2013 Films, Animated, Best Animated Feature Oscar Winners, Children, Chris Buck, Disney, Fantasy, Idina Menzel, Jennifer Lee, Kristen Bell, Musical

Frozen-2013

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Frozen-2013

Director Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee

Starring Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel

Scott’s Review #43

Reviewed June 18, 2014

Grade: B

The adjective that springs to mind about the latest hit animated film Frozen (2013) that has overtaken the nation is “cute”.

The story is loosely based on the Hans Christian Anderson story (which is modified immensely) and tells the story of two royal sisters (Elsa and Anna), one of whom has special “ice” powers and accidentally injures the other causing a rift.

From this point, there are a series of misunderstandings, love interests, a handsome prince, an adventure through the snow, and a Snow White-type theme.

The story is uplifting, sweet, and targeted to kids and parents seeking a wholesome, safe experience, but is it too safe?

My one criticism is the lack of diversity and culture in the main characters as they are all similar in looks, which doesn’t set the best example for kids watching.

The musical numbers stuck in my head as I hummed them for days. The songs are very trendy, and pop-leaning which may make this film age quickly and have an overly current flavor.

I loved the frozen, icy, wintry animation sets that are perfect while watching in the winter months.

Olaf, the sidekick, the mini snowman is witty and steals the show.

Oscar Nominations: 2 wins-Best Animated Feature Film (won), Best Original Song-“Let It Go” (won)

1965 Films, Alec Guinness, David Lean, Drama, Epic, Geraldine Chaplin, Julie Christie, Noel Willman, Omar Sharif, Rod Steiger, Romantic Drama, Scott's Top 100 Films, Tom Courtenay

Doctor Zhivago-1965

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Doctor Zhivago-1965

Director David Lean

Starring Julie Christie, Omar Sharif, Rod Steiger

Top 100 Films #47

Scott’s Review #42

Reviewed June 18, 2014

Grade: A

Doctor Zhivago (1965) is a great film to watch on a cold night or throughout the crisp winter or holiday season.

The film is a classic masterpiece directed by the talented David Lean (Lawrence of Arabia, 1962, A Passage to India, 1986) whose perfectionism is evident in his epic films.

Nearly every scene could be a painting, so the cinematography alone is reason enough to become enchanted with art.

Of course, the story is also a goldmine as a sprawling decades-long love story unfolds amid the ravages of the bloody Bolshevik Revolution.

The film is set in the bitter cold of Russia (though in reality, all scenes were shot in Spain), and the bitterness of the cold climate and the war mix with a doomed love story set against the backdrop of the many battles and wartime effects.

Nearly all sequences are set in the winter, and the blustery and icy effects are nestled against numerous scenes of cozy, candlelit cabins or more extravagant glowing surroundings.

Viewers must be surrounded by fire, flaming candles, or another form of warmth as a snowstorm or blizzard besets outdoors for a perfect viewing experience.

A large-screen television or a cinema is simply a must to watch this film as it is epic on the grandest scale.

Omar Sharif and Julie Christie (a gorgeous star in her day) are cast perfectly as Uri and Lara, young forbidden lovers enthralled with one another but involved with significant others.

The film dissects their initial meeting and their story over the years, experiencing marriages, births, and deaths throughout the ravages of Russia in the early twentieth century.

Despite their affairs, neither is deemed unsympathetic. Quite the contrary.

Audiences will fall in love with the pair and become enchanted as we watch their love-tortured adventures.

Sharif and Christie are just magnificent and utterly believable as a couple.

The set pieces are magnificent and flawless in design and detail (my favorite is the Ice Palace).

The cinematography is breathtaking, and the content is very close to the superior novel by Boris Pasternak, and a feeling of “really being there” encompasses the viewer.

Doctor Zhivago (1965) is a brilliant film, perfect for a snowy winter evening.

Oscar Nominations: 5 wins-Best Picture, Best Director-David Lean, Best Supporting Actor-Tom Courtenay, Best Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium (won), Best Music Score-Substantially Original (won), Best Art Direction, Color (won), Best Cinematography, Color (won), Best Costume Design, Color (won), Best Film Editing

1970 Films, Alan Arkin, Comedy, Dark Comedy, Martin Sheen, Mike Nichols, Satire

Catch-22-1970

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Catch-22-1970

Director Mike Nichols

Starring Alan Arkin, Martin Sheen

Scott’s Review #41

Reviewed June 18, 2014

Grade: B

Catch-22 (1970) is a satirical film similar in subject matter to Robert Altman’s M*A*S*H, released the same year though admittedly I have not seen that film yet.

