grimmfo Reviews

Creezy (1974)

two films in one

[6/10 · 4 February 2005]

Alain Delon plays the leader of a small leftist political party in France who has been offered a cabinet position in a coalition government. The party is split on the issue and much debate occurs. Meanwhile, Delon's character has become romantically involved with a beautiful model - Creezy (Sydne Rome), despite the fact he is married to a wealthy woman and has a teenage son. He is ambitious to advance in government, yet he loves his romps with Creezy. Much talk ensues. Plus, his mentor is a rich widow (Jeanne Moreau),well never mind. So, two movies. Political story and love story. Or, maybe three, as Rome spends a lot of time topless.(Several times I thought - Bill Clinton should have been so lucky.) Amusing.

Full Moon in New York (1989)

A Witty, Warm and Wise Film

[9/10 · 9 October 2004]

Stanley Kwan's "Full Moon In New York" is a tale of three very different Chinese women (a passive one from the mainland, an aspiring actress from Taiwan, and a pushy business woman from Hong Kong) living in New York City and their unlikely friendship. Kwan's direction of the terrific screenplay by Yan and Zhong is first-rate. The three leading ladies are all excellent, as is, I believe, Richard Hsiung (the credits are not clear), as Stchingowa's rich, uncomprehending husband. Search it out - a wonderful little film.

Dead Heat (1988)

possibly the worst movie ever made

[1/10 · 4 May 2004]

"Dead Heat" is possibly the best argument against drugs I've ever seen. Only some wigged out studio execs could have passed on this terminally stupid movie. The very fact that a studio spent a fair amount of money on this is appalling. Almost everything about "Dead Heat" is idiotic - the concept, the execution, a good chunk of the acting (this had to set back Treat Williams career).

The contempt for the female characters in this macho exercise is abominable.

This film makes the work of Ed Wood look like art. So let me repeat - stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid, stupid. All concerned should have hung their heads in shame.

The Underworld Story (1950)

hard hitting unknown film

[9/10 · 30 April 2003]

The sleeve on the VHS release of "Underworld Story" calls it "a powerful indictment of sensationalistic journalism." But this very interesting little "B" film's real "powerful indictment" is against the methods of the House Un-American Activities Committee in its search, during the late 1940's and early 1950's, for Communists and fellow travelers in America, especially in the film industry. "Underworld Story" was filmed just after HUAC's hearings of 1949/50 had ended. It was released (1951, through United Artists)as the first of the Hollywood Ten were going off to prison. Both director Cyril Enfield and screenwriter Henry Blankfort were "named" as Communists and both ended up blacklisted (as was actor Howard DaSilva). "Underworld Story" is not mentioned in the various books on the Hollywood blacklist, probably because it was an indie genre picture and lacked the cachet of a big-budget major studio effort. But, make no mistake, "Underworld Story" is a savage indictment of witch hunts, moral ambivalence and racism. All this would be very dry, but "Underworld Story" - although the story is familiar (cad sees the light) - is well plotted, well written, and well acted.