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Trapped (1949)
Barbara Lee Payton Redfield; November 16, 1927 - May 8, 1967)
Before making Hollywood epics such as Tora! Tora! Tora! And 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, director Richard Fleischer started his career with a series of low-budget B-features, often taking ripped-from-the-headlines tales of crime stories and spinning them into noir gold... of which an exquisite example is 1949's endlessly entertaining Trapped.
This 1949 film noir was believed to have suffered the unfortunate fate of many B-films of the era--oblivion. It was restored through the efforts of the Film Noir Foundation directed by the "Czar of Noir", Eddie Muller. Muller advocated vigorously for the restoration of this film.
.Payton's hard drinking and hard living ultimately destroyed her physically and emotionally.
She began to haunt the seedy bars of Hollywood, picking up tricks, getting money and then spending it on drink. Her face was bloated and her hands dirty and her once beautifully manicured nails were cracked and broken. In 1962 she was found, covered with bruises, sleeping on a Sunset Boulevard bus stop bench in a bathing suit and a coat, and was charged with public drunkenness.
In the Spring of 1963, she was knifed by a trick and received 38 stitches for the wound. In 1964 she was arrested for shoplifting. The following year she was charged with possession of heroin and a hypodermic syringe. The charges were dismissed due to insufficient evidence.
In all, Barbara spent about 7 years destitute and making a living as a skid-row prostitute. On May 8, 1967, she collapsed on the bathroom floor in her parents' home and died in her mother's arms. She was 39 years old.
The Alamo (2004)
"Remember the Alamo!"
It does romanticize the events associated with the Alamo,but nothing like the John Wayne version of American propaganda (Wich I am fine with .. It John Wayne one of my favorite actors of all-time ). This version strives for historical accuracy and manages to humanize the historical figures on which it focuses. Historical drama detailing the 1835-36 Texas revolution before, during, and after the famous siege of the Alamo (February 23-March 6, 1836) where 183 Texans (American-born Texans) and Tejanos (Mexican-born Texans) commanded by Colonel Travis, along with Davey Crockett and Jim Bowie, were besieged in an abandoned mission outside San Antonio by a Mexican army of nearly 2,000 men under the personal command of the dictator of Mexico, General Santa Anna, as well as detailing the Battle of San Jacinto (April 21, 1836) where General Sam Houston's rag-tag army of Texans took on and defeated Santa Anna's army which led to the Independence of Texas.
Contrary to the popular image, this movie accurately portrays the Alamo without its iconic bell-shaped facade atop the front wall of the church. That was added by the U. S. Army in 1850, 14 years after the battle. The John Wayne 1960 version made an attempt to recreate the facade as it exists now, but in fact, the roof of the church was flat all the way across in 1836.
For serious students of history of the Alamo, director John Lee Hancock's "The Alamo" can't be beat. According to my research on this film ; Every phase of the battle (a night battle which lasted about 90 minutes) is accurately depicted. The movie shows how outlying sentries, sleep deprived after days of shelling, were bayoneted during the initial charge, how the Mexican battalions first scaled the north wall where Travis was killed, shot between the eyes, how defenders retreated into buildings lining the walls where terrible close-quarters fighting took place, and how the last defenders, including David Crockett, retreated into the chapel at the end.
The film presents the view that some defenders, including Crockett, were captured and executed shortly after the battle. This controversial scenario is taken from the diary of a Mexican officer, Enrique De La Pena.
Several people that played Texan extras in the movie are actual descendants of the defenders of the Alamo.
The film is a little "long -in the -tooth . But it is Crockett (brilliantly conceived by Billy Bob Thornton) who captures and holds your attention. I very much enjoyed this under rated piece of film making.
The Big Combo (1955)
solid 7 but Alton's cinematography gets a 10/10
A quality B-film, satisfying and dark. I liked the film's direction, music and photography.
Low-key photography by John Alton, one of his best !!
John Alton shot 30 B-movies in seven years, mostly for Republic Pictures and RKO. He then worked with director Anthony Mann to make T-Men (1947) and became one of the most sought-after cinematographers of the time being known for unconventional camera angles-especially low camera shots. His style is most notable in the films noir: He Walked by Night (1948), The Amazing Mr. X (1948), Raw Deal (1948) and The Big Combo (1955).
The iconic airport conclusion to the film demonstrates John Alton's cinematographic style.
I have never seen Jean Wallace in a film she was an exceptional beauty.
