donniefriedman Reviews

The Gay Divorcee (1934)

Pre-code hijinks

[8/10 · 30 March 2024]

This movie was made in 1934, a year before the Hayes Code was enacted, that required Hollywood movies to adhere to a moral standard regarding relations between men and women and other such matters. So the double entrendres and sexy banter of this movie is a nice taste of what went before the Code came into effect. I wonder even if this storyline would have been possible after the Code. Fred and Ginger in this early pairing are delightful. Falling in love through dance is a pattern that would be repeated in future cinematic collaborations. It reminds me of the saying: When you're so in love that you can't speak, you sing. And when you can't sing, you dance. That about sums it up.

Wait Until Dark (1967)

Came across it by chance on TCM. Glad I did.

[10/10 · 28 December 2023]

I was scrolling around the tv dial and happened upon this movie. Because it featured Alan Arkin, I gave it a go. I love that guy. What an enjoyable two hours.

Aside from the clever plot line and the excellent acting, what struck me as being most effective was the set and the props. In a story featuring a recently blinded woman, every feature of her apartment took on a special significance. Audrey Hepburn embodied the heroine so completely in how she related to her environment, with all the touch and audio cues.

The movie had almost a single setting (easy to see how it was a stage play) and the setting just took on a life of its own, which became more and more intense as the movie moved forward.

These days we definitely miss the presence of telephone booths and wired phones as plot devices, so skillfully used in this production.

If you've never seen Wait Until Dark, do see it. And keep an eye on the frig.

Maestro (2023)

So disappointing

[4/10 · 23 December 2023]

Awkward script and embarrassing acting. Where is the story about what made Bernstein great? I should have read the reviews here before seeing the movie which would have forewarned me. Nothing notable that Bernstein did was really featured, his creative process, his tremendous influence as an educator, how he made classical music cool; even his charismatic conducting was only given one or two scenes. I really felt cheated. Why even bother to make a biopic about a notable conductor and composer and omit the whole point of the man's life?

The physical impersonation was pretty good, but the acting was shallow and wooden, I thought.

Bundle of Joy (1956)

I enjoyed watching Debbie and Eddie

[7/10 · 18 December 2023]

The movie is a fluff piece, but I enjoyed watching Debbie and Eddie when they were America's sweethearts in a more innocent time, pre-scandals and pre-drug problems. Unlike many, I find Eddie Fisher to be a beautiful singer. He really can hit those high notes, and his voice has a particularly angelic quality in the higher range.

I didn't see a lot of chemisty between the leads; maybe it's hard to project chemisty when you're going home to your marital abode after the shoot. But the studio wanted to cash in on their status as everyone's cutest couple at the time.

I thought the supporting cast was fine too, and the comic subplots worked.

How did they get those babies (twins) to act so beautifully. They were charming.

Always Leave Them Laughing (1949)

I liked it

[9/10 · 15 July 2022]

I just caught this movie on TCM, and I quite liked it. Milton Berle perfectly plays the wise-cracking comic trying to claw his way to success. I enjoyed hearing the old shtick delivered rapid-fire and with an edge of irony. Having missed Uncle Milty's tv days, I can see that he really was a consummate entertainer...not to everyone's taste, but one of a kind in my opinion. Not a bad song and dance man either. And a pretty fair dramatic actor when drama is called for. This movie is worth seeing if you're interested in the world of entertainment back in the day.

Strike Up the Band (1940)

Immense talents

[8/10 · 10 May 2022]

I'm a sucker for MGM musicals. No point in outlining the plot; it doesn't matter at all. It's the song and dance numbers that one waits for. Immensely enjoyable. Maybe, just maybe, some of the big performance dance scenes went on a bit too long. That's typical Busby Berkley, but hey not a serious criticism. Judy is wonderful as always. The multi-talented Mickey Rooney is just astounding. The guy can do anything, not least of which he is a terrific drummer. The fruit and nut orchestra scene is a tour de force.

I noticed that some of the Gershwin lyrics of the title song were changed to a less martial version. The original lyric is a sort of call to arms. The version I know goes like this: "There is work to be done, to be done There's a war to be won, to be won Come you son of a son of a gun Take your stand." I guess the US wasn't ready for that in 1940.

