madbomber03 Reviews

Freeway (1996)

Excellent and Original

[10/10 · 17 March 2006]

This movie is truly an excellent and original movie that is exceedingly difficult to describe. To say that it's a modern day retelling of Little Red Riding Hood doesn't do it justice. It's twisted to be sure, violent yes, but it's also incredibly funny at times and disturbing at times - often at the same time. While we all know the story since we've heard it a number of times during childhood, you honestly have no idea where this movie is going from one minute to the next. Viewing this movie in light of the subsequent career of Reese Whitherspoon it's obvious that this girl has always been able to act. Kiefer Sutherland is brilliant as well. Brittney Murphy has a nice little role. Honestly, this is a must see movie. It's incredible.

Dial 1119 (1950)

A truly wonderful disturbing lost film noir gem!

[9/10 · 18 May 2001]

The film follows a disturbed young man who kills without remorse. It is surprisingly disturbing considering the period in which it was filmed. After killing a bus driver, the baby faced young man seeks refuge in a bar and holds its patrons hostage. All he wants is to see the psychiatrist who committed him three years before. The film is notable for its stark and unflinching portrayal of someone completely unable to feel remorse. The film is also notable as it was one of the first movies put out by MGM under new management which turned the company away from solely making big budget events. This B-movie thriller marked a new territory for MGM. It is well-worth watching - IF you can find it!

The Breaking Point (1950)

John Garfield at his best!

[10/10 · 1 January 2001]

Garfield stars in this terrific filming of Hemingway's To Have and To Have Not. It is much more faithful than Faulkner's re-working of Hemingway's original novel-Hemingway is said to have liked this version better. Garfield is a boat captain almost without means. He is desparate for money and agrees to transport illegal cargo. Events spin out of control and push him beyond his breaking point. Terrific movie. One of Garfield's last efforts.

D.O.A. (1949)

The nadir of Film Noir - the best the genre has to offer

[10/10 · 22 September 2000]

Nadir? The lowest point? Exactly. Film Noir is all about desolation and desperation, having a sense of being disconnected from those around you. Whether you attribute this attitude or outlook to society's collective fear of nuclear annihilation or the rapid increase in technology which served to isolate people - that deep, dark and lost feeling that permeates film noir is palpatable when you look into Edmund O'Brien's face in the opening scene of this wonderful movie. The feeling grows more intense and hopeless as you follow along while O'Brien explains to the police how he was murdered. So, yes D.O.A. is the nadir of film noir - it is the deepest and darkest film noir has to offer and it is a movie that should not be missed.

Hell's Half Acre (1954)

Film Noir in Hawaii? It works.

[8/10 · 16 September 2000]

This little gem of a film noir B movie is about a woman trying to track down her long lost husband in Hawaii after the War (WWII) where he was supposed to have died. In the process she finds herself in the middle of an underworld power struggle. Beautifully filmed in Hawaii with Ms. Keyes really working those facial expressions, as she tended to do. The film is tight, cynical and at times redeeming. Just a good little film.

The Narrow Margin (1952)

Perfectly written, taut edgy Film Noir!

[10/10 · 6 September 2000]

This is a fast paced and edgy film noir which could be used as a perfect example of the style. Crisp dialogue, hard characters and sarcastic humor blend perfectly to create a wonderful movie that is over before you know it. This film is really a lost treasure.