Eightythreeyearoldguy Reviews

The Train Robbers (1973)

Not a good John Wayne movie

[6/10 · 27 April 2008]

Starting with the title, wouldn't you expect there to be a train robbery depicted? Well, there ain't no such scene in this.

Other than that, this was a movie that just didn't have the action one expects. The actors weren't really into it.

There was one scene I really enjoyed and that was between Grady and Jesse about growing old. The key line in the scene was "All I'm saying is, don't get old. You'll live to regret it." I also give credit for the twist in the last scene. That was truly funny. Also I enjoyed the brief appearance by Ricardo Montebaln.

Other than that, not a very good movie.

The Hole (1960)

Minimalist and yet double layered

[10/10 · 20 April 2008]

This is in a class with such top drawer prison films as ESCAPE FROM ALCATRAZ and COOL HAND Luke with a touch of RIFIFI.

This is a no frills movie. No music. No subplots. Just the bare and raw tale of a meticulously planned jail break.

On the other hand, as others have pointed out, there is a symbolic story of our society, of the working man class contrasted with the monied upper class.

The initial group of four men are plotting an escape when an unexpected fifth prisoner is placed in their cell. There's suspicion at the first, but the fifth is ultimately accepted and let in on the planned escape.

There are questions here. Could there have been a suspicion by the authorities of a possible break, and was Gaspard, without his knowledge, deliberately placed with the others as a possible weak link? This is a definitive jail break film, quite highly recommended.

Lars and the Real Girl (2007)

This one caught me unawares

[10/10 · 19 April 2008]

When I first heard about this movie while it was in production, I placed it on my "avoid at all costs" lists. It sounded completely dumb and stupid. I was a bit puzzled when it first came out and given a limited showing. I was so convinced that it would be a dumb sex comedy that I couldn't understand why it didn't go into general release.

I was even more puzzled when it seemed to be seriously treated by the critics and Ryan Gosling was nominated for an Oscar. I was still determined not to see it.

However, I do eventually try to catch the movies that are widely talked about and so put in on my Netflix queue and received it last Tuesday. I still just plain wasn't enthusiastic about seeing it. I finally got around to putting it in my player early Saturday morning. Even then, I didn't really concentrate on the movie until I was nearly 20 minutes into it and realized I was missing something. So I went back to the start, and gave it my full attention. The time flew by as I sat hypnotized by the film.

Now that I've seen it, I don't really know what to say. Ryan Gosling gave a sensitive and thoroughly convincing performance. Patricia Clarkson was astounding as was the actress playing Margo (I need to go back and note her name so that I'll be aware of her next role.) Emily Mortimer was also terrific.

This movie, which again had first been on my "avoid at all costs" list, is now on my "purchase as soon as possible" list.

G.I. Wanna Home (1946)

Reflection of post WWII housing shortage

[8/10 · 17 April 2008]

One of the good things about the Stooges shorts was the topicality and this one does reflect the postwar era and its challenges.

The boys return from the service to find their girl friends dispossessed and living quarters impossible to find. The best part of the film shows their making do setting up housekeeping in someone's back yard. Top gags include the egg scene and of course the parrot within the goose. That particular scene reminded me of an Abbott and Costello scene with Costello trying to eat a catfish unknowing of a cat under the table which squawked every time he stuck a fork into the fish.

Be that as it may, this is a good followup to the wartime shorts.

Juno (2007)

A sensitive though humorous look at a serious subject

[10/10 · 17 April 2008]

My high rating here is 100% subjective. I don't argue with any of the critical comments. I just personally really liked this.

There's no argument from me about Ellen Page's Oscar nomination and I wish a long and happy career for her. She certainly wasn't a normal and average teen. The movie would have been boring is she weren't a quirky oddball.

Hopefully, this film doesn't give the feeling that teen pregnancy is "cool". It certainly is something to be avoided even if it means putting off becoming "sexuallly active" until one is equipped to cope with it.

Anyway, this is definitely a movie to see and experience for its own sake. You might love it or you might hate It, but you won't know until you see it for yourself.