It does remind me of Dr. Strangelove, and Slaughterhouse-Five in their anti-war theme.

This film is well-made and certainly effectively portrays the outrageousness and lunacy of war.

Most of the characters are presented as crazy, albeit in a dark-humored, over-the-top way.

Alan Arkin is wonderful as the protagonist trying to find a way out of the island of Italy where he and his fellow pilots are stationed.

At times the film feels disjointed and tough to follow, which I understand the novel is too (I have not read the entire book), but the message of the movie comes across loud and clear.

2013 Films, Allison Janney, Amanda Peet, Comedy, Drama, Independent, Independent Comedy, Independent Drama, Jim Rash, Liam James, Maya Rudolph, Nat Faxon, Sam Rockwell, Steve Carell, Toni Collette

The Way, Way Back-2013

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The Way, Way Back-2013

Director Nat Faxon, Jim Rash

Starring Steve Carrell, Toni Collette

Scott’s Review #40

Reviewed June 18, 2014

Grade: B-

The Way, Way Back (2013) is a cute, summery, “coming of age” story about a teen misfit struggling to fit in.

It contains the basic stereotypical characters (boozy neighbor, overbearing step-father type), but kudos to great performances by Allison Janney and Steve Carell who make the film much more than it would have been otherwise.

The film feels like something that has been done many times before but contains a charming, feel-good quality.

Still, I would have enjoyed it more if some risks had been taken and the characters delved into more.

It is a one-dimensional film that ultimately disappoints.

2013 Films, Alessandro Nivola, Amy Adams, Bradley Cooper, Christian Bale, Colleen Camp, Comedy, Crime Drama, Dark Comedy, David O. Russell, Drama, Jennifer Lawrence, Jeremy Renner, Louis C.K., Michael Pena, Robert De Niro

American Hustle-2013

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American Hustle-2013

Director David O. Russell

Starring Christian Bale, Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence

Scott’s Review #39

Reviewed June 18, 2014

Grade: A

Having seen American Hustle (2013) a month ago and finally getting around to reviewing it, it’s a perfect time as a slew of Oscar nominations has been reaped upon it, thus, undoubtedly more people will be seeing it in the weeks ahead.

I loved this film.

Some were underwhelmed, but I found it quite authentic and stylish.

I loved the 1970’s period and felt the hairstyles, clothes, and props were spot on.

I also felt the film had great acting and, though I’m not a fan, Jennifer Lawrence enraptured me. The same with Cooper, Bale, and Adams, who all deserve their Oscar nods.

I found it similar in style to Boogie Nights, a 1997 masterpiece directed by Paul Thomas Anderson.

The 1970s musical rock score was perfect. The subject matter of political corruption and cat-and-mouse intrigue was effective and resounding.

Oscar Nominations: Best Picture, Best Director-David O. Russell, Best Actor-Christian Bale, Best Actress-Amy Adams, Best Supporting Actor-Bradley Cooper, Best Supporting Actress-Jennifer Lawrence, Best Original Screenplay, Best Production Design, Best Costume Design, Best Film Editing

2006 Films, Amber Heard, Brooke Bloom, Horror, Jonathan Levine, Luke Grimes

All the Boys Love Mandy Lane-2006

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All the Boys Love Mandy Lane-2006

Director Jonathan Levine

Starring Amber Heard

Scott’s Review #38

Reviewed June 18, 2014

Grade: B-

All the Boys Love Mandy Lane is an interesting, experimental type horror meets art film from 2006.

On the surface, it appears to be a by-the-numbers slasher throwback involving a group of teens spending a boozy weekend on a Texas farm, of course, in the middle of nowhere.

They are systematically offed one by one. This sounds standard, but there are some moody, artistic, beautiful scenes mixed in, hence the horror/art-house label.

There is a certain “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” charm to it as well.

The story, however, makes little sense and the protagonist’s motivations are confusing and never explained, so while adventurous in parts, the film ultimately fails based on the story’s inconsistencies.

The characters are also rather unlikable, perhaps intentionally so, as these are the characters the audience enjoys seeing hacked to bits.

