All posts by scottmet99

1955 Films, Agnes Moorehead, Douglas Sirk, Drama, Jane Wyman, Rock Hudson, Romantic Drama

All That Heaven Allows-1955

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All That Heaven Allows-1955

Director Douglas Sirk

Starring Rock Hudson, Jane Wyman

Scott’s Review #159

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Reviewed August 26, 2014

Grade: B+

All That Heaven Allows (1955) is a perfect-looking film. Director Douglas Sirk famously dressed his films in a contemporary, stylish fashion. As evidenced by the story in this film, his movies traditionally contain a social aspect.

Affluent socialite Cary falls in love with handsome young gardener Ron, and they face discrimination in a town where status is everything and gossip is rampant.

I love the chemistry between Jane Wyman (Cary) and Rock Hudson (Ron). The small town in New England is so perfect looking- sets, cinematography, that it fits the subject matter perfectly- most of the townspeople live these seemingly perfect lives and look down on anyone with a different outlook or way of living.

There is a feeling oozing from these people that contrasts perfectly with Ron’s open-mindedness and freedom and the conflict Cary faces.

On the one hand, she is passionate about Ron and wants to live with him; on the other, she is unsure if she wants to give up a comfortable, affluent life with perks like a social club and a beautiful house.

The chemistry between the leads is really what makes this film unique.

All That Heaven Allows (1955) influenced one of my favorite films, the masterpiece Far from Heaven (2002), which substituted the age factor for race.

2012 Films, Dario Argento, Horror, Horror-Camp, Marta Gastini, Rutger Hauer, Thomas Kretschmann

Argento’s Dracula-2012

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Argento’s Dracula-2012

Director Dario Argento

Starring Thomas Kretschmann, Marta Gastini

Scott’s Review #158

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Reviewed August 22, 2014

Grade: C-

As a huge fan of Dario Argento, his classic horror films such as Suspiria (1977) and Deep Red (1975) would surely land in my Top fifty of all time, not just in the horror genre, this film is a bit of a mess.

The story, as I understand it, involves a young man named Harker, who is hired by Count Dracula to work in his castle as a Librarian. His wife Mina arrives later in the story and is the focal point of the film from that point on.

Another female named Tania rises from the dead to seduce and bite Harker. Dracula intervenes and wants to claim Harker as his own. From this point on, Harker’s wife Mina attempts to look for her husband within the halls of Dracula’s castle.

The plot is difficult to keep track of, not compelling, and not one of Argento’s finest efforts.

An homage to Hammer horror films of the 1950s and 1960s, the film comes across as too campy, poorly performed, and some miscasts among the actors.

The actor who plays Count Dracula is not convincing and seems a strange choice for the part- too nice looking?

It feels like Argento did not know whether to make the film serious or go for being completely over the top. Since when can Dracula change forms into a grasshopper, owl, and other creatures besides a bat?

Other characters like the Priest were introduced for no other purpose than to be killed.

On the positive side, the art direction is amazing. The film is filled with creepy sets, especially inside the mansion, and has a distinct 1970s feel to it. The ambiance is highly effective at portraying a spooky, dark setting.

All in all, though, Argento’s Dracula (2012) is a disappointing experience, and much better films of the same subject matter have been covered in the past.

2013 Films, Documentary, French, International, International Documentary, Rithy Panh

The Missing Picture-2013

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The Missing Picture-2013

Director Rithy Panh

Starring Randal Douc

Scott’s Review #157

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Reviewed August 21, 2014

Grade: C+

One question continued to go through my mind while viewing The Missing Picture (2013). Is it a documentary or a foreign film? It is a documentary, but strangely, the film was nominated for the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar.

I hate to say this, but after fifteen minutes or so I found the film quite dull.

I respect the creative, expressionist clay figures and enjoy the black-and-white real-life clips of the horrific events from 1970’s Cambodia.

But I found the narration as dull as dishwater.

I watched forty-five minutes of the one hour and thirty-five minutes run time and deduced that I had gotten the film’s point. It does not take away from the importance of the subject, but the presentation could have been a bit more exciting.

This is a common occurrence in the documentary genre.

Oscar Nominations: Best Foreign Language Film

1969 Films, Action, Bernard Lee, Best Film of the Year, Diana Rigg, Gabriele Ferzetti, George Lazenby, James Bond, Joanna Lumley, John Glen, Lois Maxwell, Scott's Top 100 Films, Telly Savalas

On Her Majesty’s Secret Service-1969

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On Her Majesty’s Secret Service-1969

Director Peter Hunt

Starring George Lazenby, Diana Rigg 

Top 100 Films #25

Scott’s Review #156

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Reviewed August 19, 2014

Grade: A

On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969) is often shamefully derided by fans of the James Bond franchise, which is sad since artistically and story-wise it is top of the heap and is my personal favorite from the series.

Bond, now played by George Lazenby, is on the hunt for arch-nemesis Blofeld, played by Telly Savalas. Blofeld is intent on securing amnesty for his past deeds and is threatening to ruin the world’s food supply if his demands are not met.

Often known among Bond historians as “the one with George Lazenby”, who, if not for Sean Connery returning to the series in the next film, could have lasted much longer in the role, is a breath of fresh air and wonderfully cast.

Lazenby brings his form of charisma, great looks, and charm to the role and Sean Connery is a tough act to follow, but Lazenby succeeds in spades.

