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Kept Husbands (1931)
Very Shiv and Tom Love Story
Better than what the title seems to imply.
When a childish heiress meets his father Steel 'Boss', she happens to remember his athletic prowess and quickly smitten. She proposes to him and quickly got married. The rich-poor dynamic slowly trickles within their relationship AND eat them up.
Its good. Dorothy Mackaill lively performance perfectly blends with Joel McCrea's notorious stiffness. They compliment each other and really make work of the film.
Also, want to commend the writing. The film is notorious Victorian in Values and can borderline the Pre-code Drab Cautionary Tales of the era BUT the writing actually gives the McCrea's character actual reason to feel small without really resorting to sexist remarks. In the same, MacKaill's has some of-it-times attitude but does not resort to dumbing it down. She still has her own dignity even though she does realize she have to give some away.
Recommended. Better than expected.
Odds Against Tomorrow (1959)
Ryan and Belafonte and Polonsky and Wise Hidden Masterpiece.
Two old crooks meets up for a final job. When another member joins in, tension flare as it was a black man - but necessity forces them move ahead of the original plan. Then things from worse to worst AND Hell!
Definitely, a shocker of a great film.
Its very rare for any kind of Noir to really rise from its form. Especially since, most of them are especially centered fragile masculinity and sexuality BUT this one especially frays a bit and added racial discourse, which is handled in an a way that does not look down on it.
You get this film.
The screenplay especially from Polonsky and Gidding just goes beyond towards its central drama and flesh out. Ryan's squirmy racist and sexist character , and Belafonte's conflicted and indebted jazz singer is just pitch perfectly defined. Everything about it is just working on a different level. Each character motivation is tapped and defined so that you know what shades of grey they are. I love it.
Ryan(my fifth) and Belafonte (my first as a Lead) really shines through. They really plays it will such gusto that lifts the already great material. I mean the material just lends to greatness to be honest.
Highly recommended. I barely hear about this in the grand pantheon BUT I think this deserves all the flowers. Its uniquely adds new elements to Noir genre and and improves on it.
North (1994)
Elijah Wood Oscar!
North is Children film about a kid so cool that he can change the world. With a little help with his fellow kids, he decides to change his parents to someone as cool. It does not go as plan.
This is a very difficult material that needs great performances from very young actors. This is especially since its a tonally such a weird tightrope. It requires someone who is a child firstly BUT also a person who at least understand the comedy of it all of the film.
Elijah Wood shows how he is one of the most successful child actors of his time as he played a wunderkind North, who just wants a loving parent. For the other kids, not really that much. It really fells apart since a lot of the kids cannot play beyond their years AND definitely shows. Otherwise, this is such a mess tbh.
Not Recommended.
Peggy Sue Got Married (1986)
Kathleen Turner is A STAR!
A Prom Queen returns to her school's knowing her life is no longer the teenage dream it once been. There she meets her now bum ex-husband who was also his high school sweetheart. She tries to keep her head high, but an accident happens AND she seemingly is teleported back in time AND decides to make things. Or does she?
Shockingly better than expected.
Kathleen Turner made this film really. She plays both the old and young character of herself and shows why she is the most respected actress of the Eighties. Coppola might be directing BUT it is her that I think was able to wrestle this weird-ass concept from being just a simple 80's slop to what it is. Shows she has more than her sultry roles AND knock it out as a time-travelling sass-mouth. She is so perfect in it. I personally do not care about Cage - but he does his job
I think the story could definitely be to daft AND even with a change in direction would probably work with Turner at hand. Its actually insane that Coppola - Godfather Director, decided to take it. I wonder how he'll edit it to be honest, because the final film is remarkable AND possibly the best version the film could be.
Highly Recommended.
Kimitachi wa dô ikiru ka (2023)
Finding Your Meaning as You lay Away to your Roots.
Practically a film about a son trapped between the ongoing war in Japan AND his father choices: his move away after his mother death and a quick marriage after her mother's unceremonious death. Once they found themselves on the dead matriarch old's home, weird things starts to happen AND he must face his destiny or not.
To be honest, Intensely slow start and I felt that the war portion is ungodly elaborate. It really took its time to pick details in that portion of the film. Another quirky observation about this film is metatextual to Spirited Away. It has the leaps of logic and callbacks to that film AND it will definitely improve the experience. Though I find that quite distracting to be honest, especially how I felt about its 'storytelling' earlier. It also makes this film for me a bit of a chore - since I was trying to remember stuff from that film when I should be focusing on this film alone.
