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Reviews
Do the Right Thing (1989)
An absolutely breathtaking film
I've seen a good number of Spike Lee films but this is by far my favorite. This film takes in Brooklyn, home to lots of different ethnicities which creates diverse neighborhood or some racial tension. This film does an amazing job covering such tensions as it accurately shows how some little thing can create a big incident. Danny Aiello performance in this film was breathtaking as he played his role to perfection.
Annie Hall (1977)
A timeless classic, an absolute masterpiece
This film is an absolute masterpiece, and is one of Woody Allen greatest works. Additionally his role in the film as Alvy Singer was masterful. This film is jam packed with emotion and you can really tell just how much time and effort was put into this film. Most romantic comedies only show the good parts of the relationship, however "Annie Hall" does a good job being realistic and showing not only the happy times but also the sad times.
Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966)
A timeless classic
This film does a great job showing the complexities of marriage. From spending many years together or being newly wed there are always issues. This film goes in-depth on these many different issues. While this film is loaded with humor this particular brand is an acquired taste leaving the viewer slightly uncomfortable. This helps create a sort of third person point-of-view that really lets you analyze the couple's respective marriages.
Shaft (1971)
An amazing film, with a great soundtrack
I really enjoyed this movie, especially the funky music constantly playing in the background. The music really made it feel like you yourself were in Harlem which I really enjoyed. This film had no shortage of action either with John Shaft getting into gunfights all the time.
Bonnie and Clyde (1967)
A timeless classic
Even if you've never seen the film, the names "Bonnie and Clyde" are easily recognizable. I really enjoyed this film, although I could've done without Blanche's constant screaming. I thought it ironic that these famous criminals that had been evading the law for weeks is finally caught while trying to help a civilian on the side of the road. It makes you think that even though they were criminals they weren't actually bad people.
Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967)
A simply lovely film
This film does a very good job at showing how race affects people during this time period. There was no open discrimination but both Dr. Prentice and Joey's parents wanted their child to be with someone of the same skin color. This creates and awkwardness and tension that lasts throughout the whole movie. However at the very end of the film the couple's feelings get through and everyone agrees to the marriage.
Vertigo (1958)
A thrilling film
This film was an absolutely amazing, no complaints at all. The director, Alfred Hitchcock, shows a unique take on phobias and suicide. Couple that with the disability, vertigo, for which the film is aptly named to create a film widely regarded as a masterpiece.
Psycho (1960)
A great mystery film
I really enjoyed this film, the reason I didn't rate it higher is because of the slow start. However this slow start was necessary to the film, I was completely fooled into thinking Marion Crane was the main character only for her to be murdered soon after. This helped create the mystery aspect and always kept you guessing and there were a lot of twists.
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
An absolute classic
I remember watching "The Wizard of Oz" with my family as a child. Watching this film brought back so many memories and filled me with nostalgia. However the slight differences between this version and newer copies also brought with it a sense of originality that I really enjoyed. Judy Garland as Dorothy was a breathtaking performance, as she portrayed the character exceptionally well.
Singin' in the Rain (1952)
An amazing romantic comedy
This film was engrossing from start to finish. It realistically showed the problems some actors faced when transitioning from soundless to regular movies that we enjoy now. I really liked how they turned Lina's voice, which I originally thought to be comedic relief, and made it into a major part of the plot. Don and Kathy's love story faced it's share of difficulties but finally at the end of the film Kathy gets the credit she deserves and they can take their relationship public.
Mildred Pierce (1945)
A classic "whodunnit" film amusing characters
Throughout the entire film you are led to believe that Mildred murdered her husband. The flashbacks that occurred only seemed to deepen that suspicion as she was steadily getting motive. Mildred seemed to have a lot of people pining over her even though her method of making money was frowned upon. The end of this film contained a plot twist that not even I could have foreseen. I enjoyed how they built up the viewers expectations and then delivered everything we wanted and more.
Detour (1945)
An all around memorable film
This film goes to show that anything can happen to anyone at anytime. A man traveling across the country to get to his girl gets wrapped up in not one but two murders. I thought it ironic, this movie started with a man getting into a car in the side of the highway and it ended with the same man getting into a car on the side of the highway.
Casablanca (1942)
An Absolute Masterpiece
Casablanca is without a doubt a masterpiece, in every sense of the word. It is extremely well known with many, many people having seen it and even more having heard of it. Throughout the years many films have been called a "masterpiece" and have stood against time and retained their popularity. However very few films, Casablanca included, have not only survived throughout the years but have thrived. This film accurately depicts the stress and anxiety of those trying to survive the Nazi's during World War 2. In the end Rick's legacy is not defined by his loneliness but by his willing to commit one selfless deed for the woman he still loves. "Here's looking at you, Casablanca."
