Top 5: Oh Captain, my Captain

Today is the birthday of my all-time favorite Canadian - Captain Von Trapp himself, Christopher Plummer.  Amazing as it is, he is 82 today, and still as dashing as ever.  So, in celebration of the big occasion, today's edition of Top 5 is dedicated to Christopher Plummer movies.  Admittedly this is a difficult task, as he's been in just about everything.  But here goes...

1. The Sound of Music - I'm sure he probably hates it, but how could this not be number one on my list?  It's the movie that got me in to movies to begin with, and I've been looking for a handsome, charismatic widower ever since.

2. Sta Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country - As General Chang, not only is he a terrific movie villain, but he gets to speak Klingon (which is becoming a lost art), and spout Shakespeare at the same time.

3. The Insider - As Mike Wallace, he uses Whistle-blower Russell Crowe to break the story of what Big Tobacco really knew. And he ends up being a better Wallace than the actual man himself.

4. Somewhere in Time - How can you not loathe him as the interfering Manager who's constantly trying to keep Jane Seymour and Christopher Reeve apart?

5. Up - Here he's the voice of the famous Adventurer Charles Muntz, who allows his obsessive ways to eventually turn him into the ultimate bad guy.  He not only goes after kids and senior citizens, but dogs and birds, too.  One of Disney's classic villains.

Honorable Mention: The Lake House - He's this generation's Frank Lloyd Wright, a man who can design a building, but not talk to his grown children. Heartbreaking.

Top 5 - John Williams

The other night on TCM, they had a special about the art of collaboration.  And to start it all off, they had John Williams and Steven Spielberg.  For the uninitiated, these two have collaborated for over 40 years, and dozens of pictures.  In fact, Steven Spielberg is on record as saying he will never use anyone but John Williams for his music.  Of course, being the cinephile that I am, I absolutely had to watch.  They discussed their artistic partnership, their creative process, and showed clips from some of their favorite scenes from their movies.  In the immortal words of Mr. Spock, it was "fascinating".

Since I was feeling somewhat inspired, I decided it was time to recognize some of film's Music Men, beginning with John Williams himself. Here they are, my "Top 5 John Williams Movie Scores" (which was admittedly hard to whittle down, since IMDB has him listed as composer of 140 films) :

1. Star Wars - Go ahead, tell me you're not humming Darth Vader's theme in your head right now...

2. Raiders of the Lost Ark - Harrison Ford, rolling boulders, 'nuff said.

3. E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial - A kid on a bike in the night-time sky, with a full moon as a back-drop.  The first time I really ever remember thinking a movie was beautiful.

4. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - Speaking of conjuring, the main theme sucks you in and suddenly you're transported into a land of magic and make-believe, flying along with Harry on his Nimbus 2000. Takes the breath away.

5. Catch Me If You Can - What sets every caper movie apart is a terrific soundtrack, and this one is no exception.  It perfectly captures the mood of the early 60's, and the cat and mouse game played by Leo and Tom Hanks.

Honorable Mention: Super Man, Schindler's List

(And for those wondering why I didn't mention JAWS or Close Encounters: I don't do scary fish movies, and Close Encounters is just boring) 

Top 5 - Cool Cats

I've seen some movies recently that have made me think of what it means to be "COOL".  Movies where the men are men, but with romantic souls, big guns, and awesome wardrobes.  So today I thought I'd take a stab at naming my all-time Top 5 Cool Cats, who defined "COOL" in the movies.

1. Robert Mitchum - For me, it doesn't get any cooler than Mitchum.  Whether on the run from mobsters, or the cops, or shooting it up in a western or a war movie, he was always cool. With his drooping eyes, his swagger, and his way of not taking anything too seriously, he was always cool.  To see him at his coolest, check out "Out of the Past" and "Thunder Road".

2. James Coburn - Nobody really wore clothes better, and nobody was as quietly intense, or as deadly with a knife as Coburn.  Check him out in "The Magnificent Seven", "Our Man Flint", and "The Skyriders".

3. Jean Reno - A modern-day cool cat, known mostly for his work in French films, but who does the occasional film in English.  He's brooding, intense, and with his drooping eyes, always has an undercurrent of sadness and resignation. Check him out in "Ronin", "Mission: Impossible", and "The Professional".

4. Chow Yun-Fat - The coolest cat in Hong Kong, Chow is intense, romantic, and resolute.  Check him out in "Anna and the King" (he particularly defines "cool" in the battle on the bridge), "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", and "Bulletproof Monk".

5. Steve McQueen - He'd probably be tops on most lists.  For me, he makes the list on the strength of three movies. Check him out in "The Great Escape" (terrific sequence with the German's chasing him on his motorcycle), "Bullitt" (best-ever car chase sequence), and the original "The Thomas Crown Affair" (He and Faye Dunaway sizzle while playing chess).

Advise and Consent

Otto Preminger is said to have been a beast to work for, shouting at and generally humiliating everyone who worked on his pictures.  Surprisingly the method worked, as the man made some highly successful and classic movies during the 1950's and 60's.  Case in point, this gem from 1962, "Advise and Consent". 

Despite his temper and his technique, Preminger had a knack for assembling a bunch of terrific actors, and giving them all great parts, even in the smaller roles.  In this picture alone, besides Fonda, we have Walter Pidgeon (love him), Charles Laughton, Gene Tierney (looking fabulous as usual), Peter Lawford, Franchot Tone (mighty handsome man in his time), Lew Ayres, Paul Ford, Burgess Meredith, George Grizzard, and Don Murray.

Based on a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, "Advise and Consent" is the story of a man, played by Henry Fonda, who has been nominated by President Franchot Tone to serve as Secretary of State, and his Senate confirmation process. Sounds pretty dry, right?  I beg to differ.  This is suspenseful, edge of your seat type stuff.  It seems that Fonda has a skeleton in his closet that certain parties will stop at nothing to reveal, that would prevent him from being confirmed.  Other parties will stop at nothing to see that he does get confirmed, even going so far as to blackmail committee chair Don Murray, who has his own skeletons, and make him vote yes. 

This was pretty heady stuff for it's time, and Preminger does a great job of showing the Senate processes and politics at work, while unraveling both conspiracies.  Fonda, and in particular Murray are both fantastic at displaying the fear that comes from having past mistakes possibly be revealed.  

