lakeland53
Santa Monica Public Library
lakeland53's Completed Shelf
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Den of ThievesDen of Thieves, DVD
DVD - 2018DVD, 2018
lakeland53's rating:
Added Nov 17, 2018
Edge of WinterEdge of Winter, DVD
DVD - 2016DVD, 2016
lakeland53's rating:
Added Nov 09, 2018
Comment:
Conceivably, one of the scariest things for anyone to experience, much less 2 young boys. A man goes from civility ...to...well, you see for yourself. One hears about this kind of thing, but may (hopefully) not ever have to experience it. Did I enjoy this film? Not too much, but it is not for the dreamy. What kicks someone over the edge?? It's different for everyone; this is one case of 'the edge'.Conceivably, one of the scariest things for anyone to experience, much less 2 young boys. A man goes from civility ...to...well, you see for yourself. One hears about this kind of thing, but may (hopefully) not ever have to experience it. Did I…
Bagdad CafeBagdad Cafe, DVD
DVD - 2013DVD, 2013
lakeland53's rating:
Added Nov 08, 2018
Comment:
I loved this film. A woman walks out of a life she is living, and into a totally different life. Wow! It was funny, quirky, touching. CCH Pounder is great and Jack Palance are so good. Marianne Sagebrecht is so wonderful and she is worth the watch. The relationship of CCH & Mariane is wonderful. Although this film is older, it is worth the watch.I loved this film. A woman walks out of a life she is living, and into a totally different life. Wow! It was funny, quirky, touching. CCH Pounder is great and Jack Palance are so good. Marianne Sagebrecht is so wonderful and she is worth the watch.…
The WorkThe Work, DVD
DVD - 2018DVD, 2018
lakeland53's rating:
Added Nov 08, 2018
Comment:
What a presentation of this 4 day workshop for these inmates, and the outsiders who participate. Watch in belief or disbelief, it will get to you. Very well done.
HostilesHostiles, DVD
DVD - 2018DVD, 2018
lakeland53's rating:
Added Nov 08, 2018
Comment:
I enjoyed this film very much. As one person cannot, on their own, be the whole cause for change, so it is with this film. The first settlers met with much opposition as they moved West. Towns were established, and then big money brought trains across the continent. Christian Bale, in a finely played role, must perform one last duty for the Army, of which he does not want to partake. But this has been his livelihood. He performs his last duty, all the while having PTSD, he has opportunity to come to terms with his life as a soldier and his own participation in the 'fights of the white man vs. the red man'. This, to me, becomes clear to him as he & his last mission reach their destination. The director gives the lead character a strong ending, something in the story line that must be resolved for the viewing audience. The inner life of these characters is so strong that they drew me into their life. The supporting cast is excellent. The scenery is exquisite and I loved the film.I enjoyed this film very much. As one person cannot, on their own, be the whole cause for change, so it is with this film. The first settlers met with much opposition as they moved West. Towns were established, and then big money brought trains…
lakeland53's rating:
Added Oct 23, 2018
Comment:
I lived in the South in the 1960's, and, let me tell you, there were so many events that gave Southerners reason to be explosive. The film's premise is the explosiveness of differences in cultures, meeting head-to-head, causing even wars. Billy Bob Thornton, who is also from the South, wrote, directed, and starred in this film. He has a very clear picture of the clashes which occurred during this time. Very strong characters with very strong intentions. Strong clashes of belief structures, and very well done. The end of the film shows how the differences of opinion affect us, how the 'wars' continue, not only in our personal daily lives, but also in society.I lived in the South in the 1960's, and, let me tell you, there were so many events that gave Southerners reason to be explosive. The film's premise is the explosiveness of differences in cultures, meeting head-to-head, causing even wars. Billy Bob…
Suitability
Contains Sexual content
lakeland53's rating:
Added Oct 23, 2018
Comment:
This was written by the lead actress Bell Lake. What a talent she is. Not only was this funny, but she has been able to convey herself as a very quirky lead. The display of the disfunction is what makes this film functional. She has a cast that is quirky like her, and has written situations that one might find themselves in in reality. But, then again, I'm just a little quirky myself. She made me laugh.This was written by the lead actress Bell Lake. What a talent she is. Not only was this funny, but she has been able to convey herself as a very quirky lead. The display of the disfunction is what makes this film functional. She has a cast that is…
Alone in BerlinAlone in Berlin, DVD
DVD - 2017DVD, 2017
lakeland53's rating:
Added Oct 18, 2018
Comment:
Shows the very serious implications of living in Nazi Germany during WWII and hating the Nazis. Wow! What freedom we have in this Great Country of the United States. We need to keep it that way for us and our future generations.
This story is about what one couple decides to do after a tragedy occurs in their lives. They live in Berlin. The art direction is so good in this. It reflects the repression of all of the societies of occupied Western Europe during WWII. Very sad time in Western Europe's history. Highly recommend watch.Shows the very serious implications of living in Nazi Germany during WWII and hating the Nazis. Wow! What freedom we have in this Great Country of the United States. We need to keep it that way for us and our future generations.
