A Fistful of Dollars Review- By Michael Carlisle

Title: A Fistful of Dollars
Year: 1964
Director: Sergio Leone 
Country: Italy
Language: Italian

Clint Eastwood (Born May 31st 1930) is a name synonymous with American and Spaghetti Westerns. On the silver screen he comes across as a bold and powerful masculine figure, filling up his screen-time with memorable phrases and cold looks of steel. Though he had a few roles before 1964, none were quite as memorable as the moment he teamed up with Italian Director Sergio Leone for the pulsing The Man With No Name Trilogy, which were loosely based on Akira Kurosawa's films Yojimbo and Sanjuro.

An anonymous, but deadly man (Clint Eastwood) rides into a town torn by war between two factions, the Baxters and the Rojo's. Instead of fleeing or dying, as most other would do, the man schemes to play the two sides off each other, getting rich in the bargain.

Often imitated and parodied, but never duplicated A Fistful of Dollars is everything modern westerns wish to be but simply fail in comparison. It's interesting that the term "spaghetti western" was originally used as an insult by critics, who thought that making "wild west" pictures in locations as far as Italy was absolutely ludicrous, however the critics were wrong and Italy had the last laugh. Their style of portraying Colonial America was much more realistic compared to the romanticist way 1950's directors portrayed the old west.

Leone sculpts his main character from pure mystery. He is a unique character with no name; a cynical bounty hunter who comes and goes when he pleases. He is the ultimate anti-hero, and likely the inspiration for Han Solo in George Lucas' Star Wars. The dialogue flows naturally, it is full of dark humor and character development. Eastwood is so bad ass that he asks a group of grown men to apologize to a horse, and they agree. A Fistful of Dollars is full of passion, suspense and bloody violence all working together to great an intriguing flick.

In conclusion, A Fistful of Dollars changed cinema as we know it and created a new star by the name of Clint Eastwood. It made Westerns cool again and encouraged the flow of main characters who were neither good nor evil. This picture likely wouldn't have been made if not for the artistic revolution of the 60's. Praise it! 4.5/5

Beyond the Valley of the Dolls Review- By Michael Carlisle

 Title: Beyond the Valley of the Dolls
Year: 1970
Director: Russ Meyer
Country: US
Language: English

Roger Ebert (June 18, 1942- April 4, 2013) was a renowned film critic for the Chicago Sun Times from 1967 until his death at the age of 70. He was the first film critic to win the Pulitzer prize, and with the help of Gene Siskel launched a television program called At The Movies in which he popularized his trademark phrase "Two Thumbs Up". These would not be the only accomplishments in his career, in 1970 Ebert would write the screenplay for the now cult classic sexploitation film Beyond the Valley of the Dolls.

In this Russ Meyer/Roger Ebert collaboration three beautiful girls come to Hollywood to make it big, but find only sex, drugs and sleaze.

If you are a man you may find this film arousing, if you are a woman you may find this inspiring, if you are a devout Christian then you will find it appalling. Beyond the Valley of the Dolls has been labelled by some critics as "tasteless shock" and others as "self conscious camp", it certainly is a polarizing picture that puts people on edge and gives them a lot to talk about. It is a film of its time; made during the New American Wave, when pictures were a lot more loose, it is also a product of the psychedelic hippie movement that spread across America during the late 60's and early 70's.

Though the picture may be seen as an excess of misogyny and male fantasy, the women are quite powerful and not to be trifled with. Men do not use them, they use the men. It's also a satire of the "free love" swinging sixties while also a big middle finger to those who opposed raunchy sex comedies. When Roger Ebert wrote this, he must have put all his ID into the screenplay, as it is insanity and primal instinct at its finest.