War Dance (2007)

This is undoubtedly the most uplifting doc of 2007

[9/10 · 16 April 2008]

You must be warned that much of this is painful to watch. Those of us in more affluent circumstances don't like being reminded of the horror which many including young children are forced to endure.

This focuses especially on three children: Rose, Nancy, and Dominic. Each has a horrible story to tell. And each has been lifted up through the power of music and the arts.

Not only has music especially done much for these children, but also the musical competition has given them some to aspire to and renewed hope for their individual futures.

It seems like the people of Uganda look down on the capabilities of those living in the war zone. The competition gives them the chance to prove themselves.

During the credits, we are told of the aspiration of each of the three. One can only wish for each the future he or she is working for. One hopes to be a music teacher, one a doctor, and one a musician. May they be granted their wishes.

The film has some of the most beautiful cinematography I have seen in a documentary. We see both the beauty and the devastation of the country.

This is a film to see and easily ranks among the best films of the year, matching many of those filmed only for entertainment value.

Before the Devil Knows You're Dead (2007)

One more of 1007's bleak but near-great films

[9/10 · 16 April 2008]

This has been a year of very bleak and tragic morality tales. I do find it hard to believe that this film was so completely snubbed by Oscar, although it did have very high powered competition.

Actually, I could call this film "nasty", but in a nice way if that makes sense. The highly erotic opening scene certainly works to catch a person's attention. Then comes the robbery scene which is wrenching even before you realize just who is involved.

The time and perspective switching is expertly crafted by the writer and by Sidney Lumet. I at first groaned at the idea of the third sequence starting earlier than the second, but soon got involved as more details are brought out. I groaned later at the blackmail addition, but quickly again accepted it as a logical plot complication.

Add to this superlative acting for all involved. I thought Hoffman quite deserving of his Oscar for CAPOTE, but this role topped that one. And no longer will Ethan Hawke be just another "pretty boy". Albert Finney also gave the performance of his life. And Marisa Tomei was far more than just eye candy (although eye candy, she certainly was).

If you haven't seen this, do so. And if you are one of the bashers, see it again and you might be surprised at how good it actually is.

The Three Faces of Eve (1957)

Needs to be seen from the 1957 perspective

[10/10 · 14 April 2008]

I saw this while in my mid 20's and found it a most daring and powerful movie. Joanne Woodward's acting was phenomenal, especially her ability to switch personalities instantly. And while much credit needs to be given Nunnaly Johnson's direction, I believe Woodward's performance fueled each of the other actors in reacting to her personalities.

These days, the film doesn't have the same power which is why I feel it needs to be seen from the mid 50's viewpoint.

I heartily disagree with those who feel there wasn't enough difference between the Eve White personality and the Jane personality. Woodward definitely brought out the submissiveness and lack of self confidence in Eve White and the level headed attitude of Jane.

It's true that the true story didn't end where the movie did. However it does stand as a great movie.

One does wonder if either Judy Garland or June Allyson, both of whom were offered the role, could have done as well. Orson Welles reportedly stated that any actress successfully doing the role would win an Oscar. However, Woodward did the switch so effortlessly that I feel she was destined for the role.

As for those who argue that MPD doesn't actually exist, I personally knew a woman afflicted with the disorder. It indeed exists.

Small Time Crooks (2000)

Quite enjoyable Allen type comedy

[7/10 · 12 April 2008]

I'm not a great devotee of Woody Allen and certainly haven't seen all of them, but this is one I thoroughly enjoyed. As mentioned, the style switches several times, and I personally feel the jewelry heist attempt had deliberate Hitchcockian edges, complete with what almost looked like a Hitchcock cameo.

Tracey Ullman as Frenchy is a perfect match for Allen. They play off of each other perfectly. And then Elaine May's addition heightens the comedy, as does Elaine Stritch's later appearance.

This is hardly great, but it's thoroughly enjoyable and recommended by yours truly.

Punchline (1988)

I wanted to like it but couldn't

[5/10 · 12 April 2008]

Right off the bat, I'll admit that maybe I would have liked this had I been in a different mood when I watched it. It seems to me that this happens often. A movie might look good on one viewing and not so good at another time.

