The movie was okay. The storyline was cute, but also fairly basic and predictable. It was difficult for me to stay interested in this movie, which I found odd because I typically love movies like this. The sets were pretty and the songs were good. The story could have been better developed. It seemed like the same events happened every "day" in the film, and it was kind of boring. There was one part of the movie I found particularly interesting. This was when Harry was talking to Margie about the farmhouse and farm in the beginning. He talks about how everything needs to be modern, while she wants to focus on the charm and live in an older house. This is still relevant to the way many people want whatever is modern and convenient and often forget how nice some things can be if you focus on charm more than convenience. This movie isn't one of my favorites, and I don't know if I'd necessarily recommend it, but it was cute.
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As the director of a mental hospital prepares for departure upon being told he is being replaced, a young man arrives to take the position. This man claims to be Doctor Anthony Edwardes. He is immediately fond of Doctor Constance Petersen, a seemingly cold-hearted woman who is solely focused on her work As the two get to know each other, Edwardes reveals that he is convinced that he killed a man. He is also suffering from amnesia after an accident. Doctor Petersen is convinced otherwise, and the two jump through various hoops in order to not only prove that Edwardes is innocent, but to convince Edwardes that he didn't commit a murder As Constance seeks to help him, , the two discover that Edwardes is not Edwardes, but is actually named John Ballantine. Aside from discovering his identity, they also prove Constance's theory correct when it is discovered that Ballantine is innocent while curing his amnesia,
The movie started off a little boring but as the story continued it got a lot more interesting. I found myself wanting to know John's story almost as much as he did himself, and I was trying a bit of my own psychoanalysis on his character as I watched the movie. I thought that John had an interesting story and I enjoyed watching as it developed and he figured out who he was. The movie was also really cute at moments, and I liked the ending. I also enjoyed all of the plot twists and the movie kept my attention. I especially enjoyed how dreams and dream analysis played such an important role in figuring out the story. I enjoyed this movie overall and would recommend it. Four different stories are combined to pay tribute to the Twilight Zone television series. It opens with the story of a racist man who is transported to Nazi Germany, a Ku Klux Klan gathering, and taken back to his days in war. The next story is about a man who travels to retirement homes giving the residents a chance to become children again. In the third story, a woman drives a young boy home after backing into him with her car. She later finds out that he has the ability to wish anything he wants into existence and has been abusing that power. The final story is about a man who is incredibly anxious about the flight he is on,. As the plane flies through a storm, he sees a mysterious being out on the wing destroying the engines. He later comes face to face with the monster in an attempt to kill it.
While the movie isn't fantastic, the events that took place on the set forever changed the film industry. While filming a Vietnam battle scene, a helicopter crashed, killing Victor Morrow as well as child actors Renee Shinn Chen and Myca Dinh Le. Four men, including John Landis, the special effects coordinator, and the helicopter pilot were charged with involuntary manslaugher. This was reportedly the first time a film director had faced such charges for an on set accident that occured during filming, Lawsuits were also filed against Warner Brothers and Steven Spielberg. Landis violated mutliple child labor laws. Violations of of safety laws were taken more seriously and major studios began issuing the Injury and Illness Prevention Program to all employees. There was also an increase in the amount of risk- management specialists on movie sets. I honestly didn't think the movie was that great. I really like the Twilight Zone television series, and I was hoping that the movie would do well in paying tribute to the show. I was really disappointed. I felt like they could've done more with the story about Anthony using his powers. I wanted it to be creepier. I also didn't like how that story had a happy ending. Out of all of the stories, I think that one was my least favorite. I liked the "Kick the Can" scene, but I felt that it was kind of out of place in the movie. I know they couldn't completely re-make some of the episodes they drew inspiration from, but the movie definitely didn't feel like I was watching anything related to the Twilight Zone. The creepiest part was the monster on the plane, and that wasn't even really suspenseful or surprising. I wouldn't recommend the movie, but the history behind it is interesting. Five years after the Ghostbusters were put out of business by the judicial system of New York City, they make an important discovery. This leads to the re-formation of the