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Reviews
The Killing (1956)
The Killing (1956)
Outstanding!! I loved every part of this early Stanley Kubrick film.What makes this especially impressive is that this was his first feature length film and was the beginning of a impressive career. The story kept my attention and kept me guessing from beginning to end. Being a film noir you know that there will be lesson learned and someone will probably die or go to jail but its still interesting. One thing that adds to its allure is the non-linear style of filming. This lets us see the entire story unfold in-depth from each of the main characters point of view. I believe you get more of the individual details this way. This movie can stand up in quality and entertainment to any film made today.
Annie Hall (1977)
Annie Hall (1977)
Boring!! No offense to anyone who liked this film but I found it to be the best sleep aid ever. It was a little clever and funny at times but it has definitely turned me off to trying other Allen films. I found the filming to be very bland, the acting to be mediocre and the dialog to be dry. This was meant to be a romantic comedy but but failed to accomplish that since it wasn't very funny. It seemed like someones everyday life. I'm sure if you are a Woody Allen fan or have a dry sense of humor you will enjoy this movie. I think Allen is the kind of director you either love or can't stand, either way watch the movie and form your own opinion.
Do the Right Thing (1989)
Do The Right Thing (1989)
Do The Right Thing was my first experience with a Spike Lee film. I had avoided his movies for so long because I find him to be a little annoying. This movie changed my mind about not wanting to see any of films. I appreciated the way it faced the issue of racism head on while still remaining entertaining. Lee did an excellent job of showing the points of view from different minority groups and in this case even Sal, the white pizzeria owner is a minority because he is the only white business owner in a predominantly black neighborhood. I don't think all Lee was trying to say with this movie is racism is still an issue even in our biggest cities and all of the hatred and violence results in is more hatred and violence. I was amazed at how such a full story could be shot on only one street and never make you feel like the story isn't going anywhere.
Easy Rider (1969)
Easy Rider(1969)
Easy Rider is an excellent example of how Hollywood was changing in the 60's. This movie pretty much did everything that was prohibited by "The Code". There was drug use and sales, sex, nudity, graphic violence, and profanity. I also think Dennis Hopper was trying to send two different messages in different scenes. There was the scene where the old farmer let Peter Fonda use his barn to fix his bike then let them eat with them showing how the new generation and old can get along and then there was the rest of the movie where the Hopper and Fonda were met with resistance and dirty looks on their trip. Al and all an excellent movie even if you aren't looking to hidden meaning in it.
Casablanca (1942)
Casablanca(1942)
Casablanca is a great movie. There are many things that make this movie what it is. From the lighting to the timeless quotes I believe every aspect of this movie was done excellently. The two areas besides what the average viewer would notice that I would like to comment on are the lighting and the camera movement. First off the lighting through out the film helped to set every scene and the search light at night especially served as a reminder that despite the night clubs and the open markets Casablanca was not a totally free town. The other technical aspect that set this movie apart was the camera movement. The director managed to always have the cameras in the perfect place and all movements were very smooth. This film will always be a must see for any movie buffs.
Singin' in the Rain (1952)
Singin' in the Rain (1952)
I'll be the first to admit that I've never been a fan of musicals and probably never will be but I have to give a lot of respect to this film. The main reason I respect this film so much is because along with all of the singing and dancing there was a story line I could follow and stay interested in. A big reason I don't like musicals is because nobody runs through the streets singing and dancing in real life without being committed to a mental institution. The best part of the movie was when Cosmo was doing his comical routine on the movie set. In my opinion Donald O'Conner stole the show with that performance but he was my favorite character through out the movie. Another thing I liked about the movie was how they showed how the industry worked and the difficulties of bring sound into movies.
Frankenstein (1931)
Frankenstein(1931)
What an incredible movie! Frankenstein is one of the greatest horror movies of all time and so matter how many times the story is retold or how much money and technology Hollywood throws at it they will never out do the original.
The character of "The Monster", or "The Creature", or "Frankensteins Monster"(Karloff) or whatever you choose to call it is a dark, disturbing, and intimidating being but almost from the time it is re-animated you feel sorry for it because it seems to be confused. Even though the Monster has no lines in the movie you can tell it is struggling internally.
The darkness and camera motion are what really make this movie creepy. When you add this with the sound effects, costume and set design, and the make-up you have everything need to make movie perfection. As I said James Whale made this movie right the first time and any attempt to out do it is futile!
