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Post by OldAussie on Apr 30, 2019 19:15:58 GMT
My son bought the Reanimator blurays and I got conscripted - surprisingly, the first wasn't bad, quite funny in parts. The sequels were.....NOT. Won't be watching them again I hope . |
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Post by hitchcockthelegend on Apr 30, 2019 19:21:25 GMT
movie night at Shawshank  Hee, wasn't she something man 
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Post by hitchcockthelegend on Apr 30, 2019 19:24:49 GMT
The Enchanted Cottage (1945) - www.imdb.com/title/tt0037671/reference
This is escapist beauty, a pic for those who have ever loved, or in search of love, lost love and etc, but mainly for those who don't quite have the hope for human company to lift the spirits, those who feel for whatever reason they don't fit in society. This is wistful magic that's superbly performed by the four principal actors, each guided with skilled hands by Cromwell (The Prisoner of Zenda). Enchanting is in the title and that's exactly what this film is, so get in the right frame of mind and fall under its spell. 9/10
   
I love this one, hitch. I've always hoped for a remake, maybe updated, though I'm not sure how that would work in the world today (though God knows we could use a little more "goodness" on the screen right now).
Spider it was remade in 2016, badly by all accounts > www.imdb.com/title/tt5233410/reference
It was my first viewing and I loved it, got exactly what I wanted out of it.
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Post by hitchcockthelegend on Apr 30, 2019 20:17:47 GMT
 Dr. No (1962) 8 Seen as so risky by the studio that they got nervous when it went one hundred thousand pounds over budget,and called "Dreadful. Simply dreadful." by Ian Fleming, director Terence Young, cinematographer Ted Moore and editor Peter Hunt deck the negative vibes and deliver a blazing big screen (Bond first appeared in the 1954 Climax! Episode/adaptation of Casino Royale) slice of Euro Spy thrills, establishing motifs which still continue in Bond. The first flick shot in Jamaica,Young & Moore create an atmosphere of glamour in long tracking shots of Bond spying on the locals, and panning shots following 007 gain info from the locals in cramped bars (built a size too small,in order to make Bond look more imposing.) Building anticipation to Bond's first appearance for the opening 7 minutes, Peter Hunt's stylised "Crash Cutting" editing perfectly matches up with Young's action set-pieces, with the missing/cut frames making the punches/ kicks land with a thump,and Young unveiling Dr. No's evil lair as a gloriously funky creation. Whilst containing a number of catchphrases,Richard Maibaum/Johanna Harwood and Berkely Mather's adaptation is a refreshingly low-key affair, with 007 spending most of the film trying to charm and punch info from locals on the Fu Manchu-inspired Dr.No. Along with Bond and Ryder swimming to the lair, the writers wonderfully make local Quarrel (a very good John Kitzmiller) be an equal to Bond,in Quarrel's case using local knowledge to unmask the baddie. Dubbed by Nikki Van der Zyl, Ursula Andress makes the first Bond Girl sing, with a sizzling, alluring presence as Ryder, whilst Sir Sean marks his first mission with a fantastic ease of balancing off the cuff one-liners with tough combat fights, as 007 goes in search of Dr.No. Top review for Bond 1 there squire mdf. I'll piggyback of course 
The Americans are fools. I offered my services, they refused. So did the East. Now they can both pay for their mistake.
Dr. No is directed by Terence Young and co-adapted to screenplay by Richard Maibaum, Johanna Harwood & Berkely Mather from the novel of the same name written by Ian Fleming. It stars Sean Connery, Joseph Wiseman, Ursula Andress, Jack Lord & John Kitzmiller. Music is by Monty Norman and cinematography by Ted Moore.
