Track the Films You Watch (2005)

POST DELETED

01/01/05

Stooge, The (1953)

Dean Martin plays a singer wanting to make it on his own but he needs the help of a stooge (Jerry Lewis) in order to hit the big time. Once there, Dean decides he can make it solo. This was the first Jerry Lewis film I’ve enjoyed outside of The King of Comedy and I was surprised to hear Paramount kept this on the shelf for two years. The film features all sorts of wonderful gags including a scene inside a diner and another were Lewis takes his first drink of alcohol. The songs aren’t too bad either.

Incredible 2-Headed Transplant, The (1971)

Bruce Dern plays a scientist who enjoys putting one head onto another body. He puts the head of a psychopath onto the body of his stupid, yet huge gardener and it goes on a killing spree. This here is certainly far from a “good movie” but the cult level is high enough to keep it entertaining. Dern is quite good but the film mostly works due to the laughs it gets from the two headed killer.

Pretty Models All in a Row (1969)

An old pervert (Ed Wood) pretends to be a photographer so that modeling agencies will send beautiful women to his house. One day, ten women show up so they all jump on a bed and start messing around. This here is a silly softcore film, which has Wood giving a funny performance and his screenplay has the usual funny dialogue, which makes this a slice above the normal.

Zodiac Killer, The (1971)

A “what if” take on the Zodiac Killer who stalked San Francisco in the late 60’s. The film is somewhat interesting but some bad acting, laughable dialogue and the overall slow pace really kills it from being any better. The violence is quite graphic and looks very realistic, which does help the film a bit.

Sex Killer, The (1967)

After a successful date with a mannequin head, the shy and lonely Tony decides to move towards the real thing. After being rejected he starts stalking the streets of Manhattan strangling women and then humping them. This early shocker is actually very well made and the acting isn’t too bad. There isn’t too much dialogue, which is good thing but there are plenty of naked women and a nice music score.

Zero In and Scream (1970)

A lonely guy finds women to be very beautiful until he sees another man on top of them. When a woman isn’t “pure” they are ugly so the guy goes around killing any man who would turn a woman ugly. The actual story of this film is rather interesting but sadly we’ve got around fifteen minutes of story and the rest of the running time is nothing more than strip scenes and a pool orgy. I love nudity but after a while this turns boring. The ending is a very nice tough however.

01/02/05

He Walked By Night (1948)

Gritty film noir has the police trying to track down a master criminal who killed a cop. This is the film that had a major influence on Dragnet. Some of the narration really doesn’t help things but the suspense is very high including the final fifteen minutes under the streets of L.A.. The way technology helps catch the criminal is very interesting even though it might seem dated today.

Ed Wood: Look Back in Angora (1994)

A somewhat interesting documentary about Ed Wood, the man and his movies. Features interviews with Dolorus Fuller, Kathy Wood and Conrad Brooks and tells Wood’s story using clips from his movies. Nothing really new is learned here but as usual, the life of Wood is rather unique and sad.

Easy Riders, Raging Bulls (2003)

Brilliant documentary about the studios crumbling in the late 60’s only to be picked up by directors like Scorsese, Coppola, Hooper only to fall again with the success of Jaws and Star Wars. A lot of detail is given to the sex and drugs of the era but the way Hollywood worked then is wonderfully brought out in this very funny documentary.

Rawhide (1938)

After finishing the baseball season, the real Lou Gehrig travels to Montana to visit his sister where he learns an evil banker is stealing all of their land. This really isn’t a good movie but it’s quite fun seeing the baseball legend act. I wouldn’t say he gave a good performance but it’s worth watching either way. I’m not sure if Gehrig was acting or just playing himself but he’s always got a smile on his face.

Jigsaw (1949)

After his reporter friend is murdered, a D.A. goes off looking for the killers. This film noir has a pretty good reputation but I found it way too slow and it really didn’t interest me. The performances are good but the style is lacking. Several “A” list stars including John Garfield and Henry Fonda make cameo appearances but I didn’t spot Fonda.

Number, Please? (1920) B+

Harold Lloyd two-reeler has Lloyd trying to mend a broken heart by going to an amusement part where he meets a lovely young lady but he must compete with her boyfriend. The first reel is wonderfully funny with all sorts of great gags including one where Lloyd is in the last cart of a ride with everyone else’s hats hitting him. The second reel loses a lot of its punch but overall this was still a pretty good short.

I Do (1921) C

After marrying his wife Harold Lloyd then gets the job of babysitting his two nephews who turn out to be a nightmare. This is a seriously unfunny film that has plenty of site gags but none of them work. The only bright spot is the start of the film where Lloyd is trying to cross a busy street. Apparently when released this had a third reel but Lloyd cut it due to all the negative reviews.

Smallpox (2005) BOMB

Incredibly bad “what if” film about a terrorist attack that brings smallpox to the world. For starters, the film takes place in 2002 so there goes the suspense since we know this didn’t happen. The film takes a documentary approach mixed in with a “message” but it just doesn’t work. The performances are horrid, the direction can’t be spotted and there’s simply no threat. This film was made to scare people but it certainly didn’t do that.

01/03/05

Mystery Liner (1934)

The ship is sailing the ocean when bodies begin to pile up. Is it a stowaway? The captain? Another member? The biggest mystery is trying to figure a way to stay awake. Typical overly talkative Monogram film that tries to be mysterious but forgets to be interesting. See The Phantom Ship instead.

Strangers on a Train (1951)

This Hitchcock classic seems to get better and better with each viewing. I think some of Hitchcock’s works appear quite dated today but the suspense in this film still manages to hold up very nicely. The suspense built during the tennis match is incredible as is the finale, which next to Psycho is the best in any Hitch film. I watched the theatrical cut, which is missing some of the sexual undertones but I think it’s quite obvious even in this version.

Demon, The (1981)

A small town is terrorized by a monster who appears to be killing people so that he can suck their blood out. Poor Cameron Mitchell plays some sort of psychic but there isn’t a single thing in this movie that makes sense. I’ve read a couple reviews on the film and even they don’t make any sense out of this “horror” movie, which forgot the horror, the scares and the gore. Thankfully I only paid $1.25 for this.

Shoot, I'll play.

SteveGon's 2005 Film List


The Tin Star (1957)

Viewed: 1/1/05

Solid western directed by Anthony Mann stars Henry Fonda as a bounty hunter who teaches novice sheriff Anthony Perkins how to survive in the wild west. Nothing really new here, but it's well-crafted with good performances.

out of


The Holy Mountain (1973)

Viewed: 1/3/05 (first viewing)

Another maelstrom of hallucinatory madness courtesy of Alejandro Jodorowsky (El Topo, Santa Sangre). The plot details the pilgrimmage of a group of politicians and industrialists who are seeking the secret of eternal life from nine immortals sequestered on the titular Holy Mountain. But that's really just an excuse for Jodorowski to indulge his wildest imaginings. So bizarrely off the wall that it's fascinating to watch, despite its near incoherence.

out of

Mash (1970)
Though I've never been a fan of the TV show (too young to appreciate it at the time I suppose), I quite enjoyed the movie. Very funny black comedy with interesting characters and well-picked actors playing them. Maybe could have been even more potent if it contained more of the "serious" and uglier side of war to contrast the laughs, but either way an exceptional film. Sally Kellerman was perfect and this may be the first time I've enjoyed Elliot Gould.

