Track the Films You Watch (2009)

Re: Track the Films You Watch (2009)

This was my second time with MADMAN and I actually enjoyed it more this time. The direction is just too weak to keep everything together. I did like the fact that they killed off
Warning Spoiler! Click to show because it's somewhat set up that the character would be one to live and fight at the end. The boy not jogging back and going to investigate was stupid in my opinion and I thought it was a distraction when they cut back to him (after losing thought of him for 30 minutes).

Private Screenings: Child Stars (2006) Sean Cameron

Darryl Hickman (LEAVE HER TO HEAVEN, MEN OF BOYS TOWN), Jane Withers (PACK UP YOUR TROUBLES, GIANT), Margaret O'Brien (MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS, LITTLE WOMEN) and Dickie Moore (THE SQUAW MAN, OUT OF THE PAST) are the guests in this episode of Robert Osbornes series that airs on Turner Classic Movies. This is without question the best episode I've seen even though many people might not know the names that I've just written. This is a rather incredible group of interviews and I might go even further by saying it's one of the greatest documents on child actors. All four had different types of careers but they were a part of Hollywood during the Golden Era and hearing their stories was great fun. There's a masterful story told by Moore about his insulting of Cecil B. DeMille on the set of THE SQUAW MAN that the director would remember years later when they'd meet again. There's also some great stories told by Hickman about how mean John M. Stahl and Gene Tierney were on the set of LEAVE HER TO HEAVEN. Other great topics include the pressures of being a child star, dating in Hollywood, the side effects of fame and other stories covering various stars including Elizabeth Taylor. This episode lasts nearly a half hour longer than other entries and this time is greatly spent with so many great stories that you can't help but get some feelings on what it was like for these kids to grow up in another world.

One Live Ghost (1936) Leslie Goodwins

Lucille Ball fans might want to check this short out if they must see everything the legend has done in her career. The film centers on a husband (Leon Errol) who feels that his wife, children and even his maid (Ball) don't respect his wishes of going fishing. To prove a point, he fakes his death and later comes back to the house dressed as a butler so that he can spy on them. The idea of this guy faking his death and then coming back into the house just isn't believable enough to work and with that said the movie offered up very few laughs in the second half. The first half of the film gets a few chuckles as Errol keeps trying to go fishing and he has a few good exchanges with Ball. All of that changes in the second half as things go south in terms of laughs. I'm sure fans of Ball will want to check this out but others can stay clear.

Doriana Grey (1976) Jess Franco

Arthouse and porn collide in this extremely bizarre and mildly poetic film from Spanish director Jess Franco. A young woman (Lina Romay), with vampire like qualities, lives alone in a castle where a new reporter (Monica Swinn) comes to do a story on her. It appears Doriana needs to suck the life out of various men and women, in a sexual way, in order to stay young but she gets none of the sexual feelings out of it. Those go to her sister, also played by Romay, who is locked up in an asylum where she goes through various sexual fits whenever Doriana is with someone. If you've seen VAMPYROS LESBOS or even FEMALE VAMPIRE then you know what to expect with the "sucking life out of someone". Being Franco, this is done with sexual heat and this time out it crosses into hardcore range. I think a lot of hardcore scenes are rather ugly and unerotic but I think that's the point. The rather ugly sex scenes really make you feel the fact that Doriana isn't getting any pleasure out of the situations either. Franco likes to give graphic close ups of the sexual act and his way of filming them is rather ugly and dull but I mean both of them in a good way. I personally prefer FEMALE VAMPIRE but this is still a rather surreal film that mixes both genres. Romay turns in a fairly good performance even though I think she goes way too over the top with the locked up sister. Some of her "masturbation fits" are also a bit over the top with Franco's slowed down camera but outside of that there's not too much to complain about. The hardcore scenes will certainly keep a lot of people away but then again, Franco's name alone keeps a lot of people away. This isn't a pretty film but it's not suppose to be and that's where the films magic really is.

Re: Track the Films You Watch (2009)

Bloody Moon
West Germany 1981 90m color
original title: Die Sage Des Todes
Lisa/Metro/Rapid (Wolf C. Hartwig, Otto Retzer)

Students at a Spanish-language school are targeted by a killer.

The conventions of the Slasher genre and Jess Franco's notoriously slapdash approach are depressing enough on their own but the combination of the two is truly dreadful. Strictly a commercial chore, this brings very few ideas to the table along with plenty of cliches and one or two of the director's idiosyncrasies.

w Rayo Casablanca d Jess Franco ph Juan Soler m Gerhard Heinz

Olivia Pascal, Christoph Moosbrugger, Nadja Gerganoff, Alexander Wechter, Peter Excacoustos, Jasmin Losensky, Corinna Drews, Ann-Beate Engelke, Jess Franco

+ This film was one of the infamous "Video Nasties" outlawed by the British censors in the early years of the VHS era.


The Masters
Italy 1975 113m color
CCC/Carlo Ponti (Zev Braun)
original title: Gente di Rispetto
aka: The Flower in the Mouth; The Schoolmistress and the Devil

Arriving at a small tradition-bound Sicilian town, a young teacher alternately finds herself accosted, mysteriously avenged and revered by the community -all of which, however, proves merely the facade for an insidious takeover of power.

Fascinating drama which, though suffering from longueurs due to overlength, makes the most of its peculiar setting while maintaining a quietly sinister mood throughout.

w Leo Benvenuti, Piero De Bernardi, Luigi Zampa novel Giuseppe Fava d Luigi Zampa ph Ennio Guarnieri m Ennio Morricone (reminiscent of his famous score for Investigation of a Citizen Above Suspicion)

Jennifer O'Neill, James Mason (evoking Bela Lugosi at the climax), Franco Nero (top-billed but definitely a secondary character), Orazio Orlando, Aldo Giuffre`, Claudio Gora, Franco Fabrizi


Kill
Spain/Italy/France/West Germany 1971 103m Eastmancolor
CRC/Cocinor/Dieter Geissler Filmproduktion/Este/ICAR/Procinex (Alexander and Ilya Salkind)
aka: Kill, Kill, Kill!

Official and renegade narcotics agents combat an international organization of drug dealers in Pakistan.

Pretentious, confusing thriller which would like to pass itself off as an anti-drug statement but at the same time wallows in various other forms of transgression (such as foul language and sex) rendered fashionable by permissiveness. It ends in a ballet of violence followed by a delirious fantasy sequence but, for all the evident lack of control, the film is bizarre enough to keep one watching.

wd Romain Gary ph Edmond Richard m Jacques Chaumont, Berto Pisano

Stephen Boyd (an oddly hirsute and ambiguous hero), Jean Seberg, James Mason, Curd Jurgens, Daniel Emilfork, Mauro Parenti, Luciano Pigozzi, Aldo Sambrell

Re: Track the Films You Watch (2009)

05/12/09

Manpower (1941) Dir: Raoul Walsh
Production: Warner Bros.

Classic Warner Bros. ensemble adds some life to this even-by-1941 well-worn plot (see: OTHER MEN’S WOMEN, TIGER SHARK, SLIM, etc.). The setting is the high tension (ba-dum-bump) world of powerline workers, and while the names change, the faces stay the same, whether it’s ‘merry men’, merchant marines, truck drivers, whatever. The film stars Edward G. Robinson, George Raft and Marlene Dietrich and features Alan Hale, Frank McHugh, Ward Bond, Eve Arden, Barton MacLane and Walter Catlett, among others. Robinson is the crew’s foreman, Hank McHenry, and a would-be ladies man who’s really more of a soft touch, while Raft plays his best buddy, Johnny, the seen-it-all misogynist who’d rather hang with the boys. When Fay (Dietrich), the daughter of one of the crew’s veterans, is sprung from prison, Hank naturally offers to help her get back on her feet again. When he falls in love, Hank offers to marry Fay, so she can quit her job ‘hostessing’ at the clip joint she works at. But Fay falls in love with Johnny, slightly complicating matters. In between the romantic entanglements, the crew is called out on a number of dangerous power emergencies.

The action scenes are all very well done and shot, usually involving the crew working in some kind of extreme weather. A fight up amongst the wires in a torrential downpour is a real highlight. Edward G. is good, of course, in a weak role (his somewhat clueless hot-head is reminiscent in some ways of the early gangster roles he was dying to leave behind). Raft usually has trouble doing more than one thing at a time, and here that one thing is barking out his lines. Don’t ask for too much more. Dietrich seems out of place, disinterested--she’s supposed to be a low-class whore who has just spent a year in prison, but she’s way too glamorous (she’s so perfect in TOUCH OF EVIL because the tread on her tire is a bit more worn down by 1958). The fine supporters bring all that their very presence implies, for good or bad (Bond blusters, McHugh is funny, Arden acerbic, Hale goofy). Not a great movie, but you can be conned into liking it if you have some fun with the cast and the scenario, here in the hands of someone who knows what to do with it (rather natural to think of this plot with Hawks and Wellman).

