course of the film is "Christmas magic".

This one is for adults but is family safe. However the target auidence is women but men will like this one.

If you need to need a little "Christmas Cheer" this film is great to watch anytime of the year! 

If you want to buy it it is on Amazon under the title "Oh Christmas Tree" 

Above Average

Merry Christmas