Ghostbusters company as they investigate a mysterious pink slime flowing beneath the city. As the paranormal overtakes the city for. the second time, the help of the Ghostbusters is enlisted. Peter Venkman (Bill Murray) tries to rekindle a past romance as the Ghostbusters help his ex-girlfriend and try to figure out why the slime is trying to steal her son. As they yet again try to save the city, they are faced with more lawsuits and obstacles. The movie is distinctly 80's, which is not necessarily a bad thing. The graphics and props contribute to the 80's film aesthetic. This is especially true for the scene featuring the slime and the Statue of Liberty. It is also displayed through the character called Slimer. On top of the visuals, the soundtrack is pretty good, of course including the Ghostbusters theme. It is filled with songs featuring the classic 80's synthesizer style (well, all except Jackie Wilson's "Higher and Higher" which was released in 1967). I enjoyed this movie. I liked the first Ghostbusters film, and I figured I would enjoy this one as well. I actually liked this movie better than the first one. While I enjoy both storylines, I liked the plot of this film a bit more. I thought the concept of the slime absorbing the emotions of New Yorkers and feeding off of the positive energy was really interesting. I also really liked the props and visuals even though they aren't amazing. I feel kind of bad for Dana, she can't catch a break when it comes to creepy guys being attracted to her. On top of that her son is kidnapped and nearly inhabited by an evil spirit. I was glad that she got a happy ending. I love the characters in both movies and I liked how this movie showed their lives beyond the Ghostbusters as well as continuing to showcase their skills. Overall . I thought it was a good movie and I would watch it again. Jeff (James Stewart), a photographer confined to his apartment due to a broken leg, discovers a dark secret one day as watches his neighbors. Jeff thinks one of his neighbors, Lars Thorwald, has murdered his wife. He keeps a close eye on Lars as he makes mysterious calls and packs his belongings to leave. Meanwhile, Jeff's girlfriend Lisa Freemont (Grace Kelly) is roped into Jeff's quest to prove that Lars murdered his wife. As the two watch Lars' mysterious behavior, they try to convince Jeff's friend, detective Thomas Doyle, that Lars is guilty despite Doyle's "evidence" proving his innocence. The truth is finally revealed after Lisa sneaks into his apartment and takes a key piece of evidence. The story is very interesting and keeps you engaged. Every time I expected something bad to happen, it didn't, which was surprising. The storyline was easy to follow and the characters were interesting. The sets were very pretty and the setting overall was different from most films. This film only has one setting, Jeff's apartment, as opposed to multiple sets like other films. The background sound was also a bit different, as it featured both music from the pianist in the story as well as the noise from the street and the noise from the neighbors. Each neighbor had their own sort of subplot, but it didn't take away from the main plot as there was just enough focus placed on each one. I loved this movie. I enjoyed how one story was so heavily developed out of one setting. I also loved the sets, especially the architectural design of each of the apartments. I especially loved the pianist's studio apartment. I think the design of each apartment helped tell the story of the character inhabiting it. I really enjoyed the story and that it kept surprising me. I was most shocked at the fact that it ended the way I wanted it to. I was expecting a different ending and more death as it is a Hitchcock film. I was shocked that it had a happy ending, although I'm not complaining. I liked how each neighbor had their own story that was developed but did not shift focus away from the main story. I also loved Grace Kelly's costumes and her character's story. Jimmy Stewart is one of my favorite Old Hollywood actors, and I thought his performance was great. Everytime I thought someone was going to die or something bad was about to happen, it didn't which was interesting. It wasn't completely what I expected, but that is definitely not a bad thing. Overall, I thought it was a great movie and I would recommend it. Summary: The son of the Master of the Metropolis is intrigued by a girl and the message she brings. He follows her and discovers a whole underground world he never knew about. After seeing the hard labor the workers are put through and the conditions in which they work, he decided to confront his father. However his father is well aware of the underground city, and approves of such a society. Throughout the film, father attempts to prove that his methods are the best, while son tries to change the conditions and give a better life to the men who built his father's city. Along the way, a robot is invented and misused in order to make the underground workers rebel, thus showing that they should remain in the same place with the same conditions or else they will cause trouble. However the scientist who invents said robot does not exactly obey his orders. The robot he creates still causes plenty of trouble nonetheless.
