Kaze's Movie Notes: Archive 17

Rope (1948) ***
The murder victim is stuffed into a chest in the parlor just before the party guests arrive. Jimmy Stewart’s job is to rattle the murderers; gets a little rattled himself. Lesser Hitchcock.

Detective Story (1951) *****
Kirk Douglas is nothing short of volcanic as the tormented cop who can’t show anyone a little mercy--including himself. A cast full of pros helps him out, and he makes one of the all-time great movie exits.

Pickup on South Street (1953) ***
Richard Widmark cold-cocks Jean Peters, then wakes her by pouring a beer on her face. It’s tough-guy noir all the way. Historical interest.

Live Free or Die Hard (2007) **
Cyber-terrorists crash the country’s electronic infrastructure, not realizing that it's bad to mess with John McClane. Willis still cool but CGI now allows for stunts too implausible to thrill you.

Crimson Tide (1995) ***
Serious silliness onboard as Hackman and Denzel keep taking and retaking control of a nuclear sub readying launch, with the clock, as usual, ticking like mad. Suspense, holes galore.