ClassicMovieGuydotCom Reviews

Say One for Me (1959)

Unexpected Gem

[8/10 · 6 August 2023]

Don't listen to the reviews that say this movie isn't good. It's a delightful surprise. I mean Debbie Reynolds singing, Bing Crosby crooning, and Robert Wagner singing and dancing, playing the bad guy with a tough exterior front but inside he is a caring person. , a delightful musical showcasing, the talents of many including Roy Walston playing piano.

The movie has a good message that you should look out for others and help others wherever you find them and not judge them. The movie has some laughs, some great singing and dancing, and if you serious moments the cost for some reflection. Watch it tonight you won't be disappointed.

West Side Story (2021)

Better than the original in places...some disappointments...still a 10

[10/10 · 12 December 2021]

When I heard Stephen Spielberg was remaking west side story I was shocked as I had no idea that he had an interest in musicals and especially one like west side story which for many people had long been forgotten. I adore the original West side story even though there are many flaws in terms of casting and an even an understanding the words in various songs.

One obvious improvement in the new movie is just the technology advancements that have happened in 50 years. The camera work in this film really allows the dancing and movement to feel more bombastic, more memorable. The open spaces, the grandiose moments feel more grand. The choreography is just unparalleled.

I think the screen writers didn't excellent job in improving upon the original version coming up with better ways to adapt the script to make the movie even more interesting and bringing in some comedy elements as well as physical comedy. Combine that with the camerawork Noe available in modern movies and you have even more magic to the memorable plot.

In many ways the film is better than the original, but there is one big script change towards the end of the Movie... It works but in my opinion it's not better than the original because it changes the meaning and the importance of that moment in time. To purists they will not like it. As my review does not contain spoilers I won't say any specifics but it will be obvious what's the changes if you have seen the original.

It's hard to imagine anybody but Natalie Wood as Maria or Rita Moreno as Anita but a new generation will remember the names of.the new cast and fame will follow them...exhilarating performances all around!

As I rated the original West side story a 10. I cannot withhold a rating of 10 stars...better in many places disappointing in a few spots but overall one of the greatest musicals ever performed. West Side Story is the only musical where perfection is in the music, choreography, and acting...everything is so precise, so coordinated to bring in so many different emotions.

Hold Your Man (1933)

Harlow & Gable Were Never Better

[9/10 · 7 October 2020]

A moving show that shows how people can change when faced with adversity and time to consider the actions.

Contrary to some of the reviews on this site this movie is a winner! The cast of characters are very entertaining and although the movie has flaws it shows what true devotion can accomplish

It's a different movie from the many other ones Clark Gable and Jean Harlow made and I think it has its own place as one of the most special movies they made together.

Clark Gable and Jean Harlow will never better...

All Through the Night (1942)

Preposterous Yet Adventurous

[8/10 · 21 September 2020]

Yes this movie has no basis in reality, Is preposterous in many ways, and some of the characters really have lines that don't make any sense. However it's a murder mystery it's adventurous and it's very funny in places. It has many well-known stars overall it delivers a fun time. This film is not academy award caliber but sit back and enjoy it nonetheless!

A Shriek in the Night (1933)

"I'll Kill Him...He's Already Dead"

[8/10 · 20 September 2020]

Cute little movie...fast paced. Murders are happening everywhere...but who did it? Never mind the rating...if you like Ginger Rogers watch it.

Valley Girl (2020)

80s Musical Reboot - Better than Expected

[8/10 · 13 September 2020]

I think the people that rated this would be low probably didn't live in the 80s and probably didn't understand all the references and appreciate all the musical interpretations from all those 80s songs.

This movie is about high school-the weird, stupid, awkward situations that come up in high school.

This is not an Academy award winner but it is a fun energetic musical. Watch it for the seemingly unlimited musical arrangements and renditions of 80s songs.

It even has a few touching moments...They were kind of forced but hey if you're looking for a good time to listen to some old music and Laugh at all the dumb stuff that people reacted too and overreacted to in high school... You will probably love it.

I don't know what people expect from a new movie like this...it's a teen 80s retro musical...It gave me exactly what I was expecting...a fun time!

Inside Daisy Clover (1965)

Underrated Gem

[9/10 · 23 August 2020]

Pay no attention to the rating. I've watched thousands of classic films and this one holds up as a very good one. Christopher Plummer plays a sinister and cold personality (perfect for him). Natalie Wood is a troubled teenager who catches the eye with her amazing talent and beauty. Her performance is amazing. This movie was nominated for three Academy Awards.

