Breno Mello, the spectacularly handsome, charming, brooding star of the original “Black Orpheus,” has died in Brazil. Mello is one of the main attractions of this unusual film, a favorite in my youth for its music, vibrance, and sad tale … Continue reading →
Here’s one you might remember. I certainly do: Fans of the movie “The Great Escape” (and I must confess that I am one, big-time) will recognize the above as the Fourth of July celebration scene, featuring the incomparable Steve McQueen … Continue reading →
I don’t go to the movies that often, but last night I went to see “Juno.” It seemed a good bet. First of all, it’s a chick flick. And I’m a chick. Secondly, all the reviews said the same things—funny, … Continue reading →
This is the fruit of seeing “Lawrence of Arabia” on TV one day recently, and “Doctor Zhivago” on another: And I’m not the only one who sees a resemblance (see first question here). Unfortunately, I couldn’t find an early photo … Continue reading →
I haven’t seen it and probably won’t, because I don’t go to the movies often and this one doesn’t sound very good. And reading this review of the Danny Pearl story “A Mighty Heart” only reinforces that notion. Daniel Pearl’s … Continue reading →
Okay, so I watched the Oscars. In addition to observing the usual self-congratulatory self-righteousness from the very rich and very famous, I observed what’s far more important, of course: the fashions. Since I’ve seen none of the movies except “Dreamgirls,” … Continue reading →
One of the most famous misunderstood lines in all of literature is Juliet’s balcony query: “Oh Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?” As most of you probably know, the archaic “wherefore” means “why.” But the misconception that the word means … Continue reading →
Sophia Loren’s husband Carlo Ponti has died at the age of 94 (hat tip: Pajamas Media). Sophia made my list of ten all-time favorite movie stars back in May of 2005. She was (well, I suppose she still is, but … Continue reading →
Last night I went to the movies to see “Dreamgirls.” I wanted some light entertainment, and I got it. I was in Brooklyn, and the audience at the large and crowded theater I happened to go to was approximately 99% … Continue reading →
Ann Althouse has written a post about rewatching movies. She says: To watch something the first time is to respond to some mysterious mix of your own imagination and the various things you’ve heard. Maybe something about a poster or … Continue reading →
Yes, I watched the Oscars last night, at least intermittently, although I probably wouldn’t have if I hadn’t been invited to a party where Oscar-watching was the stated activity. And I just need to say this: what’s up with the … Continue reading →
First of all, a confession is in order: I’m not much of a moviegoer, especially recently. I think most of the movies I’ve seen in last ten years or so are just plain inferior to the older ones. So now–if … Continue reading →