Tag Archives: Film

by | May 15, 2025 · 2:45 pm

Retro Movie Review: Shampoo (1975)

Directed by Hal Ashby | Written by Robert Towne & Warren Beatty | Starring Warren Beatty, Julie Christie, Goldie Hawn, Lee Grant, Jack Warden

Set in the glossy, glitzy chaos of Beverly Hills on the eve of the 1968 presidential election, Shampoo follows George Roundy (Warren Beatty), a wildly charismatic hairdresser with a talent for seducing the women who sit in his salon chair. George is ambitious—he dreams of opening his own salon—but his entrepreneurial drive is constantly sidetracked by the entanglements of his love life. In one day, George juggles affairs with his ex-girlfriend Jackie (Julie Christie), his current girlfriend Jill (Goldie Hawn), and Felicia (Lee Grant), the wife of a powerful businessman who could help him fund his salon.

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by | April 18, 2025 · 12:31 pm

Retro Movie Review: American Graffiti (1973)

Directed by George Lucas | Written by George Lucas, Gloria Katz, Willard Huyck

“Where were you in ’62?” That’s the evocative question posed by American Graffiti, a film that captures the final moments of innocence before adulthood sets in. Set in Modesto, California over the course of one summer night in 1962, the film tells the intersecting stories of teenagers at a crossroads. More than a simple nostalgic ride, George Lucas’s semi-autobiographical tale serves as a meditation on youth, change, and the aching uncertainty of the future.

With its lack of a conventional plot, American Graffiti relies instead on character, atmosphere, and a near-constant soundtrack of era-defining rock and roll to tell its story.

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by | March 21, 2025 · 11:27 am

Retro Film Review: North by Northwest (1959)

Alfred Hitchcock’s North by Northwest is a cornerstone of mid-20th-century cinema, blending suspense, adventure, and psychological intrigue into a perfectly executed narrative. Released in 1959, the film captures Hitchcock at the height of his directorial prowess, featuring a star-studded performance by Cary Grant, a memorable score by Bernard Herrmann, and a plot that has left an indelible mark on the thriller genre.

In this article, we will examine the character study of the film’s protagonist, Roger O. Thornhill, break down the plot, explore its significance during its release, and discuss why North by Northwest remains relevant today.

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by | February 25, 2025 · 2:52 pm

Retro Film Review: Papillon (1973)

Papillon (1973), directed by Franklin J. Schaffner, is a gripping tale of survival, friendship, and the relentless pursuit of freedom. Based on Henri Charrière’s autobiographical novel, the film stars Steve McQueen as the indomitable Henri “Papillon” Charrière and Dustin Hoffman as Louis Dega, his unlikely partner in the harrowing journey through the brutal French Guiana penal colony. While the story is one of escape, it’s the painstaking journey, both physically and emotionally, that captures the essence of Papillon.

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by | December 11, 2024 · 12:16 pm

Movie Review: Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

Miracle on 34th Street is a timeless holiday classic that has captivated audiences since its release in 1947. Directed by George Seaton and starring Maureen O’Hara, John Payne, and a young Natalie Wood, the film blends warmth, wonder, and a touch of whimsy with a powerful message about belief, faith, and the true meaning of Christmas. Nearly eight decades after its debut, Miracle on 34th Street continues to be a staple of the holiday season, resonating with viewers of all ages.

The story begins when a man named Kris Kringle (played by Edmund Gwenn) is hired as the Santa Claus for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City. However, there’s something unusual about this Santa: he insists that he is the real Santa Claus. As he is hired by Macy’s, Kris brings a sense of magic and goodwill to the department store, much to the delight of the children he meets.

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by | November 25, 2024 · 3:22 pm

Film Reviews: Gladiator, Wicked and The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

As timeless as the stories they tell, movies and plays often leave a lasting impact on audiences. Whether it’s the gritty battle for revenge in “Gladiator II,” the magical twist on a familiar fairy tale in “Wicked,” or the heartwarming, humorous antics of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” these productions offer something for everyone. Each one has captivated audiences with its unique storytelling, unforgettable characters, and powerful themes, making them all worthy of a closer look.

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by | October 7, 2024 · 12:54 pm

Joker: Folie à Deux, A Review

In Joker: Folie à Deux, the 2024 sequel directed by Todd Phillips, the film boldly expands upon the narrative established in the original Joker, diving deeper into themes of mental illness, societal alienation, and the intricacies of toxic relationships. Joaquin Phoenix returns as Arthur Fleck, a man grappling with profound despair and societal rejection, while Lady Gaga steps into the role of Harley Quinn, bringing an electric and nuanced performance that challenges and complements Phoenix’s portrayal. The film navigates the labyrinthine dynamics between these two characters, illustrating how their shared madness fuels both their connection and their destructive tendencies.

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by | August 21, 2024 · 11:49 am

Old Film Review: Strangers on a Train

We look back at old films and take a closer look at what it would be like to read a film review as if it were to premiere today. Why review old films you say? First, we dispense with all the noisy chatter of the time and second, it is easier to review after having watched the film 90 times. Plus, we just enjoy old films, particularly Hitchcock films.

Alfred Hitchcock’s Strangers on a Train (1951) is a masterclass in suspense, showcasing the director’s genius for blending psychological complexity with visual storytelling. Based on Patricia Highsmith’s novel, the film explores the terrifying consequences of a chance encounter between two strangers who propose to “swap murders” in a diabolical plot. This movie is a quintessential Hitchcock thriller, packed with tension, dark humor, and unforgettable set pieces that continue to influence the genre today.

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