And so it all began here, what was until Harry Potter arrived on the scene, the most successful film franchise in history. James Bond, a name that would become synonymous with suave spies, deranged villains, beautiful women, exotic locations, gadgets, cars and sex. Ian Fleming's James Bond novels were big come the end of 1961, yet producers Cubby Broccoli and Harry Saltzman met some resistance from studios. It was never plain sailing, even after release the film garnered mixed reviews, but word of mouth and condemnation by the Vatican and the Kremlin propelled it to being one of the surprise hits of 62/63. At the box office it made £60 million Worldwide, this after being made on a budget of only £1 million.
Plot basically sees Connery's Bond flying out to Jamaica to investigate the disappearance of agent Strangways (Timothy Moxon). Once there he finds a case of murder is to be investigated and evidence points to the mysterious Dr. No (Wiseman), who resides on Crab Quay island, a place feared by the superstitious locals. Bond must keep his wits about him as he gets closer to the truth, for there are many obstacles in his way and not everyone can be trusted. Cue the suave and athletic Mr. Bond getting involved with lovely ladies, dicing with death, making friends, making enemies and just generally being an all round awesome anti-hero.
SPECTRE: Special Executive for Counter-intelligence, Terrorism, Revenge and Extortion.
There are a number of changes from the book and some censor appeasement was required to get the film a certificate enabling youngsters to see the film with an adult. What Dr. No rounds out as is a jolly good spy/action movie yarn. Some of the hints are there for what would make Bond such a profitable and well loved franchise, but there's no sign of the gadgetry, tricks and japes that would fill out so many of the titles that followed Dr. No. Here Bond is just armed with his Walter PPK 7.65MM pistol, Sunbeam Alpine car and his bravado and nouse.
Some future stalwart characters are given modest introductions (M, Felix Leiter, Moneypenny) and Ursula Andress sets the marker for all future Bond girls to follow. Ted Moore's capturing of the Jamaica location is sumptuous, something that really comes to the fore on the re-mastered DVD edition of the film. Connery is supremely cool and fearless, the theme tune and gun barrel opening are already in place, and Terence Young, who directs three of the first four Bond movies, keeps it zippy and suspenseful when story gathers up a flame throwing tank, car chases, fights and a quite brilliant tarantula sequence.
Quite a debut, uneven at times as it begins to find its feet, but even if it wasn't the first James Bond movie it would hold up as an entertaining bit of secret agent shenanigans regardless. 7.5/10
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Post by hitchcockthelegend on Apr 30, 2019 20:35:49 GMT
Thanks for sharing your review and for the info on the writers. I had intended to mention Pulitzer Prize winner MacKinlay Kantor but forgot to do so when I set down to post. But I didn't know that about Dalton Trumbo. Valuable information "The Real Sex Pistols" Have you seen Guncrazy (1992)? - www.imdb.com/title/tt0104377/reference
If you like neo-noir it's well worth a look, it's not a remake and is better than the iMDb rating. Lots of noir tints in there that I think you would like. My none spoiler review > Sex Pistols Part II  www.imdb.com/review/rw3474199/?ref_=tt_urv
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Post by hitchcockthelegend on Apr 30, 2019 20:40:12 GMT
 The Virgin Soldiers (1969) - takes place during the Malayan Emergency in the early 1950's. Basically the story involves fresh recruits (national service) in Malaya eventually facing off with Communist guerrillas but the main plot point is a handful of young soldiers trying to lose their sexual virginity as well as seeing combat. It's strange mix between comedy/drama/action that doesn't work all that well but it held my interest throughout the film.. I read a rumor that a young David Bowie makes a cameo appearance but I didn't catch it. That's it for this week, I can't seem to fit in more screen time unfortunately. I got some hazy recollection about this, is there 2 gay soldiers in it that say funny lines?
