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Reviews
Gothic (1986)
Not very good
Just bad. Could only manage about 10 minutes at a time . Seems to me they were trying to be too clever, too pyschedelic. But it IS from the 80's.
A Star Is Born (1976)
Not Worth Watching.
Had to up my rating from a 1 because I think the production values were good, the movie wasn't choppy or hard to watch.
Primarily the entire film is a vehicle for Barbra Streisand to show off her clothes.
The musical numbers are all embarassing dreadful, inclusing the schmaltzy 'Evergreen' which was nominated for an Oscar.
Streidand's ego dominates every single aspect of the film (as did all her films after she started producing her own) and overshadows other aspects such as Kris Kristofferson and, some nice desert scenery shots.
Kris Kristofferson seemed sullen and lackadaisical, probably because he was overpowered on the set by Streisand and her co-producer/lover.
I was embarassed for him.
Seriously not worth seeing. Except for the rock and roll motif, the 1954 and even 1937 versions are far superior.
A Star Is Born (1937)
Surprisingly good
I chose A Star is Born 1954 version with Judy Garland on youtube, but this later version came up.
I was surprised how good it was. Good cast, realistic acting. Less histrionic then the Judy Garland version.
Certainly worth watching. I wouldn't even bother with the 1976 version with Barbra Streisand. That was simply a fashion show, outside of Streisand's clothes, not worth watching.
Orion: The Man Who Would Be King (2015)
Interesting story.
Sad story of the exploitation of a singer. If he WAS the natural half brother of Elvis, that is the exploitation of both of them. The poor guy, mask and all, it ruined his life and lined the pockets of some very greedy people.
Adds some detail to the wave of 'Elvis is alive' that occurred in the 80's.
Wah-Wah (2005)
Delightful film
Having never heard of these film I was surprised how good it was. Casting was wonderful and the tone, dialogue and costumes very authentic.
Enjoyable. Have recommended it to friends and would easily watch it again.
Perhaps it would appeal mostly to people who were the same age at that time, which I am. It was quite nostalgic.
Gabriel Byrnes and Nicholas Hoult were perfectly cast.
Rock Hudson's Home Movies (1992)
Have to agree, juvenile, peurile, really not worth watching.
Fine if you want to watch the clips, Hudson had a surprisingly large body of work.
Misleading at first, the narrator (who is indeed creepy) suggests that he is presenting Hudson's words that he himself wrote. After 15 minutes I realized not a chance that he wrote this drivel.
The creator of this so called documentary doesn't have much/any respect for the audience and their judgement, or for Hudson himself it seems.
And the premise of people being 'shocked' at his sexuality is a myth. I honestly don't know anyone who reacted in that way. Hudson was a good entertainer in the vehicles he appeared in, not many of which were high brow. But he enjoyed his work, and flashed his lovely smile frequently to show that.
It is senseless to denigrate his life by trying to reduce him to a sexual stereotype, There is a danger in suggesting Hudson was laughing at the general public for being so easily duped. I just don't think he was like that.
They All Laughed (1981)
Maybe worth seeing for Stratten and Hepburn.
Not engrossing at all, maybe worthwhile to see Hepburn who is always graceful.
Pretty much Dorothy Stratten's only movie, made when she was 19. She died shortly after making this film, while it was still in post production. She wasn't very experienced and it shows, but she had much promise.
Phantom Thread (2017)
Aptly titled.
I certainly could not discern the thread of this movie at all. Pretentious is the word that comes to mind. There is plenty of reviews lauding the artistry, masterpiece, elegance. I am just not one of them.
Toast of London (2012)
Really enjoyed this, it does in fact grow on you slowly.
British humour very evocative of the 1960's and 70's.
Foolishness and throwaway lines that you sometimes don't even realize until later.
"Your brother ... is that the soldier?" "Yes. He came back from the Falklands with an amputated hand." "Really? That's rather odd. I would have thought he'd have left it there."
Silly humour, makes you chuckle and leaves you diverted.
And love Stephen Toast. All the casting is well thought out.
Very worth a watch. Wish there was more of it.
Elvis & Nixon (2016)
Okay comedy, not as good as the original
Good performances, tongue in cheek comedy, worth watching if you haven't yet heard the story.
Still not as funny as the 1997 original Elvis Meets Nixon, narrated by Dick Cavett. That was a quicker paced outright 'mockumentary', no big names but excellent acting all the way. Hard to find though.
Elvis Meets Nixon (1997)
Excellent comedy
Agree with most of the reviews , very funny film, took me by surprise.
Far better than the remake Elvis and Nixon which has just been released.
Also charmed to recognize the donut shop that is just down the street from me in Toronto.