DVD Collectors Online

The Times of Harvey Milk, a review by Danae Cassandra

The Times of Harvey Milk
Year of Release: 1984
Directed By: Robert Epstein
Starring: Harvey Fierstein (narrator)
Genre: Documentary

Overview:
A true twentieth-century trailblazer, Harvey Milk was an outspoken human rights activist and one of the first openly gay U.S. politicians elected to public office; even after his assassination in 1978, he continues to inspire disenfranchised people around the world. The Oscar-winning The Times of Harvey Milk, directed by Robert Epstein and produced by Richard Schmiechen, was as groundbreaking as its subject. One of the first feature documentaries to address gay life in America, it's a work of advocacy itself, bringing Milk's message of hope and equality to a wider audience. This exhilarating trove of original documentary material and archival footage is as much a vivid portrait of a time and place (San Francisco's historic Castro District in the seventies) as a testament to the legacy of a political visionary.

My Thoughts:
This excellent documentary about a courageous pioneer in human rights ought to be required viewing. If for no other reason than people need to hear about real heroes, true heroes, people who stand for something, and admire people for their character and their actions, rather than admire their fame. Milk did what he believed was right, even in the face of knowing he would be hated, knowing he might be assassinated. He still stood for something greater.

It's also a very well-constructed documentary, very informative and enlightening. I'm knocking the 1/2 star off for getting one detail about Milk's assassination wrong, but other than that, stellar film and highly, highly recommended.

Bechdel Test: N/A

Overall: 4.5/5

(From Within My (Mom's) Lifetime Marathon on June 12th, 2015)

King Kong (1976), a review by addicted2dvd

King Kong (1976)


My Thoughts:
After watching the 2005 version yesterday I was in the mood for more King Kong. I wish I had the 1933 version to finally watch... but I don't so I had to settle for the 1976 version. A movie I heard sucked. The first thing I did was watch the trailer that was on the disc with it. This did not raise my hopes any. But what really got me was the trailer actually had the nerve to call this movie original!?!? This movie is rather boring from the start. I got one look at Jessica Lange and thought well there is one reason to watch the movie... she was a beautiful woman. Then she started talking and I realized just how annoying of a character she portrayed. It started to get slightly more interesting once they got to the island. But not enough of an improvement that it wasn't still work trying to watch this movie. King Kong didn't look too bad... but wasn't great either. One thing I did like is Kong fighting the giant snake... but it was over so quickly it is hardly worth mentioning. Once they got him back to civilization it didn't get any better. I think part of where they went wrong in this one... that they did right in the 2005 version... is that they actually tried to modernize it instead of having it take place in the past. This is one I just wasn't able to get into much. Had 1 or 2 scene that were half way decent... but not much beyond that.



(From Weekend Movie Marathon: Anything Goes on June 20th, 2009)

"Due South" marathon, a review by Rick

Victoria's Secret - Part 2

Great 2nd part epidsode. Definitely one that will change both characters. They already showed a change in Fraser, when the lady whos purse was stolen went to him for help.

Good performance by yet another good guest star. This show really had some great guest stars over the years. Great ending as well!

@Pete - after these 2 episodes you should be able to make up your mind about the ghost of the dad. He is in them a lot. I loved the scene in the diner where Fraser was having a conversation with him 

Rating: Going with the for this one

(From "Due South" marathon on July 29th, 2009)