cwangz Reviews

The Graduate (1967)

Talk about a love triangle!

[9/10 · 5 May 2021]

I love this movie. What I enjoyed the most was the constant movement of the camera, zooming in and out of people's faces quickly and following the characters every movement, as if the camera was on them. I also really loved the characters, especially Elaine. She was wise and kind, but also held her ground and was smart about the situations she faced in the film.

Side note: I never knew that last scene from "Waynes World" was very clearly based off of the ending of this film! I loved making that connection!

Easy Rider (1969)

...

[7/10 · 5 May 2021]

This movie was good. The camera angles and long, various shots of motorcycle riding was ideal. The desert setting and night shots of the sunset were perfect, as was the soundtrack! I think the actors did a good job of capturing the hippie drifters their characters wanted to be so badly. However, I wasn't a fan of the ending. I felt it didn't flow with the rest of the movie; it just kind of...ended. Aside form that, I enjoyed this movie.

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967)

Fantastic

[9/10 · 26 April 2021]

This movie is fantastic. From the dreamy setting, to the characters wardrobe, and finally to the unlikely love story, this movie hit it out of the park. While the film was heavy with its plot of race and love, it was lightened with its charming and bubbly characters, who clearly knew what they wanted in life. Overall, this movie was extremely well written and heartfelt.

The Apartment (1960)

Two unsure characters

[10/10 · 14 April 2021]

I'll start off by saying I enjoyed this movie, very much. It was dramatic and, unfortunately, very true. I found it both fascinating and sad to see the two main characters both very much being taken advantage of by the other's in their life. Fran was the woman who was so deeply in love with love that she wastes her time being consumed by man who clearly doesn't love her, and she knows it but let's it happen anyways. However, she eventually openly admits to her flaws on camera and soon realizes her worth through the kind and very loving words of Bud. Fran was a character I feel is all too familiar with many women; those who are promised a life of happiness and love through grand gestures and sweet talk, but it all turns sour. As for Bud, I just love him. He's had such a traumatic life before meeting Fran and was always being taken advantage of or being made fun of for his past actions. I found his character rather relatable, in the sense that Bud took the things that should have, and nearly did, kill him and turned them into something extraordinary. Bud turned his hurtful past into words and actions of affection and hope, saving Fran's character in the process. I personally love when movies have such deep characters such as Fran and Bud. This one hit close to home.

To Catch a Thief (1955)

The location!

[9/10 · 9 April 2021]

My favorite part of this whole movie is the location; you can't go wrong with a waterfront hotel and cafes at every corner, am I right? Hitchcock's camera work once again shined through this film, with quick cuts back and forth between past and present, and with the characters. Grace Kelly is surely a force to be reckoned with in this film as well. The way she carries herself throughout the film proves she is a strong feminist woman. I loved her character the most!

Psycho (1960)

I can see why it was so groundbreaking!

[10/10 · 9 April 2021]

All I can say is that I could not keep my eyes off of this movie! Hitchcock pulled out all stops for his masterpiece. There was theft, lying, provocativeness with a female character, murder, and psychological trauma for everyone involved, both characters and viewers alike. What was most captivating about the whole film, however, would have to be Alfred Hitchcock's use of close up shots which showed the true fear and anxiousness within each character of the film.

The Wizard of Oz (1939)

A childhood memory

[10/10 · 31 March 2021]

This was one of the earliest movies I remember watching with my mom; I even remember Dorothy being one of my first Halloween costumes. I loved how the movie starts off in black and white and turns into vibrant colors once Dorothy is asleep, which allows the viewer to put a clear distinction between Dorothy's real life and her subconscious, even invoking a feeling of sadness that to Dorothy, her life seemed dull and in need of life. The part I loved the most was that Dorothy befriended the characters of Oz, despite some of them not showing her kindness initially. Dorothy was the true light in her dark world, and it's bittersweet to see the realization of her true worth once she wakes up. This movie will forever live in the fondest part of heart. A true classic.