Phantom of the Opera (2004)
Even though I'm an Opera hater and only semi-tolerant of musicals, I was surprised to enjoy this version which featured breathtaking cinematography and lavish sets. Even with the lesser appealing musical numbers I was still able to enjoy the scenery. I liked the lead girl and thought the Phantom was properly portrayed as a villainous yet pitiable person with a well-defined origin. Minnie Driver was an added hit as the spoiled diva.

The Defiant Ones (1958)
Tony Curtis could have gotten an Oscar for his performance in this film. He and Sidney Poitier make a great pair of escaped convicts handcuffed to one another, learning tolerance and appreciation for each other as they plan an escape. Lon Chaney is also very good in a small role.

Amadeus (1984)
Gets my vote as one of the most Overrated of all the "great films". Way too boring, long, and strangely lacking in strong drama, with Tom Hulce (ANIMAL HOUSE) miscast as the irritating Mozart, as well as Elizabeth Berridge as his 20th Century-like wife. Both speak very much like modern folk (I doubt people were saying "Kiss my ass" or "People fart backwards" in the 1700s). The one saving grace is F. Murray Abraham who is very good as the jealous Salieri; his character and the performance are intriguing - too bad it's historically fictional.

Help Wanted Female (1968)
So-so sixties sexploitation sleaze flick with very trippy scenario.

First time viewings in BOLD

Film Total: 37

January
01/03/05
Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004, Adam McKay) B
01/04/05
Garden State (2004, Zach Braff) C-
Baran (2001, Majid Majidi) B+
01/05/05-01/06/05
Faithless (2000, Liv Ullmann) A-
01/07/05
The Twilight Samurai (2002, Yoji Yamada) B+
Time Of The Wolf (2003, Michael Haneke) B+
International House (1933, A. Edward Sutherland) B
01/08/05
No Such Thing (2001, Hal Hartley) B
01/09/05
Closer (2004, Mike Nichols) B
Finding Neverland (2004, Marc Forster) B+
Code 46 (2004, Michael Winterbottom) B
01/11/05
It's A Gift (1934, Norman Z. Mcleod) B-
The Bank Dick (1940, Edward Cline) A
01/12/05
Youth Of The Beast (1934, Seijun Suzuki) A-
01/14/05
Fighting Elegy (1966, Seijun Suzuki) A
01/15/05
Troy (2004, Wolfgang Petersen) B
01/16/05
House Of Flying Daggers (2004, Zhang Yimou) B+
The Woodsman (2004, Nicole Kassell) B-
01/17/05
Lola Montes (1955, Max Ophuls) C+
01/20/05
The Forgotten (2004, Joseph Ruben) B
01/21/05
Casque D'Or (1952, Jacques Becker) A
The King Is Alive (2000, Kristrian Levering) A-
01/23/05
Rosenstrasse (2003, Margarethe Von Trotta) A
01/24/05
My Little Chickadee (1940, Edward Kline) A-
01/25/05
Sonatine (1993, Takeshi Kitano) A
01/27/05
Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle (2004, Danny Leiner) B-
01/28/05
Sky Captain And The World Of Tomorrow (2004, Kerry Conran) B
Since Otar Left (2003, Julie Bertucelli) B+
01/29/05
Zatoichi (2003, Takeshi Kitano) B+
01/31/05
Bad Education (2004, Pedro Almodovar) A-
The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou (2004, Wes Anderson) B

February
02/01/05
You Can't Cheat An Honest Man (1939, George Marshall) B+

02/03/05
Alien Vs. Predator (2004, Uwe Boll) C

02/04/05
She Hate Me (2004, Spike Lee) A-

02/07/05
La Commare Secca (1962, Bernardo Bertolucci) B+
Strayed (2003, Andre Techine) B

02/08/05
Thieves' Highway (1949, Jules Dassin) B+

First time viewings in Bold
Out of

Garden State (2004) (8/10)
Bittersweet coming home fable is one of the better films released in ‘04 (of the ones I’ve seen so far that is). Natalie Portman is adorable.

Shaun of the Dead (2004) (7/10)
A day in the life of a pair British slackers as zombies (we don’t call ‘em the z word) turn up in good ‘ol England. Pokes fun at the Dead trilogy & 28 Days Later. Stupid fun.

The Final Countdown (1980) (7/10)
Interesting What if………? scenario has a modern day (well not anymore) aircraft carrier going through a rift in time back to Dec 6th 1941. I would’ve preferred a more daring conclusion
Warning Spoiler! Click to show vs. the safe route the film-makers took.

Twilight Samurai (2002) (6/10)
Period drama as a down & out widower samurai is more interested in raising his daughter vs. taking care of his clan’s affairs. While it’s a good film I found myself comparing it (perhaps unfairly) to the superior Kurosawa & Mizoguchi period drama’s of half a century ago.

Birthday Girl (2001) (5/10)
Nicole Kidman stars as a mail order Russian bride in this pulp fiction wannabe. Kidman makes this worth watching if you’ve got some time to kill, otherwise meh.

Collateral (2004)

Viewed 1/4/2005 (first viewing)

Slick crime thriller by Michael Mann. Tom Cruise turns in a solid performance as an existential hitman who forces L.A. cabbie Jamie Foxx to help him do his dirty work. Mann's skills elevate this above the norm though it comes up short in the logic department. Would a professional hitman really take on so many jobs in one night? Would he really take a huge risk like coercing someone into working with him? Probably not, but whatever.

out of


Code 46 (2004)

Viewed 1/4/2005 (first viewing)

Thoughtful, low-key science fiction from Michael Winterbottom (Jude, 24 Hour Party People) and starring Tim Robbins and Samantha Morton. In the near future, your life is literally determined by your genes. Very much of a piece with Gattaca.

out of


Open Water (2004)

Viewed 1/4/2005 (first viewing)

Terse and tense account of a vacationing couple stranded in open water after their scuba diving instructor miscounts heads. It isn't long before sharks show up...

out of


God is on the Air (2002)

Viewed 1/4/2005 (first viewing)

Assured satire on reality television. A jobless and homeless man, who just happens to be a ringer for Jesus Christ, ends up in jail after an altercation leads to the death of another man. He's then picked to be the next victim of a reality television show on which the audience decides the fate of criminals. But his looks and demeanor get him off the hook and make him a star. He's soon christened (sorry) the "New Savior" and garners much power and wealth. But can he withstand fame's corrupting influence? Never reaches the sublime heights of Jesus of Montreal, but well worth a look.

out of

Movies out of 4 stars

32 Short Films About Glenn Gould (1993) - 1/2
50 First Dates (2004) - 1/2
Amarcord (1974) -
Angels and Insects (1996) - 1/2
The Battle of Algiers (1965) - 1/2
Before Sunrise (1995) -
Bourne Supremacy (2004) - 1/2
A Brief Vacation (1973) - 1/2
Days of Wine and Roses (1962) - 1/2
Garden State (2004) -
Goodbye South, Goodbye (1996) - 1/2
Hero (2004) -
Hiroshima Mon Amour (1959)- 1/2
Infernal Affairs (2004) -
Love in the Afternoon (1957) - 1/2
The Manchurian Candidate (2004) -
Maria Full of Grace (2004) -
The Missing (2004) -
Once Upon A Time in Mexico (2003) - 1/2
The Opposite of Sex (1999) -
Out of Time (2003) -
Ridicule (1996) -
Shaun of the Dead (2004) - 1/2
So Close (2002) -
Spellbound (2002) -
Time and Tide (2000) -
The Way We Laughed (2001) - 1/2
The Winslow Boy (1999) -

Re: Collateral





Warning Spoiler! Click to show

I get that, but it still seems like Cruise's character was taking an unnecessary risk. Anyway...


