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Reviews
The Searchers (1956)
The Quintessential John Wayne
In so many ways, this film reveals the personification of the mythical Wayne that has contributed to his enduring popularity even nearly three decades after his death. The man on a quest who knows the territory, the challenges, and the enemy. The rugged individualist who doesn't need anyone to help him in achieving his objective. The cynic whose faith is only in himself and his abilities. The man of sensitivities who does his best to conceal them under a hard exterior. The memorable refrain, "That will be the day," oft repeated to show his disdain for the ability of others to match his skills and commitment. He's not prone to talk much, but when he does, it's something worth listening to. Beyond Wayne's powerful characterization, the film is beautifully photographed and directed, creating a real sense of the grittiness and precariousness of life on the frontier. In my opinion it is probably the best of the westerns that John Wayne ever made.
The Departed (2006)
Something was missing for me
"The Departed" is an excellently packaged film. It has great acting, with Nicholson chewing scenery as the villain and both DiCaprio and Damon turning in fine performances. Martin Sheen and Alec Baldwin are standout as well. It had good production values, which you'd expect from a Scorsese vehicle. It had a generally fine script with an excellent premise, dealing with themes of fatherhood, loyalty, etc with lots of suspense and action thrown in. However, somehow all these ingredients didn't add up to a particularly satisfying cinematic experience for me. I felt like a voyeur watching the film unfold. I was never drawn into the story or felt any identification with the characters. I may have been interested in what happened next, but did not really care emotionally. As I was leaving the theater, I overheard someone commenting that the only way anyone could say this was a five star movie was because there were five stars in it. I would have to agree.
Rock-a-Bye Baby (1958)
A classic of the period
I've read the preceding comments and they pretty much tell the story of why this is a classic Jerry Lewis film. However, I think one of the reasons I love this one so much is that it also captures a feel for what life was like growing up in the fifties (as I did). In many ways it typifies the fifties mindset, but also exemplifies the entertainment of the period. Things were so much more family-oriented. Sex wasn't non-existence in films, but it was more often handled tastefully. Language was wholesome and the humor didn't depend on "shock" (such as the name of Navin Johnson's dog in The Jerk).
I find the segment in Hill Valley of the fifties in Back to the Future especially enjoyable as Robert Zemeckis does a great job of re-creating the era. Watching Rock a Bye Baby, which is authentically of the era confirms that. (In fact, the court house and town square in both of these films appear to have a striking similarity to one another.)
Although the story owes a lot to The Miracle of Morgan's Creek as inspiration (and even gives Preston Sturges credit), it really has its own unique flavor as well. Like a son who bears a resemblance to his father but also has his own personality. In many ways I think that Frank Tashlin has improved upon it. The subplot with the sister and its resolution are wonderful additions.
Over all I think it is a great film and can't wait till it's available on DVD (Is anybody listening?).
St. John in Exile (1986)
Magnificent performance from an incredible actor
This is an outstanding production. For those who only know Dean Jones from the Disney pictures (The Love Bug, Shaggy D.A., etc.) and such, here is a role for the actor that provides an opportunity for him to reveal both his tremendous dramatic talent and his deep Christian faith. Although some may say it is a little slow moving (perhaps because it is a recording of a stage performance at Jack Hayford's Church on the Way), the story is excellently written and has real depth. The production makes good use of various camera angles as well as creative lighting to add drama to the presentation. You find yourself quickly drawn into the story as Jones powerfully brings St. John to life, recounting, from his cell on the isle of Patmos, his journey with Jesus and the other disciples. A real tour de force performance by Jones (in the tradition of such one-man shows as Hal Holbrook's Mark Twain or James Whitmore's Harry Truman) makes this a DVD worth watching by anyone who appreciates a magnificent performance from an incredible actor and one that should definitely be in every Christian's collection.
This Island Earth (1955)
One of the best
All too many sci-fi films seem to rely on visual effects and cinematic technique to capture audience attention at the expense of a storyline with any substance. However, "This Island Earth," one of the best sci-fi flicks of the fifties (right up there with "War of the Worlds," "When Worlds Collide," "The Day The Earth Stood Still," and "Forbidden Planet") creates a very credible alternative reality as a context for a literate plot line. Although some of the special effects (particularly in the second half of the film) may leave something to be desired when compared to today's CGI effects, this is more than compensated for by the overall quality of the narrative.
Having grown up in the fifties, I also appreciate the feel for that era (particularly that decade's attitude towards science and scientists) this film has captured (of particular note is the "car chase" in the woody). It's a classic of its genre that deserves the wider audience that its re-release on DVD is sure to provide.