3orangewhips69 - Tumblr blog

[3orangewhips69]

Strangers on a Train - Dave

Hitchcock’s 33rd movie; 44th , if you count his silent films.  From 1922 through 1972- this guy did almost 1 move per year, some years doing even 2 and 3 movies per year.

This review is a bit choppy, as I wandered from movie review to research student.  My apologies.      

I want so badly to love older movies but struggle to do this each and every time I watch one.  This movie may have struck my intrigue enough to go back and watch some of the classics. 

The movie is worth watching for sure.  Great plot, especially for that time in society where murder was much less common than it is today.  I found it ominous, at times mesmerizing and dark for sure.  I struggled with the character development but the plot was strong enough to pull me through.  Bruno makes a phenomenal Sociopath and this contrast with Guy’s personality is very well played. 

Hitchcock anonymously obtained the rights to this novel (Patricia Highsmith’s) and it seemed as though critics of the time speculated that this was done because his previous three movies were flops (Rope, Under Capricorn, and Stage Fright).  He really wanted to nail this one.

I also learned that he was known for making unfavorable remarks about actors and their value and or lack of value and despite this, many critics saw actors give some of the most brilliant performances on his sets.  “My idea of a good actor or actress is someone who can do nothing very well”

Below is a great quote from him circa 1965 as told to Roger Ebert, film critic:

“Once the screenplay is finished, I'd just as soon not make the film at all. All the fun is over. I have a strongly visual mind. I visualize a picture right down to the final cuts. I write all this out in the greatest detail in the script, and then I don't look at the script while I'm shooting. I know it by heart, just as an orchestra conductor needs not look at the score. It's melancholy to shoot a picture. When you finish the script, the film is perfect. But in shooting it you lose perhaps 40 per cent of your original conception.” 

I’m off to watch Dial M for Murder, Psycho, and The Birds. 

[3orangewhips69]

https://3orangewhips.com/submit

Strangers on a Train has a pace similar to a train ride and in this case a train that has no brake and runs off the rails. The momentum builds strong and steady over the course of the movie to a point where the only way for it to stop is for everything to come crashing down. While this movie doesn’t get as much attention as other Hitchcock movies the storyline or versions of it seems to consistently find its way into dramatic/suspense type movies and TV. A couple life truths the movie highlights - weak willed people like Guy get pushed around, you can’t fix or reason with crazy and nay-nay from strangers stay away.

[3orangewhips69]

Strangers On A Train

Love Hitchcock! Love the way he creates suspense in even the most mundane events. There is certainly a stylistic element that he possessed which not many directors have today. The movie doesn’t spend a lot of time developing the characters before the meat of the story begins. Instead Hitchcock uses the story to define them. The audience is left to figure out how crazy Bruno is along with Guy. While the ending gets weird it never leaves me guessing. That is one thing I would of liked to see. Although, I guess Hitchcock’s style is more about the suspense and less about the surprise or twist at the end. All in all - an enjoyable movie. Just the right tempo and a little crazy to keep it fresh. I would actually like to see this redone today. I think the story would be relevant and still speak to the audience.

[3orangewhips69]

Everybody gotta have a dream

Is this a feel good movie? I really don’t know.. I guess everyone is following their dream. Shug got DJay to love her, Nola found her thing, Shelby and Key got the crack into music they desired, DJay became more than he was even Lexus got away.

So for me this was a really good movie but I didn’t have the emotional connection to DJay finding his voice. I guess you can’t look at the movie as if it is an artist working hard and putting in their time and using that journey to fuel the music they have been working on for a lifetime like 8 Mile. I can’t believe it took a few days, one trick and he had killer lyrics? All of the struggle was on the streets and his life style. But even that was just DJay having others work for him. You need to look at the movie as a story of the struggle for someone that wants out. Someone that believes the grass is greener and they are going to find that green grass not make their own grass look green.

