idgie57 Reviews

We're No Angels (1955)

Deliciously funny with one-liners galore!

[10/10 · 21 December 2012]

A delightful, silly, innocent little 1950's Christmas-season comedy starring some of cinema's greatest talent... This is not a critical masterpiece - it never was meant to be - just a fun little flick with sassy one-liners that will make you laugh out loud...

"Oh, look - it's that delicious fat woman!" (Peter Ustinov)

Basil Rathbone: "What are you staring at?" Peter Ustinov: "You. I've never seen anything like you." Bogey: "I have, but not on Christmas!"

"Mind her head on the banisters!"

"I wish I were dead. I wish I were a drunkard. I wish I were a dead drunkard!" (Leo G. Carroll)

Just sit back and have fun with it. It's a Christmas tradition in my house.

Escanaba in da Moonlight (2001)

"Escanaba" is now a Thanksgiving tradition in our house

[10/10 · 2 January 2012]

If you want a critically-acclaimed masterpiece, look elsewhere (please). If you want sheer no- brain, laugh-out-loud entertainment, get yourself a copy at once.

I first watched "Escanaba" while visiting a friend in Detroit. I'll admit that the some of the humor may have been lost on me had I not camped in the UP as a kid. Nevertheless, this is one of the flat-out funniest films I've ever seen. The casting is spot-on, the dialogue flows almost flawlessly and the subtle background music enhances the mood of every scene.

With only one exception (a couple who thought it was a serious film about hunting), everyone with whom I've shared this film has found it hilarious. I have purchased five copies so far, because every time I lend it out, it never comes back. That, IMHO, speaks volumes for its appeal.