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Reviews
The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962)
One of the Best Ever
This film is still as relevant today as it was then. Brilliant acting in every scene. I typically don't care of John Wayne, but this film (like the Searchers) showcases the one Wayne trait that he did very well - the thankless hero. The unrequited hero. And Jimmy Stewart, but of course is as true blue as ever. The American Boy Scout to the end. And then there's Lee Marvin - one of the best villains ever. And partnered with Lee Van Cleef - you can't do much better. And the sheriff is hilarious - a perfect western caricature. This film is about the last of the traditional western genre that I enjoyed before the spaghetti western style took over. Highly recommend it.
Mildred Pierce (2011)
Extremely Well Done
A fantastically well done series. The writing, costumes, sets, vernacular, and of course the acting are superb. Remakes are often such a disappointment. This one stays true to the story but builds the background stories of the original film characters in a way that's very believable. And tasteful. The actress that plays the younger Veda was perfectly cast. She exudes the same arrogance of Anne Blythe's Veda, yet in a more understated, but still pretentious manner. And Guy Pierce is probably a better Monty than the original. I would say that Wally's casting is perhaps the only questionable choice - but it doesn't negatively affect a brilliantly constructed series.
Death on the Nile (2022)
Death of All Substance
They really blew it with this film. The first effort on Orient was the perfect balance of production value, style and intrigue. Instead of keeping things a little more humble, this film is overproduced, flash garbage with nothing in the way of substance to hold the audience's attention. Zero intrigue. Nothing interesting here whatsoever.
In 1979, my mom took me to see the earlier version with an all-star cast. That film is still the gold standard in the Agatha Christie franchise. This one pales in comparison.
The shame of this film is that it had all the pieces there. If they would've given it more or a Downton Abbey level of production and character development, it would've been tolerable. Sadly, I will never watch this version again.
White Noise (2022)
Boring, except for LCD Soundsystem
Literally the best part of the entire production is the fantastic music video that runs during the credits to the new LCD Soundsystem song, New Body Rhumba. It's just fantastic. More please.
The film itself is a confused jumble of nonsense that makes little to no sense at all. It strives hard for the aesthetic of the period it depicts - and achieves on that level. But the story is incredibly boring. I love Noah's films. So it's hard for me to take such a crucial view of this film. But he really lost his artistic focus here. The material is rich with potential - but he just never finds the compelling angle to transfer the message to the audience.
King Kong (1976)
The Best Kong Film Ever Made
For a 9-year old, this film was awesome. Great special effects and good writing. And Jessica Lange wow. But as the years have gone by, I've come to love this film even more. The lack of CGI and the very realistic on-location scenery and filming gives this film a raw authenticity that all the others lack. And both Jeff Bridges and Jessica Lange light up the screen with their acting skills. And Charles Groden nails the ambitious corporate ghoul. Great script. Fun, scary and emotional. It's still the best Kong film ever made.
The Last Duel (2021)
Outstanding.
I went into this not expecting much. The film started slow, but as the plot built, it was clear this was a superbly executed story with a brilliant message about pride and misogyny. Well done!
Nightmare Alley (2021)
Elmer Gantry Grift
This film borrows heavily from Elmer Gantry, with Cooper as Lancaster and Mara as Gene Simmons. It's well done, but it's not as original as it appears on its face. Great costuming.
Stand and Deliver (1988)
Great film
Such a funny, beautiful story. It's infuriating but also inspiring and hopeful. I hope the film influences students to work hard to achieve their dreams.
The Lost Daughter (2021)
Vague Pseudo Depth
Poor character development. A meandering, pointless plot. Gratuitous sexual filler. All combined with a moody atmosphere. Literary references galore - none of which connect with the audience. It's not great.
Kelly's Heroes (1970)
Greatest WWII Film Ever Made
This film is vintage Tarantino before Tarantino existed. The cast, writing and dialogue is superb. It's both hilarious and serious. The film oozes character from start to finish. The only film that rivals it is Inglorious Basterds.
Tomorrow Is Another Day (1951)
Secretly Excellent
I stumbled across this noir the other night. I love it when I find an unknown film from the noir genre that exceeds expectations. And wow, this one really did...and it's been restored perfectly. Don't pass this gem by because the actors aren't big names. It's almost a perfect example of every noir story arch there is...so well done.
The Midnight Sky (2020)
In a word: bleak
Four years off has obviously been way too long. The hopeless, patent nihilism of this film leaves the audience with a terrible sinking feeling. The reference to "On the Beach" in the beginning of the film is no accident. Yikes.
The Dirt (2019)
Awful
The film is just awful from start to finish. Terrible writing is combined with even worse acting and direction to provide what can only be described as a joke of a film. Not that the band deserves a favorable historical biopic, but the producers of the movie should be ashamed. The movie comes across like a mockumentary.