chesterfilms Blog

Here's Looking At You Kid

Was this review helpful? [Be the first to tell us!]

Under discussion:

The Good German (2006)

To call The Good German an homage to the old War dramas of the 1940's is an understatement. Shot in black & white with lenses used from the period, and performances in that old style. In fact several scenes are completely ripped off (wait till you see the ending). It's a beautiful film with amazing shots and sets. You can see Soderbergh and the actors having fun with it. That being said, the biggest thing lacking in this film is story. It is full of holes, and it just doesn't go anywhere. Ultimately the film suffers from it but, if you love films from that period, that you should see it. It's not a bad film, it's just a perfect example of style over substance.

Posted Thursday, May 31, 2007 11:47 PM by chesterfilms | with 0 comments

Dead Calm

Was this review helpful? [Be the first to tell us!]

Under discussion:

Knife in the Water (1962)

I love this film for so many reasons. Great opening, amazing cinematography, and very good performances. Like Hitchcock's Lifeboat, the feeling of being on the boat for most of the film gives a very claustrophobic feel and builds tension. It's a dark film, and the cloudy skies, and rain add to the suspense. It's Polanski's first feature, and one of his best.

Posted Wednesday, May 30, 2007 2:04 AM by chesterfilms | with 0 comments

And The Winner Is.....Are you Serious?

Was this review helpful? [Be the first to tell us!]

Under discussion:

Born Yesterday (1950)

It's a cute, fun Pygmalion ripoff. I enjoyed Holliday's performance, But how the heck did she get best actress over Bette Davis and Gloria Swanson! It's unfortunate that we can never look past that. One of the biggest Oscar upsets I can think of....well...I guess there is always an upset, but this was hardcore. Still, It is a very good film.

Posted Wednesday, May 30, 2007 1:54 AM by chesterfilms | with 0 comments

Lupin

Was this review helpful? [Be the first to tell us!]

Under discussion:

The Castle of Cagliostro (1980)

Early Miyazaki, and it is weird! I guess all of his stuff is strange, but I absolutely love his work. I did not love this. I did not hate this, but love was not in my experience. Completely different than any of his other films. Reminded me of some strange 80's spy/fantasy video game. Did I just create a new genre?

Posted Wednesday, May 30, 2007 1:49 AM by chesterfilms | with 0 comments

Seaspace

Was this review helpful? [Be the first to tell us!]

Under discussion:

The Wild Blue Yonder (2005)

This one flew under my radar until just recently. I'm glad I discovered it, because it's a very unique viewing experience. Herzog marries footage from space and sea in his this Documentary/Mockumentary/Sci-Fi. I enjoyed it, but at the same time I don't fully understand it. Not sure how to respond to it. You should watch it. Yes you.

Posted Wednesday, May 30, 2007 1:42 AM by chesterfilms | with 0 comments

Strange Days

Was this review helpful? [Be the first to tell us!]

Under discussion:

Even Dwarfs Started Small (1970)

First off, I LOVE Herzog. Now that I have said that, let me say this. Watching this film for me was like someone had mixed the reels from Wizard Of Oz, One Flew Over The Cuckoo's nest, and Lord Of The Flies together. Of course it's not nearly as good as any of those films. Weird. Very Weird. I sometimes feel like Herzog is exploiting these people, but I guess it's hard to make a film like this and not have it come across like that.

Posted Wednesday, May 30, 2007 1:35 AM by chesterfilms | with 0 comments