Diana Rigg is one of the best Bond girls of all time as she is intelligent, sophisticated, confident, and beautiful, a great counterpart to Bond- she is more his equal, rather than simply just a conquest for him, and the two actors have real chemistry.

Telly Savalas is effective as the Blofeld, though not my all-time favorite Bond villain by any stretch- something is missing in his performance.

In typical Bond fashion, the film begins in sunny Portugal, side steps to London, and finishes in cold Switzerland. I love the icy, snowy Switzerland locales in the film and the ski chase, downhill bobsled chase, car chase on ice, and subsequent blizzard, which are brilliantly atmospheric.- a perfect film to view on a cold winter’s night!

I love the inside quips in this one especially when Lazenby says “I bet this never happened to the other fellow” and “He had lots of guts” both are laugh-out-loud clever.

The shocking and tragic ending is uncharacteristic of a Bond film and a brilliant change from many of the films as Bond is humanized.

On Her Majesty’s Secret Service (1969) is more character-driven than the other films in the franchise while still providing lots of adventure, and should be revered as a more layered Bond offering.

1951 Films, Michael Rennie, Patricia Neal, Robert Wise, Science Fiction, Stuart Whitman

The Day the Earth Stood Still-1951

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The Day the Earth Stood Still-1951

Director Robert Wise

Starring Michael Rennie

Scott’s Review #155

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Reviewed August 18, 2014

Grade: B+

The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951) is one of the best, most credible, original science fiction thrillers. It has stood the test of time, considering it is over sixty years old.

Made in 1951, the film is a message movie about a spaceship that suddenly arrives on planet Earth in the United States capitol of Washington, D.C.

Michael Rennie is fantastic as Klaatu, the calm, poised leader of the spaceship. Along with Gort, a 7-foot-tall robot, Klaatu intends to deliver a message of peace and humanity to the leaders of Earth.

The arrival sets off a panic, and Klaatu is captured, only to escape and meet local townspeople as he tries to pass himself off as human and deliver his message.

The Day the Earth Stood Still is a liberal-slanted, anti-war, pro-tolerance, and acceptance movie, but also a good, old-fashioned black-and-white science fiction thriller rolled into one.

It’s an important film.

It is an edgy, questioning film that can easily still be viewed and appreciated today (sad that not much seems to have changed in the world after all these years).

It is political, and the setting of Washington, D.C., is wise and symbolic.

While a handful of humans are portrayed as intelligent and accepting, most of Earth’s human beings, especially politicians, are portrayed as war-happy, foolish individuals.

The viewer will question the world around him or herself and, hopefully, begin to question political decisions and the horrors of war that continue unabated.

1964 Films, Charlotte Rampling, Comedy, Documentary, George Harrison, John Lennon, Musical, Musical Comedy, Paul McCartney, Phil Collins, Richard Lester, Ringo Starr, Susan Hampshire

A Hard Day’s Night-1964

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A Hard Day’s Night-1964

Director Richard Lester

Starring The Beatles

Scott’s Review #154

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Reviewed August 18, 2014 

Grade: C

Why this rock documentary, a day in the life film, is considered among the Top 100 films of all time completely escapes me. I’m a huge fan of the band The Beatles, but this is a letdown.

The segments consisting of musical numbers performed by the band are excellent, and, humming along, I enjoyed the black and white filming of the “documentary.” Still, the film is not a documentary in the traditional sense and is very difficult to categorize.

Is it a rock opera, a comedy, a documentary, or a musical? It is somewhat of a hybrid as the viewer journeys through a typical day in the life of a Beatle.

But everything else seems fluff to the point of silliness. Countless scenes of the band running through the streets with adoring fans screaming and chasing after them become irritating. The film has little plot.

The Beatles were a huge band. We get it.

Paul, George, Ringo, and John do a capable job in the film, considering they are non-actors. I’d much rather have been exposed to a straightforward documentary focusing on the background of some of the songs or the band members themselves instead of a lightweight tale of a day in the life of The Beatles with silly attempts at humor thrown in.

A Hard Day’s Night (1964) influenced the 1960s television comedy starring The Monkees.

Oscar Nominations: Best Story and Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen, Best Scoring of Music-Adaptation or Treatment

2013 Films, Documentary, Independent, Lana Wilson, Martha Shane

After Tiller-2013

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After Tiller-2013

Director Martha Shane, Lana Wilson

Scott’s Review #153

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Reviewed August 13, 2014 

Grade: A

After Tiller (2013) is a brilliant and thought-provoking documentary about the controversial topic of abortion. The issue presented is not whether abortions should be performed, but rather if they should be performed late-term (beyond twenty weeks).

The Doctor Tiller mentioned in the title was the Doctor who opened the handful of clinics that perform late-term abortions and who was murdered outside of his church by fanatics before the documentary was made.

The four remaining protégé of his are Doctors who now openly perform these controversial procedures and who are presented as, not monsters as some would think of them, but as sympathetic, kind professionals who put the pregnant mothers’ needs first.

As I assumed before seeing the documentary, the Doctors are not strictly performing the abortions for mothers seeking a way to get rid of a “problem”, but rather, in most cases, the baby will lead a life of pain, misery, and health problems.

Typically, the parents do not learn of the problem until late in the pregnancy which adds dimensions and levels to the issue.

The viewer is left wondering, what would I do?

Most of the parents struggle with the decision to terminate their pregnancies.

