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Reviews
Germania anno zero (1948)
Could've been a masterpiece!
I'm going to spare the summary and skip straight to the criticism. For starters I thought this movie could've played out the ex-Nazi perspective a lot better, and a lot more. I think when that's addressed with his old teacher and the construction worker was really the most interesting part of the film. The rest of the film really is just meh. (Minor spoilers) Edmund comes off like way too nice of a kid to be persuaded towards something so obviously wrong, just by a quick rant! I felt the motivations just weren't there throughout the film. The ending just felt way too forced for the sake of shock. The lead up to it could've had worse things happen than some kids not wanting to play with him and a Nazi slapping him!
Overall I felt this film was more interesting being filmed so close to the real events. I'm glad it was made almost for historical reasons, and I'd say it's worth a watch if you're already interesting in this genre, or post war Germany.
Manhattan Murder Mystery (1993)
A Movie That Could've Been Great, With Just One Fatal Flaw
This movie had that kind of Allen spirit that you come to expect. I thought it could've been one of his best, but unfortunately there is one thing that ruins the whole picture for me....
Diane Keaton. She may be the single worst actor I've ever seen. She says absolutely nonsensical quips, always interrupting, stuttering, looking and acting completely too focused-unnatural. It's quite obvious that she, and everyone, is having to improvise certain parts of their lines, and she just cannot in any way, shape or form pull it off. To such a degree that it's completely distracting and off-putting in every scene she's in. Once you notice just how awkward and unnatural she acts/sounds, you'll never look at it the same. And it single handily ruined the movie for me.
Now the plot is also a bit thin which I normally wouldn't fault on it's own, but it instead mainly relied on the back and forth of Allen and Keaton, which as you can imagine, was completely unbearable at times. And the camera work at certain parts (not the zooms, I quite liked those) was a bit odd, again staying far away, relying on the whole group or characters to be in shot while they stumble around trying to get hired at a 3rd rate improve club.
But there's still some enjoyment to be had with this picture. Perhaps in Allen wasn't starting in it it'd be a 3, but I'm always so intrigued by him while he's on screen.
Orfeu Negro (1959)
Interesting sound and picture- boring film
I'd never heard of this film before I stumbled on it at my local library, but I was instantly intrigued. Disappointed however. I'll keep this brief.
The constant beat in the background was interesting and vibrant, but really did become annoying when dialogue is being exchanged, especially when everyone in the film acts like a complete character of a weird hyper active child. Seriously the acting was probably the worst thing in the whole picture. It was obnoxious and illogical most of the time. Also typical plot holes, like why the women just kept running away from the masked man, instead of being protected by the people around her? Especially towards the end when there are COPS that she literally runs into, but doesn't seek help. Really obnoxious.
There's more that makes this a really unenjoyable watch, but mainly it has a 15 minute plot stretched to an hour and forty minutes, filled with people acting way over the top, and loud thumping leaving this film with nothing more than a headache.
PS I'm 21 so it's not because I'm too old for the noise!!
The Trouble with Harry (1955)
Funny-ish, until you discover the truth
I'm going to keep my review short. I enjoyed this film, and found enough humor mixed with a fairly good plot line. I think the film is worth watching, and a must for any Hitchcock fan. However a significant theme of the movie in the beginning that I enjoyed was how nonchalant everyone acted about Harry's death/dead body. And it does continue throughout the movie, with characters shrugging off the troubles, and acting as if it's a slight inconvenience. However in the beginning everyone that stumbles up to Harry's' body hilariously doesn't care, but later it's discovered that's they already knew, and were pretending. This ruined the earlier jokes for me, and made the film less funny to me from then on. 7/10
East of Eden (1955)
A very unsubstantial let down for me
I went into this film last night with high hopes, leading only to disappointment. This is my first film I've seen with James Dean, and I think this was the first disappointment. I've always been confused about the significance of "method acting", because every time I see it, it's too obvious. I see exactly what they're doing, and it's really not convincing. It's more melodramatic and campy regardless, and it really showed with Dean in this picture. The over the top acting took me out of the picture, and I felt that I never really got back in. I felt like everyone was a stranger to me, and that we never got to know them.
Also, the story had many points of interest, that went no where, or was wrapped up too quickly to be satisfying. For instance, I liked the dynamic of the beans market, and Cal trying to get this investment going, but, it sort of just... happened. Also there's a scene where the other brother is clearly against the war, and thinks it's immoral, but there's no real reason or explanation as to why. I guess it's just supposed to be accepted since he's a good kid? But then later he's upset, and decides to just join the military anyways, so he just gets upset, and is okay with killing now?
