Reviews

In my opinion, this version of Ben-Hur and The Big Parade are the two best films to come from the silent era. After over two decades of cinema, all the aspects of film making came together in the mid 1920s before Hollywood had to start all over again with talking pictures. Despite the passing of three-quarters of a century, the movie stands up remarkably well. Quite technologically advanced for its day, Ben-Hur boasts several colored sequences as well as a terrific sea battle and chariot race.

I have not read the book by Wallace but I am familiar with it enough to know that this movie is more faithful to the book than the 1959 remake. I liked the way the 1959 version pulled the story together to make it a better movie plot, but this version isn't far behind. It has suspense, romance and adventure!

Definitely worth many viewings!

Although this isn't one of Hitchcock's best films, it is still great and has many great elements. It drags a little during the first half but as Bergman hopelessly falls for criminal Peck, the story gains momentum.

The plot relies on the audience suspending its disbelief significantly. Most of the unraveling of the movie's mystery is due to Freudian analysis. Although very intriguing, it is not very plausible that John Ballantine (Gregory Peck) would remember an entire dream which could then be so intricately explained... almost flawlessly by psychoanalyst Bergman. Still, the story is captivating and the dialogue is well written.

The score, by Hungarian composer Miklos Rozsa is definitely one of the best of the 40's and was obviously an influence for Bernard Hermann's scores.

The acting is superb by all, especially by character actor Leo G. Caroll and the gorgeous Ingrid Bergman. It's not surprising that Hitch decided to use her again as the trashy alcoholic in "Notorious" the next year.

And of course, there are the Hitchcock touches... the use of color for a few frames, the kissing/door-opening sequence (you'll understand when you watch it), etc.

Overall, a very good film. *** 1/2 out of ****

I saw this movie for the first time a year and a half ago. I liked it, but I didn't remember how much until it was on TV today. Everything comes together so well at the end, and on repeated viewing, there is a whole new level to it.

Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman are both exceptional in their roles. Robbins plays Andy Dufresne, a convicted murderer who goes to Shawshank Prison where he is befriended by Red (Morgan Freeman), who has already served 20 years there. Despite the hardships of prison, Andy refuses to lose hope, and he tries to inspire Red to feel as he does.

I can't think of one scene that was wasted. Everything helped build to the movie's conclusion. Every character was important, as was every line of dialogue.

I actually cried at the end. This movie really makes you think and touches your heart. Next to Pulp Fiction, the best movie of the 90's.

This touching film is (the true story) about journalist Sydney Schanberg and his Cambodian interpreter Dith Pran. Caught up in the chaos of the American bombings and the Khmer Rouge, Pran eventually has to struggle just to stay alive.

This movie deserved every Oscar it won for its year (1984). The cinematography is excellent. First, Cambodia is photographed as almost a paradise. Then, we see the horror of warfare, also stunningly photographed. It looked so realistic, that for a moment, I felt like it wasn't a movie, but a documentary.

The acting is top notch as well, especially from Dr. Haing S. Ngor and John Malkovich (in his screen debut).

Everyone needs to see this movie at least once. Although it might be a little disturbing, the violence is not gratuitous. It only adds to the story and emphasizes the tragedy. Despite the tragic elements, however, the movie is inspirational. One of the best films to come out of the 80s!

If for some reason, you've read my review of Suspicion, you know that I named that movie as my favorite Hitchcock film of the 40s. I have changed my mind. Although a great movie, it simply doesn't compare to Rebecca. Fontaine's acting in both is superb, but Rebecca is much more atmospheric, and creepy.

Creepiest of all is Judith Anderson in the chilling role of Ms. Danvers. George Sanders is a weaselly detestable foil for Olivier and Fontaine, but I wonder... is he the villain? Or is Anderson? Perhaps only Rebecca is the villain.

Unfortunately, the plot twist didn't take me by surprise. I had already read about the film, so I knew what was coming, similar to my experience with Psycho, but it's interesting to go back and watch it through after seeing it the first time, and you see a whole new level.

Too bad this is the only Hitchcock movie that won Best Picture. Truly monumental film making!

The first time I saw this movie, I was kind of undecided. I had taped an Alfred Hitchcock marathon on TV and I only watched it for the sake of watching another Hitchcock film. The second time though, was in the back seat of a conversion van on a LONG road trip and I had a lot of time on my hands, so the more movies I had to watch, the better.

