rday-9 Reviews

Downfall (2004)

Riveting!

[9/10 · 17 January 2006]

I just grabbed this one at the video store not realizing it was subtitled which at first threw me off but once I got into it the film is very, very good. The cinematography is excellent. A few of the scenes looked almost identical to those in The Pianist, another great movie. Bruno Ganz is outstanding as Hitler; I keep wondering where I've seen Ganz before. Needless to say he confirmed my thoughts that Der Fuhrer was a complete nut job! It's a wonder he didn't have a stroke every five minutes. I am always amazed that the Nazis were so fanatically loyal to the point of killing off their children rather than surrender. And although I can hardly compare Hitler to our own President George W. Bush, we do have those in our country who seem to support him no matter what. I especially like Thomas Kretchmann who seems to bring something new to every Nazi he plays (as in The Pianist). The battle scenes are fantastic too; just trying to imagine the director setting up such wonderful shots is enough to warrant a second look. I got a little chuckle seeing Hitler eat ravioli like it was the last thing on earth and they always seemed to have plenty of booze too. I won't get philosophical about the film; much has been written etc. about the Holocost and all that. I have the movie for 5 days so I think I'll watch it again. Riveting!

Dennis the Menace (1959–1963)

One of my earliest memories

[10 January 2006]

Since I was born in 1955, Dennis was one of the first shows I can recall, along with Leave it to Beaver and Father Knows Best. I even had a few Dennis-themed toys. Whereas Beaver got into trouble for being kind of stupid, Dennis got into it with a kind of sly naiveté -- I always thought he really knew what he was doing. HellOOO Mr. Wilson!! I also used to compare my older sister to Margaret who always wanted Dennis to play dolls with her but she wasn't mean-spirited like Judy Hensler on Leave it to Beaver. I understand Margaret became a doctor as an adult. I was always sad to hear about Jay North's problems being in the entertainment industry. I also remember joining the U.S. Navy hoping to catch a glance of North since I'd heard he was a sailor too. Brings back a lot of memories.

War of the Worlds (2005)

I am going to demand my money back from the video store

[1/10 · 6 January 2006]

I rented this stinker and shut it off after about 45 minutes. From the moment Tom Cruise makes his appearance as some blue collar jerk, they had lost me. Like Paul Newman trying to play a wiseguy in Road to Perdition, Tom just can't pull it off. The dialogue was so annoying I just couldn't stand it: the phony animosity between Cruise and his ex's new husband; the smart-alexy kids who say the stupidest implausible things in the midst of this world crisis; the idea that every vehicle in the world is shut down except a minivan Cruise decides to commandeer; the idea that all freeways are clogged but Cruise manages to sail down the road; the notion that only Cruise knows when something is about to explode; and that despite the ferocity of the attacks, good 'ol Tom always manages to stay one step ahead of collapsing buildings, etc. In fact when the destruction first starts and there is a kind of earthquake effect wherein the street starts to separate, why is it that all the spectators just stand around without even pretending to be in shock? Why should the cops have to tell them to "move back"? I was told by a co-worker that this film was shown as their in-flight movie and the entire planeload of passengers asked to have it shut off. The last straw for me was when Tom encounters a news crew near a crashed airplane whose entire mobile station works just fine. Oh, I forgot, at this time Tom had only traveled about a block from his ex's home where he had stashed his kids but when he gets back there they don't have a clue what's going on outside! With 747's crashing and burning and everything! Who needs syrup of ipecac when this garbage is around. At least the 1950's version was hokey without trying to be so darned cinematic. Special effects are not enough to save this crock.

Holiday Inn (1942)

Astaire and Crosby at their best

[5 December 2005]

I caught this one on cable last night and although I've always been a fan of both Astaire and Crosby, i watched and listened a bit closer this time. As usual, the plot was Hollywood thin but the songs are fantastic. Bing was at his ba-boo-boo best and Fred, especially in the number "You're Easy to Dance With" is mesmerizing. You also get a chance to see that Ginger Rogers isn't the only girl who can keep up with Fred. The dance he does when he is drunk is classic too. He really was the best. Bing sings White Christmas as only he can and sends goose bumps down your spine. All in all, this is one you can close your eyes and just listen to. Just great.

