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ThomasColquith
https://www.amazon.com/Thomas-Colquith/e/B08CPSJS8K
thomascolquith@gmail.com
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Favorite / Most Beautiful Actresses
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My Top 250+ Movies
(Note: I have expanded the list to 365 titles so you could theoretically watch one a day for a year.)
Favorite / Coolest Actors
Film Noir
Classics
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Reviews
Heat (1995)
Waste of time
I made the mistake of rewatching "Heat" again today for the first time in decades as I saw it available to stream; however, I once again did not enjoy this film. I thought maybe my younger self did not give it enough of a chance, but no, most of my opinions remain unchanged across time -- I did not like this film. It is too long, too slow, too stilted, too dull. I have virtually nothing positive to say about it, which is surprising considering the good cast and crew. I will give it a 4/10 and I don't recommend it. Although it's not terrible, I do feel like I just wasted my time, and I don't want to ever watch it again.
Cotton Comes to Harlem (1970)
Interesting film
I've seen quite a few of the so called "Blaxploitation" films, though not all of them. And I can appreciate most of them for what they are, black cinema intended for firstly a black audience during the early 1970's. This social and historical context is obviously important to bear in mind when watching these films. I don't think any of them are great per se, some are good, some middling, and some bad. These are like modern day urban Westerns in my mind. I think there are similarities between the genres. But these Blaxploitation films seem to want to remind us, the wider mainstream audience, that even one century after slavery and after the recent civil rights movement that African-Americans are still here, still creating art, unique culture, yet still struggling with basic problems centered around urban economic opportunity or lack thereof, safety and violence, drugs and vice, a sometimes racially hostile structure and institutions over them, but also dangers from greedy or seedy elements from within their own communities as well.
So I view a film like "Cotton Comes to Harlem" thru this sort of lens. This is one of the first films of its genre, making it an important one both artistically and culturally. I also see a lot of elements used in the James Bond film "Live and Let Die" which copied or capitalized, or paid homage to, depending on one's perspective, the Blaxploitation genre. "Live and Let Die" is a good film worth seeing in my mind, as is "Cotton Comes to Harlem." But I am only ratting Cotton a 6/10 because the embedded racial awareness and consciousness just becomes too much weight for the film to bear. And by the end the film feels leaden and sinks under the weight of all the quips and gibes. While this film is well made technically and has an interesting story to tell, it just almost feels too absurd at times to even exist, like I'm watching something paradoxically weighty yet ephemeral. In fact the whole Blaxploitation genre which really only last five years from 1970-75 feels that way, like some unstable artificially created radioactive isotope or something which will invariably disappear. Yet it stills feels like much can be learned or gleaned from watching films like this today. Just go in with a thick skin and don't expect to much, but it's worth a watch.
Waterloo Bridge (1940)
A cautionary tale
"Waterloo Bridge" is obviously a cautionary tale directed to young women during the incipient World War 2, demanding of them to remain faithful or chaste. Of course no such demand is made of the young men, as per usual. I'm actually surprised that this film was made given that the central plot point is racy and that all parties and subjects involved are portrayed in an unflattering light. There's not a lot of positives to speak of here. The ballet is run by monsters, soldiers exploit and leave women without care, upper-crust Brits remain snobby and a social specter, the war seems as pointless as it is unseen, the job market dire, no social safety net, and so some poor women enter the world's oldest profession. And why didn't she just speak with the mother and ask for help? A frustrating tale, best viewed as a cautionary one, illustrating the tragedy which would invariably befall unchaste females during wartime in Britain. It's sort of a bizarre film really. 5/10 rating for me as I didn't really connect with the characters, we never even see them introduce themselves properly, and a unnecessarily sad ending to this story, perhaps mandated by censors and the aforementioned morality lesson.
By the Light of the Silvery Moon (1953)
Gets worse as it goes
I did not enjoy "By the light of the silvery moon". It started out well enough but became irritating as it went. I sort of tuned out once a misunderstanding took over the plotline. Then at the end the parties harmed by the misunderstanding are like "ok, no big deal" when it really was. I also didn't like how the competing beau was treated disrespectfully the entire time. The boy also became irritating always causing problems and never getting punished. Really not a lot to like here other than a few ok songs and ok cinematography. I'm surprised by the mostly positive reviews here. This is just another unremarkable 1950's musical. 2/10.
