Movie Review: The Maltese Falcon

Stars: 4 out of 5
Pros: Twists and surprises to a classic mystery

Cons: Too fast paced, dated acting

The Bottom Line:

Story changed genre

Movie making is dated

It's still worth watching

Follow Sam Spade on the Trail of the Maltese Falcon

Three and a half years ago, I listened to Dashiel Hammet's classic novel The Maltese Falcon on tape.  I fully intended to watch the movie so I could compare the two.  Flash forward in time, and some friends invite me over to watch this classic film.  Yep, that was the first time I finally saw it.  But I must say I mostly enjoyed it.

It's mid-afternoon when a woman (Mary Astor) walks into the detective agency of Sam Spade (Humphrey Bogart) and Miles Archer (Jerome Cowan) with a tale of a wayward sister she wants them to track down.  This sister has taken up with a no good named Thursby.  Archer agrees to do the stake out and hopefully follow Thursby to the sister.

In the middle of the night, Spade is wakened by a phone call.  Archer has been shot.  A little later, Thursby is also shot.  The police seem intent on pinning one of those crimes, if not both, on Spade.  Meanwhile, the client has disappeared and a man (Peter Lorre) holds Spade a gun point demanding the Maltese Falcon.  What in the world is going on?

Since the story from the book isn't fresh in my mind, I can't say for sure how closely the movie follows the book, but it has to be pretty close.  I remembered most scenes as they happened.  And as the movie advanced, I started the dread the final couple of scenes, which I remembered as being drawn out way too long in the book.  Either my memory was wrong or they condensed them for the movie because they moved much faster here.  One time a plot element came up that never made any sense to me, but for the most part I was able to follow as Sam got from point A to point Z.

And the story does keep moving.  You are just given enough time to process the latest clue or revelation before moving on to the next one.

This is a rather dark film, and I'm not referring to it's black and white picture.  In fact, this story and character were the foundation of the noir genre of books and film.  While today the loner PI who gets involved with a sad case because of a pretty dame is a cliche, it wasn't when this movie was made in 1941.  So try to view it with fresh eyes.  Even with the cliches in mind, the characters do work.

The biggest problem with the film is the acting.  It suffers at times from the overacting that was prevalent in many films of the age.  It seems to hit everyone at one time or another.  Yes, even Humphrey Bogart.  The worst offender is Mary Astor who over reacts to everything.  This is worst when she is called on to get hysterical.  Her overacting makes the climax less than it could have been, in fact.

Another problem is the speed of the dialogue.  Mind you, I love fast, witty dialogue.  But here, it is fast for no reason.  And people are often responding to something before the last line really has time to sink in.  There's a big revelation, and Sam is off about how that changes everything instead of taking five seconds to let it sink in.  Or my favorite example, Sam has just asked a probing question.  After giving the suspect one second (literally) to think about it, he starts in on him for not responding at all.

But this isn't to say all the acting was bad.  In fact, there were some brilliant moments involving the supporting cast.  Lee Patrick is great as Sam's secretary Effie.  And Elisha Cook, Jr. has some perfect reactions as Wilmer.  The rest of the cast does fine most of the time.  It just could have been better over all.

Despite my complaints, there is a reason The Maltese Falcon is a classic.  The story is good and the characters are strong.  It changed detective stories in a huge way.  And for that reason alone, it deserves a place in our cinematic history.

TV Show Review: Veronica Mars - Season 3

Stars: 4 out of 5
Pros: Stories, acting, sarcasm

Cons: Adult subjects, too much soap

The Bottom Line:

Not strongest season

Sub-par Veronica still

Is enjoyable

Alas, Veronica Mars, We Hardly Knew You

This set contains the third and final season of Veronica Mars. To be honest, I'm surprised that this show made it through three seasons because the ratings were so low. However, I am highly disappointed this show didn't last longer because I love it so much.

