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Karateka (2024)
Funny, maybe, but also realistic
This is a very good little surprise, speaking of something that no one never evokes, but something that happens many times for many women. I speak of menstruation issue that can be a real handicap in specific situations. No one never speaks of it because it is genuinely uninteresting, that doesn't bring any suspense, and this is linked to privacy, personal matters. So, no surprise that here, this serious issue is treated as a comedy, light hearted story. Not a drama, you could not make a film, write a long length movie script with such a scheme. But a short film, yes, I am even surprised it was not made before. As if one day, they direct a short film showing a guy sitting on the toilet throne, after "big business" and without any toilet paper besides him...It would be the same kind of story, perfect foor a short movie.
Savior (1998)
Tremendous war film
There were not so many films about war in Balkans, that occured during the nineties. There were films, but mostly from Serbia and Kosovo, or Croatia and Bosnia, and for ninety percent never released in Western Europe countries. Or very confidentially. This one is one of them. It was eventually distributed because there are American stars and the production was with American money. That's why. But I assure you that many good films remain and will unfortunately remain under the radars. I watched some of them on line from time to time, and without subtitles. Each of them is brutal, gritty, poignant, showing that this war was very special, not like the other conflicts. This terrific movie is the best example. It is painful but beautiful in the same time. Not for all audiences because of those depressing scenes, shocking, unforgettable.
The ODESSA File (1974)
Second best adaptation of a Frederick Forsythe's novel
After of course DAY OF THE JACKAL, this tremendous espionage thriller is worth the watch, though being not as tense and riveting as the Fred Zinneman's film. And procuded the same year. I don't remember if it is faithful in detail to the book, as the DAY OF THE JACKAL was at 90%, but the overall plot follows the genuine material. Besides those two movies, forget the rest of films adapted from Forsythe's work; even DOG SOLDIERS, which is in the limit of acceptable. Ronald Neame was definitely a good director, maybe underrated now. Yes, this movie is efficient, and less complex than the other espionage films from the sixties, one decade earlier, such as ICPRESS FILE and so on, involving the Iron Curtain.
The Swordsman (1948)
Because it is from Joesph H Lewis
Joseph H lewis was mostly known for his masterpiece GUN CRAZY and several westerns, plus SO DARK THE NIGHT, another gem. This swashbuckler is often forgotten but is far better, if not one of the best from Columbia Pictures, which was a specialist for this kind of films, with nearly - if not always - every time George Mc Ready as the unavoidable villain. The future black listed Larry Parks gives here one of his best performances; he was very good in this kind of stuff. Yes, Joseph H Lewis, for whom it is not the speciality, it is a success in terms of quality. Adventure, romance, action, splendid settings and photography.
The Neanderthal Man (1953)
Excellent little surprise
This director, already guilty of THE STEEL LADY - a war movie around a tank in the desert - amazed me and here it makes it again. The first time I saw it, I thought of Jack Arnold's MONSTER ON THE CAMPUS, I don't know why, certainly the plot, basic scheme in terms of human transformation and a scientist, experiment. I don't insist on a DOCTOR JEKYLL AND MR HYDE more than possible inspiration !!!! But rip-off or not, inspiration or not, this is a tremendous little horror film, made by this totally forgotten director. I advise you to try this movie, really, it is worth the watch,, despite this already seen topic.
Paper Bullets (1941)
Interesting
Above all, don't try to watch it for Alan Ladd, because if you try to pick up your handkerschief, you will miss him. So, forget it. But for the rest, this is certainly not a gritty, tough and brutal gangster film in the line of William Wellman's PUBLIC ENEMY, but a gentle and smooth crime film, though not being a comedy either. It is limit light hearted, with a fantastic female lead character that you will not forget. A so ambivalent character as I love. That's the Phil Rosen's film that I remind the most, among the batch I have already seen from this B and Z movies director. Not bad, I repeat, and keep focused on this wonderful actress, whom I don't know at all.
An Eye for an Eye (1966)
Not for your eyes only....
