Thursday, August 04, 2022
The Brood
- Commentary: Immediately upon its release, this movie polarized critics. Roger Ebert not only hated it and gleefully gave it one star but found it worthy of several paragraphs expressing his disgust. In the meantime, other critics felt they "got" it and praised it while others scribbled confused and fascinated essays about it. The film was anything but ignored. Peter Sobczynski delineates the volatile history of reaction to this movie in his very interesting essay on its reactionary history which I recommend you read if you've watched, or been curious about, this movie.
I haven't yet watched the movie but have known about it, seemingly, forever. More later when I've seen it, thus, this post continues under construction.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Oliver Reed Dr. Hal Raglan Samantha Eggar Nola Carveth Art Hindle Frank Carveth Henry Beckman Baron Kelly Nuala Fitzgerald Juliana Kelly Susan Hogan Ruth Mayer Cindy Hinds Candice Carveth Gary McKeehan Mike Trellan Michael Magee Inspector Robert A. Silverman Jan Hartog Larry Solway Lawyer Nicholas Campbell Chris
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1979
Directed by David Cronenberg.
Labels: §4, dramaF, horror2, oliver-reed, psychological2, science-fiction2, suspense3, thriller3, violence4
Friday, July 15, 2022
Sicario
- Commentary: Under construction.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Emily Blunt Kate Macer Josh Brolin Matt Graver Benicio del Toro Alejandro Gillick Daniel Kaluuya Reggie Wayne Victor Garber Dave Jennings Jon Bernthal Ted Jeffrey Donovan Steve Forsing Raoul Trujillo Rafael Julio Cesar Cedillo Fausto Alarcón Hank Rogerson Phil Coopers Bernardo Saracino Manuel Díaz Maximiliano Hernández Silvio
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2015
Directed by Denis Villeneuve.
Labels: §4, action4, emily-blunt, josh-brolin, thriller3, violence4, war3
The Thorn Birds
- Commentary: I haven't watched this series, yet. I'm expecting to receive it today (7/15/22). I have to mention, though, despite its continued popularity, no film critics considered "accomplished" by film media reviewed this series; not then (back in the 1980's) and not now, despite the high caliber talent engaged, the fact that it continues to be lauded as the second most popular mini-series in history (the first one being Roots) and, besides these, it won several major awards. Even its Wikipedia write-up dispensed with its usual "Reception" section on this movie, although it did include a stocked Awards section, of which, might I add, this production was nominated for and won several. Despite this, I had to scrounge to find two reviews, one attached to the title of this post and the other here, written on the occasion of the release of the DVD of the series in 2004. Both are excellent and informative. If you read reviews of video media, you'll appreciate both. In addition, the DVD version I'll be receiving includes a "Commemorative Documentary" that I can barely wait to watch.
The above linked reviews, despite the fact that I'll be receiving a few more DVDs/Blu-Rays in the same package, guarantee that this series will be the first into which I dive. I find it so incredibly curious that no "critic of prominence" wanted to weigh in on this series. I suspect I will discover why top tier critics were afraid to review this series (even though I'd put good money on the proposition that all of them saw it) and that it will have something to do with being afraid of somehow getting their minds dirty. I mean, a mini-series about a priest falling in love with a woman ... starring the likes of Richard Chamberlain, Rachel Ward, Christopher Plummer, the list goes on and on ... somehow, I can imagine lots of critics cringing, shaking their hands frantically and squealing, "Eew!"
So, Dear Reader, stay tuned. Although this post remains "Under construction", I'll be completing and polishing it soon.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Richard Chamberlain Ralph de Bricassart Rachel Ward Adult Meggie Cleary Sydney Penny Child Meggie Cleary Barbara Stanwyck Mary Carson Richard Kiley Paddy Cleary Jean Simmons Fee Cleary Bryan Brown Luke O'Neill Mare Winningham Justine O'Neill Philip Anglim Dane O'Neill Ken Howard Rainer Hartheim John Friedrich Frank Cleary Dwier Brown Adult Stuart Cleary Vidal Peterson Child Stuart Cleary Piper Laurie Anne Mueller Earl Holliman Luddie Mueller Christopher Plummer Archbishop Vittorio di Contini-Verchese Brett Cullen Bob Cleary Stephen W. Burns Jack Cleary Barry Corbin Pete Holly Palance Miss Carmichael John de Lancie Alastair MacQueen Allyn Ann McLerie Mrs. Smith Richard Venture Harry Gough Antoinette Bower Sarah MacQueen
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1983
Directed by Daryl Duke.