I loved this movie - It's like the cinematic equivalent of a Grisham thriller, one that is too exciting to be put down, and then keeps you up all night.  Definitely one to add to the collection.

Interesting side note: There was still a production code in place in 1962 - and not only does Gene Tierney use the "B" word, but there's a scene that takes place in a gay bar.  It's as if Preminger took the Production Code and ripped it to pieces.

The Help

Yesterday I finally saw what has turned out to be THE movie of the summer, "The Help".  It's taken from a very popular recent book, and although I've not read the book, I had a vague idea what it was about.  But since it takes place in Mississippi, I was definitely motivated to go see it, having lived there for awhile many years ago.  The verdict?  It's a really great movie, and everyone should see it.  The acting is absolutely phenomenal in all cases, and Mississippi was as beautiful to look at as ever.  On a side note, there were also some scenes where different Southern foods were laid out on the table, and I was salivating - I miss the food there so much.  

Would I see the movie again?  Probably not.  Although there were definitely funny moments, there were also a lot of difficult, and I have to say, ugly, heartbreaking moments.  There were actually a couple of times I wanted to get up and walk out, because the behavior of some of the characters was so disturbing.  I guess that's because the topic the movie deals with is so important.  It probably also has to do with some of the conflicting feelings I have about Mississippi and my experiences there.  But I highly recommend it.

A Letter to Three Wives

Before he wrote and directed "All About Eve", Joseph L. Mankiewicz won another Oscar, for a picture called "A Letter to Three Wives", which has long been a favorite of mine.  It stars Jeanne Crain, Linda Darnell, and Ann Sothern as three best friends, who one Saturday morning, receive a letter from another friend, stating that she is not only leaving town, but that she's leaving with one of their husbands (played by Jeffrey Lynn, Paul Douglas and Kirk Douglas).  The rest of the movie is spent in flashbacks, as each wife reviews her relationship to determine if she is the one who will come home to an empty house that night.

From the above description, you might think this picture would be maudlin, and a bit of a downer.  But it's neither. Would you believe it, it's actually considered a comedy.  It's warm, it's funny, and it's realistic in it's depiction of typical marital spats. And it takes the point of view that marriage isn't something you give up on just because you go through difficult times.  The acting is first-rate, and it's easy to relate to the characters, because they display similar foibles that any of us could recognize in ourselves.

By the way: Look for classic characters Thelma Ritter, Connie Gilchrist, and Florence Bates in hilarious supporting roles.  And see if you recognize the Academy Award-Winning actress voicing the character of Addie Ross, who is never seen on screen.

Force of Arms

I think you all know that I'm a sucker for most old movies, no matter the genre.  But I'm particularly a sucker for romantic World War II melodramas.  I sit there with my hanky and my popcorn and sob right along with it.  So it was fun for me to see a new one (at least for me) last night, called "Force of Arms", starring William Holden and Nancy Olson.  He plays a soldier, and she plays a WAC, who meet in Italy and fall in love during World War II.

William Holden seemed to specialize in playing guys who were charming, but cynical, and only wanted to live for today (think Sunset Boulevard, Stalag 17, and Bridge on the River Kwai as examples).  Here, he starts out playing his typical character, but after meeting Nancy Olson, he wants more out of life.  Most people today may only know Nancy Olson from her Disney movies (Pollyanna, The Absent-Minded Professor).  But she got an Oscar nomination for "Sunset Boulevard", which was just her third movie.  And here, she plays a WAC, who's eager to do good in the world, and who winds up falling for Holden's war-weary soldier.

Saying too much more would give away most of the plot.  But trust me on this one, you're gonna love it.  The music is gorgeous, the stars are fabulous, and by the time you get to the end, you'll have gone through a couple of hankies, but you'll feel that all is right with the world.

Classic Character - Tommy Rall

Speaking of Kiss Me Kate, it's time to mention another classic character, a dancer who I think is one of the best ever to be in movies, and that's Tommy Rall.  Other dancers are probably more well-known, for example Bob Fosse, but for my money, this guy was better.  He had an athleticism and a masculinity to his dancing that is just so watchable.  You could tell he really loved to dance, and there was no pretense to it (which is my biggest beef with Fosse).  This is particularly evident in "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers", probably his best-known performance.

Check him out in these movies:

Kiss Me Kate (1953) - Rall plays Bill/Lucentio, the gambler and rake who steals the heart of Ann Miller's Lois Lane/Bianca.  He's got several awesome numbers, but to see him on his own, look for the number "Why Can't You Behave?"  Totally incredible

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954) - Rall plays Frankincense Pontipee, who's always fighting over his fantastical bible name.  If you really want to see some fantastic dancing, check him out in the barn raising sequence.  He totally steals the number from everyone else.

My Sister Eileen (1955) - Here he has a bit part as a rake out to take advantage of little sister Eileen (Janet Leigh).  Not as much dancing in this one, but again, he steals the scene and makes Bob Fosse's character look positively boring.

Wunderbar!

It was Howard Keel day on TCM here recently - and a great opportunity to catch up on some well-loved musicals.  Today I'd like to give a shout out to "Kiss Me Kate", starring Howard Keel and Kathryn Grayson.  It's a totally fun show, about two ex-spouses battling each other while starring in a musical version of "The Taming of the Shrew". 

The music and lyrics are by Cole Porter.  Generally when one thinks of Porter's music, words such as witty, sophisticated, and perhaps cynical, come to mind.  But here he's that and then some - in fact, he seems downright sincere, especially on what I believe is the finest song he ever wrote, "So In Love".

The movie is filled with terrific dance sequences, and has a host of some of the finest dancers ever to appear on film - Ann Miller, Tommy Rall, Bob Fosse, Bobby Van, and Carol Haney.  And it also has some of the most well-known tunes in Cole Porter's lexicon - Wunderbar, Another Openin', Too Darn Hot, Why Can't You Behave?, and Brush Up Your Shakespeare (gleefully sung by James Whitmore and Keenan Wynn).  And the acting is first-rate.  In fact, the entire cast looks as if they're having the time of their lives.

When you have some time, check it out.  It's great fun, and it really is Wunderbar!

Hey Marty!

Time to throw a little love to another favorite of mine, which was on TCM the other day.  The movie is "Marty", and I don't know if there is a sweeter, more endearing movie out there. Or one that's more relatable, at least to my personal life.  

