There are movies that stir your soul. They feel like friends, or parts of you. Little Forest was like that for me. It’s the sort of plotless movie that I wish I could write; a story where the characters take up all the focus and it doesn’t matter where they’re going so long as you’re…… Continue reading Film diary: Little Forest (2018)
In Sabrina (1954), the titular character’s father is Thomas Fairchild, a chauffeur for the wealthy Larrabee family of Long Island. One day, while driving the elder Larrabee brother, Linus, Thomas remarks on the relationship Linus is pursuing with his daughter. He doesn’t approve of their budding romance, particularly since the two of them come from…… Continue reading Remember Your Place: Parasite (2019)
Earlier this year, I watched Snowpiercer, another of Oscar winner Bong Joon Ho’s classics. The film is an apocalyptic vision of the world that takes place on a massive locomotive barreling through a frozen tundra. Simultaneously a blockbuster action film and class struggle drama, the film illuminates what makes Bong Joon Ho such an exciting…… Continue reading Snowpiercer (2013): Business as usual at the end of the world
Most of you know that I’m a spirited defender of Disney Princesses, but I wasn’t always. I had grown up with Mulan, Belle, Pocahontas and Esmeralda, so I was a bit dismissive of the older heroines, save for Aurora. I’ve always loved her. I think I absorbed much of the messaging about how a female…… Continue reading Favorite films: Cinderella (1950)
I reviewed Paris When It Sizzles (1964) over on Fairy Hepburn but I have more to say. The movie has such a bad reputation for no reason at all. This is not going to be a nuanced take. Maybe some people find the film enjoyable and flawed, but I’m not one of those people.…… Continue reading The Girl Who Stole the Eiffel Tower
I’ve been working on a twitter thread of spooky movies that are similar to each other. And I decided to post them here, with synopses of all the films. Frankenstein (1931) | Frankenweenie (2012) Tim Burton’s 2012 feature is one of my favorites, and though different in tone to James Whale’s masterpiece, the films are…… Continue reading Halloween movies: double feature
Nicholas Ray’s The Lusty Men shares traits with some of his finest films; it’s tough, bleak, tender, and unexpectedly poetic. The devastation of this one film is swift and total. It’s one of the films being shown as part of Susan Hayward’s 24 hour marathon for Summer Under the Stars. Indisputably one of the greatest…… Continue reading First time at the rodeo: The Lusty Men (1952)
June Allyson is TCM’s star of the day, one of the last as August draws to a close. A perpetually sunny screen personality, most of the movies in today’s lineup reflect that. The one exception is my recommendation, High Barbaree, her second film with best friend and frequent co-star Van Johnson. It is my favorite…… Continue reading High Barbaree (1947): No beginning and no end
A misleading title, preposterous storyline, improbable romance, seriously questionable if not outright morally reprehensible behavior, and ants – The Bride Goes Wild has all that and more! While it’s probably my least favorite Van Johnson and June Allyson pairing, it’s still highly enjoyable to watch. This of course is due to Van and June’s chemistry,…… Continue reading Egads! Van the Cad in The Bride Goes Wild (1948)
