I've struggled for over one week to sign into a new and updated blogging system, finally it popped up for me, only to realize that my backspace key was broken on my keyboard. Have you ever tried to type without it? Madness. So I'm a bit late getting out the July report, and I've more than two dozen films to review--mostly classics, because I don't like paying for the new films on Prime (they're never that good and I'm already paying $120 a month for mostly Prime/Netflix/Hulu/HBO etc.
HAMILTON--The month started out watching the Disney channel offering of the filmed Broadway play at a friend's home who had sprung the extra for the service. Written and starring Lin-Manuel Miranda, the film is a complex and involving version of the Ron Chernow biography with lots of pop, rap and ballads that memorably progress the story, and don't forget the dancing and choregraphy. This is a history lesson for the masses, and the film moves like gangbusters. Fortunately we all opted for English subtitles to help follow the dialogue and lyrics. Still, as much as I enjoyed the experience, I look forward to seeing it again because there is much to enjoy, even if this is not really a cinematic experience. GRADE----B+
OLD GUARD--Charlize Theron stars in this action fantasy film based on a graphic novel, about a tight knit of "revolutionary mercinaries" who travel the world doing good for democracy, and they cannot die--their bodies heal themselves. A new young woman is discovered in the army and recruited to the team (she survives a slit throat!), and it is soon discovered that eternal life (such a drag!) is coming to an end for some of the older members. A subplot romantically centers on two men who've lived together as lovers for centuries--perhaps a first for a superhero action movie. The film clearly sets up a potential sequel for many adventure stories to come, and that's OK with me. GRADE----------B
RADIOACTIVE 2019--From Amazon/Prime comes a biographical story of Madame Curie (Rosamond Pike) and her life and husband (Sam Riley). She manages to poison herself (and her husband) with Uranium, but not before she collects two Nobel prizes for chemistry. Despite good performances, the film seems rather dull and typical. GRADE----------------B-
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Nearly everything else I viewed was an older film (can't wait for theatres to reopen) viewed on DVD or on the Peacock network, which makes you watch 2 minutes of commercials at the start of the film you've chosen, but then is commercial free from beginning to end!
DESTRY RIDES AGAIN 1939--There are several prequels and sequels and remakes to this popular story, although I'd never seen any of them, but this version features James Stewart and Marlene Dietrich at their greatest. Everything works so well in this classic western, which spoofs toxic masculinity with a gunless Stewart perfering milk to whiskey, and a knock out fight between two women that was apparently bruising for both women Dietrich and Una Merkel. Dietrich gets to sing several bawdy songs including "See What the Boys in the Back Room Will Have". The late Madeline Kahn spoofs that performance so effectively in BLAZING SADDLES--just about the only thing I remember from that movie. GRADE--------------A
THE LADY VANISHES 1939---One of Hitchcock's best British sound film--this has a better plot than the remake I saw earlier in the month even if they followed the book accurately. Many of these characters have their tongue in cheek--I especially enjoy the banter with the two cricket fans trying to get back home for the final matches. GRADE---------A
WRITTEN ON THE WIND 1956--This classic Douglas Sirk directed melodrama is memorable for mainly two reasons--Dorothy Malone won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her slutty role as the frustrated daughter of a rich tycoon--she loves family friend Rock Hudson, but her alcohlic brother (Robert Stack) has snapped up in sudden marriage plain secretary Lauren Bacall (who plays so understatedly as to come across as a zombie) and that's who Rock wanted first! and wants still! The second reason that the film comes across so vividly is the snappy, sarcastic, pithy dialogue: "I'll get you another towel--you're still wet behind the ears." "Pardon me while I brush you out of my hair." "I'm allergic to politeness." "You've got an axe buried in Kyle's head and you're grinding it at the same time." And this clever exchange between Rock Hudson and Lauren Bacall----"To hell with the Hadleys!" "Well I'm a Hadley." "To me you're not!" "I respect MY marriage." "So do I!" In love but they cannot consumate--such passion! As in last month's blog about Sirk's IMITATION OF LIFE, there's a riviting and intelligent thrust to these tortured character's lives. GRADE---------A-
BATTLEGROUND 1949--Here's a subtle {!} WW2 film that I put off watching for a couple years, so maybe my lower expectations elevated the film for me, but the story about a group of G.I.s involved in the Battle of the Bulge reminded me of the recent DUNKIRK and 1918 films in it's emphasis on character development and low key shocks that keep you in engaged. Most of the fine actor are much younger than you may ever remember them being: James Whitmore, Van Johnson, Ricardo Montaban, John Hodiak, Leon Ames, Richard Jaeckel, Jim Arness and others. The film was nominated for 6 Oscars (including Best Picture) and it won for best black and white cinematography (crisp and effective) and best story and script GRADE----------------A- (concise and nuanced.)
