James Cagney was always a more than watchable actor and no stranger to good and more performances in good and more films. He was my main reason for seeing 'Taxi' in the first place, as well as my love for classic film, which has been present for many years, and that it was recommended to me by many fans of Cagney. The premise was an interesting one too.
Am very happy at 'Taxi' being recommended to me, because it was a lot of fun and more than worthwhile. It is not without its flaws (which are not many but they are there and they are sadly not small) and bumps, and it is not one of Cagney's very best in terms of performances and films, but there is a huge amount to recommend and it does deserve to be seen more. If asked whether 'Taxi' is worth a watch, my answer would be yes and there is no hesitation saying that.
Cagney, as well as being my main reason to watch it, is also one of the main reasons why 'Taxi'. His character is not one of his more likeable characters, but the intensity and charisma is more than there and he is never less than compelling. He is more than well matched by a charming and spunky Loretta Young and their chemistry blisters. All but one of the supporting actors acquit themselves well in their performances, the biggest impressions coming from George E. Stone and sinister David Landau.
'Taxi' is directed in a no-nonsense, tight and fat-free fashion, while the cracking script and fast pace are also big assets. The story is never less than absorbing, with a few surprising scenes. While not exactly audacious, the production values suit the tone of the story very well, stark and moody.
Not without its drawbacks however. At only over an hour, 'Taxi' did feel a bit too short.
Bigger issues however were the contrived and out-of-kilter ending, where what happens really is difficult to accept, and the insufferably annoying performance of Leila Bennett, monotonous droning has rarely grated as much as it did here.
Overall, good and more than worthwhile. 7/10 Bethany Cox
Am very happy at 'Taxi' being recommended to me, because it was a lot of fun and more than worthwhile. It is not without its flaws (which are not many but they are there and they are sadly not small) and bumps, and it is not one of Cagney's very best in terms of performances and films, but there is a huge amount to recommend and it does deserve to be seen more. If asked whether 'Taxi' is worth a watch, my answer would be yes and there is no hesitation saying that.
Cagney, as well as being my main reason to watch it, is also one of the main reasons why 'Taxi'. His character is not one of his more likeable characters, but the intensity and charisma is more than there and he is never less than compelling. He is more than well matched by a charming and spunky Loretta Young and their chemistry blisters. All but one of the supporting actors acquit themselves well in their performances, the biggest impressions coming from George E. Stone and sinister David Landau.
'Taxi' is directed in a no-nonsense, tight and fat-free fashion, while the cracking script and fast pace are also big assets. The story is never less than absorbing, with a few surprising scenes. While not exactly audacious, the production values suit the tone of the story very well, stark and moody.
Not without its drawbacks however. At only over an hour, 'Taxi' did feel a bit too short.
Bigger issues however were the contrived and out-of-kilter ending, where what happens really is difficult to accept, and the insufferably annoying performance of Leila Bennett, monotonous droning has rarely grated as much as it did here.
Overall, good and more than worthwhile. 7/10 Bethany Cox