Juno (2007)

Posted on August 3, 2013 by 4 Star Films

This movie covers a sensitive topic, it is a little rough around the edges, and oh so quirky, but despite this it comes across as a good film all the same.

The cast is led by a strong performance by Ellen Page as a forthright and unique 16 year old named Juno Macguff. Quickly she learns that she is now pregnant and she must figure out how to deal with the situation while also facing her friends and family. Finally, she realizes she doesn’t want an abortion and Juno becomes invested in finding foster parents for the baby inside of her. All the while she is ostracized at school and her relationship with the father Beaker changes. In a moment of providence, Juno seemingly comes across the perfect parents in a Penny Saver and when she meets them they appear to be a perfect fit. They have a perfect marriage, beautiful home, and are unable to have kids. There might be something too perfect here, but Juno pushes forward just relieved to find someone who can take her baby. She keeps them up to date on her condition and forms a bond with the husband (Jason Bateman) who also enjoys rock music and horror movies. However, when the husband gets cold feet which leads to divorce, Juno’s situation is thrown into jeopardy. She is still willing to go through with it if the wife (Jennifer Garner) is prepared still. The day of the pregnancy comes and Juno gives birth. The foster mother gets her child and Juno is able to go back to being a teenager, playing guitar, and having high school romances.

There is not a single throw away character in this film, everyone has some peculiarity that makes them tick. The perpetual group of runners, the happily innocent soundtrack, and the script create a heartfelt coming of age dramedy that succeeds beyond any doubt.

4.5/5 Stars

American Graffiti (1973)

Posted on July 13, 2013 by 4 Star Films

Starring Ron Howard and Richard Dreyfuss with a host of others, this George Lucas directed film follows the lives of young people in California during the early 60s. It is the night before Curt and Steve are going off to college. They both want to make the most of the time left. However, Steve spends all his time trying to strengthen his relationship with his girlfriend (Cindy Williams). Curt, on the other hand, finds himself out in the town talking with girls and proving himself to a group of thugs. The rest of the film consists of the hot rodding antics of two other characters. A tough speedster (Paul Le Mat) finds himself driving around a 12-year-old girl. “Toad” the nerdy one (Charles Martin Smith), finds himself spending a wild night with a nice but peculiar girl.

With its classic music accompanied by Wolfman Jack and the vintage cars, American Graffiti is a blast of nostalgia that allows us to remember simpler times. It takes this important day in the life of these young individuals and it allows us to be a part of it. Each character has his own experiences that cause them to grow. Toad matures, Curt realizes he must experience college, Steve learns the importance of his girlfriend, and Milner realizes he really does not want to be “The King” anymore.

This film may have slower parts but that just makes it more enjoyable because then the night kicks into high gear when Toad loses the car, Milner beats up the thugs, or Curt has visions of a blonde in a T-Bird. Fittingly as he flies away to his unknown future he sees her white car cruising down the road. It was something that I had wanted to see the first time around but I had seemingly missed it. It made the ending even better.

5/5 Stars

Born Yesterday (1950)

Posted on June 21, 2013 by 4 Star Films

Starring Judy Holliday, William Holden, and Broderick Crawford, this semi-comedy is about a dumb blonde who becomes cultured with the help of a tutor. Billie starts out as the girl of a gruff an who has made a fortune in metal. They are in D.C. together and he is embarrassed because she does not know how to act around well to do people. He brings in a young journalist to tutor her and over time, her mind and outlook on life changes. She is no longer one to be trifled with and she finally sees things for what they are. There is no doubt that Judy Holiday gave a good performance, I just did not find the film all that funny. I would rather watch My Fair Lady or Mr. Smith Goes to Washington which seemed to share similar aspects with this film.

3.5/5 Stars

The General (1926)

Posted on June 17, 2013 by 4 Star Films

This silent film starring the great Buster Keaton, tells a simple story with comical results. Keaton is Johnnie Gray, a Southern engineer who loves his locomotive and his girl. As it turns out Union spies steal his train, The General, and they also take his love captive. Now Johnnie must track them down and save his fair southern belle. After many a comedic antic, Keaton finds himself behind enemy lines and he is now on the run. However, he does eventually get the girl and then warns the Confederates that the Union forces are coming. Because of his great bravery, he is rewarded with the rank of Lieutenant even though he was not enlisted. Although this film might seem slow to the modern audience, if put in context the, the bouncy score, the slapstick comedy, and Keaton can all be enjoyable. “The Great Stone Face” was one of the few who gave Chaplin a run for his money.

4/5 Stars

Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)

Posted on June 11, 2013 by 4 Star Films

Starring Mathew Broderick, this is the ultimate teen comedy from John Hughes is about a guy who has a day on the town with his friends. Using his wits, the teen idol Ferris Bueller gets out of school bringing his friend Cameron and his girlfriend Sloan along for the ride in a red Ferrari. They make stops all throughout Chicago at Wrigley Field, The Sears Tower, The Art Institute of Chicago, and of course the Von Steuben Day Parade. Over the course of the day, the Dean of Students Mr. Rooney goes looking for them as well as Bueller’s sister. Despite some problems with the Ferrari and trying to get home undetected, Ferris returns from his adventure without his parents being any the wiser. This film has it’s share of memorable moments and Ferris often breaking the fourth wall is a unique touch.

