Blazing Saddles Movie Review (1974)

"Blazing Saddles" was directed by Mel Brooks in 1974. The main actors are Cleavon Little as Sheriff Bart, Gene Wilder as Jim, Harvey Korman as Hedley Lamarr, Mel Brooks as Governor William J Lepetomane, and the indian chief, Slim Pickins as Taggart, and Alex Karras as Mongo.

Blazing Saddles starts off with a view of the new railroad being built by different races of people, including Black and Asian workers. This is where we first meet Bart, the protagonist, he is working on the railroad with other black workers, and the bosses want to hear the men sing, as he says "When you were slaves, you used to sing like birds," and has them sing a song, that they don't know, they say they don't know the song, and Bart starts to sing, and the bosses say to sing a "Real song," such as "De Camptown Ladies." The bosses start singing "Camptown Ladies" to show the men what their definition of a real song was, and Taggart, the head boss, rides his horse over to see what the commotion was, and when he sees his men singing he fires his revolver to get their attention and says "I paid you to get some track laid, not to jump around like a bunch of Kansas City Faggots," and has his men send Bart and another worker to check the rail up ahead for quicksand, and when Bart and the other worker start to sink, the bosses throw a rope at the cart instead of saving the workers, and Bart has had enough with the workers, and hits Taggart over the head with a shovel, and tries to escape, but is later caught and imprisoned by Hedley Lamarr. Taggart informs Lamarr that the railroad has to go through a little town called "Rock Ridge," and Lamarr wants to drive the inhabitants out of the town, and Taggart suggests they would go and shoot up the town, and in the shootout the sheriff is killed, and Rock Ridge sends a wire to the Governors office asking for a new sheriff, and to make the citizens mad, they send Bart, because they think Bart will be killed by the townspeople. When Bart makes his arrival, the people see that he is black, they stop the ceremony and load their firearms to kill Bart, and Bart puts his revolver to his head and makes everyone think he is being possessed by himself, and having them think they would get himself killed. Bart makes his way to the sheriffs office with his gun to his head, and then closes the door, saying, "Baby, you are so talented, and they are so dumb!" When Bart is in the sheriffs station he meets Jim, also known as the "Waco Kid," who supposedly had the fastest hands in the whole world. Bart has Jim perform a test to see if he really is the Waco Kid or not, and Jim passes, proving he is the Waco Kid, and from there, they become partners, and lifelong friends, in a hilarious plot filled with tasteful racism, and jokes that don't pick on one person in particular, but pick on everyone so that nobody is left out.

I really enjoyed this film because, in my opinion, its one of, if not the best comedies that have been written. This film has a plot that makes you laugh at every turn, using cheesy fight sequences, and in one scene alludes to "Looney Toons." This comedy will make you laugh in nearly every scene, and is filled with jokes and in some parts, dark and toilet humor. Mel Brooks' Blazing saddles will continue to be a classic comedy film, for decades to come. if you are a fan of any Mel Brooks film, I urge you to come see this classic film.

In my three scoring categories, starting with the films overall rating, I would give it a 10. In the second category, which is the rating I give the plot, I would give the plot a 10. In the third and final category, which is character roles, which is how I score how well the actors played their roles, would also receive a 10 as well. From 1974 to 2013, Blazing Saddles has been a classic comedy film, and will continue to be a classic comedy film for many years to come.

"Imitation of Life" (1959) African American Movie Review

"Imitation of Life" was directed in 1959 by Douglas Sirk. The main characters are Lana Turner as Lora Meredith, Sandra Dee played Susie at age 16, Susan Kohner played Sarah Jane at age 18, John Gavin played Steve Archer, Juanita Moore played Annie Johnson, and Robert Alda played Allen Loomis.

Imitation of Life starts off at a beach, and Lora was looking for Susie, Lora enlists the help of a police officer in the search for little Susie. Susie ends up playing in the sand with her newfound friend, Sarah Jane, daughter of Annie, an unemployed homeless housekeeper. Annie and Lora talk, and find out that Annie is recently unemployed and homeless. Lora offers Annie and Sarah Jane to spend the night at her house, and one night turned into a housekeeping job at Lora's house. Susie finds a new best friend in Sarah Jane. Lora loves the job that Annie does, and offers her a job as a housekeeper and babysitter. Annie and Lora become friends, just as Susie and Sarah Jane become best friends. Sarah Jane is whitewash, meaning she is light skinned black, almost looking as if she is white, and Sarah Jane plays as if she is white, and that creates nothing but trouble for her and her mother, Annie. They face discrimination and prejudice during their journey through life.

I enjoyed this film because it was well written and the actors performed very well in the film. Lora takes Annie and Sarah Jane under her wing since she found out her and her daughter were homeless. I would recommend this film to anyone who would enjoy a great film. Imitation of Life will continue to be a classic film for years to come.

In my three rating categories, starting with the overall rating, I would give the film a 9.0. in the second category, which is the rating I give the plot, I would rate the plot at a 9.0. In the third and final category, which is character roles, which is how I score how well the actors playing the roles, I would give the actors a 9.5. Imitation of Life will continue to be a great film for many years down the road.

