Frank Showalter

The Wild Bunch (1969)

2008-12-04T16:55:39Z

Grade: A+

Synopsis: Pursued by one of their own (Robert Ryan), an aging band of outlaws (William Holden, Ernest Borgnine, Edmond O’Brien, Warren Oates, Jaime Sánchez, and Ben Johnson) heads to Mexico seeking one last big score.

“If they move, KILL EM!” barks William Holden in The Wild Bunch’s opening sequence and director Sam Peckinpah’s elegy for the Old West is off and running.

A poignant look at a group of men whose way of life is coming to an end around them, the film resonates like few others. These aren’t good men. They have no qualms about killing, stealing, or even grabbing a woman to use as a human shield, but they have a code, and a way of life that they cling to. MORE »

Billion Dollar Brain (1967)

2008-12-04T15:43:12Z

Grade: D+

Synopsis: British spy Harry Palmer (Michael Caine) uncovers a Texas tycoon’s plot to incite a coup in Communist country.

Billion Dollar Brain is the third in a series of films chronicling the exploits of British spy Harry Palmer, and you’d best have seen one of the earlier ones because there’s nothing in the way of introduction or characterization for Michael Caine’s character this time around.

Instead, he’s quickly tossed into a convoluted plot involving double agents, a super computer, and a Texas tycoon. You might find the plot a bit hard to follow, but that’s only because you’ve likely fallen through one of the many gaping holes. A spy movie has to be intriguing, but John McGrath’s screenplay borders on incomprehensible. MORE »

Death Proof (2007)

2008-12-04T14:10:36Z

Grade: A-

Synopsis: A scarred stuntman (Kurt Russell) uses his crash-reinforced car to murder groups of unsuspecting women.

Death Proof is writer/director Quentin Tarantino’s love-letter to 1970’s drive-in cinema. While it may not be the deepest, or most compelling, story ever told, Tarantino succeeds in creating a world so immersive, the plot becomes secondary.

The film’s first half is the best, with much of it set in Warren’s Bar, a watering hole littered with movie memorabilia where everyone talks in Tarantino’s signature precise catch phrases and listens to his personal jukebox. There are a few subplots going on but nothing too distracting until Kurt Russell starts talking. MORE »

Libeled Lady (1936)

2008-12-04T12:53:08Z

Grade: B+

Synopsis: A newspaper editor (Spencer Tracy) convinces his fiancée (Jean Harlow) to marry another man (William Powell) as part of a scheme to trap an heiress (Myrna Loy) who’s suing the paper for libel.

Libeled Lady is an enjoyable romantic comedy thanks to a great cast and a smart script.

Despite receiving top billing, Jean Harlow is actually the weak link in this all-star cast. She’s not bad, but, despite being in a real-life relationship with co-star William Powell, lacks the on-screen chemistry present between him and Myrna Loy. That, combined with the script’s giving Spencer Tracy the most colorful part, leaves Harlow with little to do aside from whine and look glamorous, which she does. MORE »

Big Jim McLain (1952)

2008-12-03T18:41:41Z

Grade: D+

Synopsis: A government agent (John Wayne) and his partner (James Arness) hunt Commies in Hawaii for the House Un-American Activities Committee.

Thanks to star John Wayne’s monotone voice-over narration, the flat characters, and dry story, Big Jim McLain plays more like an extended episode of Dragnet than a major motion picture. Indeed the lack of any real thrills or tension combined with the script’s heavy anti-Communist propaganda make for a rather dull, but not unwatchable, 90 minutes.

The Communists in the film have to be some of the worst bad guys ever. They’re totally harmless. In fact, just when you think they finally grew a pair and killed a man, you learn that he died from an allergic reaction to a sodium pentothal injection, and thus the death was an accident. Seriously, that’s like one of the Communists accidentally dying from a punch in the face. MORE »

The Raven (1963)→ Review by hacim

2008-11-23T03:30:53Z

hacim said:

Grade: A+

This is one of the best movies ever written. First thing it was made in 1963, so it’s going to have it’s off moments, however, for a 40yr old movie I love it. Ok it’s more funny than scary but, come on, you have Vincent Price and Boris Kaloff in it. How can it go wrong?

Carnival of Souls (1962)→ Review by Willy

2008-11-12T07:11:25Z

Willy said:

Grade: A

This is a cult style movie with a huge following, and deservedly so. It was filmed in 1962 on a incredibly small budget. The viewer of this movie should not watch this film with the expectation of being entertained by todays standards, with gore and special effects, but see the film for its macabre, simple, and creepy moments. very enjoyable, and great cast. Good for a few laughs too—some funny lines.

Irma la Douce (1963)→ Review by Ed Howard

2008-11-10T21:34:38Z

Ed Howard said:

Grade: C

I have to agree with most of your thoughts. It’s a largely uninspired, overlong film with only occasional glimpses of the chemistry you’d expect from the Wilder/Lemmon/MacLaine combination (and which the trio demonstrated to such great effect in The Apartment). My own full review of the film can be found here:

http://seul-le-cinema.blogspot.com/2008/11/119-irma-la-douce.html

Rachel and the Stranger (1948)→ Review by Joe

2008-11-01T23:20:03Z

Joe said:

Grade: B

What is the title of the song sung in the movie?

