Mister Roberts (1955)

Nominee

This was a respectable but recognizably forgettable movie. I enjoyed the ending and I liked most of the characterization but I think this movie suffered from pacing issues. And in this context it is tricky. You are trying to emulate the boredom of the sailors that have been out to sea for months, without losing your audience. Well I think they lost us in the first half of the movie. Yet there was redemption in, as I mentioned, the characters and the overall plot that made me stick with it and enjoy a very memorable ending.

This is an all-star cast. James Cagney is as hard hitting as ever as the self serving captain who cares more about his palm tree than his sailors. Henry Fonda as Mister Roberts, gives us a subtle but poignant performance of a man who wants to help his crew as much as he wants to leave. William Powell joined the cast out of retirement in order to play the archetypal doctor that we all know and love. And last but not least, we have the comedic genius that is Jack Lemmon who gives us not only the most jokes of the movie, but also the greatest moment of the entire movie. The ending! Of course, we could not have gotten there without Mister Roberts character, but it is Jack Lemmon that keeps us through the movie.

The plot is simple, you have the captain who is only interested in his own upward mobility. And the other officers who are fighting his self motivating machine. This is interesting but the dialogue is often slow and not particularly attention holding. Also there are long shots of the ocean, which the first few are beautiful but they start to get repetitious. It is, however, in Mister Roberts final act of defiance, and Jack Lemmon's repetition of this act later that make the movie as a whole enjoyable. There is nothing like a good sticking it to the man moment, they always reach the audience.  

Overall: If you have run out of movies to watch and your looking to fill two hours then give it a try. Just don't make an event out of it you will probably be disappointed.  However I assure you if you make it to the end, you will feel triumphant. I kinda feel this review wasn't very helpful so I will end with one closing statement to make it as clear as possible. The beginning is boring, the ending is good, now go ahead and take your chances. 

The Lord of the Rings Trilogy (2001-2003)

Fellowship of the Ring (2001)

AFI Top 100: #50

Nominee

Two Towers (2002)

Nominee

Return Of the King (2003)

Academy Award Winner

 

 

I am sorry I am compiling these all together, but if I did them all separately it would result in a short novel on each one and my nerd would show hardcore. So in an attempt at self control I will put them together and discuss their merits and shortcomings (yes there are a few...don't stone me...only a few!!) as a series.

The word is epic, this series is the ultimate battle of good versus evil, and no, its not cliche because this story is practically the bible of all the fantasy series that followed.  However, this trilogy could have gone hopelessly astray if a full commitment to every detail was not taken, fortunately it was. Every realm in this world has been developed artistically and musically which helps define thousands of years of history and make this world believable. So, pretty much, here I am giving a major shout out to Howard Shore and everyone on the creative design teams. The attention they paid to the small things, is what allows this story to not be ridiculous but instead something that an audience wants to experience.

Also the shooting of this movie is not only beautiful but at times just down right impressive. The sweeping landscapes, the battle scenes (in case anyone is wondering Helms Deep is my favorite, although the battle of Minas Tirth is pretty good too), and the intimate emotional close-ups they use to bring these characters to life is fantastic.  Not only that but, a lot of impressive cinematography had to happen in order to even make the hobbits look small, yet it is achieved. So to cinematography and Peter Jackson I also tip my hat.

Alright lets bring up the few problems we have here. Acting...whelp...its not wonderful?? I mean I mentioned the close up personal shots earlier...some of them fall a little short and that is not the directors fault. Some people are very good, Ian McKellen is wonderful at playing both the intimate friend and battle leader that is Gandalf.  Andy Serkis, we never really see but his Smeagol/Gollum is actually quite good. Viggo Mortensen is hot...no problems there. BUT Elijah Wood is a little rough. He comes off as whiny and not particularly lovable...I find myself just not caring about Frodo at all. In fact, I really wanted Sam to just push him into Mount Doom in the end. Also Orlando Bloom thanks for being so glamorous but you should never really open your mouth.

Also script writing is very up and down. It is an epic...I can buy into some of the cheesy monologues and pontificating that occurs. We need those inspirational quotable lines. (Samwise nice Two Towers speech...for the win). In addition, they made the characters lovable, I mean the actors did that too, but a lot of the humor that was built into the script is what keeps us watching.   However once again Orlando Bloom should just not speak...ever.

That being said...BACK TO GOOD THINGS!!! The special effects were not only good then, I think at times they still rival today's examples. Some CGI stands out (that squid thing before the Mine of Moria) but overall I find it forgivable, and Gollum still looks great!

Lastly,  as a woman I am obligated to say, Good job Eowyn! Love when she takes out the King of the Nazgul. Also Merry and Pippin, I love you. Samwise, Middle Earth would not exist without you.