It's the story of a single guy in his 30's, a butcher (played by Ernest Borgnine) who lives with his mother and who's a self-described "fat, ugly man".  He's expended so much effort in the dating game, and received nothing but heartbreak that he's ready to give up.  His mother finally convinces him to give it one more try, so off he goes one Saturday evening with his best friend to a local dance hall to try and meet some "tomatas".

While there, he's offered $5 by another guy to take a "dog" off his hands. Marty initially refuses, but then agrees, and ends up meeting Clara (Betsy Blair), who feels just as pained by single-dom as he does.  They end up hitting it off, talking for hours, Marty proclaiming that "we're not such dogs as we think we are".  I won't give the rest away, but let me say that it's an ending to make any girl sigh. 

It's such a simple story, but pretty universal. It speaks to everyone who has ever felt lonely, awkward and unattractive.  Ernest Borgnine and Betsy Blair are both perfect.  You root for them because you can see how much they have to offer someone, if just given the chance.

"Marty" was a huge hit the year it was released (1955), winning Oscars for Best Actor, Best Director (Delbert Mann) and Best Picture.  It's also one of my very favorite movies, one of those I can watch again and again. It gives me hope.

Top 5 - Sword and Sandals Epics

Speaking of Spartacus, it's time for another edition of "Top 5", this one centered on what I like to call "Sword and Sandals Epics".  You know what I mean - movies with men in shorts skirts and togas, women in flowing robes with their hair done up, plenty of sword fights, plenty of romance, and plenty of corny dialogue.

1. Spartacus (Kirk Douglas and Jean Simmons - 1960) - see review below...

2. Quo Vadis (Robert Taylor and Deborah Kerr - 1951) - Roman General Robert Taylor falls in love with Christian maiden Deborah Kerr, and Peter Ustinov (Emperor Nero) fiddles while Rome burns.  Gladiators, Christians and man-eating lions add life to the party.

3. Ben Hur (Charleton Heston, 1959) - Judean Prince Charleton Heston is betrayed by best friend Stephen Boyd, sold into slavery, and like Joseph of Egypt ends up being better off than when he left.  He returns to race chariots and reclaim his stolen birthright.

4. The Robe (Richard Burton and Jean Simmons - 1953) - Roman Centurion Richard Burton crucifies Christ, goes mad, and eventually finds the Christian faith.

5. Demetrius and the Gladiators (Victor Mature and Susan Hayward - 1954) - Sequel to "The Robe", where Richard Burton's former servant Victor Mature tries to save Christ's robe from Emperor Caligula, fights in the area, wavers and then finds his faith again.

Spartacus!

"Spartacus" was on yesterday.  And you can bet that I was in for that one!  I totally dig that movie.  I'm kind of a sucker for sword and sandal epics anyway - something about men in skirts and togas I guess - but there's just something about "Spartacus" that gets me every time.  It's violent, it's romantic, it's totally corny, and it's got a cast that's to die for: Kirk Douglas, Jean Simmons, Tony Curtis, Peter Ustinov, Charles Laughton, and Olivier the Great.  I bought on VHS years ago, and until recently, watched it regularly.  It never gets old for me - I get tense and bite my nails every time Spartacus fights Draba in the ring, I sigh when Spartacus and Varinia are falling in love, I get creeped out when Crassus tries to  convince Antoninus to eat snails, and I'm totally in tears every time the captured slaves all jump up shouting "I am Spartacus!"

There's all sorts of stories about the making of "Spartacus".  About how it contributed to breaking the Hollywood Blacklist, about how long it took to shoot - something like 180 days - about how Kirk Douglas and Stanley Kubrick couldn't stand each other afterward, and about how by the time they were done, everyone else involved was totally sick of it, too.  It's also gone down in history as one of those movies people like to parody.  But it also won 4 Academy Awards, including one for Peter Ustinov (who is absolutely hysterical in it).  For some reason, it's one of those pictures that despite all it's trials ends up being not just a quality work, but also providing a magical and thrilling movie experience.  Long live "Spartacus"!

Citizen Kane

For some reason, "Citizen Kane" came up yesterday.  I don't even remember why now, but it got me to thinking.  This movie always shows up on critic's "Best" lists, sometimes even ranking #1 as the greatest American movie ever made.  But now I ask you, and the critics - having seen "Citizen Kane", is there anyone that really even likes it?  

Yes, it may be technically brilliant, with what were, at the time, new styles of editing and cinematography, and the concept of a wunderkind director writing and directing it.  And it was one of the first to try being made as an Independent movie.  But other than that, what is there to like about it? 

It's just the story of a very unlikable man, who makes everyone else around him miserable, who dies alone and unloved.  And in the end, you find out that the mystery of "Rosebud" is that it was his sled from when he was a kid, and that it was the only thing he really ever loved.  What's enjoyable about that? Perhaps everyone wants to watch it and feel depressed afterward?  

I mean, it just doesn't grab you, or make you want to see it again and again.  And worst of all, other than "Rosebud", it's really not even that quotable.  Best American movie?  Nah, I think not.

Secretariat

I'm a sucker for sports movies.  For every miraculous come-from-behind win - and you know there's going to be one -  I'm a mushy mess.  So I've been wanting to see "Secretariat" since it came out a couple of years ago. It's been slowly working it's way up my Netflix queue, but was still quite a way off.  Fortunately I lucked out the other night and it was on Starzz On-Demand (thank heaven for Cable).  And "lucked" would be the appropriate word.  Because it was a great movie!  Yes, you know the story going in, but like I said, I fall for that miraculous come-from-behind win every single time.

The cast was awesome.  Really - who doesn't love Diane Lane and John Malkovich?  Diane Lane plays the owner, Penny Chenery, and John Malkovich plays the trainer, Lucien Lauren.  He's washed up, and she's a woman in a man's world.  They're honest, they're smart, she talks back to the men, and he yells at everyone in Cajun French.  As for the performances - Diane Lane is really brilliant, particularly in one scene where she listens over the phone to her daughter sing in the school play, all while she's sobbing on the hotel bed, unable to get home for the performance.  As brilliant as she is, I have to say that the star of the show is the Horse himself.  Or horses, as according to IMDB, there were 5 horses used to play Secretariat in the movie.  Somehow they know the movie is all about them, and they're not beyond posing for their close-ups.  They were awesome.