DJay says everybody gotta have a dream but I had no idea music was even his dream until almost half way through. Is DJay a good guy? I don’t know. I find myself rooting for him because it will help the group around him. Can’t afford a mic; have Nola turn a trick, famous rapper won’t listen to your music; kick his ass. Key said it best: “Now, people who talk the talk, when it comes time for them to walk the walk, you know what they do? They talk people like me into walkin' for them.” In this movie, everyone is walking for DJay.

So the movie was enjoyable but not entirely believable.

[3orangewhips69]

3 Burning Questions - Inder

I didn’t really know how to format my review of the 2005 surprise hit Hustle & Flow. So I decided each movie review I’m going to do, I’m going to ask the same 3 questions. A little context with my history and this film, I saw this movie when I was 16 years old. This was the first summer where I had my own license and a job that gave me extra spending money.

The summer 2005 was one of my favorite summers because of freedom and the $7.75 wage I was making at Wal-Mart. I saw Hustle and Flow with my high school group of friends on a Friday. My home town was notorious for having cheap theaters. For $4.75 you can see a new movie every Friday night. My buddies and I, the good kids that we were, saw the new movie almost every Friday from 2004-2007.

Growing up in Chicago and playing basketball, I loved Hip-Hop. The idea of this movie was everything we could ask for and more. Nothing like 7 white suburban Chicago kids and their giant Indian friend trying to build their street cred.

The only thing I remember of how I felt after the movie was sheer cool-ness. I felt cool watching Hustle and Flow. I loved the music. Pimps and Hoes, let’s go! This everything a 16 year old that loves Hip Hop wants.

Watching this for the 2nd time 14 years later, it was different. I watched with a new perspective. I definitely watch movies differently now. I’m looking at direction, cinematography, and actor’s performances. So here’s 3 burning questions from Hustle & Flow that I want to answer.

  Who steals the show?

I have 3 performances that stick out to me. I want to be clear about this question. I don’t attend to answer this question with one of the main characters. I will be looking at supporting performances. The 3 that stand out to me are; Taraji P. Henson (Shug), Ludacris (Skinny Black), and DJ Qualls (Shelby). It was weird seeing a young Teraji P. Henson. I don’t think her performance was an all-timer by any means but she had a few great scenes. One of my favorite scenes is when she hears her own voice on the track. The look on her face will always warm my house. I love a “Trick” with a heart of gold. Ludacris as Skinny Black was a lot of fun. It was one of his first acting performances and was a bit rough but I can’t help but smile when I see Ludacris. My favorite rapper of the early 2000s. Lastly, DJ Qualls as Shelby, the movie needed a token white guy. Not just a white guy a nerdy white guy. And he delivers. He’s likable, down to earth, and talented. He wins over Djay fast.

The winner for me is DJ Qualls. He steals every scene he’s in. There’s nothing like a dorky white guy making music tracks with a pimp. He balances out a lot of the dark things covered in the movie with his good and overall naivety. I found myself laughing and smiling during all of his scenes. He wins. Period.

  What makes this movie standout?

I was going to say that the music stands out the most in this movie, but watching it again in 2019, it has to be the overall feel of the setting. Memphis stands out in this movie. The way the movie was shot makes the movie feel very gritty. I can’t reiterate this enough, I can feel the heat of the south while watching this in November, in Minnesota. The actors are sweating, you can feel the sun. It’s incredible how much Memphis becomes a character in this movie. The movie is about making it out of Memphis while still being from Memphis. Memphis stands out. The feel of physical heat stands out the most for me. It’s beautifully filmed.

  Who wins the movie?

  I think this is a no brainer. Terrance Howard wins this movie. In 2004-2005 Terrance was on the rise after his performances in Crash and Ray. He gained some notoriety especially after Crash. This movie was the first hit he had in which he was the lead. He carries the movie. The movie shouldn’t been a hit but it was. Terrance Howard became a leading man for the back end of the 2000s. You can pin point this is the rise of his stardom. He follows this up with Four Brothers, Get Rich or Die Tryin’, Pride, Iron Man, and so on.

