Middle of the Night---This is a touching romantic drama starring Fredric March and Kim Novak. It explores the romantic relationship of a middle-aged man and a much younger woman. The movie is extremely moving, and the acting of both leads is sensational. Actually, though it's not quite my favorite Fredric March film (The Best Years of Our Lives is), I do think Middle of the Night may be his best performance ever. (Reviewed HERE)
About Mrs. Leslie---A deeply moving film, this one stars Robert Ryan and Shirley Booth. It's the story of Vivian Keeler, who falls in love with the unhappily married George Leslie. This movie is a sobber for me, and as a mega-huge Robert Ryan fan, I love the opportunity to see him shine in a kindly, sympathetic role for a change (Reviewed HERE)
Ten North Frederick---Starring Gary Cooper and Suzy Parker, this is another moving, sob-inducing romantic drama. Like Middle of the Night, it explores the May-December romance theme. One viewing of this movie and Mr. Deeds Goes to Town was toppled from its status as my favorite Gary Cooper film. (reviewed HERE)
Inferno---A Robert Ryan film I've been yearning to see all year, Inferno finally made its way into my hands about two weeks ago. After a woman and her lover leave her injured husband (Ryan) to die in a remote desert area, the husband attempts to not only survive, but to make his way back to civilization. (Reviewed HERE)
The King's Speech---Yes, I do, on occasion, watch current movies. This Academy Award-winning film is totally spectacular. And Colin Firth, who took home the Best Actor Oscar for his performance, was nothing short of brilliant in his role.
Most of the movies I watch garner 3 or 4 stars---3-star films are those which I enjoyed and found interesting, though I don't necessarily have to watch them again. 4-star films are those which I really enjoyed and definitely want to see again. 5-star films are more difficult to come by (for me). What makes a film a 5-star film for me? It's a combination of three things...incredible acting, a deeply moving story which touches my heart and/or brings me to tears, and a powerful or bold dramatic story which I just can't get out of my mind. (For me, comedy, while entertaining, rarely touches my heart...that's why there are few comedies among my favorite movies.) Usually, all three of those things have to be working together for me to call a particular film a 5-star film.
Anyhow, while I always enjoy watching my tried-and-true favorite movies over and over again, I also love discovering new 5-star movies. With a few dozen classic films on my "hoping to track down" list, I am counting on a few of them being 5-star discoveries in the coming year. What about y'all? Did 2011 find you discovering any new "totally love it" 5-star films? I'd love to hear about them if you did.
Happy viewing!!
For a variety of reasons I don't get to watch as many new-to-me films as I would like, but I did discover two films this year that I felt deserved 5-stars.
ReplyDeleteOne was On The Waterfront, which I know you're not a fan of, and the other was the Kirk Douglas film Paths Of Glory, which I watched on the recommendation of my old man.
I've actually got three potential five-star films that I'm intending to watch over the next few days in the shape of The Big Sleep, Dark Passage and Citizen Kane. I'll let you know if any of them deserve that accolade.
Enjoy your week.
Paul, as you know, I've never seen "Citizen Kane," but I have seen the other two films on your "intend to watch" list. I LOVE "Dark Passage." It is definitely a 5-star film for me and, easily, my favorite of the 4 Bogey/Bacall films. I'll be interested to hear what you think of it.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I've ever even heard of "Paths of Glory." It sounds like it's a war movie...which I tend to like.
Thanks for stopping by and for sharing your 5-star film finds of the year.
Patti, All of your "new to me" films, I have not yet seen. The one that catches my eye is, Ten North Frederick, because of heartthrob.. Gary Cooper..
ReplyDeletePaul, I really enjoyed watching the films, The Big Sleep and Dark Passage, but did not care much for the film, Citizen Kane. I hope that you enjoy them all and let us know which is your fav.
I think "Make Way For Tomorrow" was definitely a 5 star find for me this year, I adore that movie. It was on TCM the other night and we caught the ending...I started blubbering AGAIN and it makes Kyran feel so bad!!!
ReplyDeleteI think Casanova Brown was definitely one of my favorites too, that movie has me in stitches...it's hilarious!
The King's Speech was spectacular, wasn't it? I love Colin Firth. Patti, you know more about classic films than anyone else I know! Many of these movies I've never even heard of - how nice now to have a place to come and learn all about them! Happy New Year to you!
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Oh, Dawn, I totally sobbed in "Ten North Frederick." Since you are a Coop fan, I think you would like it. I actually did like "Middle of the Night" just a tiny bit more, though. Not by much...they are both in my top 15 films. Both are beautiful, tender, touching movies.
ReplyDeleteVictoria, I am so glad that through my little old review, you discovered the beautiful "Make Way for Tomorrow." It really is a heart-tugging movie, isn't it? I weep every time I watch it.
And "Casanova Brown" is just so all-fire cute...both the man (Coop) and the movie!! And Frank Morgan is a total scream in it.
I love Middle of the Night - completely underrated! I have to check out About Mrs. Leslie - that sounds good. I will be watching 10 North Frederick soon because I put it on my "to be watched" list. The King's Speech is great, Colin Firth deserved his Best Actor win for it.
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