Reviews
Up in the Air (2009)
Smart movie
While not the best picture of the year, UP IN THE AIR deserved its nomination. Good writing, directing and acting all around. Would have liked to have seen the Vera character more fleshed out as to :SPOILER ALERT: why she carried on with Ryan as she did and looked like she wanted to be with him in a long standing serious relationship, all the while being MARRIED yet. It was like she had a split personality. If she was that unhappy in her marriage, although it's never acknowledged, why didn't she just leave the marriage? To carry on like a slut all over the place, being a mother yet, just didn't make sense. How she managed to be away so much with the Ryan character, do her job and have a home life is beyond reality. Other than that, a very enjoyable movie with an interesting story line. George Clooney was at his best and young Anna Kendrick just about stole the movie. All in all a worthwhile rental. But the ending and the Vera character left me UP IN THE AIR.
Give a Girl a Break (1953)
A little gem
While certainly not one of MGM's "classic" musicals, GIVE A GIRL A BREAK has its moments of fun and suspense. Of the three girls auditioning for a role in a musical, which one will land it. The audition itself is quite strange in that each of the three girls just dances a couple of minutes and all three do a different number. Shouldn't they be doing the same one? Also, this is supposed to be a musical revue, yet no one is asked to sing or do a scene. Aside from that, there are many moments of real entertainment, especially be two soon-to-be Broadway choreographers, Bob Fossee and Gower Champion. Debbie Reynolds is in there doing her usual perky singing and dancing to good effect. The unknown Helen Wood, while not very convincing in her acting scenes, is one hell of a dancer. Reminds one of Cyd Charisse, but with a warmer quality. GIVE A GIRL A BREAK is part of the Warner Archive collection with a fairly good disc pressing. For those who enjoy the "old style" musicals with a weakish plot but great musical numbers, this is one to see.
A Perfect Getaway (2009)
unusually good
This movie was unusually good for its genre. I really do not favor this type of entertainment, but for what it was, it's a must see. The only problem was "fooling" the audience and its improbabilities. But in essence it's these improbabilities that make this work. If it were realistic the film would have faltered. SPOILER ALERT: I find it improbable that when people are stabbed, kicked around, shot at and fall off cliffs that they can all carry on as if almost nothing has happened to them. Case in point when one character is knifed badly, it doesn't seem to make much difference. Falling off a cliff and landing in water would be detrimental to anyone, but the character just gets out as if nothing has happened. And how many times can someone shoot someone and miss after eight or nine shots? The end when one character comes clean and points to the real villain it's just not in sync with the rest of the character and what has gone on before. Again, these are implausibilities that make the film fun.
I for one never figured out the twist until it was revealed. Maybe I wasn't paying that much attention, but it was cleverly done.
Too Many Husbands (1940)
no ending
SPOILER ALERT: TOO MANY HUSBANDS doesn't have a resolute ending which is the main draw back to this film. Funny but kind of "over acted" by the two males, it still has its charm. Jean Arthur was a real talent, especially in comedy, and does well here, but her character is too childish and over bearing.
This looks like a filmed stage play and should have been opened up a little more and with more characters. Filmed on a low-budget for sure as were most of Columbia features done. I now know why they nick-named the studio POVERTY ROW.
The plot is much like MY FAVORITE WIFE and the ill-fated SOMETHING'S GOT TO GIVE which Marilyn Monroe never finished, although it was re-worked as a Doris Day vehicle called MOVE OVER DARLING. There was another film of this sort that no one seems to remember...The Betty Grable musical (again from Columbia) named TWO FOR THE SHOW. Actually that was the best of the lot. Too bad Columbia didn't release this on a flip side of TOO MANY HUSBANDS.
The Hangover (2009)
Funny...BUT
While THE HANGOVER has ONE fun moment it's quite illogical. Even a comedy should have some logic to it. I know it made lot's of money and had some critical acclaim, but there are too many odd moments that don't make sense. SPOILER ALERTS: A) THE SUITE. After the big night, the room looks like a tornado went through it or even a major earthquake...but later in the day when the guys return, the suite is just as it was when they originally arrived. No way could the room have been fixed up in a few short hours. It would have taken days of weeks to re-new it. ILLOGICAL. B) THE BABY. How could a baby be miss placed in a cabinet for such a long time. It would have suffocated. The Mother should have been arrested for child abuse and be put up for adoption. And leaving the baby in the car for so long a time? And what happened to it later in the film after it's so called "mother" got it back? ILLOGICAL. C) THE LION. It was dangerous and wild when they saw it in the bathroom. When the guys took the lion back to where it belonged,no one NOTICED it? Incredible. When in the car it clawed and damaged the inside of the car. Earlier then the "kidnapped" the lion, how then did they get the tiger out of the house, into the car, into the lobby to the Hotel without people noticing and not being clawed and mangled or harmed at all. If it was wild when they discovered it, how was it tame enough to get it in the room? ILLOGICAL. D) THE CHICKEN. How did a chicken get into the room in the first place, and what was the purpose of it, other than being stupid. ILLOGICAL E) THE Asian. What gives here? How did they get him naked and into the police trunk? Why did he wait a whole day before pounding and making himself known? He didn't suffocate? ILLOGICAL.
