Friday, October 14, 2022
Nightcrawler
- Commentary: In high school and college I was a journalist for a couple of local commericial papers on the island on which I lived. I covered it all: news, sports, the arts, opinion, often bylined. I even had my own column, for awhile. I was not the kind of injure-the-dragon-for-ratings journalist played, in this movie, by Jake Gyllenhaal and Rene Russo, but I knew some and, truth be told, in one of my opinion columns I attempted to rouse the rabble a bit on a local issue involving separation of economic classes and construction. I was successful. The issue became the center of a heated debate and resolved itself by favoring inclusion over separation. It's interesting to note, here, that, in the last couple of decades, the issue has resolved itself, again, in favor of separation. A rabble rouser's work is never done. And, yes, of course I still keep up with news and issues about the place where I was raised. Don't you?
Anyway, yes, I am considering this post "under construction". Before I write any more about this movie and its issues, I want to watch it again. I won't be able to do that until tomorrow. In the meantime, here's an interesting article from RogerEbert.com containing interviews with the two stars of this movie. It was, in fact, these interviews which reminded me of the film and revived my interest in it.
Stay tuned.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Jake Gyllenhaal Louis Bloom Rene Russo Nina Romina Riz Ahmed Rick Bill Paxton Joe Loder Kevin Rahm Frank Cruze Michael Hyatt Detective Frontieri Ann Cusack Linda Carolyn Gilroy Jenny
There are, by the way, several IRL journalists who appear as themselves in this movie.
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2014
Directed by Dan Gilroy.
Labels: dramaF, jake-gyllenhaal, journalism, neo-noirA, satire3, thriller3
Annihilation
- Commentary: Under construction.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Natalie Portman Lena Jennifer Jason Leigh Dr. Ventress Gina Rodriguez Anya Thorensen Tessa Thompson Josie Radek Tuva Novotny Cassie Sheppard Oscar Isaac Kane Benedict Wong Lomax Sonoya Mizuno Katie
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2018
Directed by Alex Garland.
Labels: adventure4, jennifer-jason-leigh, mystery3, oscar-isaac, science-fiction2, thriller3
Thursday, October 13, 2022
Men
- Commentary: Under construction.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Jessie Buckley Harper Marlowe Rory Kinnear Geoffrey & Other Men Paapa Essiedu James Marlowe Gayle Rankin Riley
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2022
Directed by Alex Garland.
Labels: A24, folk-horror
Left Behind Trilogy
- Commentary: I know, I know, what the hell am I doing with the following three movies?! It's complicated. I've never been a Christian but I am related to some people who were, back in the day, rabid evangelistic Christians. I don't know if they've ever seen these movies but I do know that they were far out and away from Rabid Evangelical Christianity when the first movie was released. They were, in fact, extraordinarily dismissive, and sometimes, it seemed like they were secretly afraid, of Christianity in particular and religion in general, by that time.
My story with these movies is a bit different. When I was a teenager and my relatives (mentioned above) were rabid evangelical Christians, I became fascinated with Rabid Evangelical Christianity because I knew both of these relatives to be intelligent and thoughtful, so I had an impossible time understanding why, why, either of them not only became REC's but quickly rose to the rank of leaders among their Christian cadre.
At this point, not being a believer, in the strict Abrahamic sense or in any religious or philosophical sense, I began studying the tracts they were distributing, going to a meeting, here and there, featuring Brother Burke (this link is to Brother Burke's son, who continues his father's pentacostal ministry on the same island, out of the same church where my relatives were churched), the local REC head. I even went to a Billy Graham "event" in a large arena and collected literature on REC beliefs. And read it. And remained flummoxed. How in the world, I wondered, could anyone fall under the spell of these beliefs, especially since they were unfalsifiable?