Overall: These films are the epic battle movies of our time! No, the script isn't always wonderful and the acting is a little shaky but we love these characters, we love this world. But what I actually love most of all is how they bring everyone together. I love watching these movies with my family and friends. I love saying the lines I know and waiting for my favorite parts. These movies make you believe that there is some good in this world and its worth fighting for. Now go round up your friends and watch these films again if you haven't in awhile, or even if you have, you won't regret it.  :)

Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

Nominee

I actually feel really awful about this... so I waited until a while after Christmas to post...This movie is...not particularly...good? Okay how about this...I will say what I liked first.

I liked the overall story about a skeptical mother and daughter meeting a man who claims to be Santa and then being persuaded that there is joy in childhood beliefs. There were also some charming moments with Santa, and little Natalie Wood. In addition, to some nice family humor, and of course good Christmas spirit throughout.

However, most of the movie was poor psychiatric analysis tests and a court scene...both of which seemed silly and not fully developed. The court scene especially just seemed ridiculous, just because the post office sent him all those letters doesn't prove his identity...I didn't buy it.

The ending actually upset me a little too. The little girl's belief in Santa is banking on whether she gets a house for Christmas or not? A house is what makes her believe? That is incredibly materialistic...I don't know I think this movie left a sour taste in my mouth because I focused on the wrong things. Your belief in Santa, in childhood dreams in general, should not stem from material or actual proof but from a feeling, a longing for magic in the world. I think this movie actually missed its own point.  That you shouldn't need proof but the idea of Santa is about the act of giving, love and creativity.

Overall: Perhaps I didn't like it because I accidently rented the colorized version, but I still felt that it took to much to the technicality of its plot and should have given more to human connection. I guess I will just stick to It's A Wonderful Life for Christmas. Sorry for being a Scrooge.

Shine (1996)

Nominee

When I think of great movies I often get blinded by the idea of an epic: long sweeping shots, loud emotional soundtracks, and the biggest actors giving stunning performances. However, as I completed watching Shine last night I was reminded that often a great movie can merely be a simple love poem to its own content.

Shine is based on the life of David Helfgott, a profound pianist who developed a mental disorder, who then proceeds with the help of those around him to rise to prominence again. Helfgott is played by Geoffrey Rush, who at this point has established himself as one of my favorite character actors. Rush is able, as he is in most of his work, to completely lose himself in the character. Some actors like to always put a certain edge of their own personality into their work, which is also good, but Rush, especially here seems to fling himself into a reckless committed abandon. Adding small things and nuances to make us love this man.

We also see a real respect for piano playing throughout the entire movie. Sometimes I worry in movies about musicians and sports players that the film will not grasp a real depiction of the work at hand. Here the shooting seems like an ode to the art of music, offering us very specifically chosen angles and often smooth and poignant lighting. We see what passion goes into the piano playing by the passion you can see for filming. Especially when he plays the Rach 3, he leaves everything on that piano and we feel it through the lens of a someone with passion for their own work.

I was a little torn by the script at times. At the beginning in particular they over play the commanding father figure. Some of the scenes are very sharply put back in Helfgott's seemingly insane mutterings later, but I think at times it was over done. Also I did have some issues with musical choices, if you are going to play mostly gorgeous classical pieces you should not also include that awful over synthesized soundtrack music that they used in the late 80's and  90's, it fails atrociously by comparison, even if they didn't realized that at the time, my forgiveness is lacking.

Overall: This is a pleasant, sometimes hard and sometimes humorous movie. A cleanly filmed story that reaches its viewers. I can see why it did not win in comparison to Fargo, or yes even the winner that year The English Patient, but it is certainly worth the watch if you are a music lover, or like a good comeback story. Happy Watching  

Its a Wonderful Life (1946)

Nominee

AFI Top 100: #20

There are so many reasons this movie is one of the ultimate timeless classics but just to name a few:

1.) It tells us about the importance of life without any blatant dialogue discussing its deeper meaning: 

We could have just had long discussions about life's purpose and obtained the same outcome of discovering life's meaning, but that is not the magic of this movie. The magic lies in the fact that the meaning is discovered through  a simple and poetic style that gives tribute to a small but not forgotten life. Specifically a man who does not see his own worth because he never achieved what he wanted, but he needs someone else to show him what he has done. A subtle but powerful way to give us a lesson. 

2.) There are extremely likable (and unlikable) characters who are memorable:

This a town that has truly been built around the people. They are what gives the movie its real atmosphere, even as I am writing I can think of many of the bit characters in this movie...Bert the police officer, Ernie the cab driver, Violet, Harry, Mr. Gower, Martini, Sam "Hee-Haa" Wainwright. You come to know and care about all these little people. On top of that you have the leading cast from forgetful Uncle Billy, to lovable Clarence, to one of the worst villains in movie history, Mr.Potter, and of course, George and Mary Bailey. Here I will once again confess my undying love for Jimmy Stewart and add Donna Reed to my praise, they really make this work.  If you love the characters you are going to love the movie. 

