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Reviews
Rear Window (1954)
Good clean Hitchcock
The great thing about "Rear Window" is how Hitchcock puts the viewer in the point of view of Jimmy Stewart's lead character L. B. Jeffries. It's a bit weird actually how you find yourself anticipating Jeffries' reactions because you're thinking the way he does as he scans his neighbors' apartments in an almost lurid act of voyeurism. What's problematic though, and what comes across as unrealistic today is how so many apartment dwellers can live without ever worrying that their activities ought to be concealed. Forget about the murderer for a minute and consider every other tenant featured in their mini-vignettes - Miss Lonelyhearts, Miss Torso, the Songwriter, the newlyweds, the doggy elevator couple. It seems to be a precarious way to live, like being in a glass enclosure or a cage in a zoo.
That's why Jeffries' solution of Mrs. Thorwald's murder is just a little too pat. He's got all the twists and turns worked out in the face of conflicting evidence to the contrary, mostly supplied by his detective friend Doyle (Wendell Corey). Yet it's important to be in on the identity of the murderer to keep the tension building to a dramatic conclusion. Jeffries has ample support in building the case with the help of fiancée Lisa Fremont (Grace Kelly) and his temporary caregiver Stella (Thelma Ritter). Stella is the perfect character to inject needed comic relief as Hitchcock layers the film with increasing levels of mystery and suspense. In fact, she's got the best line in the movie - "... just where do you suppose he cut her up?"
One of the neat things I learned about the film is how Hitchcock got around Paramount's limited set to replicate a city apartment complex. The building used in the film was only two stories high, so to get the illusion of a much larger unit, Hitchcock got the studio to cut into the basement. Jimmy Stewart's apartment was really at ground level on the actual set, thereby creating the impression that he was spying on apartments above, below and across from his own.
One of the other cool tricks used in the story revolved around the Songwriter, and how the music emanating from his apartment served as a sound track for those scenes. It's where the director appeared in one of his trademark cameo appearances. If you were paying attention, you also learned that the writer got the inspiration for his songs from the landlady once a month!
20 Minutes (2023)
So glad I saw this film.
I was never anticipating the film to be this good. I couldn't care less about the film, but most people and my friends said it was amazing. So I went to see it. And sure enough, it was one of the best experiences I have ever had on the big screen while watching this, and man alive was this a film to have and has no right to be this level of good.
Pros: Because Rarely does any indie faith-based film rise to this level. But I have to say, and excitedly, '20 Minutes' does just that. I enjoyed the action and incredible suspense were breathtaking. The cinematography was first-rate, and the story was solid; the acting was spot on. I understand why this made people cry. Some lower intelligent beings keep saying there are no locals in the film. The entire film is shot with locals. What are they talking about? Unless they mean only their tribe? Why would I watch that? I deal with these bullies from Waianaie every day on the H-1.
Cons: Nothing much, but I wish there were even more action scenes, as they were all good and entertaining.
Overall, the film was outlandish; they made me like this with some breathtaking action, and I couldn't believe I would skip this film. But I was so glad I saw it on the big screen. 10/10. Perfect.
Hostage (2005)
Pretty good!
I just saw Hostage today at an advanced screening and I liked it! It seems to have all the elements of the Bruce Willis action movie, so one might think it cannot surprise anymore. Then again, you rarely see a bad Bruce Willis movie. It has the opening failure of the perfect cop, and the almost "post traumatic stress" side to the character who then moves into a smaller town, but carries his burden along with him.
But this time, Bruce Willis doesn't seem all that perfect, he is scared, his voice is shaking in several situations and even cries. He still saves the day, but he's a lot more... human. And the guy is pretty good at this, too.
Then there are the really powerful scenes that shake your soul! Young actor Ben Foster is involved in many of them and does a terrific (literally and figuratively speaking) job! There are also some unexpected resolutions and some even less expected symbolic shots.
Bottom line is, Hostage is a good pick not only for the action/thriller fan, but also for any movie goer.
Home Alone (1990)
Love Daniel stern!
Oh, come on, IMDb users. How could this film get only a 6.5? Yes, it's a kid's movie, but I know plenty of adults(not including myself) who loved this film. It touches our hearts, and tickles our funny bones. Not to mention I think in one way or another we could relate to it. That's why it remains a classic Christmas comedy.
Home Alone is not only one of the highest box office successes of all time, but it deserves more praise. Mac showed a talent that very little child stars have now-a-days. He brought in a great comedy about a boy who accidentally is left home alone when his family goes on vacation and takes on two burglars.
Yeah, it's quit unrealistic about the burglars, but honestly, this is a terrific family film. Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern are the perfect comedy duo of two idiots who can't rob the place because a 8 year old child has out witted them and set some clever and very funny traps around the house.
Please give this movie a chance, it's just terrific and I guarantee nothing but great laughs for you and the whole family.
10/10
Suing the Devil (2011)
an almost Biblical like morality play
If you've read C.S. Lewis in college or university, this film will be a delightful surprise, especially in contrast to what usually happens to film adaptations of literature. For those of you who've never heard of C.S. Lewis, it's no matter. This film can stand on its own without reference or support from its original source.
Many a movie since my childhood has brought a tear to my eye, but I have not *sobbed* at a movie in the past fifteen years, except once: at the end of SUING THE DEVIL. It is moving, passionate and poignant. Don't miss it.
Rating: **** out of ****.
The film most-likely will not appeal to the young, hip, God-less crowd who relish 'Dark Knight' and drool over 'Saw'. But for the more intelligent, kinder generation - this film is wildly amazing and shows the spiritual battle that we face against a real Biblical dragon. If you just read the negative reviews from these kids, it makes you almost cry. They're doomed and they don't know it. They'd rather play Special Ops than seek God. Just like in the days of Noah....
All Quiet on the Western Front (1930)
Phenom classic film!
"All Quiet on the Western Front" is important filmmaking that still rings true today. The film deals with World War I combat through the eyes of the enemy (the Germans). For the first time ever it was realized how heartbreaking war really is, for all involved. One key message within the film is that innocence cannot survive on the battlefield. War is an awful thing that has no true winners, just losers. Brilliant performances from all involved make the film believable and accurate for the most part. A very young Lew Ayres is the best as his story creates tension for the entire film. This is perhaps the first film that proved that the cinema could be a truly imperative medium. The film was scorned by many in the U.S. as some thought that showing the Germans as sympathetic characters was in poor taste. Germans hated the film because of its anti-war message. Hitler was about to become a world power and he wanted all Germans to be excited and enthusiastic about combat. This film goes against those ideals. The Academy was brave enough and smart enough to award the film with the Best Picture Oscar in 1930 and Lewis Milestone became the first multiple Oscar winner in the directing category. "All Quiet on the Western Front" has the storyline of Malick's "The Thin Red Line" and the action and drama of Spielberg's "Saving Private Ryan". An overwhelming film experience. 5 stars out of 5.