The Jolson Story (1946)

I never get tired of this movie

[10/10 · 9 May 2022]

I'm sure I've seen this movie close to a hundred times. Although it is fictionalized, it is a great introduction to Al Jolson, the world's greatest entertainer. Larry Parks and the entire cast are just excellent. But the standout is the real Jolson voice. It just grabs you and never lets go. Watch this movie with your kids. You'll have to explain blackface (which isn't at all easy) but you'll introduce them to the greatest pop music of the twentieth century.

Ozark (2017–2022)

The ending was effective and appropriate

[9/10 · 7 May 2022]

I'm going to disagree with everyone who hated the ending. Although it was hard to take, I found it was just right. This was not a fairy tale. The ending showed that evil prevailed. The most immoral characters were the ones who got what they wanted. And the actions of Jonah in the final scene were exactly right too. The whole poison family life infiltrates everything including the children. Wendy must be happy about what she created.

The Good Liar (2019)

Overblown and totally unconvincing

[3/10 · 5 October 2021]

While the first half chugs along quite nicely (we know he's a scoundrel, she apparently doesn't), things go seriously out of whack in the last half. Yes, there is a serious plot twist, but it totally strains credulity and comes from out of left field and not in a good way. I initially thought this might be an interesting and entertaining flic, by the end I was just yelling, "No, no, no, no"

The Father (I) (2020)

What dementia feels like

[9/10 · 22 April 2021]

I have nothing to add to the informative and interesting assessments of this great movie. Just for clinical interest....many reviewers mention Alzheimers, but my husband, who's a psychiatrist, felt Anthony's dementia was caused by Lewy Body Disease. It's very common, but not as well known by its name and is most often characterized by hallucinations and cognitive disonance, along with the memory loss it shares with Alzheimers.

The Irishman (2019)

High expectations and disappointment

[6/10 · 30 November 2019]

I'm no expert on gangster movies or on Scorcese, but I am a fan of DiNiro, Pacino and Pesci. So I was prepared to be blown away, but it didn't happen.

First, why not develop the theme of the Irishman (of the title) entering the world of the Sicilian mob? That would be interesting, and didn't get much attention.

Also, I didn't get the sense that the lead actors were really inhabiting their characters, although some of the face-to-face dialogue between the leads was very engrossing. But not because they were inhabiting the characters, but rather because they are just so good at delivering lines. It was sort of like being at an acting class.

The screenplay was, I thought, very powerful, but it didn't get translated into flesh-and-blood conflict that made the audience care (unlike The Godfather, say). The movie kept me interested mostly because of the historical content (Cuba, the Kennedys, Hoffa) but it's not a movie that leaves a lasting impression.

A Thousand Clowns (1965)

Wonderful, funny, and more profound than it first seems

[10/10 · 5 May 2019]

I'm delighted to read on this site that this wonderful, and now little-known movie has a community of devoted fans. So here's my interpretation of the resolution. An important theme is Nick's coming of age. He's twelve, almost bar mitzvah age, when a Jewish boy becomes a man. He's trying on different identities, demonstrated by his trying on different names. Near the end of the play, he adopts the name "Murray", but his uncle is not happy about this, realizing that maybe "Murray" isn't the best role model, although he has done his best to inculcate the free spirit thing in his nephew. The turning point comes at the visit of Leo Herman (Chuckles) with his cardboard statue. Nick turns on the phony condescending Leo and urges Murray not to compromise. At this point, Murray understands that he has taught Nick well. Nick now knows what it is to be human. And now that Nick has come of age as a fully aware human, it's okay for Murray to go back to work.

The Resistance Banker (2018)

Glad to have learned about this but...

[7/10 · 24 September 2018]

The story of Dutch banking employees financing the Resistance during the German occupation is a fascinating and inspiring one. I wish I could say as much for this movie. The acting was amazing, and the settings were very evocative. So was the general atmosphere pervading the underground's activities. But something was askew with the editing and/or the way in which the story unfolded. I had a lot of trouble following it especially during the middle section. I wasn't always clear on who were the good guys and who were the bad guys. I'm still glad I saw it, and would recommend it despite its shortcomings.

Baskets (2016–2019)

"You always hurt the one you love"

[10/10 · 7 July 2018]

The lyric to this old country song might as well be the mantra of this wonderful series. To my mind, it's about unconditional love and its victims. The beating heart is Louie Anderson's Mrs. Baskets, and I believe the best episodes are the ones in which he/she features. It's a tender-hearted show billed as a comedy. I guess it's a comedy in the way the sad clown is comedy (clowning being the leitmotif throughout) I'm two seasons into it and eager to learn what happens to the Baskets Family Rodeo.

