Cast: Sophie Von Haselberg, Cricket Arrison, Reshma Gajjar
Sissy St. Claire graces the small screen for her first ever television special, an evening full of music and laughter, glamour, and entertainment. But Sissy’s live event quickly begins to curdle into a psychedelic nightmare.
This film is best not to know anything going in and discover before reading this write-up. As there are spoilers.
Now this film will probably be compared to the film, LATE NIGHT WITH THE DEVIL, as they are similar somewhat in presentation. Only this film doesn’t show any of the behind-the-scenes action we just see the special as presented with no real backstory before or after. as both films are inspired by movies, such as DEATHWATCH.
this film is hard to exactly explain or identify. it takes place as a live TV special where the film stays in that perimeter for the remainder of the running time and it’s filmed in the same way
Though the special might be haunted or it might just be a collection of errors paired with the star, either overreacting or having a mental breakdown as she might be seeing things or the actual truth as we in the audience, wonder the same thing.
The Songs throughout are funny, but might also be autobiographical for the main character as throughout the special she seems to share a little bit too much with the audience over and overreact in the same way
The film is brilliant as it is not necessarily quite a thriller or a horror film yet it stays entertaining and is almost a one-woman show for the star played by Sophie Von Haselberg all in front of the camera as she seems to break down.
The lead actress and special is almost a Bette Midler type star Sophie Von Haselberg’s character resembles, but also mixed with Ilana Glazer.
The film gets darker and more unsettling as it goes along, especially when it comes to what are supposed to be skits
The film is an example of how the main character’s past still haunts her, and his manifesting which she talks about early in one of her pieces and one, on ones with the audience
Writer-Director, Amanda Kramer has made another one-of-a-kind film. This one is definitely a classic and not one to ever be forgotten.
As with most of her films, they are very inspired as she wears her influences on her sleeve, but she managed to make something so original and special with them that you can’t help but be amazed by the end.
The film definitely has a style. not to mention tons of imagination and obvious skill that went into the making and performing in this film.
The film is psychedelic at times before reason and not annoying. It’s as it shows. It has more of an artistic side. Even in its own strangeness.
Written By: Nick Gillespie, Matthew White and Brook Driver
Cinematography: Billy J. Jackson
Editor: Tom Longmore
Cast: Tom Meeten, Katherine Parkinson, Kris Marshall, Kevin Bishop, Johnny Vegas, Mandeep Dhillon, Steve Oram, Alice Lowe, Pippa Haywood
A weedy charity shop worker is set on winning the big national talent show. But when the actions of 5 selfish people cause him to miss his audition, he sets out to seek deathly revenge. It’s 1 lunch break and 5 spectacular murders.
This film comes across more of a comedy of errors with macabre violence.
The film is a crowd-pleaser that gets you to root for the character right from the beginning. He tries to murder the characters but they are usually done by themselves or some mistake they make In fleeing.
The characters are over the top cruel and mean. So you really feel no sympathy for them and the nastier they are the gorier their deaths. That is where the film offers its surprises, in how the deaths happen.
The film ends up strangely heartwarming. That seems to want to comment on the predatory nature of social media. Though the films feel good premise of social media justice feels a bit like bad timing. As more and more mentally ill people commit mass murder. Using it to show their handiwork and try to be immortalized in infamy.
The film comes across as the lead character Simple and sweet. Though with a dark side. The character is pure yet the film is cynical.
The film offers impressive practical special effects. Which is where it looks like most of the film’s budget comes from.
What seems like it will be a vigilante tale of revenge. As each character seems a bit off, It’s more a tale of karma and justice.
Cast: James Cagney, Olivia De Havilland, Rita Hayworth, Alan Hale, Jack Larson, George Tobias, Una O’Connor, George Reeves, Lucile Fairbanks, Edward McNamara, Helen Lynd
Biff Grimes is crazy about Virginia Brush, but his “pal” Hugo Barnstead marries her himself and makes Biff the fall guy for his shady dealings. Though Hugo seems to have everything Biff wants, Biff learns that having what one wants and wanting what one has can be two very different things.