Within a year or so I put my curiosity aside. I think I wasn't interested in knowing what, exactly, attracted my relatives to these beliefs and this community. I had more interesting, and more urgent, things to do. Then, in 1995 the first Left Behind book came out and I couldn't resist, even though my relatives had long ago renounced their REC beliefs. I read it. It was a fairly fun read. Kind of exciting. I knew all the faith details so none of it was shocking, nor did I take any of it personally. Five years later, though, the story was produced as a movie, the first in the trilogy which I, just today, added to my movie collection. At this point I have to tell you, I cannot remember when I first viewed the first movie, but it was a hell of a lot of fun, a real popcorn-and-soda pleasure. All the actors were so earnest, despite often being bad at what they were doing. The scenery was mostly, well, meh, but sometimes interesting, even eye-popping. The story flowed well. It was an emotionally romping good couple of hours. As years went by, when I was presented with the chance, I often rewatched the first movie and the other two. Just plain, good, afternoon fun. So, I decided, if I could find a good cheap price (which I did, recently) I'll add them to my collection.
The catch is, these movies are still being churned out. Nicolas Cage starred in a 2014 reboot of the first movie in the trilogy. I haven't seen that one. Perhaps, some day, I will. Kevin Sorbo also mixed story lines together from the trilogy and has a movie in post production which will be releasing soon. I have no idea if I'll be seeing that one. Depends on whether I can see it, initially, at least, for free. If you are at all familiar with Kevin Sorbo's last some years of movie work, your response to the news of him joining the Left Behind franchise is, likely, "Of course he did!"
Frankly, I'm only mildly surprised at Nicolas Cage's involvement with a movie based on these, ahem, stories. I mean, the possibilities for a real, secular blockbuster certainly reside in the pages of these novels. I can think of only one movie that incorporates this belief system into an excellent production: The Rapture. Yes, I own a copy of it. If you've ever experienced astonishment and disbelief over REC, you might enjoy The Rapture. It wasn't an audience attracter, although critics loved it. I'm thinking the reason it's so hard to produce an audience-rousing and critic-delighting film from these story elements is that anyone from the U.S., anyway, is frightened of the belief system these stories portray, even if they, themselves, don't believe in it.
Anyway, this is just an initial post, no official movie write-ups, yet. I need a fresh watch of the movies listed below to really get into individual write-ups. So, yes, this post is Under Construction. I'm not sure if I'll be writing up the individual movies separate from one another or, for that matter, separate from this post. Stay tuned. I think this might be fun.
Left Behind I: The Movie
Commentary: Under construction.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Kirk Cameron Buck Williams Brad Johnson Captain Rayford Steele Gordon Currie Nicolae Carpathia Janaya Stephens Chloe Steele Clarence Gilyard, Jr. Bruce Barnes Chelsea Noble Hattie Dunham Colin Fox Chaim Rosenzweig Daniel Pilon Jonathan Stonagal
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2000
Directed by Vic Sarin.
Left Behind II: Tribulation Force
Commentary: Under construction.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Kirk Cameron Buck Williams Brad Johnson Rayford Steele Clarence Gilyard, Jr. Bruce Barnes Janaya Stephens Chloe Steele Gordon Currie Nicolae Carpathia Chelsea Noble Hattie Durham Krista Bridges Ivy Gold Lubomir Mykytiuk Rabbi Tsion Ben Judah
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2002
Directed by Bill Corcoran.
Left Behind III: World at War
Commentary: Under construction.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Louis Gossett Jr. President Gerald Fitzhugh Kirk Cameron Buck Williams Brad Johnson Rayford Steele Jessica Steen Carolyn Miller Gordon Currie Nicolae Carpathia Janaya Stephens Chloe Steele Chelsea Noble Hattie Durham Charles Martin Smith Vice President John Mallory
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2005
Directed by Craig R. Baxley.
Labels: apocalyptic, popcorn-and-soda7, religion2
The Town - WB 20 Film Collection Thrillers
- Commentary: I know Ben Affleck has hit-or-miss luck with his productions, but this one is solid and I like it enough to already have watched it twice since I bought this collection and had seen it previously. As well, it's intriguing enough, with enough "little" detail that it keeps bringing me back, knowing I'll discover something new. Good job, Affleck. With this and Gone Girl I think you've finally hit your stride. Here's to continued masterful movement.