Basically, the comedy just didn't hit me and the serious bits didn't seem real. The ending seemed condescending and just not satisfying.

Even the "Singing In The Rain" sequence didn't hit me. I saw it as a well contrived bit of comedy,but it just didn't reach me.

Bottom line is that in the case of this movie, don't really go by my review or by anyone's review be it good or bad. See it for yourself. You might like it. And you might not.

And is my review helpful to you??? NOPE!!!

There Will Be Blood (2007)

The greatest oil story epic since GIANT

[10/10 · 10 April 2008]

This epic has a savage beauty to it. Daniel Day-Lewis's Daniel Plainview appears destined to be one of the most remembered characters in the history of cinema. He arouses all the emotions including pity, admiration, and hatred. The other actors are skilled, but in the shadow of this tremendous character, have little choice but to support him while not exhibiting themselves.

The only element that matches Day-Lewis's performance is the cinematography. The first portion of the film is notably carried by the camera work.

This is a great movie in a year of great movies. It delivers all one can hope for from a film.

Fools Rush In (1997)

A well-intentioned movie that misses the mark

[4/10 · 6 April 2008]

First, there are things I enjoyed about this movie. First of all, Salma Hayek. Need I say more? Then, there's the quite honest and accurate depiction of Mexican Americans and their culture.

Also, there were some very nice shots of the tourist favorite areas of the American southwest, mainly around the Grand Canyon and Taos, New Mexico. I would have liked to have seen more of the real beauty of the Southwest.

Otherwise, this has the depth of a Harlequin romance. The acting around Ms. Hayek is okay, but pretty standard TV level acting. Both main characters seem overly arbitrary in their relations with each other. The complications that separate the two seems a bit overly long making one impatient since we all know everything will end up all right. Salma's lying about her pregnancy struck me as especially lame. And the concluding scene on the Arizona/Nevada border seemed especially silly.

I'm sure there are those who will like this and get more out of it than I did.

But as for me, I just didn't think it a good movie. Sorry about that.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (2007)

The ending truly makes it

[9/10 · 2 April 2008]

This starts with a very dark and foreboding feeling, and then for the better part of the film, Burton achieves just the right balance of horror and extreme dark humor. All this is quite enjoyable and those who can appreciate Grand Guignol horror mixed with tongue-in-cheek humor will be completely satisfied. One enters into a kind of macabre reality and experiences sufficient suspension of disbelief to prepare for the final 20 minutes.

It is in the final portion of the film that Burton achieves a combination of suspense, horror, and stark tragedy. There are no laughs in this final segment. Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter under Burton's direction are at their peak. The conclusion is horrific enough to satisfy any horror fan, and will have others enthralled and watching hypnotically through it all.

I can't give this a perfect score, but if you're not squeamish, you'll find this a near masterpiece.

The Kite Runner (2007)

Deserved a better script and better director

[7/10 · 28 March 2008]

Don't get me wrong. This is a good movie and I personally recommend it. However, I think it had a greater potential and the theme certainly could have been better handled.

I gather from comments made by those more familiar with Afghanistan than I am that it does a good job in conveying an accurate picture of the country and of the life led by its citizens.

The story itself seemed a bit contrived and melodramatic and this weakened its impact on me.

All the same, this is an important film to see and while the flaws weakened the impact for me, it's definitely more than worthwhile seeing.

Escape from Alcatraz (1979)

One of the best all time prison movies

[10/10 · 23 March 2008]

This film focuses on the true events and on drama, not on action, and some will find it boring for that reason. but for a superior story that just happens to be true, I find this faultless.

Clint Eastwood delivers a somewhat off-beat performance here. There are no great Eastwood quotes here, and the very quietness of his portrayal helps give it its magnificence.

Patrick McGoohan as the warden isn't to be overlooked. I found the scenes between the two among the most powerful in the movie.

All in all, this is not only a great prison film, but a great film period.

