CyndiReynolds4 Reviews

Rebel Without a Cause (1955)

One of James Deans best

[9/10 · 25 May 2004]

Released in the mid 1950Õs, ÒRebel without a causeÓ follows one

boy in his journey to find his place in the ever so perfect society

this boy lives in. Directed by Nicholas Ray, ÒRebel without a

causeÓ displays such passion for dark and dramatic characters.

As a troubled teen tries to start over, again and again and again,

he canÕt help but find trouble everywhere he turns.

James Dean, one of Americas biggest icons, finds himself acting

in a film that in some way reflects his life. After his dramatic car

crash ÒRebel without a causeÓ was one of Deans biggest films. It

was an ironic way for for Dean to leave this world. Deans

character Jim Stark was a teen with to much trouble in his past.

His rebellious nature seems to catch up with him in one fateful.

Jim, who is constantly moved from town to town, canÕt seem to get

his parents to understand him. They figure by moving him from

place to another his attitude will get left behind. He canÕt help but

act out against everything! In the last town Jim was in he finds

even more trouble. When Jim finds himself falling for the most

popular girl in school, he also finds enemies. Not knowing how to

control his rebellious nature, Jim finds himself in a very sticky

situation. With his love interest and idolizer counting on him, he

forced to grow up.

ÒRebel without a causeÓ sums up every feeling any kid has ever

felt when ladled as a outsider. Dean does a marvelous job

capturing the vulnerable side of Jim. Deans performance forces

you to feel the all the emotions Jim Stark goes through. It brings

you closer to the characters edge.

This poetic film of danger, sadness, and acceptance lingers

among one of the best teenage focused films. Who knows how

far James Dean could have gone, but ÒRebel without a causeÓ

shows James Dean at his best. ÒRebel without a causeÓ

deserves a 9 out of 10.

Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)

STRANGE!!!!

[4/10 · 17 May 2004]

If ever asked to describe ÒDr. StrangeloveÓ one could sum it up in

one word, STRANGE!!!! Although this movie expresses a great

deal of creativity, itÕs Cold War theories and strategically placed

sexual references may be hard to understand without the proper

knowledge of the Cold War. ÒDr. StrangeloveÓ is not a historical movie. It was not made to

depict the real life events of the Cold War. None of the events were

actual events that happened during that time. Although many of

the movies events have strong links to the Cold War. During the

Cold War J.F.K received a long, strange message from Nikita

Khrushchev, who seemed to be slightly drunk. Although ÒDr.

StrangeloveÓ almost exactly imitates this historic event, the film

was made to poke fun at the nuclear problems America had

during the 1960Õs. ÒDr. StrangeloveÓ may be one of movie histories best films, but itÕs

like pulling teeth trying to watch it. If someone had lived during that

era of time or understood the events the film was based on, Ò Dr.

StrangeloveÓ may seem appealing to them. But for the others not

educated about important historical events and are born after the

1960Õs, they may find themselves asleep throughout the movie.

This film may have been one of the most clever and creative films

of itÕs time, but today it may be lost amongst all the action packed

movies, staring young pop culture icons, with gimmicky story lines.

This reviewer rates ÒDr. StrangeloveÓ a 4 out of 10 for a good movie

during itÕs time period. If shown today I donÕt think it would get the

same reaction that it would have had during itÕs day. Unless you

were over 50 and a huge history buff!

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)

For anyone of any age to watch.

[8/10 · 17 May 2004]

From director and produce Frank Capra, comes a movie with a big

heart. ItÕs just one of those feel good movies, in which anyone

who ever had a dream can relate to. ÒMr. Smith goes to

WashingtonÓ showcases Jimmy Stewart ( Mr. Smith) in his epic

performance as a determined young senator. With Washington

D.C. as the brilliant setting, ÒMr. Smith goes to WashingtonÓ shows

exactly what the United States was built on, hopes and dreams.

This wholesome story of one man and his dream Òa dream for

every boy in AmericaÓ. This is a film truly made for anyone of any

age to enjoy. I guess it just shows that Capra and Stewart make a good team.

The sparks lit up on screen, itÕs not much later until they make

another hit movie together (ÒItÕs a wonderful lifeÓ, 1946). Both used

their craft to the fullest. Capra uses his creative genius to get the

story across through a more cinematography point of view. While

Stewart uses his natural stance on screen, to make every line

come out as if he honestly means it. ThatÕs superb acting!

Although saying the same for the whole cast would be a lie. The movie contained many cast members. There were senators,

all the little overly dramatic Boy Scouts and the many, many extras.

