High Noon

Gary Cooper, Grace Kelly, Tex Ritter songs....need I say more? The classic arch-type Western. Or is it? Honorable lawman versus the yellow-bellied outlaws....a mismatch, showdown in the streets......yet justice prevails.

Despite technical difficulties (thanks Netflix) and a tick infestation of epic proportions (thanks Stella and Managua), we were quite distracted trying to watch this great, albeit short, Western classic.

Thanks to a glitchy DVD and a dog littered with ticks, I had a hard time taking in the subtleties of this flick. Yet, it is interesting to note, in 1952, as the Cold War escalated, how Gary Cooper personified the increasingly lonely global struggle against the evil Communist menace. Or, was it a statement against the stifling blacklist that had begun in Hollywood? Instead, perhaps it was just a simple Western tale of Good vs. Evil?

At any rate, Gary Cooper bounces around town, looking for a posse, for a fight that can't be won, a fight for honor, for justice sake.....and there aren't any takers. Instead, through the 'real time' of this short film, an hour and a half slice of time from the 19th century Wild West, we learn a lot about human motivation, vice, and virtue (or lack thereof) that pervade society today, as seen in pretty much any struggle you care to examine.

Much to my surprise, High Noon is not some cliche B-Western that happened to have a marquee name in Gary Cooper. Instead, it is a thought-provoking film that ages like fine wine. Easily one of the best 5 Westerns I have seen.

Worth the Hype or Not Worth the Hype? Worth the Hype Definitely. I had my reservations, even about 25-30 minutes into the film. But, the suspense, and the intelligent social commentary, make this a must-see for those interested in the Western genre, as well as overall American cinema. High Noon belongs on the short list of the best Westerns ever made.

Well....I finally saw The Godfather!

I know, I know...where have I been all these years? This entry will probably be a waste of time for most of you. You don't need someone to tell you how great this movie is. Just in case, some 35 or so years later, I'm here to tell you that it is one of the top 5 movies of all-time.

The acting, the cinematography, the directing, everything..... I know Brando's performance as Don Vito Corleone is now cliche, but it is superb nonetheless. The movie starts with a bang with the whole 'I'll show you!' scene with the pompous movie director that doesn't want to play nice with mobsters.....The look on his face when he discovers that he's cuddling with the severed head of his half-million dollar thoroughbred.....Classic.

Or Pacino, as a baby-faced up and coming mobster, slowly transforming from an idealistic war hero, to a calculating cold-blooded killer, as he becomes 'The Godfather'. Caan's supporting role as the hot-headed older brother is solid, although his exchanges with Talia Shire, the battered sister, are the weakest moments of the film. Indeed, Shire can bring down practically any movie (see Rocky I-XVIII) I particularly like the use of Italian throughout the film, as it lends an authenticity that cannot be overlooked. Most directors aren't that brave anymore, fearing they will lose the mainstream.

I can't imagine how breathtaking this film was when it was originally released.

At any rate, since I've hatched out of my cocoon, vowing to my wife to watch 'all the classics' that I never got around to seeing, I'll be reviewing Lawrence of Arabia next.

Worth The Hype or Not Worth The Hype: Definitely Worth The Hype.....This movie ages like fine chianti. If you haven't seen it, don't be an idiot like me and wait decades.....Go see it immediately!