stardust106 Reviews

Some Like It Hot (1959)

like nitro and glycerin...

[26 May 2004]

Where would this world be without men dressing up like women? After witnessing a mob hit, down-and-out musicians Joe (Tony Curtis) and Jerry (Jack Lemmon) do just that in order to escape from being the mob's next victims. Having seen the storyline in previous movies, Some Like it Hot is still one hilarious movie.

Dubbed `the best comedy of the year' when it was first released, the years since haven't taken away any of the wacky and clever humor that Some Like it Hot contains. There is nothing wrong with this movie from what this reviewer could see. The type of humorous antics pulled off, like men in dresses and a budding romance between a millionaire and Lemmon will keep a viewer rolling in their seats for the duration on the film.

Lets talk about chemistry for a moment. Not the kind you kind in the science room, but the kind between two people. Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon had great chemistry together, they were like nitro and glycerin, together they were explosive! They were what made the movie, sure, Marilyn Monroe did a great job with the `dumb blond' role, but it was the men in drag that kept the moving going.

Again, this was a great movie. Great actors and a humorous storyline come together to make Some Like it Hot a treat for the whole family. Definitely living up to `the best comedy of the year' comment it received so many years ago. Some Like it Hot is timeless humor and for that, it receives 10 out of 10 stars

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)

What happens next?

[26 May 2004]

With as much as I love Jimmy Stewart, I did not care for Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. There were too many unrealistic aspects to this movie that made it very hard to fathom that what was happening was actually happening. Not only was the movie unbelievable, but what a terrible ending, or lack there of I should say.

The story of a boy ranger being appointed Senator without any political background except a knack for reciting famous speeches from previous presidents and excerpts from our nation's Declaration of Independence is c-r-a-z-y. Granted this is just a movie, but come on! Wouldn't happen!

The movie does give the viewer some insight as to what goes on in our congress and what it takes to create a bill, so if you're ever interested in how its done, I would recommend you see this movie! Too bad that is the only way I would recommend it.

The thing that is the most puzzling is the fact that there was no conclusion. To me, the ending was something less than desired because there was no ending. The movies just stop, which leaves the viewer with a blank expression on their faces asking `What happens next?' And what does happen next? Mr. Smith Goes to Washington has an uncomfortable, unresolved feeling to it. One that causes the movie to receive a low rating of 5 out of 10 stars.

The Godfather (1972)

Great Movie

[21 May 2004]

What makes for a good movie? What elements do audiences look for in order to leave the theater sighing `that movie was great?' To some, it's whether a character goes through a transformation, whether you can literally see a character evolve from one form to the next. The Godfather is one such movie. True, on the exterior what you see is a mafia family caught up in the new business of drug dealing and how they deal with a near fatal hit to `The Godfather' himself. But if you take a second look, what you really see is the struggle between good and evil that one son must face upon the his return to the family home. When the movie opens, the audience is introduced to the character of Michael Corleone as played by the great Al Pacino. Michael is what one would call a `golden child,' everyone in the family had high hopes for him. They wanted him to become something great, and not get caught up in the family `business.' In the beginning, he was something great, he was a war hero, returning home for a wedding. Things take a toll for the worst when Michael's father, Don Vito played by Marlon Brando, is critically wounded during a mob hit. At this point, the viewer starts to see a change in Pacino's character. Putting family before all else, Michael gets sucked in to the `business,' seeking vengeance for his father. Throughout the movie, Pacino's character transforms. He makes the change from a flat character to a round in a very believably way thanks to the direction of Francis Ford Coppola and writer Mario Puzo. The elements in the story of The Godfather support Pacino's change so that it's not out of the blue. In that way, the audience can relate to the story better and even start to feel sorry for the mafia clan known as the Corleones, maybe even start to root for the bad guy, in hopes that the family can come out on top. The Godfather is a great movie, a must see, definitely an 11 on the 10 point scale.

Casablanca (1942)

Here's lookin' at you kid...

[29 April 2004]

With a classic that mirrors a time period as well as Casablanca does, it really sets a standard as to what a romance drama should be, as well as a pretty tough movie for others to follow. The dramatic story line of two lovers torn between uncontrollable circumstances is a touching one indeed, but instead of focusing on the obvious attention grabber, the love story, director Michael Curtiz added other elements to this movie such as current events to make for a movie that the audience could relate to better, and get a better perspective for what was happening in the world around them.

