walt-41 Reviews

Into the Night (1985)

Defines Good Quirky

[30 January 2001]

One of the best small movies of the 1980s, "Into the Night" is a delight of unexpected off-beat plot twists, throw-away lines and -- well -- quirky bits of business all blended into one man's changing his life from sleep walking to romance. Casting is a big plus for this flick. Michelle Pfieffer has rarely looked better as she and Jeff Goldblum show off their stuff before they became big stars. Meanwhile, one never knows who'll show up next, from David Bowie as a British agent to Carl Perkins of "Blue Suede Shoes" as hired muscle. Then, there's John Landis recruiting every other director he knows for bit parts. Weird but fun

Topper (1953–1955)

Good Memory

[7 July 1999]

One of my best childhood memories, a worthy TV incarnation of the movie classic. It's also where I first learned of Leo G. Carroll, Mr. Waverly in "The Man from Uncle"

Caught Up (1998)

Surprisingly well-structured plot; sharp writing overall

[9/10 · 1 June 1999]

Gems sometimes crop up in the most surprising places. "Caught Up" provides the pleasures of a well-structured plot, especially the payoff one gets when something brought up earlier means something important (even clever) later, e.g. the identity of the hitman. Combine these tasty plot twists with good acting and good dialogue, and you've got a movie worth staying up to watch on cable