alix-7 Reviews

Bachelor Mother (1939)

Lovely, funny, and enjoyable

[3 March 2003]

I recently caught this movie on TV one Saturday morning, and was it ever a delight! The story is based on a series of comedic errors, but unlike more recent films, the top-notch acting leads you to believe that yes, it could really happen that way! (I'm used to films veering way too far into the slapstick so that I'm just rolling my eyes and suspending my belief -- here I was just chuckling away.)

Ginger Rodgers and David Niven give fabulous performances, and the head of the Foundling Home plays his part without flaw. I finished the film with a warm, happy glow that I carried into the day. I will enjoy revisiting it in the future.

Night of the Comet (1984)

My #1 Guilty Pleasure...

[10/10 · 1 July 2001]

As a fan of "B" movies, I have to say that Night of the Comet is at the top of my list. It's bad, it's silly, it's entirely charming. I mean, you have to lower your expectations when you hear that a movie is about Valley Girls who are the few survivors of a deadly comet swipe (and who have to fend of zombies!).

I was 20 when I first saw Night of the Comet. I felt it really captured West Coast pop culture well. And I had quite a crush on Catherine Mary Stewart. Now, nostalgia has its grip on my soul, and so I turn to this movie for comfort, hoping desperately that slim jeans, diagonal placket blouses, and short boots will come back in style. Yeah, it's pathetic, but there ya go. If you're looking for the film, here's a warning: The out of print VHS versions were poorly recorded in extended play mode (eek!). Let's hope that Night of the Comet gets released on DVD.

Covington Cross (1992)

A treasure

[11 March 2001]

I loved this sitcom and was terribly sad that it was cancelled. I'd love to see it again; I imagine there is little chance of that. As a fan of Excalibur (1981) I was especially charmed by the casting. One of the more interesting shows to come along.

The Whales of August (1987)

A gorgeous, contemplative film

[11 February 2001]

The Whales of August follow the events of just more than a day in the life of two sisters, Sarah (Lillian Gish) and Libby (Bette Davis). As Sarah follows her daily chores, from gardening to painting to preparing tea for visitors, you get a strong sense of rhythm and simplicity that is almost hypnotic. Libby, cantankerous and overbearing, is played adequately by Bette Davis. Lillian Gish, however, glows in her role, and makes me fall a bit in love with her! I found Vincent Price wonderfully suited to the role of Mr. Maranov, and Ann Sothern was quite convincing as the sisters' childhood friend.

Obviously, if you are looking for action or high drama, this isn't it. But as a meditation on aging and choosing life, it is exquisite. For those of gentler sensibilities, I highly recommend it. I saw it first in 1989, and luckily found an out of print copy this year...I hope other fans will have similar luck.

The Electric Company (1971–1977)

A favorite memory of childhood!

[12 September 2000]

I *loved* The Electric Company and really looked forward to it. It was hip, happening, clever, and crisp. Definitely educational while being fun...I didn't feel I was being "talked down to" by grownups. Rita Moreno was fabulous!

It's a shame that the show did not run longer, and that following generations were deprived of new shows. This is children's television at its best.

The Sixth Sense (1999)

Well-crafted story with a superb twist!

[10/10 · 12 September 1999]

This film thoroughly surprised me. Great acting, excellent characters (well-defined and intriguing), a hypnotic storyline, and lots of chills. I'm used to predicting endings even when they are a bit of a twist, but this one came from left field for me. I measure the success of a movie not just by the actual in-theater experience, but also about how much the film stays in my mind and keeps me talking about it after I've left the theater. The Sixth Sense had audience members immediately turn to their companions (as soon as the credits rolled) to discuss their interpretation, and I know I thought about it days later.

Bruce Willis is fantastic in the role of the child psychologist, but Haley Joel Osment is the one who most surprised me. This boy has a great career ahead of him. His emotional range and sincerity is impressive, *especially* considering his youth. You go, Haley!

I look forward to watching this moving again to see what I missed the first time around. Bravo to M. Night Shyamalan for a brilliant screenplay and tight, skillful directing!