A bunch of obscure John Ford films and Will Arnett in great voice over work filled up my viewing time in April.
The Lego Batman Movie (2017): My lone trip to the theatre this month as I caught up with the Lego Batman Movie which was a fun breath of fresh air. Not since “Batman Returns” has Batman been this fun. This colorful riff on the caped crusader voiced with enthusiasm by Will Arnett is a lark with plenty of gags for fans of Batman and has fun playing with the character’s history. 3 stars out of 4
Bojack Horseman Season 2 (2015) Continuing on my run of Bojak Horseman a much more serious minded comedy about fame and depression in Hollywood than anyone gives it credit for. Bajack is never afraid to go to dark places as this season finds its voice and is more assured than season one. 3.5 stars out of 4
The Whole Town’s Talking (1935) An gangster comedy directed by of all people John Ford. This one stars Edward G. Robinson in a duo role as a meek paperman who is mistaken for a murderous gangster. Robinson has fun sending up his gangster persona, and his meek personality hints at some cast against type roles he would find success in with “Scarlett Street” and “Woman in the Window”. Plus Jean Arthur is in this so this is just a delightful film. 3 stars out of 4
The Hurricane (1937) John Ford’s disaster drama of a coastal Island where the climax involves the storm in the title which is magnificent to see considering the special effects at the time. The central story deals with an Islander who is imprisoned wrongly for years trying to escape in order to be reunited with his wife and daughter whom he hasn’t seen. Once he does escape, the hurricane comes blowing. A wonderful little known golden aged spectacle. 3.5 stars out of 4
The Long Grey Line (1955) Ford’s biopic film of Irish Immigrant Marty Maher who spent over 50 years in west point. The film stars Tyrone Power who is quite good in the lead role. The film isn’t all that accurate and falls under one of Ford’s many tributes of Irish gumption. Still there are many touching and beautifully shot scenes to make this worthwhile. Maureen O’Hara is wonderful as Maher’s wife. 3 stars out of 4
Gideon’s Day (1958) Ford’s british film which follows the day in the life of Gideon who is chief inspector at Scotland yard. Jack Hawkins plays Gideon in a great Fordesque performance, and the film which was shot in parts of London and contains a British cast definitely has a different feel than most of Ford’s films. However it is entertaining and many of the crime stories are engrossing and compelling. 3 stars out of 4
Pillow Shots 