The Young Lions (DVD) Fox War Classics Director Edward Dmytryk`s sprawling, ambitious WWII drama, based on the acclaimed Irwin Shaw novel, stars Marlon Brando as Christian, a German ski instructor who idealistically joins Hitler`s army, fights in the North ...
Director Edward Dmytryk`s sprawling, ambitious WWII drama, based on the acclaimed Irwin Shaw novel, stars Marlon Brando as Christian, a German ski instructor who idealistically joins Hitler`s army, fights in the North African desert, and gradually loses faith in his country and humanity in general. Parallel stories take place across the Atlantic, as a tipsy Broadway star (Dean Martin) wrestles with his conscience and cowardice, since his connections keep him out of the draft. Another thread follows sensitive Jewish draftee Noah (Montgomery Clift) as he encounters anti-Semitism both from his fellow G.I.s and the parents of the girl he loves (Hope Lange). Eventually, all three men meet near the end of the war in the most tragic circumstances.
The film suffers from a somewhat rambling, episodic structure, but is more than redeemed by great black-and-white photography and the superb performances of the three leads. Brando looks great, and his German accent is a delight; Clift brilliantly conveys his trademark anguish as Noah. As for Martin, this was his first big dramatic role after leaving comic partner Jerry Lewis, and his performance amazed an initially doubtful public. He was a hit, as was the film.
NR"
Director: Edward Dmytryk
ACTORS: Marlon Brando, Montgomery Clift, Dean Martin, Hope Lange, Barbara Rush
Wild Things (DVD) Unrated Version A seemingly virtuous high school guidance counselor, Sam Lombardo (Matt Dillon), is accused of raping students Kelly (Denise Richards) and Suzie (Neve Campbell). Ken Bowden (Bill Murray), an oddball attorney, and Detect...
A seemingly virtuous high school guidance counselor, Sam Lombardo (Matt Dillon), is accused of raping students Kelly (Denise Richards) and Suzie (Neve Campbell). Ken Bowden (Bill Murray), an oddball attorney, and Detective Ray Duquette (Kevin Bacon) come to Lombardos aid, unraveling a much larger blackmail scheme involving some of the town`s least suspicious residents.
WILD THINGS, a veering, breakneck ride, proved surprisingly successful at the box office. It features director John McNaughtons (HENRY PORTRAIT OF A SERIAL KILLER, NORMAL LIFE) best talents: sinuous, layered storytelling, racy cinematography, and shocking plot twists. Richards and Campbell sizzle on the screen as they tease, seduce, and entrap. Lying somewhere between black comedy and psycho thriller, WILD THINGS is an unclassifiable, unforgettable original.
Unrated"
Director: John McNaughton
ACTORS: Kevin Bacon, Matt Dillon, Neve Campbell, Denise Richards, Bill Murray
His Girl Friday (DVD)
In Howard Hawks`s screwball masterpiece adapted from the stage play THE FRONT PAGE by Ben Hecht and Charles MacArthur, star reporter Hildy Johnson (Rosalind Russell), once married to suave editor Walter Burns (Cary Grant), plans to leave the stressful newspaper world behind and marry a boring insurance agent. Walter won`t reveal his feelings for Hildy but tries to keep her from leaving by convincing her to cover one last story, a politically motivated execution. When the convict manages to escape, chaos breaks loose, and Hildy finds herself working alongside Walter to break the story wide open.
HIS GIRL FRIDAY is a loose, freewheeling gem featuring some of the fastest dialogue ever filmed (peppered with inspired ad-libbing by Grant and Russell, each appearing at comedic high points in their careers). Hawks, who changed the original story of two newspapermen into a battle of the sexes, keeps the frenetic action careening forward and allows a few slim but luminous notes of genuine affection to slip into Hildy and Walter`s storm of hilarious verbal barbs, creating a potent and heartfelt classic that stands as one of the most influential comedies ever made.NR"
Director: Howard Hawks
ACTORS: Cary Grant, Rosalind Russell, Ralph Bellamy, Gene Lockhart, Helen Mack
James Dean (DVD)
The brief, but mythical, life and career of film acting legend James Dean is dramatized in this biographical 2001 feature, originally produced for cable television. Dean is portrayed here as a hard worker and wild man, yet a sensitive lost soul whose own turbulent life mirrored the roles he took on his short, but greatly influential career. Dean is played by James Franco under the direction of Hollywood veteran Mark Rydell, a friend of Dean during his life. Rydell`s insights provide an especially insightful look at studio politics and procedure in the 1950s.NR"
Director: Mark Rydell
ACTORS: James Franco, Michael Moriarty
Payback (DVD)
Mel Gibson is Porter, a ruthless criminal, who is gunned down by his wife and friend after they rob an Asian gang. When Porter survives the attack, he makes it his mission to exact revenge on his friend, who has used the robbery money to buy his way into a powerful syndicate. Added to the mix are crooked police officers, members of the syndicate, and the Asian gang, who are out for a bit of revenge themselves. Based on the series of novels by Donald E. Westlake, which were translated to the screen previously in John Boorman`s POINT BLANK (1967).R"
Director: Brian Helgeland
ACTORS: Mel Gibson, Gregg Henry, Maria Bello, Deborah Kara Unger, David Paymer
