`Mr. Smith goes to Washington' was directing by Frank Capra and released in 1939. It stars James Stewart as Jefferson Smith, Jean Arthurs as Clarissa Sanders, and Claude Rains as Sen. Paine. `Mr. Smith goes to Washington,' was a movie purely made for its time, and also was made for the American people. Being that is was a Frank Capra movie, with its heartfelt characters, `let's root for the underdog,' appeal, it truly grabs you and puts you on an emotional roller coaster. The film itself has been so jam packed with political propaganda and `let's all live for the American dream,' sometimes it can feel as if you are being brainwashed. Frank Capra was a man of genius knowing that what Americans like seeing is the underdog going in, being beaten to a pulp, and coming back from absolutely no where and winning his victory. And that is exactly what Mr. Smith is based on. So much so, even though Mr. Smith himself has stood his ground in the lion's den and fought back with all most not gaining anything, you can still tell the outcome, and when it does come you are still relieved, happy, and content with the way the movie ends. That is the mark of a well-made movie. Frank Capra really brings out the sympathy and compassion in people with this film, making people yearn for the political leaders to make the right and just decisions, giving them a sense that, if no one will stand up for justice, `I WILL!' James Stewart does a fantastic job of portraying this ordinary, wholesome man, with a Big American dream, peering up at the Lincoln memorial as if Abe himself were God. Overall, it was a well-made movie with superior acting, although sometimes a little overdone. You can tell this is a Frank Capra film. I give it 8.5 out 10 stars.
Reviews
14 Reviews
Rebel Without a Cause
(1955)
teenage love drama
22 May 2004
`Rebel without a Cause', directed by Nicholas Ray, and was released 1955. It stares Natalie Wood as Judy, Denis Hopper as Goon, Sal Mineo as John `Plato' Crawford, and James Dean as Jim Stark. `Rebel without a Cause' for lack of a better cliché is a coming of age movie, about situations and decisions most teens are faced with everyday. Jim Stark the main character (James Dean), has just moved to a new town, and suffers from a permissive father and a terribly authoritative mother who are clueless to what the needs of their son are. However Jim struggles to not be like his father, who is `hen-pecked' by his mother, and because of this Jim has a short temper for being called a chicken. Jim also struggles to be accepted in school, and to find new friends. Jim finds having to prove himself to his peers, and in some ways to prove he's a `man.'
James Dean's performance was spectacular, and set the tone for later, `teen rebel movies,' such as `Grease,' minus the song and dance, just to name one. This movie makes viewers sympathize and relate to Jim because of the struggles he encounters. The typical teenage conflicts, to fit in, find the meaning of life, and their own identity. This film definitely draws viewers in by doing so. The film's cinematography was very well done, and showed what the director's vision of what the story was supposed to look like. Overall I give this film 7 out of 10.
James Dean's performance was spectacular, and set the tone for later, `teen rebel movies,' such as `Grease,' minus the song and dance, just to name one. This movie makes viewers sympathize and relate to Jim because of the struggles he encounters. The typical teenage conflicts, to fit in, find the meaning of life, and their own identity. This film definitely draws viewers in by doing so. The film's cinematography was very well done, and showed what the director's vision of what the story was supposed to look like. Overall I give this film 7 out of 10.
Casablanca
(1942)
a classic
22 May 2004
`Casa Blanca,' is a film directed by Michael Curtiz and released in 1942, which stars Humphrey Bogart as Rick Blaine, Ingrid Bergman as Ilsa Laszlo, Paul Henreid as Victor Laszlo, and Claude Rains as Captain Renault. `Casa Blanca' is a classic love story, set during WWII, which stars Rick as the main character. Rick owns a club in Casablanca, which is a popular spot to come for all people wanting to escape to America for a better life. It just so happens Rick's former love interest shows up with her husband who is a very important man as far as the war goes, which interests certain people in very high places. Rick is a very emotionally detached, `tell it how it is,' honest kind of guy, with a mysterious carisma. Some would say what a REAL man is. Rick seems to hide a lot about himself, which draws in viewers in on how Rick will react to situations. Which in itself foreshadows Rick ultimate choice, the right thing to do, or what he feels is right to do. Viewing this film in black and white really brings out the feeling of when this movie was set. Overall, I give this movie an 8.5 out of 10 because it's a classic, and will bring a tear to anyone's eye. This film brings the viewer closer to characters, because the director, as well as the actors, bring their characters to life, making it seem as if this story could have been true.
