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Reviews (43)
Jun 22, 2009
Alice's Restaurant is based on a true story
2 of 2 found this helpful One of the great features of many recent DVD's is the optional running commentary (However, I never use this on the first viewing). In the voice-over accompanying "Alice's Restaurant", Arlo Guthrie explains that the episodes described in his song, and then dramatized in the movie, actually happened to him: Long time friends Ray and Alice Brock (James Broderick and Pat Quinn), who live in a deconsecrated church near Stockbridge, Massachussetts, throw a Thanksgiving feast. Following dinner Arlo and an accomplice take 1/2 ton of garbage to the city dump only to find it closed for the holiday. So they then find another spot where others have dumped garbage off a cliff, and dump theirs. But they are seen and reported, and next day arrested by Officer Obie (William Obanhein). In a seemingly unrelated story Arlo must report for his Army physical, but as that adventure progresses finds his arrest and conviction for littering render him ineligible for military service.
A number of other events have been mixed in to provide greater connection to the times: visits to Arlo's dying father Woody Guthrie (who actually died in October 1967) with Pete Seeger singing Woody's songs; period clothes; dirt bike racing (a favorite activity of this circle of acquaintances); getting high; free love; and one drug-related death.
I would say that I appreciate the narration track on "Alice's Restaurant" more than any other DVD so far. It adds richness and depth to the movie. You learn: that the film's re-staged larger scale version of the Thanksgiving celebration eclipses the original in the participants' minds; the film uses most of the real people but they play different roles; the current status of the church; and reasons behind why the characters do what they do. As a sidebar, Geoff Outlaw, who plays Arlo's friend Roger, was in the folk-rock band "The Fugs" who were known for their own anti-war songs of that era.
What I like so much about "Alice's Restaurant" is that it is an authentic period piece which shows the hippie movement up close and personal as well as the technology of the times. 1966 Ford police car, Bell & Howell 70 DR 16mm movie camera, 16mm projector, no computers, no cell phones, VW microbus, it's all there--or not. There's even a nice shot of a New Haven F-3 diesel locomotive pulling a passenger train into the station. Other movies shot during the same aeon and dealing with hippies, such as "Woodstock", and "Joe", as well as the later produced "Hair", combine for a pretty good description of this part of American history. But "Alice's Restaurant" is the most enjoyable.
Mar 09, 2008
The Essential Dan Fogelberg
2 of 2 found this helpful Most casual followers of modern soft rock will be familiar with 3 of the tunes on this CD, and these are well worth purchasing the disc. "Longer", often heard at weddings, is nice, and "Leader of the Band" is also familiar. However "Same Old Lang Syne" has become an established holiday classic. When the local radio stations switch to Christmas music, this is one of their most requested songs. Of course, all of Dan's top 40 tunes are on this CD as well. On ESSENTIAL you also get Dan's cover of the old Cascades' song "Rhythm of the Rain", slower than most versions, and "Run for the Roses" a nice smooth ballad. So what is the difference between ESSENTIAL and his older GREATEST HITS? The mix on this new release is a bit crisper, maybe a little more weighted to his voice and guitar. For example, on "Longer" you can hear him pluck each guitar note. You get more the feeling he's performing right there in your living room. Why did I buy this version? Probably because of his untimely death during the holidays when Same Old Lang Syne was playing repeatedly, and the desire to get a little more familiar with the works of a great singer songwriter.
Jun 12, 2009
"Rent-A-Cop" is a great Chicago film
1 of 1 found this helpful Tony Church (Burt Reynolds) has been kicked off the police force when a drug bust goes deadly wrong and he is suspected of being in on it. He continues his career free lancing, initially as department store security. Then Della Roberts (Liza Minnelli), a saucy hooker and the only surviving witness to the massacre, seeks Church as a bodyguard. This can be beneficial to both of them as she stays alive and he clears his reputation.
"Rent-A-Cop" might rate about average in terms of cop stories: it's got the usual shoot outs, stake outs, and car chases. Where this film shines is in its depiction of Chicago. For the opening credits you get a beautiful aerial view of the city following the Chicago River at night. In fact there are many night shots, including a nice romantic couple. The drug bust takes place at the ritzy Blackstone Hotel and shows off the lobby well. Much of the film takes place during the Christmas season. You'll see the EL many times, including station stops and runbys. This is authentic Chicago with recognizable locations. The movie was shot in the 1980s when filmmakers were showing Chicago at its best.
Of course, you have Liza's slightly klutzy antics and acerbic lines. The relationship between Tony and Della progresses from bickering to protecting to loving. There are plenty of laughs. Look for brief appearances by Dionne Warwick as a madam. I would have preferred a widescreen version, but as of this writing, do not believe one is available.
If you love Chicago and/or Liza Minnelli, you will be delighted with "Rent-A-Cop".