Godzilla: Tokyo S.O.S. (2003)

Viewed 1/4/2005 (first viewing)

The big guy is back in this latest installment in the Millennium series. Technically a follow-up to Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla, though it is also a quasi-sequel to the non-Millennium Mothra. The two fairy girls from Mothra show up and warn the now-elderly Chujo (a character from that movie) that the bones of the original Godzilla, used in the construction of Mechagodzilla, should be returned to their ocean grave or else Mothra will declare war on Japan. If the bones are returned, Mothra will defend Japan against future Godzilla attacks. Got that? Good. This is all conveniently forgotten when the big G returns from the ocean depths looking to lay waste to poor Tokyo. Mothra shows up to fight him, as does Mechagodzilla. Big fight ensues. Nothing new here of course, but a movie with giant monsters and robots is tough to dislike.

out of

2005 watched list
First time viewings in bold.

January

The Killing
Powaqqatsi
The Hustler
Unforgiven
I, Robot
Spartacus
Lawrence of Arabia
La Femme Nikita
A Bug's Life
The Terminal
Paycheck
Paths of Glory
Van Helsing
Man on Fire
Chronicles of Riddick
Baadasssss!
Cold Mountain
Barry Lyndon
Bruce Almighty
Leon: The Professional
The Third Man
North By Northwest
King Arthur
The Gold Rush
Stargate
Zatoichi
Maria Full of Grace
Tokyo Godfathers
Pather Panchali
Easy Rider

February

Bubba Ho-tep
Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song
The Rules of the Game
To Kill a Mockingbird
Aparajito
Singin' in the Rain
Gone With the Wind
Million Dollar Baby
Mystic River
The Outlaw Josey Wales
Pale Rider
12 Angry Men
Spellbound
The Hot Spot
Monster
Open Water
Sunset Boulevard
Dirty Pretty Things
Touching the Void
The Manchurian Candidate(2004)
The Fog of War
Troy
Vertigo
The Searchers
Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow
Stagecoach
Saw

March

Bonnie and Clyde
25th Hour
The Grapes of Wrath
Double Indemnity
The Unforgiven
Shade
The Incredibles
Office Space
Sword of Doom
Full Metal Jacket
The Birth of a Nation
It Happened One Night
Ray
Network
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
An American in Paris

April

The African Queen
From Here to Eternity
Sin City
The Sweet Hereafter
Rear Window
Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle
Shaun of the Dead
The Grudge
Friday Night Lights
Napoleon Dynamite
Finding Neverland
I Heart Huckabees
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner
Philadelphia Story
The Incredibles
Bringing Up Baby
The Best Years of Our Lives
Ocean's 12
Annie Hall
A Streetcar Named Desire
The Right Stuff
Wuthering Heights (1970)
The Bourne Supremacy
The Ladykillers (1955)
The Iron Giant
Shane
Giant
The Cameraman
Clockwork Orange
Spite Marriage
Meet the Fockers
Last of the Mohicans
Free and Easy
The Rock
A Place in the Sun
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind

May

Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind
Jin-Roh The Wolf Brigade
The General
Steamboat Bill Jr.
All Quiet on the Western Front
Ran
Modern Times
Yankee Doodle Dandy
The Testament of Dr. Mabuse
The Fisher King
Raising Arizona
Taxi Driver
Casablanca
Laura
The Merchant of Venice
Touch of Evil
The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou
Get Shorty
Videodrome
Sideways
Our Hospitality
Ladder 49
Sherlock Jr.
M
21 Grams
Garden State
Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith
The Motorcycle Diaries
The I Inside
Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Team America: World Police
House of Flying Daggers
Closer
Zhou Yu's Train
The Godfather
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Exotica
The Big Sleep (1946)

June

The Asphalt Jungle
Gun Crazy
The Big Heat
Yojimbo
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Sanjuro
The Decalogue
Murder, My Sweet
Resident Evil: Apocalypse
Elektra
Persona
Cries and Whispers
Throne of Blood
Wild Strawberries
Showgirls
The Set-up
The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari
M*A*S*H
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
City of God
Out of the Past
Casino
Aguirre: The Wrath of God
Raging Bull

July

Blade Runner
Do the Right Thing
The Bicycle Thief
Hiroshima Mon Amour
The Godfather: Part 2
Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events
Monty Python's The Meaning of Life
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance
Goodfellas
Pulp Fiction
The Barbarian Invasions
Lawrence of Arabia
Batman Begins
Black Hawk Down
Lady Snowblood
Battleship Potemkin
Six String Samurai
Fitzcarraldo
Rio Bravo
Spider-man 2
Monty Python's Life of Brian
The Night of the Hunter
Apollo 13
The Hulk
The Outlaw Josey Wales
The Island
Twilight Samurai
The King of Kings
Bad Education

August

Samurai I
Samurai II
Samurai III
Madagascar
The Bride Wore Black
Touchez Pas Au Grisby
War of the Worlds (2005)
Star Wars: A New Hope
Ever After
Wimbeldon
Guys and Dolls
The Godfather
Flight of the Phoenix (2004)
Jules et Jim
The Brothers Grimm
The Phantom of the Opera
The Aviator
Hitch
Be Cool
The Circus

September

The Kid
Mulan II
Chicago
The Godfather II
The Godfather III
Hell's Angels
Bullitt
Malcolm X
The Outlaw
The Public Enemy
Seven Chances
Constantine
M. Hulot's Holiday
Angels With Dirty Faces
Manhattan
True Grit

October

Finding Nemo
The Battle of Algiers
The Incredibles
The Philadelphia Story
Kagemusha
The Navigator
Batman Begins
Porco Rosso
Judgement at Nuremburg
Das Boot
Triumph of the Will
The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou
Kung Fu Hustle
Robots
A Very Long Engagement
Mujse Dosti Karoge!
Million Dollar Baby

November

The Day After Tomorrow
Sin City
The Abyss
A Bridge Too Far
High Plains Drifter
X-men
X-men 2
Singin' in the Rain
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
Ong Bak: The Thai Warrior
Crash (2005)
Kingdom of Heaven
Unleashed
Hotel Rwanda
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Hostage
The Interpreter
King Kong (1933)

I ended 2004 with a bunch of older films (including 3 Kurosawas), so I thought I'd start 2005 with some newer films:

Shaun Of The Dead - I realy enjoyed this...There was an above and beyond the call of duty approach to the film. Yeah, it was simple comedy about zombies, but it was also very clever, had plenty of references to other films and was directed very well. I particularly liked the long tracking shot of Shaun's trip to the corner store in the morning that was repeated the following day (when many more zombies were out). I expect I will end up buying this.

