ragtimeacres Reviews

Union Pacific (1939)

Extraordinary film

[10/10 · 14 October 2003]

They don't make 'em like this anymore. Everything you could want in a film: romance, wit, drama, action. Barbara Stanwyck and Joel McCrea make an incredible on-screen duo. The train wreck scene at the end is especially impressive. Kudos to Cecil B. Demille for this work of art. I wish I could give this movie more than 10 stars! :)

Chicago (2002)

Missing Fred & Ginger

[1/10 · 25 August 2003]

I don't understand all the hype about this movie. It's like watching MTV for 2 hours. The plot drags on and the movie is really just a toned down striptease. The "dancing" is weak and choppy to say the least.

What ever became of real musicals? Dancers used to use their settings and props to demonstrate their talents. I will never forget Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers dancing on roller skates. Or Gene Kelly dancing with Jerry the Mouse. Unfortunately the day of the musical is long gone and so is any real singing or dancing talent.

Once Upon a Honeymoon (1942)

Extraordinary film

[10/10 · 9 August 2003]

This romantic comedy is unique because it isn't all fluff. The story focuses on Katharine O'Hara (Rogers) and Pat O'Toole (Grant). Unbeknownst to her Kate has married a Baron who is secretly one of Hitler's top men. As Kate and the Baron travel through Europe each country they enter falls to the Nazi party. Over time American reporter Pat convinces her that her husband is an essential key to the Nazis. Kate and Pat go on the run from the Nazis and try to do their part to keep them out of America. The depths of human emotion displayed in this film are astounding. The director, Leo McCarey, does a marvelous job of putting the viewer in touch with the characters. This is one of those rare films that gives people a true sense of the fear, injustice and patriotic duty Americans felt during the war.