Wild Horse Hank - Linda Blair is Hank, a free spirited cowgirl trying to save a herd of wild horses from the dog food factory.  Hard riding and straight shooting, she herds them across the miles to federal land where they can't be captured.  Michael plays Charlie Connors, rodeoing little brother to the lead villian...who just so happens doesn't share big brothers opinions.  He comes to admire her tenacity and wants to help her get the horses beyond his brothers reach.  But since Hank doesn't trust him, he has to help her from the shadows.  Since I love horses, and always felt Hank was sort of my alter ego (what horseloving teenage girl wouldn't want to do what Hank did?) I liked this movie - despite the 70's soundtrack.  But have a tissue ready, there's a sad part that was almost more than I could handle.  Damn that's one tough little cowgirl.

An American Christmas Carol - A remake of the Dicken's classic, with Henry Winkler playing Benedict Slade, a 1920's American version of Scrooge. The movie was delightful and a wonderful new 'tradition' at our house during the Holiday Season. Michael's role was brief as the leader of a group of boys singing and collecting donations for the orphanage. If you don't catch the first few minutes of the movie, you'll miss him. But it is a chance to see a young and fresh faced Michael, much different from the characters he will soon come to be known for.

Circle of Two - A movie about a spring/autumn romance...or is it spring/winter. Oh well, a young girl falls in love with a much older man and spouts off ridiculous monologues I never quite understood. Never was a big fan of Tatum O'Neal to start with and this just more or less defines why. And why she never went very far in the movies...she can't act. Okay, enough negative...or is it? Michael's role was as the 'jilted lover'...a young man who can't seem to realize he's been replaced and stalks his 'lady love' in a pathetic, lost puppy way. No big lines, no big role and not an impressive movie...

Nothing Personal - A rather cute movie, if you like cute. I like Donald Sutherland, so the movie wasn't a total loss. It was a typical early '80's romantic comedy, with all the typical '70's and '80's female stereotyping with the typical bleach blonde trying to prove she has brains and not just boobs. Michael Wincott is the first person you see, one good point, running across the campus, late for class...brings back memories. He did support a very good cause, stopping the slaughter of innocent seals by corrupt big business attempting to destroy nature in preference for profits. And you get to see him at the very end, as the good guys stand victory over the bad guys.

Curtains- The box boasts "...the classiest, most chilling thriller to come along in quite a while..." Well, for 1983, maybe. There was little to this movie that I found impressive, and even Michael Wincott's appearances failed to improve my view. The movie was weak, lame and failed to inspire any desire to watch it again. Michael's role as Matthew was almost none existent. If you have a Michael Wincott movie collection, then this belongs to make the collection complete, but for no other reason...

The Sicilian - Not a movie for everyone, but I enjoyed it. Based on the life of Sicilian revolutionary Salvador Guliiano, who took on the government, the "mafia" and the church in an effort to free Sicilian peasants from tyranny. Michael has a 'medium' role as Silvestro Canio, a prison guard who converts to the cause when Salvador spares his life and gives an eloquent speech on his 'purpose'. Some good screen time and dialogue.

Talk Radio - This was a good movie. You learn to hate Barry Champlain, the talk radio host, for his rude and obnoxious behavior. However, he meets his equal in Kent, of course, played by Michael Wincott. How a 27 year old man in a blonde "Rod Stewart" wig can convince you he's a drugged up and zoned out kid is one reason Michael is such a great actor.

Suffering Bastards - I'm not sure if I liked this movie or not. I laughed, so I must have liked it at least some. Basically, two brothers try to buy back the nightclub their mother was swindled out of. The movie follows them on their quest full of pitfalls and detours and can be quite funny. It is a comedy, after all. Michael plays a 'less than reputable' real estate agent named Chazz. When he discovers the boys are auditioning talent for the new nightclub, he wants to be a part of it. Unfortunately, Chazz has no talent and is quickly discarded. Not a favorite charcter, not sexy, witty or evil...just ... a slimy real estate agent. And he plays it well.

Bloodhounds of Broadway - A rather light and whimsical romantic comedy full of every cliché and "hokieness" of a Dick Tracy comic. It's New Years eve in the Roaring 20's and all of New York's elite gather for wine, dance, song and murder. Entertaining though I never was a fan of Madonna so I wasn't overly interested in watching the parts Michael wasn't in.   Michael is the bartender Soupy Mike. Not a large role, again, but he plays it to it's fullest, again.