Singin' in the Rain (1952)

The Dreamy World of Gene Kelly

[10/10 · 31 March 2021]

This movie is absolute heaven. It has themes of love, revenge, hope, and friendship. What shines the most through this film has to be the song and dance numbers. Most people may know about Kelly's "Singing in the Rain" number, which is no doubt dreamy with Kelly dancing through the streets after a passion kiss from Reynolds. But the most mesmerizing sequence to me, anyways, has to be the one where Gene Kelly is pitching part of the movie to his director, in which the character he plays is within a dream state. The use of wind and the actresses flowing draped dress to show the two characters entwined with one another is nothing short of incredible. I also found it particularly interesting that many things that were deemed off limits in the Censorship Code (end 1968) were very much present in this film, such as lustful kissing while unmarried and swearing. This film is absolutely amazing and dreamy and I would recommend everyone watch it!

D.O.A. (1949)

That opening scene!

[10/10 · 26 March 2021]

Frank is truly an unfortunate, yet captivating character. After finding he was poisoned during a night of drinking in order to keep a phony sale a secret, Frank sets off to find who killed him and to hopefully stop them before they kill anyone else. Frank is an extremely cleaver man who will stop at nothing to find the people who murdered him. The most interesting thing about this movie is how, essentially, the audience knows Franks fate at the very beginning of the movie. With Frank saying that infamous line, "I need to report a murder.." Chills! I think one of the main reasons Frank went on as long as he did to find the people responsible for his murder was to give his Fiancée and assistant, Paula, piece of mind when he passes away from the deadly toxin building in his body. This movie is incredible and I highly recommend you watch it!

Mildred Pierce (1945)

A Mother's Love

[8/10 · 26 March 2021]

This movie was insane! Mildred is a mother who has done everything in her power to keep her daughter Veda happy, despite Veda's ever growing resentment towards her mother and selfish ways. Mildred is a woman to be reckoned with, however. She built up her own restaurant from nothing, continuously gave her daughter money and gifts, and dealt with heartache over and over again. However despite all the hardships she went through, fate gave her the better hand in the end and I think things worked out for her they way they were always intended to do so. Mildred Pierce deserved the ending she got.

Overall, this movie is fabulous, each character is truly unique and holds its own, and the cinematography is other worldly!

The Best Years of Our Lives (1946)

The tragedies of war

[10/10 · 7 March 2021]

The Best Years of Our Lives is an incredibly tragic and heartfelt story about three veterans who have just returned from fighting in WWII. Each man attempts to settle back into their lives before the war, only to realize that things have changed and it won't be so simple. Each character is faced with extreme hardships and are forced to face their new realities of life post war. This film is truly bone-chilling and the charters are captivating.

Casablanca (1942)

Casablanca...

[10/10 · 7 March 2021]

Curtiz's vison sure does come to life in this classic. From the phenomenal acting of Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman to the crisp picture on the screen, it's hard to keep your eyes away from this film. The story follows the tragic love triangle of Rick Blaine (Bogart), Ilsa Lund (Bergman), and her husband Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid) during WWII. Ilsa and Rick are found love in Paris after Isla found out her husband, who was also a rebel on the run from the Germans, was shot dead. However, after she gets word of Victor still alive, she leaves Rick in Paris with a note telling him how much she loves him but can't be with him. Years later, the two star crossed lovers meet again and Ilsa and Victor are in need of help getting out of Casablanca, as the Germans are once again on Victors tail. Rick agrees to help them and right before Ilsa gets on the plane to America, he tells her he isn't coming. When Ilsa asks what will happen with them, he states, "We'll always have Paris."

Stagecoach (1939)

Here come the Cowboys!

[8/10 · 28 February 2021]

This film is anything but boring. It has love, loss, adventure, and above all, action! The story follows a gang of misfits, per say, and the infamous "Ringo The Kid." Heading for New Mexico, the gang runs into Natives in the Apache Territory. And in turn, comes the typical Cowboys versus Indians shootout. Many die, many more flee, but Ringo continues on his journey. There are many more adventures along the way with this group, but I won't spoil it! Just watch it, you will not be disappointed.