The Godfather
(1972)
Well done
21 May 2004
The Godfather, an electrifyingly well made film. Starring Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, and Diane Keaton, just naming the heavy hitting stars. Don Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) is the head of a mafia family living in New York. The Don's main source of income is gambling and protection. Another head of another mafia family (Sollozzo) wants to sell drugs to gain profit, Don Vito hates the idea of selling drugs on the market, so an attempt to take his life is made. One special son of the Godfather is brought to light when this event happens. In the film directed by Francis Ford Coppola, the films gives the viewer a feeling of sympathy for a mob family, when in reality, a person does not usually take the side of a mob family, doing things against the law to make profit. A couple of the ways this happens is the fact that it's felt that Don Corleone is trying to do the `right' and `honest' way to make his profit by not selling drugs. Also, by the death and injury of many family members, the film brings a feeling of understanding, sympathy, and compassion towards the Corleone's. The film includes numerous scenes of murder, often in an offensive amount. Some scene feature hideous lights jobs, to the point of not seeing the character's faces, or telling what is happening. Although very monotonous, the music and soundtrack the movie was well done, and really changed the feel of individual scenes. There was an excellent job of doing crescendos and making diminuendos of certain scene to build suspense, or foreshadowing an event. Overall, the acting was superb, great casting, very well conceived and structured plot. I give The Godfather 8.5 out of ten.
Some Like It Hot
(1959)
Who play Ukulele in a Jazz Band!!!!
16 April 2004
Some Like it Hot is a film in which stars Tony Curtis as Joe (Josephine) Junior, Jack Lemmon as Jerry (Daphne), and Marilyn Monroe as Sugar Kane Kowalczyk. This is a comedy that was a bit out of the ordinary for its time. It blends a lot of sexuality, taboo, comedy, and just down right dirtiness. Some Like It Hot was much entertaining, most likely due to the fact that Jack Lemmon and Tony Curtis are dressed as women for most of the movie. How could that not be funny? Although not being very witty comedy, it involves somewhat of `slap stick' comedy in the movie, which is good for all the viewers how get a kick out of that. It is easy to know why this movie was such a hit. The first scene that Sugar is introduced, she pretty much steals the show and has every guy glued to screen. It was very disappointing to find out that the title of the movie has no meaning whatsoever to what is being seen in the actually film itself. Although what movie with Marilyn Monroe has to have much meaning, honestly? One comes to find out this is an obvious fact when it turns out to be that she plays a UKULELE in a JAZZ BAND for crying out loud. Come on! Overall, the film was entertaining. I give it 7 out of 10 stars because it was entertaining enough not to put me to sleep. I do not recommend this film to any younger viewer for the use of extensive sexual innuendoes and sexual humor.
Rear Window
(1954)
Something different
1 March 2004
Alfred Hitchcock's masterpiece `Rear Window,' was something a bit different for the time. Known as the master of suspense, Hitchcock, used camera angles, plot structure and an overall atmosphere to give a sense that you're in the movie. `Rear Window' was filmed on only one set and in one room making this movie truly unique. This movie stars James Stewart as L.B. `Jeff' Jeffries, Grace Kelly as Lisa Fremont, Wendell Corey as Lt. Thomas Doyle and Thelma Ritter as Stella. All of who give a wonderful performance and gibe the story life. Jeff, who is the main character in the movie, is a professional photographer who travels the world and is unfortunately stuck inside his apartment because of a broken leg hi had received. This film is viewed from his prospective as he views his neighborhood and his fellow neighbors. Hitchcock's choice of music was very interesting for this film because there is none, or at least no official sound track. All music that was used in the film was from his near by neighbors, or music playing on the street, which in turn was in sync with what was going on. This films battles a lot of controversy over ethics and morals as James Stewart `peeps' out his windows of his apartment, is it okay? Is it wrong? Although Hitchcock is known for his fantastic horror movies, this is a great mystery movie to watch. Hitchcock did a great job casting this film, James Stewart was a perfect choice, because many viewers at the time felt like they could identify with him. This film really gets you hooked and making you ask what exactly is next. I give it 8.5 out of 10 stars, for the spectacular work put into making the set of `Rear Window' and also the great job the performers and Hitchcock putting together this movie.