This movie suffered from both sides of the story. I felt it was too short for the story that could have been better fleshed out, but too long for the one it told. It felt constantly dragged out, which could have been resolved with a longer runtime. Overall the story isn't as interesting as I'd hoped, and the acting from Dean was too obvious and campy. Perhaps it's worth watching if you like seeing James or if it's been on your list for a while, otherwise, there are better movies to waste time with.
Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb (1964)
I was disappointed to say the least
Words can't explain the high hopes I had going into this film. The premise was super intriguing, and the cast was great, not to mention the director. Unfortunately what became of that was boredom, and confusion. I really did understand the satire that was taking place, but being "in" on the jokes didn't seem to help make me laugh. The character of Dr. Strangelove really confused me, since reviewers are saying the performance was amazing and hilarious... I'm not sure what I missed there. Maybe if I knew to look out for how amazing it was supposed to be, I would've received it better, but on its own merits, I found the character to be bizarre, not in a good way, and overplayed when on the screen for more than a minute. I really really really wanted to like this film, but maybe only being 19 when I watched it, I wasn't born with the right mindset for this satire.
Sea Wife (1957)
Started out strong, then completely abandoned ship
The movie really did start out like it'd be quirky fun, but in reality I got a dull, droning, headache of a film, that ultimately had no point, or relevance. First we start out on with a man looking for his sea wife, then on to the flashbacks, then to the ship and ending up on the raft. Up to this point, the film is good I thought, then on the raft, no one becomes interesting. The black man seemed like he'd play a crucial role, nothing, the women maybe? Nope. The fat man would be a god antagonist? Well, sorta, but then switches, lightens up, maybe a happy redemption story for him? Nope. The handsome man? Nothing. On the island maybe there will be tribalism and a look into people's psychology? Nope, it sets it up like maybe so, but ultimately changed course and goes into bizarre-o world. MAJOR SPOILERS: the fat man decided to leave the black man for no REAL reason, and then oh look they're saved, and nothing bad happens to the fat man, and the women still never revealed that she's a nun for NO reason, not even on the 1 in a billion chance that she happens to pass by him and still decides to let his heart yearn for the rest of his life. Unfulfilling in every way, and frankly a waste of time and film, skip this one for sure.
Island of Lost Souls (1932)
Deep themes accompanied with great characters and some chills
I genuinely enjoyed this film, and actually found it downright creepy at times. This did what I wanted Frankenstein to be, a creepy yet human experience, as timeless as any tale... told right. I enjoy taking the trip along side of our protagonist, finding out the secrets along with him, and questioning what it means to be human along the way. The antagonist was relatable, leaving us with a dilemma of right and wrong, a line nicely blurred (until the near end it becomes pretty clear sadly). This film has really held up nicely, and does not have any obvious signs of its age, I would've thought it was 12 years newer! If you're a fan of this genre and era, and bothering enough to look at reviews, it's well worth watching!
Young Frankenstein (1974)
Extremely disappointing
I was so excited to see this coming on TCM since I've wanted to watch it for years now. I really do love Mel Brooks and his type of humor, but unfortunately this movie didn't work. I genuinely laughed only at one part, and the rest was really a drag, a bore, a film I actually was not entertained throughout. I wanted to like this film a lot, I thought it could be my new favorite comedy, being with the premise and director and cast and all, but I was let down with this one.
Silent Movie (1976)
Love Brooks, dislike this film
The premise of this movie I thought was interesting and promising, however really non of the joke seemed to land, and this being completely silent, made the whole picture drag on and become increasingly annoying frankly. There is a scene where they're dressed up as knights that really did crack me, but nothing really came from that unfortunately. This one I'd say is worth skipping and rewatching space balls.
Woman of the Year (1942)
Charming and interesting in the best way
This movie attracted me from the start. Something about Ms. Hepburn that is so fascinating and intriguing, which really shines throughout this film. She is almost inspiring at how a suave and elegant and accomplished person should be, but of course with its faults. The plot perhaps was a bit squashed and felt sped up between when they like each other, to when they're living together. I wish we would've seen how they acted if dating for weeks and weeks on end, since Spencer's character almost immediately after moving in was annoyed (an visibly so, almost to an a-hole level), as if he didn't expect this, or that his love and infatuation for her almost completely disappeared instantly. Also, I understand the need for the type of ending it had, but the last maybe 20 minutes of the film were completely predictable, and dragged after a few minutes. The film obviously could've had a tighter script, and and editing towards the end, but overall I really enjoyed it, and felt it to be a worthwhile watch.