These Doctors (and their families) constantly receive death threats from pro-life groups who do not comprehend the issue and the Doctors are harassed by people who do not want their abortion clinics anywhere near them and as a viewer, this is painful to watch.

Any viewer who is pro-life or pro-choice ought to watch this for a better understanding of the complexities of late-term abortions.

After Tiller (2013) is riveting but has shamefully been seldom seen by audiences.

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best Documentary Feature

1989 Films, Burt Young, Drama, Jennifer Jason Leigh, LGBTQ+ Drama, LGBTQ+ Films, Ricki Lake, Sam Rockwell, Stephen Baldwin

Last Exit to Brooklyn-1989

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Last Exit to Brooklyn-1989

Director Uli Edel

Starring Stephen Lang, Jennifer Jason Leigh

Scott’s Review #152

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Reviewed August 13, 2014

Grade: A-

Last Exit to Brooklyn is a slice-of-life type film that takes place in the early 1950s and is set in lower-class Brooklyn, NY.

It tells the story of a group of struggling neighborhood people- sex workers, union members, drag queens, etc. whose lives intersect. Also in the neighborhood is a military base where soldiers come and go on their way to war-torn Korea.

The central characters, though there are several with small yet interesting stories, are Harry, played by Stephen Lang, a sexually conflicted union worker with a wife and newborn child.

He is in love with a selfish drag queen, and Marilyn Monroe lookalike, Tralala, played superbly by Jennifer Jason Leigh, a prostitute whose best days are behind her, and who will do anything for attention.

The sets and cinematography in the film are very well done- the feeling of despair and hopelessness are accomplished by the dowdy streets, homes, and bars that the cast frequents.

Some of the characters are sympathetic- the aforementioned plus Tralala’s love interest, the Diner boy madly in love with Tralala, and the virginal seeming (but not really), Donna, portrayed by a young Rikki Lake. Other characters are abhorrent in their violence and hatred.

Last Exit to Brooklyn is quite a dark film and sometimes tough to watch but captures a dreary time and atmosphere. The Brooklyn set is excellent in its dreariness.

Jennifer Jason Leigh is the standout as the tough-talking, boozy prostitute who is losing her luster and the final scene of the film is truly a heartbreaker.

The topics of union, strike, bisexuality, gangs, and drag queens are covered and unique characters and conflict/loneliness are presented.

This film is an overlooked gem from 1989.

1958 Films, Alfred Hitchcock, Barbara Bel Geddes, Best Film of the Year, James Stewart, Kim Novak, Scott's Top 100 Films, Thriller, Tom Helmore

Vertigo-1958

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Vertigo-1958

Director Alfred Hitchcock

Starring James Stewart, Kim Novak

Top 100 Films #6

Scott’s Review #151

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Reviewed August 7, 2014

Grade: A

Over the years, Vertigo (1958) has quickly become one of my favorite Alfred Hitchcock films. With each repeated viewing, I learn, appreciate, or see something new.

It is an absolute masterpiece.

The primary appeal of Vertigo is its mystique and dream-like quality, which provide a beautiful cinematic experience. It is sometimes ominous, psychological, gloriously complex, and even confusing.

That is what makes it extraordinary.

Considering the time, the colorful opening visuals are dynamic, groundbreaking, and stunning.

The story involves a retired detective, Scottie, played by Hitchcock stalwart Jimmy Stewart. Scottie suffers from vertigo, which hinders his daily life.

After an incident in which a police officer is killed, and Scottie blames himself and his vertigo for causing the death, he whiles away the days brooding and keeping companionship with Midge- a college friend to whom he was once engaged.

One day, he is hired by another college friend to follow his wife, played tremendously by Kim Novak, who is acting strangely and periodically disappearing, obsessed with a painting of a woman from years past.

From this point, the plot twists and turns in a mysterious fashion, and mixed in is a romantic, bizarre, obsessive love story.

Is Scottie in his right mind? Will his vertigo continue to haunt him? What is the secret to Madeleine and Judy? Is Midge as sweet as she appears?

The score to Vertigo is haunting and unforgettable, adding so much mood and ambiance to the film.

Several location shots are featured in San Francisco, including the Golden Gate Bridge, downhill streets, the Mission, and Redwood Forest.

As with all Hitchcock films, all sets and details are perfect, from paintbrushes, coffee mugs, curtains, and furniture to the gorgeous bright red décor of the restaurant heavily featured in the film.

How exquisite does Kim Novak look in the film??

Initially critically panned upon its release, it is now considered one of the greatest films. Its unique camera angles and slow, methodical pacing have influenced other films.

The film is not always an easy watch as it is complex, to be fair, but like a fine wine, it gets better and better.

Vertigo (1958) is a layered psychological thriller that is appreciated more with each viewing.

Oscar Nominations: Best Sound, Best Art Direction

2012 Films, Documentary, Rodney Ascher, Stanley Kubrick, Stephen King

Room 237-2012

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Room 237-2012

Director Rodney Ascher

Starring Bill Blakemore, Geoffrey Cocks

Scott’s Review #150

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Reviewed August 6, 2014

Grade: C-

My viewing of the documentary Room 237 (2012) resulted in mixed emotions.

On the one hand, it is an interesting glimpse into the world of the classic, horror masterpiece The Shining (1980), with many clips and film facts presented.

