crivers123 Reviews

The Stranger (1946)

The Stranger (1946)

[7/10 · 13 May 2011]

The Stranger (1946) is a dark and thrilling mystery. I enjoyed the film. The performances of Edward Robinson, Loretta Young and Orson Welles were remarkable. The plot involving Nazis and concentration camps, and the film's feelings towards these issues must have sympathized with audiences during the time of the film's release, considering World War 2 was still a fresh topic in people's minds. The movie was very suspenseful and unpredictable. The cinematography of The Stranger just screams film noir. It must have been strenuous for Orson Welles to be the director and play such a major role in the film. An original story and a well-made film, I would recommend it to anyone.

Where the Sidewalk Ends (1950)

Where the Sidewalk Ends (1950)

[8/10 · 13 May 2011]

Where the Sidewalk Ends (1950) was an amazing film noir. It had an excellently balanced plot as well as an original storyline. The protagonist is supposedly a good guy, but his tactics are definitely debatable. I feel this is good because it veers from the same old rigidly virtuous hero and centers around a more realistic, flawed main character. The action sequences were thrilling and fast-paced. The cinematography was dark and angular, and the editing was smooth and continuous. The performance by Dana Andrews was magnificent and made me feel for his situation even though he took his anger too far. A great film and perfect for anyone interested in film noir.

Dracula (1931)

Dracula (1931)

[6/10 · 13 May 2011]

Dracula (1931) is most definitely a classic, but that doesn't necessarily make it all that good. I personally found the film to be somewhat boring. I feel that this movie had a disadvantage as being the first film adaptation of the Dracula story, the later adaptations had a better grip on how to make Dracula his scariest. Movies during this time didn't use much realistic violence, but I feel that the film could have used more gore. The lighting is definitely unique throughout the film and sets the dreary mood for Castle Dracula as well as the boat trip and other scenes. I feel they did too many close-ups on Dracula's eyes, the effect started to get old. Overall it was an okay film.

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967)

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967)

[8/10 · 13 May 2011]

I found Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967) to be an entertaining comedy form beginning to end. Although it was humorous, the film deeply touches on the issue of interracial relationships during that time period, and can also accurately speak to audiences today about the very same issues. Sidney Portier, as always, does an amazing performance as Dr. Prentice. I will say though, as far as African Americans were viewed during this time period, his performance was that of a very intelligible, educated and well dressed doctor. In other words, he was a very "white acting" black man. I feel this sent across the intended message without "shocking" the audience at the time. The speech Spencer Tracy gives at the end was classic, and seemed very heart-felt even if it was being acted. All in all a great movie.

Annie Hall (1977)

Annie Hall (1977)

[7/10 · 13 May 2011]

Annie Hall was funny and very cleverly written. The film doesn't feature very much music, and the editing is unique in the way it skips around through the characters many topics of conversation, as well as the way Woody Allen is constantly breaking the fourth wall. The humor was really "dry", which I like. I just feel that Woody Allen's character was (although funny) a little depressing. It was funny to hear the point of views he had,and the way he delivered those views was good. I just can't say i completely agree with him. In some instances I feel he was much too critical of a character, and seemed insecure with himself. Overall it was an enjoyable film with laugh out loud comedy.

Foreign Correspondent (1940)

Foreign Correspondant (1940)

[6/10 · 13 May 2011]

I'm not much of an Alfred Hitchcock fan, but i did enjoy Foreign Correspondant (1940). It was a little slow at first. Some films grab your attention right away but this one took a little while, but once it gets moving you realize it was worth the wait. A very well written mystery that I feel was somewhat ahead of its time regarding the story-telling. The film features very suspenseful scenes, for example when Jones was eavesdropping in the windmill, also when he climbs out the window to escape the kidnappers dressed as cops. The movie , in my opinion, could have gone without the romantic aspect between Jones and Fisher. I also think his proposal to her on the boat was a little premature. Older movies in general are constantly throwing around the word marriage, a lot of the time with characters who have basically just met. The scene where the plane is shot down is very suspenseful, and given the lack of film resources at the time compared to now, the plane crash looked very convincing.

The Big Heat (1953)

The Big Heat (1953)

[8/10 · 13 May 2011]

The Big Heat (1953) was an amazing film. I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. It featured very well written dialog that kept me interested from start to finish. Glenn Ford did a phenomenal performance as Dave Bannion, making the audience instantly drawn in to the character's situation. The Big Heat is the pinnacle for film noir; including the corrupt officials, the alienated lead character, the femme fatale (Debbie Marsh),the dark cinematography, and even the protagonists redemption at the end of the film.Personally, I wasn't expecting Bannion's wife to die so quick and violently. I feel this added realism to the violence. As well as Gloria's facial disfigurement, and the way Vince Stone abuses women. All in all it is a great film and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys film noir.

Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954)

The Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954)

[7/10 · 13 May 2011]

I found The Creature from the Black Lagoon to be instantly entertaining. The story moved at a good pace and didn't take much time to really get started. I like the way the camera doesn't specifically show when the creature kills one of its victims; it leaves more of the gruesomeness to the imagination of the audience. The film features noticeably exceptional camera work, specifically the long underwater shots of the creature swimming, and stalking the girl while she was swimming. I find it weird that the actors who played the " Gill-man" weren't credited in the film. Boris Karloff was credited for Frankenstein (another classic monster movie) and he didn't even have any lines either. Overall a very entertaining movie.

Taxi Driver (1976)

Taxi Driver (1976)

[6/10 · 13 May 2011]

I feel that Taxi Driver(1976) is somewhat overrated. I feel that it was very slow moving for the most part. It was hard to interpret the intentions of the protagonist throughout the majority of the movie. I kept feeling like something violent was about to happen, despite the relaxing jazz music. I was confused when Travis took his date to the porn theater, I didn't understand why he would at all think that a good idea. I feel that this film definitely stands out among other Martin Scorsese films in the way that the main character is developed; I feel that even though he was the protagonist, he wasn't a well-rounded character. As if I were watching a stranger the entire time, it was hard for me to feel any sort of connection to Travis.

Bonnie and Clyde (1967)

Bonnie And Clyde (1967)

[8/10 · 12 May 2011]

Bonnie and Clyde (1967) was a fast-paced, action packed movie that kept me interested from start to finish. Everyone has heard of the notorious duo, but never before this film did an audience have the chance to feel sympathetic to these criminals. I enjoyed their narrow escapes and their on screen chemistry as actors. Also, it is rumored that Clyde was homosexual and I feel that the film addresses this rumor in its own way; In the beginning Clyde says to Bonnie "It's not like I like boys" and then awkwardly bumps his head. Then there was the sex scene between him and Bonnie that ends abruptly with Clyde telling Bonnie "I told you I wasn't a lover boy". The ending definitely caught me by surprise. Even though I know that they eventually get killed, the film does such a good job building a connection between the audience and the characters that it makes you want them to get away in the end, despite the historical facts. I feel the ending was so gruesome because the director was trying to build the audience's sympathy. Overall, it was a great film.

The Grapes of Wrath (1940)

The Grapes of Wrath (1940)

[7/10 · 12 May 2011]

The Grapes of Wrath (1940) was a very well-made look at the experience of an Oklahoma farmer during the Dust Bowl of the 1930's. It is hard not to feel sympathy for the families who are losing their homes and farms. It was an intensely emotional scene when Muley and his family have to watch their homes be plowed to the ground. There were some scenes that it was easy to tell that there was a painted backdrop ( for example when Tom is arriving back home for the first time, he is walking through a field and there's an obvious backdrop.)The fact that the director was able to create a convincing look at the dustbowl so soon after it occurred definitely speaks for his talent.

The Graduate (1967)

The Graduate (1967)

[6/10 · 12 May 2011]

The Graduate (1967) was an alright film. The first half was entertaining; watching the awkward Benjamin (Dustin Hoffman) stumble over himself as he carries on an affair with the attractive Mrs. Robinson. But then it took a sort of dark turn when Ben starts to fall in love with Mrs. Robinson's daughter. What started out as a quirky comedy ended up turning into depressing, quasi-romantic story. I feel as if Ben's relationship with Elaine wasn't truly genuine, almost as if he only liked her because Mrs. Robinson told him not too. And when he breaks up Elaine's wedding and they both escape together on the bus, they both look as if there was some regret in their facial expressions. All in all it was good. It features explicit sex and nudity, which during the time of the film's release was considered taboo to be seen in films. All in all it was a good movie.

Do the Right Thing (1989)

Do the Right Thing (1989)

[7/10 · 10 May 2011]

After watching Do the Right Thing (1989), I feel somewhat confused. I feel like the message of anti-racism got lost in the chaotic shuffle that was the end of the film. The majority of the movie, in my opinion, was a comedic and lighthearted portrayal of the race relations in American cities. The characters were constantly arguing, but never in a way where I felt like something violent was going to happen. I found myself disappointed and even a little angry at the way things turned out for everyone in the end. I believe Sal over-reacted by smashing Raheem's boom box, but Raheem never should have barged into the store. The police were obviously out of line in killing Raheem. I just don't see why everyone so easily turned on Sal, someone they had known for a long time and who they knew had no negative feelings about them. Mookie I feel did the most unpredictable thing by throwing the trash can through the window of the pizza shop. He figuratively lit the match that started the angry mob. And he did this after Sal told him he would always have a place at Sal's pizza shop. And Mookie and Sal weren't even enemies at the end of the movie. I guess if Spike Lee was meaning to make the ending chaotic and hard to understand, he did a good job.

