Reviews
Go West (1925)
One of Buster's best, but most obscure films
This really is a hidden gem. For those of you familiar with Buster's technical wizardry in films like "The General" and "Sherlock Jr.", this film will be a revelation. You will be able to witness an entirely different side of Buster Keaton, that of Keaton the actor. His wary calm in this film is perfectly matched to the story of an unlucky drifter who finds himself working on a dude ranch in California. This film features one of Buster's best performances, and a most unusual leading lady. A treat for everyone, but Keaton fans especially.
A Great Day in Harlem (1994)
A great film about a truly great day
This film is a must not only for jazz fans, but for those who are interested in a history of American music. This film truly captures a moment in time. In the early 1950's all of the prominent jazz musicians in New York were asked to assemble in front of a Harlem brown-stone for their photograph to be taken. The photo would be used as the cover for an all jazz issue of Esquire magazine. The young photographer who was in charge of the shoot (this was his first assignment as a photographer)was soon overwhelmed at the amount of talent which assembled that morning. Among the luminaries: Count Basie, Thelonius Monk, Dizzy Gillespie, Lester Young, Gene Krupa, and countless others. All who turned out that day were legends in their own right. The day is recalled through a series of interviews with those participants still living. Some of the stories are humorous, some touching, but the warmth and emotion felt by the interviewees is evident throughout. All in all a wonderful film about a moment captured forever in time. It can be safely said that the moment this film and the photo captured, is a moment when the greatest musicians of the century were at the same place at the same time. An important and entertaining film.
Mystery Men (1999)
A Hidden Treasure
Like the heroes it portrays, this film is an underdog that achieves a great degree of success. There is a good chance that many people will miss the point of this film entirely. It is a spoof on comic book ethics and heroism. If you are willing to go with it, you will not be disappointed. There are solid comic performances by all and the script is full of witty dialogue. This film alone is better that the last three in the Batman series.