Born on the 4th of July - A difficult movie to watch. It was raw and in your face, pulling no punches on the sorrowful state of care and concern given to the American Vietnam Veteran as well as their struggle against and with anti war activists during the Vietnam War era. Michael has a very short role as a disabled vet, trying to drown his memories in a Mexican brothel along with other disillusioned veterans.

Tragedy on Flight 103 - One possible series of happenings based on the factual disaster of the Airliner that blew up and crashed over Lockerbie Scotland. It was well presented and even drew one to believe that this theory was plausible.   Events are presented from both sides, following the bombers as well as the airline in their attempt to protect against the bombers.  Michael portrays Ulrich Weber, the head of a "phantom" security force created to battle terrorism in the skies. He has a rather good showing in this and I recommend it if you can find it.

Robin Hood~Prince of Thieves - I really liked this movie, despite Kevin Costner's stiff and unimpressive portrayal of Robin Hood. We all know the basic story so the actors are what make this movie stand apart from the others.... Nothing against Michael Wincott, who played the role of Sir Guy of Gisbourne with deliciously convincing grotesqueness, but Morgan Freeman's Azeem was the highlight of this movie. "And they call us barbarians." I also loved Friar Tuck and Little John. Indeed, regardless of Kevin's poor performance, this is a movie for the collection, and fun to watch over and over.

The Doors - A Hollywoodified story of Jim Morrison and The Doors. The movie was pretty accurate and is a must for any Val Kilmer or Doors fans. Michael has a rather minor role as Paul Rothchild, The Doors producer. He looks great, I just wish he was in more of the movie, as I wish in most of them. Too often, the powers that be in Hollywood fail to recognize Michael's full potential.

1492~Conquest of Paradise - An acceptable movie even if not entirely accurate, but it wasn't the story that made this movie worth watching. Wonderfully captivating cinematography and the soundtrack, by score genius Vangelis, was worth getting the CD for. But Michael Wincott fairly stole 'best actor' in this movie with his superb portrayal of don Adrian de Moxica, the Spanish Nobleman sent to help oversee the extraction of supposed New World riches. It's just another example of his incredible talent with voice, accent and disguise.

Romeo Is Bleeding - I don't really feel qualified to critique this movie as I've only seen it once and don't own it to watch it again...yet. I know Gary Oldman is a crooked cop that falls in love with the villainess who's apparently having an affair with the mob muscle, Sal, played by Michael Wincott. Michael makes a good Mafia enforcer type. A strange movie with strange twists. When I acquire it to my personal collection, I'll watch it again and try to put up a more detailed review.

The Three Musketeers - I LOVE this movie. I love the costumes, I love the story, I love the actors and the roles they played. Tim Curry was awesome as Richelieu. Oliver Platt was delightful as Porthos. But Michael Wincott was unforgettable as Captain Rochefort. And that sultry "velvet over stone" voice was to die for. I first really noticed Michael in this movie, and well, the rest is history. Two thumbs up, a big bucket of popcorn and a giant Coke....role it again!!!!

The Crow - A cult classic movie for good reason. Aside from Brandon Lee's tragic and untimely death during the filming, this movie is as deep and rich as Brandon wished it to be. A powerful and gripping movie about love, death and revenge with a mystic flair. Michael Wincott was, as usual, superb in his role as Top Dollar, the "crime lord" boss of the hooligans Eric Draven (Brandon Lee) is bent on destroying. How can he be so vile and so seductive at once? And that HAIR.

Panther - A powerful movie that opened my eyes. I knew very little of the Black Panther movement, hearing mostly media propaganda. This movie is worth watching just for it's content and historic (albeit slightly Hollywoodized) value. My husband grew up near there during that time and vouched for it's (near) accuracy. You feel for these people. Michael Wincott was cast in a single scene minor role as Tynan, a drug supplier more or less hired by corrupt government 'Gestapo' to flood the black neighborhoods of Oakland California with heroin to undermine the purpose of the Black Panthers.

