lakeland53
Santa Monica Public Library
lakeland53's Completed Shelf
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Effie GrayEffie Gray, DVD
DVD - 2016DVD, 2016
lakeland53's rating:
Added Mar 23, 2019
SkyscraperSkyscraper, DVD
DVD - 2018DVD, 2018
lakeland53's rating:
Added Mar 18, 2019
Comment:
This film is loaded with action. The script was a little far-fetched in spots, but did not bother me, I still thought the film was good. The writers gave Dwayne Johnson a flaw which I liked, because he had to work with a different personage than he usually portrays. Neve Campbell is very good. Fast pace, loaded with special effects.This film is loaded with action. The script was a little far-fetched in spots, but did not bother me, I still thought the film was good. The writers gave Dwayne Johnson a flaw which I liked, because he had to work with a different personage than he…
Out of the FurnaceOut of the Furnace, DVD
DVD | Widescreen edition.DVD. Widescreen edition.
lakeland53's rating:
Added Mar 15, 2019
Comment:
I just could not get into the rhythm and mood of this film. It was well acted and directed, and Harrelson and Bale are wonderful, but it was such a depressing story. I lived in a small town growing up, and there was never too much socially going on. I can't say that everyone always dragged their guns out, but I knew a lot of people had guns in there homes. There is a lot of drugs and shooting in the film, just in case you might wonder about youngsters watching this.I just could not get into the rhythm and mood of this film. It was well acted and directed, and Harrelson and Bale are wonderful, but it was such a depressing story. I lived in a small town growing up, and there was never too much socially going on.…
The List of Adrian MessengerThe List of Adrian Messenger, DVD
DVD - 2017DVD, 2017
lakeland53's rating:
Added Mar 14, 2019
Comment:
This is a black & white film, directed by John Huston, sleuth old style. Messenger asks one of his best friends to investigate a list of names. The friend is George C. Scott, and Scott becomes the sleuth, who, on his own, is able to make amazing discoveries. The cast is tight, as is the script. If you are a make-up artist, there are some really great facial pieces done by none other than Bud Westmore, of the Hollywood Hall of Fame make-up artists family, Westmore. The Westmores were the firsts in special effects makeup for film. Very enjoyable watch with a good cast.This is a black & white film, directed by John Huston, sleuth old style. Messenger asks one of his best friends to investigate a list of names. The friend is George C. Scott, and Scott becomes the sleuth, who, on his own, is able to make amazing…
SearchingSearching, DVD
DVD - 2018DVD, 2018
lakeland53's rating:
Added Mar 14, 2019
Comment:
The director used an iPhone to film most of this film. He wanted to make an 8 minute short, went to present his idea to the $$-men, & they wanted a film. Wow, is all I can say. It took a little time for me to realize the whole script is composed from being on the computer. The acting is very well defined, and the editing is very good. Surprisingly, the director did not follow the traditional methods of film production. He has worked at Google, and, another comment says he developed Google commercials. He was fearless, and this film is worth the watch.The director used an iPhone to film most of this film. He wanted to make an 8 minute short, went to present his idea to the $$-men, & they wanted a film. Wow, is all I can say. It took a little time for me to realize the whole script is composed…
First ReformedFirst Reformed, DVD
DVD - 2017DVD, 2017
lakeland53's rating:
Added Mar 13, 2019
Comment:
This film is so bad. I fast forwarded during watching. Seemed as tho' the actors played the mood. Very moody and pedantic towards the 'save the earth movement'. Ugh, Don't bother.
A Single ShotA Single Shot, DVD
DVD - 2014DVD, 2014
lakeland53's rating:
Added Mar 08, 2019
Comment:
Rough community in Appalachia, West Virginia. Not the wealthiest people. The director shot on film, not digital. Made for a better presentation of the hills, the fog, night skies, and and darkness. Very moody scenery. Sam Rockwell is incredible, as is all the supporting cast. Depicts a lifestyle totally different than city life. The director really had a strong idea of how he wanted to present this story, and he did a very good job. But it was difficult for me to watch because of the realistic daily struggle just to live.Rough community in Appalachia, West Virginia. Not the wealthiest people. The director shot on film, not digital. Made for a better presentation of the hills, the fog, night skies, and and darkness. Very moody scenery. Sam Rockwell is incredible, as…
The SignalThe Signal, DVD
DVD - 2014DVD, 2014
lakeland53's rating:
Added Mar 08, 2019
Comment:
Not my cup of tea, weak story. I don't understand the ending. Did not make sense at all. Acting was pretty good, but that's all. Not a good story.