Psycho
(1960)
Genius
20 February 2004
This psychotic thiller is a work of genius by the director Alfred Hitchcock. Made in 1960 this film was well ahead of its time. The movie stars Anthony Perkins as Norman Bates, a curious motel manager, Janet Leigh as Marion Crane, John Gavin as Sam Loomis, and John McIntire as Sheriff Al Chambers.
Psycho forever changed the way films were made in Hollywood. Alfred Hitchcock's genius shaped this masterpiece in such a way to draw the viewer in and keeping them on the edge of their own seat. With his experience in movie making, Hitchcock knows just how to influence and play with the mind.
Alfred Hitchcock is considered `The Master of Suspense,' and has earned that name rightfully. He created movies that one would have to watch over and over again in order to get all the little details of a film. Psycho is a perfect example of that, using lighting and camera angles to give the watcher a feeling of being anxious, scared, or weary of what is about to happen. One might notice that when any certain scene is shown, the camera gets closer and closer to the actor or actress's face, making it very uncomfortable to watch. Every aspect of this film is amazing for it's time, with a score that has been nominated to be one of the top 100 most influential pieces of music in American history.
Overall, I give Psycho a 9 out of 10 stars, for being a good movie in general. It's a powerful film that goes deeper than just scaring people. I would recommend this movie to anybody who loves old horror classics.
Psycho forever changed the way films were made in Hollywood. Alfred Hitchcock's genius shaped this masterpiece in such a way to draw the viewer in and keeping them on the edge of their own seat. With his experience in movie making, Hitchcock knows just how to influence and play with the mind.
Alfred Hitchcock is considered `The Master of Suspense,' and has earned that name rightfully. He created movies that one would have to watch over and over again in order to get all the little details of a film. Psycho is a perfect example of that, using lighting and camera angles to give the watcher a feeling of being anxious, scared, or weary of what is about to happen. One might notice that when any certain scene is shown, the camera gets closer and closer to the actor or actress's face, making it very uncomfortable to watch. Every aspect of this film is amazing for it's time, with a score that has been nominated to be one of the top 100 most influential pieces of music in American history.
Overall, I give Psycho a 9 out of 10 stars, for being a good movie in general. It's a powerful film that goes deeper than just scaring people. I would recommend this movie to anybody who loves old horror classics.
A Christmas Story
(1983)
Great for the whole family
28 December 2003
A Christmas story' is a film that will make you laugh but also remind you of how it was to be a small child. The movie itself is based on the point-of-view of Ralphie Parker played by Peter Billingsley who does a fantastic job of portraying a kid who just wants one thing for Christmas, a `Red Ryder Air Rifle.' `A Christmas Story' is another Christmas movie made for the Christmas holiday centered on the secular and purely non-religious view of Christmas. But of course what has corporate America not touched. This film is all about the longing and desires of a kid who has not learned what Christmas is all about. To him it is about Santa Claus and how many presents are under the tree, but what kid doesn't think about that. There is no mention about the real meaning of Christmas or the birth of the baby Jesus. The only way one would find the name of God or Jesus in this movie would be through the comical yet offensive profanity of Ralphie's father Mr. Parker (Darrin McGavin). Mr. Parker's flagrant use of profanity seems to get little Ralphie in a lot of trouble, as any little kid always repeats what he hears, Ralphie seems to say things the other kids his age have never even heard before.
Non-the less, the movie is very entertaining offering insight into Ralphie's mind and what he is thinking. Getting into the mind of someone who strives to get what he has always wanted, doing whatever he can to get his air rifle. I give this film 7, out of 10 stars. It was enjoyable to watch, although sitting through it again would be torture. The characters are lovable and do a great job of acting out people who are consumer driven to get that they want for Christmas. I recommend this movie to anybody who loves classic Christmas movies.
Non-the less, the movie is very entertaining offering insight into Ralphie's mind and what he is thinking. Getting into the mind of someone who strives to get what he has always wanted, doing whatever he can to get his air rifle. I give this film 7, out of 10 stars. It was enjoyable to watch, although sitting through it again would be torture. The characters are lovable and do a great job of acting out people who are consumer driven to get that they want for Christmas. I recommend this movie to anybody who loves classic Christmas movies.
It's a Wonderful Life
(1946)
Terrific
16 December 2003
People often forget the true meaning of Christmas. It's not about getting presents or going shopping; it's about what God has gifted you with. Not taking things for granted and appreciating what someone already have. Frank Capra's film It's a Wonderful life is a masterpiece reminding the people who watch it to think twice about what they've received. The characters are lovable and anyone could fall in love with this movie.