Those unfamiliar with the series could jump in here. In this seasons, teenage sleuth Veronica Mars (Kristen Bell) leaves the world of high school behind and enters college. Most of the supporting cast comes along for the ride, but the situations are all new. Having said that, the solution to the season long mystery of season two would be spoiled if you started here. So, while a new viewer could jump in here, I wouldn't recommend it.

Veronica is a freshman at Hearst College, located in her home town of Neptune, California. She had wanted to get out of Neptune, but finances didn't come together and she had to stay. In fact, she is living with her father Keith (Enrico Colantoni) to save money. Keith is a PI in town, and Veronica sometimes helps him. When she's not solving cases on her own.

For example, best friend Wallace's (Percy Daggs III) new roommate Piz (Chris Lowell) is robbed of his stuff as soon as he arrives on campus. Can Veronica track down the "Welcome Wagon?" Boyfriend Logan (Jason Dohring) discovers money is missing from his trust fund. Something weird is going on at a sorority house. Veronica and her friend Mac (Tina Majorino) go undercover to find a missing monkey. And, in a bit of stunt casting, Patty Hearst plays a member of the board trustees for Hearst college who disappears right before a crucial vote.

The first two seasons have had a season long mystery (or two) that Veronica was also working on solving. This time around, there are two shorter arcs. The first involves a serial rapist that is preying on women at the college and then shaving their heads. Veronica has just solved that when dean Cyrus O'Dell (Ed Begley, Jr.) is found dead in his office.

And, as if all this weren't enough, we get plenty of personal drama. Wallace is struggling to keep his grades up in engineering and keep his basketball scholarship. And poor Veronica faces a love triangle when her relationship with Logan hits snags just as Piz begins pursuing her. What's a girl to do?

The reason I fell in love with this show on day one was the smart writing. The mysteries are great. Most of the time, they keep this mystery lover guessing until the end. This not only applies to the bigger mysteries but to the individual episode mysteries as well. Heck, there were a couple where I had to watch them twice to make sure I followed everything. But everything was indeed there logically laid out. I just missed it.

Adding to the great writing is the wit. The show has a noir feeling, and can be dark at times as a result. To help lighten the tone, Veronica has a sarcastic streak that I love. And we get it not only in her retorts to the other characters but also in her voice over narration.

Finally, I love the characters. Not only are they expertly drawn, but the cast does a great job of bringing them to life. There's no doubt about it, these are real people. Kristen Bell especially leads the way in remarkable acting. And her scenes with TV dad Enrico Colantoni are amazing.

I do have a couple complaints about this season, however. While there was always a bit of teenage angst soap opera to the show, it seemed to be more pronounced this season. I don't mind a little, but I tune in to watch the mystery, not to watch the romances.

The show was always dark, dealing with some very adult topics. That really intensified here, especially due to the rape storyline. While it didn't bother me most of the time, there were a few times it seemed a bit too much. This is definitely a show for adults and older teens and not for kids.

Season three was slightly shorter, but this set contains all 20 episodes. In the way of extras, we've got such standards as delete scenes, gag reels, and behind the scenes bits with cast and crew. The real bonus feature is the pitch for season 4. In an attempt to give the series new life, creator Rob Thomas pitched the CW the idea of skipping ahead a few years to follow Veronica in the FBI. That idea didn't work out, but here we get to see what might have been.

This is yet another exhibit of why I love DVDs. I will miss getting new episodes of Veronica Mars. But at least I can enjoy this sly combination of wit and noir that was season three whenever I want.

Oh, and can I just tell you how excited I am about the new movie that's in the works?  So can not wait!!!!

Movie Review: Guilty Conscience

Stars: 3 out of 5

Pros: The acting and story

Cons: The DVD itself

The Bottom Line:

The poor DVD

Makes this excellent movie

Barely watchable

Anthony Hopkins in a Made for TV Movie

Arthur Jamison (Anthony Hopkins) is a brilliant and successful criminal defense attorney. There's just one problem. His wife Louise (Blythe Danner) has decided to file for divorce and is planning to milk him for all he is worth. Since Arthur doesn't want that, he needs to figure out a way to kill her. But, being the attorney he is, he knows that he'd be the first suspect. While he plots various ways to bring about her demise, his mistress (Swoosie Kurtz) shows up unexpectedly. Now what will Arthur do?

