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Candy (1968)
Dated In The Most Positive Sense
For all the miserable reviews, bet those that wrote them prefer cartoon character flicks over a psychedelic blast from the 60's featuring a cast of A-Listers a mile long, great production values, Ringo Starr no less, a script by the one and only Buck Henry, a theme song written by John Kay and performed by Steppenwolf, the original Gomez Addams, John Astin (Daddy) and starring the most angelic hippie-chick of all time, Ewa Aulin, of that best of times, worst of times decade.
As most know by now this erotic comedy limped onto Blu-ray back in 2016 with a decent video but mediocre audio transfer. Still, the film had been unavailable to aficionados for almost 50 years and guess what, those that saw it in '68 remembered it and who would have thought it would ever be released.
The basic thought that needs to be conveyed regarding this lunacy infested picture, those that experienced that crazy decade which is now lost in a lazy haze of marijuana smoke react to the film much more favorably than those of you that never became experienced (subtle Jimi Hendrix reference).
Hôtel du Nord (1938)
French Film-Noir Percursor
The collection of reviews pretty much covers the backstory, the importance and enjoyability of this French classic but please allow an additional two cents.
Yes, the set was enormously expensive to build. Is it a work of art, no doubt however, it's still a glorified back-lot and the cineast realizes that fact from the get-go. Think how much more enjoyable, (not to mention cheaper) realistic and noirish shooting on location would have been. Films have been shot on the streets of NY City, San Francisco and L. A. for decades, why not Paris, despite the difficulties. It was the 30's man, less populated. On location shooting would place the picture much closer to the top of the best films ever released.
Tiger Bay (1959)
An Icon of Her Generation is Born
"Tiger Bay" is British Noir at its finest. A great film is much more than the sum of its individual contributions.
Initially, a project needs a solid script as its foundation and this picture's was very capably co-written by the notable John Stanley Hawkesworth and Shelley Smith based on Noel Calef's short story "Rodolphe et le Revolver" which was written with a young boy as the co-protagonist.
The most important individual on every film set is the director. J. Lee Thompson ("The Guns of Navarone") was signed to helm this production. Thompson was known as an "actor's director" since he genuinely loved the craft and almost always used a carrot and extremely sparingly a stick to get the take he wanted.
The movie was filmed in beautiful black and white and fortunately almost all on location in the Tiger Bay district of Cardiff, Newport and Avonmouth Docks in Bristol by Eric Cross who was at the very zenith of his long career. The opening scenes of a seaside slum showing the dreary bombed out coast of Britain are especially effective in establishing the mood and the noir texture of the film.
Sir John Mills ("Great Expectations" 1946) was an extremely popular, Oscar winning and beloved English actor who appeared in 129 films spanning seven decades. His role as Superintendent Graham was second nature to him since it was the type of character he often played. He is very effective in this picture with the extra added bonus of several scenes with someone with whom he was very close.
Horst Buckholz plays Bronislav Korchinsky, known as the German James Dean during this phase of his career, he appears as the co-star in his first English speaking role. Perhaps best known for playing Chico in the original release of the "Magnificent Seven", he provides a star-making performance as an inadvertent criminal on the run. It's fairly well known that his young co-star developed an intense crush on the handsome actor during filming. His scenes with her are extremely emotional.
As stated previously, the original script calls for a young boy. According to Ms. Mills' memoir, Thompson visited John at his Sussex House Farm. While there he noticed the younger tomboyish Mills daughter fooling about and brainstormed about using her as "the boy" in the film. A screen test was arranged and it became apparent the camera loved Hayley while she evolved to love the camera. Such chance events led to the creation of an icon of the Baby Boom generation. Her debut (first credited role) performance as the unreliable Gillie caused a sensation amongst the critics. The normally staid Bosley Crowther of the NYT gushed over the pre-teen's presence while barely acknowledging the great John Mills and Horst Buchholz.