  I could’ve written way more about this but I found myself at about 600 words after my first questions so I decided to calm down! Enjoy. Looking forward to the next one.

[3orangewhips69]

Raw and Real - Dave

This movie was a hidden gem for me.

I believe everyone is given a question mark when their soul is first conceived.  Some live their lives knowing always of it’s existence; yet others walk the earth completely oblivious.  I haven’t figured out yet if some ignore the call, or, if for whatever reason, for some, the call is too hard to hear.  Either way, this movie so clearly illustrates the impact one person has on others when that individual begins to ask themselves the most important of life’s questions (“Who am I?”, “ Why am I here?”, What is the point of all this”?”) 

Beginning to answer those questions has the potential to create a powerful contagion.  When an individual’s question mark(s) begins to haunt them- does it awaken those same archetypal questions inside anyone nearby?  I think this movie asks that question brilliantly.    

Only a fool would misjudge this movie as a one dimensional Rap or Hip Hop film.  No more than The Walking Dead is a Zombie show. For me, 100% believable with no frills- no bells, no whistles.  This theme could have been played out anywhere but I really appreciate the chosen socioeconomic backdrop as well as genre of music. 

Raw and Real through and through.    

Everyone has the potential for Greatness.  Are you doing what you really want to do with your life?     

[3orangewhips69]

Hustle and Flow NRK

I FEEL BAD. I feel bad for the people who immediately write off this movie because they believe it is a story that they won’t be able to connect with. A story about a southern pimp who lays down a rap track and then gets arrested for assaulting Ludicrous. Now who can’t connect with that story?!?! But in all honesty, this is truly a story that applies to everyone who lives their lives. This movie is about a group of people who are struggling with their identity and self-perception. Have you ever had a dream? Have you ever had a mid-life crisis? Have you ever wanted to be something more? That is what this movie delivers. It gives us insight on the struggle that everyone goes through when it comes to answering the question who do I want to be and what do I want to be remembered for. Throw aside the amazing music and standout performances and this movie stands as encouragement and motivation to push through your struggles and daily dilemmas in pursuit of that what you most aspire to do.

Before I dive into the specifics of the movie, I’d just like to talk about a quick observation that I made in the opening three minutes. This is a Tarrantino open! Now, I know that I am a Quentin fanatic, but this movie clearly borrows some of his famous strategies, even down to the font and coloring of the opening credits and title. It opens up with a solo shot and monologue of one of the main characters followed by a car ride and some music to boot that will set the tone for the entire movie. Something that I never really realized but definitely appreciated watching it this time around. Anyways, I digress.

I forgot how much I loved this movie. I was recommended this movie by another one of our members here at 3orangewhips.com and enjoyed it right from the beginning. It does an amazing job of making you empathize with the challenges that D Jay goes through on a daily basis because of many of the reasons that I mentioned in the opening paragraph. Going back and looking through the career of Terrance Howard, you could definitely say that this was his first big time performance in my mind. For me, this is Terrance Howard’s perfect role, playing a guy that is tough on the exterior with demons on the inside.

One of the craziest statements that can be made about Terrance and about this movie is that this is perhaps the 2nd best musical movie that Terrance Howard has been in. August Rush, for those of you who have not seen it is an amazing movie with otherworldly music. However, that is not to say that this movie does not have outstanding music. I myself am a fairly musically challenged individual, however this movie was able to impact me and make me invested in the music making process and the overall production. Anthony Andersons role as the producer of the music in this movie was perfectly played and perfectly written out. Choosing a character that maybe lives a cushier lifestyle than the protagonist is nothing necessarily new when it comes to screenplay but yet it just seems to work so perfectly in this film. If you were to tell me that out of the first three movies that we reviewed for this site would include substantial roles from Anthony Anderson I probably would not have believed you. But his performance in this film was nothing short of amazing.

