FEATURED ATTRACTION:


This is the story of the “War To End All Wars”… a.k.a. WWI, as seen through the lens of family of the Armstrong’s. The success of the first in the series, DARKENING SKIES, introduced us to this family… and it’s compelling story, of how a family can survive the ravages of war, was a sight to behold.

The box office told the tale… the movie going public broke open their piggy banks, and flocked to see the first installment of this epic tale. I feel that this new film in the series will have the same box office appeal and possibly even greater success.

In STORM BREAKS, the Fighting Armstrong family is now headlong into what has become a carnage-filled war, with a scope unlike any that has been seen by civilized mankind before. The patriotism and heroism of this family, strike a resounding cord, through the very fiber of your being. This film doesn’t just dwell on the larger than life heroes… but shows us the very reality of what horrors war can bring.

You become totally immersed in the film, and cannot help but feel for this family. You find yourself asking the same question over and over, “How can this family survive intact?” War changes all who are a part of it, and how this is also very true for the Armstrong family. Any that had experience the war 1st hand could not help but be changed forever. You will cheer for their triumphs, cry for their pain… and be forever changed by the experience that this movie brings.

All in all, this film is a “must see” on the big screen!!!

My feelings on THE GREAT WAR SERIES: STORM BREAKS…

Originality of Screenplay



Interest of Storyline



Casting




This film receives my first 5 STARS ACROSS THE BOARD rating, and I feel it is most deserving of it. Jack Hammer and Peter Weir have a positive gem of a motion picture here, and a blockbuster of a period piece!!!

I am patiently waiting with anticipation for the next installment of this epic saga.

ALSO, AVAILABLE ON DVD FROM CRAZY MOON PICTURES:

I am going back in time a little here, but I feel it’s a good idea.

THE GREAT WAR SERIES: DARKENING SKIES… This film is not necessarily a must see picture, but is one that definitely deserves some consideration for your viewing.

This film is the first in Jack Hammer’s tales of the Fighting Armstrong family, and will help you get to know the members of this family, and the part that they play in this WWI epic drama.

Take an opportunity to see this film, and if you don’t already own it you should probably…

BUY IT!!!

You’ll be glad you did.

NEW ON DVD:

DUNGEONS & DRAGONS is a good swords and sorcery flick, and has all the makings of a greatly entertaining film. It’s not important if you’ve never played the RPG or it’s spin-off computer games… DUNGEONS & DRAGONS is a great romp in the realm of excitement.

PETER JACKSON has another colossal undertaking here with this film, and under his expertise… this film delivers. The casting worked out even far better than anticipated, and Nicholas Cage and Bruce Willis electrified the big screen. Claire Danes, although a questionable choice for this film, blends a unique chemistry and balance to the film that made me wonder… “Why didn’t I see that coming?”

All in all, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS was a greatly entertaining film, that actually only left me asking one particular question when I exited the theater…

“If it’s called DUNGEONS & DRAGONS… where were the dragons?”

Okay, silliness aside, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS is a really solid action/adventure film, and really deserves some consideration when you go to the store to spend money from your hard-earned paycheck. It’s an enjoyable film, is filled with excitement, action, and of course the undead… so what’s not to like.

BUY IT!!! -Or- RENT IT!!!

Either way, if you missed it in the theaters… SEE IT!!!

ALSO NEW, ON DVD…

Okay, I admit it… I still don’t get the attraction of this film?

Jennifer Lopez is, as far as I am concerned, a very BIG negative in a film that actually did have some positives. Antonio Banderas pretty much steals the show in this musical. Catherine Z. Jones, even in a minor role, proves that she has what it takes to bring a great screen presence, without taking for her co-stars.

Not even a beneficial edit could help Ms. Lopez’s performance though, but if you can’t help but scratch that it you may have, just to get your fill of a musical… For NINE: THE MUSICAL, I’m going to suggest that you…

RENT IT!!!

And if you want to actually enjoy this musical even more, I suggest that you MUTE the musical performances of Ms. Lopez… it will only help to enhance your viewing pleasure.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS, AT A THEATER NEAR YOU…


MCMILLAN & WIFE… there’s a blast from the past. Originally, MCMILLAN & WIFE (starring Rock Hudson as Police Commissioner Stewart McMillan, and Susan Saint James as Sally, his wife) was a television show that aired from September 17th, 1971 to April 24th, 1977. It aired in 90-minute episodes, as part of the wheel series NBC Mystery Movie, placed in rotation with Columbo and McCloud.

In this updated version, done for the big screen, Harrison Ford is cast in the role of Chief Inspector Stewart McMillan, and Rene Russo as Susan (originally named Sally, in the series) McMillan. Can’t explain the name change here, but I really don’t think it detracts from the film. Mildred the maid (originally played by Nancy Walker, in the series), is played by Kathy Bates in this film, and is a great addition to this cast.

The MCMILLAN & WIFE television program had lots of drama, and carefully mixed in comedic elements, that made the character seem down to earth, and not larger than life. It comes from a time when police crime dramas weren’t cluttered with technical jargon, and terminology that you have to possess a PhD in Forensic Science to understand.

It was just a good, solid police detective series of “who-dun-its”, and was entertaining, to boot. It was Rock Hudson performances at his best, in my opinion.

Rene Russo and Harrison Ford have just the sort of chemistry to help rekindle that spark that is needed for this film, and may very well help to revitalize an interest in the original series (which is available on DVD if your interested, by the way).

All in all… MCMILLAN & WIFE rates like this…

Originality of Screenplay




Interest of Storyline




Casting




AND NOW… DIGGING DEEP IN THE VAULTS:


THE CLOWN SMILE…

This was a film I just happened to stumble across from the CRAZY MOON vault, and I really feel that this slice of life drama deserves greater consideration. It is a very touching story, as to how someone can take a tremendous adversity, and use that very adversity to do something worthwhile, and positive to benefit others… and to feel good about doing it in the process.

Jennifer Aniston’s performance was absolutely captivating, and made me laugh (as well as cry). Her screen presence touches you, and tugs at your heartstrings. Her performance was not only believable, but was provocative as well. I give her 5 STARS for her performance in this film, and she proves that she can do more than just “bubble-headed comedy”.

When you get the chance, you should take the chance to see THE CLOWN SMILE, but I warn you… keep a box of tissues nearby, because you are going to need it.

WRAPPING IT UP…

Well, that wraps up another installment of PREVIEWING ATTRACTIONS WITH MISTERBALDY. Until next time, enjoy yourself, get yourself a large popcorn and a drink, and…

SEE YOU IN THE MOVIES!!!