Movie #92- "The Odd Couple" (1968)

I have a strange connection with the play "The Odd Couple".  I remember when Neil Simon plays were all the rage.  Local and high school theater groups would often perform them throughout the 70s and 80s.  Our school was no different.  When I was a senior in high school, I snagged one of the main roles in "God's Favorite", another of Simon's work.  I wasn't much of a thespian (I didn't realize it at the time), but I took many valiant attempts at acting in school productions.  My lack of singing ability would relegate me to bit part status for the musicals.  With my involvement in these productions, I would enroll in any available theater-based class in hopes on enhancing my "craft".
One semester, I made the choice to perform a scene from "The Odd Couple".  In this case, the scene occurs toward the end of the play, in which Oscar and Felix argue and a plate of pasta is launched at a wall.  I took the role of Oscar, while my partner, a foreign exchange student from Sweden, was Felix.  I'm sure my interpretation was acting gold.
So I've read the play and watched the television series, but had never seen the movie.  The chemistry between Matthau and Lemmon is outstanding and I understand why they made several films together.  However, while attempts are made to take the action outside of Oscar's apartment, it still seem stagy.  And what may have landed as humorous barbs in the late 60s appears quaint in current times.  Maybe the number of variations I've seen over the years has dulled the edge.  I wanted to laugh more during "The Odd Couple" than I actually did.  However, bonus points for another appearance by Schlitz.  Apparently that was the beer of the working man.

Rating: 6/10
Movies I've previously seen: 6
First time viewings: 86

Movie #91- "The Birds" (1963)

"The Birds" offers definitive proof on why Hitchcock was the "Master of Suspense".  If you take a moment and break the plot down to its basic premise, it's a seemingly ludicrous idea.  Quite simply, birds of all species descend upon a coastal California village, wreaking havoc on the citizens.  That sounds more like a "B-movie" from the 60's than a Hitchcock classic.  Yet with a thrilling script in the highly capable hands of the master, this turns into a suspenseful event.
The film takes time establishing the characters, starting with an innocent encounter between the two leads.  Their meeting in a pet store, discussing of course birds, becomes an inside joke between the two, in which  Tippi Hedren takes to the next level.  Hedren isn't presented as a totally likeable character, but there is complexity behind her demeanor.  She presues a charming Rod Taylor to Bodega Bay, only to cross paths with a former love interest and Taylor's mother.  This gives Hitchcock an opportunity to explore another relationship concerning an overbearing mother and her son (granted, not to the level of the Bates family).  The bird attacks begin slowly, which each attack increasing with intensity in the final half of the film.  This leads to a couple classic Hitchcock scenes including birds descending on a schoolhouse playground and the attack of Hedren in a phone booth.
The bird attack are never really explained in the film and the ending is ambiguous.  That may bother some, but I thought that added to aspect of horror to the proceedings.  And you get so wrapped in the excitement, you fail to realize there is no musical score.  Again, amazing what Hitchcock is able to pull off with a small idea.
Added note: purely coincidence that I watched "The Crow" and "The Birds" on consecutive days.

Rating: 9/10
Movies I've previously seen: 6
First time viewings: 85

Movie #90- "The Crow" (1994)

It's a shame that Brandon Lee's career was cut so short.  Given his performance in "The Crow", especially with his post death character Eric, you could tell he was poised for some solid work ahead.  While I was drawn to the actor during a majority of his scenes, the overall movie left me somewhat disappointed.  I realize the cult following "The Crow" maintains, but for me, this was another instance of style over substance.
I'm not a reader of graphic novels or comics, so I can't make the comparison of how faithful the film was to its source material though I've seen my fair share of adaptations.  Director Alex Proyas does an excellent job of letting this goth world unfold for the viewer.  Darkness and shadows invade nearly every scene.  The darkness also permeates the theme, of a tortured soul brought back to life for the purpose of vengeance.  While Proyas has created a cool atmosphere for the characters to roam, it's the villains and pre-death Eric that I found lacking.
Each of the villains has been given a colorful trait and true, they've perpetrated a horrible act against Eric and his fiancee.  But they just seem to be a basic pack of hoodlums.  Eric has been given a special life force that doesn't seem necessary for his vigilante acts (except for a big fight scene toward the end).  And while Michael Wincott adds menace as the leader, his endgame plan comes off as weak and boring.
My other issue was with pre-death Eric.  In the flashback sequences, he's appears to be too nice of a guy.  He plays guitar for some faceless rock band, helps a neighbor child and has a seemingly storybook romance.  Tragic circumstance can change a person as evidenced by many of the graphic novel back stories.  This one just seems too abrupt.
Again, "The Crow" creates a great tone and mood, I just wish it had a stronger payoff.