Analysis: The story is interesting, but it is a bit difficult to follow. There were many times when I didn't really know what was going on. It is important to note the film is not restored in its entirety, which is why some parts may be missing or confusing. Despite the semi-confusing storyline, the sets were very nice looking and I really enjoyed seeing the artistic side of the film. I felt like the story could have been a bit more focused, especially in terms of characters. I wish there would have been more character development, and I felt this film had a bit too much action. Opinion: I thought the film was okay, but definitely not one of my favorites. I thought it was an interesting concept and I wish I would have liked it more. However I did enjoy the movie more than I had expected. The story seemed appealing enough, and it was intriguing to watch. The part I loved the most was the sets and props. I liked seeing how German filmmakers played with sets and used their imaginations. One of my favorites was the scene in city where the cars and planes are all represented by toy cars and planes. I thought that was very creative and I enjoyed watching that scene the most. I also liked the elevators in the apartment, especially how they continuously go one direction, but somehow people manage to get off and on. Personally the movie got a bit too strange for me. I would consider recommending this film to others, but would not watch it again myself. Summary: The story begins in 1952 during the Korean War. Sergeant Raymond Shaw and his platoon are on a mission when they are captured by enemy forces. However this platoon is not taken in as a regular group of hostages, and they are not treated like prisoners of war. Rather they are used as lab rats for a Communist organization. Through a series of experiments, the members of the platoon are brainwashed. Yet Raymond Shaw is much more valuable to the members of the conspiracy. They have not only brainwashed him, but have created an assassin, in their eyes a perfect weapon. He can kill basically anyone, and he won't remember doing it. He can do this without much suspicion, as he is beloved nationwide and regarded as a hero for his "efforts' in battle. Following their release, a recurring dream leads Major Bennett Marco on an adventure to prove that the images that wake him up at night are more than just dreams. Although he does not completely remember what happened when they were captured, he knows that something is off. It is a race against time for him and the other men investigating Shaw. As Shaw is sent on more "missions," Marco and his team work to figure out who is behind the scheme and how to make it stop.
Analysis: Overall the film was well done. I did not notice any major plot holes. The movie appears as an action packed thriller, and while there is definitely surprise and action in the film, there was not as much action as I expected.. The storyline is well written and well portrayed. Some points were predictable while others were very surprising. Aside from this, the main motif is the queen of diamonds playing card. This card is what triggers Raymond, what derails his focus on what he is doing and makes him key into his mission. I thought this was an interesting choice, and it fits in with the story well. The pace was kind of slow, but part of that was necessary for story development. Parts of the story were confusing at times, but overall it was easy to follow. Opinion: Overall I really liked the movie. I thought the story was interesting and I liked the way it was told. I thought the cast did well in portraying their characters. I also liked how Raymond was kind of a monster, but was also very human. It was sad to watch his character's story, as he was doing something horrible by no will of his own and without realizing what he was doing. On top of that, his mother and step father are power hungry liers who will do anything to be in the spotlight. While I don't condone the murders he committed, I did feel sympathy towards Raymond. I also liked Frank Sinatra's character Bennett. I wasn't sure what to expect from his character. At first, I thought he was the one who had been brainwashed and would become an assassin. However I was pleasantly surprised when he essentially became the hero of the story. I admired how he cared about Raymond despite saying that he was difficult to get along with and being the one to ask for Raymond to be investigated. I felt a bit of sympathy for him too. Towards the beginning of the movie, it is plain to see that Bennett is facing his own struggles and his nightmares are not . helping. I was happy for him when he met Eugenie, although at first I thought she was working for the enemy and was trying to turn him into their next assassin. In the beginning, Raymond's mother just seemed overbearing and needy, especially for