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NEVADA SMITH 1966--Steve McQueen plays an Indian half breed young man seeking revenge for the senseless murder of his mother and father. At first he is driven by anger but taken under the wing of Brian Keith he learns to control and sharpen his skills, while others teach him forgiveness or try to take advantage of his naivety. Fine cast includes Karl Malden, Arthur Kennedy, Suzanne Pleshete, Martin Landau and others. Directed by Henry Hathaway, a longtime movie western master.. --
GRADE----------B+
LOGAN LUCKY--2017--This quirky Southern comedy directed by Steven Soderberg about a big time robbery of a Nascar race track features a delightful turn by Daniel Craig as a prisoner who escapes prison for just one day (don't ask) to help two brothers (Channing Tatum and Adam Driver) do the job. There are a lot of holes and coincidences in the plot, but it's a fun "popcorn" watch. GRADE-------B
WISTFUL DRINKING--2010--It was a stage play, and then a book, and then a filmed stage play based on the life of writer and actor Carrie Fisher. She discusses her parents (Eddie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds) and their divorcee, and Liz Taylor, and Paul Simon, and drugs, and STAR WARS times 5 (or 6) and other business from her life, and she's really funny and informative. At one point she shows a large bulletin board with some two dozen famous faces to help you follow the crazy mixed up relationships that helped cause her addictions. Very smart. GRADE--------B
BRIGHT LIGHTS: STARRING CARRIE FISHER AND DEBBIE REYNOLDS--2016--This documentary makes a good double feature with WISTFUL DRINKING above. It shows the dependence of Carrie and Debbie, and features other family members, memories, showbiz struggles, relationship mishaps, and is a fitting memorial to Debbie Reynolds and her career. This was the last film that either woman made, and it ends with a Life Time Achievement Award given to Reynolds. Both women are funny and interesting, especially to any movie buff. GRADE--------B
THE MAJOR AND THE MINOR 1942--One of Billy Wilder's earliest films as director, but he didn't write this one. Ginger Rogers dresses as a 12 year old to save on train fare, and meets Major Ray Milland causing chaos when people think he's romantically involved with this young girl. There are some laughs but it may be hard to believe that Rogers can be looking so young and get away with it. GRADE---------------B
THE FRONT PAGE 1974--Billy Wilder's remake of this play from the 1931 and a remake of HIS GIRL FRIDAY, this play hits on many script one liners, and the cast is entertaining. Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthew, Austin Pendleton, Carol Burnett, Susan Sarandon, and others were all very fine. Grade----------B
Rock Hudson made 8 films with Douglas Sirk. I happened to buy a collection of Sirk films, three of them with Hudson. At another time I bought a Hudson comedy collection with 6 titles, and another collection of Rock Hudson films of 2 comedies and 3 dramas, plus several years ago I bought the 3 pack of Hudson and Doris Day---so suddenly I had 17 Hudson starring titles. And somewhere in my 2 thousand or so personal collection I probably have several other odd titles, hence a lot of Rock this month as I work to catch up on seeing them all. The following six entries are all Hudson films, and all are rated a solid "B" rating---most of them are slight but entertaining.