1962 Films, Ann Jillian, Harvey Korman, Jack Benny, Karl Malden, Mervyn LeRoy, Musical, Natalie Wood, Rosalind Russell

Gypsy-1962

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Gypsy-1962

Director Mervyn LeRoy

Starring Rosalind Russell, Natalie Wood

Scott’s Review #37

Reviewed June 18, 2014

Grade: A

The film version of the iconic Broadway production is a huge success, mainly due to Rosalind Russell’s superb performance as Mama Rose, a muscled, driven stage mother in the Depression-era show business world.

She is mesmerizing in the role and reminiscent of Joan Crawford and Bette Davis, who would have been wonderful in it.

Russell carries the film with her bombastic, loud, and determined performance- her children will become stars, and Rose will get the stardom and spoils she so richly deserves.

She uses every nook and cranny to her advantage- from borrowing money from her father to scraping leftover Chinese food scraps and stealing silverware.

Rose’s daughters, Baby June, and Louise (Natalie Wood) are in tow to help her achieve her goals- June the talented one, and Louise along for the ride.

When circumstances develop, Louise blossoms and becomes the famous Gypsy Rose Lee.

From masterpieces “Everything’s Coming up Roses” and “Some People” to her heartbreak at being a driven stage mom, Russell’s performance makes the film.

Her best scene comes at the climax. Rose finally admits that she has spent her life needing to be noticed, hits an empty theater stage alone, and has an emotional breakdown.

Natalie Wood and Karl Malden certainly add depth to their characters, especially Wood, who goes from mousy wallflower to seductive stripper Gypsy Rose Lee.

From a casting perspective, I am not sure Wood was quite right for the role- the second time in two years this would occur (her casting in West Side Story being the other misstep), but she was an enormous star at the time and was awarded juicy roles.

Gypsy (1962) is one of the great Hollywood musicals from the 1950s/1960’s heyday.

Witty, smart dialog helps this film emerge at the top of the list of similar types of films.

Bravura!

Oscar Nominations: Best Scoring of Music-Adaptation or Treatment, Best Cinematography, Color, Best Costume Design, Color

2013 Films, Biography, Bradley Whitford, Colin Farrell, Drama, Emma Thompson, Jason Schwartzman, John Lee Hancock, Kathy Baker, Paul Giamatti, Rachel Griffiths, Tom Hanks

Saving Mr. Banks-2013

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Saving Mr. Banks-2013

Director John Lee Hancock

Starring Tom Hanks, Emma Thompson

Scott’s Review #36

Reviewed June 18, 2014

Grade: A-

Saving Mr. Banks (2013) is a movie that transports you back to the wonders of childhood.

It is a delightful, whimsical tale of how the story of “Mary Poppins” made it to the silver screen as a Walt Disney production in the 1960s and there were many challenges.

Emma Thompson and Tom Hanks (as author P.L. Travers and Walt Disney, respectively) prevent this film from being overly sentimental and even sappy, by their character portrayals.

Travers is a difficult, demanding woman, but Thompson adds layers to her so the viewer feels attached and sympathetic.

Tom Hanks portrays Disney to the hilt as patient and understanding. Travers’s backstory is heartfelt and interesting.

Saving Mr. Banks (2013) is a mainstream, Hollywood feature, but one that reeled me in from the get-go and never let up.

Oscar Nominations: Best Original Score

2013 Films, Adam Driver, Carey Mulligan, Coen Brothers, Comedy, Dark Comedy, Drama, F. Murray Abraham, Garrett Hedlund, Independent, Independent Comedy, Independent Drama, John Goodman, Justin Timberlake, Oscar Isaac, Robin Bartlett

Inside Llewyn Davis-2013

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Inside Llewyn Davis-2013

Director Ethan Coen, Joel Coen

Starring Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan

Scott’s Review #35

Reviewed June 17, 2014

Grade: B+

Being a tremendous fan of the Coen brothers (Fargo-1996, No Country for Old Men-2007) I was eager to see their latest offering, Inside Llewyn Davis (2013).

The Coen’s have such a sense of quirkiness in their characters and while this film is not on the level of their other gems, it is a good piece.

I love the cold, winter, Greenwich Village setting as struggling folk singer, Llewyn Davis (expertly played by Oscar Isaac) struggles over two weeks to land gigs or breaks while encountering many people who either thwart or help his chances of success.

