ayreno Reviews

Bonnie and Clyde (1967)

Impressive

[9/10 · 13 May 2016]

Good performances and cinematography with a style somewhat ahead of its time. This movie is more comedy and romance rather than drama and violence. Considered to be one of the greatest gangster films of all time.

Bonnie and Clyde is considered a landmark film, and is regarded as one of the first films of the New Hollywood era, since it broke many cinematic taboos and was popular with the younger generation, and is credited for being one of the first films to dismantle the Hays Code. For some members of the counterculture, the film was considered to be a "rallying cry." Its success prompted other filmmakers to be more open in presenting sex and violence in their films. The film's ending also became iconic as "one of the bloodiest death scenes in cinematic history".

Taxi Driver (1976)

You talking' to me?

[8/10 · 13 May 2016]

Another seminal classic that's been discussed way beyond the point of my input being of any importance. What I will say though is this- if you don't get the hype around either Scorcese or De Niro, then let this change your mind. For me, the real strength of this film is its unrelenting darkness- it's a true horror film in my view and, as a character study, I think it's one of the finest pieces of cinema that I've seen to date. Also, a quick shout out to the score which provides a gritty jazz backdrop which only serves to further the chill that this film will leave you with. Why not a perfect 10? I'd say that the film is pretty slow-paced and, whilst the payoff more than delivers, you may find your patience tested a little bit in the meantime.

The Graduate (1967)

Here's to you, Mrs. Robinson

[13 May 2016]

Not only is this an amazing piece of editing and cinema in general, but it also brings a showcases a outstanding performance by Dustin Hoffman. Ben gives the audience a relatable protagonist that we want to see overcome his struggles. Mike Nichols directs with his best foot forward and makes a movie that has and will hold up. The true genius of this film, however, is cinematographer Robert Surtees. The "180° rule" shots he uses during the conversation scenes, the quick cuts, and the amount of time he put into doing it all really shines through. Even if this movie didn't have brilliant actors, actresses, and dialogue, it would still be just as incredible all because of the camera work.

Pulp Fiction (1994)

Understanding the hype

[6/10 · 13 May 2016]

Probably Quentin Tarantino's most known and popular film, Pulp Fiction weaves together several stories and characters in a non linear order, in fact no order at all, and mixes bloody violence, pitch black dark humor, witty and genius dialogue, and amazing characters into one of the most influential movies of all time. a brilliant movie that really isn't for all people, but should be seen by movie buffs around.

The star studded cast was overwhelming at first, and the dialogue was amazing. But personally, the star of the show was Uma. I could watch the diner scene over and over again because of how well she plays her role.

Annie Hall (1977)

If I never saw another Woody Allen film for the rest of my life, it wouldn't be long enough

[1/10 · 13 May 2016]

If you like incessant complaining, and "witty" banter that you need to watch in slow motion in order to understand, then "Annie Hall" is the movie for you! A movie that's busy trying to prove to you how damn intellectual Woody Allen is. I enjoyed Diane Keaton's neurotic character, but that's about it. I would not classify this as either comedy or romance. It's an ode to the narcissist New Yorker. I will give some credit to Allen, despite my loathing. The camera work in this film, portraying the true grit and raw beauty of New York City, and the beautiful sunset on the beach. It was nice to be taken away from the nightmare that was watching the actual film. All-in-all, the most surprising thing about Annie Hall, is how it managed to win an Oscar for Best Picture.

Carmen Jones (1954)

Loved.

[7/10 · 10 May 2016]

This modern re-working of Bizet's Carmen is a must-see. Carmen Jones retains Bizet's music while setting the story in the late 20th century). Dandridge owns this film with her wildly entertaining--and empathetic--portrayal of Carmen.

I wish the cast had been able to (all) sing their own parts. The highlight for me was Pearl Bailey's big number when she is first introduced, but all of the songs are really well written to accompany Bizet's opera. Overall, I liked it a lot. A "race" movie that transcends race, and reminds that all people hurt the same way and laugh the same way. This is a sparkling example of a what a movie musical can be and how it can better its viewers while remaining impeccably entertaining.

