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Reviews
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Much Better Than People Give It Credit
I'm something of a movie nut, and I have to admit that I really liked Ron Howard's version a lot. I do think that the earlier Chuck Jones version is a classic in its own right and I enjoy it as well. I don't think one can fairly compare the two versions; this version has a much more involved back story which explains the Grinch's motivation, while Jones' version is much more taut due to its lesser running time.
I found this to be visually very attractive, with excellent computer animation and an awesome job by the artistic director. There's a lot of boffo humor in this version as well with inside jokes galore. I'm mixed in my opinion of Jim Carrey in general, but this is definitely one of his best performances. Overall, it's a slick, well-made popcorn movie--not exactly Citizen Kane, but Hollywood at its most competent...
Arabiantics (1928)
Classic Felix the Cat Silent
A well-made Felix the Cat silent cartoon with the usual assortment of wild gags. This time, our plucky feline protagonist takes a magic-carpet ride to Arabia. There's an excellent sight-gag as Felix grabs what appears to be a moon and two palms on the horizon, and turns it into an impromptu banjo! Felix the Cat was a popular cartoon star in the silent era and the silent cartoons have a surrealism that seems to be lost in the sound Felix cartoons. One important note: although it only says 'Pat Sullivan' on the title credits, part of the brilliance of the silent Felix the Cat cartoons is due to the efforts of Otto Messmer.
Movie-Mania (1937)
Odd, but Interesting
I saw this odd little two-reel Vitaphone short from the late 30s on Turner Classic Movies last night and thought it was quite interesting. It's basically a bunch of musical numbers connected by Dave Apollon and his orchestra.
The opening gypsy sequence had Mr. Apollon doing a virtuoso performance on the mandolin, along with some serious tap dancing by others. It was followed by a so-so Mexican number. There was another sequence with a tap-dancing midget woman who was very good, if somewhat unusual, followed by a final dance sequence with a woman who looked ravishing in a shiny dress. The musical numbers were quite elaborate for a Vitaphone short. Movie Mania isn't exactly Singing in the Rain in terms of quality and budget, but a nice little film that classic-movie buffs would probably enjoy watching.