Reader, if you're into reviews, you might want to peruse this one by a RogerEbert.com contributor, Gerardo Valero.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Ben Affleck Douglas MacRay Rebecca Hall Claire Keesey Jon Hamm FBI Spc. Agt. Adam Frawley Jeremy Renner James Coughlin Blake Lively Krista Coughlin Chris Cooper Stephen MacRay Pete Postlethwaite Fergus Colm Slaine Albert MacGloan Owen Burke Desmond Elden Titus Welliver Det. Dino Ciampa Dennis McLaughlin Russell/Rusty Victor Garber David
Originally published in this journal on 081416.
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2010
Directed by Ben Affleck.
Labels: ben-affleck, chris-cooper, gang-movie
Inception - WB 20 Film Collection Thrillers
- Commentary: Okay. I'm really pleased this movie was in the collection. And, the immediately previous mini-review notwithstanding, it's a Christopher Nolan production and it's a peach. I loved it the first time I saw it and will love it many times more.
And, by the way, everyone and their dogs over at RogerEbert.com felt the need to either review this film or comment on various aspects of the film. My search for just the plain review of the movie lead to a group of articles that poured into a second page. That's why I'm posting my search results at that site.
I have to tell you, though, the last article cited on Page 1 of my search, had an intriguing title (intriguing, at least, to someone who writes about movies [me], but, make no mistake, I don't consider that I "review" them): Inception: Block those reviews!, written by Jim Emerson of the Scanners blog. I couldn't help it, I had to click into a title like that! You, dear reader, should too. It explains the profession of Movie Critiquing so thoroughly that I think every potential "every day" movie goer should read this article before reading any critiques of a movie in order to try to decide whether to see any particular movie.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Leonardo DiCaprio Dom Cobb Joseph Gordon-Levitt Arthur Ellen/Elliot Page Ariadne Tom Hardy Eames Ken Watanabe Mr. Saito Dileep Rao Yusuf Cillian Murphy Robert Michael Fischer Tom Berenger Peter Browning Marion Cotillard Mal Cobb Pete Postlethwaite Maurice Fischer Michael Caine Professor Stephen Miles Lukas Haas Nash
Originally published in this journal on 081416.
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2010
Directed by Christopher Nolan.
Labels: christopher-nolan, leonardo-dicaprio, michael-caine, neo-noirC
The Dark Knight - WB 20 Film Collection Thrillers
- Commentary: I am still trying to get through this one. I've started it several times and within a half hour I stop it and go on to something else. I'm not sure why, but I remember telling one of my sisters the first time I tried to watch it, primarily because, at the time, it was one of her son's favorite movies and I like to keep up with my nieces and nephews like that, that "Dark" was certainly an appropriate word for the movie and I hoped to get through it. It's weird, too, because I like dark stuff, bloody stuff, violent stuff, and I love a lot of Christopher Nolan's work. And yet ... maybe I'll try again tonight.
Update 1/17/2021: I now have two copies of this movie, the second of which came in The Dark Knight Trilogy.
Update 6/1/2022: After having spent some time watching The Dark Knight Trilogy twice, I have changed my opinion of not only this movie but the entire trilogy and, I think, this particular movie rivals the first, Batman Begins, as my favorite of the trilogy. I don't know how I could not have been smitten, during my first attempted viewing, with Heath Ledger's portrayal of Joker. Perhaps it was the lack of a back story that caused a lag in my appreciation.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Christian Bale Bruce Wayne/Batman Michael Caine Alfred Pennyworth Heath Ledger Joker Morgan Freeman Lucius Fox Gary Oldman James Gordon Aaron Eckhart Harvey Dent/Two-Face Maggie Gyllenhaal Rachel Dawes Richie Coster Chechen
Originally published in this journal on 081416.
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 2008
Directed by Christopher Nolan.