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Post by hitchcockthelegend on Apr 30, 2019 20:53:46 GMT
Compulsion (1959) Orson Welles is in this, but you'd never know it until the movie is half over when he eventually appears. Still, the movie is great without him at first. Bradford Dillman and Dean Stockwell as two creepy young men who want to commit a crime are more than enough to keep you interested.  Support Your Local Sheriff! (1969) & Support Your Local Gunfighter (1971), a double dose of wacky western Garner! The first movie is best, a western comedy that actually pokes fun at itself and has genuine laughs. The second tries hard to duplicate the first with the same cast as different characters. It mostly succeeds but not always. Supporting players like Harry Morgan, Jack Elam and Joan Blondell really help sell it.   Vanishing Point (1971) A famous movie I'd never seen from the 70's, more cars racing down the highway. I swear, I didn't plan to watch all these movies this week, they just seemed to come along. Normally I would plan such a thing, but I didn't this time. This movie has minimal plot, or dialogue, it's mostly just a car driving really fast and trying to avoid trouble but finding it anyway. It's much better than it sounds. Obviously, another very influential movie on other 70's movies.  Compusion >
Lets go watch them slaughter the sheep!
Compulsion is directed by Richard Fleischer and adapted to screenplay by Richard Murphy from the novel written by Meyer Levin. It stars Dean Stockwell, Bradford Dillman, Orson Welles and Diane Varsi. Music is by Lionel Newman and cinematography by William C. Mellor.
Based upon the real life Leopold and Loeb murder trial of the 1920s, Compulsion finds Artie Strauss (Dillman) and Judd Steiner (Stockwell) as two well to do young men attempting to commit the perfect crime - murder! But it wasn't so perfect after all and they soon find themselves on trial for their own lives. Enter famed attorney Jonathan Wilk (Welles), who fights to keep them from the death penalty.
Healthily rated in some quarters, it's a film that actually does divide opinions, which when all is considered is unsurprising given the capital punishment core of the story. The story builds superbly, brilliantly photographed and paced by cinematographer and director, and performed with imposing skills by Dillman and Stockwell. Then the crux of the film arrives in the form of Welles, who late in the play has the unenviable job of turning the piece into a soapbox anti capital punishment advertisement.
It's also a performance from Welles that has drawn major pros and cons in critical circles. Whatever your thoughts on capital punishment, Welles makes a telling acting mark. The sound mix could have been fine tuned, as Welles is prone to mumble during his speeches, but it remains gripping on court room drama terms, even if there's a little deflation - a feeling of anti-climax - after the build up had been so good. Not really capturing the notoriety of the real case, it's nonetheless a compelling piece and well worth seeking out. 7/10
Confession time, I still have not seen Support Your Local Gunfighter, and this after loving the first film and purchasing it some years ago. I just clean forget  I also have never seen Vanishing Point, which I also have somewhere recorded on one of my DVR boxes in storage I better get my arse in gear man!
Sheriff >
Our last sheriff was a good organiser. Yellow clear through, but a good organiser.
Support Your Local Sheriff! is directed by Burt Kennedy and written by William Bowers. It stars James Garner, Joan Hackett, Walter Brennan, Jack Elam, Harry Morgan and Bruce Dern. Harry Stradling Jr. is the cinematographer and Jeff Alexander scores the music. The film is essentially a parody of a Western splinter that encompasses an iconoclastic new arrival in a troubled town who sets about taming it. Here it's James Garner as Jason McCullough who is on his way to Australia to make his fortune. Stopping over in an Old Western town for some rest, a bite to eat, and maybe earn some cash? McCullough is disgusted to find corruption and murder is rife. Showing a firm backbone and some nifty skills with a gun, McCullough highly impresses the town dignitaries who offer him the position of Sheriff. A job he finally accepts and begins taming the town with his unconventional methods.
Support Your Local Sheriff! Very much had time on its side when it was released. Interest in the Western as a genre had waned considerably, with the advent of free television potentially ready to drive the final nails into the coffin. Four years earlier Cat Ballou had shown that a comedy Western in the 60s could be well received. While master craftsman Howard Hawks had parodied his own Rio Bravo a year after Cat Ballou with the well regarded El Dorado. Throw into the pot that James Garner had good comedic Western credentials behind him on account of his run in TV series Maverick (1957-1962); and it's evident that Messrs Kennedy & Bowers knew exactly what they were doing.