This film was made post World War II and the American people really movies that touched their emotions and made them feel good.
The story starts with George Bailey (James Stewart) who has had anything but a good time and things aren't exactly going his way going down hill. Everyone in the town of Bedford Falls is praying for George to make it through his dilemma. Angels who are represented by constellations of stars or galaxies get together to talk over what they should do. Clearance (Henry Travers) who is an angel who has yet to get his wings is called and is informed about George and is then told of his life. The movie cycles through his life as you watch George and his family struggle to keep their business afloat from the corrupt Mr. Potter. George never seems to be content with his personal possessions but always longs for materials. George has always had the big dreams to travel Europe and the rest of the world his whole life but are all crushed when his father passes away. He is the only left to keep the building and loan running and he is made to see that you don't need all the money in the world to be rich. George struggles to see this until his guardian angel is sent down to help him. This movie will make a person feel things that most films would never make them feel. It really makes a person think of how much movies can sometimes be a work of art, molding and shaping characters and putting you on an emotional roller coaster. This movie gives an awesome life lesson and I would recommend it for all ages.
This film gets a 9.5 out of 10 because it has to be one of the best movies ever made. The casting was terrific, the plot and storyline were absolutely wonderful. This film plays with your emotions and touches your heart. Brings up good points about how the world is so stuck on itself.
This film was made post World War II and the American people really movies that touched their emotions and made them feel good.
The story starts with George Bailey (James Stewart) who has had anything but a good time and things aren't exactly going his way going down hill. Everyone in the town of Bedford Falls is praying for George to make it through his dilemma. Angels who are represented by constellations of stars or galaxies get together to talk over what they should do. Clearance (Henry Travers) who is an angel who has yet to get his wings is called and is informed about George and is then told of his life. The movie cycles through his life as you watch George and his family struggle to keep their business afloat from the corrupt Mr. Potter. George never seems to be content with his personal possessions but always longs for materials. George has always had the big dreams to travel Europe and the rest of the world his whole life but are all crushed when his father passes away. He is the only left to keep the building and loan running and he is made to see that you don't need all the money in the world to be rich. George struggles to see this until his guardian angel is sent down to help him. This movie will make a person feel things that most films would never make them feel. It really makes a person think of how much movies can sometimes be a work of art, molding and shaping characters and putting you on an emotional roller coaster. This movie gives an awesome life lesson and I would recommend it for all ages.
This film gets a 9.5 out of 10 because it has to be one of the best movies ever made. The casting was terrific, the plot and storyline were absolutely wonderful. This film plays with your emotions and touches your heart. Brings up good points about how the world is so stuck on itself.
Miracle on 34th Street
(1947)
overall good
11 December 2003
Miracle on 34th street is a classic Christmas story revealing that sometimes you don't have to see something or someone for that matter to necessarily believe in it or them. This touching story will make you laugh and cry along with the characters in the story. Edmund Gwenn playing Kris Kringle, Fred Gailey acted by John Payne, and Maureen O'Hara plays Doris Walker who is Suzie Walker's mother who is played by Natalie Wood all do wonderful jobs in the film.
The story starts when Kris Kringle (who is really Santa Claus) meets an actor playing Santa for the Macy's Day Parade past out and drunk on his sleigh right before the parade. Kris is insulted and notifies the person in charge, which is Doris Walker, she decides in a last minute thought and makes Kris the new Macy's mall Santa. The people and even Mr. Macy himself fall in love with the new Santa. Although after everyone is told by Santa himself to go elsewhere to shop, Kris is fired but brought back again because consequently his news was bringing in more business. Only under supervision is Kris brought back into the store and Fred Gailey, Doris' neighbor, decides to take him in. Kris is sent to the company psychiatrist to have his head examined for his abnormal thoughts that he himself is Santa Claus. The real drama in the film starts here as it turns out the company psychiatrist is a little looney himself. Kris struggles to make believers out of Doris, Fred, and Suzie, but when he is put on trial even the judge must question his own beliefs.
Overall it was a good Christmas time movie, it was entertaining, funny, frustrating, and you're left with a good feeling. The locations were good; setting the movie in New York during Christmas was excellent. Also, using an actually department store made the movie seem more realistic. There is also a good lesson to be learned from the film, and that is seeing is not believing which I thought to be very true. The casting was great, although there were some points where the characters got a little phony.