One of the reasons why I love this film so much is I have never heard about this film before. Now while I am a film fan I can admit to having blind spots especially when it come to older black and white movies which to me are considered classics at times because of the time period in which they were made. A peek into a bygone era . Where certain roles were set up and portrayed but even back then knew that everyone was more than what they were told to play and more savvy than they let on.
This is truly the first James Cagney starring movie I have ever seen so while I have seen him in other films in smaller roles and heard about him. This is my first experience with him where I can see the talent and charms all on display. Even in playing someone not necessarily all that smart but watching him start to get the point and realize what and who is best for him.
It’s also fun discovering a film that was out there and many never mention that is practically an undiscovered gem. As it’s a film that while you can beleive the dramatic and romantic moments. It feels like everyone is having fun in and with their roles and one another. It’s heartfelt and entertaining. It’s a show but you take it with you once it’s done. Even though you know It’s not necessarily close to reality.
Part of this film’s charms is that it’s not a big story with high steaks, but more a character comedy that is charming and it’s own right Word not only the star shines, but the supporting characters help.
As the film is about romance and love, and what truly matters in it, so it is full, and we see its nurturing grace, with a note of the next stage, and never or rarely being disguised.
This was one of my first James Cagney films, and definitely my first James Cagney comedy, though not one of his more famous titles or not considered a classic amongst his other films. So far, it is one of my favorites of his, and truly shows he was a star who seemed to be able to do it all saying, dance act, he could be a hero or he could be a villain and quite scary.
This is only the third film of James Cagney that I have seen. I think I appreciate it because it’s not as talked about as his other films.
His performance, here is more as a romantic, and a man, with a quick temper, who threw out, seems to be taken advantage of by those around him yet never let his anger out on them but directed at Phantom threats and challenges whose ultimate goal is to become a dentist.
The way he plays it is genuinely his own as in most of his comedic performances it’s fast and he seems to get so worked up over nothing that the performance is grand, and half of it is watching his history as he gets himself more and more worked up, but gracefully, he also comes down or how much trouble his anger and fast-talking gets him into.
As he is such a force of nature that it seems like the film and characters, more or less revolve around him, and react only in this film, they all get their time to shine, even while he is huffing and puffing.
As the one person who truly does care for him, and looks out for him, he is oblivious to Eventually he wakes up and opens his eyes as he realizes what he has, or what he could lose.
The best thing for him was not getting what he wanted, as it also showed him what was important, which seemed to be the moral of the story.
The film has an earnest story and it’s quite simple but gets so much mileage out of it that it’s no shock that it’s the James Cagney of his films and the Director of the film Raoul Walsh also says it’s his favorite that he made.
The intentional comedy of his character being a hothead, yet always losing fights until it truly matters is a quality the film seems to try to introduce subtly. This also showcases that his character is not that smart, but is good with quips. Is that the character who ultimately is the villain of the story? Did his actions seem intentional, but always seem to take advantage of Cagney’s character or lead his character to ruin.
This also leads to one of the few problems of the film is that his other friend played by Jack Larson, is not that good-looking nor charismatic, So it’s hard to believe him as his rival as the only thing that he seems to have over Cagney is maybe a certain smoothness, which I guess is what works as it is obvious and is really the defining point of his character.
Later, it seems like he envies his friend’s life but eventually can see why it’s best. He didn’t get the girl and had the fate of his friend.
Rita Hayworth’s character is a gold digger but has a soft spot for James Cagney which is romantic, but troublesome as she is the one who has her husband get him a job that proves to be his undoing.
There is even a chance that the romance between him and Hayworth could have worked, but and wouldn’t have been ideal or true. She ultimately buries herself and her chances later in the film. She shows all the things in her character that his character doesn’t like in a woman, yet is more ravishing in her lead scenes physically, though always shows why her character and Cagneys could work especially early in the film when they go on a forced date.
