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jamesrl48
Reviews
Wuthering Heights (1939)
Force and Tension
There is something I very much believe. You cannot make a remake of a movie that was well done the first time. There have been several attempts to remake Wuthering Heights, none have been successful. Can you imagine the moral temper of this film in 1939? It must have struck the hearts of many whose horrible marriages were constantly being reminded of a former loves. There is a lot of sympathy, especially for Heathcliff who was in fact betrayed by Cathy for a "few bits of worldliness." This is a great film, which came out in the great film year of 1939. The black and white only enhances the blackness of the plot and the pain in the hearts of the lovers. The movie is of gloom, it is a good movie if you need a good cry.
The Public Eye (1992)
It all comes together
Joe Pesci is the perfect little pain in the rear end photographer getting into everyone's way with no real change for a normal life. His one dream? To have his book published, to get the picture no one else does. That he accomplishes in the photograph of a mob hit. The movie set against World War 2 and the gasoline rationing scandal he uncovers. Barbara Hershey seems to fall in love with him, but he doesn't seem to be paying attention. That one thing, the picture overwhelms his mind. Pesci is the whole movie, everyone else are just players. With Hoe Pesci you would think this to be a comedy, it isn't.
Buck Privates (1941)
One of their best.
Buck Privates is a signature movie for Abbot and Costello. The more you love Lou the more you hate Bud, who seems to be always out to get Costello. This theme carried over in most of their movies. No wonder they hated each other in real life. It is almost as if there are three casts in the flick, The Andrews Sisters give the movie a real boost with their songs, especially one of the most popular of the World War II era, "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy." Even thought Abbot and Costello are featured as the stars of the movie they seem to be only comic relief for the real plot. The real plot is the love triangle. But there is one question. Did men really act the way these guys do. If so how did we win the war?
Kansas City (1996)
Close your eyes and listen to the music
The movie itself isn't that hot, interesting but nothing to get excited over. But the age of Jazz in the Jazz District of Kansas City, that is something else. The music is fabulous, so don't bother buying the movie, but buy the CD.
One Foot in Heaven (1941)
Related
I am a former minister who got discouraged over the nonsense in churches. A lot like what went on in this movie. I am glad my denomination didn't have a franchise on these actions, poor parsonages, church rulers, women's gossip groups, holes in the walls of the sanctuary, etc. But I did enjoy it as it brought back several memories many which were good. I shed a tear when "The Church Is One Foundation," was played at the end. I think what kept this from a ten in my mind is the hypocrisy of March not liking bells that bothered him and then put in this fancy bell organ. Did you notice the shot at the hospital with the quiet sign? But that to me was a symbol of modern day Christian hypocrisy. On a whole the movie was better than average with a true life plot. Like March, I'd like to start again.
The Natural (1984)
Touch all four bases
I have seen this movie at least a half a dozen times and the thrill of the final home run is always there. Once I rented the movie and just watched that part several times. The movie leaves several unanswered questions. 1. Why did it take Roy Hobbs sixteen years to come back to the game? 2. What was in the note Iris passed to him in the dugout? 3. How did he get to the majors without playing in the minors? 4. Why did they change only the name of the Knights and not the rest of the National League teams? Maybe trying to find an answer to these questions is why I keep watching it. Overall it is one great movie.
Red Headed Stranger (1986)
Red headed sing along
I love this movie because I like the music and feel it is probably the best one Willie ever did. Willie Nelson is as good an actor as he is a singer and this movie made me appreciate that all the more. The songs are ones you can sing along to and that is a real bonus. The plot, the scenery is all real. R.G. Armstrong, who is noted for strong performances as a bad guy is exceptional, especially in the bar scene where he wants the young man to kill him. Look into those eyes!!!! Morgan Fairchild and Katharine Ross don't hurt anything either. I have seen this movie several times, never get tired of it. Maybe because beyond the music I feel Willie's pain and can relate to the frustrations of the preacher.
12 O'Clock High (1964)
Fly to me anytime
This is one of the great television shows of the sixties that needs to be brought back. I don't know if the problem was popularity, subject, or because it was in back and white. Color would have killed it. The show took a minor dive when Robert Lansing left, but it was great entertainment and an example of great television they don't do today. I can still catch myself humming the theme.
The Desert Fox: The Story of Rommel (1951)
Truth or Dare?
