eibon04 Reviews

Manon of the Spring (1986)

Classic Sequel to a Classic First

[14 March 2002]

A masterwork of French cinema featuring a emotionally powerful performance by Actress, Emmanuelle Beart. Follows up on the main events in Jean de Florette to depict the vengeful urges of a Manon, the daughter of a disgraced man who seeks to get back at those responsible. Also, the film gets a fine performance from legendary French actor, Yves Montand. One of the best French films of the 1980s, and of the closing period in the 20th century. Manon of the Spring is directed with finesse and deep emotions by Claude Berri.

Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001)

Condensed, Tame Action Film without a Bite

[3/10 · 17 February 2002]

Not a totally wasteful film for there are a couple of fascinating ideas that are not properly channeled by the film makers, and cast. Angelina Jolie is a talented actress whose talents are not put to any good use with her one dimensional characterization creation of the filmmakers. Lara Croft:Tomb Raider(2001) lacks the sense of danger, feeling of wonder, and cliff hanging suspense that the Indiana Jones films excelled in. One of the few good performances in the film are given by Doctor Menard himself, Richard Johnson who performs with an uttermost perfessionalism. For an action film it lacks any cool scenes or action and is missing any kind of tension which makes action films interesting. To any viewer who loves adventure films, I suggest the Indiana Jones movies, or even the early silent films of Fritz Lang, ala, Dr. mabuse the Gambler, or Die Niebulegen.

Cheers (1982–1993)

All Time Television Classic

[2 February 2002]

I grew up watching and enjoying the interesting moments of a show which lasted a long time. The final episode was one of the three best finales ever on a television. Some good acting was given by people such as Ted Danson, and Kirstie Alley along with eccentric performances by some character actors. The banter between the people who worked at the bar and the people who hung out were witty and tender.

Assault on Precinct 13 (1976)

Homage to Howard Hawks

[31 January 2002]

Assault on Preceint 13(1976) is a classic low budget feature film of the 1970s which paved the way for John Carpenter's status as a cult action/horror/SCIFI film director. Originally, the director had planned to do The Eyes of Laura Mars which was later filmed by someone else and instead did Assault on Preceint 13. Out of many film directors who have been influenced by Howard Hawks, John Carpenter is one of two people of which it is majorly apparent. Mixes a lot of elements from Night of the Living Dead(1968) with Rio Bravo(1959). One element from the former which appears here is the notion of faceless emotionless killers attacking an isolated and nearly abandoned building. An element from the latter is the hard-boiled behavoir and the odds against them approach. One of three excellent motion pictures by John Carpenter besides The Thing(1982) and Halloween(1978). The scene involving Kim Richards and ice cream is one of the most chilling moments from 1970s low budget films. The acting is good and the action scenes are well done. Sadly, two of the main actors have passed away within the last five years, and the main female actress hasn't been in a film since. A charismatic and humorous performance is given by the late Darwin Joston.

The Good Time Girls (1960)

Creepy Hitchcockian Ending

[31 January 2002]

Masterful early Chabrol film with brilliant acting and tense situtations. A preview of situtations and things to come in later Chabrol thrillers. The man on the bike is an enimatic figure whose intentions are not revealed until the final moment. The final scene is done in the manner of a dream. I think that Les Bonnes Femmes(1960) had a slight influence on Ms. 45(1981) especially on the working relationship of woman. Seeing it makes me interested in watching more films by Claude Chabrol. Classic French cinema of the New Wave besides Shoot the Piano Player(1961) and Breathless(1959).

Evening Shade (1990–1994)

Fabulous TV Show with some Good actors

[26 January 2002]

An underrated television program from the early years of the last decade which featured good stories, interesting subplots, and brilliant mixture of comedy and drama. Was Burt Reynolds's last time that he gave a good and consistent performance as an actor. Evening Shade(1990) is definitely better than any of the shows on NBC today which passes for quality television. Also contributing to the good acting was Charles Durning and Ossie Davis. One of my favorite shows from that time period that derserved to stay on air longer.

Bicycle Thieves (1948)

Father of Neorealism

[24 January 2002]

Excellent film that symbolizes the rebirth of Italian cinema that would last well into the mid 1980s. Made authetic by use of non professional actors who make film feel emotionally powerful. One of many masterpiece films by an great in Italian cinema, Vittorio De Sica. He directs with a quiet sense of professionalism. A touching performance is done by lead actor, Lamberto Maggiorani. The Bicycle Thief(1948) reaches at the heart and tugs at the brain with emotion and pathos.

Le Million (1931)

In the tradition of Marx Brothers and Charles Chaplin

[24 January 2002]

One of a rare breed of films which crosses elements of the silent and sound period. Le Million(1931) is excellent in its comic routes and brilliant in its storytelling abilitites. Rene Clair does wonders with the material which is top notch. Le Million(1931) is an inspiration to any comedy done within the seven decades.

Faces (I) (1968)

Breakthrough Film for Cassavetes as Director

[11 January 2002]

Although John Cassavetes had a few films under his belt when Faces(1968) came around, it was really this one film which put his name on the map as a film director. Also, one of the first films where he began to use his entourage of actors including Gena Rowlands. I loved it because its against the norm filmmaking approach. Faces(1968) is a brilliant performed film which gets better as time goes by.

