The only thing wrong with this movie is that it was marketed as a comedy and it is not. There are some funny moments and it stars two giant comedic actors BUT this is a drama about a marriage disintegrating while on a skiing vacation in Austria. The greatest thing about Downhill is an absolutely Oscar-worthy performance by Julia Lewis-Dreyfus as Billie. So much emotion in every look and movement as Billie tries to balance her own needs with what is best for her two young sons. Will Ferrell is not as impressive as Pete--never sure what his character is about. Pete's selfish and spoiled and not much more. Ferrell's wasn't a bad performance just not up to the level Julia Lewis-Dreyfuss brought to the Downhill slopes.
Reviews
21 Reviews
Nope
(2022)
Wild Wild Ride
27 November 2022
Do not understand reviews that say this was slow or in someway rudderless. I guess if they mean a slow build to terrifying, okay. The actors were all completely beyond good. A great eclectic cast and sure direction by Jordan Peele. Daniel Kaluuya (always brilliant) plays his role so perfectly--sort of an oldtime yet utterly modern western hero--a new-aged Alan Ladd. Keke Palmer was a revelation and added a spirited performance and the exact counterpoint to Daniel Kaluuya's performance. The California location was also perfect and expertly used by Peele--it was another star of the film. Loved it.
The Tunnel of Love
(1958)
Doris Day Wonderful Widmark Miscast
31 July 2022
Odd movie with the normally marvelous Widmark miscast. Ugly black and white nothing like the beautiful black and white films of the era. Fake looking sets and Gig Young running around in a silly supporting role. Too bad. Could have been so much better.
The Dead Don't Die
(2019)
Bill Murray Always Worth Watching
15 April 2022
Don't know how it was even possible to make a deadly dull movie with Bill Murray, Adam Driver, Steve Buscemi, Danny Glover, Cholë Sevigny? But this is it. All 5 stars are for the actors--they deserved so much better.
Would Have Been An Interesting Series
23 November 2021
Wish this had been picked up as a series. It seemed to have great potential. Robert Lansing was charming--a sort of time traveling 007. And a very young Teri Garr was absolutely adorable, funny and bright. Too bad we don't have at least one season of such an intriguing sixties television idea.
The Manor
(I) (2021)
Barbara Hershey Alert!
25 October 2021
Barbara Hershey is in far too few films today. But this is her movie! Everyone is good, but she's stellar and stunning. Marvelous, eerie sets, great music, and terrific supporting cast (Bruce Davison and especially Nicholas Alexander as BH's grandson) make this well worth a look!
The Nest
(I) (2020)
Great Actors Emotional Turmoil
7 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The old English manor house made me think 'ghost story' so I was initially disappointed--but that's on me. The film is actually an excellent character study and well done. Did I hope till the end a gruesome ghosty would snatch someone? Sure. But a good, well acted, film nonetheless.
Gambling on the High Seas
(1940)
Good Wayne Morris & Jane Wyman Movie
13 March 2021
Wayne Morris was an absolute sweetheart and is always fun to watch. Add brilliant (still blond) Jane Wyman and this is an entertaining little movie. Great chemistry between these two. Just wish Wayne Morris would have gone on to as big a career as Jane Wyman.
First Man
(2018)
Fine Film
3 March 2021
Good telling of Neil Armstrong's story. Ryan Gosling just keeps getting better with every film he makes. Claire Foy also super in what could have been just an appendage part. Complaints it is boring are inaccurate. The film is not boring--Armstrong was not a flamboyant person. He was steady and deep and strove to be a good man. And that is exactly how this film portrays him and Ryan Gosling played him. Now about Buzz ...
The Angel Levine
(1970)
Fascinatingly Strange Film
2 March 2021
An intriguing exploration of life and death, guilt and redemption.
Milo O'Shea, Ida Kaminska, and especially Zero Mostel are all expert with complicated (Bernard Malamud) material. But it is Harry Belafonte as the "angel" Levine that makes this must viewing.
Truly fascinating to watch.
An odd, but worthwhile film.
The Day Mars Invaded Earth
(1962)
1962 Doheny (Greystone) Mansion Movie
19 February 2021
So-so movie, but excellent actors (ex. Marie Windsor, Kent Taylor--always good) doing everything they can to pull off the rather hackneyed SF material. The real reason to watch is the location filming of 1962 LA and the extensive use of the gorgeous Doheny Mansion's (aka Greystone Mansion) interiors and gardens. Sadly in B & W but quite impressive nonetheless.
Susan Slept Here
(1954)
Charming Debbie Reynolds Comedy
26 December 2020
A bright & lovely holiday movie. Debbie's & Anne Francis' fabulous fifties fashions alone make it worth watching (a Technicolor costume history lesson), but it's entertaining in so many ways. Dick Powell's a bit too old for his part, but that's a minor complaint. Super fun.
The Isle
(2018)
Brilliantly Atmospheric
8 October 2020
Bit of a slow burn, but worthwhile film. Lovely setting, great acting by entire cast (some actor/filmakers). Eerily wonderful and well made. Makes me want to visit the west coast of Scotland, but also a tad afraid to do so.😬😊
The Perfect Furlough
(1958)
Character Actors Shine
25 July 2020
Funny little early Blake Edwards. Curtis & Leigh are quite good, but watch for the supporting actors. The great Keenan Wynn, a non-"30 Rock" look at the wonderful Elaine Stitch and especially King Donovan, so funny as the befuddled military "handler" of Curtis' character. Love anything King Donovan was in.
Whites
(2010)
Perfect Comedy
1 December 2019
"2010-" what a tease--I wish there was a possibility of this series coming back for more episodes. Bright, witty, and endearing. Alan Davies is always good but the entire cast is wonderful (can't get enough of Darren Boyd or Katherine Parkinson). Don't know how the Brits decide what continues. But I think their television is more fluid then in the US, so maybe Whites will be back. Hope so.
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