MajRusKitt Reviews

The Youngest Profession (1943)

Wonderful!

[8/10 · 31 October 2010]

This 1940's romp through the delights of movie star worship in the era when "stars were stars" is simply fantastic! It is effervescent and sweet, Virginia Weidler and that petite dynamo, Jean Porter, are engaging as the best friends who set out to "save" Edward Arnold from himself after the misconceived meddling of Agnes Moorehead sets their imaginations reeling. Cameos by major luminaries of the day, an hilarious send-up of a Sandow-like character by John Carroll, and a double-take worthy of Jack Benny himself by the dashing William Powell, make this picture a favorite of mine. Did Edward Arnold ever give a bad performance??!! Pure gold.

Goya's Ghosts (2006)

Could have been masterful

[4/10 · 13 January 2009]

Having watched this movie several times, I have come to the conclusion that Milos Forman made a very daring decision to manufacture a muse for Goya, when the artist led what most would consider a tempestuous,passionate life while the French Revolution and the Napoleonic era raged across Europe, surely one that would have sufficient drama upon which to draw. While I do understand that Mr. Forman was relating in the microcosm of the tragedy of Ines' life the devastation of the world at that time, I was left feeling that there was just so much of Goya left out, so much of his humanity. The strongest and most eloquent point this film made was that because of man's fallen nature each of us is a potential villain in the stream of life, each of us has evil within us that we must fight with the help of God. How eloquent when Goya says he should have helped Ines more, how true for all of us! We must defend and protect the innocent. The superbly ironic scene in which the once imprisoned priest sentenced to die pronounces the death sentence on Lorenzo who condemned him originally is the stuff of genius. I was left wanting something more when the credits rolled. Maybe less of the unreal coincidences, and more of the inner life of the characters.

Hold Your Man (1933)

Surprisingly Moving

[8/10 · 11 January 2009]

If you only read a synopsis of the plot, this movie would sound like quite a typical one of the 1930's. The story would seem quite contrived, the subject matter maudlin. The strength and beauty of this film is in the direct, earthy performances of the cast.I have seldom seen Jean Harlow display such a range of feeling, rich and subtle nuances float over her face. If you watch their faces during the wedding ceremony in the chapel, there is such an obvious depth of feeling between the principal characters. The raw emotions are so sincerely portrayed, so true. The final sequence is almost unbearably poignant: when Clark Gable looks down with such joy and surprise at his son, lifts him up and proudly says, "My kid!", I couldn't help remember that Mr. Gable's own son was born to him posthumously. This is one of the finest examples of Depression era cinema.

Funny Valentines (1999)

Wonderful

[10/10 · 1 December 2008]

I simply cannot say enough about this movie. I am watching it right now on Starz in Black, and I cannot understand why there is no DVD of this available! With all the trash out on DVD, why is this lyrical,inspiring, fantastically cast and acted film not offered for sale? I myself want 10 copies to give as gifts. The relationship between Dearie B. and Joyce May is so loving and special, and the picture of small town life is movingly drawn, even the locations are so carefully chosen, every aspect of the movie is so exquisitely perfect. The story is unforgettable. The first time I saw it I was thunderstruck that it did not get more press when it was released.This is film-making at its absolute finest.

Laws of Gravity (1992)

Cinematic Perfection

[10/10 · 21 November 2008]

An absolutely flawless, pristine cinematic experience. A piece of true life, modern film doesn't get any better than this. I will not speak of the actors, because there is no acting. You live days in the lives of living, breathing people. If you have lived in a large city, the realism will so shock and beguile you that you will be left breathless. You smell the streets, you feel the silent despair, you know in your heart that something terrible, something tragic lurks around the corner for every character. A masterful, incredible experience that I am shocked so few have had the chance to enjoy. When all of us wanted to be filmmakers, this is what we wanted to achieve.