Labels: §4, barbara-stanwyck, christopher-plummer, coming-of-age2, erotic, jean-simmons, john-de-lancie, period7, piper-laurie, religion2, spiritual2, TV3
Black Widow
- Commentary: Under construction.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Scarlett Johansson Black Widow Natasha Romanoff Florence Pugh Black Widow Yelena Belova David Harbour Red Guardian Alexei Shostakov O-T Fagbenle Rick Mason Olga Kurylenko Taskmaster Antonia Dreykov William Hurt Thaddeus Ross Ray Winstone Dreykov Rachel Weisz Black Widow Melina Vostokoff Michelle Lee Red Room Assassin Oksana Jade Xu Black Widow Helen Julia Louis-Dreyfus Valentina Allegra de Fontaine Jeremy Renner Voice of Clint Barton
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2021
Directed by Cate Shortland.
Labels: §4, rachel-weisz, ray-winstone, super-hero2, thriller3, tragedy2, violence4, william-hurt
Saturday, July 02, 2022
The Hit
- Commentary: Under construction.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Terence Stamp Willie Parker John Hurt Mitchell Braddock Tim Roth Myron Laura del Sol Maggie Bill Hunter Harry Fernando Rey Senior Policeman Willoughby Gray Judge Jim Broadbent Barrister
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1984
Directed by Stephen Frears.
Labels: §4, bill-hunter, john-hurt, neo-noirA
Secret Sunshine
- Commentary: Under construction.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Jeon Do-yeon Lee Shin-ae Song Kang-ho Kim Jong-chan Jo Young-jin Park Do-seop Kim Young-jae Lee Min-ki Lee Dong-yong Taxi Driver Lee Hee-joon Prayer Meeting Volunteer Jang Hye-jin Park Myung-suk Kim Mi-hyang Deaconess Kim
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2007
Directed by Lee Chang-dong.
Labels: §4
Okja
- Commentary: Under construction.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Ahn Seo-hyun Miha Tilda Swinton Lucy & Nancy Mirando Paul Dano Jay Jake Gyllenhaal Johnny Wilcox Byun Hee-bong Hee Bong Steven Yeun K Giancarlo Esposito Frank Dawson Lily Collins Red
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2017
Directed by Bong Joon-ho.
Labels: §4, bong-joon-ho, giancarlo-esposito, jake-gyllenhaal
In the Mood for Love
- Commentary: Under construction.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Maggie Cheung Su Li-zhen Tony Leung Chow Mo-wan Siu Ping Lam Ah Ping Rebecca Pan Mrs. Suen Kelly Lai Chen Mr. Ho Joe Cheung Mr. Koo's Tenant Chan Man-Lei Mr. Koo Paulyn Sun Mrs. Chow
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2000
Directed by Wong Kar-wai.
Labels: §4, Criterion8
45 Years
- Commentary: Under construction.
Interview with Tom Courtenay regarding 45 Years.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Charlotte Rampling Kate Mercer Tom Courtenay Jeff Mercer Geraldine James Lena Dolly Wells Sally David Sibley George Sam Alexander Postman Chris Richard Cunningham Mr. Watkins Kevin Matadeen Waiter
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2015
Directed by Andrew Haigh.
Labels: §4, charlotte-rampling, Criterion6
Saturday, June 25, 2022
Walk the Line
- Commentary: My father was the Johnny Cash fan when I was a preteen and teenager, not I, although I can't say I disliked his music. Being securely encased in the heyday of sixties rock, I just didn't notice him, except for his monster crossover hits. My father was, as well, a down and dirty old time Country Western fan, which probably figures, since he hailed from North Carolina. He didn't play hardly any of this music at home, but his conversation was peppered with phrases like The Great Speckled Bird and Ring of Fire. So, when I stumbled upon this movie some years ago on TV, finding nothing else in that night's line-up that I wanted to watch, I tuned in. I still have memories of being blown away by the story, the music and the spot on performances of the stars.
