White Heat

White Heat (Raoul Walsh, 1949)

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

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

Gangster, Crime, Film Noir, Complex Relationships

Another James Cagney classic. I'd seen the end sequence before but never the whole film. I thoroughly enjoyed every scene and loved watching the cops (good guys) catch up with the gangsters/escaped prisoners (bad guys). You really want the bad guys to succeed, thanks to the brilliant writers and directing of Raoul Walsh. Cody is psychotic and has the strangest mother complex (a theme we see again later in Hitchcock's Psycho) His violence and craziness is one of the best villains ever.

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Public Enemy

Public Enemy (William A. Wellman, 1931)

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

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

Gangster, Crime, Classic, Film Noir

I found this film very entertaining, especially the dialogue and relationships between characters. Gang members are more family than actual family, it seems. A life of crime is a short life, as the film proclaims at the end:

The end of Tom Powers is the end of every hoodlum. "The Public Enemy" is not a man, nor is it a character--it is a problem that sooner or later WE the public must solve.

James Cagney gives one of his most celebrated performances. Still a great film after nearly 90 years.

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Thelma and Louise

Thelma and Louise (Ridley Scott, 1991)

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Rating: Q=5, P=4 / Average OJ

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

Adventure, Crime, Friendship, Complex Relationships

This is another film that I knew a lot about but hadn't fully seen until now. Thelma and Louise is a good story with some very serious moments (that were difficult for me to watch) and very important messages. It feels good to watch women feel empowered and in control during their most scary and vulnerable moments. Even though they may be running away, they are still going forward. Philosophically, this film is full of hope to live your life to the fullest. And what iconic scenes!

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Rocky

Rocky (John G. Avildsen, 1976)

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Rating: Q=5, P=4 / Average OJ

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

Drama, Motivation, Boxing, Romance

This summer I've been watching movies that I know a lot about but haven't fully seen. Raging Bull was one and now Rocky. (It's just a coincidence that they are both about boxers). It's a really weird combination, I think, especially once you finally watch. The thrill of not knowing what to expect or how things will play out is missing, so it can be somewhat underwhelming.

But I still enjoyed Rocky. I appreciated the gritty atmosphere and quiet pacing. In fact, I'd argue that the slow build-up is essential in order for the audience to connect with Rocky's character and story. It's definitely still a classic and one that makes you smile.

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