Reviews Written by cd
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October 26, 2006
Jesus Freaks
Pros: Well written and compelling
Cons: Can be a little judgmental, but that's just me
...They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, wer tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:)... Hebrews 11:37-38a
I had wanted to read this particular book for years. I got my chance when I purchased it at a book sale in the local mall. I read almost completely in two days.
Jesus Freaks is a collection of true stories of Christian martyrs throughout history up to the late 1990's. While I think there were a few judgmental statements that I personally did not agree with, it does not detract from the sorrow and the horror. I generally do not purchase a lot of books because I use my local library. However, Jesus Freaks is worth owning and turning to time and time again.
Because I am an American, I do not know the suffering of Christians around the world. This book does much to open the eyes of believers who live in a "modernized" society.
I would highly recommend it to any Christian. You will think twice about being afraid to stand up for your beliefs. So many have done so and paid the ultimate price. ... -
October 13, 2006
The Adventures of Robin Hood
1 of 1 Yahoo! Users found this review helpfulPros: Action, Adventure and Romance
Cons: none
This is the Hollywood answer to Robin Hood and it's a winner. Anyone between 3-100 years old will love this movie.
Errol Flynn portrays Sir Robin of Locksley, an Earl turned robber, who protects the poor Saxons from an evil, tyrannical king (played by Claude Raines) and his menacing henchman (played by Basil Rathbone--terrific performance).
Maid Marian (Olivia deHavilland) is well written, interesting and intelligent enough to love Robin.
Filmed in technicolor, it is visually very pretty to look at.
Warner Brothers used their stock actors to their fullest. Alan Hale, Eugene Pallette (as Friar Tuck) Una O'Connor, Patrick Knowles--none of them miss a note.
I would encourage anyone to purchase this film/dvd. ... -
October 13, 2006
Captain Blood
Pros: Anyone including the kids could watch this and like it
Cons: It's dated
Captain Blood the movie was based on a book by Raphael Sabatini. It follows the story of one Dr. Peter Blood, a 17th century physician who accused of aiding a rebellion against King James. Instead of being hanged he is sent to Jamaica and enslaved. After escaping from the island, he becomes a pirate.
Errol Flynn was all of 25 when he made this movie. The years of smoking and drinking had not caught up with him. He is handsome, he is full of physical energy and he nails this part. Anyone else would be looked like an idiot saying the dialogue that he had to say.
This was his first starring role; he was an unknown and Warner Brothers took a huge chance casting him. Well, they more than made up for their gamble. He is terrific; one can only imagine the heads of WB watching the first rushes.
Warner Brothers also took a chance on an unknown named Olivia deHavilland. Ms. deHavilland, who was 90 years old in 2006, was 19 years old. There is nothing nicer than watching these two spectacularly good looking people on film together. Magic.
A fine supporting cast, including Lionel Atwill, Ross Alexander (look him up on yahoo movies; sad) and the amazing Basil Rathbone. Ok, BR's accent leaves much to be desired but as a character, he was great. Hard to believe that he would be Sherlock Holmes one day.
For the young people out there, this movie is dated. Some of the dialogue is ridiculous, Ms. de Havilland's laugh is just awful and I already told you about Basil Rathbone's accent. However, I don't care. I loved it. ... -
October 13, 2006
Dodge City
Pros: It's Errol Flynn's First Western
Cons: Who wrote this?
Dodge City, according to this movie, became corrupt because of a gang of men. Errol Flynn as Wade Hatton, a trail boss and good guy, becomes sherriff and sets out to clean up the town.
It's filled with every single stereotype you can think of. The good hearted saloon singer (Ann Sheridan, who is wasted), the fun loving cowhands (including Alan Hale), the sweet and innocent girl (Olivia deHavilland, who is also wasted; any wonder she fought to get out of her contract with Warner Brothers); the Temperance Ladies (that was cute, actually) and the evil villain, played very well by Bruce Cabot.
Oh, and there's a fire in a locked railroad car and Errol Flynn picks up Olivia and carries her to relative safety. Oh, please. She wasn't pregnant and she didn't have a broken leg. So let's for argument's sake say that she was clumsy and she had a long dress-she could have run anyway and put the fire out on her clothes. Please.
I would have given this movie 1 star except for one thing. The brawl in the barroom. It's really, really well done.
I am a Flynn fan (not fanatic, mind you) and personally, I thought he looked like a big dork in that hat. Sorry, where was the costume manager for that one? I mean, didn't anyone tell him?
The other thing that made me give it an extra 1/2 star was that it was Mr. Flynn's first western.
Do not buy this one--rent it. I got it as part of the Errol Flynn Signature collection. Would not have included this particular movie. ... -
October 13, 2006
They Died with Their Boots On
Pros: The last pairing of Flynn and de Havilland
Cons: It's a fairy tale
This is not a biography of Custer. It is a fairy tale, a piece of fiction. If you are looking for a documentary, find something else.
HOWEVER, if you love classic films from Hollywood's golden age, rent this movie.
There are a lot of action scenes with Warner Brothers stock actors and they all do a fine job. There is something very comforting about seeing these actors in movie after movie.
Director Raoul Walsh did a fine job directing, particularly the scene at the end when Custer and his men are coming over the hill in the early morning. The clouds and the early morning shot was right--it looks like a painting. Max Steiner wrote the music and included Garryowen (a song from the Civil war) and a haunting theme for Custer and his wife Libby.
But it's Flynn and deHavilland that make the movie.
Their last scene together was the last time they would ever work together. Flynn and deH had unrequited love for each other in real life, so it adds to the emotion, in my opinion and this scene is one of the best they had together.
Also, watch for a young Anthony Quinn as Crazy Horse.
I have had the privilege of watching Captain Blood (their first movie), The Adventures of Robin Hood (their best movie) and this their final pairing. If you can do so, watch the movies in that order and get out your tissue.
Again, this is a fairy tale; if you can put aside the many historical inaccuracies and enjoy a palpable love story, you will love this film. ...
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From a beginner's point of view
Pros: great plot and good characters
Cons: very confusing beginning for a novice reader of Liaden Universe
I received this book as a freebie from my local library. I had never heard of these authors or of the Liaden Universe series. I had been reading a lot of fantasy books, such as Robert Jordan, Tolkien, Lewis and a brief foray into R A Salvatore; Science Fiction is not far from my realm of reading so I thought I'd give it a shot.
I had to read the first few pages several times to figure out just what was happening. Once I got past the confusion, I liked the story. Life intervened and I had to put it down. It was hard getting back into it but it was worth it.
The story revolves around one Jethri Gobelyn, a young man about 18 years old. Jethri lives on a space ship with his family and his mother kicks him out. He gets work with a Liaden Trader, a sort of Alien salesperson.
Some have called it boring because there isn't a lot of fighting involved. Personally, I loved the plot which revolved around Jethri's introduction to the Liaden culture. I especially loved Jethri's mentor and foster mother, Norn van'Deelin, an interesting, smart and warm hearted business woman or so it appears.
I can recommend this book, with the warning that it is confusing for the novice Lee/Miller reader. I'm hoping that the authors write a sequel. ...