Reviews
The Good Wife: Pilot (2009)
What's next?
The Pilot of this series is nothing short of great. If this turns into a series where women play a dominating role and men are relegated to a weak-kneed role, it won't last. Noth is presented as a "special guest star". His few seconds on the pilot brings balance to the plot (and the series). Baranski's role is good as a person who had to fight her way to the top and shows the scars to prove it. When she meets a competitor who is capable of coming up with a "Hail Mary Pass", she reacts negatively. This pilot is "so open" we have no idea what comes next. It is a mirror of real life and proof that fact is really more interesting than fiction. The viewer has virtually no idea what will occur next but wants to stay for the next installment. The first of the series has given it a running start. Stay tuned.
The Hunted (1998)
Rewrite
The twists and turns of the plot as well as the splendid acting by Hamlin and Amick who supply equal animus to the product are outstanding for a B-film. There are many non sequiturs that could have been edited out through a couple of rewrites.
There is a love-hate relationship between the two characters which is intriguing and lures the viewer as the movie moves along. The HUNTER has numerous opportunities to kill his PREY. Yet he never does. He has killed before without so much as a second thought. As he says during the hunt: the emotion (fear and aggression) is truly exhilarating. She begins to feel it reluctantly. One of the last scenes indicates that she gets the drift and takes over. The last scene shows that her life and the way she looks at life is forever changed (which way?).
Take this plot and the two main actors and a couple of rewrites and better supporting cast and end result could be a winner.
I ordered a copy of one of films on which this film is based as was recommenced by a previous commentator (I think it is WOUNDED) and look forward to seeing it.
The Wedding Date (2005)
agony of love
I saw this movie only when it came to cable. Then I had to see it again and again. In my latter years I pay attention to the credits as it gives me an insight as to the message of the movie (if there is one).
The preponderance of women (who directed, produced, and wrote it) is telling. If one keeps this in mind when viewing the movie, additional appreciation can't be avoided. The main nonsequitur in the movie is the 'coolness' of the male actor. Although Mulroney did an excellent job, one wonders if a man who is about to do an ab-outface in his lifestyle (when he realizes it) could do so nonchalantly.
Messing plays and performs her role with excellence. She is a control freak who has no idea what to do when she meets a man who is in control. She is drawn to him as if addicted. This makes the movie.
The Appaloosa (1966)
Absolutely
I also saw this when I was in my "tender" years(pre 24). It made a lasting impression on me. A man who was a looser came back to his roots to not only pay homage to them but too use them to make something of what he had left of his existence. There were the vultures that were more than ready to pick the meat off his flesh. With his guard let down he was humiliated. The worst thing in the world: To be humiliated.
He tried to "make amends." Not enough. His previous life came into play. Note the hat that he wore at the beginning of the movie. Still it was not enough. His anger was slow to arise.
Even at the last of the movie the angst was subdued. He called gunfire justice only with the utmost reluctance. This was the ultimate strength of the movie.
It truly was one of Brando's finest!
Captain Blood (1935)
class action
One of the best films of all times. Flynn hit a peak and never really achieved it again in his later efforts. Love, injustice, war, loyalty: it's all there. Considering it was created in 1935 when with a quarter of the population out of work and millions on part time to spread whatever was left, it was an inspiration.
Mr. Majestyk (1974)
It sold ten thousand Ford trucks
Of all Bronson's starring roles, this is his best. The movie is low budget but effective. I've seen it umpteen times over the years and still enjoy it immensely. Al Lettieri is perfectly cast as the heavy and Paul Koslo is exquisite as the weasel. Linda Crystal's beauty tops off the appeal of the flick.
The truck chase scene is probably one of the best ever filmed. What more can one ask for?
A Walk on the Moon (1999)
The way we were
The sixties were a time of great transition. At their beginning was the Peace Corps: a way to help those in need of a better life. At their end it was the me generation: how high can I get or how can I satiate my senses to the fullest. This movie is one of the best "encapsulations" of those events that I've seen.
