Master and Commander - The Far Side of the World

I love sea epics...grew up on Captain Horatio Hornblower books. So this one appealed to me.

Russell Crowe stars in this 2003 adventure directed by Peter Weir.

A captain during the Napoleonic Wars places his crew in harm's way as he pursues the enemy at all costs.

Good action adventure that won two Oscars. I thought it was ripe for a sequel, but that hasn't happened yet. Too bad.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0311113/

Performance

Hmmm...Mick Jagger acting?

Nicolas Roeg and Donald Cammell co-directed this 1970 effort.

Who's the good guy and who's the bad guy? More importantly, what is real and what is not? London gangster takes refuge in the home of a has been rock star who melds personalities until we don't know who is who and what is up. Confusing? Yes. But interesting and absorbing.

Worth a look.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0066214/

The Man Who Fell To Earth

1976 Nicolas Roeg film starring David Bowie.

Who better to play an alien passing as a human? Bowie is perfect as an extra terrestrial who comes to Earth for the water, a precious commodity on his home planet. Along the way he builds a company into a phenomenal success but doesn't count on the destructive, greedy nature of humans.

Interesting sci-fi film.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0074851/

If

Linsay Anderson film from 1968 stars Malcolm McDowell.

Life at a British Boys School becomes unbearable until the students revolt. Kind of a forerunner to "Taps" but more surreal.

McDowell's second film, his first was also for director Anderson. This film was considered one of the top Brit films ever.

Dramatic, dreamlike. stark, and thought provoking.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0063850/

A Christmas Story

Arguably the best Christmas movie ever.

1983 comedy directed by Bob Clark and starring Melinda Dillon, Darren McGavin, and Peter Billingsly.

I remember Jean Sherperd stories when I was growing up. They were always nostalgic, touching, and very funny and this one is no different. Based on Sheperd's story "In God We Trust All Others Pay Cash", this is the tale of little Ralphie and his hope of getting his best Christmas present ever: a Red Ryder BB gun with a compass in the stock. ("Don't be silly, you'll shoot your eye out!")

"The Wonder Years" TV show and even "How I Met Your Mother" with their narration have always reminder me of Sheperd's stories. Here's an original with the writer doing the film's narration himself.

A holiday treat.

A personal note - I have worked with Jeff Gillen, who plays Santa Claus in the film. He ran Great Southern Studios in North Miami and was a pleasure to do business with. A great guy who passed away much too young. He is missed by many of us who knew him in the Florida Production Community.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085334/

His Girl Friday

Howard Hawks directed this 1940 screwball comedy starring Cary Grant and Rosiland Russell.

Taken from the play "The Front Page" this has been made many times in various incarnations but this one remains classic.

Newspaper reporter (Russell) is leaving her job after divorcing her editor (Grant), who is as concerned about losing his wife and his star reporter. He schemes to keep her on the job and near him with a breaking story about a killer's execution.

Smart and funny, with overlapping dialogue that will keep you on your toes and laughing out loud.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0032599/

The Incredible Shrinking Man

One of the most notable early sci-fi movies of all time.

Jack Arnold directed this classic from 1957 starring Grant Williams and Randy Stuart.

Williams is enveloped by a mysterious cloud which sets off a reaction causing him to shrink in size. Slowly but surely he gets smaller and smaller.

At first he becomes a media sensation but there perils of his new existence endanger his very survival. Great scenes include confrontations with his pet cat and a spider. Classic stuff. And it sets up an existential question of what will his existence be like as he reaches atomic and subatomic size.

Great special effects and engaging story make this a winner.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0050539/

Tremors

Kevin Bacon, Fred Ward, Michael Gross, and Reba McEntire star in this 1990 film from Ron Underwood.

Did you love all those monster flicks from the fifties? This is a throwback to those films.

Two not too swift handymen in a small desert town come to the realization that giant underground worms are threatening their town and their lives. Partly sci-fi, partly a monster movie, Remors is above all a fun romp that doesn't take itself too seriously.

Look for hysterically funny characters created by Gross and Reba as a pair of married survivalists who are prepared for anything that comes their way.

Spawned a number of sequels and a TV show. The second film wasn't bad, but they got less interesting as they went on...and on. But this one is a gem.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0100814/

The Man Who Would Be King

Michael Caine and Sean Connery star in this 1975 film directed by John Huston.

Two rogue British soldiers set themselves up as gods in a small country that can't contain their greed and egos. Great comedy/action/adventure story based on the Rudyard Kipling yarn.