Notes: Claire Trevor was once considered for the role of Fay, probably a better fit. Humphrey Bogart was set to play ‘Hank’ until Raft let it be known he wouldn’t do anything opposite him. The film had a rather notorious behind the scenes history. Dietrich, looking for a little fun knew Raft was the guy to go to, so they had an affair. But when Marlene was upright--she was a pretty sharp gal--she preferred the company of the equally cultured Robinson. And so in a case of life imitating art, Robinson and Raft had a fight on set that was captured by a Life photographer who happened to be there that day. A scene in Barry Levinson’s 1991 film, BUGSY, in which Raft (Joe Mantegna) introduces Siegel (Warren Beatty) to his future mistress Virginia Hill (Annette Bening) during production of MANPOWER, may (or may not) have also happened.

out of 4
-------------------------------------
RAOUL WALSH – “Far Side Of Paradise”
Artists and Models (1937), College Swing (1938), Manpower (1940) , Cheyenne (1947), The Revolt of Mamie Stover (1956)



05/13/09

James A. FitzPatrick’s Traveltalks: Around the World in California (1947) (short)
Production: MGM

The goal here is to highlight what every director and studio since Griffith and Biograph knew--that California has such a “diversity of topography that we may find within its boundaries a scenic resemblance to almost any part of the entire world.” Sand dunes, deserts, vineyards, date palms, wide open ranches, Cali has it all. We tag along on a sightseeing bike tour of Beverly Hills, led by Hans Ort, “the cycle king of the West”, whose beneficence supplied the bicycles. A quick glance at Los Angeles (hard ‘g’ of course) follows, specifically Chinatown and Olvera Street.

out of 4



James A. FitzPatrick’s Traveltalks: Hong Kong: “The Hub of the Orient” (1937) (short)
Production: MGM

To Hong Kong, whose placement at the juncture of trade routes between two hemispheres made it somewhat attractive to the British. When British ships first dropped anchor seeking trade with China, they were rebuffed. When “peaceful negotiations proved in vain” as Fitz notes, “a war followed”, and the British gained Hong Kong, the one-time pirate’s cove. Next a look at the sampans that dot the harbor, and the families they carry from birth to death, including a crazy story that in the old days, boys were tied to the boats so as not to fall overboard, while little girls were free to roam (and presumably drown). In the city proper (actually named Victoria) we get a look at the “ultra-modern” international section and the Chinese area, where over 150,000 live and work in an area of 160 acres. Finally to the ultra-ritzy pleasure resort of Repulse Bay and its magnificent looking hotel (torn down in the 80's), so named as the spot where pirates were fought off years earlier, and an intro to the attractive Miss Hong Kong.

out of 4



The Valley of Decision (1945) Dir: Tay Garnett
Production: MGM

Soapy tale of star-crossed love between benevolent steel scion and his family’s Irish immigrant maid in late 1800’s Pittsburgh. The woman’s name is Mary Rafferty (Greer Garson), and she lives with her father, Patrick (Lionel Barrymore), in the hardscrabble, working-class part of town known as ‘the flats’. The folks there provide the labor for the men on the hill, in this case William Scott (Donald Crisp) and his steel mill. Mary has secured a job with the Scotts as a maid, to the anger of her father, who lost the use of his legs in an accident at the mill years earlier rendering him a bitter, resentful old man vowing revenge. Over time Mary and Paul (Gregory Peck), the Scott son most involved in the mill operation, fall in love. Paul asks Mary to marry him, but she pauses--perhaps too mindful of their respective stations in life. Other pressures conspire to keep them apart, like the labor issues at the mill, pitting Patrick against William and a conniving snob (Jessica Tandy) intent on getting her hooks into Paul for his money. When ruthless son, Willie (Dan Duryea), hires strike-breakers to halt the workers from unionizing, a tragic event stands to keep Mary and Paul apart for good.

While a typically handsome MGM production with nary a bad decision from Garnett to be found, I think the story wallows a bit too much in ‘women’s picture’ excesses for my liking. Garson received a best actress nod for this, for what I don’t know, outside of being too precious with the Irish blarney and having her close-ups photographed in glaucoma-vision there’s not much asked of her. I guess her suffering is heartfelt. This is Peck at his most virtuous blandness. The one time his blood pressure gets up, he quickly stops himself and apologizes. The ‘villains’, Barrymore, Duryea, Tandy, occasionally goose the film into life (with Barrymore the best), but Duryea’s character is weakly drawn and Tandy is too actress-y. Marsha Hunt and Marshall Thompson play the youngest Scott children--she’s good as the brat, but someone should have told him that the movie takes place in the 1870’s, not 1945.

out of 4
-------------------------------------
TAY GARNETT – “Expressive Esoterica”
The Valley of Decision (1945) , Cause for Alarm! (1951)

Re: Track the Films You Watch (2009)

Bowfinger
I first seen this movie back in 2003 when I bought the DVD used at a pawnshop I stopped by. And this is the first time I watched it since. I remembered feeling it was not too great of a film when I originally watched it... so I wanted to give it a second chance. Maybe it is because I am expecting too much from stars such as Steve Martin and Eddie Murphy but I am still not thrilled with this movie. If anything I would say it is a decent movie... but one I just didn't find funny at all.

Re: Track the Films You Watch (2009)

The Dunwich Horror
I blind bought this movie during the horror sale last Halloween... but I never got around to watching it until now. While the story is pretty good... I didn't care much for the style what with the colored tinting on the film in many scenes. And I feel it really didn't age all that well. As I said... it was a good story... but a weird one. And I couldn't believe that was Dean Stockwell... he looks totally different!

Re: Track the Films You Watch (2009)

Godzilla: Final Wars (2004) Ryûhei Kitamura

The 50th Anniversary of the original GODZILLA film was semi-celebrated with this all-star monster bash, which is the best film I've seen from the series. Aliens come to Earth to destroy it and when all hope is gone, earthlings must bring Godzilla back from the Arctic to fight for them. The aliens aren't about to be outdone so they've brought back a few of their own monsters and set them loose in various cities around the world. I was a little worried going into a 125-minute Godzilla movie but in the end this turned out to be the best one I've seen. It has all the action and effects of what you'd see in a summer movie from America but of course we have the added punch of Godzilla and various enemies of his. King Caesar, Hedorah, Monster X, Gotensu, Minilia, Angurus, Kumonsa and Gigan are just a few of the monsters on hand here. What's so fun is that the aliens drop them off one by one to fight Godzilla so lining the fights up like this were a lot of fun and the surprises of who was going to show up just kept coming. One of the all time favorites in Rodan also shows up to do battle but I think he was short changed and didn't get enough screentime. Mothra also shows up to help out Godzilla and I loved his look here. His scene is a very good one as well. I think the film's biggest issue is that it runs way too long and too much is made of the aliens and their attempt to destroy Earth. The mutant/human thing doesn't pay off as much as the filmmakers wanted it to but that doesn't take away too much from the film. The movie is a lot of fun with some nice characters, good performances and some very good special effects. The large group of monsters is a major plus so fans of action should find plenty to enjoy here. Best yet, even Godzilla's son makes an appearance.

Gamera vs. Gyaos (1967) Noriaki Yuasa

Gyaos, a huge bat, flies out of an erupting volcano to wreak havoc on Japan but thankfully that turtle Gamera is available for battle. Yes the special effects are bad, the dubbing worse and the storyline appears to have been written by a three-year-old but the movie still kept me entertained. One reason for this is that there's very little time in the movie where one of the monsters aren't on screen. Yes, both monsters look incredibly fake but that just add some charm to the movie. This Gyaos character is clearly just a wannabe Rodan and you can tell that by his design. The biggest difference in this character is that he can't stay in the sunlight, like a vampire bat, and he can't turn his head. He's also able to shoot lasers from his mouth, which leads to some interesting scenes including one sequence where he cuts a few planes in half. He's also able to cut up Gamera pretty good during their several fights. The big showdown at the end is well worth waiting for and contains plenty of action and laughs. The version I watched was the AIP one, which was released on DVD by Retromedia. The American dubbing is pretty bad and at times gathers many laughs but that's to be expected.

Gamera vs. Jiger (1970) Noriaki Yuasa

An American behind an expo in Japan takes a large statue away from a mountain side and this unleashes Jiger, a large lizard like creature who can spit toothpicks from his mouth. Gamera comes to the rescue but gets beat up pretty badly and also gets pregnant to where he must carry Jiger's egg (I'm not kidding). A couple kids eventually help Gamera overcome his new pregnancy and he heads out to destroy the monster. This is certainly a kid's movie but it's mildly entertaining throughout all of its major goofiness. As is to be expected, the special effects are downright laughable, the performances even worse and the American dubbing will leave you scratching your head. The one big bonus is that the monsters are constantly doing battle with various forms of cardboard towns being blown up and ripped apart. The fight sequences are pretty good even though it appears Jiger can come up with new things out of nowhere. If you want a quality movie then you're going to be disappointed because every aspect of this movie is cheap. If you want a childish good time than this film might be your cup of tea as long as you don't expect too much.

Re: Track the Films You Watch (2009)

Night of the Shooting Stars - I like the idea -- kind of a magic realism re-working of Paisa -- but something about the execution bugged me. The ironic detachment creates an air of forced quaintness, and as much as I liked the characters (and the actors), I never got very engaged. The charming scenes were charming, but scenes that should have been moving or tragic mostly left me cold, with the exception of the church incident. I also thought the use of wipes was rather distracting. Despite these vague gripes, I find it difficult to be too harsh with a film so heartfelt and bittersweet in spirit. Rating: 7


On the Town - When people say they hate musicals, this is exactly the kind of thing they have in mind. Everything is so painfully corny and exaggerated, without any of the irresistible charm of a Singin' in the Rain or a Meet Me in St. Louis. The jokes are bad and the situations are stupid and even the characters aren't very likeable, with the exception of Gene Kelly. A few of the songs are decent, but most of them are blah and a couple are even annoying. The dance routines are uninspired (and goddamnit, another lengthy ballet sequence). And even with the racy undertones, it's all just so gosh-darned wholesome. Besides Kelly, the only thing I really liked was the gag of all the nightclubs having a variation on the same routine. Otherwise, an obnoxious and joyless experience. Rating: 3

Re: Track the Films You Watch (2009)

I'm not sure if you know, but for what it's worth the Gamera series is not made by the same studio who made all the Godzilla movies (that being Toho). As a whole the Gamera films are even more childish than some of the Godzilla films, and the effects are even worse.

Re: Track the Films You Watch (2009)

Yeah, I had known a different studio made them and I was shocked that Toho didn't go after them. The Gyaos character is very, very close to Rodan so I was shocked to read Toho didn't try to sue them. The Retromedia disc had a GAPPA film on there but I wasn't about to start that series right now. I'm going to try and do a couple more of the recent Godzilla films and then hold off on the rest until October. I did hear the recent Gamera films were even better but those will have to wait as well.

If FINAL WARS is really the last then they went out good.

Re: Track the Films You Watch (2009)

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
I just received this movie as an early birthday present.... and couldn't wait to put it in! I been wanting to see this movie since I first heard rumors of it being made. After watching it... all I can think of saying is WOW! I loved every minute of it. This movie is just pure fun... in a way that only can be done by Harrison Ford in an Indy movie. Sure... the majority of this one was over the top and completely unbelievable. but that is all part of the enjoyment of this movie. Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade has always been my favorite Indy movie... but I think that just got replaced with this one!