The scenes in which all the senate members were in, seemed to

be most difficult to sit through. The scenes just seemed to drag

on a bit too long which would make it hard to try and get through

the over acting of some of the characters. The little boys seemed

to be most common for this method of acting, they added a little

too much drama! Although the movie had a feel good story to it, it

began to drag on and on and on.... ÒMr. Smith goes to WashingtonÓ shows just how shady our

government is, but one mans hopes and dreams can over see all

of that. This wholesome and clever movie deserves itÕs oscar for

best writing on an original story. This reviewer gives ÒMr. Smith

goes to WashingtonÓ an 8 out of 10.

Some Like It Hot (1959)

This movie is truly funny!

[9/10 · 27 April 2004]

A movie way ahead of it's time, an actress who is much more than

just a pretty face and a concept to funny to speak of, "Some like it

hot" is truly hot. The cross dressing men, the all women band and

the gang of angry Italians, all contribute to the hilarious antics

these characters pull. Between the subjects considered too taboo

to talk about and the amazing on screen chemistry this cast held,

"Some like it hot" surly showed how men can cause so much

trouble!!

Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon play two musicians, that were in

the wrong place at the wrong time. Forced to flee the state, they

jumped at the opportunity to travel the country with band full of

women. Although these two might have thought trouble was far

away, it was sure to catch up to them. Between the cross dressing

identities and the crazy shoot outs, a love story unfolds in the

middle of all this chaos, or should I say two love stories.

Although many find Marylin Monroe to be the one who sang a

provacitive happy birthday song and had many movies that weren't

so critically acclaimed, she seemed to prove many wrong in this

movie. "Some like it hot" showcased Monroe as quite a funny

lady. Her character seemed to some what reflect Monroe in her

real life. Monroe who had been married several times and was

highly known by many men, showed many of the same characteristics as her character in "Some like it hot". Her character

seemed to never find the right man and didn't think she could ever

met some one worth being with. Until she met a very unusual

friend, who she did not expect to fall for.

"Some like it hot" is a comedic movie a lot funnier than most.

Mostly for the bold cross dressing men and refrences to some

what gay characters. This could be the very reason why it is so

great! This reviewer rates "Some like it hot" a 9 out of ten, for

keeping me laughing the whole time.

Rear Window (1954)

One of the most creative movies I have ever seen!

[8/10 · 26 April 2004]

At some point in everyoneÕs life they get the uncontrollable urge to

snoop, peep or just watch people about their homes. you act as if

your window was a movie screen and the movie taking place

wasnÕt filled with million dollar actors, but rather real people with

real drama in their lives. ÒRear WindowÓ is one of the most

creative stories in film history. There is no wonder why it is rated

14 on IMDBÕs top 100 films of all time. ÒRear WindowÓ takes you

into the lifeÕs of seven homes of many unsuspecting strangers.

Who donÕt realize what is about to take place in their little

community. Alfred Hitchcock designed this movie in away, so the audience

would get the same feeling as the main character Jeffery (James

Stewart). Using the same set through out the whole movie, he

was able to achieve this look. Using the camera as if it was the

eyes of Jeffery, Hitchcock peers into each persons home. The

audience then gets the feeling that they are right there in that

apartment with the rear window. Who ever knew by looking out

your window every person you see, everyday, with everyday lifeÕs,

one could come up with such a great story. The cast was small consisting of James Stewart (ÒItÕs a wonderful

lifeÓ), Grace Kelly and a handful of actors imitating interesting

people each with their own story to tell. Using one set to create the

whole story made the plot much more interesting. It seemed as if

the dialog wasnÕt what made the story, but rather the camera shots

from the eyes of one man and his uncontrollable pervertedness of

peering into others homes. ÒRear WindowÓ, which is based on the

book Ò It had to be murderÓ written by William Irish, is truly one of

Hitchcock's best films.

Casablanca (1942)

An all time classic!

[8/10 · 26 April 2004]

Set in 1943 during World War II, "Casablanca" depicts a story of two people that seem to fall in love at the wrong. Among the bombing of countries, the axis and allies and the Nazis marching in and out of countries, some how these two people found love. Probably one of the most romantic movies of all time, "Casablanca" is an all time classic.

"Casablanca", rated #2 on AFI's top 100 movies of the century, deserves it's eight Oscar nomination and winner of three. When it was released in 1943 America was fully entering World War II. While the Nazis were invading France and everyone else trying to move to the Americas, A beautiful film was being depicting a love story of two unfolded on screen. This movie, with it's ever so famously quotable lines, could have been easy for men and women of that era to relate to. As Rick had to say goodbye to Elsa, many men and women of that time were saying goodbye to each other, as then men took off for war.