The only downer for me was Dylan Walsh, who, plays Diane Lane's blankety blank of a husband.  He seems to have cornered the market on selfish husbands/fiances lately (see "The Lake House" as an example).  He puts his wife down, doesn't support her efforts, whines that she's not home, and basically tries to thwart her at every single turn.  Really, what would she see in that guy? If  that part of the story is true, it's a really thankless role.

Other performances worth noting - Margo Martindale as Penny's assistant Miss Ham, James Cromwell as multi-millionaire and rival Ogden Phipps, and Fred Dalton Thompson as Bull Hancock, and real-live jockey Otto Thorwarth as jockey Ronnie Turcotte.

Classic Character - Marcel Dalio

I'd like to introduce a new feature of this blog, one I'm calling "Classic Characters", to focus on some lesser-known, but fabulous supporting actors.  You know them - the ones you recognize but can never remember their name.

Today's classic character is that fine supporting player, Marcel Dalio.  A Frenchman who made his name in American movies, he was in everything from Casablanca, to the original version of Sabrina, to Pillow Talk.  Rarely seen in a big, or meaty role, he nevertheless added a wonderful European flair to many a classic Hollywood movie.

Check him out in these classic movies:

Casablanca - He plays Emil, the croupier, who when Claude Rains shuts down Rick's Cafe because he's "...shocked! Shocked! To find that there's gambling going on in here!', presents him with "Your winnings, Sir."

To Have and Have Not - The movie that introduced Lauren Bacall to Bogey, Dalio plays "Frenchy", the owner of the local hotel.

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes - Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell on a transatlantic cruise to Paris, all while being pursued by suitors, and detectives trying to keep an eye on them.  Dalio plays the French magistrate, tasked with trying to figure out which girl is really Lorelei.

Pillow Talk - Doris Day and Rock Hudson as two apartment dwellers who meet over a telephone party line. Dalio plays Pierot, Doris Day's Interior Designer boss.

Until They Sail

I know I've mentioned this before as being one of my favorite Jean Simmons movies, but I just have to give another shout out to this screen.  TCM played it again yesterday, to I recorded it and watched it last night.  And I have to say, what a treat.  It's the sentimental story of four sisters (Joan Fontaine, Jean Simmons, Piper Laurie, and Sandra Dee) living in New Zealand during World Ward II, and the trials that come their way as a result of the war, and as a result of the American servicemen who arrive.  Also notable for one of it's co-stars, a dreamy young Paul Newman.  The acting is fantastic, and I admit, it had me pretty weepy in places.  Four hankies out of four.

So Long Columbo

Sad news for fans of TV detectives last week.  Columbo, a.k.a. Peter Falk, passed away.  While he was best known, and rightly so for his role as Columbo, the sly detective in the rumpled trenchcoat, it's probably easy to forget that he was also a talented movie actor.  He even had a couple of Oscar nominations under his belt, to go along with his plethora of Emmy's.  And who knew he had such a gift for comedy? So I thought it would be fun to do a breakdown of my all-time favorite Peter Falk movies.

1. It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World - This one is my pick for the funniest movie of all time.  If not, the funniest, it at least had the greatest collection of comics all in one place.  A bunch of motorists witness a tragic car accident, and remains alive long enough to tell them all about a stash of loot, hidden under a "Big Dub-yuh".  He kicks the bucket, literally, and 3 hours of hilarity ensues.

2. Murder By Death - A spoof of famous literary detectives, Falk plays a Sam Spade-type, one of a handful of classic detectives invited to Truman Capote's home to solve his own murder.  Funny, funny, funny.

3. The Princess Bride - Falk plays the Grandpa who comes to read a story to his sick grandson, Fred Savage.  Tender, and funny, and one of the most quotable movies ever.

4. Robin and the Seven Hoods - Falk plays Guy of Gisborne, in this funny take on the Robin Hood legend, set in 1920's Chicago, and headlines by the Rat Pack.

5. Pocketful of Miracles - A remake of the classic "Lady for a Day", starring Bette Davis and Glenn Ford, Falk received an Oscar nomination for his role as Glenn Ford's clueless gangster sidekick.  A sweet and funny movie.

Star of the Month - Jean Simmons

TCM's Star of the Month for June is none other than Jean Simmons (no - not Gene Simmons), one of my personal film favorites.  Every Tuesday in June, TCM's prime time schedule will be nothing but Jean Simmons movies.  How cool is that?!  In honor of the celebration, I give you my Top 5 Favorite Jean Simmons Movies:

1. Guys and Dolls - Jean as Sister Sarah Brown.  Check out her rendition of "If I Were a Bell".  It's fabulous.

2. Spartacus - Jean as the slave Varinia, wife of slave leader Spartacus.  A really sweet love story.

3. The Big Country - Jean is more of a supporting character in this one, but she's particularly brilliant in a frightening scene with Chuck Connors.

4. Elmer Gantry - Jean as the evangelist Sister Sharon Falconer, who's seduced by con man Elmer Gantry.  She's got a great line near the beginning about how Ma'am is a contraction of the word madam, and how she is definitely not a madam (get it?).

5. Until They Sail - Jean as one of four sisters who fall for Allied Servicemen stationed in New Zealand.

Planet of the Apes

True confessions time.  It's something not many of my friends know about me, but I admit it - I totally dig all the original "Planet of the Apes" movies.  I'm one of the few people I know who's seen all 5 of them.  The first one is a campy classic, and the rest only get campier and cheesier.  This comes to mind because while I was scrolling through the channel guide yesterday, I noticed that the Biography Channel was playing a documentary "Behind the Planet of the Apes".  Imagine my glee.  Of course I had to record it.  It was originally broadcast in 1998, and was hosted by Roddy McDowell (RIP).  Basically a "making of" documentary, it covered all 5 "Apes" movies, and had interviews with most of the original cast and crew members.  I was in Sci-Fi Movie Fan Heaven!

All five "Apes" movies are now available on DVD, both separately and as part of a package.  While not life-changing, they're an awful (sometimes literally so) lot of fun.  Totally of their era, they're also a good metaphor for a lot of what was happening in the U.S. at that time.  Totally worth a marathon viewing party.

