These brief, one sentence movie reviews return after an extended winter hibernation. The complete list can be found here.
Grand Budapest Hotel, The (2014) – As “Wes Andersony” as anything he has directed this affectionate nod to Old World Europe is both exquisite and plodding. (3) – 4/10/14
Big Heat, The (1953) – Atmospheric delight with revenge-fueled detective and spurned (more…)
Street in Venice (detail) – John Singer Sargent
Museums do interesting things to me. My back inevitably hurts after a while. Blame the slow, aimless meandering. I also experience the same discomfort in malls, the museums of (more…)
One sentence movie reviews returns for a tenth spin. All the reels can be found here!
Stories We Tell (2012) – Engrossing multi-layered documentary illustrates there is often more than people realize in any family story. (4) – 8/2/13
Auntie Mame (1958) – Larger-than-life socialite is suddenly saddled with (more…)
I re-watched Mr. Deeds Goes to Town a few days ago, Frank Capra’s 1936 fanciful tale of Longfellow Deeds, an everyman from rural Vermont who inherits a vast fortune. It contains many hallmark Capra elements: a good person forced to confront a whirlwind of greed and/or corruption, a sentimental and idealized view of small town life, a smart, savvy female lead, and snappy, intelligent dialogue. It is by all accounts very Capraesque.
The first time viewer may think the movie horribly dated, one that shows every wrinkle and crease of its 77 years. We no longer tolerate plot advancement through (more…)
Rolling Stone magazine recently conducted an online poll to see what the music listening public felt are the best post-Beatle songs by ex-Beatles. Stu Sutcliffe and Pete Best, the two band members who came and went before the group got insanely popular, had no post-Beatle musical success. Stu left in 1962 to devote his energies to painting and Pete was jettisoned the same year by the group’s manager, Brian Epstein. So they are easily (more…)
Mistletoe and eggnog lead to strange things, like writing short reviews about a selection of Christmas movies both recent and old. As always “Shorts” reviews are limited to one sentence with a maximum of 20 words. If you wish to see the entire list (trust me, it’s a quick read) click here. Ho! Ho! Ho!
Miracle on 34th Street (1947) – The word “precocious” was probably coined after 8 year old Natalie Wood lit up the screen in this enduring favorite. (3) – 12/21/12
Love Actually (2003) – Christmas for the (more…)
My current attention span leads to this latest installment of Shorts.
Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010) – Graphic novel sensation translates to quirky, extremely likeable film with Cera battling Winstead’s seven evil exes. (3½) – 7/8/12
Thrill of It All, The (1963) – Harmless sudsy comedy follows Day’s journey from (more…)
Trask Avenue 