Re: Track the Films You Watch (2009)

Superman Shorts


Superman (1941) Dave Fleischer

The first of seventeen shorts produced by Max Fleischer for Paramount. This one has Lois Lane investigating the story of a mad scientist who is going to use a deadly ray to cause havoc all over the city. Soon Lois is taken hostage and it's up to Superman to save the day. This was the first film in the series that I had ever seen and I'm going to watch them in order but so far I really wasn't too impressed. That's not to say this is a poor film because it certainly isn't but I was expecting a lot more from the Fleischer boys. I read at IMDB that this was the most expensive cartoon made at the time and I find that hard to believe because part of the problem I had with the film was its look, which I thought was rather cheap. I also didn't care to much for the vocal work but it didn't bother me too much. The story itself was pretty simple and straight-forward, which was another thing that could have been improved. The film does fly by pretty fast and while nothing is above average, the entire thing does stay average and mildly entertaining.

Mechanical Monsters, The (1941) Dave Fleischer

Second in the Fleischer/Paramount series has another mad scientist moving into town and bringing along his giant robots. He sends these robots out to steal money and jewelry, which gets reporter Lois involved but of course she's taken hostage and Superman must save the day. I found this film to be much more entertaining than the first because, while the stories are just a like, this one here features much more action, which makes the film overall more exciting. I really liked the monsters this time out and especially the way they were drawn. I also liked most of the action sequences including the best one, which involves Superman having to use his cape to stop some burning fluids from getting on Lois. The story itself was rather weak and unoriginal but it's good enough to make this short worth watching.

Billion Dollar Limited (1942) Dave Fleischer

The third Superman cartoon from Paramount has robbers trying to cash in on the government sending a billion dollars in gold on a train. Lois of course finds herself on the train as Superman must come to her rescue. This is without question the weakest of the first three shorts and I'm really amazed at how poorly written some of it is. The criminals in this short are without question some of the dumbest I've seen since DUMB AND DUMBER because nothing they do here makes any sense. The thieves want the gold yet they are constantly doing things that could destroy the gold like sending the train into explosives. There's another sequence where they blow up a bridge to send the train off a cliff and again I have to wonder what type of idiots these guys are. Both Lois and Superman are pretty bland here without too much to do. Seeing Superman carry the train was pretty neat but that's about it.

Arctic Giant, The (1942) Dave Fleischer

Fourth film in the original Paramount series borrows from THE LOST WORLD and KING KONG to create a mildly entertaining short. A Tyrannosaurus is found in the Arctic, brought back the New York City where it accidentally thaws out and goes on a rampage. Lois gets caught in the middle of the action but thankfully Superman is there to save the day. I somewhat enjoyed this short just because of how campy various items are. It goes without saying but plot points isn't a high mark for this series, at least not yet, but I found myself laughing and having a good time here. The dinosaur somehow thaws out in the matter of seconds and no reason is given for him still being alive but that just adds to the entertainment. I thought Superman destroyed him too easily but it was fun seeing the large monster tear through a dam and bridge.

Bulleteers, The (1942) Dave Fleischer

A maniac scientist creates a "bullet car", which is pretty much just what it sounds like. Criminals can drive this car, which flies like a bullet, into any building and knock it down. Naturally Lois finds herself trapped by the bad guys and only Superman can save her. I'm new to this series and watching them in the order that they were released and there's no question, even only five shorts in, that they all follow the same plot outline with just a new villain added. The build up is always the same as is the way Lois gets herself involved. With that said, this short was pretty boring from start to reason. One reason is that I was disappointed with the animation, which wasn't anything to write home about. Another reason was the actual story because it just wasn't that good or entertaining. The villain was the biggest problem because it too didn't add any excitement.

Magnetic Telescope, The (1942) Dave Fleischer

A scientist, trying to do good, creates a large magnet, which goes out of control after police mess with it. Soon the magnet is bringing meteors crashing to Earth of course only Superman can save the day. Middle-ground animation isn't a classic but it is mildly entertaining even though we're following the same story structure from the previous films. I've heard a few people say that Lois' character was wonderfully written in this series but I have to disagree as she's really coming off as a narrow-minded fool who just constantly does dumb things to get herself in trouble to where Superman must save her. The animation is fairly impressive this time out with the meteor shower being the highlight. I still haven't been overly impressed with this series even though this is only the sixth one.

Electric Earthquake (1942) Dave Fleischer

Seventh film in Paramount's series once again has a wack-o creating an earthquake machine that will make the city fall to its knees. Lois ends up kidnapped by the nut so Superman must save her and the city. This is another decent episode in a not too impressive series. Perhaps I was just expecting more but so far this series has been pretty middle-ground and can't hold a candle to anything out there by Disney, Warner or even MGM. This film does have a fairly decent story but not much is done with it because of the simple way it is carried out and the fact that it plays out just like the previous six films. The action scenes underwater were very entertaining and reason alone to watch the film.

Volcano (1942) Dave Fleischer

Eighth film in the Paramount series is by far the weakest so far. Lois and Clark are sent to report on an active volcano when the thing starts to go off trapping Lois inside, Superman must once again come to the rescue but all the results are rather lame. There's really not too much going on in this short, which is why it's the weakest of the series so far for me. The movie even has some fairly poor animation including one scene where we see Lois walking through the lava and yet nothing every happens to her because of it. The short also runs about a minute shorter than the previous films and all the action seems missing. There's one good sequence where Superman must save something from crashing into the lava but that's about it.

Terror on the Midway (1942) Dave Fleischer

Ninth film in the Superman series has Lois and Clark going to the circus to write a story on it when a large gorilla breaks loose and starts causing damage. When Lois finds herself in trouble it's up to Superman to save the day. This is a pretty weak short in the series as Superman actually doesn't show up until the six-minute mark, which is even stranger when you consider the short doesn't even run nine-minutes. It's nice seeing him not having to battle some sort of mad scientist but instead just a large gorilla. It's also nice seeing him take a beating from the creature, which was another new touch to the series. With that said, that's pretty much all there is here because the rest is pretty dull. Not enough action to make the film worth viewing and as with the rest there isn't any comedy.

Japoteurs (1942) Dave Fleischer

The title itself should prepare you for the rather un-PC content in this WW2 era Superman episode. This time out the Americans are building a huge plane, which is where we find Lois and Clark who are doing a story on it. Lois ends up staying on board as it takes off and later some Japanese men take it over and threaten to drop a bomb on America. If you've seen one of these shorts then you should know Superman must come to the rescue. This short really isn't too entertaining but it's interesting to see as a film buff because of how Fleischer took a look at Japanese people during the times of WW2. I'm sure many will be offended by the look and talk of the Japanese people here so it's important to keep in mind what was going on in this country at the time. As far as the film goes, it's pretty much the same thing we've seen in the previous shorts with very little excitement.

Showdown (1942) Izzy Sparber

A fake Superman is going around robbing various shops and people but the real one gets a chance to grab him, which leads to another criminal. This isn't the greatest cartoon ever made but it's mildly entertaining simply because it breaks free from the plot lines of previous shorts. The movie mixes it up a little bit and for that I'm extremely grateful considering the previous shorts were starting to go down the same path. What really goes against the film is that the fake Superman is about a quarter the size of the real one so when they finally reach their showdown, it's pretty disappointing because the fake guy is so small and not much of a match.

Eleventh Hour (1942) Dan Gordon

Number twelve in the Paramount/Superman series this time takes place in Japan during WW2. Lois and Clark are there doing something but at night Superman is out becoming a saboteur. This was a minor improvement over a few of the previous shorts but this still isn't a complete winner due to a rather bland and straight-forward story. The story is just way too simple to be overly exciting or even that entertaining because not much happens. The one thing I really enjoyed about the film was the animation and more importantly the colors. I really loved the red tints that were used to show off evil and used when bombs were being dropped. I thought the design of this was very well done and one of the most memorable things in the series so far.

Destruction, Inc. (1942) Izzy Sparber

Set during WW2, this Superman short finds out hero trying to battle some saboteurs who plan on doing destruction at the Metropolis Munitions Works factory. This is one of the weakest shorts I've seen in the series and that's saying quite a bit since there have been several that I was disappointed in. The biggest problem here, as in previous shorts, is the story is just downright bad. It's made even worse here because of how the Superman side of things is handled and all of these leads up to some weak villains and a pretty bland and boring ending. The animation is once again the main reason for watching it because the colors are outstanding so at least you have something to look at.

Mummy Strikes, The (1942) Izzy Sparber

A woman is convicted of murdering a scientist in Egypt but Clark is called over to go over some clues, which might point the finger at a mummy. Lois tags along and gets herself kidnapped, which means Superman must do some fighting. There aren't actually any mummies in this thing but that's not what makes it so boring. What kills this film is that it runs under eight-minutes and the action doesn't start until close to the six and a half minute mark. We get a lot of dialogue telling us what the doctor was doing in Egypt yet we get very little action and Superman doesn't even appear until the very end and it's only for a matter of seconds. The animation looks very good but the budget was apparently too tight for a good script.

Jungle Drums (1943) Dan Gordon

Lois is flying over the African jungle for some reason when she ends up on the ground with a native tribe. For some reason the Nazi party have taken over the tribe and of course Superman must come save the day. If you're looking for logic then you had better keep going because nothing in this short makes any sense. I could go even further by questioning why the Nazies appear to be wearing KKK outfits and I'm still not clear what their mission was suppose to have been. The animation is once again pretty good throughout but this, again, doesn't make up for the rather weak story.

Underground World, The (1943) Seymour Kneitel

The son of an explorer takes Lois and Clark to the Henderson Caves where the son's father was last seen decades ago. Once there the son and Lois are kidnapped by some type of eagle creatures and it's up to Superman to save the day. This film is certainly better than the last few in the series but that's not saying too much. Once again we're treated to some very good animation and some nice creatures, which makes this stand out more than some of the previous ones. What the eagle things are doing is never explained but that's probably for the best as the writing in these shorts hasn't been the greatest. There's some nice action scenes and seeing Superman fight these things was fun.

Secret Agent (1943) Seymour Kneitel

Seventeenth and final short in Paramount's series once again deals with WW2 issues as Clark Kent helps a female secret agent and allows himself to get kidnapped so that he can learn Nazi secrets. For the last Superman short they really decided to pretty much take him out of everything considering he has only one line of dialogue and doesn't show up until the final minute or two of the film. In reality this is a pretty straight WW2 action film as for the majority of the time we have the saboteurs constantly after the female secret agent and of course coming up just short. Once again we get some rather nice animation but all of that is lost with the rather weak story that never really pays off.