Napoleon Dynamite - Though it has been accused of being quirky just for the sake of being quirky, I don't see it that way. There are exaggerations to characters, but the spirit of them I think remains true. Nope, I don't know anyone exactly like Napoleon, but as I think back to high school I do remember a number of people that, well, moved to their own dance beat...And I think that's what it's about. Finding your own space and friends that allow you to be yourself. The humour will definitely hit people in different ways, but I appreciated the "stuck in 1982" when everyone else is living in the present angle.

Garden State - 3 for 3. I loved the relationship built up between the Zach Braff and Natalie Portman characters. Very gentle and touching. I look forward Zach Braff furthering his movie career on the writing/directing side.

2005 Film List

First Time viewings in Bold

January

01 - 01/01/05 - Dragonheart (1996)
02 - 01/01/05 - Anchorman (2004)
03 - 01/02/05 - Collateral (2004)
04 - 01/02/05 - Taxi (2004)
05 - 01/02/05 - Blade Runner (1982)
06 - 01/02/05 - Antitrust (2001)
07 - 01/03/05 - Garden State (2004)
08 - 01/04/05 - Two Brothers (2004)
09 - 01/04/05 - Troy (2004)
10 - 01/04/05 - Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998)
11 - 01/05/05 - Harold and Kumar go to White Castle (2004)
12 - 01/06/05 - Bottle Rocket (1996)
13 - 01/06/05 - Annie Hall (1977)
14 - 01/07/05 - Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991)
15 - 01/08/05 - Back to the Future (1985)
16 - 01/08/05 - Back to the Future, Part II (1989)
17 - 01/08/05 - Back to the Future, Part III (1990)
18 - 01/11/05 - Alien (1979)
19 - 01/11/05 - City of God (2002)
20 - 01/12/05 - Hero (2004)
21 - 01/13/05 - The Fifth Element (1997)
22 - 01/14/05 - Alien 3 (1992)
23 - 01/15/05 - Kill Bill: Volume 2 (2004)
24 - 01/17/05 - The Aviator (2004)
25 - 01/18/05 - In Good Company (2005)
26 - 01/19/05 - Butterfly Effect (2004)
27 - 01/20/05 - The Quick and the Dead (1995)
28 - 01/21/05 - Mean Girls (2004)
29 - 01/22/05 - Pirates of the Caribbean (2003)
30 - 01/22/05 - The Truman Show (1998)
31 - 01/23/05 - Ocean's Twelve (2004)
32 - 01/24/05 - Interview with the Vampire (1994)
33 - 01/24/05 - SLC Punk! (1999)
34 - 01/26/05 - Metallica: Some Kind of Monster (2004)
35 - 01/26/05 - Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)
36 - 01/26/05 - Without A Paddle (2004)
37 - 01/28/05 - A Clockwork Orange (1972)
38 - 01/29/05 - Mr. 3000 (2004)
39 - 01/29/05 - Elephant (2003)
40 - 01/29/05 - An Evening with Kevin Smith (2002)
41 - 01/31/05 - Club Dredd (2003)

February

42 - 02/02/05 - Clerks (1994)
43 - 02/02/05 - Sideways (2004)
44 - 02/04/05 - Good Will Hunting (1997)
45 - 02/07/05 - Unforgiven (1992)
46 - 02/09/05 - Meet the Fockers (2004)
47 - 02/09/05 - M*A*S*H (1970)
48 - 02/11/05 - Black Hawk Down (2001)
49 - 02/11/05 - After Hours (1985)
50 - 02/11/05 - The Pink Panther (1963)
51 - 02/13/05 - Wag The Dog (1997)
52 - 02/17/05 - Diarios De Motocicleta (The Motorcycle Diaries) (2004)
53 - 02/17/05 - Maria Full of Grace (2004)
54 - 02/18/05 - Constantine (2005)
55 - 02/22/05 - Coffee and Cigarettes (2003)
56 - 02/23/05 - Traffic (2000)
57 - 02/26/05 - A Shot in the Dark (1964)
58 - 02/26/05 - The Pink Panther Strikes Back (1976)
59 - 02/26/05 - All The President's Men (1976)
60 - 02/27/05 - Million Dollar Baby (2004)

March

61 - 03/02/05 - I Heart Huckbees (2004)
62 - 03/02/05 - Mean Creek (2004)
63 - 03/04/05 - Napoleon Dynamite (2004)
64 - 03/12/05 - El Mariachi (1992)
65 - 03/12/05 - Get Shorty (1995)
66 - 03/12/05 - School of Rock (2003)
67 - 03/13/05 - The Skulls (2000)
68 - 03/13/05 - Mallrats (1995)
69 - 03/14/05 - Be Cool (2005)
70 - 03/15/05 - Ladder 49 (2004)
71 - 03/16/05 - Alfie (2004)
72 - 03/16/05 - P.S. (2004)
73 - 03/16/05 - Spongebob Squarepants Movie (2004)
74 - 03/17/05 - Go (1999)
75 - 03/19/05 - Boogie Nights (1997)
76 - 03/20/05 - Spy Kids (2001)
77 - 03/20/05 - Josie and the Pussycats (2001)
78 - 03/22/05 - The Incredibles (2004)
79 - 03/22/05 - What the Bleep Do We Know? (2004)
80 - 03/24/05 - The World Is Not Enough (1999)
81 - 03/25/05 - Once Upon A Time in Mexico (2003)
82 - 03/25/05 - Robots (2005)
83 - 03/25/05 - The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
84 - 03/25/05 - X-Men (2000)
85 - 03/26/05 - The Manchurian Candidate (2004)
86 - 03/26/05 - Dawn of the Dead (2004)
87 - 03/29/05 - Bowling for Columbine (2002)
88 - 03/30/05 - Closer (2004)
89 - 03/30/05 - Vera Drake (2004)
90 - 03/31/05 - Desperado (1995)
91 - 03/31/05 - Mean Streets (1973)

April

92 - 04/01/05 - Sin City (2005)
93 - 04/02/05 - Shaun of the Dead (2004)
94 - 04/02/05 - The Mask of Zorro (1998)
95 - 04/03/05 - Die Another Day (2002)
96 - 04/03/05 - Casino (1995)
97 - 04/03/05 - The Day After Tomorrow (2004)
98 - 04/04/05 - Spy Game (2001)
99 - 04/05/05 - William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet (1996)
100 - 04/08/05 - A Simple Plan (1998)
101 - 04/08/05 - The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)
102 - 04/08/05 - Sideways (2004) (second 2005 viewing)
103 - 04/09/05 - Gangs of New York (2002)
104 - 04/09/05 - The Recruit (2003)
105 - 04/10/05 - Dawn of the Dead (1978)
106 - 04/11/05 - Elektra (2005)
107 - 04/11/05 - Spanglish (2004)
108 - 04/13/05 - The Beach (2000)
109 - 04/13/05 - Boys Don't Cry (1999)
110 - 04/16/05 - Y Tu Mama Tambien (2001)
111 - 04/16/05 - The Italian Job (2003)
112 - 04/20/05 - Bridget Jones' Diary (2001)
113 - 04/20/05 - Catch Me If You Can (2002)
114 - 04/21/05 - The Amityville Horror (2005)
115 - 04/22/05 - The Interpreter (2005)
116 - 04/24/05 - The United States of Leland (2003)
117 - 04/25/05 - House of Flying Daggers (2004)
118 - 04/27/05 - The Woodsman (2004)
119 - 04/27/05 - Undertow (2004)
120 - 04/30/05 - Kung Fu Hustle (2005)
121 - 04/30/05 - Poolhall Junkies (2002)
122 - 04/30/05 - Half Baked (1998)

