Not a lot of laughs to be had in the first of two comedies pairing Sidney Portier and Bill Cosby. Characters come and go at random including a cameo by Richard Pryor as a phony detective. You know things are off to a bad start when Portier waxes poetically for what seems an eternity about the size of his wife's ass. Cosby provides the only comic moments. Especially when the two try to bluff their way into meeting a gangster they believe has their stolen wallet. Later Flip Wilson as a church deacon gives a speech which has nothing to do with the plot and goes on longer than Portier's earlier one. In addition Portier an excellent dramatic actor is a terrible comedian and spends most of the movie mooning in a manner reminiscent of 40s actor Mantan Morland. At least Morland was funny. Still the 70s fashion and New York neighborhoods are fun to watch and there's a couple of great numbers by a Gospel Choir.
Reviews
24 Reviews
Casino Royale
(1967)
a sort of fun mess
5 May 2024
Bond on acid. The best stuff is the Woody Allen sequences. He plays Jimmy Bond the "dissapointing" nephew of Uncle James Bond. The women look great. Ursula Andress sure was a beautiful sexy woman. Oh yeah and Deborah Kerr late 40s still looks fabulous. In fact all the women are incredible so that's why 6 rating. On the other hand David Niven has got to be one of most boring actors ever. He certainly brings everything to a standstill in this movie. And that stupid stutter. What comic genius came up with that bit of pathetic nonsense. Niven had the same effect in The Pink Panther and The Bishop's Wife.
A Geisha
(1953)
Among his best
30 April 2024
This is definitely one of Mizoguchi's greatest achievments. The character arch of the younger Geisha apprenticing to the older more expereinced one is fully realized. The dynamic of having the modern younger woman rebelling against the old ways rings true. Excellent performances all around. I have now seen Michiyo Kogure in several movies: The Drunken Angel; The Story of Madame Yuki; Flavor of Green Tea Over Rice; Street of Shame; and now A Geisha. I have to say that her range is quite impressive. And for this reason she's replaced my previous favourite actress Setsuko Hara. Setsuko is wonderful of course but basically plays the same role each time. Michiyo Kogure is different in every film. She even looks different each time. A Geisha is aptly titled as it is the most accurate depiction I've seen of what a Geisha's life is actually like. Beautifully photographed with a setting that comes alive for the viewer. The only flaw is perhaps the rather abrupt ending. Otherwise this is an excellent film.
Brigadoon
(1954)
Brigadull
21 April 2024
This is one dull musical. Perhaps because cherographer Kelly leaned too heavily on the Scottish theme the dance sequences are almost entirely without any appeal at all. Plue what's up with Van Johnson's paunchy old queen? What a bucketful of misogynist misery his character is. Cinemascope reduces the cinematic qualities to stagey. However any movie with Cyd Charisse at least has that going for it. The art department does a nice job of making the soundstages look like the bonnie highlands of bonnie Scotland. That is about it as far as highlights go. At one point Kelly and company seek the enlightenment of an old Scottish sage. The fellow gives a speech about how the townfolk wake up every hundred years. The speech seems to take a hundred years and is truly sleep inducing. The actor playing the sage is so boring he not only brings the scene to a standstill he manages to make it seem like it's moving backwards. Watch -Singin in the Rain again instead.
The Winston Affair
(1964)
An overlooked gem
3 April 2024
Well written and acted courtroom drama. Robert Mitchum is sequesterd to defend accused murderer Keenan Wynn in what amounts to a show trial to appease British and American relations in WW 2 India. Mitchum is solid as usual. (Was the limp and cane part of the character or did Mitchum injure himself skiing prior to production?) He shows genuine anguish as he struggles between what he knows is a valid insanity defense and what the military wants him to do. Trevor Howard is always great although his role is so minisule you almost forget he's in the film. Then there's Keenan Wynn perfectly cast as our murderer. Although he seems for the most part slightly restained . I could have used a little of his Colonel Bat Guano from Dr. Strangelove wierdness here. France Nuyen. Ah France Nuyen! If only she'd fall for me as quickly as she does Mitchum in this movie. Indian locations are used to good effect. Then of course it brings up the old validity of avoiding the death penalty by reason of insanity. Of course this is standard ruling in law, but one has to ask the question is it true justice? Check this one out if you get a chance. The Winston Affair or Man in the Middle . It's well worth it.
Cabin in the Sky
(1943)
Minnelli?
