BEST PICTURE OF 1980? (a small disclaimer...)

Ordinary People

***

Robert Redford’s grand opus entitled “Ordinary People” is about just that ordinary people. Which is why it was so remarkable that a film about really ordinary people could make such a significant impact when it was first released. Well I might have over exaggerated a bit. After all we are all a bit extraordinary. The story of the film revolves around a family who are suffering a tragic loss. After a freakish boating accident Buck Jarrett, brother of Conrad Jarrett and son of Calvin and Beth Jarrett passes away. The Jarrett’s each deal with the tragedy in their own way. Calvin attempts to remain upbeat; Beth bottles up her grief in order to save “face”. And Conrad who at first believes that it was his fault Buck died, attempts suicide, is placed in a facility and then is released supposedly after he has been “cured”. However Conrad still feels out of place and at the suggestion of his previous doctor is told to see therapist Tyrone Berger to help him readjust. Once he begins going to therapy he realizes that he was not really at fault at all, and that despite his parent’s efforts certain things cannot be dusted under the rug. The moving performances of Tim Hutton, as the troubled Conrad and Mary Tyler Moore as his cold-hearted mother Beth, gives the viewer a reason to forgive Redford’s passive direction. Though the film remains an ordinary one mainly due to Redford’s abilities as a director, the entire cast resuscitates a film that desperately needed CPR.

THE WILD AND CRAZY 80'S!

LADYHAWKE

**

The 1980’s were strange years. So it’s no surprise that a film like “Ladyhawke” was made during this era. Films such as “Ladyhawke” that deal with fantasy, love, playful mischief, and action were the norm during this decade. “Ladyhawke” tells the story of two lovers who have been cursed by a jealous Archbishop. But all that changes when a petty thief and a grief stricken priest help the two lovebirds (no pun intended) reverse the curse so that they could live in joyful bliss. Even though the film’s premise and screenplay are quite charming and well thought out, the film is full of clichés. The music is synthetic and cheesy, and the visual effects are archaic by today’s standard. Nonetheless the film still manages to amuse. Thanks to the cast consisting of Mathew Broderick, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Rutger Hauer (whatever happened to him?) who remain enthused throughout the entire film. Richard Donner who had directed the original ”Superman” film starring Marlon Brando, also sticks to his guns and wisely chooses not to over saturate the film with too many “special” effects. So if you don’t mind taking a trip back to the crazy 80’s this is the film for you.

I think I love this movie...

I Think I Love My Wife
***

I think that ‘I Think I Love My Wife’ has been berated long enough. This delightful comedy directed by and starring Chris Rock, does just what it intends to do, it entertains and amuses it’s audience. This is a story about a Richard Cooper played by Rock, who is contemplating cheating on his wife with a former acquaintance. Based on an older movie entitled ‘Chloe In the Afternoon’ Rock’s version lets married men around the world know that they are not alone when they consider stepping outside that marriage that seems to have lost that spark. Of course Rock’s comedic abilities allow us to laugh at the act of adultery, but he is very careful not to resort to slapstick. And for that he should be applauded. The cast lead by the charming Kerry Washington as Cooper’s old “friend” and Cooper’s scheming co-worker played by Steve Buscemi, turn in performances that are just right. Another reason why this film is a joy to watch is because it stays true to itself. Make no mistake about it this is a comedy. This film never attempts to explore guilt or adultery. Instead it presents these concepts in manner so that the audience could laugh at the people who think about committing adultery. And I don’t think there is anything wrong with that.

The classic tale of a Fugitive...

I AM A FUGITIVE FROM A CHAIN GANG

*****

At times we as moviegoers tend to categorize films made before 1970 as dated. Most people cannot seem to appreciate or relate to these films. Certain movies however are truly ageless, 'I am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang' most certainly falls into that category. Director Mervyn LeRoy, must be given credit for truthfully visualising this tragic tale, however Paul Muni carries this film well into the next stratosophere. Muni skillfully portrays a man chasing his dreams during a time when others were living out their worst nightmares. However it seems that at every turn he is knocked down and given no other choice but to live his life as a hopeless vagabond. As far as the plot is concerned that is all that should be revealed to someone who hasn't actually seen the film. What can be revealed regarding the plot however is that it will remind avid movie fans that certain stories remain edgy, honest, and simply a joy to watch regardless of when they were made.