Re: Track the Films You Watch (2009)

Cube Zero
Looking through my collection for something to watch I realized I only watched this movie once since I bought it. This is surprising to me as much as I enjoy this series. while there is plenty of gore in this movie... it is not as much as the first two movies. But the first kill of the movie is extra gory... just like the previous two movies. The big difference between this movie and the previous 2 Cube is that you get to see just as much going on outside the Cube as you do what is going on inside of it. but it is a movie I enjoyed very much... a good addition the the Cube series.

Re: Track the Films You Watch (2009)

Tromeo & Juliet
OK... as requested by friend on another forum I frequent... I pulled out my copy of Troma's Tromeo & Juliet. I got this movie years ago when Troma first started to make movies on DVD and they had a blow-out sale on their DVDs for a short time where you could get any of that first line of DVDs for only 25¢ each. So naturally at a quarter a piece I got myself a good handful of dvds. unfortunately for myself... this movie is not to entertaining. The storyline leaves plenty to be desired. The acting is well less then par. But the effects while cheap are entertaining. I find Troma movies can really be hit or miss for "garbage entertainment"... this one for me is a miss. The most I can say about this one is some of the effects are entertaining... and there is some semi-nude women to look at as well. But I really can't complain too much about a movie that I only spent 25¢ on.

Re: Track the Films You Watch (2009)

Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End
This is another movie I got as an early Birthday Present. I have... and enjoy the first two Pirate of the Caribbean movies... but I never had the opportunity to see this one before now. While I liked this movie... it is not as good as the first two. I found the first half to be not very good at all... bordering on boring. But it did pick up in the second half and made it worth watching. As always Johnny Depp outdid himself. The others were good as well. Would I like to see another Pirates of the Caribbean movie? Well... I would definitely check it out but I would hope it would be better then this one. And if it turned out any worse I would be ready for the series to end.

Re: Track the Films You Watch (2009)

5/14 Memento (2001):

Memento is inventive, entertaining, and smart storytelling from start to finish (finish to start?). I don't know how I missed this one on its original release, but I'm very glad I got to see it last week. I'm not sure that the logic is airtight, but the movie plays fair by its own rules, and the concepts involved are fascinating to ponder. This movie is in the select group that generate some exciting, heated post-watching conversations.

5/16 The Shining (1980):

Pros
-Jack Nicholson is always fun to watch
-Some of the imagery and shots are quite memorable and striking

Cons
-Very unfulfilling ending
-No character besides Dick Halloran was all that likeable
-This is very superficial, but Shelley Duvall's face looks really weird. That, combined with the mostly unflattering writing for her character made Wendy very hard to root for.
-Given just what we see in the movie, it's very hard to make sense of what happened. This isn't the good kind of ambiguity, it's just head-scratching confusion. Also, whatever happened to the Tony persona?

I'm a bit baffled by the critical praise of the movie. For those who really like it, what makes it deserving of its reputation?

Re: Track the Films You Watch (2009)

I would say the reasons you didn't like the movie are the same ones I originally had but they are now the reasons I love the movie and consider it one of the greatest ever made. To me this is the greatest flawed masterpiece ever. I always call the movie flawed because there are certain problems with it but I've always found the overall experience to be a brilliant ride and one that is quite different each time I watch it.

The head scratching confusion you mention is something that's always going to be there. I've broken this movie down so many times that you could say there are about six different things going on and in the end all of them could make sense. Some say Jack was a spirit who had previously been in the hotel. Some say the butler he keeps talking to is the one haunting/possessing Jack. Some seem to think the actual hotel is where the evil is. I believe the book had extra stuff about the hotel being built on an Indian burial ground and I think the cellar contained some of the evil but this isn't in the movie. There's even thoughts that it's 100% alcohol.

For me personally I feel something different each time I watch the movie but I feel this with just about any Kubrick movie. I think there's a reason his films are hated when released but overtime become known as masterpieces. THE SHINING was voted the worst horror movie of the year by 1980 readers of Fangoria but by the end of the decade it was considered one of the best and now it's considered one of all time greats. I think the more you watch the film the more it will grow on you.

If you have any specific question about a scene I can try to give you my opinion on it but this is the type of movie where anything is possible. I don't buy the alcohol angle even though King wanted that to be a big thing in the movie. I'd also agree that none of the characters were all that likeable but to me this is just Kubrick being Kubrick. The first time I watched the film I thought Nicholson was horrible in it but now I think the decision he and Kubrick made on the character was something of a masterpiece. Spielberg tells a great story on the EYES WIDE SHUT disc about what Kubrick said to him when Steven said the performance was over the top.

I'll also add that the first time we see the girls is the most chilling and effective scene in any horror movie that I've watched. I plan on watching the film again soon but no matter how many times I see it those twin girls are always as effective as the time before.

Re: Track the Films You Watch (2009)

Godzilla vs. Gigan (1972) Jun Fukuda

Cockroaches turned aliens take over an amusement park that was originally meant to showcase some of Japan's giant monsters. The aliens send Gigan and King Ghidrah to destroy Godzilla but he has some help with Anguirus. After a slugish first hour where nothing happens except for talk, talk and more talk, the final thirty-minutes of this film really picks up and makes it worth sitting through, although I think I'd still recommend just jumping to the final scenes. There's some extremely bad stuff going on here but thankfully a lot of it is bad enough to gain a few laughs. One example is the entire plot dealing with the aliens being former cockroaches. I mean, seriously. Another laughing point is when Godzilla and Anguirus are able to talk to one another. I mean, double seriously. With that said, the final thirty-minutes is where this movie makes its money and I must say it turned into a lot of fun once all four monsters started fighting. The scenes of Godzilla sitting on Gigan and pounding his head into the ground are priceless as is the final tag team where the Big G and Anguirus must battle King Ghidrah. The special effects of the monster outfits are fairly good, although the plastic tanks still look like junk.

Taken (2008) Pierre Morel

A former CIA agent (Liam Neeson) has his world turned upside down after his daughter goes to Paris for a vacation and gets kidnapped. He's an expert of this type of thing and it's going to take all his skills to locate her with the short amount of time he has. If you wanted to pick this film apart you really could because it's certainly far fetched and everything Neeson can do here isn't really believable and what he's able to do isn't really believable. With that said, who in the hell cares? Even though the story isn't that believable there's no denying this is a first rate thriller that will have you biting your nails from the moment the daughter gets taken all the way till the end. This movie has a simple story but Neeson takes it to a whole new level and really makes this film seem plausible. I mentioned it wasn't believable but this never comes through while you're watching the film because Neeson is so wonderful in the film you're willing to go along with him on this journey no matter where it takes you. The movie is extremely fast paced, well made and delivers on all levels. The action is first rate, the suspense is top-notch and Neeson performance is downright wonderful. I can't think of an actor who would have been better in the role. This is an action movie but with someone like Neeson it just brings the film up several notches. Again, you could pick apart how his character goes about doing things but just sit back and enjoy the ride. The film is very stylish in terms of the cinematography and it also features a very good music score to pump up all the action. In a lot of ways the film reminded me of another underrated gem and that's BREAKDOWN, the 1997 thriller with Kurt Russell playing a man looking for his wife who seems to have vanished out of nowhere. The two films deal with a simple kidnapping but both have a great actor to pull everything together so if you did enjoy this film you're highly recommended in checking out the other.

In Old Arizona (1928) Irving Cummings, Raoul Walsh

A rather landmark film was the first all sound Western and it was also the first film to do sound outdoors. Another thing worth noting is that actor Warner Baxter would pick up the Best Actor Oscar for his performance as The Cisco Kid. Thirdly, director Raoul Walsh was originally set to star and direct but his automobile wreck, which cost him his eye, forced him to leave production for several months. As for the film itself, The Cisco Kid (Baxter) is romancing his lovely lady (Dorothy Burgess) while a government man (Edmund Lowe) is out tracking him down. Soon a love triangle forms and one person will have to go. Several review I read had me somewhat nervous about this film but it turned out to be a lot better than I expected. There are many problems and, like with many early sound pictures, the filmmakers spend more time showing everyone talking that they forget to do much else. The entire film is pretty much all talk with very few action scenes. This gets a little tiresome after a while but the ending is certain effective but of course I won't spoil it for you. The early sound techniques are also quite weak as is the cinematography, which seems more like something you'd see in 1900 rather than 1928 but then again they were shooting outdoors with sound for the first time so the camera didn't move much. What really works are the performances by Baxter and Lowe. Baxter of course won an Oscar but this isn't anywhere near his greatest role or performance but he's quite fun. I viewed this film via TCM during their Mexican Heritage month where they had a guest speaker talking about a good point, which is that future Mexican roles, in regards to their speech, all borrowed from this film, which pretty much started the stereotype. I was also impressed with Lowe who was quite charming. In the end this is a historically important film that all film buffs should at least check out once but repeat viewings would be pushing it.

Gary Cooper: American Life, American Legend (1991) Richard Schickel

Clint Eastwood narrates this documentary that takes a look at the career of legend Gary Cooper. Calling this a documentary is a little unfair as the only person talking is Eastwood and he only casually drops in to say a few lines. The rest of the film pretty much just shows us clips from all his movies including WINGS, PRIDE OF THE YANKEES, SERGENT YORK, HIGH NOON and many other classics. There's really two ways to look at this and one is that if you haven't seen any of Cooper's great films then you should enjoy what you see here enough to where you'd want to go out and buy the films. On the other hand, if you've seen these movies already then you really don't learn too much. The only personal stuff really talked about is Cooper's disastrous affair with Patricia Neal and how he changed his life before his death. The Honorary Oscar award, which was accepted by James Stewart, is shown here and was quite touching. That footage makes this documentary worth sitting through, although a more complete one is certainly needed.

Private Screenings: Betty Hutton (2000) Tony Barbon

This turned out to be a very special episode of the Turner Classic Movies series because it was one of the first times the public had really heard from actress Betty Hutton as she walked away from Hollywood and pretty much disappeared. Hutton would get another dose of spotlight years later when a reporter found her broke, working in a restaurant and this is when people started asking questions on what happened to her. In his introduction host Robert Osborne talks about how difficult it was to get Hutton to come out of her dressing room because she was fearful of letting everyone down but that certainly wasn't the case because she delivers a powerful interview here. I've only seen a couple Hutton films but after watching this interview I really can't wait to dive into more of her career. Hutton discusses her years in Hollywood with the best stuff coming from THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH and her relationship with Cecil B. DeMille. We also get a fun Movietone clip where DeMille is presenting her with an award and she mocks his style of direction. A lot of the interview is rather depressing because Hutton doesn't shy away from talking about how bad her life has been and she says it mainly started with ANNIE GET YOUR GUN. She calls MGM "evil" and talks about how badly everyone there treated her and this abuse is what started to make her want to leave Hollywood. Fans of Hutton will certainly find this interview very special while those not familiar with her will probably fall in love as I did and start checking out more of her work.

