The Late George Apley (1947) starring Ronald Coleman

Thing thing to know before seeing this film is that it's a comedy of manners, satirizing the aristocracy of 1900 Boston in particular. It is based on a Pulizer Prize winning novel from 1938, and a stage play from 1944. Not having read the book or seen the play, I unfortunately can't comment on what was lost in translation.

Ronald Coleman plays a snob, and I found it difficult to like his character as well as the film. The story revolves mainly around Apley's ultra conservative ways, primarily his disapproval of his son and daughter who are both in love with non-Bostonians, which seems utterly absurd. Perhaps that's what's supposed to be funny about it.  One character says to him, "Stop apologizing for sex, George Apley...you didn't invent it! 

After a long talk with his more sensible brother-in-law Roger (Percy Warram) - the most memorable scene in my opinion - Apley eventually comes to accept his children's decisions and dreams  Before Apley's conversion, however, there is much drama between the father, son and daughter that seems to drag.

If the story is mainly about dealing with the changing times, I don't see why this film couldn't have been brought up to date with a modern twist.   There are some really impressive period sets and costumes, but the visuals are not ultimately what you'd want to takeaway from the film. It wasn't nominated for any Oscars, and I'm not surprised. Coleman did win for Best Actor that year, but for another film - A Double Life.

Not a bad film, just average. With Peggy Cummings, Mildred Natwick.

For another blogger's perspective about the film, check out the review here from Bobby Rivers' blog. I'd say he enjoyed the film more than I did!

97 min • 20th Century-Fox

Directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz • 1947

Plastic Galaxy: The Story of Star Wars Toys (2014)

I heard about this new documentary about Star Wars toys from the Now Playing podcast [details here], and immediately wanted to check it out. Like many of the people intereviewed for the documentary, I had a bunch of Star Wars action figures in the early 80s and spent hours playing with them and with my friends' collections. With those toys, I encountered my first experiences being envious and jealous: "how I wish I had that Ewok Village playset!", I remember thinking.  "The Millenium Falcon was so COOL!"  It seemed like an ENORMOUS toy - and my friend Aaron (who I envied) had it! I loved going over to my friend Aaron's -- he had almost every figure. And seeing many of those figures again in the film brought back lots of memories. I loved learning about the history of Kenner and their factories and the stories from the Kenner employees and toy designers. They show lots of early sketches and prototypes of toys that never were made. This is a really cool documentary to watch. The guys on the podcast talked about who they thought the target audience for the documentary is. In my opinion, I think you'll enjoy this film if:

1) You're a Star Wars fan

2) You had and played with the toys /action figures

3) You are a toy collector interested in learning more about the history of these collectibles.


Everyone else might be bored!

Mockingjay, Part 1 (2014)

This new installment could be my new favorite of the series, reminding me of the some of the best war stories about resistance fighters.   Jennifer Lawrence, as Katniss, really impressed me in this one. I liked how she struggles with her new identity as the voice of the revolution, and how she has to accept that her life as she used to know is over. There were so many good parts; my favorite might be was when Katniss sings her blues song "Hanging Tree" and the rebels take it on as their anthem. Philip Seymour Hoffman was good in it too. The music by James Newton Howard is good.

Mike Nichols' passing

Sad to hear that he passed. I wish I knew more about his early comedy work...I'd like to learn more about those days and seek out some old TV clips. And I'm also embarrassed to admit I haven't seen his most acclaimed film in its entirety: The Graduate. My favorite of his films: Working Girl. Least favorite: no explanation necessary:

RIP

Maureen O'Hara receives Honorary Oscar

Yesterday, the Honorary Oscars were handed out at a ceremonial dinner in Hollywood, and one of the recipients was the legendary Maureen O'Hara, star of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, How Green Was My Valley, The Quiet Man, and other classics.

For more coverage and photos from yesterday's event here:

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