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OliveThomas
Reviews
Mary Shelley's Frankenstein (1994)
Devestating Film
It took me several attempts to view the entire film in one sitting because it gets to a point where you know you are going to witness terrible cruelty, which is difficult to watch. When I finally got through the picture, I was overwhelmed. All in all, it's an unspeakably sad film, direction/screenplay/cinematography/acting all top notch. DeNiro is simply brilliant as the absolutely pathetic creature. Helena Bonham-Carter is stunning as always. Her character is very believable and ends up in an outright jaw-dropping-shocking situation. Highly recommend; however, be prepared for an emotional wringing. You'll be more apt to cry rather than scream with this film.
The Reluctant Debutante (1958)
Why was this movie ever made?
Essentially, this is a plot that could BARELY fill a half-hour sit-com and is stretched so thin, it leaves one begging for something/anything, perhaps a commercial about an apple or a clam. The comedy devices are routine cliches that should have been well away from the set standards of the man who gave us "Meet Me In St. Louis". Sandra Dee is lovely to look at but unfortunately, the non-stop mouth of Angela Lansbury and the tiresome, repeat TIRESOME efforts of Rex Harrison and Kay Kendall are just too much to bear. The only thing really funny at all, was the goofy Peter Myers as David Fenner and his wacky obsession with motoring directions. Diane Clare, as Lansbury's daughter Clarissa, was charming as well. It was a merciful feeling when the picture finally ended and I found myself asking WHY on earth was this film ever made???
Till Death (1978)
Very creepy Drive-In fare...
In spite of the makeshift production values, this is a chilling film. You don't sense the camera crew and director; you feel like you're locked in that mausoleum with the character(s). A couple is en route on their honeymoon when a tragic auto accident kills the bride. The husband spends time in recovery and, upon release from hospital, visits the crypt (perfectly located in a dimly-lit mausoleum). Of course, he gets accidently locked in at the close of the day (it starts to get unnerving here). As he pines for his lost wife, he hears a whimpering, sobbing sound coming from behind the stone seal of her tomb. At this point, your imagination becomes a principal character in the turn of events; could this really be happening? He wouldn't DARE...?!?! What if...is she...will he...!!!!! Sometimes a low-budget works to contribute a unintended pathos and "Till Death" is a prime example. Good story line, very dark and unthinkable but irresistible to watch. I don't believe it is yet available on video, but it should be. I have a 16MM print I love to run on a still summer night in the back yard. Of COURSE it's only a movie and yet... Catch it if you can!