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Reviews
Half Light (2006)
Better than expected
Demi and the rest of the main characters are attractive and good enough actors to be convincing even when the script isn't. The story isn't terrible, but Rachel's behavior is too often that of the gothic heroine, running headlong into danger when a normal person would have gone home.
The locations on the Scottish coast are lovely.
I thought the critics' reviews were kind of harsh. It isn't like the producers were trying to create cinematic genius, just a scary movie in a pretty landscape.
The underwater scene where Demi saves herself was kind of silly: she would have gotten hypothermia quickly and would definitely not be up for attacking her attackers a few minutes later!
This is a good mild thriller for a gloomy winter afternoon.
Bewitched: Samantha's Magic Potion (1970)
That dress
Samantha wore that psychedelic dress several times. A mini with a Nehru collar, the height of fashion! I saw this episode when it originally ran and at age 10, I was extremely impressed with Elizabeth Montgomery's taste. I assume it was her taste because I've read that she controlled what she wore in the latter seasons. The episode itself is pretty forgettable. My only objection to the modernization of Samantha was her hair in the last season or two. She was parting it down the middle and apparently ditched the curlers and set. She's still beautiful, but it was a tough look for anyone over 30!
Romeo + Juliet (1996)
Great teaching tool
Shakespeare was writing about emotions, parental responsibility, and the precarious quality of fate. Placing the action in a modern setting allows students to see these eternal aspects and not just dismiss them as part of a period piece. After reading the play, this movie was a walloping success with my classes.
No Place to Run (1972)
Great theme song and cast
I think this is one of those movies best enjoyed by those of us who saw its first run. Great cast of actors and very much a movie of the 1970's.
Style with Elsa Klensch (1980)
It helped me through the 1990's
I didn't discover this show until the mid-1990's, but I watched it every week until it ended. Better than Vogue or Elle, I got to see models wearing the latest fashions on runways all over Europe and the US. Even the silliest designer behaved and spoke well when sensible Elsa conducted the interview. After a week at my grueling job, her show was such a pleasure.
The Andy Griffith Show: Ellie Saves a Female (1961)
Sweet story
Frankie the farm girl longs to enjoy the feminine toiletries she sees in the drugstore and Ellie tries to help. Andy shows Frankie's dad that getting a son-in-law would mean getting a stronger farm hand, and Frankie could do work more suited to her physical strength.
From Noon Till Three (1976)
Worth seeing
The first reviewer gives a comprehensive overview. It is an unusual western and rather poignant, knowing Jill Ireland had her first round of cancer less than ten years after they made this film.
Where the Lilies Bloom (1974)
Appalachian realism
In the 1990's I used to show this film after my students read the excellent book. It was filmed in the 1970's, but the lifestyles represented have changed somewhat: a lot more drugs now and less outdoor activities. The poverty still exists, but the finer qualities of strong family bonds and folk arts are less appreciated. Great story, excellent actors, and beautifully filmed. Julie Gholson, now Carmichael, still lives in Birmingham, AL., a happy grandmother who never regretted her choice of home over Hollywood.
Remember My Name (1978)
Brilliant story and performances
Geraldine Chaplin's portrayal of a mentally ill ( or just borderline personality disorder? ) woman is so spot-on, it is painful to watch at moments- really raw vulnerability. I had to watch it twice to pay attention to the other characters' performances. The ending is so perfect I had to laugh. The plotting and finesse of this film is so far above the typical ex-lover revenge movie I don't want to put it in that category. This is a psychological thriller that deserves more attention; maybe today's filmmakers would learn something.