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Reviews
Seabiscuit (2003)
ROCKY on four legs
The story of three men and one horse who beat the odds, surprised everyone around them, and made history. The nice thing about this wonderful film is that it's based on a true story -- a story that captivated depression-era America to the point of obsession. Based on the best-selling novel, my only real complaint is that, out of necessity, so much was left out. Jockey Red Pollard, in particular,was a marvel of guts and determination. The sad little rider and the plain-looking horse with the crooked legs, were a perfect match who set astonishing records. Couple this with the intensely human stories of Seabiscuit's amiable owner and his quirky, misunderstood trainer, and you have one incredible story. I don't want to give any plot points away...just see it -- it's fantastic.
Rocky (1976)
Sweet and Uplifting
How Sylvester Stallone managed to go downhill after this, his first film (which he also wrote), is a mystery -- he showed the greatest potential so early in his career. Don't think Rambo here...think stuffed teddy bear! The world of boxing is really just a device for the story's reason for being -- courage, love, and the fulfillment of dreams. Rocky doesn't have a chance against the world heavy weight champion, and he knows it...but that's not what matters. He just wants to prove he has the heart to go the distance. Women love the movie for Stallone's endearing characterization, and men love it for the boxing scenes. The Rocky series -- all films -- are the only movies I ever attended where the audiences stood to their feet and cheered and applauded wildly. I've never seen a reaction like that for any other movie -- and I doubt I'll ever see it again. Don't miss this one...it's an experience of the heart.
Call Me Madam (1953)
Wonderful O'Connor/Merman Vehicle
O'Connor shines again after his happy turn in "Singin' In The Rain" -- but then, Donald always glittered, even when he didn't always have a quality vehicle to showcase his gifts. This film isn't "Singin'" -- what is? But it's good, "A" quality material that lets Donald prove his great skill as a dancer (Oh! What a dancer!), actor, comedien and singer (and yes, he had a lovely, rich voice). His dances with the superb Vera-Ellen are breathtakingly beautiful -- they actually rival Fred and Ginger in their scenes together. And what can be said about the "give it all you've got" Ethel Merman except that she is the powerhouse here that legend says she is! And she's fun! One of her better screen performances. Funny sidenote: In their musical work together, O'Connor wore earplugs! Don't miss this lovely gem of a movie which had been kept from the public far too long.
Francis (1950)
Francis and Donald, just plain fun
No great art here, just lots and lots of fun. Donald O'Connor's Peter Stirling is endearing, sweet, gullible, and the perfect foil for the acerbic mule who has been called, among other things, Groucho on a bad day. O'Connor was always a top-notch comedien -- he had the ability to render an innocent word or phrase hilarious with an unexpected inflection or the lift of an eyebrow. O'Connor doesn't showcase his extraordinary dancing abilities in this series (more's the pity), but we are definitely treated to the eternally young looking actor's gifts as an actor and comedien. If you can talk your children into sitting through at least ten minutes of any of the movies in the Francis series, they'll be hooked -- and they might just gain appreciation for the talents of a bygone era. The comedy and pacing in "Francis" is slower than today's rapid fire movies, but once introduced, children -- and adults -- generally love them. I know I do!
Call Me Madam (1953)
Wonderful O'Connor/Merman Vehicle
O'Connor shines again after his happy turn in "Singin' In The Rain" -- but then, Donald always glittered, even when he didn't always have a quality vehicle to showcase his gifts. This film isn't "Singin'" -- what is? But it's good, "A" quality material that lets Donald prove his great skill as a dancer (Oh! What a dancer!), actor, comedien and singer (and yes, he had a lovely, rich voice). His dances with the superb Vera-Ellen are breathtakingly beautiful -- they actually rival Fred and Ginger in their scenes together. And what can be said about the "give it all you've got" Ethel Merman except that she is the powerhouse here that legend says she is! And she's fun! One of her better screen performances. Funny sidenote: In their musical work together, O'Connor wore earplugs! Don't miss this lovely gem of a movie which had been kept from the public far too long.