Adolescente, L’ (1979)

Adolescente, L’ (1979)

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“Love is a neverending battle — the young, the old, in the same boat.”

Synopsis:
On the brink of WWII, 13-year-old Marie (Laetitia Chauveau) and her mother (Edith Clever) go to stay with Marie’s grandmother (Simone Signoret) in the French countryside. Marie develops a crush on a young doctor (Francis Huster), and is devastated when she finds out that her sensual mother is having an affair with him.

Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:

  • Coming-of-Age
  • French Films
  • Infidelity
  • Jeanne Moreau Films
  • Simone Signoret Films

Review:
Jeanne Moreau’s second directorial effort — after Lumiere (1976) — was this unassuming summer vacation tale, set in pre-WWII France. As is often the case with coming-of-age stories, L’Adolescente is ultimately more concerned with chronicling its teenage protagonist’s budding sexual awareness than with the plot itself. As a result, while Moreau does a fine, sensitive job portraying Marie’s transition from childhood to adolescence, we don’t learn nearly enough about Marie’s mother (well-played by Edith Clever) — a woman who appears happily married, yet doesn’t hesitate to carry out an affair which can only end badly for everyone involved.

Moreau also relies a bit too heavily on cliched characterizations, with one sequence in particular — an early montage of the sundry villagers (each “type” is represented) — detracting from the authenticity of Marie’s personal story. In addition, Philippe Sarde’s musical theme, while lilting and effective at first, soon becomes overused and annoying. Nonetheless, there are enough positive elements in L’Adolescente — including the welcome presence of Simone Signoret as Marie’s grandmother, and a fine performance by young Laetitia Chauveau — to make it worth seeking out.

Redeeming Qualities and Moments:

  • Simone Signoret as Marie’s wise grandmother
  • Laetitia Chauveau (who never made another film) as young Marie
  • Beautiful cinematography of the French countryside
  • An effective portrayal of a young girl’s first crush on an older man

Must See?
No, but it’s recommended.

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Blue Lagoon, The (1980)

Blue Lagoon, The (1980)

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“I have a funny feeling in my stomach.”

Synopsis:
Two shipwrecked children (Elva Josephson and Glenn Kohan) grow into teens (Brooke Shields and Christopher Atikins), and soon find themselves sexually attracted to one another.

Genres:

  • Coming-of-Age
  • Deserted Island
  • First Love
  • Sexuality
  • Survival

Response to Peary’s Review:
As Peary notes, this “terribly made” remake of the “tasteful, enjoyable 1949 British film with Jean Simmons and Donald Houston has for years been mocked.” Brooke Shields deservedly won a Razzie Award for her performance here; while she’s undeniably gorgeous, she can’t act her way through even the simplest scenarios. Curly-headed Christopher Atkins is just as bad — as Peary notes, “every time he puts his hands on [Brooke], you want to gag.” The film’s sole redeeming feature is the stunning cinematography by Nestor Almendros, which ultimately deserves a much, much better movie.

Redeeming Qualities and Moments:

  • Lush, Oscar-nominated cinematography by Nestor Almendros
  • Hilariously awful acting by teen heartthrobs Shields and Atkinson

Must See?
No, though it’s worth a look simply for its historical notoriety.

Links:

Blue Lagoon, The (1949)

Blue Lagoon, The (1949)

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“I don’t care if we never see a boat again. I don’t care if we never get away from here!”

Synopsis:
Two young children (Susan Stranks and Peter Rudolph Jones) are shipwrecked on a deserted island, and must survive on their own. As they grow older, Emma (Jean Simmons) and Michael (Donald Houston) find themselves falling in love while waiting to be rescued.

Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:

  • Coming-of-Age
  • Deserted Island
  • First Love
  • Jean Simmons Films
  • Survival

Review:
This mid-century British adaptation of Henry De Vere Stacpoole’s adventure novel is primarily known for featuring Jean Simmons in her lead debut:

and as the predecessor to the infamously bad 1980 remake. On its own merits, however, The Blue Lagoon remains an enjoyable — if highly unrealistic — coming-of-age tale, worth watching simply for the gorgeous technicolor cinematography, and Simmons’ luminous face gracing the screen.