I just received the movie and haven't yet rewatched it. I'll be doing that momentarily. So, any kind of a write-up is going to have to wait on me refreshing my memory as to why, when this movie popped into view at an unbelievably low price, I felt the urge to procure it. Let's just say, until later this evening, or, possibly, tomorrow, this write-up is still Under construction.
In the meantime, here's an article, Finding the Voice of Johnny Cash, written by Roger Ebert, that is based around a short but revealing interview he conducted with Joaquin Phoenix about playing the part of Johnny Cash.
Back later.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Joaquin Phoenix Johnny Cash Reese Witherspoon June Carter Ginnifer Goodwin Vivian Cash Robert Patrick Ray Cash McGhee Monteith Reba Cash Dallas Roberts Sam Phillips Dan John Miller Luther Perkins Larry Bagby Marshall Grant Shelby Lynne Carrie Cash Tyler Hilton Elvis Presley Waylon Payne Jerry Lee Lewis Shooter Jennings Waylon Jennings Sandra Ellis Lafferty Maybelle Carter Johnathan Rice Roy Orbison Johnny Holiday Carl Perkins Lucas Till Jack Cash
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2005
Directed by James Mangold.
Labels: §4, biography3, historical4, joaquin-phoenix, musical2, period7, reese-witherspoon
Saturday, June 18, 2022
Cyrano
- Commentary: Under construction, although, I must mention, I just acquired this film today (6/18/2022) and I'm really looking forward to spending the afternoon with it, so expect a write-up of it soon.
By the way, in addition to the review linked to the title of this post, yes, from RogerEbert.com, the site also published this interesting interview with director Joe Wright. In it Mr. Wright talks about, among other subjects, the many adaptations of this nineteenth century play based on the life of a seventeenth century French novelist, playwright, epistolarian, and duelist.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Peter Dinklage Cyrano de Bergerac Haley Bennett Roxanne Kelvin Harrison Jr. Christian de Neuvillette Ben Mendelsohn De Guiche Bashir Salahuddin Le Bret Monica Dolan Marie Joshua James Valvert Anjana Vasan Sister Claire
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2021
Directed by Joe Wright.
Labels: §4, ben-mendelsohn, historical4, period7, peter-dinklage, romance5
Thursday, June 09, 2022
The Bourne Identity
- Commentary: I can't remember how I discovered the existence of this series. Apparently, I knew about it when I purchased the Bourne collection, because I mention it in the write-up for the first of the Damon series. I can't recall how I was reminded recenty that Richard Chamberlain had done his take on the circuitous identity known as, in this movie, simply "Bourne". But I'm glad I was. This time, I decided to see if the series was available. It was. As well, this series runs, episodically, for 185 mins and is based on only the first book. You'll notice, as well, it preceded the first of the Damon/Bourne series by 14 years.
More later, after I watch this series.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Richard Chamberlain Bourne Jaclyn Smith Marie St. Jacques Anthony Quayle Gen. François Villiers Donald Moffat David Abbott Shane Rimmer Alexander Conklin Yorgo Voyagis Carlos Denholm Elliott Dr. Geoffrey Washburn Peter Vaughan Fritz Koenig Michael Habeck The Fat Man Wolf Kahler Gold Glasses Philip Madoc D'Armacourt Bill Wallis Chernak
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1988
Directed by Roger Young.
Labels: §4, spy, thriller3, TV3
Tampopo
- Commentary: A Japanese Western about ramen?!? Count me in!
Under construction.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Tsutomu Yamazaki Gorō Nobuko Miyamoto Tampopo Kōji Yakusho Man in White Suit Ken Watanabe Gun Rikiya Yasuoka Pisukin Kinzō Sakura Shōhei Yoshi Katō Noodle-making Master Hideji Ōtaki Rich Old Man Fukumi Kuroda Man in White Suit's Mistress Setsuko Shinoi Rich Old Man's Mistress Yoriko Dōguchi Pearl Diver (Oyster Girl) Masahiko Tsugawa Supermarket Manager
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1985
Directed by Juzo Itami.
Labels: §4, comedy2, food, satire3
The Bourne Classified Collection
- Commentary: Go ahead. Make fun of me. I don't care. I love this series of movies for just pure action thriller enthrallment. I even like the one without Matt Damon. I was introduced to these movies through a friend of mine who you wouldn't expect would like them, since she's not ordinarily a fan of spy action-thrillers. She nagged me, though, until I finally started checking them out of the library, one by one. It is these movies that hooked me on action-thrillers. I don't know why I developed a taste for them late in life but, well, I did, and I'm enjoying the hell out of the flavor.