Should you decide to spend a lazy Saturday watching, here's a list of all 5 titles, by their release date:

1. Planet of the Apes (1968)

2. Beneath the Planet of the Apes (1970)

3. Escape from the Planet of the Apes (1971)

4. Conquest of the Planet of the Apes (1972)

5. Battle for the Planet of the Apes (1973)

Pirate of the Caribbean pt 4

Met up with Julie and Janeen last night to see "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides" (or what I shall refer to as "Pirates 4").  I had seen the first two in the series, but the second one was so stupid that I didn't see the third one.  So I wasn't all that interested in seeing #4, but figured I'd give it a try.  And boy, am I glad I did.  Because it's the most fun I've had at the movies in a long time.  

In this installment, Johnny Depp is back as Captain Jack Sparrow, who is pressed by former flame Penelope Cruz into joining the crew of her Father, Blackbeard the Pirate (played by Ian McShane) and going on a search for the Fountain of Youth.  In hot pursuit is Captain Barbosa (Geoffrey Rush), now of His Majesty's Navy.  There's plenty of action, plenty of swordplay, and plenty of humor, and (thank goodness) Keira Knightley is nowhere to be found.  I admit I had my doubts about Director Rob Marshall being able to pull off a big-budget action movie, but pull it off he did.  It's a fantastic movie, and a perfect way to kick off the summer movie season.

Temple Grandin

Usually this blog focuses on feature movies, but I wanted to mention one today that was made for TV, and broadcast on HBO.  And that is "Temple Grandin".  It's the true story of an autistic woman, and how she overcomes the challenges presented by her disability to become a recognized authority on the cattle business, as well as a voice for those with autism.

It stars Claire Danes as Temple Grandin, and she is incredible.  She totally gets the speech cadence and the lack of boundaries, but overall lack of emotion displayed by an autistic person.  And she also displays a determination to be her best self that is really something to behold.  That Emmy award was very well deserved.  There are nice supporting turns also by Julia Ormond as Temple's mother, Catherine O'Hara as her Aunt (nice to see her in a dramatic role), and David Straitharn as her High School mentor.

It's a totally terrific movie - and suspenseful enough that you won't even want to take a potty break.  I highly recommend it.

The King's Speech

Finally saw this year's Best Picture winner, "The King's Speech".  And I have to say, it's an awesome movie.  Starring Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, and Helena Bonham Carter, it's the story of Britain's King George VI, who ascended to the throne after the abdication of his brother, King Edward VIII.  King George, known as Bertie to his family, has a speech impediment, in that he has a severe stutter.  Knowing that his father, George V, is soon to die, and that his brother is not really kingly material, he begins to take a more active role.  And because he will need to give public speeches, he seeks out therapists to help him overcome his stutter.  He finally lands on an unorthodox therapist, Lionel Logue. 

Most of the movie is played out in the interaction between Bertie (Firth) and Logue (Rush).  They get to know each other on equal terms, and it's in his work with Logue that he learns to overcome his fears and finally assume the role he never wanted, that of King.  There's a lot of historical and political intrigue as well - how to manage what's happening in Germany and avoid war, and how King Edward's behavior with Wallis Simpson is causing distractions.

The acting is superb throughout - both from the two leads, and from Helena Bonham Carter as Queen Elizabeth.  Firth totally deserved his Best Actor Oscar.  He somehow manages the timing of trying to speak with a stammer, and maintains it in very long, scenes.  Rush is totally down-to-earth, and self-assured without being overly arrogant.  And Bonham Carter is by turns charming and supportive, and a steady, calming influence on both Bertie and Logue.

There's also several terrific cameo and supporting performances - Guy Pearce as King Edward, Anthony Andrews as Prime Minister Stanley Baldwin, and Timothy Spall as Winston Churchill.  It's also fun to see Jennifer Ehle (as Logue's wife Myrna) on-screen with Colin Firth again, if only for a few moments.  And then there's Michael Gambon and Claire Bloom as King George V and Queen Mary. 

Now, some discussion of a rather notorious scene in the movie is in order.  The movie as originally released was Rated R, for a scene that included multiple instances of using the F-word.  That scene has now been re-worked to obtain a PG-13 rating.  And the F-word has been replaced by the S-word, although you can read the lips and still see the F-word being said.  If not for that one scene, the movie would certainly have received a PG rating.  The use of the word does make sense though, in context of the scene and what is happening.  Whatever the rating, see the movie.  It's a wonderful story of perseverance and overcoming fear to be our true selves.  I highly recommend.

The Maiden Heist

One of my favorite movie genres is the caper movie - whether they're trying to con someone, steal something, or break out of prison, if it has the word "caper" in the tagline, I'm definitely interested.  So I was excited to see one this week that is a couple of years old, but had never appeared on my radar.  It's called "The Maiden Heist".  Starring Christopher Walken, Morgan Freeman, William H. Macy, and Marcia Gay Harden, it's the story of three middle-aged museum security guards who come up with a plan to steal some of their favorite works of art, before they are sent off to another museum and a new exhibit takes their place.  Walken's favorite piece is called "Lonely Maiden", thus the title for the movie.

It's a cool, fun movie.  And really, how can it not be cool when it has Christopher Walken?  it's suspenseful, and you can tell the actors are having a terrific time.  I totally recommend it.

Word to the squeamish - You see "A LOT" of William H. Macy in this movie.  And it's really unnecessary.  While there are worse butts to see on film, you'll want to be prepared.

Classic Action/Adventure

Lest you think I don't like action movies, I should clarify that I do enjoy good ones.  And I've recently seen two classic action/adventure movies from THE most notable year for American movie-making, 1939.  Considering the crop of movies that were released that year, both of these movies were huge hits.  Little boys everywhere saw them and dreamed of adventuring to far off places to serve in the Army or in the French Foreign Legion.  And little girls everywhere dreamed of being swept off their feet by dashing soldiers.  I speak of course, of "Gunga Din" and "Beau Geste".

"Gunga Din" has a trio of stars, Cary Grant, Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., and Victor McLaglen.  They serve as British soldiers in India, fighting evil natives bent on murder and destruction.  "Beau Geste" has a trio of stars, Gary Cooper, Ray Milland, and Robert Preston.  They serve in the French Foreign Legion in Africa, fighting evil natives bent on murder and destruction.  There's plenty of fisticuffs, and plenty of battles, and plenty of humor, along with plenty of cameraderie.  Both movies are so fun, I was practically ready to join up myself.