Labels: christian-bale, christopher-nolan, heath-ledger, maggie-gyllenhaal, michael-caine, morgan-freeman, neo-noirB, super-hero2
American History X - WB 20 Film Collection Thrillers
- Commentary: I didn't think I'd seen this movie, then, when I watched it, parts of it came back to me. It's a message movie and I'm not really a fan of blatant message movies, but there is a lot else to enjoy with this movie besides the message. I would never have bought a single copy of it for myself but I'm not displeased that I own it. Edward Norton's performance is, as mostly usual (I'm thinking, off hand, of Primal Fear, Fight Club and even The Illusionist), a glory to watch.
Edward Furlong as the younger, suseptible brother to Edward Norton's character is spot on, as well. Watching this movie, now, causes me a bit of sorrow that his career didn't continue long and strong. Oh well, you never know what the future might bring.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Edward Norton Derek Vinyard Edward Furlong Danny Vinyard Beverly D'Angelo Doris Vinyard Jennifer Lien Davinia Vinyard Ethan Suplee Seth Ryan Fairuza Balk Stacey Avery Brooks Dr. Bob Sweeney Elliott Gould Murray
Originally published in this journal on 081416.
Here is the Wikipedia link to a write-up of this movie.
Release Date: 1998
Directed by Tony Kaye.
Labels: edward-norton
L. A. Confidential - WB 20 Film Collection Thrillers
- Commentary: Bravo on this one. I've actually checked this one out of the library a couple of times just to watch it again. Just a stellar movie, in so many ways. Thanks for including this one, WB.
Roger Ebert gave this movie a stunning "regular review", then turned around and reviewed it again as one of his Great Movies. Then, Gerardo Valero reviewed the movie for the site again in 2013, as "a movie about movies." Taking into consideration the almost constant narration provided by Danny DeVito's character Sid Hudgens, I'd say that's accurate.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Russell Crowe Wendell White Guy Pearce Edmund Exley Kevin Spacey Jack Vincennes James Cromwell Capt. Dudley Smith Kim Basinger Lynn Bracken Danny DeVito Sid Hudgens David Strathairn Pierce Morehouse Patchett Ron Rifkin D. A. Ellis Loew
Originally published in this journal on 081416.
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1997
Directed by Curtis Hanson.
Labels: david-strathairn, guy-pearce, journalism, neo-noirD
Heat - WB 20 Film Collection Thrillers
- 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
Se7en - WB 20 Film Collection Thrillers
- Commentary: Love it, love it, love it. I'm glad I own a copy. I was thrilled when I noticed that this movie was in the collection. It's one of the reasons I bought the collection. When I watch it I even remember my reactions when I first saw it in the theater.
Although I was my mother's companion by that time, I did not take her to see it with me. I asked her, but she refused, and I wasn't surprised. She never appreciated crime drama of any kind, let alone grisly crime drama. That's just who she was.
Roger Ebert also christened this movie as one of his Great Movies.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Brad Pitt Det. David Mills Morgan Freeman Det. Lt. William Somerset Gwyneth Paltrow Tracy Mills Kevin Spacey John Doe R. Lee Ermey Police Captain Richard Roundtree D. A. Martin Talbot Richard Schiff Mark Swarr Mark Boone Junior Greasy FBI Man
Originally published in this journal on 081416.
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1995
Directed by David Fincher.
Labels: morgan-freeman, neo-noirB
The Shawshank Redemption - WB 20 Film Collection Thrillers
- Commentary: I already own this. My original write-up can be found here. It's so good and so involving that I'm glad I own two copies, in case one becomes corrupted.
I've also linked the title of this post to a totally separate review site than the original post, listed below, for your, and my, enjoyment.
This movie has an Actor/Role table here.
Originally published in this journal on 081416.
One of Roger Ebert's Great Movies.
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1994
Directed by Frank Darabont.
Natural Born Killers - WB 20 Film Collection Thrillers
- Commentary: Yeow! I had never seen this movie before! What a production! What a statement! I love it, unabashedly. Kudos, Oliver Stone! You continually surprise and delight me! I'll certainly be watching this one again!