Annie Hall (1977)
Garbage -- skip it
I watched "Annie Hall" for the first time yesterday and hated it. I found it to be deplorable to be honest. It shows terrible morals, terrible stereotypes, terrible attitudes, and terrible scripting and editing. I have virtually nothing good to say about this film. 1/10 rating -- avoid. Appalling that this film won the Oscar instead of "Star Wars" in 1977. That's ok though, it just shows what poor taste the "tastemakers" have and how we should ignore them and their views. I found Allen to be an annoying bigot who ironically thinks everyone else is a bigot. Well, newsflash, the people obsessed with our differences, whether race or religion, and who compulsively drone on about it while reinforcing negative presumptions and stereotypes are the true bigots who are holding society back from healing and progressing. Yes, of course many terrible things have occurred in this world, but the answer is to love ourselves and others, at least until they give us a reason not to -- everyone deserves a chance from us. And the reality is that most people are not bigoted, but rather just focused on themselves, it is all most can do to get through life, fighting health difficulties and financial troubles, etc. Most have no time to be concerned with someone else's skin color or religion. It's the worst type of conceit, ignorance, and hypocrisy to project one's own bigotry onto others.
There's No Business Like Show Business (1954)
No plot
"There's no business like show business" is yet another one of those musicals with almost no plot, no meaning, and no heart. It's leading lady can't sing at all, the man is non-existent, and the kids are tacked on for some reason. The film is too long and grates on the viewer. I actually fast forwarded most of it, only the scenes with Marilyn Monroe are really worth watching. I don't know how Ethel Merman became a star because she is a terrible singer, no one wants to go to the movies to hear bad singing, sorry but that's the facts. Monroe sounded good but I suspect that was dubbed. I am honestly surprised just how much I disliked this film as I have been liking other musicals lately, but I would pass on this and watch "Mother wore tights" instead on which this sort of copied, or "Million Dollar Mermaid" or something.
Father Stu (2022)
Interesting film
"Father Stu" was an interesting film that I watched on streaming. I rate it a 6/10 cause I found it worthwhile to watch once but it's not something I want to rewatch, mainly because the main character and several others are so unlikeable and grating. The movie feels long and it took me several sittings to finish. I think there are some important messages here but they're smothered in a tough malaise which makes this film less enjoyable than it should be. And I get that this is not supposed to be a happy film, it supposed to be real and show a transition of a selfish man to a penitent one, however I think what was missing was showing more of Stu's work with others, how he helped them, if he did, I don't know. I expected more of that sort of thing here, and less of the drama and conflict, perhaps I just had wrong expectations, I really didn't know what this film was about going into it.
Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)
Fun movie
I actually enjoyed "Thor: Love and Thunder." While there were a few odd scenes and the opening caught me off guard, it was overall a well made movie that entertained me for two hours, thus I am rating it a 6/10 like the previous Thor sequels. I liked the music and the sense of humor, I know not everyone does, but I did. In fact, Hemsworth is a great comedic actor whose manner has really defined this modern Thor character. I enjoy the slight silliness; I don't need overly dark and serious superhero films as some people do. I also liked him in "Men in Black: International." And even playing a real bad guy in "Bad times at the el royale" he still can't help showing off that odd sense of humor and his fit body of course. Obviously not everyone likes these Thor movies and that is ok, but I do, and I'm not a big superhero genre fan. Though I don't like some of the flashing lights and stuff, but that was really only an issue in the first film of the series, which is why I rated "Thor" only a 5/10.
Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018)
Terrible
I did not have high expectations for "Solo: A star wars story" as it is a Disney film, however it could not even meet those low expectations because it was terrible. I could not even see the film, it was too dim and gray and dark, with little contrast, frequent flashing, and occasional overexposure. A terrible film in terms of cinematography, so bad I did not even get past that basic point to inspect the rest of the film's attributes. I stopped 1/3 in as it was giving me a headache and eye strain. I suspect there could be subluminal flickering or odd frame rate I don't know. Standard trash for this day and age, it makes me wish I owned a movie studio to set standards of basic cinematography and such. 1/10 avoid.
The Dark Corner (1946)
Good Movie
I thought that "The Dark Corner" was not just a good film noir but a good movie in general when compared to not just its genre but a broader group of films. I had never seen it before and I was impressed by how solid a film it was in most respects. The lighting was good as you'd expect, the story interesting and suspenseful, and the writing engaging and smart. And the acting was good as well. It was interesting to see Lucille Ball in a role like this. I am surprised that this film is largely forgotten while some such as "The Maltese Falcon" are not when in my opinion "The Dark Corner" is the far superior film.