Enchanted (2007)

A gentle and loving send-up of Disney

[10/10 · 21 March 2008]

I loved this in the theater, but loved it even more on DVD. This has been a year of really heavy and depressing films and so I find myself appreciating movies like ONCE, RATATOUILLE, and this one all the more. Mind you, I'm not knocking the serious movies this year. There have been so many of them, though, that movies like this which are so perfectly crafted to be happy and positive movies stand out and are quite welcome.

The cast of course is great and I'm one of those who truly loved Amy Adams and am looking forward to seeing more from her.

Most of all, though, I loved all the subtle (and some not so subtle) allusions to the world of Disney. For instance, the bus driver's Mickey Mouse ear hairstyle was priceless. The little remarks about singing in inappropriate circumstances, and everyone in a crowd knowing the song nobody's heard before are little details that added to my overall enjoyment.

I will say one thing about the songs. Although they were good, they were purposeful send-ups of typical Disney songs, and as such, I didn't feel any of them deserved the traditional automatic Oscar for best song that Disney usually gets. I was Happy to see that Oscar go to a more serious and meaningful song.

However, all in all, I consider this movie to be an absolute delight. Yeah, it may be targeted at 12 year old girl children, and I am neither a child nor a female, but I still loved this and suspect you also will.

I Am Legend (2007)

Third time isn't quite the charm, not this time anyway

[7/10 · 20 March 2008]

Actually, this is an above average thriller definitely better than THE OMEGA MAN although,In My Humble Opinion, not up to THE LAST MAN ON EARTH. Will Smith does once again show his acting skill.

As others have pointed out, the lifeless New York City scenes command the film. The stillness of the city provides chills enough without the CGI that of course comes.

So I found it somewhat disappointing, but it's still a worthwhile version of a great story. It is certainly a relief from the many zombie films we've been subjected to and hopefully will inspire more intelligent films of this sort.

Atonement (2007)

Excellent but short of GREAT

[9/10 · 20 March 2008]

I did really think this was an exceedingly good film, but I am thrown by all the "best movie this year" comments. I was basically moved by it, but this was a great year for movies and I can name five movies, two of them nominees, which I considered better.

I don't want to waste time nitpicking though. There was a whole lot going for this, especially in the technical fields. The music was arguably the best of the year, and this included the sound of the typewriter. The sets, costumes, and cinematography were all splendid. And I was under the movie's spell much of the time. And yet there were times when I felt detached and uninvolved. Not often, but often enough that I can't call this perfect and flawless. Damn good is about the most I can say about it.

Michael Clayton (2007)

A Gilroy family affair

[9/10 · 17 March 2008]

Just a bit of trivia here. Not only was this written and directed by Tony Gilroy but it was edited by his younger brother John and had his son Sam in a quite minor role as a copy boy.

This obviously was a winning combination, but of course the movie was also helped considerably by the acting. Tilda Swinton of course was splendid in conveying mixed emotions and certainly deserved her Oscar, but the trio composed Clooney, Wilkinson, and Tilda abetted by Sydney Pollack and Michael O'Keefe totally owned the movie.

This would have won more awards in a less competitive year. Be that as it may, this is definitely one of the thinking man's thrillers of the year.

August Rush (2007)

I hate giving this a low rating

[4/10 · 14 March 2008]

This is a case where I'm sure the filmmakers were sure they were on target, but it just doesn't come together. Assuredly, there are beautiful scenes in this, but for me, the film just plain doesn't connect. I actually had trouble getting through it.

I find myself comparing this with ONCE, another movie which while not actually a musical relied on the music to help it along. In that case, the music helped create a flow that kept me interested and ultimately caused me to fall in love with the film. However, that didn't happen for me in this. The predictability and sugar sweetness bothered me much more in this than such things usually do, and I just found myself waiting for the film to end.

Reading other reviews, I don't want to discourage people from seeing this because many, especially those who love music, may feel differently than I do about it. It's clear that those behind this were well-intentioned and I'm sure that those who like me are disappointed by it still are glad that we gave it a chance.

