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Reviews
Reparation (2015)
A Real Independent Film
Many films claim to be independent but are merely small films released by large studios. This is a provincial film. By that I mean these are unique characters that don't follow stereotypical arcs. We've lost so much of our regional story telling whether it be in England, Canada, Australia, New York.... Those cities and countries are manufacturing Hollywood movies. I deeply miss those uniquely different films. I wonder if Kurosawa, Lumet, Lean, Bunuel, Bergman or Beresford would be allowed to make their unique films today? This is a well told story with real characters that meet well and are incredibly interesting to follow. This is a unique simple yet complex film that requires viewing by serious film enthusiasts.
Super 8 (2011)
Super 8 shoots regular 8
I would have given this a higher rating if done by a lesser set of filmmakers. I get all the send ups to earlier films but just don't get the lack of tenderness. There is more depth of character in Universal's Tarantula. Poorly photographed - can we get over the anamorphic flairs? It worked in Star Trek, doesn't here. I wish we had the early Spielberg back with the sense of wonder, innocence, hope. Just none of that appears here. The actors are excellent. It is far better crafted than 90 percent of studio films but come on, it's Spielberg and Abrams. Surely we should get better. Great ideas that just weren't followed through. Sorry. Maybe I had hoped for too much.
Summer Holiday (1948)
A remarkable historical document.
I cannot imagine the conversations that must have gone on in the Freed offices during the development of this property! It is so completely unlike anything that the Freed Unit had ever done, reflecting a more dissonant period of American history (during the making of this film). This is an extraordinary reflection on the MGM Everyman (especially Andy Hardy grown up). How did they get this past Louis B. Mayer? In my mind the history of MGM's innocence is resolved in this picture. When Andy Hardy/Mickey Rooney stands outside the family home, at the end of the picture, looking into the darkness that his future might bring it completes the Series that was so loved by MGM. I must believe Mamoulian really understood the dark journey he was taking his characters into and the dark post war future the American audience would soon face. A remarkable historical document that doesn't always work. Well worth viewing with a perspective on it's origins (Ah, Wilderness!). This film should be viewed as an original. Roy H. Wagner ASC Director of Photography
The Intruder (1962)
I lived the effects of racism
I've been a Roger Corman fan for years, both as a man and film maker. I've never seen or heard of this film, but while reading his book I discovered that this film had been made in my home town of Sikeston, Missouri. I don't know where I was because I lived there during this time and would have rushed to the location to watch him work. I will say this: Sikeston and Charleston were frightening places if you were black. I saw my very first lunch room sit-in in Charleston and learned first hand the terrible affect that racism can have on humanity and community. I must see this film. Roy H. Wagner ASC director of photography
The Ghost Breakers (1940)
One of the best ghost stories on film!
One of my favorite films because it has a perfect balance of comedy, a strong sense of place, and it takes its ghost seriously. Beautiful production design and photography! The old dark house is beautifully set up. I highly recommend this. A sequel to "Cat and the Canary" with Bob Hope. Ghost Breakers resides alongside the more serious "Uninvited" and "The Innocents" as a perfect ghost story.