"Gran Torino" (2008) Movie Review (Favorite Movie Review)

"Gran Torino" was a Drama film created in 2008, and directed by Clint Eastwood. The main characters are Clint Eastwood as Walt Kowalski, Christopher Carley as Father Janovich, Bee Vang as Thao, Ahney Her as Sue, Brian Haley as Mitch Kowalski, Geraldine Hughes as Karen Kowalski, Dreama Walker as Ashley Kowalski, Brian Howe as Steve Kowalski, and Brooke Chia Thao as Vu.

Gran Torino starts off at a funeral for Walt's wife, Dorothy. Walt is a Korean War veteran, and retired Ford factory worker. At the funeral, he sees some of his grandkids screwing around, and not paying attention to Father Janovich deliver his eulogy for Dorothy. Walt's sons view Walt as "always disappointed." Walt views his family as obnoxious disrespectful and rude because they do not show any grief for the death of their grandmother. Walt's neighborhood, was mostly white, but now has become mostly south-eastern Asian. Walt's Hmong (Vietnamese) neighbors, especially the grandmother show no respect to Walt. In one scene, the Vietnamese to English subtitles show the grandmother saying "All the other Americans have left this neighborhood, why haven't you gone?" The neighborhood has Vietnamese and Mexican gangs, and the gangs give trouble to everyone. Walt's neighbor, Thao is "recruited from his cousins Vietnamese gang, and Thao's initiation is to steal Walt's Gran Torino. The initiation fails, and Thao is nearly shot by Walt and his M-1 Garand Rifle that he used in the Korean War. After the failed auto theft, Thao's family has Thao work for Walt since they said that Thao has brought shame on their family, and they want Thao to work off the debt he created. Thao starts to work for Walt, doing odd jobs, and working on Thao's house. Thao and Walt become friends, and Walt helps Thao get rid of the Vietnamese gang problem in the neighborhood.

I really enjoyed this film because of the humor and it breaking down stereotypes. Walt shows that he isn't afraid to make a racist joke or remark, and shows that people do not scare him. In one scene Sue is being harassed by three black males, and Walt comes into the scene and pretends to pull a gun to scare the black males, and the black males don't show fear, then Walt reaches into his jacket and pulls out his Colt M1911 .45 pistol and scares the three males into letting Sue free. Walt leaves and tells them to "Take care now." I thought that was one of the funniest scenes in the film. Another scene I really enjoyed is when the Vietnamese gang was attacking Thao, then the camera pans up to Walt, Wielding his M-1 Garand and pointing it towards the gang leader, who lets go of Thao and leaves the scene.

I would recommend this film to anyone who enjoys a good Drama film, or a fan of Clint Eastwood and his style of humor. Drama plays a huge role in the film, and helps develop the plotline. Gran Torino will continue to be my favorite movies for years to come. In my three categories that I score films, starting with the overall rating, I'd give Gran Torino a 10. In the second category, which is the plot rating I'd give the film a 9.5. In the last category which is character roles, which is how I score the roles the actors play, would receive a 10.

Lilies of the Field Movie Review (1963)

"Lilies of the Field was created in 1963, and was directed by Ralph Nelson. The main characters are Sidney Poitier as Homer Smith, Lilia Skala as Mother Maria, Isa Crino as Sister Agnes, Lisa Mann as Sister Gertrude, Francesca Jarvis as Sister Albertine, Pamela Branch as Sister Elizabeth, and Dan Frazer as Juan.

Lilies of the Field begins with Homer Smith, an unemployed construction worker,  driving his car down a dirt road, and the car overheats, and begins to emit steam from the engine, and Homer finds a house of German Catholic Sisters, and asks if he can have some water because he said "My car is thirsty." The Sisters agree and give him water for his car. The Sisters are leaded by the Mother Superior, Mother Maria. Mother Maria wants Homer to stay with the Sisters because she believes that God sent Homer to build them a Chapel that they can worship inside the chapel, instead of outside next to Juan's Diner. Mother Maria convinces Homer to work for the sisters as their contractor. Homer gives the Sisters English lessons, since they do not fully understand English. Mother Maria has the attitude that God sent the Sisters Homer, as a tool to build their Chapel. Homer is upset that the Sisters do not pay him for his work, but they are always able to convince Homer to work for them. Homer contemplates leaving them because they don't pay him for working, but Homer develops a personal interest in building the chapel, and is able to persuade members of the community to help build the chapel.

I enjoyed this film because it has a well written storyline and is one of the best movies that I have seen in a while. The director, Ralph Nelson used several elements of film, including camera angles, music, and lighting. Even though the film was created in 1963, it still can be considered a well directed movie. The song that gets stuck in your head, is a song that Homer teaches the Sisters. The song is called "Hallelujah" and Homer has the Sisters sing this song throughout the film.