It also features other works by Director Stanley Kubrick and compares them to each other, which is interesting to fans like me.

I love the passion of the fans of this film and admire how they know every intricate detail of The Shining.

But at the heart of this documentary lies conspiracy theories from the fans and theorists, regarding The Shining, that are downright wacky and become redundant after about fifteen minutes.

What makes these people credible? Only their voices are heard and the audience does not see their faces. Who are they? What walks of life are they? Most of these conspiracy theories are much ado about nothing.

Somehow a camera angle or a photo of a surfer or an expression on the face of Jack Nicholson turns into a mythological meaning. There is also some gibberish about moon landings and the holocaust that did not interest me.

I bought very little of it if any.

I would have been quite content with a documentary solely focused on the making of The Shining, interviews with the cast and behind-the-scenes facts, or even bloopers. It would have been more realistic, interesting, and plausible.

As a tribute to the excellence of The Shining, this documentary succeeds; in all else, it fails.

2013 Films, Brie Larson, Destin Daniel Cretton, Drama, Independent, Independent Drama, John Gallagher Jr., Kaitlyn Dever, LaKeith Stanfield, Melora Walters, Rami Malek

Short Term 12-2013

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Short Term 12-2013

Director Destin Daniel Cretton, Lakeith Stanfield

Starring Brie Larson

Scott’s Review #149

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Reviewed August 6, 2014 

Grade: C+

Having just viewed Short Term 12 (2013), I am not sure I am getting all of the “this movie is brilliant” or “beyond amazing”, or glowing praise surrounding the film.

The film is set in a group home for troubled teens and centers around the supervisor of the home named Grace (Brie Larson). Grace runs the home with her boyfriend and other twenty-something, mostly former troubled youths.

The film’s focal point is Grace and both her problems (she is pregnant and her abusive father is being released from prison) and her relationships with the teens currently staying in the group home.

The film is fairly engaging but seems a bit forced and not gritty enough given the subject matter.

I enjoyed the relationship between Grace and a new charge, Jayden, whom she befriends. The group of teens is almost too perfectly cast, however- with a mix of races and stereotypes, the kids did not come across as genuine.

I would have liked to see more backstory for some of the kids besides the two that were given one.

Subjects were introduced but not followed through with- Why was Grace’s father never introduced onscreen? Where was the mother? Her childhood issues were mentioned only in passing. Some of Grace’s actions were unrealistic and out of character for a counseling supervisor.

Would she smash the windows of one of the teen’s father’s cars out of anger and not consider the repercussions? And what was with the constant poop jokes, especially in the first ten minutes?

That was dumb and out of place.

The film feels glossed over and I didn’t feel the realism- almost like a CBS television drama with swear words added to seem harsher. The subject was brave, but many more details could have been delved into and explored in Short Term 12 (2013).

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: 1 win-Best Female Lead-Brie Larson, Best Supporting Male-Lakeith Stanfield, Best Editing (won)

1956 Films, Epic, Jeffrey Hunter, John Ford, John Wayne, Merian C. Cooper, Natalie Wood, Vera Miles, Western

The Searchers-1956

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The Searchers-1956

Director John Ford

Starring John Wayne, Natalie Wood

Scott’s Review #148

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Reviewed August 5, 2014

Grade: B+

The Searchers (1956) is a classic film considered one of the greatest ever made. It took me a few viewings to appreciate, but I now admire it more and more with each subsequent viewing.

I understand why it is on many Best Films of All Time lists.

I do not think it’s great, but I understand its outstanding qualities. And while admittedly, I am neither a fan of the Western genre nor of John Wayne, both are top-notch in The Searchers.

It tells the story of a Civil War veteran (Wayne) named Ethan Edwards, whose brother and his sister-in-law, whom Ethan is in love with, are brutally murdered by a Comanche Indian tribe.

Ethan’s two nieces are kidnapped, and for the remainder of the film, Ethan, along with his best friend, searches for the missing girls.

Two aspects that initially bothered me about the film were the overt racism involved in this film towards any Indians- the treatment of one Indian woman is cruel, and my disdain for the character of Ethan.

The fact that I am not a fan of John Wayne- way overrated in the acting department, in my opinion, may have something to do with this. But the character of Ethan is racist, and it is tough to root for a character like that.

One could make the argument that he is also self-loathing due to lusting after his sister-in-law.

Over time, though, I have come to appreciate this Western drama more and more, mainly due to John Ford’s direction, the sweeping cinematography of the Old West, and the now-understood complexity of Ethan’s character.

He is confident, masculine, and even mean but wounded and, in some way, sympathetic to viewers.

The Searchers (1956) also captures what the real West was probably once like.

An epic western that I have grown to admire.

2013 Films, Amy Adams, Bill Hader, Brian Cox, Chris Pratt, Drama, Independent, Independent Drama, Joaquin Phoenix, Kristen Wiig, Olivia Wilde, Romantic Drama, Rooney Mara, Scarlett Johansson, Science Fiction, Spike Jonze

Her-2013

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Her-2013

Director Spike Jonze

Starring Joaquin Phoenix, Scarlett Johannson

Scott’s Review #147

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Reviewed August 5, 2014

Grade: A-

Her (2013) is a very unique film directed by Spike Jonze.

The film tells the tale of a lonely, depressed man named Theodore, played by Joaquin Phoenix, who lives in a beautiful high-rise in futuristic Los Angeles.