Overall, the supporting cast in this movie did a wonderful job of adding to the story but not to take away from the impact of the main characters. As an audience, we are able to connect and feel for each character in the movie, regardless of their varied backgrounds, which is something that I can’t say many other movies have been able to do.

I’m not sure that I have really ever watched another movie that had DJ Qualls in it, other than this film and Road Trip. With that being said, the range of this actor in these two movies is quite mind blowing. Usually, in a movie like this, this kind of role can be quite tiresome. The character who is of another race who comes in and is supposedly supposed to blend in with the rest of the cast after the initial moment of acceptance is somewhat unnecessary in most films that try to do it. However, this was a believable performance and really added to the film. He adds to the flow of the film in his own way that is very much appreciated.

Set aside all of the amazing performances and the overall production of the movie, I really appreciate the setting and cultural impact of the movie. This movie was released a good 15 years after the boom of the rap industry with West and East coast rap becoming polarizing by the end of the 90’s. The genius of the placement of this movie in the South at this time can not be understated in my mind. Rap is indeed rooted in the South as DJ Qualls character points out in the movie. Most people have not been educated and/ or are unaware of the importance of music in the history of the South, specifically when it came to slave culture. Music was not a means of entertainment, but a means to express the pain and simultaneous pride that was felt within African American culture at the time. This level of pain and passion then transitioned and manifested itself into blues and then eventually into modern rap. The added layer and choice to use an African American from the South who wants to use rap to express his struggles and escape his daily trials and tribulations, simply adds to the pure genius of the film.

As a whole, this movie is undoubtedly underrated and underplayed. I believe it succeeds in everything it sets out to do and I would recommend it to anyone looking to watch something that will make the feel.

[3orangewhips69]

Dave...

I wanted to love this movie. Much like Ive always want to love the Beatles, but instead, I just “like” them. I think one day I will love the Beatles- and hopefully my life will be easier because then i can be like everyone else. Broadcast News was cute, at times, zany, if thats even a word. Some great thinking points here on the media and ethics- but for me; mostly immemorable. Nicholson was mostly absent, which makes me wonder who was at the helm. True confessions: William Hurt reminds me too much of other actors I like better, which is unlucky for him. He reminds me of Jeff Bridges, Jeff Daniels, and a young Nick Nolte, all of whom I like better. Now I must say- Hurt is amazing in the amazon original, Goliath, does well in A History of Violence, and is likely a fan favorite in The Big Chill- also from the 80’s. For me, self deprecating Brooks is the standout here. “Wouldn’t this be a great world if insecurity and desperation made us more attractive? If needy were a turn on?”. Unfortunately, the rest of the cast are either painfully overacting or so low energy that they stay under my radar. If I ever run into Nicholson, I might say, “Hey man, you know what would have made Broadcast News worth watching?...” “...if you were in it”.

[3orangewhips69]

Dave...

Movies are my sports.  I love watching them, talking about them, basking in the joy of agreement and hating people who disagree with me. 

The Departed makes my top 5 best gangster movies of all time.  A colorful collection of sociopaths; it's an absolute must see for anyone serious about movies.  A true classic.  Hard to imagine anyone hitting it out of the park as many times in this genre as Scorsese (Goodfellas, Casino, Gangs of New York)- but, he continues to deliver.  Wikipedia claims The Departed is a remake of 2002 Honk Kong film Infernal Affairs, but who knows if that is accurate.

The Departed has a monster cast and phenomenal acting.  It’s a gripping, gritty and gruesome tale of murder, back stabbing, corruption, violence, loyalty, romance and tragedy.  It’s a who’s who collection of seasoned veterans who kept me laughing with a wide array of dark social comedy as well as some discriminatory humor ranging from subtle- to not so subtle pokes at the Catholic Church; cuts on Blacks, Chinese, Puerto Ricans, Irish, Italians and I’m probably forgetting a few.  The movie has dozens of memorable quotes from every major player. 