One of the more insteresting aspects of this film is the number of stellar actors that Oliver Stone was able to draw into the production. In addition to all the well known actors who played thoroughly credited roles, there are (at least) four actors who appeared only in the Director's Cut (which is the edition I have) and at least four actors who simply participated without credit. All these actors are represented in their own sections in the table below.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Woody Harrelson Mickey Knox Juliette Lewis Mallory Wilson Knox Robert Downey Jr. Wayne Gale Tom Sizemore Det. Jack Scagnetti Tommy Lee Jones Warden Dwight McClusky Rodney Dangerfield Ed Wilson Edie McClurg Mrs. Wilson Sean Stone Kevin Wilson Russell Means Old Indian Man Lanny Flaherty Earl Evan Handler David Balthazar Getty Gas station attendant Director's Cut Actors Ashley Judd Grace Mulberry Rachel Ticotin Prosecutor Wanda Bisbing Peter & David Paul Simon and Norman Hun Denis Leary & Bret Hart prison inmates Notable Uncredited Actors James Gammon Redneck Buddy Mark Harmon Mickey Knox (TV) Adrien Brody David Pasquesi Arliss Howard Owen Traft
Originally published in this journal on 081416.
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1994
Directed by Oliver Stone.
Labels: gang-movie, oliver-stone, robert-downey-jr, tommy-lee-jones, woody-harrelson
The Fugitive - WB 20 Film Collection Thrillers
- Commentary: I saw this when it came out, really enjoyed it, but haven't yet watched it a second time. I'm sure I will. I remember it, but it was never a stand-out movie for me.
Although rarely does Tommy Lee Jones not turn a part into standout role, I think this is one of his standout-standout roles.
Update 2/7/18: I watched it again recently. Good standard. Glad I own it.
Update (sort of) 8/12/21: I chanced across this review, written in 2017, on Roger Ebert's website, that gave me taylor-made reasons to reconsider this movie and rewatch it soon. Thanks, Matt Zoller Seitz! Good points!
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Harrison Ford Dr. Richard Kimble Tommy Lee Jones Dep. US Marshal Sam Gerard Sela Ward Helen Kimble Joe Pantoliano Dep. US Marshal Cosmo Renfro Jeroen Krabbé Dr. Charles Nichols Andreas Katsulas Fredrick Sykes Daniel Roebuck Dep. US Marshal Bobby Biggs Tom Wood Dep. US Marshal Noah Newman Julianne Moore Dr. Anne Eastman L. Scott Caldwell Dep. US Marshal Erin Poole Jane Lynch Dr. Kathy Wahlund Dick Cusack Atty. Walter Gutherie
Originally published in this journal on 081416.
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1993
Directed by Andrew Davis.
Labels: harrison-ford, joe-pantoliano, julianne-moore, tommy-lee-jones
Goodfellas - WB 20 Film Collection Thrillers
- 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
Batman - WB 20 Film Collection Thrillers
- Commentary: Turns out this doesn't wear well the second time around, either. Even its comic book shtick has been well surpassed, and by its own series. I do like Michael Keaton best as Batman, though. He wore the mantle well, better than any others I can think of. His voice is the epitome of Batman. That said, I'm glad I own it and will probably watch it again. And the characters. Oh, the characters! Nicholson and Bassinger both made a huge splash as their characters, and their performances hold up well.
I'm sorry, sometimes, that I don't have Batman Returns just to savor Danny DeVito's Joker. But, I've almost got too many Batman movies, as it is.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Michael Keaton Bruce Wayne/Batman Jack Nicholson Jack Napier/the Joker Kim Basinger Vicky Vale Robert Wuhl Alexander Knox Pat Hingle Commissioner Gordon Billy Dee Williams Harvey Dent Michael Gough Alfred Pennyworth Jack Palance Carl Grissom
Originally published in this journal on 081416.
Here's the link to the Wikipedia write-up of this film.
Release Date: 1989
Directed by Tim Burton.
