This week I spent outdoors enjoying some nice weather for gardening. Had my first corn-on-the-cob straight out of a locally grown garden and still watched a few films:
Anna & The King (1999) Chow Yun Fat is the King! Jodi Foster is Anna, the teacher hired to come to the court of Siam and start a school for the royal children. Gorgeous locations filmed in what was called Burma. Thailand refused because the story is patently false and is insulting to King Mongkut. But to see Chow in the costumes and with his charisma - it is enough for me. 8/10 http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0166485/
Best Of The Bad Men (1951) Robert Ryan and Robert Preston on opposite sides in the Clampett, Earp story, with a little James gang, the civil war, all mixed into a stew of a film. Not too bad. 8/10 http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0043335/
Prelude To A Kiss (1992) Alec Baldwin and Meg Ryan in the strangest love story I have ever seen. On their wedding day an old man appears to kiss the bride - and shazamm - they are switched or are they and it is up to the bridegroom to convince the parents that he is not nuts. And us. 7/10 http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0105165/
Hour Of The Gun (1967) Robert Ryan once again as Clampett, with James Garner as Wyatt Earp and Jason Robards, Jr. as Doc Holliday. Wyatt is sorta a bad guy, and Doc is his conscience. Fable. But a good 'un. 8/10 http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0061787/
In The Valley Of Elah (2008) I am a fan of Tommie Lee Jones and think he gave the best performances of 2007. In this he is quiet, stoic and strong. A father who is going to find out the truth no matter where it takes him. Charlize Theron is effective as the cop in the small town department, with all the males being alpha dogs as she just tries to do her job and be effective. Gratuitous scenes of topless bars frequented by soldiers near the post makes me take off a point. Once yes. We get it - men have to have tits. Twice - no. 7/10 http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0478134/
With the Dog Days of August fast approaching, I'm sure it will be more indoor activities, with lots of ice and cold food. That's the way it is.
July 27, 2008
July 21, 2008
Gardening, watering and film watching......
.... just keeping up when it is hot and humid is a chore. Air-conditioning is a blessing. So this week I watched:
Off Satellite:
Phantom Of The Opera (2004) Phantom Of The Opera (2004) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0293508/#comment
My favorite film of the last 10 years. For Gerard Bulter's magnatism in the Phantom role, and Lloyd-Webbers music and Schumacher's lush direction, this has remained a joy for me. If you don't like the music, fantasy, & romance, stay away. 10/10
Pride & Prejudice (2005) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0414387/
The third movie version, not counting the great TV mini-series, is fine. Knightley is a high-sprited Elizabeth Bennett. Production values are first rate, with locations and manor houses, lush landscapes, and a score featuring lovely piano music, making this a fine entry into the P&P collection. 8/10
The Others (2001) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0230600/
Nicole Kidman in an old mansion on an island. She has two children who have allergies to sunlight so the houses windows are always covered. She becomes stranger as the film progresses. Is she mad? Is it all real? A nightmare? The reveal is a letdown. I had to lower my rating on rewatching this after so long a time. I had mostly forgotten the story, and it seemed too long and not scary. And Kidman's whispery voice got tiresome. 6/10
Chicago (2002) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0299658/
What a romp. I'm sure this was brought back because of Mamma Mia's premier week. I bought the DVD as soon as it came out but haven't watched it for a long time. Since the USA Ch. was having a marathon of good films this Saturday, I watched them all. Not too much distraction with breaks. Anyway, Renee Zelweger and Catherine Zeta-Jones are terrific as the two murderers, but it is Richard Gere as Billy Flynn, Queen Latifah as Matron Mama Morton, and John C. Reilly as Amos Hart, who have show-stopping numbers. Roxie and Velma's final number of their new act is a corker, and cuddos to the director, Rob Marshall. Lots of fun. 10/10
Hostage (2005) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0340163/
