As usual, full reviews can be found at,
Bill's Movie Emporium
http://billsmovieemporium.wordpress.com/
Gone Baby Gone (2007)
I really did love this movie. I liked Ben Affleck's direction, he didn't do anything spectacular, but he kept me engaged in what was happening and there were certain scenes, like the late night rock incident, where I thought he showed a real director's flair. Casey Affleck, Ed Harris, et al were very good, but Amy Ryan was fantastic and all kinds of scummy. Morgan Freeman needs to do something else though, this was the 89th movie of his where he plays the same exact character.
The Philadelphia Story (1940)
I suppose that the biggest problem of a film that boasts Jimmy Stewart, Katherine Hepburn and Cary Grant as its leads is that the other actors have a tall order to keep up with. Every other actor in The Philadelphia story was up to the task sans one, John Howard. I found him far too weak when compared to Grant and Stewart to be any sort of believable third option in a love triangle. Otherwise this was funny throughout, with a great story about finding redemption or changing yourself for the better.
All About Eve (1950)
Pretty great, although I don't think I was taken with it as much as others were. My only real problem, and it was a big one was the conversation in front of the Shubert Theater, such a fake backdrop and the moment they started walking it was so bad I realized I was watching a movie. Other than that, really good dialogue, good acting, a well made film, but man, that one scene just kills it.
Tenkû No Shiro Rapyuta (Castle In The Sky, 1986)
Great animation, a lot of fun, cool characters, deep messages, great action, I can't say anything bad about this film. Yet another gem from Miyazaki, a really cool movie that plays across so many genres and should be fun for anyone.
C’era Una Volta Il West (Once Upon A Time In The West, 1968)
If pressed I would pick this as Leone's best film, slightly edging out The Good, The Bad And The Ugly. This for me is the film that really showcases Leone's abilities as a director, his excellent framing choices, how he introduces characters and locales and more. It's still slick and full of great dialogue, and some truly excellent acting from Henry Fonda, Charles Bronson and Jason Robards, with the classic Leone showdown, but more than anything I saw this as Leone showing his prowess as a director.
Scanners (1981)
I realize most Cronenberg fans love this movie and that I as a huge Cronenberg fan should as well, but I never have. Unrealized is what I get every time I watch Scanners, a man full of brilliant ideas that in this case failed to fully realize them on screen. Instead of a great movie we are left with a series of interesting ideas that never form a cohesive whole or go beyond the idea stage.
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
A pretty good opening twenty minute set-up is never followed up on, after that it's bland "person disappears, another person disappears, scream a lot, look at the camera crazy, scream some more, look crazy again, run for it." I wasted an hour and a half on a movie where nothing happens.
I Was A Male War Bride (1949)
Cary Grant in drag, lots of funny stuff, some works, some doesn't, I enjoyed it, that's all there is.
Employee Of The Month (2004)
Jenna Fischer plays an awesome prostitute and I always have a lot of fun with this movie. But, it's pretty darn mediocre bordering on downright bad, yet for some reason I always enjoy it.
Havoc (2005)
I laughed and laughed at this, but I don't think I was supposed to. Anne Hathaway and Bijou Phillips are all kinds of hot and get naked, but that's the only positive to be found here. Otherwise it's like every bad stereotype and caricature you can think of, and as someone who grew up near gangs and interacted with them on a regular basis it's quite hilarious to watch this and think the film maker was trying to be serious.
One, Two, Three (1961)
That James Cagney sure is funny and he plays manic paced comedy better than anyone. One, Two, Three also had some Billy Wilder touches in regards to social issues at the time and Wilder's sardonic way of looking at things. A few scenes fell short, but I really enjoyed this.
Ninotchka (1939)
It's still weird to see Greta Garbo in a comedy, but she is very good as the incredibly straight Soviet who is funny based on her outlook on life alone and how they defines her demeanor. The supporting cast was also very good, and the film had a sweet vibe to it. Only problem was it went on too long, trying to stretch out the ending when it didn't need to.
Dumbo (1941)
A lot of fun and really sweet, but it did feel like it was missing something. Maybe it was the lack of depth to the story and characters or the running time, but for all its charm it felt a little hollow.
Witness For The Prosecution (1957)
Great court drama, Charles Laughton was especially great. The twist is well handled and Marlene Dietrich is masterful in helping to pull that off. Some comedic moments as well, and I was engaged throughout. Tyrone Power was a bit off in his acting and there were a few other problems, but a very enjoyable movie.
Gerry (2002)
A movie that is definitely not for everyone. If you had problems with the stark nature of Elephant and Paranoid Park for instance I can easily see you hating Gerry. I loved it, I love Van Sant's style and how every moment of his movies are designed to make you think.
