The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974) Review
RATING: (3.5 STARS) There’s something about a film knowing exactly what it is and, just as importantly, exactly what it isn’t. The Taking of Pelham One Two Three is a grimy 70s thriller – nothing more, nothing less. But because it doesn’t try to do too much, it can focus on trying to be the […]
The Godfather: Part II Review
RATING: (3.5 STARS) It’s often called the greatest sequel ever and is as highly regarded as its extraordinary predecessor, The Godfather. Yet, I think Francis Ford Coppola takes a step back with “The Godfather Part II.†It’s a very good film—nobody can deny that. Like the original, it follows the trajectory of an epic Greek […]
Murder on the Orient Express Review
RATING: (4 STARS) Sidney Lumet has been directing exceptional films for over 50 years. With masterpieces like “12 Angry Men†(1957) and Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead (2007) on his resume, there are many candidates for his greatest film. For me, one of his best has to be 1974’s “Murder on the Orient Express.†[…]
Chinatown Review
RATING: (4 STARS) Chinatown is an undeniable classic from a true master of cinema, Roman Polanski. An important (perhaps the definitive) entry into the “neo-noir†subgenre, the film also marks a turning point in Jack Nicholson’s career and the high point of director Roman Polanski’s. It’s a brilliant film, everything a good noir film should […]
