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paul.guimond
Reviews
Sherlock Jr. (1924)
45 minutes of sheer genius!
A film that is often copied, borrowed from and imitated but can never be surpassed. The technical special effects teams assembled for today's movies couldn't possibly capture the nuances or spirit of Keaton's truly astounding stunts all performed with a precision that would shame a brain-surgeon.
There was never a greater artist working in silent film than Keaton and it is to the AFI's ever-lasting shame that none of his films (but especially this one) were named to their so-called 100 Greatest Films list. How myopic and dim-witted can they be?
Kiss Me Deadly (1955)
Best Actor of 1955? Ralph Meeker!
Humdinger of a thriller/film noir with a bang-on, note-perfect performance by Ralph Meeker as hard-ass detective Spillane. Love the opening credits, in fact, the whole opening sequence. And even with today's megamillion budgets and special effects, it would be tough to surpass the incredible ending. So what's in the black box? Who cares. Just sit back and watch Meeker kick ass for 90 minutes.
The Letter (1940)
Davis' moodiest film just may be her best!
This is, without any question, my absolute favorite Bette Davis movie. Besides being one of the best-looking films ever made, it is also one of the pivotal precursors to Film Noir. Exotic, doesn't even begin to describe the look and feel of it. Davis, Maugham and Wyler make a pretty potent combination and the perverse undercurrent to the story provides an additional sting. Probably not the kind of movie you want to watch if you're in need of cheering up, but, if you'd like a good kick-in-the- pants, this one's for you.
It's Love I'm After (1937)
this gem is in need of reappraisal
Although Bette Davis was not noted for her comedic skills, this is one case (in fact, the best case) of how Davis could adapt her intense, almost neurotic, qualities to screwball comedy with excellent results. Watching her get wound-up to the point of explosion (or would that be implosion?) is one of the great treats of this virtually forgotten film. Leslie Howard is her equal as both the catalyst for and the recipient of her eye-popping fits. And, for those of you who think Davis was never young or beautiful, you are in for a surprise. She's probably never looked prettier.