"Tiger Bay" is the only pre-Disney appearance of Hayley when the roles she played would change dramatically. Sensitive Boomers should have a box of tissues handy before the final credits roll.
The picture has yet to even be scheduled for release on Blu-ray even in the UK and if one is able to find a copy on DVD be prepared to pay up the nose. The film is a "one off", highly recommended.
Breezy (1973)
A Film Of Its Time
In general, Hollywood tends to shy away from Romance pictures featuring a young girl paired with a much older man. Notable exceptions being Kubrick's "Lolita" and the English director Adrian Lyne's remake, French director Louis Malle's "Pretty Baby" and the delightful "Breezy" somewhat surprisingly directed by an early member of the Silent Generation, Clint Eastwood. Usually, these now totally politically incorrect films are the province of the French, the Italians and the Spanish, Europeans having a much more sophisticated and realistic attitude about "sex" than the repressed descendants of the Puritans.
Basically, five key components make this picture such an enjoyable watch. This is an Eastwood project all the way based on an intelligent and period authentic script written by Jo Heims with her thinking that Clint himself would play the male lead. Wisely, Eastwood cast the middle-aged, world weary, face craggy from all the boozing but still with a great body, silver-screen icon William Holden. Although only 54 at the time of the shoot, Holden's hard-drinking life style makes him appear a good ten years older thus adding to the age gap which accentuates the starkly different perception of the realities of life between him and his young co-star.
Although not Clint's first choice, the young dark-haired, dark-eyed actress with the cute overbite and unusually sexy figure Kay Lenz portrays the title character. Perhaps the most amazing feature of the picture is just how well this 20 year old actress at the time can emote, certainly holding her own with the veteran actor's own praiseworthy performance. Why she never became a full blown movie starlet as opposed to steady work on TV remains a mystery. While Holden's character Frank Harmon has learned to stifle his emotions, Breezy is much freer and open, the provenance of the young and perhaps the young at heart plus she receives the script's most intelligent lines. Lenz's performance artfully transitions her character from a chance encounter to a full blown love affair very realistically in an authentic hippie chick style. While Eastwood tastefully presents the physical portion of their affair, there is no doubt that a beyond the script attraction exists for Breezy while Holden's character's performance is imbued with the guilt society imposes on such a mismatched couple.
No review of this picture should be considered complete without a nod to Heims' clever way of working a dog into the script. For dog lovers, when Frank takes Breezy to the vet's, the scene becomes Kleenex time.
The final touch of movie magic is the time-capsule nature of the on location shooting of L. A. landmarks as they appeared in the early 70's and shot in eye-candy Technicolor no less. Kino Lorber finally released a Blu-ray of this picture recently. While using an old master for the transfer, there is certainly room for improvement although technically speaking the disc provides a fine organic presentation of the film.
Historians will inform that 1973 was the peak year of the post-war economic boom. Especially during the early part of the decade, many older men let their hair and sideburns grow long, the members of society getting high on weed exploded exponentially and courtesy of the Women's Lib movement, young girls went braless. The decade was the last Golden Age for cinema as auteurs wrestled control of their art from the studios. The music scene was still happening big time as musicians had gained control of their recorded efforts from the execs back in the 60's which is why much of the music from these two decades is known as Classic Rock. Yes, there was a time when living in the States was fun and society was functional.
Margaret (2011)
Melodrama Based On A Huge Plot Hole
This critique is based on viewing the 150 minute Extended Cut. In Kenneth Lonergan's directorial sophomore effort, there is no doubt he ascribes to become an auteur, a goal in which he succeeds but with limited success since the film suffers from many problems.
On the positive side, the film is sprinkled throughout with A-list actors giving their all and Anna Paquin's performance deserves prolific praise. The picture may be about the maturing of a teen but is definitely not a teen picture. Much of the script is certainly engaging for adult minds and there is a story in the plot but one must peel away much film footage that should have been left on the cutting room floor to finally get there, drained and exhausted as the viewer is when the final credits roll.
For the other side of the coin, there is not one likeable person in the entire flick save for Jean Reno as Ramon. He adds instant class at some point entering stage right and is quickly disposed of exiting stage left. If Lonergan's intent was to honestly portray a group of typically disfunctional individuals that comprise 21st century American society he succeeded but most attend the movies to escape reality, at least to a certain extent. Diogenes may still be on his eternal search for an honest man but movie goers should still be allowed to hope he eventually succeeds.
Lonergan's script was desperately in need of a polished rewrite, too many extraneous scenes including endless pans of Manhattan. What did the Jewish/Palestinian brouhaha have to do with anything except the student that attempted to lecture Broderick on Shakespeare could have instead been inserted into the history class and explained the false-flag operation known as 9/11 but realistically speaking, this is a Hollywood picture and certain schools of thought are routinely censored.
However, the biggest problem is the entire script is based on a plot hole so huge one could drive a Tiger Tank through it. Admittedly, it's been a while since yours truly has ridden on a bus but some things really do not change. When a bus driver sees an individual on the sidewalk attempting to get his/her attention the bus routinely moves toward the curb while in the process of stopping. The reason being is that most likely, the person is a late arriving would be passenger. The back and forth between Ruffalo and Anna is painful to watch because of its complete implausibility. An architect would never build a skyscraper on a shaky foundation but for Lonergan, let's get as much film in the can as possible after the picture has entered the Twilight Zone.
In all fairness, this film is rated as the 1013th best movie ever made by the respected "They Shoot Pictures Don't They" organization which is why yours truly suffered through a viewing.
The Mule (2018)
Not Clint's Best but Eminently Watchable
As a point of clarification, Clint, born in 1930, is a nonogenarian which firmly encamps him as a member of the "Silent Generation" This picture is not a period piece. It is totally unneccessary for a would be reviewer to have lived through the Great Depression, WWII, Truman, Ike, the assassinations of JFK, RFK, MLK, Malcolm X, Beatlemania, The Vietnam War, Watergate or the Reagan Administrations. Those times were radically different from each other and light years away from today. Although not as experienced as would be Silent or Boomer critics, there is absolutely nothing about this film that would handicap members of Generations X and Y from offering their own opinions regarding this movie.
Yesterday (2019)
Where Is The Walrus?
Truth be known, the picture is such dreck this Beatle aficionado could only stand about 30 minutes before kicking himself for wasting $10. All this cat heard was McCartney, McCartney and then some more McCartney. The title should have been a warning taken seriously but who knew Paul = The Fab Four according to Boyle's interpretation of the group that changed the culture of the world. Do yourself a favor and watch "Eight Day's A Week" even though director Howard provides the G rated version of the group's antics as opposed to an R rated effort which knowledgeable fans would have been able to enjoy immensely. "The Boys", as George Martin always referred to them, did not write and play their music in PC times which is the main reason "art" is very rarely created today!
Parkland (2013)
An Unnecessary and Very Confused Venture
Boomer Tom Hanks of Playtone Productions, from a suggestion by his friend Bill Paxton, may he rest in peace, greenlit this project as an apologist for the Warren Commission Report. Exactly like the ahistorical "Saving Private Ryan" this film is based on Vincent Bugliosi's discredited tome which was remaindered within a year. A once planned 12 part HBO mini-series devolved into this dreck, the same ol' whopper the Government, along with the MSM, have been pushing for nigh on 60 years. Obviously Hanks is as unaware of the ARRB (Assassination Record and Review Board) as his favorite historian Stephen Ambrose is of Dwight Eisenhower's post-presidential schedule. The BD is available online at $5.00 a pop. Buy a gross and use them as stocking stuffers for those that prefer to live life with their head firmly ensconced in the sand.
Caligola (1979)
A Misunderstood Classic
Movie-goers tend to have strong, divergent thoughts and feelings regarding this misunderstood classic that its own producer tried to destroy. First and foremost, "Caligula" is actually a film shot by the famous Italian director Tinto Brass from a screenplay by Gore Vidal interspersed with Bob Guccione inspired mostly softcore adult movie scenes using his "Penthouse" Pets. The vast majority of the adult movie is superfluous and detracts immensely from what Brass had envisioned. So much so that upon completion of the project, Brass renounced the film and did his best to separate himself from the picture entirely which is unfortunate since it was he and his crew which makes the film a classic.
The plot is simple, the rise and fall of the Roman ruler Gaius Caesar nicknamed "Caligula" (Little Boots) by his father's soldiers. Oh but what a tale of depravity and wickedness when a mere mortal has been provided with the powers of a God. The role seems tailor made for Malcolm McDowell and he does not disappoint with a much nuanced performance as he increasingly sinks into complete madness.
Only known in the U.S. for her appearance in this film is the English born Italian actress Teresa Ann Savoy at the very height of her bewitching green-eyed beauty and appeal. As a 16 year old she ran away to an Italian commune and was discovered by a fashion photographer. Eventually she made it to the silver screen and is known for the Tinto Brass directed "Salon Kitty" and "Private Vices, Public Pleasures" directed by Miklos Jancso, both available on Blu-ray in the States. She plays Drusilla, the beloved sister of Caligula. Although she cannot be described as a good person by today's standards she is instrumental in providing moving pathos in an incredible scene involving McDowell and herself. Perhaps the surest way to judge her performance is that the famous English actress Lady Helen Mirren also co-stars as a prostitute. Whenever the two actresses appear in the same scene, one cannot take their eyes off Miss Savoy. She had that special sort of charisma that only true starlets possess.
In a rather small but important role the great Peter O'Toole gives an appropriately over-the-top performance as the hideous looking Tiberius. Caligula is his adopted grandson. O'Toole gives a bravura rendition of the character cementing the brilliance of the A-list cast. In an even smaller role, Sir John Gielgud as Nerva, Tiberius' trusted advisor, provides an element of class and sanity in this otherwise totally hedonistic representation of the Roman plutocracy.
No review would be complete without commenting on the original score provided by Paul Clemente and the art direction of Danilo Donati. Throughout the film, the music augments and dramatizes the on screen activities. There is a special piece that is played intermittently throughout the film which is achingly beautiful. This critic has dubbed it "Drusilla's Theme". It is played at the very beginning of the film during the idyllic scene of romance and incestuous love.
The sets, though not gargantuan, are completely believable when considering the lifestyle these characters engaged in.The luxury experienced by Caligula and Drusilla is portrayed with dramatic effect. The complete degeneracy is also visually attested to by the sheer imagination and authentic look of the set pieces.
Unfortunately, the film has only been available on Blu-ray in the States for the last several years on a pressing called "Caligula the Imperial Edition" from "Image Entertainment" and released in 2009. The BD contains bad video and bad audio. Fortunately, for us aficionados of the picture, "Arrow" in the UK to the rescue. They released a Limited Edition in 2010 followed with a release still available today from 2012 that features gorgeous video and high fidelity audio. The great news is that these releases are Region Free. The "Arrow" pressing is likely to remain the definitive pressing of the picture.
Hopefully, this review will prepare one to properly enjoy this maligned gem.
All the King's Men (2006)
Oh So Close
Don't lose any sleep over the low rating of this film on IMDb. Most would be critics on this site are incapable of recognizing motion picture art.
This remake of "ATKM" is one of this viewers favorite movies though it misses the mark of a would be masterpiece. Steven Zaillian and his crew did a wonderful job recreating the ambiance of Depression Era Louisiana. He was less successful in transforming the Pulitzer Prize winning novel of Robert Penn Warren into a screenplay but that is a herculean task.
Although the novel is more about the life of Jack Burden, even he states that he is unable to separate his existence from Willie Stark's. Make no mistake, Warren based Stark on Huey "The Kingfish" Long, the smartest most capable as well as the most flamboyant politician of his time and that includes FDR. Sean Penn is absolutely brilliant and spellbinding as Stark and for those that say his performance is over-the-top, that is an oxymoron. The Kingfish's style was over-the-top which was a component of his brilliance as a politician. Jude Law inhabits the character of Jack Burden. Having read the novel, JL brings the character to life as he is portrayed by Warren. He should have been nominated for Best Supporting. The other over-sized presence in the picture is that of Anthony Hopkins as the judge. Another spot-on portrayal of the character if one is able to forgo the Louisiana drawl. In supporting roles, kudos to Patricia Clarkson as Sadie Burke who tears up the screen with her scenes as well as the underused talent of Sugar Boy as played by Jackie Earle Haley. Although Jackie's Sugar Boy is somewhat of a radical departure from the novel, he successfully creates his own persona. Warren's Sugar Boy would not be a character one would wish to watch on screen.
Now for the casting disaster and one of the major flaws of the script. Kate Winslet is a wonderful actress. The project she worked on just prior to "ATKM' was a picture called "Little Children" for which she won an Academy Award as Best Actress. The film itself is thought-provoking and utilizes the talent of Jackie Earle Haley to a much greater degree which won him an Oscar as Best Supporting Actor. However, she cannot credibly play Anne Stanton because she is not beautiful. Warren portrays Anne Stanton as a goddess, the penultimate female from the genes of Louisianan aristocracy. Caroline Renee Christmann was perfect for the look of Anne Stanton at age 9 (unfortunately she did not grow up to be that angelic looking). She was the love of Jack Burden's life who did marry another beautiful woman but since it was based purely on physical attraction, it did not last. Winslet was the right age but not a proper fit for the role.
Many that should know say Mark Ruffalo is a good actor. After all he has been nominated for three Oscars. The problem with his character in this movie is that the screenplay does not provide enough character development. He is transformed as one of the best doctors in the state to an assassin by virtue of one phone call. The picture as edited is a little over two hours long. Another 20 minutes of character development would have helped immensely.
Then there is the "Chinatown" ending. Dramatic, yes, rewarding no. Does anyone remember the story is about Jack Burden but since when would Jude Law receive top-billing over Sean Penn. Warren's resolution is more rewarding and not nearly as bleak.
As is stated earlier, excellent picture with outstanding photography and acting with a plot based on one of America's greatest novels. There was a masterpiece to be made but unfortunately it was not realized.
JFK: 3 Shots That Changed America (2009)
The Standard Treatment of the Subject Matter
A nice, neat, little piece of propaganda conforming with the history book interpretation of the events in Dallas on that dreadful day.
The scenes that took place in Ft. Worth are all the more touching since they are infused with the viewer's knowledge of the horrific event to come.
The first overt sanitation of what actually transpired was noticed by this viewer during the sequence at Love Field as the presidential limousine begins to depart for the motorcade through downtown Dallas. One can view the rear of the Lincoln with a Secret Service agent in proper position on each side of the rear of the limo. A close inspection of the presidential car (not easily seen in this video since there is no close up shot) reveals that there are two areas in the rear bumper for an agent to stand as well as two handrails located on the trunk of the vehicle. It was standard operating procedure for a Secret Service agent to be stationed in each of these areas on the bumper to afford the President protection in the form of human shields.
This video cuts right before the Special Agent in charge riding in the follow-up car motions the properly placed agents back and away from the presidential vehicle. One can see the frustration of the Secret Service Agent on the right side of the limo since he throws his hands up in the air on three separate occasions as he follows his orders and retires to the follow-up vehicle. There is a much more complete video of this footage posted on You Tube which confirms the information this viewer has provided.
This individual who was 12 years old on the day of the assassination and remembers as if it was yesterday where he was and what he was doing when informed of the crime of the century in this country felt no need to be spoon-fed anymore video from the History Channel.