Some may say "Casablanca" is too dialogued and not enough action, that was just the point. Though it may have been set in a time when action was plentiful, this movie was more about dialog and acting. Just like a great writer, it takes time to understand their writing. "Casablanca" takes more understanding, then the car racing people killing and risque make out scenes of today, but it is well worth the time.

Rick (Humphrey Bogart) may come of as a tough never been in love before kind of guy. He hides a much softer side and only one woman can bring out, Elsa. Elsa is played by Ingrid Verdman. That felt she has married the wrong man. Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Verdman act extremely well with one another. Bogart's scene where he remembers his past comes off convincing as he cries his problems into a bottle of alcohol.

Although not much action shots are seen among this movie to make it amazing, the story itself comes off interesting. Taking the time out to understanding "Casablanca" may make the film more enjoyable than it seems. This romantic movie set in the time of war comes out to be one of the best or well known movies of all time. Whether you've seen it or not, you've probably heard of it. Maybe this could be why "Casablanca" is such an highly acclaimed film.

Planes, Trains & Automobiles (1987)

What a funny movie! They just don't make them like that anymore

[7/10 · 25 January 2004]

What is a more funny movie, then one with both Steve Martin and John Candy, `Planes, Trains and Automobiles,' kept me laughing the whole time. There's no better way to explain Martin and Candy, but truly funny. They are the ultimate odd couple. The up tight Neal Page (Martin) is a workaholic, just trying to see his family for Thanksgiving. When he runs into Del Grifith (John Candy), Neil learns to laugh and unwind. They couldn't be more wrong for each other. Through all the busyness of New York, it's ironic how two opposite people could possibly meet each other and become friends. Especially when they are so different and couldn't like one another any less. Del is a carefree, easy going, curtain ring sales men, that seems to have no problems in life. Though he hides one tearful secret, he keeps you laughing until the end.

When Neal is in such a hurry to get home for Thanksgiving with his family, he just has to have everything go wrong. It doesn't help that Neal is an overly obsessive, business man with no other purpose in life but to work and go home. After several attempts to never see each other again, Del and Neal learn to spend their trip together. After hopping from planes, trains and automobiles, a simple trip soon turns into quite an adventure, for the two odd friends. The fine acting and natural raw comedy between Martin and Candy adds an addicting appeal to the movie. The movie is rated R for the language that the characters use through the entire movie. Although that is what makes the movie so funny. It's a great ****ing movie! The film would probably appeal more towards an older audience because of the `intense' language used, though the film still holds a wholesome quality about it. It's a warm hearted film with lots to laugh about. The laughter of the film keeps you drawn in until the end, when the more serious nature of the film is displayed. `Planes, Trains and Automobiles' deserves a 7 out of 10.

It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

An enjoyable family film with a wholesome message.

[8/10 · 25 January 2004]

`It's a wonder life,' is a truly perfect name for quite a perfect film! There is no doubt that this movie is made for any stressed out, overly depressed and wants to give up on life too soon, kind of person. Don't be scared though, this movie isn't depressingly sad or makes you want to go home and slit your wrest. `It's a wonderful life,' is quiet happy and funny for the most part. The film is very straightforward and doesn't leave a complicated mess for you to figure out. `It's a wonderful life' stars, Jimmy Stewart, Donna Reed and Lionel Barrymore. Frank Capra, the director and producer of the film, does a great job getting the point of the film across to audiences. The title describes itself fully, `wonderful.' The film takes place, for the most part during the great depression and takes you through many time periods. George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) is an upbeat, funny character, for the most part of the movie. George is known by everyone in the town and is well respected. Since growing up there is whole life, it was natural for him to want to get out. Traveling from place to place without a care in the world was his dream. Until he met his future wife, Mary Bailey (Donna Reed). At a school dance, Mary and George instantly fell in love as they spotted each other from across the floor. Though it wasn't until three years later when they got married. They went on to have a family and live in a big and beautiful house, though George wasn't too happy. Things weren't going too well for him, one Christmas eve night. I guess you could say things took a turn for the worst and it took one big wish for him to realize, what he had was what he needed! Released in 1946, right after WWII, `It's a wonderful life' was a nice family film everyone could enjoy, especially after such a tragic time in history. Its message gave such a positive outlook on even the most bittersweet events in history. By taking a regular guy, in a little town and giving him problems most people could relate to, the film adapted well with audiences. Besides the fantastic story line, the cast added an amazing appeal to the film. This is a cast that complements each other easily. Jimmy Stewart is a profound actor. He sucks you into the movie so well and brings George Bailey to life. Donna Reed is a delight with her performance. She plays the perfect part as George's wife, Mary. This reviewer loves the cast ensemble and the chemistry flows great on screen. `It's a wonderful life' gives a good look into what Christmas should be about. It's about family and appreciating what you have. It's an old classic with a lot to tell. This movie is an enjoyable family film for all ages. This review gives `It's a wonderful life' an 8 out of 10.

