About 4 Star Films

I am a film critic and historian preserving a love of good movies. Check out my blog, 4 Star Films, and follow me on Twitter @FourStarFilmFan or Letterboxd. Thank you for reading!

It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963)

Posted on May 15, 2014 by 4 Star Films

If you want a movie of comedy legends and who’s who, this film has practically everyone you want. Spencer Tracy is a police officer who is tipped off to where a great sum of money is. Close behind are a group of travelers including Milton Berle, Sid Caesar, Ethel Merman, Buddy Hackett, Mickey Rooney, Phil Silvers, Dorothy Provine, Edie Adams, and Jonathan Winters. Soon it becomes a mad dash as each group tries to reach the money first. Along the way are many hilarious antics and memorable cameos (including Jack Benny, Jerry Lewis, The Three Stooges, Don Knotts, and Buster Keaton). In the final scenes Tracy has the money but the others are still in pursuit. After some wild events everyone ends up in the hospital without any money. However, they are quickly reminded how madly funny the world is all the same. I really enjoyed this film because of the many great stars and hilarious scenarios. It really had me belly-laughing. This was also the favorite movie of the founder of Inn-N-Out Burger so what more could you want?

4.5/5 Stars

The Misfits (1961)

Posted on May 12, 2014 by 4 Star Films

The Misfits is a film directed by John Huston and starring the likes of Clark Gable, Marilyn Monroe, Montgomery Clift, Thelma Ritter, and Eli Wallach. The story opens in Texas where a young woman is getting a divorce in Texas with the support of another divorced woman. After she goes through with the proceedings she feels bad but her spirits are lifted by a mechanic and then an aging cowboy who both find her extraordinary. She and the cowboy move into the half-finished home of the widowed handy man on his urging. Rosalyn and Gay slowly become closer and then he resolves to rope some wild mustang for money. Later, they go to a rodeo and meet Gay’s friend Perce who takes part in the dangerous proceedings. After a night on the town, he eventually joins the other two men in their endeavor. However, when they actually begin Rosalyn is horrified by the whole thing. In the end, Gay is back with Rosalyn but not without a great deal of strife over the horses. In many ways this film can be seen as prophetic and it certainly is historically important because it was the last film of both Marilyn Monroe and Clark Gable. Gable looks haggard and Monroe seems highly emotional, possibly hinting at their imminent deaths. Both the acting and the Arthur Miller script were commendable, and I think a good deal of credit has to be given to Eli Wallach and Thelma Ritter for their performances as well.

4/5 Stars

La Dolce Vita (1960)

Posted on May 9, 2014 by 4 Star Films

Starring Marcello Mastroianni and directed by Federico Fellini, this Italian film set in Rome follows a tabloid reporter named Marcello. If he is not finding a scoop with other ravenous reporters, he spends time with his wary girlfriend, falls for an American bombshell, talks with a cultured family man, or spends time with his good natured father who he does not really know. All the while he witnesses the lives of the rich and has many romantic relations. The underlining theme of it all is boredom, unhappiness, and superficial lifestyles. This film is not really about a main plot but rather Marcello’s many different episodes and experiences. Some are funny and others maddening, but he muddles his way through. This film, much like Breathless, is international and chic. The cinematography and score are both effective in helping to create this feel.

5/5 Stars

Hud (1963)

Posted on May 7, 2014 by 4 Star Films

Starring Paul Newman, Melvyn Douglas, Patricia Neal, and Brandon de Wilde, the film revolves around a principled, old Texas rancher (Douglas) who has the help of his orphaned nephew Lonnie (de Wilde) and his troublesome son Hud (Newman). Most of the film reveals the conflict between the father and his impatient and often immoral son. On the other hand Lonnie looks at his uncle with admiration. Then the cattle ranch is jeopardized by the possibility of hoof and mouth disease. When not working Hud goes wild in town and after one such night in a drunken stupor he is berated by his father and then makes advances toward the house keeper (Neal). Ultimately, the news about the cattle finally comes and the aftermath leaves Mr. Bannon dead, the housekeeper gone, and Lonnie on the road, with Hud all alone on his ranch. The primary actors were all very good and the black and white cinematography was especially striking.

4.5/5 Stars

The Hustler (1961)

Posted on May 5, 2014 by 4 Star Films

Starring Paul Newman, George C. Scott, Piper Laurie, and Jacke Gleason, the film follows a pool hustler named Fast Eddie Felson (Newman). A cocky and skilled player, Eddie travels all the way from Oakland, California to face the legendary Minnesota Fats (Gleason). In an epic pool marathon with very high stakes, Eddie finds himself falling short. After his defeat, he wanders around a bit dead broke. Pretty soon Eddie finds a girl (Laurie) who has her set of problems just like him. But Eddie has the urge for pool again and to ultimately face Fats one more time. He enlists the backing of a successful, if not shady gambler (Scott), and they go off the Louisville to make some money. However, soon the fate of his girlfriend turns tragic. Eddie once again goes head to head with Fats, this time to prove he has changed and that he is indeed a winner. Overall this is a solid movie full of sports, atmosphere, and drama.