In conclusion, Beyond the Valley of the Dolls is everything a campy cult classic should be and more. It is hilarious, entertaining and certainly thought provoking. Its quick editing, outrageous set designs, shameless nudity, party scenes and memorable characters are more than enough to make you want to see the film again and again. Praise it! 5/5

Catfish Review- By Michael Carlisle

Title: Catfish
Year: 2010
Director(s): Ariel Shullman & Henry Joost 
Country: US
Language: English

In our current age of information there is a wealth of knowledge that is available at our fingertips 24/7. We also have more efficient ways of communicating with people, whether they are in the same city or half the world away. With Skype, texting, chat-rooms, online gaming etc. you can talk to whoever you wish at any given moment, you can even make instantaneous friends. However there is a dark side to unlimited communication; some people on the internet aren't who they say they are, some people are catfish.

Catfish is a documentary, in which two Young filmmakers (Ariel Schullman & Henry Joost) film their colleague's (Nev Shullman) budding online friendship with a young woman (Angela Wesselman) and her family which leads to an unexpected series of discoveries.

The discoveries? The entire family was a fabrication, a lie made up by a middle aged woman who regrets her decisions in life. This may be a spoiler, however I believe that the journey to this remarkable discovery is more important than the ending.The film begins as a light hearted romance, unravels into a suspenseful horror flick and then becomes a deeper voyage into the soul of the troubled. Even though I somewhat knew what was going to happen, Catfish still surprised me in ways that few documentaries have. 

There is some debate regarding whether or not Catfish is actually a documentary, some believe many scenes feel staged and that there are just too many coincidences. However what we see on the silver screen has been severely edited and there was likely 100+ hours of footage on the cutting room floor. Even if this is a work of fiction, it's still pretty good & serves both as a warning and as a humanitarian message. The filmmakers could have easily turned Angela into a monster, but chose to seek the humanity within.

In conclusion, throughout the fairly short running time Catfish had me on the edge of my seat. What was going to happen next? How would Nev find out? Who would be behind the lies? The picture contained more twists than a pretzel, but each contributed greatly to the overall story. This is a fantastic documentary. Praise it! 4/5

Matilda Review- By Michael Carlisle

 Title: Matilda
Year: 1996
Director: Danny DeVito
Country: US
Language: English

As a 90's child there are certain 90's movies that give me great feelings of nostalgia because I watched them during my childhood. These films include Harriet the Spy (1996), Indian in the Cupboard (1995), The Pagemaster (1994) and Matilda (1996). Unfortunately none of these pictures are well known nowadays and probably won't be seen by the next generation, however of all these Matilda is a picture I find myself enjoying even in adulthood.

Based on a book by Roald Dahl, Matilda is the story of a wonderful little girl (Mara Wilson), who happens to be a genius. The film is also about her wonderful teacher vs. the worst parents ever and the worst school principal imaginable.

Throughout the picture I was wondering "When is CFS going to step in?" Seriously, Danny Devito and Rhea Perlman's characters are awful parents who really don't care about their daughter, blatantly being verbally abusive towards her. The cruel headmistress Mrs.Trunchbull deserves to be put in jail, she literally throws children out two-story windows if they misbehave. The antagonists in Matilda's life are terrifying to see as a child and even more discerning to see as an adult. However that makes the audience root for Matilda even more; we pray that she can survive her family. 

Director Danny DeVito does a great job at showing us the story through a child's eyes. The world seems bigger and more threatening to a small child, yet Matilda also shows us that anything is possible. Her quirky attitude and great imagination make her world brighter. I don't understand the Director's choice to have himself narrate the film, it's unusual because he also plays the abusive father and both roles are in stark contract to one another. I'd rather have a protagonist like Matilda's teacher narrate the film.

