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THE SWORD IN THE STONE (Dir: Wolfgang Reitherman, 1963).
THE SWORD IN THE STONE (Dir: Wolfgang Reitherman, 1963).
Released to cinemas on Christmas Day 1963, The Sword in the Stone was the last animated feature film released by the Disney Studios during founder Walt Disney's lifetime.
Based on T H White's classic modern retelling of Arthurian legend, we follow the adventures of the future King Arthur (nicknamed the Wart), culminating in his encounter with the legendary sword.
Read the full review on my blog JINGLE BONES MOVIE TIME! Link below.
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ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT (Dir: Lewis Milestone, 1930).
A pre-code WWI drama adapted from German author Erich Maria Remarque's 1928 novel, All Quiet on the Western Front follows a group of students as they enlist in the army, detailing their transformation from idealistic boys to war weary soldiers, depicting the squalid living conditions and futility of the loss of young lives with a stark realism.
Told, unusually, from the perspective of German soldiers. At first the broad American accents are a little jarring and take some getting used to. But remember this is so early in the history of sound cinema that it is a miracle they are talking at all. Little else in the picture strikes a wrong note. Nowhere to be found are the static camera shots often associated with early talkies. With its inventive camera angels, practical special effects and hundreds of extras it presents a visual spectacle that more than holds its own against modern CGI aided blockbusters. The film is full of affecting imagery, from the sight of the rapt students stirred up by an impassioned indoctrination on the glory of serving the "Fatherland", to the poetic final frames of a butterfly on the battleground, fading to shot of a cemetery.
With the possible exception of Lewis Ayres, in the lead role of young soldier Paul, much of the cast is unrecognizable to modern audiences. This arguably lends the film more authority, as no preconceptions of star status are allowed to diminish the powerful performances. Director Milestone elicits sensitive, natural performances from the cast which compliments the brutally beautiful images that he and cinematographer Arthur Edeson have created.
Almost a century after its release All Quiet on the Western Front remains probably the most powerful indictment on the horrors of war ever put to celluloid. It was met with immense critical acclaim, receiving the Academy Awards for Best Picture and Best Director in what was only the third year the ceremony was held. The movie is indisputably a landmark in cinema history and more than lives up to 90 years of hype. In short, it is a masterpiece.
A longer, more in-depth review of ALL QUIET ON THE WESTERN FRONT is available my blog JINGLE BONES MOVIE TIME. Link below.
NEWSIES aka THE NEWS BOYS (Dir: Kenny Ortega, 1992).
Disney’s fact-based musical based upon the New York newsboy's strike of 1899, with tunes courtesy of Oscar winner Alan Menkin and co-composer Jack Feldman. A youthful Christian Bale stars.
This old style Hollywood movie, with its big production numbers and lovingly recreated soundstage sets, is a quaintly quirky treat! Newsies should appeal to those with an appreciation for old fashioned musicals, fans of Disney Channel movies and anyone in between!
Read the full review on my blog JINGLE BONES MOVIE TIME! Link below.
THE BOSS BABY (Dir: Tom McGrath, 2017).
From DreamWorks Animation, The Boss Baby is loosely based on the picture book by Marla Frazee. Theodore Templeton (Alec Baldwin) is the Boss Baby, a suit and tie wearing, briefcase carrying infant. With his brother Tim, they must infiltrate their parents employer Puppy Co., the CEO of which has an evil plan to replace the babies of the world with puppies.
Read the full review on my blog JINGLE BONES MOVIE TIME! Link below.
THE DARK TOWER (Dir: Nicolaj Arcel, 2017).
A kind of sci-fi/western/fantasy mashup based on Stephen King’s popular series of novels.
In alternate universe Mid-World, Gunslinger Roland (Idris Elba) battles bad guy Walter (Matthew McConaughey) for dominance over the Dark Tower, which Walter plans to use for evil means. After stumbling through a portal in abandoned house, troubled New York teenager Jake (Tom Tyler) teams up with the Gunslinger to assist him in his quest.
Read the full review on my blog JINGLE BONES MOVIE TIME! Link below.
‘TWAS THE NIGHT (Dir: Nick Castle, 2001).
The following review and 100+ more reviews are available on my blog JINGLE BONES MOVIE TIME! Link below.
Made for TV Christmas movies have become inexplicably popular in the last two decades. Seemingly hundreds of them litter the television schedules from September to January every year. This entry in the genre, a Disney Channel Original Movie, has become something of a festival staple on the Disney Channel and can usually be found in their December lineup.
On Christmas Eve, heavily in debt conman Nick Wrigley (Bryan Cranston) escapes his gangland creditors by hiding out in the home of his brother. After mistaking Santa for an intruder he knocks the fat man out cold, ties him up and steals his high-tech sleigh. Taking advantage of his close relationship with nephew Danny (Josh Zuckerman), the pair go on a burglary spree. Unbeknownst to Danny who believes the pair are helping the concussed Santa by delivering Christmas gifts.
There is a certain amount of cynicism mixed in with the inevitable sentiment in ‘Twas the Night, lending the movie a somewhat uneven tone. Its self-centered wise guy characters are a little hard to warm to. Their redemption, when it comes (as is always certain), is neither empathetic or particularly heartwarming, suggesting that the ending is there merely to placate viewers expectations of family Christmas movies.
The visual effects are above the usual TV movie standard, although it never quite overcomes the feel of an extended Disney Channel sitcom. The screenplay by Jim Lincoln, Dan Studley and Jenny Trip has its funny moments, but little in the movie really rings true. It has all the glitz one would expect of a Christmas movie but is oddly lacking in heart.
Bryan Cranston is the standout among the cast. His amiable performance here is the best reason to watch this passably entertaining but unexceptional movie.
While ‘Twas the Night is not exactly unmissable festive fare, it should appeal to tweens and younger teens who feel they are above sentimental Christmas movies. Younger children, meanwhile, may be a little upset seeing Santa hit over the head with a shovel! Not a Christmas classic but you may find its worth a watch if you come across it while flicking through cable.