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
A Masterpiece of Religious Iconography and Christian Dogmatics
I have long loved "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade," and it currently sits at number 2 on my Top 250 movie list and I rate it a 10/10. This third Indiana Jones movie is such a unique and special film and story which is paradoxically simple yet complex, breezily covering some of the most important issues of life and faith as well as addressing tangentially various relationships. The pace is proper and the story covers a lot of ground in 2 hours. The beginning, middle, and end are all excellent and the cinematography is top notch, the colors and settings are beautiful and varied. The direction is superb, as is the writing. The music is also proper, not being overbearing. In fact the whole film is very easy to watch, not giving one a headache or throwing too much at the audience at one time. The acting is all great as well, the late Sean Connery makes a terrific father and the relationship between the father and son seems realistic and developed, as is the more complicated relationship with the woman, but I won't give away any spoilers.
There is also just the right amount of levity in this film. But it is the story by Lucas and Meyjes which really propels this movie and makes it timeless and eminently relatable. It is essentially about the universal human desire to find immortality, good vs. Evil and the choice which we all have, and the actions and interactions with others which comprise our lives. As well as the search for humility and faith yet not striving too hard or far and succumbing to idolatry. Jesus Christ's blood which supposedly created the Grail cup is the lifegiving factor here, and if you are a follower of Him, then his blood will give you eternal life after death too, but not if you reject Him. Is there a literal Grail cup out there somewhere? I don't know and I don't really care because the Grail is really just a symbol and this story an allegory for the work done within one's own heart and mind which is invisible. And the death escaped is the second one in the afterlife, not the first one which we all know about. But by taking these simple universal concepts, some actual history, and segments of the New Testament of the Bible the writers fashioned a thrilling fictional allegory and film which is of course a metaphor for such things. Well worth watching if you have not yet done so.
And it also occurs to me that the actors ages are all appropriate, this film would not be nearly as impactful if it had a cast of young twenty-somethings. The fact that it features mostly middle aged or older persons in this film about the fear of death, the questioning of faith, and the search for answers is key, it makes it all feel real and vital. In fact, Indy's whole life is shown as a search for meaning and salvation; his stealing of the cross of Coronado, a fictional Spanish artifact which means "crowned cross" is representative of this. However he loses this item and cannot reacquire it until much later. Yet he still views it as a material object to be possessed, studied, and displayed -- similar to his attitude in previous films. It takes until later in his life and in this film that he starts viewing these things as more than their face value. Notably even after recovering the Ark of the Covenant he still seems to doubt God and faith and asks Marcus if he believes. This very human journey for our hero makes it interesting. He is saved by his faith at the end but we don't get to hear what he learned, it is left unspoken. Meanwhile his father doesn't seem to change all that much, as he found "illumination", or enlightenment, faith and God which he had been after since Indy's youth in the first scene. Actually, Indy's search for his father after being estranged from him for years could also be metaphorical as Indy seeking his Heavenly Father. A similar dual meaning and theme is found in the excellent Brazilian film "Central Station." And the seal which the Grail and immortality can't cross is a reference to the seal God places on His followers in the spiritual realm. I could go on, but I don't think it's necessary.
The Legend of Boggy Creek (1972)
Fifty Years Later
I finally watched "The Legend of Boggy Creek" today for the first time. I had heard about it on that "Finding Bigfoot" TV show which I sometimes watched and enjoyed. I can see why this film is regarded as seminal and important by some; it is one of the first of its kind, a sort of documentary drama/ horror thriller. Though I must say it is most definitely more documentary than thriller. I am interested in the subject matter so I found it interesting but it's definitely not the most exciting movie nor the most informative. And the 90 minute run-time feels longer, this would be better as a one hour Finding Bigfoot tv show, of which I think they did do an episode at this location. However, I know this is 2022, not 1972. Fifty years ago there were not the same entertainment options and I hear this was a popular Drive-in movie. And today how many Drive-ins are even left? Also, there was a nice song or two in the film to mix it up and the cinematography was good, better than I expected. The whole film seemed more professionally produced than I expected. But as said, not the most thrilling film, so for me today I feel like a 6/10 rating is fair.
Show Boat (1951)
A very human musical
"Show Boat" from 1951 is a solid musical film which features some nice singing, dancing and acting performances but the script is a bit of a downer which holds this film back from being a real feel-good musical classic. And musicals are after all not the best genre in which to cover dark material in my mind. But "Show Boat" is worth a watch for an old-timey feeling American musical film. It has a nice ambiance to it, very earthy and human, flaws and all, with an intimate feeling due to some close-up camera shots. My first time seeing this film. It's just too bad the one guy kept being a gambler instead of finding a real job, or something more productive. Gambling - both winning and losing is an overused Hollywood trope in my mind, but I guess I shouldn't be surprised when the film is called "Show Boat."