May

123 - 05/01/05 - Bend it Like Beckham (2002)
124 - 05/02/05 - The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (2005)
125 - 05/02/05 - The Assassination of Richard Nixon (2004)
126 - 05/03/05 - The Phantom of the Opera (2004)
127 - 05/03/05 - National Treasure (2004)
128 - 05/04/05 - When We Were Kings (1996)
129 - 05/08/05 - Kingdom of Heaven (2005)
130 - 05/09/05 - Bad Santa (2003)
131 - 05/09/05 - Miracle (2004)
132 - 05/10/05 - Assault on Precinct 13 (2005)
133 - 05/11/05 - The Merchant of Venice (2004)
134 - 05/11/05 - Rushmore (1998)
135 - 05/13/05 - Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (1991)
136 - 05/14/05 - Garden State (2004) (second 2005 viewing)
137 - 05/16/05 - Star Wars: Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace (1999)
138 - 05/19/05 - Star Wars: Episode 3 - Revenge of the Sith (2005)
139 - 05/22/05 - Star Wars: Episode 3 - Revenge of the Sith (2005) (second 2005 viewing)
140 - 05/22/05 - Team America: World Police (2005)
141 - 05/23/05 - Boondock Saints (1999)
142 - 05/23/05 - Trainspotting (1996)
143 - 05/25/05 - Eulogy (2004)
144 - 05/27/05 - Team America: World Police (2005) (second 2005 viewing)
145 - 05/27/05 - Silence of the Lambs (1991)
146 - 05/28/05 - Apocalypse Now (1979)
147 - 05/28/05 - Me, Myself and Irene (2000)
148 - 05/28/05 - Eurotrip (2004)
149 - 05/29/05 - The Longest Yard (2005)
150 - 05/31/05 - Tommy Boy (1995)

June

151 - 06/01/05 - American History X {1998)
152 - 06/03/05 - Cinderella Man (2005)
153 - 06/03/05 - Donnie Brasko (1997)
154 - 06/05/05 - Bright Young Things (2003)
155 - 06/08/05 - Snatch (2000)
156 - 06/10/05 - Mr. and Mrs. Smith (2005)
157 - 06/11/05 - Rules of Attraction (2002)
158 - 06/12/05 - Hitch (2005)
159 - 06/13/05 - Unbreakable (2000)
160 - 06/16/05 - Intermission (2003)
161 - 06/16/05 - The Faculty (1998)
162 - 06/17/05 - 28 Days Later (2002)
163 - 06/17/05 - Batman Begins (2005)
164 - 06/18/05 - Red vs Blue, Season 1 (2003)
165 - 06/19/05 - Air Force One (1997)
166 - 06/19/05 - American Beauty (1999)
167 - 06/21/05 - From Dusk Til Dawn (1996)
168 - 06/21/05 - Hostage (2005)
169 - 06/21/05 - The Jacket (2005)
170 - 06/22/05 - Gosford Park (2001)
171 - 06/22/05 - Mission: Impossible (1996)
172 - 06/23/05 - Howl's Moving Castle (2005)
173 - 06/23/05 - The Machinist (2004)
174 - 06/23/05 - Panic Room (2002)
175 - 06/24/05 - Who's that Knocking at my Door (1968)
176 - 06/26/05 - Training Day (2001)
177 - 06/27/05 - Kiki's Delivery Service (1989)
178 - 06/27/05 - Mars Attacks! (1996)
179 - 06/28/05 - Spirited Away (2001)
180 - 06/29/05 - War of the Worlds (2005)
181 - 06/29/05 - Lost in Space (1998)
182 - 06/30/05 - Land of the Dead (2005)
183 - 06/30/05 - From Beijing with Love (1994)

July

184 - 07/04/05 - Collateral (2004)
185 - 07/04/05 - Knockaround Guys (2001)
186 - 07/04/05 - The Pacifier (2005)
187 - 07/04/05 - D.E.B.S (2004)
188 - 07/05/05 - Bad Boys II (2003)
189 - 07/05/05 - War of the Worlds (2005)(second 2005 viewing)
190 - 07/05/05 - Twelve Monkeys (1995)
191 - 07/06/05 - Starsky and Hutch (2004)
192 - 07/07/05 - Blade (1998)
193 - 07/10/05 - 40 Days and 40 Nights (2002)
194 - 07/11/05 - Hamlet (2000)
195 - 07/11/05 - Hide and Seek (2005)
196 - 07/12/05 - Insomnia (2002)
197 - 07/13/05 - Super Troopers (2002)
198 - 07/18/05 - Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone (2001)
199 - 07/19/05 - I Heart Huckabees (2004)(second 2005 viewing)
200 - 07/19/05 - As Good As It Gets (1997)
201 - 07/21/05 - Fast and the Furious (2001)
202 - 07/22/05 - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)
203 - 07/22/05 - Imaginery Heroes (2004)
204 - 07/23/05 - Batman (1989)
205 - 07/23/05 - The Island (2005)
206 - 07/24/05 - Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993)
207 - 07/24/05 - Wedding Crashers (2005)
208 - 07/24/05 - American Psycho (2000)
209 - 07/25/05 - Bottle Rocket (1996)(second 2005 viewing)
210 - 07/25/05 - Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
211 - 07/29/05 - Election (1999)
212 - 07/29/05 - The Thing (1982)
213 - 07/31/05 - The Devil's Rejects (2005)

August

214 - 08/01/05 - The Perfect Storm (2000)
215 - 08/01/05 - Gerry (2002)
216 - 08/03/05 - Snake Eyes (1998)
217 - 08/06/05 - Bad News Bears (1976)
218 - 08/07/05 - The Warriors (1979)
219 - 08/07/05 - Elf (2003)
220 - 08/08/05 - Stewie Griffin: The Untold Story (2005)
221 - 08/09/05 - Just Married (2003)
222 - 08/09/05 - Alexander: Directors Cut (2004)
223 - 08/10/05 - Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971)
224 - 08/10/05 - Narc (2003)
225 - 08/10/05 - Win a Date with Tad Hamilton (2004)
226 - 08/11/05 - Remember the Titans (2000)
227 - 08/11/05 - About A Boy (2002)
228 - 08/12/05 - Toy Story 2 (1999)
229 - 08/12/05 - Infernal Affairs (2002)
230 - 08/16/05 - Old School (2003)
231 - 08/17/05 - Anchorman (2004)(second 2005 viewing)
232 - 08/18/05 - Garden State (2004)(second 2005 viewing)
233 - 08/18/05 - Shaun of the Dead (2004) (second 2005 viewing)
234 - 08/19/05 - Red Eye (2005)
235 - 08/19/05 - Layer Cake (2005)
236 - 08/20/05 - The 40 Year-Old Virgin (2005)
237 - 08/21/05 - Duma (2005)
238 - 08/21/05 - A Lot Like Love (2005)
239 - 08/22/05 - Four Brothers (2005)
240 - 08/22/05 - Phil the Alien (2004)
241 - 08/25/05 - The Insider (1999)
242 - 08/25/05 - Gunner Palace (2005)
243 - 08/26/05 - Dodgeball (2004)
244 - 08/26/05 - Red Dragon (2002)
245 - 08/27/05 - Sahara (2005)
246 - 08/28/05 - The Usual Suspects (1995)
247 - 08/28/05 - Tomorrow Never Dies (1997)
248 - 08/28/05 - Northfork (2003)
249 - 08/28/05 - Stone Cold (2005)
250 - 08/29/05 - Goldfinger (1964)
251 - 08/29/05 - Meet The Parents (2000)
252 - 08/29/05 - Veronica Guerin (2003)
253 - 08/30/05 - Steamboy (2005)
254 - 08/31/05 - Dawn of the Dead (2004)(second 2005 viewing)

