Saturday, August 8, 2015
Black Angel (1946)
When a man is convicted of a singer's murder, his wife tries to prove him innocent...aided by the victim's ex-husband.
Exemplary Film Noir gem, and an excellent Cornell Woolrich adaptation, complete with a 'happy ending' that isn't happy at all.
On second view: Good little Noir thriller, a bit pedestrian, but reaches Woolrich dimensions of dark dread in the finale.
Halliwell*: "Stylish but empty version of a tired theme, interesting for performance and atmosphere."
Friday, August 7, 2015
Thursday, August 6, 2015
Wednesday, August 5, 2015
A Boy and His Dog (1975)
In a post-apocalyptic world a boy communicates telepathically with his dog as they scavenge for food and sex.
Unusual, at times surreal and crude, but not fully convincing science fiction tale with quite a cynical ending.
Halliwell*: "Quirky science fiction, not to be taken too seriously, and managing a surprise ending."
Maltin**1/2: "Cult black comedy is definitely not a kiddie movie, despite its title."
Friendly Persuasion (1956)
The pacifist attitude of a Quaker family is tested as a result of the American Civil War.
Lovingly produced an excellently cast Hollywood period piece that also manages to say something about pacifism.
Halliwell**: "Sentimental, homespun Western fare, well done without being especially engrossing."
Maltin****: "Charming account...Warm, winning performances in this beautifully made film."
Monday, August 3, 2015
The Movies I Watched in July
A Private Affair 2002 6
A Star Is Born 1937 7
Amanda Knox: Murder on Trial in Italy 2011 6
Amazing Grace 2006 7
Captain Cook: Obsession and Discovery 2007 7
Charles Bradley: Soul of America 2012 7
Donnie Darko 2001 8
Four Brothers 2005 6
Good Kill 2014 6
Horrible Bosses 2011 5
Johnny Guitar 1954 8
Just Like a Woman 2012 6
Killer Elite 2011 5
Ma vie en l'air 2005 5
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World 2003 7
Message in a Bottle 1999 5
Metallica: Some Kind of Monster 2004 7
Ministry of Fear 1944 7
Ordinary People 1980 7
Showdown 1973 6
The Big Clock 1948 7
The Big Sleep 1946 8
The Blue Dahlia 1946 6
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly 1966 8
The Help 2011 8
The Lincoln Lawyer 2011 6
The Man Who Fell to Earth 1976 6
For a Few Dollars More 1965 7
The River Murders 2011 6
The Woman in Black 2012 6
Written on the Wind 1956 7
A Star Is Born 1937 7
Amanda Knox: Murder on Trial in Italy 2011 6
Amazing Grace 2006 7
Captain Cook: Obsession and Discovery 2007 7
Charles Bradley: Soul of America 2012 7
Donnie Darko 2001 8
Four Brothers 2005 6
Good Kill 2014 6
Horrible Bosses 2011 5
Johnny Guitar 1954 8
Just Like a Woman 2012 6
Killer Elite 2011 5
Ma vie en l'air 2005 5
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World 2003 7
Message in a Bottle 1999 5
Metallica: Some Kind of Monster 2004 7
Ministry of Fear 1944 7
Ordinary People 1980 7
Showdown 1973 6
The Big Clock 1948 7
The Big Sleep 1946 8
The Blue Dahlia 1946 6
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly 1966 8
The Help 2011 8
The Lincoln Lawyer 2011 6
The Man Who Fell to Earth 1976 6
For a Few Dollars More 1965 7
The River Murders 2011 6
The Woman in Black 2012 6
Written on the Wind 1956 7
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)