In conclusion, Matilda is a wonderful 90's family flick that still manages to impress audiences today. Though every actor puts on a hammy performance, it adds to the child-like atmosphere of the picture. The soundtrack is also lively and fun to listen to. 3.5/5

Some Like It Hot Review- By Michael Carlisle

 Title: Some Like It Hot
Year: 1959
Director: Billy Wilder
Country: US
Language: English

The silver-screen was home to many beauties throughout its history. In the 30's we were spellbound by the magnificent voice of Judy Garland. In the 40's Rita Hayworth stunned us with her long brown hair and magnetic smile. In the 50's Marilyn Monroe brought the room's temperature up as she flirted with the camera. All these women had fantastic careers, lots of men and, unfortunately, they had very big personal problems. Much of Monroe's issues would come up during the production of Wilder's Some Like It Hot. 

When two musicians, played by Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon, witness a mob hit, they flee the state in an all female band disguised as women, but further complications set in as they encounter the sexy Sugar Kane Kowalczyk (Marilyn Monroe). 

The film is classic screwball comedy; inspired by the pictures of Groucho Marx and Charles Chaplin. There are slapstick chases, mistaken identities and  many "fish out of water" situations. It's a flick that is disguised as gangster, but is ultimately about sex and the hilarity that ensues because of awkward sexual situations. Both men want Monroe, but it's quite difficult to get her when they have to act the part of a woman. Every character thrives off their basic instincts and Wilder makes sure no time is lost to sentimentality. 

Inspiring a whole slew of drag comedies, like Mrs.Doubtfire and Tootsie, Some Like It Hot is not only fantastic because of its wit and inventiveness, but also because of its acting and the chemistry between the actors onscreen. Off-screen Monroe was a trainwreck of an actress; forgetting even very simple lines and not getting along with the crew. Tony Curtis once said "Kissing Monroe is like kissing Hitler" yet you couldn't tell his discomfort from what's shown on screen. A lot of credit must be given to the director and his editors.

In conclusion, though Woody Allen thinks it's over-rated, Some Like it Hot is one of the most enduring comedies of all time, which is a fantastic achievement considering many comedies have a short shelf life. Billy Wilder will forever be remembered as one of the greatest American Directors to live. Praise it! 5/5

Boys Don't Cry Review- By Michael Carlisle

Title: Boys Don't Cry
Year: 1999
Director: Kimberly Peirce
Country: US
Language: English




During the early years of American Cinema, homosexuality was a taboo subject that would often break careers. Many actors, like Rock Hudson, would be forced to stage a relationship with the opposite sex in order to silence the media and hush the critics. In later years whenever a homosexual character was written for the screen they would have to be a stereotypical caricature of gay identity. Thankfully American Audiences became a little more tolerant over-time and in 1999 we were given the boundary breaking Boys Don't Cry. 

Female born, Teena Brandon (Hilary Swank) adopts his male identity of Brandon Teena and attempts to find himself and love in Nebraska. Unfortunately this small American town isn't ready to accept a transgender into their society, and Brandon finds himself in deep trouble.

Hilary Swank won the "Best Actress" Oscar for her heartbreaking performance, she would also win an Oscar for Million Dollar Baby in 2004 and then subsequently never be in any important roles again. Director Kimberly Peirce creates a disturbing picture about sexual identity and sexual hate. The film is not disturbing because it's about a transgender, but rather because it forces us to see our society for what it really is; unapologetic in its  homophobia. Peirce depicts homophobia as violent, ruthless and aggressive, the most horrifying scene happens when Brandon is bullied by people who don't want to understand her sexuality. 

In contrast, the sequences of transgender love are quite beautiful and breathtaking.  We pray Brandon finds love because it represents peace and tranquility. Unfortunately the sombre country music that drains every scene tells us that this is a Shakespearean tragedy, and Brandon must play a martyr, for she is ultimately doomed. Boys Don't Cry is also a dissection of society's ideal masculine traits. We are told to be competitive, in charge and aggressive yet these things ultimately slow the progress of society and harm our fellow LGBTT community.

In conclusion, while Boy's Don't Cry is an extremely depressing film, it will ultimately either change your views on transgendered people or encourage you to fight harder for LGBTT rights. The treatment the gay community has received throughout history is vile and disgusting, hopefully we can grow together. Praise it! 4.5/5

The Grapes of Wrath Review- By Michael Carlisle

 Title: Grapes of Wrath
Year: 1940
Director: John Ford
Country: US
Language: English

The Roaring Twenties began with sustained economic prosperity for The United States, UK and Canada, however it would end tragically. In 1929 the stock market would crash and it would plunge the world into a great economic depression. Both poor and rich were greatly effected, soon jobs became scarce, money was a luxury and food had to be rationed. Many books would depict this era, but few captured the feeling of that era like John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath.

In this film adaptation of Steinbeck's great novel, a poor Midwest family is forced off of their land. They travel to California, suffering the misfortunes of the homeless in the Great Depression. 

John Steinbeck's novel quickly became a classic due to its powerful and realistic depiction of the time period. It sparked interest in acclaimed Director John Ford (Young Mr. Lincoln) who worked quickly on this adaptation, leaving out the book's controversial moments to avoid backlash from the public. Ford's film surpasses Steinbeck's novel on an emotional level; it is incredibly moving, partly due to the flawless performance of legendary actor Henry Fonda (12 Angry Men).

Ford's adaptation is harsh and crude, his cameras capture the grim reality of the Great Depression. The score, as well as the costume design, adds to the melancholy tone in which the entire film is fogged in. Grapes of Wrath's overall message is profoundly un-American, especially compared to the mindset of 1940's politics. It is a great argument for  populist/socialist politics. Many safety-nets/welfare clinics would have kept a lot of families from starving in that era.

In conclusion, though The Grapes of Wrath feels a bit dated in 2014, it is still a triumphant effort in casting, directing and script-writing. The ending is both depressing and inspiring, perhaps there is hope for these impoverished farmers, although with World War Two looming it seems like their lives will only get harder. Regardless, it's definitely an American classic. Praise it! 4/5

Gray's Anatomy Review- By Michael Carlisle

Title: Gray's Anatomy
Year: 1997
Director: Steven Soderbergh
Country: US
Language: English

Born in Providence, Rhode Island on June, 5 1941 Spalding Gray was an American actor and writer, most known for his autobiographical monologues. Beginning his career in 1960 he joined an experimental troupe known as The Performance Group which also featured Willem Dafoe (Antichrist). In 1985 he achieved prominence and won numerous awards with his monologue called Swimming to Cambodia. In 1997 he teamed with Director Steven Soderbergh to complete the intriguing Gray's Anatomy.

After doctors inform him that an eye affliction will require risky surgery, monologist Spadling Gray recounts his various pursuits for alternative medicine to avoid the doctor's scalpel. 

Gray's Anatomy is a very unique film because, aside from briefly cutting to the opinions of various people about topics regarding health and medicine, it consists of Spalding Gray staring into the camera and telling his story throughout the 80minute running time. His words are full of mystery, suspense, melodrama and even comedic moments. If any other actor tried to do this the picture would fall flat, but Gray's mix of charisma and weird personality click with the audience and adds a surreal element into the mix. 

Gray is absolutely captivating, though he can be a bit too hyper at times I think it's safe to say that he is never dull. Soderbergh deserves credit for not just keeping the camera stationary or leaving Gray behind one background during his entire story. Rather the shots change, the lighting changes as well and we are able to visually see Gray's mood as it changes with the story. Gray's Anatomy is an absolutely brilliant piece of film-making.

In conclusion, though Gray's Anatomy may not be either man's best work, it certainly is a great introduction to them and is far from terrible. Gray would say this film is the
"Diary of a compulsive homeopathic ex-christian scientist", which certainly emphasizes how wacky the great writer is. Praise it! 4/5

Nosferatu Review- By Michael Carlisle

Title: Nosferatu

Year: 1922

Director: F.W Murnau

Country: Germany

Language: German

 

F.W Murnau’s 1922 classic Nosferatu stars the creepy Max Schrek, who plays a merciless vampire named Count Orlok. The vampire is interested in a new castle in which to lure his victims and, more importantly, he lusts for the blood of his real estate agent’s wife. 

