The 39 Steps

The 39 Steps (1935)
Alfred Hitchcock
English
Criterion 56

When a mysterious woman goes home with bachelor Richard Hannay, her secret leads him from his simple trip in London to the Scottish country side as a fugitive from a crime he didn't commit. He needs to expose the man with no pinky finger before Hannay is put away for the crime and he must stop top-secret information from escaping to Germany.


James - A great thriller with just the right amount of comedy and love to make it enjoyable for anyone. Hitchcock is a director with many greats, but this is one of the best. Also, there is some fantastic cinematography that combines silent-era imagery with modern storytelling.
B+


Britney - As a journalist, I was excited to relive the time when newspapers were present in every hand, even if our protagonist wished they were not. I usually dislike thrillers but this one is delightful and funny. The only reason this film isn't an "A" for me is because I didn't care much for most of the characters besides Hannay.
B


Criterion Collection: The 39 Steps

Ratcatcher

Ratcatcher (1999)
Lynne Ramsay
English (with subtitles)
Criterion 162

A look at a poor boy who deals with his guilt after the death of another boy. Set in the Glasgow's urban slum, the boy deals with a troubled family and neighborhood bullies.

James - The actual visuals were as much a character in this movie as were the actors. While visually striking, the plot was nothing special. That's not to say I didn't like it, but it was not a normal (beginning-middle-end) plot and it wasn't really interesting. But I liked it.
B+

Britney - This film was depressing but I adored it. The characters seemed real, though the plot was a bit too ambiguous for me. If you can look past the ambiguity, you will appreciate the colors and cinematography. The fact that Scottish English had to be subtitled was humorous, but much needed.
A-

Criterion Collection: Ratcatcher

Tout Va Bien

Tout Va Bien [Everything's All Right] (1972)
Jean-Luc Godard and Jean-Pierre Gorin
French
Criterion 275

The story of a American reporter and her film-director husband as they are trapped in a factory strike. This highly political film looks at the capitalism and the establishment left and showcases the political ideas of both Godard and Jane Fonda, the main actress.

James - I like this movie both for the cinematic qualities (Godard was a major influence on Wes Anderson and this movie shows it) and the political message. The account that He gives in the middle of the film about how he fell out of the radical left explained quite well the feelings I have with politics.
A-

Britney - This is a beautiful film which is easy on the eyes. I loved the long, panning shots that are used more often than not. It is hard to readjust the way you view films, because at times I felt restless and bored compared to faster-paced modern films, but I never disliked it. If it wasn't in France and in French however, I wouldn't have liked it as much.
B+

Criterion Collection: Tout Va Bien

The Battle of Algiers

The Battle of Algiers (1966)
Gillo Pontecorvo
French, Arabic
Criterion 249

A theatrical reenactment of the beginning of the Algerian struggle for independence, this film tells the story of the bombings, shootings, and general rebellion of the Algerian people to overcome their French colonizers.

James - A great movie, a great documentary. I think this film has enormous relevance today. I especially liked the ability of Pontecorvo to capture the feeling of excitement and rebellion in his shots of violence. Also, the news-reel style of the French side added to the feel of actual footage of the revolution.
A

Britney - While this was a powerful film in both storytelling and cinematography, it failed to hold my attention. However, the great suspense when a few Algerian women dressed up as French women in order to retaliate, was very engaging. If I were rating this just as a film, it would be an A. But, I personally didn't care much for it.
B-

Criterion Collection: The Battle of Algiers

My Dinner With André

My Dinner With André (1981)

Louis Malle

English

Criterion 479

Two men, André Gregory and Wallace Shawn, have dinner and discuss philosophical questions of love and life.

James - I felt like I was watching 100 minutes of someone's inside joke, but they didn't even think it was funny. This film seems as if it was made by New Yorkers, for New Yorkers. It was masturbatory. I just wasn't concerned at all with any of it.  

F

Britney - We got this film as a present, so I roughed through it. The entire time, I just wanted to walk away. The only characteristic of this film that interested me was the hilariously outdated restaurant and Wallace's lisp. I would not recommend this film to anyone.

F

Criterion Collection: My Dinner With André

The Seventh Seal

The Seventh Seal (1957)
Ingmar Bergman
Swedish
Criterion 11

An knight, exhausted and on his return from the Crusades, encounters death and challenges him to a game of chess.

James - A good film, with bits of comedy and art weaving through the dark story. I will definitely need to see this again to fully understand all of the minutiae. But I think I'll enjoy that. B+

Britney - I watched this film reluctantly, and finished it... reluctantly. There was never a point where I was compelled or inspired, though I found the Swedish language beautiful. A tale of religious questioning, the plague, and hovering, imminent death does not interest me, but it was thought provoking and had strong dialogue. D+

Criterion Collection: The Seventh Seal

Bottle Rocket

Bottle Rocket (1996)

Wes Anderson

Criterion 450

Three friends plan their life of crime, but are sidetracked by love and dissension.

James - A truly complete film, with every piece put there intentionally, Anderson's first film is a work of art. A character showpiece from the start, the Texas backdrop provides a superb canvas for their development.

A+

Britney - Not Wes Anderson's best film but an excellent addition to the Criterion Collection. It reminded me of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas- but better! I don't usually like plots that take place in a Texas desert, but I enjoyed this one. 

A 

Criterion Collection: Bottle Rocket

Under the Roofs of Paris

Under the Roofs of Paris
René Clair
French
Criterion 161

A love story of poor Parisians and the man that tries to get between them.

James - At times, this still felt like a silent movie. There was very little soundtrack and the dialogue was strangely placed. However, the actions did tell a lot, and the story was good. It was just too drawn out.
C

Britney - The story was not admirable. Ugly women were pushed around and stolen from, and the beautiful woman was shallow and a tease. The camera work, however, was well done, especially for its time. I also like the costumes.

C-

Criterion Collection: Under the Roofs of Paris

Guest Reviewer!

Today, we have 2 brand new reviews by James' old roommate, Kerry. He watched many a film with us while we were at school, and insists that we watch a few horror movies that are part of the Criterion Collection. Here are his reviews:

Rushmore (1998)

Wes Anderson
Criterion 65

Kerry - Many of the characters in this film have an individual and original charm that will do three things for you: impress you, entertain you, and allow you to laugh during moments where you're not so sure you should (but love the fact that you did anyway).

A

Our Review of Rushmore

Scenes From A Marriage (1973)

Ingmar Bergman
Swedish
Criterion 229

Kerry - I wouldn't look to this mini-series for any sense of satisfaction or contentment. If you are to truly watch these scenes as I have, you'll come to realize that these life and love experiences are more or less what you may want to see.

C

Our Review of Scenes From A Marriage

Mala Noche

Mala Noche (1985)
Gus Van Sant
English/Spanish
Criterion 407

A liquor store clerk falls in love with a teenage Mexican immigrant.

James - This film is real. The light and dark, the close-ups with the tops of heads cut off, the sound and sweat and skin, are all real. But that does not necessarily make for a compelling story. A beautiful use of the camera and sound, but not the most original tale; homosexuality is its only edge.
B-

Britney - The narrator's voice will stick in your head for hours after watching. I enjoyed the black and white driving scenes through the country, but was totally detached from the characters. Interesting camera work, but the film left me wanting more.
B

Criterion Collection: Mala Noche