Thursday, June 09, 2022
Network
- Commentary: Another classic had-to-have favorite. This movie is so good and so correctly prophetic (and so fucking well done) it still scares the bejesus out of me. I am driven to watch it at least twice a year.
Does it surprise you to know that Roger Ebert reviewed this movie twice? He did, again, as one of his "Great Movies", linked to the title of this post, and 24 years earlier when he initially saw it on it's first release.
Update 6/9/2022: This post was originally published on 8/14/16 but disappeared from public view. I am now reinstating it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Faye Dunaway Diana Christensen Wiliam Holden Max Schumacher Peter Finch Howard Beale Robert Duvall Frank Hackett Wesley Addy Nelson Chaney Ned Beatty Arthur Jensen Beatrice Straight Louise Schumacher Jordan Charney Harry Hunter Conchata Ferrell Barbara Schlesinger Darryl Hickman Bill Herron William Prince Edward Ruddy Ken Kercheval Merrill Grant
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1976
Directed by Sidney Lumet.
Labels: faye-dunaway, journalism, me-favorite1, ned-beatty, political2, prophecy, robert-duvall, satire1
Breaking Bad Complete Series
- Commentary: I would never have watched this series had not one of my sisters, the one who has been the source of more than a few of my very favorite movies, been electrified by it and started sending me the seasons. Nothing else to say. I'm like everyone else, a staunch fan. Many (if not all) of the episodes continue to stick in my head and at least once every couple of weeks I become captured by one and have to watch it. Again. And again. My sister and I are still looking to hear from Jesse.
I want to link to one more review but, since I'm not sure how long it will be available, I'm not attaching it to the title of this post. Forbes published a review of Breaking Bad in 2013 at the end of the series. It's quite interesting. With any luck to me, and you, Dear Reader, it will remain accessible.
Once this series got going, there were many, many notable actors who participated in small and bit parts. I picked out as many as I could without rendering the following Actor/Table overwhelming.
Update 6/2/2022: This post was originally published on 8/14/16 but disappeared from public view. I am now reinstating it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Bryan Cranston Walter White Anna Gunn Skyler White Aaron Paul Jesse Pinkman Dean Norris Hank Schrader Betsy Brandt Marie Schrader RJ Mitte Walter White Jr. Giancarlo Esposito Gustavo Fring Bob Odenkirk Saul Goodman Jonathan Banks Mike Ehrmantraut Laura Fraser Lydia Rodarte-Quayle Jesse Plemons Todd Alquist Raymond Cruz Tuco Salamanca Krysten Ritter Jane Margolis John de Lancie Donald Margolis Danny Trejo Tortuga Steven Bauer Don Eladio Vuente
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the series.
Release Date: 2008-2013
Directed by mostly men, some women each season, a few female regulars.
Labels: action1, adventure1, drama5, female-director1, giancarlo-esposito, haunting1, john-de-lancie, me-favorite1, satire1, thriller2, tragedy1, TV1, violence2
Saturday, June 04, 2022
Funny Face
- Commentary: Yes, yes, yes, I own this silly, cotton candy movie. Let me explain. When I had cable TV it used to show up often enough on TCM to satisfy my need for a Funny Face fix. Once I disconnected, though, at least once a year I would find myself on my local library site placing a hold on the movie (it comes from another library in the local system) so I could watch it yet again. And, no, I don't watch it for the story, I watch it for the fashion, for the dances and for the delight that was and is Audrey Hepburn. I know Hepburn has been in many other movies, most notably Breakfast at Tiffanys. Movie gods forgive me, I don't like it. I don't like the "thriller" she's in with Peter O'Toole. I don't like Charade. I can handle Roman Holiday (it reminds me of The Princess Diaries, which I can also handle but wouldn't bother to own) and Sabrina (a bit more than Roman Holiday) but would never seek them out. The Nun's Story is interesting and I might check that one out again but, well, maybe not. The Children's Hour is equally interesting, but I'm not sure I'd check that one out again, either. There are, of course, others. Many. I just don't seek them out. Maybe I will. Maybe I won't. But Funny Face, all I can say is, when I find myself in an Audrey Hepburn mood, only Funny Face will do! And, by the way, Kay Thompson is a hoot, a perfect foil for, and as much of a draw in this film as, Audrey Hepburn. Think pink!
Update 8/12/2021: Can you handle it? One more excellent, in depth review of Funny Face researched (that's right, I do mean researched!) and written by The Blonde at the Film, Cameron.
