Movies, Mom & Me

• Who's watched:  M & G (G many times)
• Mentions:  *1* *2*
• 
  Commentary:  Another movie for which I have an unreasonable love which my mother tolerates. All I can say is, the scene where Noodles stirs his coffee? Devastates me every time.
    I don't think my mother gets the garbage truck scene, although she gets the rape scene and doesn't like it.
    

  Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role
  Robert De Niro	Noodles	James Woods	Max	Elizabeth McGovern	Deborah	Joe Pesci	Frankie Monaldi
  Burt Young	Joe	Tuesday Weld	Carol	Larry Rapp	Fat Moe	Danny Aiello	Police Chief Aiello
  James Hayden	Patsy	William Forsythe	Cockeye	Darlanne Fluegel	Eve	Amy Ryder	Peggy
  Jennifer Connelly	Young Deborah	Scott Tiler	Young Noodles	Rusty Jacobs	Young Max/David Bailey	Brian Bloom	Young Patsy

  
    Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
    Release Date: 229 minute cut-1983; 251 minute cut-2014
    As far as I know, the original 269 minute version has yet to be released to the public, or, at least the the U.S. public. I'm not sure about any other public.
    Directed by Sergio Leone.
  Update 09/13/2019:  I am now a proud owner of the extended director's cut of this movie. Owning director's cuts is not really my style, but this is one of my all-time favorite movies and the extension adds an additional 22 minutes. I've read that the inclusions are not particularly smooth, since the optics put them a bit out of joint with the rest of the picture. I have no problem with them. In fact, since I haven't recently watched the initial European theater version, which is the cut I first owned, I can't actually tell, yet, which are the added scenes. There are special features on this version, as well, which I haven't yet watched, but I'm looking forward to seeing them.
  Update 8/27/2024:  I've actually had this movie for quite awhile, at least 5 years, but the post became corrupted and I had to salvage what I could, repost and redate it and re-enter it into my Alpha List. It seems to be okay, now.
  

Labels: dramaC, dream2, gang-movie, james-woods, jennifer-connelly, joe-pesci, me-favorite4, period5, robert-de-niro, tuesday-weld, violence3

# posted by gail @ 18:13    0 comments    email......this post

• 
  Commentary:  The first time I saw this I stumbled across it on cable. I thought it was another movie I'd seen and loved, Body Heat. It wasn't, but I loved it anyway.
    I wouldn't consider it spectacular, as some do, and the pairing of DeNiro and Pacino was hyped all out of proportion to the lack of relationship their characters had. Additionally, when I perused the list of actors, it was difficult not to consider that this script might have been a bit of a dump for actors who were out of work and scrounging, at the time it was cast. But, I'm glad I own it. I'll watch it again. Good rainy day movie.
    

  Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role
  Al Pacino	Lt. Vincent Hanna	Robert De Niro	Neil McCauley	Val Kilmer	Chris Shiherlis	Jon Voight	Nate
  Tom Sizemore	Michael Cheritto	Diane Venora	Justine Hanna	Amy Brenneman	Eady	Ashley Judd	Charlene Shiherlis
  Mykelti Williamson	Sgt. Bobby Drucker	Wes Studi	Lt. Sammy Casals	Ted Levine	Det. Mike Bosko	Dennis Haysbert	Don Breedan
  Natalie Portman	Lauren Gustafson	Hank Azaria	Alan Marciano	Danny Trejo	Trejo	Jeremy Piven	Dr. Bob

  
    Originally published in this journal on 081416.
    Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
    Release Date: 1995
    Directed by Michael Mann.
  

Labels: al-pacino, gang-movie, neo-noirB, robert-de-niro, wes-studi

# posted by gail @ 11:59    0 comments    email......this post

• 
  Commentary:  I'd seen this movie more than once before I saw it again in this collection, and watching again was absolutely a pleasure. It's a one-of-a-kind gangster movie, and I love both gangster movies and one-of-a-kinds. There is nothing I don't like about this movie and many things I adore about it. Joe Pesci, for instance: a singular performance of a singular character. The generosity of the other stellar actors toward his performance is a thing of beauty to behold. Such a beauty, it seems, that Roger Ebert christened this movie as one of his Great Movies.
    Included at the site is a thoughtful meditation on Scorsese and morality throughout his movies, by Jim Emerson.
    

  Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role
  Ray Liotta	Henry Hill	Robert De Niro	Jimmy Conway	Joe Pesci	Tommy DeVito	Lorraine Bracco	Karen Hill
  Paul Sorvino	Paulie Cicero	Frank Vincent	Billy Batts	Catherine Scorsese	Tommy's Mother	Jerry Vale	Himself
  Samuel L. Jackson	Stacks Edwards	Illeana Douglas	Rosie	Kevin Corrigan	Michael Hill	Debi Mazar	Sandy

  
    Originally published in this journal on 081416.
    Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
    Release Date: 1990
    Directed by Martin Scorsese.
  