"The Big Combo" is an unusually hardboiled, over the top tale of revenge and murder that will please and perhaps even surprise noir and crime-drama fans. Terrific lighting and photography make this an exceptional crime drama where shades of gray makes the film a notch above the ordinary.
I rate this Sleazy gangster-noir tale of obsession and revenge a solid 7 but Alton's cinematography gets a 10/10
John Alton (October 5, 1901 - June 2, 1996)
Alton's last film was Elmer Gantry (1960). He worked with director Charles Crichton on Birdman of Alcatraz (1962) but both were fired after two weeks and Alton quit the industry. In 1966, Alton shot the pilot for Mission: Impossible, which became a successful television series.
The Wolf Man (1941)
THE WOLF MAN "A Universal Cast is Worth Repeating"
The werewolf horror subgenre features the depiction of werewolves as central figures of fear and terror. These mythical creatures transform from human to wolf-like forms. Werewolf horror stories typically explore the consequences of these transformations, as well as the violence and chaos that accompany them.
The Wolf Man (1941) is considered a classic horror film and one of the best Universal monster movies.
Lon Chaney Jr.'s performance was praised by critics and is in my onion one of his best .
The film is a handsomely told tale with deep themes and inescapable tragedy. The '30s and '40s of made fun, slick horror films that last never more than 75 minutes in length. The Wolf Man is an entertaining ride that has the perfect length to tell its story. The film is a focused, impactful, and totally memorable piece of horror.
"A Universal Cast is Worth Repeating" and nowhere is that truer than in THE WOLF MAN. Scream Queen Evelyn Ankers was Universal's go-to girl when it came to horror, and she's at her best in this one. Bela the gypsy is of course horror icon Bela Lugosi. Lugosi only gets about two minutes of screen time as the doomed gypsy, but he makes the most of it, playing the part with an understated melancholy. The Invisible Man himself, Claude Rains lends dignity to Sir John, who refuses to believe his son is a werewolf. Also giving a dignified performance is diminutive Russian actress Maria Ouspenskaya as Maleva.
Bela was a gypsy a werewolf and a character from the 1941 Universal Classic film The Wolf Man. He was played by the legendary actor Bela Lugosi who also played Count Dracula.
Evelyn Ankers, a beautiful movie actress who was a staple of Universal's horror films in the 1940s,
Blonde British actress, born in Chile, who, after stage experience and a modest career in British films, went to Hollywood where she was nicknamed "Queen of the Horrors" and "The Screamer" because of the numerous "B" horror and action movies in which she starred during the 1940s, mostly at Universal. Ankers' best-remembered film is probably "The Wolf Man" (1941)
The Wolf Man is about an aristocrat who returns to his father's estate, meets a beautiful woman, and uncovers a horrifying curse.
The United States Postal Service (USPS) issued the Classic Movie Monsters stamps on September 30, 1997 in Universal City, California. The set of five 32-cent stamps featured iconic movie monsters and the actors who portrayed them:
Dracula: Bela Lugosi
The Phantom of the Opera: Lon Chaney
The Wolf Man: Lon Chaney, Jr.
The Mummy: Boris Karloff
Frankenstein's monster: Boris Karloff.
The Crooked Way (1949)
the real star is DP John Alton
A well made, above average noir that benefits from a superior visual flair. By the master of film Noir lighting.
War hero recovers from amnesia and is confronted by his criminal past.
John Alton was considered a master of film noir cinematography because of his exceptional ability to manipulate light and shadow, creating a visually striking and atmospheric style that perfectly captured the dark, mysterious mood of the genre, often using unconventional camera angles and low-key lighting to emphasize the psychological tension of the scenes.
In the 1949 United Artists release The Crooked Way (90 mins) a WW2 vet with amnesia returns to Los Angeles to find himself. Turns out his past is less than savory. A stolid performance by John Payne as the vet is limiting, but the no-nonsense screenplay avoids melodrama and sustains interest to a violently baroque shootout at the end. Solid cameos by Sonny Tufts as a vindictive gang boss and the ever-worthy Percy Helton as a consumptive small-time hood add value. Minor actress Ellen Drew as the wife the vet didn't know he had, delivers a great portrayal worthy of Ida Lapino or Claire Trevor - a woman made hard and vengeful by past mistreatment softens into a loyal partner and lover.
But the real star is DP John Alton who delivers expressive noir visuals that are breathtaking and so accomplished they underpin the direction of Robert Florey.
Silent Hill (2006)
twisted hell filled with bizarre denizens straight out of a nightmare.
