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LolaJean
Reviews
Dames (1934)
I thought it was good...
Although other people who have left comments complain how moronic this film was, I actually find it quite entertaining and pleasing. As I am not a critically acclaimed critic, I am the average movie-watcher, and I as sit here and read these comments, I think about how these people can say those dreadful things. They do have their own opinions, I might add, but mine differs significantly from theirs.
Personally, I thought that this movie was funny. Others have thought the comedy was trite, but although it's not hysterical, there are some laughable parts. I have to admit, some of the humor was stale, but I wouldn't go so far as saying all of it was, as I wouldn't say all of it was rib-tickling.
Ruby Keeler's dancing is spectacular -- contrary to what some have said. How could she have been on Broadway if she wasn't that amazing? I'm a dancer, and to be on that stage is much remarkable. Granted, she wasn't an Academy Award-winner actress, but she wasn't gut-wrenching horrible. Her dancing makes up for it.
The music is so-so...it wasn't the greatest, except for "I Only Have Eyes for You." The numbers were amazing, though, and I especially loved the number with all the Ruby Keeler's. That was fantastic! "The Girl at the Ironing Board" was interesting, though Joan Blondell was a sinfully bad singer.
The only problem I did have with this movie is the show scenes. It's supposed to be on the stage, and you're watching it like you're in the audience, but -- clearly, Hollywood was thinking elaborately, and not sensible. There are parts in the musical that are unbelieving because those parts could never happen on stage, in front of human eyes without a curtain closing beforehand and after. People who've seen this movie -- you know clearly which parts I'm talking about. It's supposed to be on stage, but it could never happen! It's impossible unless they all knew magic! Overall, the movie isn't a bomb. It isn't award-winning, but all the less very entertaining and charming. I had fun during it, and unless you absolutely hate musicals, Guy Kibbee, Ruby Keeler, Dick Powell, Joan Blondell, or all of the above -- you'll enjoy it, I guarantee it.
Since You Went Away (1944)
Oh, wonderful! Bravo!
This movie is beyond words. Filmed and released during the war and dealing with the war, this film would have attracted many to the theater being that those at home were faced with the same issues. They would have seen that they are not alone in their battle and that even Hollywood can show that they are not by themselves.
I have never seen a movie that touched me quite as well as this one. I find it interesting that when the movie first opens, Mr. Hilton has just left for the war, so you don't see him. And then when it closes...not to give anything away...but, hence, the title, "Since You Went Away." You'll get that if you watch the movie. The acting is superb, as well as the script, direction, etc. The whole movie is just wonderful. It all seems natural and it's almost like you were watching in through a window at these people's daily lives during the war. It's a good insight to see what it was like during that time. It's almost flawless.
And might I add that I fell in love with Robert Walker as Bill, and I was just rooting for that relationship between him and Jane Hilton. Their love gives you a chance to see love blossoming during the war, and then what happens when he's sent away to war.
Claudette Colbert was a very warm, understanding mother in the film, and you see the effect that a husband's going away to war has on a wife/mother. You find out that they lead two lives: one, in the public, where they appear to be strong and leading their lives as if nothing has happened, war or not. And then there's the second, where they're by themselves, lonely, sad, weak. But in reality they are not, and they are even stronger for leading this double life because it keeps the morale high in the home, helping their children realize not to dwell and to be strong.
This movie must have helped and/or touched many people when they went to see it, realizing that they must be strong. It helped me to really see what everyone when through those days, and let me see now, in today's world, most people are ignorant and don't realize some people are living with those sorts of things happening to them, having people go away in war and maybe dying or missing in action. It's pretty horrible, actually.
I give this movie 10 stars and recommend it to anyone who likes a really excellent movie.
Her Cardboard Lover (1942)
Norma Shearer
Firstly, I cannot believe that Norma Shearer is 40 in this film. She looks absolutely incredible and doesn't look a day over 30! Besides being beautiful, Norma Shearer was fantastic in this film! She was brilliantly funny and sophisticated. I once read that Norma Shearer couldn't act (I don't recall who this person is who claimed that), but this person is wrong. Norma can act, and it was definitely proved in this film. Luck was on Norma's side because she ended her acting career with this amusing film.
And Robert Taylor -- what a gag! I love his acting and he's just so adorable! He was fabulous in this film! I won't give anything away, but the definite high point in the film (as well as Robert Taylor's funniest scene) happens in the middle of the movie and deals with a 'sleepy' Taylor...
With such a little -- but talented cast -- this movie is fantastically funny and has hilarious moments and wonderful acting. I cannot rave enough about Norma & Taylor -- just see the film yourself!!
Of Human Bondage (1934)
Bette Davis...
Although Bette Davis did a WONDERFUL job as Mildred, I felt that the film wasn't the best I had seen. At the end of the movie I was left feeling like there was something missing in it.
Bette Davis did a perfect job, though, and she made me hate her and pity her all the while. Leslie Howard did very good as the lovelorn Philip Carey, and I so pitied him throughout the movie for being in love with such a horrible dame. It's such a sad thing when one finds him/herself in love with a bad seed. And especially if it's someone like Philp Carey, who is a sensitive person, though pathetic.
In the end, the acting was what came through and not the plot. The ending scene was particularly good, but I am not one to give it away. Although others may find this movie good, I was one who found it so-so. I should recommend this movie to those who like a bad seed so they can see what may happen to them if they find themselves in love with that horrible person.