Sadly, the film was ignored by the Oscar brethren, but alas it tells of a slice-of-life experience of a 1960s artist.

As with most Coen brother films, it is cast with unique, interesting character actors in a bit but nuanced parts.

Oscar Nominations: Best Sound Mixing, Best Cinematography

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best Feature, Best Male Lead-Oscar Isaac, Best Cinematography

1939 Films, Bert Lahr, Best Film of the Year, Billie Burke, Charley Grapewin, Children, Clara Blandick, Fantasy, Frank Morgan, Herman J. Mankiewicz, Jack Haley, Judy Garland, Margaret Hamilton, Mervyn LeRoy, Musical, Ray Bolger, Scott's Top 100 Films, Victor Fleming

The Wizard of Oz-1939

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The Wizard of Oz-1939

Director Victor Fleming

Starring Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Frank Morgan

Top 100 Films #11

Scott’s Review #34

Reviewed June 17, 2014

Grade: A

The Wizard of Oz is a magical film and one of my all-time favorites. Made in 1939, it still holds up amazingly well, and the nuances continue to be admired, especially given the period in which it was made. 1939 and Gone With the Wind belong to this film, as both were and are true classics.

This film is so deeply embedded in people’s minds that it can be challenging to examine it objectively. I fondly recall watching this gem annually as it aired on television each holiday season—traditionally around Thanksgiving if memory serves.

It’s a marvel from start to finish and masterfully artistic. How creative to show the first portion in black and white with dusty muted colors, not to mention the astounding twister sequence- done using a stocking.

Then, we are introduced to a magical world filled with luscious colors and mind-blowing depth of art direction. Munchkin-land, Glinda the Good Witch, and Emerald City are beautiful, lavish, and treats.

Who does not become teary-eyed during Judy Garland’s rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”? The poignancy is becoming given the tragic (yet successful) life the star would lead.

Margaret Hamilton’s performance as the Wicked Witch/Elmira Gulch is deliciously nastiness. She almost sneers at the camera as she mocks Dorothy, who whimpers in tears while missing Auntie Em. One can tell she had a ball with this role.

And The Wizard of Oz is not simply a pop culture hit- it has merit and creativity. The special effects hold up tremendously well and were simplistic back then. There was no CGI in those days, but many ways better than today’s CGI.

Audiences of all ages must see this film at least once, preferably on Blu-Ray. Judy Garland, later a tragic, troubled, and lost figure, captures an innocence that has been sadly lost through the years.

The characters (The Cowardly Lion, Scarecrow, and Tin Man) are perfectly cast and uniquely created without being too over-the-top.

Very few films are timeless, and this is one of them.

Oscar Nominations: 1 win-Outstanding Production, Best Song-“Over the Rainbow” (won), Best Art Direction, Best Special Effects

2013 Films, Christine Ebersole, Comedy, Crime Drama, Dark Comedy, Drama, Epic, Fran Lebowitz, Jean Dujardin, Jon Bernthal, Jonah Hill, Kyle Chandler, Leonardo DiCaprio, Margot Robbie, Martin Scorsese, Matthew McConaughey, P. J. Byrne, Rob Reiner, Spike Jonze, Ward Horton

The Wolf of Wall Street-2013

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The Wolf of Wall Street-2013

Director Martin Scorsese

Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Jonah Hill

Scott’s Review #33

Reviewed June 17, 2014

Grade: A

Martin Scorsese’s latest offering, The Wolf of Wall Street (2013) is a tale of overindulgence, chaos, and debauchery in the world of stockbroking during the 1980s.

The film is superb.

It is a drug-filled, sex-filled, over-the-top, loud, testosterone-fueled, frenetic extravaganza that works on so many levels.

Humorous and mouth-dropping scenes occur throughout the film.

The casting is flawless- Leonardo Dicaprio and Jonah Hill deserve the praise and Oscar nominations heaped on them.

The supporting actors are perfect- Rob Reiner, Matthew McConaughey, Jean Dujardin, and Kyle Chandler.

With Scorsese, you will receive an intelligent film, though very R-rated.

Similar in style to another of his masterpieces, Goodfellas-1990, as it is narrated by the main character (Dicaprio).

Comparisons to the 1987 film Wall Street are silly. This film is much deeper, grittier, and frankly, much better.

