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Reviews
Dick Tracy (1990)
possibly one of the worst films ever made
As other viewers have mentioned, this film was an interesting experiment in photography. The colors are comic book bold. I think the director got carried away with his "artistic vision" over the look of the film instead o badly needed attention to content. Despite its stellar cast, the performances are lackluster and the story nearly incoherent. Madonna was likely cast purely as a stunt to get pre-release press. A good thing as her appearance here lent some credence to her album "I'm Breathless (Music inspired by the film Dick Tracy)" which was a stratospheric hit (due in large part to the inclusion of dance-hit "Vogue" - which is not in, nor has the slightest relation to this film). I'd guess the major portion of money from this film came from tie-ins to Madonna's "I'm Breathless" album.
If you watch it at home, by end-titles, you'll think "there's two hours out of my life I'd like to have back." Save yourself the wasted time - do not bother with this.
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Better than Sominex!
This movie has many merits, but I come not to praise Ceasar. There is no doubt that the film has earth shattering effects for its time (1968) Hollywood would not see such space effects again until the 70's with the release of Star Wars. People will tend to fawn and gush over this film. Yes, it's artsy and yes, it has an interesting and thought provoking message buried underneath all the dross and chaff. I once taped this movie and fast-forwarded through the interminably long effects shots to find this 148 minute film had only 45 minutes of dialogue. That's 103 minutes of footage unrelated to story advancement but dedicated to "mood." I'm not saying you shouldn't see "2001," You "ought to" see it if you have an interest in American cinematic history - the film is a landmark. My point being not to fall for the Emperor's new clothes. Just because it is touted as great doesn't mean you'll think so. Watch with your own critical eye - you might think it's the grandest and greatest film of all time - or not. Yes, Hollywood has hailed 2001, but let's not forget that Hollywood is not known for its dense population of highly intelligent people. These are the people that bring you an endless stream of Adam Sandler films.
The Wheeler Dealers (1963)
Cute, typical early 60's Hollywood Fluff
A good Sunday afternoon or late night distraction. You can pretty much figure out the entire storyline before it gets underway. If made by MGM we'd have seen this as a Doris Day/Rock Hudson vehicle. Almost as interesting for its take on the earliest beginnings on the (ahem) "career-girl" whose most shocking decision was to put career before marriage even when the marriage prospect was Texan James Garner at his most charming and chivalrous. Given Lee Remmick's modern day interest in feminism, this must be one film she's deeply embarrassed to have made. She did a good job - she did what she was told to do by either studio or director - she's disarming, charming, and feminine in Hollywood's best "we-don't-know-the-50's-have-ended-what-new-era?" style. The set dressing and costumes will make many a middle-aged person nostalgic for mom and the home they grew up in.
Charming, dated fun. If you ever wondered what made Garner a star - here's your answer. Sean Connery's "it" factor without the dark undertones.