They are all personal guilty pleasures. Not much more to say about these movies that hasn't already been said, except I understand there's another in the theaters and I can't wait until it hits DVD. Well, I can wait until the price drops. There is even a slot in the collection's case for that DVD. You can bet I'll be filling it.
Update 6/2/2022: This post was originally published on 8/14/16 but disappeared from public view. I am now reinstating it.
The movies in this collection are:
The Bourne Identity
Did you know there is a 1988 version of this film (same name), a TV Mini Series starring Richard Chamberlain and Jaclyn Smith? Although IMDb rated it a bit lower than this one, it wasn't a ratings slouch. If you read the comments, you'll notice that almost everyone liked to loved it; some even preferring it to the Matt Damon/Jeremy Renner franchise.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Matt Damon Jason Bourne/David Webb Franka Potente Marie Kreutz Chris Cooper Alexander Conklin Clive Owen The Professor Brian Cox Ward Abbott Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje Nykwana Wombosi Gabriel Mann Danny Zorn Julia Stiles Nicolette Parsons
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2002
Directed by Doug Liman.
The Bourne Supremacy
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Matt Damon Jason Bourne Joan Allen Pamela Landy Brian Cox Ward Abbott Franka Potente Marie Kreutz Julia Stiles Nicolette Parsons Karl Urban Kirill Marton Csokas Jarda Oksana Akinshina Irena Neski
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2004
Directed Paul Greengrass.
→ joan-allen
The Bourne Ultimatum
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Matt Damon Jason Bourne Julia Stiles Nicolette Parsons David Strathairn Noah Vosen Scott Glenn Ezra Kramer Paddy Considine Simon Ross Édgar Ramírez Paz Albert Finney Dr. Albert Hirsch Joan Allen Pamela Landy
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2007
Directed by Paul Greengrass.
→ joan-allen, david-straithairn
The Bourne Legacy
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Jeremy Renner Kenneth James Kitsom/Aaron Cross Rachel Weisz Dr. Marta Shearing Edward Norton Col. Eric Byer Stacey Keach Mark Turso Dennis Boutsikaris Terrence Ward Oscar Isaac Outcome #3 Joan Allen Pamela Landy Albert Finney Dr. Albert Hirsch David Strathairn Noah Vosen Donna Murphy Dita Mandy Željko Ivanek Dr. Donald Foite Shane Jacobson Mackie
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2012
Directed Tony Gilroy.
→ joan-allen, željko-ivanek, david-straithairn
Jason Bourne
Update 2/5/2018: Yes, I purchased the fifth installment to fill the fifth slot in this collection, Jason Bourne, which surprised me. I actually expected it to be, well, more of the same. It was, but different. Interesting. Yes, I enjoy it as much as the first four. Yes, the purchase included a DVD copy, as well as a Blu-Ray copy. I may, later, pass the DVD copy off to someone who wants it.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Matt Damon Jason Bourne Tommy Lee Jones Robert Dewey Julia Stiles Nicolette Parsons Alicia Vikander Heather Lee Vincent Cassel The Asset Ato Essandoh Craig Jeffers Riz Ahmed Aaron Kalloor Scott Shepherd Edwin Russell
→ tommy-lee-jones
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2016
Directed Paul Greengrass.
Labels: §4, action1, adventure1, chris-cooper, david-strathairn, drama5, edward-norton, joan-allen, neo-noirB, oscar-isaac, political2, rachel-weisz, spy, super-hero2, thriller2, tommy-lee-jones, violence2, željko-ivanek
Friday, April 22, 2022
Lady Sings the Blues
- Commentary: Under construction.
I saw this movie decades ago, on TV, I think. Although I enjoy Diana Ross' voice and, here and there, enjoyed songs released by Diana Ross and the Supremes, I never bought their records. Although I had quite a record collection back in the day, The Supremes were so ubiquitous on radio that I never felt the need to own theirs.
