May Challenge: Ben-Hur

Ben-Hur (William Wyler, 1959)

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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

 

Honor, Loyalty, Roman Empire, Christ, Morality

 

This is a true epic of... epic proportions. So many grand meanings, dramatic scenes, intense dialogues, and conflict. Some parts of the film feel long, other parts are gripping. I especially enjoy the conversations between Judah and Messala. This relationship is the anchor of the story--the good, bad, and turmoil in all of us. Ben-Hur is richly colored and looks and feels very much a part of the 1950s. The acting, while occassionally forced, is mostly good and somehow fits the period portrayed and the timeless story. I will not watch the chariot race sequence again... true agony, but for some reason I could not turn my eyes from the screen.

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May Challenge: An American in Paris

An American in Paris (Vincente Minnelli, 1951)

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Rating: Q=6, P=5 / Average OJ

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

Musical, Romance, Uplifting, Art

It is weird to think that I hadn't seen the entirety of this classic until now. I love all the songs (Gershwin fan) and dance sequences, love the actors, love the groundbreaking finale. A feel-good romp!

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Les Miserables

Les Miserables (Tom Hooper, 2012)

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Rating: Q=6, P=4 / Average OJ

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

Musical, French Revolution, Honor, Justice, Pride, Struggle, Sacrifice

This film in one word=feat. What an amazing feat to create the landscape and emotion of the time but also remain truly timeless. It is no wonder that so many people love this musical and are captivated by its sheer epic qualities. While the first half moved smoothly and kept my attention, the second part became a bit stretched and less gripping--that is, until the end sequences. This is probably due to my own attention span with musicals: longer than 2 hours makes me fairly restless.

Wonderful performances from the entire cast. I especially liked Enjolras played by Aaron Tveit.

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May Challenge: Shane; Blow Up

Shane (George Stevens, 1953)

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Rating: Q=4, P=4 / Average OJ

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

Western, Father/Son, Frontier, Action

Oh, Westerns. I love the comfy-ness and goodness of each story and relationship. Shane is a feel-good film about redemption, honor, pride, and all those other great noble dealings. I loved watching the relationship between Shane and little Joey. More films with curious and intelligent kids need to be made!

Blow Up (Michelangelo Antonioni, 1966)

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Rating: Q=6, P=3 / Thanks But No Thanks

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

 

Cult, Mystery, Art, Real vs. Unreal, Psychological, Intellectual

This film is way more than meets the eye and way more than anyone could write about. Antonioni created something quite powerful and intriguing, abstract and dream-like. It is hard for me to really like films of the "new wave" persuasion but I appreciate the layers of meaning and depth of artistry. Another viewing is in order but it might be a while...

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