This is a true unusual, surprising little western that you have to watch, enjoy - because you can only enjoy such a gem - and then talk about it to your movie buffs friends; don't keep it for you. Such a rare and terrific little movie, I repeat: so rare, deserves to be shared, discovered. The best example of what small productions can provide, because without any producers pressure. Yes, the best example, but every B movie is not the same. Beware. I saw this western in France, aired on a TV channel during the mid seventies and I never forgot it. Especially the second part. I guess Quentin Tarantino knows such a piece of jewel. How could it be else?
The Manster (1959)
What a strange and terrific little horror yarn
I know that during the fifties, sixties, and early seventies, this kind of independant horror - and not only - films was not exceptional. Producers, screen writers, directors were totally on the loose. No limit, no red line not to tresspass...This one is exceptional, if you understand it is cheap. But precisely because it is cheap, it has to be inventive. The quality of the copy I watched is impressive and that enhances everything in that movie. The scheme is really unusual, rarely seen before and the fact that it takes place in Japan brings even more "spice" to this amazing horror flick. This director was born and died in France. Very unusual too.
On ne meurt que deux fois (1985)
Nothing could match the book
Jacques Deray was a very talented director, no problem. But here, when it is question of adapt a Robin Cook's book, especially this one- HE DIED WITH HIS EYES OPENED- the challenge was too big for Jacques Deray. This novel is the most captivating I had ever read, and this kind of story is not my cup of tea at all. But this book is sooo gloomy, so depressing, that only a handful of directors could have made it with the proper, adequate atmosphere, to be faithful to the genuine material. Another French film LES MOIS D'AVRIL SONT MEURTRIERS, was closer to the Robin Cook's book, with the same title. Jacques Deray was not the best choice for this kind of films. His stuff was rather crime dramas; not psycholigical plots. Despite Michel Serrault' and Charlotte Rampling, the book was far far better. But maybe a faithful script to the novel would have been too gloomy for audiences.
Diamond City (1949)
British adventure western
Take advantage of this forties till mid sixties period to enjoy, because the British film industry did not provide such films after 1966 and the likes of KARTHOUM, only because of the fall of its colonial empire. But before this mid decade, you had plenty of those features, maybe less famous than the Hollywood productions but still interesting and worth the watch. And many of them remained in obscurity. Such as this one, directed by a British adventure film director: David Mac Donald, mostly known for CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS and less MOONRAKER - 1958. So, yes, this one is good to catch, and you have Diana Dors....
La fin du Marquisat d'Aurel (1980)
Not great but interesting
This is not an adventure historical French series, as I have already watched and reviewed, not action here, not hero vs villains. This is a pure drama, with romance and family feud. The interesting thing is that the lead Pierre Vaneck's character slowly changes during the series. He begins as a good guy - a noble -and then becomes rough, insensitive, nasty with his daughter whom she forbids her to have a relation with a young man, a shepherd. This is a bittersweet story, a bit gloomy but not depressing though. Not cheesy, not lame, not in the Hollywood style with the unavoidable happy ending. Yes, this is a good series.
The Devil Thumbs a Ride (1947)
Excellent, short and sharp
Anyway, any crime film starring Lawrence Tierney is worth the watch, even a short movie. This one is short, sharp, taut, gritty, and of course Lawrence Tierney is as terrific as usual. Director Felix Feist was a rather good technician and he proves it here; though he was not a crime drama specialist. This RKO movie is not so common, I am sure many movie buffs have forgotten it, except Quentin Tarantino. He is the greatest moviegoer ever. But this plot is not that exceptional despite the Larry Tierney's performance and the overall atmosphere, I recommend it to any movie buff. It is a rrare film, I repeat.
Double Impact (1991)
Before JCVD became straight to DVD....
I watched every Jean-Claude Van Damme's feature from the late eighties till the mid ninneties; let's say till SUDDEN DEATH, and only far less after, in the 2000's.... But I can say that I have always been faithful to him, despite the fact that he is not my cup of tea. If you wish to appreciate the minimum, you have to adjust your glance, your state of mind...As for Steven Seagal or Bruce Lee. This one offers us interesting situations, with the twins scheme, but the thing I will remind the most is the female villain, with the bodybuilder Cory Everson fighting against JCVD. That's why I watch this film from time to time.
