The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974) - 8 stars out of 10

The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974) - 8 stars out of 10

"The Taking of Pelham One Two Three" is an excellent caper film but, unlike most films of this genre, it does not make the robbers into the good guys.  The focus of the story is on the authorities as they try to stop the villains and free the hostages.  Moreover, you will spend the majority of the film wondering how the bad guys can possibly get away.  This film isn't about great acting, though Walter Matthau did a great job of extending the plot while subsequently serving as the comic relief.  Instead of relying on its actors, Pelham's story-telling creates a driving intensity that carries the film from curious start to fantastic finish.  In fact, the majority of my rating for this film was determined in the final 10 seconds as the story was perfectly resolved.  There is some action, particularly in the epic runaway train scene, but the film is primarily a thriller filled with intrigue.  Although it is difficult to distinguish between the bad guys with their matching mustaches, Robert Shaw (from Jaws) is the most memorable villain.  His unpredictability, particularly in his final scene, and mysterious back story kept me wish that he had his own spin-off film.  From start to finish, Pelham is entertaining with unpredictable twists.  Its 2009 remake did not receive positive reviews but do not let that hinder you from giving the original masterpiece a try.

The Accused - 7 stars out of 10

The Accused - 7 stars out of 10

"The Accused" is a landmark film, being the first films to focus on rape as the center of a plot.  It is also chillingly based on a true story and features Jodie Foster in an Oscar-winning role.  Foster is incredible in her transformation from high, irresponsible trailer trash to a woman desperate to have her story heard.  I really did not care for Kelly McGillis.  I've enjoyed her in other films but this role was pretty dull (even though it should've been dynamic) and I felt that she lacked the emotion to compliment Foster's chilling performance.  The rating of this film is high because of Foster's performance and the script, but not as high as it could be because of McGillis' comparatively weak performance.  The writers did a great job, saving the graphic and extensive rape scene for the end of the film.  As a warning, it is very difficult to watch and I would not recommend watching it if you prefer to avoid imagery of this nature; unfortunately, it is the climax of the film and necessary to bring the message home, so if you cannot handle it you should just skip this film altogether.  Part of me wishes that I would have fastforwarded this scene since I felt myself growing ill at these abominable acts on screen, but I now have an even greater appreciation for Jodie Foster and the realism of her traumatic acting.  I will never revist this film due to its graphic content, but this edgy endeavor pushed the boundaries of dramatic film and laid the groundwork for many of the greatest releases today.

Blade Runner - 3 stars out of 10

Blade Runner - 3 stars out of 10

"Blade Runner" is a futuristic robot film noir.  Yes, I really just said that.  If you're confused now, wait until you see the film!  I understand the story but I just don't get it.  There are allegedly several thematic layers to this film but I can't see past the "action" aspect of it; unfortunately, in spite of its plot setting it up to be a great action film, it moves way too slow.  I agree with the film's initial box office failure and not those who have turned it into a cult classic.  I believe that my distaste for the film stems from not experiencing it at a time when it was a revolutionary science fiction film.  People viewing this in 1982 were blown away by some of the effects, but watching it in 2012 left me with the impression of "What's the big deal?"  I do enjoy Harrison Ford's acting and especially enjoyed M. Emmet Walsh's small role, but overall it was rather lackluster.  I didn't really care for Ford's narration during the film.  It was inconsistent, used throughout a portion of the film and then disappearing for the next hour, only to return for the final 10 minutes (I hear that it was removed in one of the several rereleases - looks like that was a good choice).  I knew that I wouldn't be crazy about it but I just couldn't latch onto any of these characters, whether alive or robotic.  The most attention-grabbing thing was Vangelis' future-gothic soundtrack.  It almost becomes ambient at times, perfectly fitting the setting of a futuristic dystopian Los Angeles.  Unless you have a deep interest in sci-fi, you probably won't enjoy this film.  I'm sorry Ridley Scott, but I'm going to stick to "Gladiator."

Beauty and the Beast 3D - 10 stars out of 10

Beauty and the Beast 3D - 10 stars out of 10

Disney has delivered another hit with "Beauty and the Beast" in 3D!  While it can't compare to "The Lion King 3D" (which will never be matched), I will limit my comparisons.  This film works in an entirely different way because it has an entirely different setting.  Instead of taking place completely outdoors on an African plain, "Beauty and the Beast 3D" brings a town to life.  It was natural to create a 3D environment for this film, since it has always been well-known for its use of CGI to create depth in the ballroom scene.  Needless to say, the 3D has brought these effects to an entirely new level.  The jawdropping 3D-ness begins immediately with the stained glass.  The perspective created by zooming in on each picture takes this from an interesting (but less than thrilling) opening to eye candy that prepares you for this glorious film.  The buildings in the town have so much depth and give a totally different effect than "Lion King 3D's" landscapes.  The outdoor shots of the town are the best images of the film... until you get inside of the Beast's Castle.  The vaulted ceilings and long hallways are absolutely stunning.  I honestly have never watched a movie and felt like I was inside of the space with the characters in the way that I felt "inside" of the Beast's Castle.  It creates a feeling of grandeur as well as a feeling of intimidation that you don't get from the original.  A true stroke of genius is the rain and snow effects.  The animators have brought these effects in front of the screen to make the audience feel as if they are in the weather.  I give Disney so much credit for not relying on cheap 3D ping-pong paddle effects.  Nothing needs to fly out of the screen because Disney is creating art with 3D.  If you thought that you got lost in Belle's world the first time that you saw "Beauty and the Beast," wait until you are transported into this 3D paradise.