Set in a little town in Morocco during WW11, Casablanca was a town for refugees to flee to while in search of exit visas in order to gain a new life. Even with the fictional story, the history is true, which is something that audiences could watch and learn more about during a time when so much chaos was about. Not only that, but audiences today can watch Casablanca and get an idea of what people went through only a few decades ago.

Along with the history, the characters in this movie add a whole other element which makes it unforgettable. Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman are one dynamic duo. The chemistry between them is so intense, that one could only guess that the two were actually together. Also, Bogart's tough guy persona keeps the audience guessing, one never knows exactly how he'll react to the situations he faces throughout the movie because the whole time he is battling a decision to do what he wants, or to do what's right.

All in all, this was an incredible movie. From the history to the characters, everything was great. There were no bad parts, all the elements tied together so nicely that classic is the only word to describe it, which is what the movie is, a classic.

Rebel Without a Cause (1955)

Good times....

[22 April 2004]

What an amazing movie! Not only does it feature two beautiful actors (James Dean and Natalie Wood) but there's a touching story line as well, one that even teenagers today can relate to.

The story of Jim stark is that of a young man moving to a new town and having trouble while making new friends. He meets a neighbor girl (Natalie Wood) and becomes infatuated with her even though she rejects him at first because her friends don't think very highly of Jim. He eventually meets a boy, Plato, and the two become friends eventually befriending Judy along the way.

Like I said, this is movie that teenagers even today can relate to. The story line is one that at some time or another a teen has had to deal with. Whether it be moving to a new town like Jim, trying to stay cool with the "in crowd" like Judy, or even just wanting a friend like Plato. That is why this movie was such a success when it came out, and that is why we are still watching it today.

Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)

Not my favorite

[13 March 2004]

What can I say about this movie? Hm..... I have a few words, like boring, pointless, unentertaining... just to name a few mind you. Obviously, I didn't enjoy this movie, and that's an understatement. Maybe I wouldn't go as far to say that this movie was pointless, because it did have a message, if you are intelligent enough to catch it, or that is was unentertaining, because to some people, other than myself, this was probably a great movie.

Nevertheless, this is my review, so here it goes. Rather than tell you all the things I didn't enjoy about this movie, and trust me, there are quite a few, I'm going to focus on the only thing worth mentioning, Peter Sellers. Honestly, he's the only reason I kept watching, the versatility he has with acting blew me away. Playing three completely different characters, Group Captain Lionel Mandrake, U.S. President Merkin Muffley, and the hilarious former Nazi genius Dr. Strangelove, Sellers captivates the audience with his range of talent.

Not only did Sellers do an outstanding job with his characters, but the characters he portrayed were the most vital out of the whole movie. The Group Captain, President, and Doctor, where the only characters capable of preventing the bombing of the U.S.S.R after General Jack Ripper orders his bomber wing to do the deed. Captain Mandrake was the only person in contact with Jack Ripper, President Muffley was trying to reason with the Soviet President, while Dr. Strangelove knows exactly what is going to happen if the bomb does in fact drop. So, do these three characters stop the bomb in time? You're going to have to watch the movie

Psycho (1960)

Roller Coaster Thrill Ride

[22 February 2004]

What an incredible movie! Coming from a person who absolutely HATES scary movies, that's a lot to say. Not to shoot down Psycho, it was an amazingly scary movie, it would have been even worse had I seen it back in the sixties when it first came out. With the way the movie industry makes horror movies now a days, with all the guts and gore, Psycho was definitely a head of it's time when it was released.

Alfred Hitchcock was a talented director, a master of the macabre to say the least, and his quirky traits popped up here and there throughout Psycho. First off, as with his other movies, Hitchcock makes an appearance so look for him during the first fifteen minutes or so. Another quirky characteristic was his obsession with the bathroom, or better yet with the words bowel movement. This is evident with the initials of the Bates Motel. Idiosyncrasies like these make and otherwise terrifying movie more enjoyable for the viewer because knowing Hitchcock's habits, they can look for these types of things throughout Psycho. And definitely look for them, because there are a lot more things to pick up on than just the two mentioned above.