Stagecoach (1939)
Stagecoach(1939)
I remember watching Stagecoach as a kid with my grandfather and all I can remember is what a boring movie! Watching it again as an adult I have completely changed my opinion and have gained a new respect for this film. The main area of this movie that really stands out to me is how John Ford introduces us to nine characters and makes each one stand out in their own unique way while still moving the story along in at a pace that lets the viewer fully understand what is going on while still keeping things interesting.
The part of the movie that really surprised me was how Ford addressed some social issues that of the time. It was interesting how most of the characters were initially presented as unsavory people but throughout the the film they each proved to be caring and selfless. Take the character Dallas for example, through almost the entire movie she tried to help Lucy and yet at the end Lucy still snubbed her because she was a prostitute.
My Man Godfrey (1936)
The significance of "My Man Godfrey"(1936).
"My Man Godfrey" is an excellent example of an early "screwball" comedy. This type of movie is one of the reasons Hollywood was able to survive during the period when the code was being enforced.Comedies like this allowed the audience to be entertained while not being crude or offensive. In my opinion more production companies today should challenge themselves to make more movies like this one. It also showed how the rich viewed the poor and how the poor viewed the rich, in an extremely exaggerated way, during The Great Depression. At one point or another all of the actors conducted themselves in a ridiculous manner. Take Irene(Carole Lombard)for example,he character acts like an over emotional child throughout almost the entire movie. This sort of acting is what makes "screwball" comedies so successful. We know nobody would actually act like that and thats why it is so funny.
Scarface (1932)
Scarface(1932)
This original version of Scarface was one of the best early talkies! In my opinion it the first realistic depiction of organized crime in America. The underlying message was clearly anti-crime but it did not interfere with the entertainment value. The main character, Tony Camonte(Paul Muni), was very real in that he was not made to sound like an educated man and he definitely looked like a war battered street thug. Muni was an excellent choice for the lead in this film and I look forward to watching more of his work. The plot of the movie was extremely modern for its time. I was amazed at the extreme violence and sexual innuendo in a movie this early. I have to admit I liked the later version better simply because it was more flashy but this is a very excellent movie.
I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang (1932)
I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang
The first thing I have to say about this movie is WOW! I am shocked that a movie from the 30's could not only keep my attention through its entire length but make want to watch it again. Not only is the storyline interesting but quality of the filming was amazing. I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang has officially been added to my top ten favorites. I believe there is nobody that would have been a better fit for James Allen than Paul Muni. The sounds in the movie really play an important role in helping the viewer get a feel for how the convicts feel. The way the sound of the chains made even me feel hopeless and a little depressed.I could tell a distinct difference in James Allen's voice once he was locked in chains. At the end of the movie when James is talking to Helen you can hear the desperation in his voice and it seems the harsh reality of being wrongly convicted and then double crossed has combined with the inhumane way the prisoners were treated to apparently drive him mad. I would love to see if a modern production company could re-make this movie and do as fantastic of a job with it. This is an excellent movie from start to finish and I will be recommending it to my friends.
The General (1926)
The General
I feel the The General is a great silent film because even though the story line is relatively complicated the way in which each character played their part and the way it was filmed made it easy to follow. I am fairly new to the silent film experience and when I saw that this movie was partially a comedy I was expecting something more along the lines of Charlie Chaplin, however I was pleasantly surprised at Buster Keatons more subtle comedic style. I felt that the film was well shot shot considering the technology of the day. I was actually shocked during the scene where the Rock River Bridge collapsed under The Texas. Knowing full well it was not special effects I couldn't believe the producers would spare the expense of destroying a locomotive and an entire bridge. This movie is sure to be one of my favorite silent films.
The Circus (1928)
The first silent film I experienced was The Circus.
The Circus was my first experience with a silent movie of any length. I never thought it was possible but I really enjoyed the movie and laughed through the entire movie. The comedy was clean and still fun unlike many movies today. It was refreshing to laugh so much at something and not have to hear foul language every other sentence. The way the characters fit their roles really helped with not being able to hear them. The exaggerated actions and facial expressions were key to telling the story and keeping my attention. Another very important part was the use of music to set the mood and pace of a scene which worked well. This film has made me want watch more Chaplin films and try other silent films. I recommend watching this film whether you are used to this type of film or if you are looking to get into watching silent films. Excellent Movie!!