Also, the way this film presents Pans are VERY VERY migraine inducing. I think they should rethink that. I sometime have to look away how weird it looks on screen.
I wish that it tried took more time in the world building the magical realm of the film. Its very underwritten and I think would definitely have worked better with a Haku-esque character explaining the logics of things. It can really get confusing at times. I found that sometimes kind of missed opportunity especially how elaborate the early part of the film.
Not really the best BUT very watchable.
Alive (1993)
Fine film but definitely is Hollywood Version of the Event.
The Americano version of the infamous Andes Flight. A flight that got stuck in the Andes and practically changing the lices of on board: most of which were Men Football players. There they just willed their selves to survive.
Was actually better than expected.
Its a bit on the fluff side. Its a story told a thousand times in passing. While it does take liberties AND make it a bit too Hollywood in the process, the actors work for it. I think most of the cast are not really big stars anymore but a relatively early Ethan Hawke makes a noteworthy appearance here.
To be a bit critical, I think its styling definitely is ages it a lot. Its stamped nineties all over. And the criticism that it does not lend to its Latino-ness definitely is correct criticism.
Excited to see how Society of Snow would do on the same story. Apparently, it will try to remove the 'glamorization' of this film.
Recommended.
Ballet mécanique (1924)
Michael Snow Odyssey Brought Me Here
I definitely watched this before. Again a foray towards the artsy Experimental Genre after watching some Michael Snow.
Ballet Mécanique is an early 'art' film that strayed away from narrative sensibilities of the era. Made with a somewhat noted Cubist and an American director , it literally is a mix of stop motion, image presentation and video peppered apparently with visual puns (which definitely flown over my head) presented in repeated and timely manner. In a way, the film represent its title - A Mechanical Ballet.
Its style definitely feels like a precursor to Michael Snow's diatribe with the 'structural' approach he had been doing few decades after BUT this is wilder.
Images repeats itself. Again and again. Its less limited and defiantly has more real estate covered compared to Snow- that especially when you realize that this was only 16 minutes. I also love that it shows INTENT in changes in pacing and visuals that I definitely appreciate. Its approach is much more zany and it goes for more. AND, it also has color, which definitely is ahead of its time.
Highly recommended.
The Moonlighter (1953)
Stanwyck-MacMurray flop
Fun Fact: This film has an intermission for a film under 1:30 hr lol.
It practically tells a story of a two timing wild west robber who happens to survive a lynch. When he crosses his old lover for his 'supposed' funeral, he tries to rekindle feelings but not until he is able to get into another ploy with his current beau. Disaster strikes and they are again at each others face.
Just ok.
Again, Stanwyck and MacMurray plays up their famed chemistry in a revenge love story. They were lifting the very so so material.
The film does have a lot good plot beats. The beginning was seriously so brutal for a film during this time AND got me into it real quick. But once he made it to her life again, its haphazard shifting of narrative. I just do not understand the mental space when the robbery happened or just plainly speaking the ending. AND it was such a bore at that.
Another weird thing is that it was a film supposedly made for 3D. This was a black and white film, so 3D in particular was a definite choice. I guess the waterfall sequence might have been about it BUT it does not translate well in a streaming way.
Not recommended. To all over the place/
Anything Goes (1936)
Anything Does Go
I watched it earlier this month. Do not have any idea of the Broadway show either.
Anything Goes talks about a 'singing' stars as their troupe embark voyage across the pond. When one of them unceremoniously decides to ditch the group but had a changed heart, he is unwittingly forced to masquerade into a churchman who is being impersonated by a con-man. Troubles ensues as love entangles within the ship.
Not a big fan of the film.
You kind of see why Ethel Merman never really translate in film. She kind of come-off too show-boaty. I think the biggest difference in film acting and play acting is that it is very subdued and is more inclined to less histrionics. She was doing everything above and beyond. Bing Crosby is him, which is not a shock. Charles Ruggles does ok in this.