Easy Rider (1969)

Easy Rider (1969)

[4/10 · 3 May 2011]

I can't say I enjoyed very much of Easy Rider (1969). I can say I'm glad I didn't ever pay to see it in the theaters. As far as story goes, I feel that it was just a glorified music video. The cinematography of the landscape was very beautiful, but not what I'm looking for in terms of being drawn into a film. I felt more as if I were being lulled to sleep with the little amount of dialog and the slow moving pace. i will say that the director and cinematographer did an excellent job at editing the footage and making it feel like the audience themselves are on a road trip. Speaking of trip. I know it is a classic, but I could have done without the acid trip scene. The weird, grainy shots while they are all in the cemetery just puts a bad taste in my mouth -so to speak. I feel that this film was one much more for the specific generation for which it was made, at least it doesn't really "speak" to me in terms of being free or being different than what is usually accepted. The two guys were just awkward stoners who didn't seem to have accomplished much, but somehow had this unfounded, wise look on life. I didn't expect them to be shot at the end. But throughout the entire movie I didn't really know what was going to happen next. Like i said, it wasn't much of a story.

The Bad Seed (1956)

The Bad Seed (1956)

[6/10 · 3 May 2011]

I'm not really sure what to make of The Bad Seed (1956). After watching it I was definitely satisfied with the film overall, but there were some things I would have changed. First of all, the film takes much too long to get started. It's not until about forty minutes into the movie that the little boy who Rhoda drowns is discovered (and the real story takes off). The director should have shown some grim opening scene to peak the viewer's interest; possibly shown the dead body of one of Rhoda's victims. Also, once we figure out that Rhoda murdered the boy, her mother just pulls a story out of nowhere that informs the audience of someone Rhoda had killed in the past. This was not very subtle. I could have gone without the mother's dream, and realization that she was adopted. If less time were put into that aspect and more into the character development of Rhoda, she could have been a much more frightening little girl. There were some scenes that were unpredictable. I wouldn't have guessed that the mother would shoot herself, nor would I have guessed she would survive! I feel the ending was somewhat of a cop out though. It would have satisfied me more to see the mother be the one to take Rhoda's life. But to get struck by lightning?

The Killing (1956)

The Killing (1956)

[9/10 · 19 April 2011]

The dialogue is very good, clever and to the point. As far as heist movies go, it's very original. The audience gets a good grip on the personalities of the characters without going too deep into detail. They're rounded characters, but still so much about them that the audience doesn't know. I like the brief narration in the beginning of each new scene, it helps me keep track of what the characters are doing and the progress of the story. Lots of long shots and dolly shots. Comedic and suspenseful, almost like an early Ocean's 11. Edited very well, the way it looks back on what was happening in other places during certain scenes. certain scenes will give clues to what's going on at the same time in other scenes. Unpredictable ending! Classic closing scene.

Singin' in the Rain (1952)

Singin' in the Rain (1952)

[7/10 · 19 April 2011]

I enjoyed all the great dancing and acrobatics in Singin' in the Rain (1952). The dancing almost reminded me of an older version of break dancing. Especially in the "Make 'em Laugh" song when Cosmo runs up the wall, as well as other crazy stunts. The female dancing resembled that of the flapper styles from a few decades before the movie was made. The film was comedic and clever, with a balanced mix of impressive music and dance. When the song "Beautiful Girls" was performed, it reminded me of Buzby Berkely style of filming, with all the colors and patterns of the female background dancers. When Don performs "Singin' in the Rain", the camera motion is very fluid, and transitions itself around the dancing actor smoothly and unnoticeable. I'm not the biggest fan of musicals, but this film is definitely a classic.

Casablanca (1942)

Casablanca (1942)

[9/10 · 12 April 2011]

The lighting and photography in Casablanca (1942) was phenomenal.In the beginning when we are shown the streets of Casablanca, the shot contains so much activity and movement it appeals visually to the viewer almost immediately. The same can be said when we first are shown Rick's club, the amount of contrast and so many things moving at once (and bright) in one shot. There is a scene when the police chief is talking to Rick while Rick is out of the shot. Rick's shadow is seen clearly against the wall and it appears as if the chief is talking directly to Rick's shadow. A good visual effect. In the scene when Rick is drinking and sulking in the middle of the night, the lighting (or lack of) and shadows totally set the depressing mood for that scene. The protagonists are mostly seen wearing brighter/lighter colored clothing. I like that the social message of the film was one of anti-Nazisentiment, especially because at the time of the film's release the war had not been won yet. The dialog was witty and fast paced. Very good film.