Sabrina (1995)
Better than the original
I thought that "Sabrina" (1995) was much better than the original film mainly due to its being shot in color at actual locations. I really disliked the original film, and unfortunately this more modern remake of "Sabrina" is stuck with the same dull and unmoving script. It's just not a great plot or romance, this modern film is only saved by its nice cinematography as I said. The male characters are just not likeable and Sabrina is only known in part, but I will rate it a 6/10 as I feel that is appropriate. And it is a tad long and slow in pace. I finally can cross this one off my list. Worth watching as a drama, but not really a good romance film or all that likeable or uplifting, though there are a few nice moments scattered in there.
Serenity (2019)
Disappointing
I should have listened to the bad reviews concerning "Serenity" because I concur that it was not a good movie and was an unsatisfying thriller. I had hoped it was more like the film noirs of old but this was not that, Hollywood just can't make good film noir anymore unfortunately, though they don't make much of anything very good these days. It had no zippy dialogue, too much mumbling as is common now, washed out color saturation from filters I guess, and no building tension or suspense. Just a real let down of a film considering the nice setting and good cast. I'm at a 4/10 rating, not sure if it was even worth one watch.
An Officer and a Gentleman (1982)
Downbeat
Don't believe the shills this is truly a downbeat movie. I watched "An Officer and a Gentlemen" because it is a famous movie and I thought I should see it at least once but I was surprised by just how gloomy and pessimistic it was. I expected a more basic light-hearted affair. It was depressing with a sad ending and no likeable characters and little action apart from romance scenes which were not romantic, except for one minute at the dance. I could tell from the opening that this would be a downbeat flick but I stuck with it anyway. It also gets old seeing the bullying and how that is lauded as building persons up and causing catharsis. There are very few interactions between persons in this film that are pleasant or not involving abuse or sex. And don't get me started on the morals shown. Really a dire film, absurdly lauded. I rate it a 5/10 which is generous. And he may become an officer but he does not become a gentlemen, as class is not easy to transcend.
Catlow (1971)
Bizarre Western
"Catlow" is an odd western from 1971 which is overall disappointing and frustrating; it could have been much better with a tighter script and more coherent plot and direction. This film feels like a mish mash of styles and other westerns, never feeling like a coherent and linear whole film. There were times I was interested in the film and then there were times where I almost turned it off after yet another non-sequitur or naked man (of which there are two). At times the film felt like "100 Rifles" or "Stagecoach" then Jo Ann Pflug's character shows up as the Mexican senorita and the film feels like a legitimate romance film for a second, or like "Vera Cruz" or "The Leopard" and I become interested once again. But then it ends like "Red Sun" or "Treasure of the Sierra Madre" or something. As i said, just a bizarre mish mash of a film, part comedy, part serious, totally incoherent and frustrating given the good cast and settings. A 4/10 rating from me.
Random Harvest (1942)
Quintessential Classic
I think lovers of classic films will like "Random Harvest" as it is very prototypical of a classic film in that it is black and white, melodramatic, well acted and scripted, has a slower pace and a more character and dialogue driven plot; a plot whose details strain credulity. The ending is a bit abrupt but overall a nice film that I rate a 7/10. Greer Garson was really a great actress, and photogenic; she really carries this movie. Coleman mostly just has to look bewildered and wander around. I'm glad I caught this one on television, first time I'd seen it. It's not entirely satisfying, but well worth watching in my opinion.
Les parapluies de Cherbourg (1964)
Very Overrated
"Umbrellas of Cherbourg" is a very critically acclaimed French musical film but it is also very overrated and not nearly as enjoyable as people make it out to be. The musical score is very weak and limited in scope and use. All of the dialogue is sung acapella in soft voice and monotone which makes for a very dull movie, and which doesn't allow proper emotive expression and variability in the dialogue and action (of which there is little). The plot is too basic and the characters too wooden and undeveloped causing the viewer to care little for them. This 90 minute film felt very long and was a challenge to get through. Really the sole positive here is the nice cinematography, colors, and visuals. But not a film I would recommend except to real cinephiles and lovers of obscure arty films. I rate it a 4/10. I enjoyed "The Young Girls of Rochefort" much more and gave that a 9/10 rating. If you're looking for an engaging musical see Rochefort instead.