I also do not care much for the film's plot. It's a whole lot of shenanigans that the ultimate pay-off does not really sprung through. The ending is awfully convenient - like they just want to end it in a happy note. Then, there's a not that great yellow face sequence that just dragged on. The film really revels on it, which was very uncomfortable. I personally could not find any sources that can tell me if it was actually like the play itself but that was certainly a CHOICE.
Overall, it can be fun BUT does really scream the years that has past by since it was made. Not recommended.
Bad Boys: Ride or Die (2024)
A Fun albeit Empty Film
Watched with my parents.
I mean Bad Boys is about Bad Boys.
Here, they are again in a conspiracy. Their now dead chief is being linked to a certain cartel money drive. They try to save his honor but a group of super-techy villains is able pin things back to them. Only their friends from Miami PD can help them and be able to get themselves out of this rout.
I mean this is what it is.
A popcorn film with a plot designed to be done in an hour or two with just enough emotional beats. Its very standard but more so peppered with Daddy-er jokes. Now Will Smith (post "Life Threatening" Slap) is about to get married AND his illegitimate son is making his life difficult (Lol). Matthew Lawrence is old and weirdly stagy for no know reason. He especially looks very under the weather throughout the film. He feels like he actually had a debilitating stroke. They are already setting up some 'sequel' possibility with that 'Seal' son.
It just your fun average fair film you bring your family with (I did). And enjoy. No one really went up the pedestal here BUT hall of shame to Alexander Ludwig who is so uncomfortable in the film lol.
Also, this film is so entranced with TIMELAPSES. Its like I am watching a CSI Episode lol.
Good enough fun.
Gringo (1985)
Not for me
A Semi Documentary about the Drug Addicts in New York. Practically infamous with pretty worrying moments of possibly real drug taking.
The aesthetics is really great and bordering to 'documentaric'. If you just raw dog it without reading any kind of information, you might actually think this is a real documentary. Its unnaturally grimy and nitty gritty.
But the story is such a slag - given its short length. I wish it had a more cohesive arc to be honest. Its just too all over the place for my taste. Clearly this is a film meant to be half exploitation and half PSA, it just is never found its footing. It repeats itself at worst.
Shura (1971)
From the Makers of Funeral Parade of Roses
A heartbroken samurai in deep need of money is pushed to the edge and seeks revenge for his poor soul. But as he goes deeper with his revenge, discovers the people who stifled him may not be as different of people after all.
Pretty much a stylistic film akin to other famous Film Noir of the 40s and 50s. I would even categorize it as 'Gothic' and verging towards Expressionism with its deep saturated shadows and lighting that shadows the mental state of the film's characters. Its such a vision to be honest.
The story is what I believe is the weakest of the story. Its somewhat standard in a sense AND if you know his other film, you kinda knew what will happens. Its not as left field AND thematically rich compared to Funeral Parade of Roses. It's a story that had been told a hundred times AND while unique in its infusion of his dreamy stylings - it does not really feel like it adds much to the film. It works but not in a magical way that his early works shine through. It's more or less a preference thing on my side.
Acting wise, this is such a masterful direction. It is also Gothic by nature AND there is a sense of surrealism in how elevated their performances are. It perfectly matches the highly stylistic nature of the film, which I love. Katsuo Nakamura is amazing in his performance as a crazed samurai who just wants some money to escape his position. He really captures what this films what to evoke. Its kinda sad looking into his filmography that he seems to have gotten the prestige I think he could have.
Overall, a very worthy film to watch. It holds well against Funeral Parade AND shows a master stylist who knows how to modulate performers to boot.
Huwag mong buhayin ang bangkay (1987)
Mish mash of I Walked with The Zombie, Picture of Dorian Gray AND Frankenstein
A MOTHER IS OBSSESSED with her young child. Robertito, leaving another neglected. Few years past, her favorite son is now a renowned pianist who falls head over heals to a fame-hungry woman. When his other brother falls head over heals to the same woman AND asked her to end it with him - Robertito spirals AND dies unceremoniously BUT her mother has some friends to turn things around before Robertito rots to hell.
The film is a mish mash of I Walked with The Zombie, Picture of Dorian Gray AND Frankenstein BUT with a weird religious angle. It does go a bit too soft in some moments AND the cheapness of Filipino Commercial filmmaking does bleed through especially some Zombie moments but I think there is a good film in this. I'll start with that.
