Hitchcock

My View: Hitchcock (2012) Alfred Hitchcock (Anthony Hopkins) feels that, at 60 years old, he is unappreciated and that others think of him as over-the-hill. So, Hitchcock decides to make a movie, at the reluctant urging of his wife, Alma (Helen Mirren), using his own money – a little film called, “Psycho.” While this film is about the making of Psycho, it’s really a love story between Alfred and Alma. Hopkins is perfect as Hitchcock and gets his voice and his mannerisms down to perfection, and Mirren is amazing in the role of the woman behind the man. Scarlett Johansson does a brilliant job of portraying one of the big stars of the time, Janet Leigh. You won’t learn much about filmmaking when you watch this film,  but you will learn a lot about the man named, Hitchcock.   My Rating: Full Price   Hitchcock Website

My View: The Collection (2012) Arkin (Josh Stewart) is the only person to escape from a serial killer named, “The Collector.” The Collector likes to entrap his victims and then take them to maze-like buildings full of deadly traps.  A young woman named, Elena (Emma Fitzpatrick), has been kidnapped, and it’s up to Arkin to rescue her. This is a bloody and violent film, to be sure, but its portrayal of the deaths are not drawn out (as they are in the Saw series) and some of them are rather creative. I feel that this film has a little more intelligence to it than the run-of-the-mill slasher film. The story moves very quickly, and I really enjoyed the ending, which is sure to set up the next film.   My Rating: Bargain Matinee   The Collection Website

The 50 (A Movie From My Best/Worst Films of All Time)

#12 Worst Film

Myra Breckinridge (1970) Meant to be controversial and sexy at the time, this film about a man who wants to have a sex change operation, is just silly and stupid. Rex Reed (a well-known film critic at the time) plays Myron, the man who wants to get the sex change. When he does, he is turned into Raquel Welch’s character, Myra Breckinridge. This film is boring and badly acted, with old time Hollywood stars like Mae West, Andy Devine, and John Huston overacting as if their life depended on it. The only fun thing about this film is the small parts that Farrah Fawcett and Tom Selleck have.    Myra Breckinridge Info

Forgotten Film: Cactus Flower (1969) Dr. Julian Winston (Walter Matthau) is a playboy who uses the made-up excuse that he is married to get out of commitments to other women. That is until he meets Toni (Goldie Hawn), who, despite his best intentions, he falls in love with.  After using the marriage ruse, though, he must convince his long time dental assistant, Stephanie (Ingrid Bergman) to pose as his wife who wants a divorce. Goldie Hawn won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her role in this film, but it’s Ingrid Bergman who makes this it so much fun to watch as she gives her roles depth and warmth, creating a character that you want to root for.   My Rating:  Full Price   Cactus Flower Info

In Case You Missed It (A Film Just Released on DVD):   Men in Black 3   I like but did not love this film, but I do think Josh Brolin’s portrayal of a younger Tommy Lee Jones was well done. It’s a fun ride and somewhat clever, but it’s just not up to the original.   My Rating: Full Price   Men in Black 3 Website

In Memory of Ed Wood (A Movie I’ve Only Seen in Trailers But Just Looks Like a Bad Idea): Parental Guidance (2012) Billy Crystal and Bette Midler agree to take care of their three grandkids when their parents need to be out of town for work. There isn’t one funny line in a rather lengthy trailer - just lots of Billy being hit in the crotch.    Parental Guidance Info

Weird Credits: From the credits of Hitchcock: Scarlett Johansson photo double

Coming Soon to a Theatre Near You: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012) Peter Jackson is back at the director’s spot, making this prequel to the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Will this be more Oscar worthy stuff from him?    The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Website

Until Next Time!