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Reviews
The In-Laws (1979)
"Serpentine!"p
This one of my favorite comedies. My friends frequently shout out "Serpentine" on occasion and we all laugh then run about in circles! The casting is spot on. Alan Arkin and Peter Faulk's comedic chemistry is superb. I watch this movie whenever it plays on TCM and still laugh at the serpentine routine and restaurant scene. A "feel good lol" movie til this day. Alan Arkin's dead pan facial expressions are spot on. And Peter Faulk perfectly embodies the role of Vince. Possibly a carryover from his tv role as Columbo. As crazy as the plot is I find this is a feel good movie I'll watch over and over. Do yourself a favor and watch this movie you won't regret it!
The Gay Divorcee (1934)
Delightful after all these years
I'm a big fan of Fred Astaire movies which are light and fluffy entertainment taking you away from the day to day world. This film is an early collaboration with Ginger Rogers who looks so young and beautiful. Other cast members include repeat characters ie Edward Everett Horton and Eric Blore both quite amusing as well as Erick Rhodes as the Italian co-respondent his accent and mispronunciations are clever. One of my favorites comedic actress is Alice Brady who excels at portraying ditsy wealthy women is in this film also as Rogers' Aunt. Although she only had a few good moments. Her standout performance is in "My Man Godfrey". Overall this is a fun lighthearted movie worth watching.
Anastasia (1956)
Watch this movie. You won't be disappointed
I recall seeing this movie for the first time as a teen and was enthralled watching Yul Brynner as General Bounine. He was the perfect actor for this role stern arrogant and tender as well. I fell in love with him and this fascination has endured for my entire life. I watch all of his films and admire his acting skills. Now that being said this movie is very good representation of "possible" history, perfectly cast. Helen Hayes was good as the empress as well as Ingrid Bergman in the title role. Costumes locations and backgrounds scenes so realistic. I watch this movie every chance I get and see more details each time. A delightful film!
The Proud and Profane (1956)
Hard to relate to the characters
Watched this movie over Veterans Day weekend as I had not seen it. It was a real struggle caring about the main characters. Both Deborah Kerr and William Holden(both I usually like) were distant and unlikeable. I just didn't care about either of them. No depth to their characters or any sense to their actions other than lust. This does not make for a good movie plot for me.
Thelma Ritter gives a great performance as usual. She was quite believable and sincere. So I watched this movie with great expectations but realized afterwards why I had never seen or heard of it. Unless you don't have anything else to do skip it. I wish I had.
The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter (1968)
Just watch it!
Don't let the title throw you off. This movie is wonderful. Sad and joyous both.
Alan Arkin totally embraces his character. I felt such a connection with him. This story shows the kindness and care that one disabled man brings to others regardless of their circumstances. His observation of people is amplified by his deafness and is very touching
While I normally do not like Sandra Locke shie does a good job in this movie. The movie also touched on race relations during the period. I especially enjoyed the interaction between the doctor his honesty and his angry daughter. The other character actors are quite effective. I decided to watch it again on TCM and enjoyed it even more the third time. Excellent watch.
The Stalking Moon (1968)
Snoozer
Such accomplished actors deserved a better script. The characters had no depth and I just didn't like any of them with the exception of Sams protégé. In fact I found Sarah to be shallow and selfish. There were so many innocent people killed for the sake of a child. Plot holes galore especially with Savaje persistent "stalking" and murders. Why not disguise the boy change his dress or at best cut his hair? It's a very long drawn tedious movie and I was anxious for it to end. The ending was abrupt and disappointing. On a positive note the scenery good although a bit dark and drab possibly done purposely by the director. Fits the overall feel of the movie.
50% watchabilty.
Hercules Reborn (2014)
Oh no I didn't!
Watched hoping to see another flick about Hercules. Boy it sure was "a different Hercules"
Should have read these reviews first. Hercules was a joke; burping and vomiting...yeah that's a real appealing demi god. Nikos is a deranged psychopath obsessed with the princess; least she made an attempt to kill him. Why the villagers didn't revolt to take him down makes no sense. Woosies. Even the hero Arias is weak. There must have been a minimal budget with no money even for extras. The revolt looked to have maybe 25 men at most. The guy who played Cyrus did a good job acting.
Gave it one star for the hard bodies!
Four Christmases (2008)
Great cast. Horrible movie
Two proven comedic actors can't save this hot mess of a movie. Even supporting cast does not improve this movie. From the get go there is no way to Luke the main characters who are self centered insincere and shallow. No relatability n whatsoever. Insulting and crude references throughout left me baffled.
Cannot understand how this is billed as a Christmas movie. Comedic scenes fall totally flat. So surprised that Robert Duvall agreed to act on this disaster. His character is profane and ignorant. Even the children are disagreeable. The screenwriters must have been desperate to put out a film.
Here Comes Mr. Jordan (1941)
The best of them all!
This movie has been made several times with different titles (ie. "Heaven Can Wait") however this version has it all! Mystery, love treachery and humor! Delightful from start to finish
The acting is excellent including Robert Montgomery as boxer Joe Pendleton taken to Heaven too soon. Claude Raines is perfection as Mr Jordan as well as Edward Everett Horton as Joe's guardian Angel. I especially enjoyed James Gleason as Max Corckle. All supporting cast were just so good including Mr Farnsworth's butler. Turner Classic Movies shows this movie on occasion so be sure to see it if you get the chance. Does not disappoint.
Down Argentine Way (1940)
Fun fun fun!
This is a little know movie but fortunately TCM plays it on occasion. Light and fluffy plot and loads of talent. Don Ameche is charming and handsome. Betty Grable cute as a bug! I always enjoy seeing Charlotte Greenwood in a movie. Even the horses are beautiful!!! Worth watching just to see Carmen Miranda sing and dance she was so entertaining. Additionally the Nicholas Brothers perform an amazing dance in the night club floor show. If you have not seen them make a point to watch just for their unique style and athleticism. This movie entices me to visit Argentina for the beauty and night life but it may be from a time gone by. That's why I live watching older movies. I can dream can't I? Watch it you won't be disappointed!
Witness for the Prosecution (1957)
Charles Laughton shines
The characters in this movie are superbly cast. Charles Laughton is one of my favorites as well as wife Elsa Lancaster as his nurse. No mistaking the chemistry here. The first time I watched this movie I was on the edge of my seat trying to discern "who done it" knowing there was a twist in the story. Marlena Dietrich was so convincing as Christine. Even the other barristers and Sir Wilfred's manservant is perfectly suited to this film. Although Tyrone Power looked a bit tired and haggard as Leonard Vole who was supposed to be older than Christine. This is a must see for classic movie fans. Does not disappoint.
The Pirate (1948)
Too much fun!
This movie is very entertaining. Gene Kelly is sheer perfect in his role doing stunts singing and dancing! Love the fire dance number seeing his great physic (best thighs ever!).
Judy is quite beautiful and does a good job.
The Day the Earth Stood Still (2008)
Can't remake a classic
Was excited to see this movie hoping for great special effects however....acting subpar and what were they thinking adding the annoying kid! Keanu Reeves good that's about it.