Category: History

“A Shot in the Dark” (1964) a perfectly adequate Pink Panther sequel

February 28, 2023

A perfectly adequate Pink Panther sequel … More “A Shot in the Dark” (1964) a perfectly adequate Pink Panther sequel

Blonde (2022) is offensively one-note on Monroe, but the bigger offence is being incredibly boring

October 11, 2022

Aside from being hit repeatedly with her inner turmoil, the playful approach to the actual history of Monroe makes this even more of a bother. Instead of getting genuine scenes with Billy Wilder or when making The Asphalt Jungle, it’s again, glossed over to move the focus back to the pain. This approach is mind-numbingly boring to watch and there’s virtually no reason for me to ever return to this film in the future.  … More Blonde (2022) is offensively one-note on Monroe, but the bigger offence is being incredibly boring

Hideo Gosha’s “Three Outlaw Samurai” (1964) a brilliant use of the wandering Samurai trope

October 10, 2022

Three Outlaw Samurai (1964) is akin to a Hideo Gosha morality picture, simple in terms of concept, plot, and characters but relating a story of trauma hidden away from nobility. It’s ostensibly a story of the Shogun coming face-to-face with the hurt their greed has caused and having to reconcile with this fact. The wandering Samurai caught in the midst of a village conflict and his humanity rising to the surface narrative.  … More Hideo Gosha’s “Three Outlaw Samurai” (1964) a brilliant use of the wandering Samurai trope

Crime School (1939) the Warner Bros obvious Dead End (1937) knock-off

September 23, 2022

The Dead End Kids being sold with Humphrey Bogart, Crime School (1939) is the Warner Bros version of Dead End (1937). A cheap attempt to profit off the discovery of this group of Brooklyn teenagers with charm, comedic timing and acting instincts
… More Crime School (1939) the Warner Bros obvious Dead End (1937) knock-off

Capsule review: Chūshingura: Hana no Maki, Yuki no Maki (1962) – the best of the 47 Ronin

September 23, 2022

Many films have been made about the 47 Ronin story. No other piece of Japanese history has been portrayed this many times in 24 frames and Hiroshi Ingaki’s take is one of my favorites.
… More Capsule review: Chūshingura: Hana no Maki, Yuki no Maki (1962) – the best of the 47 Ronin