Update 6/2/2022: This post was originally published on 2/5/2018 but disappeared from public view. I am now reinstating it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Audrey Hepburn Jo Stockton Fred Astaire Dick Avery Kay Thompson Maggie Prescott Michel Auclair Prof. Émile Flostre Robert Flemyng Paul Duval Dovima Marion Jean Del Val Hairdresser Virginia Gibson Babs Sue England Laura Ruta Lee Lettie Alex Gerry Dovitch Suzy Parker Specialty Dancer Pink Number
The Wikipedia write-up for this film is here.
Release Date: 1957
Directed by Stanley Donen.
Labels: 20th-century-chick-flicks1, comedy1, dance, fred-astaire, me-favorite1, musical1, period2, romance1, spectacle1
Mildred Pierce 2011 TV Miniseries
- Commentary: I've been a fan of the original Mildred Pierce movie with Joan Crawford for a long time. The story so intrigued me that I borrowed a copy of the James Cain novel upon which it was based. In fact, I did this while Mom was alive and we read it, together, out loud. Were we surprised! The novel and the movie are much different. This did not dampen my love for the movie. We decided, though, after the introduction to Mildred's plight at the beginning, the movie and the novel had to be considered different stories, not just different takes on the same story. Then, this miniseries arrived. I was intrigued by the publicity and was able to check it out of the library when it was released on DVD. I was not disappointed. So, which do I prefer, the miniseries or the movie? I love that the miniseries adheres so closely to the novel. It's so well produced and acted. It's one of my favorite series. I have to say, though, I have no preference between it and the movie. I love both equally well. I notice that the Wikipedia article, to which I've linked in the title, above, recorded some significant criticism of the miniseries, but I have none. Each rendering is different. Both are equally satisfying for me. I like, in fact, to watch them back-to-back, the movie first, always. Joan Crawford sets the tone. Kate Winslet embellishes it. Funny, isn't it, that the movie could not be considered a period piece since it is true to the time it was filmed, but the miniseries definitely is.
Update 6/2/2022: This post was originally published on 2/5/2018 but disappeared from public view. I am now reinstating it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Kate Winslet Mildred Pierce Guy Pearce Monty Beragon Evan Rachel Wood Veda Pierce Miriam Shor Anna Melissa Leo Lucy Gessler Morgan Turner Young Veda Pierce James LeGros Wally Burgan Brían F. O'Byrne Bert Pierce Mare Winningham Ida Corwin Hope Davis Mrs. Forrester Quinn McColgan Ray Pierce Waltrudis Buck Mrs. Temple
Just in case, here's the Wikipedia write-up.
Release Date: 2011
Directed by Todd Haynes.
Labels: drama5, guy-pearce, hope-davis, me-favorite1, melissa-leo, neo-noirC, period2, TV1
Random Harvest
- Commentary: Why, oh why, do I own this movie, especially since, after Mom's death, I quickly passed Mrs. Miniver, a favorite of hers, on to the library? Aren't they both Greer Garson movies? Aren't they both painfully poignant, an attitude that Greer Garson was particularly adept at playing? Isn't Greer Garson as uniquely beautiful, stunning, really, in both? Yes, yes and yes. I can only say, I was indifferent to the WW II promotion of Mrs. Miniver and oddly intrigued by the WW I fallout of this movie. This movie, however, was not one of Mom's favorites, even though it was and is one of mine. So, I didn't own this movie until after she died.
What do I love about this movie? Well, first, Greer Garson. She has the same effect on me as Audrey Hepburn. I can't stop looking at her. The story, while bizarre, is involving. I love how Garson portrays the duality of her situation as an employee of her husband when he doesn't realize she's his wife. Her glossed over loss of her child is a bit jarring, but that's the only false note in the movie, for me, other than the fact that the story, itself, is implausible. Finally, I enjoy this movie so much that, between watchings, I forget that it's black-and-white! By which I mean, remember the scene where her husband-by-convenience (once her husband by love) gives her the bejeweled necklace and she fishes out the beaded necklace he once gave her and fondles it? I always remember those necklaces in color and am always shocked when I watch that scene, yet again, in real time and realize those necklaces are portrayed in black-and-white! It's that effect on me that I love about this movie.
It's also the best of a snuggle-in-on-a-snowy-or-ho-hum-day movie for me.
