Misery

Misery

Castle Rock etc.

November 30, 1990

Dramedy

DVD
C-

I had to read the Stephen King novel many years ago for a class and only got through it as a hate-read.  The first quarter hour of the movie though is a quirky little comedy-drama, contrasting the country and the city.  William Goldman wrote the screenplay and Rob Reiner directed.

The Mirror Has Two Faces

The Mirror Has Two Faces

Sony

November 15, 1996

Romance

DVD
B-

Barbra directed this vanity production, but that doesn't make it bad.  I will say that even at the time she seemed a little old (at 54) for the role, but, as in the very different Yentl, she is believable playing a younger woman who goes through a transformation.  Yes, the movie is corny and at times implausible, but it still drew me in, even if I'm less romantic and more experienced than I was 25 years ago.

Key Largo

Key Largo

Warner Bros.

July 31, 1948

Drama

DVD
C-

I watched this whole movie about a decade ago, but I don't remember much about it.  Anyway, the first quarter hour didn't tempt me to continue this time, although I will say Bacall was the best part.  John Huston directed.

The Shootist

The Shootist

Paramount

July 21, 1976

Historical Drama

DVD
C

I actually gave this 45 minutes, because I thought it had potential, and of course it was neat to see the supporting cast.  But ultimately, I didn't want to stay with it.  This is based on Glendon Swarthout's novel and directed by Don Siegel, whose other three movies I've looked at so far I definitely didn't enjoy as much.

Ernest and Celestine AKA Ernest et Célestine

Ernest and Celestine AKA Ernest et Célestine
StudioCanal
23 May 2012
Children's, Fantasy
DVD
D+

I didn't like any of the characters in this adaptation of the Gabrielle Vincent children's books, but the snow effect was well done.  Stéphane Aubier, Vincent Patar, and Benjamin Renner co-directed.

Dark Passage

Dark Passage
Warner Bros.
September 27, 1947
Crime Drama, Romance
DVD
B-

Bogie & Bacall in a strange (e.g. ether-induced hallucination as Bogart's character gets plastic surgery!), at times even corny story that works almost despite itself, helped by San Francisco scenery and an able supporting cast.  Delmer Daves directed and based the screenplay on the David Goodis novel.

Blood Alley

Blood Alley
Warner Bros.
October 1, 1955
Drama
DVD
D

Wayne talks and talks in the first quarter-hour, especially when he monologues.  Bacall isn't given much to do, and Mazurki (who a few years later would get a plum of a role in Some Like It Hot) of course doesn't seem the slightest bit Chinese.  A.S. Fleischman adapted his novel and William A. Wellman directed, with the Duke according to IMDB.