Private Screenings: Anthony Quinn (1999) Tony Barbon

Early entry in Robert Osborne's series through Turner Classic Movies has two-time Oscar winner Anthony Quinn discussing his life and movies. In terms of movies, as Quinn states, he has worked with some of the all time greats and we get stories about Fellini, Brando, Douglas and Cecil B. DeMille. I was hoping this episode would have been better than it actually was because Quinn worked with so many people yet a lot of talk doesn't go towards any of them. What we do get is pretty good but this is certainly a case where more would have been a lot better. Quinn does comment on what he's doing currently (this was recorded two years before his death) and it appears he was having a great time. With thirteen children, painting and just enjoying life. Some of the movie talk includes LUST FOR LIFE and VIVA ZAPATA!, two films that won him an Oscar. Quinn does talk quite a bit about his personal life including his numerous affairs and why he needed to cheat on his wives.

Pace That Thrills, The (1952) Leon Barsha

Turner Classic Movies gives film buffs the chance to watch classic movies each and every day but they also do a greater good and that's show unknown and rather unseen movies. This RKO "B" picture is one not too many have heard of but it turned out to be quite a fun little movie. Motorcycle racer Dusty (Bill Williams) has a female reporter (Carla Balenda) write a few negative stories on him, which doesn't sit too well with the boss (Robert Armstrong) or his best friend (Michael St. Angel). Soon Dusty and the friend both fall for the reporter and all the triangle isn't going to do anyone any good. This film really comes off as a pro-motorcycle film because there seems to be a plea for people to give the sport a fair shake. The movie doesn't have anything special or great going for it but the 63-minute running time is short enough for the viewer to get into the drama and in the end this is a pretty fun movie. The motorcycle races are all excellently shot and they manage to have some nice tension as well. The leading cast is another reason to watch the film as both Williams and St. Angel deliver strong performances and make their characters very memorable. Armstrong is best known for his role in KING KONG but he too adds some fun as does Frank McHugh who is best known for being Cagney's sidekick in many films. Robert Mitchum's brother John plays the bad guy in the film. Fans of "B" movies will certainly want to check this one out next time TCM plays it during their "Underground" series as it's fast and fun throughout.

Most Dangerous Game, The (1932) Irving Pichel, Ernest B. Schoedsack

A famous hunter (Joel McCrea) survives a boat crash and ends up on what appears to be a deserted island. Soon the man finds a house with shelter where he meets the strange owner (Leslie Banks) as well as a sister and brother (Fay Wray, Robert Armstrong). Soon all three guests are going to wish they were somewhere else because the owner, who considers himself a hunter, wants to stalk the most dangerous game, which to him is humans. It's well known that a lot of the people here were also working on KING KONG, which is a film everyone knows and loves but for my money this one here is the better of the two films and this here might stand as the greatest "B" movie ever made. This sadistic and suspenseful film just keeps getting better and better with each new viewing and a lot of this is due to the wonderful cast with the standout being Banks who really turns his character into one of the greatest villains in film history. The story is very simple yet so brilliantly told that one can't help but feel the creepiness of the characters, the island and the actual game being played. This story has been told dozens of times in film and television but nothing has ever come close to capturing the power that is this film. McCrae makes for a great hero and Wray is her typical charming self. I think the one weak link here is Armstrong who is a bit too far over the top. The film runs an incredibly short 62-minutes but there isn't a single second that doesn't capture the viewers attention and that includes the early stuff on the boat before it sinks. The final hunt is incredibly tense and rich with wonderful atmosphere. The final shot of the film is incredibly well done and one that you won't forget. A true masterpiece of the genre and one of the best of the decade.

Perversion for Profit (1965) No Director Credited

George Putnam, listed in the credits as being an "outstanding news reporter", tackles dirty magazines that were on bookshelves back in 1965. Standing in front of a map of the U.S., Putnam talks to the viewer about all the evil magazines that are turning people into perverts, lesbians, homosexuals, child molesters and various other sexual evils. As you can tell, the main draw to a film like this is just like the draw of REEFER MADNESS and that's just to see how much b.s. they can fit into one film. The film is quite funny because of how politically incorrect the film is so if you're easily offended then you might want to stay away. I personally never knew how many adult magazines were available back in the day so it was very interesting seeing the covers and what was being passed off as sexy then. The narration is so over the top and the stories he's telling are so stupid that you can't take them seriously for a second. The stuff dealing with homosexuals trying to lure young boys was outlandishly surreal. The entire film is a nostalgia trip for those certain people pushing their viewpoints with lies.

Terrible Truth, The (1951) No Director Credited

Short "warning" film takes place in Los Angeles where a Juvenile Court judge wonders why so many youths are smoking pot. He goes to a former junkies house where he learns why she went from pot to heroin. If you've seen REEFER MADNESS, COCAINE FIENDS or any other "message" movie then you know what to expect. You get a lot of misinformation and some outrageously dumb dialogue talking about the dangers of marijuana. It always amazes me at how many lies these filmmakers would pump into the movies just to sell their thoughts on people. I'm sure films like these did a lot of damage back in the day but at least they provide a few laughs when viewed today.

Subject: Narcotics (1951) Denis & Terry Sanders

This short was produced to teach new cops in Los Angeles what to look for but it eventually leaked out to the general public and recently had an airing on Turner Classic Movies. This 20-minute short talks about various drugs on the streets and what type of effect they have on the user. We learn about various sleeping pills, pot and of course heroin. The interesting thing about this short is that a lot of the "dangerous" drugs talked about are now available on store shelves everywhere. Overall this short is pretty entertaining and it's done is a straight, non-humor way. Most of these types of films are over the top and campy but that's not the case here as the filmmaking is certainly better than normal. This was director Denis Sanders first film and he would later make SHOCK TREATMENT, ELVIS: THAT'S THE WAY IT IS and the cult INVASION OF THE BEE GIRLS as well as winning two Oscars.

Farrah's Story (2009)

Documentary is more like a video diary of Farrah Fawcett's as she fights cancer. The documentary starts off in 2006 when Farrah was first diagnosed with the disease and follows her for the next two years as it went into remission only to come back. This is a rather hard film to judge because on one hand you want to stand up and cheer Fawcett for her bravery in deadly with her deadly disease but on the other hand this film just isn't very good. The movie is so depressing and at times hard to watch that you can't really hate it. We see a lot of ugly visuals, which is what cancer is all about. Seeing it happen to someone like Fawcett gives people a reason to watch the film but at the same time I kept asking myself why on Earth would this thing be released. I'm sure Fawcett wants to inspire and help people, which she is certainly doing but I still don't quite understand the need to show her missing her hair, throwing up or going through various, painful operations. Again, God bless her heart and courage but the quality of the film isn't too good. The thing seems thrown together without too much thought of what it's trying to do. Ryan O'Neil plays a big part in the film as does her Charlie's Angels co-stars. O'Neil is incredibly emotional throughout the documentary so this too is hard to watch. I'm really not sure who to recommend this film to because it's just too depressing to enjoy in any way.

Memories and Melodies (1935) James A. FitzPatrick

Extremely well-made and highly entertaining MGM short tells the story of Stephen Foster, the famous songwriter who was poor most of his life but classic songs like "My Old Kentucky Home" eventually made him a legend. Being from Kentucky the before mentioned song as well as Foster are very visible and I even grew up a dozen miles from the place he called home. It was interesting hearing a bit about his life but the most shocking thing for me was how well made this movie was. I've seen a few dozen TravelTalks shorts from FitzPatrick and seeing his directing style here really caught me off guard in a good way. I thought it did a masterful job telling the story and the way he handles the drama was extremely well done. The views of blacks will certainly be looked at as politically incorrect with the watermelon site being extremely old fashioned.

Romance of Louisiana (1937) Crane Wilbur

Technicolor short takes place in 1803 as President Thomas Jefferson (Erville Alderson) tries to negotiate with Napoleon to buy the Louisiana Territory from France. I'm no history expect so I can't comment on how faithful this film is to the truth but I am a lover of shorts and I've seen a fair share of those that deal with subjects of the past. With that in mind, this one here is downright deadly dull from start to finish and there's really not much worth watching here. The one saving grace is the Technicolor, which gives some life to the movie as it looks quite good. Now, what doesn't work is the actual direction, which seems dead from the opening prologue to the final scenes. There's not an ounce of energy to be found and even the performances are very stale.

Re: Track the Films You Watch (2009)

I pretty much agree with what Michael said, and will add this: you're not really supposed to like Wendy, and you're not supposed to "root" for her. Kubrick wanted the audience to be conflicted, to sympathize slightly with Jack and then catch themselves. King's novel has Wendy as a voluptuous sex kitten. Of course you're going to root for her. Kubrick makes her frumpy and irritating. I think it's a stroke of genius, and Duvall's performance is one of the film's greatest assets.


