Classic – Mary Poppins – **

On tv because there’s a sequel in the theatre: that other Julie Andrews blockbuster from the sixties.

It’s amazing how much you remember from a movie that you loved as a kid, but haven’t seen in about 35 years or so. And it’s even more amazing how you can still smile with your favorite moments (the I Love To Laugh scene, Michael’s constant stare of amazement, the penguins, …) and how you want to fast forward those scenes that are boring and annoying (all the moments in the bank… )

Re-watching it in 2018 as adult is a challenge. There is just too much music. And the songs are repetitive and terrible. Then there’s Dick Van Dyke, known to be the American actor speaking with the worst British accent ever. As a child, Bert comes across as this fun guy Mary Poppins hangs around with. As an adult, he is annoying as hell. Sure, he tries to ‘honor’ Gene Kelly’s comedic dancing and singing skills. But he fails in every scene. That accent is excruciating.

It’s one of those Disney Classics that didn’t stand the test of time. Not keen on seeing the sequel now.

www.imdb.com/title/tt0058331

 

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A Night To Remember – **1/2

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0051994/

Couldn’t resist renting this 99 cent rental on iTunes as a memory to the Titanic which sunk a hundred years ago. I’m sure I’ve seen this movie before when I was a kid. The sinking of the Titanic has always left a big impression on me, ever since the discovery of the wreck in 1985. I even liked the James Cameron movie back in 1997 and I’m thinking of seeing it again in 3D now. But before I do that, I wanted to watch what is considered the best movie about the horrible event.

The best? I’m not sure. I think Cameron’s Titanic is much more impressive. But this is a great classic that doesn’t bore at all. The special effects are limited. Hey, the actual sinking is a joke. But I liked how the story was told. Very factual and chronological with a certain critique on the class differences that caused so many less-off people to find their death. I also found it interesting to look at the acting in this movie. Since most characters only have brief moments in the movie, they are more extra’s with a few lines than actors. Some just have to look up and say something in distress, which leads to a lot of amateur overacting! But the main actors do what they have to do. Kenneth More is great as the second lieutenant, but especially Michael Goodliffe as the builder of the ship impresses. Not sure if the characters they portray really acted so calm in reality, but they bring a certain calmness to the movie that keeps you intrigued. You know how it will end, but you stay interested in seeing how the passengers might have reacted. After all, we can only guess.

There’s a new BBC series about the event as well, which I haven’t seen. But now’s the time to do so. I may just go to the movies and see Kate and Leo again.

True Grit – **1/2

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0065126/

Since all passengers tell me the new True Grit is nothing compared to the old one, I decided to watch it. Well, whatever the Coen brothers say as it not being a remake but a reinterpretation, it’s a remake! They almost stole scene by scene. Watching the old movie was a bit of a bore because of that, because I had just seen the new version and I still knew everything that happened. Hm.

That said, I liked the old version. It wasn’t half as bad as I thought it would be. Everyone’s acting fine, the humor is funny and it must have been pretty daring in the time it was released. Not sure if John Wayne deserved an Oscar for it. I preferred Jeff Bridges in the new one. But the girl in the old one is better than the new girl. 😉

Anyways. worth watching!