Bruce Willis as a negotiator for a police dept., loses all 3 in a family when he fails to talk the husband out of doing them in. He ends as a sheriff of a quiet suburb, with a wife and daughter who are unhappy and want to return to their big city life. Suddenly, into his world come 3 psychos who follow an expensive van back to the home in the isolated hills, and take the family "hostage." How he gets them out, while his family is abducted and also held hostage, with none of the hostages killed, is pretty good and exciting typical Willis fare. Ben Foster as the wacko is great. 8/10
My Collection:
Absence Of Malice (1981) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0081974/
Sally Field as a reporter (Megan Carter) who gets a scoop, she thinks, on Paul Newmans' (Michael Gallegher), a beer distributor who's father was a Don in the local mob, and what the story does to their lives. Fine film on the news media's effect on people, and the sometimes horrific consequenses of half truths and innuendo. Bob Balaban as the Government Strike Force attorney who bends the rules - just a little - is great as the villian. A worm, who wants to be a snake. Wonderful film. 9/10
TCM:
Swing Time (1936) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0028333/
My personal favorite of the Rogers/Astaire films. Story fun, great supporting cast of character actors, and the music is perfect. Fred Astaire paid homage to the great Bill Robinson by dancing one of his routines, "Bojangles of Harlem", in black-face. It is a great number with terrific special effects for 1936. Another number in the snow, is A Fine Romance; and the romantic The Way You Look Tonight in the art deco night club is lovely. In 2007, the American Film Institute ranked this as the #90 Greatest Movie of All Time. It was the first inclusion of this film on the list. I agree! 10/10
DVD rental:
The Interpreter (2005) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0373926/
Nicole Kidman in the title role, working at the United Nations in New York. She is from a war torn country in Africa, has a missing brother, and is either involved with revolutionaries or - not. Secret Service agent (Sean Penn) doesn't quite believe her story about overhearing a plot on the intercom at the UN, when she is recovering her tote bag, after an evacuation of the building. It is very confusing and after a time, tedious. 6/10
I Wake Up Screaming (1941) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0033740/
Betty Grable, Victor Mature, and Carole Landis is one of, if not the first, true film noir. Great story and stars, and supporting cast. The shadows and light, the angles of the shots, the wet streets, all add up to true noirish film-making. This director doesn't usually get mentioned with The Maltese Falcons' John Houston, as the innovator of the style. But both films were made, and released, in the same year. Story of two sisters, one a party girl, the other a 'good' girl, and a policeman who covets the bad girl. Played by hulking 300 lb. Laird Cregar, he is a menacing figure thoughout the film. Glad I finally got to see it - thanks to Blockbuster on demand. 9/10
In Theater:
Mamma Mia (2008) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0795421/
Loved it! Saw it yesterday (20th) with my two daughters and we were clapping and laughing and having a merry ole time. Cast is very good. Some numbers run on too long, is my only complaint. Julie Walters is a standout. Can't believe this is the "Educating Rita" Rita! She is a hoot. 8/10
Supposed to be another steamy week, so iced tea and films in the cool house, is the ticket!
Off Satellite:
Phantom Of The Opera (2004) Phantom Of The Opera (2004) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0293508/#comment
My favorite film of the last 10 years. For Gerard Bulter's magnatism in the Phantom role, and Lloyd-Webbers music and Schumacher's lush direction, this has remained a joy for me. If you don't like the music, fantasy, & romance, stay away. 10/10
Pride & Prejudice (2005) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0414387/
The third movie version, not counting the great TV mini-series, is fine. Knightley is a high-sprited Elizabeth Bennett. Production values are first rate, with locations and manor houses, lush landscapes, and a score featuring lovely piano music, making this a fine entry into the P&P collection. 8/10
The Others (2001) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0230600/
Nicole Kidman in an old mansion on an island. She has two children who have allergies to sunlight so the houses windows are always covered. She becomes stranger as the film progresses. Is she mad? Is it all real? A nightmare? The reveal is a letdown. I had to lower my rating on rewatching this after so long a time. I had mostly forgotten the story, and it seemed too long and not scary. And Kidman's whispery voice got tiresome. 6/10