I think Charito Solis, a icily obsessed mother, is phenomenal in this B Grade Horror. She is the heart and soul of this. She elevates it from being a cheap horror into what it is. I watched this since I want to know how in the hell Jestoni Alarcon is famous. He was cute in this and all BUT this role is not really that showy sadly.
Otherwise, noteworthy performances, a very interesting plot BUT not great.
Addicted to Love (1997)
Creepy Romcom that tried to hard to pivot towards likability and failed.
When a man is suddenly left by his fiancé for a French Chef, he was destroyed. He became obsessed and decided to leave everything behind and be her stalker to destroy their relationship. There he meets the French Chef's other half and plot their significant other's revenge.
This film did ok. I do think that the premise is so rank that it was a expected dud BUT again, Stars have enough charisma to make any stinkers at least make it workable. Here Meg Ryan and Matthew Broderick, at least, tried their best to salvage a icky material. Sadly, they could not really save it since it shifted to cheese-ily AND could not keep up with the film's inherent dark tone.
It just leaves a very bad taste in the mouth when after destroying someone's life they try to act as if they can help them back out. AND her acting baffled when they went their way to destroy their former loved ones life and they do not fall on each others arm. Like YOU both are creepy AND he was forthright with his intention to get her back.
It should have went full absurdity. The shift of tone really was just too baffling AND destroyed the product.
Not Recommended. A trial of bad change in tone.
La région centrale (1971)
Every Scene, Every Time, All Just Once
Again its very difficult to say what is this as this is purely experimental. As the name description suggest, its a very long video where a camera is perched on a 360 degrees fulcrum that is speeding up for 24 hours with the final video being sped up to 180 minutes.
Its insane.
Like Wavelength, its literally is a conceptual work (or if your technical structural). More of a work about the possibility of filmmaking. I tend to be hard for films like this but La Region Centrale is interesting. The fulcrum is a designed piece of machinery AND that on its own literally elevates it against other 'films' of this kind. There was an intent to show something never done before.
I personally got acquainted with this work after it was said to be referenced in the film Challengers. Its a stretch but I could see how this became that. Both used this style similarly IN A WAY. I could really explain it but both uses trippy perspective that speeds up, seemingly edited to be continuous. Now, its a stretch but possible.
Not really a film for anyone and I would probably not recommended it but very interesting.
Civil War (2024)
Another Empty Film From the Same Director
Imagine making All About Eve but its war, but without any war, any repercussion, or anything remotely war-rish.
Jesus, this is the least political anti-war film I watched. It literally just want to say to you that a war kind of does a number to a photographer's psyche. It is a WAR. The lack of desperation and ultimately chaos is such a choice.
Alex Garland's brilliant mind went to how he can frame it towards a photographer psyche. ITS a weird bent that he ultimately (and expectedly) could not make do. He went to his Annihilation mode AND made an empty narrative about ambiguous factions AND almost a bunch of characters that is to gung ho. This is were the ambiguity makes the film to falls apart.
The film felt like an empty march for nothing. You could not frame that even if your film is thematically about the 'different shades of grey' WHEN there is nothing beyond it. This also confuses during one of the more heated moments in the film - the racist officer. Where they disgusted since they killed their friends ONLY. Do they have any input against the officer? Its disgusting BUT it removes any kind of implications that really dulls the narrative.
Then the Eve storyline.
This is expected AND would have worked better if we at least know what kind of loyalty does each of them has. Clearly, if you know Photojournalism - it is nothing but apolitical. Even being allowed to be 'photographing' alternative groups, is very politically motivated.
The younger photographer getting the 'killer' instinct after all the violence is beyond the point if you are unable to provide any context. It so weird. So when Dunst's character dies 'in veteran' expectedly, so what's the point? She can now press her camera when there is someone gunning her AND make her photos. It just happen. What was even her arch about? It posits that a photographer is just a interested in taking the little photo. Ok, but why?
Again EMPTY Platitudes.
Not recommended.
Wandafuru raifu (1998)
Nobody Knows
In a small facility, a group of dead souls guide other dead souls in finding a memory that they want to keep forever. When a new employee enters the room, the group goes on with their day to day activities until another soul is lost and unable to find a moment in his life he wants to keep forever.
Its a very simple film concept but for unknown reason Koreeda make do. You know there someone great behind the camera when you ALREADY ticked the ending but you're still moved.
