Reviews

I saw this film on TV and at first did not know that it was from Woody Allen. I think I figured it out after about ten minutes. I started wondering if it were a Woody movie just by the unique concept of the film, but I became convinced it was Woody's work when a piece of period music came swimming into the film.

Midnight In Paris reminded me of several of Woody's movies, including Annie Hall (a love of Paris taking the place of a love of New York), The Purple Rose of Cairo, and maybe a touch of Radio Days and Hannah and Her Sisters. I initially was not thrilled with Owen Wilson playing the lead, but he grew on me a bit as the movie moved along. Still, I probably would have cast someone else.

I thought it was an excellent film. It delivered some yuks while at the same time provided several philosophical thoughts to chew on. For a younger audience the pace of the movie might have been a bit too leisurely, but it did not bother me. The film was only 94 minutes and besides, I wasn't in a hurry.

I recently saw this movie on Turner Classic Movies in the same unedited form first seen by me 38 years ago when it was in the theaters. The film is set in the Depression but you would never be able to tell it by looking at the film's first two minutes. The locomotive seen in the opening scene did not exist in the 30s, neither did the style of boxcar Bronson is seen riding in. Also, in the surrounding building there are window air-conditioners visible. So there are a few technical gaffs, but I liked the movie. As I said in this review's title; it is a personal favorite.

Bronson is in his mid 50s when he made the movie, but he is lean and looks in great physical condition. He is perfect for the role as an aged bare-knuckle fighter adrift during the Depression. There are a couple of scenes where it is suggested by opponents that he is too old for the game. He of course proves them wrong.

James Coburn plays his part well as a conniver with a gambling problem. Strother Martin adds a kind of amusing spice to the proceedings. Even Jill Ireland does a good job as a down-and-out woman just trying to survive. Bronson made a number of cheap-looking action flicks during the 70s, films that are not now, and never were consider to be really very good. Hard Times should not be considered one of them.