Hannah and Her Sisters (1986)

Woody Allens real life plays a big part in the movie.

[4/10 · 20 January 2004]

A classic Woody Allen film! `Hanna and her Sisters' is of course naturally BORING! With Woody Allen directing and starring in the movie, I guess he had to add pieces of his life in the film. That's what got me laughing most of the time. It wasn't the actual story line, it was things like the first few opening jokes were about child molestation. I guess you wouldn't find it funny unless you knew about Woody Allens real life. `Hanna and her Sisters' stars, Woody Allen (of course!), Barbra Hershey, Carey Fisher, Michael Caine, Julie Louise Drifse and Mia Ferrow. The movie is pretty self explanatory, it's about Hanna (Mia Ferrow) and her sisters April (Carey Fisher) and Lee (Barbra Hershey). April is the crazy pot head, drunk, that can't seem to keep her head on straight and has the worst luck in men. Lee, well she can't seem to keep her hands off Hanna's husband, Elliot (Michael Caine). Hanna was married to the crazy, New Yorker, Mickey (Woody Allen) but is now married to Elliot who loves her dearly, but has an ongoing affair with Lee. Can you say....'screwed up family'!!!! The movie was dry for the most part and wasn't funny at all. It drags you along like road kill stuck to the tire of a car, you could possibly fall asleep, if it wasn't for the annoying cast that brought such great appeal to the film.... NOT!!!! It's hard to say any good came out of this film. All it's about is a family that pretty much has some sort of sexual relationship to one another. Kind of gross, but I guess incest is the sort of thing that appeals to Woody Allen! This reviewer is being very nice by giving `Hanna and her sisters' 4 out of 10!

It's a Wonderful Life (1946)

"It's a wonderful life" is a truly perfect name for quite a perfect film.

[8/10 · 20 January 2004]

`It's a wonderful life,' is a truly perfect name for quite a perfect film! There is no doubt that this movie is made for any stressed out, overly depressed and wants to give up on life too soon, kind of person. Don't be scared though, this movie isn't depressingly sad or makes you want to go home and slit your wrest. `It's a wonderful life,' is quiet happy and funny for the most part. The film is very straightforward and doesn't leave a complicated mess for you to figure out. `It's a wonderful life' stars, Jimmy Stewart, Donna Reed and Lionel Barrymore. Frank Capra, the director and producer of the film, does a great job getting the point of the film across to audiences. The title describes itself fully, `wonderful.' The film takes place, for the most part during the great depression and takes you through many time periods. George Bailey (Jimmy Stewart) is an upbeat, funny character, for the most part of the movie. George is known by everyone in the town and is well respected. Since growing up there is whole life, it was natural for him to want to get out. Traveling from place to place without a care in the world was his dream. Until he met his future wife, Mary Bailey (Donna Reed). At a school dance, Mary and George instantly fell in love as they spotted each other from across the floor. Though it wasn't until three years later when they got married. They went on to have a family and live in a big and beautiful house, though George wasn't too happy. Things weren't going too well for him, one Christmas eve night. I guess you could say things took a turn for the worst and it took one big wish for him to realize, what he had was what he needed! Released in 1946, right after WWII, `It's a wonderful life' was a nice family film everyone could enjoy, especially after such a tragic time in history. Its message gave such a positive outlook on even the most bittersweet events in history. By taking a regular guy, in a little town and giving him problems most people could relate to, the film adapted well with audiences. Besides the fantastic story line, the cast added an amazing appeal to the film. This is a cast that complements each other easily. Jimmy Stewart is a profound actor. He sucks you into the movie so well and brings George Bailey to life. Donna Reed is a delight with her performance. She plays the perfect part as George's wife, Mary. This reviewer loves the cast ensemble and the chemistry flows great on screen. `It's a wonderful life' gives a good look into what Christmas should be about. It's about family and appreciating what you have. It's an old classic with a lot to tell. This movie is an enjoyable family film for all ages. This review gives `It's a wonderful life' an 8 out of 10.

