All Quiet on the Western Front

Itwas 1930, World
WarIIhadnotstarted, and the Oscar goes to All Quiet on the Western Front. Lewis Milestone's adaption of Erich Maria Remarque's novel based on the trials and tribulationsa groupof naive German adolescents face during their tour in World War I. This is what all epics should aspire to. It was grandest of grandest and demonstrated over-top effects that had to be ground breaking for its time. The director created massive, life-like battle scenes with in-your-face explosions.

The basic story dealt with German high school students who enlisted in the military because the idea of war was romanticized by their teacher. Once in the midst of war (especially the losing side) and tragedy, they all, one by one, quickly come to realize that war is much more than theglorious rewards that were promised to themfrom their schoolyard. Their was hunger, and cold and the worst part - death.

The direction and cinematography were splendid. The acting, however, I found to be a little mediocre. There were some intense scenes that I felt were a little flat, maybe slightly bordering on funny. Overall, it was a very good film depicting a then recent moment in history with raw emotion and sincerity. I do seem some relation to modern times. There were so many young people who joined the military post 9/11 to avenge their country, only to lose their lives tragically.

Broadway Melody

Ok folks! Here comes my first review of a Best Picture Winner; Broadway Melody, the second recipient of the statuette and the first musical to receive the honor

I was extremely hesitant to watching this movie. Not because it was a musical, but because it was 1928. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the it quality. Don't get me wrong the black and white footage, was graining and the sound not as crisp as today's standards, but the story was interesting and acting was believable.

The story centered around the Mahoney sisters , Hank (Bessie Love) and Queenie (Anita Page) trying to make their break on Broadway. This made me wonder if Maurine Dallas Watkins was influenced at all by this movie when she wrote the original play version of Chicago.

Hank, the older sister is engaged to a broadway star, who happens to be in love with Queenie, the prettier younger sister. I know what you are thinking; seems like a classic Hollywood story line. Only it is not a cliche here, because this is an old Hollywood movie.

The settings and stage sequences were exceptional, very large and impressive. My one complaint would be regarding to the big musical number, "The Wedding of the Painted Doll". This was originally filmed in technicolor, but was replaced in black and white for the movie. I would have been really interested in seeing some color thrown into the movie. Some would argue, that "throwing" in one scene of color would be distracting, and I understand this areguement.

If you are like classic movies, and have not seen this one, I highly recommend it.