Labels: debi-mazar, gang-movie, joe-pesci, robert-de-niro, samuel-l-jackson

# posted by gail @ 03:40    0 comments    email......this post

• 
  Commentary:  This is one of those "sprawling historical epics" that tends to put me in a dream state. I am a fan of the director, even though his movies are sometimes difficult on the public. I am a fan of the musical scorer and always delight when I notice his name in the credits before watching a movie, including his collaboration on what general movie mavens consider the questionable compilations The Bible Collection and The Bible Series, both to which I remain devoted and continue to watch on a regular basis. I love all the actors in this movie, including the minor ones.
    I can't remember how I learned about this movie, but I checked it out of our library a few years ago, thinking I might enjoy it, despite its length and convolusive structure. I did. Once I watched it, I couldn't get it out of my head. It is a depiction of the struggle between capitalism and communism/socialism (in several guises), but on a very personal level. At the time I first watched it, I was deeply involved in the vagaries of the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election and Bernie had not yet been discarded by the Democratic Party in favor of Hillary. By the time I ordered it for my movie collection I was no longer smarting from debacle of the actual election. I was, however, deep into a reading campaign of literature disparaging capitalism/neo-liberalism and arguing for socialism. Watching this movie again, owning it, helps me put politics into perspective and calms me down, especially in light of everything that's happened since. If you're really into politics and you enjoy movies, you should watch this one.
  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
  Robert De Niro	Alfredo Berlinghieri	Gérard Depardieu	Olmo Dalcò	Dominique Sanda	Ada Chiostri Polan	Francesca Bertini	Sister Desolata
  Laura Betti	Regina	Donald Sutherland	Attila Mellanchini	Stefania Sandrelli	Anita Foschi	Werner Bruhns	Ottavio Berlinghieri
  Stefania Casini	Neve	Sterling Hayden	Leo Dalcò	Anna Henkel-Grönemeyer	Anita Dalcò	Ellen Schwiers	Amelia
  Alida Valli	Signora Pioppi	Burt Lancaster	Alfredo the Elder	Romolo Valli	Giovanni Berlinghieri	Giacomo Rizzo	Rigoletto

  
    Here's the link to the Wikipedia write-up for this movie.
    Release Date: 1976
    Directed by Bernardo Bertolucci.

Labels: §2, anti-fascist, burt-lancaster, donald-sutherland, dream1, gérard-depardieu, historical2, political2, robert-de-niro

# posted by gail @ 11:08    0 comments    email......this post

• 
  Commentary:  For years, ever since I've owned The Godfather, I've wanted to own the trilogy. This part, of course, rivals the original. It has a different style, a different mood, a different feel, but it's great. I don't think I need to say anything else. I'm sure you know why I'm the proud owner of this trilogy.
    Once again, no surprise, to me, anyway, Roger Ebert christened this movie as one of his Great Movies.
  Update 8/17/2016:  Last night I watched this movie after having watched The Godfather on the previous night. Although I continue to enjoy this one and was thoroughly involved, I realized that, to me, The Godfather is a far superior movie. It's so tight nothing leaks. It is complete in and of itself, while The Godfather II (and The Godfather III, for that matter) demand that you watch the one or two parts previous to get everything. Additionally, they both contain extraneous scenarios that aren't really needed, even though they're interesting. When The Godfather ends you do not wonder what happens to Michael Corleone and everyone else, you "know". You don't wonder about anything at the end of the original, not even individual character biography. Granted, the Vito Corleone biography contained in The Godfather II is interesting and illuminating, but if the trilogy had not become a trilogy parts II and III would not be missed. Neither of the other two is necessary to be overwhelmed by the saga of The Godfather. To be overwhelmed by either Part II or Part III, the original is necessary. This is what makes The Godfather the superior film in the trilogy.
  Update 8/12/2021:  And of course, somebody disagrees with me. Gerardo Valero, one of Ebert's site "far flunger" correspondents, has posted this argument as to why Part II is the best of the trilogy.
  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
  Al Pacino	Michael Corleone	Robert Duvall	Tom Hagen	Diane Keaton	Kay Adams-Corleone	Robert De Niro	Vito Corleone
  John Cazale	Fredo Corleone	Talia Shire	Connie Corleone	Lee Strasberg	Hyman Roth	Michael V. Gazzo	Frank Pentangeli
  G. D. Spradlin	Sen. Pat Geary	Richard Bright	Al Neri	Gastone Moschin	Don Fanucci	Bruno Kirby	Peter Clemenza
  Morgana King	Carmela Corleone	Troy Donahue	Merle Johnson	Joe Spinell	Willi Cicci	Abe Vigoda	Salvatore Tessio
  John Aprea	Young Tessio	Harry Dean Stanton	FBI Agent	Danny Aiello	Tony Rosato	Dominic Chianese	Johnny Ola

  
    Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
    Release Date: 1974
    Directed by Francis Ford Coppola.

