The Band’s Visit (2007) ****
Sweet but never sticky-sweet story of ships passing in the night. Israeli townsfolk put up unexpected guests--a lost group of musicians--from Eqypt. Lovely, lonely moments, with music to match.
Casablanca (1942) *****
One of the greatest things America ever gave the world was Hollywood in its prime, and the very greatest thing Hollywood in its prime ever gave the world was “Casablanca.” Pure joy again and again.
Network (1976) *****
Peter Finch plays Howard Beale, “the Mad Prophet of the Airwaves,” in a satire about the TV industry so prophetic you might think it’s a clever fake. Chayefsky wrote it, Lumet directed. Pure gold.
The Manchurian Candidate (1962) *****
A crackling political thriller—alert, quirky, and satirical. Angela Lansbury a great arch-villain with equally great hair-do; Laurence Harvey’s insufferable self well-used as her brain-washed assassin-son.
The Furies (1950) **
Cattle baron Walter Huston and his willful daughter, the always loathsome Barbara Stanwyck, chew the scenery for what seems like hours. Gilbert Roland a redeeming presence.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
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