James Cagney and Olivia de Havilland’s chemistry is not the flashes they have so much chemistry and Rita Hayworth is truly his even in comedic scenes with her talking about her ideals and her strange flirtation with some Lothario (Played by Herbert Anderson, who played the father on the show DENNIS THE MENACE) who keeps winking and she can’t help winking at them with Chelsea her character is looking for love and excitement and is just as open to making the wrong decisions.
Though it’s hard to believe that she’s so passive when finding out we’re figuring out that her married friend Rita, Hayworth kissed James Cagney and the lights-out spaghetti scene.
It’s one of those stories where one finds the perfect partner with someone they weren’t really looking at or for and that other person falls for them anyway. Despite knowing they are a runner up. Though making their way to truly being number 1
Cagney’s character played by Alan Hale, is hilarious steals all of his scenes, and proves to have great chemistry with the star. As well as George Tobias, who plays his Greek friend, and who ends up being his only true friend, they are both hilarious.
The film’s more comedic scenes aren’t as physical but more verbal and witty. It is even lensed by legendary (not at the time) cinematographer James Wong Howe (THE THIN MAN, SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS)
It’s a comedy with dramatic moments, but a heart for romance.
Based on the play “Egy, Ketto, Harom” By: Ferenc Molnar
Cinematography: Daniel L. Fapp
Editor: Daniel Mendell
Cast: James Cagney, Horst Buchholz, Pamela Tiffin, Arlene Francis, Lilo Pulver, Howard St. John, Hanns Lothar, Leon Askin, Ralf Wolter, Karl Lieffen
C.R. “Mac” MacNamara is a high-ranking executive in the Coca-Cola company, assigned to the corporate office located in West Berlin. Mac’s dream are to climb the corporate ladder in the company to eventually become the head of Western European Coca-Cola Operations. One day, Mac receives a call from his boss, W.P. Hazeltine, to look after his 17-year-old socialite daughter, who is coming to West Berlin, while he is on a trip. Soon enough, Mac finds himself in the undesirable circumstances of trying to take care of this young whirlwind and manage all of the problems she causes.
The movie escaped me for many years as I missed seeing it and a recent Billy Wilder perspective at my local repertory theater. So finally getting to see this late Wilder movie was bittersweet even though I still have yet to see it on the big screen.
It’s a little more political than I expected. This film is still a joy only for the chaos that seems to be happening from the beginning to a comedic blizzard throughout. James Cagney’s character is the ringmaster. Who tries to keep it together and contained and usually bleeds into something else that causes another set of problems.
As there are contained scenes that are filled with farce and all kinds of comedy from slapstick to physical to wordplay. That involves ridiculous characters who seem over the top but become endearing.
As James Cagney’s character is trying to get a promotion wishes as well seem to be a crumbling marriage, a dysfunctional family, a mistress who is his secretary, and other foreign dignitaries. All at once and once he has to babysit your boss’s daughter, and she sneaks out because of all sorts of problems he has to clean them up, especially when his boss decides to make a surprise visit.
What are the interesting aspects that in all the people he tries to help even if it’s for selfish reasons. They always seem to battle against him even when it is for their own best interest.
It truly is a film of its time. Wilder has never shied away from more of the controversial subjects and is maybe a bit bawdy. As well, it seems quaint. Now I can only imagine at the time this film, caused a mini uproar over the decision and the behavior of some of its characters.
At certain points, it does get a little bit too silly for its own good especially when it comes to the character of Otto. Cool comes off as more annoying and might’ve inspired Archie Bunker and Meathead a bit over a decade later on the sitcom ALL IN THE FAMILY.
For me, the film is a laugh right as you’re just amazed that how much can go wrong and still work out not to mention how much how many plates can be spinning all at once in a scene and they may fall nothing ever seems to break and that is a perfect way to describe this film. There is so much going on, but you can easily follow it and it never truly lets you down.
