GregCnAZ-1 Reviews

Shy People (1987)

Atmosphere you can cut with a knife

[8/10 · 11 September 2005]

I agree with the previous poster that Shy People has definitely fallen through the cracks. It is haunting, and sometimes even a bit hard to watch. However the performances by Jill Clayburgh, Barbara Hershey and the supporting cast are awesome. Ever been to the bayou? I spent two years in Lousiana and explored the landscape every chance I got. I have to say that this film probably captures that life better than any I've ever seen. The clash between that isolated world, seemingly cut off from the rest of society, and that of Jill Clayburgh's classy New York existence is fascinating. On the surface, these two families have absolutely nothing in common, and yet, they somehow have a profound affect on one another. Since this film isn't on DVD, it can be hard to find. However if you do, don't miss it. It's one that tends to stay with you for a while afterward which seems to rarely happen these days.

The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974)

My favorite crime drama of the '70s. Maybe ever.

[8/10 · 5 February 2004]

With all the other plot summaries written here, I won't go into what this film is all about. I just want to say that I don't believe this genre has been done better, either before or since. I first saw "Pelham 1,2,3" when I was 14 at a drive-in theater in Northern CA. It holds a memorable place for me as the first R rated movie I ever saw, as well as the first time I ever heard the "F" word in a movie. But way beyond that, I was so completely sucked into the story even at my young age. Now all these years later, I still am. I own the movie and must see it periodically. I'm so glad, reading all the other user comments, to find that I'm just one of many who absolutely love this film. Walter Matthau, Robert Shaw, Martin Balsam, and the rest of the cast are all brilliant. The comedy in the film is also outstanding and never out of place within the storyline. It simply serves to make the film more realistic. And last but not least, David Shire's score is the coolest. I only wish they had put a soundtrack out for this film. When I watch this movie, the music must be cranked.

Don't bother catching this film on TV. It's always completely hacked up. Rent it or buy the DVD. It will remind you just how much fun movies used to be.

Bagdad Cafe (1987)

Long Overdue Comments

[16 February 2003]

Bagdad Cafe has been one of my favorite films since I first saw it back in the late '80s. Like so many others who have commented on this film before me, as the film began, I too wondered how long I was going to last while I watched its very strange opening sequence. But, I stayed with it and by the end, was so taken by the characters and locale of this film that I immediately added it to my library and have watched it at least once a year ever since. Watching it is now like visiting old friends once again. One person commented below that they wished Bagdad Cafe really existed. While the characters in Bagdad Cafe may be fictional, the cafe really does exist. It is located in Newberry Springs, CA, about 20 miles east of the desert town of Barstow. Though it was originally called The Sidewinder Cafe, due to the following of this film, it is now called Badgad Cafe. I have had lunch there several times and each visit is a completely surreal experience. The cafe looks much the same as it did in the film and you can sit at the table right by the door where Jasmine used to sit and have her coffee. If you're ever passing by on Interstate 40, don't forget to visit. In the meantime, check out this special film. The memorable performances will keep you involved, even if the first 30 minutes have you wondering what and why you are watching, but hang in there. You won't be disappointed.

40 Carats (1973)

An Enduring Love Story

[7/10 · 26 October 2001]

In her usual intense style, Liv Ullmann gives a likable performance as "40 something" Ann Stanley. While vacationing in Greece, Ann has a chance meeting with "20 something" Peter Latham, endearingly played by Edward Albert. Much to Peter's disappointment, Ann quietly disappears in the early morning hours, leaving him with little more than a one night stand. Peter later returns home to New York, where one evening, as he arrives to pick up a date, his date's mother appears at the door and it is none other than Ann Stanley, his one night stand from Greece. This chance meeting sets the scene for some very awkward moments and great comedy. I've never found myself rooting for a "May-December" romance so enthusiastically. Gene Kelly, Binnie Barnes and Deborah Raffin are wonderful in their supporting roles. "40 Carats" is one of those films that was such a pleasant surprise for me and I've never understood why it has been so overlooked. Give it a chance. I think you'll really enjoy it.