I was, however, intrigued that Diana Ross was playing Billie Holiday, some of whose music I did own, I'm embarrassed to admit, by accident, when I "inherited" a collection of old recordings from someone who was leaving my vicinity. I found them provocative and played some of the 78s over and over and over. Finally, I was seduced by a clip from one of the tragic, emotional scenes from the movie. Long story short, much to my surprise, not only was I not disappointed by the movie, I have remembered bits and pieces of it for decades, which is why, when given the chance and presented with a stupendous sale price, I snapped up this movie. I expect to sit back and enjoy this movie for decades to come.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Diana Ross Billie Holiday Billy Dee Williams Louis McKay Richard Pryor Piano Man Virginia Capers Sadie Fagan Holiday
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1972
Directed by Sidney J. Furie.
Labels: §4, biography3, haunting3, musical2, tragedy2
Molly's Game
- Commentary: Under construction.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Jessica Chastain Molly Bloom Idris Elba Charlie Jaffey Kevin Costner Larry Bloom Michael Cera Player X
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2015
Directed by Aaron Sorkin.
Labels: §4, biography3, dramaF, economic, historical4
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
- Commentary: Under construction.
This is yet another movie that warranted two dedicated write-ups at Roger Ebert's website [the first review is linked to the title of this post, the second is immediately previous to this bracketed phrase] and several mentions in further articles about festival nominees and winners.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Frances McDormand Mildred Hayes Woody Harrelson Bill Willoughby Sam Rockwell Jason Dixon Abbie Cornish Anne Willoughby Lucas Hedges Robbie Hayes Željko Ivanek Cedric Connolly John Hawkes Charlie Hayes Peter Dinklage James
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2017
Directed by Martin McDonagh.
Labels: §4, detective1, john-hawkes, peter-dinklage, woody-harrelson, željko-ivanek
Wednesday, April 20, 2022
Widows
- Commentary: Under construction.
I haven't received this movie, yet, but it's on its way (from North Dakota, no less) and I should have it by Friday.
It's funny, because, recalling what I said about the last movie I entered in here, Serenity, regarding how I was really excited about seeing that movie, well, the truth is, I feel the same about this movie and the last four I've listed. I obtained them all through a sale featuring movies that featured strong female roles, actors and/or directors and other crew. I've never seen a sale like that. It will probably be a long time before I see one like that again. I want to mention, though, for anyone "listening", there's an excellent chance I would not have obtained any of these five movies had they not been presented in such a format. Kudos to whomever thought of it. Sterling idea! More, please!
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Viola Davis Veronica Rawlings Michelle Rodriguez Linda Elizabeth Debicki Alice Cynthia Erivo Belle
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2018
Directed by Steve McQueen.
Labels: §4, dramaE, neo-noirC, political5, revenge1, tragedy2, violence4
Serenity
- Commentary: Under construction.
I'm unusually excited about watching this movie, which is why I obtained it. I don't think it's going to be a typical space-opera. The initial information I've read on this movie indicates that it might be a bit prescient about what's going on in the world, now.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Nathan Fillion Malcolm Reynolds Gina Torres Zoë Alleyne Washburne Alan Tudyk Hoban Washburne Chiwetel Ejiofor The Operative
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2005
Directed by Joss Whedon.
Labels: §4, action4, adventure4, neo-noirC, political5, science-fiction2, space-opera, violence4, war3
Saturday, February 12, 2022
Good
- Commentary: Under Construction.
It was so hard to find a review of this film that I ended up attaching the watchers review page from IMDb to the title above. The reviews are, literally, all over the place. In addition, no one with any "critical" integrity, i.e., people who call themselves critics and are paid to publish as critics, wanted to touch this film. This surprises me because I really like this film, which is why I acquired it. It will, in fact, be the first film I'll watch in the batch I just received. Question for myself to answer: Are the scenes in which Mortensens' character imagines inmates singing in choruses and playing in small orchestras at a concentration camp in black and white or color? I remember them in black and white, but I'm wondering, now, if that's my edited, or correct, memory.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Viggo Mortensen John Halder Jason Isaacs Maurice Israel Glückstein Jodie Whittaker Anne Hartman Halder Steven Mackintosh Freddie Mark Strong Philipp Bouhler Gemma Jones Halder's Mother Anastasia Hille Helen Halder Adrian Schiller Goebbels
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2008
Directed by Vincente Amorim.
Labels: §4, period6, play-adaptation, political5, tragedy2