Holiday - I love Cary Grant, and I love Katharine Hepburn but I'm not crazy about either Bringing Up Baby or Philadelphia Story. So I had fairly low expectations for this. But it turned out to be delight. The dialogue sparkles, the character dynamics are very appealing, and the plot develops naturally. A bit predictably, but naturally. And Edward Everett Horton is fast becoming one of my favorite character actors. This movie made me a smile, and smile a lot. Rating: 9


Foolish Wives - Erich von Stroheim directs and stars. In the first role, he comes up with a few pretty good shots. In the second, he's terrific as the despicable Count Karamzin. Unfortunately, the plot is really quite dull and slow-moving. At nearly two and a half hours, it tried my patience. I'm grateful that it wasn't the 8 hour version, at least. It's also rather simplistic storytelling... bad guy screws over nice people, gets what he deserves. I know it's unfair to boil a movie down to a trite one-liner like that, but there's really not much more to it than that. Rating: 5


How Green Was My Valley - One of the drawbacks of working my way through the TSPDT 1000 list (this marks #744 for me) is that there's an unholy number of John Ford films on it. 18 in all, more than anyone else... and I still have 8 more to go. It's gotten to the point where I'm predisposed to loathe anything he does (although I do still love My Darling Clementine), so with that in mind, you can take this review with a grain of salt. A grain of salt would have helped me swallow all this sentimentality and nostalgia that I was being force-fed, complete with voice-over. The story of quaint hard-workin', hard-drinkin' Welsh folk who heartily sing quaint Welsh songs. And when they're not singing, the soundtrack is absolutely DRENCHED in syrup and treacle. How many violins gave up their lives for this film? Ford has zero faith in his audience, constantly telling them how to feel about whatever wonderfully touching thing is happening. Nor does he trust them to accept complex characters. The antagonists have no redeeming qualities, and the protagonists are paragons of virtue and wisdom (one of Ford's recurring problems is that he admires his characters too much). Oh, and there's the obligatory macho bullshit. When does young Huw become a "man"? When he learns how to take a beating and give a beating, of course! My feelings about the film aren't entirely negative, though. I may have been annoyed, but I wasn't bored. I liked the pro-labor stance, and Walter Pidgeon's speech about the hypocrisy of the villagers. And it would be silly of me to overlook the absolutely stunning cinematography: thoughtfully composed shots and idyllic vistas. And lastly: at least John Wayne isn't in it. Rating: 4


Henry V - As a straight Shakespeare adaptation, I fully expected to be bored to tears by this. I even had a "Henry ZZZZ" gag planned for this review. But credit where credit is due: Olivier makes the Bard palatable to a dummy like me. I know nothing about the play, but according to Criterion's essay, much of the fat (and cynicism) was cut from the text, leaving an exciting, thoughtful, and engaging tale. Olivier does two other very smart things. One, he injects the play with a dose of humor. Granted, the jokes aren't exactly rib-ticklers, but it helps lighten the mood. And secondly is the masterful way in which he blurs the line between theater and cinema, opening the film in the Globe Theater, complete with audience reactions and backstage business, and gradually draws the proceedings into the world of reality. And although I've been less than impressed with Olivier's acting work in more modern settings, here he's clearly in his element, turning in a compelling performance. In fact, the entire cast is quite good. And the Technicolor looks quite nice too, although Criterion could have done more work on the restoration. It's still straight Shakespeare, and therefore not entirely my cup of tea, but I was pleasantly surprised. Rating: 7


Fargo (rewatch, Blu-Ray) - "And for what? For a little bit of money. There's more to life than a little money, ya know. Don't ya know that? And here ya are, and it's a beautiful day. Well. I just don't understand it." Rating: 10

Re: Track the Films You Watch (2009)

Supergirl
For this viewing I decided to watch the Director's Cut version for the extra 24 minutes. Clocking in at 2hr. 18min... this movie is a little on the long side. But you really don't notice this when watching. The movie is just so much fun that it seems to be over before you know it. I think both Helen Slater and Faye Dunaway did a great job. Sure there was some parts of this movie that I found to be a little on the silly side... but to be honest that just made it more entertaining and I think the silliness was well balanced within the rest of the movie for the most part. Over-all I am glad I got the limited edition DVD when it was released. There is no extras what so ever on the Directors cut DVD but there is a few good things included on the International version DVD in the set.

Re: Track the Films You Watch (2009)

Tsk Tsk Tsk - even with a weak film, it is not very professional to recommend just skipping to the end!


You can't say I didn't warn you! And I'll warn you again for GODZILLA VS. MEGALON.... I mean, triple seriously.


Not me. I have only seen her in THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH that I can recall offhand, but her over-emotional performance was more than enough of her for me.


I know you often mention when you laugh at something that wasn't intended, so I have to say that I've always found Banks' leering and exaggerated expressions as he's running toward the camera during the hunt unintentionally hilarious.


As for Kubrick's THE SHINING -- pfffffttttttt.

Re: Track the Films You Watch (2009)

Mind provoking comments. I'll have to think over their deepness while at work today. I've discussed THE SHINING with many people but your "pfffftttt" really has me at a point where I'm not sure I can come back on that.

Re: Track the Films You Watch (2009)

In another thread right now in another area you're complaining that my posts are "too long", and now here you've got a problem with a short one. I think you know that I elaborate quite well about what I like or don't like about the movies I see, all the time (you've even told me so yourself privately - and you can just read my reviews elsewhere). I haven't seen THE SHINING in about 10 years, so I can't recall much about it except a "pfffftttt" .

Re: Track the Films You Watch (2009)

Well, I'm thinking of jumping off the bandwagon of Blu and if I do I'll gladly give you my copy so you could check it out again. I still haven't watched a single Kubrick Blu and I've had them for months now. I haven't watched any Blu in a very long time.


Kobe Doin' Work (2009) Spike Lee

Spike Lee's latest "joint" is a documentary following Kobe Bryant during one of his work days. Or, in a more detailed description, we see Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers playing the San Antonio Spurs in a basketball game from April 18, 2008. Lee was given the special privilege of getting to use nearly thirty cameras to capture the action, was given permission to film inside the locker room before and after the game as well as getting in there during halftime. The biggest twist to this documentary is that Bryant himself is doing an audio commentary. When I heard Lee was going to be doing a documentary on Bryant I was pretty excited but the end result isn't as great as I was hoping for. I was actually pretty letdown that there wasn't more here because this really seems more like an ESPN movie (where it played) rather than a Spike Lee Joint. Fans of basketball or the star are going to enjoy hearing his thoughts on playing basketball and even I will admit that it was interesting hearing his thoughts on the game. Hearing him comment on the teammates as well as the Spurs wasn't anything new but he does where a mic here, which gives us some great insight into what they discuss on the bench as well as on the floor. The commentary that Bryant provides goes into some nice detail about his thoughts on all things basketball. Hearing him breakdown plays is nice and Lee jumps in a few spots to ask questions. I think the film might have benefited with Lee jumping in more. The best stuff is the locker room scenes where we get to see some stuff we normally don't get to. I really enjoyed the halftime stuff, which to me was the highlight of the movie. The post-game stuff was nice as well. Again, this isn't your typical documentary but it is interesting enough for at least one viewing but if you're not a fan of basketball then you should stay far, far away.

Movie-Mania (1937) Joseph Henabery

Vitaphone short has Vaudeville performer Dave Apollon playing a know-it-all director who is making a new film that doesn't sit well with one man. Apollon gets to do various things including singing, dancing and playing the mandolin and it's clear he has talent but looking at his credits on IMDB you'll see he had a very short career in Hollywood. I always love catching this type of short on Turner Classic Movies because you get to see a part of history that is all but forgotten. I especially like catching these Vaudeville acts because most of them are very talented yet their level of success in Hollywood is usually very mixed. I'm not sure why this guy never caught on but this short does provide a lot of entertainment in its 20-minutes. The film starts off trying to tell what some would consider a story but then cuts loose and joins the musical category.

David O. Selznick: Your New Producer (1935) No Director Credited

A rather strange promotional short has Robert Benchley talking about David O. Selznick coming to MGM. We get to see various films that Selznick did for RKO and Paramount but we also get a preview of what's to come at MGM. We get to see clips for movies such as THE FOUR FEATHERS, SARAH AND SON, STREET OF CHANCE, DINNER AT EIGHT, LITTLE WOMEN, KING KONG, TOPAZE, MANHATTAN MELODRAMA and VIVA VILLA! among others. This is a strange short because it's weird seeing a producer having a 25-minute short dedicated to him but we all know what he would eventually do at the studio. Benchley gets a few cheap shots in but they're all in good taste, although none of overly funny. In the end this is for film buffs only.

Rambling 'Round Radio Row #5 (1933) Jerry Wald

Wald produced, wrote, directed and has a small part in this short that features The Happines Boys as they try to duck a party but soon find themselves having to witness other guests perform their songs. The Funnyboners, Billy JOnes, Arthur Tracy and various other musicians show up and do several numbers but I will admit that I'm not really familiar with any of them. With that said, I always enjoy when these type of shorts are shown on Turner Classic Movies because it gives me the chance to experience something new. The music here, for the most part, was pretty good but the "story" segments were pretty bland without much life or energy. I'm pretty sure all that stuff was suppose to be funny but it didn't make me laugh and by the end it started to take away from the music.

Meet the Fleet (1940) B. Reeves Eason

Warner short has a familiar story but some recognizable stars that make it worth sitting through. The film follows three recruits (George Reeves, Herbert Anderson, William T. Orr) as they go through basic training and have to deal with their Petty Officer (Robert Armstrong). Reeves is best known for SUPERMAN and Armstrong for KING KONG so there are two familiar faces that film buffs will want to see but outside of that this film doesn't have too much going for it. Even by 1940, this type of story was pretty drawn out to the point where people would be scratching their heads and asking for something original. The entire film is pretty much of mockery of everything that would be going on in the Navy and once again Armstrong is playing that moron that he played in countless films. I love seeing him but he just doesn't have much to do here. The Technicolor is the one saving grace and there's a great scene in a library where the colors really jump off the screen.

Our Old Car (1946) Cy Endfield

Nostalgia trip is the key to this John Nesbitt entry in his Passing Parade series. This time out Nesbitt talks about all the automobiles that have been in his family from his father's first, to his first and up to current times. This series has always been great at taking a look at previous times and making one fond those times. This time out the subject is automobiles and this leads to some wonderfully funny moments including the scene where his mother is too afraid to get into a car for the first time. Another funny sequence is John's first car, which was junk, but he made it up to look like a circus car. The narration is spot on from start to finish and really adds a great touch to the story. Well worth checking out when it comes up on Turner Classic Movies.

Re: Track the Films You Watch (2009)

05/19/09

Of Human Hearts (1938) Dir: Clarence Brown
Production: MGM

In the 1850’s, a minister moves with his wife and young son from relative comfort in Maryland to a pioneer village on the Ohio River. Rev. Ethan Wilkins’ (Walter Huston) calling has brought him and his family, wife Mary (Beulah Bondi) and son Jason (Gene Reynolds), to the poor town of Pine Hill, Ohio. However young Jason hasn’t adjusted well to their new austere life. Much to the consternation of his father, Jason has befriended the town doctor, a drunkard and card player named Shingle (Charles Coburn), who has sparked the boy’s natural rebelliousness with ‘gazettes’ and medical textbooks to read. This exposure to the secular, while already chafing under the stern hand of his father, sets Jason (now grown up to become Jimmy Stewart) on a collision force with Ethan, where he will question both the old man’s values and his authority, with devastating consequences.