Update 6/2/2022: This post was originally published on 2/5/2018 but disappeared from public view. I am now reinstating it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Ronald Colman Charles Rainier/John Smith Greer Garson Paula Ridgeway/Margaret Hanson Philip Dorn Dr. Jonathan Benet Susan Peters Kitty Chilcet Henry Travers Dr. Sims Reginald Owen Biffer Bramwell Fletcher Harrison Rhys Williams Sam Una O'Connor Tobacconist Margaret Wycherly Mrs. Deventer Ivan F. Simpson Vicar Marie De Becker Vicar's Wife
You want the Wikipedia write-up? Here it is.
Release Date: 1942
Directed by Mervyn LeRoy.
Labels: 20th-century-chick-flicks1, drama5, me-favorite1, popcorn-and-soda2, romance1
Wednesday, May 18, 2022
Gone Girl
- Commentary: This movie has quickly become one of my all time favorites. I read the book before seeing the movie, so when I checked the movie out of the library, it was with much trepidation, all of which vanished upon watching the movie. I knew I had to own it. So well done, in all aspects, including book adaptation. Rosamunde Pike is glorious in this; a brilliant characterization of a sociopath. Despite the fact that her character is meant to be "evil", she is also strong, resilient, can take a punch and give as much as she takes. The problem is, of course, that she doesn't necessarily "give" to the people from whom she originally "took".
Update 11/17/2021: This post was originally published August 14, 2016. It was one of the accidental deletions that occurred, which is covered in this post.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Ben Affleck Nick Dunne Rosamund Pike Amy Elliott Dunne Neil Patrick Harris Desi Collings Tyler Perry Tanner Bolt Carrie Coon Margot Dunne Kim Dickens Det. Rhonda Boney Sela Ward Sharon Schieber Lola Kirke Greta
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2014
Directed by David Fincher.
Labels: ben-affleck, drama6, me-favorite1, mystery1, neo-noirC, revenge1, rosamund-pike, suspense2
Tuesday, May 25, 2021
The Attack
- Commentary: Curiously, the Wikipedia page for this movie is a sad affair. It contains not even a plot summary, just a list of the cast, some links to other films by Ziad Doueiri and a list of "External Links" to critical sites that write about this movie. In fact, there is more written about this film in the Wikipedia write-up for Zaid Doueiri, the director, than there is in Wikipedia's write-up about the movie.
I do not remember when I first saw this movie, or how. It was certainly between 2012 and now, probably on a streaming service, definitely at no charge. It seems to me that it may have been within the last five years. I also have a vague recollection of watching it at least twice, perhaps more.
This is a haunting movie that I should have included in my list of Movies I've Seen, Do Not Own but Can't Forget, as I think about it often. This movie lays out a peculiar story about a Palestinian-Islamic physician practicing in Israel whose Palestinian Orthodox Catholic wife is killed in a terrorist bombing. The physician discovers something about his wife's death that horrifies and befuddles him. The bulk of the movie documents his journey to understand her and Israel's and Palestine's roles in her death.
There are no simple answers in this movie, for either the physician or the audience. It will keep you ruminating about The Human Condition long after you've completed watching the movie. In this sense, it is a priviledge for every member of the audience to be invited along on this physician's journey to discover the truth about his wife's life and death, and more. The number of labels I've appended to this film should be an indication of its overwhelming impact.
Finally, if you are in doubt about the impact this film may have on you, read this eloquent review by someone unknown to me who was also gob-smacked by this film.
Warning: This is not a popcorn-and-soda movie. Prepare to be moved, not entertained.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Ali Suliman Amin Jaafari Reymond Amsalem Siham Jaafari Evgenia Dodina Kim Dvir Benedek Raveed Uri Gavriel Captain Moshe Ruba Salameh Faten Karim Saleh Adel Nisrin Siksik Leila Bassem Lulu Yasser Ezra Dagan Ezra Benhaim Ramzi Maqdisi Priest Arieh Worthalter The Man
Release Date: 2012
Directed by Ziad Doueiri.
Labels: drama1, film-art1, haunting1, me-favorite1, mystery1, political1, psychological1, reflective, spiritual1, tragedy1, violence1
Saturday, May 15, 2021
The Last Wave
- Who's watched: M & G
- Mentions: *1*
- Commentary: This movie has haunted me since I saw it when it was first released. My mother has watched it a couple of times with me. She likes the background digideroo music, the otherworldliness of the movie...but she's not interested in trying to make sense of it. Neither am I, so we just watch it in awe on a fairly frequent basis.