I would recommend this film to anyone that likes films with a faith based storyline, because throughout the film, faith plays an important factor in the film. Lilies of the Field is a film that will be continued to be appreciated for many years to come. In my three categories in how I rate a film, starting with the first category, which is overall rating, I'd give the film a 9. In the second category, which is plot rating, is the rating I give the storyline it would receive a 9. In the third and final category, which is character roles, is how well I believe the characters portrayed in the film, played their role, would receive a 9.5. Overall this film in my opinion was very well written, and directed, and is a film that I will watch again in the future.

"The Picture of Dorian Gray" (1945) Movie Review

The "Picture of Dorian Gray" was directed in 1945 by Albert Lewin. The main characters are Hurt Hatfield as Dorian Gray, George Wotton as Lord Henry, Angela Lansbury as Sibyl Vane, Lowell Gilmore as Basil Hallward, Donna Reed as Gladys Hallward and Douglas Walton as Alan Campbell.

The Picture of Dorian Gray starts off with a character introduction to Basil Hallward, and Lord Henry. Basil Hallward starts off talking about a man by the name of Dorian Gray. Basil said that he "Didn't intend to tell his name" to Lord Henry. Basil Hallward mentions that he is painting a portrait for Dorian Gray. Dorian Gray marvels at his portrait when it is finished being painted by Basil. Dorian Gray stared at his portrait of himself, and he stands by the "Mysterious Egyptian Cat" and wishes that he will always stay as he is now, and never age. Little does Dorian know, but the wish was fulfilled by the Egyptian Cat. Lord Henry explains to Dorian that he should seek a hedonistic view on life, and only live for pleasure and nothing else. Dorian gives Lord Henry's words a thought and walks into the "Half-World" of the city and wanders into the "Two Turtles Tavern", and sees Sibyl Vane sing her famous song "Goodbye Little Yellow Bird" and instantly falls in love with Sibyl Vane, but little does Dorian know, that good things do not last forever.

I enjoyed this version of "The Picture of Dorian Gray", because it stays close to the storyline that the book had. The other versions change the storyline too much for me, and just isn't the same. I would recommend this version of the film because in my opinion, its the best version that has been made to date. The director, Albert Lewin, used several elements of film, he used lighting, music, camera angles, and was one of the first directors to use color in certain parts of the film. As I watched this version of the film, "Goodbye Little Yellow Bird" became stuck in my head and I wanted to watch the film from beginning to end.

I would recommend this version of the film to anyone that has either read the book, or is a fan of horror or suspense films. "The Picture of Dorian Gray" is a classic film that will be appreciated for many years to come. In   my three categories, first starting off with the overall rating, I would give this film a 9. In the second category, which is the plot rating, meaning the rating I give the story line, would receive a 9 as well. in the third and final category, character roles,  which is how I believe the actors portrayed as the characters in the film performed their role, would receive a 9. Overall the film was enjoyable and is something that I will watch again in the future.

Casablanca (1942) Movie Review

Casablanca was directed by Michael Curtiz in 1942 and the main characters are Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart)  Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman) Victor Lazlo (Paul Henreid) Sam (Dooley Wilson) and Louis Renault (Claude Rains). Casablanca has a run time of 102 minutes and is considered one of the great "Film Noire" movies.

When Casablanca starts off you start to hear the story of Rick Blaine and his american themed cafe in the country of Morocco. Rick was exiled from the United States, and is a former freedom fighter. Rick comes across two letters of transit from German couriers, and the Germans come into Casablanca looking for information leading to the capture of the men who killed the German couriers and took the letters of transit. The Germans and the french police including Louis Renault formulate a plan to find the murderers by looking at Ricks cafe, stating that everyone comes to Ricks cafe since it is the most popular night spot in the city. We learn that during the German Occupation of Paris, Ilsa Lund and Rick were in a romantic relationship, and we hear one of the most famous quotes in the movie, "Heres looking at you kid."-Rick Blaine. The letters of transit stolen from the dead couriers guarantee safe travel from Casablanca to the United States via air travel. The plan was for Rick and Ilsa to use the letters of transit to travel to the United States, but everything doesnt go exactly to plan.

I enjoyed the movie and thought that the movie was one of the best film noire movies that i have ever seen. The actors in the movie played their roles very well and the story included humor, drama, action, and a well written plot. The director used various elements into the movie, such as lighting, and music. During the movie, you will see dark lighting, the use of shadows, and numerous camera angles. During the movie, you hear the classic song " As time Goes by", played by Sam in Ricks diner.

I would recommend this movie to anybody that is a fan of film noire movies, or a fan of classic movies.  Casablanca has remained one of the best classic movies to date, and numerous films and television shows have allusions to this movie. In my three categories, first starting with the overall film score it would recieve a 9 in the overall category, and is a movie that you can watch over and over again. In the plot category i would rate the movie a 9.5 because the plot is very believable and the storyline is well written. In the final category, which is character roles, i would rate the movie a 10 because all of the characters play a very convincing role, and they make Casablanca one of the classic movies that have been made to date.

My Grading Rubric for Movie Reviews

My Grading Rubric: I will be grading in three categories with a scale of 1-10, Overall movie rating, which is what i think of the whole movie, rating of the movies plot, which is my rating of how the story plays out, and character rating which is how i feel that the characters played in the movie play a believable role, and how i feel that the actors played the role