JakeStevens Blog

Could Have Been A Very Fun Musical

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

Under discussion:

Guys and Dolls (1955)

One of cinema's greatest actors. Who can't sing. In a musical. Yup, it pissed Frank Sinatra off, too. It's actually not all that bad (the songs are very good), but the dance numbers beg for more, the lighting is atrocious and the sets look like they belong right on a theater stage. Which, I suppose, is fitting since this originated as a long-running Broadway favorite. But for the cinematic treatment, I'd have expected more. I've never really cared for musicals all that much, and I think this is one of the reasons why - it's just sort of bland, and the only thing that saves it from a "lost interest" rating is the wonderful songs.

Posted Sunday, January 20, 2008 11:15 PM by JakeStevens | with 0 comments

Madness! Madness! Madness!

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

Under discussion:

The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)

The suspense of the last five minutes of this film make up for any shortcomings that lie within. All of the characters are given such breadth, such personality, and any implausibilities that arise are easily forgiven in the wake of such an interesting character study that this film provides. Incidentally, I'll be saying "What have I done" and the above title line for days, much to the chagrin (I'm sure) of my friends and girlfriend. The only thing that took me out of the film was the obvious day-for-night sequences when the reconnaissance team are swimming down the river (you can clearly see the sun shining very brightly on the surface of the water), but other than that one small detail, this is as fine as big fat epic films come.

Posted Sunday, January 20, 2008 2:36 AM by JakeStevens | with 0 comments