Never Get Outta the Boat (2002)

A "downer" worth watching

[8/10 · 28 November 2005]

There are a lot of movies about drunks and addicts: The Lost Weekend, Barfly, and Leaving Las Vegas, and McArthur Park to name a few. If you identify with them at all (like me), then they are a real downer; depressing as hell but too real nevertheless. Never Get Outta the Boat is a film I stumbled upon at the video store a few days ago and was riveted from scene one. Having spent some time in rehab and way too many AA and NA group sessions (that's how I found out I was NOT an alcoholic/addict), I can tell you this movie hits home. It shows how vulnerable sobriety is to being lost. The guys make one comment in the film that sticks out for me. They are discussing how they relate to new guys who come into the halfway house. They say that either they like the guy and then he relapses and they never see him again or they REALLY like him and relapse WITH him. That is so f-----ing true!!! I recommend this film to anybody thinking about picking up that bottle or snorting a line. Teens should see it too (with their parents).

Mr. Skeffington (1944)

Not my favorite Davis vehicle

[4/10 · 11 November 2005]

I don't much care for this picture. Bette Davis is one of my favorite stars, however, and this was in her most fertile period. What strikes me most about the picture is that this appears to be the first film in which we see many of the Davis mannerisms for which she would be later caricatured, in particular the clipped speech, which she certainly didn't have in say, Jezebel. I'd go so far as to say that in this picture she is most definitely "acting" and feeling her oats; afterall at that time she was still only one of two actresses to have two Oscars -- it would be awhile before Hepburn, Bergman or Olivia DeHavilland would catch up and since Louise Rainer (back-to-back Oscars in '36 and '37) was retired, Bette was truly the queen. Also, if you think 20 years ahead to Whatever Happened to Baby Jane you will note that a lot of Jane's mannerisms, etc. mirror Fannie Trellis so I suppose Davis drew on that character for Baby Jane. I suppose this is what they used to call a "woman's picture." It's too soapy for me.

The Piano Lesson (1995 TV Movie)

August Wilson at his Best

[10/10 · 20 October 2005]

Anyone who doesn't "understand" this movie probably doesn't understand African Americans. It's a beautiful, poignant piece about a family and an heirloom piano. I don't like everything August Wilson has done but this one is a gem. The interaction between the characters is top notch. Alfre Woodward is in her element. For those who don't care for Charles Dutton, I know what they mean, but that's the way he acts -- in everything. It's much more effective on the stage than on the screen. As another reviewer has suggested, I also identify with every character. I have uncles just like these men. It's nice to see a movie that really touches you where you live and come from.

Mommie Dearest (1981)

Watch it Once every 5 or 10 years

[10/10 · 19 October 2005]

I caught this one on it's initial release after having read the book, and I can tell you, I couldn't wait. At that time, around 1981, the movie really struck me as fantastic -- kind of like John Waters' "Hairspray" did a few years later. I've since seen it or parts of it a zillion times and so it's more like the Wizard of Oz to me: I know it by heart and familiarity has made it a bit boring. UNLESS, I happen to be in just the right mood and then it's fresh again. Like "Oz" the scenes are legendary and in no time you'll have them down pat. It's fun to watch alone or with a crowd a la "Rocky Horror." When Joan shakes her empty flask in the station wagon on their way home after yanking Tina out of boarding school and says in response to Christina's comment that there is a liquor store around the corner, "I should have known you'd know where to find the boys AND the BOOZE" it's just classic. The film's got a million of 'em.

The Bad Seed (1956)

A Camp Classic

[19 October 2005]

I love this movie. I have read many reviews from professionals and they all seem to think the movie is too theatrical and you can tell it was a stage play and that the mother is especially dramatic. She is, that's true, but in the same way Faye Dunaway chews up Mommie Dearest and we all know what a hoot that is. Little Rhoda is a real stinker. The handyman had better "give her those shoes." The subplot of the mother's own identity is fun too. All in all, the movie is very 50s. You can almost see Wally and the Beaver coming down the street. Great! There is also some discussion about the formal introduction of the cast at the end which I've always found a very nice touch. Much older films of the 30s used to do that all the time. It's been said this film did it to show the characters were just flesh and blood actors and so their roles and the subject matter (especially Patty McCormack) shouldn't be taken seriously. See it. By the way, there is one review on this site by someone who says they saw the movie at age 12 that is very negative. Don't believe it!

Killing Me Softly (2002)

Steamy Stuff

[6/10 · 12 October 2005]

Ralph's brother Joseph Fiennes stars as a somewhat psychotic love machine to Heather Graham. They seem to do it everywhere - everywhere they might just get caught doing it, that is. The movie was a surprise in that I just didn't expect all the carnality. The ending is a little predictable and lackluster but overall, it's worth catching for the suspense -- other than almost nonstop rape-like sex, you really don't know what might happen. Heather Graham is capable with that "where have I seen her before" presence, although any number of actresses could have tackled the role. Fiennes is electric though the characters could probably be defined a bit more. This movie is better than your average TV fare.

The Green Years (1946)

Charles Coburn is Outstanding!

