charleshankinson

Watch this movie for it's great direction by legendary director, John Ford and the slew of awesome actors, including Henry Fonda, Victor Mature, Ward Bond and Walter Brennen. Do not let the historical inaccuracies spoil your experience of enjoying the scenery and spectacular production. The town settings, prairie scenes and landscapes are phenomenal. One can only imagine how much more breathtaking this movie would have been in color or cinemascope. The gunfights are choreographed with precision and dramatic effect. As many actors that I have seen portray Wyatt Earp, they did not sway my belief that Henry Fonda WAS Wyatt Earp. Victor Mature makes a fantastic Doc Holliday and Walter Brennen is perfect as old man Clanton.

This movie can be summed up as a story about.a struggling visionary snake in the grass, or should I say 'snake in the french fries'? Michael Keaton was a fantastic choice for the part of McDonald's 'founder' Ray Kroc. I am reminded of some of his previous film roles by his portrayal of the infamous McDonald's franchise master. Laura Dern plays the supportive wife, who is discarded by Kroc once he reaches his self-centered goals. Not much is made of his last wife and how he stole her from one of his franchise owners. An odd combination, being Kroc was a Republican and his last wife, Joan, was a card carrying NPR supporting democrat. A very good movie that's worth taking the time to watch.

I was not very interested in seeing this movie when I first heard about it. Expected another lamé biographical cinematic telling of the story that everyone already knows. But no, this motion picture nails the whole thing, from beginning to end. Austin's portrayal of Elvis Aaron Presley is 'spot on'. He gives an outstanding performance and makes the viewer they are actually watching Elvis. This is the best exposing of Colonel Tom Parker and what a wicked man he really was. Tom Hanks, on the other hand, is not believable as the king of rock's manager. He looks too much like a skinny guy at a costume party dressed like someone's fat uncle. The sets are great and the Elvis magic is brought to life.