public attention. Yet as the story developed I too began to strongly dislike her character more and more. I felt the same about Raymond's step-father. The two of them were disgusting, They would stop at nothing to get what they wanted, even if that meant using their son and not caring about the consequences. I was surprised at the end, but I was glad it ended that way. I don't think it could have or should have ended any differently. I only wish there had been a bit more action in the movie. I really enjoyed the movie and would recommend it to others. Frankenheimer, John, director. The Manchurian Candidate. Richard Condon, George Axelrod, United Artists, 1962 I absolutely loved this film, and I would say it is one of my top 5 favorites. I'd been wanting to see this movie for years, and when I heard it was going to be shown on the big screen at the movie theater I knew I had to go. I had high expectations for the film, and I was not disappointed in the least. It actually exceeded my expectations. It is understandable why this movie is considered iconic and a classic. The movie shows the struggles of teenagers in many ways and in an accurate way. Between Jim's issues with his parents not understanding him and not facing up to their own issues, Judy's father being cruel and trying to tell her ho she is why neglecting to show her any affection, and Plato basically not having any parents at all, especially after his mother went on vacation after cancelling his psychologist sessions because they were too expensive. I also loved how it showed how friendships can grow out of hardships and troubling experiences. This film is very important because it shows the emotions of teenagers in a way it had not been presented before. It shows the utter confusion, the frustration, and the anxiety teenagers face. It shows how teenagers struggle to find answers and figure things out for themselves as no one else truly understands. It displays how teenagers sometimes struggle to fit in in various ways, and how they struggle when trying to discover who they are and what they are supposed to do. It also shows how sometimes young people don't no where else to turn or what else to do, so they turn to rather self destructive methods. This is shown when Jim is drunk and wandering at the beginning, Spoiler: when Plato shoots the puppies out of frustration. This film opened up a new world in film and did something that hadn't been done before. It impacted teenagers of the time because it gave them something to relate to, it gave them characters portrayed by famous actors and actresses that they could relate to. It still provides something for teenagers to relate to. All teenagers can probably relate to one of the characters to some extent, I definitely could. I related to Jim, as he was upset, confused, and frustrated in trying to understand himself, the world, and what he is supposed to do, and how sometimes everything becomes too much and you just break down. While my relationship with my parents is considerably better than that of Jim and his parents, I still relate to the fact that though they try they don't always understand. It is also said that this movie helped inspire the later movements of the 1960's such as the civil rights movement because it showed teenagers that they were not alone in their struggles and their anger and that they could unite to fight for a cause. James Dean's performance was spectacular. He captured the emotions of a teenager perfectly in an honest and believable way. He was only 24 when the movie was filmed, so he was likely still struggling with some of these things as well. He really showed how many of us young people feel, and I honestly don't think he was acting at some points, as the breakdowns and .anger felt and looked very real. In fact, most of the lines in the movie were improvised, so it is possible that what he was saying at some points was also what he was feeling. In my opinion no one could have done it better. Aside from that, I just loved his character. The reason I loved Jim so much was because he seems so rough around the edges, yet when you get to know him is really sweet and caring. He will fight if he needs to, and gets in trouble sometimes, but that's only if necessary and it only scratches the surface of who he really is. He is so kind to Plato, even offering him his jacket before he even knows his name. He doesn't want any trouble, but it has a tendency to find him anyway. At one point, he had enough of his parents and he tells them that he always does something wrong, but for once in his life he wants to do something right. I felt a great deal of sympathy for Jim, it felt like no matter what he did it either wasn't "right" or wasn't good enough, but he was trying and he deserved to be happy, Ray, Nicholas, director. Nicholas Ray and Irving Shulman, Warner Bros. 1955.