Do not let the unfathomable running time of three hours discourage you- the time goes by very fast.

Oscar Nominations: Best Picture, Best Director-Martin Scorsese, Best Actor-Leonardo DiCaprio, Best Supporting Actor-Jonah Hill, Best Adapted Screenplay

2013 Films, Abigail Breslin, Benedict Cumberbatch, Chris Cooper, Dermot Mulroney, Drama, Ewan McGregor, George Clooney, John Wells, Julia Roberts, Julianne Nicholson, Juliette Lewis, Margo Martindale, Meryl Streep, Sam Shepard

August: Osage County-2013

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August: Osage County-2013

Director John Wells

Starring Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts

Scott’s Review #32

Reviewed June 17, 2014

Grade: B+

Based on the play of the same name, August: Osage County (2013) is a family drama led by the incomparable Meryl Streep.

The family reunites after the patriarch disappears and drama and sniping ensue in no time.

The setting of stifling hot Oklahoma is effective and lends a smothering, suffocating, aspect to the film, much like many of the characters.

It’s a bleak, depressing film, and reminded me of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf-1966, or A Streetcar Named Desire-1951 in tone.

This film has exceptional acting all around, especially Streep and Julia Roberts, as well as Chris Cooper and Margo Martindale.

It’s a raw, angry movie, and the intensity builds throughout.

Oscar Nominations: Best Actress-Meryl Streep, Best Supporting Actress-Julia Roberts

2013 Films, Alexander Payne, Bob Odenkirk, Bruce Dern, Comedy, Drama, Independent, Independent Comedy, Independent Drama, June Squibb, Stacy Keach, Will Forte

Nebraska-2013

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Nebraska-2013

Director Alexander Payne

Starring Bruce Dern, Will Forte

Scott’s Review #31

Reviewed June 17, 2014

Grade: B+

Deservedly receiving a handful of Oscar nominations, Nebraska (2013) tells the story of a senior citizen, incorrectly convinced he has won a million dollars.

He is determined to travel from Montana to Nebraska to collect the coveted prize.

On the surface, this film sounds like a downer and the use of black and white does wonders to set the atmosphere of coldness and bleakness in the wintry mid-west.

There are moments of humor and little-known June Squibb is a delight as the saucy wife of lead actor Bruce Dern, also wonderful as boozy, curmudgeonly Woody Grant.

There are a few unnecessary mid-western stereotypes, commonplace in director Alexander Payne’s films, but a heartbreaking, comical experience, makes this film worth watching.

Oscar Nominations: Best Picture, Best Director-Alexander Payne, Best Actor-Bruce Dern, Best Supporting Actress-June Squibb, Best Original Screenplay, Best Cinematography

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: 1 win-Best Feature, Best Director-Alexander Payne, Best Male Lead-Bruce Dern, Best Supporting Male-Will Forte, Best Supporting Female-June Squibb, Best First Screenplay (won)

2013 Films, Horror, Jemma Dallender, Lowest Rated Films, Steven R. Monroe

I Spit on Your Grave 2-2013

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I Spit on Your Grave 2-2013

Director Steven R. Monroe

Starring Jemma Dallender

Scott’s Review #30

Reviewed June 17, 2014

Grade: F

I have seen the original I Spit on Your Grave from 1978 and loved it. The 2010 remake was pretty good, but this “sequel”, which has nothing to do with either of the others, is awful.

As horrific as the original was to watch, it was raw, the perpetrator’s motivations were clear, and the subsequent revenge made sense.

In this one the attacker’s torture and abuse for the sake of it with no rhyme or reason and some thinly brushed over “hating Americans” excuse.

Furthermore, the “revenge” pales to what the victim endures so there is no winning moment.

Unsurprisingly, there are plot holes galore, for example, the attackers can transport the victim to another country with no passport, customs, etc.

Fail!

2012 Films, Danish, Drama, Independent, Independent Drama, International, International Drama, Mads Mikkelsen, Thomas Vinterberg, Tobias Lindholm

The Hunt-2012

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The Hunt-2012

Director Thomas Vinterberg

Starring Mads Mikkelsen

Scott’s Review #29

Reviewed June 17, 2014

Grade: A-

Nominated for the 2013 Best Foreign Language Oscar, this controversial Danish film called The Hunt (2012) centering on the subject of pedophilia is powerful and gripping.

