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Reviews
A Midsummer Night's Dream (1935)
A most interesting film
How can one have spoilers when making comment on a film that came out in 1935? In any event, I saw this on DVD. In fact I saw it three times over a two night period. The first time my response to it was so so, but the film grows on one, especially after watching it with Scott McQueen's most interesting commentary. A number of points that have not been mentioned in the earlier entries: 1) the film is cut to make it move quickly -- look at the introduction to the enchanted forest -- the scenes are in seconds. This makes the film look very modern, particularly when compared to a film like Gone with the Wind which uses a lot of long shots and dolly in shots. 2) the fairy, goblin orchestra -- wow -- it reminds me of the cantina scene in Star Wars III. The strange instruments and the strange faces are other worldly. No one has commented on Joe E Brown's performance. It is a lesion in expert commedianship. He does very little, but he is very funny. This film was truly ahead of its time. It is a bit slow and to some degree irritating today but it well worth watching.
The Tempest (1983)
not bad considering what else is available
The is a pseudo staged production. It seems as if on stage but is most likely filmed in a studio. It claims to mimic production techniques of the 16th century though it uses women in the female roles. I have not seen a good Tempest on DVD. This is one of two I have been able to find. Consider the lack of competition this is the better of the two, but it is not great. The acting is uneven. Efrem Zimbalist does a nice job as Prospero. It seems like most of the text is present. the speaking cadences are reasonable and it does not descend into the rapid sing song Shakespeare speech that one often hears on stage (the I can't believe I said the whole thing) type of declamation. Good luck finding it on DVD. I have a copy, but I am not sure it is still available through the usual outlets
Minstrel Man (1944)
enjoyable but derivative
This is a very short movie -- a little over one hour. For a movie this short it tries to hard to look at growth, defeat, and recovery. Many of the scenes seem to come from other movies. Many of the actresses seem to be mimicking others also -- a blond Ginger Rodgers type, the child star growing up, an Al Jolson type lead. despite this we enjoyed watching this film. The staging of the minstrel numbers was enjoyable and gave some insight into techniques that are no longer in use. the ubiquitous black face will be a turn off to many. Black face appears in many of the major scenes. The version we saw was on DVD. The transfer was acceptable especially considering the bargain basement price, but many of the blacks were washed out. For those interested in musicals, this clearly second level, film shows what happens when garland, Astaire and the other greats are missing
The Lake House (2006)
nice romantic comedy even though it ignores science
This is a nice film. Sandra Bullock and Keenau Reeves go well together. The developing relationship is believable at least to those that have seen 84 Charing Cross Road, Somewhere in time, and Kate and Leopold. Why a mail box can form a bridge in time or a dog can be in both places at once requires a leap of faith that can be difficult for some. The blithe alteration in the time line without consequence should make science fiction fans groan in pain. My biggest complaint is what happened to the dog. The dog forms a key bridge between time lines, yet is gone in the last scene. I cannot believe that the focus groups who screened the movie were not moved by the presence and then the discarding of the dog. Finally this is one of the few recent films without any digital effects houses -- kind of old fashioned in that respect
Wandafuru raifu (1998)
gentle, a little slow but lovely
I have now watched this film twice on DVD. It grows with re-watching. The subtle development is easily missed in translation, my wife fell asleep during several key scenes and this film is now added to the list I can only watch alone, late at night after she has gone to sleep. By current film standards it is very slow. There is very little action, only occasional background music, and no special effects. However it is gentle, sweet and the themes fairly profound. This most recent time I watched it right after I watched another "what have you done with your life" film called "defending your life" They make a nice pair, similar concept but different approaches.
The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl 3-D (2005)
i liked it
I did not see this movie in the theater, but I have seen it twice at home on DVD. On a 52 inch HDTV the 16:9 enhanced DVD and DTS sound is really neat. I agree that the 3D effects don't jump out all of the time, but a shark in the lap is not too bad. I am much older than 6. I have not seen any of Robert Rodriguez's work before, but based on this movie I will get more. I personally think that 3D has a lot to offer and remains one of the unexplored areas of cinema. The acting does leave much to be desired, but against the fantastical digital background i am not sure great acting would be of any benefit. Put the kids to bed and watch it while having a nice glass of wine. The movie might "grow" on you
The Story of Gilbert and Sullivan (1953)
wish i could get a copy
I have a poor copy that was probably made off the air. Despite the technical shortcomings, the film is a delight to watch. The staging of the various operetta's was done with taste and love. I watch it at least once a year and enjoy it each time. I only wish I could find a reasonable copy. It seems to have vanished.
Shakespeare in Love (1998)
Excellent
I have only seen the film three times, so I am not sure that I have picked up everything that is packed into this splendid, beautifully acted, directed and edited film. Many of the other comments have discussed the actors, etc. The photography and editing are also splendid. The color palette used, heavy on earth tones, appears like many paintings on medieval themes. The editing is extremely tight and at times the camera seems to "dance" among the characters. I suggest that more than one viewing will greatly enhance the appreciate of this film.