Surrogates

Typically I enjoy Bruce Willis movies.  He's got a lot of humor and charisma, and he's still quite the action star.  So I was expecting good things from his last picture, "Surrogates".  It's takes place in the not-too-distant future, where people live in a virtual world, living vicariously through their robot surrogates.  In fact, they're so hooked on the virtual experience that they really even go outside anymore.  In the middle of all this, a series of murders occurs.  Willis is a cop who is tasked with figuring out who done it.

And the verdict is - despite what could have been an interesting premise, what a disappointing, stupid movie.  I couldn't even suspend disbelief.  It's just chock full of stupid scenarios, not to mention bad science.  It's not even worth continuing to talk about.  I definitely recommend passing on this one.

Stepping Out

I've never been a big fan of Liza Minelli.  Love her mom, but Liza herself is just a little too much for me.  So I was pleasantly surprised by a picture of hers I saw recently called "Stepping Out".  Based on a stage play and released in 1991, apparently it never did much in theaters.  And that's really too bad, because it's a gem.  Simply put - it's the story of a tap dance instructor and the members of her class as they deal with their individual challenges while preparing for a charity show.  It's both sweet and funny, and it's got a terrific sound track, with songs by Kander and Ebb, among others and plenty of tap dancing.  It also has a cast that is to die for - Ellen Green, Bill Irwin, Jane Krakowski, Andrea Martin, Julie Walters, and Shelley Winters.  And of course there's Liza.  It's a great performance, both restrained and determined.  And there's a special number at the end where she and the rest of her squad really let loose.  A fabulous and joyful movie.  I highly recommend.

Speaking of Biblical Epics

Today being Easter, TCM played two of the more well-known epic movie versions of the story of the Savior, "King of Kings", and "The Greatest Story Ever Told".  Considering this to be an Easter-appropriate activity, I came home from Church and spent the rest of the afternoon watching them.  Both have their merits, but I thought it would be interesting to do a comparison.  So here goes...

King of Kings

What it's got going for it - Jeffrey Hunter as Jesus, Robert Ryan as John the Baptist, and an original story concerning the politics of Judea at the time.  There's plenty of intrigue and action, and Jeffery Hunter gives a really nice portrayal of the Savior.  

Cons - The same original story.  If you're looking for a story that holds closely to that told in the Gospels, this isn't it.  And I'd bet it was filmed in Italy, since quite a few of the actors appear to not be quite in sync with the dialog.

The Greatest Story Ever Told

What it's got going for it - Filmed in Southern Utah, there's terrific local scenery.  It's very faithful (with a few exceptions) to the text of the Gospels, and it has a really beautiful music score by Alfred Newman.  There's also a host of cameo appearances, Dorothy Mcguire, Charlton Heston, John Wayne, Claude Rains, Jose Ferrer, and Telly Savalas to name a few.

Cons - I hate to say it, but the biggest con for this one is that Max Von Sydow is a creepy Jesus.  His hairstyle is wrong, and he's just, well creepy.  If you have sharp eyes, you'll see Jamie Farr as one of the twelve disciples.  But after being used to seeing him in a dress for 10 years on MASH, it really throws me off.

The Ten Commandments

It's Easter, and the Passover season, which means it's that time of year again for ABC to broadcast the 1956 version of "The Ten Commandments".  Sure, by today's standards it's too long, it's corny and it's over the top.  But really, who does not love Charlton Heston and Yul Brynner.  It's got a cast of thousands (literally), and the special effects are very cool for their time - not in CGI either. It's the one time a year other than Christmas, where the country sits down together to learn about God's law, and how he saves those who put their trust in Him.  Here's hoping that ABC continues this tradition as long as there's TV.  So let it be written, so let it be done.

R.I.P. Farley Granger

There's been a lot said and written about the passing of Liz Taylor last week. But I doubt anyone payed much attention to the passing of another classic star a few days later.  His name was Farley Granger.  Most of you have probably never heard of him, but he was a pretty big star in the 40's and early 50's, and he was a favorite of Alfred Hitchcock.  He was also mighty handsome.  In later years, he worked a lot in European films, as well as on the stage.  If you get a chance, you should check him out in the following movies:

Strangers on a Train - In this movie, Granger plays a man eager to leave his marriage to his cheating wife.  On a train home, he happens to meet another passenger, played by Robert Walker, who is eager to be rid of his overbearing Mother.  In the process of their conversation, Robert Walker proposes that they take care of each other's problems. Incredibly suspenseful, this movie has one of the coolest final scenes ever.  (Note: This picture inspired the later movie "Throw Momma From The Train").  

Rope - Another Hitchcock picture, this one is an experimental film, in that it all takes place in "real time".  In it, Granger plays a young thrill killer, and James Stewart is a prosecutor out to prove how Granger did it.

They Live By Night - Probably my favorite movie of his, directed by Nicholas Ray, who later went on to direct "Rebel Without a Cause".  In this one, Granger plays a young ex-con, in love with a girl, trying desperately to go straight.  No matter how hard he tries, and even with the best of intentions, he keeps getting gradually sucked back in to a life of crime.

Yay or Nay

In today's installment of Yay or Nay, we tackle the question of the Wilson Brothers, Owen and Luke.

Yay - for Luke Wilson, my preferred Wilson brother.  Whether in a drama or a comedy, he comes across as sincere and thoughtful, and genuine.  He's also the better-looking of the two.  Check him out in "My Dog Skip", "Legally Blonde" or "Henry Poole is Here".  On the other hand - 

Nay - there's his brother Owen.  He comes across as pouty, petulant, and afraid to grow up.  Always insincere and going for the cheap laugh, I just want to yell "shut up" at the screen, because he never knows when to quit.  While I did like "Marley and Me", I can't say that it was because of his performance.  It might be wise for him to let himself be upstaged more often, even if it is only by a dog.

Rango

Lest you think that I only ever watch classic movies, I thought I'd set the record straight.  I do enjoy a lot of today's movies, and I like to think I'm a fan of most eras and genres in the movies.  Yesterday I got to see a new animated feature from Dreamworks Animation, called "Rango".  What a cool movie!  It's about a lizard who unexpectedly finds himself wandering in the Arizona desert.  He happens upon the town of Dirt, a town in the midst of a dramatic water shortage, where he becomes known as Rango, the local sherriff.  Voiced by Johnny Depp, our hero eventually saves the town from the evil forces that are stealing all the water, and in the process learns who he really is and what's important in life.

