Reviews of Classic and Modern Movies in a Flash!
The origins of Gru and his minions are further explored in this film set in the 1970s, where a preteen Gru has dreams of becoming a supervillain. It seems to him that his overly helpful minions are spoiling his chances, but in a sudden turn of events it’s soon apparent that the minions just might be the only ones that can save Gru.
With an all star cast and a soundtrack of memorable period songs, this hilarious installment in the Despicable Me franchise was well worth the wait.
1hr. 27min.
In 1927, with the advent of “Talking Pictures”, superstars Don Lockwood (Gene Kelly) and Lina Lamont (Jean Hagen) suddenly have to deal with the fact that Linas’ voice doesn’t match her beautiful, silent, screen persona. Their studio has already started trying to pump out another picture to cash in on the new fad, so Don and his best friend Cosmo (Donald O’Connor) come up with a plan where the unknown actress Kathy (Debbie Reynolds) will secretly redub all of Lina’s dialogue.
Highlighted with some of the most memorable songs and dances of all time, this musical is easily one of the best movies ever made and continues to influence films today.
1hr. 43min.
Inventor Wallace and his sidekick Gromit have invented an ingenious device in order to catch the rabbits that plague the gardens of their little village. When a mysterious beast known as the Were-Rabbit appears in the town causing even more destructions the villagers want a stop put to it. It all comes to a head the night of their annual vegetable competition, when its up to Gromit to save the vegetables AND the Were-Rabbit.
1hr. 25min.
Set in the turbulent times leading to the French Revolution, Andre (Stewart Granger) isn’t very interested in politics or the current unrest. It’s not until his firebrand friend Philippe (Richard Anderson) is taunted into a duel with a master swordsman Noel (Mel Ferrer) and easily killed, that Andre decides to not only take up Philippes’ political mantel but also train in swordsmanship so that he is able to one day challenge Noel and avenge his friend.
The climatic duel set in an opera house is one of the finest in cinematic history.
1hr. 55min.
Right before boarding a train, Iris (Margaret Lockwood) meets Miss Foy (Dame May Whitty) a kindly old lady who helps Iris when a planter box falls from a window hitting Iris on the head. After some tea Miss Foy encourages Iris to take a nap, but when she wakes up Miss Foy is nowhere to be found. In fact, all the other passengers in their compartment don’t seem to remember seeing the old lady at all. With the help of musician/writer Gilbert (Michael Redgrave) Iris begins to unravel a complicated plot involving Miss Foy.
One of Alfred Hitchcocks’ earlier works, set the stage for his future Hollywood thrillers.
1hr. 37min.
Ralph ‘Papa’ Thorson (Steve McQueen) makes his living by tracking down bail jumpers and returning them for a bounty. It’s sometimes funny sometimes dangerous work that he’s starting to think he’s getting too old for. This sentiment is agreed on my his schoolteacher girlfriend Dotty (Kathryn Harrold) who’s pregnant with Ralphs’ child. Impending fatherhood and threats over the phone by a psychopath that he put away years before, puts the pressure on as Ralph tries to get his life and priorities together.
Based on a true story, this was McQueens’ final film.
1hr. 37min.
Set in a rundown motel in Florida in July, the story follows a newly orphaned boy Jackson (Rory Culkin) who is being cared for by his aunt, an aspiring singer, Patty (Sherilyn Fenn) who in exchange for room and board tends bar at the hotel. Because of the trauma of his parents death Jackson is constantly making up stories about the guests in the hotel, including Sam (Hume Cronyn) who Jackson says is “Santa Claus on vacation”. The two form an unlikely bond as Sam tries to spread some holiday cheer. It’s not long before people start to believe Jacksons story about Sam and just maybe it’s actually true.
1hr. 34min.
The story is set in the late 18th century in a small fishing village that may or may not make its livelihood from goods smuggled in off the coast. When soldiers arrive to find the smugglers, this sets in motion a number of plans by several people; one of which is the kindly vicar Doctor Syn (George Arliss), who mysteriously appeared in the village 20 years ago. Also featuring Margaret Lockwood and Roy Emerton.
1hr. 18min.
In the near future the “best friend” out of the box has been created in the form of a robot that serves as an all inclusive social media device, that takes on the personality of its owner. All except one (Ron) that has a couple of “screws loose”. Although, it just might be that Rons’ unconventional personality is just what his young owner needs to see what real friendship is really about.
1hr. 47min.
Set near a small Italian fishing village during the 1950s, the story follows young sea-creature Luca as he spends his time caring for his families’ school of goatfish and dreaming of a life above the water. Fortunately he befriends the daring and somewhat reckless Alberto who is more than willing to aid Luca in following his dreams. The two form a close bond as they explore the village and befriend the locals. Unbeknownst to them Lucas parents are tracking them down, just as the two boys have entered a local race that if won will change their lives forever.
1hr. 35min.