September

255 - 09/02/05 - Crash (2005)
256 - 09/02/05 - Confessions of a Dangerous Mind (2002)
257 - 09/03/05 - Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)
258 - 09/03/05 - Night at the Roxbury (1998)

The Battle of Algiers (1966)

Viewed 1/5/2005

Gillo Pontecorvo's still-relevant docudrama details Algeria's battle for independence from French colonial rule. Are the tactics used by the rebels terrorism? Could the French have handled the situation better? Have we learned anything from the situation? Hmmmm.

Kudos to Criterion's release, which is loaded with insightful extras.

out of

For another similarly-themed film, check out my review of The Terrorist

POST DELETED

Intimate Strangers (2004)

Viewed 1/5/2005 (first viewing)

Not a straight to video sex romp as the title would indicate, but a psychological drama from Patrice Leconte (The Man on the Train). A tax lawyer becomes the confidant to a troubled woman when she mistakes him for an analyst. Though she soon discovers the truth, she continues to seek his counsel, drawing him deeper into her world of twisted relationships.

out of

Rio Bravo -- I first saw it about three years ago, and while I definitely enjoyed it, I wasn't blown away. After getting the DVD as a holiday gift, I watched it again and immediately appreciated why it's so highly regarded among so many cinema lovers. Peter Bogdanovich described it in his most recent book as "the shortest 141 minutes in picture history," and it's tough to argue with that. The story just hums along, with practically every scene striking the perfect note. The only one that doesn't seem to work perfectly is the final shoot-out, which succeeds as a very entertaining climax, but it's also a bit too tongue-in-cheek with all the needling going on between the heroes.

Anyway, the most amazing thing to me about this movie is how hard it is to pinpoint what makes it so great. Good characters and good performances (and Ricky Nelson isn't much more than OK), but no all-time greats. Lots of good shots and effective editing, but is there anything that obviously ranks among the great moments in cinema? Maybe the first shot of John Wayne, up from the floor and at an angle from Dean Martin's point-of-view, certainly among the most memorable entrances of Wayne's career, but nothing else springs to mind right away. And yet it all works at an incredible level, the whole being much greater than the sum of its (already pretty good) parts. Howard Hawks must have worked some sort of invisible magic to pull this one off as well as he did.

Quentin Tarantino has always ranked this among his favorite movies (often citing it as one of his top three), and one thing I noticed for the first time is that the scene in the saloon, where Dude and Chance take on Burdette's men, has a bit of dialogue that was pretty clearly referenced in Pulp Fiction. After Dude pulls off his impressive feat, one of the other guys starts reaching for his own gun, but Chance points his rifle at him and says (something like): "You want that gun, pick it up. I wish you'd try." QT undoubtedly had that in mind when Butch taunts Zed in Pulp Fiction (paraphrase): "You want that gun, don't you, Zed? Go ahead, pick it up. I want you to."

RIO BRAVO is one of my favorite flims. In addition to being a good story, it has a special quality to it that is very difficult for me to put into words. I can never seem to lose sight of the fact that I'm watching a group of well known actors on a movie set. They all appear to be having a great time playing their roles. For example, there is one scene near the end of the film between Dean Martin and Walter Brennan. Brennan, who is priceless in his role as "Stumpy," is off on one of his "nobody worries about how I feel " rants and Martin is just sitting there watching him. He then starts to lose it and begins laughing. At that point, I keep expecting Martin to look up and make direct eye contact with the camera. To me, it's Dean Martin the actor reacting to Walter Brennan's performance, rather than him reacting to the moment in the context of the film. It's just a wonderful moment...one of many in the film. Again, it's difficult for me to put into words the feeling I get watching this film.

One of the all-time great westerns!

Films Watched in 2005

Films Seen in theaters are in Bold
Films rewatched are in italics

Ratings Key:
B- and higher are thumbs up
C+ and lower are thumbs down

January
02 - Destination Tokyo (1943) B
02 - Million Dollar Baby (2004) C+
02 - Lassie Come Home (1943) B-
03 - A Letter to Three Wives (1949) A-

I didn't know Tokyo S.O.S. was out on DVD. I added it to my Netflix list. Can't get enough of the Mothra chicks: Mosura-AH...Mosura-AH!!. Already got my 3 year old hooked. He watched G vs. Gigan yesterday.

Intimate Strangers was one of my favorite films of 2004. Fabrice Luchini, unknown to many here, but superb in several of Eric Rohmer's best films, is outstanding in the lead role.

Then again, I was bored out of my skull by Garden State, which is a top 10'er for many here.

Rio Bravo is a great film. You will find additional discussions about it here. You may want to post your review there, as well for future reference.

~Edwin

[C]2005 Film List[/C]
First Time Viewings in Bold

Ratings




Waste of time watching

2005 movies viewed
001)


001) 01/01/05 Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi (2001)
002) 01/01/05 Eloise at the Plaza (2003)
003) 01/02/05 The Last Samauri (2003)
004) 01/03/05 Pee Wee's Playhouse Christmas Special (1988)
005) 01/03/05 Lord of the Rings Return of the King; EE (2003)
006) 01/06/05 Shawshank Redemption (1994)
007) 01/07/05 Garden State (2004)
008) 01/07/05 Mystic River (2003)
009) 01/08/05 High Noon (1952)
010) 01/08/05 North by Northwest(1959)
011) 01/09/05 Star Wars (1977)
012) 01/09/05 Spiderman II (2004)
013) 01/10/05 Dances With Wolves; Special Extended Edition (1990)

014) 01/11/05 Singing in the Rain (1952)
015) 01/11/05 Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone (2001)
016) 01/12/05 Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002)
017) 01/12/05 Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)
018) 01/13/05 Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)
019) 01/14/05 Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003)

020) 01/17/05 Forrest Gump (1994)
021) 01/17/05 Star Wars Episode V: Empire Strikes Back (1980)
022) 01/17/05 Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)
023) 01/28/05 Mean Creek (2004)
024) 01/29/05 Thelma and Louise (1991)
025) 01/29/05 Pleasantville (1998)
026) 01/31/05 Annie Hall (1977)
027) 01/31/05 12 Angry Men (1957)
028) 01/31/05 Groundhog Day (1993)
029) 01/31/05 Harold and Kumar go to Whitecastle (2004)

030) 02/01/05 Some Like it Hot (1959)
031) 02/04/05 Napolean Dynamity (2004)
032) 02/11/05 Raging Bull (1980)
033) 02/11/05 Vertigo (1958)
034) 02/12/05 Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind (2004)
035) 02/12/05 Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (2004)
036) 02/12/05 The Big Lebowski (1998)
037) 02/12/05 Sunset Boulevard (1959)
038) 02/13/05 Once upon a Time in the West(1968)
039) 02/13/05 Rebecca(1940)
040) 02/13/05 Sleepless in Seatle (1993)
041) 02/13/05 The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
042) 02/13/05 American Beauty (1999)

043) 03/02/05 Hoosiers (1986)
044) 03/02/05 Gladiator (2000)
045) 03/05/05 Donnie Darko (2001)
046) 03/05/05 Wo hu cang long (2000)
047) 03/18/05 Bambi (1942)
048) 03/19/05 Incredibles (2004)

Just an update on some things I've seen since I've added my first fourteen movies to the list and I've nowhere else to post these comments:

Battle Royale - third time I've seen this film, third translation I've seen, this one is about the second best, second time I've seen the director's cut, I prefer the theatrical cut, because the dreams at the end just really disrupt the flow of the ending of the film in an extremely annoying way. This film continues to maintain its power and greatness for me, there's no question of this holding up or being a product of the times because its about people, communities, and friendship--not headlines. One of my favorite films of all time and it will remain that way.

