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jamesabutler44
Reviews
J.T. (1969)
Please, Please Release on DVD!!!!
At age 50, I still remember the profound effect this Holiday classic had on me as a kid. Growing up in middle class comfort, it was hard for me to understand how JT could grow so attached to a straggled alley cat. However, I understand now, it was something this poor child could give love to. I also remember how devastating it was to see the poor creature lose it's life by getting hit by a car. It should be required viewing for youth today who seem to have no respect for animal life. I'm wondering whether or not they would even understand the message. I'll add my comments to the many comments already posted. This poignant film needs to be released on DVD so hat hopefully, it won't be forgotten.
Female on the Beach (1955)
Great Crawford Fun
This is the type of film that used to be featured on American Movie Classics before they ruined the channel with commercials and more recent fare.Fortunately, I caught it on AMC and taped it years ago. I pull it out every now and then on a lazy rainy day for pure enjoyment. Just seeing Crawford with that Godawful makeup, heavy brows, and mannish bob is a riot. Her scenery chewing acting style is also a hoot. She plays it like she's trying to get an Oscar. She takes every opportunity to show off her figure also. There's even a scene where she's getting out of bed in baby doll pajamas no less! I wish they would release this on DVD!
Strange Fruit (2004)
Excellent Independent Film
"Strange Fruit" does indeed have its flaws primarily the stereotypical redneck Sheriff. Additionally, one has to suspend believe entirely to believe a handsome African American man would come out as gay in high school in the deep south. However, getting past that, how likely is it that a homophobic self-righteous Sheriff would allow a gay bar to exist in his Parrish? Nonetheless, despite the weak plot devices and one-dimensional portrayals of some of the ancillary characters, the movie tells a story that needs to be told. That is, how difficult it is for gays - especially African American gays to find acceptance both in their families and their communities. The dead characters mother provides some telling insight into the whole "DL" phenomenon when she laments that fact that her some Kelvin "Never knew how to blend in." This is very realistic as a lot of African Americans have disdain for effeminate gays. If you're "passable" and keep your personal life hidden, everybody's OK with that. Kent Faulcon, who portrays William Boyals, alone is worth watching this movie for. He's unbelievably handsome, and gives a dignified and powerful performance. His depiction should be required viewing for black male actors who shy away from accepting gay roles. Playing gay need not require sacrificing one's manhood. Also moving is the depiction of a mother who loves her child, but cannot accept his sexual orientation therefore believes she should hold on to her hurt, anger, and bitterness rather than finding a way to deal with it. I would recommend viewing "Strange Fruit" for the social commentary it so realistically portrays.
I Am Legend (2007)
Excellent Flick
I am always wary when a message board user posts a thesis. Give me a break. Why would anyone go to a third reincarnation of a well known story expecting an improvement? This was pure entertainment, nothing more, nothing less. As for the previous reviewers assertion that Will Smith's performance is "predictable" and that he's "just a body", nothing could be further from the truth. Smith has developed into an excellent character actor capable of conveying volumes of emotion with facial expression alone. Very few actors today are capable of bringing viewers to tears without using any words. Moreover, Smith has to carry this movie almost the entire length with no other character to play against save for a German Shepard who also manages to turn in a notable performance for an animal. Rarely have I been in a film in which the end was greeted with enthusiastic applause. Given this film's box office receipts, I would say that translates into a resounding thumbs up!
Dracula Has Risen from the Grave (1968)
Classic Hammer Horror
I have enjoyed watching Hammer horror films since I was a kid. I am glad that gradually they are being released on DVD. Dracula Has Risen From the Grave takes place a year after Dracula, Prince of Darkness in which Dracula perished in the waters surrounding his castle. Much has been made of the fact that upon his resurrection, Dracula's reflection can be seen in the water by the wayward priest. Who cares?! This isn't Ocar worthy material and such artistic liberties can be freely taken. How about the fact that he keeps finding a way to come back? Or, that from film to film his castle never looks the same? Even better, it always takes like 30 seconds for the sun to go down! I love it when Zena gets bitch slapped by the count when she questions his orders to fetch Maria. Hopefully, someday all of the Hammer films will be available on DVD!
The Boys in the Band (1970)
A Must See
To any gay man in his late fifties, this film has to hit a nerve. Filmed in the hedonistic pre-AIDS epidemic period, it accurately portrays a group of gay friends (although the venom spewed at the birthday party for Harld would cause one to wonder) who are dealing with self loathing, disappointment, and the realities of being gay and growing older. Those that dismiss the film as offensive miss the point entirely. I would agree with the offensive characterization of the movie were it not for one important fact: the screen play was written by a gay man. The writer has stated he incorporated the personalities of friends and a healthy dose of himself in the play from which this film is adapted. This is not Hollywood's idea of what being gay is. Nor is it intended to be a total depiction of the homosexual. It is, quite simply, a snapshot of a group of human beings dealing, or in some cases, not dealing with their human frailties and insecurities. In the spirit of other great ensemble flicks such as "All About Eve and "Whose Afraid of Virginia Wolfe", scenery is chewed and acidic barbs are flung with reckless abandon so that at the conclusion of the film, one actually feels emotionally spent. While you can't help but pity the central characters, you also wonder what became of them and whether or not their lives changed in some way. I certainly hope this movie makes it's way to DVD.
Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006)
Hilarious
I recently selected this movie while on a return flight from Paris. For those of you that have read the message boards regarding this movie I will add this: It caters to every stereotype imaginable, ignorant southern NASCAR fans that portrayed as trailer park trash, flaming gay Frenchman, you name it, it probably found its way into this flick - AND I LOVED IT!!!! I laughed so loud on the plane other passengers looked at me like I'd lost my mind! If you just tell yourself that it's a comedy and enjoy it for that, you'll get a kick out of it. However, if you consider yourself to be "high brow" and above such things, skip it. Nuf said.
The Whisperers (1967)
Outstanding!
"The Whisperers" is the kind of movie you curl up with on a rainy day. I had the fortune of catching it on Turner Classic Movies once and I was mesmerized. Edith Evans gives a completely convincing performance as a lonely old woman living in a run down apartment (or flat) in London. Clearly, she is bordering on senility or dementia as she imagines voices coming from faucets, her radio, and suspects her neighbors are spying on her. She imagines herself an heiress (as she frequently reminds her social worker at the Public Assistance Board) waiting for her inheritance to come through. It is sad to see her begging for a new pair of shoes or a pound to get food. Before the film ends, you will find yourself concerned for her well being as though she is a real person. Perhaps it is the realization that many old people the world over live this very existence. I had the good fortune to find this movie available on video through Movies Unlimited. Act fast as it is out of print. Perhaps it will be available on DVD in the future.