I have never been a huge fan of the western genre of movies, and this film did not change my mind. I expected more from the movie, and it did not deliver. I definitely think it could have been better in many ways. It followed the typical western theme of "sheriff hunting an outlaw, sheriff and outlaw meet and have a shootout, sheriff wins," which I found dull and boring. I grew up watching John Wayne movies with my family, so I've seen my fair share of that typical plot, and I wanted something different from this film. I think the only points that distinguished it from the westerns I've seen was that the main characters were friends turned enemies, and that there was no clear hero and villain. It was hard to distinguish if the Pat Garrett was the hero or the villain, and the same with Billy the Kid. There was also less shooting than I expected, seeing as that is another typical theme in westerns. It's always interesting to see singers deviate from their careers and act in movies. There were two singers in this film, Kris Kristofferson (Billy) and a favorite of mine, Bob Dylan (portraying Alias). I thought Kristofferson gave a fairly good performance, being that he was the main character. To no fault of his own, his character was boring and I wasn't very upset about his fate. It seemed like Billy had no depth as a character, which made it difficult for me to stay interested in his story. On the contrary, I enjoyed Dylan's character and found myself hoping he would survive till the end of the story. I think this is partially because he was more of a minor character, which meant that he did not have as much room to disappoint. In fact, the only scene I enjoyed in the movie was centered around Alias. In the scene, Alias is asked to read the labels of the cans on the shelf while the sheriff talks to some other members of outlaw group. Dylan's character did not do a whole lot, which makes him sound boring, but to me it made him more interesting because when he could occasionally do something major I would be temporarily be pulled back into the story. Another distinguishing point of the film was the soundtrack. Composed completely by Dylan, it was different from the soundtracks I'd heard in other westerns. I felt that the music told more of a story than the film did. It set the mood for the scenes, which was helpful because without it I wouldn't have known what to feel, if I felt anything at all. This is one of the few films where I have watched it and not felt anything during the movie or after. I didn't even feel disappointment because I had few expectations for the film. I was especially disappointed not only at the dull storyline, but also that the most famous song from the soundtrack didn't make it in the movie except for a few seconds. The song I'm referring to is "Knockin' on Heaven's Door," one of my favorite Dylan songs.. I thought it would at least be at the end, but I was surprised when it wasn't presented in its entirety, and was placed at an awkward time in the film during an unnecessary scene (feature below, along with the full song on the right).
One of the main problems I had with the film was how dirty it was. I knew it was rated R, but I expected that was only for language, which might I add was quite vulgar and did not add anything to story. I found myself having to fast forward through a couple scenes because they were way dirtier than I expected and I did not need or want to see what was going on to say the least. Those scenes had no purpose whatsoever in the film..
Overall I did not enjoy the movie, and I would not recommend it to anyone. It was difficult to stay focused on the plot, and the storyline was typical, so I knew how it would end. I read some reviews, many of them singing the film's praises, so maybe I missed something,. It was hard to sit through the movie and I lost interest so either I missed the point or it wasn't there. If you're trying to branch out and watch a western film, I would advise you to not watch this one as it might ruin them for you. It have not written off the western genre as a whole, and I plan to review more westerns in the future, but this one definitely did not suddenly give me an interest in them. The only enjoyable parts were the ones with Alias, and the music made me feel more than the movie did, as well as conveying more emotion. |
AuthorHello fellow film lovers! Just a little bit about me: I love movies from the Old Hollywood era, especially musicals. In general, my movie taste is a bit all over the place. I don't really stick to one genre, as I just watch whatever looks interesting! I look forward to broadening my horizons in terms of film and reviewing them to the best of my ability in an honest way. Reading another passion of mine, and I'm frequently told I have an old soul, so expect to see a lot of older films being reviewed. I hope you can find what you need here! Archives
May 2019
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