The Greatest Showman (2017)

Nice to see they're still making musicals, but...

[7/10 · 22 April 2018]

I'm a sucker for musicals, and this one had the benefit of wonderful performances by triple threat performers who could actually sing, dance and act. (unlike La La Land). The production was impressive, and the musical numbers beautifully staged and executed. I especially liked the duet of Hugh Jackman and Zac Efron singing and dancing in the bar -- talent, talent and then some.

Passing off the story of PT Barnum as a tribute to diversity and acceptance of differences is a bit of a stretch -- that's a true Hollywood treatment, and frankly a little old these days. It's been done and done. But I'm nitpicking, because the performances in the supporting roles (the so-called freaks) were so authentic and guaranteed audience buy-in.

However, unfortunately I found the music and lyrics just okay. Nothing compared to the classic musicals of the past. Lyrics were banal and repetitive and the music lacked artistry. But...I repeat ...the performances were amazing.

Better Things (2016–2022)

A show with a lot of heart, but...

[10/10 · 2 December 2017]

I love Better Things. There is nothing else like it on Network TV. But is it just me, or does there seems to be so little show for the number and length of commercial breaks? Does that mean it's a big hit, that FX can sell so much commercial time? It's excessive though; it's abusive to the viewer. There's a Better Things marathon this weekend, and I tried to tune in to re-watch episodes, but I honestly balked at the number of commercials and turned it off.

Lady Be Good (1941)

A song writing team weathers marriage break ups and make ups, but the music is great

[8/10 · 14 February 2017]

I think the only way to enjoy this musical is how I did it. I came across it scrolling through the channels while semi-napping. The wonderful songs and dance numbers woke me up, but then I was happy to doze through the linking dialogue, so I can't tell you much about that. Eleanor Powell should be recognized as the premier female dancer of that era. She is amazing, and really showed her stuff in two lengthy wonderful numbers. The vocals were lovely too. You can't beat The Last Time I Saw Paris and Lady Be Good and Fascinating Rhythm - some of the best of the American songbook. So all in all, great musical scenes; the rest is a yawn.

Minstrel Man (1944)

This Minstrel Man is an insult to minstrelsy

[2/10 · 22 August 2013]

As a super fan of Al Jolson, I was really interested in seeing this movie, but was sadly disappointed. It strained credulity to believe that the lead, a character named Dixie Boy Johnson, had any kind of following, let alone star power. Voice, body language, dance routines, character - all this was sorely lacking. The scenes of minstrelsy, notwithstanding the elaborate costumes, were dead in the water. I don't understand how the music was nominated for an Oscar. Really it was very ordinary. Moreover, the songs functioned as padding for a storyline was lame from start to finish. Too bad. If you want to see minstrelsy at its entertaining best, check out Swannee River, the biopic of Stephen Foster with Al Jolson as E.P.Christy and give Minstrel Man a pass.

The Singing Fool (1928)

A Must for Jolson Fans

[8/10 · 30 July 2013]

The Singing Fool continues the father and son plot line of The Jazz Singer, except in the former, the climax focuses on the death of the son rather than the death of the father as in The Jazz Singer. I guess Warners thought they shouldn't mess with success. In a way, they did Jolson a disservice by persisting in casting him in melodramatic roles; he was much stronger as a comic, and there are a few glimpses of that in this movie.

The movie mixes silent scenes with titles with sound scenes, and I have noticed that Jolson's acting style is much better suited to the silent scenes. Jolson's acting has been criticized, but he is actually an excellent silent film actor with his very expressive face and body language. He gets into trouble when he has to tone it down for the voiced dramatic scenes.

But when he takes the stage to sing, well he just blows the roof off. The songs in this movie are wonderful and a fine example of the unique Jolson talent. I'm Sittin' on Top of the World and Rainbow Round My Shoulder and It All Depends on You are enduring classics. And of course, in Sonny Boy, we have the first million selling single.

The Boys (2009)

These guys are not Rodgers and Hart

[7/10 · 28 December 2012]

I'm always interested in movies about songwriters, being a huge fan of the Great American Songbook. This is the story of Bob and Dick Sherman who were in-house songwriters for Disney for a couple of decades. We have these guys to thank for the earworm "It's a Small World" along with the hit songs written for the grown-up mouseketeer Annette. Need I say more? I found the documentary engaging, mostly because I'm interested in the process of songwriting, and also for the human interest. These brothers, who worked closely together on the music, really had nothing at all in common, went their separate ways in their private life, so much so that their kids did not know their cousins. I don't find that hard to believe at all - plenty of brothers share very little of their lives. These two happened to be in business together, and they made it work.