Fun, funny, and a showcase for both actors. Has Michael Caine actually been in every movie ever made?

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0073341/

Sleuth

Michael Caine and Laurence Olivier star in this 1972 suspense film from Joseph Mankiewicz.

A cat and mouse game between a man who loves games and his wife's lover. What does he know? How far is he willing to go in this battle of wits? Will it turn deadly?

Both actors are superb and the suspense builds nicely. Highly recommended.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0069281/

My Favorite Wife

Garson Kanin directed this 1940 comedy starring Cary Grant, Irene Dunne, and Randolph Scott.

Grant's wife Dunne has been missing for seven years. Presuming she is dead, he remarries. But she returns, having been stranded on an island all that time. She is determined to win Grant back but things are complicated when Grant finds out she was not alone on the island.

Very funny romantic comedy. Remade decades later as "Move Over, Darling" but stick to the original.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0029284/

Holiday

1938 George Cukor comedy starring Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn was a follow-up to the success Grant and Hepburn had with Bringing Up Baby.

Free-thinking, happy-go-lucky Grant is enaged to an heiress but when he begins to question the meaning of his life he finds he has much more in common with her spirited sister (Hepburn).

Smart writing, great cast, and very funny screwball comedy.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0030241/

Bringing Up Baby

Howard Hawks directed this comedy starring Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn.

One of the best movie comedies ever.

Grant plays a nerdy professor who is drawn into the life of a wacky heiress who changes him forever. A totally screwball comedy if there ever was one.

Grant and Hepburn are wonderful together. Lots of abusrd situations but it all works. The stars shine in this one.

Remade (sort of) as "What's Up Doc?" with Ryan O'Neal and Barbara Streisand.

Don't miss this one.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0029947/

The Awful Truth

1937 Leo McCarey comedy stars Cary Grant and Irene Dunne.

A separated couple are both about to remarry but spend their time trying to foil each other's plans for wedded bliss.

Very funny screwball comedy which set the tone for the Cary Grant "character" which was honed over his next few movies.

Funny, and holds up even today.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0028597/

Gorgo

1961 film directed by Eugene Lourie.

British film that cashed in on the popularity of Godzilla tells the story of a baby dinosaur that is displayed in the circus until its mother comes to rescue it and tears up London.

Surprisingly engaging considering how derivative it is.

Love dinosaur flicks.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0054938/

First Men in the Moon

1964 sci-fi film directed by Nathan Juran and starring Edward Judd, Martha Hyer, and Lionel Jeffries.

H.G. Wells story about Victorian era scientists who devise a way to propel themselves to the moon is filled with comic relief thanks to Jeffries.

Fun and entertaining and suitable for the kids.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0058100/

McLintock

Andrew V. McLaglen directed this 1963 western comedy starring John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara.

John Wayne is a force of nature as cattleman McLintock who rules his ranch with an iron fist...until the return of O'Hara, his estranged wife. Sort of a take off on Taming of the Shrew. O'Hara is great and is a good match for Wayne.

Giant mud pit fight and public spanking add to the slapstick fun you'll find here.

Corny at times but amusing.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0057298/

Jason and the Argonauts

1963 fantasy directed by Don Chaffey and starring Todd Armstrong, Honor Blackman, Nigel Green.

Ray Harryhausen effects are the centerpiece of this filmed version of the Greek legend of Jason, who seeks the Golden Fleece. Spectacular scenes with a statue that comes to life, swordfighting skeletons, and a 7 headed Hydra.

Fun fantasy film. A classic.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0057197/

The 7th Voyage of Sindbad

Nathan Juran directed this 1958 fantasy starring Kerwin Matthews.

Evil magician reduces a princess to miniature size with stalwart Sindbad to the rescue. Great Ray Harryhausen effects make this one fun...especially the fight scene between Sindbad and a skeleton.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0051337/

It Came From Outer Space

Jack Arnold directed this 1953 film based on a Ray Bradbury story and starring Richard Carlson and Barbara Rush.

Aliens land on Earth to make repairs to their ship and try to pass as humans. Surprisingly good for its time with good performances and a tense storyline. And who doesn't love alien movies?

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0045920/

Unforgiven

Clint Eastwood directed this taut western. 1992 film stars Clint Eastwood, Gene Hackman, Morgan Freeman, and Richard Harris.

Maimed prostitute and her co-workers put out a bounty on the two cowboys who disfigured her. Two aging gunfighters and a young upstart set out to avenge her and collect the money.

Great drama that explores the morality of an immoral West and also depicts a quest for redemption by many characters on many levels.