He works as a writer for a company that creates intimate cards for people in relationships. Having suffered a recent divorce, he falls in love with his computerized operation system named Samantha, played by Scarlett Johansson- voice only.

Conflicts emerge as the relationship deepens and intensifies. Her is a love story uniquely crafted, but also a story of loneliness and the world of technology we now live in.

It portrays human relationships as troubled and unsuccessful yet several characters have wonderful relationships with computers.

Is this what the future may bring with human beings? How many people have fallen in love with a fantasy or a voice on the phone?

The film ponders why relationships have been changed due to technological advances and wonders what will happen further into the future. Technology, while wonderful, has changed our interpersonal relationships and this film successfully delves deeply into that aspect.

The conversation is a lost art and Her features the joys and the tragedies of technology.

Visually, the film is successful because it portrays Los Angeles in a sophisticated, ultra-sleek, modern way that is fascinating.

Several technological games are featured (the Alien child is brilliantly comical) and the “Mom points” is fascinating in its irony.

Her is a deep film that raises questions and I applaud this in modern cinema.

Her is a slow-moving film, but a questioning one.

It won the 2013 Best Original Screenplay Oscar and I am so glad the academy recognized the originality of this film.

Oscar Nominations: 1 win-Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay (won), Best Original Score, Best Original Song-“The Moon Song”, Best Production Design

1974 Films, Camp, Comedy, Dark Comedy, Divine, Edith Massey, Independent, Independent Comedy, John Waters, Mink Stole

Female Trouble-1974

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Female Trouble-1974

Director John Waters

Starring Divine

Scott’s Review #146

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Reviewed August 4, 2014

Grade: A

Female Trouble (1974) is a deliciously naughty treat by famous Independent film legend, John Waters.

Not exactly family-friendly, it is a gem for those desiring more left-of-center fare with depravity and gross-out fun mixed in for good measure.

Water’s theme of the film is “crime is beauty” and the film is dedicated to Manson family member, Charles “Tex” Watson.

Meant for adult, late-night viewing, the film tells the story of female delinquent Dawn Davenport, who angrily leaves home one Christmas morning after not receiving her desired cha-cha heels as a Christmas present.

Her parents, religious freaks, disown her and she is left to fend for herself on the streets of Baltimore.

The film then tells of her life story of giving birth and subsequently falling into a life of crime in the 1960s.  Her friends Chicklet and Concetta are in tow as they work various jobs and embark on a career of theft.

Female Trouble stars Waters regulars Divine, Mink Stole, Edith Massey, Cookie Mueller, and others.

Interestingly, Divine plays a dual role- Dawn Davenport (in drag, of course) and also the father of her bratty child- Earl Peterson. Dawn and Earl have a less-than-romantic interlude on a dirty mattress on the side of the road when he picks her up hitchhiking, which results in the birth of Taffy.

Also featured is the hilarious feud between Dawn and her love interest’s (Gator) Aunt Ida, as the women engage in tactics such as acid throwing and chopping off of limbs as they constantly exact revenge on each other.

Favorite scenes include Dawn’s maniacal nightclub act in which she does her rendition of acrobatics and then begins firing a gun into the crowd. Another is of Dawn’s dinner party with Donald and Donna Dasher- serving a meal consisting of spaghetti and chips, Taffy’s tirade hilariously ruins the evening.

This film is not for the prudish, squeamish, or uptight crowd, but a ball for all open-minded, dirty fun-seekers. The film contains one over-the-top, hilarious scene after another.

The line “just cuz you got them big udders don’t make you somethin’ special” is a Waters classic.

Female Trouble is one of a series of outrageous, cult-classics featuring the legendary camp star, Divine.

Not meant to be overanalyzed or some might say, analyzed at all, Female Trouble (1974) is unabashedly trashy and makes no apologies for its outrageousness.

2013 Films, Alexandra Daddario, Gunnar Hansen, Horror, John Dugan, John Luessenhop, Marilyn Burns, Slasher

Texas Chainsaw 3D-2013

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Texas Chainsaw 3D-2013

Director John Luessenhop

Starring Alexandra Daddario, Dan Yeager

Scott’s Review #145

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Reviewed July 31, 2013

Grade: B-

If you are a horror buff (as I am) the reality that one must accept is that classic horror films will be remade or some incarnation of them will be made over time.

That is the harsh reality. They will never hold a candle to the originals. That is also a reality. One can either accept them for what they are or resist them.

Once again, another version of the classic 1974 Texas Chainsaw Massacre comes upon us.

It is present times (2013), and the main character, Heather (Daddario), takes a road trip with her friends to Texas to collect an inheritance from a long-lost Grandmother she has never known.

An interesting twist is the film begins where the original left off- the fact that sequels were made in between seems to be forgotten.

I enjoyed how the film picks up where the original left off and brings history to the story.

Unfortunately, the timeline makes no sense and is a complete impossibility- the heroine would chronologically be thirty-nine years old, but the character is in her early twenties.

In typical horror fashion, the characters are all one-dimensional (sex-starved), and a token minority is thrown in for good measure, which has become standard in modern horror.

The Texas police are portrayed as corrupt.

Happily, there are brief cameos by two original cast members (Gunnar Hansen and Marilyn Burns) from the 1974 version, which is a great touch.

Otherwise, this is a by-the-numbers modern horror film and quite forgettable, yet enjoyable for the ninety-minute length.