12 Angry Men (1957)
At 20 years old, this is the best film I've seen so far
Everything about this film is amazing. My friend and I watched it together, at the end of it we didn't talk for over an hour. Our minds were so entranced with what we just watched that we didn't want our talking to ruin it. The film as you may know mainly takes place in one room, but oh man does this film keep you intrigued throughout. The characters had real depth to them, even with little information provided we understood who everyone was, and the kind of personality they harbor. I really was kept on the edge of my seat when they're deliberating, and the ending was absolutely perfect. This is a case study on WHAT to do if you want to make an effective film, without effects or actual violence or conflict outside of talking. Just amazing, and a must watch!
Frankenstein (1931)
Is it fair to view through a modern lens?
I try and keep my modern biases out of my movie going, but I feel this film is so dated, that it's almost unenjoyable. Not to say that I haven't enjoyed films even older than this one, but I feel that in what it's trying to do, scare, horrify, terrorize, it's not so effective anymore. To explain further, it's a bit boring, and drones on in certain instances, and doesn't do a satisfying job at being a horror film. On this basis I can't rate it as good since In fact we are viewing this in the modern era, and I can't say it will be a good film to watch. However I do appreciate it as an historical piece which is why I chose to watch it, and for that it interests me, but not entertains.
Beauty and the Beast (2017)
I've never been a fan of the animation, but something in me changed
Something about this film filled my heart with many emotions I only wish for other films to fill. I won't take too much time, but it was beautifully shot, the effects were wonderful (and I am not kind with bad effects trust me) and a story with lots of charm and humor and magic to keep you entertained throughout its entire run. A great picture indeed, I hope you enjoyed it too!
Help! (1965)
Not as good as I'd hoped
The movie is quite fun I'll give it that. The beginning seems promising but like the band themselves said, they unfortunately do feel more like supporting characters in their own film. The film has enough cool editing tricks and quirks that it seems to be experimenting with to make it interesting, accompanied with a lackluster story however, held together by great music (oddly placed) and quick witted humor. For any Beatles fan it's worth the 1 1/2 hours, and for anyone into film making, I really appreciated some of the techniques tried in the film as well!
Ocean's Eleven (1960)
A cool night out disguised as a movie
This film is pretty unremarkable, while still retaining that old school cool that we've come to love. I like seeing the pack in action but if replaced with no names this film would be a disaster. The foundation of the film really is the cool men themselves, with a plot so lackluster even they seem to forget what's happening at times. Worth a little bit of your time if you enjoy that suave cool style of this era, otherwise there's not much to see here.
Ghost in the Shell (2017)
Without seeing the anime, this could be a good time
Like I mentioned the anime and accompanying story are not in my catologue so I had nothing to expect going into this film. I was intrigued mainly by the special effects and they didn't disappoint (though a bit different then I imagined). The story is one that is timeless, relatable to anyone. Finding meaning in ones life, and discovering what it is to be alive is understated in our day to day lives, and this film I think does a great job nailing that main point into you, and for that it's good. It did its job to make me sad, and to guide me through my quest as an individual, supported with amazing visuals and a meh plot. I think it's worth watching and deciding on your own how you feel about it, since it's for sure at the least not a waste of time.
Ikiru (1952)
A good film that fails toward the end
The reviews for this film were fantastic so keep in mind I went in to this with expectations. This film I think had a very decent beginning, and even second act, but as soon as it felt it would go somewhere... it switched. I appreciate the way Kurosawa decided to structure the story like he did, but it did feel like it took me out of the film, and paid less attention to the man and more on the bureaucracy. Perhaps that was the intent, but I wish it had a more impactful ending, though the themes and development of certain characters were impactful, I can't help but feel it fell short of expectations.
Z (1969)
Exciting and interesting all the way through
The subject matter itself interested me a great deal, but thankfully the movie delivered with excitement and intrigue. As a modern day parallel, it felt like the first 25 minutes of the newest Jason Bourne film (only coincidence that they both took place in Greece I swear) the editing was quick and punchy, the actors were exceptionally good in their respective parts, and the movie overall just felt cool. Well worth watching.
M - Eine Stadt sucht einen Mörder (1931)
A dated film, well worth watching
Like I said this film does not hide it's age, even though its age might be younger than you'd think. The story itself was good, and the acting was rich, but like most movies from this time period, ends on an odd note. Personally I've enjoyed endings to be impactful in one way or another, leaving me with something to think about. But again this isn't the movies fault per se. However I'm only 20 so take what I say with some salt, but yes it's a bit boring and droning at times, sometimes background characters do something that annoys me since it seems illogical, and it seems to fall apart a bit at the end, but I enjoyed the watch and would recommend it to those wishing to fill there collection of important films!