4/5 Stars

UP (2009)

Posted on May 23, 2013 by 4 Star Films

This Pixar film, starring Ed Asner and Jordan Nagai, follows a retired gentleman, who keeps his promise to his deceased wife by traveling to South America. Carl Frederickson met the love of his life in Ellie, and they got married. However, pretty soon they were in their later years and Ellie died. Carl wants to keep his promise, and so he heads to South American in his balloon-propelled house. Along the way, he has an energetic boy named Russell thrust upon him. Over time they become friends as Russell tries to help Carl so he can earn a Wilderness Explorer badge. Russell befriends a talking dog named Dug and a giant bird called Kevin, while Mr. Frederisckson accepts their company begrudgingly. But they do run into trouble, and so they have to rally in order to save Kevin from his captors. Although this story seems sad at first, it quickly becomes heartwarming with the addition of Russell. He helps to breathe new life into Mr. Frederickson, and more importantly, they form a relational bond. This is probably the best Pixar film since Finding Nemo.

It always strikes me how wonderfully unassuming this film is. If you told me that a film about an old man traveling to South America in a balloon-propelled house would be this gripping, funny, and heartwarming, I certainly would not believe you. But time after time UP is a joy to watch.

It has one of the moving opening sequences in recent memory, and it does it with pithiness. This is the first sign that this is something special. Each and every time I always find the score so whimsical, and it seems to fit so perfectly with the concept. Another marvel of this film is Russell, the spunky Asian-American kid in pursuit of his assisting the elderly badge. He is a hilarious little boy with a lot to say, and he says it with such expression and energy, which really shows through the Pixar animation. A shout-out must also be given to Kevin and Dug because Russell is the standout, but the film would not be the same without this pair of quirky creatures.

Most importantly, the younger generation learns from the older generation, and in turn, I think Carl learns valuable lessons from his young companion. It is very important to never forget our past, but perhaps more important is making something of our future and living in the present. It is a new type of buddy film that reminds us that friendship, as well as adventure, are out there, we just need to go and find it.

5/5 Stars

Adam’s Rib (1949)

Posted on May 12, 2013 by 4 Star Films

Starring Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn as a married pair of lawyers on the opposite sides of a case, this film begins with a bang. A distraught wife followed her husband home to find him cheating and she shot a gun off. In the ensuing days she is being charged with assault and the case is getting major publicity. Adam Bonner is the district attorney put on the case believing the law must be upheld but much to his chagrin she chooses to represent the other side. Thus begins an uproarious battle of the sexes. The pair continually spar inside the courtroom then return to their normal lives at home. However, after some bad publicity they are pulled apart by the case and their marriage is in trouble. After the case is won by Amanda Bonner a seemingly angered Adam shows up with a gun. Hilarity ensues along with a fight, however importantly in the end the Bonners reunite. They realize they cannot live apart. As always Tracy and Hepburn are wonderful together and they have a good supporting cast behind them including Judy Holliday, Tom Ewell, and Jean Hagen.

4/5 Stars

Top Hat (1935)

Posted on May 11, 2013 by 4 Star Films

Starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers with Edward Everett Horton, this musical opens with Astaire in London as he gets ready to star in the show of his good friend Horace (Horton). However, after a late night confrontation with an annoyed neighbor Jerry is hopelessly in love. Multiple times he tries to spend time with her while the show is running. Then, he is eager to travel to Italy when he learns that the woman Dale will be there along with Horace and Madge Hardwicke. After a case of mistaken identity, Dale gets the wrong idea and believes that Jerry is married to her good friend Madge. Unaware of the mix up, he continues to pursue her, madly in love. She feels bad and at the same time tries to stave off Jerry’s advances. The whole mess leads her to marry a buffoon of an Italian designer. However, Jerry catches wind of what happened and tries to resolve their relationship. Through a hilarious loophole they get back together and dance off into the sunset. Some memorable routines include “No Strings (I’m Fancy Free),” “Isn’t This a Lovely Day (to be Caught in the Rain),” “Top Hat, White Tie, and Tails,” then “Cheek to Cheek.” I found the supporting cast to be good and aside from Swing Time this is a good Astarie/Rogers pairing.

4/5 Stars

The Sting (1973)

Posted on May 9, 2013 by 4 Star Films

Starring Paul Newman, Robert Redford, and Robert Shaw, the film follows a small time con man (Redford) as he joins forces with an old pro (Newman) to pull an elaborate Sting on a shady banker (Shaw). The two meet after the death of a mutual friend and they set up a complicated plan. With the help of their friends, the two of them make contact and thus begins the adventure. Soon the con man gains the trust of the victim. However, the plan gets even more complicated when a heartless cop and the feds come onto the scene. The double-crossing con is then forced to cross his partners he and faces the consequences. Then, one final twist and you have the worlds greatest Sting. With its ragtime music, 1930s setting, and ensemble cast including Ray Walston, Harold Gould, and Dana Elcar, this film is full of excitement and certainly worth seeing.

4.5/5 Stars

Network (1976)

Posted on April 17, 2013 by 4 Star Films

Starring Faye Dunaway, William Holden, Peter Finch, and Robert Duvall, this film satirizes the television industry. Howard Beale (Finch) is being fired as a news anchor for the struggling UBS network. On one of his final days on air he begins to rave madly and his industry friend Max (Holden) does not cut him short. At first there is uproar but then a shrewd business man (Duvall) decides to use Beal to boost ratings with the backing of one of the network staff (Dunaway). With her great ambition she moves up and takes Max’s place while becoming romantically involved with him. For a time the network thrives off the rants of Beale. However, he begins to change his tune and ratings begin to plummet. With everything in a shambles, they can him literally. This is a biting satire of television with intense performances and some moments that leave you pondering who the real nutcases are.