Texas Chainsaw 3D (2013) does not hold a candle to the original, but what would?

1981 Films, Comedy, Dark Comedy, Horror, Horror-Camp, Sam Raimi

The Evil Dead-1981

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The Evil Dead-1981

Director Sam Raimi

Starring Bruce Campbell

Scott’s Review #144

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Reviewed July 31, 2014

Grade: B+

For its time The Evil Dead was a unique, creative, visually impressive horror classic and far different from the wave of mediocre slasher films from this time (1981).

In the story, five teenagers head to a remote cabin in Tennessee for spring break.

From the beginning of the trip, there is trouble- they are almost killed in a head-on collision, their car almost falls into a rickety bridge, and finally, at the cabin, they stumble upon a haunted book.

From this point, even stranger events begin to develop and the haunting, crazy action begins.

Director Sam Raimi does an excellent job from a visual standpoint- the camera racing through the woods from the demon’s point of view is very effective and scary.

The ambiance is creepy- fog, mist, smoke, and the lighting are great.

The film has all the elements- darkness, remote cabin, and woods coming alive for a genuinely scary horror flick.

Yes, the film seems a bit campy to watch now, but at the time the special effects were brilliant.

My personal favorite is the long shot of the twitching dismembered body and the various, hysterically funny chattering and gibberish among the demons.

The ending of the film is very well done.

2014 Films, Adrien Brody, Bill Murray, Comedy, Drama, Edward Norton, F. Murray Abraham, Harvey Keitel, Independent, Independent Comedy, Independent Drama, Jason Schwartzman, Jeff Goldblum, Jude Law, Léa Seydoux, Lucas Hedges, Owen Wilson, Ralph Fiennes, Saoirse Ronan, Tilda Swinton, Tom Wilkinson, Wes Anderson, Willem Dafoe

The Grand Budapest Hotel-2014

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The Grand Budapest Hotel-2014

Director Wes Anderson

Starring Ralph Fiennes, F. Murray Abraham

Scott’s Review #143

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Reviewed July 30, 2014

Grade: B+

The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) is a witty and unique film by director Wes Anderson, who has also directed similarly quirky films,  notably Monsoon Kingdom (2012) and The Royal Tenenbaums (2001).

The famous story of the history of the Grand Budapest Hotel is recounted, over dinner, by the current owner Zero (played by F. Murray Abraham), and an inquisitive guest (Jude Law).

The film then goes back to the 1930s and shares the story of the actual history of the hotel.

The main story centers on the head concierge, Gustave, (Ralph Fiennes), and his antics involving older wealthy blonde women, a murder, stolen art, and a missing will.

Gustave is a ladies’ man, and bisexual, who spends time with the rich women who stay at the hotel.  Fiennes does an excellent job as the quick-witted, almost manic Gustave.

This sets off a series of interesting, mysterious events for the remainder of the film that turns into a whodunit yarn.

The visual aspects usurp the story. The art direction is amazing. The sets are constructed so perfectly and ingeniously that they almost look like animated sets or like a dollhouses.

The costumes and makeup are flawless.

The story tends to be tough to follow at times and is just not as strong as the other aspects of the film, although this is not to be interpreted as the story is not good- it is entertaining, but nothing more.

It’s just that the other aspects of the film are magnificent and the story is secondary. It’s an odd film, certainly, but unique and interesting.

Well-known Hollywood stars appear- Tilda Swinton, Edward Norton, Adrien Brody, Willem Defoe, and Harvey Keitel.

Oscar Nominations: 4 wins-Best Picture, Best Director-Wes Anderson, Best Original Screenplay, Best Original Score (won), Best Production Design (won), Best Cinematography, Best Makeup and Hairstyling (won), Best Costume Design (won), Best Film Editing

2013 Films, Baz Luhrmann, Carey Mulligan, Drama, Elizabeth Debicki, Isla Fisher, Jason Clarke, Joel Edgerton, Leonardo DiCaprio, Romantic Drama, Tobey Maguire

The Great Gatsby-2013

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The Great Gatsby-2013

Director Baz Luhrmann

Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire

Scott’s Review #142

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Reviewed July 29, 2014

Grade: A

Despite some mixed reviews of this movie, I loved it.

Having read the classic novel, The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald, I was familiar with the story of excess and scandal during one sweltering summer in the well-to-do Long Island, NY community during the 1920s.

Directed by Baz Luhrmann (Moulin Rouge) I found the look of the film lavish, realistic, and gorgeous- perfect ambiance and a dream-like quality.

I loved the casting of Leonardo Dicaprio as Gatsby, Carey Mulligan as Daisy, and Tobey Maguire as Nick Caraway.

The chemistry among the three leads is apparent and visually the film is spectacularly dressed, from costumes to gorgeous sets, and the speech patterns of the era- “old sport”, and “row”, is used frequently and seem authentic.

Many complained about the mixing of modern rap music with a film set in the 1920s, which does sound strange on paper, but I enjoyed that aspect of it and feel it gave a contemporary edge to the film.

There are slight adjustments from the novel, but I thought it was a very successful transition to the big screen.

Oscar Nominations: 2 wins-Best Production Design (won), Best Costume Design (won)

2012 Films, David France, Documentary, LGBTQ+ Documentary, LGBTQ+ Films

How To Survive a Plague-2012

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How To Survive a Plague-2012

Director David France

Starring Bill Bahlman, David Barr

Scott’s Review #141

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Reviewed July 29, 2014

Grade: A

A wonderful thing about documentaries is that they can be a learning experience and a teaching tool.

