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Dracula (1931)
Lugosi is Dracula
There is no doubt that Lugosi's portrayal of Dracula is not only one of the most recognizable but also one of the most popular of the Draculas. The film is very clean, in that each of the cuts and edits were done so that it wasn't unsettling for the viewer. The sound of this film was very clean as well. The music is eerie and really sets the movie up with an early horror and or typical monster movie feel. Which is exactly what it is. While today some of the special effects, such as the faux bats are not up to the standard moviegoers expect to see today, for the 1930's this film was something. This is a movie you can watch again and again and not grow tired of. Not only is it a classic cinematic masterpiece, it has left an impression on and inspired numerous other movies following it.
Frankenstein (1931)
The True Monster is Frankenstein
Frankenstein is a monster movie classic and a must watch for a film enthusiast of any kind. Boris Karloff's performance within this one has made him a household name, even today. The Dr. is the most frightening character in the movie. He plays with the idea of human life and how to create in an unnatural way. Karloff plays "the monster" as gentle giant. He is learning about the world and has the mental state of that of a small child. He does not know right from wrong and because of this accidentally kills the young girl, Maria. Each of the scenes within this movie drives the plot forward. There are no unnecessary scenes that draw out the movie and make it longer then it should be. While Dr. Frankenstein created the monster, it is clear to the audience that the Dr. is in fact the true monster of the film.
The Struggle (1931)
An Easily Forgettable Film
Released during the Great Depression The Struggle deals with a topic that was highly prevalent during the time: Alcoholism. For a film directed by the same man (D.W Griffith) that did The Birth of a Nation, The Struggle was a let down to say the least. The movie was slowed paced and drawn out a lot longer than it should have been. The acting was stiff and a let down compared to other films of the time. Jimmie's descent into alcoholism was strange as well, although one typically doesn't need a reason to have a problem with alcohol, it typically happens after a bad event or a bad life. Jimmie's life seems fine from my perspective for the most part, his wife and family all love him and he is doing pretty well for the time. This is a movie that is as simple as it comes and is quite a let down when watched.
My Man Godfrey (1936)
A Silly movie for Anytime
A classic screwball comedy, My Man Godfrey shows not only how things are not always what they seem, but it also shows how the "other half" live. Taking place either during or shortly after the Great Depression the wealth of the rich appears to be something that none of them properly know how to handle. They play outrageous scavenger hunt games and essentially had to hunt down a man who was seemingly struck down by the depression and became a "forgotten man". The humor and jokes are exaggerated and really played up fr laughs. Early on in the film Mr. Bullock is informed of the misadventures his two daughters had the night before, one involving a horse inside their house. While this could have happened at the time, it is not something that would typically happen when one went out for a night on the town. While the film is a riot and full of laughs and humor and fantastic in the technical aspects as well as the acting; I was personally bothered by the ending. Not because Irene Bullock (Carole Lombard) wanted to care for Godfrey (William Powell) but because she had seemed to force him into a marriage he wanted no part of at the time. The entirety of the film is him fending off her advances toward him, yet at the end of the movie they end up hitched. The film is wonderful, there is no questioning that, but the ending felt rushed and emotionless to me and was what lowered the movie from a 10/10 to a 7/10. Lombard and Powell, although married in real life at some point, lacked any real chemistry on screen.
Casablanca (1942)
Truly a Timeless Classic
Casablanca is a movie that most people hear about. A lot of Cartoons give a nod to it in some way, it has been parodied multiple times, and it has influenced numerous other films. Casablanca is a movie I had thought was always over-hyped and placed on a pedestal for no reason other than it being a "classic". After watching the film however I understand the hype. It is a timeless movie filled with romance, drama, and the occasional witty line. Bogart and Bergman have an electric chemistry and just look well together overall. Although they do not end up together in the end, Ilsa (Bergman) and Rick (Bogart) share a romance on screen that truly shows that "if you love something set it free." Rick risks it all to help the woman he once loved, and still probably does love. Aside from the romantic relationships, the friendship that binds Rick and Captain Louis Renault (Rains) appears genuine. They are two men who become entwined with due to unfortunate circumstances and what becomes of them after the film is something that I personally would like to know about.
I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang (1932)
A Thrill from Start to Finish
I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang truly captures the Gangster flick idea. While not a terrible guy, a merely a man who was in the wrong place at the wrong time (according to the film anyway), this movie gave the audience a protagonist they wanted to root for. Although he is thought to be a criminal by the warden and some within the movie, James Allen (Paul Muni) shows time and again he is just a man of misfortune, and a poor marriage. It shows the injustice of the supposed "justice" system at the time and as one of the earlier sound films it is remarkable. For me personally, the final scene was one of the best, as Allen fades into the shadows and Helen asks him if he needs anymore, his response is "I steal." The man who started off as a victim was turned into a criminal by the very people who try to stop them. Wonderful movie and I would recommend it to anyone who loves a movie that will keep you on your toes.
Sherlock Jr. (1924)
Keaton is a God among Men
Sherlock Jr. is truly a masterpiece if ever there was one. Buster Keaton is a phenomenal actor a fantastic comedian. But while Sherlock Jr. was made during a time of slapstick humor and such, that is not what makes this film so wondrous. At one point in the film Keaton leaps into the movie shown in the movie theater where he works. While there, he interacts with the characters and scenery like no other movie I've seen has. The amount of technical aspects within the film are amazing as well. From Keaton's "ghost" or "soul" separating from his body and wondering around the projection room, to the seemingly flawless editing, this isn't a movie anyone would want to miss.
The Circus (1928)
Noises Off!
The Circus is a fantastic piece of cinema by Chaplin. It's humor is slapstick and nothing short of wonderful. For a silent film, it stands strong against some of the great sound films, and for coming out around the same time as sound was introduced in films, this movie can definitely hold its own. This is a film not easily forgotten. Chaplin's brand of comedy; as seen through the Tramp kept me in stitches. The chemistry between all the characters was well perceived too. They all formed a nice cohesive and believable Circus Troupe. This film is a must for any and all that enjoy a nice laugh without the complex and intricate jokes.