THE CONJURING

12/2/2013

 

Vera Farmiga, 1970s, exorcism and a haunted house, (forget the BS Salem Witchcraft part of the story.) The setting, art direction, characters and performances will please horror movie lightweights, like me: yes.

ARGO

1/4/2013

 
Ben Affleck was in danger of being eclipsed by cohort Matt Damon, but Argo helps even out their career trajectories. Mr. Affleck has taken a page out of Robert Mitchem's book and does very little acting, and it really works for him! Love the suspense; the era was beautifully reproduced, my favorite film of 2012, so far...
 
Skip Prometheus and watch this one instead; low-budget first feature by Ridley Scott, shot by Frank Tidy, based on a short story by Joseph Conrad. Lush, beautiful, amazing costumes and locations. If you didn't love grads, you will be the end of this film! Love love love it.
 
Too weird, and chauvinistic: I'd rather watch James Caan in Rollerball, again. 

CISCO PIKE (1972)

5/19/2012

 
Kris Kristofferson is a down-on-his-luck drug dealer in Los Angeles. Notable cast, including Gene Hackman, Hollywood locations, ridiculous and dated portrayal of '70s drug culture, and a forgettable soundtrack by Kristofferson. Cool 'cause it's '70s, but that's it.
 
If you love Chicago, and live soul music, check this one out. It's so cool; director Andrew Davis cast his guitar playing brother in his break through indie feature, featuring a young and captivating Ronnie Barron: New Orleans pianist, composer, singer. Finally on DVD & Hulu.
 
Documentary on young Black Panther leader cut down by Chicago Police in a hail of bullets while he slept. Essential. Don't expect any narration: the footage speaks for itself.
 
Miss the political incorrectness of the '70s? Feeling nostalgic for the dawn of sketch comedy satires? This nascent groundbreaking comedy from Jim Abrahams, David and Jerry Zucker will either introduce you to the dawn of a sub-genre, or provide a welcome flashback.

Netflix: http://movies.netflix.com/Movie/Kentucky_Fried_Movie/60001617?trkid=496624
 
American New Wave drama starring Jack Nicholson, Bruce Dern, Ellen Burstyn, Scatman Crothers, photographed by László Kóvács, directed by Bob Rafelson set in Atlantic City. What I love about this and '70s films in general; long takes with one camera which allow the actor to act, and the viewer to relax and become engaged with the characters who drive the story. The need for constant editing, narration and explanation of what's going on is absent. I could deliver a long feminist analysis, but that's another blog: just enjoy Jack, Bruce, Ellen & Atlantic City!

Netflix: http://movies.netflix.com/Movie/The_King_of_Marvin_Gardens/672598?trkid=496624
 
Just when I'm about to cancel HBO, they trot out this engrossing documentary about chess superstar and possibly schizophrenic Bobby Fisher and his world championship of 1972.  Next up: a documentary about John McEnroe & Bjorn Borg 1980. HBO: how can I let you go?