I think the low ratings are due to the fact that people saw this as teenagers but it's not really a teenager movie. It's got moments of happiness but a lot of adult themes.

The movie feels like a story that happens to many teenagers are pushed into fame but they're not ready for it and then can't control their decisions or emotions as they are taken advantage of by the adults around them..

The Prince and the Showgirl (1957)

Underrated! A Classic surprisingly funny and sophisticated

[9/10 · 12 October 2014]

I have watched most every Marilyn Monroe movie and this is on my opinion a very underrated classic! I love that this film was done in COLOR so that it could bring out all of the pomp and regalia of palace life.

So many things could be said about this movie...it is so funny. A chorus girl completely out of place trying to remember protocols and positions but clever enough to know that she does not want to leave the embassy grounds as she may never get the opportunity to return again.

Laurence Olivier is wonderful as a dry and stiff ruler who really has a hard time with scandals, popular opinion, and his future but wants occasional one night stands without any complications...oh boy did he mess that one up!

This movie has so many good parts, so many good lines, and of course Marilyn outsmarts them all. How in the world people citied rate thus movie so low is beyond me.

1. Beautiful colors and cinematography bring this film to life in a spectacular way 2. A wonderful and sophisticated plot which gets crazier and more improbable as the show goes on 3. Certainly one of Marilyn's best performances...she is sexy, funny, conniving, and amazingly clever in this one...you will love how she learns that she can manipulate people to break the tension that was leading to war and uncertainty.

9 out of 10. Could of been higher but the ending is a bit of a let down, but all in all this is a great show and not one to be overlooked!!!

Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)

Some of the Most Memorable Scenes in Movie HIstory!

[10/10 · 26 June 2014]

Judy Garland has some of the most memorable scenes in movie history! Judy Sings "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" as a sad, sad reminder that her family will be moving to New York. When I first saw this movie, I was surprised that it was a HOLIDAY movie, a Christmas movie, because one wouldn't know from the title.

This movie has incredible costumes, color is everywhere from the houses, to the horse and buggy, to the businesses. This movie makes you yearn for a more glamorous time and also a more simpler time where families really do bond and spend a lot of time together.

This is one of the greatest musicals ever made. See Judy Garland in her prime with great performances of "The Trolley Song" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"

This movie was a box office smash, breaking records at the time, rivaling Gone with the Wind.

THE MUSICAL PERFORMANCES Boy, so many great performances in this movie.

Judy Garland, this is her greatest performance in a movie since "The Wizard of Oz." "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" originated here, and has become a classic Christmas anthem. It has been sung a thousand times by a thousand artists, but no one could ever capture the heartfelt emotion expressed by Judy Garland in this movie. The song will bring tears to your eyes as you listen to her sing the song to little Tootie, trying to cheer her up but doing a terrible job of it.

The funnest song in the history of movies is "The Trolley Song" – you will have a ball watching it, and have a ball singing it to yourself in the shower. The fact that this scene was done in ONE TAKE is amazing. Just imagine how hard it would be to do this scene as perfectly as it turned out.

The song "You and I" performed by Mary Astor and Leon Ames is truly magnificent. Just a wonderfully delightful performance with Him as the piano and Her shadowing him over his shoulder. Great harmonies.

THE DIRECTOR Vincente Minnelli and Judy Garland met on this movie, and married soon afterwards. Minnelli is one of my favorite directors. He has a way with the camera especially in capturing a moment in a memorable way. This movie is in Color, and boy does he love to showcase a lot of color in this movie.

SUMMARY Judy Garland never looked better in a movie, she is only 22 years old when she made this movie, and it really feels like she is having a lot of fun in this one. This heartwarming musical is a movie you will never tire of, it is one to watch at least once every year at Christmas (if not more often than that!). Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas!

The Host (2013)

The Most Amazing Movie of All Time!!!

[2/10 · 19 August 2013]

If you hated "Star Wars", love boring aliens that fit in a soap dish with no distinguishing physical features, and enjoy washing poopy underwear than you will LOVE THIS FILM!!!

It had all the elements of the WORST film of all time...

NO PLOT NO ACTION A silly alien who will destroy her entire race to fall in love with a human who is of a lesser species...and oh by the way, this alien has been alive MILLIONS of years and has lived on many different planets but is suddenly ready to FALL IN LOVE with a obnoxious teenager. NO SPECIAL EFFECTS...Aliens fly in helicopters, not space ships, and aliens drive silver cars (WHY NOT INVENT SOMETHING FASTER or BETTER?) SLOW SLOW SLOW...this movies got slower and slower and slower. I had to lie down and prop my eyes open with toothpicks to digest the end.