The Best Years of Our Lives (1946)
A realistic film about veteran's post-war lives
While this film wasn't entertaining in the sense of action or comedy it nevertheless captivates it's watchers. You watch the stories of 3 seemingly unrelated veterans and their efforts to find themselves after the war. From dealing with missing hands, to nightmares, or simply looking at people differently the war effects the characters. All three struggle to find balance in their lives with jobs, romance, or both. In the film there is a scene where brand-new planes that were made but never used are melted down to scrap heap, this is sort of like how veterans come back from the war but have trouble finding purpose and can sometimes be discarded.
Imitation of Life (1934)
An absolute classic
I rather enjoyed this film and not just because of my profound love for pancakes and syrup. This film accurately shows the racial profiling and discrimination present during this time period. Throughout the film Peola seems to be struggling with her identity, being white in color yet in reality being black. No matter much her mother insists there is nothing she can do as it is the hand life dealt her, Peola seems to struggle with her reality wanting to fit into society and hide her identity.
The Philadelphia Story (1940)
A confusing but wholesome love story
I found this film to be sort of stagnant in the beginning with nothing of real importance happening. The beginning of the film serves only to introduce characters and their respective backstories. A love square quickly forms with everyone pining after the female lead. After many confusing encounters with twists and turns the wedding finally comes. However it is the ex-husband who wins the ladies heart in the end. The end of this film is where the majority of this film takes place and the story really starts progressing.
My Man Godfrey (1936)
An amazing comedy from start to finish
I really loved the rich but crazy family dynamic the Baron's had. This was also a very nice from rags to riches film, even more so when you find out it was actually from riches to rags to riches. My favorite character was by far the mother, she seemed to be absolutely oblivious to anything going on around her and was always there to make a serious moment a funny one. Towards the end of the film it seemed like everything was going according to Godfrey's plan but he could not account for the bulldozer that was Irene Baron. She walked right into his new business and 5 minutes later they were getting married and moving in together, the perfect ending in my opinion.
Stagecoach Days (1938)
An absolute classic film
The film "Stagecoach" is a story about a group of strangers sharing a stagecoach through Apache country. At first glance it doesn't seem like it would be a very engrossing film to the viewer. However the attention to detail regarding character backstory and development is profound. The director beautifully entwines the characters story lines to create complex character dynamics. The love story between Ms. Dallas and Ringo Kidd is a good example of this as they meet and fall in love in the stagecoach. Ringo Kidd is on his way to jail during this film however the sheriff accompanying him eventually lets him go after he helps save them from the Apaches.
King Kong (1933)
A fascinating story line that makes it a classic
"King Kong" is an absolute classic, everyone has either seen or at least heard of King Kong. Whether that be this particular film or a different one made later the story itself has been repeated throughout the years. I have always enjoyed the storyline and the natives culture in particular has always interested me. Their act of revering Kong as a god or king as the title suggests and basing their entire lives around him is quite interesting. From the film you could see that they had an entire festival dedicating to choosing and preparing the "wife of Kong". However when the ship arrived and the crew mates and movie workers arrived the natives decided to choose Ann as the wife of Kong. Under the cover of night they snuck onto the ship and kidnapped Ann without anyone noticing and prepared her for Kong's arrival. This proves that the natives not only revere him but also fear him, if this tradition was considered an "honor" they would not have chosen Ann, an outsider. However they did choose Ann which means that given the choice they would rather not give anyone to Kong.
When the people on the ship realize Ann is missing they quickly arm themselves and make for the village where they realize what is going on. Jack Driscoll is particularly interested in getting Ann back as just prior to her kidnapping they had shared a rather intimate moment. They begin to chase after Ann and Kong which leads them to encounter all sorts of strange creatures and dinosaurs. The group is slowly whittled down until just Driscoll remains but he persists in his venture to rescue Ann. He eventually reaches her in Kong's cave while Kong is busy fighting a flying creature. They fall of a cliff but luckily land in the water and manage to get back to the village but Kong is chasing them. The high walls and gate prove to only slow Kong down momentarily as he breaks through them and wreaks havoc on the village. Kong is ultimately incapacitated by a gap bomb thrown by Preston and he is chained up and taken back to New York on the ship.
Kong was then displayed in a theater as the "Eighth Wonder of the World" as the theater was packed with the masses wanting to see him. However almost inevitably Kong breaks out of his restraints and begins his reign of terror. Kong begins to look for Ann Darrow and eventually finds her and takes her to the roof of the building where the military sends planes to combat him. After a long battle and many deaths the planes eventually bring Kong down and falls off of the building. Kong, who originally just wanted to be left alone with his "wife" ends up being thrust into the lime light and eventually becomes the monster that everyone thinks he is.
Frankenstein (1931)
A great take on the classic story that is Frankenstein
In the film "Frankenstein" Henry Frankenstein is an amazing scientist who becomes too absorbed in his experiments. He was the perfect first example of the phrase "mad scientist", he shut himself off from everything else in his life focusing exclusively on his work.
His thirst for creating new life or recreating old life got worse and worse as he went from dissecting and reanimating animals to experimenting on human bodies. He would dig up bodies and steal organs, all to build his "perfect body" for reanimation. This lead to some "creative differences" with the university he was with so he had to leave and continue his research by himself.
