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CrashRiley
Reviews
Bedtime Story (1941)
Under-rated delight!
I discovered Bedtime Story this morning on TCM quite by accident, and I couldn't have been more pleased. This is one of the most well-written, intelligent, marvelously-acted films I've ever seen, and I'm a devoted fan of old films; I'm always hoping to run across a wonderful film that I've never seen or heard of before, and Bedtime Story fit this criteria perfectly.
Loretta Young and Fredric March have such sparkling chemistry together, and I was most impressed by March's comedic acting ability, as I've always associated him with great dramatic parts; to me, he always brought a kind of gravitas to the roles that I associated him with, so this was a pleasurable comedic turn to watch. The supporting cast was equally good, with the delightfully funny Robert Benchley and a sly Eve Arden injecting real energy into their parts.
I rated this film a "9", but if I find myself enjoying it as much on repeated viewings, I might easily up that score to a personal "10", but I usually reserve 10's for what I consider "important" or groundbreaking films, or those which define a genre. For me, a "9" is a thoroughly enjoyable film that I would watch again and again, a film which gives me considerable pleasure. Don't miss it!
Sideways (2004)
The perfect blend of comedy and pathos and wonderfully retro
I had the immense pleasure of seeing a preview of Sideways with the director, Alexander Payne in attendance. Though it be a little movie, I want to tell you, this is the best time I've had at the movies in years.
"Sideways" is a cinematic gem. It is the perfect blend of comedy and pathos, an impeccably captured slice of a part of American culture. The acting is superb, the writing is absolutely outstanding and the cinematography is both beautiful and completely engaging.
As a cinemaphile, I was thrilled at recognizing film-making elements and styles that reminded me of the exciting film-making period in Hollywood in the late '60's and early-mid '70's with films such as "The Thomas Crown Affair".
I love this movie, and I cannot wait for it to become available on DVD so I can own it.
I also predict that it will find a loving home on either the Independent Film Channel, Flix or maybe both.