Movie #375 ........................."Lenny"

Movie #375 "Lenny" is one unbelievable movie --- wow! still reeling from this one. I had heard about it for a long time, but I didn't know just how riveting it would be. From the moment it started I couldn't take my eyes off the screen. Now, it is very obscene in parts, and tough to watch (esp. the drug scenes, and scenes with his daughter), and the court scenes, but it sure sows the complexity of this comedian. What I esp. liked is Bob Fossee's black and white photography and the interspersing of Bruce's comedic material with snippets from his life, in chronological order, so you can see the rise and fall of this cerebral comic. It is also in the form of Q & A, with Honey, his ex-wife, and that is enlightening in spots, as well. I liked this movie, but it isn't for everyone --- that being said, if you want to learn more about this guy, or just want to see a very well executed biopic, see this one. but have an open mind.




gave it 4 stars
Lenny
(1974) R
Dustin Hoffman stars as the notorious Lenny Bruce in director Bob Fosse's dramatic biopic chronicling the short life and career of the controversial stand-up comedian, which garnered six Oscar nominations. Bruce's complex character is captured, from his beginnings as a Catskills comic to his rising popularity, his courting of Honey (Valerie Perrine), his anti-establishment politics and the humor that put him at odds with obscenity laws.
Genre: Biographies, Showbiz Dramas, Dramas Based on Real Life
This movie is: Dark, Steamy, Gritty
Format: Streaming (DVD availability date unknown

Movie #374 ........................."The King's Speech"

Movie #374 "The King's Speech" what a marvel of a story, enjoyed it from beginning to end, well acted, well told, nice amount of humor, and boy is it tense, and considering the subject matter, that would be something difficult to sustain, but it does. No question of it being a 5 with this viewer, since I enjoyed it so much, & along with "Toy Story", found it the best of this year. Don't be surprised if you see this getting several awards in January and February. I recommend it (there is some language, but it is used in a funny way, so even young teens could see it, who are sophisticated enough to see a thriller of a movie that doesn't have one car chase! It's a thriller of words!





I gave it 5 stars
The King's Speech
(2010) R
Britain's King George VI (Colin Firth) struggles with an embarrassing stutter for years until he seeks help from unorthodox Australian speech therapist Lionel Logue (Geoffrey Rush) in this biographical drama, which received multiple Golden Globe nods, including Best Picture. Logue's pioneering treatment and unlikely friendship give the royal leader a sense of confidence that serves him and his country well during the dark days of World War II.
Genre: Biographies, 20th Century Period Pieces, Period Pieces
This movie is: Emotional, Inspiring, Witty
Format: DVD availability date unknow

Movie #373 ............................"Let's Do It Again"

Movie #373 "Let's Do It Again" is a remake of the "Awful Truth" with Cary Grant and Irene Dunne. This remake was with Jane Wyman and Ray Milland (who were so good together in Milland's Oscar role in "Lost Weekend") Both films are about two people who are clearly in love, but for some reasons are getting a divorce and it will go into effect at the hour of midnight on such and such date, which means in this genre that that is when they will finally get together. At least you know the ending of the film. Anyway, these two are cute together, but Ray Milland doesn't do near as much as Cary Grant with his uncomfortable situations she puts him in ---- and that makes the original ever so much better --- and they are faster talking. Jane Wyman is in excellent form here, performing an African tribal dance with such passion, showing she is indeed in love with Milland, but the reciprocation is ....nill. See the original.

Movie #372 .........................."Pinky"

Movie #372 "Pinky" -- I had heard about this movie for a while, so when I found it on TCM the other night, I stayed up to watch it. I must admit, it wasn't as good as I thought it was going to be, but it was powerful --- for it's time. Ethel Walters/Ethel Barrymore/Elia Kazan, and a racial conflict all in one film raise the stakes high as to a hit of a movie, but Jeanne Crain, to me, was always a weak actress, and the movie is ultimately hers, and I think that is the weakness. That, and that she was clearly one of the whitest female actresses in Hollywood at the time --- so I'm not sure why it was cast with her. I did like the boyfriend part of the story , though---- and it surprised me what happened at the end of that part of the story. That added to the power of it --- and the ending made me smile. Of course, it probably would never happen in that way, but I still liked where the film went. There were some racially charged scenes in this film that I don't think I've ever seen in a film --- and for that reason, a movie like this has its place in history. It discusses what we as a society tend not to discuss -- what we tend to shove under the carpet, and these discussions need to occur for us to appreciate each other more. End of soap box.


