Though "Rifkin's Festival" can't compare with Woody Allen's greater works, it is nonetheless full of intelligent observations and polished direction. Wallace Shawn is a weak leading player and the film would have been a lot stronger had Woody himself played the part. Gina Gershon fares better as the ditsy, distracted wife, though viewers will find themselves picturing previous female partners in the role. The fantasy sequences - loving tributes to classic films - enliven what at times becomes rather slow going. The glorious San Sebastian scenery alone is worth watching.
Reviews
189 Reviews
Bell Book and Candle
(1958)
Cool, Daddy-O
13 March 2022
This film doesn't quite succeed as a comedy or a romance, though it tries to be both. What it does well is create an engaging 1950s Greenwich Village atmosphere, full of offbeat art and beatnik cafe society. The French performer (Philippe Clay) at the Zodiac Club is a highlight. Cat lovers will enjoy the ever-present Siamese Pyewacket. Great set designs and costumes. All of which make this movie very watchable for those with a taste for this sort of thing. James Stewart and Kim Novak are an odd pairing, as they were in "Vertigo," though Novak looks a lot better here. Time well spent on a lazy afternoon.
Freud
(1962)
Freudian Slip
21 February 2022
While this film would never set the box office on fire in today's world, there still remains a place for serious, intelligent, albeit talky ventures such as this. Plot is presented as a series of case studies, none of which are particularly convincing. Montgomery Clift's portrayal reveals just as much about the troubled actor himself as it does about Freud. If you've ever wondered what happened to Susan Kohner after her knockout performance in "Imitation of Life," she turns up here in her final film appearance in a very low-key minor role as Freud's wife. Too much attention is paid to Susannah York's character, plagued with a host of psychological ailments. David McCallum's Oedipus complex is far more compelling. The dream sequences are artfully conceived and photographed, adding a spark of excitement to the proceedings. Kino Lorber DVD transfers contain some truly awful commentaries, but this time film historian Tim Lucas' fact-filled narration is as interesting as the film itself.
Vegas Vacation
(1997)
Viva Christie Brinkley
20 February 2022
All the "Vacation" movies are goofy fun and this is no exception. By now we know what we're in for. The jokes are hit and miss so no point nitpicking, just move on to the next one. The cast takes individual turns in silly situations accompanied by old-time Vegas denizens Siegfried & Roy and Wayne Newton. The running gag of the gorgeous blonde in a red convertible has a new twist to it.
Scenes from a Mall
(1991)
Deserves a Second Chance
18 January 2022
Like many viewers, I was underwhelmed by this film in 1991. Thirty-one years later, I'm pleasantly surprised how good it is. Maybe age has something to do with it, both mine and the film's. Bette Midler and Woody Allen turn in great performances. Suspend your disbelief and just enjoy the bright, quick-witted repartee.
The Last Days
(1998)
Ignorance and Hatred Are Alive and Well
31 December 2021
This film is one of the better Holocaust documentaries - concise, stomach-turning, and deeply profound. Should be required viewing in all schools and prisons. What's just as troubling as the subject matter are the overwhelming negative (unhelpful) votes to the many thoughtful reviews on this website. There sure are a lot of haters out there ready to anonymously expose their disregard for human suffering, who would likely be complicit in repeating the worst atrocities known to man.
Altered States
(1980)
Impressive Credentials
5 December 2021
A bizarre film, written by the erudite Paddy Chayefsky and brought to life by the outrageous Ken Russell, turns out to be rather profound and entertaining. Much credit goes to the two leading performers, William Hurt and Blair Brown, who manage the rapid-fire convoluted overlapping dialog with incredible finesse. While keeping the storyline coherent, Russell lets loose with several fantasy sequences which, despite the pre-digital special effects, get the message across. One particular image sticks in mind - the protagonist has reverted to primitive state and is running wild with some dogs. It probably lasts no more than ten seconds, but it's an image only Ken Russell could have conceived and executed so indelibly. Added to this experience is an effective and wholly appropriate score by John Corigliano. Considering what a troubled production this was, it holds up rather well after more than forty years.
The Big Lebowski
(1998)
A Slacker's Rhapsody
21 November 2021
"A Serious Man" is what got me hooked on the Coen brothers. It was well crafted and impeccably observant. And totally oblivious to box-office expectations. "Fargo," for all its violence, reeked of intelligence and style. "The Big Lebowski," despite a host of unlikable characters, is a mixed bag of lowbrow humor executed with a high degree of sophistication. The flights of fancy are worthy of Ken Russell; in fact, the musical production number looks as if it's been lifted from Russell's "The Boy Friend." Jeff Bridges' excellent performance keeps things grounded. There's a tad too much of John Goodman and not enough Steve Buscemi. Julianne Moore delivers a highly amusing touch. The whole thing is raunchy escapism, which may not be for everyone, but is a fine addition to the Coen brothers' unique filmography.