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967)

Surprisingly still relevant

[7/10 · 10 May 2016]

I can't imagine what it must have been like when this film came out in 1967. How controversial it must have been to see a black man and a white woman in a relationship and going to be married. It of course isn't such a big deal in today's world. But for some, still an issue. It's a smartly written film with such great acting. I loved Spencer Tracy as the father and Cecil Kellaway, who was quite funny as the Monsignor. I'm sure it made people think, talk about it more, and changed peoples views. My mother said the movie was a very big deal when it came out. That some people were outraged and disgusted while other's where impressed and celebrated the film in hopes of changing some persons views. The ending speech that Spencer Tracy gives near the end of the film is moving. Kudos to everyone who was apart in making this, which I am sure was a ground breaking film in that time.

To Kill a Mockingbird (1962)

Almost as good as the book

[8/10 · 10 May 2016]

This was some bold subject matter, and it is semi-autobiographical. The movie came out two years after the book, and the fact that Civil Rights was still going on is why this was all such a big deal. What really shows the risk factor, is how such a divisive issue is shown through the eyes of Scout, and not Atticus. It's a great idea, and really gives some thought provoking insight by framing such a big issue through the eyes of a young, precocious child. This also serves as a great way to educate children on the issue. The performances all around are brilliant. The kids are great and likable (which is quite a rarity), Robert Duvall makes a stunning film debut, Brock Peters is agonizingly sympathetic and compelling as Robinson, and then we get the man who really shines above all: Gregory Peck. This was a much deserved Oscar winning and career defining performance for him, and it really is one of the greats. He's wonderful through the whole thing, and he comes off as the kind of dad a person would love to have as their own. What seals the deal though is his lengthy courtroom monologue. I get all kinds of shaken and emotionally stirred up every time I watch that scene. It's some of the most powerful, riveting, and memorable acting ever put on film.

Singin' in the Rain (1952)

Entertaining

[6/10 · 10 May 2016]

Although I wouldn't call this film Oscar worthy, it was definitely one that captured my attention. The quick witted humor between Don and Cosmo, as well as the adorable romance between the Hollywood beau and the up-and-comer were entertaining, to say the least.

I do however, believe this movie is both wonderfully simple and highly overrated. Yes, the musical numbers are outstanding, the singing and dancing are great, the cinematography looks beautiful, and there's some memorable sequences, but overall, this feels rather light. But, it did irritate me that most of the musicals numbers weren't really there to serve the story or move things forward, but just pass the time.

I will say, that Stanley Donen and Gene Kelly's direction is flawless. Rather than the quick cutting and intense camera movement which is supposed to create more excitement but is really just proof of the director's lack of confidence, Kelly and Donen are content to simply enjoy the spectacle of each amazing set-piece. Their restraint is on display throughout the entire film, trusting that the audience is feeling each moment without the need for explicitly telling them.

Mildred Pierce (1945)

The Female Citizen Kane

[6/10 · 10 May 2016]

Michael Curtiz's direction is truly superb in the way he presents the story as well as delving into the mind of its titular character. Curtiz also plays up to the noir style of the film by creating an opening sequence while never revealing who kills Monte. This would create a tone where it becomes very dark during Mildred's interrogation scenes. By the time the third act arrives, the mixture of melodrama and noir finally blend as the tone of the film darkens. Cinematographer Ernest Haller does a phenomenal job with the film's black-and-white photography from the wondrous, sunny look of the suburbs that Mildred lived in early in the film to the dark, eerie world that comes in later in the film. Max Steiner score is excellent from its sweeping theme that plays to the melodrama of the film to more uplifting pieces that plays to Mildred's rise. Steiner's score is definitely another of the film's highlights as it's truly spectacular.

The cast is definitely wonderful for its array of some very memorable performances from the big actors to some small roles by other actors. Mainly Joan Crawford in one of her finest performances as the title character brings realism to a woman in the 1940s trying to do what is right for her children. Bringing a sense of frustration over her spoiled child, but never once coming off as a mean spirited mother. It's an overall iconic performance from the legendary Crawford. Ann Blyth is superb as Veda, the ungrateful daughter who wants to become rich and ambitious as she is also a selfish, spoiled, and uncaring. With a stylized yet dramatic performance, Blyth succeeds in creating an unsympathetic character that everyone loves to hate.