I particularly liked the scene when Dr. Waldman was making the distinction between the normal good quality brain and the "abnormal" criminal brain during his lecture. When Fritz broke in to steal the brain you could almost tell that something would go wrong and sure enough the normal brain is ruined so Fritz has to steal the abnormal one.
After reanimating the body it spends its first days in darkness so when it is exposed to light things go sideways almost immediately. After his exposure to light it becomes apparent that Fitz had been beating "Frankenstein" which lead him to kill Fritz. When Dr. Waldman and Henry incapacitate "Frankenstein" they considered the matter dealt with. However "Frankenstein" managed to kill Dr. Waldman and began to look for Henry.
When Henry discovers this he is overcome with guilty claiming "I made it with my own two hands, I must destroy it with my own two hands." During this time "Frankenstein" had been terrorizing the mountains where he killed a little girl which lead to a massive manhunt. Henry is feeling massive amounts of guilt as he feels the girl's death is his fault so he joins the manhunt. As the manhunt comes to it's inevitable conclusion it comes to the final face off between Henry and "Frankenstein" on top of the windmill. As Henry is thrown off leaving him almost dead the mob decides to set the windmill on fire trapping "Frankenstein" inside to burn to death. This I feel would've been the place to end off. I felt the ending scene with the maids and the baron talking was rather unnecessary and took away from the plot.
I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang (1932)
Cautionary Tale of the penal system rings true a century later
"I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang" is a great example of how easy it is to fall down the rabbit hole. James Allen is the perfect example of the phrase "victim of circumstance". This is shown when he is forced to participate in a robbery at gunpoint and is given 10 years of hard labor for it. The system doesn't care that they are sending an innocent man to prison as to them he is nothing more than a number. This viewpoint of the government is shown many times throughout the movie, like when they are reviewing his case for a pardon.
Throughout his time in the Chain Gang, James Allen was a well behaved prisoner following the rules. During this time he witnessed all sorts of brutality, from people working themselves to death to being whipped for not working enough. One example I found particularly eye opening is with the large black man in the first chain gang camp, according to other prisoners the guards had no intention of ever letting him free.
After his escape James Allen bounced around for a while before ending up in Chicago, where he got a job. It was an entry level job but thanks to James Allen's creativity and overall intelligence he quickly rose through the ranks. However he soon ran into a problem, James' landlord turned girlfriend had managed to uncover his past. Fearful that he would leave her behind she blackmailed James into marrying her. After a while this lifestyle would become unsustainable as his wife's purchases grew more expensive, around this time James also uncovered that she was having affairs with other men. A little while later James met a girl names Helen at a party and they fell in love, however when James went to talk to his wife about a divorce she sold him out to the government.
The government's corrupt nature becomes increasingly clear when the states of Illinois and Georgia discussed what to do with James Allen. The government of Georgia proposed that Allen return voluntarily and work a clerical job for 90 days and then he would be pardoned if he also payed restitution. This offer is very good on the outside which is why James Allen agreed to it. Once he arrived in Georgia it became apparent that the deal James had negotiated would not be honored. His clerical job turned into working in the fields and the 90 days turned into a year. Around this time James Allen has a quote which I found summed the situation up quite nicely "Their crimes are worse than mine, worse than anybody's here, they're the ones that should be in chains". Eventually James Allen broke out of prison again after his sentence was postponed indefinitely and went out on the lamb, stealing to survive. This I thought was very interesting where the government turned an James Allen, an innocent man, into a criminal.
The Public Enemy (1931)
Great depiction of the mob life during the prohibition period
"Public Enemy" accurately portrays gangster life and how one would start in it. I would say it is a cautionary tale against arrogance in the dark world of organized crime. Tom Powers(James Cagney) and his partner Matt seek fame and power in their home town. They start stealing things at a young age for a man named Putty Nose, who manipulates them. As they get older they move onto more serious crime as Putty Nose sells them out.
When they come to work for Paddy they have become full fledged criminals. However during this time the relationship between Tommy and Matt hasn't changed at all. Throughout the entire film Tommy assures Matt that they are partners and are "in it together". However when Matt is gunned down Tommy is quick to run away, only to come back later and kills the ones responsible.
Tommy Powers had demonstrated a hostile personality throughout the film, often quick to violence. Matt had a more timid personality often strung along by Tommy's antics. One scene I felt this portrayed particularly well is when Tommy and Matt kill Putty Nose. Throughout the entire confrontation Matt is silent and has trouble looking Putty Nose in the eyes. Conversely Tommy seemed to be playing with Putty, simply delaying his execution style murder.
In the end, it is as much Tommy's innocence as is it is arrogance that dooms him to a fate that is predestined by his earlier choices.
The General (1926)
Physical comedy makes this a timeless gem
I highly recommend this Historical Comedy to everyone. This silent film uses physical comedy and historical significance to create a genuine masterpiece. Buster Keaton's physical comedy is all the more impressive when complimented by the fact that it is a silent film. This is movie is a classic and will be remembered for a long time and for good reason.