I rather suspect that some of my 1-star movies might be films that some of you quite enjoy. So, do me a favor. If one of my 1-star films happens to be anything but a 1-star film in your mind, be sure to tell me why you enjoy it. Who knows, you may actually convince me to give it another try.
To start off my 1-star movie list, I am going to prove that I really CAN be objective when it comes to my top guys...William Holden, Robert Ryan, and Gary Cooper. Each of my beloveds has at least one movie that is on my "hate it" list. (I've tried each of these films within the last three or four months.)
Boots Malone---A William Holden film about a racetrack worker who turns a rich runaway into a jockey sensation. Despite the gorgeous Holden, I gave up on this movie after 30 minutes.
God's Little Acre---Robert Ryan, Aldo Ryan, and Tina Louise. This was about a Southern hillbilly family digging for gold. I quit on this one after 20 minutes.
Bright Leaf---Gary Cooper and Lauren Bacall. Something about a tobacco company. I gave up after about 20 minutes.
Today We Live---Another Gary Cooper film I couldn't get into. Also starring Joan Crawford and Franchot Tone. I quit after 15 minutes.
The Wild Bunch---This one stars William Holden and Robert Ryan. Even with my two #1 guys, this movie just didn't do it for me...and I stuck it out for an hour before giving up. I do, however, intend to give this one another try, as I am attempting to cultivate an appreciation for Westerns.
Bordertown---Even my #1 gal Bette Davis isn't exempt from receiving a 1-star rating. This one stars Bette and Paul Muni, and I gave up after 10 minutes.
So, have any of y'all seen any of these movies? If so, I'd love to hear your reaction to them. I'm very willing to be proven wrong in my initial judgment.
Happy viewing!!!
I haven't seen any of these so thanks for the warning! The Bishop's Wife is on here today and I'm trying to adjust my schedule so I can watch it. The snow might keep me inside--a good thing!
ReplyDeleteBest,
Bonnie
I'm definitely a fan of The Wild Bunch, although I do appreciate that a lot of people will be put off by the over the top level of violence, which was common to most Peckinpah films.
ReplyDeleteI like the concept of a group of guys who realise that their time has passed and what fantastic cast! As well as your favourites Robert Ryan and William Holden, you've got guys like Ernest Borgnine, Strother Martin and one of my personal favourites Warren Oates, who were always outstanding.
I especially like the moment near the end of the film when Pike and the others could ride away scot free, but decide they can't leave Angel at the mercy of the Mexican general.
That's always a goosebump inducing scene for me!
I haven't seen any of these films. Some of the titles sound familiar, because there's one cable channel that always airs this type of movies. Well, I'll look forward to more of your movie reviews :) Love and hugs from the ocean shores of California, Heather :)
ReplyDeleteI'm also a big fan of "The Wild Bunch," but you knew that. I love both William Holden (and relate to his character in a way no other character has rivaled), and it was one of the first movies besides "The Professionals" that I really loved Robert Ryan in. I LOVE the rest of the cast, every single one of them. This movie would not work without any of them. I've probably watched this movie about six times in the last six months. But no, it's definitely not for everyone. Even my best friend won't watch it, so I enjoy it alone. The violence can be offputting for many, but the film has a lot of themes that really resonate for me. (Robert Ryan has one of my favorite moments in the film, too!)
ReplyDeleteI've also seen "God's Little Acre," but that is a truly bizarre movie, and I can't blame you for not getting through it. The only reason I did is because I am a huge Aldo Ray and Vic Morrow fan, and for them. Without them, I also wouldn't have made it through it. Even still, I sat there with my head cocked to one side, frowning, thinking, what the heck?? But then Aldo Ray shows up again without a shirt and I forget whatever my complaints were... This is one I ONLY watch for the eye candy.
I'm quite disappointed to hear about "Boots Malone." It's on my to-see list.
On of my one-star William Holden movies is "The Proud and the Profane." I made it through it, but hated everything about it except for Thelma Ritter.
Bonnie, no snow here! YAY! I'm actually going to venture out to run a few errands. It IS cold, but the heater in my car works beautifully!!
ReplyDeletePaul, it's not the violence of "The Wild Bunch" that made this a no-go for me. I can do violence, and I can also do non-romance. I think it's a two-fold thing. First, I don't like the dirty, unkempt, grizzled look that comes with Westerns. I far prefer the clean-shaven look. (Yes, "Inferno" featured Robert Ryan with quite a beard, and I did love that movie, but I definitely prefer that handsome face clean-shaven!)