Notorious (1946)

Very Enjoyable

[7/10 · 10 May 2016]

"Notorious" is wickedly suspenseful and beautifully shot. Carey Grant is great as usual here but it's Ingrid Bergman who steals the picture. There is no better Alfred Hitchcock film that perfectly sums up his sensibility as a director. Only Hitchcock can deliver such fantastic camera movements and great suspense at the end of the movie. I knew that Hitchcock could build suspense, but I was unaware of his ability to tell a ravishing love story .Where the film shines is in the visual style, and the fact that while very few people in the film make any real mention of the love "affair" in the film, everyone can clearly see it. Often is the case that the audience sees it and it's plain that everyone in the film should be seeing it, but for some reason unknown to the audience, they're oblivious. With Notorious you can clearly see via facial expressions, inquiring dialogue, and mannerisms that anyone close enough sees there's something more going on than simply a professional relationship. Not one of my favorite Hitchcock films (I've never been much for a simple romance film) lovers of the genre should find plenty of enjoyment of this happy ending tale.

Fantasia (1940)

Blast from the past

[10/10 · 9 March 2016]

Finally, I was able to enjoy a movie that I have seen before and really, truly loved. Growing up watching Disney movies, they were always so fun and lighthearted and I remembered Fantasia in the same way. Re-watching this film as an adult, I appreciate it so much more. Unlike the Disney norm, Fantasia had a much darker side. incorporating ominous musical pieces, such as "A Night on Bald Mountain" by Leopold Stokowski, while also including imagery of scary monsters, a young dinosaur losing its mother, and the rapid and gruesome extinction of the jurassic age. I was also able to appreciate how much that movie had unknowingly taught me. Introducing me to famous composers such as Beethoven and Tchaikovsky, all while captivating me with absolutely beautiful animation and an eclectic storyline that still managed to flow so beautifully.

Stagecoach (1939)

where HAVE all the cowboys gone?

[8/10 · 9 March 2016]

My favorite thing about this film (other than the fact that it was purely entertaining), were the characters. Unlike some of the films I have watched, these characters had so much depth, and every single one of them were not what they appeared to be on the surface. John Wayne was not only a hopeless romantic, believing in true love at first sight, but he cared so much about avenging his lost loved ones. Dallas, despite being a prostitute, was so caring and gentle to Lucy Mallory, who was a woman who was not very caring towards Dallas. Both Dallas and Ringo chose to ignore the judgements people had towards them, and instead showed the audience as a whole that there truly was more than meets the eye, and the people they actually were, were genuinely good people; heroes even.

The Women (1939)

What a story

[9/10 · 9 March 2016]

Movies are always about different things, whether it be romance or monsters or gangsters or cowboys and indians, but they usually always have male and female protagonists or antagonists. However, in this tale of socialites, there is not ONE male in the entire movie. Even the animals are female! The only time men are within this film, are when the women are talking about them. It was truly a unique thing that I had never seen done in movies before. All the actresses did an amazing job, and were fun to watch. Even Joan Crawford was a character that you loved to dislike. The most enjoyable part of watching this movie for me, was watching it with my 78 year old father. This is one of his FAVORITE films, and the look of joy on his face when I suggested watching it together was priceless. And again, despite there not being a single male in this film, it was great to see that people of all ages could enjoy and appreciate the uniqueness of these strong, talented, and lovely leading ladies.

My Man Godfrey (1936)

Godfrey is a genius

[8/10 · 9 March 2016]

Without the comedic timing of David Niven, this movie would certainly not have been as enjoyable. Because of the Hay's Code, the slapstick comedy genre really pushed buttons by being so over the top. Part of which, was really a turn off for me. Before watching, I was well aware of how everything in these films was meant to be over the top, but between Irene and her mother, I wanted to do nothing more than wear earplugs the entire time they spoke. However, due to Godfrey's amazing wit and sarcasm, I was able to deal with their hysterics a lot more. It was nice to have a good laugh while watching a movie that was primarily about coming up from having nothing, and knowing what it's like to truly struggle, while others around could have the entire world handed to them on a silver platter.

Casablanca (1942)

Wonderful

[10/10 · 9 March 2016]

I had never seen this film until very recently, however, I can surely say that this is one of my favorite films of all time. Although it is certainly a classic romance, the fact that such a serious even was occurring around it made it a lot darker than romantic movies commonly are. I thoroughly enjoyed the use of black and white in this film, as well. Arthur Edeson did a wonderful job making sure that the way this film was shot, really captured everything that was going on around them. Flashing back when Rick and Ilsa were together and madly in love, the tones were so much lighter than the present time heartbroken and troubled pair. When Rick is sitting alone in his café listening to Sam play "their song," there isn't a single light directly on him. The brightest lights in that scene came from the cars passing by outside the bar. This film was so incredibly beautiful, and so beautifully shot, I can certainly understand the common hype about it. Here's to looking at you, kid.