In movies of this ilk, don't the writers READ what they write? Doesn't the director or actors question these insane and bizarre circumstances and inconsistencies? Doesn't anyone CARE to make a movie that makes sense, even if it's just a little sense? Maybe it's let's make an inane movie, hope the young people of America fall for it and TAKE THE MONEY AND RUN.
I'm sure for those who loved this movie will have to agree to the above plot holes.
Oh, and performances are really bad, especially the guy playing the fat, dumb airhead. Ugh!! What planet did HE come from? An the "masterbating" baby was obsence.
.
Whatever Works (2009)
It works
This is Woody Allen's best film in years. Hard to believe some people didn't like it. Mr. Allen is in top form here and it would have been great seeing Allen play Allen, although Larry David is good. The real stars of the movie are Evan Rachel Wood and the great, wonderful, terrific Patricia Clarkson. She is one of our greatest living character actress's working today and hope to see her in many more films. She adds class and perfection to everything she does.
The story could have been quite discomforting with a young girl and man old enough to be her almost grandfather. But somehow it works as we are not witness to anything inappropriate, not even a kiss. Even though David plays an unsympathetic role (and nobody actually talks like that), he's still fun. The evolution of the Evan Rachel Wood character is wonderful.
There are a couple of neat twists at the end and it all ties together for a very happy ending. See this for Woody at his best.
Star Trek (2009)
Terrible
A one is too much for this trashy movie. A zero is more like it. First, the story makes no sense. Couldn't keep up with the plot, holes and all. Second, the acting was horrible! I've seen much better acting in High School plays. Where did these actors come from? Grammar school? Even worse was the way it was shot. Wiggly camera shots do not make for enjoyable viewing contrary to what the Director and head honchos who make photograph these movies. Even when the camera is on somebody the camera NEVER STOPS moving...either side to side or around the actor or action. WILL YOU DIRECTORS STOP USING THIS WAY OF FILMING ACTION MOVIES??? The only decent thing were the credits because the movie was FINALLY over...and yes, nice theme song which should have been utilized more. Forget this dog. Good thing I saw this at no cost!! I still feel cheated!!
The Pajama Game (1957)
Very good translation
While not the best musical ever, it is certainly entertaining. Lots and lots of songs (more than dialog it seems) with a frail story line to keep the songs going. Too bad they had to sanitize some of the songs, but because of severe censorship in the 50's it had to be done. Even in the 7 1/2 CENTS number, the had to change "hell-of-a lot_ to "heck-of-a lot". Seems silly. I'LL NEVER BE JEALOUS AGAIN was changed even more...to bad. Other lyrics as well were changed, but at least they made it into the final cut, unlike other musicals that take out almost everything and add new numbers. Only three numbers were cut from the stage version and it's too bad A NEW TOWN IS A BLUE TOWN wasn't included.
The performances are all top notch. A perfect vehicle for DORIS DAY, although JANIS PAIGE who did the stage version would have worked as well but she wasn't a big NAME. Ironic that JANIS had first billing and the lead in DORIS' first movie ROMANCE ON THE HIGHT SEAS, and about 8 years later DORIS takes over from JANIS. Oh well, that's show biz.
For a fun way to spend and hour and 41 minutes, do see PAJAMA GAME. A bit stagy but after all it was a stage play.
5 Against the House (1955)
So-so
This so called "film noir" isn't up to the best of them. Interesting premise that takes forever to get going. Once it does, it's an OK sit through, but forgettable as well. The heist is the basis of the movie and it's quite implausible in the way it's carried out. What were security guys in the two-way mirror looking at anyway? It was obvious what was going on. Oh well, it was just a movie with a point...I guess.