Redeeming Qualities and Moments:

  • Jean Simmons in one of her earliest leading roles
  • Some genuine tense moments, as when Simmons is kidnapped by a rapacious sailor (Cyril Cusack) with decidedly unsavory intentions
  • Beautiful technicolor cinematography (albeit in need of restoration) of the deserted island

Must See?
No. Though it holds some historical interest as the precursor to its 1980 counterpart, The Blue Lagoon is ultimately only must-see viewing for fans of Jean Simmons.

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They Saved Hitler’s Brain (1963)

They Saved Hitler’s Brain (1963)

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“Hitler, alive? It’s — it’s incredible!”

Synopsis:
The daughter (Audrey Caire) of a scientist discovers that her father has been taken to the South American country of Mendora by Neo-Nazis, who are following the orders of Hitler’s preserved head and plan to take over the world.

Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:

  • Disembodied Parts
  • Kidnapping
  • Nazis
  • Science Fiction
  • World Domination

Response to Peary’s Review:
As Peary notes, this “mangled mix” of footage from two separate projects — an unreleased sci-fi exploitation flick called Madmen of Mandoras, and additional amateur filler from years later — is quite the mess, and definitely a candidate for “Worst Film Ever Made”. However, I disagree with Peary that it’s difficult to understand what’s going on; the plot may be convoluted, but it actually makes sense in a warped way, if you’re paying close attention. Then again, every aspect of They Saved Hitler’s Brain — from the atrocious acting (especially in the added-on segments) to the unbelievably egregious continuity problems — is so bad that, cumulatively, they overshadow the story itself. Unfortunately, as is often the case with oddly-named films, the title here is ultimately more intriguing than the plot; plus, as many have pointed out, it’s incredibly frustrating that Hitler’s “brain” doesn’t show up until halfway through the film.

Note: As Peary notes, it’s “too bad Woody Allen didn’t use [the] film’s visuals for What’s Up Tiger Lily? II;” in fact, I’m surprised MST3K never lampooned this one, given its potential for unending mockery.

Redeeming Qualities and Moments:

  • Bill Freed’s campy portrayal as Hitler’s head

Must See?
No; save yourself the grief.

Links:

“I Know Where I’m Going!” (1945)

“I Know Where I’m Going!” (1945)

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“When Joan was only one year old, she already knew where she was going.”

Synopsis:
When heavy storms prevent a headstrong young woman (Wendy Hiller) from reaching her wealthy fiancé on a remote Scottish isle, she gets to know the nearby locals — including naval officer Torquil MacNeil (Roger Livesey).

Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:

  • Character Arc
  • Class Relations
  • Michael Powell Films
  • Roger Livesey Films
  • Romance
  • Scotland
  • Strong Females
  • Wendy Hiller Films

Review:
Directorial partners Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger made many highly regarded films together, including Black Narcissus (1947), The Red Shoes (1948), and Peeping Tom (1960). However, this fable-like romance — co-starring Wendy Hiller and strange-voiced Roger Livesey — remains perhaps the most charming of them all, telling the simple yet effective tale of a willful woman who gradually learns to trust her heart rather than her head, all while being seduced by the magic of the Scottish isles. The black-and-white cinematography is truly stunning, making this romantic gem both a visual and narrative delight.

Redeeming Qualities and Moments:

  • Wendy Hiller as the headstrong heroine
  • Roger Livesey as Hiller’s would-be love interest
  • Haunting, high-contrast cinematography
  • Creative opening titles
  • Many whimsical visuals, as when Hiller dreams of the Scottish hills covered in tartan plaid

Must See?
Yes. This romantic fable is one of Powell and Pressburger’s most enjoyable movies, and should be seen by all film fanatics.