Update 5/15/21: This post was originally published on February 9th, 2005. I had to replace it because some glitches had developed in its labels and it wasn't coming up when I corralled most of the labels applied to it. Everything is working fine, now.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Richard Chamberlain David Burton Olivia Hamnett Annie Burton David Gulpilil Chris Lee Fred Parslow Reverend Burton Vivean Gray Dr. Whitburn Nandjiwarra Amagula Charlie Walter Amagula Jerry Lee Roy Bara Larry
Here's the Wikipedia write-up for this movie.
Release Date: 1977
Directed by Peter Weir.
Labels: apocalyptic, Criterion1, drama1, dream1, fantasy1, haunting1, me-favorite1, mystery1, peter-weir
Wednesday, May 05, 2021
Deadwood - The Movie
- Commentary: Under construction.
Deadwood The Movie: HBO site for the movie. Several extras, both written and video, all available to HBO non-subscribers as of 5/5/21.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Timothy Olyphant Seth Bullock Ian McShane Al Swearengen Molly Parker Alma Ellsworth Paula Malcomson Trixie W. Earl Brown Dan Dority Dayton Callie Charlie Utter Kim Dickens Joanie Stubbs Brad Dourif Doc Cochran Anna Gunn Martha Bullock John Hawkes Sol Star Gerald McRaney Sen. George Hearst Leon Rippy Tom Nuttall William Sanderson E. B. Farnum Robin Weigert Calamity Jane Brent Sexton Harry Manning Sean Bridgers Johnny Burns
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up on this film.
Release Date: 2019
Directed by Daniel Minahan.
Labels: §, brad-dourif, drama1, historical1, john-hawkes, me-favorite1, violence1, western
Thursday, March 18, 2021
The Last King of Scotland
- Commentary: Under construction.
So, I have three reviews for you. The title is linked to one that questions the movie's veracity. Here is a review that simply praises the movie and its motives (and, twice, mispells "ensue" as "ensure") without question. Here is Glenn Erickson's review (of DVD Savant) that treads a moderate, thoughtful path between the two previous reviews.
Finding good reviews of this movie is incredibly hard. Roger Ebert spoke of it many times, reviewed it on his television program, but either didn't write a review or, if he did, it's unavailable. Everywhere.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Forest Whitaker Idi Amin James McAvoy Dr. Nicholas Garrigan Kerry Washington Kay Amin Gillian Anderson Sarah Merrit Simon McBurney Stone David Oyelowo Dr. Junju David Ashton Garrigan Sr. Barbara Rafferty Mrs. Garrigan
I, frankly, find Whitaker's performance and the story riveting, no matter how much of it is fact, or, for that matter, truth.
Here is the Wikipedia write-up on this movie, which, as well, disputes some of the elements of the movie. It even reminds us that the movie is based on a novel and characterizes Giles Foden, the author as indicating, "...the film's depiction of Amin is comparable with the Shakespearean character Macbeth, whom he had in mind when writing the novel."
Release Date: 2006
Directed by Kevin Macdonald.
Labels: drama1, forest-whitaker, historical1, me-favorite1, period1
Saturday, January 16, 2021
The Newsroom: Entire Series
- Commentary: This clip from the first show of the first season is why I own this series. Because it ran on HBO, I never got a chance to see the entire series. But, somehow, I saw this clip, and it haunted me. I finally obtained the entire series.
I know, I know, it's out of fashion to like Aaron Sorkin's productions right now. I don't care. He produces some of the most thoughtful, interesting, American, that's right, American political writing available. That's why I own this series, and several other of his video works. I look forward to viewing past works of his to which I haven't yet been introduced and any future work he produces. You heard it here: Thanks, Aaron. Carry on.
P. S. My mother died before this series was created. I think she would have enjoyed it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Jeff Daniels Will McAvoy Emily Mortimer MacKenzie Morgan McHale John Gallagher Jr. James Harper Alison Pill Margaret Jordan Thomas Sadoski Don Keefer Dev Patel Neil Sampat Olivia Munn Sloan Sabbith Sam Waterston Charlie Skinner Jane Fonda Leona Lansing Hope Davis Nina Howard Marcia Gay Harden Rebecca Halliday Mary McCormack Molly Levy
The Wikipedia write-up of the series is here.
Release Date: 2012-2014
Directed by several people, only one of whom was a woman, Lesli Linka Glatter (how's that for a name meant to be in the film industry). She directed only one episode each in the first and second seasons.