I could have mowed the lawn and accidentally cut off two toes, had them stitched up at the doc, and still be in a better mood than after watching this movie...it is beyond dreadful.

If you are under 2 years old I would definitely recommend this movie as it has a TON of kissing, and more kissing, and then some more kissing. I think it is really good expose young kids to tons of kissing with random humanoids.

BEWARE...I WARNED YOU!

True Grit (2010)

Waste of Time - Don't Bother

[5/10 · 2 January 2011]

I am shocked by the amount of good review for this horrible movie. The young girl actress was terrible. All her lines were rushed, without feeling, and did not appear anywhere near natural. Jeff Bridges did a good job but there just wan't much to work with in this film.

There was no chemistry between the her and either of the leading men. This at best a one time view. I personally would never want to see this movie again. The girl in this movie need acting lessons and learn how to feel the lines and not just rush through them.

What is the plot in this movie? I struggled to find any bright spot in this movie and it tried to deliver at the end but it failed, and then dragged on.

If you do see this movie, don't expect much, and maybe you'll be surprised.

The Best Years of Our Lives (1946)

An emotional roller coaster...as it was meant to be

[10/10 · 5 September 2010]

This is a long movie (3 hours) but the time goes on by and you won't even miss it. A great cast of 3 men who come home to the same small town, each having to battle to find their place in society after the war.

You will not soon forget this movie. The incredible difficulty of dealing with the after effects of war in injury, in relationships, in poverty, and in learning to start over.

The young soldier who lost his arms makes this movie unforgettable. Teresa Wright is one the greatest gems to ever grace the silver screen. I only wish she made more quality films...the ones she did make, I can't get enough of. "Shadow of a Doubt" "Mrs. Miniver" "Pride of the Yankees" "The Little Foxes" - are all some of the best movies ever made. You cannot go wrong with this one.

Settle in for a long movie but one you will remember for a long, long time.

The Pride of the Yankees (1942)

Teresa Wright Makes this Movie Ultra Special

[10/10 · 5 September 2010]

Teresa Wright is one of my favorite actresses. Gary Cooper never had a better role. How this movie isn't a 10 in everyone's review is beyond me. Teresa Wright is one of the greatest gems in movie history.

Here's a movie that everyone can love from the young to the old. One of the best players in baseball history is raised by an immigrant family. They sacrifice so he can go to college and can have a better life than they had. Lou was supposed to be an engineer until he figured out he could hit a baseball better than most others.

Teresa Wright delivers a masterpiece in a supporting role. The interaction between Gary Cooper and Teresa Wright is something special...full of fun, laughter, romance, and of course the difficult moments when the two have to face the prospect of his long illness.

You will not soon forget the movie and you will cherish and watch it over and over. This is one of the true masterpieces that will always be one of the best movies ever made.

To Catch a Thief (1955)

Grace Kelly and Cary Grant At Their Finest

[10/10 · 6 August 2010]

This movie is one of the highest rated movies on my list. The most beautiful woman to ever grace the silver screen, Grace Kelly, and the legendary actor, Cary Grant. The views of HER are magnificent and breathtaking with her array of costumes and glowing tan. The scenery mixed with the action of this film is beautiful beyond description.

Everything works well in this movie. Cary Grant as the retired jewel thief, Grace Kelly as the reluctant accomplice who through research and cleverness "figures him out." This is suspense mixed with a romantic chemistry that is unmatched in today's films.

The scene in the car, driving through the countryside, when they stop after being chased. One of my most favorite scenes in all of film.

Alfred Hitchcock new what he was doing and he created a classic to last for all time. Suspense, Love, Flirtatious Chemistry, and Mystery, between maybe the greatest actor and actress of all time.

I have watched this film possibly more than any other film and I could watch it again and again without ever getting bored. Anyone rating this film any less than 8 stars is insane! This film is truly a beautiful masterpiece! A PERFECT 10!

Peyton Place (1957)

Gripping Story of Moral Consequences

[9/10 · 6 August 2010]

I have seen thousands of movies and I would rate this movie very high on a short list. The movie does an excellent job of character development and has many twists and turns. The ending is gripping and the reconciliation of a daughter to her mother.

This movie is an excellent example of the consequences of being judgmental. The plot is fantastic. Teenagers exploring their youth and parents misunderstanding their intentions. A community ignoring the outrageous behavior of the town drunk who terrorizes his family. A principal who exposes the double standard of supposed moral behavior of adults who made the same mistakes as their children.

Nominated for 9 Oscars. This is a must see! Well worth a 2 1/2 hours. I would certainly rate this in the top 50 movies I have ever seen.