The moral overtones of the movie are overwhelming. Wrongs occur. Do we run away from them? Do we trash our lives because of them? This movie attempts to address these questions. It does it well.
Finally, what brings it all together? In two words: Diane Lane. She possesses a deep but quiet beauty that makes it work. Her character asks, "I'm approaching middle age. I have children and a good but somewhat boring husband. Is this all there is?"
All ask this question as youth begins to fade. The answer this movie purports makes it exceptional and even classic. A hundred years from our descendants will look at this movie and appreciate its incite in human existence.
When Ladies Meet (1933)
Sophisticated
What a thought provoking and stimulating movie. One begins to sense what was lost due restriction of the Hays Commission. The svelte Ann Harding steels the show. She literally makes you fall in love with her character. Frank Morgan's role was very different from those that he later played. The sincere caring that the two female characters had for one another shows a sophistication that is as entrancing as it is admirable.
The Egyptian (1954)
Intriguing
Having seen this movie as when it came out, I loved it, as a ten year old. There were several movies that came out around this time: "Valley of the Kings" and "Land of the Pharaohs". The performance that mesmerized me then and even now was that of Peter Ustinov. To see him take a precious stone from under his eye patch fascinated me then and does today almost a half century later. The film has stood the test of time with me and as I can see many others. The story line is a fictionalized plot of one of the most interesting times in ancient Egyptian history. Pharaoh's embrace of the monotheistic concept caused political uphevels that rocked the country.
I agree that in spite of its length or perhaps because of it, seeing it again and again is still worthwhile and stimulating.
A House in the Hills (1993)
Not as bad as one would think
The plot is not all that bad for a low budget item. The acting is good. Three viewings and no boredom! Must say something for it. The underlying theme to me is that sometimes in life two people come together reluctantly and their life changes. They are not meant for one another or so they believe. But every now and then they wonder: "What if?"
Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (1997)
Unique and intriguing
The plots and sub-plots make this a film that shows more of itself at each viewing. Of course, Spacey and Cusack are superb. The fantastic score shows Eastwood's taste for great music. I didn't read the book and had no preconceptions. It is surprising how many who read the book were disappointed by the movie. I am going to take their advice and not read the book as I have both the DVD and the soundtrack and enjoy experiencing them.
The Hired Heart (1997)
Clumsy and cute
Relationships as depicted in cinema are so "perfect". Well, reality is different, very different. The plot of this movie forces us to stretch our imagination. But stretch it we do, as we watch the characters "bang up" against each other. The unlikely relationship strokes our curiosity and keeps us tuned in. This is not a classic. But it is a very enjoyable low budget Romance-Comedy that is very typical of LMN. I have seen it three times and still enjoy it. That it telling.
And Now Tomorrow (1944)
Incredible cast!
Although she got second billing to Ladd, Young's articulate smooth projection of her character shines in this movie. Ladd probably got the top spot because in 1944 all men were fighting overseas leaving the women to make up the majority of the audience. Still, his portrayal is very believable as one who has humble beginnings yet rises in the class structure while still showing rough edges. The poor boy and rich girl theme is not as boring as it seems. The Ladd-Young interaction works well as their characters develop a reluctant caring for one another.
The supporting cast and crew represent a Hollywood Who's Who at the time. Beulah Bondi is one of the great supporting actors of the 30s and 40s. Her appearances while cameo always added depth to her films. Susan Hayward is superb as the brash assertive sister. One could go on: Barry Sullivan with his mellow distinctive voice; costumes by Edith Head, one of the great ladies of Hollywood; music by Victor Young.
Yes, the movie is dated. The Great Depression looms in the background. But that is also its strength. Seldom was the Depression ever directly mentioned in the cinema. It truly was one of the most formative experiences of American life because it affected the entire population. While class envy always existed in our collective culture class hatred never engendered much support. This movie touches on this with sophistication.