Chicago (2002) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0299658/
What a romp. I'm sure this was brought back because of Mamma Mia's premier week. I bought the DVD as soon as it came out but haven't watched it for a long time. Since the USA Ch. was having a marathon of good films this Saturday, I watched them all. Not too much distraction with breaks. Anyway, Renee Zelweger and Catherine Zeta-Jones are terrific as the two murderers, but it is Richard Gere as Billy Flynn, Queen Latifah as Matron Mama Morton, and John C. Reilly as Amos Hart, who have show-stopping numbers. Roxie and Velma's final number of their new act is a corker, and cuddos to the director, Rob Marshall. Lots of fun. 10/10
Hostage (2005) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0340163/
Bruce Willis as a negotiator for a police dept., loses all 3 in a family when he fails to talk the husband out of doing them in. He ends as a sheriff of a quiet suburb, with a wife and daughter who are unhappy and want to return to their big city life. Suddenly, into his world come 3 psychos who follow an expensive van back to the home in the isolated hills, and take the family "hostage." How he gets them out, while his family is abducted and also held hostage, with none of the hostages killed, is pretty good and exciting typical Willis fare. Ben Foster as the wacko is great. 8/10
My Collection:
Absence Of Malice (1981) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0081974/
Sally Field as a reporter (Megan Carter) who gets a scoop, she thinks, on Paul Newmans' (Michael Gallegher), a beer distributor who's father was a Don in the local mob, and what the story does to their lives. Fine film on the news media's effect on people, and the sometimes horrific consequenses of half truths and innuendo. Bob Balaban as the Government Strike Force attorney who bends the rules - just a little - is great as the villian. A worm, who wants to be a snake. Wonderful film. 9/10
TCM:
Swing Time (1936) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0028333/
My personal favorite of the Rogers/Astaire films. Story fun, great supporting cast of character actors, and the music is perfect. Fred Astaire paid homage to the great Bill Robinson by dancing one of his routines, "Bojangles of Harlem", in black-face. It is a great number with terrific special effects for 1936. Another number in the snow, is A Fine Romance; and the romantic The Way You Look Tonight in the art deco night club is lovely. In 2007, the American Film Institute ranked this as the #90 Greatest Movie of All Time. It was the first inclusion of this film on the list. I agree! 10/10
DVD rental:
The Interpreter (2005) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0373926/
Nicole Kidman in the title role, working at the United Nations in New York. She is from a war torn country in Africa, has a missing brother, and is either involved with revolutionaries or - not. Secret Service agent (Sean Penn) doesn't quite believe her story about overhearing a plot on the intercom at the UN, when she is recovering her tote bag, after an evacuation of the building. It is very confusing and after a time, tedious. 6/10
I Wake Up Screaming (1941) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0033740/
Betty Grable, Victor Mature, and Carole Landis is one of, if not the first, true film noir. Great story and stars, and supporting cast. The shadows and light, the angles of the shots, the wet streets, all add up to true noirish film-making. This director doesn't usually get mentioned with The Maltese Falcons' John Houston, as the innovator of the style. But both films were made, and released, in the same year. Story of two sisters, one a party girl, the other a 'good' girl, and a policeman who covets the bad girl. Played by hulking 300 lb. Laird Cregar, he is a menacing figure thoughout the film. Glad I finally got to see it - thanks to Blockbuster on demand. 9/10
In Theater:
Mamma Mia (2008) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0795421/
Loved it! Saw it yesterday (20th) with my two daughters and we were clapping and laughing and having a merry ole time. Cast is very good. Some numbers run on too long, is my only complaint. Julie Walters is a standout. Can't believe this is the "Educating Rita" Rita! She is a hoot. 8/10
Supposed to be another steamy week, so iced tea and films in the cool house, is the ticket!