Instant Family (2018)
Excellent
I watched "Instant Family" on television and wow I am impressed with it. The film was well done; it was sincere, funny, engaging, dramatic, and realistic. I would recommend this film. And it covers and promotes an import topic that is foster care and adoption. I liked how the film was optimistic minded yet still realistic and not unduly saccharine. This is the best Mark Wahlberg and Rose Byrne film that I've seen, while I like them well enough they have done their share of so-so movies, but this one is the gem in my opinion. Well-acted all around, the grandmas were great too and veteran actresses, I forget their names. What more can I say than I gave this film my coveted 10/10 rating, though not a film to rewatch often. Kudos to all involved in this production. Also, for more like this see the older films "Blossoms in the Dust" and "Mr. Scoutmaster".
Elizabethtown (2005)
Awful
I remember hearing about "Elizabethtown" when it came out and I always wanted to see it but never had until today when I caught some of it on television and wow all I can say is it was surprisingly awful. I did not like it at all, no aspect of it was good, and I can usually find something positive to say. I would not recommend. Avoid, 1/10 rating. Not sure why there are so many positive reviews on here; it really is amazing how different people can have such different reactions to some films. Maybe I'm just not a Cameron Crowe fan, though I liked his film "Singles" well enough and "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" based on his writing, but otherwise I'll pass.
Flawless (2007)
Pretty Good
"Flawless" from 2007 represents the level of quality that I expect from films, even from lesser known films, which this one is. I found it on streaming and tried it out and became engrossed. No it's not the most exciting heist film, nor the most adventurous, but its basic level of decent quality causes me to commend it here. First the camerawork was steady and efficient, the color hue natural, and the pacing good. There was a little bit of tension and suspense and the acting was good by the veteran Caine and Moore. I hope to see more films made today at this basic level of quality. And there was obviously a script written out ahead of time as one expects but does not always get. I don't mean to oversell it though, it's not life-changing or really that great, so I rate it a 7/10 appropriately, but it was worth watching once, though I probably won't watch again. And no ugly gross scenes.
Firepower (1979)
Not bad
I had put off watching "Firepower" from 1979 as I had low expectations for it, but it was actually pretty good. The cinematography and settings are very nice with an attractive cast and soundtrack. And there are many real explosions illustrating the firepower of the title. One of the better outings for James Coburn too, this is really his movie. The plot is a little complicated and silly though if analyzed deeply, but just watch for an entertaining ride. My rating 7/10. It was nice to find this rare film available on streaming, and it did not feel too dated for its age. It makes me wish I was traveling through the Caribbean, but watching this is the next best thing.
Les demoiselles de Rochefort (1967)
Great Musical
"The Young Girls of Rochefort" is the first Jacques Demy film that I've seen and I am impressed. I hope his other films are all as good. This was a great musical even though I don't speak French and had to read subtitles. As soon as you start watching this film you can tell it's special. The work put in to make this whole town part of the set, the colors, the choreography, the symmetry and elegance is all impressive. So, I would obviously recommend this musical, it is one of the best entries in its genre. It's too bad this is a somewhat forgotten film as it is a gem in my opinion, though I'm sure not everyone will like it, some may find it dull. But the music is great as well. I give it a 9/10 rating, not quite reaching the ideal of 10/10 just like in the film the ideal mate is not quite reached. Perhaps that is symbolic of life as we know it here and now.
Enchanted (2007)
Meh
I watched "Enchanted" on TV for the first time today and I feel ambivalent toward it. I'm not a big fan of fairy tales and Disney films and I'm clearly not the target audience, but I do watch such things from time to time. The positives are that the film is well made and looks good, with an attractive cast performing with gusto, some are almost worrisomely wide-eyed though. And the story is a decent mish mash of previous Disney films and tales such as Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty. I rate "Enchanted" a 4/10 though because I just wasn't that invested in it. I found the chipmunk annoying, a lot of the humor unfunny, and some of the sentiment cloying. I preferred the film "Snow White and the Three Stooges" which has a similar plot without the modern setting. I also disliked the end of "Enchanted" where the couples switch pairings and the one pair goes back into fairy land; I'm concerned about the messages that sends to youngsters. I also found the cockroaches, rats, and pigeons cleaning the apartment to be too much to accept. I know suspension of disbelief and all, but come on, they'd trash the place, not clean it, and they're just gross, worst part of the film.