Movies for Guys

This morning, Phil Boatwright, The Movie Reporter, promised to provide one of our listeners with some DVD choices for a wholesome, yet high-action, cinema outreach.

Here goes... thanks, Phil and readers, see more of Phil's reviews at Preview Online.

BULLITT (1968). Steve McQueen at his coolest and the greatest car chase ever filmed. (Caution: contains one obscenity, but I caught no misuse of God’s name. Also it has some violence, but nothing like today’s standards, or lack of.)

The Great Escape. This is a splendid wartime drama about men set to escape a Nazi POW camp. Based on a true story, with an involving script, cast and musical score. All-star cast includes Steve McQueen, Charles Bronson, James Coburn, Richard Attenborough and James Garner. Interestingly, there is absolutely no cursing. The script is so well written, even the most hardened cynic won’t miss the objectionable words. This film is evidence that nearly every subject matter can be placed on screen without crudity or profanity. McQueen tries to escape via a motorcycle. Beware, it’s a long film.

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Funny, thrilling, Sean Connery and Harrison Ford are terrific as squabbling father and son searching for the Holy Grail. PG (lots of violence, some sensuality, and one profanity, for which the culprit is immediately punished, sending out a very positive message that the misuse of God’s name is wrong).
Also contains some motorcycle action.

It’s A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World. A non-stop laugh-a-thon as a group of motorists learn of a fortune buried 200 miles away. Besides all the visual and verbal gags, and its constellation of comic greats, Mad World also contains some of the best car chases and stunts ever filmed. Funny, but long.

The Magnificent Seven. Made in 1960, in color, and starring Yul Brynner, Steve McQueen, Eli Wallach, Charles Bronson, James Coburn and Robert Vaughn. Derived from the Kuroswa “Eastern,” the story follows seven gunmen defending a poor Mexican village against bandits. Every part is perfectly cast and Elmer Bernstein’s score is fabulous. This new digital edition includes a documentary on the making of the film, with interviews by the producer and several of the actors.

The Party. Peter Sellers stars as a good-hearted bumbler who accidentally destroys a movie set, and then manages to do the same to a fancy party given by the film’s producer. There are a few risqué moments, but it is pretty tame by today’s standards. And extremely funny and good-natured. Sellers is terrific.

The Phantom. Billy Zane, Kristy Swanson, Treat Williams. Paramount . Kids Action Adventure. A well-made tongue-in-cheek salute to the Saturday serials of the ‘30s and ‘40s, based on the comic strip about a purple-costumed hero of the jungle fighting the forces of evil. Aided by his wolf, Devil, and his white horse, Hero, he seeks justice for the good guys and destruction for all evil doers. Lots of laughs for adults and much imagination-inciting adventure for the little ones. But beware, it's jam-packed with daring do and violence.

The Rocketeer. Bill Campbell and Jennifer Connelly star in this action/adventure about a rocketpack attached to any hearty young daredevil’s back will cause him to fly. It’s 1938 and, of course, the Nazis want such a device. Enter the Rocketeer, who must defend the American way of life by preventing the Germans from gaining possession of the rocket. Lost of fun. PG (4 or 5 expletives and comic-book action).

Run Silent, Run Deep. Burt Lancaster and Clark Gable star as officers at odds in this tense, well-made submarine drama. Lancaster and Gable – now we’re talking movie stars!

THE SEARCHERS. John Wayne stars in John Ford’s most complex and visually stunning western. Ethan Edwards searches for his niece after marauding Indians kidnap her.

A Shot In the Dark. Inspector Clouseau falls for a beautiful murder suspect in this hilarious follow-up to “The Pink Panther.” One of the best in the series. Caution: A Shot in the Dark has a few adult situations not suitable for children, but handled with enough discretion for adults.

STEEP. Interesting documentary about men – and women – who live for danger. Like surfers searching for the tallest wave, extreme mountain skiers attempt to conquer the highest and most inaccessible adversary. Containing terrific cinematography and moving stories of fallen comrades, the film expertly reveals the character of these sportsmen. Best moment: Three skiers are photographed from a helicopter while getting caught in an avalanche. Not only a thrilling, armrest-grabber of a moment, the aftermath also shows a camaraderie known only to those who risk their lives together. PG (Three or four minor expletives and one use of the s-word after surviving an avalanche; Lots of dangerous skiing in places not fit for man).

