Note: This post is written under the assumption that you, the reader, will have a working knowledge of the 1982 film version of Annie. If you've never seen it or are entirely unfamiliar with how that little story goes, turn back now. Go watch it. Then come back. You'll thank me later. Y'all... Why does … Continue reading Miss Hannigan
Film
AFI #16 – Sunset Boulevard
Sunset Boulevard 1950 Directed by Billy Wilder Netflix says... Running from debt collectors, screenwriter Joe Gillis stumbles upon the crumbling mansion of former silent-film star Norma Desmond. As he begins penning a comeback screenplay for her, their professional relationship evolves into something more. Oh, good. More noir... I'm still not sure I'm a fan of … Continue reading AFI #16 – Sunset Boulevard
AFI #18 – The General
The General 1926 Directed by Clyde Bruckman & Buster Keaton Netflix says... Rejected by the Confederate Army, Johnnie Gray sets out to single-handedly win the war with his cherished locomotive in this classic silent film. When Northern spies steal his train, the intrepid Johnnie takes on the entire Union army to get it back. Aww … Continue reading AFI #18 – The General
After Seeing Wonder Woman
A week ago, I saw Wonder Woman in IMAX 3D. It was wonderful. Five days ago, on a whim, I decided to see it again. This time, I went to a cheaper matinee with a standard 2D viewing. It was still wonderful. Two days ago, I saw it again with a group of friends. It … Continue reading After Seeing Wonder Woman
AFI #19 – On the Waterfront
On the Waterfront 1954 Directed by Elia Kazan Netflix says... Winner of eight Oscars, director Elia Kazan's classic morality tale stars Marlon Brando as Terry Malloy, a has-been boxer who experiences a crisis of conscience while working for mobbed-up union boss Johnny Friendly (Lee J. Cobb). Terry turns a blind eye when Friendly's thugs kill … Continue reading AFI #19 – On the Waterfront
AFI #20 – It’s a Wonderful Life
It's a Wonderful Life 1946 Directed by Frank Capra Netflix says... It's a wonderful film. Frank Capra's inverted take on A Christmas Carol stars Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey, a good man who's spent a lifetime giving up on his dreams in order to keep life in his small town humming. When a guardian angel … Continue reading AFI #20 – It’s a Wonderful Life
AFI #21 – Chinatown
Chinatown 1974 Directed by Roman Polanski Netflix says... With a suspicious femme fatale bankrolling his snooping, private eye J. J. Gittes uncovers intricate dirty dealings in the Los Angeles waterworks and gets his nose slashed for his trouble in director Roman Polanski's complex neo-noir classic. So... if it's filmed in color, does that make it … Continue reading AFI #21 – Chinatown
AFI #23 – The Grapes of Wrath
The Grapes of Wrath 1940 Directed by John Ford Netflix says... Tom Joad, a Depression-era everyman, leads his poor family on a harrowing journey from Oklahoma's Dust Bowl to the promised land of California in this adaptation of John Steinbeck's classic novel. I remember watching this in high school. It was during my 11th grade … Continue reading AFI #23 – The Grapes of Wrath
AFI #25 – To Kill a Mockingbird
To Kill a Mockingbird 1962 Directed by Robert Mulligan Netflix says... Southern comforts abound in this big-screen adaptation of Harper Lee's novel as lawyer Atticus Finch (Gregory Peck, in an Oscar-winning role) defends an innocent black man (Brock Peters) against rape charges but ends up in a maelstrom of hate and prejudice. Meanwhile, with help … Continue reading AFI #25 – To Kill a Mockingbird
AFI #32 – The Godfather, Part II
The Godfather, Part II 1974 Directed by Francis Ford Coppola Netflix says... The Corleone family roots are explored, tracing Don Vito's journey from Sicily to a life of organized crime in New York. In a parallel story, his grown son Michael extends operations to Cuba and contends with more betrayal and murder. Y'all. This movie … Continue reading AFI #32 – The Godfather, Part II
The Confusing Middle 