Nosferatu won’t just scare you, it will haunt you. Murnau will take you to a place where madness lurks around every corner and your worst nightmares become reality. The film is about all the things mankind has worried about: death, insanity, disease, war. It is shocking yet brilliant. One of the reasons it is so shocking is because of Max Schreck, an ugly man whose already tall stature and ugly look made him perfect to fill the role of the immortal vampire. Unlike Bela Lugosi, who played a flamboyant vampire in Todd Browning’s 1931 version of Bram Stroker’s novel, Schreck is anything but that. He plays the vampire like a rabid creature that is filled with hunger and hate. He is a remorseless predator that exists only in the bowels of hell.

Like most vampire movies, Nosferatu is filled with sexual undertones. However, unlike most vampire movies the sexuality presented in Nosferatu is rather terrifying. It holds us in our fear of AIDS and rape, both of which continue to be present in our modern society. The vampire is an unholy being, who has desires that stretch far  beyond finding a mate. It stalks after the innocent and those who find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Many film historians believe that the expressionistic style of Weimar-era Germany reflected the mood of the German people following World War One.  Considering the pessimistic tone of the film, it’s not hard to believe that Post war Germany must have been an awful place to live. Though it’s full of despair,  Nosferatu  is a classic that certainly stands the test of time. See it immediately and buy the brilliant Masters of Cinema blu-ray edition. Praise it! 5/5

It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World Review- By Michael Carlisle

Title: It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World
Year: 1963
Director: Stanley Kramer
Country: US
Language: English

Slapstick comedy in motion pictures predates the Twentieth Century; it was introduced into Cinema by the French Lumiere Brothers in 1895 for a film called L’Arroseur arrosé (Watering the Gardener). The plot was relatively simple; a young boy steps on a garden hose as a gardener waters a lawn, cutting off the water, only to step off just as the gardener looks into the nozzle. Since then artists like Charles Chaplin, Harold Lloyd and Buster Keaton have made a great career out of slapstick comedy and it has changed the world entire. Stanley Kramer's It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World is a powerful testament to the the genre.

After a long prison sentence Smiler Grogan is heading at high speed to a California park where he hid $350,000 from a job 15 years previously. He accidentally careens over a cliff in view of four cars whose occupants go down to help. The dying Grogan gives details of where the money is buried to the witnesses, which starts a chaotic chase across the state.

Delirious, Chaotic, Insane, Epic; these are a few words that can be used to describe the pure madness that is It's A Mad,Mad, Mad World. The camera is constantly moving, cutting back and forth between characters who have found themselves in a dire situation, such as being on a plane with a drunk & unconscious pilot, due to their desire for the almighty dollar. The film is full of cameos by comedic greats, like Jack Benny, Buster Keaton and even The Three Stooges. The cast is so full of stars that other comedy legends would call Director Stanley Kramer at all hours of the day, infuriated that they weren't considered a part. 

Though the film's pace is frantic and each scene is full of obsessive characters, our senses never become overloaded. Nor does the picture become boring despite the 3+ hr running time, which makes it one of the longest comedies ever made. The off-the-wall antics make Mad World incredibly entertaining and the money definitely adds an element of suspense and intrigue. Unfortunately some special effects near the end of the film are incredibly dated, however the humor is timeless. A hundred years from now people mostly likely still find something to chuckle about. 

In conclusion, though it's a rather silly movie I'd like to think that Kramer has imprinted a serious message about the nature of greed in Mad World. Once we starting living only for money do we make fools of ourselves. We laugh at them because we see these kind of people everyday in real life. Thus the film is a critical statement about capitalism and those who are possessed by it. By the Criterion Collection Edition today! Praise it! 4.5/5