Katie's+Movie+Reviews!

The Shawshank Redemption.

Overall, I did enjoy watching The Shawshank Redemption. Of course, you couldnt help but fall in love with Andy, Red, and Brooks. As far as acting, I felt that all the actors did an amazing job. You hated everyone you were supposed to hate, and loved everyone you were expected to love. I nearly cried when Brooks hung himself. Regardless, I thought that the ending left very little to the imagination. I feel like there was no need to show Andy and Red reuniting with the boat and all. I did fully enjoy the movie, its just not one I could imagine myself watching again.

Casablanca.

I love black and white, Bogie, and love stories, so Casablanca was a dream. You have a round of actors and actresses to die for. Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Peter Lorre, and Claude Rains were all convincing and a pleasure to watch. I thought the best part of the film was essentially Rick's decision. Forced to decide between love, and whats morally right, of course, Bogie delivers. Though he loves Ilsa, he tells her to leave, because despite his own desires, its what must be done. siiiiiigh whatadreamboat!

On The Waterfront.

Marlon Brando skinny!? No way!? I fully enjoyed On The Waterfront. Directed by Elia Kazan, and starring the infamous Marlon Brando, made the film all the more exciting. His female counterpart, Edie Doyle, played by Eve Marie Saint, was very convincing. It was also revealed to our class that Marlon Brando took matters into his own hands while the camera was rolling, and took the liberty of playing with a glove she had dropped, and placing it on his hand. A fun little tid bit i thought lended itself to Brando's acting expertise. I thought the overall story was fun, again, youfall in love with the characters, and the bad guy losesto the good guy. Eve though it was predictable, i fell sucker to the love story, and eventual triumph of the reluctant hero.

The Graduate.

This movie was a pleasure to watch in class. I thought that the film was shot beautifully. It was as ifyou could stop the film at any point and you was have a perfect photograph. (I think my favorite would have been the swinging of the crucifix). The reluctance of Dustin Hoffman's character, Ben Braddock, to step into the seemingly pointless, vein, and unsatisfactory world of adulthood, is somthing i think alot of us in these desks are feeling right now. And even if were not feeling it yet, i think we will soon. The underwater symbolism was fun, and made perfect sense. The fish tank and the pool, being contained, controlled bodies of water, showing Ben's trapped feelings, as opposed to the freedom he wants. THANKS to Mr Masson on making the decision to show this film, i loved it.

The Maltese Falcon.

Bogie is back in media class with a vengance. Humphrey Bogart portrays a sly detective in the 1941 crime film directed by John Huston. Bogie is good good company, with Peter Lorre, Mary Astor, and Sydney Greenstreet. The case is a difficult one. With a beautiful liar, some passionate criminals, and many many twists and turns. All of the madness centered around an extremely valuable statuette. I found this film hard to watch at times, with not an extreme amount of action and movement, its more of a brain exercise than other films. Even so, its perfect to watch when your feeling attentive and prepared. All im saying is, if its somewhat early and your tired, not the best pick. Lots and lots of chainsmoking so i recommend this film for older, experienced audiences only.

Chinatown.

Directed by Roman Polanski, this 1974 mystery thriller shot in the classic Film Noir style is hard to beat. Jack Nicholson is the main character, a private eye whos normal occupation is to follow spouses suspected of cheating on their wives and husbands. But he soon finds himself wrapped up in a much more complicated affair. Accompanied by Faye Dunaway and John Huston, the entire movie is always jockying position, and the plot twists and turns at a constant rate. It truely made me stop and think on more than one occasion which was a nice change. I was entertained to say the least. Nicholson was YOUUUUNG. And for a good portion of the film wore an extremly large bandage over his face, a dedicated actor indeed.

Do The Right Thing.

Spike Lee's film Do The Right Thing was throughly enjoyable, over time. Directly after viewing, i was terribly, terribly, ANGRY. I found it rediculous that the film was titled Do The Right Thing and the fact of the matter was (so i thought) that absolutly no one did the right thing!! But after our class had its little pow wow, and a few people go their heads bitten off, (HINT: WHICH IS WHY I NEVER PARTICIPATE IN GROUP OPINION DISCUSSIONS/EXTRAVAGANZAS), i understood the point Lee made by titling the film as he did. The mayor was the only one i believed who actually did the right thing, but this is neither here nor there. I thought the acting was fantastic and i found it rediculously impressive that Spike Lee acted in his own movie! The groovin in the beginning of the film has inspired me to attempt to break it down just as Rosie Perez did. FIGHT THE POWER!!

One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest.

Milos Forman's film based on Ken Kesey's famous novel is a nice addition to this movie review. Another film containing the superior acting skill of Jack Nicholson tickled my fancy to say the least. Louise Fletcher portrayed the sadistic Nurse Ratched and i can honestly say i dont think ive ever wanted to unlkeash physical harm on a fictional character more. (except maybe the triceratops Sara in The Land Before Time films), but that is neither here nor there. This 133 minute, english, color film, is largely recognized, for obvious reasons. Despit eht efac tthat Ken Kesey wanted nothing to do with the film, considering some elements were changed, it has not stoped the movie from reaching all sorts of ears and eyes. From the false diagnosis of insanity to the role women play in the film, there is much to be discussed here. Regardless, i am NOT DONE HERE.