Refrain
Movies:
The Young One: Luis Buñuel’s 1960 film about racism, abuse and injustice, set on a southern coastal island. Thoughtful, difficult, challenging, sometimes beautiful. Worth seeing. 4/5 *
Wit: Once you get past the rather depressing subject matter, this is a well-made and smart look at death, character, and the health care system. Emma Thompson is an actor’s actor. 4/5
Kilmt: From the “If you have nothing good to say, say nothing” line of criticism… ummm… welllll… This movie had some really pretty naked girls in it. 1/5.
Thank You for Smoking: This was funny in some ways, with some well-drawn characters, but it was never really clear to me what the point was…? 3/5.
The Long, Hot Summer: Based on stories by William Faulkner, this well-written movie is full of great performances (if you get past the bad southern accents) by a stunning cast: Paul Newman, Orson Welles, Tony Franciosa (used to date my ma), Lee Remick, Angela Lansbury. But make no mistake, it’s Joanne Woodward who makes this movie what it is. She is the spark and the life of this great film. 5/5 *
Mrs. Henderson Presents: One wonders how a film with Judi Dench and Bob Hoskins could be less than great. Well, somehow they pulled it off. Nice production values, and the makings of a good story, but the script didn’t fly. See comments from Klimt above re: naked girls. 3/5.
Secretary: Seck. Say. I think that sums it up. 4/5.
* Highly recommended.
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And now, Refrain.