This Property Is Condemned (1966)
An Incredible Film!
I read each comment about this film before entering this missive. The script made me think I was experiencing a play. Plays require crafted scripts as the audience is limited in what it sees. The first viewing of the film is somewhat disconcerting because of this. I go into a mindset when I view a film. This film does not fit that mindset.
The second, third etc. viewing allowed me to sense its multifacets, and many there are. Made in 1966 the memory of the Great Depression was still intense in many living at the time. Coming of age in the 1960s, it gave be an incite and appreciation of the tragedy of the times and how it wrecked so many lives. The characters come crashing out of the past, their portrayals played so perfectly by not just the main stars but also the supporting cast. The cinematography is nothing short of stunning. Pollack brings all together with unexcelled skill.
Having seen this movie when it first came almost forty years ago, I am still struck with emotion when I see it today. I can't say that about many films!
Touch Me (1997)
Deeply moving
One can't watch this movie and not be drawn into it. Youth perceives only immortality. Death is an anomaly that occurs to others. Peet and Hartan give a truly magnificent performance of two irresponsible young people who are forced to mature at warp speed. Their agony and sadness is felt by the viewer. One cannot see this movie and not be changed in one's thinking and caring differently about life.
Sylvia (1965)
Forerunner
This movie deserves a high rating because of the issues it addresses and the quality of acting. The cast is first rate. As a devotee of "Route 66" I idolized the role of Maharis. His character was the chief attraction of the series. In subsequent roles he did not achieve the aura that he had projected in the series. However, in this movie he plays a middle of the road detective to perfection. The issues discussed make this a movie that one can see over again without boredom. The supporting cast is a Who's Who of Hollywood of the era.
Illicit (1931)
fascinating
Prohibition; scorned women, that was the early 30's. This was before the "decency" rules came into effect. Avant garde is the only way to describe this. Dated, yes. But very descriptive of the times. Only Stanwyck could do this well. Her strength and sensitivity are evident in every frame. This is a history lesson of the times and traditions that existed way back when!
Diamond Girl (1998)
Smarmy
I, like one of the previous reviewers, caught this movie on WE. I was only able to see the second half. What I saw made me want to buy the video. I had to wait til it aired again on WE. It was worth it. The movie makes little sense. But this is typical of most human relationships in our modern world. Dissecting the movie is a waste of effort. But the emotion that is stirred in the viewer is something else. One just feels good viewing this movie. Maybe that is the essence of paperback romance novels of today. One simply feels an uplift while reading them. Going any deeper destroys the ambiance.
Good Advice (2001)
Zany!
Good comedy is rare. One of its requirements is that it still be as crisp and enjoyable after three viewings. This one works. While the flick taxes reality, the characters would be very much at home in today's world. The generational interaction created by the superb Estelle Harris and her spicy lines give this movie zip. Without her and despite the well qualified Harmon and Sheen, the movie would have fallen flat. Supporting cast is crucial in good comedy. There is a most plentiful supply here. Charlie Sheen's metamorphizing role from a selfish uncaring cad to a human is smooth. The sensuous Angie Harmon has emphasis and timing that are at once breathtaking. I hope she continues in comedy. The music score is contemporary but distinctive. I hope it comes out in DVD.
The Case Against Mrs. Ames (1936)
Sleeper
I missed the first five minutes of this film when I saw it on tv in the late 1980's. The interaction between Carroll and Brent make it a classic film of the 1930's. I have waited for years for it to come out on VHS, but to no avail. Reluctant love is truly a great theme and one that is well treated in this film with the two great matinee idols of the depression decade.
Hope Floats (1998)
positive
I have seen this movie several times. At first I only saw the flaws and was not really impressed other than it was O. K. The next viewing brought on altogether different emotions. There was more to it each time I saw it. I was able to see what made the characters click. The music mirrored the emotions of the characters. The reality of the set added immensely to the movie. The relatively low rating that the professional reviewers give it will change with time.