Friday Night Round-Up
This week I watched...
Zardoz- B-, the high concept of this film starring Sean Connery is what kept me watching. The film had to do with an idea that in the future humans would live forever and as punishment for "crimes" they would be aged. There was something to do with brutes that were commanded by Zardoz. The story becomes very weak after about 30 minutes but ultimately, the concept and Sean Connery's persona keeps you interested.
Catch A Fire- C, I found this to be a rather weak film detailing a civil rights struggle in South Africa. The direction and execution of this story as well as the actors involved seemed bungled. It wasn't compelling to see Derek Luke's character fight back. It was frustrating to see everything play out especially with Tim Robbins's character.
M*A*S*H- A-, classic characterization of the medical camps in Korea. I love the intercom announcements as well as the episodic nature of this film. It's the way the movie was structured that I think ultimately led to the TV series.
Caged Heat- B+, this is a classic. I loved this movie despite how silly a story about women in prison may be. I cannot complain about this tight and entertaining film with some great characterizations of women.
Boxcar Bertha- B+, this was Scorsese's first major feature. He owes it to Roger Corman. I liked this movie but at some points, I found it to be lacking.
Thriller: A Cruel Picture- A, I own this one and that is the only reason I can say I have seen it. This film was banned in Sweden for its hardcore depictions of sexuality, drug usage, and violence. This story is so gritty and intense that it winds up and builds so viciously until it explodes in your face in the last 20 or 30 minutes. This is a truly awesome revenge picture.
Cross of Iron- B, I would not say this is in my favorites of films by Sam Peckinpah but after I figured out what was going on, I admired the originality of it. For one, the story follows Germans in WWII as if they were heroes. They aren't fighting Europe but Russia. And they, unlike American soldiers in the 70s, fought to earn medals. In the movie, a character is going after the cross of iron. All around, a good flick.
Once Upon a Time in the West- A+, Sergio Leone's direction is so evident here that I would say he is a master. The world created in this film with the Man With the Harmonica and Cheyenne and Henry Fonda's character is great. And so is the character of Jill McBain. But the best part about this movie is every time you see a character centered in the frame there is a radiance to them that few films create. They have a tremendous presence. And this is an excellent western.
God Told Me To- D-, I wish God had told me not to. The premise of this film that God is telling people to kill strangers and that God has been born on Earth by a virgin like that of Mary from strange people like aliens sounds interesting right? Well, everything about this movie is bad from the first scene when you hear the first one say "God Told Me To". And then the remainder is this super creepy take on the power of religion that is not entertaining or thought provoking but irritating and boring.
Grand Slam- A, I loved this! It's a heist film from 1967 that featured four huge stars from four different countries. It also had Janet Leigh from Psycho. The whole plan to crack the safe and get 10 million in diamonds is very entertaining. And the twist with the Grand Slam alarm system sets the movie up for a masterful ending. Pay attention to the end. You might want to watch it again after seeing the final minute.
Zardoz- B-, the high concept of this film starring Sean Connery is what kept me watching. The film had to do with an idea that in the future humans would live forever and as punishment for "crimes" they would be aged. There was something to do with brutes that were commanded by Zardoz. The story becomes very weak after about 30 minutes but ultimately, the concept and Sean Connery's persona keeps you interested.
Catch A Fire- C, I found this to be a rather weak film detailing a civil rights struggle in South Africa. The direction and execution of this story as well as the actors involved seemed bungled. It wasn't compelling to see Derek Luke's character fight back. It was frustrating to see everything play out especially with Tim Robbins's character.
M*A*S*H- A-, classic characterization of the medical camps in Korea. I love the intercom announcements as well as the episodic nature of this film. It's the way the movie was structured that I think ultimately led to the TV series.
Caged Heat- B+, this is a classic. I loved this movie despite how silly a story about women in prison may be. I cannot complain about this tight and entertaining film with some great characterizations of women.
Boxcar Bertha- B+, this was Scorsese's first major feature. He owes it to Roger Corman. I liked this movie but at some points, I found it to be lacking.
Thriller: A Cruel Picture- A, I own this one and that is the only reason I can say I have seen it. This film was banned in Sweden for its hardcore depictions of sexuality, drug usage, and violence. This story is so gritty and intense that it winds up and builds so viciously until it explodes in your face in the last 20 or 30 minutes. This is a truly awesome revenge picture.
Cross of Iron- B, I would not say this is in my favorites of films by Sam Peckinpah but after I figured out what was going on, I admired the originality of it. For one, the story follows Germans in WWII as if they were heroes. They aren't fighting Europe but Russia. And they, unlike American soldiers in the 70s, fought to earn medals. In the movie, a character is going after the cross of iron. All around, a good flick.
Once Upon a Time in the West- A+, Sergio Leone's direction is so evident here that I would say he is a master. The world created in this film with the Man With the Harmonica and Cheyenne and Henry Fonda's character is great. And so is the character of Jill McBain. But the best part about this movie is every time you see a character centered in the frame there is a radiance to them that few films create. They have a tremendous presence. And this is an excellent western.
God Told Me To- D-, I wish God had told me not to. The premise of this film that God is telling people to kill strangers and that God has been born on Earth by a virgin like that of Mary from strange people like aliens sounds interesting right? Well, everything about this movie is bad from the first scene when you hear the first one say "God Told Me To". And then the remainder is this super creepy take on the power of religion that is not entertaining or thought provoking but irritating and boring.
Grand Slam- A, I loved this! It's a heist film from 1967 that featured four huge stars from four different countries. It also had Janet Leigh from Psycho. The whole plan to crack the safe and get 10 million in diamonds is very entertaining. And the twist with the Grand Slam alarm system sets the movie up for a masterful ending. Pay attention to the end. You might want to watch it again after seeing the final minute.
posted by Kevin at 2:25 PM
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