He idea of the film adaptation of Silent Hill (1999) video game,was voiced by director Christophe Gans for the first time to producer Samuel Hadida. Hadida, knowing the game's rich visual aesthetics, believed that eerie storytelling matched Gans' encyclopedic knowledge of cinematography. Gans presented his vision of the film and how important the games are to him in a 37-minute video with Japanese subtitles, which was shown at a meeting of the Konami board of directors. Representatives of the company realized that Gans was the only one among the major studios fighting for the right to film adaptation who understood the essence of the game, and the director received the filming rights after two months, which he sought for a total of five years.
Did his efforts payoff ......... absolutely and in "spades". Silent Hill exists simultaneously in four different variations: the city of the 1970s, Silent Hill in the present, Silent Hill in the fog, and Silent Hill in the darkness. Wrap your heads around that !
Unable to accept the fact that her daughter is dying, Rose (Radha Mitchell) decides to take the girl to a faith healer. On the way, the pair drive through a portal in reality, leading to an eerie town called Silent Hill. The town is surrounded by a potent darkness, and the human survivors fight a losing battle against it.
Radha Mitchell plays Rose Da Silva, the mom who partners cop Cybil Bennett (Laurie Holden) who assists her in the paranormal realm of Silent Hill to track down Sharon (Jodelle Ferland), a creepy kid , who holds the key to the entire reals of the nether world psychological whodunnit. What can be found in Silent Hill is a mystery, along with a group of religious fanatics hiding in their own manufactured Purgatory. Sean Bean as Rose's husband. His role is actually to accentuate that Silent Hill exists on different realms, with him being in the "real world" while the others are trapped in another plane of existence.
I have never played the games, but from an entertainment level standpoint, "Silent Hill" is one of the best game-to-movie adaptations I have ever seen. It had some very good atmosphere, such as the abandoned town and the "ash snowfall" that was both peaceful and ominous. Then there were the times when the bell would ring, and everything would turn into a twisted hell filled with bizarre denizens straight out of a nightmare.
You slowly learn bit by bit more about the story until the imminent "darkness" comes and horrors come flooding from beyond rusted iron fences and dark dangerous corridors and then it's about mere survival. The focus is the scary atmosphere and the interaction with this decrepit and horrific ghost town via the main character as the plot unfolds sort of in the background. I think they do this so extremely well. 8.5/10.
Detour (1945)
Detour (1945) Film Noir Hard Boiled Dialog 9/10
Poverty Row is a slang term for small Hollywood studios that produced B movies from the 1920s to the 1950s, typically with much smaller budgets and lower production values than those of the major studios. Are some of the best Noirs Hollywood has to offer.
Film critic Roger Ebert wrote "This movie from Hollywood's poverty row, shot in six days, filled with technical errors and ham-handed narrative, starring a man who can only pout and a woman who can only sneer, should have faded from sight soon after it was released in 1945. And yet it lives on, haunting and creepy, an embodiment of the guilty soul of film noir. No one who has seen it has easily forgotten it."
The whole film, has a bizarre atmosphere. "Detour" is a standout noir, made in 1945 for pennies.
The acting and much of the dialogue is very fast tonged and Hard Boiled !!, it fits the story as so much of it involves conveying the emotion and doing so from the point of view of Al. Bogart and Mitchum wouldn't have been right for this lead role. Either one of them would have come across as either too cool or too tough to put up with such a domineering femme fatale as Ann Savage's Vera and seem so depressed and pathetic. Instead, Tom Neal is perfect as a guy who sees himself bound by fate and doomed.
Classic Film Noirs photography ...light & Shadows.
Out of the Past (1947)
100 proof Noir that goes down smooth !
One of the greatest film noirs ever made. Every single line of dialogue in this film is razor sharp. I appreciate the shrewd and snappy dialogue of the 40s and 50s that pairs so well with the cynicism of Noir. Film noir is known for its wise-guy dialogue, and the screenplay for "Out of the Past" reads like an anthology of one-liners. Curiosity: "Out of the last" was written by Daniel Mainwaring, the same guy behind the original "Invasion of the body snatchers" (1956).
The noir hero is doomed before the story begins --- by fate, rotten luck, or his own flawed character. Crime movies sometimes show good men who go bad. The noir hero is seldom good, just kidding himself, living in ignorance of his dark side until events catch up it to him.
