OLDIE GOLDIES: The Bad Seed (1956)

This week’s pick for "Oldie Goldies" is the 1956 classic "The Bad Seed". The film remarkably manages to be one of the creepiest film experiences without showing any violence. The well-written characters are perfectly played by the superb cast, who say so much with subtle facial expressions. The camera work is also great, setting up some interesting perspectives. The film was honored with 3 truly deserving nominations for actresses Eileen Heckart, Nancy Kelly (Best Supporting Actress) and Patty McCormack (Best Actress). The cinematography also received an Oscar nod.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK: Kramer vs. Kramer

"Kramer vs Kramer" is a touching film featuring true movie star performances by Dustin Hoffman and Meryl Streep in the title roles. The acting really elevated the simple script, with even Justin Henry giving a great performance as the kid caught in the custody battle.

OLDIE GOLDIES: Roman Holiday (1953)

Audrey Hepburn with her Best Actress Oscar

It took me a while to find an "Oldie Goldie" for this week, but I finally found one. This week's pick is "Roman Holiday" a delightful little film from director William Wyler. The film features 2 absolutely charming performances from Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. In addition, the Roman architecture is really beautiful. The film did pretty well at the Oscars, winning 3 statues (Best Actress, Best Costume Design and Best Story). It was also nominated for Best Supporting Actor, Best Art Direction, Best Cinematography, Best Director, Best Editing, Best Picture and an additional writing nod for Best Screenplay).

MOVIE OF THE WEEK: The Untouchables

"The Untouchables" is an impeccably produced film by Brian DePalma. The film is a great homage to the series it is based on. At times, I really felt like I was watching a 50’s action movie. Although this made it seem campy at time, it really emphasized the attention to detail. The film features good music, sets and some well-constructed action set-ups. Even the sound-effects payed tribute to classic actioners. The acting was great too, especially Sean Connery and Robert Deniro (Kevin Costner was a bit cringeworthy at times though).

OLDIE GOLDIES: The Defiant Ones (1958)

The Defiant Ones is a wonderful film headlined by the great collaboration of Tony Curtis and Sidney Poitier as 2 escaped convicts (one black, one white) in the racist south. The 2 men are chained together and are forced to co-operate (interestingly, they had racial prejudices themselves) to avoid re-capture. The film did pretty well at the Oscars, earning 9 nominations (Best Cinematography, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Actor, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best Director, Best Film Editing and of course, Best Picture). In the end, the film walked away with statues for Cinematography and Screenplay.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK: The Muppets Take Manhattan

This wasn't the best movie I saw this week, but it was perhaps the most memorable. It really put a smile on my face. I love the fully-realized personalities of all the characters. Although it's a children's film, the script was smart enough to be appreciated by adults. The muppets were hilarious, eliciting some huge belly laughs from me. Can't wait for the new installment coming out later this year.

Starlets Resurrected!

Ok, this is like the coolest thing ever. Grace Kelly! Marlene Dietrich! Marilyn Monroe! Oh yeah, Charlize Theron is there too.

OLDIE GOLDIES: The Kid (1921)

For this week's "Oldie Goldies" I finally watched my first silent film - The Kid. Having never been exposed to Chaplin before, I was pleasantly surpised by how engaging the film was. It really showed how effective you can be with mere facial expressions and physical comedy.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK: Even The Rain

"Even The Rain" is a scathing reflection on our capitalist global society and the exploitation that still exists around the world. This "film within a film within a film" is well-executed, without being too preachy. I loved that it didn’t blatantly choose sides, exposing how hypocritical we all are. It even got me wondering if the filmmakers also took advantage of the extras for their "cheap labour"! This is another excellent film from Gael García Bernal, who seems to have a knack for chosing great projects.