Labels: aaron-sorkin, drama1, emily-mortimer, female-director3, hope-davis, journalism, marsha-gay-harden, me-favorite1, political1, reflective, TV1
Wednesday, August 05, 2020
Valley of the Dolls
- Commentary: Yes, I read the book. Decades ago. When I was a teenager. When it was, sort of, taboo literature for girls my age. I also saw the movie when I was a teenager, and have seen it several times since, when it's been featured on some TV channel. It's hard to describe what kind of a hold this movie has over me; why, for instance, I so enjoy watching the turgid stories of these three young women and their torrid lives. I can tell you that I never considered owning this movie until I noticed that Criterion had put out an edition of it with loads of special features. "Ah ha!" I thought. "This edition will help me explain to myself my fascination with this movie!" I'm not sure that's what happened, but I can tell you that I spent an entire afternoon indulging in the movie and each one of the special features, including reading the accompanying booklet cover to cover.
This movie is the ultimate chick flick. Although the focus is supposed to be on the "dolls", the pills that these women consume in order to follow their dreams, the truth is the pills are incidental. The bonus material often refers to it as "camp", but, I can tell you, its campiness is not why I love this movie. I don't love it because it reminds me of the decade of the 1960s. Frankly, even though I was a teenager during that decade, I was pretty much a bookish girl-woman who lived a life that could have been described, from the outside, as dull. I didn't have glorious dreams like the women in this movie. I love the movie because I love reveling in the stories of embattled chicks, whether they're on "dolls" or not. There. I said it.
You'll notice I've labeled it as both a "pussy-flick" and a "women's movie". For me, it's both. It is not a "20th-century-chick-flick", as none of the romances follow that particular type of romantic story. Nobody ends up with their man. It contains scenes that are so full of pathos they can only be described as pathetic and scenes that are touching and thoughtful. It contains a lot of other scenes that are, frankly, just plain cheesy. Sometimes, too, those cheesy scenes are so over-scripted that, while you're watching, you know you're supposed to find them moving but you can't help but giggle, even if you're watching the movie alone. Ah, but those scenes are, dare I say it, the most fun!
Finally, yes, it's true, Roger Ebert was mildly disgusted by this movie (I say "mildly" because he gave it two stars, rather than one). So, he and Russ Meyer co-wrote what they intended as a parody, Beyond the Valley of the Dolls. I never saw that movie, although, apparently, according to Wikipedia, it duplicated the fate of the original, first ignored, then loved, then culted and partially reappraised. Roger Ebert even wrote an explanatory review of Beyond the Valley of the Dolls. I didn't read the review, only skimmed it. I probably won't ever see this movie, but, you know, if you can't beat 'em, I guess ...
Thank you, Criterion! A master coup!
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Barbara Parkins Anne Wells Patty Duke Neely O'Hara Paul Burke Lyon Burke Sharon Tate Jennifer North Tony Scotti Tony Polar Lee Grant Miriam Polar Susan Hayward Helen Lawson Martin Milner Mel Anderson Alexander Davion Ted Casablanca Jacqueline Susann Reporter #1 Richard Dreyfuss Asst. Stage Mgr. Judith Lowry Aunt Amy
Here, as usual, is the Wikipedia write-up of this movie.
Release Date: 1967
Directed by Mark Robson.
Labels: 20th-century-chick-flicks1, buddy, Criterion1, drama2, fantasy1, me-favorite1, popcorn-and-soda1, psychological1, pussy-flick, richard-dreyfuss, romance1, tragedy1, women's-movie1
Tuesday, November 05, 2019
Monty Python's Life of Brian
- Commentary: O.K. Look. Considering how Christianity has had an extraordinary impact on several branches of my family (one of my great grandfathers and one of my great uncles were Methodist preachers, the first of whom was a fire-and-brimstone circuit rider), I could not not own this movie, eventually. Yes, I have reverence for spirituality, but I have none for the institution of Christianity. I don't even agree with everything Jesus was purported to have said. So, this movie is a vigorous, always laughter-provoking, head nod for me.
Would my mother have enjoyed it (she never saw it), being a woman of faith? Yes, I think so. One of my sisters once pronounced her a "pure spirit". I agree with that assessment. The solemnity of her faith, though, was liberally mixed with realism and a questioning attitude. She was not averse to bringing Jesus to task. Maybe she's who taught me how to lean into irreverence.
Once again, Roger Ebert wrote two reviews of this movie: the first in 1979, linked to this post title, the second on its re-release in 2004.