It's not just Hitchcock's eccentricities that make him a great director, his foreshadowing plotline and intense cinematography make it hard to beat. With the first appearance of the Bates Motel and mansion, you can tell bad things are going to ensue. The hotel itself isn't all that scary, creepy yes, but not edge-of-your-seat terrifying. Unlike the mansion, one look at the sinister house on top of the hill will send chills down your spine. Clearly something bad has happened or will happen there. As for the notorious shower scene, the camera angles used allowed Hitchcock to create a truly chilling scene without all the guts and gore of today.

All in all, this was a impressive movie for the time, one that all horror movies since should try to live up to. Alfred Hitchcock created something truly ahead of the time, a movie that no other horror movie can compare to, and for that I think it deserves ten out of ten stars.

A Christmas Story (1983)

All Around Good Time

[28 December 2003]

The use of satire shines through in "A Christmas Story," whether it be in the school Ralph attends, the family he belongs to, or the fantasies he has about the ultimate Christmas gift...

The plot of "A Christmas Story" is relatively simple, basically it's a young boy (Ralphie) doing everything in his power to obtain a Red Rider Air Rifle. His first attempt to receive one for Christmas fails when he mentions that's is what he would like to his mother. The response he gets is one that is less than desirable, "You'll shoot your eye out." Next he thinks to ask Santa, "the head honcho, the big man, the connection", again his attempts fail. Finally he thinks to write about the perfect gift in his school assignment, but when he gets the paper back his teacher, as well as everyone else, makes the comment "You'll shoot your eye out."

Overall this was a good movie. Key scenes were Ralphie talking with Santa and Ralphie receiving the bunny suit from his aunt. Both scenes showed the comical side of Christmas, satirizing peoples feelings toward the holiday season. This movie is good, clean entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. With its portrayal of the holiday season, everyone can relate to the plot, which is what makes a good movie.

Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

Feel Good Movie

[11 December 2003]

It's amazing to me when one single movie can brighten your spirits, Miracle On 34th Street is one such movie that has the ability to do just that. A viewer can't help but to wear a smile after watching, which is what makes for a great film. There was nothing bad about this film at all. The acting and the sets were very good. And the whole spirit of Christmas shone throughout the entire movie.

Like I said above, that acting in this movie was superb. Edmund Gwenn playing the role of Kris Kringle was marvelous. He seemed to be happy and jolly throughout the whole movie, all the qualities one thinks of when thinking about Santa, Edmund Gwenn embodied. He even made a believer out of me, well, not really, but close. Natalie Wood as Susan Walker had so much talent for someone her age. The emotion that she put into her role was so great that I kept forgetting that she was only a child. As for the sets, all of them were well done, but the set that stood out the most was definitely the courtroom scene. The detail that went into the making of that set was so good, it surpassed all the other sets in the movie by far.

Personally, I love Christmas movies and am really critical of what ones are good and what ones I'd have rather gouged my eyes out than have to watch. Luckily, Miracle On 34th Street was not one of those movies. The spirit of Christmas was portrayed really well, this was one movie that one couldn't help but feel warm and toasty after viewing. What is probably one of the greatest things about this movie is that it is one that the whole family can enjoy, and more importantly enjoy together. On a scale of 1- 10, Miracle On 34th Street is undeniably a 9, one movie that I wouldn't mind watching over and over again.

Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987)

Fantastic Movie

[1 December 2003]

If a humorous movie with a great moral is what you're looking for, `Planes, Trains, and Automobiles' is what you'd find. There is nothing bad about this movie what so ever, although, it is without a doubt geared to a more grown up audience. The actors are fantastic; they interact so well with each other that at times it really seems like they get on each other's nerves as much as is portrayed throughout the movie.

`Planes, Trains, and Automobiles' is about a corporate father, Neal Page (Steve Martin) returning home from New York to Chicago for Thanksgiving with his family. Mishaps arise, like not being able to find a cab, getting laid over in Kansas, and not being able to rent a car just to name a few, throughout his quest home. Along the way he meets up with a shower-curtain-hanger salesman, Del Griffith (John Candy). At first the two don't see eye to eye, but as the movie progresses, so does their friendship. Together the two try to overcome all obstacles and make it home in time for the holiday.

This was a hilarious movie. The language was a bit much at times, so I wouldn't recommend this to younger ears, but for those who are mature enough to handle it, this is definitely a must see. Steve Martin and John Candy are great together; the way they interact with each other is very entertaining. Not only is this movie sidesplitting funny, but it also portrays a fabulous moral. In the beginning of `Planes, Trains, and Automobiles,' Steve Martin's character does not tolerate John Candy's character at all, which is on account that the two are extremely different from one another. As the movie advances, Steve becomes more accepting to John's character even though they are complete opposites. This moral fits the movie really well, and hopefully the viewers caught it.