2 April 2024
Hard to believe this was directed by the great Vincente Minnelli. The pace is slow and plodding to the point of being glacial. Musical numbers lack inventiveness. This is true of both cherography and camera work. There's one good song and that's sung by Lena Horne. Lena is so beautiful and sexy that it's almost possible to forget about how terrible an actress she is. At least in this movie . I don't know about her in other roles so she may have improved. She also has a great voice. Others in the cast who are too over the top include everyone else except the great Rex Ingram . Ingram was one of the best actors of the era. And he shows it here. The other good points are the apperance though very limited of two 20th Century musical giants Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong. Worth seeing once. Should be made again . Obviously with a much better script.
Blackbeard, the Pirate
(1952)
Shipbound Pirate Adventure
24 March 2024
A man disguises himself as a pirate doctor in order to bring the notorious pirate Blackbird to justice. He is aided by a beautiful hostage. Robert Newton out does his Long John Silver impersonation and his Blackbeard is a buggy eyed brutal marvel. In fact considering the censorhip of 1952 the movie is shockingly violent in the many horrific murders that take place. Of course most of what happens is not shown but the implications of how the Pirates treated each other when taking lives is not spared any white washing. In spite of that and the staggering beauty of Linda Darnell the film is suprisingly actionless. Most of taking place inside various rooms on board Blackbeard's boat. The male lead is played by what's his name. Yes that's right. Whoever he is. The man has no charisma whatsoever and reads his lines like he's reciting the phone book. Worth a look once but that's all. Suprising as it was directed by Raoul Walsh who has made some terrific adventure movies.
California Suite
(1978)
Unbearable
23 March 2024
Warning: Spoilers
Ok not completely unbearable. You do get to see Jane Fonda in a bikini. As to why she's in a bikini? So that we get to see Jane Fonda in a bikini . Otherwise what's the point of this warring ex couple deciding they need to go swimming together? It's stupid. Jane's character is so hostile to ex husband Alda that it feels like having sandpaper ground into your ears listening to her spit contentous vitriol at him. Neil Simon ? Was he ever good? He sure was popular but for me his humour is dated and unfunny. All of the character's names sound made up. Simon conjuring up funny names just to be funny. Dr. Chauncey Gump? Isn't that funny? Oh yeah there's a plot about 4 couples all staying in a swank hotel so they can fight with one another. If this sounds hilarious to you go for it. Otherwise avoid.
Meet Me in Las Vegas
(1956)
Cyd great Dailey not
14 March 2024
Cyd Charise graces any picture she happens to be in. Terrific dancer, beautiful, sexy, and a decent actress. Too bad she's paired with the complete non-entity that is Dan Dailey. The name says it all. He looks like Howdy Doodey. I don't know maybe he can sing or dance but whatever his appeal in the 50s it certainley doesn't translate to a modern audience. The Ninotchka like plot doesn't help matters either. I guess Gene Kelley wasn't available. A decent leading man would have made a huge difference but instead we get Dailey. Even Donald O' Connor would have been better . At least he's funny. Watch it for Cyd that's the only reason I give it 5 stars.
Testament of Orpheus
(1960)
5 reels in reverse
11 March 2024
Orphee was such an excellent example of surrealistic dream imagery that it's hard to imagine the same director made this trifle. Perhaps because the former film had a plot based on a Greek myth giving it structure. Here there is none. And as another reviewer noted Cocteau can't act. In fact he has absolutely no screen presence whatsoever. As to what it's all about , the phrase who care's comes to mind. Luckily Maria Cesares shows up but unfortunatley this is 11 years after her wonderful sexy commanding performance as death in Orphee. Those must have been a rough 11 years. Meanwhile Cocteau can always resort to reversing the film if things get a little too normal. He does this early in the film and it's very effective. Then he does it again. And again. And on and on. For such a creative guy how come the only cinematic effect he conjurs up is reversing the film? Something Chaplin and Keaton were doing in the silent days. Pretty much a waste of time and nowhere near the greatness of Orphee.
Good Neighbor Sam
(1964)
Last third falters
10 March 2024
One of a number of light comedies Lemmon appeared in during the mid 60s. He's great as Mr. Ordinary white collar worker. The movie starts fine with a gently satrical approach to the 9-5 office routine and taking particular jabs at the advertising industry. However with the arrival of Mike Connors as Romy Schneider's ex husband, things take a turn to French bedroom farce. In this case the bedrooms are separated by a lawn and take place in two different houses. This becomes quickly tiresome and I basically wanted things to wrap up. The entire cast is excellent however. Romy Schneider proving she could play comedy, Eddy G. Robinson always solid, and the very likeable Dorothy Provine who is a sort of sexier earthier version of Doris Day.
