Shin Godzilla

2016  NR  SCIENCE FICTION  1h 59min

CAST— Hiroki Hasegawa, Yutaka Takenouchi, Satomi Ishihara

MUSIC— Shirō Sagisu  DIRECTORS— Hideaki Anno, Shinji Higuchi

     Godzilla returns in yet another reboot from Toho Co., Ltd. Here Godzilla returns to his old stomping grounds, Tokyo, yet his reasons for doing so remain unclear. After the Japanese government decides to attack the creature, Godzilla goes on a small scale, yet devastating rampage, firing beams of radiation from just about every part of his body. He then falls into a slight hibernation, during which the government goes into a frenzy of activity, seeking ways to destroy their new friend. Not so much a kaiju destruction derby so much as a socio-political film dealing with governmental policy as to how to evacuate millions while dealing with new theories to deal with this monstrous menace. Seen from the vantage point of politicians and their lackeys, a constant sense of frenzied panic permeates the film. Not your average Godzilla film, for better or worse, but still worth a viewing. In Japanese with English subtitles. AKA Shin Gojira, Godzilla: Resurgence.

OUR RATING— ** ½

     She Wore a Yellow Ribbon

1949  NR  WESTERN  1h 43min

CAST— John Wayne, Joanne Dru, John Agar, Ben Johnson, Harry Carey, Jr., Victor McLaglen, Mildred Natwick, George O’Brien, Arthur Shields, Francis Ford, Noble Johnson, Tom Tyler

MUSIC— Richard Hageman  DIRECTOR— John Ford  BASED ON— The Big Hunt (story), War Party (story), by James Warner Bellah

     Another exciting glimpse of the West told through the eyes of legendary filmmaker John Ford. John Wayne stars as a U. S. Cavalry officer whose retirement is to commence in six days. Yet he still retains an eagle eye for the threat of an Indian attack. Every possible tribe within the region has united to fight the oppressing white man. Now Wayne must leave the post, taking his troops into the dangerous country. An entertaining ride through the harsh terrain is in store for those willing to saddle up and take orders from the Duke.

OUR RATING— ***

Trailer Unavailable

     Sherlock, Jr. 1924  NR  COMEDY  45min

CAST— Buster Keaton, Kathryn McGuire, Ward Crane, Joseph Keaton, Erwin Connolly

MUSIC— Silent  DIRECTOR— Buster Keaton

     Buster Keaton does what he does best: combining clueless innocence with often death-defying stunts to create a memorable comedy treat. This time around Keaton plays a movie projectionist/wannabe detective who is accused of stealing a valuable watch. To overcome his depression he fantasizes about film, placing himself in a detective film where he solves a theft. But all of that’s filler; just wait for the effects and stunt work, all done by Keaton himself, of course. This is one for fans and newcomers alike. Deemed “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” by the United States Library of Congress National Film Registry.

OUR RATING— ***

     Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows

2011  PG-13  ACTION  2h 9min

CAST— Robert Downey, Jr., Jude Law, Noomi Rapace, Jared Harris, Eddie Marsan, Rachel McAdams

MUSIC— Hans Zimmer  DIRECTOR— Guy Ritchie  BASED ON— Characters created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

     Despite a promising first entry (Sherlock Holmes [2009]) the newest retread of Arthur Conan Doyle’s seminal characters has fallen flat. Sherlock Holmes, now on his own due to Dr. John Watson’s pending nuptials, has uncovered a plot involving bombings, murder and money. All clues point to a most unlikely source: Professor James Moriarty, a quiet author, highly renowned on the lecture circuit. Holmes enlists Watson’s aid once again and, with the help of a beautiful gypsy girl, begin a deadly game of cat and mouse with the scheming Moriarty. Nowhere near as entertaining as its predecessor, this film tries to maintain energy but fails in almost every regard. No matter your opinion of the first film this one is not worth the time.