As stated above, I would definitely recommend this movie. From the great actors, to the extraordinary humor, to the magnificent moral, this is an all around great movie. On a 10 star scale, I would give `Planes, Trains, and Automobiles' an 8, a must see for teenagers and older.

Hannah and Her Sisters (1986)

Overall good movie

[28 November 2003]

Hannah and Her Sisters starts out with a Thanksgiving feast where the viewer is introduced to a problematic yet loving family. The movie spans over a three-year period, beginning and ending with Thanksgiving. An overall good movie, this is one to be recommended when all you want is a flick to watch. Although there is a moral to this movie, there are no hidden messages to try and figure out, just a straightforward enjoyable movie.

During the three-year span of the movie, the viewer meets three sisters, Hannah, Holly, Lee, and their family. Throughout the movie, the viewer watches as the sisters deal with problems from everyday life; everything from cheating husbands, to unemployment, and even to trying to find a little romance. To add the comic relief of the movie, not only as the director, but Woody Allan shines as the ex-husband of Hannah. The viewer is allowed to watch as this hilarious hypochondriac deals with life after what he would perceive as a near death experience.



As a viewer, virgin to any Woody Allan film, I really enjoyed this movie. In my opinion, there wasn't a bad scene in it. I really liked how Thanksgiving was a repeated holiday; it was a big part of the movie, maybe even safe to say that it was the moral. When thinking of Thanksgiving, one thinks of a holiday with the purpose of giving thanks for the things in your life that you have. In the case of Woody Allan's character, because of the fact that he was a hypochondriac, he was so worried about all the diseases that he could have; he doesn't appreciate the good health he is actually in. This is the same for some of the other characters in the movie as well. In the case of Michael Caine's character, he has a wonderful wife (Hannah) and a wonderful life in fact, but isn't grateful for what he has and wants more, particularly Hannah‘s younger sister Lee.

Woody Allan creates a great movie with Hannah and Her Sisters, and the actors in the movie get into their roles and really make the movie believable. If a comical movie with a great moral were what you're looking for, I would definitely recommend Hannah and Her Sisters for your viewing pleasure. With it's adult humor and nonstop dilemmas, it is sure to be a hit with any teen to adult aged audience.

Citizen Kane (1941)

alright movie

[17 November 2003]

Citizen Kane is considered by most to be the best motion picture ever made, for those who see it, it still inspires awe. If the people who believe this are talking about the spectacular views and innovative camera angles, then yes, I agree, but otherwise, I could have done without seeing this movie.

The simple plot line consists of a man on his deathbed, his final word, Rosebud. This man, Charles Foster Kane was a huge newspaper tycoon, who everyone either loved or hated. As a memorial to him, a mini-motion picture is made depicting his life, but it is missing something. The creators decide to throw in his final word, telling the audience what it meant. Only problem is, as they talk to everyone who was ever close to Kane, his manager, Mr. Bernstien (Everett Sloane), his friend Jedediah Leland (Joseph Cotten), and his second wife Susan Alexander Kane (Dorothy Comingore), no one can help, no one knows what or who Rosebud is. Eventually the audience finds out, but the characters in the movie never do.

Like I said, this is an excellent movie if you are talking about how Orson Welles filmed it. He used new ways of getting a shot, like in the beginning of the movie where the audience sees the nurse come in to Kane's bedroom threw the shards of broken glass on the floor. Or when light in Kane's bedroom is on, and then when he dies it fades out. A really good technique Welles uses while filming was zooming in and out. A great example of this is at the beginning of the movie when the camera is on the NO TRESPASSING sign on the front gate of Xanadu, after you see that shot, Orson zooms into everything on the grounds, then finally up to Kane's bedroom.

Kudos to Orson Welles. Not only did he star in `Citizen Kane,' but he also produced, directed, and helped write the screenplay. Unfortunately, that's where all the compliments stop and the criticism begins. Like the acting, everyone, for the most part, played his or her roles very casually. It didn't seem like there was too much emotion going on in any one role. When emotion did surface, it felt overdone and over exaggerated, like when Mrs. Susan Alexander Kane is yelling at her husband, her voice is too shrill for my ears and made me want to stop listening.