Roger Ebert famously accused the makers of the film of being thieves, not buying into the parody basis, he hated the film and thought it just stole from other Western movies whilst being made in a TV show style. Well that's kind of the core of a parody movie is it not? Bowers & Kennedy have crafted a top dollar irreverent Oater, embracing the clichés of many standard genre pics that had gone before it-and then turning them upside down. While all the time, with this cast of very knowing genre participants, cloaking the picture with love and affection. It's not so much biting the hand that feeds you, but more a tasteful appreciation of what was sometimes fed.
Full of truly memorable scenes such as a jail without bars, the film is immeasurably helped by the on fire cast. Garner deadpans it a treat and is charismatic into the bargain. As he goes about taming the town more by logic and suggestion than rapid gunfire, he's a hero that's very easy to warm too. Hackett, who owes the Western fan nothing after Will Penny, is simply adorable as a bumbling rich girl quickly getting the hots for the new Sheriff. Morgan & Dern play it firmly with a glint in the eye and tongue in cheek, and Brennan, a god-like bastion of Western's, is hilarious as the patriarch of the bullying Danby clan. But best of the bunch is Jack Elam (The Far Country/ Vera Cruz/ Gunfight at the OK Corral), who playing the town character somehow finds himself (in spite of himself) employed as the Sheriff's deputy, turns in a lesson in visual and physical comedy. Fittingly it's Elam who closes the film out with a suitably knowing piece of smart.
It lacks some great scenic photography and the score is a bit too much Keystone Coppery, but really this is about the excellent script and the players bringing it to life. A Western comedy gem. 9/10
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Post by vegalyra on Apr 30, 2019 20:57:19 GMT
The Virgin Soldiers (1969) - takes place during the Malayan Emergency in the early 1950's. Basically the story involves fresh recruits (national service) in Malaya eventually facing off with Communist guerrillas but the main plot point is a handful of young soldiers trying to lose their sexual virginity as well as seeing combat. It's strange mix between comedy/drama/action that doesn't work all that well but it held my interest throughout the film.. I read a rumor that a young David Bowie makes a cameo appearance but I didn't catch it. That's it for this week, I can't seem to fit in more screen time unfortunately. I got some hazy recollection about this, is there 2 gay soldiers in it that say funny lines? Yes, I can't remember the exact lines but they have a couple of lines of dialogue and hold hands through most of the movie. I believe they are shown in a bunk together too at one point.
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Post by morrisondylanfan on Apr 30, 2019 22:44:45 GMT
Dr. No (1962) 8 Seen as so risky by the studio that they got nervous when it went one hundred thousand pounds over budget,and called "Dreadful. Simply dreadful." by Ian Fleming, director Terence Young, cinematographer Ted Moore and editor Peter Hunt deck the negative vibes and deliver a blazing big screen (Bond first appeared in the 1954 Climax! Episode/adaptation of Casino Royale) slice of Euro Spy thrills, establishing motifs which still continue in Bond. The first flick shot in Jamaica,Young & Moore create an atmosphere of glamour in long tracking shots of Bond spying on the locals, and panning shots following 007 gain info from the locals in cramped bars (built a size too small,in order to make Bond look more imposing.) Building anticipation to Bond's first appearance for the opening 7 minutes, Peter Hunt's stylised "Crash Cutting" editing perfectly matches up with Young's action set-pieces, with the missing/cut frames making the punches/ kicks land with a thump,and Young unveiling Dr. No's evil lair as a gloriously funky creation. Whilst containing a number of catchphrases,Richard Maibaum/Johanna Harwood and Berkely Mather's adaptation is a refreshingly low-key affair, with 007 spending most of the film trying to charm and punch info from locals on the Fu Manchu-inspired Dr.No. Along with Bond and Ryder swimming to the lair, the writers wonderfully make local Quarrel (a very good John Kitzmiller) be an equal to Bond,in Quarrel's case using local knowledge to unmask the baddie. Dubbed by Nikki Van der Zyl, Ursula Andress makes the first Bond Girl sing, with a sizzling, alluring presence as Ryder, whilst Sir Sean marks his first mission with a fantastic ease of balancing off the cuff one-liners with tough combat fights, as 007 goes in search of Dr.No. Top review for Bond 1 there squire mdf. I'll piggyback of course
The Americans are fools. I offered my services, they refused. So did the East. Now they can both pay for their mistake.
