The Grapes of Wrath (1940)

American Film Institute's Top 100 Films: No. 23

Seems like the government's got more interest in a dead man than a live one. Tom Joad

It never ceases to amaze me how much more entertaining some movies can be when you're not required to watch them for class. John Steinbeck's classic novel of the Oakies and the Dustbowl was a required read in school, and once we finished reading the book we were "treated" with a viewing of the movie. 

Going back now to watch the movie for fun, I found a much higher entrainment value. I feel certain some of that is due to the fact I'm not half asleep in a desk chair. 

Since the movie is a little older, it is naturally a little hokey in some parts. Some of the dialogue doesn't translate as well to the screen from the page - at time it seems stiff and staged. However, most of that is due simply to the period of time the movie was filmed. Overall, very VERY long, somewhat tedious at times, but an otherwise good rendition of the book. Not a favorite movie but not a bad one, either.

3.5 stars out of 5

It's A Wonderful Life (1946)

American Film Institute's Top 100 Films: No. 20

Get me - I'm givin' out wings! Nick

Regardless of how "cute" this movie is, in my opinion it should be known as Frank CRAPA's It's A Wonderful Life. I've seen this film far too many times, and each year when Mom drags out the VHS it pains me more and more.

All and all, it's a good film. It's a nice plot, and the idea behind it really is a good, solid one. Great family film. The biggest problem I have with this movie, is Jimmy Stewart. The whole two people reading this are probably in shock, but in reality I can't stand his acting in this movie. George Bailey as a character makes me sick. I'm not the slightest bit impressed with his overly sweet nature. His voice itself drives me to near insanity.

All in all, I would probably enjoy this movie if I took about ten years off from watching it, but as it stands, it's too long and too cutesy. 

2 stars out of 5

On The Waterfront (1954)

American Film Institute's Top 100 Films, No. 19

Academy Award for Best Picture, 1955

Hey, you wanna hear my philosophy on life? Do it to him before he does it to you. - Terry Malloy

Another of the classic black and white films I found to be quite entertaining. However, unlike many of the others, the dialogue seemed to me to be slightly outdated and the story moved slowly. However, the story line of the dock workers fighting for equality is a classic in itself, and this movie was very well-done.

The idea for the story, according to imdb.com, first came from an expose series written for The New York Sun by reporter Malcolm Johnson. Johnson's 24 articles eventually won him a Pulitzer Prize, and were reinforced by the 1948 murder of a New York dock hiring boss, which solidified the story to the American public. Budd Schulberg, the movie's writer, became obsessed with the subject, and spent years of his life learning everything he could of the killings and extortion going on in docks across the country. He spent a great deal of time in West Side Manhattan and Long Island bars interviewing longshore-union leaders and learning more of the priests from Hell's Kitchen.

Easily one of Marlon Brando's greatest performances, and it's little surprise he took home an Oscar for his work.

3.5 stars out of 5

Sunset Blvd. (1950)

American Film Institute's Top 100 Films: No. 16

I am big! It's the pictures that got small. Norma Desmond

For all the cheesiness I expected from this film, I was pleasantly surprised by the time it was over. I had never known much of the story line other than an affair between the young writer and older, faded star. However, everything from the beginning and end scenes with Joe Gillis' body in the pool to the eccentric acting by Gloria Swanson was enjoyable.

In my opinion, I think it was an original story line that was destroyed when Andrew Lloyd Webber tried to turn it into a musical. Although I will never say I'm not a fan of musical theatre, this was just pushing the envelop. I for one liked it as is. Again, with so many of the films I've seen so far, with the exception of some dated dialogue this is not a movie a viewer could initially tell was an older film. Interesting plot, would for sure see again.

3.5 stars out of 5

The Graduate (1967)

American Film Institute's Top 1oo Films: No. 17

Are you here for an affair, sir? Hotel Clerk

This movie was not at all what I anticipated, but in the end I still ended up enjoying the film. Although I had the general gist of what was going on, I thought Benjamin (Dustin Hoffman, who was perfect in the role) was already dating Elaine (Katharine Ross) when the affair with Mrs. Robinson (Anne Bancroft began). However, the movie was quite the opposite, so to start out in the beginning with the affair was different from what I was expecting, but still enjoyable.

One thing I noticed while watching were the constant subtle references to women and sex, something imdb.com called "womb imagery." Benjamin constantly wants to stay in his parents swimming pool, there are close up shots of women's hips and the most obvious returning to the womb of the older Mrs. Robinson.

Another aspect of the film I enjoyed was the soundtrack, done completely by Simon & Garfunkle. I have known of the more or less title track, Mrs. Robinson, for many years, but again didn't realize the duo completed the entire soundtrack for the movie. I found that most enjoyable, and thought the light, easy songs of the 60s help set the atmosphere for Ben's post-graduate struggle into adulthood.

4 stars out of 5

2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)

American Film Institute's Top 100 Films: No. 15

Just what do you think you're doing, Dave? HAL

In all honesty, the only think I liked about this movie was the soundtrack. Although the spots of the ship flying through space were intriguing considering when they were made, overall by far not a favorite movie.

The very beginning with the "Dawn of Man" did nothing but irritate me. As far as I'm concerned, any movie where people dress up as apes is bound to lose favor with me quickly. Even when it finally switched over to the space scenes, and there was real dialogue, little could be done to earn my interest in this movie.

I found the story line confusing, HAL the computer creepy and Frank and Dave bland. Furthermore, the heavy breathing in the spacesuits drove me to near insanity, and the long periods of time without music made me restless.

Although not a huge science fiction fan, I do enjoy the occasional science fiction movie. This certainly was not one of them. Why this movie is so highly regarded is beyond my reasoning.

1 star out of 5

Psycho (1960)

American Film Institute's Top 100 Films: No. 14

Uh-oh, Mother, what is the phrase? She isn't quite herself today. Norman Bates

By far my favorite Alfred Hitchcock film, I personally believe it's a better movie than Vertigo. I've seen it a couple times years ago, but watching it again I really took in quite a bit more this time around. 

One thing I really picked up on was just how much of an adult film this movie was. The fact that many of the scenes depict Janet Leigh in her underwear, or less, Marion Crane was having an affair and Norman Bate's odd sexual tension were all mature concepts. While Vertigo did have some adult themes, this movie seems to have many more. 

Once again, Hitchcock's superb story-telling skills were evident in this particular film. He opted to shoot the entire movie in black and white despite the fact other big budget films of the time were being produced in color. As a director, he was meticulous - for the three weeks Leigh was on the set, one entire week was devoted to the 45-second shower sequence. Additionally, after the film was released Hitchcock received several letters from ophthalmologists saying Leigh's eyes were contracted during the extreme closeups after her character's death, while in real life a corpse's eyes are dilated. To remedy this problem for all of his remaining movies, he began using belladonna drops. Highly recommended, eerily creepy, and a bone-chilling score by Bernard Hermann to match.

5 stars out of 5