4.5/5 Stars

Funny Face (1957)

Posted on May 4, 2014 by 4 Star Films

Although not a tremendous musical, Funny Face is a fun film that is worth a watch because it pairs Fred Astaire and Audrey Hepburn.

My main purpose for watching this film was to commemorate what would have been Audrey Hepburn’s 85th birthday today. This was a great film to go to in that respect, because it features many iconic shots of true Hepburn fashion. The film facilitated it since Hepburn was the newest model for a fashion magazine and Fred Astaire was the photographer who brought her on and ultimately fell for her.

So much color, style, and a good deal of relatively entertaining song and dance courtesy of Gershwin. Although this is no American in Paris you still have some of the Parisian allure.

I must admit that Audrey Hepburn certainly does not have a “Funny Face” in my opinion, but I will say that she always was a pleasant and charming beauty to watch. She is one for the ages as an actress, a fashion queen, a humanitarian, and an all around beloved lady.

Happy Birthday Huckleberry Friend

3.5/5 Stars

The Odd Couple (1968)

Posted on May 3, 2014 by 4 Star Films

This film adapted from the Neil Simon play and spawning an award-winning TV show, is great in its own right. In probably their greatest and most hilarious pairing, Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau are Felix Ungar and Oscar Madison respectively. Both men are divorced and after Felix almost commits suicide, Oscar allows his friend to live with him. Felix is a neat freak and Oscar is a slob creating conflict and many comedic moments along the way. Besides the main stars who are great, their poker playing buddies add to the humor. To round out the film there is the fantastic theme song which you cannot help from humming. Not to mention the comical Pigeon sisters either. There is no denying that this is a very funny film.

4.5/5 Stars

Dr. Strangelove… (1964)

Posted on April 30, 2014 by 4 Star Films

Living up to its name, this satire directed by Stanley Kubrick is quite peculiar to say the least. The nation is on the edge of nuclear war because of a lunatic general (Sterling Hayden) who made the decision to override the authority of the president (Peter Sellers). Tempers flare in the war room as the leaders decide what to do. Will the Doomsday device be unleashed as Dr. Strangelove (Sellers again) supposes or will the bomb be stopped in time? One of the obvious highlights of this film would have to be Peter Seller’s performances as three distinct characters. George C. Scott also delivers a very respectable performance as a general advising the president. Then, there is Slim Pickens who is often remembered for the famous bomb riding scene. This film is good but in my mind it is not great. However, it does depict an era of tremendous fear brought on by the Cold War, thus making it historically important.

4.5/5 Stars

The Manchurian Candidate (1962)

Posted on April 28, 2014 by 4 Star Films

Starring Frank Sinatra, Laurence Harvey, Angela Lansbury, and Janet Leigh, the plot revolves around a Korean war hero who is brainwashed to be a weapon for Communists. Several men in the company have recurring nightmares about brainwashing, communists, and murder. Sinatra’s character has trouble finding solace, however he does meet a beautiful woman (Leigh). Harvey’s character returns home constantly at odds with his domineering mother who is married to a dim-witted senator. He has no idea what deadly purpose he is being used for. His brainwashing causes him to commit several shocking murders. It is up to Sinatra to finally save him and stop his one final violent act. However, Harvey’s character does prevail by himself but not without tragedy. Sinatra and Harvey give wonderful performances and Lansbury is especially chilling. As you will find out, this film shows all the twists and thrills that come out of a simple game of solitaire. It was also a sign of the times during the Cold War.

5/5 Stars

The Great Escape (1963)

Posted on April 25, 2014 by 4 Star Films

Based on true events, this film describes the heroic exploits of POWs in a German Stalag during World War II. With extreme heart and teamwork the men take upon the task of making a massive escape. Led by Richard Attenbourough, Steve McQueen, James Garner, and Charles Bronson to name a few, they begin their monumental task. Despite adversity, their plan slowly becomes reality and escape is imminent. When the time comes over 70 men get away in the night, escaping secretly across Germany. However, relief is quickly replaced by tragedy as many of the escapees are shot or captured. Through it all the Allies struggle courageously against the Nazis. By the end they may be a little battered but they certainly are not beaten. Besides a wonderful ensemble cast, this film has one of the most iconic themes and chase scenes of all time.