This is an interesting little known made for TV movie from the mid-80's. It feels like a low budget film with dark sets and cameras that stay in one place instead of cutting for lots of shots. In fact, it almost feels like a play since almost all of it takes place in Arthur and Louise's house. There are a few scenes that take place outside their home, but they are the exception, not the rule. Still, the movie never feels claustrophobic but uses the limited number of sets to great advantage.

Arthur, Louise, and the mistress are the only real characters in the film. Naturally, that means that the success or failure rests solely on these three actors. All three do a great job. The film was made before Anthony Hopkins was well known, but it is easy to see why he went on to great success. Blythe Danner and Swoosie Kurtz have both gone on to long, successful careers as well, and it's easy to see why from their work here.

The plot is hard to discuss without giving anything away. We get several sequences of Arthur's plots to kill his wife and then the cross examination he images he'll have when the case goes to trial. I was getting a little bored with the movie, but half way through there's a great twist that grabbed my interest for the remainder of the film.

While the movie itself is 5 stars, I had to take a couple off for the DVD transfer. The one I watched was done by Platinum Disc Corporation, and it's absolutely horrid. The picture looks like it is a third of fourth generation VHS recording. You know those old videos you've watched over and over again? Yep, that's what you get here. There are even occasional tracking problems for a couple seconds. The transitions at the original commercial breaks are jarring due to amateurish editing. I'll freely admit, this probably contributed to the low budget feeling of the movie I mentioned earlier. The disc does include a five question trivia challenge and a biography of Anthony Hopkins, and that's all in the way of extras.

I don't know if other DVD versions are better, but this one was disappointing. Guilty Conscience itself is highly recommended. Just be prepared for the poor quality of the disc.

Book Review: The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett

Stars: 3 out of 5

Pros: Interesting story, strong main character

Cons: Pacing slow at the end, writing style needed some polish

The Bottom Line:

Famous noir novel

Doesn't quite stand up today

But still a good read

A Genre Defining Novel

It's a normal afternoon when a beautiful woman walks into the private eye office of Sam Spade and his partner Miles Archer. She shared with them a tale of woe about a sister who has run off with a horrible man. The woman hires them to follow this man, and Archer jumps at the job.

Spade is awakened that night to learn that Archer has been murdered. A little while later, their target is also murdered. The police are intent to place the blame for one of these to crimes squarely on Spade's shoulders, a thought he doesn't relish in the least.

It's the next morning when the client walks back into the office. Sam quickly learns that her real name is Brigid O'Shaughnessy. But she still claims to be in real trouble, with men after her. It's very slowly Spade learns that she is involved in a quest to gain a statue worth millions. Many people would kill to gain this statue. Is Sam in over his head? Who has the statue? And who really killed Miles Archer?

Anyone who reads my reviews knows I prefer the cozy or comic mystery over the noir genre. But my curiosity about this classic got the better of me, so I listened to it on tape on a recent car trip. There were parts I enjoyed, but over all, it felt a little empty to me.

Of course, part of that could be the time difference. When the book first came out in 1930, the loner PI who struggles with his conscience while smoking and drinking his way through a case wasn't a cliche. In fact, Spade has many literary sons in the PI's of page and screen over the last 65 years. Even though he's now a cliche, I found I actually grew to like Sam and wanted him to find a way out of this mess alive. His quick wits and smart deductions made me like him, even if his moral flaws turned me off.

The storyline was interesting as well. There were several nice twists that I halfway expected but wasn't completely certain about. Others caught me completely off guard. There was enough action to hold my attention most of the time. Ironically, as the book neared its climax, the story seemed to slow down. The last two chapters, especially, were much slower then I would have liked.