The Straight Story. Filmed along the 260-mile route that the actual Alvin Straight (Richard Farnsworth) traversed in 1994 from Laurens , Iowa to Mt. Zion , Wisconsin , The Straight Story chronicles Alvin ’s patient odyssey and those he meets along the way. Alvin encounters a number of strangers, from a teenage runaway to a fellow WWII veteran. By sharing his life’s earned wisdom with simple stories, Alvin has a profound impact on these people. It contains lessons about the importance of family and forgiveness. Rated G.

Support Your Local Sheriff. A very funny western send-up with drifter James Garner hired as town sheriff. Also stars Walter Brennan, Jack Elam and Bruce Dern. Rated G, it is the funniest western spoof I’ve seen.

Von Ryan’s Express. Frank Sinatra and Trevor Howard lead a daring escape from a prisoner-of-war camp in this first rate, action charged war drama.

United 93. This intense drama tells of the actions of 9/11/01 aboard the hijacked flight bound for Washington D. C. Told from the perspectives of the passengers, the flight crew and those monitoring the plane, the film shows how complete strangers united against a common enemy. Indeed, the film is a cautionary tale that states united we stand, divided we fall. It is rated R for intensity and for profanity - While I applaud this film for its potent message, beware that there are at least 14 profane uses of God’s name and His son. In frustration and fear, several characters uttered God’s name followed by a curse or used Jesus’ name as a mere expletive.

AMERICA ’S HEART AND SOUL (2004). Filmmaker Louis Schwartzberg packed up his camera and hit the road, with a goal of capturing both the unparalleled beauty of the U.S. and the incomparable spirit of its people. Here you have the chance to meet ordinary Americans with extraordinary stories. Schwartzberg’s gift is his ability to connect with people, honestly capturing their values, dreams, and passion. AMERICA ’S HEART AND SOUL is a celebration of a nation told through the voices of its people.

The Bear. Wow, what a great film experience. It follows an orphaned bear cub and his new protector, a huge Kodiak. There’s no Disney-styled narration or cutesy voice-overs. “The Bear” is simply a captivating, humorous look at the daily life of these two mammals. The film takes place in 1885 British Columbia , with stunning, often breathtaking photography, locations and some truly touching moments. Caution, there are a couple of frightening scenes. Hunters are after the Kodiak. Dogs and horses are wounded by the bear when he is cornered. But no animals were actually harmed during filming. I believe little ones can handle it if parents are there to reassure. Standout moment: an unprepared hunter comes face to face with his quarry. After some rather loud roaring, the huge mammal takes pity on the frightened hunter and walks away. Later, the bear is also spared. Rated PG.

Bill Cosby – Himself. Bill’s insights on marriage and children highlight this very funny stand-up (and sometimes sit down) routine. But perhaps the funniest bit is his take on a trip to the dentist. I rank this routine right up there with Abbott & Costello’s “Who’s On First.”

Dr. Strangelove. Very dark comedy about a military commander who goes, well, a little funny in the head, and launches a hydrogen bomb aimed at Russia . Stanley Kubrick’s brilliant satire pokes fun at politicians and the absurdity of war. Peter Sellers, George C. Scott head intrepid cast. (Caution: Adult subject matter).

The Great Raid. Director John Dahl recreates the gritty reality-based story of one of the most spectacular rescue missions ever to take place in American history: “the great raid on Cabanatuan,” the daring exploit that would liberate more than 500 U.S. prisoners of war on the Philippines in 1945. A gripping depiction of human resilience, the film vividly brings to life the personal courage and audacious heroism that allowed a small but stoic band of World War II soldiers to attempt the impossible in the hope of freeing their captured brothers. Caution: It’s rated R (3 profanities, 8 or so obscenities and a few minor expletives, but for a war film, the language is very mild; what’s more, there is a great deal of thoughtful dialogue and several moments that reveal men of faith and a reverence for God; the film receives its rating mainly for the graphic violence and themes including a narration at the top that details the abuse of victims including the fact that 15,000 people died during the Death March; that said, nothing is done exploitatively – this is not a Rambo movie, but a real moment in history; yes, some of it is difficult to watch, but so many gave up so much in order to end a cancer that threatened to destroy the soul of man. Their sacrifice should be depicted and therefore, remembered).