By the way, all members of Monty Python and a few other actors played multiple roles in this movie. I'm listing only one per member.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Graham Chapman Brian Cohen John Cleese High Priest Terry Gilliam Mount Sermon attendee Eric Idle Mr Cheeky Terry Jones Mandy Cohen Michael Palin Mr. Big Nose Terence Bayler Mr. Gregory Carol Cleveland Mrs. Gregory Charles McKeown False Prophet Kenneth Colley Jesus Sue Jones-Davies Judas Iscariot John Young Matthius
Just in case, here's the Wikipedia link to this movie.
Release Date: 1979 & 2004
Directed by Terry Jones.
Labels: bible-movies1, comedy1, dramedy1, fantasy1, film-art1, jesus-dvds, me-favorite1, religion1, satire1
Swing Time
- Commentary: The story is silly and forgettable but the dancing is divine - "an exuberant celebration of its stars' chemistry, grace, and sheer joy in the act of performance", per the back of the movie case. This movie remains one of the standards of dance musicals. It may be old, it may be black & white, but it is, as I note in the labels, a spectacle. Such a spectacle, in fact, that Roger Ebert has named it one of his "Great Movies", as the link affixed to the title of this post will explain.
And, yes, Mom loved this movie, too. We didn't own it, but it was ever-available through our county library system and we liberally took advantage of that. That's why I decided to own it, now. Since my mother's death, it's been a frequent check-out of mine. Why not own it?!? In fact, why not own the Criterion edition of it?!?
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Fred Astaire John Garnett Ginger Rogers Penelope Carroll Victor Moore Edwin Cardetti Eric Blore Mr. Gordon Helen Broderick Mabel Anderson Betty Furness Margaret Watson Georges Metaxa Ricardo Romero Landers Stevens Judge Watson
Here's the Wikipedia write-up for this movie.
Release Date: 1936
Directed by George Stevens.
Labels: Criterion1, dance, dramedy1, fred-astaire, me-favorite1, musical1, popcorn-and-soda1, romance1, spectacle1
Thursday, August 08, 2019
Training Day
- Commentary: Remember, in this post I mention that I regret I don't "yet" own this movie? Well, I own it, now. I own it, and I love it.
I love watching Denzel Washington act, even in bad films. And, yes, I've got a bad, bad, really bad film he did which came with the 4-for-1 deal that contained this movie. I'll post a write-up of that movie later (although, in true internet fashion, that movie will be placed closer to the top of this round of movie posts).
In the meantime, I have to say, Washington nails it playing policemen, avengers and criminals but, in my opinion, is at his absolute best when he plays all three at once, and that is what the script of this movie has him doing.
In addition, the relationship between Ethan Hawke's character and Denzel Washington's character is played to perfection. So many good actors in this movie, by the way. Complicated, involving story, too. I think this is one of Antoine Fuqua's best, although I also enjoy his Equalizer and Equalizer 2 films, both of which I own. I wouldn't mind if he made another, with Washington doing the equalizing. Of course.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Denzel Washington Det. Alonzo Harris Ethan Hawke Ofcr. Jake Hoyt Scott Glenn Roger Eva Mendes Sara Cliff Curtis Smiley Raymond Cruz Sniper Noel Gugliemi Moreno Dr. Dre Det. Paul Peter Greene Det. Jeff Nick Chinlund Det. Tim Jaime P. Gomez Det. Mark Snoop Dogg Blue Macy Gray Sandman's Wife Charlotte Ayanna Lisa Hoyt Harris Yulin Det. Doug Rosselli Tom Berenger Det. Stanley Gursky
Funny thing: I notice in the Wikipedia write-up that the movie was apparently so successful that, well, here, I'll let Wiki tell it, "A television series based on the film, produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, was announced in August 2015 and premiered February 2, 2017 on CBS. The series, starring Bill Paxton and Justin Cornwell, was cancelled on May 17, 2017 after one season." I never saw it, but I'm not surprised it was cancelled. The movie was the ultimate statement of this story, I think.
Release Date: 2001
Directed by Antoine Fuqua.
Labels: action2, adventure2, antoine-fuqua, denzel-washington, drama3, me-favorite1, neo-noirC, popcorn-and-soda2
Tuesday, March 06, 2018
Face/Off
- Commentary: Definitely a guilty-pleasures movie for me!
