Last Week I Saw… Moonstruck, Black Christmas, The War Game etc.

I confess. I watched a lot of films last week. Among them, there were (also) a lot of shorts; at first, I wanted to include them into this list but it would become too long, so here are the opinions only on features.

Moonstruck (1987)

Director: Norman Jewison

I am a bit baffled by this film. To my mind, the story is not outstanding, nothing happens in the movie. Sadly, I find nothing charming in it and I don't get its status of a loved romantic comedy. It was not awful though. I enjoyed Cher's acting but I still have my doubts about her Oscar win for exactly this part. (3/5)

Black Christmas (1974)

Director: Bob Clark

This one is a pretty solid holiday horror hyphen thriller but it drags a bit. However, the use of the camerawork is very good, while the young and unknown cast make it all believable. The mysterious maniac figure is rather scary, and the ending it top-notch. (3.5/5)

Scream 4 (2011)

Director: Wes Craven

The last of the famous series, the fourth installment is quite laughable at times but I guess it strives for being that way. I found Neve Campbell's acting most mature in this film, which brings her character more layers. At first, I thought the film was terribly ridiculous but now I understand that I still enjoyed it. (3.5/5)

Mary Poppins (1964)

Director: Robert Stevenson

I wanted to see this classic for a while and finally I did. It's a must-see for every film fan because it's Walt Disney Productions and because it's the sweet-voiced Julie Andrews. I was not aware that they used animation for this one, too, so it was a surprise. Mary Poppins is a full-fledged musical, not like they sing one or two songs; they actually spend quite much time, singing and dancing, so be prepared, if you are not a musical fanatic. Bottom line, Julie Andrews was awesome. Without a doubt. Her co-stars Dick Van Dyke, David Tomlison and Glynis Johns did a great job as well, while kid actors were nicely funny. (3.5/5)

Scream 3 (2000)

Director: Wes Craven

I think that you can read my commentary to Scream 4 to know what I think of this one. However, I think I liked this one a sliver more than its follower. (3.5/5)

The Palm Beach Story (1942)

Director: Preston Sturges

Preston Sturges is one of those filmmakers who make movies in their own style. That's probably why he is considered to be one of the greatest directors of classic comedy. The Palm Beach Story is a cute motion picture, starring the simply amazing Claudette Colbert and Joel McCrea. However, it makes me a bit upset that I couldn't fall in love with this film. Yes, it's funny, it's classic but it isn't even close to approach my top 100 list of all-time favorites. Recommended though. (3.5/5)

The War Game (1965)

Director: Peter Watkins

It may be considered a short film (48 min.) but I choose to regard it as a feature documentary, which by the by won the Oscar as the Best Documentary. However, the events depicted in this film never happened. On the contrary, The War Game reflects on the effects of the nuclear war in Great Britain. The film is quite heartbreaking. Of course, the visual effects and makeup were not as advanced as nowadays but this pseudo-documentary still affected me a lot. Must-see. Seriously, watch it. (4/5)

Sullivan's Travels (1941)

Director: Preston Sturges

This is my favorite film by the director so far. It is a delightful comedy but what I liked the most about it is its direct connection to the movie industry. In fact, the story is centered on a Hollywood director and his beliefs that people, living during the Depression, don't need comedy. It's easy to figure that it's worth of your attention. I won't fully reveal my favorite scene from Sullivan's Travels but I will vaguely share that it is connected with the show of Walt Disney's cartoon Playful Pluto (1934). In addition, it is my first film, starring Veronica Lake, and she is so beautiful! If you have a chance, don't miss this delightful and meaningful comedy. (4/5)

Scream 2 (1997)

Director: Wes Craven

I liked it. (4/5)

A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)

Director: Wes Craven

After not watching horror for almost entire life, I can't help but love those kind of scary movies. A Nightmare on Elm Street is not excessively scary but it has its jumpy moments and Freddy Krueger himself embodies one of the creepiest villains ever. I also can't even express how glad I was to see Johnny Depp's first film; you all know that he is my favorite actor. It was sort of strange to see him in such a normal part. Overall, the film is a horror classic and I loved it. (4/5)

And the best film that I saw last week was…

The Purple Rose of Cairo (1985)

Director: Woody Allen

Second week in a row, the best film I watch is Woody's. However, there is no oddity in such constancy. Woody's greatest skill is combining reality and fantasy in extremely cozy way that it doesn't even seem to be unnatural. I loved about this very film that in some way it was about another film. Mia Farrow is brilliant and a delight to watch, while both Jeff Daniels and Danny Aiello give excellent supporting performances. Woody is a true artist, and I came to understanding that I was totally wrong, not liking Annie Hall (1977), which was my first film by this director. Thus, I recommend everyone to watch The Purple Rose of Cairo. (4.5/5)

Which films have you seen out of this list? Are there any that you would like to watch? What are your thoughts?