COME SEPTEMBER--1961 This clever comedy has Rock as a rich executive who owns a modest castle in Italy where he comes with his mistress/girlfriend (Gina Lollobrigida) for the month of September to relax. One year he arrives several weeks only to discover that his faithful friend and man servant cconverts this mini mansion to a bed and breakfast the rest of the year to help pay for upkeep and fixes. Walter Slezak is the sly managment, and Bobby Darin and Sandra Dee are part of the guests that keep this "hotel" full of tourist. Hudson becomes a father figure to the young couple and Gina and Rock have some chemistry as the "older" couple who find themselves surrounded by 20 teens. GRADE-----B
STRANGE BEDFELLOWS 1965--Rock and Gina Lollobridga (again) marry suddenly, but within a few weeks split up due to major differences. Seven years later they meet to divorce, but realize a strong sexual connection, and try again. There's an amusing subplot involving a new job potential and a conservative friend (Gig Young) and Gina looks great in a Lady Godiva outfit. Modestly amusing. GRADE---B
BLINDFOLD 1966--This time Rock meets Claudia Cardinale who is trying to find her brother, kidnaped by business spies for his secrets. The mood here is lightweight but full of mystery and chases through a croc infested swamp. Sometimes thats an odd mixture, but still fun to watch. GRADE----B
TAZA SON OF COCHISE 1954--This Douglas Sirk western has Rock trying to head a peaceful coexistence with the white man, but Geronimo has other plans. Barbara Rush is the girl he wants to marry--but that is against her father's wishes. His brother also causes trouble for Rock. Unfortunately, the top four Indian roles are played by white actors--but it is to Sirk's credit that they do fairly well and believeably keep the action scenes moving. Friends for many years after this film, the two leads would joke and call each other "Taza" and "Oona" when ever they met. GRADE----B
CAPT. LIGHTFOOT--1955--A period costume swashbuckler directed by Douglas Sirk, Rock is dashing as a revolutionary Irishman, with Barbara Rush again as the love interest, and Jeff Morrow. Beautifully filmed on location in Ireland. GRADE---------B
MAN'S FAVORITE SPORT 1964--Perhaps my least favorite Hudson comedy, but the film looks good in vivid technicolor, and Paula Prentiss has some funny moments with her odd quirky dialogue, but the plot i an old chestnut of a popular sporting goods salesman who's an expert at fishing equipment and advice, but he' s never been fishing before in his life! Now his company wants him to go to the big lake and fish in the competition. GRADE---------B-
THUNDER ON THE HILL 1951--A black and white mystery thriller from Douglas Sirk, this film features Claudette Colbert as a nun (who wears makeup because otherwise she would look so washed out with her face outlined in a great white habit!) who takes in a convicted murderer (Ann Blythe) on her way to the gallows for poisoning her brother, but she, her party and half the small village are stranded in the church/nunnery due to local flooding. From the moment she meets the murderer, she senses that an injustic has been done--the woman must be innocent, so she starts some snooping of her own, even though the entire church and fellow nuns and all the townspersons want her hung. The story is a bit far fetched and coincedental, since all the doctors, lawyers, witnesses etc are also stranded. (This was based on a stage play, and sometimes it feels like it. ) It does work with providing suspense if you suspend your disbelief, and as usual Colbert is cool and convincing. GRADE------B-
HEARTS AND SOUL 1993--I'll admit that when this romantic comedy/drama fantasy began, I was also playing Scrabble on my phone and I scoffed as the setup occurs in the first 30 minutes, since I knew nothing about this film, and had never seen it or remembered it from nearly 25 years ago. Four strangers on a bus with various issues and unresolved problems find themselves killed when the bus careens out of control but they end up in a purgatory, like ghosts--and since they died at the same time a child is born in a car next to the bus, they become the care takers of this new life. After several years they realize the child is being mistaken for crazy since only he can see and hear them, so they make themselves invisible to him. When he grows to become