Reviews
The Lady Eve (1941)
A nice film
This film is about people taking advantage of other people. Even if she feels bad and tricks him into forgiving her. I think this is a crazy unrealistic plot. She tricks him into marrying her to convince him to divorce and then marry her. I don't know why there has to be the snake part, except to solidify that they're not right for each other since he is going to spend his life around snakes and gross stuff and the girl he's into should be acutely interested in it. At least be able to be in the same room. Can people not recognize other people when they talk a little differently? That aspect of the plot is just plain crazy. This film is fun, sure but in no way a good look at real love, or comedy, or good writing. Just sort-of entertaining.
Casablanca (1942)
One of the best films ever.
Love, witty banter and Nazis. What is not to love about this film? The characters are complex and are so comfortable in their roles. I love the mixture of people and back rounds. I love that there is always that tension in the air. As soon as people start to have a good time, they get yanked back to reality with someone getting shot or arrested. I love Rick as the anti-hero being the good guy but doesn't wear spandex and jump off buildings he's the guy that makes things happen. Ultimately giving up everything for the cause. Having such a heavy undertone leaves room to have a little comedy mixed in. The little one liners thrown in are so perfectly planned and in good taste. I do think that sometimes films are great but don't last through time yet this film is just as moving and relevant as it was then. I love this movie and every time I watch it I love it more.
Stagecoach (1939)
A Classic for a reason.
This is not a beautiful film that changes who you were going to be but it is a classic. I like the themes of the movie and that it shows people with complex stories. These characters are shown over over again in western films and shows. The Hooker, the businessman, the drunk guy, the doctor,the gun slinger, the uptight girl and the con-man. In the film though there are some genuine points. Like when they see the baby, it's true everyone reacts the same to a new baby. I love love love the action. To get a horse to fall is very hard to accomplish. Unrealistic yes, but classic none the less. I lover that they tried to have a back story for Ringo and make him have some depth but I don't think it worked. I'm not normally a John Wayne fan but I do think he is less of a cartoon character in this film then in any other one I've seen him in. I mean, except maybe True Grit.
My Man Godfrey (1936)
My Man Godfrey
This film is a great piece about society and the issues that are still present today. The scenery was just perfect with the cluttered dump by the river and clean and grand mansion. The staircase was shown beautifully. I loved the "rich people" furniture, lamps, and decorations for no real reason. The costumes of the females in the film are so dead on. I loved the use of furs and shiny fabrics. The two daughters play off each well. I think girls would really be like that if they didn't have to opportunity for anything besides winning a worthy husband. Godfrey was played with grace and brought a humanity to this crazy family. I like how he handled them all, well except the end. I thought it would've ended differently. I liked this film but I am still waiting for positive female characters.
I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang (1932)
This film is worth watching.
This is film is interesting in that it is based on actual events. The plot about him being veteran is something that we can all connect with even today. The lead, Paul Muni, did a great job of playing a desperate man pushed by everything in his life towards war, factory work, crime, prison, escape, marriage, back to chain gang. The director, Meruyn Leroy showed the lapse of time and space in several clever ways. Like a train, or moving calender. This movie deals with a lot of complex themes that is surprising to see so blatantly. I liked the film and felt there were a few redeemable characters. The story kept you guessing and really shows that it took a chain gang to turn him into a criminal.
Scarface (1932)
Really Great
I liked this film a lot. I thought it was complex and the characters were well developed. I thought the lead was a little intense in some places but still good. It was surprising to see so much violence in such an early film. I felt a lot of it was expected but like most old movies it was the original of these so that makes sense. Working for a newspaper I liked the parts that showed an older newsroom, I even showed it to some co-workers. I liked that Tony throughout the film stays true to the greedy and power hungry character. The women in the film are not very likable which I like to see. They are just as tough as the men. Overall I liked the film and felt I was caught up in the plot.
The Navigator (1924)
Loved it
I loved this film and thought it was so funny. I personally enjoyed the kitchen scenes the most. I also really loved the woman, just as funny as the man and really got in there with the physical comedy. She fell and got soaked and ran around a metal ship just as much as him. When she fainted while coming out of the water (the first time) that was genius. I thought the scale of the movie was so great, the sheer number of angles was just amazing. Really a silent film that had underwater sword fights? I feel like I've seen all these gags before so I guess everyone has stolen it from this film. Truly a classic in my book and completely advanced for the time.