How to Survive a Plague (2012) is one such type of documentary. It is an authentic, real, gritty piece of work and that’s what makes it so powerful.

The AIDS epidemic in the 1980s was a monumental and devastating time in social history and this documentary chronicles a group of advocates tirelessly fighting to convince the Government (at that time less than sympathetic towards victims of the disease) to approve and administer drugs to combat AIDS.

This organization was named ACT UP and it brought the gay community together as well as sympathetic members of the straight community. Good people fighting against the establishment for change.

Nearly all the footage from the film is from the period in question and the activism is both heartbreaking and inspiring to witness.

The Pope, Ronald Reagan, and George H.W. Bush are not portrayed in a positive light, but rather as uncaring and unwilling to help those dying from the disease.

A moving and inspirational film that teaches one never to give up or back down from what you stand for.

How to Survive a Plague (2012) was deservedly nominated for the 2013 Best Documentary Oscar.

Oscar Nominations: Best Documentary-Feature

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best Documentary Feature

2008 Films, Gideon Raff, Gore, Horror, Thora Birch

Train-2008

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Train-2008

Director Gideon Raff

Starring Thora Birch

Scott’s Review #140

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Reviewed July 28, 2014

Grade: C-

Train (2008) is a horror, torture film that has very similar elements to Hostel (Americans alone in an eastern country- in this case, northern Russia) and plotted films that were all the rage at this time.

The premise is fairly interesting- the college wrestling team misses a train in northern Russia due to late-night partying and has to take another one where they are systematically accosted, tortured, and dismembered by a strange Russian gang and have their body parts implanted in needy people who are passengers on said train.

However, the film fails on many levels. The bottom line is the film is not very compelling. It is purely plot-centered and has no character development.

Who are the athletes? What do they care about?

In the horror genre, one can make the argument that who cares about the characters, but it would have been nice to have a little background on them.

Also with horror, suspension of disbelief is mandatory, and I can almost buy the villains legitimately doing the surgical transplants for money (one bad guy’s claims that they are torturing the athletes to help save people is silly), but why they rape and torture the athletes before removing their body parts is never explained.

The film has an incredible amount of plot holes- why is the wrestling team male and female? Why do they perform the transplants on a train? How can an eye transplant recipient need no recovery time before he can inexplicably walk around with perfect eyes?

The list goes on and on.

I will give props to the torture scenes, which are cringe-worthy in their gross-out aspect. I didn’t think Thora Birch was successful as the lead actress in the film- a shame since she had so much career promise in American Beauty in 1999.

Train (2008) is a pale retread of the Hostel franchise, but nowhere near as interesting.

2012 Films, Aaron Paul, Drama, Independent, Independent Drama, James Ponsoldt, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Mary Kay Place, Megan Mullally, Nick Offerman, Octavia Spencer, Romantic Drama

Smashed-2012

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Smashed-2012

Director James Ponsoldt

Starring Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Aaron Paul

Scott’s Review #139

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Reviewed July 28, 2014

Grade: B

Smashed is an independent film made in 2012, as a showcase for Mary Elizabeth Winstead, who impressed me enormously as an actress.

She gives a fantastic portrayal of a twenty-something elementary school teacher who is an alcoholic.

Known for either crappy or supporting roles (or both) in bombs like The Thing (2011) and Live Free or Die Hard (2007), Winstead comes into her own with her performance and is the main reason to see the film.

I am always amazed when an actor who previously has not been given great material that allows them to shine, finally goes indie and takes a risk.

Aaron Paul plays her husband, who is also an alcoholic. They both love music and partying. When she decides to sober up, conflict emerges in their marriage.

Despite the subject matter of alcoholism, the film is not a downer. It borders on romantic comedy with drama thrown in and is not depressing.

My one criticism would be the side effects of alcoholism are glossed over. There is not much grittiness in the film-she becomes an alcoholic, struggles a bit, and recovers, almost television movie-like.

The true, horrific battles are not shown.

Octavia Spencer and Megan Mullally appear in small roles.

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best Female Lead-Mary Elizabeth Winstead

2011 Films, Drama, Esai Morales, Harmony Santana, Independent, Independent Drama, Judy Reyes, LGBTQ+ Drama, LGBTQ+ Films, Rashaad Ernesto Green

Gun Hill Road-2011

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Gun Hill Road-2011

Director Rashaad Ernesto Green

Starring Esai Morales, Harmony Santana, Judy Reyes

Scott’s Review #138

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Reviewed July 27, 2014

Grade: A-

Gun Hill Road (2011) is a very small, independent film set in the Bronx, New York, hence the title, which is a famous street there.

It tells the story of a Hispanic family, the father, Enrique, (wonderfully played by Esai Morales) being recently released from prison and adjusting to clean living.

His wife Angela (Judy Reyes) has moved on emotionally and physically, and his teenage son Michael (Harmony Santana) is going through a sexual identity crisis and defines himself as a female.

Each of the three characters is sympathetic and motivation well understood.

The most interesting facet of the film is the father/son relationship as Enrique must eventually come to terms with Michael’s sexuality and gender definition, which is not portrayed as easy in the Latino community.

There is a rawness and realness to this film.