Dead Man- This is one weird movie. Black and white with nothing but Neal Young's twainging guitar for a soundtrack, this movie starts real slow then takes one strange turn after another. The characters were bizarre, the cast was exceptional, the script was well written and I make everyone sit through it at least once when they visit, whether they like it or not. This is definitely not a movie for everybody, you gotta be slightly twisted to catch the comedy. Michael had the rare opportunity to truly experiment with comedy and did a hilarious job with the jabbering, uncouth bounty hunter Conway Twill. "Ever wish you were the moon?"

Strange Days - This is a cool movie. It was full of action, drama, sound and Michael. I loved the idea of the "wire." An idea that is probably in the making today. Angela Bassett was my favorite character, I loved her hard, no nonsense attitude. She makes me want to drive a limo! Michael portrays Philo Gant, a real jerk of a recording tycoon. If there is somebody you want to boo and hiss at, Philo is your man. Michael just overdoes himself in the total ass department with this guy.

Basquiat - A movie I had to watch a couple of times to really appreciate it. Based on the real and regrettably short life of "ghetto artist" Jean MIchele Basquiat. Starting out as a poor ghetto addict that does little more than graffiti, he is "discovered" by poet/writer Rene Ricard (Michael Wincott). He is introduced to all the powerful people of upper crust art, including Andy Warhol and finds himself in the fast paced and dog eat dog world of high society where fame flames like a firestorm then burns out just as quickly. Michael's portrayal of Rene is wondrous. In fact, he played it so well, I was left wondering if perhaps he really is gay. One of my favorite characters.

Metro - Eddie Murphy heads up this typical super cop vs the psychotic villain chase thriller. Michael's severe villainy counter balances Murphy's semi comic banter and rescues this movie from being just another "Beverly Hills Cop." You can basically guess the plot. Michael plays with luscious vileness the jewel thief/murderer Mike Korda. Introduced on his softer, glasses wearing, Duke Ellington loving mild mannered side, he rapidly changes to the cold blooded killer that controls him throughout the remainder of the movie. You actually cheer when he dies.

Alien 4 ~ Resurrection - What can I say...it's an 'Alien' movie. I've seen them all, was impressed by a few of them. Sigourney did an intense job of the cloned Ripley and I loved her edge of evil. But the plot is typical...deadly alien gets loose, kills almost everybody, leaving Ripley and a few survivors to evade and ultimately destroy the monster. Michael was up to typical form himself, wondrously on the edge of villain with a sense of humor, Captain of the spaceship 'Betty", Frank Elgyn. His role was far too short lived, but the movie is worth it just for those few moments of Captain Elgyn saying things I can't repeat here." :)

Gunshy - This was a great movie. The interaction between the characters, the witty lines, the thought provoking analysis of Moby Dick. This movie had its heavy parts and equally as good light areas with great splashes of humor. Michael's portrayal of Frankie McGregor is up to standard. You laugh with him, you hurt with him and you cry with him. An absolute must.

Hidden Agenda - 1999 - An interesting movie but not one I'd want to watch over and over. It was fairly predictable but still entertaining. A post Berlin Wall spy mystery that takes place in the newly re-united Germany. It's the CIA vs the German Police vs the Embassy vs one totally clueless 'hero'. Michael was on screen several times, but not as a major player. Almost a waste of Michael's incredible talent.

Along Came A Spider - 2001 - A long anticipated prequel to "Kiss The Girls", this movie has Morgan Freeman 're-creating' his role as Alex Cross, the detective who must profile and eventually catch the bad-guy, Gary Soneji, played by Michael Wincott. Don't expect this to follow the book entirely. Michael had a chance to play an almost dual role as the professor, in heavy disguise (including a higher pitched, smoother voice), to the man behind the disguise (with the deep, gravely textured voice we've all come to adore). Some great exposure and close-up shots of Michael. I was disappointed that Michael's character ended up being cast off so suddenly. I think the writers could have done much better.

Count of Monte Cristo - 2002 - A remake (of a remake of a remake...okay, Dumas has been done to death.  Remakes just allow new actors to play the roles.  Except for Michael's "Armond Dorleac".  I never could read Dumas, his writing floats and twists and spins until I'm dizzy, so I just watch the movies. ;)  Anyway, from my understanding, Dorleac is a composite character, or created character to serve a purpose in the director's (or writers or somebody's) eye.   But, as with most of Michael's villianous roles, he managed to be the most memorable part of the movie.  And if he ad-libbed here as he's done in other movies, he's managed to create the best one liners.....again........