If you were looking for a movie that has a lot of emotional value, `Citizen Kane,' would not be it. However, if you were looking for a movie that is ahead of its time visually, you would be pleased as to what you would find in `Citizen Kane.' All in all I would give this movie 6 out of 10 stars based only on Orson Welles excellent camera techniques.

The Searchers (1956)

All around good movie

[6/10 · 31 October 2003]

A door opens, and so it begins. Right off the bat the director, John Ford, makes a very impressive move by having the first scene open with what else, but a door. I myself, not being a very big western fan, really enjoyed `The Searchers.' John Wayne has an amazing talent. I found myself loving him, yet hating him at the same time.

The storyline is very touching, an uncle, being gone at war for many years, finally returns home to his family. After a very short reunion, a Comanche raid kills the family. Knowing that the two girls could still be alive, Ethan Edwards (John Wayne) and his nephew, Martin Pawley (Jeffrey Hunter) set out to find them. For years they search for the missing girls, when one girl winds up dead, they continue the search for the young Debbie Edwards (Natalie Wood). But as the quest moves on, Ethan's motives become unclear. With the hatred he feels towards Indians, even his own nephew can't predict what will happen when they do finally catch up to the Comanche tribe and rescue Debbie.

Even though, I thought this was a great movie, there were a few errors here and there. With the plot as great as it was, there were times when it was hard to follow, especially in the beginning. Also, the continuity of the film was a little skewed. There were instances where in one scene it would be night, but in the next scene it would be day.

Even with all the discrepancies throughout `The Searchers,' good things happen as well. I really liked the theme song of the movie, it fits really well. The costumes in the film look aged and tie into the time period. Also, the Edward's home looks very authentic, really dirty and rugged.

With good things balancing out bad, `The Searchers' is an all around hit. The credit it has gained about being one of the greatest films of all time holds true. `The Searchers' provides a delightful two hours of entertainment for viewers that everyone can enjoy. Where else will you get to see a director make smart moves about things like having the last scene of the movie end with a door closing? And with that said, a door closes, and so it ends.

They Died with Their Boots On (1941)

I didn't care much for this movie

[5/10 · 16 October 2003]

Good movies come and go, but bad movies will always be remembered. `They Died With Their Boots On' is one such movie. Terrible, that's all there is to it. It started off alright, what with the historic references and all, but once that stopped, `They Died With Their Boots On' went south. Was this not supposed to be based on a true story? Not only was the rest of this movie historically inaccurate, but unrealistic at the same time. Originally shot in black and white, `They Died With Their Boots On' is a Historic epic about a young Brigadier General, George Armstrong Custer portrayed by Errol Flynn. Through his trials and tribulations at West Point, Custer manages to come out on top, fighting for the second cavalry during the civil war, and finding a wife in Elizabeth `Libby' Bacon (Olivia De Havilland). Details in the movie are historically accurate for the most part during the beginning of the movie. But after that, history stopped and fantasy began. True, Custer does become a Brig. General for the seventh cavalry and they do go to war with the Indians, but in the movie they portray Crazy Horse (Anthony Quinn) and his men attacking the seventh cavalry first, when in reality it was vice versa. Two major problems with the accuracy of the movie was the meeting between Custer and Crazy Horse and Custer's `last stand'. `They Died With Their Boots On' depicts a scene where Crazy Horse and Custer meet for the first time. During this time they reconcile differences and create a peace treaty of sorts. In reality Custer and Crazy Horse never meet. Nor would Crazy Horse ever make a deal with a white man. As for the `last stand,' although it was a very glamorous way to die, Custer standing up in the middle of all his fallen men desperately fighting off the Indians while Crazy Horse delivers the final blow is very unbelievable.

Considering the age of the film (released in 1942) the technical aspects of it are very pleasing. The music sequences fit the mood and the scenes very nicely. The make-up and costumes looked real, although Custer looked almost too pretty at times. They could have dirtied him up more, especially after his fight scenes. As for the special effects, the explosion in the fireplace is very authentic looking. All in all, if you're looking for a good cowboys and Indians type of movie I would recommend `They Died With Their Boots On' purely for the entertainment value. Although, if you need to do a school assignment on Custer and need information about him, I would definitely not recommend you watch this movie. Custer and his story are so skewed if you presented the information, it would probably result in your teacher laughing in your face.