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douglas.soesbe
Reviews
Boulevard (2014)
BRILLIANT FILM
This is a fine, understated film about a very sensitive topic. Robin is brilliant in one of his final roles. Writing is subtle, touching, and understands how difficult it was for men and women to come out before gay liberation. So many live in secret and needless shame. The direction and cinematography are excellent. A sadly overlooked film.
The Wrong Valentine (2021)
Fun but flimsy
First of all, why are the mother and daughter living in Versailles? The house is ridiculously over the top. Vivica is wonderful as always, the daughter bland, the mother strong. The young man is excellent and keeps it on track, even when the dialog is risible.
A Ghost Story (2017)
Brilliant and unique
Clearly some don't get it on this site. Anyone who finds this extraordinary film dull isn't paying attention. This beautiful meditation on death and loss is one of the most moving experiences I had at the movies all year.
I Know Who Killed Me (2007)
Unfair Reviews
I've been meaning to write this for a long time, but the reviews of this movie are largely unfair. I found this movie a deliciously dark, often witty but scary experience. The writing is quite good, miles ahead of what the genre usually provides. Character work was detailed and dialogue was way above average. Somehow I think that Lindsey Lohan's reputation at the time was reviewed more than the movie, which is miles ahead of most films in this genre. The dual personalities and the theme of separating reality from fantasy is very well positioned in the script, which brings a level of thematic to the piece that's rare for the genre, as well. I also think the movie, because it was sold as a horror film, was hugely misunderstood.
The Vampire (1957)
VERY UNDERRATED
Here's one of the most underrated of the fifties' sci-fi/horror films. This is also an example of not being able to please the public, no matter what you do. The film actually takes time to develop its characters, yet reviews complain that it's slow. The relationship between the father and his daughter is genuinely moving. There's a tragic grandeur over the whole film. And it's also very scary. The scene in which Coleen Gray flees down the streets (shot in Culver City) are genuinely horrifying. Dabbs Greer, that venerable character actor, acquits the role of Dr. Will Beaumont, the lead's friend, with style and good humor. There's so much to this movie that has never been properly recognized. Recently screened at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood, with Coleen Gray in attendance, it drew enthusiastic responses from those who saw it. A gem long and perhaps forever unrecognized.
Homicidal (1961)
A STRANGE, ODDLY COMPELLING MOVIE
This came out almost a year to the day after PSYCHO. Although Time Magazine called it "scarier" than Hitchcock's classic, it really isn't. Castle's movie has a certain virtue, however, even though it's so clearly derivative. Curiously, the movie features little details that resemble "Psycho," beyond just the story. The justice of the peace, for instance, resembles Sheriff Chambers in "Psycho" and even wears a similar robe. This movie has the same misleading opening, a long, detailed emphasis upon a crime that later proves irrelevant to the actual movie. The movie also features one of the stranger film debuts of all time, which, not wishing to "spoil" the movie, will not be divulged here. Ultimately, this is a cheaply made, rather homely but involving movie that works up an extraordinary amount of tension.
The Fallen Idol (1948)
Very Hitchcockian, filled with suspense.
A riveting little movie. Very Hitchcockian in its style. Smart, economical dialogue. After a somewhat slow, crafty build, it will grab hold of you. Wonderful bit with a paper airplane. Filled with superb little touches.