a young man (Robert Downey Jr.) they find that they can resolve their unsolved problems only through him, in some cases inhabiting his body. This protracted prologue which takes over 30 minutes was slow in coming, but I have to say that once this has been determined the film picks up speed and I started to find the resolutions satisfying, and deeply moving. Think ALL OF ME an GHOST and IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE and half a dozen other "ghost" inspired dramas, with some comedy mixed in. Elizabeth Shue plays the frustrated girlfriend, the four ghosts are played by Charles Grodin, Alfre Woodard, Kyra Sedgwick, Tom Sizemore, and as the careless, perverse bus driver David Paymer. B.B. King has a charming cameo. But Downey really steals the show once he appears, and each ghost has some special moments (especially Woodard and Grodin), and I will admit that the sentiment overwhelmed me and left me in tears several times. A pleasant surprise! GRADE---------B-
SMALL, BEAUTIFUL MOVING PARTS 2011--Low budget independent film from Prime about a pregnant woman who seeks out her missing mother, long absent from her life, to confront her about unresolved issues. The only cast member familiar to me was Andre Holland who plays her husband--he was the adult Kevin in MOONLIGHT. This modest film could have used some oomph, but it was pleasant to watch. GRADE---------B-
THE AMAZING MR. BLANDON 1963--A low budget British film on Prime with Diana Dors in an unrecognizable role as a manic maid, and directed by Lionel Jeffries (a known British character actor.), this odd fantasy, geared towards a child audience , is interesting ghost story set in the 1860's. It doesn't always work, but it is a curiosity. GRADE-------B-
THE LADY VANISHES 2012--An uninspired remake of Hitchcock's classic, this film from the BBC apparently follows the book more accurately, but misses out on the humor and cleverness of the plot, and the leading actress trying to find her older friend on a moving train acts too much like an annoying maniac to enjoy her dilema. GRADE---------C+
THE SPOILERS--1956--This remake for the same story in 1942 (which featured Marlene Dietrich, Randolph Scott and John Wayne) now stars Anne Baxter and Jeff Chandler and Rory Calhoun--certainly the second string team , but the story has some excitement, as bad guys try to steal gold farms. GRADE----------C+
LADY ON A TRAIN--1945--My first Deanna Durbin film, and she's rather engaging, especially when she's singing. She sings a splendid version of Silent Night (over the phone to her unseen father) that moved me. Otherwise the plot of her seeing a murder from her train window, and then because no one will believe her she hunts down the guilty party all by her self, is pure poppy cock. GRADE----C+
IF IT'S TUESDAY IT MUST BE BELGIUM 1967--Despite a large comedian cast (Suzanne Pleshete, Sandy Baron, Peggy Cass, Ian McShane, Murray Hamilton, Norman Fell, etc) there are only a few smirks and smiles, despite some nice visuals of various European cities as a group of Americans arrive to party. It's as dull as I remember it from seeing it 40 years ago. GRADE--------C
ALL NIGHT LONG---1982---This could be Barbara Striesand's worst film. She plays it like a fake, slutty Marilyn Monroe, sleeping with her husband, a teenager (Dennis Quaid) , and the teen's father (Gene Hackman). Hackman is going through a mid life crisis, and now his son hates him for stealing his girlfriend. For all the personal drama, the film is deadly dull and pointless. GRADE-----C
HOW DO YOU KNOW? 2010--I sat through this whole film thinking it was all very familiar--at the end I realized I'd seen it 10 years ago and thought is was stupid and boring. This is Director James Brooks worst comedy drama. The attractive cast includes a lovely Reese Witherspoon, Owen Wilson, Paul Rudd, Jack Nicholson, but the story of a young, motivated athelete (Witherspoon) who's cut from her team and left hanging in the wind, falls in with a sometimes boyriend (Wilson)--then meets (Rudd) to whom she is better suited, but all they do is talk, talk, talk about it. It's over two hours of frustrated talk. GRADE-----------C
SHERLOCK AND THE DEADLY NECKLACE--1962--Christopher Lee plays the famous detective but the plot about a stolen necklace is trite and forgettable. GRADE--------C-
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