"Out of the Past" (1947) is one of the greatest of all film noirs, the story of a man who tries to break with his past and his weakness and start over again in a town, with a new job and a new girl. The movie stars Robert Mitchum, whose weary eyes and laconic voice, whose very presence as a violent man wrapped in indifference, made him an archetypal noir actor. The story opens before we've even seen him, as trouble comes to town looking for him. A man from his past has seen him pumping gas, and now his old life reaches out and pulls him back.
Mitchum plays Jeff Bailey, whose name was Jeff Markham when he was working as a private eye out of New York. In those days he was hired by a gangster named Whit Sterling (Kirk Douglas, electrifying in an early role) to track down a woman named Kathie Moffat (Jane Greer, irresistibly mixing sexiness and treachery). Kathie shot Sterling four times, hitting him once, and supposedly left with $40,000 of his money. Sterling wants Jeff to bring her back. It's not, he says, that he wants revenge: "I just want her back. When you see her, you'll understand better."
Brilliant dialogue is not the only thing this film has to offer. Kirk Douglas's performance is amazing @29 Robert Mitchum @29 is as cool as ever and the character played by Jane Greer only 22 but is possibly the greatest femme fatale of all time next to Barbara Stanwyck in Double Indemnity. The use of shadows and lighting here is not only visually appealing, but it complements the main theme of the film which is that the past will always catch up to you. There's such splendid tension in these noir films from the '40s and '50s 9/10.
The Major and the Minor (1942)
The Major and the Minor (1942)
This film is important in film history as well it was Billy Wilder's first Hollywood film as the director . One can see elements that would define Wilder films through the years he was active. One, is the concept of the masquerade, as Susan Applegate (Ginger Rogers) pretends to be a 12-year old. We can see that in a lot of his films certainly "Some Like it Hot. The plot ...features a discouraged Ginger Rogers, who, after failing to make it in the big city, returns home to find that the cost of transportation has increased significantly. But when she figures out she can get away with paying considerably less if she appears to be a minor, she dresses the part and passes herself off as a girl of twelve. However, as this is a screwball comedy, when fleeing from officers on the train, she runs across this officer (Ray Milland) who, to her "good fortune," believes she is a little girl.
Ray Milland is very good, too !!
Rogers and Milland were great together. They should have been cast together again.
How can you not enjoy Ginger Rogers pretending to be a 12 year old? She was actually 30 during filming .Even though the premise is a tad ridiculous because it's hard to believe that anyone would think Ginger Rogers's Susan Applegate is really twelve years old. But it doesn't matter--- the fun is in watching an adult imagine how a 12-year old might act. Ginger Rogers is superb in her characterizing of Sue-sue Applegate Rogers has charm in spades ; she steals every scene he is in !
Fabulous screwball comedy !!! 8/10.
The Outlaw (1943)
It's an underrated film---must watch for Jane Russell fans
Jane Russell burst into vibrant tabloid life when, at 19 years of age, she was cast by Howard Hughes as the smoldering object of desire in his new western "The Outlaw." Scintillating details , such as Hughes having designed a special bra for the amply endowed Russell to wear , kept the movie in the papers. But censors objected to scenes in which they declared the actress revealed too much of her bosom. The negative publicity resulted in the 1943 film not getting a full release until 1950, but it did make Ms. Russell a star.
Howard Hughes' infamous "sex western" featuring Jane Russell in her film debut. The film was started by Howard Hawks as director and Hughes took over after Hawks left to make his brilliant "Sergeant York." I'd never actually seen this film before until now and it is a surprisingly enjoyable opposed to all the bad reviews. The bro-mance / and genuine camaraderie between Doc Holiday and The Kid was great --- action packed as they tangle with sheriff Pat Garrett. Then the two go up against each other for the attention of beautiful bombshell Jane Russell. There's a fair amount of talent in this film on camera and behind it.
Now Jane in her first film is just starting to learn her craft as an actress . She is not just all-looks you can tell she has a charismatic personality and is talented foe being so young and new to film making! Russell was known for her beauty, silhouette, and a great presence that combined charisma and seriousness. It all started with this film ! She is a real beauty with substance !
The 1943 American Western film The Outlaw is considered an early example of the psychological Western. It's also notable for being Jane Russell's first role and for bringing sex to the western genre.
It's an underrated film that's offbeat and absorbing, a must watch for Jane Russell fans 7/10.
House of the Dragon: The Red Sowing (2024)
The penultimate episode of House of the Dragon Season 2 saw Rhaenyra stage the most chaotic boot camp ever.
The penultimate episode of House of the Dragon Season 2 saw Rhaenyra stage the most chaotic boot camp ever.