Six Feet Under Season 2 Episode 1 overall solid but disapointing especially following the wonderful final episode of the first season, makes me not want to continue into the season although I know it will get better I'm also getting a bit fed up with the melodramatic silliness that sometimes drives this show.

His and Her Circumstances Episodes 1-6 (vol 1). I absolutely DEVOURED this incredible and perfect TV show. It's not for everyone but two minutes into the actual episode I knew I was in trouble and that my ass wouldn't be moving until the dvd was finished. And I loved it so much I went through every bit of the special features and was inspired by the journal to go watch the first episode in the English dub. I definitely prefer the Japanese because with English the enthusiasm comes off a little too over the top and disconcerting.

The animation style is nothing short of sensationally brilliant.

I will admit having my first girlfriend be a lot like the main character (except for the obsessing about popularity and image thing) really enhanced my enjoyment of the show. But this gets my highest recommendation, as good as Cowboy Bebop but completely different in the way that Renoir is nothing like Lucas.

Yeah the Renoir of anime, I LIKE that analogy.

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers -
01/06/2004
OARDVD (1.77:1 flat edition)

One of my favorite musicals, it’s just so much fun to sit through and enjoy. Great rip roaring sing along songs, fabulous dance sequences and just outrageous enough to keep you grinning and gasping with delight. I think I prefer the cinemascope version because some compositions felt a little tight but there were other times such as the first rendition of “When You’re in Love” that worked better than the cinemascope version (which can at times feel too wide such as in that sequence). Brilliant, wonderful, funny, glorious musical!

So many classics, so few seen...Not a bad problem to have I suppose.


The Lady Eve - Barbara Stanwyck sure is purty...Although I found some awkward moments in the film (the humour didn't always work for me, some of the monologues felt forced, etc.), I still quite enjoyed this (my first Preston Sturges film). The monologue Stanwyck speeds through while watching all of Henry Fonda's potential love interests through a mirror doesn't feel natural at all, but the words spilling out are quite sharp and very well composed. So although some of the scenes felt odd, I really enjoyed the script. Stanwyck just radiates through the film (sigh...) and really digs into her role and lines. There's a great scene where she is trying to protect Fonda from her father's attempt to cheat him at cards. It continues back and forth at a brisk pace and is very clever. I never really bought Fonda in the role and actually ended up disliking him a bit near the end when he

Warning Spoiler! Click to show
But overall I enjoyed the fast pace of the plot and script. Oh, and Barbara Stanwyck is gorgeous. Did I mention that?

Beauty And The Beast - Lovely telling of the classic tale. In particular the scenes at Beast's castle are beautiful and very creative. The Beast's magic comes through in the coming to life of many objects (candle holders, statues, etc.). Brillantly realized - especially since this was 1946. Though I don't know much about Jean Cocteau, I believe this was only his second film and for him to have this kind of command of the visual elements is quite remarkable.

Charade - Great flick! Zips along at a jaunty pace and keeps the plot shifting. The trailer stating that the film is part thriller, part romance and part comedy is quite accurate and I felt that none of those elements was short shrifted. Audrey Hepburn and Cary Grant ooze charm and once again the banter is witty, sharp and very quick. Lots of fun. And Audrey Hepburn sure is purty...


Oh, and Adam is right...Battle Royale is freaking great.

Bob, glad you enjoyed Lady Eve and Charade, those are two favorites for me, especially Lady Eve. Barbara Stanwyck wasn't a classic beauty, but she was HOT in that movie.

I also see you caught Kind Hearts and Coronets for the first time, another personal fave. I got the Alec Guinness collection when it came out two years ago on a mostly blind buy (the only one of the five I'd seen was The Ladykillers, on a shambolically awful VHS tape), and I ended up watching Kind Hearts four times since then, as many times as any other movie in that time span!

Fun fact about that movie: the music that keeps recurring in different forms--sung by his father, played on the piano by his mother, among other places--is a famous aria from Mozart's Don Giovanni, and (this is the fun fact) notice how the lyrics reflect Louis' quest to avenge his mother.

Yeah, I kind of forgot about that...I liked it, but I think I need another viewing. First of all, I watched it in two parts and I think I lost the thread somewhere. I also didn't latch on to the humour as much as I thought I should. Alec Guinness is great and I like dark humour, but something just wasn't really clicking for me (it may have been the main character himself). I expect there were a number of things I missed, so I'll catch this again sometime. I liked Ladykillers a great deal, so I'll continue through the rest of the Ealings with Guinness...

Saw a couple of so-so films tonight.

Stupidity was a decent doc about human intelligence and how society and the media sometimes make that seem overrated. Some good interviews and points are made, but since so many scenes are "performed" or redone by their own actors (I assume to save on rights issues for clips from movies/videos/etc.) that the entertainment aspect is lost somewhat. As well, it was quite scattered and didn't really feel like it came together in the end.

Saved! was enjoyable enough for a thumbs up, but it still had some problems. Things derail a bit in the last 20 minutes and there's a prom confrontation that spoils things a bit (but don't worry, lessons are learned!). There was enough humour, charm and even bits of well placed insight in the rest of the movie to save it though.

01/04/05

Playful Pluto (1934) B

Fun spited Disney short has Mickey cleaning his yard only to have a playful Pluto destroy it. The visual look is quite nice and there are a few good jokes including one with Pluto playing with a water hose.

Mickey’s Steam Roller (1934) B-

Mickey and his steam roller destroy the city and helps calm Minnie’s and her(?) two kids. Visually entertaining but not too much comedy.

Shock, The (1923)

Lon Chaney plays a cripple who has been used by a Chinatown gang to commit various crimes. He’s sent away on his newest job where he falls in love with a girl but it turns out his job is to kill her father. As usual, Chaney gives a remarkable performance and I have no problem calling him one of the greatest actors ever. He perfectly captures all the right emotions for the role and his physical appearance of a cripple is remarkable. Two other highlights include a bank being blown up and an earthquake that happens in the film. The special effects are very good and the suspense and drama are very high.

01/05/05

Mickey Plays Papa (1934) B

A baby mouse is left at Mickey’s doorstep so he and Pluto must decide how to take care of it. This is a somewhat cute short, which features Mickey doing an impression of Charles Chaplin that’s kind of funny.

