Change Your Image
fkoretz
Reviews
Johnny Guitar (1954)
Wheres the Lesbeef?
A few have mentioned a lesbian undercurrent to this movie. I must confess I don't see it. The Anti-McCarthy theme is more clear. I liked that part, but it does drag at times. An interesting movie especially because the main conflict is between two females. That was pretty unusual in 1954 and in a Western yet. I definitely recommend this to movie buffs for its originality.
Jail Bait (1954)
Wow
Not quite as bad as plan 9, but still extremely awful. The music stands out as exceptionally horrible, the worst thing about this movie, and that is saying something. Woods fans should certainly see this one.
The Twelve Chairs (1970)
hope for the best
This is actually a serious movie with Brooks wackiness as a "topping." Because the plot is kind of wild it almost serves as a Mel Brooks type of story. It is a typically Russian story, heavily laden with irony and pathos. Actually pretty well done in my opinion, but kind of choppy. As in some other movies, Brooks has a very good song in this one. "Hope for the best, expect the worst." That pretty much sums up the movie, which will disappoint his fans who like "Blazing Saddles" and so forth. But I recommend it to them anyway, if only for the sake of completeness. Note: Fans of the British comedy "Are You Being Served?" can see Nicholas Smith (Mr Rumbold) in a small role here, two lines I think.
Beat the Devil (1953)
Whats with the bells?
Great characters and some great dialogue. But a chaotic plot and and production in general. Most of the time church bells are ringing in the background. Anyone know why Huston put those in? A must-see if only for the excellent cast.
State and Main (2000)
Stick to Drama, Dave
David Mamet is an excellent writer and this movie has many clever lines, BUT I only rate it a 5.5. I wish Mamet would stick to drama, which he does significantly better than humor. Quite a good cast but actually too many good actors. It would have been better if the movie had been simplified I think.
Went to Coney Island on a Mission from God... Be Back by Five (1998)
well paced film
I liked the way the writers and director of this film draw the viewer into the film via judicious use of flash backs and slow build up to the most dramatic scenes. Also, Baez does a good job portraying a mentally ill person. He doesn't go over the top.