Citizen Kane (1941)

Though it was one of the greatest movies of all time I didn't find it so interesting

[6/10 · 17 November 2003]

According to many this is the best motion picture made. Staring Orson Welles who also directed and wrote the story. This is pretty incredible considering that he had never even set foot on a stage before. I guess you could say that he is a genius at that. This interesting story takes on from the beginning. With its incredible lighting and shading techniques and the great way the beginning of the film fades from one photographic shot to another, as if each picture was blending into each other, this film was surely ahead of its time. `Citizen Kane' also introduced, to its audience, how much of an effect wealth can have over idealism. The narrative techniques add a great deal to the film, it laid out the films setting for you.

The camera starts at a fence with a sign that states no trespassing, then slowly fades into a barbed- wire fence, and lastly to an iron fence with iron flowers. Kane's estate, Xavier, stands upon its man made hill surrounded by its lush landscape and a zoo as big as Noah's Arc. The camera, disobeying the sign, creeps past the castles gates and into the yard showing incredible shots of the surroundings of the castle. Each photograph fades into one another bringing you closer to the castle.

Suddenly the camera reaches a window with the light on that gets turned off. The shot fades to a hand holding small snow globe, unexpectedly the man whispers `rosebud' the snow globe drops and pieces of glass and water fly everywhere. Later a woman covers the mans body as if he had died. This first scene sets the rest of movie. It shows what a powerful man Kane was. Across the world newspapers and radios were reporting this mans sudden death.

Although Welles work was great, along with most films, it had its side of controversy. `Citizen Kane' was a movie strangely parallel to William Randolph Hearst's life. Hearst was known for his great writing on the Spanish-American war. His type of journalism was known as yellow journalism. Hearst felt the film was a plagiarism of his own career and wanted RKO to burn every copy and negatives they have of `Citizen Kane.'

Orson Welles starred in, wrote, and directed `Citizen Kane.' Though he never made a movie or starred in one, he was commended for his outstanding work. He added much power and brilliance in this movie, which caused much controversy. Though the film in its time was great and still today rated as one of the greatest movies of all time. This reviewer gives it a six out of ten, just because it seemed like the greatest part of the movie was its cinematography. I didn't find the movie line very interesting, but if you're an old film loving kind of person, this might be the movie for you.

The Searchers (1956)

Not the action filled western most think of, but heart felt.

[7/10 · 3 November 2003]

"The Searchers", it's a name used in more than just one sense, an old western with a racial twist, staring John Wayne, Jeffery Hunter, Vera Miles, Ward Bond and Natalie Wood. This cast ensemble stars very impressionable performances by its collection of great actors. Especially John Wayne's performance as a prejudice Ethan Edwards, which he portraits well. Jeffery Hunter and the other cast members complement each other in their acting abilities. They tie in a more comical sense of relief, which off sets the seriousness John Wayne's character brings to the screen.

John Wayne plays Ethan Edwards,who is sent out to look for his niece Debbie, along with her brother Martin played by Jeffery Hunter. She has been captured by a tribe of Indians called the Comanches and Ethan and Martin are determined to find her no matter it takes. Over a period of five long years Ethan and Martin travel the west, fighting cold winters and hot deserts looking for the tribe. Along the way things start to get rough. As they follow every clue they can get Martin finds himself in a mess of troubles, which lands him with an unexpected wife and has his girlfriend thinking of marrying someone else. As Ethan and Martin continue on their quest, many changes seem to arise, one being the fact that Ethan is prejudice and is out, not necessarily to bring Debbie home alive, now that she is one of them. This long tedious trip leads them to her in the end, but not with out a good old fashioned, western shoot out. John Wayne plays a good Ethan Edwards, as a prejudice and wise cracking cowboy. He is the tough one, who always seems to have something up his sleeve and rarely cracks a smile, but will come through in the end. Wayne seems to be the perfect star for the part. Although you might expect a more hard core part by Wayne, there's not too many big shoot outs. Jeffery Hunter plays the part of Debbie's brother, Martin. Hunter's character is a more sad and not so rough around the edges, kind of boy. Which eases the roughness Wayne's character brings. The whole story isn't as action packed as most westerns. There is one big shoot out, but not until the end of the film. The story lines are alright, there were some dry parts of the film that maybe could have used action in it. This is mostly why this reviewer gave "The Searchers" a 7 out of 10.