This story is…
LawlessLawless, DVD
DVD - 2012 | Widescreen ed.DVD, 2012. Widescreen ed.
lakeland53's rating:
Added Oct 18, 2018
Comment:
Story based on real events of a family who survived the 1930's Prohibition law by moonshining. Moonshining was pretty common during that time, But this is the story of one family, based on real events during Prohibition. Very good story, good acting, and shows how successful Prohibition was.Story based on real events of a family who survived the 1930's Prohibition law by moonshining. Moonshining was pretty common during that time, But this is the story of one family, based on real events during Prohibition. Very good story, good…
BeirutBeirut, DVD
DVD - 2018DVD, 2018
lakeland53's rating:
Added Oct 13, 2018
Comment:
Well acted story. Odd to see a city which was so beautiful. Then to see the ravages of what war brings. Film is based on true events; evidently odds and ends of different incidences. Good script, well presented by the director and actors. Makes me glad my life is not one of secret operatives.Well acted story. Odd to see a city which was so beautiful. Then to see the ravages of what war brings. Film is based on true events; evidently odds and ends of different incidences. Good script, well presented by the director and actors. Makes me…
Darkest HourDarkest Hour, DVD
DVD - 2018DVD, 2018
lakeland53's rating:
Added Oct 07, 2018
Comment:
Very good film. Gary Oldman's transformation was astonishing. Whole cast wonderful as well as the production. Highly recommend.
The Ghost and the DarknessThe Ghost and the Darkness, DVD
DVD - 2010 | Widescreen ed.DVD, 2010. Widescreen ed.
lakeland53's rating:
Added Oct 06, 2018
Comment:
The film is based on real life events of building a bridge over a river in East Africa where 2 brawling lions rule. Patterson, Val Kilmer, is the builder. Michael Douglas is Remington, a hunter. Patterson kept a journal of the events that occurred during the building of the bridge. I don't want to give the film away, but the story follows the journal. I would not have wanted to have faced those two lions. Great film and scary because of the lions. Highly recommend.The film is based on real life events of building a bridge over a river in East Africa where 2 brawling lions rule. Patterson, Val Kilmer, is the builder. Michael Douglas is Remington, a hunter. Patterson kept a journal of the events that occurred…
Killing Them SoftlyKilling Them Softly, DVD
DVD - 2013 | Widescreen ed.DVD, 2013. Widescreen ed.
lakeland53's rating:
Added Oct 05, 2018
Comment:
Great cast, but this film killed me greatly. Brutal characters, who don't really like anyone on the planet, much less themselves. I know this is not a redemptive story, that it is more allegory, but I did not enjoy it at all.
The Whole TruthThe Whole Truth, DVD
DVD - 2017DVD, 2017
lakeland53's rating:
Added Oct 05, 2018
Comment:
Well acted courtroom thriller. Enjoyed it very much.
Con ManCon Man, DVD
DVD - 2018DVD, 2018
lakeland53's rating:
Added Oct 02, 2018
Comment:
Wow, do you wonder whatever happened to Barry Minkow who owned ZZZZBest Carpet Company in the San Fernando Valley in the 1980's? The young, very brilliant 16 year old has a company that cleans carpets, and makes millions of dollars. But it is all a hoax. It was a huge story in its' time because of the vast amount of defraud involving Wall Street. He was busted, went to prison and was released in 1995. The upshot? He found 'Jesus' in prison, and, when he gets out, manages to acquire a ministerial position in a church in San Diego. His addiction to money and power was never resolved while in prison, so he pulls another fast move on the parishioners of the church. He might have found Jesus, but never resolved his personality disorder. And, he is in this movie a himself! Really, I just want to slap this guy. I Googled his name after watching the film. (You should too, if you watch the film. It gives more defined info on this ego-maniac.) He is still in prison. These kinds of people make me so angry. Always so self-absorbed in their own schemes under pretense of 'helping people' financially. But you can watch and see for yourself.Wow, do you wonder whatever happened to Barry Minkow who owned ZZZZBest Carpet Company in the San Fernando Valley in the 1980's? The young, very brilliant 16 year old has a company that cleans carpets, and makes millions of dollars. But it is all a…
Enough SaidEnough Said, DVD
DVD | Widescreen edition.DVD. Widescreen edition.
lakeland53's rating:
Added Sep 30, 2018
Comment:
This film presents a rather awkward relationship for Julia Louis-Dreyfus and James Gandolfini. They handled it well, but would have liked to have seen more from them. Too bad James Gandolfini is no longer with us. I'm sure he is missed in the industry because I miss him as an audience. Not to mention his family and close friends. I enjoyed the watch. Catherine Keener is very good. A different kind of role for her a well. All in all, I enjoyed the film.This film presents a rather awkward relationship for Julia Louis-Dreyfus and James Gandolfini. They handled it well, but would have liked to have seen more from them. Too bad James Gandolfini is no longer with us. I'm sure he is missed in the…
City IslandCity Island, DVD
DVD - 2010 | Widescreen ed.DVD, 2010. Widescreen ed.
lakeland53's rating:
Added Sep 30, 2018
Comment:
Light-hearted fun about a dysfunctional family and how their situations are resolved. Entertaining and easy to watch with a pretty good story. Good characters to watch.
lakeland53's rating:
Added Sep 30, 2018
Comment:
This film takes place in the 1970's, and the art direction is great. The sets, the furniture, the cars: a major set of the film is a 1970's car lot. Really a lot of fun and memories for me. Cell phones were huge, land lines ruled, and there was no technology. The story is well delivered by Chris Meloni, Dean Norris, and Bridget Moynahan as leads. The supporting cast is very good. In the 1970's, Los Angeles area, there were so many used car sales lots and many stories to go with these salesmen.
Chris Meloni plays a Dad to a high school grad, and he has to decide a few things that can change the lives of those around him. Good story and you come away from the film feeling good. Recommend.This film takes place in the 1970's, and the art direction is great. The sets, the furniture, the cars: a major set of the film is a 1970's car lot. Really a lot of fun and memories for me. Cell phones were huge, land lines ruled, and there was no…
The 15:17 to ParisThe 15:17 to Paris, DVD
DVD - 2018DVD, 2018
lakeland53's rating:
Added Sep 24, 2018
Comment:
OK, the characters in the film are the people in real life. They aren't trained actors, but I thought Clint Eastwood presented the story in a very good light. The characters moved along in such a way that an even ordinary day was interesting. It was a low key film, not a lot of action, and it takes a good director to do that well. But Clint Eastwood has been directing for years. Long live the real heroes of our world.OK, the characters in the film are the people in real life. They aren't trained actors, but I thought Clint Eastwood presented the story in a very good light. The characters moved along in such a way that an even ordinary day was interesting. It was…
The CommuterThe Commuter, DVD
DVD - 2018DVD, 2018
lakeland53's rating:
Added Sep 24, 2018
Comment:
This is the typical Liam Neeson film where he plays the Hero. I really enjoyed it. Supporting cast was very good. A lot of the reviewers claim this is just a formula film, same boring stuff from a guy who's 70, too many plot holes, etc., but, for me, just a fun film.This is the typical Liam Neeson film where he plays the Hero. I really enjoyed it. Supporting cast was very good. A lot of the reviewers claim this is just a formula film, same boring stuff from a guy who's 70, too many plot holes, etc., but, for…
The ConspiracyThe Conspiracy, DVD
DVD - 2013?DVD, 2013?
lakeland53's rating:
Added Sep 20, 2018
Comment:
Kind of an odd horror film. But kept my interest. Two fellows come across facts of conspiracies and a private club named Tarsus. They put themselves in a situation that is dangerous. Can't give the ending away, but it was an interesting watch.
At MiddletonAt Middleton, DVD
DVD - 2014DVD, 2014
lakeland53's rating:
Added Sep 20, 2018
Comment:
I loved this movie. Released in 2012, it is a true Romantic Comedy. The relationship that Andy Garcia and Vera Farminga create is just so wonderful and full, that I would even consider this for other actors as a 'must watch'. The two leads meet, and, in one day, have a life realization that cannot be ignored. I loved watching them create this relationship and how it plays into the rest of the storyline.
When you watch the cd, make sure you listen to the song at the end. Garcia is not the best vocalist, (he sings), but he wrote the words. I was delighted by this film.I loved this movie. Released in 2012, it is a true Romantic Comedy. The relationship that Andy Garcia and Vera Farminga create is just so wonderful and full, that I would even consider this for other actors as a 'must watch'. The two leads meet,…
Death WishDeath Wish, DVD
DVD - 2018DVD, 2018
lakeland53's rating:
Added Sep 18, 2018
Comment:
Bruce Willis plays a doctor who seeks revenge. Some of the scenes are bloody, but the film follows the style of Bruce Willis. Good watch.
Suitability
Ages 10
Contains Violence
TraitorTraitor, DVD
DVD - 2008 | Widescreen ed.DVD, 2008. Widescreen ed.
lakeland53's rating:
Added Sep 17, 2018
Comment:
Good film portrayal of terrorism. Worth the watch. Very different role for Don Cheadle and extremely well done.
TrafficTraffic, DVD
DVD - 2002DVD, 2002
lakeland53's rating:
Added Sep 17, 2018
Comment:
Won 4 Academy Awards. Very well done story in all aspects: editing, lighting, writing, great cast, direction. Even more pertinent is the story itself. Follows drugs all the way from the suppliers to the people who take drugs. Great presentation and definitely worth the watch.Won 4 Academy Awards. Very well done story in all aspects: editing, lighting, writing, great cast, direction. Even more pertinent is the story itself. Follows drugs all the way from the suppliers to the people who take drugs. Great presentation and…
Comment: