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My Favorite Christmas Movies
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A Royal Night Out (2015)
A Fun NIght Out
Though it stretches the imagination, it is a fairly fun movie capturing the exultant mood following the end of the war with Germany. Elizabeth and Margaret really did go out with a group that included, among others, Group Captain Townsend who Margaret later fell in love with.
The rest is pure fiction, but does capture somewhat of an escape while remaining fairly true to character. One can glimpse this happening even if it didn't. We've had movies before about royals wanting to escape: from the Prince and the Pauper to Roman Holiday, we like to think that the royals would like to be one of us. And that's what this movie does, while playing on Margaret's penchant for the party, and Elizabeth's more reserved idea of fun.
The only part I really didn't like was the idea of their military chaperons lapsing in their duty, and then indulging in a wild escapade. The British are very heavy on discipline and I don't think you would find this happening with them.
The sub-story of Elizabeth encountering the discouraged airman is excellent, in that it gives focus to the horrible experience the soldiers had been through, and is compassionate toward his story. She is able to get a view inside that experience. Jack Reynor as the airman steals the show and our interest.
The other actors do fairly well and I think Rupert Everett did a good job of playing George VI. We don't expect him to be Colin Firth here. The actresses playing the princesses (Sarah Gadon and Bel Powley) do well enough and Emily Watson as the Queen is an excellently droll foil to their desire to get out. Roger Allam is funny as the Soho panderer Lord Stan who gets involved in the night's fun.
OK, OK, it's not the King's Speech, but it is enormously fun, has some very poignant moments pertaining to the sheer relief of war's end. I cried through the moments focused on the King and how he encouraged his people through their "darkest hour.
The Fighting Prince of Donegal (1966)
Rousing Irish Historical Tale
Peter McEnery in a good early role as "Red" Hugh O'Donnell, the head of the O'Donnell clan and the hope of Ireland in its war against the English. Rising to fulfill the legend that he will set Ireland free, McEnery sets out to win the other clans to band with him to stand against English dominance. McEnery rises to the energy and enthusiasm of the role, and blends well with cast members Andrew Keir, Susan Hampshire, Tom Adams. His fight sees him clashing with Gordon Jackson, who is a superb villain as the lord in charge in Dublin. Because it's Disney, it isn't bloody or over-violent. Look for a very young Maurice Roeves as Martin, the servant boy. Great fun for all.
The Story of Ruth (1960)
A story of redemption
The Biblical story of Ruth is a story of redemption, and in that sense, this variation satisfies. Ruth the Moabitess priestess, played well by Elana Eden (an Israeli actress who had just served in the IDF), suffers the loss of her husband Mahlon (Tom Tryon) and follows his mother Naomi to Bethlehem where they struggle to make ends meet. Two of Naomi's kinsmen, Tob (Jeff Morrow) and Boaz (Stuart Whitman) compete for their attention and Ruth's love. The acting is good, with a good supporting cast--Viveca Lindfors, Peggy Wood, Thayer David, Les Tremayne, John Banner. The costumes and setting are lavish. The character development of Ruth is excellent and one of the strong points of the movie, but the character of Boaz is one of the few elements out of joint. Though Stuart Whitman is as romantic a hero as any as Boaz, his actions are not well motivated or convincing, particularly when compared to the Biblical story. Otherwise, though, a good production.
Love Is News (1937)
Love is Hilarious
Loretta Young, Don Ameche and Tyrone Power in a madcap comedy about an heiress who turns the tables on a reporter by announcing they are engaged. Power as Steve Leyton is classicly comic as the sensationalistic reporter whose world is turned upside down when the media spotlight is focused on him. Don Ameche wonderfully offsets him as the city editor, an old friend, who grapples with Power to get a scoop. Loretta Young is pretty and charming as heiress Toni Gateson who chases after Power to keep him in the media spotlight.
The acting is wonderfully funny, and the supporting actors do equally well--George Sanders as the egotistical count jilted by Young, Dudley Digges as Young's wealthy uncle, and Jane Darwell in a minor role as Power's landlady.
Though remade in 1948 as "That Wonderful Urge" with Gene Tierney, this is one case where the original is much better. The comic rapport between Young and Power keeps the action moving. Though Power was one of the most romantic of leading men throughout his career, this movie showcases his talent for comedy.
The Count of Monte Cristo (2002)
Love, Intrigue and Justice
Exciting version of the Alexandre Dumas tale of Edmond Dantes, a man wrongly sent to prison amid the intrigue of post-Bonaparte France. During his years of suffering, he plots revenge against the people who sent him there, and comes to assume a dramatic alias: The Count of Monte Cristo.
The acting is superb, with Jim Caviziel strong in the lead role, utterly sympathetic as the man who was wronged. Guy Pearce is dastardly debonair as his best friend the Count Mondego. The supporting cast are great: James Frain, Helen McCrory, Richard Harris. Exquisitely beautiful is Dagmara Dominczyk as Mercedes, the woman Edmond loves.
Scenery, costumes, well-done. If you like dashing, daring movies, this is a must-see.