Categories

  • Important Director

(Listed in 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die)

Links:

Murder on the Orient Express (1974)

Murder on the Orient Express (1974)

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“Only by interrogating the other passengers could I hope to see the light.”

Synopsis:
Belgian detective Hercules Poirot (Albert Finney) investigates the murder of a businessman (Richard Widmark) on the Orient Express.

Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:

  • Albert Finney Films
  • Anthony Perkins Films
  • Detectives and Private Eyes
  • Ensemble Cast
  • Ingrid Bergman Films
  • Jacqueline Bisset Films
  • John Gielgud Films
  • Lauren Bacall Films
  • Martin Balsam Films
  • Michael York Films
  • Murder Mystery
  • Richard Widmark Films
  • Sean Connery Films
  • Sidney Lumet Films
  • Trains
  • Vanessa Redgrave Films
  • Wendy Hiller Films

Review:
Sidney Lumet’s adaptation of Agatha Christie’s celebrated mystery is a nostalgic throw-back to the early days of Hollywood, when all-star casts routinely graced the screen together in ensemble films such as Grand Hotel (1932) and Dinner at Eight (1933). Indeed, film buffs will have a field day watching some of their favorite actors (including Lauren Bacall, Wendy Hiller, Sean Connery, Ingrid Bergman, Anthony Perkins, and others) in supporting roles. However, it’s Albert Finney who truly runs the show here: as the determined (and occasionally obnoxious) Hercules Poirot, Finney is literally unrecognizable. Unfortunately, Lumet indulges his screenplay a bit: it takes quite a while for all the characters to be introduced, and the final scenes linger far longer than necessary. Nonetheless, Murder on the Orient Express, which inspired two future Christie adaptations — Death on the Nile (1978) and Evil Under the Sun (1982) — remains a well-made detective flick, and should be seen by all film fanatics.

Redeeming Qualities and Moments:

  • Albert Finney — nearly unrecognizable as Belgian detective Hercules Poirot
  • Fine performances by a supporting cast of stars


  • Lush, colorful 1930s set designs and costumes
  • A satisfying and unexpected solution to the mystery

Must See?
Yes. While over-long, this Academy Award-nominated murder mystery is a rare return to the all-star format of earlier Hollywood dramas.

Categories

  • Oscar Winner or Nominee

Links:

Bad Boys (1983)

Bad Boys (1983)

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“I ain’t afraid of anything.”

Synopsis:
A juvenile delinquent (Sean Penn) is sent to prison after accidentally killing the brother of a rival gang member (Esai Morales). Meanwhile, Morales gets revenge by raping Penn’s girlfriend (Sheedy), and appears in prison ready for a showdown.

Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:

  • Character Arc
  • Gangs
  • Juvenile Delinquents
  • Prisoners
  • Revenge

Review:
Bad Boys edges dangerously close to a juvie exploitation flick in its familiar tale of a teen from a broken home who find himself battling both personal demons — and literal enemies — in a detention center. Fortunately, the film’s predictable storyline is redeemed by several notable performances, including a young Esai Morales as Penn’s nemesis (four years before his breakthrough role as Ritchie Valens’ brother in La Bamba), and Sean Penn in one of his earliest powerhouse performances. While we can predict the final narrative arc of the movie long before it arrives, we care enough about both Penn and Morales (a rare feat in a film where one character is clearly the protagonist) to hope things end well for them.

Redeeming Qualities and Moments:

  • Sean Penn in an early star-making role
  • Esai Morales as Penn’s nemesis
  • Ally Sheedy as Penn’s girlfriend

Must See?
No, but it’s recommended simply for the performances by Penn and Morales.

Links:

Watership Down (1978)

Watership Down (1978)

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“All the world will be your enemy, Prince with a Thousand Enemies.”

Synopsis:
A group of rabbits leave their warren and search for a new home, dealing with dangers and predators along the way.

Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:

  • Animated Features
  • Denholm Elliott Films
  • Harry Andrews Films
  • John Hurt Films
  • Ralph Richardson Films
  • Search
  • Talking Animals

Review:
It’s rare to find a pre-CGI animated feature which deviates substantially from standard Disney form. There are some exceptions (such as the incomparable Yellow Submarine, or Ralph Bakshi’s X-rated films), but not many — which is why Martin Rosen’s Watership Down remains such a delight. This intelligent adaptation of Richard Adams’ allegorical novel respects our intelligence, and dares to assume that animated films can appeal to adults without including pornographic material. The low-budget animation is surprisingly effective, using a creative mix of watercolor backdrops and more detailed foreground action; voices by John Hurt and other esteemed British actors provide automatic gravitas to the proceedings.

Redeeming Qualities and Moments:

  • Expressive animation
  • Beautiful watercolor backgrounds
  • A surprisingly “adult” plot which doesn’t shy away from violence and difficult themes
  • The opening “origin tale” sequence

Must See?
Yes. This unique animated feature — listed as a Sleeper and a Personal Recommendation by Peary in the back of his book — should be seen by all film fanatics.

Categories

  • Good Show

Links:

I Bury the Living (1958)

I Bury the Living (1958)

Comments 2 comments

“Maps and pins can’t kill alone — the power of a human brain has to be behind it.”

Synopsis:
The newly appointed chairman (Richard Boone) of a cemetery soon discovers that by pushing a black pin onto a plot on a map, he will cause the death of the plot’s owner — yet nobody believes him, and deaths continue to mount.

Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:

  • Horror
  • “No One Believes Me!”
  • Richard Boone Films
  • Supernatural Powers

Review:
This low-budget horror flick — more akin to a Twilight Zone episode than a feature film — holds interest throughout its 75 minutes. Based on a remarkably simple premise, I Bury the Living remains unique because of its decision to show Boone as a tortured soul who no one will believe, rather than a gleeful madman who revels in his newfound power. Director Albert Band makes good, restrained use of camera tricks and extreme lighting to show Boone’s state of mind, and turns the cemetery map itself into a virtual piece of psychedelic art.

While critics are divided in their opinions of the film’s denouement (most hate it), these final five minutes fortunately do little to take away from the enjoyment of what’s come before.

Redeeming Qualities and Moments:

  • Richard Boone as the troubled chairman
  • Effective cinematography and camera tricks to reflect Boone’s degenerating state of mind
  • The surprisingly creepy cemetery map

Must See?
Yes, as a good show.

Categories

  • Good Show

Links:

Cannonball Run, The (1981)

Cannonball Run, The (1981)

Comments 2 comments

“You are certainly the most distinguished group of highway scofflaws and degenerates ever gathered together in one place.”

Synopsis:
An eccentric group of competitors — played by Burt Reynolds, Dom DeLuise, Roger Moore, Jackie Chan, Adrienne Barbeau, Farrah Fawcett, Jamie Farr, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., and others — participate in an illegal cross-country car race known as the Cannonball Run.

Genres, Themes, Actors, and Directors:

  • Burt Reynolds Films
  • Car Racing
  • Comedy
  • Dean Martin Films
  • Ensemble Cast
  • Peter Fonda Films
  • Rivalry

Review:
The Cannonball Run was the fifth highest grossing film of 1981, and remains a nostalgic favorite for those who remember watching it upon its release (either in theaters or on cable). The characterizations by an all-star cast are amusingly irreverent, and there’s some fun to be had in seeing the depths to which these fanatical competitors will go in order to win the race. This isn’t great filmmaking by any means (see Roger Ebert’s panning review, for instance), but The Cannonball Run remains an iconic piece of pop culture, and will probably be of passing interest to film fanatics for this reason alone.

Redeeming Qualities and Moments:

  • An all-star cast having innocent screwball fun together

Must See?
No, though it’s worth a look simply for its status as a nostalgic favorite.

Links: