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Although this film is rather coarsely made by todays standards, the subject matter still makes it eminently watchable. It is a black comedy set in the time of much turmoil in the world about oil and its power over people in tandem with the idea that news these days leans toward its being a form of entertainment. The satire is biting and has all of the subtlety of a sledgehammer. It is a very "tongue in cheek" film with a "no holds barred" comedic bent. More of a "slash and burn" type of film making. Sean Connery is Patrick Hale a roving international news reporter, think Christiane Amanpour with a sex change operation. The movie has all of characters which might come out of todays news headlines. There is a funny little joke near the end that Connery tells on himself-not to be missed.

While this production is strictly fantasy, it lacks all of the bells and whistles of modern day films of this genre. Ray Bradbury, like Spielberg, has an affinity for telling stories from a child's point of view. Without CGI technology, this movie still is compelling in its own right. Pam Grier puts in a good performance as the truly menacing temptress, a little creepy but alluring at the same time. The film is about regrets and unreliazed dreams. It also manages to work in several of the Seven Deadly Sins-greed, vanity, lust, and anger. The character most burdened by events from his past is the Jason Robards part. He regrets being held back by his upbringing from acting during a crisis, something not learned during childhood that most normnal children take for granted. This film would be a nice change of pace during Halloween, a little dated, but still worth a couple hours.