Not the most intriguing film, but a solid delivery.
Here's my breakdown:
STORY: Small newspaper printing the truth in spite of big business, petty rich families, and corruption ... Yes, it's been done again, and again.
What's nice about this story is that it's clear, manages numerous sub-plots very well, and manages to hold interest end-to-end. That's pretty good.
My chief complaint is that Bogart (lead character) takes up almost all of the oxygen.
ACTING: Bogart was fine, but the supporting cast equally delivered solid performances. No stand outs (how can anyone when "Bogey" has to have the lights on him always).
ENTERTAINMENT: Solid moderate value
TEMPO: Excellent pace
CINEMATOGRAPHY: While it's 99% sets, it's shot well
MUSIC / SOUND: Average
DIRECTING / WRITING: Director: Brooks wrote and directed this, something that's a high risk play. While his portfolio is OK (not great), this was a bit above average. It shows solid writing talent, but is lacking on the cinematography and allowed a Hollowood pre-man-donna to consume the stage (yes, happens all the time).
Writers: (see above comments)
Is it a good film? Yes
Should you watch this once? Yes
Rating: 7.3.
Here's my breakdown:
STORY: Small newspaper printing the truth in spite of big business, petty rich families, and corruption ... Yes, it's been done again, and again.
What's nice about this story is that it's clear, manages numerous sub-plots very well, and manages to hold interest end-to-end. That's pretty good.
My chief complaint is that Bogart (lead character) takes up almost all of the oxygen.
ACTING: Bogart was fine, but the supporting cast equally delivered solid performances. No stand outs (how can anyone when "Bogey" has to have the lights on him always).
ENTERTAINMENT: Solid moderate value
TEMPO: Excellent pace
CINEMATOGRAPHY: While it's 99% sets, it's shot well
MUSIC / SOUND: Average
DIRECTING / WRITING: Director: Brooks wrote and directed this, something that's a high risk play. While his portfolio is OK (not great), this was a bit above average. It shows solid writing talent, but is lacking on the cinematography and allowed a Hollowood pre-man-donna to consume the stage (yes, happens all the time).
Writers: (see above comments)
Is it a good film? Yes
Should you watch this once? Yes
Rating: 7.3.