Jurassic WorldJurassic World, DVDFallen Kingdom
DVD - 2018DVD, 2018
lakeland53's rating:
Added Mar 03, 2019
Comment:
The only really great thing about this film for me was the special effects. Loved the dinosaurs and the events on the island. I thought the writing was weak, and the characters. It seemed like they were all waiting for the other character to make the first move. I hated the way that it ended, with absolutely no reality of what might happen on earth with a mix of humans, trying to run a normal life, and dinosaurs, who wreak havoc everywhere they go. The final decision in the film was wimpy, and not well thought out. In fact, it pissed me off. The producers must want to make a sequel, so they set themselves up for it.The only really great thing about this film for me was the special effects. Loved the dinosaurs and the events on the island. I thought the writing was weak, and the characters. It seemed like they were all waiting for the other character to make…
SurvivorSurvivor, DVD
DVD - 2015DVD, 2015
lakeland53's rating:
Added Feb 27, 2019
Comment:
I enjoyed the high suspense of this film. Thought it was great to see a woman in the protagonist role for once. It is fast paced dramatic espionage. Pierce Brosnan is so cold-blooded, it makes your skin crawl.
Molly's GameMolly's Game, DVD
DVD - 2018DVD, 2018
lakeland53's rating:
Added Feb 27, 2019
Comment:
Jessica Chastain gives a knock-out performance. Loved Kevin Costner as her pushy psychologist Dad. Good script, editing, and scene progression. Loved this film.
On Wings of EaglesOn Wings of Eagles, DVD
DVD - 2017DVD, 2017
lakeland53's rating:
Added Feb 21, 2019
Masked and AnonymousMasked and Anonymous, DVD
DVD - 2004DVD, 2004
lakeland53's rating:
Added Feb 18, 2019
Comment:
Dylan's the only thing that keeps this film grounded. While each of the characters do have a strange pretty intense lyrical quality about them, they seem disjointed in the story. There is no cohesiveness to the cast. The film is based in some different time evolution of society, but has the physical markings of present society. The characters, independent of each other, are great. But they never hit me in the solar plexus; they did not make me care if they reached their quest or not. It was almost as if they were as disjointed as the homeless people that were in the beginning of the film. That made it boring to me: waiting for the important "a hah" moment, but Dylan's music kept me watching till the end.Dylan's the only thing that keeps this film grounded. While each of the characters do have a strange pretty intense lyrical quality about them, they seem disjointed in the story. There is no cohesiveness to the cast. The film is based in some…
Ancient AliensAncient Aliens, DVDThe Complete Season 3
DVD - 2010DVD, 2010
lakeland53's rating:
Added Feb 15, 2019
Comment:
The complete season is 4 discs, each with 4 shows, maybe 5. I had the discs o continuous play. A lot of the info seems to be repeated, but there is some really good things, like the meridians of the earth lining up with the ancient sculptures, all in a straight line. And a lot more. Based only in science. Good to watch and see that there were other cultures that existed before our time, very bright, sophisticated. Astronomy played a big part in the everyday life choices of people. Pretty good stuff. Will watch other seasons later.The complete season is 4 discs, each with 4 shows, maybe 5. I had the discs o continuous play. A lot of the info seems to be repeated, but there is some really good things, like the meridians of the earth lining up with the ancient sculptures, all…
The Theory of EverythingThe Theory of Everything, DVD
DVD - 2015DVD, 2015
lakeland53's rating:
Added Feb 04, 2019
Comment:
Wow, what a great performance by Eddie Redmayne as Steven Hawking. He transforms throughout the film as his M.S. takes over his whole body. Great story about his early life at Cambridge University, and meeting his wife and the family they had together. I haven't looked it up, but according to this story, the kids played a role in helping their dad throughout his life. Very good portrayal of the relationship of him & the wife played by Felicity Jones.