For my review of the film (and not just the 3D enhancement), see:
http://jonnysdailymoviereview.blogspot.com/2012/01/beauty-and-beast-10-stars-out-of-10.html

Beauty and the Beast - 10 stars out of 10

Beauty and the Beast - 10 stars out of 10

There is a reason that "Beauty and the Beast" is the only hand-animated film to ever be nominated for a Best Picture Oscar - it revolutionized animated films.  The magic begins with its stained glass introduction, serving as a mysterious prologue to prepare the events to come.  I was always bored with this introduction as a child but as an adult, I really appreciate the artistry of this storybook technique.  The writers make the audience fall in love with the main character from the very start with her self-titled song, "Belle."  The details of her personality are revealed through the observations of the French townspeople, singing verses about this peculiar but beautiful heroine.  The combination of her intelligent personality, brown eyes, and gorgeous singing voice of Paige O'Hara make Belle my undisputed favorite Disney Princess.  All of the Disney Princesses show some sort of kindness, but Belle is willing to give up her life to save her father, and all within the first fifteen minutes!  She is simply an amazing character with an amazing voice actor and this story wouldn't work with any other Disney Princess in her position.  As the movie progressed, I was struck by the dark nature of this film.  Unlike many Disney films that provide lengthy comedic scenes to break up the darkness (Timon and Pumbaa, all of the time that Aladdin is "Prince Ali"), "Beauty and the Beast" often has a string of dark scenes, occasionally interrupted by a brief visual gag.  It has an interesting dynamic, with Lumiere and Cogsworth (the comic relief characters) existing within the dark atmosphere, and yet they never seem out of place.  The idea of a "bad guy" is fascinating in this film because it is hard to define.  The Beast is the bad guy for a while, but then Gaston (who is pretty likeable in a dimwitted way) establishes himself as the villain.  Don't forget about Monsieur D'Arque, the owner of the insane asylum and a facilitator in Gaston's scheme.  I enjoy the musical numbers in the film, though I think that they fall short of the memorable songs of the two Disney films that followed (Aladdin and Lion King).  The true stroke of genius by Alan Menkin is his scoring of the soundtrack, manipulating the themes from  Belle and Beauty and the Beast into minor and sometimes frightning renditions.  The most striking example is when Belle first discovers the rose in the West Wing.  It is one of my favorite musical moments in any film, automatically sending chills down my spine.  It is no surprise that Menkin received an Oscar for his scoring of this film.  Everything about this film is right, from the animation of the enchanted castle to the use of Angela Lansbury in a motherly role to the hysterical moments provided by Le Fou.  "Beauty and the Beast" will take you on a journey as a heartless villain turns to a compassionate hero.  Its showstopping numbers intermingle with tender, gentile characters.  The songs will make you smile while the tragedies make you cry but in the end, you'll find that "there's something there that wasn't there before."

The Pride of the Yankees - 10 stars out of 10

The Pride of the Yankees - 10 stars out of 10

There are a lot of amazing sports movies out there, but few are as moving as "The Pride of the Yankees."  Lou Gehrig comes to life in this historically accurate biopic that focuses more on Gehrig's relationships than his sports successes.  It creates a lasting memory of "the man," properly depicting the important relationships with his parents and with his wife.  Being released only a year after his death, it created an admiration from the fans who had memories of him fresh in their minds, and continues to do so for those of us who never had an opportunity to see him play.  Although the film only won one Academy Award, it is still fantastic and deserving of its 10 Oscar nominations.  Gary Cooper (nominated for an Oscar) was absolutely astounding as this gentle giant, despite his real-life lack of interest in baseball.  Interestingly, he couldn't master a left-handed swing, so the film editors reversed the film negatives and Cooper ran to third base after hitting - very clever.  Teresa Wright  (also nominated for an Oscar) is equally wonderful with a charming performance as Gehrig's wife.  She is adorable and thoughtful, and any man would be crazy NOT to want her as his wife after this film!  Aside from the leads, my favorite characters were Walter Brennan as one of Lou's closest friends, as well as Elsa janssen in the role of Gehrig's strong-willed mother.  She provided a lot of the comic relief while making this character an integral part of Gehrig's upbringing and relationship with his wife.  Even more than the film itself, it is so touching that all of these real-life friends of Lou Gehrig came together to be a part of this wondering tribute to their beloved friend.  Babe Ruth, Bob Meusel, Mark Koenig, and Bill Dickey all returned to Yankee Stadium to play themselves, further bringing this story to life.  Though Lou Gehrig came to a tragic end, the film honors his life instead of mourning his death with a very fitting ending in this tribute to one of baseball's finest representatives.