I thoroughly enjoyed it. Having read about the movie, I knew that the ending wasn't Alfred Hitchcock's first choice, but I thought the final shot was very beautifully filmed, and the ending was ok with me.

Of course, the whole movie is beautifully filmed in brilliant sunlight. I think the only really dark scene is the milk one. However, the theme of a woman suspecting that her husband is a murderer is indeed dark.

The movie is about Lina McLaidlaw (Joan Fontaine) who marries the rascally Johnnie Aysgarth (Cary Grant). She slowly begins to suspect that he is plotting to murder her for money, and it certainly doesn't help when his best friend dies under mysterious circumstances. Fontaine is excellent in her role and she certainly deserved her Oscar.

The movie is really quite entertaining. Many people consider Rebecca or Notorious Hitchcock's best movie of the 40's. I like both films a lot, but something about Suspicion makes it my personal favorite of the decade.

This is a must-see for Hitchcock fans. Full of classic performances and of course, suspensefully directed!

American Beauty was my pick for the best film of 1999. Every aspect of film making came together to make this movie great.

The script is darkly funny and is a very biting satire of all of us suburban middle class folks. In fact, I was a little scared when I could compare the characters to "normal" people I knew.

The acting was excellent. I can't imagine anyone other than Kevin Spacey in the role of Lester Burnham, who goes through a midlife crisis and wreaks havoc with the lives of everyone around him. The three young stars: Thora Birch, Mena Suvari, and Wes Bentley delivered on target performances. They add just the right amount emotional depth and pathos to save their characters from becoming the caricatures that they could have. Chris Cooper is the fascist neighbor, and an underused Allison Janney is his submissive wife. In a small comical role is Peter Gallagher, providing a foil for Annette Bening, who plays Spacey's wife. Bening's performance was perhaps the most widely criticize, but I thought it was excellent. She has been accused of being over the top. Of course she was over the top. That was the image of success her character was trying to project constantly, but when she stops projecting that image, we see a human side that is very touching in the film's final sequence.

The film has a good message about what beauty is, and Spacey's closing monologue brings everything to a close wonderfully. If the inevitable had come a half an hour earlier, it would seem less tragic, but that extra time gives the audience a chance to "look closer" and empathize with each character, even Chris Cooper's.

Also of note, is the beautiful cinematography. The use of color is striking, especially in the surreal dream sequences. This film definitely deserved the oscar it received for cinematography, as well as the other four oscars.

So, if you want to see what everyone has been talking about, you should see American Beauty. **** out of ****

This was a very intelligent film, whose script neither condescends or patronizes its audience. Russell Crowe was very impressive and Al Pacino was great as always. Plummer also did a nice job as 60 Minutes' Mike Wallace.

However, there is more to the film than the fine performances. The filming is well though out, painting a cold uninviting picture of America. The cinematography was the second best of the year, topped only by American Beauty's rich colorful portrait of suburban life. This movie was almost Kubrickian in its realistically icy style. No sentimentality here, folks.

I would really recommend this movie. It's a little longer than your average film, but there isn't a wasted moment. The approximately 2 hrs. and 40 minutes will go by quickly. If you want to watch a movie that appeals to your intelligence, watch the Insider. *** 1/2 out of ****

This is the most terribly made movie I have ever had the pleasure of watching, and as such, is extremely enjoyable.

The acting is mediocre at best, and is often not even that. The gravestones wobble. When on fire, the flying saucers look like burning paper plates.

In some scenes, the time of day switches back and forth several times. For example, toward the beginning, some gravediggers are working late in the day, around sundown. At the same time, a plane is flying overhead, and it is almost 4:00 on the plane. Since the people on the plane describe it as being early morning (although the sun is brightly shining, creating shadows of everyone), one can only assume that it is 4:00 A.M. Next, the scene shifts back to the graveyard, where it is apparently sundown. That's only one of many plot holes big enough to fly a saucer through.

There is also Bela Lugosi, who died before production even began. Ostensibly seeking Lugosi's box office draw, director Ed Wood put old Lugosi outtakes in. The result is hilarious. One scene is used several times, and in between, there is his taller standin who uses a cap to conceal the fact that he is not Lugosi.

Another highlight is Eros's description of how the earthlings will destroy the universe by exploding sunlight.

