Category: Forgotten Gems
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Forgotten Gems: Elvis & Nixon (****) – The claws of a tiger
“This film is a must for fans of Michael Shannon. It’s yet another example of his powerfully subtle presentation skills. If one can get past the fact that it stars Spacey, this is film will delight, inform and entertain the viewer.”
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Forgotten Gem? – 2001: A Space Odyssey at 50 in IMAX
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Is this one of my favorite films? Not by a long shot. It’s Kubrick’s finest 142 minutes though, and it definitely needs to be experienced by everyone at least once. Just make sure the screen is large enough to encompass what’s great about it, and make sure your stereo dulls the piercingly high register. This…
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Forgotten Gems: Tequila Sunrise (***1/2) is a Recurring Dream
As a fan of Russell, Walsh and Juliá, this film has plenty going for it beyond Hall. It’s debatable that people these days understand the gravitas of Gibson and Pfeiffer from this film alone. That’s okay though. The Oscar nominated cinematography by Hall is worth the price of admission, too. Most people don’t live on the beautiful…
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Forgotten Gems: One False Move (****1/2) is the Promise of a Future
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Truly, this movie is Paxton’s finest two hours. He is shown in every light: a flawed hero yet to be tested. He’s doubted by those he admires, takes those who value him for granted. He has greatness in him, and secrets in his past that could destroy everything. Franklin is smart enough to realize that…
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Forgotten Gems: The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (*****)
If you like a B-Movie plot pushed up to A+ execution or if you just want to see one of the best endings in the 1970’s, take some time to seek out The Taking of Pelham One Two Three.
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Forgotten Gems: Did anyone forget the original Poltergeist (****)?
All in all, it’s a good and nearly great film. It’s taken years for me to add it to my collection, though. I finally needed a somewhat safe movie for my kids to watch this Halloween, and that’s really what we have here. I am sure they’ll watch it in the future. Not sure if…
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Forgotten Gem: Starman (****1/2) is better than Dutch Apple Pie
John Carpenter’s Starman – 1984 Director John Carpenter Screenplay by Bruce A. Evans & Raynold Gideon Starring Jeff Bridges, Karen Allen, Charles Martin Smith, Richard Jaeckel, Robert Phalen, Dirk Blocker, M.C. Gainey In my mind’s eye, Starman is a big hit that was seen by everyone in the 1980’s. When Jeff Bridges was nominated for an Oscar as…
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Forgotten Gem: Mi Familia (*****) is where my heart stays
My Family / Mi Familia – 1995 Director Gregory Nava Screenplay Nava and Anna Thomas Starring Esai Morales, Jimmy Smits, Edward James Olmos, Constance Marie, Elpidia Carrillo, Enrique Castillo, Scott Bakula, Jenny Gago, Jennifer Lopez, Eduardo Lopez Rojas, Jacob Vargas, León Singer The depth of feeling and wisdom inherent in Gregory Nava’s generation-spanning masterpiece Mi Familia is vast. It’s…
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Forgotten Gems: Clueless (*****) brings the fun of love alive
Clueless – 1995 Writer and Director Amy Heckerling Starring Alicia Silverstone, Stacey Dash, Brittany Murphy, Paul Rudd, Donald Faison, Breckin Meyer, Dan Hedaya, Jeremy Sisto, Wallace Shawn Screenplay based on Emma by Jane Austen It’s remarkable how fresh and vibrant Amy Heckerling’s Clueless felt while I watched it with my wife and my oldest daughter last night. The jokes were still funny, the fashion was beautifully…