Gun Hill Road is a dysfunctional family drama, character-driven, sometimes difficult to watch, and quite captivating, though the ending is slightly disappointing, as events were left open-ended.

Santana was nominated for the 2012 Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Female.

I only wish this film had received wider recognition and acclaim, as it’s a marvel.

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best Supporting Female-Harmony Santana

2012 Films, Drama, French, Independent, Independent Drama, International, International Drama, Jacques Audiard, Marion Cotillard, Matthias Schoenaerts, Romantic Drama

Rust and Bone-2012

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Rust and Bone-2012

Director Jacques Audiard

Starring Marion Cotillard, Matthias Schoenaerts

Scott’s Review #137

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Reviewed July 26, 2014

Grade: B+

Rust and Bone (2012) is a French language film that tells the difficult love story of a successful, cultured, whale trainer (Stephanie) who is seriously injured in an accident and left without legs.

She has an unlikely romance with an unemployed former boxer (Ali), who leads a troubled life providing for his young son.

Marion Cotillard and Matthias Schoenaerts give outstanding performances as the two leads. Their powerhouse acting is simply the main reason to watch this film. They are amazingly convincing and Cotillard’s performance alone is astonishing.

Cotillard, who has already won an Oscar for La Vie En Rose (2007), is one of the best younger actresses around, and Schoenaerts showed great promise in 2011’s Bullhead.

The film is character-driven as both lead to difficult, challenge-filled existences. Ali attempts to return to boxing and Stephanie attempts to cope with life after losing limbs. Together they slowly bond and a love story blossoms.

Slow-paced, realistic, and complex, the relationship between the two is at the heart of the film.

The one negative I found with the film is how the story direction meanders to several different plots, some even unnecessary to the main story, so much so that it becomes unclear what the main story is supposed to be.

This results in an uneven viewing experience.

Still, beyond that flaw, Rust and Bone (2012) are well worth the price of admission for the superb acting and wonderful love story told.

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best International Film

2012 Films, Action, Albert Finney, Ben Whishaw, Daniel Craig, James Bond, Javier Bardem, Judi Dench, Naomie Harris, Ralph Fiennes, Sam Mendes

Skyfall-2012

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Skyfall-2012

Director Sam Mendes

Starring Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Judi Dench

Scott’s Review #136

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Reviewed July 26, 2014

Grade: B+

Skyfall is the latest (and twenty-third) installment in the decades-long running James Bond franchise (1962’s Dr. No was the first one) and this one receives major kudos from me.

When one looks back upon all of the Bond films, they have had to adjust to keep up with the times and Skyfall does this very successfully.

In addition, Skyfall brings a good, old-fashioned, compelling story to the table.

An attack on MI6 is initiated by a former agent, Raoul Silva, beautifully portrayed by Javier Bardem, who has a personal vendetta against M, played by Judi Dench.

Bardem gives a complex, powerful representation of the villain and is not overly cartoonish.

He appears crazy!

James Bond, of course, must come to the rescue and save the day.

The story finally gives M. a chance to shine as the main plot revolves around her. The relationship between M. and Raoul is interesting and layered with history, which makes for a compelling story.

Standard with Bond films, exotic locales are used. This time we get Shanghai, London, Scotland, and Macau.

James Bond’s past is also explored- He grew up in Scotland. The Bond family estate is a major backdrop for the action.

The reintroduction of two famous Bond characters- Moneypenny and Q is like a breath of fresh air added to the franchise, although I was not crazy about the casting choice of Q.

Also, one minor flaw with this film is there is no clear “Bond girl” to root for.

Skyfall (2012) provides a successful return to its Bond roots and will hopefully allow the Bond franchise to continue for many films to come.

Oscar Nominations: 2 wins-Best Original Score, Best Original Song-“Skyfall” (won), Best Sound Editing (won), Best Sound Mixing, Best Cinematography

2011 Films, Drama, Éric Toledano, François Cluzet, French, International, International Drama, Olivier Nakache, Omar Sy

The Intouchables-2011

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The Intouchables-2011

Director Olivier Nakache, Eric Toledano

Starring Francois Cluzet, Omar Sy

Scott’s Review #135

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Reviewed July 26, 2014

Grade: C

The Intouchables (2011) is a French comedy-drama that tells the story of a wealthy, intelligent quadriplegic man named Philippe (Olivier Nakache), who hires a poor, angry black man, named Driss (Omar Sy), who is uninterested in the position, as his caregiver.

The film is a story of their bond and friendship and is a buddy movie.

What starts as simply an employer/employee relationship turns into something much deeper.

The Intouchables received rave reviews and was a huge hit in France, but, for me, it disappoints, and I am not getting the love for this movie.

I found the message and theme of the story dated- yet another film about a wealthy sophisticated white man taking a working-class, volatile black man under his wing and the black man helping him achieve some sort of self-fulfillment.

The Blind Side (2009) and Driving Miss Daisy (1989) have done this before along with countless other films.

Yes, they become close friends, but the stereotypical racial dynamic is prevalent. How many more times must this dynamic be shown in modern film?

This is not to say that the film is poorly made. The relationship between the two men and the mixtures of each of their respective cultures is charming and, at times, heartwarming.

The way that Driss helps Philippe garner the courage to meet a woman he has been having a letter-writing relationship with is nice.

The views of Paris are lovely and plentiful.

But, overall The Intouchables (2011) comes across as a stereotypical, safe, predictable film.