2023 Movie Diary, Part 6

16. CLASH OF THE TITANS (1981)

Two words:  Ray Harryhausen.  The rest of the movie is a lot of fun too…everyone takes the proceedings very earnestly…to the point of being just *this* side of tongue in cheek.  But those creatures…divine.  
Verdict: Ray Harryhausen. Enough said. He has brought me so much joy. Just look at these wonderful monsters!


17. THE QUIET MAN (1952)

Everything here is perfect. Especially Maureen O’Hara’s ferocious, down-to-earth, tender performance. Her Mary Kate wears her proud and loving heart on her sleeve in such a moving and funny and relatable way. This is her movie, and every other wonderful performance and bit of beautiful Irish scenery is thing basically there to support her. One of my favorite performances in any movie.
Verdict: Inductee, Laurie’s Cinematic Hall of Fame

18. YOUNG GUNS (1988)

This is a pretty decent movie and tells the story of Billy the Kid and the Lincoln County War with more attention paid to accuracy than you’d expect. And with the hindsight of decades, this is a damn good cast, and they all do well in their roles.  It holds up well, and it’s fun seeing some actors who we now see as hoary veterans so early in their careers.
Verdict: Not bad at all.