Call the Midwife Season 1

Call the Midwife Season 1 (Heidi Thomas, 2012)

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Rating: DSQ=11, SP=8 / Decadence

Scale A=3, Scale B=4, Scale C=4, Scale D=4, Scale E=4

1950s, London, Midwifery, Period, Coming of Age, Complex Relationships 

This new BBC series is fantastic in so many ways--the concept hasn't been done before, the characters are strong and fun, the humor is subtle, the soundtrack is diverse, the artistry is beautiful... I can't wait for the next season to find out what happens in the lives of these brilliant young women and their admirable profession. Each women is unique and quirky in her own way and together they make a charming team.
 

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The Skin I Live In

The Skin I Live In (Pedro Almodovar, 2012)

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Rating: Q=7, P=6 / Can't Get Enough

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

Mystery, Complex Relationships, Sexuality, Grief, Mad Scientist

Wow. Almodovar never fails to amaze me. This film is absolutely disturbing and fascinating at the same time. Plot twists, editing, and narrative themes that are mesmerizing. The Skin I Live In is one of those films that you can't stop watching (although it's difficult to watch at times) and also stays with you for days. Antonio Banderas is a quiet and deliberate villain, Jan Cornet and Elena Anaya play their complicated roles to perfection.

Grief is a strange thing to experience--we all cope in different ways, sometimes the way cannot be understood by anyone else. I don't want to give anything away, but Almodovar delves into a level of grief that will make you really think about your life and identity, about how all your actions have consequences, and the importance of hope and determination. Magnificent film.

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Slightly Late May Challenge: The African Queen & The Freshman

The African Queen (John Huston, 1951)

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Rating: Q=4, P=3 / Thanks But No Thanks

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

WWI, Africa, Boating, Romance, Philosophical

I finally watched this film--I had been putting it off and putting it off because I didn't think I'd really enjoy it based on all the things I read and already knew about the story. Well, I didn't really like it that much but I can't deny it is a classic film that will live on. Everything in this film feels false and a bit contrived--the acting is good but not moving, the effects are rough, the plot is unsurprising, the romance is expected... the interplay between Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn is the most interesting part but it isn't that interesting.


The Freshman (Fred C. Newmeyer and Sam Taylor, 1925)

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

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

Silent, College, Coming of Age, Comedy, Romance

This is a wonderful, timeless, and fascinating silent film gem from 1924. Harold Lloyd dishes out his usual silly and sweet comedy persona. I love how these early films show the culture through the little things--fashion, slang, jokes, social norms, etc. And while I didn't laugh uproariously, I still laughed and smiled through the whole film. A wonderful story that still holds up in a digital age...at least in my opinion.
 

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The Kid Brother

The Kid Brother (Ted Wilde and J.A. Howe, 1927)

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Rating: Q=5, SP=5 / Average OJ

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

 

Silent, Western, Romance, Coming of Age, Honor, Mystery

 

Every once and awhile, I enjoy watching silent films. I had never watched a Harold Lloyd film from start to finish, so this was fun. The Kid Brother is humorous, has great timing, and familiar plot devices but with little twists of slapstick and silliness thrown in. The remastering and new background score is very good and fits the era.

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Slightly Late May Challenge: Mutiny on the Bounty

Mutiny on the Bounty (Frank Lloyd, 1935)

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

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

18th Century, Sailing, Mutiny, Honor, Pride, Exploration

I liked this film more than I thought I would--I try not to have any expectations but that is hard to do when a film is so renowned and talked about. Clark Gable is wonderful in his portrayal of the moral and good-hearted Fletcher Christian. Also a very creepy and inspiring performance by Charles Laughton as the notorious Captain Bligh.

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