Mads Mikkelsen stars, as a kindergarten teacher falsely accused of inappropriate behavior with a five-year-old female student. This sets off a small-town witch hunt that stirred up emotions in me, mostly disdain for the fellow teachers and principal who so easily “gang up” on the teacher, seemingly unable to believe he may be innocent.

The principal blurts out “children never lie”.

Um, yes they do!

I love how the film goes deeper than the obvious content. The accused son is featured. The student is the accused best friend’s daughter.

When one supporter of the accused rips into the five-year-old it is intense to watch.

The Hunt (2012) is a layered, multi-faceted film worth seeing.

The ending is great, but the alternate ending is even better and I wish the director, Thomas Vinterberg, would have used that instead, but overall an exceptional film.

Oscar Nominations: Best Foreign Language Film

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best International Film

2013 Films, Action, Barkhad Abdi, Biography, Catherine Keener, David Warshofsky, Paul Greengrass, Thriller, Tom Hanks, Yul Vazquez

Captain Phillips-2013

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Captain Phillips-2013

Director Paul Greengrass

Starring Tom Hanks, Barkhad Abdi

Scott’s Review #28

Reviewed June 17, 2014

Grade: B

Captain Phillips (2013) is an intense, gripping, action, thriller film nominated for the Best Picture Oscar.

As much as I enjoyed the film, I do not think a nomination for the top honor is warranted.

I have seen this type of film many times before and the underlining tone of “USA- good, other countries- bad”, whether intentional or unintentional, distracted me.

Another distraction was that all the protagonists are white whereas all the antagonists are African.

This is based on a true story but seems to be glorified.

The target audience must have been older, white, conservative men, who would revel in this type of film.

Tom Hanks is great and his performance during the final fifteen minutes of the movie should have cemented him an Oscar nod instead of the film

The main villain, played by a complete unknown, Barkhad Abdi, was excellent, especially considering the actor had no acting experience.

What a big break!

Overall, an interesting, exciting experience, but short of the Oscar glory.

Oscar Nominations: Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor-Barkhad Abdi, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Sound Editing, Best Sound Mixing, Best Film Editing

2013 Films, Anne Hathaway, Brie Larson, Channing Tatum, Comedy, Cuba Gooding Jr., Drama, Independent, Independent Comedy, Independent Drama, Independent Romantic Comedy, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Julianne Moore, Romantic Comedy, Scarlett Johansson, Tony Danza

Don Jon-2013

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Don Jon-2013

Director Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Julianne Moore

Scott’s Review #27

Reviewed June 17, 2014

Grade: B+

I did not expect Don Jon (2013) to be as good as it is.

Frankly, I was expecting a by-the-numbers romantic comedy.

Written, directed by, and starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, it tells the story of a twenty-something New Jersey bartender who is addicted to porn despite receiving all the female attention he can imagine.

Scarlett Johansson and Julianne Moore play two completely different women in his life.

The film contains stereotypical, though hilarious and spot-on, New Jersey trademarks. Tony Danza is effective as the brash father.

In the last thirty minutes, the film turns into a wonderful, yet hardly sappy or traditional, love story that makes Don Jon (2013) a positive experience.

Gordon-Levitt is a breath of fresh air and a young Hollywood talent getting his due.

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best First Screenplay

1956 Films, Alan Mowbray, Deborah Kerr, Musical, Rita Moreno, Walter Lang, Yul Brynner

The King and I-1956

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The King and I-1956

Director Walter Lang

Starring Yul Brynner, Deborah Kerr

Scott’s Review #26

Reviewed June 17, 2014

Grade: B

The King and I (1956) is another of the many Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals that dominated the 1950s and 1960s film era.

Having seen the stage version, the film contained two gigantic stars of the period (Yul Brynner and Deborah Kerr), Brynner having made this role his legacy.

The story is similar to The Sound of Music, as the teacher takes on the children of the King, but it is not quite as gripping, and the chemistry among the leads is not entirely there.

The Bangkok palace set, and the costumes are stylish and fantastic in design.

As a whole, the songs are not as memorable as some other similar musicals, but that is compared to magnificence.

Much of the cast is not Asian, a characteristic of the stage version that is often overlooked and accepted. This is not a criticism, merely a notice.

It’s a lovely musical, but not as enjoyable as others, but still worth watching.