July 13, 2008
Bernie is the funiest dead guy ever----
---and a weekend with him is perfect summer fun. Have a beer with a wedge of lime over ice and just laugh away! And Nelson and Jeanette singing, and Will Smith being a screwup super hero almost restored my good humor this week:
Naughty Marietta (1935) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0026768/
Nelson Eddy & Jeanette MacDonald's first musical. Costumes and music first rate. Perfect for summer dreaming. 9/10
A Song To Remember (1945) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0038104/
Biography of Chopin (Cornel Wilde in his debut and simply gorgeous in the period costumes) and his romance with George Sand (Merle Oberon, beautiful. She almost out does Wilde in the tight pants, high collars and top hats!) Film ruined by overacting of Paul Muni. Music devine. 7/10
Love With The Proper Stranger (1963) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0057263/
Natalie Wood & Steve McQueen in a romantic film which starts out on the serious subject of unwanted pregnancy and abortion, and ends in comedy. Not easy to do, but stars make it a pleasure. 45 years ago this was pretty shocking, and the director and cast of last years Juno could have taken lessons by watching it before filming their mess of a film. 9/10
Weekend At Bernies (1989) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098627/
Bernie does more dead than I do alive! Very funny slapstick film of 2 smucks, taking their discovery of an error with the accounts, to the bosses beach house. But the boss has put out a contract on their heads and then dies before it is carried out. The two guys have a hilarious time taking the dead guy around with them on the shore, on the boat and the sunblinded and crazed beach boys and girls are too goofy to realize Bernie has gone to the great beach beyond. Terry Kiser is amazing as Bernie, alive and dead! 9/10
Pulp Fiction (1994) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110912/
Watched this on TV and they bleeped all the bad language. Still didn't help. Do not see the greatness of this one. UGH! 5/10
Looking For Richard (1996) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116913/
Al Pacino and his friends do Shakespeare and have fun. Interesting to hear such great actors struggling with getting this together. And the comments from the people on the street are sometimes funny, sometimes shocking. 6/10
Mrs. Brown (1997) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119280/
Dame Judi Dench in the title role. Billy Connelly is brilliant as John Brown from the Scottish Highlands. Gerard Butler, in his first film role, is Archie Brown, who is amused and concerned for his brother. Great film. 9/10
Naughty Marietta (1935) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0026768/
Nelson Eddy & Jeanette MacDonald's first musical. Costumes and music first rate. Perfect for summer dreaming. 9/10
A Song To Remember (1945) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0038104/
Biography of Chopin (Cornel Wilde in his debut and simply gorgeous in the period costumes) and his romance with George Sand (Merle Oberon, beautiful. She almost out does Wilde in the tight pants, high collars and top hats!) Film ruined by overacting of Paul Muni. Music devine. 7/10
Love With The Proper Stranger (1963) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0057263/
Natalie Wood & Steve McQueen in a romantic film which starts out on the serious subject of unwanted pregnancy and abortion, and ends in comedy. Not easy to do, but stars make it a pleasure. 45 years ago this was pretty shocking, and the director and cast of last years Juno could have taken lessons by watching it before filming their mess of a film. 9/10
Weekend At Bernies (1989) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0098627/
Bernie does more dead than I do alive! Very funny slapstick film of 2 smucks, taking their discovery of an error with the accounts, to the bosses beach house. But the boss has put out a contract on their heads and then dies before it is carried out. The two guys have a hilarious time taking the dead guy around with them on the shore, on the boat and the sunblinded and crazed beach boys and girls are too goofy to realize Bernie has gone to the great beach beyond. Terry Kiser is amazing as Bernie, alive and dead! 9/10
Pulp Fiction (1994) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110912/
Watched this on TV and they bleeped all the bad language. Still didn't help. Do not see the greatness of this one. UGH! 5/10
Looking For Richard (1996) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116913/
Al Pacino and his friends do Shakespeare and have fun. Interesting to hear such great actors struggling with getting this together. And the comments from the people on the street are sometimes funny, sometimes shocking. 6/10
Mrs. Brown (1997) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0119280/
Dame Judi Dench in the title role. Billy Connelly is brilliant as John Brown from the Scottish Highlands. Gerard Butler, in his first film role, is Archie Brown, who is amused and concerned for his brother. Great film. 9/10
Hancock (2008) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0448157/ Will Smith as a different kind of superhero. He is foul mouthed, drunk most of the time, and causes a whole lot of collateral damage. Very funny concept. Jason Bateman and Charlize Theron are good as the married couple he gets involved with. Movie falls apart with about 30 minutes to go when it gets all serious and loses the concept it started with. 6/10
Looking forward to watching some more of my favorite summer movies this coming week. Laughing is always good in the summertime. Or anytime for that matter. So let's get to it.
