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Race to Space, a review by KinkyCyborg

Title:Race to Space
Year: 2000
Director: Sean McNamara
Rating: PG
Length: 104 Min.
Video: Anamorphic Widescreen 2.35:1
Audio: English: Dolby Digital: 5.1, Commentary: Dolby Digital: 2-Channel Stereo
Subtitles: English, Spanish

Stars:
James Woods
Annabeth Gish
Alex D. Linz
Wesley Mann
Patrick Richwood

Plot:
Based on the true story of the first chimpanzee in space, James Woods stars as Wilhelm Von Huber, a NASA scientist who transfers to Florida with his son, Billy (Alex Linz). Billy dreams of becoming a hero like the young astronaut Alan Shepard. Wilhelm dreams of Billy becoming a scientist like him. When Billy is hired by Dr. Donni McGuiness (Annabeth Gish) to help train the chimpanzees for the NASA space mission, he develops a close bond with Mac, one of the chimps. But when Mac is chosen to become the first chimp sent into space, Billy soon realizes that if Mac is successful on this mission, something could go terribly wrong. Father and son put aside their differences and work together in hopes of bringing Mac home safely.

Extras:
Scene Access
Audio Commentary
Feature Trailers
Deleted Scenes
Featurettes
Production Notes
Bloopers, HAM Featurette, KSC Promo


Based on true events, this explores the U.S./U.S.S.R. race to put a living being in space. An American team led by German scientists accomplished this feat by putting a chimp in orbit.

I don't think this was a completely accurate accounting of the events leading up to the launch of that day as some comical and diabolical elements were added to keep this from being a strictly technical display, but it was done without going overboard.

I enjoyed it although I thought James Woods looked horribly out of place as the lead German scientist whose uptight and strict nature certainly did nothing to dispel the Nazi persona associated with his homeland. I like Woods but I guess I'm used to seeing him as a hard nosed cop or a convincing sleaze... 

Kids will enjoy this too as the chimps do the expected gags, farts, raspberries and goofy faces. 

KC



Rating:

(From KinkyCyborg's Random Reviews 2010 on October 3rd, 2010)

Ziegfeld Follies, a review by Danae Cassandra

Ziegfeld Follies
Year of Release: 1945
Directed By: Vincente Minnelli
Starring: Fred Astaire, Lucille Ball, Lucille Bremer, Fanny Brice, Judy Garland, Lena Horne, Gene Kelly
Genre: Comedy, Musical

Overview:
Heaven's harps and wings are nice, but what showman extraordinaire Florenz Ziegfeld Jr. wants most now that he's no longer on Earth is to put on another extravaganza. It would have the brightest stars and creative talents. The most glamour, gams and optimism. In short, it would be like Ziegfeld Follies.

With a Who's Who of credited and uncredited Hollywood talents, this all-star revue is heaven to fans of musicals. Fred Astaire dazzles once, twice...four numbers in all. Red Skelton reprises his funny Guzzler's Gin skit. Esther Williams swims, Lena Horne sings and Judy Garland spoofs snobbery. There's Verdi opera and Fanny Brice vaudeville. Patter and pantomime. And The Babbitt and the Bromide, with Gene Kelly joining Astaire in their first-ever screen pairing. What a show! The man called Flo must be proud.

My Thoughts:
Sure, there's no story here, just musical numbers and skits held together on the premise of Florenz Ziegfeld staging one of his Follies in 1945, but it's still a lot of fun for fans of musicals.  Yes, the best treat is watching Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly dance together, but the rest of the numbers are still pretty good.  Okay, except for maybe the last one.  I wasn't too fond of Kathryn Grayson's singing.  I think it's just the style, though, she's too high and wavery for my taste.  Of the comedy bits, both mom and I laughed most at Red Skelton, though we also enjoyed Fanny Brice's bit as well. 

May I say also, that, while "Limehouse Blues" was a beautiful and creative number, and I love Fred Astaire and he does a great job with Lucille Bremer, it really would have been better with an Asian cast.  Yeah, 1940's and all that, but still, would have been better. 

Recommended if you enjoy old musicals, but know what you're getting into here.

Bechdel Test: Fail
Mako Mori Test: Fail

Overall: 3/5

(From July Movie Marathon: Musicals (Yes... You read right!) on July 23rd, 2016)

My PILOT Marathon, a review by Rich

Spooks - Series 1

1.Thou Shalt Not Kill
An abortion doctor and her daughter are killed by a bomb placed by Mary Kane, an American "pro-life" terrorist. An informant reveals that this is just the tip of the iceberg as 20 bombs have gone missing. Kane has started training more pro-life groups within the UK and is planning more attacks. Meanwhile, Tom struggles with issues of duplicity and juggling two identities



MI5 agents, living a different life every moment, facing a different threat every day. In the dangerous shadow-world of the intelligence community, the enemy is never far away. Hidden. Waiting. Planning. All MI5 have to go on are glimpses and fragments. Our lives depend on them seeing the full picture...

Very impressive pilot, I was blown away with the excellent and techy start, and I thought on the whole all of the characters were promising.
Missing some of the glossy finish of similar US shows like 24, this UK production based on pilot demonstrates solid storyline, dependable acting and a true feeling of topical realism sadly lacking in similar series.
High calibre spy series, certainly worth a few quid investment.
 


(From My PILOT Marathon on September 21st, 2009)