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CaptSpaulding71
Reviews
The Boy with Two Heads (1974)
Strange kids' serial - great fun!
I last saw this about twenty years ago as a cinema serial series, and loved every minute of it. If memory serves, a young boy discovers the enchanted head of an ancient rainmaker in a box, and as this is a talking head with magical powers, they become great friends(!). You'd think this would be the stuff of nightmares to young kids, but it's actually quite charming. Various villains see the money-making potential of the head and pursue the boy through a series of cliffhanger adventures. I also recall various spells the head could conjure up (while his eyes did a little jig), and the fact that you were invited to sing the theme song over the closing credits. Altogether now - "Chico-banna-walla - wanna make-a the rain!!!" Great stuff, I'd love to see it again!
The Ninth Gate (1999)
Hypnotic, engaging, original - one of Polanski's more accessible films!
I'm not a lover of horror films, but I do like a good ghost/supernatural story when it's well told. And who is better at unfolding a story before your eyes than Roman Polanski?
From the very first scene, I couldn't take my eyes off the screen. I found the whole experience hypnotic and unmissable. While I can understand other users comments about a vague ending and meandering plot, I believe every detail you need is there in the film, but you have to watch closely to reap every reward. Fortunately, the whole thing is so compelling, I had no trouble watching closely!
Depp is fantastic, playing a shady, understated character with considerable skill. Similarly, Langella brings a brooding sinister air to the proceedings, even when his character is only heard over the phone! Seigner is great as the mysterious companion (I have my own theories about her true identity, but I'll leave that to the individual!), and Olin takes an excellent supporting role too. Can't fault the cast at all, even the incidental characters add colour and life to the whole thing.
If you enjoyed the creepy air in The Sixth Sense, like watching a story unfold gradually, but with pace and skill (kind of like The Usual Suspects), and like to actually engage your brain while taking in a movie, then see this immediately. I honestly believe the only moviegoers that would complain about this superior supernatural thriller would be the Nightmare on Elm Street/Friday the 13th generation. This is a beautiful film with a heart and soul, and the power to draw you in absolutely.
Watch it in a quiet room, nicely darkened, and instead of dismissing the ending, think about it for a while - you won't regret it!
La vita è bella (1997)
Unique, moving and unforgettable - oh yeah, funny too!
I just wanted to echo what everyone seems to be saying...
Benigni proves once and for all that he is a clown of the greatest skill, blending pathos and humour in the best traditions of Chaplin and Keaton. Sure the film pulls a few punches towards the end, but not to it's detriment. If you want unsentimental realism, try Schindler's List. If you're after a life-affirming, charming comedy full of heart, I can think of nothing finer that this.
See it!!!
Strangers on a Train (1951)
First-class Hitchcock, unbeatable
I just re-watched this thriller, one I had previously believed to be one of Hitch's lesser efforts. How wrong can you be! Maybe because I'm older, or maybe because the film gets better with every viewing, but now I think it's amazing. Every bit of suspense is wrung out of the tiniest detail, and that final scene on the merry-go-round is just breath-taking! Perfect in every way, highly recommended.
Singin' in the Rain (1952)
It just doesn't get any better than this!!!
What can you say about the best movie musical of all-time? This fantastic film is perfectly cast, an instant boost to the spirits. Gene Kelly is at his most charming, Donald O'Connor is at his funniest (and almost steals the show with 'Make 'em Laugh'), Debbie Reynolds is at her most appealing, and Jean Hagen is fantastic as the actress you love to hate! The tunes can't fail to put a smile on your face and a tap to your foot. If you haven't seen this, you have no idea what movie magic really is! See it now!
The Man with Two Brains (1983)
Goofball comedy at it's best
The best Steve Martin movie ever! He's a scream as a world-famous zip-lock brain surgeon(!), and Kathleen Turner has a whale of a time sending up her earlier 'Body Heat' femme fatale. David Warner as a mad scientist, and Sissy Spacek as the planet's sexiest brain... what more do you want? If this movie doesn't make you laugh, nothing will!
Love and Death (1975)
A fantastic and affectionate spoof of Russian Literature
Without a doubt one of the funniest movies Woody Allen has made. Scattershot references to Russian history and literature, enough slapstick to make the Marx Brothers seem subtle, and more than enough sight gags to rival 'Airplane!'. If I want to introduce a friend to Woody's films, and prove once and for all what an amazing comedian he can be, this is my choice every time. The whole cast is perfect, especially Diane Keaton, who seems to be having the time of her life... Highly recommended!