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Although I've been critical in the past about claims that this is the greatest film of all time, it is at least one of the best ever made. Based on Margaret Mitchell's epic novel, the story follows the trials and tribulations of the quintessential southern belle, Scarlett O'Hara (Vivien Leigh). We follow her life through difficult years, from the Civil War to the painful post-war years, a period in which the South was raped, pillaged and plundered by the North. During these times, she vies for the love of gentleman Ashley Wilkes (Leslie Howard), but is easily taken in by the charms of the dashing rogue, Rhett Butler (Clark Gable).In retrospective, it's a four hour soap opera. But oh what a great, grand soap opera! It's an experience that is nice to see on the little screen, but must be seen on the big screen to be fully appreciated. Filmed in gorgeous technicolor, with some of the most impressive performances and technical achievements Hollywood had to offer at the time. My favorite performer: Gable, who adds humorous moments to a somber story. There are some memorable moments that should not be missed: The destruction and burning of Atlanta; Scarlett's tearful pledge that she "will never go hungry again"; Rhett's departure. All this and more, with so many great things to offer.
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There isn't a Bogart lover out there that doesn't put this film at the top of their lists. Bogie plays Rick Blaine, owner of Rick's Cafe Americain, home of some of the most interesting characters ever assembled in one place. It is here, during WWII, that Bogart finds himself becoming involved in international intrigue. He helps out his former lover (the ever-elegant Ingrid Bergman) and her husband (Paul Henreid)-who works for the underground-attempt an escape, while keeping the local police captain Louis Renault (Claude Rains) and Nazi Major Strasser (Conrad Veidt) at bay.Never a dull moment and plenty of memorable ones (some of which were said to have been improvised as filming went along) to wet your whistle (including Dooley Wilson's lovely rendition of "As Time Goes By"). Bogart and Bergman provide some beautiful romantic moments, while Rains, S.Z. Sakall (as Rick's headwaiter) and Wilson add some funny, whimsical ones. This is not the greatest movie of all time, but it's one of the best of its era.
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Federico Fellini directed this wonderful tribute (his best to date) to filmaking and the process that surrounds it. Fellini offers a possibly autobiographical look at a director (Marcello Mastroianni), who is attempting to take a break from his busy lifestyle, so he can figure out how to complete his next picture. But his friends, loved ones, lovers and associates just won't leave him alone for one minute, constantly bugging him about when he's ever going to finish his film. He is making a picture that is slightly based on his life, full of moments taken from his past. He just can't seem to focus, remembering instead his troubling past and the occasion which changed his life in many ways.Fellini at his best, with some of his most outstanding images! It's basically an attempt to give the audience an idea about what goes on in Fellini's mind and life, besides his work as a filmaker. The late Mastroianni gave one of his most heartfelt performances, as the Fellini-esque director. The best scene involves a fantasy sequence, set to the music of Wagner, in which Mastroianni attempts to tame all the women in his life with a whip.
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The grandfather of films like Twister and the recent Dante's Peak, this disaster film follows a group of ten individuals, who attempt to escape from a capsized cruise ship before it sinks. Lead by a preacher (Gene Hackman), the group must dodge peril after peril, before they can finally reach the top of the ship (or bottom, considering what's happened to it).Despite some clunky dialogue and dull moments at the beginning, this manages to suck you in with tense action and some decent performance (for this type of genre) by Hackman and crew. You can definitely enjoy it, just as long as you don't think about the plot too much.
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A very entertaining entry in the disaster film category, it follows the attempts by firemen (lead by Steve McQueen) to save hundreds of people, trapped in a burning skyrise. That's it. The acting is no great shakes (as if it's supposed to be in films like this), but the action and technical achievements are outstanding. The climax is a must-see. Still, if it wasn't for overlong (nearly three hours) and a tendency to overindulge in scenes of people burning up, it could almost be a surefire winner.
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The idea of updating Mr. Ed into the 1980's corporate world wouldn't be so bad, if it wasn't for inept writing, bad pacing, a tendency to be cruel towards the various characters and some really awful performances. Bobcat Goldthwait gives another of his screaming idiot performances, as a dunce who climbs the corporate ladder with the help of his talking horse (voice of John Candy).A really original idea if ever there was one!?! Sarcasm aside, it does offer some good vocal work by Candy, who can always provide laughs, even if the rest of the film never does. Goldthwait is his usual annoying self, while Dabney Coleman just adds a pathetic performance to his resume. I've seen worse comedies of this type, but extremely few.
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Disney can't seem to get it right with live-action human films, but it does just fine with it's live-action animal films. A remake of a previous Disney effort, it follows the adventures of two dogs and a cat (voiced respectfully by Don Ameche, Michael J. Fox and Sally Field) as they journey through the wild to find their owners. During this journey, the three learn what it is to be faithful and loyal to their family and to each other.A charming kid's film, that does have moments to please adults, thanks in part to the great vocal performances, especially Field as Sassy the cat. The story also is very entertaining, with some great animal training and lots of delightful moments for the family. If only Disney could make more of their recent live-action fare this compelling.
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