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LJMJCollins
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Alfred Hitchcock Presents: The Kiss-Off (1961)
It's the Hays Code
Many people understandably dislike the tiresome "crime does not pay" epilogues on this show. I ignore these epilogues since they often spoil the fun of the episode, or dilute the twist. These objectionable epilogues are not Hitchcock's idea, it was the Hays Code in force at the time for making movies and television shows: all criminal action had to be punished, and neither the crime nor the criminal could elicit sympathy from the audience, or the audience must at least be made aware that such behavior is wrong, usually through "compensating moral value."
I'm sure Hitch didn't like it any more than we do.
Paterson (2016)
Weaves a magic spell
I can understand why some people might not appreciate this, it's not for all tastes, but I found it absorbing and hypnotic - - lovely, subtle, wise. Everybody counts.
A Quiet Place Part II (2020)
Worth watching
Krasinski is missed, and it lacks much of the freshness of the original, but it is definitely worth watching, and it's great to back in theaters again. :)
Tenet (2020)
Gonna wait for DVD
With so many saying how hard it is to hear the dialogue, and after months of theater closures, we don't want to return to the theater only to be frustrated. Decided to wait until the DVD comes out with subtitles.
Magnolia (1999)
Maybe it's both
This is either an incessantly foul-mouthed, overlong, overwrought, self indulgent melodrama you can hardly get through... or a unique, marvelous, spellbinding tale of connection, loneliness, failure and forgiveness, and the lasting effect of abuse/neglect of children, especially by fathers, that reaches inside you. I can't decide which. Maybe it's both. I do know there are parts I will never forget.
Green Book (2018)
Marvelous
Rich period flavor. Immersive, totally believable acting by the two leads. Mahershala Ali's portrayal of Dr. Shirley's loneliness, and his determined, quiet nobility despite crushing indignities, touched my heart. I think I'll go back to the theater soon to see it again. Just an excellent job all around.
Looney Tunes 50th Anniversary (1986)
Lots of fun
I guess we're in the minority, judging from the other comments here, but my family and I thought this was a lot of fun. The celebrities playing it straight in their remarks, input from behind-the-scenes Looney Tunes veterans, and the great old clips, combine to make this fun, clever, surprising viewing. :)
The End of the Affair (1955)
Moody and mysterious...
Van Johnson is good as the brooding Maurice Bendrix, and Deborah Kerr is marvelous in the challenging, nuanced role of Sarah Miles. Realistic flavor of WWII London, haunting music, excellent direction and performances combine to make this a memorable, mature film that invites multiple viewings.
Husbands (1970)
What a letdown
I am a fan of Cassavetes. He's never easy. He is fascinating, trenchant, profoundly perceptive. His movies don't allow you to get too comfortable but keep you off balance as you watch the stories unfold in unexpected ways. Repeat viewings of his movies reveal subtle hidden treasures. I have liked every movie of his I have seen, until now.
Husbands has some tremendous, insightful moments in powerful scenes, but these are mired in discouragingly extended sophomoric stretches and a surprising lack of heart. There's more to Cassavetes than this. As I watched this movie I couldn't help wondering if it was filmed by someone who was trying to imitate Cassavetes' style, but not quite making it.
Heaven Can Wait (1978)
Lovely movie that might have been better
PROS:
--Amiable, uplifting
--Beatty likable as guileless Joe Pendleton
--Charles Grodin's droll/dry humor, especially in a few hilarious, memorable scenes with Dyan Cannon
--Truly good natured film
CONS:
--Little chemistry between Warren Beatty and Julie Christie; wonder what the movie would have been like with a different actress
--Disappointing ending that contradicts the central theme of the movie, as Joe's personality and memories are lost, with faithful Max Corkle losing his friend
I've liked this movie for almost forty years now, despite its less-than-perfect aspects. It's like an old friend. :)