July 07, 2008
We had a great Independence Day-----
---and hope everyone else did too. This week I watched:
You Can't Take It With You (1938) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0030993/
Frank Capra directs Lionel Barrymore as Grandpa Vanderhof, the elder statesman of his extended family and neighborhood. Edward Arnold is Anthony P Kirby, the rich tycoon adversary. James Stewart is his son who is in love with Jean Arthur one of the Vanderhof clan. Great cast of character actors doing eccentric, and doing it well. Story of the poor who are rich in friends and family, and the rich who are poor in ----you get the idea? 7/10
Roman Holiday (1953) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0046250/ Just have to watch every time it is on TCM. Audrey Hepburns first film and she was a charmer. Greg Peck is great as the cynical reporter who fall for her Princess-out-for-a-night-and-day. Eddie Albert, as pal photographer Smittie, almost steals the show. 8/10
Body Heat (1981) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082089/
New DVD copy of an old favorite. Beautiful transfer; great extras. Full commentary by Lawrence Kasdan on his first film as a director, and how he had to use a cast of unknowns because of the budget he was given to work with. All stage actors, who had to audition for their parts. Imagine! It made them all stars. William Hurt, Kathleen Turner and Ted Danson all have great comments about their roles. Also, Mickey Rourke. Sexy and smokin' hot after all these years and the reveal is still a corker. 9/10
Americas Sweethearts (2001) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0265029/
A Complete mess. Can't believe I bought this even in the $5 bin at Walmart. I laughed exactly twice this time. Don't know what the cast and director were going for, but it was all lamebrained. 5/10
Freedom Writers (2007) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0463998/
Another story of a teacher from the burbs who starts her career in an warehouse school, who finds a way to make a difference. And writes a book with all the students, and some get to college. I'm glad for them, and Hilary Swank is very good as the fish out of water teacher, but I was tired of it all by the end. Guess I'm hard hearted. 7/10
Hot and muggy yesterday and today feels like will be the same. So more films to watch. I replaced 4 favorite films that I had on video tapes with great DVDs. As I go through my library I will be doing more of that, as long as my wallet lets me.
You Can't Take It With You (1938) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0030993/
Frank Capra directs Lionel Barrymore as Grandpa Vanderhof, the elder statesman of his extended family and neighborhood. Edward Arnold is Anthony P Kirby, the rich tycoon adversary. James Stewart is his son who is in love with Jean Arthur one of the Vanderhof clan. Great cast of character actors doing eccentric, and doing it well. Story of the poor who are rich in friends and family, and the rich who are poor in ----you get the idea? 7/10
Roman Holiday (1953) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0046250/ Just have to watch every time it is on TCM. Audrey Hepburns first film and she was a charmer. Greg Peck is great as the cynical reporter who fall for her Princess-out-for-a-night-and-day. Eddie Albert, as pal photographer Smittie, almost steals the show. 8/10
Body Heat (1981) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0082089/
New DVD copy of an old favorite. Beautiful transfer; great extras. Full commentary by Lawrence Kasdan on his first film as a director, and how he had to use a cast of unknowns because of the budget he was given to work with. All stage actors, who had to audition for their parts. Imagine! It made them all stars. William Hurt, Kathleen Turner and Ted Danson all have great comments about their roles. Also, Mickey Rourke. Sexy and smokin' hot after all these years and the reveal is still a corker. 9/10
Americas Sweethearts (2001) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0265029/
A Complete mess. Can't believe I bought this even in the $5 bin at Walmart. I laughed exactly twice this time. Don't know what the cast and director were going for, but it was all lamebrained. 5/10
Freedom Writers (2007) http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0463998/
Another story of a teacher from the burbs who starts her career in an warehouse school, who finds a way to make a difference. And writes a book with all the students, and some get to college. I'm glad for them, and Hilary Swank is very good as the fish out of water teacher, but I was tired of it all by the end. Guess I'm hard hearted. 7/10
Hot and muggy yesterday and today feels like will be the same. So more films to watch. I replaced 4 favorite films that I had on video tapes with great DVDs. As I go through my library I will be doing more of that, as long as my wallet lets me.
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