Oscar Nominations: 5 wins-Best Motion Picture, Best Director-Walter Lang, Best Actor-Yul Brynner (won), Best Actress-Deborah Kerr, Best Scoring of a Musical Picture (won), Best Sound Recording (won), Best Art Direction-Color (won), Best Cinematography, Color, Best Costume Design, Color (won)

2013 Films, Antonio Banderas, Antonio de la Torre, Comedy, Independent, Independent Comedy, International, International Comedy, Javier Cámara, Pedro Almodovar, Penélope Cruz, Spanish

I’m So Excited-2013

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I’m So Excited-2013

Director Pedro Almodovar

Starring Antonio de la Torre, Hugo Silva

Scott’s Review #25

Reviewed June 17, 2014

Grade: B-

The latest offering by superb Spanish director, Pedro Almodovar, who directed the brilliantly disturbing The Skin I Live In (2011) a few years ago, returns with a vast departure.

He delves into a campy, lighthearted, yarn about a group of passengers and crew aboard a troubled flight in I’m So Excited (2013).

The group turns to booze and drugs to console themselves and a circus ensues.

Someone had described this as the gay Airplane! (1980) and that is fitting. Everyone on board is gay, bi-curious, or otherwise sexually confused and the one-liners keep coming.

The premise sounds hysterical, but sadly, the film does not measure up to expectations.

FYI: I felt Airplane! was overrated.

Funny moments, but the “over-the-topness” was too much to take remotely seriously and somehow did not hold my attention throughout.

Not Almodovar’s best work by a longshot.

1969 Films, Best Picture Oscar Winners, Drama, Dustin Hoffman, John Schlesinger, Jon Voight, Sylvia Miles

Midnight Cowboy-1969

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Midnight Cowboy-1969

Director John Schlesinger

Starring Dustin Hoffman, Jon Voight

Scott’s Review #24

Reviewed June 17, 2014

Grade: A

Midnight Cowboy is a masterpiece from 1969 that remains the only Best Picture Oscar winner to be rated “X” and, sadly, would probably not be made today.

It tells the tale of a friendly, trusting cowboy who moves from Texas to New York City and is challenged to survive the brutal streets any way he can.

Throughout the film, he meets several interesting, unsavory characters and experiences life in the bowels of NYC as drug use and prostitution are explored.

I did not find this to be as much of a downer as many other people did, but rather, a story of survival.

The grittiness of NYC is wonderfully portrayed with many locales being used (Times Square).

Jon Voight and Dustin Hoffman are exceptionally cast and have great chemistry, though the film is by no means a “buddy movie”.

It’s bleak, raw, and intense at times.

Sylvia Miles has a memorable one-scene feature. This is great filmmaking.

Oscar Nominations: 3 wins-Best Picture (won), Best Director-John Schlesinger (won), Best Actor-Dustin Hoffman, Jon Voight, Best Supporting Actress-Sylvia Miles, Best Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium (won), Best Film Editing

1973 Films, Lynne Thigpen, Musical

Godspell-1973

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Godspell-1973

Director David Greene

Starring Victor Garber, Katie Hanley

Scott’s Review #23

Reviewed June 17, 2014

Grade: C+

Although Godspell (1973) is a popular and legendary Broadway musical production, the film left me with very mixed reactions.

The positives for me are the songs- they are memorable, and they stay in your head for days to come.

My absolute favorite is “Day by Day”.

I also enjoy the cast travels throughout NYC as I love when films are set here.

For the first thirty minutes of the film, I did not like it at all.

There is no plot, but simply a group of college-aged people leaving their crummy jobs and celebrating Jesus as they aimlessly flitter about the city, with nobody else in sight, singing songs of savior and celebration.

Then I started to realize this is not a “message” movie or an attempt to convert people towards religion. Many devout Christians despise the film.

The film left me with questions.

Is it tongue-in-cheek or meant to be taken seriously?

By the end of the film, I simply took it for a fun musical with great songs. It offers nothing more, nothing less.

2012 Films, Adam Scott, Ann Dowd, Comedy, Independent, Independent Comedy, Isla Fisher, James Marsden, Kirsten Dunst, Leslye Headland, Lizzy Caplan, Lowest Rated Films, Rebel Wilson, Will Ferrell

Bachelorette-2012

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Bachelorette-2012

Director Leslye Headland

Starring Kirsten Dunst, Isla Fisher

Scott’s Review #22

Reviewed June 17, 2014

Grade: D

I’m not sure how to pinpoint exactly what is wrong with Bachelorette (2012) except for just about everything.