I give this film a 7 out of 10 for good casting, good story and plot, good location and for leaving it in its original black and white. I recommend this film more than the newer version.
The story starts when Kris Kringle (who is really Santa Claus) meets an actor playing Santa for the Macy's Day Parade past out and drunk on his sleigh right before the parade. Kris is insulted and notifies the person in charge, which is Doris Walker, she decides in a last minute thought and makes Kris the new Macy's mall Santa. The people and even Mr. Macy himself fall in love with the new Santa. Although after everyone is told by Santa himself to go elsewhere to shop, Kris is fired but brought back again because consequently his news was bringing in more business. Only under supervision is Kris brought back into the store and Fred Gailey, Doris' neighbor, decides to take him in. Kris is sent to the company psychiatrist to have his head examined for his abnormal thoughts that he himself is Santa Claus. The real drama in the film starts here as it turns out the company psychiatrist is a little looney himself. Kris struggles to make believers out of Doris, Fred, and Suzie, but when he is put on trial even the judge must question his own beliefs.
Overall it was a good Christmas time movie, it was entertaining, funny, frustrating, and you're left with a good feeling. The locations were good; setting the movie in New York during Christmas was excellent. Also, using an actually department store made the movie seem more realistic. There is also a good lesson to be learned from the film, and that is seeing is not believing which I thought to be very true. The casting was great, although there were some points where the characters got a little phony.
I give this film a 7 out of 10 for good casting, good story and plot, good location and for leaving it in its original black and white. I recommend this film more than the newer version.
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
(1987)
Enjoyable and Funny
30 November 2003
`Planes, Trains, and Automobiles,' is a title that fits this comedic film well. Steve Martin playing Neal Paige and John Candy as Del Griffith have great chemistry on the screen and it shows. The story places the characters in a struggling situation with getting home for Thanksgiving while dealing with themselves, each other, and transportation.
Del Griffith and Neal Paige inadvertently meet each other while trying to catch a cab in a busy New York traffic scene. Del ends up getting the cab and Neal is left to find another ride during rush hour. After the mishap they end up meeting once again in the airport and find out they are on the same flight. The flight is laid over and finally cancelled so Neal is left to rent a car. He later finds out the rental car is not in the lot and throws a fit with the rental car clerk. If you're not a fan of profane language, this would be the part to fast forward through. And as he rightfully deserves, he is met by the front of Del Griffith's tire. The both of them decide to get a place to stay but are left with one room and are forced to stay in one bed together. This in itself is one of the funniest parts in the movie.
One thing with this movie was the drama never ended really keeping you on your seat even if you didn't even like the movie you still wanted to see what happened next. Steve Martin delivers a great performance, sometimes going overboard but that is not anything new when it comes to Steve Martin. John Candy is great as always, really bring life into the character and keeps you guessing. This is an enjoyable movie with everything you would expect out of a Steve Martin comedy. It would not be recommended for the family because of the some very fragrant vocabulary used repeatedly, and also the obvious `R' rating. If you're one who likes to laugh at the expense of others this is the movie for you.
I give it 6 out of 10 because the movie was enjoyable. You have to love John Candy and Steve Martin but I was disappointed because previous to this movie I have never heard so many F-bombs in one sentence. I didn't leave a very good impression.
Del Griffith and Neal Paige inadvertently meet each other while trying to catch a cab in a busy New York traffic scene. Del ends up getting the cab and Neal is left to find another ride during rush hour. After the mishap they end up meeting once again in the airport and find out they are on the same flight. The flight is laid over and finally cancelled so Neal is left to rent a car. He later finds out the rental car is not in the lot and throws a fit with the rental car clerk. If you're not a fan of profane language, this would be the part to fast forward through. And as he rightfully deserves, he is met by the front of Del Griffith's tire. The both of them decide to get a place to stay but are left with one room and are forced to stay in one bed together. This in itself is one of the funniest parts in the movie.
One thing with this movie was the drama never ended really keeping you on your seat even if you didn't even like the movie you still wanted to see what happened next. Steve Martin delivers a great performance, sometimes going overboard but that is not anything new when it comes to Steve Martin. John Candy is great as always, really bring life into the character and keeps you guessing. This is an enjoyable movie with everything you would expect out of a Steve Martin comedy. It would not be recommended for the family because of the some very fragrant vocabulary used repeatedly, and also the obvious `R' rating. If you're one who likes to laugh at the expense of others this is the movie for you.
