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jonnyrancher
Reviews
Red Herring (2015)
A Smart & Stylish Thriller!
One of the dictionary definitions for a "red herring" is: "something, especially a clue, that is or is intended to be misleading or distracting." When discussing "Red Herring", the film, the dictionary definition definitely applies. "Red Herring" is a taut, action- packed crime-drama, directed by Ousa Kuhn, that will keep you guessing all the way to the exciting finish. The film stars Robert Scott Howard, Holly Valance, Tim Tucker, Andre McCoy, Vincent Pastore of Sopranos fame, and G Eric Miles and is packed with more twists and turns than a dance- hall on a Saturday night.
Written and produced by Joshua Cohen, "Red Herring" is a top-notch thriller; on par with the great mystery stories of old! To give you an idea of how intricately Cohen wove his web, at varying points in the film, and in seeming rotation, I thought each of the main characters was the guilty party, and in the end, I was wrong! That's how great mystery is done. And that's what's in store for you in "Red Herring!"
Through the efforts of the Nevada Film Incentive (established in 2015,) "Red Herring" is a 100% made-in-Nevada production: Written in Nevada; produced in Nevada; filmed in Nevada. With quality efforts like "Red Herring," the Nevada Film Incentive appears to be off to a very promising start.
Election (1999)
Well written; perfectly cast; impeccably scored; outstanding!
This film is outstanding on every level. One level some of the other reviews haven't spoken about is the music. The score is, yes, outstanding! An interesting blend of symphonic instruments, acoustic guitars, and electronics. The music will knock you out!
I was fortunate enough to have caught this one in the theater; and I wasted no time telling everyone I knew about this remarkable film...and this remarkable actress named Reese Witherspoon (I had neither seen nor heard of her at the time.) "Election" is on my all-time favorites list (I think it will soon be on yours, too!)...And pay attention to the music; it's a killer!
Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992)
Balance
Thankfully, the performances of Gary Oldman and Anthony Hopkins counter the dreadful ones by Keanu Reeves and Winona Ryder! I haven't seen acting this bad and accents this poor since DiCaprio and Diaz in "Gangs of New York." Coppola, as expected, is in fine form; and his dedication to Stoker's wonderful book is quite admirable. The eroticism is, once again as expected, lush; as is the dialog. Following the film's release, Hollywood began basing other films on the books that spawned them; Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, most obviously. (What a "novel" concept: staying true to the books.) "Bram Stoker's Dracula" is well done; however, Reeves and Ryder are so clearly out of their league it, often, makes this film tough to watch.
Kid Galahad (1962)
One of my favorites!
OK. So it's not "Gone with the Wind," but "Kid Galahad" is well written, fun, and lightly sprinkled with some very good songs (catch the twisting "I Got Lucky" and the front porch "This is Living" scenes.) "Kid Galahad" also boasts a strong supporting cast (look for a young Ed Asner in one his first screen roles;) Academy-Award winner Gig Young, Charles Bronson, and Lola Albright, in a surprisingly emotive role, add "punch" to what, on the surface, appears to be just another Presley vehicle. "Kid Galahad" also had the blessing of being completed before they counted the receipts of "Blue Hawaii." When the studio saw how much money they made off of "Blue Hawaii," the dye was cast; Elvis would be stuck doing "14 song travelogues" for another 7 years. "Kid Galahad" catches Elvis in good humor, shape, and voice; he was having fun...You will too.
Elling (2001)
This is one of the most delightful films I've seen!
Few films warm my heart with the regularity of "Elling." (I make it a point to watch it about once a month.) Though the film lacks most of the ingredients for widespread commercial success (big stars, lots of sex, action, etc.) its appeal, to me, are its unremitting warmth and charm; and I was gratified to see "The Academy" (the Oscar folks) recognize its beauty, as well ("Elling" was a "Best Foreign Film" nominee.) You will not regret picking up "Elling." However, I heartily recommend the "subtitled" version; avoid the "dubs!" The subtlety, nuance, and beauty of the Norwegian language are one of the film's "uncredited characters." I recommend "Elling" without reservation.
Hobson's Choice (1954)
"Hobson's Choice" is Laughton's best!!!
Charles Laughton is one of the most under-rated actors in all of filmdom. Now, I know what you're thinking: Charles Laughton was an Academy Award winner; he appeared in some of the most memorable films in Hollywood history ("Mutiny on the Bounty," "Hunchback of Notre Dame," "The Private Lives of Henry VII [for which he won the Oscar.]) How could he be under-rated? In a career that spanned many decades, Laughton never seemed to garner the respect and admiration many of his "golden-age-of-Hollywood" colleagues engendered.
But as "youngsters" discover the power of Laughton's Blye and the pathos of his Quasimodo, his role in "Hobson's Choice" is sure to endear and captivate students of REAL acting. Laughton is delightful as the stubborn (and sometimes drunken) owner of a shoe store who parts ways with his equally stubborn daughter.
Each cast member of this wonderfully written, superbly acted comedy puts in a terrific performance (Watch for a very young Prunella Scales ["Sybil" from "Fawlty Towers"] as Laughton's other daughter Vicky.]"Hobson's Choice" is a bona fide gem!
It's a Gift (1934)
Superlatives Abound!
"It's a Gift" is one of Fields' best! Though W.C Fields is rarely thought of as a physical comedian, his performance is as graceful and athletic as you're likely to see. Sharp, biting dialogue and timeless comedic elements (like the universally recognized nagging wife, pesky kids, delivery people, and, [horrors] even the "visually impaired") get the Fields treatment. Like most of Fields' work "It's a Gift" centers, not on the drinking that would become his caricature (though he does "tip a few" in the film), but on the "little guy." Fields is once again in the familiar role of "down-trodden little man" just trying to make it in an increasingly crazy and, sometimes, cruel world. "It's a Gift" is wonderful theatre; brilliantly executed by one of America's comic masters.