Wuthering Heights (1939)

An unfortunate love

[9/10 · 28 February 2021]

In this Bronte film adaption, Laurence Oliver and Merle Oberon are quite phenomenal in their performance and have amazing chemistry. The story follows two young people, Heathcliff (Oliver) and Catherine (Oberon), and their ever entwining relationship. Following a series of events, Heathcliff is cast out of the home he grew up in with Cathy and is forced to live life on the road. Later on, and trying to ensure her own future, Catherine sets out to find a wealthy suiter for herself. Time passes on and Heathcliff returns a wealthy man and the two lovers are once again stuck with the choice to admit their feelings to one another or to continue on without each other once more. But Catherine's prejudice and Heathcliff's ego prove to be a force too hard for the pair to overcome.

Imitation of Life (1934)

A movie that shows true friendship and heartache

[10/10 · 20 February 2021]

I LOVE this movie... If I could give it more stars I would. While I won't spoil the plot of this movie, I will say it touches on several aspects of life through the perspective of two generations of people. Throughout the movie are themes of friendship, motherhood, love, personal identity, and segregation. Louise Beavers was certainly the star of the movie, playing the dedicated mother to Peola, and friend of Beatrice and her daughter, Jessie. There is not a single moment where Mrs. Beavers performance was anything but spectacular and heartwarming. All the characters had very good chemistry and it radiated on film. I highly recommend this movie! I cried. You probably will too.

My Man Godfrey (1936)

Godfrey the Great

[9/10 · 20 February 2021]

Irene and Cornelia are two wealthy sisters who hire Godfrey as their butler. During his time serving the family, Godfrey is constantly pulled between both sisters who are trying to win his attention. Cornelia, being the eldest and who "always wins" as her sister would say, was more malicious in her quest for Godfrey's attention. She attempted to plant evidence of him stealing from her and practically blackmailed him later on (or attempted to, anyways). Then we have Irene, who was the ditsy, head-over-heals in love with Mr. Godfrey, younger sister. Throughout the movie she'd chase after Godfrey and pretend to faint if he was to leave. Godfrey, being the ever so patient and clever man he was, would simply brush off both of the girl's attempts and continue his duties. The ending of the movie proved to be the best part, with Godfrey saving Bullock family from destitution with stocks he had bought over the course of his employment. He gave the money to the Bullock family and assured them his debt was paid to them, as the Bullock family took him in when he needed it most. It just goes to show that you should never judge a book by its cover.

The Mummy (1932)

A new chance at old love..

[8/10 · 9 February 2021]

The mummy is a classic that gives a new take on the whole "second chance at love" idea. Following the death of his beloved Anuk-su-namun , Imhotep preforms a ritual to bring them both back to life following their deaths. However, Imhotep is caught by his father's servants and sentenced to the worst death in ancient Egypt, being mummified alive and stripped of his royal status. 2,000 years later, Anuk is reincarnated as Helen and Imhotep summoned back from the underworld. He attempts to bring Anuk back with him to spend eternity together in the afterlife, however Anuk, who now leads a life as Helen, wants to stay in the new world she's been born into. In a classic turn of events, Helen (Anuk) sends Imhotep back to the underworld and is free to spend the rest of her days with the love of her life, Frank. The Mummy has paved way for many more adaptions to come and encapsulates the horror genre and is a must watch.

Frankenstein (1931)

A true original that paved the way for many more

[10/10 · 9 February 2021]

This movie is truly amazing! The story of Victor Frankenstein and his creation is dark and captivating. Victor, who is driven mad by science, wants to be the first to bring something back from the dead. In order for his plan to work, Victor needs a brain for his "puzzle piece" body he created using parts from other cadavers. With the help of his assistant, Fritz, Victor steals a brain from his former school. However, during the robbery, Fritz grabs the wrong brain, that of a criminal, out of panic that he will get caught. Victors creation soon comes to life, but rather being a simple human who could preform everyday tasks, Frankenstein (the creation) would be a murderous thing with little thought. Finally confronting his insane obsession with creating new life and the monster it made Victor must put an end to his genius, nearly killing himself in the process.