Brian Keith saved the film as he was excellent as the disturbed buddy of the other three guys. Kim Novak shines in one of her early roles. Luckily she was able to snag better roles as her career bloomed. Kerwin Mathews and Guy Madison did as best they could the way their roles were written. The one annoying thing was Aly Moore as the wise-cracker buddy. Wish he would have been left out entirely or maybe bumped off before the movie got too far along. A truly atrocious performance and I can see why his career was regulated to bits as his stint in THERE'S NO BUSINESS LIKE SHOW BUSINESS in a bit trying to try a fast one on Mitzi Gaynor.
Criss Cross (1949)
Could have been....
This could have been a good movie if more things were explained. Way too many plot holes to find this enjoyable. The ending in particular is off left field. SPOILER ALERT: How did the kidnapper get back to Dundee so fast and Dundee shows up at the house in a matter of two minutes? Way out of wack here. How did Anna get hold of the money? No explanation at all. If the Pete the cop knew Lancaster was in danger, why didn't he have a cop at the door in the Hospital. This and many more questions remain. Too bad because the premise was there, just bad writing and execution.
Good cast is wasted here. DeCarlo goes from bad to good to bad? Lancaster's character lacks development and Dureya is just blah as the "bad guy".
This could re-made with a cohesive story line and better writing. Of course it would be much more violent with lots of gratuitous sex and everything. The editing would be jerky as well I guess, so let's leave well enough alone.
Brüno (2009)
Stop and go??
Well this was as outrageous as I was meant to believe. Sacha deserves all kinds of credit for making this documentary type movie. Hard to believe that scenes weren't "set-up", especially the "stage" mothers and the "swinger" scene. No way could those be real.
The only thing that bothered me was the disc itself. It stopped every ten or fifteen minutes or so and just froze, yet the meter on the DVD player kept going. Then when the movie started again, there was no sound. Is this the way it was made and shown in theaters? Very strange.
All in all an hour and a half of fun, but not for Grandmas viewing!! Be warned!!
Evil Under the Sun (1982)
Great who done it
Of the four major Christie novels brought to the screen, EVIL UNDER THE SUN is one of the best, although they're all pretty great. The location shooting, the cast, the story, the denoucnement are sensational. For those who didn't like it...what a shame. Don't know what they expected. Everything about EVIL works brilliantly and should be seen by every mystery fan. MAGGIE SMITH and DIANA RIGG are worth the price of admission. Wish RIGG had more to do as she steals every scene she's in. For a wonderful rainy nights entertainment, EVIL UNDER THE SUN is a must see. And defy anyone to guess the outcome.
This is one to see again and again as it gets better each time and knowing "who dun it" makes it that much more fun.
My One and Only (2009)
Under rated film
Wjile maybe not the best film of the year it certainly is better than most of the trash that's been released thus far. No car chases, explosions, killings, drugs or sex nor foul language. No wonder it was a flop at the box office. Tis a pity as this is an exceptionally dramady. Good performances from the entire cast, down to the tiniest bits. Rene Zellweger was at the top of her game here. The boys playing her sons were sensational with the character of Robbie having the best one-liners and delivering them with zest. Very authentic look of the film which makes it even better. An extra scene here and there would have helped with what was going on part of the time. A couple of scenes seem to jump as if there was something missing. The only unreal thing is the taxi driving up to the sound stage at the end. That couldn't happen in real life. It's a shame this didn't have a broader release as no one saw it. Hope the DVD release is seen by many.
Broadway Melody of 1938 (1937)
Impluasable...but it's a musical
Like most musicals of the era, one must check reality at the door. Broadway MELODY of 1938 is not remotely believable nor plausible, but kind of fun in its strange way. This movie is really just an excuse to execute the talents of the stars. Some scenes just happen as if they were in a review, not a plot driven movie.
Judy Garland shines and it's a pity she has so little to do unless much was left on the cutting room floor.
One of the most inane happenings are the way Eleanor Powell get a lead role in a Broadway show and Robert Taylor says it's going to be work, work, work from dawn til dusk. Several scenes go by and there's no work, no rehearsals...NOTHING. She needs money to win a horse in an auction. She has no money. Isn't she getting paid while she rehearses? Taylor has to borrow money to help. He's supposed to be a big time producer. He has no money??? Anyway, that's just two elements in this strange story.
The musical numbers are quite wonderful which saves this from being a total loss. Broadway MELODY OF 1940 is much better as is Broadway MELODY OF 1936.
My Life in Ruins (2009)
A bad rap...
