Brewster's Millions (1945) - 4 stars out of 10
"Brewster's Millions" is a classic story that has been put onto the silver screen several times. The 1945 version is not my favorite version but it still brings the story to life in an entertaining way. I think that the problem with this film is its cast. Dennis O'Keefe is good in the titular role as he has to spend a fortune in as many clever ways as he can muster. I also really enjoyed Eddie Anderson as the loyal servant who is overly supportive of his boss' spending. But the rest of the cast is flat and unmemorable. Although the story is a comedy, this version may be a bit too lighthearted and losing the anxiety for Brewster to succeed. The horse race scene is definitely memorable and I thought that the ending was very clever and comical. While I much prefer the 1985 Richard Pryor version, this edition of "Brewster's Millions" still creates that exhilaration as one man throws away everything that he has.
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Friday, May 10, 2013
The Crow - 5 stars out of 10
The Crow - 5 stars out of 10
While "The Crow" enjoyed critical and box office success, I just wasn't impressed. The film is legendary as the final performance of Brandon Lee, who was accidentally killed during the production of the film. Perhaps every frame would appear more haunting (like footage of Heath Ledger in "The Dark Knight") if I had been aware of what was occurring when the film came out, but it was just another film to me. The concept is interesting as a murdered man has the opportunity to avenge his own death. While the concept is obviously science fiction, too much mysticism (invincibility through the crow, transferring pain) takes any realism out of the film and kept me from emotionally committing to it. The violence is graphic in an awesome way and, from a special effects standpoint, "The Crow" really pushed the boundaries of realism and was very innovative for its time. While I didn't love it, the critics validate this film's quality and its audience appeal makes it worth seeing at least once.
While "The Crow" enjoyed critical and box office success, I just wasn't impressed. The film is legendary as the final performance of Brandon Lee, who was accidentally killed during the production of the film. Perhaps every frame would appear more haunting (like footage of Heath Ledger in "The Dark Knight") if I had been aware of what was occurring when the film came out, but it was just another film to me. The concept is interesting as a murdered man has the opportunity to avenge his own death. While the concept is obviously science fiction, too much mysticism (invincibility through the crow, transferring pain) takes any realism out of the film and kept me from emotionally committing to it. The violence is graphic in an awesome way and, from a special effects standpoint, "The Crow" really pushed the boundaries of realism and was very innovative for its time. While I didn't love it, the critics validate this film's quality and its audience appeal makes it worth seeing at least once.
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