The writing style seemed choppy to me as well. Since I listened to the book instead of reading it, some of the fault may lie with the reader. Still, the final scene seemed overly melodramatic to me. And at times, the dialogue was choppy as one character was monologing when it felt natural for another person in the scene to respond to what they were saying.

Of course, I'm more then willing to admit, the biggest problem with The Maltese Falcon could have been me. My natural dislike of PI novels could have made me pickier when evaluating it. Those who enjoy the genre should certainly give this undisputed classic a chance. The rest of us will likely not be as enthralled by the tale, although there's certainly no harm in its consumption.

Movie Review: Niagara

Stars: 4 out of 5

Pros: Mostly great acting in an engaging story

Cons: A little bit of overacting and a couple plot holes

The Bottom Line:

A couple plot holes

In an other wise great plot

Should be better known

"You're Young and in Love.  But Don't Let it Get Out of Hand Like Those Falls."

During a recent run of noir movies on Turner Classic Movies, I ran across Niagara.  I’d never heard of the film before, but I was quite curious to see it starred Marilyn Monroe as the fem fatal.  Intrigued, I watched it, and I’m glad I did.

Polly Cutler (Jean Peters) and her husband Ray (Max Showalter, but credited as Casey Adams) are finally getting away for a belated honeymoon.  When they go to check in to their cabin at Niagara Falls, they find that the previous occupants haven’t cleared out yet.  Wife Rose Loomis (Marilyn Monroe) explains that her husband is quite sick and is finally asleep, so the Cutlers take another available cabin.

That night, they finally meet George (Joseph Cotton) and see that his sickness is more mental.  Or is Rose driving him to it?  It seems Rose has a secret of her own, and just might be plotting to kill her husband.  Will she succeed?  Will Polly and Ray be able to enjoy their honeymoon?

The story starts relatively quickly and the tension keeps increasing.  I was surprised at just how quickly the story unfolded.  There are some nice plot twists along the way as well that kept me engaged.

Likewise, the acting was wonderful. I’m not that familiar with Marilyn Monroe as an actress (this is only the second film I’ve seen her in), but her performance here was strong.  You could see her character’s mind working.  The rest of the main cast is just as good, which is one reason why I got so lost in the story so easily.

While the movie was filmed partially on sound stages in California, it was also partially filmed on location.  That gives the sinister story a gorgeous backdrop.  The Technicolor picture adds to the beauty.

Unfortunately, the film does show it’s 60 year age.  There are some obvious special effects, most noticeably in the climax.  Honestly, I was so caught up in the action that I noticed only in passing.

The bigger issue are a couple of plot holes.  Yes, you can guess how the characters got to where they are, but it is truly never explained.  Those flaws are bigger and more serious to me than dated special effects.  And when I notice them in the middle of the film, it means there is a serious plot problem that should have been addressed.  Yes, I am being vague because discussing them would spoil the film.

And I don’t want to do that because I definitely recommend you see it.  Plot holes aside, you will get caught up in Niagara and enjoy the ride.

TV Show Review: Veronica Mars - Season 1

Stars: 5 out of 5

Pros: Strong writing and acting keep you glued to the story

Cons: Limited extras

The Bottom Line: 

Mystery, intrigue

Mixed with hit and high school

A winning combo

Get Hooked on This Cult Classic Mystery Show Right Here

Here's a chance to catch the best new show of the 2004-2005 TV season - ratings challenged Veronica Mars. Despite the low ratings, the show managed to last 3 seasons.  After watching this, you'll want to watch them all.

In the seaside town of Neptune, California, there are the haves and the have-nots. You're either one or the other with no middle ground. Veronica used to be part of the popular click. But that was before her best friend Lily was murdered, her rich boyfriend Duncan dumped her, and her father lost his job as the town Sheriff because of his handling of Lily's murder investigation. While her dad opened a PI office, her mom split for parts unknown, leaving the two to cope with the changes in town.

