Reviews
The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1996)
The best of the modern Disney.
This is by far the best animated Disney picture of the modern era. The only other one that comes close is Beauty and the Beast. The score is wonderful and the animation is breathtaking.
The Naked Spur (1953)
Psychological western
This is one of James Stewart's darkest and best roles. The second best Anthony Mann/James Stewart western. There are only five characters in the whole picture. Each one is fully developed and unique without any cliches. Robert Ryan's performance as an escaped killer is perfect. He plays off of each of the other character's fears to try and get what he wants. This is as much of a character study as it is a western. Mann once again incorporates the scenery to make it one of the movies "characters."
The Jackpot (1950)
Game show winner's life is turned upside-down.
One of Jimmy Stewart's most overlooked films. This picture is pure 1950's. Stewart is an overworked family man, (Similar to his role in Mr. Hobbs Takes A Vacation, but The Jackpot is a much better picture.) who wins a radio game show. Prizes range from the useful to the absurd. Everything is fine until he finds out he's got to pay taxes on all of his loot. Probably as much pure fun as any Jimmy Stewart picture.