The Magnificent Ambersons

The Magnificent Ambersons (Orson Welles, 1942)

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Rating: Q=7, P=5 / Can't Get Enough

Scale 1=4, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=2

Drama, Based on Book, Class, Philosophical

Such an intricate film full of wonderful artistry and cinematic flourishes. Orson Welles really liked to experiment with the set, the angles and lighting, the art as an extension of the narrative. The Magnificent Ambersons really feels like a movie, an escape, a complete entity. I've always liked that about films made during the late 1930s and early 1940s. They somehow manage to lift me up by their form alone...almost as if because it is a film, it will make me feel good. These classics leave me with a warm feeling for a long time after, even the ones with tragic figures or depressing endings.

Georgie is a bratty, irritating character, the kind of person we strive not to be. But he is not evil and neither are his parents or his friends. An interesting critique on class and upbringing.

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Topper Returns

Topper Returns (Roy Del Ruth, 1941)

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Rating: Q=5, P=3 / Thanks But No Thanks

Scale 1=2, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=2, Scale 4=1

Comedy, Slapstick, Mystery

Sometimes I like to watch a silly, frivolous movie--nothing special, just average writing and acting and artistry. The Topper films are just that. This one is a lot of ridiculous, over-the-top moments but that's about it. Not a waste of time, but I won't watch again.

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A Walk In The Woods

A Walk In The Woods (Ken Kwapis, 2015)

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Rating: Q=6, P=7 / Comfy Old Standard

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=4

Comedy, Based on Book, Travel, Aging, Friendship

I've read all of Bill Bryson's books and A Walk In The Woods several times, so I was anxious to see the film--the first adaptation of any of his books, incidentally--since I heard it was finally being made. And I wasn't really worried that it was going to leave out parts of the story and embellish others. Robert Redford is a true fan and so I knew he would stay true to the essence of the hilarious adventure.

I laughed loudly many many times. I cried once or twice, too, and not just from laughter. It was uplifting and fun. The scenery was stunning. The acting was spot-on (well done, Nick Nolte!). Even the music...I was pleasantly surprised.

This isn't just a film about a middle-aged man trying to reconnect with his homeland or an old friend, like IMDb's description states. This is a film about living, values and valuing, and about rediscovering yourself. That's what adventuring, traveling, and writing are all about.

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