It’s a shame that Cagney did not enjoy making this film, so much that he retired from acting after being in this movie and didn’t make another acting appearance until RAGTIME. which was his last role. It feels like we lost more performances From the man. Who is in top form here.
The film is fast-paced, and while there are all kinds of lunacy going on, if it were not for James Cagney‘s character being the ringmaster and handling all these disasters and trying to find an answer while putting out all these fires, the film truly would be lost.
Based On The Stage Play By: George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart
Cinematography: Tony Gaudio
Editor: Jack Killifer
Cast: Monty Woolley, Ann Sheridan, Bette Davis, Jimmy Durante, Richard Travis, Billie Burke, Reginald Gardiner, Elisabeth Fraser, Grant Mitchell, Mary Wickes
Sheridan Whiteside, an eccentric and acid-tongued radio lecturer, is disabled on the doorstep of a prominent Ohio family and must remain confined to the unwilling family’s home for a few days. Discovering what he believes to be problems within the household, hatches a plot to fix all of the household’s problems.
Sherry then proceeds to find out that his leg is fine so he bribes the doctor to declare him unfit to leave for a few weeks so he can meddle with the lives of the members of the household. But has he made a mistake?
While you definitely notice the film’s theater origins as a play by George S. Kaufman and Moss Hart.
The highlights of the movie are the main character of the movie played by Monty Woolley. Even in a film with two female superstars of the time Anne Sheridan and Bettie Davis. He is the one who is given the most screen time and the best laughs.
Ann Sheridan at least gets chances for her character to join in on the comedy. Bettie Davis plays an important character but barely gets anything to really do. As she is more of a straight woman throughout.
Woolley’s character is acid-tongued and insults almost everyone around him. He is an intellectual snob who believes he is better than everyone. While it is never particularly said he seems to also be homosexual. The film makes it seem that he is different in taste and class than his wealthy benefactors whose house he slips in front of and is forced to put up with him. While they put him up.
Throughout he causes all sorts of trouble for the family particularly the matriarch and in true selfish fashion. When his assistant played by David falls in love. He tries to sabotage it not because he is in love with his assistant but for her companionship. One could see it as he has been made to feel like an outsider all of his life because of his style, intelligence, and decor.
So now he is taking it out on everyone who is considered normal and hetero to a degree. As no one is safe from his tongue lashings. Most accept them as they aren’t aware they are being insulted, others who do can only bluster as they know they can’t do anything about it. Those Who try to verbally spar often lose. Even his accomplices tend to switch sides or he turns on them at least once or twice.
He is technically the villain but also the centerpiece and most interesting character that you end up loving to hate him or hate to love him.
It might as well be a one-man show. As Monty Woolley shines in every scene and takes over. Most characters in this movie talk a mile a minute and so does the action and jokes at times. As it is a kind of screwball comedy. He is the main focus even telegenic the film tries to throw some sight gags and physical comedy in the mix it feels like leftover from the fresh and sharp dialogue. So that anytime it leaves him or focuses on another character. It slows down and becomes a bit dull.
The only other person in the film who truly steals scenes is Jimmy Durante and his antics who come into the film in the third act as another accomplice of Woolley’s He gives the film much-needed energy. As Durante on screen is so energetic it’s like he drank 12 lattes before each take. His appearance is a late great surprise.
Ultimately the film is entertaining and can see why It’s Considered a classic. Though It’s not as strong as one would hope if it wasn’t for the main role. This film would feel rather basic. It might be the direction or presentation overall.
Cast: Layla Mohammadi, Niousha Noor, Kamand Shefieisabet, Bijan Daneshmand, Bella Warda, Tom Byrne, Shevrin Alenabi, Sachli Gholamalizad, Jerry Habibi
When a large Iranian-American family gathers, a family secret is uncovered that catapults the estranged mother and daughter into an exploration of the past, and to discover they are more alike than they know.
This film is a heartwarming tale of family relationships. While overall being a film about relationships.
It’s ultimately a tale of immigrants building themselves up, As well as their families. While seeking independence being able to find a connection.
