Nominee
Well everyone I have survived another school year, and I cannot believe how long it has been since I last posted. I wish I could have shared all the movies I watched this last semester with you, but alas they surmounted to over 70 films and I had actual papers to write on them instead of my over opinionated smatterings.
So how do I re-kickstart my quest? With yet another sea laden voyage. I seem to have come across a number of these films (to name a few: Mutiny on the Bounty (1935), Caine Mutiny (1954), and Mister Roberts (1955)) and although they usually have a solid plot line, they just don't typically have that extra edge. They are riddled with big named stars, and shot in standard Hollywood format so what they need is something exceptional to make them standout, but often the cookie cutter format is just repeated. I turned to my sister a number of times and found myself saying things like: "Here comes the love plot!", or "Oh look deeper meaning!!". It's just too easy to watch, and not particularly engaging.
Not to say it was without merit but it seems to all fall into the hands of the storyline, and the fame of the actors. I mean, what is not to like about a ragtag group of people going on an impossible quest to kill Nazis and save thousands of lives? Filled with obstacles and plot twists the film does provide a narrative worth filming. It just should not have dragged its feet through 2 and a half hours. Also I do enjoy watching the acting styles of old. You watch Gregory Peck to see Gregory Peck, and here it is delivered. No these performances are not the rich and nuanced practices of say Daniel Day Lewis, but that was not was expected of the time. They looked for strength in character and command of the screen, and this cast is worth watching.
Lastly, the effects in this film are actually fairly good for it's time. Especially the explosions, of which there are a fairly high number.
Overall: Its cast works well off each other, and a film filled with Nazis and explosions is always at least a little entertaining. The film just lacks a personality of its own, and could be at least a half an hour shorter. An okay watch, but can be passed over.