Beginning of the film shows how Hawking was at the beginning of his career. Very good film, and what an amazing man was Hawking.Wow, what a great performance by Eddie Redmayne as Steven Hawking. He transforms throughout the film as his M.S. takes over his whole body. Great story about his early life at Cambridge University, and meeting his wife and the family they had…
The Gathering StormThe Gathering Storm, DVD
DVD - 2003DVD, 2003
lakeland53's rating:
Added Feb 04, 2019
Comment:
High production value in this film. Scenery and editing is great. Albert Finney and Vanessa Redgrave are fantastic. We see the softer side if Churchill in his relationship with his wife, Clementine, played by Ms. Redgrave. Finney is so good at revealing both sides of himself as Churchill. The aggressive, hard-nosed, never-quitting politician, and the giving side towards his family. It's funny; I really enjoyed Gary Oldman in "Darkest Hour", as I did Albert FInney. Gary had to be padded, walk a certain way, etc., and his characterization of Churchill is flawless. But, Albert Finney is already a big guy, with a strong posture, and an engaging stature. Albert Finney was already the perfect size; he did not have to dig deep for the physical structure of Churchill. Interesting to see 2 different characterizations. Enjoyed this film immensely.High production value in this film. Scenery and editing is great. Albert Finney and Vanessa Redgrave are fantastic. We see the softer side if Churchill in his relationship with his wife, Clementine, played by Ms. Redgrave. Finney is so good at…
The chef's wifeThe chef's wife, DVD
DVD - 2017 | FrenchDVD, 2017. Language: French
lakeland53's rating:
Added Jan 26, 2019
Comment:
French film with French subtitles: Lighthearted romantic comedy, but done French style. Interesting relationship happens with one woman looking for a job and another who works in an employment agency. A little quirky, but held my interest. The scenery is almost better than the film. I don't know if the scenario presented in the film could happen as a real life situation. That's what makes it quirky. This is not a deep film.French film with French subtitles: Lighthearted romantic comedy, but done French style. Interesting relationship happens with one woman looking for a job and another who works in an employment agency. A little quirky, but held my interest. The…
The EqualizerThe Equalizer, DVD
DVD - 2014 | Widescreen edition.DVD, 2014. Widescreen edition.
lakeland53's rating:
Added Jan 26, 2019
Comment:
McCall, Denzel, is drawn into his killings in "Equalizer" from a situation of someone he doesn't know. Because of his personal ethics, he can't just sit by and let things continue 'as is', and he'll just turn his head and walk away. McCall comes forward, and we see a trained assassin go out and kick some serious a**. No one knows where this guy comes from, and none of the antagonists are expecting such kick back. I really like the way Denzel, and/or the director, give McCall the ability to assess a situation before he does battle. That's probably written in the book, and translated into the film, although I didn't read the book. From the camera's shots, you clearly see what's happening. Very enjoyable.McCall, Denzel, is drawn into his killings in "Equalizer" from a situation of someone he doesn't know. Because of his personal ethics, he can't just sit by and let things continue 'as is', and he'll just turn his head and walk away. McCall comes…
The Wrecking Crew!The Wrecking Crew!, DVD
DVD - 2015DVD, 2015
lakeland53's rating:
Added Jan 25, 2019
Comment:
The Wrecking Crew got its name because they were the first musicians to show up at the recording studios in t-shirts, tennis, and blue jeans instead of a tie, dress slacks, and leather work shoes. "Here come these guys, they are gonna' wreck everything." Well, before some of the great groups of the 1960's could even play instruments, the Wrecking Crew was recording their instrumentals. The Monkeys, for example.
Film about a really tight group of guys, and a lady, who recorded a lot of the background music for many popular groups of the 1960's and 1970's. Wow!!!..Who knew?? If you love that music generation, a must see for you. Based on fact, the story was created by one of the sons of a lead guitar player, Tommy Tedesco. Very well done.The Wrecking Crew got its name because they were the first musicians to show up at the recording studios in t-shirts, tennis, and blue jeans instead of a tie, dress slacks, and leather work shoes. "Here come these guys, they are gonna' wreck…
The Equalizer 2The Equalizer 2, DVD
DVD - 2018DVD, 2018
lakeland53's rating:
Added Jan 22, 2019
Comment:
I loved Denzel Washington's character in this film. He is charismatic, warm, caring, and you can see that he is trying to reconnect to daily, ordinary life. As he struggles with this, he is drawn into another violent chapter. High production qualities all around. Very good script and supporting cast. Very good story. Denzel becomes the action hero. Loved this film.
