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2024 Movie Diary, Part 2

4. THE ADVENTURES OF ROBIN HOOD (1938)

If I was forced to move to Mars and could only take 5 movies with me, this would be one of them. And this marvelous swordfight is one of the reasons why. This movie is an absolute joy and a treat for the eyes unlike any other. Truly, it is one of the perfect things in life. If you somehow have not seen it, please correct this error as soon as possible.
Verdict: Inductee, Laurie’s Cinematic Hall of Fame

5. THE TAMING OF THE SHREW

Lavish adaptation of the Shakespearean battle of the sexes is somewhat bloated but is worth seeing for Burton’s freewheeling performance. That’s all I’ve got to say about it, really. It wasn’t great, it wasn’t terrible.
Verdict: Elizabeth Taylor is not my favorite actress and there’s a hell of a lot of her in this movie.

6. A MAN CALLED OVE

Just a low-key, lovely movie with a marvelous performance by Rolf Lassgard in the title role. That’s really all I’ve got to say about it. You’ve seen this movie 100 times, although probably not in Swedish.
Verdict: It’s very familiar, so it always comes down to who is playing the Old Guy Who Is a Hidden Softy. And this movie has that nailed, so it works.

Pickin’ and grinnin’…

This was for a church service project. About 1,200 lbs. of fruit was donated to various food banks. And it was fun too. Except for all of the dog poop. You’d think that if you’re having a bunch of volunteers pick your fruit for you, you’d bother picking up the dog poop.

2024 Movie Diary, Part 1

1. GODZILLA RAIDS AGAIN (1955)

Fun sequel to the original. There’s a wacky jailbreak subplot that’s literally the stupidest thing I’ve ever seen put to film, but weirdly, it just makes me like this movie more. it’s just that kind of flick. Fun for the faithful.
Verdict: There’s no Japanese monster movie that I’m not totally OK with.

2. THE NAME OF THE ROSE (1986)

Excellently done, highly atmospheric Medieval mystery with a heaping helping of theology and philosophy thrown in for good measure. Features a enormously underrated performance by Sean Connery — he’s excellent and still smokin’ even when dressed as a monk. But I digress. This is good, unique, thoughtful stuff.
Verdict: Definitely recommended.

3. RUN SILENT, RUN DEEP (1958)

3. Run Silent, Run Deep (1958)

This classic submarine flick is absolutely sensational in every respect. The production is sweaty and claustrophobic, the writing is top-notch, and the acting from the entire cast is excellent. Clark Gable, in particular, is fantastic and gives a complex and nuanced that refuses to conform to the tropes of the genre. Most highly recommended.
Verdict: Inductee, Laurie’s Cinematic Hall of Fame.