Stagecoach (1939)

Stagecoach (1939)

[7/10 · 12 April 2011]

I enjoyed Stagecoach (1939). It was a little slow at first when all the characters were introduced, but then picked up the pace once they began their voyage and came across Ringo Kid (John Wayne). The action scenes were well done and fast paced. I think the chase scene was intense, I wasn't expecting Hatfield to try and kill Miss Mallory with his last bullet, and I was totally convinced he was going to carry out his attempt, I never saw it coming that the cavalry would arrive just in time. Also, the stunt one of the Indians pulls off when he goes underneath the horses and coach was impressive. I personally could have gone without so many diving horses during the chase scene. The lighting during, and shortly before the final shoot scene with Ringo and Plummer was great, especially the way Plummer is introduced at the card table sitting ominously in the shadows. Overall it was great and I would recommend it to anyone.

Frankenstein (1931)

Frankenstein (1931)

[8/10 · 12 April 2011]

I was immediately drawn in when I began watching Frankenstein (1931). The eerie lighting and set in the scene where Frankenstein and his assistant are digging up the body was very well done, it set the mood for the film with no delay. I was satisfied by the depth of the story. When the monster encounters the little girl by the water, there is a short time where he appears to fit in and not be a threat, then by his own ignorance takes the girl's life. This is symbolic of him wanting to belong even though it is proving impossible. Also, I would like to know what would have happened if the brain that was stolen in the beginning actually was of a normal person and not a murderer. In the ending, I think it is great how the scene of the burning windmill was shot on an actual burning set. It must have been difficult for the actors to concentrate.

My Man Godfrey (1936)

My Man Godfrey (1936)

[7/10 · 29 March 2011]

I enjoyed My Man Godfrey(1936), but not so much as a comedy. There were a whole lot of over the top gestures and funny character lines, but i found the subtle actions more satisfying. I didn't find myself rolling on the floor laughing. Instead I took more of an interest in the way Godfrey surprised everyone with being wise and humble, and the important lesson he teaches everyone in the end. I'll admit I was surprised at the end when Godfrey and Irene got married. i thought the story would have been over after Godfrey left the house and his butler job, but i guess there is always room to fit in a love story. Overall, I liked the film and the underlying social message to help those less fortunate than yourself.

Arsenic and Old Lace (1944)

Arsenic and Old Lace (1944)

[6/10 · 29 March 2011]

I enjoyed Arsenic and Old Lace (1944), but i thought it was a little hard to follow. The performance by Cary Grant was good. But I found the whole "Teddy Roosevelt" performance by John Alexander was just plain annoying. I guess considering the time period of the film's release, the audiences would have very much enjoyed the Roosevelt jokes, but me, not so much. Also, I was expecting the story to be centered around the two old Brewster sisters and how they kill lonely old men. But that whole theme was sort of cast aside when Mortimers' criminal brother Johnanthan returns. Then at the end the Brewster sisters just give themselves up to the police politely . I know this was supposed to be a wacky comedy, but I just didn't understand it.

Scarface (1932)

Scarface (1932)

[8/10 · 29 March 2011]

Scarface(1932)was a very satisfying film. There was suspense, action drama. Paul Muni is a very gifted actor as well. He played a more than convincing role as an intimidating gangster, which speaks highly of his talents considering the complete turn around from his role in I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang (1932). There were some parts about the character of Tony that I didn't really like. For example, the way he wouldn't allow anyone near his sister, also would hit his sister. It was as if he had some weird feelings for her the way he kept her so confined. And it eventually makes him murder his trusted friend. He was also very mean to his mother. In most gangster movies, the tough guys are usually really nice to their families (their mothers at least, oh well). The scene when Tony is whistling before he has Johnny killed was priceless.

I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang (1932)

I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang (1932)

[10/10 · 29 March 2011]

I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang (1932) featured an amazing performance from Paul Muni. I was instantly drawn in to the story. That is to say once he got put in the chain gang I was drawn in, everything before that was good, but it wasn't the pulp of the story. The escape scenes were suspenseful, I found myself silently cheering him on as he made his narrow escape. All the wrongs he endured throughout the course of the film, the audience can't help but feel a connection with James Allen (Muni) and hope for the best for him. And to think, it's based on a true story! The film had amazing lighting, and did an great job at setting the dismal mood of the chain gang experience. I especially liked the character's quick thinking when he took out the bridge. Who would have thought he would actually escape twice.

The General (1926)

The General (1926)

[7/10 · 8 March 2011]

When watching The General (1926), the similarities between Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin are almost unmistakable. The story was original and humorous and the performance by Buster Keaton was pleasing. What I didn't like was the fact that the protagonist still was pursuing the girl who was so quick to leave him when she thought he wasn't brave, and then ends up staying with her at the end. He is too good for her. I thought the stunt where the bridge gives out and the train falls was very well done and must have cost a fortune. There were scenes where I found myself laughing out loud, and scenes where I was bored. So unfortunately the film doesn't do a great job at keeping the viewer glued to the screen, but overall it was enjoyable.