It tries to be a Bridesmaids (2011) meets Hangover (2009) copycat but fails miserably. What made those films entertaining was that they were funny.

This film attempts many jokes and falls flat almost every time. The set-ups are there, but there is no follow-through.

Almost every character is unlikable and hateful to everyone else and there is nobody to root for.

Worse yet, the film is bland. Dumb comedies are not my favorite genre, but this was lackluster.

I adore Kirsten Dunst, but sadly she picked a dud she’s likely soon to forget. Isla Fisher seems to always be in films like this and the male actors (James Marsden, Adam Scott) have little to do.

The talented cast is wasted and Bachelorette (2012) is not worth seeing.

1998 Films, Best Film of the Year, Drama, Independent, Independent Drama, LGBTQ+ Drama, LGBTQ+ Films, Lisa Cholodenko, Patricia Clarkson, Radha Mitchell

High Art-1998

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High Art-1998

Director Lisa Cholodenko

Starring Ally Sheedy, Radha Mitchell

Scott’s Review #21

Reviewed June 17, 2014

Grade: A

Superlative indie drama by acclaimed director Lisa Cholodenko (The Kids Are All Right) and an incredible performance by Ally Sheedy, who makes viewers forget all her past, forgettable “80’s roles”. She portrays a lonely, drug-abusing, star photographer enamored with a new neighbor in her New York City apartment building.

Her life is spiraling out of control and she is inspired by her new friend, who is on an upward career path.

The film is a dark love story and has a raw, moodiness to it. It’s a raw, emotional, mesmerizing film.

Patricia Clarkson is her usual awesome self as Sheedy’s even more drugged-out, unhappy partner. The love triangle is interesting and painful.

The three leads (Sheedy, Clarkson, and Radha Mitchell) all give knockout performances, but the film belongs solely to Ally Sheedy, who is spectacular.

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: 1 win-Best Female Lead-Ally Sheedy (won), Best Supporting Female-Patricia Clarkson, Best First Screenplay, Best First Feature, Best Cinematography

2012 Films, Independent, Independent Drama, Joshua Sanchez, LGBTQ+ Drama, LGBTQ+ Films, Wendell Pierce, Yolonda Ross

Four-2012

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Four-2012

Director Joshua Sanchez

Starring Wendell Pierce

Scott’s Review #20

Reviewed June 17, 2014

Grade: A

Oh, how I wish there were more films like Four (2012) and they received mainstream support.

Movies like this are why I love and support independent films. Much better than much of the drivel at the local multiplex.

Four is a purely character-driven movie, not at all plot-driven with silly special effects or CGI.

It centers around four people on the 4th of July evening. There are two separate stories and the heart of the movie is the character’s loneliness, isolation, and need to reach out for human connections.

The stories interrelate at times throughout the film.

Exceptional acting is involved.

Four (2012) is an excellent little film.

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best Male Lead-Wendell Pierce

2013 Films, Damien Leone, Horror, Independent, Independent Horror, Katie Maguire

All Hallows’ Eve-2013

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All Hallows’ Eve-2013

Director Damien Leone

Starring Katie Maguire

Scott’s Review #19

Reviewed March 25, 2014

Grade: B+

All Hallows’ Eve is an above-average, low-budget, independent horror film from 2013 reminiscent of the wonderful Showtime series Masters of Horror (2005-2007).

The film has the main story, then divided into three tales, and finally, all mesh together, which is very effective.

A babysitter and her two charges find an old VHS tape and, of course, watch it. Three short films are on the tape.

The antagonist is a horrific supernatural clown that reminds me of Pennywise from “It”. The motivations of the clown are not explained, nor is that necessary.

One of the three stories feels out of place, but the other two are excellent.

Anyone looking for some late-night fright should watch this creepy little film called All Hallows’ Eve (2013).

Welcome to my blog!1,468 reviews posted so far! I'm Scott Segrell and I reside in Stamford, CT. My site features hundreds of film reviews I have written since I launched the site in 2014. I hope you enjoy reading my latest reviews or searching for your own favorites to see if we agree. Please see my featured selections, and don't forget to utilize the tags and category links.