The reason for this movie was to tell the truth about Rommell. The first thing it does is answer the question why Hollywood takes so many liberties with history. Is history that boring? This being a post World War 2 venture, it is obvious why the movie was made, to let people know this German General was different than the rest and was the good German. That might be so, I won't argue the point. We were refreshed to see that Jessica Tandy was at one time young. The big surprise was the role of Leo G. Carroll as General Rundstedt. His sarcasm for Hitler was great and believable coming from the man who in a few years would be the lovable Topper. Not a movie I'd want to see more than once.
Twelve O'Clock High (1949)
A real good flight
This is definitely one of the better post World War 2 movies dealing with the air corp. Gregory Peck's natural nature, is the perfect fit for General Frank Savage. He portrays this nature in several other movies. It was not all joy and glory up in the sky, but a very dangerous place to be over Nazi held territory. The movie does a good job in what it is trying to project. War, even in the air, is hell.
Jesse James (1939)
All-Star cast makes it a great western
If your looking at this movie as entertainment it is a great western. If you are looking at it as a way of finding out information on the life of Jesse and Frank James, it is there only in part. The movie tells of their lives as outlaws, but leaves out many important parts, such as their experience in the civil war. It makes one feel and maybe rightfully so; knowing the history of the James' and what led them to violence, that history feels Jesse and Frank should be thought of as heros and not villains. Thusly making Bob Ford a coward and not a hero. Especially with a supporting cast including Jane Darwell, Randolph Scott, Henry Hull and a few others, it was a all-star for its day. One must also note the set and the filming in color for 1939. It is worth watching. It begged for a remake, which came in the Return of Frank James with many of the rolls repeated.
Knock on Any Door (1949)
A Social Study
Not one of Bogart's best movies, Knock on any Door is more of a commentary on the social standings of the poor. The question is essentially ask, "Is Nick Romano innocent because of the fact he didn't get any good breaks in life?" Even though Bogart tries to make this his defense in the movie it doesn't work. Romano is convicted of murder and the last scene shows him walking to the electric chair. The movie is simply a study of Nick Romano and all the chances he blew. It would be good as homework for a social science class. As far as entertainment, it is so-so.
The Philadelphia Story (1940)
The Philadelphia Yawn!
This movie is a time dated example of how entertainment has changed since 1940. It is as boring as the high class society it is about and would never make it to the box office today. The only redemption it has is the suspense involving who gets Katherine Hepburn. Cary Grant lost. Jimmy Stewart almost got her after one or two drunken days and John Howard who was suppose to marry her, ran like the wind. Lucky guy. I am also amazed how the audience was suppose to believe a wedding could be performed at the last minute without a marriage license. Maybe in Hollywood in 1940, but never in Pennsylvania. Rent it if you need something to put you to sleep.
White Heat (1949)
Heat turned up hot!
This movie is Cagney at his ultimate very best. The acting is good for a generation ago. Cagney is more believable, from say Humphrey Bogart because I have never in any of his movies seen him less than the tough guy, with no cracks. Bogart had a tender side. This is just one great movie which leaves no doubt in my mind why Cagney was a great actor. He is one person who could play almost the same part in most of his movies and continue to pull it off.
Stagecoach (1986)
Waste of the stars talents
With great country stars like Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Kris Krisofferson, and Waylon Jennings; not to mention June Carter Cash and not having one good song makes about as much sense as Harrison Ford, Kevin Costner, Tom Hanks and Tom Cruise hosting the Grand Old Opera. The only one of the four who can really act is Willie. If it would have been more like "Red Headed Stranger," with a few songs like "Red man don't take my scalp," "Forty miles to water," or "My butt gets sore in this old stagecoach," would have helped. This remake of the great, classic, John Ford original was a total failure. Mostly for the reason given above. I believe a great movie cannot be remade. This is proof.
Kolchak: The Night Stalker (1974)
This was a really great show
This show was too good to have lasted only two seasons. Maybe they just ran out of things for Carl Kolchak to investigate. The humor and the hunt for the supernatural made a natural plot. McGaven is a dry but funny man. I will not forget the episode where he tracks the "monster" to the observatory in Chicago. It ended on this humorous note after several people had been killed. "Nothing unusual happened here. It has happened hundreds a times before, A traveler stops, makes repairs, checks a map and grabs a bite to eat."