Women in Love
(2011)
Penny Dreadful
24 October 2021
It's hard not to compare this version of "Women in Love" with Ken Russell's 1969 polished rendition. No doubt, viewers interested enough to sit through this 3-hour reinterpretation are familiar with the material. Others may be rightly confused and less than enthused by this slow-moving, cold-hearted rendering. Casting alone doomed this production from the start - Rupert here is quite the nerd. The direction lacks coherence and tension. There's little sense of the milieux from which the characters emerged (particularly in the case of Gerald). Scenes go on far too long. Quite a disappointment on many levels.
The Man Who Fell to Earth
(1976)
A Fungus Among Us
20 September 2021
Never have I seen two less charismatic, less talented lead actors in a movie. David Bowie and Candy Clark are simply unwatchable. This long, boring film makes little sense. Even Nicolas Roeg's renowned eye for cinematography is lifeless. To spice things up, he throws in some gratuitous sex and nudity, which falls flat (in more ways than one). And how about watching the leading lady pee in her pants at the sight of Bowie's alien getup? Can't fathom why this film has its share of devotees. It's an utter embarrassment and complete waste of time. Of note is Stomu Yamashta's brief musical score, some of which was later used in Paul Mazursky's 1982 film "Tempest."
Exodus
(1960)
Get Comfortable
12 September 2021
This long, lumbering epic is best remembered for Ernest Gold's sublime theme music, Saul Bass's seminal title design and Eva Marie Saint's incongruous 1960s wardrobe by mod couturier Rudi Gernreich in a story that takes place in 1948. With enough patience and stamina to sit through all 208 minutes, determined viewers will find much of it rewarding.
Return from the Ashes
(1965)
1965-Style Entertainment
17 June 2021
Here's a sharp-focus, widescreen black & white thriller from 1965. If you're a fan of "Mirage," "My Blood Runs Cold," "Two on a Guillotine," etc., you'll understand and won't be disappointed. Otherwise, things are a bit precarious. Though the film takes place in 1945, clothes and hairstyles are strictly 1965. The low budget is painfully obvious, the studio-bound sets of MGM's British Borehamwood Studios are poor stand-ins for Paris. Ingrid Thulin and Maximilian Schell give fine performances. Samantha Eggar looks beautiful but lacks depth. Director J. Lee Thompson did a fine job with the original 1962 "Cape Fear," a tense drama that holds up well. "Return From the Ashes" just isn't as suspenseful or clever as it tries to be. Plus, its casual handling of the sensitive subject of a Holocaust survivor is clumsy. The film, however, is entertaining nonetheless.
Made in U.S.A
(1966)
Incoherent Waste of Time
27 February 2021
Who told Jean-Luc Godard that he was a good filmmaker? Even his best regarded films ("Breathless," "Contempt") can be a challenge to sit through. This mess is an exercise in pure self-indulgence, as if putting a camera in front of a pretty girl is enough to keep an audience interested while nothing of any consequence happens. Or having to listen to Marianne Faithful's a cappella rendition of her one hit tune.
Belle de Jour
(1967)
Looking Good in YSL
27 February 2021
With all due apologies to feminists out there who admire this film for its supposed frank exploration of female sexuality, let's come down to earth. Deneuve's icy performance reveals little. Her fantasy afternoons don't seem to give her any pleasure or resolve the issues with her husband. Bunuel's heady mix of realism/surrealism does nothing more than confuse the viewer and imply depth when there really is none. "Belle de Jour" is best enjoyed as a two hour fashion show of 1960s Yves Saint Laurent outfits and elaborate hairstyles.
Tokyo Story
(1953)
Universal Truths
27 February 2021
A special film with an important message, "Tokyo Story" should be seen by today's younger generation as a lesson in family dynamics and respect for elders. Unfortunately, it won't appeal to those who would benefit the most from it. However, thoughtful humans who take the time to seek out this film will be rewarded with fine performances, intelligent script, beautiful photography, and a reminder that movies can do more than just entertain.
Cat People
(1982)
Catnap
24 February 2021
If it wasn't for the fact that Nastassja Kinski (looking like a young Isabella Rossellini) walks around naked half the time this film could easily put you to sleep. The ludicrous plot and hackneyed script lack suspense and logic. Special effects are primitive and cheesy even by 1982 standards.