I give it 6 out of 10 because the movie was enjoyable. You have to love John Candy and Steve Martin but I was disappointed because previous to this movie I have never heard so many F-bombs in one sentence. I didn't leave a very good impression.
Hannah and Her Sisters
(1986)
Spoiler for HaHS
23 November 2003
Warning: Spoilers
*Spoiler* The movie is based on Hannah and her three sister's: Lee who is involved with a man named Frederick (Max von Sydow) who is somewhat of an artist, Holly who is aspiring actress and writer, and Hannah who is basically the backbone of the three who is nothing perfect which in turn gives her husband Elliot (Michael Caine) somewhat of a dilemma because he is in love with her sister Lee.
The movie starts out with nothing but a caption: `God, she's beautiful.' Which gets you wondering what heck their talking about. It's Thanksgiving and Elliot sets the tone of the movie by telling the viewer how he is madly in love with his wife's sister. Thus, starts the love triangle. He had been secretly in love with her for quite a while until one day while bringing a friend to view some of Lee's boyfriend's paintings he breaks down and kisses her. They confess their love for each other and they continue to have an affair behind Hannah's back. Hannah starts to suspect something is going on but doesn't assume anything. Lee ends up leaving Frederick for Elliot but he fails to follow through with breaking up the marriage with Hannah. Meanwhile Holly runs a catering business with her best friend April (Carrie Fisher) and auditions on the side for various Broadway shows but doesn't succeed to make it in any of them. Her luck gets a little better when she starts writing her own stuff and one day runs into Hannah's ex-husband Mickey Sachs who is played by Woody Allen at the record store. He falls in love with her writing as well as her in the process. Elliot and Lee's love end up falling short of a success. Elliot realizes how much he really loves Hannah, and Lee doesn't want to play games anymore, everything turning out for the best.
I thought the movie was entertaining overall. It tended to jump around a lot from one point in time to the next, which was pretty irritating. The acting was excellent from Michael Caine, and Woody Allen playing a typical Woody Allen part. The movie really had no apparent point to prove or problem to solve. I give it 6 out of 10 stars because the acting, quality of the movie was good. It lacked pieces of the story that were missing, and whatever happened to April, Holly's friend. Although it was entertaining.
The movie starts out with nothing but a caption: `God, she's beautiful.' Which gets you wondering what heck their talking about. It's Thanksgiving and Elliot sets the tone of the movie by telling the viewer how he is madly in love with his wife's sister. Thus, starts the love triangle. He had been secretly in love with her for quite a while until one day while bringing a friend to view some of Lee's boyfriend's paintings he breaks down and kisses her. They confess their love for each other and they continue to have an affair behind Hannah's back. Hannah starts to suspect something is going on but doesn't assume anything. Lee ends up leaving Frederick for Elliot but he fails to follow through with breaking up the marriage with Hannah. Meanwhile Holly runs a catering business with her best friend April (Carrie Fisher) and auditions on the side for various Broadway shows but doesn't succeed to make it in any of them. Her luck gets a little better when she starts writing her own stuff and one day runs into Hannah's ex-husband Mickey Sachs who is played by Woody Allen at the record store. He falls in love with her writing as well as her in the process. Elliot and Lee's love end up falling short of a success. Elliot realizes how much he really loves Hannah, and Lee doesn't want to play games anymore, everything turning out for the best.
I thought the movie was entertaining overall. It tended to jump around a lot from one point in time to the next, which was pretty irritating. The acting was excellent from Michael Caine, and Woody Allen playing a typical Woody Allen part. The movie really had no apparent point to prove or problem to solve. I give it 6 out of 10 stars because the acting, quality of the movie was good. It lacked pieces of the story that were missing, and whatever happened to April, Holly's friend. Although it was entertaining.
Citizen Kane
(1941)
7.5 out of 10
17 November 2003
Citizen Kane was way beyond its time. Watching it you get the sense that you are really viewing a film made in today's time but in black and white. In it's time, it was viewed as an outrageous film and even ignored by critics. Orsin Welles himself probably never imagined the film would become such a huge influence on today's cinematography.the way movies are made period. Even in the process of making it, he didn't think it would succeed at all.
