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Reviews
Cry Tough (1959)
Sequel to Amboy Dukes
I haven't seen this Flick ! I keep asking TCM to show it. It is interesting in that the main character ,John Saxon, was a member of the Amboy Dukes, a Brooklyn street gang in an eponymous bestselling book of the post war J/D era. The Amboy Dukes was filmed as "City Across the River" - it was Tony Curtis's first film appearance. It was a passable, somewhat tepid version of the famous novel. This one, "Cry Tough" is a common book on the collector's vintage PB market, but this film has never been on VHS, LD, much less DVD. A reviewer above states he saw it on TCM. I've requested it from their library, to no avail. A rarely seen film. Lets get it out on DVD, it can't be worse than a lot of the junk available ! It may be a "Film Noir" in style, "City Across the River" is classified thus.
Safety Not Guaranteed (2012)
Low Budget Sleeper
Based on an excellent story, superb casting , heartfelt - just see it. The interaction - and relationship development between the players is excellent. What a refreshing break from comic book inspired 'action films' and other slick nonsense. The relationship between Darius and Jeff is very poignant. One wishes it went on to what hapened next, but this could have damaged the delicate balance. The director knew this and chose not to go that route. The dialog is playful & witty. The music is nice. I think that stringed instrument Jeff plays for Darius's in the fine camp scene is actually called a Dulcimer not a Zither ? James Baesel Lakewood,Ohio USA
The Salton Sea (2002)
A Genuine Sleeper
I can't say much more than has been said already about this superb modern "film noir".Anyone who is familiar with the actual Salton Sea in SoCal knows what a great metaphor it is for this dark tale. I also will never understand why a film of this caliber,with such a fine cast and photography wasn't shown at theaters. Kudos to Caruso,Kilmer,D'Onfrio & Co.
The Deep End (2001)
Remake of Max Ophuls Classic 1949 Film Noir"Reckless Moment"
To Film Noir buffs and collectors "Reckless Moment" 1949 with James Mason and Joan Bennett is considered an important,unusual and stand out film.I thought "Deep End" was a very good re-make.The only important change from the original is the "Gay" twist,which updates it,I guess.A bit slow,it comes off more as a character study than a "Taught Thriller".Still,when modern directors try and update/remake classic Film Noir they usually are less successful than with this one.Unfortunately the original film has never been released on VHS,LD,or DVD and is seldom shown on TV.I was a bit surprised that no-one else mentions or compares these two films,probably because it's almost impossible to view "Reckless Moment".7 of 10. JB
Main Street After Dark (1945)
Worthwhile Offbeat Period Piece
The fascinating notion of a family of pick-pockets during WW II,headed by a female 'Ma',is explored in this strange movie.When the older daughter's husband gets out of prison he commits an armed robbery ending in murder,which brings the police down on the family.'Ma' has two daughters and a son involved in "patty rolling"[pick-pocketing & stealing watches from servicemen].Too straight forward to be a Film Noir,it nevertheless has aspects of the style,especially the photography of the night streets & dance halls.It also has "Noir Icons" Audrey Totter & Dan Duryea in it.Hume Cronyn is very good as a smarmy "Fence".Edward Arnold is the chief detective who eventually brings down the family.The son[Duryea] is killed,and the women and son in law are shown in prison.Arnold ends the film with a pseudo sociological speech on crime.This period piece/oddity is well worth the hour it takes to watch it.If it were more well known it has enough idiosyncrasies to make it a cult film.
Lulu on the Bridge (1998)
Kafkaesque Dream
Most of the criticism I see for this film is from people looking for objectivity where it doesn't belong.Do you find "Plot Holes" in dreams? A fine little gem.A Noirish love story with magical overtones that works on many levels.The reference to the classic silent film Pandora's Box with Louise Brooks is fascinating.One thing-On the DVD version there are several "deleted scenes".One has Mira Sorvino as a prostitute in a shabby apartment with two male characters not in the final cut.Where would this have been intended?
Picking Up the Pieces (2000)
Bryan in San Diego is right on the money.Its clear to any Woody Allen fan that at the very least he wrote his own gags,and probably contributed a lot more.
Anyone taking personal offense from this is missing the point.Maybe films like this should be labeled "Warning;some people may be religiously offended by this material". Actually it is another flawed gem of Allen's, an above average black comedy with great spiritual irony and very entertaining as well.Definitely worth seeing for Woody Allen fans and more.
A Simple Plan (1998)
Actually a very good film.Fine photography.Reminded a little of Fargo
A good,simple story of greed interjecting itself among brothers & friends.Enough Noirish twists to keep ones interest. May be Bridget Fonda's best role. Someone once said a good "Film Noir" can't have an up-beat ending. Superb photography of the upper mid-west in Winter reminded me of Fargo.
Alligator Eyes (1990)
strange B Noir
A young couple pick up an attractive young woman hitch-hiking in North Carolina. They soon notice that she is blind {she hides this fact quite well}! She leads the couple on an odyssey through the outer banks area including Ocracoke and another island. Her reason for the search is gradually revealed through flashbacks. While straining credulity this low budget somewhat amateurish film noir has its moments. The on -location photography adds a good deal to the strange ethereal quality of the film.The ending is sufficiently bizarre.