Rango is a highly original movie, which in this age of remakes and superheros is so refreshing.  It's funny, full of action and thrills, and has a terrific voice cast.  There's a lot of references to classic spaghetti westerns, both in dialog and music, and there's even a musical reference to "The Blue Danube" and "The Ride of the Valkyries".  It was such a treat, and I highly recommend it.  

Note: Rango is rated PG, and although it is suitable for children, they probably won't "get" it.  The jokes are more easily understood by grown-ups.

Full of Life

There've been a lot of movies with dumb blondes over the years.  One actress who specialized in them was Judy Holliday.  Whether in "Born Yesterday", or "The Solid Gold Cadillac", or "Bells Are Ringing", she more than any other actress had a real knack for bringing them to life.  So it was with some surprise that I watched one of her lesser-known films yesterday, and got to see her play it straight.  The film is called "Full of Life", and is about a young couple expecting their first child, and the accompanying joys and annoyances that come along with it. Judy plays Emily Rocco, a woman married to Nick (Richard Conte - another under-rated actor) an Italian man who has become estranged from his family and the church.  A problem with their house leads them to reach out to Nick's father for help, and thus begins the reconciliation between father and son, and Nick and his faith.  

It's a gem of a movie.  The biggest surprise was Judy, who was intelligent, loving, and sincere.  After all those years of dumb blondes, it was probably a pleasure for her to play a woman of some substance.

Apparently, the film was held back from distribution, because at the time, we weren't supposed to see a pregnant woman on screen.  How this movie could corrupt anyone is beyond me.  It's all about family, and faith, and what could be more valuable than that?

Buster Keaton

There's a terrific venue here in Salt Lake, called The Organ Loft, that regularly plays silent movies.  Not only that, but the movies are accompanied by their very own Wurlitzer Organ, and there's always a session on the history of the movie being presented.  I generally attend a couple of the movies each season, and this weekend they played one with Buster Keaton.

Whenever anyone talks about silent movie comedy, Buster Keaton is usually one of the three names at the top of the list.  Along with Charlie Chaplin and Harold Lloyd, they set a standard for film comedy that everyone else has been trying to reach ever since.  Like Lloyd, Keaton usually did his own stunts, and was a master of physical comedy.  But his trademark was his perpetually straight face and large sad eyes.

Keaton didn't make many feature-length movies, and so it was a real treat to see one, this one being called "College".  In it, Keaton plays a brilliant student who is unable to win the heart of the girl he loves, because of his lack of athletic prowess.  So he follows her to college, where in attempting to woo and win her, he goes out for every sport there is, and fails miserably, all to hilarious effect.

For those of you who think a silent picture might be boring, think again.  The house was packed that night, and Keaton had the entire audience roaring with laughter from beginning to end.  Even though he's been gone for many years now, I say long live silent comedy and long live Buster Keaton!

Der Dud

Aside from my well-documented love for Christopher Plummer, my other big time movie crush is Der Bingle, a.k.a. Bing Crosby.  Seriously - the man opens his mouth to croon and I melt like butter.  So I was definitely excited tonight that TCM was showing - for the first time ever - a picture of his called "The Emperor Waltz".  Directed by Billy Wilder, and co-starring Joan Fontaine, I couldn't wait for the crooning to commence.  But then it did.  What a waste.  Two hours of Bing crooning/yodeling in liederhosen, whilst he and his dog are romancing Joan Fontaine and her dog.  Yikes!  And that is two hours I will not get back!  Sad to say, for Der Bingle, this one was Der Dud.

Fanny

I just have to say that I love TCM.  This month they've been focusing on Oscar-nominated movies, calling it 31 days of Oscar.  And yesterday they showed one that I've never seen before, but really is a gem.  It's called "Fanny" and is based on a play by Marcel Pagnol (who also wrote "Jean de Florette", "Manon of the Spring", "My Father's Glory", and "My Mother's Castle", to name a few).  Starring Leslie Caron, Horst Buchholz, Maurice Chevalier and Charles Boyer, it's the story of a group of family and friends who live and work on the waterfront in Marseilles.  It's sweet, it's tender, and it gives Chevalier and Boyer probably their last great roles.  It has a lot to say about love, and what it really means to love someone.  I don't want to give away too many details and spoil it for you, but I highly recommend it and hope you'll add it to your list.

The Inn of the Sixth Happiness

It is said that the Chinese wish everyone five happinesses: Wealth, Longevity, Good Health, Virtue, and a Peaceful Death in Old Age.  There is also a sixth happiness, but that is something each one must find for himself.  Based on the true story of a Christian Missionary in China during the 1930's, "The Inn of the Sixth Happiness" is about how one woman finds her sixth happiness through her service to the people of a small mountain community.  It's a picture that I thoroughly enjoy, and don't mind watching again and again.  It stars Ingrid Bergman, who is incredible in it.  She seems to radiate love despite every hardship placed on her.  And perhaps that's why I like it so much.  It sends the message that service doesn't have to be drudgery, and that it's what gives meaning to life.  She finds love as a direct result of showing love for her fellow man.  I think it's a message with which the Lord Himself would agree.

Top 5

"State Fair" was on TCM tonight.  So in honor of one of my home states, I thought I'd share my "Top 5: movies about Iowa.

1. Field of Dreams - Farmer Ray Kinsella mows down his cornfield to build a baseball diamond, and in the process comes to know the ghost of Shoeless Joe Jackson, and his own father.  "Is this Heaven?" "It's Iowa."

2. Music Man - Musical about con man Harold Hill, who sells the town of River City on a boys band, and finds love with Marian the Librarian.  "You really ought to give Iowa a try."

3. State Fair - The adventures of a family at the week-long Iowa State Fair.  "Oh I know all I owe I owe Ioway."

4. The Straight Story - An elderly man decides to visit his brother in Wisconsin, using a unique mode of transportation, that only an Iowan could truly appreciate.

5. Ice Castles - A young woman from Iowa becomes a figure skating champion, is blinded in an accident, and learns to skate again with the help of Robby Benson.  "Looking through the eyes of Love."