Adobe Photoshop Tutorials - Best Of | Tutorials | Smashing Magazine

2008-10-25T18:37:37Z

This article provides professional Adobe Photoshop tutorials which can enrich your design skills and improve the quality of your works.

Photojojo » 11 Super Awesome Photoshop Movie Effects

2008-10-25T18:22:20Z

Shared by Frank Make your photos look like the movies.

Fatal Farm - Television Themes

2008-10-25T18:16:31Z

80's TV themes set to new footage. You'll laugh, but feel dirty afterwards.

In Memoriam

2008-10-20T22:06:53Z

Watch out, mister! Here comes the twister! This is Rudy Ray Moore–yeah, I’m the Human Tornado! I chained down thunder and handcuffed lightning! I’m ...

Vegas, Labor Day ‘08: Day 5

2008-10-16T14:05:57Z

“Welcome to Washington-Dulles.”

We wake up around 10:30am and start packing. Wynn’s checkout isn’t until noon and our flight isn’t until three, so we’re not rushed.

Once done, we head down and check out, then visit Country Club for lunch. I decide to make the Chipotle Burger a bookend meal and, once again, it’s excellent and filling enough to hold me over for the flight home.

After lunch, we head out to the casino where I cash out my cash-back and freeplay while my girlfriend goes on a great run at the craps table, nearly doubling her buy-in. MORE »

Vegas, Labor Day ‘08: Day 4

2008-10-16T13:06:15Z

Can I grind on you and rub my tits in your face?

September 3, 2008: Wake up and head down to the casino for what’s become my usual morning VP session. I hold even, neither winning nor losing.

We head to The Country Club for lunch, where I order the Open Faced French Dip. Like everything at Country Club, it’s delicious. Seriously, this restaurant can do no wrong. MORE »

Vegas, Labor Day ‘08: Day 3

2008-10-08T18:02:56Z

“And who are you?”

I wake up about 10 A.M. Vegas time and head down to the casino. After about half and hour, I’ve made back about half my losses of the night before.

We head to Country Club for lunch. I’m not in the mood for anything too heavy so I order the crab cake sliders. They’re light and very tasty and just what the doctor ordered.

After lunch, I stop by the poker room and get on the wait list for a $1-3 no-limit game. Fifteen minutes later, they call my name and I sit down at a full table. MORE »

Cinema Styles: Creepy Things to Remember: A Kill Fest Public Service Announcement

2008-10-07T15:13:25Z

Another Public Service Announcement from Christopher Lee.

The amazing photographs that show the world's most famous landmarks replaced by cheap souvenirs | Mail Online

2008-10-06T12:28:50Z

The amazing photographs that show the world's most famous landmarks replaced by cheap souvenirs

Vegas, Labor Day ‘08: Day 2

2008-10-02T16:18:48Z

“Welcome to Picasso.”

I wake up about 9:30 A.M. Vegas time and head down to the casino. Within fifteen minutes, I’ve recouped my losses the previous night and then some.

The plan today is to hit the pool, but my sunglasses are lying on the seat of my car back home, so we head across the street to Macy’s at the Fashion Show Mall, where I pick up a new pair.

From there, we make our way through Treasure Island to the Mirage, where we line up outside BLT Burger, which is due to open in about ten minutes at 11. MORE »

Burn After Reading (2008)→ Review by Spencer Heath

2008-09-27T06:18:12Z

Spencer Heath said:

Grade: A

The Coen Brothers have reached a new point in their careers. Their films are becoming more uncompromising and more dangerous as they get older. The Coens have proved themselves to a be a gift to the American cinema. Only every so often do we have films that are produced with such risky material. “Burn After Reading” is an incredible revelation about what the people of this country have become. The acting is incredible. The directing is impeccable. The writing is incendiary. The film speaks directly to personal relationships, and the absence of a real bond. This film was very well done, and was a fantastic follow up to “No Country for Old Men”.

Ocean’s Eleven (1960)→ Response by dino martin peters

2008-09-26T14:29:03Z

dino martin peters said:

Hey pallie Frank, likes what a stellar review of O11…and you are so much on the money ’bout this classic Rat Pack flick….your string of “It’s statements truly capture the brillance of this amazin’ romp with our Dino and company. Thanks for sharin’ your reflections pallie!

Untitled Taxi Driver Story

2008-09-19T21:26:10Z

Jake eased the cab over to the curb, careful to avoid splashing the well-dressed, heavyset fare waiting on the corner. The rain had already drenched the man, which meant Jake’s tip would be small. Splashing him would make it smaller.

“Where to?” Jake asked once the man was inside.

“Columbia and fourteenth,” the man replied.

“Sure,” Jake said and pulled away from the curb. The man began to fiddle with his cell phone.

“Damn thing!” the man muttered.

“What’s the trouble?” Jake asked, looking into the rear-view.

