Weiner

Although I find politics themselves fascinating, I often find political things quite dull or vexing. This as too often they drive towards dishonesty and lack of nuance for the sake of preaching towards the choir. Documentary I often dislike in particular, as documentaries can be the most dishonest form of filmmaking, in that the assumption is it is all true, but it isn't. This is so often the case with political documentaries where I will become frustrated when you can clearly seeing a filmmaker overlooking, creatively editing or not offering all the information a particular fact, lest it conflict with their political stance in some way. Weiner though is fantastic, as it is about politics but isn't political. Oh you get great insight in the nature of politics, and a particularly fascinating examination of a man who is his own worst enemy. The attempted resurrection, but really greater descent of Anthony Weiner is presented with such profound detail here, as we both see where he could have returned to the spotlight, just as we see the festering wounds that are his personal flaws that drive him further down. The filmmakers doing a particularly excellent job in not at all wasting their intimate point of view, while also capturing so well all those in and around him are also burdened by his deep personal flaws. It's what a great documentary can be, as we see a real story unfold in front of us, without a single forged moment.
5/5

The World's End

The World's End took five years to come out after Hot Fuzz to end the Cornetto trilogy. It unfortunately is not the strongest of the three. In the most direct terms it just isn't nearly as funny as Hot Fuzz or Shaun of the Dead. Part of this is perhaps the parodies are bit too vague in comparison. It barely is even a parody of say an Invasion of the Body Snatchers, it is instead more of just a funny version of one of those films. That is to say it is funny but it does not result in nearly as entertaining of an experience as the previous films. The film is more overtly serious at times, and it is there technically where it is the strongest. This particularly in Simon Pegg's excellent lead portrayal of a man essentially stuck in the past, and in an effective subversion of the previous films where he played the saner one. Here that goes to Nick Frost who's good as his teetotaler friend with a troubled past, but very subdued again showing the difference from the other films. Now the film actually does work in its more serious intentions involving the central character study, for the most part. The problems though aren't because of that focus though. The alien story isn't as compelling, the action sequences as engaging, and worst of all it doesn't quite stay true to itself. The reason being it has a wholly silly ending, far more silly than anything in Hot Fuzz or Shaun, that is ill-fitting to the more subdued tone of the rest of the film. It's still a good film but a major step down from the greatness of the previous two films.
4/5

Winchester 73

Winchester 73 marked the first western by Anthony Mann where he collaborated with James Stewart. The series of films offer a different kind of west than you might find in most films before it. There's no real comic relief, there's certainly no funny Natives hanging around, it's stark world where most men would rather shoot you in the back just to steal a few coins. The film also offers a different Jimmy Stewart, he's no longer the awshucks charmer of his former years, he's an embittered man living a hard life, though still likable but I suppose that just comes naturally with ole Stewart. The main story represents this style with Stewart playing a hard man hellbent on revenge against an outlaw, unfortunately he's only one of the amoral men he will find on his journey. The film is quite effective in this tone, of dog eat dog, and well anchored by Stewart who proves himself more than capable in dealing in the darker side of mankind. The film is well focused around the straight revenge, depicting a thriller within the western setting, which it uses so well in creating this sense of danger everywhere. It's compelling film though not quite the best Stewart/Mann have to offer.
4.5/5

The Wolverine

The Wolverine is the far more successful second attempt into giving Wolverine his own solo film. Of course besting its predecessor is no accomplishment at all. The whole film though is a more than acceptable solo venture. There is absolutely nothing special about it. The action scenes are good. Jackman is good, the supporting cast is fine for the most part, the plot is fine, the villain are well they're a little underwhelming. Nevertheless the film pulls through to be entirely adequate  no more no less.
3/5

The Wizard of Oz

 The Wizard of Oz  must  be noted as a true classic. That is simply a fact simple as that. It has successfully remained a mainstay in culture from its release in 39 to now. It does not even have the complications involved with say a Gone With the Wind, due to being primarily set in a fantasy land, and its true message being that there is "no place like home". Now there is much to admire about this film. The whole cast is engaging giving appropriately stylized performances that fit the tone well set by Victor Fleming's direction, or perhaps Mervyn LeRoy's producing but I digress. The production design is some of the most memorable and iconic that has ever graced the screen. Think of any setting in the film and you can instantly recall it. Then there is the makeup which is impressive to this day, as it realizing each character in such lively detail. Then there are all the songs, not a single forgettable one. So what don't like, nothing. This film's earned its place. It's a wonderful film, and there is never a question in my mind why it is regarded as an all time classic. I'll admit I don't love it as much as some, if not many, but nevertheless I can't deny its greatness.
5/5

