King Creole

This is now my fourth Elvis film, and I liked this one more than I expected. I wasn't fond of the last drama I saw Elvis in, and this was a more serious role than "Viva Las Vegas", which was the first Elvis I liked. They gave Elvis a lot to chew on in this film and he did it quite well and with conviction. I enjoyed the songs and didn't feel they overshadowed the plot. It did drag a bit at the end, but overall I really liked this one. Not sure what I'll try next, but this was a winner for me. 4/5

King Creole on Netflix

Sands of Iwo Jima

In my quest to see more films by John Wayne, this seemed the logical next step. I really enjoyed this wartime classic. Wayne showed a lot of heart, character, and subtely in his acting that I hadn't yet seen from him. It was a nice departure from the bravado of the last couple of westerns I've seen him in. The script was really solid, and I appreciated the attempts at realism of the director. This was a fine film I enjoyed a lot. 4/5

Sands of Iwo Jima on Netflix

Viva Las Vegas

Finally, an Elvis movie I really enjoyed! This comedy had a halfway decent plot and gave Elvis some decent scenes to show off both his comedic skills and his singing. But for me the real star was Ann-Margret - she positively sizzled on scene with talent and beauty. And she has an amazing voice and dance skills to boot. Heck, I wanted to take her home by the end! This was a fun movie, I might have to try "King Creole" next. 3.5/5

Viva Las Vegas on Netflix

Jeremiah Johnson

I got where this film was trying to go, but my mind just kept drifting. The pace was too slow and there wasn't enough meat on the bones to really keep me interested. I haven't seen a movie with an Overture and Intermission musical break in a while, so that was interesting just as a side note. 3/5

Jeremiah Johnson on Netflix

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance

This is as fine of a film as you'd ever want to see. Exceptional performances by Wayne and Stewart, beautiful direction by Ford, and a tight, well written script that keeps the action going. This is my kind of Western - loved it. 5/5

The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance on Netflix

The Quiet Man

The is my second John Wayne film ("The Searchers" was my first and I loved it), and I definitely enjoyed Wayne in this. He has a striking presence about him, and even though his speaking pattern can be jarring, his ability to move through emotions and convey honesty through everything is refreshing and quite impressive. My problem with this film was the script, and it's not even something that would have bothered anyone when it was released. Quite honestly, the treatment of Maureen O'Hara's character was rather atrocious. She is repeatedly physically assaulted throughout the film, and it's all played for comedy. I guess it was funny to hit, shove, drag, and beat your wife with sticks when this film came out, but it left a really sour taste in my mouth and I couldn't seem to move past it. I wasn't rooting for Wayne's character to win her over - I was hoping someone would arrest him. But that's the changing of the times I guess. However, I couldn't really enjoy the film because of it. 3/5

The Quiet Man on Netflix

Jailhouse Rock

My first Elvis movie, and I'm rather mixed about it. The script for this paced way too fast and tried to tell way too much story too quickly. That really threw me off, and I felt it definitely lacked in the character development this story so badly needed. I'm torn on Elvis himself as well. I enjoyed him to a point, but I felt that this role required more meat and gravitas than he had. My husband thinks I'll like "Blue Hawaii" more - I'm going to try that next. 2.5/5

Jailhouse Rock on Netflix

Some Like It Hot

Who can resist falling in love with Marilyn Monroe when you watch one of her films? She's gorgeous, talented, and can sing like a lark. I adore her, and I loved this film. It was funny and very sweet, a real treat. Can't believe it took me this long to see it! Loved it! 5/5

Some Like It Hot on Netflix

The Deer Hunter

I first saw this film when I was about ten, maybe younger. I remember having nightmares for days afterwards, but, after a few years, I forgot this film almost completely. I remembered only the Russian Roulette, but that was all. The topic of this film has been coming up in reference to modern day PTSD, and I felt it was time I saw it again. I was not disappointed, and I can't understand how I ever could have forgotten the feeling of this film. I saw it last night and was so moved I couldn't write about it then. Still, today, it is haunting me. Yes, I think it needs editing. Yes, It could have been a half hour shorter, maybe more. Yes, the opening act is too long and the second act is too short. But it doesn't matter, because every note that needed to be hit was, and every feeling the filmmakers wanted to convey came through. I will not forgot "The Deer Hunter". Truly one of the finest films about combat PTSD ever made. 4.5/5

The Deer Hunter on Netflix

Eyes Without a Face

This classic French thriller is certainly creepy & eerie but not quite as potent as I had expected. 3/5

Eyes Without a Face on Netflix

The Horse's Mouth

This classic British comedy didn't really work for me, the plot was far too scattered & nonsensical. 2/5

The Horse's Mouth on Netflix

His Girl Friday

This classic comedy was damn funny with snappy acting - now I know where "The Hudsucker Proxy" came from! 4/5

His Girl Friday on Netflix

Gaslight

This classic noir thriller is expertly acted & well and truly suspenseful - Bergman was wonderful. Well done. 4/5

Gaslight on Netflix

Slaughterhouse-Five

Terrible acting & a very uneven plot made this trippy film hard to swallow. Could have been much better. 2/5

Slaughterhouse-Five on Netflix

Shane

A classic story told very solidly & compellingly, although it did feel more than a bit long to me. Well done. 3.5/5

Shane on Netflix

Breathless

I'm sorry but I really disliked this. Hated the style, the acting, the plot, the direction - not for me thanks. 1.5/5

Breathless on Netflix

Scenes from a Marriage

This Bergman masterpiece is so riveting throughout that you never notice the length. Just brilliant. 5/5

Scenes from a Marriage on Netflix

The Apartment

This classic romcom is just heavenly - MacLaine & Lemmon are magical together. I was surprised by this, truly. 4/5

The Apartment on Netflix

The Maltese Falcon

Something about this noir classic didn't connect with me - I couldn't identify with any of the characters. 3/5

The Maltese Falcon on Netflix

Vertigo

I'm know I've been on a Hitchcock kick, but can you blame me? The man was a genius & this a masterpiece - brilliant! 5/5

Vertigo on Netflix