In this episode we saw three common men becoming dragon riders, and two powerful men being humiliated. We cannot know what made the dragons choose these men, but it sends a great message that even the common men can be blessed ad chosen by a powerful god.
While many have suggested this season is too slow, I have thoroughly enjoyed the writing and
in-depth character study season 2 has offered through 7 episodes. The second seasons strength lies in the clear and direct dialogue between characters.
Technically speaking ... the cinematography is incredible. Great episode in terms of CGI
New dragon riders. Rising tensions. Strategic maneuvering to me this is what GOT is about and itis all included in The Red Sowing 8/10.
The Country Girl (1954)
The Country Girl(1954)
While the tale of an alcoholic washed up singer may not have the same appeal as Crosby's "White Christmas" he has never given a finer performance. It is certainly Academy Award material. The Country Girl is a slow-paced, heavy drama. One of the three main characters is an alcoholic and his problems are explored in detail. This is a crisp drama that will reward fans of these fine actors as well as discovering a Bing who gets to show off hidden acting in talents in a dramatic role.
The film tells the story of a troubled marriage between a washed-up alcoholic actor (played by Bing Crosby) and his long-suffering wife (played by Grace Kelly). The ex-theater actor is given one more chance to star in a musical yet his alcoholism may prevent it from happening.
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Grace Kelly plays a domineering wife who pushes her failed husband, Bing Crosby, to succeed. Kelly's role is totally out of her comfort zone of glamor and class, wow! Did she ever deliver a compelling performance ! I watched this film mainly to see Kelly out of curiosity and I was blown away by her maturity as a performer in this role at the young age of 25 it was remarkable.
Kelly is gorgeous even when made up to look very plain.
Grace Kelly claimed her well-deserved moment in the spotlight at the 27th Academy Awards. Her compelling performance in "The Country Girl" earned her the coveted Oscar for Best Actress, securing her place in Hollywood history. Grace Kelly's journey to Oscar glory was not merely a stroke of luck; she was prepared, innately talented, and driven. Her career spanned just 5 years in which time she performed in 11 feature films. From her early role in the beloved "High Noon," to Hitchcock classics like "Rear Window" and "To Catch a Thief," . She retired from acting at the age of 26 to become Princess Grace of Monaco. She acted in what was called "the golden age of Hollywood.' I just ponder what splendid roles we could have been treated to if she were to have continued her journey as an actress ? Grace was a tremendous talent . Seeing Kelly in The Country Girl has helped me appreciate her talent even more , I am so glad I sought out this hidden gem of a film.
Lady Bird (2017)
"Lady Bird" McPherson rebellious high schooler
Saoirse Ronan is still only 30-years-old, but she's already a four-time Oscar nominee ! Scoring her first bid when she was 13 with a key part in the 2007 Best Picture contender "Atonement," which brought her a Best Supporting Actress Oscar nomination.
She earned three Best Actress nominations for three films that all competed in Best Picture: "Brooklyn" (2015), "Lady Bird" (2017) and "Little Women" (2019).
Although she fits perfectly into any period dress, Ronan is at her best as a contemporary teen trying her best to fit into the world in Greta Gerwig's semi-autobiographical comedy. She plays "Lady Bird" McPherson, a precocious, rebellious high schooler who longs to leave her Sacramento hometown for college in the Big Apple. The film follows her coming of age, from her sparring with her mom (Supporting Actress nominee Laurie Metcalfe) to her perils in dating, and Ronan proves a perfect muse for Gerwig's unique sensibilities. The role brought her yet another Best Actress Oscar nomination, plus victories at the Golden Globes and New York Film Critics Circle Awards.
Lady Bird doesn't reinvent the coming-of-age film , but it does subvert many of our expectations for the genre in various subtle ways . What stopped this film from feeling cliche was the strength of the writing and acting behind it all. All of the characters felt very genuine and "lived-in", and their interactions with each other had a natural flow while still developing plot and character.
I most again praise Greta Gerwig's direction, even though it was her directorial debut. Gerwig believes that writing the screenplay for the film is key to her being an effective director. She believes that in-depth knowledge of your characters is the foundation of any story. Greta Gerwig says she "grew up on" Woody Allen's films which influenced her projects.
Greta Gerwig's unique approach to filmmaking, focusing on character-driven stories, realistic dialogue and coming-of-age themes, Ida Lupino, One of the Pioneering Woman Directors would be proud.
