Monthly Archives: July 2015
My Review of ‘Mildred Pierce’ (1945)
I’ve given it some thought and, frankly, I can’t figure out exactly why this movie is considered film noir. So, let’s review the situation. And I must warn you, this review is full of spoilers. Joan Crawford (as the title … Continue reading
Posted in 1940s Films, Film Noir
Tagged Drama, Film Noir, James M. Cain, Joan Crawford, Michael Curtiz, Movie Reviews
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My Review of ‘The Postman Always Rings Twice’ (1946)
Okay, so John Garfield (playing a drifter named Frank Chambers) hitches a ride to the middle of nowhere, except there’s a diner there. Well, I guess he was hungry, because he leaves his ride and stops inside for a hamburger. … Continue reading
Posted in 1940s Films, Film Noir
Tagged Film Noir, James M. Cain, John Garfield, Lana Turner, Movie Reviews
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My Review of ‘D.O.A.’ (1950)
In this stellar example of film noir, we open with Frank Bigelow (Edmund O’Brien) striding down a series of dark halls with lights glimmering at intervals. His destination: the Homicide Division. For he is there to report a murder … Continue reading
My Review of ‘The Hitch-Hiker’ (1953)
Like many a film noir, this one starts with a car. Two cars, actually. One being driven by a serial killer, the other with two men taking a fishing vacation in the California mountains – as well as a quick … Continue reading
Five Films Noir That Are Better Than the Books
I’ve taken the liberty of snagging this list of films noir that are better than the books, according to Crime Fiction Lover. This list comes directly from the story here — and I quote: 5 – The Big Sleep (1946) 4 – The Killers … Continue reading
Posted in Film Noir, Great Adaptations, Roundup
Tagged Analysis, Book to Screen, Criticism, Film Noir, movies, Top 5 List
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My Review of ‘Grosse Pointe Blank’ (1997)
Martin Q. Blank – possibly the best name for a professional hitman going through a career/life crisis – blows an assignment. For his sins, Blank must return to his home town for the first time in ten years to attend … Continue reading
Posted in 1990s Movies
Tagged Comedy, Movie Reviews, Romantic Comedy
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My Review of ‘An American in Paris’ (1951)
In this film, Gene Kelly plays a starving artist in Paris. He falls for Leslie Caron, who’s supposed to hook up with the uptight and upright Georges Guétary. Oscar Levant plays piano and provides his usual brooding presence. The plot … Continue reading
My Review of ‘Chinatown’ (1974)
Now, here’s a movie that represents a major achievement in modern noir. The screenplay by Robert Towne is considered a great example of Syd Field’s three-act structure for writing scripts. Jake Giddes (played with proper laconic ‘tude by Jack Nicholson) … Continue reading
I Found it at the Movies 