Quick Thoughts – Catching Up On Some Classics, Part 1 of 2

In a twist of [what I’m pretty sure is] irony, I haven’t been writing about too many movies lately because I’ve been out seeing too many movies.  I wish I had the time to give a full review of every film I see, but I’m not quite there yet; and, frankly, sometimes I just want to enjoy a movie without it feeling like work.  That said, I have at least a little bit to say about each of the following, so let’s get to it.

‘Miller’s Crossing‘ (1990)

Honestly, this one didn’t hit me like I thought it would, but I think if I watched it again I’d appreciate it more (most Coen Brothers films tend to grow on me over multiple viewings).  Regardless, it was a pretty great way to spend St. Patrick’s Day evening, sipping down my “Remember the Maine” cocktail (oooooh, Absinthe).  The movie definitely has that signature Coen black comedy tone, and the performances are pretty fantastic across the board, especially from Gabriel Byrne, Jon Polito, and Marcia Gay Harden.  I guess what messed with my head is that I was expecting a little more snap and/or action (a la ‘Goodfellas‘), seeing as how this is a gangster film, but it works well enough on its own terms; and the cameos from the Coens themselves (and their boy Sam Raimi) are quite humorous.

Rating: ★★★½

 

‘The Birds‘ (1963)

There’s a lot about this movie that probably won’t hold up for modern audiences,  to the point that they might laugh, such as some of the visual effects and acting performances.  But, you know what?  The last half hour still works.  It’s as nerve-racking as anything you’ll see today, and that’s what matters.  Typical genius work from one of the masters.

Rating: ★★★★☆

 

‘Bullitt‘ (1968)

Steve McQueen might not be role model material, but he’s still one of the coolest cats to ever grace the silver screen, and this movie might just be Exhibit A.  It definitely doesn’t fit into the present-day construct of what a cop movie should feel like, because it actually focuses on being fairly true to life, especially in terms of police procedure, but, like ‘Miller’s Crossing’, I appreciate it on its own terms.  Not to mention, how do you not love a ten minute car chase sequence (which gets built up by this ridiculously amazing cue by Lalo Schifrin)?  And if that’s not enough for you, it’s got a killer cast (Jacqueline Bisset at, arguably, her most gorgeous; Robert Vaughn at his slickest; and the late, great Simon Oakland; among others), and the beautiful city of San Francisco as a backdrop.  It’s pretty grand.

Rating: ★★★★☆

Continued in Part 2…