Bringing Down the House (2003)
Bringing up my lunch
Nothing new about this movie. I can't figure out if Steve Martin is supposed to be a comedian or a stiff. The movie is predictable and in my opinion stereotypes poor blacks, yuppies and rich whites. I remember laughing once. I think it was when the lady in front of me dropped her popcorn. I could not wait for it to end. Can I get a refund?
Jack Slade (1953)
The different western
Jack Slade is a remarkably different western. The hero,is not handsome, but is very dirty and with each scene goes from the loved hero to the unloved bad guy. It shows the emotion of the gunfighter and his hatred for his job. I wonder if it is truly an honest western depicting the gunfighter. I am surprised it did not become a cult film. This movie asks the question. Are their really any good guys. The only real problem with the film is that the weapons used, do not fit the pre-civil war era.
The Horse Soldiers (1959)
Historic Fact
The Horse Soldiers was not designed to be an historical movie, therefore one cannot criticize historic inaccuracies. The film is loosely based on Grierson's Raid during the civil war. The movie is typical John Wayne however with several of his standard extras including Ken Curtis, Hank Worden and Denver Pyle who appeared with him in other movies including the Alamo. Even I must admit that Constance Towers's dress which she wore while entertaining the the union officers at her plantation was sensual for this time. What raves did it get in 1959? All in all The Horse Solders is a good movie and it makes me wonder what could be done with that plot today.
Sweet Home Alabama (2002)
Predictable
I hate movies when I know how they are going to end. I also hate movies which seem to be ending five times before they do. I guess when the two hours are up and the plot is sprung, I want to go home or at least to the bathroom. Those giant cokes! This movie has both. It is cute, but it is to long and predictable. The most common things is, we all know that Candace Bergan wants to come off as a witch with a "b" and here she does it well. The movie did its purpose, it got me out of the house for a few hours and made me feel better that I live in a small hick town. Other than that, I've seen it once, that's enough. Reese Witherspoon isn't as pretty as she thinks she is.
Three Men on a Horse (1936)
Better than average
This movie at least has a plot and is funny. The only question not answered was why the hero was in the hotel drunk. This would be a great movie to remake for those who love comedy. The only problem with it is the set and that it was made in 1936 before we quit being entertained by the plot instead of special effects. Throw a few special effects in and the movie would be a real winner. For those who like old movies, this is a winner.
The Adventures of Pluto Nash (2002)
Nothing to get excited about
There is absolutely nothing special about Pluto Nash. I was wondering for a time if I was going to run into the Mario Brothers as the set looked awfully familiar. The plot was poor, or maybe just nothing special. The sex jokes old, he saw her with big breasts and buttocks, why not give him something big? The only surprise in the whole thing was when Pluto Nash found out who he was up against. The movie was just Eddie Murphy doing the same old thing again. He could have just as well done it on earth in the 21th Century. At least he would have saved us a trip to the moon.
The Geisha Boy (1958)
It was exciting to a child
This movie came to debut when I was ten. It was the rabbit that made me want to go and see it several times. I find this one of Jerry Lewis' better movies, minus Dean Martin. While most of his movies are just stupid, this one had some heart and soul. It is a great movie for children and if it were made to day could only be improved with maybe some special effects. Baseball fans will love it for the scene involving the Los Angeles Dodgers who had just come west from Brooklyn.
Little Big Man (1970)
Little Big Movie is worth watching
Anything that makes history interesting and tells a lesson, even a comedy, is important to knowing the history of this country. Little Big Man in my opinion tells the truth showing the Native American side of what happened after the civil war in the west and portrayed the "great" George Armstrong Custer for what he truly was. Maybe the best scene in a great movies was Chief Dan George's prayer at the very end. It made me re-think some of my theology. The Cheyenne are called the "Human Beings." It was about time that these people were portrayed as something more than ruthless savages.
The Bravados (1958)
Twists and turns
First let me say that the little town this movie was filmed in, had to be the cleanest western town in the history of movies. The church especially was magnificent. A lot more than I would expect in this period of time. In the beginning you know exactly what was going to happen, but if you are the type of person like myself, who prides himself in knowing what is coming, the twists and turns begin. First in how the criminals escape from prison to the order of how the four convicts are killed, the most important (biggest star) not being the last to go down. To the fact that all during this movie you were against the four bad guys, but find out Gregory Peck was wrong. I have got to admit, I could not have predicted the ending to this one. Although I don't think the action and plot great; the plot itself was old hash. How it was worked out was tremendous and you will at the end ask yourself if Peck was really the good guy.