No Country for Old Men (2007)

This film is likely to be argued about for the next 50 years

[10/10 · 14 March 2008]

I'm one of those who was mesmerized by this film from beginning to end. "Juggernaut" is the word that comes to me in describing the impact I felt.

You know from the very beginning that this will not be a happy "feel good" movie. Those who, like me, were heavily impressed by this movie, undoubtedly have the same morbid fascination. This is a bleak "Nobody wins and only a fool would try to" movie.

Possibly, the sanest character in this is the most psychotic appearing. He has a "code" of some sort and also some sort of a definition of justice while setting himself up as a judge of who is to live and who is to die, although it on occasion amuses him to let the flip of a coin determine a person's fate.

I'm writing this after only one viewing and that in itself isn't entirely fair. I would say that if you see this film, you will need to see it again, possibly several times. 2007 was a year of bleak films and that is possibly working against this one. Several films this year such as GONE BABY GONE, THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES, 3:10 TO YUMA, IN THE VALLEY OF ELAH among others leave one with a feeling of uselessness of life. And so in such a year, it's difficult to judge what is "art", what is "honesty" or what is "truth".

Again, this is a movie that must be seen before it can be judged, and even then may need to be seen several times before one can give a fair opinion.

Ratatouille (2007)

A superb movie, animated or otherwise

[10/10 · 14 March 2008]

First, I want to say that I was at first greatly disappointed to see the upcoming JOHN CARTER OF MARS pass through several possible directors into the hands of Pixar. But after seeing RATATOUILLE I find myself thinking that they may indeed do justice to the Edgar Rice Burroughs story.

RATATOUILLE naturally is going to entertain young kids, but more than any previous Pixar movie, this has a decidedly adult appeal, culminating in the Peter O'Toole (voicing food critic Anton Ego) speech at the end. The script, the music, the voice acting along with the wonderfully detailed animation make this a movie which entertains adults possibly even more than it does kids. I certainly feel no shame in enjoying this film even without any youngsters to give me an excuse for seeing it.

In a year of downbeat movies, this is a breath of fresh air and is most enthusiastically recommended by yours truly.

Operation Homecoming: Writing the Wartime Experience (2007)

Even if you're weary of all the Iraq documentaries, see this one

[9/10 · 7 March 2008]

This is simply a case of 11 men who have fought in Iraq and Afghanistan sharing their experiences. There's no preaching here on either side, but rather an honest sharing. The words of the combatants themselves provide the power, but the visuals presented in a variety of ways including graphic novel type animation are outstanding. You will recognize voices in some of the narration, most recognizably Robert Duval. This was of course on of the Oscar nominees among documentaries and most definitely earned its nomination. However you may feel about the war, you will find the viewing of this film well worth your time. This and also NO END IN SIGHT are very welcome additions to the insightful views of the Iraq war and indeed of war in general.

Into the Wild (2007)

A movie of visual beauty which also makes you think..

[9/10 · 5 March 2008]

The important thing to consider here is that Chris McCandless is not portrayed as a role model. He has some right ideas, but he's clouded by his unique perspective which works as a customized filter. He proclaims himself to be a truth seeker, and yet interprets events, as each of us does, based on his life experiences and his immediate level of awareness.

Only at the end and when it's too late does he see from a higher view. Especially effective towards the end is the scene with the bear..I say no more.

In spite of much of his wrong-headed thinking, we see the causes through the glimpses we are given of his family upbringing. So all in all, this is one terrific movie very much recommended.

The Bourne Ultimatum (2007)

Definitely the best of the three

[10/10 · 1 March 2008]

That statement isn't to put down the first two in any way, shape or form. I rated them 9/10 each, but this has to be 10/10 in my book.

It's the ultimate in action movies without being brainless and without relying on just SFX and wild stunt action. There is still a coherent story which is far more than just a connective between the action scenes. There's skillful use of sound to stimulate the senses while one's watching, and tight, expert editing. Paul Greengrass seems to surpass himself with each new film still showing his skill as a documentarian while transferring that skill so it's an enhancement to what otherwise could be a mere popcorn thriller.