This is one of those stories about the wisdom of simple folks in ‘simpler times’. The hardships are put over with a stiff dose of whimsy, if at all, and the key to happiness is good living. So yeah, it’s clearly idealized in moments, but it’s not all sweetness and light. Jason’s oblivious self-absorption and immaturity is almost painful to watch at times, particularly when Brown cuts it with shots of his mother back in Pine Hill silently suffering and selling every keepsake of hers to send him money he’s requested for medical school. This is really what the film is about, this young man growing up. Unfortunately, it all gets wrapped up in a bizarre scene where Abraham Lincoln (John Carradine in odd make-up) scolds Jason, now an army doctor in the Civil War, and shocks his conscience into action, leading to an excessively saccharine ending. Small to be sure, but one of the better parts of the production is the nicely realized village, a large outdoor set built at Lake Arrowhead. The cast also is excellent, although Stewart gets a little hysterical in big moments: Huston (who will later ‘reprise’ this character in DRAGONWYCK), Bondi (playing Stewart’s mother in the first of four films--VIVACIOUS LADY, MR. SMITH, IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE being the others), Guy Kibbee as a miserly general store owner, Coburn, Charley Grapewin, Gene Lockhart and Ward Bond in a small scene, among others. The first half is decent, but once the older Jason hits the scene, there’s a real rhythm problem; sub-plots are dropped (like one with Ann Rutherford as Jason’s sweetheart) and major moments are glossed over, other scenes just don’t work.

out of 4
--------------------------------------------------
CLARENCE BROWN – “Subjects For Further Research”
Of Human Hearts (1938) , Intruder in the Dust (1949)



A Pete Smith Specialty: Penny Wisdom (1937) (short) Dir: David Miller
Production: MGM

Ridiculous, but amusing short, about a hapless house wife, seen butchering a big dinner for her husband and his boss, who is saved at the last moment by the Los Angeles Examiner’s ‘Prudence Penny’, a sort of 1930’s Martha Stewart superwoman. ‘Prudence’ offers up all kinds of miraculous tips, like how to eliminate the smell of onions from your hands (wash with salt), double the juice from an orange (boil it), get rid of the burnt taste from an overdone soup (add peanut butter), revive a head of lettuce (with a bowl of water and lemon juice) and make a dessert by putting ice cream in the oven (cover it in a meringue first, aka Baked Alaska). The Technicolor looks good and the tidbits are oddly fascinating.

out of 4
---------------------------
DAVID MILLER – “Miscellany”
A Pete Smith Specialty: Penny Wisdom (1937) (short) , Crime Does Not Pay No. 25: Drunk Driving (1939) (short)

Re: Track the Films You Watch (2009)

Rain or Shine (1930) Frank Capra

Mary Rainey (Joan Peers) takes over her father's circus after his death but soon finds herself in major financial trouble. The manager, Smiley Johnson (Joe Cook), always has a positive spin on everything but soon not even his fast talking can help the situation. Opinions on this film seem to be extremely mixed and I'm going to have to fall on the negative side. It's rather hard and perhaps unfair for my to criticize the film for the reasons I'm going to but here goes. I found Cook to be an incredible talent here and he gives an amazing performance. At the same time I'd say his performance was too amazing because he plays an annoying character and that's exactly how it struck me. The frustration the owner in the film has over his attitude and actions is the same frustration I started to feel and this really started to take away from the film for me. The first thirty-minutes kept me entertained but then I finally hit a wall to where I was wanting to hit certain characters. Again, it's somewhat unfair for me to bash Cook for giving a great performance but I couldn't help but to have his character on my nerves. The supporting performances are rather good as well and that includes Tom Howard as a dimwitted fool who can't keep anything straight. In perhaps the funniest and most unbelievable sequence, Ethel Greer, a real life "Fat Woman", falls out of a trailer and gets stuck in the mud. The men can't pick her up due to her large weight so they have to get an elephant to do the job. This scene is certainly outrageous and in some ways so shocking that I couldn't help but laugh my behind off. The ending picks up a lot of steam but by that point I was pretty much wore out and ready to move on.

Ladies of Leisure (1930) Frank Capra

Frank Capra's remake of a (now lost) 1926 film has Barbara Stanwyck playing a "party girl" who begins working as a model for an artist (Ralph Graves). The two have an up and down relationship but soon they fall in love, which doesn't sit too well with his rich family who knows her secret. This film starts off with one thinking they're going to get a Pre-Code sexploitation but it quickly turns into a very dramatic love story. I think there are quite a few flaws here but this is certainly the best of the early sound Capra movies that I've seen. Apparently there's a silent version of this out there and I'd like to see it at some point so hopefully TCM will show it. What works best with this film is the performance by Stanwyck who is pretty remarkable considering this was only her third film (4th if you count her work as an extra). She gives a very dramatic and believable performance but also gives that Stanwyck style that she is best known for. Seeing her with that style so early on in her career made me wonder if Capra had a major part with that. This is the film that made her a star so I guess it's a possibility. Graves, on the other hand, didn't have me too impressed as he came off quite wooden and at times I really couldn't figure out what he was trying to display on screen. George Fawcett, a veteran of several D.W. Griffith features, does a very good job in the role of the father. The film still has quite a few flaws and that includes poor technology because a lot of the sound is pretty bad. Just check out the scene where we first see Stanwyck and she's trying to talk to Graves. You can't even make out what she's saying. Another problem is a rather snails pace, which starts to hurt the film towards the end. With that said, there are still some remarkable sequences here with the best being the scene between Stanwyck and Graves' mother in the film. This sequence is high drama at its very best and is reason enough to see the film.

Platinum Blonde (1931) Frank Capra

Romantic-drama centered on a blue collar reporter (Robert Williams) who marries a society girl (Jean Harlow) even though his heart might be with an old friend (Loretta Young). It's been reported many times else where but I'll write it again, Williams would end up dying three days after the release of the film and one can't help but wonder what he would have done in his career had his life not taken such a sad turn. With Capra, Harlow and Young listed in the credits, there's no doubt that this film belongs to Williams. His performance was clearly very influential as the sleepy eyed reporter bit would be played many times in the future and one can't help but see the influence that started here. As far as the film goes, I don't think it was as good as its reputation but it's still a pretty good movie for the time. What will certainly draw most people to the movie is its stars Young and Harlow and both are them are quite good in the film. Harlow's role is pretty underwritten but her sex appeal still shines through. Young is as glamorous as ever but once again the film belongs to Williams. The film's one major flaw is that it's just way too predictable with nothing fresh every really happening. We all know the formula it's going to take and how it's going to end but the movie is still worth watching due to the three leads.



Our Old Car (1946) Cy Endfield

Nostalgia trip is the key to this John Nesbitt entry in his Passing Parade series. This time out Nesbitt talks about all the automobiles that have been in his family from his father's first, to his first and up to current times. This series has always been great at taking a look at previous times and making one fond those times. This time out the subject is automobiles and this leads to some wonderfully funny moments including the scene where his mother is too afraid to get into a car for the first time. Another funny sequence is John's first car, which was junk, but he made it up to look like a circus car. The narration is spot on from start to finish and really adds a great touch to the story. Well worth checking out when it comes up on Turner Classic Movies.

Dirt Track Racing (195)

Sportscope short takes a look at, as the title says, dirt track racing and the men brave enough to do it. The short focuses on a hiring day where at one time five-thousand men showed up to audition but only twelve would end up being racers. The movie is cheaply made but mildly entertaining as we get a good feel of what goes on in the sport. A few pointers are giving on how to do certain things so fans of racing will probably like that. Again, like the rest of the series, things are made rather cheaply and I'm sure more details could have been given but what's here isn't too bad and should keep people entertained for nine minutes.

Famous Boners (1942) Douglas Foster

Another highly entertaining entry in John Nessbitt's Passing Parade series, this one looking at famous mistakes people make. These could be missing the top step and falling or timing how long to boil an egg but end up boiling the watch. The film centers on three events including a sabotage ring in the U.S. that gets busted over a simple mistake. A man serving five life sentences makes a successful escape from prison but they tries to hitch a ride. The first and most painful story is about a struggling writer who spends seven years writing a book on cheap paper. One day he falls asleep and a maid throws the paper into fire but the writer gets back up and rewrites it out of memory. The book would become The French Revolution. This is a very fun entry in the series as we get some nice drama in the story. I enjoyed the writers story the best because it was downright dramatic seeing the maid throw all that work into the fire. Very painful to watch as I'm sure anyone will be able to feel his pain. The two other stories aren't as good but they too are still fun. Mickey Rooney's father, Joe Yule, appears in the film.

Small Town Idol, A (1939)

This 1939 short is actually an edited down version of the 1921 feature of the same name. Warner took the feature version, added narration and music effects and released it as a short and the end result isn't too bad, although I must admit that I'd rather TCM played the original version. In the film, Ben Turpin plays a cross-eyed loser from a small town who gets ran out after being called a thief. He ends up in Hollywood where he becomes a star and then returns home to clear his name. This "version" of the movie has some pretty funny narration but for the life of me I couldn't get over the fact that it seemed like the silent version would be hilarious. I was laughing a lot of Turpin and we've also got James Finlayson doing some funny bits. Ramon Novarro (BEN-HUR) also has a small role here as does The Mack Sennet Beauties.