I've only covered part of why this movie is soooo enjoyable. Anyone who wants a good laugh should see this movie

For a movie: 0/10

For entertainment value: 8/10

This is my 2nd favorite Hitchcock movie after North by Northwest. It is a combination of all the elements that make his movies great. The acting, the use of color and the cinematography, the music, the story that grabs you in the beginning and doesn't let go.

This movie is perfectly cast. I'm not sure, but I think there are only 4 characters who appear in more than 1 scene. Jimmy Stewart and Kim Novak really carry this movie in their large roles. On repeat viewing, after you have learned the truth about the Kim Novak character the first time, her performance gets deeper and deeper. What a spot to be in, to be in love with the one person that you have to convince you are someone else. Barbara Bel Geddes is also good in a small role. Jimmy Stewart is great as always, but perhaps better than usual. His performance reaches an emotional level that few actors can. He was absolutely amazing.

I thought the picture quality (VistaVision + Restoration) was beautiful! I think this is quite possibly the loveliest movie I have ever seen. Every shot seems so perfect. The way the green reflects on people's faces, and that beautiful but sad graveyard... and the scene where Stewart kisses Novak, and is suddenly reminded of kissing her in the stables... WOW! The dream sequence was brilliant too. I also liked the "vertigo effect". You really feel the way Jimmy Stewart does in that bell tower.

Bernard Hermann's score is one of his best ever. The way some things are accentuated is great - like whenever the vertigo thing is done, and the love theme when Stewart and Novak kiss passionately in her hotel room is compelling to no end. His next three scores (North by Northwest, Psycho, Marnie) are also very good. Perhaps this score was the one that showed the character's emotions the best and it fit the film perfectly.

The story was great. The first time I saw it, I was thinking - this is kind of weird. She's possessed by her great-grandma? But after watching the whole thing and rewatching it, I realized how great it is. And the way it's directed really fleshes out a wonderful screenplay. Anyone who is going into film should watch this movie and learn from it. It has a special place in the annals of movie history.

It's a wonderful mystery, drama, love story, gripping suspense, a series of beautifully filmed images, and one of the best films you could ever treat yourself with!

This isn't Hitchcock at his best, but it is an interesting movie about a French agent and how he is caught up in the Cuban Missile Crisis.

The sequence involving the defection of the KGB official was very tense. All the scenes with Karin Dor are great. Dany robin was also good although she needed more screen time. Roscoe Lee Browne's small role is entertaining, and John Forsythe is an interesting American contact for the film's star, Stafford. He isn't suave like Cary Grant or as universally likeable as Jimmy Stewart, but that's not what his role calls for. Overall, he was good as the French agent.

Compared to Hitchcock's previous effort, Torn Curtain, Topaz is a much better spy movie. It is interesting to note the final scene - in which the audience is reminded of the deaths that had to occur before a solution was reached. It is almost sympathetic toward the agents, and officials on all sides, traitors or not.

This movie is worth watching to see a dramatization of the Cold War. I was surprised at the end when I found out about Nicole's relation to Topaz. A good movie.

When I read the box at the video store, I thought it sounded a little silly, but since it was directed buy Hitchcock, I decided to give it a try. I was glad I did!

This film does a good job at showing what life is like (in a twisted way) in a small American town. Of course the whole thing is a black comedy about a corpse, but it's great fun, and suspenseful too, especially when Calvin is in the room, questioning everybody. I didn't understand why the door kept opening, but maybe it was just a joke - normally the door would signal a killer entering or something like that - but the door is never any cause for alarm.

All the actors are good, especially Gwenn, and Mrs. Gravely was so endearing. Don't ignore this lesser known Hitchcock movie. It's a treat to watch and is genuinely funny.

I am shocked that after a long string of great movies, that after Marnie, Hitchcock directed this film. It is not a bad film, but overall, it is not involving or very suspenseful except for the one scene in the farmhouse. None of the actors were bad; you just don't care what happens to them. At the beginning, I wanted Julie Andrews to stop Paul Newman from going to East Berlin. Of course, she didn't and there was still an hour and a half left for me to sit through.

One thing I didn't like was the way the colors looked. Everything seemed gray and drab. In the 50's, Hitchcock's color films literally shined with bright colors. Perhaps the images in Marnie were dull too, but it fit the tone of the movie. Torn Curtain doesn't have that type of personality, so the picture quality doesn't enhance it at all.

Torn Curtain broke no new ground although it continued the trend of using what was considered graphic violence at the time - this is confined to one scene. Hitchcock fans will want to see it because it is directed by the master, but it's nothing monumental.