Highly Dangerous
(1950)
Highly Implausible
18 February 2024
Warning: Spoilers
An esteemed British scientist is hired as a spy by the government. She is sent to a fictional iron curtain nation to investigate their development of germ warfare. The problem is she is sent without any training whatsoever, no knowledge of the (ficticious) language and the most improbable cover story ever. A travel agent??? Of course the enemy immediatley has her under suspicion. Then things get worse. She's given a truth serum which instead of revealing the truth turns her into a super spy. A dull American reporter, played quite dully by the dull Dane Clark volunteers to help her. Things become even more unbelievable when they manage to avoid an entire army in escaping with the bottled bug/germ. Coming to their aid out of nowhere is a priest! Pretty ridiculous but Lockwood is great to watch as always. Beautiful with her new hairstyle and given the most action scenes since The Lady Vanishes. Too bad the plot is so inane.
A Mighty Wind
(2003)
Only has one rhythm.
7 January 2024
A Mighty Wind definitely has some funny moments most of them provided by The Folksmen and just the general send up of the whole folk culture. But for a comedy about music it lacks a variety in pacing and rhythm. You can basically time how long each scene will take before getting to the punchline. This makes it feel like one very long sitcom sketch after awhile. Sort of like Portlandia or The Larry Sanders Show but without the satrical bite. Plus the Levy character is not funny at all. And he quickly becomes annoying. On the other hand , Parker Posey is a wonderful comedic talent who is also very beautiful . Would have been nice to see more of her singing .
Oklahoma Crude
(1973)
Pretty Good and Dunaway is great!
27 December 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Along with Chinatown and Bonnie and Clyde this is one of Faye's best roles. .You kinda want her to loosen up as Scott suggests. But she remains convincing as a single minded woman obsessed with delivering a fortune in oil. Plus she also remains beautiful. Scott is a little miscast as a downtrodden depression hobo. Not to mention he is also a very pudgy downtrodden depression hobo. Millsy is along for his usual capabable supporting role . I never understood what Palance was doing hanging around waiting. I guess there was a legal hitch preventing him from just taking over the well. It was never very well explained. All in all it's a decent enough film and of special interest if you are a fan of Faye Dunaway or George C Scott . Scott seems to be trying to distance himself from the authoritian role in Patton and I have to say he sort of succeeds. One thing I really hated was that dimwitted Anne Murray song they kept playing which had nothing to do with the movie. I guess the Producer Stanley Kramer, was hoping for a sort of "Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head" type association with the movie. Anyway it's just annoying and intrusive. Actually similar to the effect "Raindrops" had in Butch Cassidy.
The Paradine Case
(1947)
Much better than it's reputation
5 November 2023
Warning: Spoilers
A real tense courtroom drama. Peck is tormented when he falls in love with the beateous nut job Vailli. I actually came here for Ann Todd who again delivers a wonderful and moving performance as Peck's wife. Laughton steals the show however as the cranky, creepy, old judge. His wife Ethel Bat's in her belfry Barrymore has a few scenes. But perhaps even better is Louis Jordan as the intense, obsessed, valet. He's menancing and saintly in almost equal measure. And believe me I never thought I'd say that about Louis Jordan who usually plays a lightweight charmer. Vailli is great in the courtroom scenes and Peck is earnest. A Hitchcock I had previously ignorred and forgotten but now a new favouirte.
White Zombie
(1932)
which actors were the zombies?
27 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Starts off quite nicely with the voodoo chanting road burial sequence but alas, things get pretty slowww afterwards. The pacing of individual scenes moves like a funeral procession. Bride to be, Madge Bellamy is wonderfully beautiful. She looks especially appealing in her clinging diaphanous gown . I can see why the plantation owner would want her all to himself. However her acting and everyone's really, was so stilted, so unresponsive that it was hard to tell the difference before and after she became a zombie. Lugosi lurks around , as the zombie master but has a couple scenes where his expressions seemed more like a baseball fan unhappy with the umpire, than a murderous curse welding villian. Exceedingly dull all around despite the great start and Haitian Voodoo setting.
Trade Winds
(1938)
a real clunker
20 October 2023
March is a playboy detective on the trial of a notorious femme fatal played femme and fatal by Joan Bennett. From the annoying persistent music to the irritating character played by March there's really not much to like here. Exotic locales are unevenly matched with not so convincing sets. But worst of all is Ralph Bellamy playing March's idiot "assistant" emphasis on ass. Did Bellamy really talk like that in all his movies? His voice sounds like a tin can full of gravel that has been submerged in slow drying cement. Would have rated it a 4 except for a very sexy Ann Southern as March's would be detective secretary and the now stunning brunettel femme fatale Joan Bennet.
Rapid fire entertainment!
16 October 2023
These short B budget movies have some of the best storytelling. Maybe it's got to do with 60 minutes or so time limit but it means events move like a good detective short story. The plot involving smugglers, a lone suspect , hideouts , moves the setting along to various bizzare locals. Tofler is great as Chan . I like him a lot more than Warner Oland who while good always seemed a little lugubrious . Tofler on the other hand has a wiley mishceviousness about him. Also a certain toughness (?) when his son is being beaten up by interogrators. Not sure how that passed the censors. Still the plot pace and acting makes this one of the best in the series.