Re: Track the Films You Watch (2009)

Rating scale A-F
(#) Number of Viewings


In The Theater
01. (A) Marley and Me
02. (A) The Watchmen
03. (A) Star Trek (2)
04. (A) Up
05. (A) Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
06. (A) The Proposal
07. (A) District 9


In The Home Theater
001. (A) Moulin Rouge
002. (B) Traitor
003. (A) Band of Brothers
004. (A) Paris Je T'Amie
005. (A) Forgetting Sarah Marshall
006. (D) The Happening
007. (B) Babylon A.D. (2)
008. (A) Mamma Mia
009. (A) King Kong EE (2)
010. (A) Alps: The Climb of Your Life (IMAX)
011. (C) Caligula
012. (B) Stealth
013. (B) The Last Legion
014. (B) Behind Enemy Lines
015. (A) The Bourne Identity
016. (B) The Bourne Supremacy
017. (A) The Bourne Ultimatum
018. (B) 50 First Dates (2)
019. (B) Resident Evil: Extinction
020. (B) Burn After Reading
021. (A) Transformers
022. (A) Pearl Harbor
023. (C) Curse of the Golden Flower
024. (D) Bangkok Dangerous
025. (B) Doomsday
026. (A) Australia (2)
027. (C) Appaloosa
028. (B) The Day After Tomorrow
029. (A) Transporter 3 (2)
030. (A) Wanted (2)
031. (A) Quantum of Solace (3)
032. (B) House of Flying Daggers
033. (A) Let the Right One In
034. (B) The Day The Earth Stood Still (2008) (2)
035. (A) Pitch Black
036. (A) The Matrix (2)
037. (C) Bedtime Stories
038. (A) The Thirteenth Floor
039. (B) The Spirit (2)
040. (A) Twilight (2)
041. (B) S.W.A.T.
042. (A) The Wrestler
043. (A) Step Into Liquid
044. (A) The Curious Case of Ben Button
045. (B) Indiana Jones: Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
046. (C) Journey into Amazing Caves
047. (A) Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2)
048. (A) Gladiator
049. (A) Valkyire
050. (A) Taken
051. (A) Outlander (4)
052. (C) Bride Wars
053. (B) Bolt
054. (A) Untraviolet
055. (D) Punisher: War Zone
056. (A) Miracle at St. Anna
057. (A) The International
058. (B) Inkheart
059. (B) Last Chance Harvey
060. (A) Knowing (2)
061. (B) 12 Rounds
062. (A) The Other Bolyen Girl
063. (A) National Treasure
064. (A) The Wedding Singer
065. (B) City of Ember
066. (B) Race to Witch Mountain
067. (A) 3:10 to Yuma
068. (C) I Love You, Man
069. (B) The Chron. of Narnia: Prince Caspian
070. (A) Braveheart
071. (A) CutThroat Island (2)
072. (A) Sunshine Cleaning
073. (A) St. Elmo's Fire
074. (A) Van Helsing
075. (A) The Quick and The Dead
076. (A) Contact
077.








Edited by Ron-P - 10/18/09 at 11:10am

Re: Track the Films You Watch (2009)

Spider-Man
I remember the first time I saw this movie. Since Spider-Man has been my favorite superhero I was a kid it is one of the few movies I bothered to go see at the theater when it was first released. I remember initially being disappointed with his web coming from his wrist instead of the webshooters that he created in the cartoons and such I grew up on. But shortly into the movie I decided that I liked the idea of how the movie does it even better then the way I grew up knowing it to be. I thought the choice of Toby Maguire as Peter Parker/Spider-Man was very good... he did a great job with the role. I have watched this movie many times since I got the dvd... and still enjoy it just as much as I did the first time.

Re: Track the Films You Watch (2009)

Rocky Balboa
This is the first time seeing this movie. I enjoyed every one of the previous Rocky movies (sure some were better then others... but liked them all)... but really can't compare this one to them as I haven't seen any of them in many years. What I can say is that I did enjoy it a lot! Sure... it is unbelievable. But that just didn't matter while watching the movie. It reminded me quite a bit of the first Rocky movie. I think it is a hell of a way to end the franchise. I did have a problem or two with it though. The main one being what they did with Rocky's wife. I definitely wasn't expecting that... and maybe it just hit a little too close to home for me... but I would have preferred her to be there. And something was nagging at me throughout the movie. I know I recognize the guy playing his son... but just can't place it. Will have to look into it after this post to see where I know him from. Over-all had a very good time watching this movie... I really need to add it (and all the other Rocky movies) to my collection!

Re: Track the Films You Watch (2009)

OK... I feel stupid... said right on the back of the box where I knew his son from... he is on Heroes.

Re: Track the Films You Watch (2009)

Escape from Zahrain
US 1962 93m Technicolor Panavision
Paramount (Ronald Neame)

A mixed group of escaped prisoners, including a rebel leader, and a nurse they abduct trek through the Arabian desert fighting amongst themselves and warding off unseen assailants.

A familiar action scenario, with naïve politics and feminine interest thrown in: undistinguished apart from James Mason's surprise unbilled cameo, but tolerable enough as entertainment.

w Robin Estridge novel Michael Barrett d Ronald Neame ph Ellsworth Fredericks m Lyn Murray

Yul Brynner, Jack Warden, Madlyn Rhue, Sal Mineo, Anthony Caruso, Jay Novello


Last of the Buccaneers
US 1950 79m Technicolor
Columbia (Sam Katzman)

Jean Lafitte is refused further duty with the American Navy against the Spanish and turns pirate.

Famous historical events are treated in this low-grade production as Hollywood cliché; despite a miscast star, the result is harmless and fairly lively (but also entirely forgettable).

w Robert E. Kent d Lew Landers ph Vincent J. Farrar md Mischa Bakaleinikoff

Paul Henreid, Jack Oakie, Karin Booth, John Dehner, Edgar Barrier, Mary Anderson

+ Other films dealing with Lafitte's exploits were made by Cecil B. De Mille in 1938 and 1958.


The Spirit
US 2008 103m color Panavision
Lionsgate/Odd Lot/Media Magik (Deborah Del Prete, Gigi Pritzker, Michael E. Uslan, F.J. De Santo, Linda McDonough)

A deceased cop, revived and rendered invulnerable to pain, becomes a crime-fighter known as "The Spirit".

Stylized yet rather indifferent addition to the current flood of superhero adaptations; the mixture does not stray from the norm (noir-ish look, tongue-in-cheek approach) and the plot is barely there but remains eminently watchable if little else.

wd Frank Miller comic strip Will Eisner ph Bill Pope m David Newman

Gabriel Macht, Samuel L. Jackson, Eva Mendes, Sarah Paulson, Scarlett Johansson, Dan Lauria, Stana Katic, Paz Vega, Jaime King


The Fat Spy BOMB
US 1966 80m color
Phillip/Magna (Rick Pleven, Everett Rosenthal)

Industrial spies and teenagers involved in a treasure hunt clash on an island resort.

Disjointed mix of two Sixties fads, espionage and beach party movies, with an unsympathetic and unfunny corpulent lead (in a dual role, no less) and Hollywood presences at the end of their tether. Amateurish and downright unbearable.

w Matthew Andrews d Joseph Cates ph Joseph Brun m Hank Hunter, Joel Hirschhorn, Al Kasha

Jack E. Leonard, Jayne Mansfield, Phyllis Diller, Brian Donlevy, Jordan Christopher, Lauree Berger, Johnny Tillotson, The Wild Ones, Lou Nelson, Toni Lee Shelly


Child's Play
US 1972 100m color
Paramount (David Merrick)

Intense rivalry between professors at a boys' Catholic school ends in tragedy.

Intriguing though unlikely drama, with a disconcerting ending in which the subtly-orchestrated malice gets out of hand; well-acted and intelligent, it looks forward to another subversive view of a Church-controlled institute i.e. Absolution.

w Leon Prochnik play Robert Marasco d Sidney Lumet ph Gerald Hirschfeld m Michael Small

James Mason, Robert Preston (effectively cast in a role originally intended for Marlon Brando), Beau Bridges, Ron Weyand, Charles White, David Rounds


The Deadly Affair
GB 1966 107m Technicolor
Columbia/Sidney Lumet

While struggling to save his marriage, an ageing employee of the British Home Office probes into the 'suicide' of an alleged defector.

Skilled, absorbing Cold War thriller balancing the inherent glumness of its plot by caustic humor and stylish (though rigorous) camerawork. The apparent antidote to the James Bond adventures but, for connoisseurs, just as stimulating.

w Paul Dehn novel Call for the Dead by John Le Carre` d Sidney Lumet ph Freddie Young m Quincy Jones

James Mason, Maximilian Schell, Harriet Andersson, Simone Signoret, Harry Andrews, Kenneth Haigh, Roy Kinnear, Max Adrian, Robert Flemyng

+ Among the company seen rehearsing Shakespeare's Macbeth at one point are Corin and Lynn Redgrave; later on, Michael Bryant and David Warner are shown in a performance of Christopher Marlowe's Edward II.

BFAN: Best British Film; Paul Dehn; Freddie Young; James Mason; Simone Signoret


The Children of Sanchez
US 1978 117m color
Camarel/Conacine/Hall Bartlett

The gruff ways of an ageing but hard-working Mexican alienate his large family; even if he manages to move out of the slums and build his own home, he still cannot properly express his love.

Overlong and basically dreary family saga whose striving for realism is constantly undermined by exaggerated situations and, fatally, generates little sympathy for its myriad characters.

w Cesare Zavattini, Hall Bartlett novel Oscar Lewis d Hall Bartlett ph Gabriel Figueroa m Chuck Mangione

Anthony Quinn, Lupita Ferrer, Dolores Del Rio, Stathis Giallelis, Katy Jurado, Duncan Quinn, Rene` Cardona

GGN: Chuck Mangione


The Counterfeit Cat
US 1949 7m color
MGM/Fred Quimby

A hungry cat tries to pass itself off as a dog in order to get at a canary.

Typically hectic, violent and inventive Tex Avery cartoon; still, the fact that it practically replicates the formula of the Sylvester/Tweety matches from the "Looney Tunes" stable makes it a decidedly minor effort.

w Rich Hogan, Jack Cosgriff d Tex Avery m Scott Brady

+ Included as an extra on Warners' DVD of East Side, West Side.


Stuff for Stuff
US 1949 11m bw
MGM (Phil Ragan)

How international trade developed over the centuries and how this eventually came to affect world stability.

Rather dull documentary short whose chief interest lies in the animation technique employed to get its various points across.

+ Included as an extra on Warners' DVD of East Side, West Side.


Agency
Canada 1980 94m color
Jensen Farley/Ambassador/Films RSL (Robert Lantos, Robert Baylis, Stephen J. Roth)

The creative director of a leading advertising agency stumbles upon a plot to promote specific political views via subliminal messages passed through their commercials.

Though never really getting under the skin of its subject - the revelation is rather too casually handled - this modest corporate thriller proves quite watchable, being very typical of the paranoid era in which it was made.

w Noel Hynd novel Paul Gottlieb d George Kaczender ph Miklos Lente m Lewis Furey

Lee Majors, Robert Mitchum, Valerie Perrine, Saul Rubinek, Alexandra Stewart, George Touliatos, Franz Russell