Love the "Hallelujah Chorus" sequence! Love the cinematography! Love the twisty-turny story! Love the final catch-him sequence! Love this pairing of John Travolta and Nicolas Cage!
I watched this movie again a few days ago (it's one of those for which I get a hankering) and, as usual, laughed out loud in delight, even though I was watching it alone.
Just an action gem! A John Woo masterpiece.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role John Travolta Sean Archer Nicolas Cage Castor Troy Joan Allen Eve Archer Alessandro Nivola Pollux Troy Gina Gershon Sasha Hassler Dominique Swain Jamie Archer Nick Cassavetes Dietrich Hassler Harve Presnell Victor Lazarro Colm Feore Dr. Malcolm Walsh John Carroll Lynch Prison Guard Walton CCH Pounder Hollis Miller Tommy Flanagan Leo
Just in case, the Wikipedia write-up for this movie is here.
Release Date: 1997
Directed by John Woo.
Labels: action1, drama4, joan-allen, john-travolta, me-favorite1, neo-noirB, nicolas-cage, popcorn-and-soda2, science-fiction1, suspense1, thriller1, violence2
The Rapture
- Commentary: I know, I know, what am I doing with this movie, relatively unknown, certainly a peculiar take on Christianity's final judgment doctrine, in my collection? Let me explain. I saw this movie when I was living in Seattle, when it premiered in the theater. I decided to see it after reading Roger Ebert's remarkable review of the movie, linked to the title of this post.
No, I am not a believer, for all practical purposes I've never been, but I lived, in my teenage years, with a relative who became a rabid Christian fundamentalist and spent quite a bit of her time at home (which was, in those days, less time than she spent at church functions) trying to convert the rest of the family (which she never accomplished; an unusual defeat considering that the usually successful tactic of the church with which she was associated was to snatch the teens and badger them to convert their families). I was particularly affected, to the point of studying scripture, despite my lack of faith, and presenting her with an essay about how, if her beliefs were true, I was willing to be eternally damned. Some years later this relative renounced her belief, with her husband, whom she met in the church, and became a staunch atheist and Unitarian Universalist. I've remained an agnostic atheist with a fascination for religious rabidity and the media it inspires. This is my favorite movie of that genre. Notice all the labels I've attached to it. It affects me on several levels, of which I am reminded at least once a year since I obtained it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Mimi Rogers Sharon David Duchovny Randy Kimberly Cullum Mary Darwyn Carson Maggie Patrick Bauchau Vic James LeGros Tommy Will Patton Deputy Foster Sam Vlahos Wayne
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1991
Directed by Michael Tolkin.
Labels: adventure1, apocalyptic, bible-movies1, drama4, dream1, fantasy1, film-art1, haunting1, jesus-dvds, me-favorite1, neo-noirB, prophecy, spiritual1, suspense1
Sunday, August 14, 2016
Maleficent
- Commentary: I was so pleased when I heard a movie was being made featuring my favorite childhood heroine, Maleficent (see write-up for Sleeping Beauty). It took me a long time to get around to watching it. I finally remembered it and checked it out of the library this spring. Upon watching it I knew I had to add it to my collection. Angelina Jolie was made to play Maleficent. The story is interesting and innovative. I especially appreciate the ending. Yes, it is a bit weird that such a kind, sunny, powerful child was named, as an infant, Maleficent. The movie could have included a scene in which a prophetic fairy brooded over her birth and named her in anticipation of what was to come in her life. But, the movie was made for kids, so it probably didn't occur to the makers that a child might know what the name contains in the way of strict definition. Maybe the movie makers didn't know, either. Oh well. The life of the princess was also a bit ho-hum. But I don't care. What I care about is every scene that involved the definition of Maleficent and I was not disappointed. I also enjoy the combination of live-action and animation. Well done, I thought. So, anyway, I'm satisfied and I will watch this movie again and again, just to gaze upon the magnificence of Maleficent. Thank you, Disney.
Roger Ebert's website also has an interesting meditation provoked by this movie and written by Libby Hill, on how Hollywood, and, thus, our culture, is reimagining women and their roles in society.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Angelina Jolie Maleficent Ella Purnell Teen Maleficent Elle Fanning Aurora Janet McTeer Elderly Aurora/Narrator Sharlto Copley Stefan Sam Riley Diaval Imelda Staunton Knotgrass Juno Temple Thistlewit Lesley Manville Flittle Brenton Thwaites Prince Phillip Kenneth Cranham King Henry Hannah New Princess Leila
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2014
Directed by Robert Stromberg.