An Unmarried Woman
(1978)
Bates was the only likeable character
13 September 2023
I thought Jill Clayburgh in Hustling as the prostitute Wanda gave a wonderfully nuanced performance showcasing a wide range of emotions. So that brought me to UnMarried Woman for which she recieved an academy award nomination, critical acclaim and so on. Well as the recenctly divorced Erica I found her completely unsympathetic. Prior to the big change she seemed honestly a rather dull charmless woman. When the equally dull charmless Michael Murphey divorces her she understandably becomes very bitter. I can accept this if there was something else about her that would compel me to feel any empathy for her but I didn't . Worse still are the male characters. The aforementioned Murphy and the character of Larry. What a jerk! Why would anyone want to sleep with this creep? His big seduction line" Hey what is this? You're acting like a virgin!" That's powerfully seductive. Right ladies? Anyway the one saving grace is the always decent Alan Bates as an artist Clayburgh falls for . Unfortunately that isn't enough to save this movie. See Hustling instead. The ratings for these two movies should be reversed.
Hustling
(1975 TV Movie)
I can't believe the rating here or the other reviews
12 September 2023
This movie is basically The French Connection but instead of narcotics being the centrepiece of the movie , in Hustling ,it's prostitution. Jill Clayburgh gives an outstanding performance as Wanda the high priced hooker. At certain points she resembles Sandra Bullock. The movie is a no holds barred, save perhaps for language, portrait of life on the mean mean streets of NYC at perhaps it's most vile and dangerous time the mid- 70s. Lee Remick is her usual solid , dependable, and beautiful self as the reporter writing an expose on the lives of these desperate, and often abused women. Don't let the rating and other reviews (?) mislead . This is a lost gem of a movie. Gritty, powerful with excellent performances.
Sins of Jezebel
(1953)
So bad it's good!
4 September 2023
Alright maybe not 8/10 but you know. Paulette still looks as ravishishing as ever. The sets are made of cardboard. The dialogue well it's at least worthy of Cecil B Demille at his holiest and corniest. There's a plague and a guy at the beginng who looks like one of those right wing evangelists giving a sermon. The color is pretty good. Hey Ralph Nader is in it or is it Gord Nader? Anyway it's Paulette surrounded by a cast of a thousand nobodys. If you like epics you'll hate it. But if you like a good satire of an epic you love it. As I said Paulette looks as wonderful as ever. She could have used some more skimpy customes and I might have given it a 10!
Walk on the Wild Side
(1962)
weak lead but still worth a look
29 August 2023
Laurence Harvey is an aquired taste as a leading man and I never quite aquired the taste for him . He's adequate but think of what Paul Newman or even Warren Beatty would have done with the role of Dove/Dock/Duff or something stupid like that. Capucine is not a brilliant actress but she has something , a depth , an intensity that she brings to the character of Hawllie. She's very effective acting with Stanwyck. Stanwyck, being the brilliant actress that she is ,brings out the best in everyohe around her. It's all a bit maudlin , a little hard to swallow , and the ending predictible. But worth watching once. The New Orleans backdrop helps.
Of Human Bondage
(1964)
Why is everyone whispering?
24 August 2023
The fact that the film ran through 3 directors is a big red flag that something went wrong. I can't stand Bette Davis but one thing she is good at playing is a real nasty b%%ch. Kim Novak is much much much more attractive but other than Vertigo she's a lousy actress. Always whispering. What's up with that? She never seems to raise her voice above a dimmer. It's often hard to hear her lines. Harvey seems to have caught the disease as well and never talks in a normal audible tone. The movie is very set/stage bound as well and never opens up to give a clear idea of setting. Morely is good as usual. But that's about the only positive.
A Midsummer Night's Dream
(1935)
Wild!
6 August 2023
Some performances, and some of the best for that matter, are so over the top it's incredible. But if anyone has seen a Shakespeare in the Park production by their local theatre company, over the top acting is not uncommon. James Cagney and Mickey Rooney lead the pack in this case. Cagney however is brilliant in his interpretation of Bottom. It's hard to believe this is the same actor who played The Public Enemy. Cagney proves his range was far far greater than just playing gangsters. Rooney doesn't just border on annoying he is annoying plus did they shrink him for the role? He looks like he's 8 years old! Oliva De Havilland is astonishingly beautiful and excellent as Hermia. A great production brings the magical dream world to life with ballet sequences, gauze, sparkles and of course Mendelsohn's brilliant score! This is the best version.
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