Lady Bird's happiness and unhappiness combine to create the key ingredient of a feel-good movien with weight...... it captures the turbulence of a girl growing up with great feeling. 9/10.
The Island (2005)
It's a thought provoking movie.. underrated
Futuristic thriller about a contained, seemingly utopian facility in the mid-21st century. The residents hope to be chosen to go to the Island - the last uncontaminated place on Earth, but when one inhabitant discovers that there are sinister forces at work, he and a female friend make a daring escape.
It's a thought provoking movie . Trust me, this movie is very underrated . Panned by critics they felt it was a loud, bombastic Michael Bay movie . Urm ...No **** its a Michael Bay movie ... loud, bombastic is what Bay does best ! This is one of the director's Best Movies. Maybe The Best. It is completely watchable . He makes everything come together in such an exciting package with Mega-Budget Madness and beautiful stars and incredible set pieces and stunning cinematography. He places all that beauty in front of some horrific and modern concerns about cloning, and manages to ask some good questions. 8/10.
The Woman on Pier 13 (1949)
I Married a Communist
I Married a Communist is an example of Cold War propaganda within post-war cinema. It combines standard film noir plotlines -- hidden pasts, personal failings and doomed relationships -- with unsubtle political warnings about subversive communists, troublesome unions and their alleged secret agenda.
A future of happiness awaits San Francisco shipping executive Brad Collins (Robert Ryan) and his new bride (Laraine Day). Yet Brad's past could undo everything. Back in his days as a dockworker, he was an activist member of the Communist Party. Now the Party has resurfaced like a bad dream in Brad's life, putting the screws on and threatening to spill his past if he doesn't play ball and stir up a labor strike. In an era when some officials sought to weed out Communists real and imagined, Hollywood made numerous films that exploited the times.
This is a powerful and highly tense drama with the towering Robert Ryan playing a man who was, and still is (because you can never quit) a card-carrying Communist Party member in the USA who has tried to go straight. The picture is wonderfully , noir shot and features some surprisingly effective bursts of violence. For all of you Film Noir lovers out there this film is worth the money and a definite bonus to your noir library. 7/10.
Orphan Black: Echoes (2023)
This is great sci-fi television
Krysten Ritter, Amanda Fix and Keeley Hawes star in this spinoff about human printing The show is captivating. From the writing to the acting by the incredible core cast, Orphan Black: Echoes is thrilling, engaging & evenly paced. I is totally WOKE and absurd but I really don't care Krysten Ritter is great as always I really like her style ! I never saw the original series so I can not compare .
Krysten Ritter and Amanda Fix are very good in this series ! It is dark and brooding too , something I appreciate , the story takes it self seriously , it is no comedy I like the dire vibe of the show ! The sci-fi storyline is compelling . Explore human connections, love and grief, and also varying viewpoints.
Orphan Black: Echoes is rewarding, even if it might take you a few episodes to fall down the rabbit hole. Get through the first episode, the rest is golden ! The show needed to find it's groove and it does by episode 3 ! This is great sci-fi television . 7/10.
House of the Dragon: The Red Dragon and the Gold (2024)
The Red Dragon and the Gold
As Rhaenyra makes sure there is no other way to end this conflict but war, dragons flew, and the dance begun
House of the Dragon's fourth episode soars to new heights with a spectacle of fire and blood. This episode delivers an adrenaline-fueled, dragon-centric thrill ride that will leave you breathless.
The war for the Iron Throne ignites in a breathtaking display of dragon-on-dragon combat that is both visually stunning and emotionally charged. Amidst the fiery chaos, the episode delves deeper into the complex motivations and desires of its characters. Loyalty, ambition, and the thirst for revenge drive them to make choices that will shape the destiny of Westeros.
The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)
Fully deserving of its "classic" status. 8/10
The Day the Earth Stood Still, American science-fiction film, released in 1951, that is considered a classic of the genre and that reflects the fears and anxiety of the Cold War era and atomic age.
"The Day The Earth Stood Still" is THE seminal Sci Fi film of the 50's, the film that finally treated extraterrestrials as something more than bug-eyed monsters intent on taking over the World.