Rating: 6/10
Movies I've previously seen: 6
First time viewings: 84

Movie #89- "Casino" (1995)

I may have initially stayed away from this film because so many reviews made the comparison to "Goodfellas".  A lot of love was given to "Goodfellas", so it was tough trying to imagine an effort that would improve on that film.  While the relation between the two films it obvious in a few huge ways, "Casino" still manages plenty of different qualities to distance itself. 
Starting with the similarities, you have a film directed by Scorsese peppered with violence and another appearance by Pesci in a frightening role.  DeNiro is here as well, but this time, in a different capacity.  Here, he likes playing with the big boys, carrying himself with a little swagger.  However, he also follows the rules set by those in charge so as not to arouse any suspicions on the payoffs or himself.  To complete his character, he's given a love interest cut from the same cloth, Sharon Stone.
Stone is a hustler like DeNiro, though she is a bit more brash about it.  DeNiro adores her while she wants the security.  Even when the two marry, you know it's not going to end well.  The relationship between DeNiro and Stone is one of the driving forces behind "Casino".  Unfortunately it's a force that runs its course before the finale.  DeNiro still loves her while Stone grows to despise him.  The focus of the crumbling relationship takes too much time as the point is continually hammered during the last portion of the film.  Stone deserved the Oscar nomination although a little editing wouldn't have hurt.
One other key difference is the setting.  Vegas is not only the location, but plays as one of the characters.
This is the story of Vegas past.  DeNiro's makes the comment about how Vegas has turned into Disneyland.  You see the glamour and the glitz as well as the seedy underbelly.  This is a Vegas preparing for a transition.
I would still put "Goodfellas" as the better film although "Casino" is close in reaching those lofty heights.

Rating: 8/10
Movies I've previously seen: 6
First time viewings: 83

Movie #88- "Man on the Moon" (1999)

You know you're getting old when they start making biographical films in which you remember a majority of the person's career.  I didn't get the opportunity to see Andy Kaufman's initial appearance on Saturday Night Live, although I saw it as an "encore" presentation (that's how they would bill SNL re-runs).  I watched it again before writing this entry, and the Mighty Mouse routine still makes me laugh.  The brilliance of the piece is simple... less is more.  Andy could have sang along with the entire record.  But what takes it to the next level is the decision to sing along with only a small portion of the recording.  The drink of water during the musical interlude adds a nice comic touch.
How would one describe Andy Kaufman?  As it was mentioned in "Man on the Moon", he wasn't really a comic because he didn't tell jokes.  He was a performance artist, willing to find the edge of comedy, then cross that line.  If Andy had lived into this century, I wonder how he would respond to a generation where every video gets posted.  I recall his early SNL appearances as the talk at school on Monday morning as well as the chaos he created on "Fridays".  It seems that the immediate attention helped feed the beast and I think he might have thrived in the current culture.  Once he took the turn into wrestling women is when I headed for the exit.
As for the film, Jim Carrey does an impressive job of getting to the manic energy that was Kaufman and he really nails the Foreign Man character.  Several people from Kaufman's past make appearances along with a surprising Courtney Love (oh Courtney, what has happened?).  It's a fun bit of nostalgia, but unfortunately for me, like Andy's career, it started wear thin with the wrestling.  However, that was Andy.  Love him or hate him, he could get your attention.  

Rating: 7/10
Movies I've previously seen: 6
First time viewings: 82

Movie #87- "Mitchell" (1975)

I'm a fan of Mystery Science Theater 3000.  If you're a fan of MST3K, then you know why this film made the list... you understand why it made the list... you know it had to make the list.  If you're not a fan or have never heard of MST3K, let me explain.
First, if you're not familiar with MST3K, check out the theme song online.  It basically explains the premise of the show.  "Mitchell" was the featured film in the final episode with Joel Hodgson as a member of the show.  I have seen the episode on multiple occasions.  It was a ruthless, yet hysterical, evisceration of the movie.  Joel and his robot friends spared no one in this film, especially lead actor Joe Don Baker.  Folklore has it that Baker threatened to kick their asses if he ever saw them in public.  It's a good story, but the episode is in all honesty, brutal in its humor. 
However, the "Mitchell" version that's presented is the television edit, and that's probably whittled down further for the show.  So regardless of the numerous times I've watched the MST3K presentation of "Mitchell", I've not seen the movie version... until now.  And if Joe Don was going to kick anyone's ass, it should have been his agent for signing onto this.
"Mitchell" plays like a failed, television pilot.  Mitchell, the cop, is an alcoholic slob.  He's slow-witted.  He's often told that no one likes him.  He enjoys his porn.  Mitchell doesn't really do much in the way of police work.  His assignment is to tail a suspect, and because of his constant, obnoxious, badgering, either people try to kill him or willingly offer information.  A few people get shot, a dune buggy explodes, and Mitchell is involved in one of the slowest car chases ever.  The film reaches its ludicrous climax when a high-priced call girl (Linda Evans) falls for him... seriously (bonus points to the love scene that incorporates a Schlitz six-pack).
It's impossible to watch this without thinking of the MST3K episode.  In fact, I watched it again.  They've made a bad movie fun.  The full length version does answer a few mysteries like where John Saxon disappears in the course of the film.  Thank you gang from the Satellite of Love for introducing me to the power of "Mitchell".