There are some distinct Hitchcock touches I enjoyed, like his cameo, and his trademark: the protagonist hiding in a bathroom, as well as the farmhouse scene I mentioned before. But it wasn't enough to consider it a classic like so many of his other films. I suppose this movie is Hitchcock's response to the spymania - most notably the James Bond films, but it should've been more suspenseful and intriguing. At least the theatre scene had some suspense - but what was up with Tamara Toumanova? She seemed so weird. At least Hitchcock recovered to make his next film a better spy thriller - Topaz, and a few years later, his shocking Frenzy.

In my opinion, North by Northwest is the high point in Hitchcock's career, a Mt. Everest of film making with another high peak on each side - Vertigo and Psycho.

This is one of the most perfect movies I have ever seen - full of plot twist after plot twist, the most interesting characters to ever grace the screen, and marvelous set pieces.

As soon as the movie begins, we are thrust into the life of Roger Thornhill, who we spend almsot every scene of the movie with. We know at once that he is a conniving adman, but under it all, he is a nice guy, and about the most sympathetic hero of any movie. The bad guys are as evil as they come, and Eva Marie Saint may not be Grace Kelly, but perhaps that makes it better. Audiences may not have accepted Grace Kelly in that role.

The setpieces.... so great! the Hotel, the UN, the TRAIN!, the auction scene, and Mt. Rushmore are all great, but none are quite as superb as the cropdusting sequence. I've seen the movie at least 5 times, and I never realized that it's kind of gratuitous until I read a comment about Torn Curtain and gratuitous characters/scenes. That's how well this movie works - everything seems right and nothing seems out of place. Even the one noticable blooper - the kid who put his fingers over his ears before the gunshot - it doesn't tarnish the movie at all.

I understand why Ben-Hur won 11 oscars for the year 1959 - it was an epic film and it is done well, but North By Northwest was the best movie of that year, if not the entire 1950's.

Cary Grant was the coolest guy ever and is the quintessential "everyman". That on top of every aspect of this movie being perfect makes it Hitch's most appealing work. It doesn't break new ground, but it is so brilliantly conceived and executed, that it is no wonder it is on so many top 10 and top 100 lists. Everyone should see this movie more than once.

This movie was full of intense performances by all the actors. It is also beautifully photographed. Had it not been released in 1939 along with scores of other classics, it could have taken several Oscars.

I now see why people consider this one of the greatest romances ever to be put on film. Merle Oberon and Laurence Olivier have amazing screen presences. Just by seeing them on the screen, you can see this passion radiating from them. The other actos are all great as well, especially Niven, Robson, and Fitzgerald.

This movie has something that many movies today don't have - real characters. The characters aren't perfect. The mistakes they make aren't easily remedied, but have consequences. A sometimes haunting, sometimes depressing, always fabulous movie.

South Pacific is a good film and a good musical. In my opinion, it would be better in the hands of Robert Wise, but it is still great to see and hear. Usually, anyway. The color filters seemed kind of misused. At first, I thought there was something wrong with the sky.

A few of of the voices are dubbed, but it is handled pretty well, and didn't distract me at all. Some have said that the movie is too slow. It takes its time to get going, but the actors do their jobs well, and bring the story forward.

So, overall, this is a film I would recommend. Finally, I will mention the best thing about the movie. Its score is so beautifully orchestrated and sung. I fell in love with the songs. Also, the instrumental medley at the end is a joy to listen to. Rodgers and Hammerstein are always great, and this film is a good example of a classic musical!

A slave/gladiator starts a revolt against Rome and incredible odds. Watch the restored version!

This movie was astonishing. The score was excellent, as were the cinematography and acting. I wasn't sure what to expect of John Dall and John Gavin but I was pleasantly surprised by all. Laughton and Ustinov are very good and Olivier's Crassus drips with evil.

The drama is so compelling - you empathize with the characters so much! I cried during the "I am Spartacus" scene. And at times, Tony Curtis seems like this little boy who needs to be loved and wants so badly to help Spartacus that you just can't help but feel for him. And I don't blame him for running away from his master. If Olivier's Crassus came on to me, and told me to serve Rome (an analogy for himself?), I'd flee too.

The supporting actors are great too. Charles McGraw was very hatable, and the Roman "nymphs" (Nina Foch and Joanna Barnes) are such a fine example of the vain, idle rich.