Labels: action1, al-pacino, diane-keaton, drama5, gang-movie, harry-dean-stanton, period2, revenge1, robert-de-niro, robert-duvall, violence2

# posted by gail @ 20:33    0 comments    email......this post

• 
  Commentary:  The premise of this movie has intrigued me since I first watched it, probably on cable TV, although I can't remember. I was so impressed with it that I mentioned it to one of my nephews and he enjoyed it, too. So, when I got a chance to own it, I took it. No "big deal" about this movie. It's just purely enjoyable, fanciful, very well produced fun. Excellent mood lifter, for me, anyway. I understand there is a TV series based on the movie. I'm not sure I'll watch it. I can't imagine this movie going on, and on, and on ...
    As much as I enjoy this movie, though, you'll notice that I've linked the title of this post to Roger Ebert's critical review. He brings up some good points, makes you think even further about the premise of the movie than you had. It does not, though, spoil my enjoyment.
  Update 2/10/18:  Maybe it's a stretch to label this a "super-hero" movie, since the protagonist doesn't do anything particularly heroic, but, by the end, you are left with the feeling that he could, and maybe he will.
  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
  Bradley Cooper	Edward Morra	Abbie Cornish	Lindy	Robert De Niro	Carlos Van Loon	Anna Friel	Melissa Gant
  Johnny Whitworth	Vernon Gant	Richard Bekins	Henry Atwood	Robert John Burke	Donald Pierce	Tomas Arana	Man in Tan Coat
  T.V. Carpio	Valerie	Patricia Kalember	Mrs. Atwood	Andrew Howard	Gennady	Ned Eisenberg	Morris Brandt

  
    Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
    Release Date: 2011
    Directed by Neil Burger.

Labels: adventure1, drama6, fantasy2, robert-de-niro, satire1, science-fiction1, super-hero2, suspense2

# posted by gail @ 01:59    0 comments    email......this post

• 
  • Commentary:  This is such a smooth, well crafted story and movie that, of course, I own it, have watched it more than once and expect to watch it again. And, again. Highlights are Sean Connery's character and performance, of course, followed closely by Robert DeNiro's (who is almost unrecognizable in his part) characterization of Al Capone. Kevin Costner's ubiquitous "cool" is perfect for this part. Andy Garcia is, appropriately, subservient to the script, thus, I think it's one of his best performances.
      By the way, see my write-up for Battleship Potemkin for information on the baby carriage scene in this movie.
      

    Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role
    Kevin Costner	Eliot Ness	Sean Connery	Jim Malone	Robert De Niro	Al Capone	Charles Martin Smith	Oscar Wallace
    Andy García	George Stone	Billy Drago	Nitti	Patricia Clarkson	Edna Ness	Richard Bradford	Mike

    
      Here's the Wikipedia write-up for this movie.
      Release Date: 1987
      Directed by Brian De Palma.

  Labels: action2, adventure2, andy-garcía, brian-de-palma, detective1, drama1, historical1, period1, political1, popcorn-and-soda1, robert-de-niro, violence1

  
  
  # posted by gail @ 00:44    0 comments    email......this post

• 
  Commentary:  Yes, yes, yes! Spectacular film!
    Truth is, I'm not heavy into super-hero-comic-book movies, but there are a few I favor, and when I favor them, I really favor them. I'd seen trailers of this movie and my curiosity had been piqued, but, with 100 holds on the movie at the library the day it was released, and a pretty-penny-purchase-price, I knew it would be awhile before I even saw it, let alone considered owning it. My Florida Sister, though, had seen the same trailers, been similarly intrigued, and, instead of buying the movie for herself, she pleaded her work schedule, which wouldn't allow her to see it for awhile, and sent the movie to me!
    Yes, it's dark as fuck. Yes, it's not only an origin story that adds to the plausibility of The Dark Knight (which I immediately rewatched after viewing Joker for the first time; yes, Virginia, I finally did watch the entire The Dark Knight movie, thoroughly enjoyed it and have watched it twice since the first viewing just to revel in Heath Ledger's performance), the pleasure of watching Joaquin Phoenix's performance was sooo satisfying. The man, literally, danced through the story, sometimes explicitly, always implicitly. I've since read reviews of the movie and they are maniacally mixed (except for reviews of Phoenix's performance). While there were many accolades, some considered the story unforgivably incendiary. Some considered it scattershot, too obvious, and/or boring. Almost no one acknowledged the obvious connection between Gotham's Joker by Heath Ledger and Joker by Joaquin Phoenix.
    Speaking of critical constroversy, although Roger Ebert didn't live long enough to see this movie, reviewers on the site wrote not less than four pieces about the film. The initial review granted it only two stars, but, then, a second, then a third, then a fourth piece followed. Extraordinary.
    Although I am a thoughtful fan of super-hero/super-villain movies, don't own many and have seen only the few I own, I have to say, this movie renders the madness of Joker and the madness of Gotham so immediate and real that it makes me wonder, how many Jokers are out there, around the corner, in our confusion of Gothams, just waiting for an accidented (yes, Virginia, accidented) chassis to place them on the world stage?
    

  Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role
  Joaquin Phoenix	Arthur Fleck/Joker	Robert De Niro	Murray Franklin	Zazie Beetz	Sopie Dumond	Frances Conroy	Penny Fleck
  Brett Cullen	Thomas Wayne	Carrie Louise Putrello	Martha Wayne	Douglas Hodge	Alfred Pennyworth	Dante Pereira-Olson	Bruce Wayne/Batman

  
    For the curious, here's the Wikipedia write-up for this film. Not surprisingly, considering the controversy that erupted around the film, it is a much extended piece, including the usually threadbare Critical Response section.
    Release Date: 2019
    Directed by Todd Phillips
  

Labels: action2, adventure2, cgi-animation, coming-of-age1, dance, drama2, fantasy1, film-art1, horror1, joaquin-phoenix, political1, robert-de-niro, satire1, super-hero1, violence1

# posted by gail @ 10:38    0 comments    email......this post

• 
  Commentary:  O.K. This movie is just fun for me. When I want to be jolted back into a realistic perspective about the follies of U.S. media this film is my go-to. Robert de Niro is simply superb in a role so unlike most of his other roles, whether they be serious or comedic. His renown in reality isn't beside the point, it is the point. Jerry Lewis is luscious and hilariously serious. Sarah Bernhard is perfectly cast. It's as though everyone involved in this film just got it. And gave it.
  Side Note:  Aside from the fact that this movie, in itself, is an inside/outside joke, full, as well, of inside/outside jokes, one of the broadest of these jokes is that many, many participants in this movie reprise their own performance personalities.
    

  Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role
  Robert De Niro	Rupert Pupkin	Jerry Lewis	Jerry Langford	Sandra Bernhard	Masha	Diahnne Abbott	Rita Keene
  Shelley Hack	Cathy Long	Margo Winkler	Receptionist	Kim Chan	Jonno	Frederick De Cordova	Bert Thomas

  
    Also, just in case, here's the Wikipedia write-up about this film. As well, while in Cannes for the festival that played this film, Roger Ebert interviewed Jerry Lewis. There isn't much, directly, about Lewis' appearance in the film, but a lot about the celebrity issues this film raises.
    Release Date: 1982
    Directed by Martin Scorsese.

Labels: comedy1, martin-scorsese, robert-de-niro, satire1

# posted by gail @ 09:02    0 comments    email......this post

• Who's watched:  M & G
• Mentions:  *1*
• 
  Commentary:  I absolutely had to own this movie. Read the mention linked above to see why. Mom tolerates me when I watch it and usually reads her tabloids. I think it's too quiet for her.
  Miscellanous Notes:  It is interesting, and curious, to see how many high profile actors were successfully solicited to perform in this relatively low profile film, even though it features what, at the time, would have been a high profile subject. Without them, this film could have turned maudlin, as so many "caregiver films" often do. This film is what I imagine must be called a "small" film, a gem surrounded by rhinestones.
    In addition, Carly Simon wrote and performed the theme song "Two Little Sisters", with Meryl Streep adding background vocals.
    

  Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role	Actor	Role
  Meryl Streep	Lee	Leonardo DiCaprio	Hank	Diane Keaton	Bessie	Robert De Niro	Dr. Wally
  Hume Cronyn	Marvin	Gwen Verdon	Ruth	Hal Scardino	Charlie	Dan Hedaya	Bob
  Cynthia Nixon	Retirement Home Director	Margo Martindale	Dr. Charlotte	Kelly Ripa	Coral	John Callahan	Lance

  
    Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
    Release Date: 1996
    Directed by Jerry Zaks.

Labels: caregiver, cynthia-nixon, diane-keaton, dramaA, hume-cronyn, leonardo-dicaprio, me-favorite3, meryl-streep, robert-de-niro

# posted by gail @ 17:03    0 comments    email......this post