Also, and this is probably stupid, but I think I was really struggling with William Holden. He really did not age well, and although he was almost 9 years younger than Robert Ryan, in "The Wild Bunch," he appeared at least 10 years older. (Ryan aged quite well, I think.) So, when I see Bill Holden in his late 60's and 70's roles, it just makes me a little sad. (I've had one of his 70's films in my DVR for 3 months and have put off watching it.)
Even so, though, I really am determined to give "The Wild Bunch" another try. And I know my friend DKoren will be glad to hear that!!
DKoren, I was just mentioning you in my comment at the very moment you were leaving a comment! How's that for timing!!
ReplyDeleteI really AM determined to get through (and hopefully enjoy!) "The Wild Bunch." I think I'll wait six months or so, then try again. (It was that way with "Casablanca." I hated it when I first saw it, but now it's my 2nd favorite movie ever!)
I actually really like "The Proud and Profane"...gave it 4 stars. I don't like the stupid mustache Holden is sporting, though, and his character wasn't overly likeable (nor was Deborah Kerr's), but I actually love him in those angry, cynical man roles. He portrayed those kinds of men so well. Plus, I also really liked the profound statement about forgiveness which Deborah found in the cemetery.
You're too funny about Aldo Ray with no shirt!!! But that is probably why I like "Picnic" and "River Kwai"...Holden with no shirt!!
Maybe we just need to watch Wild Bunch together some day! Company and sharing definitely helps on some movies. My long distance friends and I will synch up our DVDs and then IM on our computers through the movie to be able to "watch it together." Works quite well!
ReplyDeleteAnd I think one of the big reasons I like Westerns is one of the reasons you don't - I love guys when they're scruffy and unkempt. LOL! I do love me a guy in tailored suit with a hat, but I'll take them dirty and sweaty and scruffy in a Western any day. I have no idea why that is! And I have to admit, while I also have some sad issues with how my favorite actors have aged in some later movies, Wild Bunch isn't one of them. I find WH as physically attractive as ever in that film, and in many ways more than when he's younger. But yes, you aren't kidding, Robert Ryan definitely aged very well! He looks great!
"The Proud and Profane" goes along with "From Here to Eternity." It's another one that I just can't get into because I can't relate and don't empathize with the leads. I disliked Deborah Kerr's character more than WH's. I just wanted to slap her throughout.
Hi Patti, I can relate to what you say about William Holden and the ageing factor, I feel the same way watching some of my favourites later in their careers.
ReplyDeleteDKoren and myself seem to have a similar taste when it comes to Westerns. I grew up watching Horse Operas mainly because my dad and grandmother were big Western lovers, in fact watching Red River at my gran's house is one of my earliest memories....Like DKoren I'd also recommend The Professionals if you want to watch a Robert Ryan western.
It's another film with a fantastic cast featuring the likes of Lee Marvin, Burt Lancaster, Jack Palance and the lovely Claudia Cardinale.
I haven't seen any of these movies but will give them wide berth until I catch up on others I want to see. I did see a 1 1/2 star movie the other day. How do you feel about "Shoot Out" with Gregory Peck? As great an actor as I think he is, he was the only good thing in this movie. The over-the-top horrible acting by the rest of the cast (Dawn Lyn was OK), and especially Robert F. Lyons, was so distracting that I couldn't tell if the plot was good or not. I saw it through to the end because I was at my dad's house and he never turns off a western.
ReplyDeleteI dunno... if I could talk you into watching any of those movies(some of them I have not yet seen)..
ReplyDeleteI'm wondering.. if you could talk me into watching... Victor/ Victoria
(1982)? There is something about that movie I just can not get into..
Paul, I definitely do want to see "The Professionals." It's one DKoren has talked highly about as well.
ReplyDeleteRobin, I have never seen "Shoot Out" so I don't know anything about it. I have seen a couple of Peck's westerns..."Yellow Sky" and "Duel in the Sun."
Dawn, I have never seen "Victor/Victoria" so I can't try to talk you into watching it.
I love "Boots Malone". I think it is one of Bill`s best performances which is seldom mentioned. "Father is a Bachelor" is a special favorite of mine. From Holden`s early films I love "The Remarkable Andrew"-saw it once on AMC during the 1990`s. "The Bridges At Toko-Ri"-Bill is brilliant and the ending breaks my heart. "Love is a Many Splendored Thing"- Adore Bill in this film. His portrayal of Mark Elliott is so sweet, gentle and sensitive. "Born Yesterday" is a special favorite. Bill should have recieved the Best Actor oscar for "Network".
ReplyDeleteLorraine