James L.

Flynn's Disillusionment, Nov 9 2003

Errol Flynn stars as an unfairly disgraced Union officer who decides to look out for number one in post-Civil War America. He quickly builds a financial empire, methodically taking over Silver City, a town dependant on its silver mines. Of course, a lot of people have to pay for his ambition and ruthlessness, and in the end, so must he.

Flynn's performance is better than usual throughout most of the film, his own personal sense of disillusionment no doubt contributing. Ann Sheridan, as the feisty woman he loves, is stronger in the first half of the film. Thomas Mitchell, as the sermonizing lawyer, gets some great speeches which he plays for what they are worth.

Unfortunately, the… Read more

Protecting His Family, Aug 1 2003

Harrison Ford was a great choice to take over the role of Jack Ryan in Patriot Games. Ford has that everyman quality that works really well when he finds himself and his family (wife Anne Archer and daughter Thora Birch) thrust into international events when they witness an assassination attempt on a British royal. Ford thwarts the attempt, which makes his family revenge targets. The assassins, an Irish militant group, counts amongst its members, a hotheaded Sean Bean who makes it his mission to kill Ford, Archer, and Birch. But needless to say, Ford has other ideas!

Patriot Games is a well-crafted thriller from director Philip Noyce. He keeps the tension going from the beginning,… Read more

Family Values Take Centre Stage, July 17 2003

This episodic film tells the story of a Norwegian immigrant family living in San Francisco at the beginning of the twentieth century. Irene Dunne gives a terrific performance as the title character who is the moral and emotional core of the family. Various episodes in the family form the basis of the story, some humorous and some more sober. It's great to see a family where values are important and everyone does their part. Oscar Homolka as a frightening uncle and Ellen Corby as Mama's frightened sister standout in a strong supporting cast. The film pays tribute to a wonderful mother, but it also plays tribute to the support that comes from the family unit. It's nice to see this kind… Read more