OUR RATING— **

PRECEDED BY— Sherlock Holmes (2009)

     Sherlock Holmes  2009  PG-13  ACTION  2h 10min

CAST— Robert Downey, Jr., Jude Law, Rachel McAdams, Mark Strong, Eddie Marsan

MUSIC— Hans Zimmer  DIRECTOR— Guy Ritchie  BASED ON— Characters created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

     Robert Downey, Jr. stars as the eccentric consulting detective in an equally eccentric film from director Guy Ritchie. The game is afoot when Holmes and Dr. John Watson (Jude Law) stumble upon a sinister plot involving faux black magic and world domination, masterminded by the cunning Lord Blackwood (Mark Strong). When Blackwood seemingly arises from the dead Holmes and Watson lead a merry chase through Victorian-era London, seeking answers to an increasingly bizarre case. Featuring classic Sherlockian characters including (“The Woman”) Irene Adler and the inept inspector Lestrade, this film should strike a violin string with devotees of Doyle’s detective, even if this version does contain more action than one would expect. And no deerstalker cap either.

OUR RATING— ***

FOLLOWED BY— Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011)

     Sherlock Gnomes

2018  PG  ANIMATED  1h 26min

CAST— James McAvoy, Emily Blunt, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Mary J. Blige, Johnny Depp

MUSIC— Chris Bacon  DIRECTOR— John Stevenson

     When last Gnomeo and Juliet were seen the subject was Shakespearean lore tempered with modern renditions of classic Elton John songs. Now Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous consulting detective Sherlock Holmes is molded into plaster, as Sherlock Gnomes is on the case of a recent rash of pilfered gnomes throughout London. Along for the ride (and most of the dirty work) is his partner in crime-solving, Dr. Watson, overworked and underappreciated. When the Montagues and Capulets arrive in London their new garden is given over to their old blue and red lawn decorations. Gnomeo and Juliet, no longer secretly pining for each other, are equal partners, their union now to be celebrated as they are announced to be in charge of the garden. But their new responsibilities as leaders put them at odds with each other again. During a lovers’ spat away from the garden a gnome thief strikes home, leaving not a trace of their family and friends. It’s up to Gnomes and Watson to solve the case, the clues to which all point to Sherlock’s archenemy, Moriarty, here portrayed as the cutesy mascot of an English pie company. Gnomeo and Juliet must join forces with the two sleuths, themselves having differences of opinion, if they hope to save London’s gnome population. Not as inventive, clever, or as funny as its predecessor, this pseudo mystery is purely a showcase for American Johnny Depp to put on a British accent and vocally ham it up as Sherlock. The mystery angle is obvious from the start, the characters already tired two films into the franchise, but less discerning audience members may appreciate the goofiness this sequel has to offer. AKA Gnomeo & Juliet 2.

OUR RATING— **

PRECEDED BY— Gnomeo & Juliet (2011)

     The Sheriff of Fractured Jaw

1959  NR  COMEDY  1h 43min

CAST— Kenneth More, Jayne Mansfield, Henry Hull, William Campbell, Bruce Cabot, Robert Morley

MUSIC— Robert Farnon  DIRECTOR— Raoul Walsh  BASED ON— The Sheriff of Fractured Jaw (story), by Jacob Hay

     A Western-comedy lacking adventure and/or antics, this one is pretty much a dud from the start. A ne’er-do-well heir to London’s finest firearms manufacturer decides that the best place to sell guns would be America’s Wild West. Off he heads to peddle his wares but he never manages to sell a single firearm. He does, however, make peace between the whites and the Indians, become sheriff of a rowdy town in the middle of a range war and manage to snare the girl of his dreams… all without a clue as to what’s going on. It sounds better than it is. Cheerio. AKA The Blonde and the Sheriff.