3.) It provides one of the first real looks at life, no Hollywood sugar coating:

This movie was made by real people, for real people, about real people. They did not try to make some over the top fast moving plot as was the norm back then. They merely tried to tell a simple but important story and I think that still translates today. We still enjoy the flirtation as they walk back soaking wet from the high school dance, we still get so frustrated as we see Uncle Billy forget the money in the newspaper. These people are real and flawed and we like them that way. 

4.) Its has Christmas as an prominent mood setter: 

IT'S CHRISTMAS!!! Who doesn't like Christmas? It's bound to put a little joy in your heart right from the onset, you are sure to be singing along to Auld Lang Syne at the end. 

5.) The Ending:

It is the ultimate feel good ending. I have a friend from college who says "I would like to constantly experience two feelings, the feeling of putting on sweat pants and the feeling that you get at the end of It's a Wonderful Life." I of course agree, but what truly makes this ending great is the rest of the movie. We earn this ending as viewers, we were taken through a lifetime of hardship and love, and are given the ultimate gift of camaraderie and happiness. It is a great feeling.

Overall: At this point if you haven't guessed I love this movie. Now go watch it and then ring a bell, I am sure there is an angel who wouldn't mind some wings. :) Merry Christmas!

The Philadelphia Story (1940)

AFI Top 100: #41

Nominee

So I have not posted in far too long...which I now intend to make up for because I am on winter break and will be able to watch tons of movies!! Good stuff.

I saw this movie for the first time when I was little and did not fully understand the humor, so I found it boring and well...black and white. However I realized that I was probably missing out on a great film and decided to give it another go. I mean look at this cast! We have Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, and Jimmy Stewart, some of the best character actors on and off the screen. Oh and that third guy at the end, I guess he is pretty cool too. We also have the simplicity that was early 1940's cinema, elegantly telling a story with likable characters and seamless unnoticeable style, which in some ways is just as hard to achieve as the prominent stylistic choices of today.

The potential was there and as I discovered on my second viewing it certainly delivers. Filled with witticisms, and believe it or not drunken debauchery, this film is *commence Katharine Hepburn voice* chaaaarming. We have the young socialite, Tracy Lord, who is preparing for her wedding to her "ideal man", George Kittredge, when in walks her ex-husband, C.K. Dexter Haven, with the press, Elizabeth Imbrie, and Macaulay Connor. A night of impulse ensues and as the wedding approaches our certainty  of who she is going to marry changes rapidly.

The all-star cast gives us the performances that only they can give, along with the supporting cast providing nuanced and enjoyable characters. I would like to shout out to Ruth Hussey as Elizabeth Imbrie for being my favorite character, and Virginia Weidler for a stirring rendition  of Lydia the Tattooed Lady.

My only qualm with this film is its outdated sub-message about marrying inside your class.  Although realistically people probably still do it seems to say that not only should you but you're not going to find love anywhere else. Maybe my romanticism is showing too much but I don't think that is really the case. You can marry someone from another class and be happy. Or at least it worked out okay for the Disney Princesses.

Overall: A fun film to watch that I promise you will enjoy. Definitely a seminal classic for comedy!  

Do the Right Thing (1989)

AFI Top 100: 96

This movie is one of the strongest examples I have seen of utilizing angles and color in order to achieve the overlying mood of a film. This mood can be stated in one word: Tension.

The plot itself is simple, you have the streets of Brooklyn with all the different lifestyles that are seen within a few blocks colliding on the hottest day of the year. There is the Black community full of beat and anger towards their history and their place in society. You have the Italians trying to make an honest living while also trying to keep their traditions alive and struggling with the conflict of the two. Spike Lee also highlights some other ethnic groups but the main tension lies between the Italians and the Blacks. It is on this fault line that we are given our protagonist Mookie. He works for Sal's Famous Pizzeria but is trying to represent and defend his culture.

If that weren't enough dissonance in just the story world. Lee is able to create even more through the sharpness of his script, his camera angles and lens choices and the color saturation of the film. The dialogue is unforgiving in its blunt approach and the "up in your face" distorted angles provide the aggression that is being presented. In addition, the vibrancy of the color that he uses gives us a sense of heat but also of clashing cultures. The colors are eye catching and beautiful might not cohesive.

My one major qualm with this film is it leaves its message too ambiguous to be of use. I found even after seeing it a second time that Lee really gives us no clue whether he believes violence to be the answer or not. I am not saying that it had to be a squeaky clean everyone goes home happy kind of ending, but the ending that was provided left me wondering why I even bothered to watch this movie. I felt that I was at the same square I started at, I need a movie to give me more than that. I think it's purpose as a  film is to get you thinking about the issues instead of persuading you to one side. I think as a modern day American we are already knowledgeable about the issues, I wanted answers not just the question.

 Overall: It is a cinematographic masterpiece. I say watch it and appreciate that and how it deals with the subject matter. It may be a little outdated in its purpose but perhaps the fact that I think that is in and of itself part of the issue he is trying to show us. Something to consider.
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