An outstanding film made even better by its stars. Gene Hackman is superb as Little Bill, the town's lawman who lives outside the law. Richard Harris has a cameo as "English Bob", a notorious gunman.

But it's Clint Eastwood who carries the film with a silent brooding and determination that lets us in on the torment he feels for the death and destruction he has caused in the past and the loathing he has towards the job at hand.

Great western, great drama. Not to be missed.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0105695/

Kelly's Heroes

1970 Brian G. Hutton film stars Clint Eastwood, Donald Southerland, Telly Savalas, Don Rickles, and Donald Southerland.

Group of soldiers during World War Two deceide to forego their R & R and go behind the lines on their own to pull off a heist...stealing gold the Germans are guarding in an occupied town.

Combination of a standard war action film and comedy gets absurd at times...but that's what I like about it.

Look for Sutherland as a hippyish tank commander in a comic turn that adds an element of craziness to the whole escapade.

Long, but fun.

The Warriors

Walter Hill directed this 1979 film starring Michael Beck, James Remar, and Deborah Van Valkenburgh.

Violent drama depicts a street gang's journey from the Bronx to their home base as other rival gangs try to stop them.

Interesting look at the various types of gangs and gritty view of the city and its inhabitants.

Many violent segments but worth seeing Hill's vision of a very tough New York.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080120/

Black Hawk Down

This film should be required viewing for military leaders, hawkish politicians, or anyone else thinking of going to war. Whatever can go wrong usually does.

2001 film directed by Ridley Scott stars Josh Hartnett, Ewan McGregor, and Tom Sizemore.

Small U.S. force in Somalia tries to apprehend a small group of insugents in what is supposed to be a quick and easy foray. But all hell breaks loose when they are met by a large, organized group of Somalis.

Follows the courageous team of soldiers who are determined to not leave anyone behind.

Intense war flick with realistic effects. Unlike many war films the characters here seem real, not contrived. Great sound.

Scary, suspenseful, and long, but worth it.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0265086/

Tin Cup

Ron Shelton directed this 1996 romantic comedy starring Kevin Costner, Rene Russo , Don Johnson, and Cheech Marin.

Under achieving golfer could have hit the big time but instead is content to run a Texas driving range. That is until he meets a therapist who, coincidentally, is the lover of his old friend and nemesis. So he sets out to win the U.S. Open.

You don't have to be a golfer to enjoy this movie. Not riotous, but amusing. And the cast is great.

Great "philosophy of golf" speech from Costner as he gives Russo her first lesson. And look for cameos by some golf greats.

Fun and engaging. Costner is a winner in this one and Cheech Marin is perfect as Costners caddy, friend, and confidente.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0117918/

Wonder Boys

Curtis Hanson directed this 2000 film starring Michael Douglas, Tobey Maguire, Frances McDormand, Robert Downey Jr, Katie Holmes, and Rip Torn.

Michael Douglas is an stressed, stoned English Professor who has had a successful first novel but has been working on his second for a long time...seven years. And his agent is coming to see him. And his wife is leaving him. And his affair with his boss the dean of the college is not going so well. And to top it all off, one his his students is a brilliant writer.

Quirky, funny, and it has some depth and feeling to it.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0185014/

Noises Off

1992 farce directed by Peter Bogdanovich starring Michael Caine, John Ritter, Carol Burnett, Christopher Reeve, Nicolette Sheridan, Marilu Henner.

Hysterical farce about a theatre director trying to whip his cast and show into shape before its opening. We see it from the audience's point of view as well as from backstage.

Great cast makes the most of it...with many laughs along the way.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0105017/

The Hollywood Knights

1980 comedy starring Tony Danza, Michelle Pfieffer, Fran Drescher, Robert Wuhl.

Largely stupid but funny film about a group of Hollywood delinquents and rabble rousers who set aside a night of mischief to lament the closing of their favorite drive-in restaurant.

Danza's first film also features a decent soundtrack and a very young Michelle Pfieffer.

Off the wall...it has its moments.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0080881/

Them!

Gordon Douglas directed this 1954 sci-fi classic starring James Whitmore and James Arness.

Giant ants terrorize a small town in the desert and then branch out to Los Angeles. Call in the Army's Monster Squad!

Fun, well thought out, and suspenseful.

Look for a cameo by Fess Parker, TV's Davy Crockett.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0047573/

Summer School

Carl Reiner directed this 1987 comedy with Mark Harmon, Kirstie Alley, and CourtneyThorne-Smith.

Easy going teacher is preparing for a summer vacation in Hawaii when he is tapped to teach summer school to a bunch of loser students.