So, based on a true story, the film has quite an imagination. As it feels like a storybook at times. It’s full of reality, though has a touch of fantasy. When there is even an early scene that breaks down to a musical sequence of introducing family and friends to the Cyndi Lauper song girls just wanna have fun
The film is so rich you want to hear some more of her many brothers ‘ tales or more stories about the family overall, as it seems, there is some magical realism that is anchored by reality. so much so that this film almost feels like a mystical pilot for a television series.
The film is familiar, and some might feel this film has too much heart or gets lost a bit in sentimentality overshadowing other parts of the story lessons, the tone.
It actually works, it might leave others in the audience, wanting more grit in the dramatic part of the story. That feels overstuffed with tragedy and hardships that are wrapped up a little too nearly. Though this film is all about the heart. after all, it is a story about family and time.
Not to mention, it already provides tragedy with peaks of drama yet plenty of humor.
Just like the main character, it might define itself one way, but it finds itself in many different ways that go against definitions.
Cast: Danielle Macdonald, Hugh Skinner, Joanna Lumley, Gary Lewis, Shazad Latif, Ian Hanmore, Christina Bennington, Vicki Pepperdine
A brilliant young fund manager leaves her unfulfilling job and long-term boyfriend to chase her lifelong dream of becoming an opera singer in the Scottish Highlands.
There is nothing truly wrong with this film that it’s more of a romance than a comedy with musical flare. As it revolves around the world of amateur opera singing.
This leaves the film or at least the audience a little confused as you’re expecting it to be or at least have a few more quirky characters, and maybe a little more interactive, and confused throughout when it comes to the story.
The way it plays is pretty much cut and dry, and I admire that the film doesn’t make the female leads, original, romantic entrance, and fiancé into any kind of villain, or give him any truly negative traits. As it is, they are growing apart when it comes to interests and thoughts of the future.
The film is simple and cut and dry, but the problem is it just seems to lack a certain charm. Maybe it’s because it’s not as cliche to the audience as other romance films are not trying to convince you to like the characters presenting the characters as they are them or not.
Immediately gets into its story and plot and you already recognize where it’s going and what’s going on so you just sit and watch and see which way it will be delivered it’s cute but it doesn’t send the pulse racing. It doesn’t make you excited it just kind of gives it to you and hopes you like it. It’s like going to a diner versus a restaurant now sometimes a diner can surprise you and give you one of the best meals of your life but sometimes it’s just par for the course giving you exactly what you wanted but no effort to make it special or one of a kind. That is how this film feels.
The one thing you will remember is the lead Danielle McDonald, who has been in quite a few films up until now, and as usual, gives a great and memorable performance in the lead.
Directed by: Zelda Williams Written By: Diablo Cody Cinematography: Paula Huidobro Editor: Brad Turner
Cast: Kathryn Newton, Cole Spouse, Liza Soberano, Joey Harris, Carla Gugino, Charlie Talbert, Henry Eikenberry, Bryce Romero, Joey Chrest
A coming of RAGE love story about a teenager and her crush, who happens to be a corpse. After a set of horrific circumstances bring him back to life, the two embark on a journey to find love, happiness – and a few missing body parts.
The film offers an original vision. That proves itself more than just stylish it actually has depth. So that in itself it is like a teenager or the mentality and mood of one.
It’s as if Tim Burton made a teenage girl film As it fits into his style and type of character, but not as much on a grand scale. Which makes you end up liking it more than I expected to.
The film feels definitely like an 80s film and when they mentioned later in the film that the year 1989 it fits perfectly wish it had come out at that time though this also works as a kind of nostalgic throwback. While it’s set in suburbia the film also achieves making its own world that seems separate yet so close to our own with a lot more color coding. That calls to mind screenwriter Diablo Cody’s previous film JENNIFER’S BODY
Very camping at times over the top, but yet has an odd comfort level to it all.It’s a good film for its target audience that actually fits even at times when it can be risky
As at times it’s Right on the precipice of macabre strangely, it works and has its own innocence. At Times it can feel like a wacky comedy, but also fits in with the Heathers crowd the PG-13, it is a little risque
even for its more violent and even some sexual scenes, it’s a little bit more suggested and creative in the ways that it presents it that are not exploited, but actually seem more creative at times. This feels like a rather expensive student film, though that is what is part of its charm and luckily written by Diablo Cody, making a comeback
This is Zelda Williams making her directorial debut, and it feels that way, but it gets stronger and more focused as it goes along
It’s a love story, at heart where all the feelings seem misdirected towards what you view as your ideal and are blinded to their red flags and the people who actually care about you and love you. You take for granted or fail To see the obvious.
Katheryn Newton is winning as the lead character with all of her issues and psychosis, yet is sweet, crazy, and hilarious.
This is one twisted film in romance whose wavelength works totally fits
Cast: Noah Segan, Victoria Moroles, Akasha Villalobos, C.L. Simpson, Tracie Thomas, Doug Benson, Ammie Masterson, Jones Proudstar, Josh Ruben
A vampire’s loner lifestyle is thrown into disarray when a teenager shows up claiming to be his daughter, and she’s got the fangs to prove it. On a road trip across America’s blacktops, they decide how to sink their teeth into family life.
This film is more comedy with horror movie or monster movie elements.
As it tries to stay in a certain reality, showing the modern-day problems with being a vampire, and just generally getting older, it also opens up the world for other supernatural mysteries, while dealing with its own central father-daughter storyline.
Dealing with the clips of what might be your own life for being the center of it and having to sacrifice for another.
As the film is built more around the character’s relationship with one another and find little adventures or distractions for them to go on to strengthen their bond and test their limits.
Nice to see Victoria Moroles in another film after she was so memorable in the comedy PLAN B
Here she is in another comedy, and while not as distinct, she definitely is memorable as she is pretty much like that film star here, With a different look.
This is star, Noah Segen’s feature film, directorial debut and it’s not bad. It’s a cute little film that places character over story, plot, action, or visuals and by the end, it feels like a good time though not necessarily special it does have its own voice.
It’s a film with steaks where not too much happens and feels kind of laid-back. It’s cute to spend some time with though it will certainly not rock your world.
Cast: Jackie Chan, Anita Mui, Francoise Yip, Bill Tung, Marc Akerstream, Garvin Cross, Morgan Lam, Alien Sit
A young man visiting and helping his uncle in New York City finds himself forced to fight a street gang and the mob with his martial arts skills.
This is the first movie I saw Jackie Chan starring in. Though I remember him in the CANNONBALL RUN movies. This was another temp for him to break in Hollywood after the previous film mentioned, and THE PROTECTOR with Danny Aiello.
Only this time he had more momentum as Quentin Tarantino had hyped him up and his films after a lifetime achievement award at the MTV awards when they were at the height of cool. Showing clips of all his films and detailing his injuries from doing all his acrobatic stunts.
Had a younger generation mesmerized and salivating over his work. Having him be a well-known foreign secret this was the first released film after.
The trailer showcased more action scenes than the stunts and didn’t include any of the more comedic elements.
The film is pretty run-of-the-mill only here. Most of his enemies are Caucasian. The film does show him struggling with the English dialogue so still eternally a nice guy and helping out a kid and his older sister, who had first set him up, and provides the film with some eye candy, but not a romantic one.
This has what is typical in his film’s build-up of him being impressive and early scenes, yet being defeated, then the finale and over-the-top action fighting extravaganza, where he is like Hulk Hogan in his prime beaten now feels no pain in his nonstop as now he is truly angry and fed up
The film feels more like something from the 1980s and Chan is a little too old to be quite believable as the character and his circumstances.
Luckily, this is less comedic and family-friendly than his films would eventually become in America, so this film does retain some edge.
Though the pharmacy supposed to take place in the Bronx is obviously filmed in Canada and is not as exciting as the title.
Cut To The Chase 