The Public Enemy (1931)

A classic Gangster movie

[9/10 · 7 February 2021]

There's a reason this film has 100% on Rotten Tomatoes! James Cagney is truly a force to be reckoned as his gangster character, Tom Powers. Following the prohibition, Tom and his friend Matt Doyle are hired by well-known gangster, Nails, to ensure everyone buys beer from him and him only. Following a slew of murders and violence, including the death of Power's friend Matt, Tom goes to the people who killed his friend down, only to be wounded himself. Tom Power's is taken to the hospital where he is later kidnapped by a rivalry gang and left on the front steps of his door dead where his brother finds him. Tom Power's was a viscous man who killed anyone who got in his way and wasn't afraid to hit a woman, and James Cagney did a wonderful job of creating such a character.

I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang (1932)

Even the best of people can have an unfair life...

[8/10 · 5 February 2021]

Paul Muni's performance in this movie is brilliant. The story follows Muni's character, James Allen, a WWI vet, who was wrongfully convicted of robbing a diner. Having being tricked and forced to rob the man working in the diner, Allen tries to make a run for it when the cops shoot his accomplice. Allen still has the money in his pocket and that's all the courts needed to convict him, sending him to a chain gang to serve a sentence of 10 years. During his first stint there, Allen is treated (along with his camp mates) extremely poorly, being beaten for even wiping sweat off of his face during the long hours hammering away at rock under the sun. After his first or two successful attempts at escaping, Allen heads to Chicago in order to pursue his dream of building bridges. Allen excels at his job and works his way up to his dream position. However, a fling Allen has with a woman named Marie quickly turns sour as she finds a letter from Allen's brother talking about his conviction. Marie threatens Allen that if he didn't marry her, she'd blab to the police. He agrees, and is trapped in a loveless and ever manipulative relationship with Marie, as she continuously cheats on him and overdrafts their accounts. After falling in love with a new woman, Allen tells Marie he's divorcing her to which she goes to the police and tells them of his real identity. In compliance with the courts, Allen agrees to go back to the camp under false promises that he'd only have to spend a short time there, which he later learns is untrue. Thus, setting into motion Allen's second, and successful, attempt at escaping along with the help of his old friend Bomber Wells and sticks of dynamite. Probably one of the most note-worthy scenes is when James Allen blows up a bridge to stop the camp officers from chasing him. Ironic, considering his job was designing bridges. Finally, you see Allen find his lost love, Helen, in the streets of Chicago one night. He tells her that he loves her and this was their last goodbye. He slowly disappears into the dark and when Helen asks how he lives, he says "I steal."

This movie is a fantastic piece of work, with it's various twists and turns and with dreams that turn to nightmares, this film keeps its audience guessing what Allen's next move will be. Paul Muni did an incredible job of showing a vast amount of emotions throughout the movie. He really brought the character's story to life.

Safety Last! (1923)

True Classic Silent Film

[8/10 · 26 January 2021]

Starring Harold Lloyd and Mildred Davis, this classic silent film has everything to keep its viewers engaged. Lloyd's character heads to the big city to earn money for him and his Fiancée, played by Davis. Lloyd kept his audience in good spirts throughout the movie with his use of comedic relief. One scene in particular that stood out of the crowd to me, was when he and Davis were in the General Manager's office (Lloyd impersonating the GM to impress his Fiancée). Throughout the 5 minute scene, Lloyd's character continuously calls the GM's sales team in. In order to keep up on his appearance for Davis, and with his quick whit, Lloyd tricks each person that walks through the door. From bribing one boy (and taking the money back when he wasn't looking), to pretending to not know who called everyone in, Lloyd manages to keep up his comical stance throughout the film. The film also takes it's viewers on an "adventure," with Lloyd's friend, played by Bill Strother, constantly being chased by "The Law," or Noah Young (police officer), for doing dangerous stunts and knocking him down at an earlier time in the movie. Finally the film ends with Lloyd's character having to scale a building in order to draw more customers to the store he was working at. This 20-minute scene kept the audience on their toes as we see Lloyd nearly falling to his death several times. With that said, I thoroughly enjoyed this movie, as it had elements of both comedy and adventure. I was also impressed with the chemistry both Davis and Lloyd had in the film.