Labels: adventure1, drama5, elle-fanning, fantasy2, imelda-staunton, me-favorite1, pseudo-cgi-animation, super-hero2, women's-movie1
Sleeping Beauty
- Commentary: (See write-up for Maleficent.) I've never been much for animated movies. When I was a kid I really didn't have what I considered to be needed, the patience for animated movies. My parents caught on quickly. Although it seems that my sisters saw all the animated movies that were available when we were kids in the 60s, there is only one animated movie I'd seen that was made before Pixar started making animated movies (I like more than a few of theirs), and I saw it when I was a kid [Where, I wonder, was I when my sisters were watching movies like Bambi, Cinderella, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and One Hundred and One Dalmations (the original)?]. That movie was Sleeping Beauty. I loved it. The reason I loved it was because I fell in love with Maleficent (yes, there is even a Wikipedia page devoted to her, such is her power). There were a few other things I liked about Sleeping Beauty: the wand fights with color, the scene in which Sleeping Beauty waltzed with the animals. I even liked that song, which I continue to call "I Know You". Those, though, were all residuals beside Maleficent. Oh! Maleficent! I day dreamed about her. I could quote many of her lines. Somehow, I saw that particular animated feature more than once when I was a kid, despite the lack of movies-in-the-home, just to catch yet another glimpse of Maleficent. So, it should come as no surprise that I bought this movie when I bought Maleficent: the beginning and the continuation of my love affair with Maleficent. My niece, with whom I share a love of all things drama, including movies, told me a few days ago that the ABC TV series Once Upon a Time has begun to incorporate Maleficent. Lucky for me, it's on Netflix. I'm on my way ...
Update 2/9/18: As I was re-editing this write-up, I thought it would be fun to include some of the more interesting, and many, reviews of Sleeping Beauty and Maleficent. One, in particular, is from 1959, the Los Angeles Times. I hope to keep an eye out for links in this post that will surely go dead, but don't hold your breath!
In the table below you'll note the category "Voice/Perf Actor". "Perf" stands for "Performance. I was going to ignore this split until I noticed that many of the Performance Actors are recognizable actors outside of this movie. Gave new meaning, to me, for Disney animation.
Voice/Perf Actor Role Voice/Perf Actor Role Voice/Perf Actor Role Voice/Perf Actor Role Mary Costa/Helene Stanley Princess Aurora Bill Shirley/Ed Kemmer Prince Phillip Eleanor Audley/Jane Fowler Maleficent Verna Felton/Frances Bavier Fairy Flora Barbara Jo Allen/Madge Blake Fairy Fauna Barbara Luddy/Spring Byington Fairy Merryweather Taylor Holmes/Hans Conried King Stefan Verna Felton/Jane Fowler Queen Leah Bill Thompson/Don Barclay King Hubert Dallas McKennon Owl/Diablo Marvin Miller Narrator Hans Conried Lord Duke
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1959
Supervising Director: Clyde Geronimi.
Labels: adventure1, animated, drama5, fantasy2, me-favorite1, popcorn-and-soda2
An Autumn Afternoon
- Commentary: Although I am a staunch fan of Ozu's movies and have seen several, this is the only one I own, so far. Inexpensive copies are few and hard to find. I looked for some at Hastings' going-out-of-business sale. This is the only one I found, in mint condition. I suspect the previous owner probably bought the movie by mistake. This is Ozu's last and, if I can be said to have favorites of his movies, it is one of them. As a follower of his movies, I've developed an ability to detect his changing moods through his work. This is the last and most precious, and I'm not using that word in a satirically critical manner. Hopefully this won't be the last Ozu film in my collection.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Chishū Ryū Shūhei Hirayama Shima Iwashita Michiko Hirayama Keiji Sada Kōichi Hirayama Mariko Okada Akiko Hirayama Teruo Yoshida Yutaka Miura Noriko Maki Fusako Taguchi Shin'ichirō Mikami Kazuo Hirayama Nobuo Nakamura Shūzō Kawai Kuniko Miyake Nobuko Kawai Eijirō Tōno Seitarō Sakuma Haruko Sugimura Tomoko Sakuma Kyōko Kishida Kaoru Proprietor
One of Roger Ebert's Great Movies.
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of this film.
Release Date: 1962
Directed by Yasujirō Ozu.
Labels: §2, chishū-ryū, Criterion2, drama5, me-favorite1, yasujirō-ozu
