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LindaKirshnerNY
Reviews
The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)
Love this version
I want to go and see the new version (2008), but before I do I thought I'd see the old version first. So I did.
What an amazing movie. I didn't even think of it as science fiction. Although I'm sure that in 1951, it may have been perceived as so. But even still, this first version has a strong philosophical underlying that sets it far apart from other "space invader" movies.
Robert Wise's direction was strong and subtle. He terrified us with a robot just standing there. Mr. Wise did this without the benefit of the unlimited amount of special visual effects that go into movies nowadays. "Now that's direction."
Yes, and with the entertainment value there is a message, that is still profound today.
I look forward to seeing the new version. But I know that I will definitely revisit this original many times over.
Channels (2008)
This story took me by surprise. A very pleasant one.
CHANNELS affirms that love is a force to which the laws of space and time do not apply.
The screenplay brings our characters together and holds on to them, while subtly exploring what is "real", or what makes something real, or rather how we define what is "real."
Nat Christian performs the triple task of writing, directing and acting with great virtuosity.
As an actor, he is compelling to watch, always honest. Kim Oja shows a feisty side along with a sweetness that would melt anyone's heart. In a cameo appearance, Joan Van Ark sobers you up with her fine acting ability. The multi-talented Ed Asner can only be real. The scenes with him and Christian are funny and tense. Rounding out the main cast, Taylor Negron and John Kassir are consummate actors.
Director, Christian, handles his actors masterfully, giving them a healthy amount of screen time. They all deliver real performances. As a storyteller, Christian captivates us from point A to point Z. Not just going there, but taking us there.
The production design was utterly romantic. The score by Rossanno Gallante was moving.
I'll probably watch this movie once a year (maybe once every two years).
The Secret of My Succe$s (1987)
Light-hearted entertainment
One could comment about how best this movie works. Or that it was symbolic of the materialistic 1980s and hence that is one of the reasons why it was so popular.
In my opinion, this movie works as a light-hearted comedy and should be seen as such. If so, one could sit back and truly enjoy this film.
Michael J. Fox plays a savvy and ambitious young man in The Secret Of My Success, which was aptly directed by Herbert Ross. It is a nice is a throwback to 50s-60s romantic comedies. Ross keeps things moving in an endearingly old-fashioned way. Fox is genial and charming. Helen Slater is a genuinely beautiful actress. Richard Jordan is good as the mogul. Margaret Whitton is all sexuality. All the supporting actors and actresses are also good. Carlo DiPalma's cinematography is comedy bright. David Foster's soundtrack works well.
I must add that watching Mr. Fox is always a joy. He is a talented, kind and charismatic actor. I don't think that viewers are getting enough of him (understandably).
Broadcast News (1987)
Long, yet I recommend
Broadcast News was fun to watch again. Director, James Brooks always does a good job on whatever material he is working with. In this movie, he satirizes the industry and how the media operates.
Actors William Hurt, Holly Hunter, Albert Brooks give memorable performances. I've watched Albert Brooks do many things and I hope he continues to keep putting stuff out there. Holly Hunter is always interesting and always cute.
The supporting cast has Jack Nicholson as a network New York anchor, Robert Prosky as the Washington Bureau Chief, Peter Hackes as the boss, Joan Cusack as the hardworking news person who is penalized when cutbacks are made and Lois Chiles as the beautiful nice girl in the newsroom trying to play fair.
The set design is very interesting. My main problem with the movie is that it's just a little too long.
Grease (1978)
A visual and musical treat
I've seen three movies by Randal Kleiser and each time I have been impressed. As far as musicals go, Grease is in my top 5. Although I recently saw Bye Bye Birdie (made in the early 60s) and now can see where Grease got a lot of it's "style" from. Not a criticism at all, just an observation.
All in all, the direction, the choreography, the music and, of course, the cast all came together for a tight match.
John Travolta and Olivia Newton John headed up the very talented cast. They had a great chemistry together. I wondered why they didn't do many other movies together. The production design and the camera work were great too, mixing in a lot pleasant to look at colors. It was a visual candy bar.