3 stars
Pinky
(1949) NR
Elia Kazan's anti-racist drama centers on a light-skinned black woman trying to fit into society. When her white boyfriend proposes, Patricia "Pinky" Johnson (Jeanne Crain) fears that he can't handle an interracial marriage and leaves him. She returns to her Southern childhood home, where her grandma (Ethel Waters) cares for rich Miss Em (Ethel Barrymore). When Miss Em wills her estate to Pinky, the young woman must endure a painful legal battle.
Genre: Classic Dramas, Social Issue Dramas, African-American Dramas
This movie is: Heartfelt, Sentimental
Format: DVD

Movie # 371 ........................."True Grit"(1969)

Movie #371 "True Grit" (1969) when I first saw this film, I was a teenager and gave it a 1, now after reseeing it, I guess I've seen much worse, so I upped it to a 2.5. I still dislike Glenn Campbell, and the girl is only tolerable, but I guess through the years, I've learned to find John Wayne at least tolerable, and sometimes even effective. I'm not sure why that is, maybe it's the aging thing, but I always thought he played the same guy --- and he did, but so did Humphrey Bogart, and Cary Grant, and a host of other classic actors, so why did I pick on him? Maybe because he did westerns and war movies, two of my least favorite genres? That probably was it --- so I only watched him when he starred with females I liked, like Donna Reed or Lauren Bacall (the "Shootist") or when I knew he was only in 1/2 the picture (like "Cowboys") Anyway, I now realize that when you hired John Wayne, you hired the persona, which I guess for many people works in this film. I still prefer the more realistic portrayal of the character by Jeff Bridges (in the redone), but I'm probably in a minority. Anyway, it was fun to watch this right after seeing the Coen brothers' one --- for comparison. However, I have to admit, I fell asleep a few times (drat those many long commercials on AMC) and probably missed some good moments (like the first time I viewed it, probably?) My recommendation is to see the 2010 version --- much better in this viewer's opinion (but I'm not a John Wayne fan).





You rated this movie: 2
True Grit
(1969) G
John Wayne landed one of his last great screen roles as crusty lawman Reuben J. "Rooster" Cogburn, who reluctantly helps teenager Mattie Ross (Kim Darby) pursue her father's killer. True Grit is more a character study than many of Wayne's formulaic Westerns. The rousing final showdown between Wayne and the villains adds to the Duke's long list of outstanding movie moments.
Genre: Classic Westerns
Format: DVD (Blu-ray availability date unknown)

Movie #370 ......................... "True Grit" (2010)

Movie #370 "True Grit " (2010) was so much better than the original with John Wayne. It's better in photography (with Deakins as cinematographer, he's one of the best), acting (the first girl was okay, but this one is mesmerizing --- there's something about her that demands attention, and Bridges is great, and Matt Damon is.....well....cute, accent and all --- and much better than Glenn Campbell, but the bar isn't that high); the story is more gritty, but not that much changed (except at the high point and end), and the dialogue was better. I liked the way everyone talked "up" rather than "down" which is usually the choice in the western genre. o Overall, the focus has changed from Rooster in the original to the little girl ----- but really, other than that, not much has changed --- I was quite surprised (saw the original "True Grit" right after we saw this one --- AMC had a tribute to John Wayne last night) Even though the dialogue/choice of words differed, the films were very much the same ---- it opened with the girl dickering with the local horse owner,Rooster's intro is much the same, Le Beouf is introduced in the same way, etc..... like I said, the ending and high point differ and small things here and there, but the movies are very much the same --- I was surprised because the Coen brothers and Bridges said they wanted to go back to the book ---so I expected more deviations from the original movie -- but they must have meant the high point and end. Anyway, there's much here to like and I rate it a 4.

4 stars
True Grit
(2010) PG-13
After her father is murdered by drifter Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin), 14-year-old Mattie Ross (Hailee Steinfeld), hires Reuben "Rooster" Cogburn (Jeff Bridges), an alcoholic U.S. Marshal, to help her exact vengeance. The disreputable Rooster still has grit though, and mounts an epic search. The pair is joined on their quest by Texas Ranger LaBoeuf (Matt Damon), who is also hunting for Chaney, in this updated Western from Joel and Ethan Coen.
Genre: Westerns, Dramas Based on Classic Literature, Pre-20th Century Period Pieces
Format: DVD and Blu-ray availability date unknown

Movie #369 ........................."Assassin in Love"

Movie #369 "Assassin in Love" is a delightful deviation film from the norm. I've seen a lot of movies, but I can say I've never seen a love story with a love scene like the one in this movie --- there are sheep that explode, and who knows what else in this movie to set it apart from others. The storyline is kind of popular --- a professional assassin who decides to go straight, and people think he's someone else --- but in this case, it's a baker, and that's not an easy occupation to fake.........at least without very funny situations that result from his "trying" to act like a baker. Throw in a very quirky town and you have a very funny indie that deserves a second look, esp. from people who are searching for movies that are different/independent. I liked this one a lot ----a quirkie comedy!



You rated this movie: 4
Assassin in Love
The Baker
(2008) PG-13
A sleepy village in the country seems like the perfect hideout for a failed assassin (Damian Lewis) who's trying his best to avoid his angry employers. That is, until the locals assume he's the new baker they've hired, and promptly put him to work. Forget what he might have been asked to do in the past ... this new gig is no piece of cake. Michael Gambon and Kate Ashfield co-star in this quirky comedy with plenty of bite.
Genre: Dark Humor & Black Comedies, Indie Comedies, United Kingdom
This movie is: Dark, Quirky, Romantic
Format: DVD and streaming (HD available)