Harmon is congenial, some of the kids are genuine characters, and the film itself actually is quite funny at times.

Light...but likeable.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0094072/

True Stories

1986 mockumentary directed by David Byrne of the Talking Heads.

Byrne takes us on a tour of a fictitious Texas town, introducing us to some sights and inhabitants that make the place...unusual.

John Goodman co-stars. Some bright moments. Creative. Sometimes fun, sometimes depressing.

Look for a rousing cinematic version of karaoke Byrne style with "Wild Wild Life".

Worth a look.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0092117/

Earth Vs The Flying Saucers

Hugh Marlowe and Joan Taylor star in this Fred F. Sears film from 1956.

Remarkable special effects for its time created by Ray Harryhausen. Aliens invade our planet demanding our surrender, leading to war of the worlds.

Not your typical B-movie.

Fun and literate.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0049169/

The Cider House Rules

Michael Caine, Tobey Maguire, Charlize Theron star in this Lasse Hallstrom film adapted from a John Irving novel.

Lessons about life and love and finding your way in the world.

Young man grows up in rural Maine orphanage and is mentored by the doctor who runs the place. But instead of easily stepping into his role as the doctor's successor, he leaves to work at an apple orchard where he falls in love and finds out where his heart really belongs.

Touching story, well acted.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0124315/

Clockwork Orange

Masterful film from a master movie maker. Stanley Kubrick adapted the William Burroughs novel for the screen. Amazing how both of them had a vision of the future that is remarkably accurate in retrospect....gangs, drugs, street violence, alienation, youth culture.

Street thug ( Malcolm McDowell) is arrested and put into a rehabilitation program geared toward turning him away from violence. It is so strange and disturbing that by the end of the film we are actually hoping our anti-hero goes back to his old ways.

Fascinating, disturbing, violent, and surprisingly funny at times.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0066921/

Tender Mercies

Quiet, moving film from 1983 directed by Bruce Beresford and starring Robert Duvall, Tess Harper, Ellen Barkin, Wilford Brimley.

Country singer with issues gets his life together with the help of a widow and her child.

Tender story has no great fireworks but is warm and touching. Duvall won an Oscar for this role and also wrote the songs.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086423/

The Swimmer

Frank Perry directed this 1968 film starring Burt Lancaster.

Lancaster shines in this drama of a man who decides to swim home from swimming pool to swimming pool in and around Westport, Connecticut. Each new pool reveals more about his past.

Fascinating character study has much to say about the self deceptions and facades we use to get through life.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0063663/

After Hours

A Scorsese comedy?

Griffin Dunne, Rosanna Arquette, Teri Garr, and Cheech and Chong star in this black comedy from 1985.

Bored office guy ventures out late one night to date a woman he meets in a coffee shop. On his way to Greenwich Village, he loses all the cash he has on him. His date goes miserably and all he wants to do is get to his uptown home.

Seemingly disparate characters and events all tie together to prevent him from reaching his goal.

Somewhat far fetched and long at times, this is still a very creative and interesting film that explores that different world that is teeming with crazy characters while the rest of us a tucked away safely in bed.

Strange, dark, and funny.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0088680/

Amadeus

1984 Milos Forman tour de force starring F. Murray Abraham, Tom Hulce.

Adaptation of Peter Shaffer's play about Mozart and Salieri who, jealous of the composer's popularity and talent, was suspected of poisoning Mozart.

The acting is superb, the music incredible ( come on, it's Mozart) but what's fascinating is how this film works on so many different levels: from a bio pic standpoint, a look at the nature of creativity, an exploration of faith, and more.

An amzing film about an amazing talent.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086879/

The Big Lebowski

The Dude abides.

The Coen Brothers do it again in this totally whacked out comedy from 1998 that stars Jeff Bridges, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, and John Tuturro.

Stoner/bowler The Dude is caught up in a case of mistaken identity and a miserable attempt at kidnapping. And to top it all off, thugs urinate on his rug. As with most (if not all) Coen Brothers' films, this is about a crime that goes wrong. But the details don't really matter...the characters make their movies and this one is chock full of off the wall types.

Fun and fantastic.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118715/

The Charge of the Light Brigade

Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland star in this rousing action adventure film from 1936...another collaboration between Flynn and director Michael Curtiz.

Based upon Tennyson's poem, this is a tale of courage, honor, and revenge during the Crimean War.

Into the Valley of Death rode the six hundred.