Rating: 2/10
Movies I've previously seen: 6
First time viewings: 81

Movie #86- "On the Waterfront" (1954)

Earlier in the year, I had poised the question of "What happened to Val Kilmer?"  Here was an actor with commercial success mixed with critical accolades.  Over the last couple years, he has seemingly fallen off the radar.  But one of the kings of the "What happened to..." question has to be Marlon Brando.  A man considered by many to be the best actor of his generation, his career really meandered in the later years (I did enjoy his turn in "The Freshman").
I wasn't old enough to see Brando in his prime.  I still hadn't reached double digits in age when "The Godfather" came out in 1972.  I remember the "Dueling Brandos" sketch that appeared on Saturday Night Live and the flack he received for his salary on "Superman".  He was an actor becoming more known for his eccentric behavior than his ability in film.  So I had little exposure to Brando pre-1980.  It was time to dive into the center of Brando's work.
This is a marvelous film on so many levels with such layered performances.  Brando is a man conflicted between the loyalty of his brother and the union, versus the right path (the love of a woman doesn't hurt either).  He's a thug with a boxing past, yet displays a tender side with his care of pigeons.  Add to the mix Karl Malden as a priest not afraid to fight the union and Lee Cobb as the union boss thirsting for power and control.  And yes, you can't forget the contender speech.  An incredible piece of one man's battle to take the high road and shatter a brotherly bond.

Rating: 10/10
Movies I've previously seen: 6
First time viewings: 80

Movie #85- "Dirty Harry" (1971)

I've seen only one movie in the Harry Callahan series.  It was "The Dead Pool" when it hit theaters back in 1988.  At that point, the film landscape was littered with tough-talking cops with authority issues.  In an attempt to add a twist, the cop would be saddled with a partner and be just a shade crazy.
It's entertaining to go back to "Dirty Harry" and realize how many films it inspired or ripped it off, depending on your viewpoint.  In comparison to current cop movies, some might complain that it moves slow.  This wasn't a film designed on action, but rather on attitude and tension.  Harry was a renegade.  He had no respect for his superiors (or the mayor), yet still lived by a code that guided his actions. Harry's desire to do what he felt was right often put him into less than desirable situations.  Even with this strong, ethical code, he wasn't a beacon of humanity.  He had issues with those of a different ethnic or sexual background.  Placing the film in San Francisco offers a great contrast with the cities liberal sexual attitude against Harry's machismo.
San Francisco is used for more than just the contrast.  The cities rolling hills play an important role in the cat-and-mouse game between Harry and Scorpio, the killer who has the residents living in fear.  "Dirty Harry" is the film that contains the "Do I fell lucky?" speech, and the writers realized they had dialogue gold since it appears twice in the movie.  Too bad I didn't watch "Dirty Harry" when the material was fresh, instead of seeing the cliches that followed.

Rating: 8/10
Movies I've previously seen: 6
First time viewings: 79

Movie #84- "The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters" (2007)

Documentaries are a different breed of film.  A director finds a compelling issue or person, and through interviews, filmed events, and archival footage, tries to let the story naturally unfold.  The trick however, is in the editing.  By choosing the right soundbite or sequence, an audience can be manipulated to your way of thinking with the information that has been placed before them.  That manipulation is part of the brilliance of "The King of Kong".
"The King of Kong" wastes little time framing the hero and villain, in almost a professional wrestling fashion.  Billy Mitchell is a salesman, more than just as a career.  He has a brash and driven individual brimming with self-confidence.  He's a man that like to work the angles.  Mitchell also owns the Donkey Kong record, which has earned him a fair amount of admirers.  Enter Steve Wiebe. 
Wiebe is a teacher in Washington.  Throughout his life, he has had periods in which greatness was within his grasp, only to be faced with failure.  During a period of unemployment, he became obsessed with Donkey Kong.  Playing late into the night, with a machine in his garage, Wiebe set out to break the record.  When he does, Mitchell and Wiebe become adversaries.  Mitchell, the showman vs. Wiebe, who is painted as the normal, family man.
"The King of Kong" goes into the gaming culture, with these players devoting hours to classic arcade games like Donkey Kong, Pac Man and several others.  They were kids that may have been shunned in high school, but have now developed a tight community that is wary of outsiders.  As a record holder, Mitchell is part of that inner circle.  He is a member of the organization that keeps and authenticates the records.  And Wiebe breaking the record does not sit well with the group.  They deny Wiebe his score.  The leader of the organization continually mispronounces his name.  During one competition, a follower of Mitchell is in constant communication with Mitchell, updating him on Wiebe's progress.
In reading more about the story, many people complain that it's fake.  Frankly, I didn't care.  I still found myself engulfed in the video game battle, booing and cheering at the appreciate times.  It worked better than many scripted films.  "The King of Kong" even made me wish I still had my Atari 2600.

Rating: 8/10
Movies I've previously viewed: 6
First time viewings: 78