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thompsonkeng
Reviews
Rounders (1998)
Apparently, acting ability still matters
In an era when technological special effects is the only rationale for most movies, it's nice to watch one which relies on old fashion acting ability, and a credible plot.
In the case of "Rounders", the acting is superb. John Malkovich, Martin Landau, Edward Norton, and John Turturro are all very convincing. Despite his baby-face looks, which I found distracting, Matt Damon does a credible job, though I question whether he was the best actor for that part. "Rounders" followed the much praised "Good Will Hunting" by just one year, and while watching "Rounders", the thought occurred to me that this movie could be construed as a Matt Damon "vehicle". For the part Damon played, I would have preferred another, perhaps lesser known, actor with more of an "edge".
The plot is somewhat thin with a predictable ending, but the character's "characters" are to some extent the plot. The atmosphere is stylish and classy. I could have wished for more card playing, and less chit-chat. At times, the movie plods along like a TV soap opera.
Overall, a good movie to watch once or twice. I give it a 5 out of 10.
Ten Little Indians (1965)
One Of The Best Murder Mystery Plots Of All Time
Also known as "And Then There Were None" and other titles, this Agatha Christie murder mystery centers around one of the most clever, if not the most clever, plots of any of her many works. In typical Agatha Christie style, the story twists and turns in unexpected directions, and you either give up trying to identify who the murderer is, or you are surprised that the murderer is someone whom you least expected. It's then fun to go back and see how you missed the subtle clues pointing to the real murderer.
The 1966 movie version is often compared unfavorably to the original, 1945, movie version. Frankly, I prefer the 1966 movie, which is more contemporary in style, and the actor's accents are easier to understand.
"Ten Little Indians" takes place in a castle on a mountaintop in winter. The "castle" has an echo which when combined with the cold and lonely atmosphere, and sometimes sinister lighting, makes for a creepy setting. Thankfully, the movie was shot in black and white.
The acting is quite good, for the most part. But the main reason to see this movie is because of the unique plot puzzle.
The cinema has made many other Agatha Christie movies, two of the best being "Witness For The Prosecution" (1957), and "Murder On The Orient Express" (1974). But none can compare, in my opinion, with the clever plot of "Ten Little Indians".
Macon County Line (1974)
Classic movies are too easily forgotten
This is a great 1950's period piece movie. Similar in some ways to "The Last Picture Show". Unfortunately, Macon County Line never received any hype, and therefore has largely been forgotten. Too bad only 21 people have bothered to vote for this movie.
If you would like to time travel back to the 50's, and get a feel for the rural South, this is an enjoyable movie to watch.