This is a kind of film that you know a director is great. I have my reservation after Nobody Knows, which I found a bit too lost in its dream-like quality - but this felt like perfect storm. Its simple and direct AND it knows how much sentimentality in needs. It ultimately even with all the expectation - creates a mood that makes it so much powerful on initial watch.
Highly Recommended.
Tales That Witness Madness (1973)
Awful Vignettes
AN Anthology of four stories - mostly bad, that tells a story of the a person who seems to be 'mad' AND is being investigated.
Yeah, Anthology is already a difficult pedestal for me BUT when the thrills are just the most stupid things, its difficult to really be amazed or just tune in with all the BS. I mean, at least be campy or funny. Tales That Witness Madness are four weak stories that is even weaker since it was made strung together by the loosest reasons. None of the stories can be even considered as shorts - its more like phrases, not an ounce of a full thought. Its just weird and ridiculous ideas. It is in the end, a disaster AND the fact that it even made the day and starred some notable actors like Kim Novak, is already a feat.
Not recommended.
Ricky Stanicky (2024)
John Cena Makes us Laugh
An insane premise, a bunch of friends creates a THAT insane friend everyone has AND pin all their problems and secrets on him. When a small crack of truth was uncovered, they try to cover their tracks by hiring a down by his luck 'cabaret' act. This unravels when his legend meets the people around them AND people expectedly fall to his charm.
I think this is insane AND with a premise that needs a lot of suspension of disbelief BUT It was able to manage to at least make sense on how to unravel the Stanicky problem after all.
I would say this would not work without John Cena. He knows how to draw this ridiculous character to compliment the circumstance he is in. He literally held the film together AND I appreciate that he finds the note to make it work. Also, Andrew did well. I want to point that.
Overall, it reached its potential BUT it is what it is.
Nickelodeon (1976)
Extended Cut Delight
I am kinda shocked with the negativity (though I watched the B/W Extended Version).
It less clunky than his other odes of the olden days of Cinema.
This really flows well. From the development of the movie stars, which from accounts I read of Mack Sennett's book is more of a viewer thing. They pushed for their names to be put out there. I also remembered reading through his book how reckless early filmmaking where AND how the run to the west is pretty much due to Edison's ruthlessness. And how how the Birth of the Nation (here referred to how it was originally called - the Clansman from the same play) pushed the nails for feature length filmmaking. (My point here is read about the Sennett Book - its too self-congratulatory BUT the story still is very interesting).
I wish it was more critical to its racial politics since the book, the play, the movie while popular and unanimously changed cinema was also actively been criticized for its sentiments FROM the BEGINNING of its released. That fact is often times eliminated in all accounts about that film.
Also, reading between the lines. You kinda realized that Allan Dwan = O'Neal, his wife Pauline Bush = Stevens and very loosely on Douglas Fairbanks for Reynolds. Their life was pretty much amalgamated into the film.
Performance wise, lovely all-around. Loved Reynolds, Stevens and both the O'Neil in here. Its the only ensemble film of his that I felt that everything just melts together. They just compliments and the way each grow to each other's lives feels very lived in - which I loved.
Highly recommended, with A Clear note that it should have been a bit critical of A Birth of A Nation.
Love Lies Bleeding (2024)
That Ending does Bleed
Love lies Bleeding is tells a story about a Lesbian Gym owner and her Steroidal Bodybuilder lover as they haphazardly help her sister to mixed result that opens much more than what they wanted.
I really want to love it. It has great performances (specifically for Katy O'Brien who got the role via Twitter) and style that I think really lifts up the pedestal BUT I felt that the movies is so empty. Its by no means bad, it just that this could have been more.
The story, in general, just floats AND does not know to jell its themes. When the climax ultimately happens, rather facing the curtains - it tries to be fancy and runaway. The ending specifically tries to go for a Grease-esque ending AND escape into Magical Realism. But given the point of the film of wanting repercussion, it felt confused and hypocritical.
Kudos though to the Cinematography. Probably one of the most inspired looking films in a long while. As already mentioned, O'Brien and Stewart are particularly inspired.
It's an almost but not quite there affair.
Our Dancing Daughters (1928)
Baby Joan Crawford Shines in a Mostly Forgettable Moral Film
I personally watched it for Joan Crawford.
