Change Your Image
zaba_53
Reviews
The Fiction-Makers (1968)
Thoroughly enjoyable spy spoof
Loved this film. It was just another title in a full boxed set of the entire Saint series, but from the moment the opening music began, I knew this was something more than just another Saint episode. Obviously made for theatrical release, the excellent production values and especially the lush musical score made this a real treat. Moore and Syms show off their comical side as the plot spoofs it's way through a Goldfinger inspired heist caper. Just the surprise I needed during the Covid lockdown at home!
The Cape Town Affair (1967)
Film to be appreciated for its' subtle attributes.
I'll probably be the only reviewer who enjoyed this film. Aside from not being able to find a really decent DVD which affected visual quality somewhat, I thought this was a solid little spy thriller. I've heard it said it's slow and talky. Well, maybe if your film life was developed watching only X-Men and Fast and Furious movies this would not appeal, but if you give Capetown a chance and think about what is happening it's a decent film. Bisset is luscious in a decent wholesome way, regardless of her past. Brolin is a bit stilted, but he too is a product of a troubled past and I think you could argue his charater's behavior is the result. Claire Trevor's performance is solid as is everyone else. I thought the best part of the film was the subtle realization by "Skip" that two women had suffered badly as a result of their refusal to give away "Skip's" home address. One was murdered by Joey the commie and Candy was beaten up and shot for her refusal to talk. It seemed an important moment to me and I think helped change Skip for the better. The wrap up, including the gunfights and chase as well as the final scene were satisfying. I didn't think the film was slow at all, I thought it was a solid B+
Hit! (1973)
This film is terrific.
Never saw it until I saw it on TV recently. Don't know where I was, but I don't even remember the title from back in the day, but I'm glad I found it now.
Tell It to the Judge (1949)
Thoroughly charming romantic comedy worth repeated viewing!
I watched this film again last night and turned in for the night in a thoroughly good mood. Not a character out of place, the players were perfectly chosen for their roles and on top of that, everyone is terrifically likable! Comments regarding thin plots or unnecessary scenes be darned, this film accomplishes what it sets out to do. Tell It To The Judge provides 87 mirthful minutes of diversion, taking the viewer from Washington D.C., to Miami and all the way back to the Adirondacks for it's mixed up, misunderstood and downright happy ending.
Probably my favorite romantic comedy, sharp dialogue, crazy twists, adorable characters and all.
Black Snake Moan (2006)
A Truly Underrated Film
I finally got around to watching this film last evening. I had avoided it based on some reviews and the nasty impression most of the film's publicity and advertising gave me, especially the images. I believe that by pandering to that part of the public that looks for nothing but "sex and violence" in their entertainment, the publicists removed any opportunity for the film to be taken seriously. And it should be taken seriously.
Had this film been a foreign film produced during the 1960s or 1970s, for example, it wouldn't have been promoted so inanely and at such a primitive level. It would have been pushed as a sensitive study of two very troubled lovers caught up in a tangle of suffering and misunderstanding. Minus the level 50 IQ posters of half naked women in chains, the story would have a chance to be seen for what it is.
I like this film. I like it a lot and it had nothing to do with Ms. Ricci gallivanting around in the all together. I liked it because I understood it and my guess is that most of the critics that panned this film haven't seen enough life to understand what they were really watching.
Bravo to the writers, cast and director for a beautiful, sensitive piece of work and shame, shame on the low life Hollywood hucksters that brought the entire advertising campaign of an adult film down to their own gutter level juvenile thought process. This film has my highest recommendation.