Although this isn't the most Kubrick-ian of Kubrick's films, probably due to Kirk Douglas' and Anthony Mann's influences, it is one of the best historical epics ever, and is a total treat to watch!

This movie is so great! I am only 15 and have seen it 4 times and it never gets old! Even though I was born more than 2 decades after this place, it felt really nostalgic and sentimental. The acting is so great. Some people have said the plot leaves something to be desired. In my opinion, it's not the plot that matters - it's the way everything is held together so seamlessly by the music and the way you get to care for all of the characters and identify them with yourself or someone you know.

It's also interesting to see Harrison Ford in a different way than in any other movie. If you want to see a movie about a group of people having one last care free night before their lives change forever, if you want to see some popular actors when they were young, or if you want to hear one of the greatest soundtracks ever, watch this movie!

This film is more true today than ever! This film could easily be made today and everyone would think it was a parody of Fox. Maybe parody isn't the correct word. Fox is so sensational that it is practically a parody of this movie. For any of you watch shows like Jerry Springer and the "World's blank-iest blank" (Fill in almost anything), in case you don't know, these are not sympathetic shows. They are only meant to be exploitative to gain ratings. Fox doesn't have high enough standards to run shows of high quality.

Back to the movie, every performance is sooo wonderful, especially, Finch, Dunaway, Holden, okay, practically all of them!

The script is extremely well written and the first time I saw it, there was so much tension toward the end! I was being that destruction-loving TV watcher in all of us, waiting for it to happen! If you've seen the movie, you know what I'm talking about. If not, rent it now! 11/10

This movie isn't deep nor is there anything that stands out as being technically astounding, but this movie is a fantastic, fast-paced feel-good movie. The mid 80's has some great films that have cult status today and this is one of them!

It is the simple story of how Baby (Jennifer Grey - looking as great as ever)and her family vacation in the Catskills where the ultra-cool dance instructor's partner gets pregnant and he needs a new partner.

Of course, the instructor is Patrick Swayze and you know where the movie is headed but it is such a joy to watch the story develop and the end is perfectly fitting for the film. Not to mention an excellent score that is a combination of 60s and 80s songs.

And almost every character is memorable: Lisa - the skanky sister, Neil - the nerdy grandson, Tito Suarez who has the funniest look on his face when asked about sheet music, etc. Virtually every scene is memorable too, especially the 'Do You Love Me' scene, the log/water scene, and the final dance number. Perhaps my favorite moment is when Patrick Swayze bashes the car window and it is only raining on half of the screen when he picks up the post.

The point is this: Watch this movie - alone, in a group, on a rainy day, on a Sunday afternoon. It is along with Ferris Bueller's Day Off, one of the best movies of the 80's!

Oh my gosh!!!! What a movie!!!

This movie is so excellent. It is the apex of virtually everything: the careers of Matthew Broderick and Jennifer Grey (although she was good in Dirty Dancing the next year), the apex of John Hughes' career and not to mention the apex of teen comedies. They just don't make 'em like this anymore. Show me a hundred Jennifer Love Hewitt films and I promise you that none of them will match or even come close to the greatness this film possesses.

From beginning to end, it's a non stop ride through a teenager's day as he decides to play hooky from school. And unlike many of today's teen "comedies" it isn't superficial; Ferris has more in mind than skipping. He wants to help his best friend gain some confidence, although it is really the audience that feels the best in the end.

This is the ultimate feel-good movie and is one that never gets old! It is very funny and heart-warming!! 12/10

This movie is absolutely breathtaking. Mia Farrow is so easy to identify with. There were times when I wanted to scream at the characters on the screen. That is how well-acted this movie is. Some parts may seem a little campy by today's audiences but for me there was not an unreal moment. Ruth Gordon definitely deserved that Oscar, as did Mia Farrow and John Cassavettes. I absolutely loved that Scrabble scene. I found myself thinking 'Come on, Rosemary! Figure it out!' This is my favorite horror movie.

What is there to say? This movie was awesome! One thing fascinated me: Was Diane Baker the villain? And if not, was there a villain? Anyway, Diane Baker is an excellent actress. Not to mention Tippi Hedren! She had perfect transitions from thief to victimized girl. This movie is very atmospheric, and in places it seems to be a very gloomy movie, which adds to its impact. If you have not seen it, watch it now! It is superb!