pgudel Reviews

The Last Full Measure (2019)

Very moving film

[9/10 · 27 July 2020]

It got a little schmaltzy at the end but overall a very moving film about loss, sacrifice and virtue. Outstanding portrayals by all concerned, especially Hurt, Fonda (RIP), Jackson, Plummer and of course Stan. The depiction of Operation Abiline was quite accurate, factually. The 2-16 was indeed hit by a short US artillery round; when it stopped moving to care for its casualties, it was hit from all sides by the VC, taking heavy losses. Pitts truly deserved his MOH. I did not find the "conspiracy theory" explanation of why he did not get it in the first place very convincing, but you never can tell.

The Red Kimono (1926)

Involving social problem film

[8/10 · 23 July 2020]

Many viewers have written about the powerful, often grim content of the film. It is hampered by some of the acting, especially, unfortunately, Priscella Bonner, who often manifests the worst characteristics of early silent movie "emoting." (von Eltz, on the other hand, as Freddy, is quite good, quite natural.) Visually, though, the film is very powerful, with many striking sequences expressing the characters' emotions. Also very good use of tinting some scenes with the color red.

Flesh (1932)

Real human emotions on display

[7/10 · 21 July 2020]

A very uncharacteristic John Ford film, lacking any of his usual stylistic or narrative traits.A Hollywood soap opera, yes, but with real emotional depth, from all 3 main characters, and a very somber tone. An expressionistic, Germanic look matches the narrative (quite a bit of which takes place in Germany). Looks more like The Informer than Fort Apache. held me all the way through. By the way, if you want to see a great film with both (the underrated)) Karen Morley and Ricardo Cortez, watch The Phantom of Crestwood.

Silver Dollar (1932)

EGR at his peak!

[7/10 · 11 June 2020]

Smooth,quite engrossing biopic of Horace Tabor, an important figure in the early economic and polirical development of Colorado. EGR plays the kind of character he does so very, very well -- an ambitious go-getter bursting with self-confidence. Sort of like a legal Little Caesar. He makes the film very watchable.

The Mad Genius (1931)

Beautifully Directed by Michael Curtiz

[20 May 2020]

Curtiz is a very underrated director who made many outstanding films for Warners. He was stereotyped as a director who made only one good film -- Casablanca. His direction (and Grot's set design and the costumes) really are the stars here. Barrymore is great; Woods shows why he never really became a star; Marsh is OK. Only drawback: very abrupt, ,kind of out-of-nowhere ending

Laugh and Get Rich (1931)

Pleasant fun film

[7/10 · 16 May 2020]

For lovers of Ms. Oliver and Mr. Herbert (and who isn't?), a must-see. Herbert in this film is not a caricature (as in, e.g., Golddiggers of 1935 -- where he is great) but afully realized and sympathetic human being. Ms/ Oliver is great as usual. Vincentini and his paintings are a wonderful touch! Wonderful Depression=era comedy/drama directed by the talented Gregory LaCava of My Man Godfrey fame.