Labels: jack-nicholson, jack-palance, pat-hingle, super-hero2
Lethal Weapon - WB 20 Film Collection Thrillers
- Commentary: You know, I remember enjoying this the first time I saw it, but it hasn't aged well. Reminds me of so many 80's television "thriller" series (Or maybe it was 90's "thriller series", maybe this movie inspired them): long on action (and not as long as is required, now, for a good thriller), short on story. Its humor hasn't aged well, either.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Mel Gibson Sgt. Martin Riggs Danny Glover Sgt. Roger Murtaugh Gary Busey Mr. Joshua Mitchell Ryan Gen. Peter McAllister Tom Atkins Michael Hunsaker Darlene Love Trish Murtaugh Jackie Swanson Amanda Hunsaker Traci Wolfe Rianne Murtaugh Damon Hines Nick Murtaugh Ebonie Smith Carrie Murtaugh Steve Kahan Cpt. Ed Murphy Mary Ellen Trainor Dr. Stephanie Woods
Originally published in this journal on 081416.
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1987
Directed by Richard Donner.
Labels: danny-glover, loose-cannon-cop, mel-gibson
Dog Day Afternoon - WB 20 Film Collection Thrillers
- Commentary: Another I'm glad to own. In a way, I don't consider this a thriller, but a comedic character study of satiric circumstances very appropriate to the ambience of the 70's, even more understandable in the 21st century and based on a true event. Great the first time I saw it, great now. Time has embued this movie with much deeper meaning.
Roger Ebert, 33 years after initially reviewing this movie and rating it at three and a half stars, christened it a Great Movie, christened it with four stars, and then, and then, two years later one of the companion reviewers at the site wrote an article about the truth behind the film. Fascinating stuff.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Al Pacino Sonny Wortzik John Cazale Sal Naturile Charles Durning Sgt. Eugene Moretti Chris Sarandon Leon Shermer Penelope Allen Sylvia 'Mouth' Sully Boyar Mulvaney Susan Peretz Angie James Broderick FBI Agt. Sheldon Lance Henriksen FBI Agt. Murphy Carol Kane Jenny 'The Squirrel' Judith Malina Sonny's Mother Dominic Chianese Sonny's Father
Originally published in this journal on 081416.
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1975
Directed by Sidney Lumet.
Dirty Harry - WB 20 Film Collection Thrillers
- Commentary: It had been so long since I'd seen this one, it was fun to see it again. From today's perspective, not a particularly skillful thriller, but I enjoy watching the very first "episode" in the development of Dirty Harry. Makes me want to watch The Gauntlet again, and a few other Clint Eastwood thrillers.
By the way, check out this quote courtesy of the Wikipedia article on the movie Dirty Harry: "Eastwood's iconic portrayal of the blunt, cynical, unorthodox detective, who is seemingly in perpetual trouble with his incompetent bosses, set the style for a number of his later roles and, indeed, a whole genre of ̔'loose-cannon cop' films." There are two "loose-cannon cop" films in this collection, the other being Lethal Weapon. Dirty Harry was released in 1971. Lethal Weapon was released in 1987.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Clint Eastwood Ins. Harry Callahan Andy Robinson Scorpio Harry Guardino Lt. Al Bressler Reni Santoni Ins. Chico Gonzalez John Vernon San Francisco Mayor John Larch Chief Paul Dacanelli John Mitchum Ins. Frank DiGiorgio Woodrow Parfrey Jaffe Josef Sommer D. A. William T. Rothko Mae Mercer Mrs. Russell Albert Popwell Bank Robber Lyn Edgington Norma Gonzalez
Originally published in this journal on 081416.
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1971
Directed by Don Siegel.
Labels: clint-eastwood, loose-cannon-cop, neo-noirA
North by Northwest - WB 20 Film Collection Thrillers
- Commentary: Loved it the first time I saw it, loved it upon seeing it again. Delightfully mysterious.