Superb action scenes with a dashing hero.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0118715/

Rio Bravo

John Wayne, Dean Martin, Ricky Nelson, Walter Brennan, Angie Dickinson star in this 1959 western from Howard Hawks.

A western classic.

Lawman and his deputies, including a drunk and an old man, try to hold a murderer in their town's jail 'til a U.S. Marshal arrives while the killer's brother makes life difficult for them.

Strangely cohesive mix of action, suspense, and humor. Everyone in the cast does a fine job...especially Dean Martin.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0053221/

Raising Arizona

Ok, is this one of the funniest movies ever?

Coen Brothers film from 1987 stars Nicolas Cage, Holly Hunter, Frances McDormand, Trey Wilson, John Goodman.

Loser and his police officer wife use twisted logic to justify stealing one baby out of a set of quintuplets ("They have more than they can handle..."). The police are after them, so is a bounty hunter (Tex Cobb).

Movie is twisted and wicked funny with great cast, acting, camera work. Wonderful scenes abound, from life in prison to a hunt for Huggies during a convenience store robbery.

A must see.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0093822/

The Right Stuff

Philip Kaufman direcected this 1983 saga of the seven original Mercury astronauts. Stars Sam Sheperd, Scott Glenn, Dennis Quaid, Ed Harris. Based on the novel by Tom Wolfe.

Fascinating account of the start of America's space program. These guys were strapped into what amounted to a tin can and were shot into space. We learn about their struggles with the program itself, a manipulative government, the rigors of training, and the space flights themselves...which are exciting and thrill packed. We also get the perspective of the wives who lived with and supported these heroes.

Quirky, exciting, humorous, and long but well worth it.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0086197/

Across the Universe

There have been a lot of the so-called "jukebox musicals" but this one worked for me.

Julie Taymor's 2007 film takes Beatles music and reinterprets it to fit her story of love and a society in turmoil.

Creative shooting, imaginative staging. The songs were used well and preformed with a new sense of topicality and urgency.

Really liked this one.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0445922/

Cry Baby

Long before Captain Jack Sparrow Johhny Depp was Cry Baby in this 1990 offering from John Waters.

Cool, funny musical with that John Waters sense of lunacy and absurdity starring Johnny Depp, Amy Locane, Iggy Pop, Polly Bergen, Ricki lake, and Traci Lords (yes, THAT Traci Lords)

"Good" girl whose mother runs a finjishing school falls for Cry Baby, leader of the "Drapes", rock and rollin', hot roddin' greasers.

Funny, with great and surprising supporting cast (Troy Donahue?) and classic soundtrack that sounds like it was ripped off the Billboard charts in 1959.

Fun and frisky.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099329/

My Man Godfrey

William Powell and Carole Lombard star in this gem of a screwball comedy directed by Gregory La Cava in 1936.

Daughter in rich, disfunctional family hires Powell as a butler thinking he is a "forgotten man", a hobo.

The family is crazy but Powell endures and helps bring a sense of rationality to them...somewhat.

Funny, with great writing and characters. Holds up today, especially in these tough economic times.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0028010/

Reality Bites

Winona Ryder, Ben Stiller, Ethan Hawke, Janeane Garofalo star in this Ben Stiller directed look at a group of friends and how they cope with their lives after they graduate from school. Gen X saga with Ryder as a film maker, Stiller as a cable TV producer who is wooing her...complicated by Eathan Hawke, a cool guy who loves Winona also.

Garofalo is excellant as the best friend.

Check out the scene in the convenience store when My Sharona comes on the radio. (Could you turn it up? You won't regret it!")

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110950/

Mr Blandings Builds His Dream House

Cary Grant and Myrna Loy star in this 1948 comedy directed by H.C. Potter.

Madison Avenue Ad Man (Grant) decides that the apartment in the city is too small for the family and he and his wife embark on building their dream house. Complications ensue. Great fish out of water story as the city folks deal with not only the rural types building their house but also with the fact that the whole project is becoming a money pit.

Expertly handled comedy with Grant and Loy great together.

Look for the scene where Loy describes the color scheme she has in mind with the painters.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0040613/

Thunder Road

1958 film directed by Arthur Ripley starring Robert Mitchum, Gene Barry.

Mitchum as a moonshiner outwitting both the Feds and gangsters who want to get him and his contraband off the road. A cult favorite.

Robert Mitchum also wrote the theme song.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0052293/

Assault on Precinct 13

1976 John Carpenter drama about a police station that falls under siege the night it is scheduled to close its doors for good.

Tense, suspenseful, and way cool.

Skip the remake and stick with the original.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0074156/