Reviews
Mary Poppins (1964)
Practically perfect in every way!
Practically perfect in every way, sentiment does not muddle this Disney classic; it compliments it. The crowning achievement in Walt Disney's illustrious career, every aspect of this musical gem is a winner. Julie Andrews won the Oscar but Dick van Dyke is equally as good as her devoted friend, Bert, the jack of all trades. The film also boasts an outstanding supporting cast, who play off each other like a finely tuned symphonic orchestra. The classic score by the grossly underrated Sherman brothers is superb. Not to be missed!
Murder by Decree (1979)
Superbly atmospheric, produced but flawed...
"Murder by Decree" could have been one of THE great Sherlock Holmes films but suffers from problematic scenes that need to be edited or cut altogether. Outstanding art direction and recreation of London in 1888 help to salvage it. It also features winning interpretations of Holmes and Watson by Christopher Plummer and James Mason (my favorite Dr. Watson), and fine performances by a strong supprting cast. It also features one of the scariest moments I've ever seen in a film, when the black eyes of the killer appears in a tight close-up. Scary! Overall: sluggish at time, but entertaining.