This movie is also full of famous "snap-shot scenes" (my moniker, by the way) that, no matter where or for what reason you see a snap shot from a particular scene, you not only recognize the movie immediately, even if it's not identified in context, but the snap shot, itself, elicits a review of the initial reaction you had when you first saw the scene.
Mount Rushmore, anyone?
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Cary Grant Roger Thornhill Eva Marie Saint Eve Kendall James Mason Phillip Vandamm Jessie Royce Landis Clara Thornhill Leo G. Carroll The Professor Josephine Hutchinson Mrs. Townsend Philip Ober Lester Townsend Martin Landau Leonard Adam Williams Valerian Edward Platt Victor Larrabee Robert Ellenstein Licht Les Tremayne Auctioneer
Originally published in this journal on 081416.
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1959
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock.
Labels: alfred-hitchcock, cary-grant, james-mason
Strangers on a Train - WB 20 Film Collection Thrillers
- Commentary: This is one I'd seen before and it didn't disappoint the second time around.
I'm glad I own it (not only because it's a good movie, but because it was released in the year I was born. In my post about Ace in the Hole I mention my interest in watching films from that year).
Psychologically dastardly.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Farley Granger Guy Haines Ruth Roman Anne Morton Robert Walker Bruno Antony Leo G. Carroll Senator Morton Patricia Hitchcock Barbara Morton Kasey Rogers Miriam Joyce Haines Marion Lorne Mrs. Antony Jonathan Hale Mr. Antony
One of Roger Ebert's Great Movies.
Originally published in this journal on 081416.
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1951
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock.
Labels: alfred-hitchcock, birth-year, film-noir3, melodramaB
The Big Sleep - WB 20 Film Collection Thrillers
- Commentary: Another sacrilegious write-up. I found it interesting to follow, but so little of it stayed with me that I had to look up the story line to see if I'd even watched it. I couldn't remember a thing. I'm not a good audience for old thrillers, I guess.
Having said that, it does have some significant actors in it, like, for instance Dorothy Malone, so I decided it needed more than an abbreviated Actor/Role table.
In addition, this is one of the few Humphrey Bogart movies that Mom slavered over when we'd watch it on TV. Frankly, I think Lauren Bacall did it for her. I remember her once saying, "What in the world did she (Lauren Bacall) see in the likes of him (Humphrey Bogart)?!? Ah, the innocence of the audience!
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Humphrey Bogart Philip Marlowe Lauren Bacall Vivian Sternwood Rutledge John Ridgely Eddie Mars Martha Vickers Carmen Sternwood Sonia Darrin Agnes Lowzier Dorothy Malone Book Store Owner Regis Toomey Chief Inspector Bernie Ohls Peggy Knudsen Mona Mars
Originally published in this journal on 081416.
One of Roger Ebert's Great Movies.
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1946
Directed by Howard Hawks.
Labels: film-noir1, melodramaB
The Maltese Falcon - WB 20 Film Collection Thrillers
- Commentary: It is probably sacrilegious of me to admit this, but I shrugged this one off. Maybe, for me, it's too dated. I didn't find it exciting, or funny, or, frankly, much of anything, but I watched it all the way through because I felt obligated to the worship of it.
As well, this edition is the remake of the story. The first was released in 1931. So, you know, it isn't like the story, and the filming of it, wasn't popular. Roger Ebert christened it one of his Great Movies (see the link in the title, above). It just isn't my cup of tea, I guess.
Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Actor Role Humphrey Bogart Sam Spade Mary Astor Ruth Wonderly/Brigid O'Shaughnessy Gladys George Iva Archer Peter Lorre Joel Cairo Barton MacLane Lt. Dundy Lee Patrick Effie Perine Sydney Greenstreet Kasper Gutman Ward Bond Det. Tom Polhaus Jerome Cowan Miles Archer Elisha Cook Jr. Wilmer Cook James Burke Luke John Hamilton D. A. Bryan
Originally published in this journal on 081416.
Here's a link to the Wikipedia write-up of the film.
Release Date: 1941
Directed by John Huston.
Labels: film-noir1, melodramaA