Frankenstein (1931)

One of my favorites!

[10/10 · 9 March 2016]

Horror movies have always been my favorite types of movies. And this being an original horror, made this one of the most enjoyable movies I have watched, thus far. Boris Karloff's performance as Frankenstein was absolutely amazing. He may have looked terrible and frightening, but he really plays the role so well. You see the struggle of this monster being misunderstood. It may have been a Universal Horror work of fiction, but it had such a serious and deeper meaning, that unfortunately, we still deal with in the present. People often tend to judge other people just by the way that they look, which is exactly what the village people had done to Frankenstein. In the scene by the lake, Frankenstein didn't understand that the young girl pulling petals was not a flower herself, resulting in throwing her into the lake and ultimately killing her. He was merely following what he had seen her doing. I would watch these movies 100 times over because of how believable and amazing they truly are.

Scarface (1932)

Interesting

[10/10 · 9 March 2016]

As someone who didn't grow up around older movies, watching the original Scarface, I wasn't really expecting much. I had seen the remake (as most people have), and I didn't enjoy it. However, I did enjoy this version. I liked the simplicity of it. I enjoyed how it could be a compelling gangster film without needing to add drugs, graphic violence, or an overuse of swear words. I thought the film was beautifully shot, and unlike his role in "Chain Gang," Paul Muni did an EXCELLENT job making everything believable. I would absolutely watch this film again. However, it was Ann Dvorak who, in my opinion was the best. Also, knowing that this was a pre-Hays Code production, the film had some gritty content I wouldn't have expected from this time period.

Wings (1927)

Not my cup of tea...

[2/10 · 9 March 2016]

I am in no way, shape, or form a fan of silent films. I am, however, a sucker for a good romance. A couple parts dragged on and on and the bubbles scene was incredibly lame. I did, however, enjoy the chemistry between the two guys; I 'felt' their friendship. After watching, I looked a little further into this movie, and I was incredibly surprised to find out that this was the very first Oscar winner for Best Picture...mainly surprised, because up until this class, I had never heard of this movie before. I will give this movie some credit, though. For its time period, the "special effects" this movie contained were pretty amazing, considering the equipment they had. I also somewhat like how, with movies like this, what you see really is what you get. Everything you're watching is so raw and original, and oftentimes during the viewing of this, I forgot to keep that in mind.

I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang (1932)

Never Again!

[3/10 · 9 February 2016]

The only saving grace of this film was the fact it was based on a true story. There was not one other thing I enjoyed about this film. I thought the acting was poor, and the movie definitely dragged on far longer than it needed to.

Almost all of the characters annoyed me (especially the main character's brother), and as awful as this is to say, I spent the majority of the film hoping that he would be captured and sent back to prison, JUST so the movie would be over soon.

However, when they filmed the main character underwater, I thought that was something that was very different and neat for that time period.

Dracula (1931)

Classic!

[7/10 · 9 February 2016]

Although today the special effects seem sub par, you have to keep in mind that this movie is a cinematic classic and you have to pay attention to the little things, which at the time, were something special.

The way the lighting accentuates Dracula's eyes almost every time you see a close-up really hones in on the eeriness of his character. Not to mention, it really adds to Lugosi's intimidation factor.

Only thing about this movie that I wasn't too happy with were just minuscule things. Such as the floating bat, or the spider who slid up the wall without moving any of its eight legs. And most importantly, the lack of color. If they were to re-release this movie with some color, I think even today, it would leave the audience with some serious goosebumps.

The Circus (1928)

If you had to watch a silent film...

[6/10 · 24 January 2016]

Normally, I would never willingly sit down and watch a silent film. This was no exception. However, although I was required to watch this film for a class, it was surprisingly enjoyable. When thinking of silent films, I often think of adjectives such as "dull" or "monotonous." Sitting through "The Circus," neither adjective came to mind. Chaplin's performance was captivating, and kept me thoroughly entertained. There were even times I laughed out loud.

I do believe the music added to the feature did aid in entertainment and helped the scenes flow smoother than a complete lack of noise, but nothing was more entertaining than Charlie Chaplin's comedic relief.

After watching this, I still most likely would not willingly watch a silent film, but I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed this movie, and certainly did not give Chaplin the credit he clearly deserves as an actor, director, and writer.