If you have an idea of how many of these old gangster films are in general (lots of neeeehhs and see here's) and you have seen the more recent release of starring Al Pacino, than there probably wont be any surprises or thrills here. That being said it is an enjoyable watch and as over the top ridiculous as Paul Muni can be at times, he still puts on a good performance. In all honesty I had to watch this film for a class but within about 10 min I found myself very interested in Muni's character and seeing his rise to infamy. However I really don't have any thing more to say about this aside from it's basic entertainment value (which is much higher than expected).
Reviews
6 Reviews
Dracula
(1931)
Gloriously Gothic
10 February 2016
Worthwhile watch, after all it's only an hour. Bela Lugosi is of course amazing and probably one of the two things that make this movie so good. His voice and gestures as well as facial expressions are absolutely superb. My favorite thing about this film though is the atmosphere it creates. The lighting or lack thereof is fantastic as well as the sets for Dracula's castle and Transylvania. Personally I feel the film starts to drag once in London (which happens pretty fast) but as I said between Lugosi and the lighting it keeps me going. It is worth mentioning though that Dwight Frye also does an amazing performance as Renfield.
Frankenstein
(1931)
"for when you gaze long into the abyss. The abyss gazes also into you."
10 February 2016
If you are familiar with the story of Frankenstein and have not yet seen this film then I don't know what you're waiting for. The film does an excellent job of depicting the monster created by Dr. Frankenstein as the misunderstood as well as doomed creature forced into this world. The lighting and set design of the film create a great ascetic. This film also stands the test of time in its ability to shock the audience even today. However in my opinion it would all amount to nothing without the Boris Karloff who does such an excellent job as "The Monster". The ending is lackluster and leaves a bit to be desired but as I said the film does still hold up.
no Eggs or Dapper Dan...plenty of Chains & Bridges
1 February 2016
You wont get much more then expected from the title but it is a fairly entertaining film regardless. Although it feels as a viewer one can predict what is to come next for our fugitive during his journey without much difficulty, The need to know the fugitives final fate is enough to keep me watching this film to the end. However this was in all likelihood the only reason I continued watching. This may have been a very thrilling watch in 1932 but I personally don't feel that it stands the test of time very well.
Overall the film is relatively dull from the beginning all the way into the very end but their are a couple of twists to this very basic story that you may not expect (I doubt it though).
Overall the film is relatively dull from the beginning all the way into the very end but their are a couple of twists to this very basic story that you may not expect (I doubt it though).
The Circus
(1928)
Could be better
27 January 2016
Warning: Spoilers
I love chaplin but I'm not a huge fan of this film only because I've always felt it was lacking. What I love about many Chaplin films is the move beyond slapstick comedy and toward social commentary. I was disappointed to not find much of this in The Circus which is debated to be Chaplins greatest film. The setting of a circus is perfect for the tramp's goofy antics which are hilarious however as I said it never moves to far past that. That being said as is the case with any Chaplin film The Circus is a great watch and contains some very funny moments. I even believe some of his best pantomime such as the the police chase in the beginning within and outside of the funhouse. In the end this is pretty much all I get out of this film is some classic tramp moments and honestly I'm more than OK with that.
Modern Times
(1936)
Classic Chaplin
27 January 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Favorite Chaplin film. Packed with social commentary that is still relevant today. Chaplin does a superb job of representing the average worker of the time and the mental impact that the daily motions of what we consider normal in society. Such as the opening of the movie in which a scene of a morning rush of people going to work fades into a herd of sheep. Chaplin hilarious slapstick comedy is also present in this film while still keeping serious undertones. The best example of this is the eating machine. This particular scene was a perfect representation of the problems in our society (a machine meant to further regiment the day of a worker only to break in the process) while also causing a laugh out loud reaction. My favorite part of this film is definitely the ending in which Chaplin sings a song and dances. What makes this scene so great is not only the fact that it was the first time Chaplin/The Tramp ever spoke but that it was also a stance against "talkies". Although Chaplin sings the lyrics are complete gibberish but the audience understands regardless. All in all I believe Modern Times is Chaplin's greatest film, this was the first Chaplin film I had ever seen and since then have watched all of them and found a great respect for Chaplin and silent movies overall.
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