Tristana
(1970)
Bells Are Ringing
24 February 2021
"Tristana" could have benefited from more dreamlike touches from famed surrealist Luis Bunuel. As it stands, the film relies too heavily on the one visual device (you'll know immediately what it is) which, at first sight is startling but, on later inspection, looks rather cheesy. Very little happens and by halfway through the movie you start to ask yourself what's the point. It just doesn't add up to very much. Deneuve looks great and the restored version uncovers some very nice cinematography. "Tristana" is for Bunuel lovers only.
The Honeymoon Killers
(1970)
A Heavyweight Contender
24 February 2021
Despite the gruesome story and obvious low budget production values (at times you can hardly make out the dialogue), "The Honeymoon Killers" succeeds thanks to some inspired directorial touches and superb performances by the two leading players. Scorsese worked on it for a week and it's questionable whether he could have improved upon what's there. When the film starts to become unbearably distasteful, redemption comes in the form a beautifully staged and photographed finale. Not for everyone (thrill seekers and action fans will be disappointed), "The Honeymoon Killers" is an acquired taste that may take several viewings to fully appreciate.
Isadora
(1968)
The Dance of the Seven Veils
24 February 2021
Vanessa Redgrave has a field day with this one. Captured at her peak, she prances and pontificates like a real diva, in a wild assortment of wigs and barely-there outfits. Her unconvincing American accent is the only fault in an otherwise joyous performance. Locations and costumes are outstanding. The new Kino Lorber Blu Ray DVD does justice to the lavish production. Though a bit overlong, the film is never dull and it helps to have a taste for this sort of thing. It's surprising this wasn't a hit in 1968, as it dovetails with that decade's nonconformist and free-spirited nature. Ken Russell's 1966 television version is still much better, but "Isadora" holds up well after more than half a century. Note: The optional audio running commentary on the Kino Lorber Blu Ray DVD is horrendous.
Just Before Nightfall
(1971)
Can't Fall Soon Enough
24 February 2021
This poor excuse for a morality tale has no depth to it. "Just Before Nightfall," a deceptive title, leads one to think it's a suspenseful thriller. Instead it turns out to be dull, slow, full of banal dialog, poor acting, clumsy direction and zero charisma from its ever-present lead, Michel Bouquet. And that "modern" house is a real cheesefest - tacky in the extreme. If you're looking for a tale in the same vein as "Crime and Punishment," take a look at Woody Allen's masterpiece, "Match Point."
Inside Llewyn Davis
(2013)
The Cat Steals The Show
24 February 2021
Coming on the heels of an earlier Coen Brothers' film, "A Serious Man," which had an offbeat, quirky logic to it, "Inside Llewyn Davis" is a disappointment. The biggest fault is the story, which goes nowhere (and literally ends up where it began). Unfortunate, because Oscar Isaac is a charismatic leading man, who manages to hold the whole thing together. The most interesting subplot was the cat. The folk music was supposed to be the major topic of the film, but quickly became irrelevant. Lots of wasted effort here.
All That Heaven Allows
(1955)
Sirk, You Sly Devil...
24 February 2021
Douglas Sirk's melodramatic soap opera from a bygone era requires viewers to bring along a hefty dose of suspension of disbelief. Earthy, handsome Rock Hudson falls madly in love with prim and proper Jane Wyman, whose hairdo alone is enough to scare off even the most ardent Lothario. Yet this film is exceedingly watchable for Russell Metty's Technicolor photography, Frank Skinner's lush musical score, and Sirk's sly penchant for undermining the status quo.
Stardust Memories
(1980)
Ozymandias Melancholia
23 February 2021
"Stardust Memories" is jam-packed with witty one-liners, profound observations, startling sight gags, humor, pathos and everything else that's dear to Woody Allen and his fans. His first outing in years without Diane Keaton (but with a surprising cameo reappearance by ex-wife Louise Lasser) finds Charlotte Rampling in the headlights, giving a stunning performance as a manic depressive. The Fellini-esque style of the film suits the broad canvas Allen successfully covers. Though acclaimed for his writing and directing, Allen is rarely given credit for his acting ability, which, as the central character, is here on full display. As is often the case in Woody Allen films, the minor players and extras are perfectly cast. The mix of reality and fantasy makes for a dizzying, dazzling viewing experience.
To Rome with Love
(2012)
Arrivederci Roma
23 February 2021
"To Rome With Love" fails, but not for lack of trying. It has its moments, but they're few and far between. Most of the running time is spent belaboring ideas that Allen has previously handled a lot better. And unlike many of Allen's films, there are several glaring examples of miscasting (Ellen Page, Jesse Eisenberg). On the plus side, viewers are treated to great location photography, a beautifully staged opera sequence, a ravishing Penelope Cruz ostensibly spewing fluent Italian, and a recurrent use of "Amada mia, amore mio" on the soundtrack.
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