Mickey’s Kangaroo (1935) B-

A kangaroo shows up at Mickey’s house and goes on a rampage tearing up everything that gets in his way.

01/06/05

In the Heat of the Night (1967)

One of the all time classics about a black Northern cop (Sidney Poitier) going to the racist south to try and crack a murder case. This is a film that has so many classic scenes that it’s hard to believe anyone wouldn’t really love the movie. The way we’re introduced to Poitier is one such scene and another happens at a certain point when Poitier slaps an important person. Rod Steiger is also terrific in his role as the sheriff. The actual mystery is a lot of fun and you can’t help but root for Poitier in these situations.

01/07/05

Haunted House, The (1929) B

Mickey’s out in the middle of nowhere during a storm so he takes shelter in a house, which just happens to be haunted. This is a fairly good short that basically has Mickey being forced to play the piano while the ghouls and goblins dance to it. The locking door gag is the best part.

Moose Hunt, The (1931) B

Mickey and Pluto go out looking for a moose but when they find him it’s different than what they thought. The gag with Mickey confusing Pluto with a moose is the highlight and the flees joke is well done too.

Film Fan, The (1939) A-

Porky Pig, on the way to the market, passes by a theater and decides to go in for some fun. This is a pretty good film that shows the enjoyment of movies. There are some good spoofs of popular films released at the time including Gone With the Wind. The ending is very funny as well.

Gunga Din (1939)

Classic tale of three British soldiers and their water boy Gunga Din who must stop a group of killers from terrorizing India. Gary Grant, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. and Victor McLaglen all give wonderful performances but it’s Sam Jaffe who really steals the show. Although there are a few slow moments director George Stevens manages to throw all sorts of goodies into this film. Action, drama, adventure and some wonderful suspense make this highly rewarding.

01/08/05

Out of the Past (1947)

Jeff Bailey (Robert Mitchum) has his past catch up to him when a millionaire (Kirk Douglas) and his girl (Jane Greer) try to frame him for a murder. This classic noir is one of the all time greats due in large part to Mitchum’s superb performance in one of the definitive detective roles. The film is full of twist and turns but the screenplay is a classic thanks to the wonderful dialogue.

Rear Window (1954)

A photographer (James Stewart) is stuck in a wheelchair due to a broken leg. He sits in front of his window all night and day spying on his neighbors when he begins to think one of them might have murdered his wife. This was my first time viewing this film in over a decade and this might have become my favorite Hitchcock behind Psycho. I loved the slow pace that helps gets us more involved in the case and in some ways the slower pace can help us identify with Stewart’s character who can’t really move at all. Grace Kelly and Raymond Burr are great but once again it’s Stewart who steals the show. The final five minutes are incredibly intense as well.

Touch of Evil (1958) 112-min. version

A Mexican narcotics officer (Charlton Heston) clashes with an American detective (Orson Welles) and soon finds himself being set up. While the story is lacking in a few areas there’s no denying the impact this film had on many of the filmmakers that would follow. The opening sequence could be the greatest ever put to film and the use of lighting and the cinematography can’t be touched. Heston and Janet Leigh are good but this is Welles show all the way.

Cool It Baby (1965)

Somewhat entertaining sexploitation film about a couple who drug girls into making adult films and then blackmail them into joining their sexual club. For a sexploitation flick the movie is pretty tame, which is somewhat strange. The story isn’t too bad and there are some pretty girls but not much else. The site of the courtroom used in the film will get a few laughs.

OK I could have sworn that I had a RESERVED post but it's nowhere to be found, so I'll start a new one. Sorry guys.

Anyway.

**** EXCELLENT
*** GREAT
** OK
* CRAP
0 WHAT THE HECK WAS THAT?!?!


January

I, Robot (2004) **** This was an excellent, action packed telling of "what if" robots were used as day to day "buddies" coinciding with humans, helping us with daily tasks. Then, "what if" that went wrong? REALLY REALLY great! More than just a summer popcorn flick!

Spanglish (2004] *** 1/2 This movie is told from the point of view of the maids daughter, which is an interesting take. The movie is actually very touching, with VERY strong performances over all. Cloris Leachman turns in a VERY funny & VERY touching performance. I was very surprised at how much I liked this movie. I'm also VERY shocked at how much I've used VERY in this review ;-)

Phantom Of The Opera (2004) *** While Evita really jumpstarted the whole neo-musical movement, Moulin Rouge made it an artform & Chicago started the renaissance, Phantom of the Opera doesn't do much to move the movement along. It's beautiful to look at, and is very very enjoyable, but there are a few parts it drags on a bit. It's certainly not as tightly edited any of the prior 3. The leads are all very strong. The biggest complaint is Minnie Driver, who doesn't sing her own vocals. What is the point of being cast in a musical if you're not going to sing. Surely there are other people in Hollywood who could have portrayed Carlotta and actually sang.

The Life Aquatic with Steve Ziszou (2004) ***1/2 This is tied with The Royal Tenembaums as my favourite Wes Anderson film. It is quite rich in its depth, dry humour and understated wit. The performances are all very strong. I think you really have to "get" Wes Anderson films. You either do or you don't. Most of the people in the theater came out of their saying things like "That was horrible" or "I thought Bill Murray was going to be funny". I know this, because I made sure to listen to their conversations In any event, those were the people who just didn't "get it". The animated, actually, stop motion sequences were brilliant, and the sets were fantastical, which I expect from Anderson. I loved this movie and hope it gets the RT treatment on DVD.

White Noise (2005) **** - Very creepy & moody! Michael Keaton turns in an excellent performance as a recently widowed father who discovers EVP & believes his wife is contacting him. The film is wonderful and does what its supposed to do: creep you out!

Weekly update


First time viewings in Red
From my collection in Blue
Out of


Murder My Sweet (1944) (9/10)

The Big Sleep (1946) (10/10)


Troy (2004) (7/10)
What are your expectations when you choose to watch a Sword & Sandals Epic? For the most part it delivers a rousing action spectacle. Brad Pitt is a bit out of his element as the larger than life Achilles, however the standout performance comes from Eric Bana as Hector. If you go in with reasonable expectations & are just looking for a diverting evening of escapist entertainment aimed at adults this is definitely worth a rental at least.


Spartacus (1960) (9/10)

The Scarlet Pimpernel (1934) (6/10)
Leslie Howard stars in the title role as the 18th century British daring doer who rescues French aristocrats from the guillotine. This one just doesn’t reach the heights of other noted 30’s/40’s Swashbucklers such as Adventures of Robin Hood, Gunga Din, Beau Geste, Mark of Zorro, Sea Hawk, Captain Blood, etc.

The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) (10/10)

The Three Stooges in Orbit (1962)
I'm a big fan of their comedies, be they shorts or features, and whether they feature Curly, Shemp, Joe Besser or Joe DeRita. But this is one of the weakest things the Stooges have ever done. It's just not very funny, and there is a lot of filler thrown in to pad out the running time, such as an inexplicable romance for a couple of unimportant side characters.

The Monster that Challenged the World (1957)

A good, solid fifties monster movie about deadly gigantic crustaeceans terrorizing humans on both land and sea. The monsters are good and there are interesting human characters (Hans Conried is very good as the doctor) and fine ocean shots, one of which pre-dates JAWS when a female casualty meets her watery demise. Some creepy ravaged corpses for the time, too.