Wolf Hall

Wolf Hall tells the story of Henry VII's tumultuous decision to divorce his first wife, and break off from the Catholic church in order to marry the ambitious Anne Boleyn. This story has been told several times before, but this offers a new approach by placing in the perspective of Thomas Cromwell, who was often portrayed as an amoral schemer in the past iterations. An interesting approach to be sure as it breaks the events down to the nearest extremes in terms of political maneuvers given that our lead, played to absolute perfection by Mark Rylance, is a pragmatic political soldier for the King. Now the weakest elements of the show probably is in the somewhat reactionary writing basically as a Man For All Seasons. Where that made Thomas More to be the saint and Cromwell to be the villain, this series reverses the order in basically the same way. That being it plays up the heroes better historical qualities while hiding his shortcomings, while focusing squarely on the villains less savory qualities. I'd say this is the series' greatest weakness, in that More almost comes off as a straw man at times, not the mention it does force one scene not to make a great deal of sense in order to keep Cromwell as a non-torturer, Anne Boleyn's musician's confession comes from being locked in a room for a night, eh that's a bit of a stretch. However past that it's a terrific show in that it makes the story compelling through its focus on the power plays, all through the guide of a quiet yet extremely assured individual. The production is great to look at naturally as well, and very well acted almost across the board. It ends up being a rather fascinating view into the period through its unique perspective, and I certainly hope the story continues through into the rest of Cromwell's story.
5/5

White Heat

White Heat is a downright brilliant gangster film which stood as a triumphant return for James Cagney's return to the genre. Cagney has perhaps his hardest gangster in Cody Jarrett who is a full blown psychopath to the point that he actually seems to rather enjoy the idea of killing, even when it is his own men. Raoul Walsh gives the film a visceral sting with his deft approach to the material, that never seems to shy away from the grimmer elements of the story. The film's main plot technically centers around an undercover cop Fallon, played by perpetual second fiddle lead Edmond O'Brien, infiltrating Cody's gang. Now this element is actually well handled in that it creates some very tense sequences, but the best element of the film is the character of Cody and Cagney's portrayal of him. What I love about most of Cagney's works as gangster is that no matter how harsh they are, and Cody is particularly brutal, Cagney manages to humanizes them so beautifully all the same without making the character seem soft at all. Though the ending of the film is a marvel, my favorite scene of the film is just before that where Cody sadly confides to Fallon just how alone he is in the world.
5/5

The Westerner

Ahh The Westerner, a great film about a hanging judge Roy Bean, played brilliantly by Walter Brennan, who has a particularly strong obsession with Lily Langtry a star of the stage. Well that's what one would say if that's what the film was about, only. There  is a fairly substantial amount of Judge Roy Bean to be found in the film, but there is also far too much filler involving Gary Cooper's bland cowboy who finds romance in the west. Everything involving the judge works, everything that does not is just very tired, and extremely forgettable. Unfortunately the film proceeds by going back and forth making for a problematic viewing experience. Luckily there is enough of Bean for one to consider the film good, but it sure would have been nice if the film had been interesting even when he was off screen.
3.5/5

Where Eagles's Dare

Where Eagle's Dare is an offering of the off-shoot genre type of war film that was popular in the 60's, that being the men on the mission type of story. This is the very best example of that type of film that I have seen. It makes for one memorable pairing of Richard Burton and Clint Eastwood. This film pretty effectively pares them down to their best individual features as a performer. That being Burton's eloquent voice, which is used so well particularly in one long monologue that makes a whole lot of exposition rather wonderful, and Clint Eastwood's steely glances which are well suited for his soldier who most often pulls the trigger while having very little to say. The action is a whole lot of fun, but so is the dialogue here. It manages quite the engaging plot involving multiple spies, and I especially love the final confrontation between Burton and the top spy which involves no shooting though it has quite the memorable conclusion. It's simply great entertainment from beginning to end.
5/5

West Side Story

With West Side Story I really should admit that I do have somewhat of an aversion to musicals, in that rarely do I like them. The problems tend to be the same in that they are always too long, and too often they are content to be boring whenever music is not playing. The worst of them though are when the ones with terrible songs. West Side Story has good songs and the direction actually is rather commendable in bringing some cinematic life to the proceedings. The performances though are shaky. There are a few good ones, Rita Moreno for example, but too many of them are rather bland particularly the very miscast leads. I don't believe its a failure as a film, some of it does work, its bloated most musicals are, but there are good things in it.
3/5

The Whisperers

The Whisperers synopsis of an old woman hearing voices sound like it might be a horror film in the vein of the Whisperers, but its not. It's actually an even darker story just about a lonely old woman in poverty forced to live alone as he mind only decays over time in her dingy apartment. The woman is very played by Edith Evans and the film is certainly effective in its depiction of the depressing situation. It has sudden shift when the woman's husband comes back, which is interesting in itself though the way it handles it feels a bit disjointed since the husband suddenly becomes the lead for this portion. It's a very well acted and the direction certainly puts forth the stark reality of the situation well. The film unclear focus keeps it from becoming something truly remarkable itself, even though individual elements of the film are.
4/5

Warlock

Warlock is a rather intriguing deconstruction of the standard western story of the professional "hero" coming into town and saving the day. As it proposes the idea of, what really happens if they don't leave, and just how honorable is a man who kills for a living. These are examined in an interesting fashion, bolstered by fine performance from Richard Widmark, Anthony Quinn and Henry Fonda. It seems like there is potential for perhaps an even greater film with the given material, but as it is it remains a good one.
4/5

Who is Killing the Great Chefs of Europe?

It's not a bad film. It has some funny moments with Robert Morley being particularly enjoyable in his role. The problem is though is that here's a film that could have used a bit more style as it is oddly matter of fact in its depiction of a serial killer focusing on chefs. It seems like there would probably been room for some interesting visuals regarding food with that premise, but the film is directed in a workmanlike fashion.
3/5