Reviews

Is amuses me how easily many here can offer condemnation of this film. If you condemn it by reason that it doesn't capture the viewer in a way that say The Maltese Falcon or Vertigo did then perhaps I can understand.

It seems however that most of the harsh words are coming from the youngsters without much desire to even know what real films were like. I suppose it's not entirely their fault. I mean an action film to them has to involve no less than 55% CGI effects, 25% scantily clad, or outright nude actresses, oh! and more times than not a totally unrealistic plot.

But you see many years back in the early 70s and beyond they didn't have CGI to make up for lacking plots and poor acting. And at that point and time you couldn't really show full nudity so you couldn't rack them into theaters that way either (note the first scene with the lovely Miss. Bissett where she emerges from the shower and barely flashes just the side of her breast. That was probably pretty racy for the time).

So since you can't have any cheap outs like you can today, Gee Whiz! you had to have a real plot and have the ability to act! Lancaster has always been a favorite and he did act very well in this film. Youngsters see the likes of Dean Martin and George Kennedy and don't know what to think because all they've ever known was a Hollywood that produces computer generated fluff. Frankly guys if your idea of an action movie is watching Speed then you need to widen your horizon (no offense to the great Dennis Hopper).

Airport was not as in depth as the book, this is true. Seldom will you find a screenplay to be written with the same depth. Do you know why? Because you can't make the film last for 9 hours!

I know this is more a rebuttal that an outright review of the movie, but it amazes me how some of the CGI junkies have room to talk when it comes to offering their disdain for films with some of the most historic actors in history. This movie is totally entertaining and works well. And the idea some whine because it may not be 'PC' by today's standards is nothing more than extremist liberal drivel. Dino womanizing is apparently an offensive no-no. But today you can show something 50 times as bad and because its more modern and allegedly more acceptable by this standard, no one blinks. Amazing.

In an era where at least Monroe's acting ability wasn't exactly the strong point of any of her films she makes Bus Stop. This film firmly established her as a very credible actress. The movie has always been a favorite of mine because it draws so much from the actual acting. Murray is often shunned because of his acting and the overall character he portrays. This is INTENTIONAL! I am amused by some of the critics here saying how this would never be taken so lightly or as the farce it was intended as.

Step one... this isn't real! Quit acting as if it was and lighten up. the plot centered around a character who had no experience with women at all and was very blunt and abrupt and took what he wanted because thats how he was brought up. This happens more these days than you think. They just don't make movies about it.

I also laugh at others who say the film is dated.. er, it's over 40 years old! the film making style of the fifties was actually a treat today as during this time film makers had to compete with the advent of television. They did wonderful things during the 50s with color and perspective. It shouldn't be dismissed as something dated and bad. Most youngsters out there on the board apparently have yet to see many movies that don't involve fluff entertainment values and overly used CGI. That is sad. I am happy that I was raised in a time when you could watch a film and those who made it didn't have CGI and unoriginal .

I mean if you have to reply on all films being politically correct and having to have enough CGI or sex in it to keep you interested then you probably wouldn't enjoy a film like this. Obviously not a film for feminists and CGI hounds. It is still a valid entry that established that Monroe was more than a pretty lady or sex symbol. She had so much more to offer and sadly the world will never know what could have been. But turnabout being fair play as it was, the Kennedys got theirs for cutting short this actresses life. Sorry, couldn't resist opening that can of worms, but it would be naive to think otherwise.

This is overall a pretty fun movie and in entertaining. If you don't like old movies or anything dated or don't like the idea of a cowboy treating a lady abruptly (as if any of it could have been taken seriously even back then.)then don't watch it. If you want to see another side of Marilyn. A side that can act, then check it out!