[8/10 · 27 September 2005]

TCM screened this film recently and it was worth staying up past my bedtime to watch it. The film can be summed up in two words: Charles Coburn. He is magnificent as the perpetually inebriated yet good natured great grandfather. His dialogue is top notch and he delivers it to the hilt, at times funny, and others poignant. Dean Stockwell as the young boy is always interesting to watch, as are Jessica Tandy and Hume Cronyn. Fans of old films will recognize many stock players as well: the mother here is also the mother in The Fighting Sullivans and the school master turns up years later as the impresario for the Von Trapp children in the Sound of Music. It's fun to see him so young. The movie has a lot of the Goodbye Mr. Chips qualities I love in film. And keep your ears open and you'll hear strains of similar music from The Wizard of Oz - letting you know it's an MGM production. Throw in a bit of Charles Dicken's Oliver Twist and you've got a fine movie. I won't give any more away.

The Life and Death of Colonel Blimp (1943)

If you liked Mr. Chips, you'll Love this One

[8/10 · 12 September 2005]

As a movie buff who is always trying to find good old British films, this was a joy and - surprise - it's in technicolor! It's very much in the tradition of the "pip pip 'ol boy" British movies that celebrate the spirit of a Britian that "ruled the waves." It's similarity to Goodbye Mr. Chips is that it uses flashbacks to tell the 40-year story of a career British officer and a German whom he at first dislikes but later befriends. A very young and very beautiful Deborah Kerr takes a trio of roles as their female love interests. Without giving too much away, the story is fascinating from the standpoint that these two men meet around 1902 and by the film's conclusion World War II is in full swing so it shows how both war and peace can complicate a friendship, especially when their respective countries are as historically intertwined as England and Germany. Each of the men are granted a couple of fine monologues, particularly the German as he tries to convince a British review board to grant him asylum against Hitler. The actor's name is Anton Walbrook and his career is worth a second look. The Americans come off as rather crass in their brief appearance but the "old school" British are positively saintly in their humanity. All-in-all, I think the director and producers tried to cram as much good propaganda (including a positive Negroe presence) into the film as they could. Good show, old man!

The Valley of Decision (1945)

I didn't think I'd like it but I did

[6/10 · 9 September 2005]

I happened to catch this one on TCM. I'd heard about how Peck was one of the few hunks left at home during WWII but was not as familiar with Miss Garson except for perhaps Goodbye Mr. Chips. Also, I am more a fan of Warner Brothers films than the glossy MGM fare. Nevertheless, I was captivated by this one. Garson plays with charming capability the Irish servant Mary to the Scott scion Peck against the backdrop of a Pittsburg steel mill. It's rather soap operatic but Peck manages to bring it down to earth. You could already see the Atticus Finch in him. Only Lionel Barrymore as Mary's bitter father manages to wreck things with his usual ham overacting. The story was also surprisingly politically correct with the servants, especially Mary, being treated more like cousins than workers as one might find in say, class conscious British films. The ending was a tad implausible but a happy one nonetheless. I would definitely add it to my rainy day, sick in bed with the flu, can't sleep insomniac collection.

Best Foot Forward (1943)

The movie kinda grows on you.

[5/10 · 3 August 2005]

I usually don't like movies wherein stars "play themselves" but cable TV plays this movie so often I've seen it like a million times and each time I catch something different. The story is somewhat contrived and, true-to-form, movie star (as opposed to TV star) Lucille has a hard time getting rid of her somewhat brassy edge. She herself has commented that this trait held her back in films. Toward the end, however, she does soften up, especially in the hilarious Marx Brothersesque scene in the dormitory when everybody has to hide in closets to keep from getting busted by the general. I can envision this picture playing during the war as the second feature. It's one of those movies that, in the days when you could stay at the movies all day, you wouldn't mind coming in in the middle of it and then staying later to catch just the beginning. Harry James is a surprisingly good dancer and his scene with little Nancy Walker is good. All-in-all a good movie to watch on a rainy day or when you're home sick with the flu.

Zou Zou (1934)

Josephine great as usual

[7/10 · 29 June 2005]

I agree the movie is no "Gone with the Wind" but for 1934 and for a black woman it is quite an achievement indeed. The only thing comparable at the time was Halleluja! in the States starring Nina Mae McKinney -- and a stereotypical one at that. La Baker is stunning in the C'est Lui number - for which there still has been no comparison for a black American Actress - Lena Horne never got a white chorus of handsome men. Yes, the quality is poor by today's standards but look at Bette Davis's 1934 turn in Of Human Bondage or even It Happened One Night from the same year. None of them has really great film quality. It was, after all, 1934. So enjoy. If you like Josephine, you won't be disappointed.