Since You Went Away

I think most of my regular readers know of my love for classic films, particularly those from the 40's and 50's.  Today I'd like to talk about a perhaps forgotten gem, "Since You Went Away".  This is one of those "Women's" pictures from the war years.  Part patriotic propaganda, part sentimental weepy.  It stars Claudette Colbert, Jennifer Jones and Shirley Temple as a wife and her two daughters trying to keep it all together on the homefront while their husband and father is off at war.  Sure it's melodramatic, but it's also heartfelt, and somewhat realistic nowadays while we're in another war-time situation.  And man, it gets me going.  There I was this morning, jogging on the trampoline, and balling my eyes out over Jennifer Jones and her fiance Robert Walker as they're parting for him to head overseas, and then later as she receives tragic news.  Yep, sobbing my eyes out is more like it. And then thrilling later on when Jennifer Jones and Claudette Colbert both tell off Agnes Moorehead for her lack of patriotism and sacrifice for the war effort. Fabulous. Four hankies out of four.

Country Not So Strong

Man, movie critics really do have it rough.  Sometimes coming up with something brilliant to say abut a movie you've just seen is mighty difficult.  Case in point for me is the new movie "Country Strong".  I've been trying for over a week now to come up with something profound.  I guess it's just one of those movies that leaves you feeling blah afterward, and really what can you say after that?  

What does it have going for it?  Not much really, other than a pretty decent performance from Gwyneth Paltrow as the country star fresh out of rehab, and a killer country soundtrack.  Other than that, there's not much to say. It seems that it's about selfish people doing selfish things and hurting each other along the way.  I think.  Because frankly the movie's as messy and convoluted as Paltrow's Kelly Canter.  Ho hum.

Yay and Nay

Today I'd like to introduce a new feature of the blog that I'll call "Yay and Nay".  In this feature, we'll discuss commonly associated pairs.  Today we'll start off with Matt Damon (Yay) and Ben Affleck (Nay), good friends who came into the business at roughly the same time, and share an Oscar together.

Yay for Matt Damon - I really like him as an actor.  He's always willing to do something different and interesting - whether it's putting on weight to play "The Informant", or wear a false nose in "Ocean's 13", go for sideburns and a lisp in "True Grit", or learn an assassin's tricks in the "Bourne" movies.  He doesn't seem to take himself too seriously, and really seems to become the characters that he plays.

On the other hand, there's Ben Affleck.  Whenever you see him, you can't get past him as a personality.  He's always Ben Affleck, and he's always acting, and worried about how he looks.  No false noses, no weight gain, nothing that really makes him let go and become a character.  Nay!

500 Days of Summer

Another movie from a couple of years ago, that I missed when it came out.  It originally premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.  Starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and Zooey Deschanel, it's the story of a guy's relationship with a girl named Summer, over the course of 500 days.  To tell you much more would probably ruin it for you, so I'll stop there.  But needless to say, it's smart, funny, and charming, and I have to say realistic.  Highly recommended.

State of Play

If you're into government conspiracy thrillers, and really, who isn't, might I suggest "State of Play".  I missed it when it came out a couple of years ago, but thank goodness for Netflix.  Finally watched it this week, and really liked it.  It's got a terrific cast - Russell Crowe, Rachel McAdams, Ben Affleck (ok, maybe not Ben), Helen Mirren, Robin Wright, and Jeff Daniels.  The basic plot outline involves two supposedly unrelated killings, one of which was the mistress of a well-known Congressman.  That sets the story in motion as a couple of Newspaper Reporters try to hunt down the details of the conspiracy.  It's fun, it's suspenseful, and you're never really sure who are the good guys and bad guys.  I totally recommend it.

Dean Spanley

Happened to catch a terrific movie the other day, that I'd apparently missed when it came out back in 2008.  It's called "Dean Spanley", and stars Sam Neill as a clergyman who is able to remember his past life as a dog.  Also in the cast are Jeremy Northam (and what true chick doesn't adore him), Peter O'Toole, and Bryan Brown.  I won't give too much of the plot away, but needless to say, it all comes full circle in the end.

It's a fabulous and warm-hearted movie (and is available on Netflix) and I highly recommend it.

 

Lowest Common Denominators

A new movie opened this weekend, starring Vince Vaughn.  I'm not planning to see it.  Early reviews say that it's nothing more than people have come to expect from him, which is your basic combination of raunchy, gross-out, unintelligent and unfunny.

This leads me to wonder what people see in him and in several of his current and former co-stars.  I know that the movie business is just that - a business.  And it seems that none of these movies really make money anymore, so I fail to see why studios are still willing to fund them.  It doesn't seem that they get the return on their investment.  Consider for instance the following actors - Vince Vaughn, Owen Wilson, Will Ferrell, Adam Sandler, Ben Stiller.  All of them can at times be sweet and charming, and terrific actors.  Vince Vaughn in "A Cool, Dry Place", Own Wilson in "Marley and Me", Will Ferrell in "Stranger Than Fiction", Adam Sandler in "Spanglish", Ben Stiller in "Keeping the Faith".  All those movies are for the most part sweet and intelligent, and have a lot humor.  Reign these guys in, give them an actual intelligent script, and a good director, and you can get terrific performances out of them.  Leave them to their own devices, and you get nothing but the lowest common denominator.

For Classic Film Lovers

For those who are fans of classic film, there were two programs of note last night that were worth your time.  First, an interview on TCM with Luise Rainer, recognized as the oldest living Academy Award Winner.  The occasion for broadcasting this was her 101st birthday, which was yesterday.  She won back to back Oscars in 1936 and 1937, for "The Great Ziegfeld" and "The Good Earth", and to date, is the youngest person to win two Oscars.  Despite her age, she is still vibrant, feisty and theatrical.  Obviously she doesn't travel much anymore, so it was a rare and real treat to hear her memories of studio boss Louis B. Mayer and co-star Paul Muni.

Later, PBS broadcast an "American Masters" on Jeff Bridges.  He's starred in some of the biggest movies of the last 40 years, and so I consider him a film classic.  I've seen many of his movies over the years, the most recent being "True Grit", and it was fascinating to hear him talk about his working process, his many interests, and to hear reflections from his directors and co-stars.

Needless to say, it was a terrific evening.  On the one hand, it was a glimpse into Old Hollywood and the workings of the studio system.  On the other, it was a glimpse into the film business as it exists today.  Fascinating.