I have not seen the first film yet, but I will.I loved Denzel Washington's character in this film. He is charismatic, warm, caring, and you can see that he is trying to reconnect to daily, ordinary life. As he struggles with this, he is drawn into another violent chapter. High production…
The TownThe Town, DVD
DVD - 2010 | Widescreen ed.DVD, 2010. Widescreen ed.
lakeland53's rating:
Added Jan 21, 2019
Comment:
Really enjoyed this directing, acting, writing of Ben Affleck. Jon Hamm: very good as usual. Very good production about a string of bank robberies inBoston. Worth the watch.
Nancy Silverton's Pastries From the La Brea BakeryNancy Silverton's Pastries From the La Brea Bakery, Book
by Silverton, NancyBook - 2000 | 1st ed.Book, 2000. 1st ed.
lakeland53's rating:
Added Jan 21, 2019
Comment:
Extraordinary recipes of Nancy Silverton. going back to the days before her restaurants when she had a small bakery. She became an immediate 'hidden' gem throughout Los Angeles and the whole culinary community. At that time, her recipes were 'classified'. It was Nancy Silverton who kept entering the San Francisco sourdough bread competition. and finally managed to bring the award home to Los Angeles. She is an exceptional baker. There a many clues as to setting up your kitchen and the supplies that are needed for each recipe, and a short history of each type of breads before each chapter begins. Highly recommend this book if you are a culinary student, or baker. She gives a lot of process and detail away. I just have to find a way to bake without all the butter and heavy rich cream! So most of her recipes would not be everyday for me!Extraordinary recipes of Nancy Silverton. going back to the days before her restaurants when she had a small bakery. She became an immediate 'hidden' gem throughout Los Angeles and the whole culinary community. At that time, her recipes were…
ViceVice, DVD
DVD - 2015DVD, 2015
lakeland53's rating:
Added Jan 21, 2019
Comment:
Meh. Not really a good film. And the robots with automatic weapons DO always miss their targets. That's not believable at all. A different kind of film for Bruce Willis, but a very weak script. It is watchable, but not very exciting. Pretty predictable, actually.Meh. Not really a good film. And the robots with automatic weapons DO always miss their targets. That's not believable at all. A different kind of film for Bruce Willis, but a very weak script. It is watchable, but not very exciting. Pretty…
The Company You KeepThe Company You Keep, DVD
DVD - 2013 | Widescreen ed.DVD, 2013. Widescreen ed.
lakeland53's rating:
Added Jan 13, 2019
Comment:
Some radicals of the 1960's and 1970's grew up and became part of society. It does not mean that they forget the reason they 'fought for their cause'. The killing that any radical groups performed while protesting was not ever accepted. This includes Kent State and the police, even though the police are not considered radicals. Murder has not ever been accepted as a protest. This story involves a group who have been involved in a murder, and have hidden successfully for 35 years. Time catches up to them. Anyway, I thought this was a pretty decent film, and the story line did not bother me. A pretty good watch.Some radicals of the 1960's and 1970's grew up and became part of society. It does not mean that they forget the reason they 'fought for their cause'. The killing that any radical groups performed while protesting was not ever accepted. This…
Against the SunAgainst the Sun, DVD
DVD - 2015DVD, 2015
lakeland53's rating:
Added Jan 13, 2019
Comment:
As a piece of history, this story deserves being told. As presented, to me, this film was just average. It had enough interest to hold my attention, but it was pretty 'one note'. Mostly, saw 3 guys in a Navy survival situation. Sometimes I felt as though while they waited for survival, I waited for something to happen. Just OK. The American Film Company productions are historical to the point of having the correct props for the time being presented.As a piece of history, this story deserves being told. As presented, to me, this film was just average. It had enough interest to hold my attention, but it was pretty 'one note'. Mostly, saw 3 guys in a Navy survival situation. Sometimes I felt as…
Comment: