Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning (movie, 2025)

Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning

Watched June, 2025.

The special effects and stunts are certainly stunning, and in some cases groundbreaking. But the technical aspects of the plot are repeatedly, ridiculously mindless. The whole idea of the entity is illogical - an artificial intelligence has infiltrated the whole of global cyberspace, but people can hope to remove it, instantaneously. Never mind Cruise getting stuck 500 feet below the arctic ocean surface with no protective gear. It's fun to watch, but the plot is a series of illogical battles against illogical people, performing impossible stunts, with tech that has no basis in reality.

Snow White (movie, 2025)

Snow White

Watched June, 2025.

The IMDB rating of this is a "2", and I while I didn't enjoy this movie, it wasn't that unredeemable. The music was mediocre, but the performers milked the score for all they could. There are a lot of references to death for a kids' movie. This movie was supposed to start production in 2020, but was delayed until 2022, in either case while Donald Trump was at the top of USA politics. THAT was inexplicably when Disney decided to make a movie about commoners fighting to restore a hereditary ruler to her throne. This movie was included in Disney+ around the time of the "no kings" protests. And as much as this movie tries to make Snow White out to be brave and just and intelligent, the only reason she is important is because she is the most beautiful. (And when the mirror says "fairest", it's not talking about justice.) But of course, in real life, Gadot (the evil queen) is way hotter than Zegler (Snow).

Where the Boys Are (movie, 1960)

Where the Boys Are

Watched a bunch of times, possibly as early as the '60s.

This is a well done precursor to the Avalon & Funicello formula. Characters are developed, dramatic stuff happens. Gorshin, Hutton, Prentiss, Francis all do fine jobs, and no one is bad. Go see the Elbo Room, it's a real place!

Beach Party (movie, 1963)

Beach Party

Watched a bunch of times, possibly as early as the '60s.

This movie invented the ultra-B beach/music movie formula.
("Where the Boys Are is different and better.)
Gary's review of 'Where the Boys Are'

Avalon figures out that he must totally ham it up, but Funicello was apparently held back by Disney, being barely past her Mouseketeer days (these movies immortalized her for a mediocre job). FA & AF's songs are forgettable, but the awesome Dick Dale plays a significant musical role. The comedy is hit or miss, although the characters don't give Deadhead credit for his great cough drop joke. Forgive me, but I love Lembeck's Von Zipper gang leader role. And there is a pie fight. The wait for Big Daddy's "word" was a nice touch in a lackluster script.

SPOILER QUOTES: Deadhead, referring to the square professor: "If he had a twin, he'd make a good cough drop." (Think Smith Brothers.)

Big Daddy (Vincent Price): "The pit. Bring me my pendulum, kiddies, I feel like swinging."