The Missouri Breaks

70s Western
2.5 stars

A rather low rating on this one, even though I love Brando and Nicholson, and Night Moves by Penn is one of my all-time favorites. I actually like Brando's performance here, even with his all-over-the-place style, he's still somewhat of a rated PG badass. The story just doesn't compel. Film seems influenced by another favorite of mine, Peckinpah's Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid, but is nowhere near as good. Should've been rated R, and if it had been we could've learned what was really up with Brando's sexually ambiguous character.

Fear In The Night

Noir
1940s Drama
2.5 stars

DeForest Kelly fans rejoice! Here's a starring old-school vehicle for your man Bones. This movie is a very slow kind of mystery, with some noir elements such as the sets showcasing the inner psychological makeup of the main character. This movie is excruciatingly slow, however. I fell asleep twice watching it, but managed to get through it in 3 sittings.

Marie Antoinette

00s Drama
2.5 stars

Wonderful sets & costumes, the use of (relatively) modern music with a period piece movie is occasionally inspired, and the outdoor scenes often engage an evocative use of camera. That's the good. This film is about 45 minutes too long, as so much of the action repeats itself and the story itself moves at a snail's pace. I fought the urge to turn it off about 3 times. Some may quibble over the Schwartzman casting, but I thought he was a nice choice.

The Spiral Staircase

Noir
2.5 stars

Country-noir. This movie was a snoozer, with some interesting characters but a non-starter plot. Overall a whodunnit with some strong expressionist elements and fine acting, but the problem here is a suspense story where the suspense never mounts.

Shotgun Freeway

Documentary
2.5 stars
I fell asleep. It was a tad boring and the creative design seemed weak. Or at least that's what I think I remember about it.

Down in the Valley

00s Drama
2.5 stars
Long and formulaic. Big Norton fan, which I think is why I wanted to see this. Stolen scenes from Taxi Driver. C'mon now, try harder.

The Life and Death Of Colonel Blimp

Forties Drama
2.5 stars
This was one of those films I was itching to see, but I didn't finish watching this British period piece. I think it's just me. I'd like to try this film again.