Practically a Victorian Morality tale of about an out and about dancer who is replaced by her lover for a more moral character. Unknown to him, his new lover is just playing him like a fiddle - but is actually much loose that our lead. They soon finds out and is forced to reckon what could have been UNTIL faith comes their way.
I could see why this became a hit AND made Joan Crawford a star. Of the performances, hers is the most earnest. She just glistens. You cannot stop looking at her.
Sadly, I am still not the biggest fan of the film. Not that I judge its old timey values, The story is fine but it just comes off far too convenient, like why even go for a guy that looks down on you on every level and that hilariously bad ending. I guess the positives thing about this films is that its a great historical artifact. You could see Flapper culture (specifically the dances) and a rare depiction of 'modern' woman that does not bodes towards childishness in the twenties.
Not the biggest fan.
Ligaya ang itawag mo sa akin (1997)
Wonderful Discovery
There is always a huge joke about Rosanna Roces' works. Its almost always salaciously titled with heavy double entendre.
So guess, what the big shock I got when I actually tried watching this one.
This film (which is better translated as "For a Good Time: Call me Joy") tells the story of a rural hooker and a local farmer who falls head over heals over her beauty. When he proposed, Ligaya finds a new lease on life and personally tasked herself to change to the woman his well-respected husband wants. But all breaks loose, as people only sees her as a tramp she once was. Storywise, it definitely reminds me of Nights of Cabiria to be perfectly frank BUT defiantly darker.
I think this is one of the best Madonna-Whore Complex in film out there. It could get a bit on the nose BUT I felt especially towards the end, when it falls apart THAT there is a sense of knowingness by the writer AND I appreciate that.
It just works.
John Arcilla, Isabelle Granada, Ping Medina and Eva Darren were precise and wonderful in their respective roles. They were just perfect storm of support for this great film. While she does have some rough moments, I personally feel that Rosanna Roces was a revelation in this film. I see why she is highly respected and tauted. Clearly, her films is often overlooked nowadays due to its ridiculous titles but she handles this role with such roughness without losing authenticity and dramatic flair. I can definitely feel actresses that will try to dramatize and make this part likable but she manages more than what you expect.
Highly recommended.
Salawahan (1979)
That's Swinging 70s
Two cousins meets after a family gathering displaces one of their brother and forces him to stay with brother's in Manila . Between them, a relationship between a Old-ish woman, a 'liberated' Balik-bayan, and a young ballerina haphazardly zigzags to the confusion of everyone involved.
Not the biggest fan. I think it has its moments especially when the girls unpredictably plays the line of Philippine Melodrama BUT it fails heavily when it kinda let's the chauvinism, ageist and short but very noteworthy homophobia fly-out. Its attitude ages the film out. I found the Jay Ilagan-Sandy Andolong-Rita Gomez particularly strong.
Performance wise, Sandy Andolong and Rita Gomez towers everyone in the film. I think they got the bulk of the truly witty lines in the film. Jay Ilagan is again on a highly acclaimed film. Kinda insane how much acclaimed films he did in his short life. I even saw him on Lino Brocka's relatively obscure 3,2,1 - which he was also good.
Not recommended. I wish this gets remade with a better mindset.
Merrily We Go to Hell (1932)
Weak Script saved by the Wonderful turns of March and Sidney
I would say what piqued me the most about this film is its title and it stars. The title was controversial even then BUT I found myself wanting more out of it. Then I have a huge spot for March (Best Years and Dr Jekyll and Hyde) and Sidney (Sabotage).
Ultimately, its a melodrama about two people who decided to marry quickly. Its a dramatic version of the comedy of remarriage that was quite common at the time. I would say, Its not really dated, per se, but it feels a bit drab. I guess this 'open' marriage storylines lacks the sensible reason for the March Character to freely going out and about nor does Sidney's character is given reason to accept him back. The story really does not give a lot of strong background into the reasoning of the characters AND ultimately makes the remarriage plot not as fulfilling compared to its comedic counterpart.
Conversely, the acting here does the heavy lifting. Both March and Sidney has extensive theater background but is able to really find a naturalistic footing in their performance. Drunk and uncontrollable March to Inconsolable Sidney. They just match well in this film.
A Bit Mixed on this but this is definitely watchable. Would recommend to watch for any fans of Pre-code.