Movie Reviews
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The Gnome Mobile (1967)
What Genre Is It? Fantasy/Adventure Why Watch The Gnome Mobile? If you love Disney’s Mary Poppins, you will enjoy The Gnome Mobile. The beloved Mary Poppins’ children, Jane and Michael, return in this springtime film as Elizabeth and Rodney Winthrop who are sent to America to visit their grandfather, D.J. Mulrooney. Mulrooney is a busy lumber tycoon who decides to take his grandchildren on a picnic before heading to an important business meeting. However, things become complicated when Elizabeth claims to see a gnome in the redwood forest. Mulrooney tries to appease his granddaughter by helping the last of the gnomes; the only problem is Mulrooney didn’t expect to deal…
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Jane Eyre (1943)
What Genre Is It? Romance/Drama Why Watch This Version of Jane Eyre? Joan Fontaine plays Jane Eyre in this 1943 adaptation. Joan’s facial expressions (especially the haunting look in her eyes), and her ability to capture the meek nature of Jane Eyre make this particular film version of this timeless classic stand out. Joan Fontaine captures the core of this character so perfectly it is hard to imagine anyone else playing this role more exceptionally during the time of this filming. Complimenting Joan Fontaine’s performance is Orson Welles. His vocal technique and powerful transformation into the domineering, mysterious employer make him an excellent Mr. Rochester. Some might say that Orson…
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Journey to the Center of the Earth (1959)
What Genre Is It? Sci-Fi/Adventure Why Watch the 1959 Journey to the Center of the Earth? Icelandic scientist, Arne Saknussemm, claimed that it was possible for humans to travel to the center of the earth. Unfortunately, his claims were laughed at…that is until he mysteriously disappeared never to be heard from again. Years later, a hidden message from Arne falls into the hands of a geology professor, Sir Oliver Lindenbrook (James Mason), and his assistant, Alexander McKuen (Pat Boone). Surprised but delighted by the discovery, the two men decide to test Arne’s theory themselves. Sir Oliver writes a paper and submits it to Professor Göteborg–hoping to receive input from this…
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The Time Machine (1960)
What Genre Is It? Sci-Fi Adventure For being a 1960s Sci-Fi Adventure film, this classic has stood the test of time. While it is not the most accurate depiction of this literature story, the changes give this film version a more hopeful tone than that of the original novella by H.G. Wells. Also, the special effects were well done for a film from this time. Why Watch The Time Machine? Rod Taylor stars as scientist George Wells. George dreams of conquering the laws of physics and traveling through time. He invites his scientific friends over for dinner during the year 1899 to discuss the possibility of traveling through the fourth…
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Christmas in Connecticut (1945)
What Genre Is It? Comedy/ Romance Why Watch Christmas in Connecticut? Get ready to laugh as columnist Elizabeth Lane (Barbara Stanwyck) prepares to spend the Christmas holiday in a way she never imagined. Elizabeth writes one of the most adored magazine columns titled the “Diary of a Housewife”. Housewives all over the country read this column for inspiration and wisdom. In fact, Elizabeth’s readers are so involved with her column, they rush to provide her with whatever it is she writes that she needs. Another reason Elizabeth Lane is so popular is because of her kitchen skills. Her recipes make sailors dream of having a home cooked meal from her…
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Desk Set (1957)
What Genre Is It? Romance/Comedy Why Watch Desk Set? The Reference Department is buzzing with excitement as Bunny (Katharine Hepburn), Sylvia (Dina Merrill), Peg (Joan Blondell), and Ruthie (Sue Randall) keep up with the holiday reference questions. However, a surprise visit from Methods Engineer, Richard Sumner (Spencer Tracy), has the office suspicious. Richard has been hired to install a computer in the Reference Department, but he’s been ordered not to share the details with the librarians. Tape measure in hand, Richard Sumner takes inventory of the reference space utilized by the ladies, and he continues his research by observing how efficient the four fun-loving librarians are. Meanwhile, Bunny, the manager…
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Scrooge (1970)
What Genre Is It? Musical/Fantasy Why Watch This Version of A Christmas Carol? Scrooge stars Albert Finney, Alec Guinness, Kenneth More, Suzanne Neve, Laurence Naismith, and Michael Medwin. If you are familiar with classic British stars, you are probably familiar with these talented actors. Overall, Scrooge remains true to Charles Dickens’ novella A Christmas Carol. However, this adaptation is unique and illuminates this beloved story by combining it with many wonderful musical numbers. There is also an additional scene with Marley at the end of the film. (Note, for those who have not read this tale, this ending scene with Marley and Scrooge was not in the original story; however,…
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Miracle on 34th Street (1947)
What Genre Is It? Comedy/Drama Why Watch Miracle on 34th Street? Miracle on 34th Street is a classic Christmas film that highlights the importance of friendship, hope, and love. Starring Edmund Gwenn, Maureen O’Hara, Natalie Wood, and John Payne, this film captures the heart and soul of the holiday season. Doris Walker (Maureen O’Hara) wants to protect her young daughter, Susan Walker (Natalie Wood) from unrealistic expectations. Doris has one belief: that life must be viewed from a completely realistic perspective in order to avoid disappointment. According to Doris, fairy tales, lullabies, and the imagination are harmful to children—as such fantasies only lead to future disappointments. However, when Doris meets…
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Undercurrent (1946)
What Genre Is It? Noir/Thriller Why Watch Undercurrent? Katherine Hepburn, Robert Taylor, Robert Mitchum, Marjorie Main, and Edmund Gwenn star in this thrilling noir. Ann Hamilton (Katherine Hepburn) adores her father (Edmund Gwenn) and enjoys helping him with his work. She is happy with her single life until one night when Alan Garroway (Robert Taylor) comes to see her father about a business venture. Suddenly, romance blossoms, and before long, Ann agrees to marry Alan. The newlywed couple set off for their home in Washington, D.C. Ann’s life seems perfect at first. Until, Alan pushes her in front of his society without first allowing her to prepare. She comes across…
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The Big Sleep (1946)
What Genre Is It? Noir/Crime Why Watch The Big Sleep? Philip Marlowe (Humphrey Bogart) finds himself caught in the midst of blackmail, murder, love, and mystery in this classic Noir. When asked by General Sternwood to investigate a blackmail case involving his youngest daughter, Carmen Sternwood, Philip Marlowe thought the case routine. However, after the blackmailer is murdered, Marlowe is baffled—even more so when the body just disappears. There are only two clues– both in the blackmailer’s living room: a statue with a hidden camera (but no film) and a clueless Carmen who was in the room when the murder happened (but not in a clear state of mind). The…