Because of her station as a former popular girl, Veronica doesn't fit into either crowd. Fortunately, the detective skills she's learned from her dad help her make friends. Seems like classmates are constantly coming to her to help with little things like bomb scares or missing pets. Even teachers turn to her in times of crisis, like false accusations of statutory rape. Along the way, Veronica begins to pick up pieces of the puzzle of Lily's murder. Will she piece them all together and figure out who really done it?

I tuned into the premier because several friends were planning to watch as well. I was hooked from the start. The show is smart with decent mysteries each week. The clues to the season long mystery of Lily's death were tantalizing as well. The show is definitely shown through Veronica's eyes, with her voiceover narrating events. Veronica has a sarcastic sense of humor that livens things up and keeps the often-serious storyline from becoming too depressing. Newcomer Kristen Bell does an outstanding job in the role, believably hitting all the peaks and valleys each week. It is rather funny to see Zachery Ty Bryant and Jonathan Taylor Thomas show up in guest rolls as high schoolers.

The DVD was rushed out to help build interest in the currently playing season two. As such, the list of extras is small, limited to some deleted scenes and a season long gag reel.

Some of the plot lines are for the more mature, but teens and adults will love this smart, noir drama series. If you haven't watched yet, this set is the perfect chance to find out what you've been missing with Veronica Mars.

Movie Review: The Postman Always Rings Twice (1946)

Stars: 4 out of 5
Pros: Interesting story and great acting pull you in
Cons: Some pacing and a couple moments of acting
Bottom Line:
Amazing acting
Pulls you into this noir tale
Until the ending

"You Suggested It Yourself Once."  "I Was Only Joking."

There are certainly classics of the mystery/noir genre any fan at least recognizes by title.  For me, one of those was The Postman Always Rings Twice.  I decided it was time to learn a bit more about the story thanks to the classic black and white 1946 movie, which I enjoyed.

The story follows Frank Chambers (John Garfield), a drifter who happens upon a gas station/restaurant outside a coastal California town.  The owner of the restaurant, Nick Smith (Cecil Kellaway), is looking for a hand around the place.  Frank isn’t interested until he meets Cora (Lana Turner).  Suddenly, he’s willing to hire on so he can woo this beautiful woman.  Unfortunately, she happens to be Nick’s much younger wife.

That doesn’t stop Frank, and soon the two are madly in love.  There’s just the problem of Nick.  Soon they have decided to kill Nick so they can live together happily.  But can they get away with it if they even succeed?

I’m going say no more about the plot since there were a couple twists I didn’t know about, and I think I enjoyed it better as a result.  I definitely got pulled into things as I began rooting for Frank and Cora to manage to get a happy ending despite the fact that they are evil people.

I liked the ending.  In some ways, it felt rushed, but really, there would have been nothing served by dragging it out.  The main story was over, and what we got tied up the loose ends well.

The real star of this film is Lana Turner.  She is phenomenal as the femme fatal.  She has the most complex character and she plays Cora brilliantly.  The rest of the characters are less complex, but those actors are great as well. There is a level of acting here you won’t find in many films today.  And the romance between Frank and Cora sizzles with just glances and kisses.

Movies from the 40’s often have an acting style that we’d view as overacting today, and it shows up here.  Yet it’s a minor issue.

I do have a couple of issues with the film.  The pacing could be a bit tighter as a couple of spots seem to drag and a few go by too quickly.  But that could be a different of the era.

My biggest complaint is the title.  Frank has a speech at the end that explains it, but I think the story deserved a better title.  The analogy he uses is a bit tortured, although it does work.  Ironically, it was added to the film to try to explain the title – the book has no explanation at all.  Still, it would have been better worked into the story instead of a lecture at the end.

Minor complaints aside, this is a film noir classic for a reason.  Anyone interested in the genre or classic films will certainly enjoy The Postman Always Rings Twice.