A flying saucer lands in Washington, D. C., carrying Klaatu (played by Michael Rennie) and his robot servant Gort (Lock Martin). Klaatu is shot shortly after landing and is taken to an army hospital. Klaatu tells the president's secretary that he wants to meet the leaders of Earth but soon is told that an agreement on a meeting site has proved impossible to obtain. Klaatu subsequently escapes from the hospital and takes a room in a boarding house, where he befriends a young widow, Helen Benson (Patricia Neal), and her son, Bobby (Billy Gray). With Bobby's help, Klaatu meets the eminent scientist Professor Barnhardt (Sam Jaffe) and reveals that he is a representative from a federation of other planets sent to Earth to warn humankind that their experiments with atomic weapons are threatening the safety of other civilizations. After Barnhardt tells Klaatu that he needs to demonstrate his power to Earth's leaders, Klaatu arranges for the loss of all power on Earth except where such loss would be life-threatening. Realizing that he is the alien visitor, Helen helps Klaatu get back to his saucer. Before leaving, Klaatu warns Barnhardt and his fellow scientists that unless humankind gives up violence, other planets will destroy Earth in their own defense.
Patricia Neal's "Helen" is a single mother, an unusual lead role in 50's cinema, and she imparts her character with a great deal of self-sufficiency and "grit." Again, not the usual running/screaming/fainting leading lady. Billy Gray is a joy to watch, he portrays "Bobby" with that breathless wide-eyed innocence .I think it's this casting, plus the characterization, that does so much to make the film work.
Luminous black and white photography, a solid story, a tight, pared-to-the-bone script, superb performances, integral "news broadcasts" and "interviews," plus a gorgeous soundtrack, all come together to tell the fantastical tale this is a superb, intelligent Sci Fi film, fully deserving of its "classic" status. 8/10
The Day the Earth Stood Still received recognition from the American Film Institute and was selected for preservation in the United States Library of Congress's National Film Registry.
No Questions Asked (1951)
No Questions Asked(1951)
This is definitely one of the better and original B noirs of the 1950s. This film noir is a bit of a hidden gem! It has a great plot with some good acting. The opening scene is our narrator running from the police, but within 10 seconds we flash back to what brought us to that point.
No Questions Asked is a classic film noir from 1951 .With the help of some seedy gangsters, young attorney Steve Keiver (Barry Sullivan) makes some quick cash by bending the law, and in the process he impresses the mobsters so much that they invite him to work for them on a regular basis. But when Police Inspector Duggan (George Murphy) realizes that Steve is working as a middleman for the mob, the young lawyer finds himself in a life-threatening situation. In order to clear his name, he must betray the deadly crooks he's been working for.
Coming from MGM , No Questions Asked is a sleeper noir film with a lot of high gloss productions values not normally associated with noir. Yes this one is worth seeking out . 8/10.
The Locket (1946)
Unique
The Locket is about the creation of a psychopath . Director Brahm keeps a firm grip on the extraordinary multiple-flashback structure told in a flashback, within a flashback, within another flashback.
Lovely Nancy seems like the ideal bride to fiance'e John Willis... until, just before the ceremony, Willis is approached by Harry Blair, claiming to be Nancy's former husband. The tale Blair unfolds (in a flashback within a flashback within a flashback!) paints Nancy as a kleptomaniac, habitual liar, and perhaps worse. But is Blair telling the truth? And does fate have another surprise in store?
This is a film worth watching for more than just its often-heralded, unique narrative structure. It has great performances, a great script and beautiful black and white cinematography. All of the elements really come together here to make The Locket an unexpected, underrated and completely unique noir.
Call Northside 777 (1948)
Call Northside 777(1948)
Jimmy Stewart is terrific as P. J. McNeal, a Chicago newspaper reporter determined to free a convicted killer (Richard Conte) he believes has been unfairly imprisoned for eleven years. Despite a mountain of seemingly irrefutable evidence, McNeal follows his gut and unravels a string of bad luck and miscommunication that would appear unbelievable were it not based on a true story.
Stewart rarely ventured into the noir world, but when he did, his heroism took on an obsessive bent giving his performances a notable edge. The first Hollywood feature to be shot entirely on location in Chicago, Call Northside 777 also boasts fantastic cinematography and stellar supporting performances by Conte, Lee J. Cobb, and Helen Walker. Winner of the Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America for Best Motion Picture of 1948. Definitely an overlooked gem of Jimmy Stewart's great career. 8/10.
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999)
Great Popcorn Sci-Fi underrated film
Star Wars: The Phantom Menace is better than you remember.
Battle droids, podracers, Jar Jar, Darth Maul, and all of the Episode I goodness !
The film also holds a special, nostalgic place in my heart.
This is outstanding (even if flawed) blockbuster popcorn Sci-Fi .
I enjoy this movie. Always have. Has its problems, but the highs outweigh the lows !
The Phantom Menace's score is consistently good and adds to the ambiance of every scene.