Most interesting was the insight into the inner workings of Walt Disney studios and the profile of Walt. I enjoyed the story about when Walt Disney went to New York to see Julie Andrews in Camelot to check out whether she would be suitable for Mary Poppins. The rest is history.

Long story short, this is a doc that's worth seeing for audiences that are interested in songwriting and movie history, and perhaps for those for whom Supercalifragalisitc.... is a treasured part of their childhood. Myself, I'm not a fan of the Disney brand of musical of that era.

Lovely & Amazing (2001)

A slice of life about 3 sisters and their mother living an upper middle class life in New York - but a life full of shadows and nuances.

[6/10 · 28 December 2012]

Yes, this movie was authentic. But that was the problem. I don't look for escapism at the movies - not at all. But I do look for an intensification of regular humdrum life. If being authentic means being humdrum - well, to me that isn't art. Everything was so understated; what was missing was real drama or conflict. We were supposed to feel some sort of redemption at the end, but it didn't happen because the audience just wasn't emotionally engaged. I mean the protagonists were recognizable, but elicited no strong feelings in this viewer. Well, at least it was a cautionary tale about liposuction. I really have nothing more to say, but the guidelines require a 10-line review, so yada yada yada....

On Moonlight Bay (1951)

A lovely boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy gets girl movie, enriched by some great old songs.

[9/10 · 16 December 2011]

I was hoping for more music, but I very much enjoyed On Moonlight Bay. Doris Day and Gordon Macrae are great together. The young Billy Grey, who plays the younger brother, has wonderful comedic ability. And all the minor parts are performed with love and care - Aunt Martha for instance. I particularly loved the parlour scenes with young ladies and gentlemen being forced to dance with each other, as well as an authentic glimpse as to how young people entertained themselves in those days,-- with the piano, with the gramophone, in a canoe, at a community dance. Every scene was conceived with great care. When the entire graduating class goes off to fight in WW1, the scene is done with a cheerful patriotism, but one can't help feeling the presence of a dark future looming over this Rockwellian town.

Ziegfeld Follies (1945)

This movie purports to be a reprise of a Ziegfeld Follies revue, using stars of the day and masterminded by a posthumous Flo Ziegfeld from the great beyond.

[6/10 · 27 February 2011]

I'm a huge fan of this kind of entertainment, but I have to say I was mightily disappointed. Standouts were Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly and Fanny Brice. But some of the scenes were tedious and unwatchable. With such a great line-up of stars, this should have been a much better movie. With a few exceptions, I didn't care for the choice of music. I can always watch and enjoy Astaire and Kelly, but even those two were, I thought, not showcasing their best material. I was surprised to see Fanny Brice looking in her prime. I thought she belonged to a much older generation. Was she still active in the forties? Apparently so. An appearance by Eddie Cantor, arguably one of Ziegfeld's top stars would have been a real treat.

The Eddie Cantor Story (1953)

The musical numbers were great, but...

[7/10 · 15 January 2011]

I love Eddie Cantor and was looking forward to finally seeing this biopic. I really enjoyed the musical numbers, but I have to say the dramatic scenes were painful. I'm sure Eddie Cantor didn't carry his stage personna into his personal life. I'm sure he didn't mug and roll his eyes when conversing with his friends and his wife. But that's what Keefe Braselle did. It got pretty annoying. On the other hand, the musical numbers were tremendous and Mr. Braselle nailed the moves and the facial expressions. Of course, hearing the voice of Eddie Cantor was wonderful. I'm wondering if the songs were recorded for the movie, (as in The Jolson Story) or whether older recordings were used.

Thousands Cheer (1943)

A musical with lousy music

[4/10 · 29 December 2010]

When I saw the cast, I really got my hopes up. But they were dashed and then some. I kept waiting for Gene Kelly to cut the rug, but he danced one measly scene. I like Katherine Grayson, but seriously, the material she had was nothing special. In fact, most of the songs were awful. The exception was Lena Horne's Honeysuckle Rose, but sitting through the rest of the movie was a high price to pay for one quality number. There were such great tunes written during wartime. Where were they? Compare with Irving Berlin's This is the Army. It doesn't. It was nice to see a young Gene Kelly show us he can act, as well as dance. If you like vintage musicals, there are much better ones.