I have no idea why this movie has received and is receiving such a bad rap. While no academy award contender or not on a "best list" column, this is an entertaining and fun film. Yes, predictable in parts and some stereotype characters, but so what? That's the fun of it. Nice to see some kind of old fashioned movie once in a while. A movie that doesn't resort to explosions, killings, car crashes and quick-cut editing. Good acting all around. Would have liked to have seen more of the tourists as they only have a few lines to establish their character, but they well with what they've been given. The scenery is breathtaking and is a "love letter" to Greece, although a lot of it was filmed in Spain. For a fun evening on a cold or rainy winter night, MY LIFE IN RUINS hits the spot. Don't listen to all the negativity.
Management (2008)
Not good, not bad
MANAGEMENT is a small budget movie and it shows. The problem is that the elements don't add up. Is it a comedy? Is it a romance? Is it a drama? Life itself is all these things, but something went wrong with the elements here. Maybe too many scenes ended up on the cutting room floor, as at times the scene to scene cuts don't make sense.
Miss Aniston again plays Rachel, her character in FRIENDS. She talks with that hesitant speech pattern that can be annoying. She doesn't seem to finish her sentences as she stops and stutters too often. She's not a bad actress, but I wish she'd stop with those mannerisms. She tries to act natural, but it comes off as "unatural" Many actresses have a range of A to Z...hers is more like A to G.
One implausible element is when the Steve Zahn character is parachuting. How did he manage to hit the exact home that Aniston is living in???? Quite incredible.
The Woody Harelson character is the least interesting and should have been written and played differently. There is no reason Aniston would be with him.
Actress Margo Martindale who played Zahn's mother was wonderful and too bad she left the film so early.
I DID like the ending with the butt touch. Also
Ocean's Eleven (1960)
Good but could have been---
This original version of OCEANS ELEVEN is good but could have been better. Nice plot, good cast and nice looking "old" Las Vegas are a plus. The caper itself is almost non-existent as not too much time was spent on it. It's after the caper that things get interesting with a nice twist ending.
I found it inconceivable that some of the men got jobs in the Casino's within two days of the heist. How did THAT happen? These guys would have had to be checked for security and back ground checks. All this in such a short time? And how could the Dean Martin character get a lounge act job in the same amount of time with no rehearsals yet!! One must really suspend disbelief when watching this movie.
The DVD has a nice commentary by Frank Sinatra Jr. and Angie Dickinson who of course have nothing but good things to say about the making and the film itself.
The remake was quite different and good/bad in its own way. See them both and compare.
The Gauntlet (1977)
What fun
What fun if one can sustain disbelief. Actually, it's quite a comic film. Like a live-action cartoon. Not one scene in the entire movie is believable, which makes this a classic cop/villain comedy. You must see it to believe it and then one has to wonder....What??? Clint Eastwood was made for this role and while Sondra Locke was good, any actress of her time could have done just as well. Basically a two character movie, this merits a look for fun. Well photographed and edited with a nice jazz score at the beginning. Much credit goes to Eastwood for his fine direction. This could have been a DIRTY HARRY movie, but then it wouldn't be as fun as HARRY was a much better cop than the one Eastwood plays here.
Drag Me to Hell (2009)
Super-stupid
This wasn't a supernatural film. It was super-stupid. Unless this was all a dream (and it could have been), this was a waste of one hour and 39 mins. Nothing made sense and the acting was atroucious...especially Justin Long. How did he ever get cast in films? So many talented actors out there and directors cast him??? If one is into special effects, that's fine as they are well done. This movie is not the least bit scary. Things that COULD happen, like the Holloween movies and Friday the 13th are a lot more frightening...supernatural is just that...supernatural and unbelievable...so what's to be scared of? Don't waste your time with this one. You'll be DRAGGED TO HELL.
The Proposal (2009)
Predictable fun
Yes, THE PROPOSAL is predictable from the beginning, but who cares? It's fun seeing how it all comes out. Some good performances (especially Sandra Bullock and Betty White) and scenery help make the 108 mins. of run time go by painlessly. Looks like a few moments were left on the "cutting room floor" as there seems to be some elements and time frame out of sync. Actor Denis O'Hare who plays the immigration officer has a silly role and he overplays it terribly. Not a good actor at all. Spoils the few scenes he's in. For a nice evening with popcorn in hand, THE PROPOSAL fits the ticket. At least there's no foul language, sex scenes, car chases or explosions!!