OUR RATING— * ½

     Shenandoah

1965  NR  WESTERN  1h 45min

CAST— James Stewart, Doug McClure, Glenn Corbit, Patrick Wayne, Rosemary Forsyth, Katherine Ross, Tim McIntire, Paul Fix, Denver Pyle, George Kennedy, James Best, Harry Carey, Jr., Dabbs Greer, Strother Martin

MUSIC— Frank Skinner  DIRECTOR— Andrew V. McLaglen

     In Civil War-torn Virginia a farmer (played by James Stewart) works tirelessly to maintain his farm and to keep his large family safe. However peaceful his viewpoint on life may be he tends to get a little riled when one of his clan is harassed. When his sixteen year-old son is mistaken for a Confederate and taken prisoner by Union soldiers Stewart takes it upon himself to mount a rescue operation, with most of his family in tow. Okay for a Civil War drama but if you’re looking for a tale of action you’d best look elsewhere.

OUR RATING— **

     She Freak

1967  NR  HORROR  1h 23min

CAST— Claire Brennen, Lee Raymond, Lynn Courtney

MUSIC— William Allen Castleman  DIRECTORS— Byron Mabe, Donn Davison

     Ugh. If your cup of tea is monotonous stock footage of carnival prep work look no further. A lonely waitress with a case of wanderlust sees the carnival as a gateway to her dreams. She quits serving at a greasy spoon… and begins life anew waitressing on the midway. She woos the carnival owner, seduces a worker and makes enemies of all manner of carny. It’s all in a day’s work. Don’t expect a horror flick here. Horrid, yes, but no scares. Ugh.

OUR RATING— *

Trailer Unavailable

     The Sheepman

1958  NR  WESTERN  1h 25min

CAST— Glenn Ford, Shirley MacLaine, Leslie Nielsen, Mickey Shaughnessy, Edgar Buchanan

MUSIC— Jeff Alexander  DIRECTOR— George Marshall

     Cast your vote: cattle vs. sheep. Glenn Ford plays a stranger in town with an even stranger idea: he plans to raise a flock of sheep in cattle country, using public range to do so. At first he’s laughed at; then he’s shot at. He’s taken to meet the local mover and shaker, played by Leslie Nielsen; as serendipity would have it Ford and Nielsen have a past, one that isn’t as squeaky clean as Nielsen would like to have known. Nielsen soon begins to use his minions rather forcefully to “persuade” Ford to take his flocks elsewhere. But Ford is not a man who scares easily; but when he gets riled, watch out. Often slow moving with bland humor thrown into the mix, though the cast is top notch.

OUR RATING— **

     Shaun the Sheep Movie

2015  PG  ANIMATED  1h 25min

CAST— Justin Fletcher, John Sparkes, Omid Djalili

MUSIC— Ilan Eshkeri  DIRECTORS— Mark Burton, Richard Starzak  BASED ON— Characters appearing on Shaun the Sheep (television)

     A super silly, though humorless attempt at comedy. Shaun is a sheep, living a life of dull routine, day after day, year after year. What he needs is a vacation, to get away from it all, to forsake the monotony, if only temporarily. Shaun hatches a plan to get his farmer to unwittingly lend the farmhouse to the sheep. But when do plans ever work out, right? The farmer ends up in The Big City with amnesia and the sheep, aided by the farmer’s loyal canine companion, begin a quest to rescue the farmer. But they’d best beware; a maniacal animal control officer is on the lookout for anything unusual, and that scrap of wool looks mighty suspicious. While the farmer (still memory-impaired) makes a name for himself in a chic salon (shearing human hair as he would a shaggy sheep) the barnyard brethren must evade animal control in their attempts to rescue the farmer and return to their tedious life. The film tries to give its all but becomes as boring as Shaun’s farmyard existence. Some snappy dialogue may have livened things up. But alas, there is no dialogue, snappy or otherwise; the characters mumble gibberish throughout, as if they’ve received speech therapy from Rowan Atkinson. At least Mr. Bean was funny.

OUR RATING— * ½

     Shane

1953  NR  WESTERN  1h 58min

CAST— Alan Ladd, Jean Arthur, Van Heflin, (Walter) Jack Palance, Brandon de Wilde, Ben Johnson, Edgar Buchanan, Emile Meyer, Elisha Cook, Jr.