Liam Neeson and Ewan McGregor are excellent.
Action is handled with flair
, like the opening 10 minutes and the pod race, have the old Star Wars feel!
Natalie Portman's portrayal of Padmé was a remarkable blend of grace, strength, and vulnerability, making her a standout presence in the Star Wars universe.
The Phantom Menace will always be vital to film history. Regardless of how anyone feels about its quality, it was an incredibly epic FX work from a genuine auteur who sought to do things never before seen in blockbuster cinema. 8/10.
Fallout (2024)
Fallout(2024-)
I'm a giant fan of fallout video RPG game ,
I've logged hundreds hours into Fallout 3 game and just absolutely dig the world Bethesda has created. Today we crave more and more of a good show, so much so that our culture defines this obsession as "binging", a term often used to describe a multi-day drug bender that now reflects the quality of a good show.
Well, this isn't just good, it's binge worthy and then some.
It's what myself and every other Fallout player have dreamed of; a completely original story set in the Fallout universe, and we get to start with the Bloody Mess perk.
This is a dark, violent and emotional series with enough humor and romance to even it all out, making sure that every element of good storytelling is there, and that it all takes place in both the Wasteland and the Vault. This is a hard-R rated series with gore, cursing, sex, nudity, the whole lot. But not in a way that feels exploitative for its own sake just... In a future, post-apocalyptic Los Angeles brought about by nuclear decimation, citizens must live in underground bunkers to protect themselves from radiation, mutants and bandits.
Ella Purnell in Fallout (2024)
All the people living in these underground communities are forced to come up and live. Ella Purcell stars as Lucy, one of the people who's never been above ground before and wasn't prepared for the lawless society it has become. One of the most underrated actress I seen in some time she has great comedic timing , charm ....and grit !!
Looking forward to what's to come and so far it's good. I highly recommend it, Fallout fan or not!!!
They nailed the vibe spot on and the story and characters are well cast. 8/10.
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire (2024)
the Hollow Earth design is beautiful and the monster fights are impactful.
Sometimes you just need to turn your brain off and just go and enjoy some ridiculousness.
The film got pretty bad reviews from critics because of the wacky cheesy human storyline. I was sort of feeling similar but it grew on me because the science fiction elements of this film are really kind of profound. Most of it takes place in the center of the Earth that is actually hollow and is teaming with monsters and there's all kinds of creative creatures and also native humans that live in this realm; Hollow Earth
Basically centers around four characters the travel where they find King Kong living in this underworld and they summoned Godzilla to come down to the subterranean level to fight an evil creature I want to take over the world ! I mean I've been following king con for many years starting with the first film of 1933 when was the first king Kong released.
I've always liked Japanese kaiju films. Anyway there's lots of kind of eye rolling cheesy human comedic dialogue which is a little bit out of place but the film really brought it's A game with science fiction and intense monster Mayham and actually the characters and comic relief kind of grew on me ! Bottom line 'Godzilla x Kong the New Empire' is a great science fiction creature feature ! The Hollow Earth design is beautiful and the monster fights are impactful. 7.5/10.
Vice Squad (1953)
Vice Squad(1953)
Vice Squad, tapping the affordable Edward G. Robinson and Paulette Goddard for marquee appeal.
Unjustly graylisted by the pamphlet Red Channels. The Report of Communist Influence in Radio and Television( Issued by the right-wing journal Counterattack on June 22, 1950, the pamphlet-style book names 151 actors, writers, musicians, broadcast journalists, and others until they cleared their names, the customary requirement being that they testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) and name names, which the vast majority refused to do. )
Robinson no longer commanded a top salary. Ironically, the movie was a property he had purchased six years earlier, before the HUAC debacle crippled his career. Ms. Goddard had been out of circulation for a while, and traded a reasonable paycheck for what looks like a few day's work. The team came up with a serviceable script about a police captain trying to get a handle on a gang of murderous bank robbers.
All credit to Edward G. Robinson, who makes all these shenanigans look like noble social work!
This isn't a big show for Paulette Goddard, but she does give Mona Ross an appropriately flirtatious quality - and looks cute in furs entering and leaving the captain's office, as if it was a second home.
A reasonably exciting crime tale put together with modest resources, Vice Squad achieves an interesting vibe somewhere between Dragnet and L. A. Confidential. The action is restricted to a couple of sequences, but it's certainly good enough; the bank robbery actually takes place in the Beverly Hills, and locals will easily recognize the streets. 7/10.