MOVIN' PITCHERS

DIM WITTED REVIEWS FOR LIKE-MINDED MOVIE PATRONS

Saturday, February 27, 2010


The Shadow of the Thin Man (1941)
Starring: Myrna Loy, William Powell, and Donna Reed
Directed by: W.S. Van Dyke

Once again, the flimsy story involving racetrack related murders, as well as the predictable outcome-are not what makes the film enjoyable. The chemistry between Loy and Powell is even more evident in this one, especially w/ their perky four year old son providing additional opportunities for that chemistry to develop. Without even knowing the story, without taking into account how lovely Donna Reed was at the start of her career, and even without appreciating the witty dialogue that these films are famous for...that endearing way that the two leads play off of each other is enough, on its own, to warrant giving this an easy
8/10

Wednesday, February 24, 2010


Blow Up (1966)
Mini Review
Directed By: Michelangelo Antonioni
Starring: Vanessa Redgrave and David Hemmings


Without a doubt, for the fashion conscious movie-goer, this film has a lot to offer. It is a stylish, elegant, intriguing look into the hi fashion world of late-sixties London, that is laughingly billed as a 'thriller'. Though the story is not without its air of mystery (London fashion photographer unwittingly captures a murder in one of his random shots), the real draw of this film was its stunning style sense. The opening sequence is exquisite, taking us through a few chaotic hours in the life of this highly sought after photographer, as he attempts to helm two shoots back to back while simultaneously being accosted by aspiring models, co-workers, and a very dull wife. Vanessa Redgrave turns in a memorable performance as a nameless woman that is likewise photographed, but against her will. Large portions of the film are in silence and some scenes are purposefully abstract, the latter fact of which makes the end of the film inevitable, if not entirely crowd-pleasing.

My rating: 8/10