The stars out with a sign reading, `no trespassing' on a large iron gate outside of a castle looking estate, as the camera draws closer and closer to the castle a light is seen in a window. It burns out and a hand seen dropping a snow globe while a man utters `rosebud.' It turns out the gloomy scene was set inside the snow globe. Charles Foster Kane's who is played by Orsin Welles is narrated in a short film made by a couple of newspaper reporters. As funny as it seems, the movie starts out at the end and goes back in time, breaking out of the traditional film storyline. The newspaper reporters set out on a mission to out the hidden meaning of Rosebud, and in the process of researching this by interviewing key people in Kane's life. The story is told in many different perspectives of his life giving the viewer's brain a little work in the process. The film follows Kane's life from his start at the New York Inquirer to Kane running for governor to the building of Xanadu, which eventually leads to his own demise brought upon himself.
Overall the film was absolutely amazing for its time. The excellent camera angles, lighting and special effects were way beyond its time. Citizen Kane is regarded as one of the most important movies in U.S history, basically setting the stage for Hollywood, as we know it today.
Orsin Welles (Charles Foster Kane) gives a wonderful performance accompanied by Ruth Warrick as Emily Monroe Norton Kane, George Coulouris as Walter Thatcher, and Everett Sloane as Mr. Berstein. The acting was fantastic; the chemistry was good and their performances all complimented each other.
I give the movie 7.5 stars out of 10 because it is not the best movie I have ever seen but it impressed me. It blew me away at the time and work and overall creativity put into this movie. Orsin Welles is a genius in my eyes for making this movie. He had no major influences, nothing to look off of or copy to make the movie the way he did. I definitely recommend this movie to anyone who truly enjoys and appreciates great cinematography, directing, and just a good film.
The stars out with a sign reading, `no trespassing' on a large iron gate outside of a castle looking estate, as the camera draws closer and closer to the castle a light is seen in a window. It burns out and a hand seen dropping a snow globe while a man utters `rosebud.' It turns out the gloomy scene was set inside the snow globe. Charles Foster Kane's who is played by Orsin Welles is narrated in a short film made by a couple of newspaper reporters. As funny as it seems, the movie starts out at the end and goes back in time, breaking out of the traditional film storyline. The newspaper reporters set out on a mission to out the hidden meaning of Rosebud, and in the process of researching this by interviewing key people in Kane's life. The story is told in many different perspectives of his life giving the viewer's brain a little work in the process. The film follows Kane's life from his start at the New York Inquirer to Kane running for governor to the building of Xanadu, which eventually leads to his own demise brought upon himself.
Overall the film was absolutely amazing for its time. The excellent camera angles, lighting and special effects were way beyond its time. Citizen Kane is regarded as one of the most important movies in U.S history, basically setting the stage for Hollywood, as we know it today.
Orsin Welles (Charles Foster Kane) gives a wonderful performance accompanied by Ruth Warrick as Emily Monroe Norton Kane, George Coulouris as Walter Thatcher, and Everett Sloane as Mr. Berstein. The acting was fantastic; the chemistry was good and their performances all complimented each other.
I give the movie 7.5 stars out of 10 because it is not the best movie I have ever seen but it impressed me. It blew me away at the time and work and overall creativity put into this movie. Orsin Welles is a genius in my eyes for making this movie. He had no major influences, nothing to look off of or copy to make the movie the way he did. I definitely recommend this movie to anyone who truly enjoys and appreciates great cinematography, directing, and just a good film.
They Died With their Boots On
15 October 2003
`They Died With Their Boots On' is a Western Historic Epic starring Errol Flyon as General George Armstrong Custer. He is portrayed as an arrogant, headstrong war-driven man who seeks the thrill of the open playing field.
The movie starts with Custer marching in boldly as a cadet at West Point in a lavish uniform especially tailored for him. Custer himself stands out in the crowd and quickly identifies himself as the smart mouth troublemaker coming up last in his class. It never seems to phase him that his actions always have consequences. Somehow he manages to graduate and is recruited into the military. Just as all the other randomness in the movie such as Custer riding off with the General's horse out of nowhere, he is accidentally promoted as General. After being appointed General he leads regiments of troops to their deaths after disobeying orders. He turns out to be victorious and is considered a hero among the people. Somehow along the way he manages to bump into a young woman, Beth 'Libby' Bacon Custer (Olivia DeHavilland), who turns out to be his superior's daughter. After meeting her in boot camp, he comes across her again. They get married and she stands strongly beside him no matter what his decisions. He ends up getting transferred to the West into a fort and is put in charge of the 7th Calvary. After much controversy in the fort, he captures the Native American leader Crazy Horse and comes into a treaty with him. Custer is then backstabbed and is lead to defend innocent settlers against his own will and eventually meeting his doom.