“Oh, this piece of shit’s locked up again,” the man said. “Fourth time today.” MORE »

Evangelical Scientists Refute Gravity With New 'Intelligent Falling' Theory | The Onion - America's Finest News Source

2008-09-15T14:53:16Z

As the debate over the teaching of evolution in public schools continues, a new controversy over the science curriculum arose Monday in this embattled Midwestern state. Scientists from ...

Scared to Death (1947)→ Review by Devans00

2008-09-14T18:47:30Z

Devans00 said:

Grade: C

I’m convinced that the Blue Man Group stole the idea for the look of their act from the Indigo Man who kept peeking in the window. No way to prove it I suppose.

What makes people vote Republican?

2008-09-10T21:57:57Z

What makes people vote Republican? Why in particular do working class and rural Americans usually vote for pro-business Republicans when their economic interests would seem better served ...

Rachel and the Stranger (1948)→ Review by Linda

2008-09-10T05:20:23Z

Linda said:

Grade: A+

Holden is very good, but anything with Robert Mitchum is fantastic.
He is one of my favorite actors. Always so talented and underrated.
Love you, Robert

2008-09-02: Las Vegas

2008-09-08T00:21:56.000Z

Date: Sep 7, 2008
Number of Photos in Album: 37

View Album

2008-09-01: Las Vegas

2008-09-08T00:15:37.000Z

Date: Sep 7, 2008
Number of Photos in Album: 11

View Album

2008-08-31: Las Vegas

2008-09-08T00:10:30.000Z

Date: Sep 7, 2008
Number of Photos in Album: 11

View Album

2008-08-21: Squeeze at the 9:30 Club

2008-09-08T00:09:16.000Z

Date: Sep 7, 2008
Number of Photos in Album: 2

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2008-08-15: Washington Nationals vs. Colorado Rockies

2008-09-08T00:08:47.000Z

Date: Sep 7, 2008
Number of Photos in Album: 3

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2008-09-03: Las Vegas

2008-09-08T00:04:51.000Z

Date: Sep 7, 2008
Number of Photos in Album: 20

View Album

2008-08-30: Dave Attell at the Improv

2008-09-07T23:53:57.000Z

Date: Sep 7, 2008
Number of Photos in Album: 2

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2008-08-01: Brian Posehn at the Drafthouse

2008-09-07T23:52:37.000Z

Date: Sep 7, 2008
Number of Photos in Album: 2

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The Last of the High Kings (1996)→ Review by nic

2008-09-04T17:15:36Z

nic said:

Grade: A+

This movie is FANTASTIC…It’s quirky..has a good feel about it…and it also has a young Jared Leto in it, also stars a young Christina Ricci, and has a fantastic performance from Catherine O Hara..might I add they all pull of brilliant Irish accents!!…If you are looking for something a little different then check it out…This movie is also known as “SUMMER FLING” which is the US version…exactly the same, but a different title…you can get this movie, like I did from shopping online at amazon..you wont be wasting your money..

The Dark Knight (2008)→ Review by movie junkie

2008-08-28T16:21:24Z

movie junkie said:

Grade: A-

i still wish Katie Holmes had stayed on board as Rachel Dawes for the Dark Knight; it was like the time spent getting familiar with her character in Batman Begins was wasted…

When You’re At A Moral Crossroads…

2008-08-20T00:07:56Z

Just ask yourself:

Semantics Fail

2008-08-15T10:01:54Z

Submitted by Dragonwriter

link → How I Built a Working Online Poker Bot, Part 7: Extracting Text from 3rd-Party Applications

2008-07-17T11:19:00Z

Introduction Lately I've been doing some programmatic graffiti. Maybe I have too much time on my hands, but sooner or later every programmer wonders: How to extract text displayed by other applications. How ...

link → How I Built a Working Online Poker Bot, Part 6: Guerilla-Style File Monitoring on Windows with C# and C++

2008-07-17T08:48:00Z

Introduction How to write code to detect when any software application on the machine accesses any file on the machine, and how to extract and view any data read from or ...

If You Can’t Login After a Wordpress Upgrade

2008-07-15T12:58:26Z

Don’t panic.
Clear your cookies.
If this doesn’t work, panic.

The Redesign: Part 1

2008-07-15T12:42:52Z

About two months ago, I decided to redesign the movie log . I thought it fitting since the site was nearing both its one-year anniversary and its 500-review milestone, but unfortunately this, like most of my projects, quickly ballooned into something much larger. MORE »

link → BetaNews | Google releases its data encoding format to compete with XML

2008-07-08T23:05:05Z

In an effort to solve the bulk and time-consumption problem when encoding large databases, Google developed its own alternative to XML. Yesterday, the company began evangelizing others to ...

Younger (a fragment): Comment by Betsy H

2007-12-11T17:23:19Z

Betsy H said:

Right there with you. I’m a supervisor now – hiring 22 year olds straight out of college. To them I must seem so old – they ask how long I’ve worked for the company and upon telling them it’s been 9 (?!) years, they gawk. So do I, really.

My palm’s been blinking for over a year – this can’t be sanctuary… can it?