Since last posting, I watched…
“
The Poseidon Adventure.”
[Show spoiler]
Not to be confused with the “Poseidon Adventure” Hallmark miniseries (which sucked so bad it was funny) or the remake “Poseidon” (which was entertaining, but short and weak).
Just about every disaster movie has certain basic elements: one impressive action setpiece with lots of mass destruction and collateral damage, followed by the bickering of idiotic or whiny characters, followed by obstacles and stunts that might defy common sense (or the laws of physics). Yep, there’s plenty of room for these films to become absurd and stupid.
I’m not sure what the first disaster movie really is, but “The Poseidon Adventure” is surely one of the original classics in the genre, featuring the above elements (without being too stupid about it, thank goodness). It takes its time setting up the characters for the first half-hour, but afterward…BAM! Tidal wave flips a cruise ship over, wreaking havoc on the decks! From there on out, the film turns into a suspenseful journey across treacherous terrain and obstacles, with loads of explosive drama along the way. The film has a few dumb moments, as characters frequently hesitate to move in the face of danger, or start yelling at each other over control of the situation, etc etc… To be fair, this kind of drama is probably realistic to some extent, and it’s especially original for a film this old. It might come off as annoying, depending on how critically you view the film (I personally don’t mind this nearly as much as in other disaster films).
The story is simple, but original, clever, and populated with an impressive cast of characters. Though a disaster movie at heart, there is also a strong focus on the Reverend’s character and his unorthodox idealism (the idea that people should help themselves rather than waiting for divine intervention). The whole movie provides a solid philosophical platform to put his theory to the test, as characters often debate the choice of staying put and waiting for a rescue, or actively searching for a way out. The goal of this adventure might as well be figurative salvation; most of the characters manage to survive following the Reverend’s unpopular advice, while everybody else perishes. It all cumulates to a hellish (and almost literal) trial-by-fire that will push everybody to their limits and reveal their innermost grief. Overall, a nice rough-and-gritty disaster flick with some interesting philosophical themes at work.
The film is splendid and has splendid photography. Acting is great; Gene Hackman is pretty darn passionate as the Reverend, Ernest Borgnine is very hard-edged, and the two create a dynamic interchange that fuels most of the movie’s conflict. Also can’t go wrong with Red Buttons, Roddy McDowall, Jack Albertson, Carol Lynley, and everybody else. Production value is pretty high for its time, featuring loads of impressive sets and lots of quality props and costumes. Special effects are dated, but used sparingly. Music is good.
4/5 (entertainment: 4/5, story: 4/5, film: 4/5, intellectual impact: 3/5)
Recommendation: Yes!
If they Blu-Ray it, I will buy it!
“
Sgt Bilko.”
[Show spoiler]
One of my favorites when I was a kid. Even today, it’s quite a blast watching Steve Martin play the title character with such energy and swagger. The dialogue is fast and frequently funny. There’s not much slapstick or outlandish sight gags, but the film maintains its humor best with a series of amusing situations and goofy characters. Maybe not a classic, but I find it entertaining as heck, and I’d rank it as my favorite military-themed comedy (just slightly ahead of “Stripes,” which was probably more outlandish than this).
The story’s simple, easy, and light. The characters are mostly one-dimensional, but incredibly likable. Parts of it are unbelievable (let’s face it, characters like these could never be in the Army, and their antics would never be tolerated in the real world)…but who cares? At the very least, the film takes itself seriously enough to showcase quality conflict between the different characters, and to present the story without pulling any punches.
As a film, it’s pretty average. Photography is good, never exceptional. Acting is great; Steve Martin is hilarious and lively, Phil Hartman is awesome as the antagonist, and all of the other soldiers in the mix are sufficiently goofy and distinctive as well. Production value is moderate, with decent (and somewhat realistic) sets, props, costumes, and one cool hover-tank! Music is good.
4/5 (entertainment: 5/5, story: 3.5/5, film: 3/5)
Recommendation: Sure, why not?
“Alright you’ve seen real soldiers before! Just…do what they do!” 
“
A View to a Kill.”
[Show spoiler]
The final film starring Roger Moore as 007 (though not the final in this here marathon). I’ve also always considered this his most serious effort (although “FYEO” might be a grade more serious than this). What comedy Moore brings to this film is used sparingly. Parts of the film might drag a little, as it is quite dry without the humor, but the action scenes are worthwhile, as Bond skis like mad in the opening scenes, drives like mad in Paris, clings to a truck in San Francisco, endures many shoot-outs, and finally confronting Zorin in an epic fight on top of the Golden Gate Bridge. Ah yeah…
The story’s original and solid, showing solid connections to the mystery that Bond unravels in this adventure. Characters are decent too; Zorin is an effective villain, and it’s interesting to finally have one who is literally psychotic. The film overall has a somewhat modernist theme, as it focuses on Silicon Valley, microchip production, and often showcases computer technology and robots (without going overboard).
As a film, this one is okay. Photography is pretty good. Acting is great; Roger Moore is still the man, Christopher Walken is great as the villain, Tanya Roberts is hot and appealing, and Grace Jones is an animal! Production value is good; plenty of quality sets, props, costumes, and locales. Music is great; I love the rockin’ theme song, and the score’s good too.
4/5 (entertainment: 4/5, story: 4/5, film: 4/5)
Recommendation: Sure.
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time when I finally do rewatch it 
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