The Love of Jeanne Ney (1927)

From a Master Film Director

[11 January 2002]

Love of Jeanne Ney(1927) is an involving Wartime melodrama with images that impress. Definitely the work of a great director in G.W. Pabst who is the second greatest filmmaker in German Silent films right after Fritz Lang. Includes a post Metropolis role for Brigitte Helm. Acting is very good and the set designs are some of the best in Silent cinema. A downbeat film with a contrasting happy ending.

The Verdict (1982)

Tightly constructed script by David Mamet

[13 December 2001]

The Verdict is one of the finest films ever done by Sidney Lumet. It also features a controled and low key performance by Paul Newman. The screenplay is the best part about the rich because of the richness in characters and certain scenes brought on by David Mamet's fastpast writing. As far as screenplays go The Verdict(1982), Glengarry Glenross(1992), and The Untouchables(1987) are Mamet's best.

Purple Noon (1960)

Delon is The MAN!

[13 December 2001]

A noirishly constructed French thriller that is far better than its remake. Alain Delon is a more convincing anti heroic Ripley than Matt Damon was in the remake. Rene Clement was excellent at putting up on the screen for the filmgoer an atmosphere of mistrust and paranoia in Plein Soleil(1960). Plein Soleil(1960) is surpassed only by Rider on the Rain(1969) as one of Rene Clement's best. Alain Delon gives an excellent performance in Purple Noon(1960) that is a preview for his brilliant role in Le Samurai(1967).

Martin (1977)

Truely George Romero's Most Mature Achivement

[29 November 2001]

Night of the Living Dead(1968) and Dawn of the Dead(1978) are the director's famous films and most beloved by leigons of horror fans around the globe. However, in this writer's humble opinion Martin(1977) is the best film the director has done in his career for a couple of good reasons. At the forefront is a complex protagonist who is a sexually confused young man that believes he's a vampire. Also, the acting and the direction are low key and sombre. Finally, the ways that the director plays againsts the cliches atributed to vampires which makes this film a pleasure to observe. Martin behaves in the manners of a vampire because its what society expects of him. So if Cuda believes his nephew is a vampire then according to Martin it must be true. Uses a first person voice over narrative that's in the same vein as Hatchet for the Honeymoon(1969), and Maniac(1980).

An early film Tom Savini worked on before he became famous among the horror community. The makeup effects are very good for a film of its budget. Opening moment in train may have been inspired by the opening sequence in Hatchet for the Honeymoon(1969). Covers sexual frustration and confusion with more human depth than a previous Romero film called Season of the Witch(1975). The black and white flashback sequences I feel were part of an alternate story in order to compare past and present. After all, the director did do a 3 Hour black and white version which unfortuately was stolen from him(thus, the black and white scenes are leftovers of a different film). I would love to see the 3 hour version come to frutiation because of the added depth new scenes might give to character and story. Martin(1977) is an underrated horror classic of the 1970s that is a change of fresh air because its not with the usual vampire elements.

Lost Horizon (1937)

Maligned classic

[28 November 2001]

Fantasy filled film that shows the different facaets of human nature. Beautifully conceived by Frank Capra whose brilliant at making films with sentlemenity as main force. A masterpiece which was brutally cut during its threaitcal run and only recently has the film been somewhat restored. Thus, the complete version of Lost Horizon(1937) is one of many lost classics in history of film. Acting is excellent with everyone giving deep performances. An wonderful story with intriquing spirital symbolisms. Ronald Colman does a marvalous job as the good natured and tolerate Robert Conway. Personally I perfer Lost Horizons(1937) over Its a Wonderful Life(1946) because the main character in the former is more complex.

American Gigolo (1980)

Weak Protagonist

[3/10 · 27 November 2001]

American Gigolo(1980) is a good film hampered by a below average performance from Richard Gere. If the lead had been played by someone who could do something with the role then the film would have been an improvement. Paul Schrader films some good scenes with provocative ideas. Slight disappointment after the director's brilliant debut of Blue Collar(1978) and his very good road film, Hardcore(1979). American Gigolo(1980) has its bright spots but these bright spots are few and wide spread throughout the story.

Curse of the Demon (1957)

Last Hurriah for Tourneur

[27 November 2001]

Classic 1940s type horror film made in the late 1950s by a master of the horror and noir genre. Film that deals with the concept of the occult in an interesting way. Notion of parchment that can control a man's destiny which ends up being burned in a fire was perhaps an inspirational device for Mario Bava's Baron Blood(1972). Images of unknown horror are exquisite. Night of the Demon(1957) is impressive because it uses the same kind of style as early Jacques Tourneur horror such as Cat People(1944) and I Walked with a Zombie(1946). The story has elements of Lovecraft and Wheatley in the frame of the plot.