MUSIC— Victor Young  DIRECTOR— George Stevens  BASED ON— Shane (novel), by Jack Schaefer

     Another dramatic Western that hits the bull’s eye. Van Heflin is a rancher with a small homestead outside of town. It seems as though numerous settlers (including Heflin) have been persecuted by a cattle baron and his crew. Enter Alan Ladd as Shane, a somewhat mysterious loner just drifting along. He sees the plight that Heflin is in and decides to peacefully intervene. Heflin hires him on as a farmhand; but Ladd becomes more than just hired help; he becomes a friend to Heflin and his wife, whose son idolizes Ladd. Soon the cattle baron ups the ante by hiring a notorious gunslinger to join his gang of ruffians. How will Ladd and Heflin cope with this new wrinkle? Fine performances and panoramic vistas highlight this classic of the genre. Oscar-winner for Best Cinematography, Color. Later developed into a television series. Deemed “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant” by the United States Library of Congress National Film Registry.

OUR RATING— ***

Trailer Unavailable

     Shalako

1968  PG  WESTERN  1h 53min

CAST— Sean Connery, Brigitte Bardot, Stephen Boyd, Jack Hawkins, Peter Van Eyck, Honor Blackman, Woody Strode, Alexander Knox, Valerie French

MUSIC— Robert Farnon  DIRECTOR— Edward Dmytryk  BASED ON—Shalako (novel), by Louis L’Amour

     Here’s a curio. A Western starring 007 himself, Sean Connery. He plays an ex-Army colonel in the old West who runs into a group of European adventurers out for a hunt. The problem is that they’re breaking a treaty made with the Apaches to stay off of their land and the Natives are none too happy. Connery sets out to protect this group of pompous lay-abouts from a fierce assault, if only they would take these “savages” seriously. Okay actioner with a moderate level of suspense; just don’t expect any award-winning performances.

OUR RATING— ** ½

Trailer Unavailable

     The Shaggy Dog

1959  NR  COMEDY  1h 44min

CAST— Fred MacMurray, Jean Hagen, Tommy Kirk, Annette Funicello, Tim Considine, Kevin Corcoran, Cecil Kellaway, Alexander Scourby

MUSIC— Paul J. Smith  DIRECTOR— Charles Barton  BASED ON— The Hound of Florence (novel), by Felix Salten

     “… one ring to rule them all; and in the darkness bind them.” Oh, wait; that’s the wrong ring. The ring in this story has the power to turn the owner into a dog, of all things. After reading the inscription on an ancient ring young Tommy Kirk finds himself in the doghouse as he shape-shifts between being a boy and being a shaggy sheepdog, all at the most inopportune times. A useless subplot involving spies is dumped into the last half hour, seemingly a last minute addition. Younger kids may not care for the film as much as nostalgic parents on a yesteryear bender. Final note: this was a big hit for Disney, their first foray into live action comedy.

OUR RATING— ** ½

FOLLOWED BY— The Shaggy D.A. (1976), The Return of the Shaggy Dog (1987)

REMADE AS— The Shaggy Dog (1994/2006)

Trailer Unavailable

     The Shaggy D.A.

1976  NR  COMEDY  1h 31min

CAST— Dean Jones, Suzanne Pleshette, Tim Conway, Keenan Wynn, Jo Anne Worley, Dick Van Patton

MUSIC— Buddy Baker  DIRECTOR— Robert Stevenson

     More shape-shifting shenanigans, shaggy dog style. Dean Jones takes up the role of Wilby Daniels in this Disney sequel, and he has more on his mind than Annette Funicello. This time around he has an agenda: clean up the streets of his hometown by campaigning for the office of District Attorney, thereby casting out the current D.A., the corrupt Keenan Wynn. But the fur begins to fly when small time crooks pilfer the Borgia ring, the original ring that started it all; when the inscription is read Jones transforms into said shaggy sheepdog, with embarrassing results. Some amusing gags are scattered among the standard dog-on-the-loose fodder, but you can’t help but feel the padding, especially when the filmmakers result to a pie fight for laughs. Woof.

OUR RATING— **

PRECEDED BY— The Shaggy Dog (1959)

FOLLOWED BY— The Return of the Shaggy Dog (1994)