Dr. No is directed by Terence Young and co-adapted to screenplay by Richard Maibaum, Johanna Harwood & Berkely Mather from the novel of the same name written by Ian Fleming. It stars Sean Connery, Joseph Wiseman, Ursula Andress, Jack Lord & John Kitzmiller. Music is by Monty Norman and cinematography by Ted Moore.
And so it all began here, what was until Harry Potter arrived on the scene, the most successful film franchise in history. James Bond, a name that would become synonymous with suave spies, deranged villains, beautiful women, exotic locations, gadgets, cars and sex. Ian Fleming's James Bond novels were big come the end of 1961, yet producers Cubby Broccoli and Harry Saltzman met some resistance from studios. It was never plain sailing, even after release the film garnered mixed reviews, but word of mouth and condemnation by the Vatican and the Kremlin propelled it to being one of the surprise hits of 62/63. At the box office it made £60 million Worldwide, this after being made on a budget of only £1 million.
Plot basically sees Connery's Bond flying out to Jamaica to investigate the disappearance of agent Strangways (Timothy Moxon). Once there he finds a case of murder is to be investigated and evidence points to the mysterious Dr. No (Wiseman), who resides on Crab Quay island, a place feared by the superstitious locals. Bond must keep his wits about him as he gets closer to the truth, for there are many obstacles in his way and not everyone can be trusted. Cue the suave and athletic Mr. Bond getting involved with lovely ladies, dicing with death, making friends, making enemies and just generally being an all round awesome anti-hero.
SPECTRE: Special Executive for Counter-intelligence, Terrorism, Revenge and Extortion.
There are a number of changes from the book and some censor appeasement was required to get the film a certificate enabling youngsters to see the film with an adult. What Dr. No rounds out as is a jolly good spy/action movie yarn. Some of the hints are there for what would make Bond such a profitable and well loved franchise, but there's no sign of the gadgetry, tricks and japes that would fill out so many of the titles that followed Dr. No. Here Bond is just armed with his Walter PPK 7.65MM pistol, Sunbeam Alpine car and his bravado and nouse.
Some future stalwart characters are given modest introductions (M, Felix Leiter, Moneypenny) and Ursula Andress sets the marker for all future Bond girls to follow. Ted Moore's capturing of the Jamaica location is sumptuous, something that really comes to the fore on the re-mastered DVD edition of the film. Connery is supremely cool and fearless, the theme tune and gun barrel opening are already in place, and Terence Young, who directs three of the first four Bond movies, keeps it zippy and suspenseful when story gathers up a flame throwing tank, car chases, fights and a quite brilliant tarantula sequence.
Quite a debut, uneven at times as it begins to find its feet, but even if it wasn't the first James Bond movie it would hold up as an entertaining bit of secret agent shenanigans regardless. 7.5/10
OK,and with how many Dr No reviews there are on IMDb,I did try keep it short and sweet!
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Post by hitchcockthelegend on Apr 30, 2019 23:07:16 GMT
Oh, I had no idea. It looks dreadful. 
I just looked at the trailer and OMG it is awful!! Every single way in which not to remake a film. And with SIX DIRECTORS!!!?? Oh, it makes me sad. And to see Richard Hatch in it, whom I knew decades ago when he was young and beautiful; a far better actor than to be in a film like this. And I hate that they kept the title, as it has little if anything to do with Pinero's play! I'm sure he's turning over in his grave. . .
That's it. Off my broken-hearted soap-box now. Holy cow. . .
You were better off not knowing about it! 
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