Craze (1974)
Was Freddie Francis crazy or what?
I hardly recognized Freddie Francis in this movie, not in terms of directing, with exciting camera angles and moves, but because of a so lousy script where poor Jack Palance does his best to save the whole. Freddie Francis gave us worst, with the awful - or funny, that depends of your taste and opinion - TROG, where it was Joan Crawford instead of Jack Palance as the lead. But I am sure that many viewers will appreciate this film, that looks like a TV movie for me. Freddie Francis was more inspired during the sixties, let's admit it. Remember his first part of career, but maybe was it because of a budget matter, not talent.
L'homme aux yeux d'argent (1985)
Pierre Granier Deferre's trademark
Not a bad crime drama, involving Alain Souchon, the famous French singer who, for a short period of time, was an actor. He is not that convincig here, but we can forgive him. The basic plot reminds me LE FILS, 1973, from the same Deferre, and telling the story of a man returning home after a long while to face his fate. Jean Louis Trintignant's presence helps a lot in a borderline cop, the same kind of Javert's one in LES MISERABLES or Michel Bouquet in DEUX HOMMES DANS LA VILLE. The ending is excellent, very unpredictable, that no one can foreseen ten miles before. It is slow, however, slow and a bit boring. But I like this film. The lead character is far from being a big hero....
Soylent Green (1973)
SOYLENT GREEN
And what a performance from Edward G Robinson; his very last one. His most prestigious, poignant, gripping...That's what really shocked me, made me cry, when I discovered this film, several decades ago. The plot is also outstanding, especially for this period. A story ahead of its time, in terms of message. This movie will never get old anyway. I am sure the new generations of movie buffs appreciate it. I never get tired of it. Charlton Heston brings nothing more to his already flawless carreer, he is at his right place. Only Chuck Connors as the villain should have been replaced. I mean or such a film.
Between Midnight and Dawn (1950)
The first centurions
I could not prevent myself to think about Richard Fleischer's THE NEW CENTURIONS, when watching this one. OK, both films are quite different but the overall scheme rather close one to the other. Both are cop buddies films, beat cops aboard patrol cars. Edmond O'Brien and Mark Stevens are outstanding in this rare, hard to catch crime drama. Not the best from Gordon Douglas, but his directing trademark is as terrific as usual. Gordon Douglas who said that he made films only too feed his family, because only a few movies he made really interested him. That said this is a good film, despite the predictable plot and ending. Only acting and directing are purely excellent.
The Bandit of Sherwood Forest (1946)
George Sherman's first attempt....
George Sherman will give us SON OF ROBIN HOOD in 1959, thirteen years after this one. And so you can see that he will have made two films about Robin Hood's son. Of course Cornel Wilde was a good choice Remember him in AT SWORD'S POINT, a movie in the Errrol Flynn and Douglas Fairbanks' manner. This Columbia picture that I comment now is at least no produced by Sam Katzman; poor George Sherman would not have deserved such a punishment. The result is OK, as walso was Gordon Douglas' ROGUES OF SHERWOOD FOREST, made several years later. Just enjoy this agreeable movie, very entertaining fo the whole family. And of course, as a swashbuckler film from Columbia Pictures, don't expect not to have George Mc Ready as a villain character.
Superbeast (1972)
No more than fun and time wasting
This only film from a producer who suddenly tried to be a director is not that bad, only gently lousy, typical of those early seventies, a period where everything, everyone was totally loose, where scripts, acting, directing techniques were really free, there was no rules, restrictions...or so few. And from the Philippines - an American colony for a long time - you have understood that it was a paradise for low budget movies, those crazy independant features, that had nothing to do with Hollywood. This was only cheap and quick business. This story is a mix up of ISLAND OF LOST SOULS - DR MOREAU - and I guess also a bit of MOST DANGEROUS GAME. I repeat, don't take it too seriously, just waatch it with a "generous" glance.
Se souvenir des belles choses (2001)
Still - or already - Alzheimer disease
You can of course prefer STILL ALICE, satrring Julianne Moore, concerning Alzheimer disease. It is better done, more powerful, more in every domain, every element, but that doesn't diminish the quality of this cute and sensitive French drama, where Isabelle Carré does her very best, and is convincing too. So, please don't despise it. You can watch or re watch STILL ALICE again and them compare, I am surre you will appreciate both. Don't worry. It is sad of course, but also beautiful, moving, pulled by excellent performances. One of best Isabelle Carré's roles, especially the best of her early career.
Faye (2024)
So pure, so honest
It was less painful, though, than watching the documentary I saw about Celine Dion, several weeks ago. This one is still hard to watch without being disturbed, especially if you love Faye Dunaway. When she speaks - or even her son - about her disease, I assure you I felt myself a bit dizzy. And as for Celine Dion, I am amazed by her honesty, she doesn't hide anything. Besides, I don't think she made the best choice concerning her face and plastic surgery; the same for Kim Novak. Faye Dunaway was so pretty, even more, beautiful. I definitely like this documentary. If only all the movie stars could speak the same...Plus, she evokes here MOMMIE DEAREST, a movie about which she always said she did not wish to speak; so kind of her to finally do it.
Gorgo (1961)
GODZILLA, KING KONG, KONGA...Now GORGO
This is a rather good British monster film, I mean gigantic monster, which was usually the American scheme. Because the Val Guest's films, for instance, were not that similar to this one. Eugene Lourié already gave us BEAST FROM 20000 FATHOMS, and this topic here is very close. Useless to talk about KING KONG inspiration, nor GODZILLA, and also KONGA, the cheapest of them all. This one is worth the watch for any movie buff searching rare items of this kind, without being grade Z movies either. This is even a bit above a Bert Gordon's feature in terms of quality and overall directing. No real surprise, but who cares? And what an unexpected ending !!!
All That Heaven Allows (1955)
All that your own children allow
What a beautiful melodrama made by the all time best melodrama makers: I mean Douglas Sirk. He was the greatest specialist for this kind of films, as great as a Michael Curtiz or Vincent Sherman or George Stevens. OK; Rock Hudson can be cheesy from time to time, because he was not such a good actor, only his handsome physique and presence on screen did the rest for him. That said, this story takes place, as so many other American films, in a small community, in a small town, where neighbours, relatives and all kinds of people only know about talking, talking, provoking gossips and gossips. The tale of a woman in love with a younger man, her gardner - Rock Hudson. The choice of actors could have been a bit wiser, because Wyman was only seven years older than he co star Hudson...And her childern, and not only, put pressure on her so that she breaks with Hudson...I was literally shocked by all this. Once more, as in so many other American films, we see here the weight of community, the glance of other people. I could never bear that. Never.
L'empreinte des géants (1980)
Not only a bit from José Giovanni and John Ford here?
Maybe I am still too much under the influence of LES GRANDES GUEULES, another Robert Enrico's film, made fourteen years earlier, and itself adapted from a José Giovanni's book. But the charm is not here anymore, maybe because there is no François de Roubaix's score. Good intentions and performances, good character symphony for a plot that could have been better in a series frame. That's my own opinion. No real lead here, as Lino Ventura and Bourvil in LES GRANDES GUEULES.... But that remains a good Robert Enrico's film, though not his best. Some José Giovanni's touch from time to time. Yes, it looks very much like a TV movie, or Tv series. But who cares? I also thought of some John Ford's films atmosphere I mean relations between characters.
Dick Tracy Meets Gruesome (1947)
No gruesome, but awesome
This short film series showing detective Dick Tracy was definitely terrific, and I don't even speak of the serials from Republic Pictures, all of them starring Ralph Byrd, and directed by William Witney. But here, speaking of the movies, short ones produced by RKO Pictures, all those short films are absolutely terrific, and this very one in particular, thanks to the directing and above all Boris Karloff's excellent performance as the villain. I am still amazed after watching this so good surprise. It is a grade B movie, but who cares? The quality is over the top, compared to so many craps. Yes, not gruesome but awesome.