The layout of the movie was well done. I was very impressed especially since the time the movie was filmed was in 1942. In a historical aspect Custer was probably was not that much different then the man Errol Flyon plays in the movie. There are some major conflicts in the storyline. Custer would have never met with Crazy Horse much less any Native American unless it was to kill one. Custer defending the Native Americans? I'm pretty sure he would have been lynched for sure if that were the case in real life. There are a lot of scenes that were just out of left field, and the story would jump forward all of a sudden, sometimes even years at a time. I was pleased that they incorporated some comedy in the movie to keep me from going to sleep. Also, I was impressed with the sets and locations but disappointed that they did not leave the movie in black and white to enhance the classic feel of an old western. The drama between Custer and Crazy Horse was a little too exaggerated but overall I think they portrayed Custer as too heroic. It gave a sense that disobedience is and was expectable.
The acting was excellent, nothing was too dramatic and nothing was too phony. Errol Flyon did a good job of executing the role of General Custer as a heroic headstrong man. Olivia DeHavilland as Libby, Sidney Greenstreet as General Winfield Scott, Anthony Quinn as Crazy Horse, Arthur Kennedy as Edward Sharp, Charley Grapewin as California Joe all do a superb job of supporting roles. I commend them for that.
I give this movie a 7 out of 10 stars. It was entertaining enough to watch, the acting was good, and it flowed pretty well for an older movie. The special effects were effective enough to get the job done. I was impressed, but I would not watch this to write a paper about Custer.
The movie starts with Custer marching in boldly as a cadet at West Point in a lavish uniform especially tailored for him. Custer himself stands out in the crowd and quickly identifies himself as the smart mouth troublemaker coming up last in his class. It never seems to phase him that his actions always have consequences. Somehow he manages to graduate and is recruited into the military. Just as all the other randomness in the movie such as Custer riding off with the General's horse out of nowhere, he is accidentally promoted as General. After being appointed General he leads regiments of troops to their deaths after disobeying orders. He turns out to be victorious and is considered a hero among the people. Somehow along the way he manages to bump into a young woman, Beth 'Libby' Bacon Custer (Olivia DeHavilland), who turns out to be his superior's daughter. After meeting her in boot camp, he comes across her again. They get married and she stands strongly beside him no matter what his decisions. He ends up getting transferred to the West into a fort and is put in charge of the 7th Calvary. After much controversy in the fort, he captures the Native American leader Crazy Horse and comes into a treaty with him. Custer is then backstabbed and is lead to defend innocent settlers against his own will and eventually meeting his doom.
The layout of the movie was well done. I was very impressed especially since the time the movie was filmed was in 1942. In a historical aspect Custer was probably was not that much different then the man Errol Flyon plays in the movie. There are some major conflicts in the storyline. Custer would have never met with Crazy Horse much less any Native American unless it was to kill one. Custer defending the Native Americans? I'm pretty sure he would have been lynched for sure if that were the case in real life. There are a lot of scenes that were just out of left field, and the story would jump forward all of a sudden, sometimes even years at a time. I was pleased that they incorporated some comedy in the movie to keep me from going to sleep. Also, I was impressed with the sets and locations but disappointed that they did not leave the movie in black and white to enhance the classic feel of an old western. The drama between Custer and Crazy Horse was a little too exaggerated but overall I think they portrayed Custer as too heroic. It gave a sense that disobedience is and was expectable.
The acting was excellent, nothing was too dramatic and nothing was too phony. Errol Flyon did a good job of executing the role of General Custer as a heroic headstrong man. Olivia DeHavilland as Libby, Sidney Greenstreet as General Winfield Scott, Anthony Quinn as Crazy Horse, Arthur Kennedy as Edward Sharp, Charley Grapewin as California Joe all do a superb job of supporting roles. I commend them for that.
I give this movie a 7 out of 10 stars. It was entertaining enough to watch, the acting was good, and it flowed pretty well for an older movie. The special effects were effective enough to get the job done. I was impressed, but I would not watch this to write a paper about Custer.
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