King Creole (1958)

Elvis in One of his Rare Good Films

[20 November 2001]

An unusual Elvis Presley vehical which actually gives him the opportunity to act. Elvis was a talented actor who was put in crap for most of his career. The Hollywood system always put him in films where he sings without doing much else. Its only when he worked with talented directors such as Michael Curtiz and Don Siegal that his abilities as an actor were fully used. King Creole(1958) is such a film where he is given the chance to act and he passes with flying colors. King Creole(1958) and the western, Charro(1968) are my two favorite Elvis Presley films because of their dark tone and the excellent acting performances by Elvis. One of the better directed Elvis films by veteran filmmaker and Casablanca(1942) director, Michael Curtiz. One of the people who wrote the story was Michael V. Gazzo, who would later play an important role in The Godfather Part 2(1974). Walter Matthaw is terrific in one of his pre Odd Couple and comedic roles. A musical Noir done during the final year of the genre before becoming extinct.

Pickup on South Street (1953)

Classic!

[15 November 2001]

Richard Widmark leads the way in a Cold War themed noir about a pickpocket who steals secrets that was to go to members of a gang of Communists. Pickup on South Street(1953) gets a hard bitten but sensitive performance from Richard Widmark. His portrayal of a pickpocker foreshadows the life of a pickpocket criminal in Robert Bresson's Pickpocket(1959). Thelma Ritter gives a gentle and tragic performance in the role of Moe. Top flight B movie from Sam Fuller who was the King of the B movie in Hollywood as well as a film rebel.

The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)

Anit-Nuclear Weapons Film

[24 October 2001]

Enduring Scifi fable that has not dated in its ideas for the past years since it was made. Began a decade of classic Science Fiction films in Hollywood in the 1950s. The 1950s was perhaps the golden age of the SciFi genre in Hollywood during the 1950s as there were a lot of classics coming out then. The Day the Earth Stood Still(1951) is a thoughtful and well meaning film that was engrossing to follow. Spreads more interest intellengent thories than any Science Fiction film made in Hollywood today. If The Day the Earth Stood Still was remade today then it would be just another generic good humans vs. bad aliens saga. One of a number of brilliant films by Robert Wise. Influenced many American and British science fiction films for the following decades. Bernard Herrmann performs a wonderful film score that is one of his best non Hitchcock score. Includes an early role from future Hammer studio actor and American action star, Stuart Whitman.

Head Over Heels (2001)

Inconsistent Acting

[12 October 2001]

This is not one of the best films of this year nor one of the worst. Its an average romantic comedy that borrows a little bit from Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window(1954). Ultimately fails as a romantic comedy because of the generic feel of the romantic emotions between Freddie Prinze Jr. and Monica Potter. Monica Potter gives a reasonable performance in the role of a young fashion model. A disappointing followup for the director to the darkly comical and provocative, House of Yes(1997).

The Great Escape (1963)

Stunt Work by McQueen is Fabulous

[28 September 2001]

Not one of the best WWII films of all time but certainly entertaining with some excellent set pieces to remember. Made in the days when many long epic films consisted of all star casts. An enjoyable film from director, John Stuges that I prefer over his Western, The Magnificent Seven(1960). The Great Escape(1963) has an interesting premise that is half realized. One actor, James Donald plays a POW prisoner for the second time in five years after playing a similar role in Bridge on the River Kwai(1958).

Enemy Mine (1985)

Interesting

[12 September 2001]

Good motion picture with a provocative premise and wonderful acting. Terry Gilliam was first offered to directed Enemy Mine(1985) before rejecting the offer and deciding on doing a more personal film that would be his masterpiece called Brazil(1985). Direction by Wolfgang Petersen is very good and the special effects are brilliant. I find this film much better than the ones by the director during the late 1990s to now. Some good acting chemistry is given between Dennis Quaid and LGJ.

Rush Hour (1998)

Weak Villain

[6 September 2001]

A good movie at times with some good scenes and some boring scenes. One of the main problems with Rush Hour(1998) is the villain Sang is not a formidable heavy nor does he go toe to toe with Jackie Chan. The team of Jackie Chan and Chris Tucker do well together once their characters get used to use others. Both actors make the film into a good film in spite of the average direction of Brett Ratner. Water down Jackie Chan film which is typical of the Hollywood system.

Wings (1990–1997)

Never Took off the Ground

[6 September 2001]

Below average comedy series that had the potential to be something better. Basically its Taxi version with airplanes and airports instead of taxis. The acting was good in some episodes but could never sustain a level of consistency. Some of the episodes were very good while most were at best below par.

D.O.A. (1949)

Gripping Finale

[6 September 2001]

D.O.A.(1950) is a surrealistic Film Noir that would be influential to many Noir pictures made during the 1950s. Its use of non linear plot and storyline differs sightly from some Noir pics of its time. Noir Veteran Edmond O'Brien plays a fatalistic protagonist who fights against time to find out who poisoned him before its too late. In the style of another low budget Noir Classic called Detour(1945). Rudolph Mate brings a feeling of claustrophobia to the main character and his surroundings. D.O.A.(1950) is interesting to watch for its nightmarish qualities. The cinematography by Ernest Laszlo who did the brilliant camera work for the masterful, Kiss Me Deadly(1954) is one of the best in a Noir Pic.