Bye Bye Birdie (1963)
Viva Ann-Margret
There are about five things good about this movie version of the musical comedy BYE, BYE, BIRDIE. The Good. 1. ANN-MARGRET 2. ANN-MARGRE 3. ANN-MARGRET 4.ANN-MARGRET. 5.ANN-MARGRET. The Bad: Just about everything else. Why change the Albert Petersen character from an English teacher to a bio-chemist. Oh yes, because of the inane sub-plot at the end. Stupid. Too many songs were cut. Stupid. Janet Leighs bad casting. Stupid. Maureen Stapelton character changed. Stupid. The "PUT ON A HAPPY FACE" number. Stupid. Makes it look like a cartoon feature or some kind of fantasy which does not belong. Why oh why does EVERYONE stay at the McAffe's residence. Surly the town has a Hotel. A big star like Conrad Birdie would be staying there, not at someones small home in a tiny room. And a star like him would travel with press people, managers and body guards. This last problem is both in the stage and movie versions. Does not make sense. Perhaps if one did not see or know anything about the stage version, this movie version would be tolerable and even a bit fun. Did I mention there was anything good about the movie? Oh, yes...ANN-MARGRET.
The Tunnel of Love (1958)
OH my my
While DORIS DAY has made a few lame movies in her 20 year movie career, this may not be the lamest, but it certainly comes close. Based on a stage play, and it shows, this stupid comedy makes no sense what so ever. The characters are card board cut outs, especially Gig Young's character. He is terrible in this role and the role itself is horrific. A skirt chaser, a heavy drinker, an unloving father and husband and a pill popper to boot. What a disaster of a man. The writers should be ashamed of themselves. The Gia Scala character makes no sense at all. The actress committed suicide a few years after this fiasco. She must have seen the film. As for Doris, she is regulated to a stupid supporting role. She isn't even in 70% of the run time. Mr. Young has more footage than she. And what she does toward the end makes for a very mixed-up character, which she doesn't display earlier. And poor Richard Widmark. He tries, oh he does, but to no avail. Too bad, because he's in every minute of this movie. Based on what I had to say maybe this IS the lamest film Miss Day has appeared in. Another grip is that the Gig Young/Elizabeth Frazer couple have four kids. They are NEVER seen. Liz has a baby during the film and no one takes care of it? Both men are in a scene at the Widmark/Day residence and the women are out bike riding. Where are the kids and baby? During the party, where are the kids? In the party scene given for Widmark/Day, no one talks to them nor do they talk to anyone but Young and Frazer, just like no one is around. Both couples have twin beds yet. OK, this was made in the 50's, but still....And the direction by Gene Kelly....THERE IS NONE... One of many stupid lines....HE: Let's get to the party. SHE: We don't want to be the first ones there...They are looking out the window and see the party in progress with DOZENS OF PEOPLE!! How inane is that? See this one at your own risk. Poor Doris!! .
Observe and Report (2009)
Bad screen writing
Pretty lame movie, but what else is new in the day and age of stupid comedies with the F word said more times than I could count. This is good scriptwriting? When all else fails and writers don't know what or how to write, just have the actors say the F word in every sentence. Strange how the movies of yester-year (30's-50's) make sense, tell a story, have a plot with people talking like REAL people and not these demented characters in these types of movies. SPOILER ALERT: After Ronnie plays havoc in the Mall and beats up a dozen policemen, he's in jail for such a short time? Wouldn't a person be imprisoned for years? And the "date-rape" scene is truly atroucious. Come on Hollywood, start writing for adults and you might find adults attending movies again. nuff' said.
Under the Yum Yum Tree (1963)
A real lemmon
How could this movie have been made? A truly awful little comedy with top notch actors. JACK LEMMON plays the most despicable character ever in a comedy. No redeeming values what so ever. His character should have been arrested for his doings. A land lord can just open a tenants apartment any time he wants? The things he does to poor Dean Jones with his conivings and miss doings are horrific. Besides being dated, this movie isn't even funny and Lemmon's character borders on the insane. With so many great titles still unreleased on DVD, why put this one out? Even Jack Lemmon hated this movie. See it and you'll know why. But a fair warning. You can do something better with your time than spend one hour and 50 minutes watching this trash.
Obsessed (2009)
junk food
Just like junk food it's fun to watch junk movies sometimes. Obsessed is obsessed with being a thriller like FATAL ATTRACTON, but fails to live up to that classic. This is a "paint-by-numbers" plot and everything is telegraphed as to what is going to happen. SPOILER ALERT: The character of Lisa is obviously disturbed but how did she get that way? No back story. Since a detective was brought into to story, why wasn't her background checked? No one seemed to care. Also, the couple spend Christmas together alone? They are young enough to have parents on both or either side. Where were they during the Holidays? They are never seen, and in a situation being what it was, why no family members around? Just thought about it as it would have made the story a little more realistic. And another GAY character in the office. Come on now!! Despite these misgivings, it's a fun thing to watch and forget. As for the ending....again, come on now!!!