Worth mentioning, and in closing- Vera Farmiga plays a great role, as the frequently out of bounds Psychiatrist, who for the record- bumped Jessica Rabbit off my list.  Sorry Jessica      

[3orangewhips69]

The Departed - Tony

1 / 1

The Departed – another movie review

What’s left to say? Big budget movies typically get a great deal of attention. It’s a natural consequence of all the marketing. The Departed seems to have generated attention and discussion beyond the manufactured hype the movie industry generates. Why? Is it the heavy hitting cast, an acclaimed and beloved director, all the critical acclaim, pages of quotable lines, awards, the tight and complete story, box office success? For me it was the “Are you F’n kidding me” factor in a tight, well-paced story.

If you don’t know what I mean by the “Are you F’n kidding me” factor; it’s an intense reaction to something in a scene you didn’t expect. Typically, it’s something counter to the story telling formula and (this is the key) it works. It’s not gratuitous or put in for mere shock factor. It makes sense in the flow and in the story and engages you completely. For instance, in Game of Thrones when Ned Stark gets his head cut off; BOOM- they had a captive audience from that point forward; even through the biggest turd of a final season I’ve ever regretted watching. Ahh but I digress.

The “Are you F’n kidding me” (AYFKM)scenes in the Departed are straight forward. The elevator scene AYFKM- noooo!!!. The last scene when Matt Damon get plugged: AYFKM- YES!!!! They work it makes complete sense for those characters to do exactly what they did. Every time I watch the movie I always react and the anticipation of the scene is actually something you actually look forward to, for better or worse. Yep, Billy still got shot, damn…hell yes Colin that m,f’er got shot.

A couple other aspects that really make this movie so great to watch. There is not a wasted character, everyone moves the story along and is interesting. The story is so tight and complete I never finished watching it thinking I needed or wanted a sequel.

One of the only things that bugs me about the movie is the way Alec Baldwin plays his character. I always feel like he’s trying too damn hard to be “Boston”. I did not realize that the FBI character was a Walberg (Robert Wahlberg). I would have loved to see Baldwin as the dweeby FBI character and Robert Wahlberg as Ellerby. While that may have been too many Wahlbergs; it could have played well- the angst between brothers both on the force, doing the same job differently.

An interesting aspect to story that I never caught and would not have ever noticed if I had not done a little internet surfing was the complete lack of anything Boston as far as sports. Apparently, Jack Nicholson, forbid any Red Sox or Celtics – hats, references, images, anything. If you think about it not having a reference to the Red Sox or Celtics or sports is completely non or anti-Boston. Maybe, that’s the mark of a good movie, when disregarding reality doesn’t hurt the story.

[3orangewhips69]

Brycen

[3orangewhips69]

Honoring the departed - Lee

Such an appropriate name. This movie seems to celebrate those that have passed. If it has been in the line of duty, then you are celebrated as one of the greats. Life isn’t the goal, honor, respect and fear are the goals. Duty can be defined as working in the mob, police, the local school system, the construction site, etc. Duty in this movie is blurred. What is right, what is wrong, what consequences are there for aligning with either side. We have compelling conflict between right and wrong but even those lines are blurred. It’s not a surprise that the FBI is involved with the largest crime syndicate in Boston. It’s not a surprise that the largest crime syndicate has informants with the police and the police have informants with them. The antagonists in this movie are those that don’t celebrate this sense of honor. The lines are blurred but clearly Dignam is a major antagonist. He is disruptive to the crooks and the cops. Frank and Colin are the two biggest protagonist. They are able to survive and thrive in this system. Billy is not comfortable on either side as evident by his upbringing. So all of these complexities don’t work without amazing directing and acting. This movie clearly has both. See Noah’s breakdown for a great character analysis. I will just say I could never see Jack doing well in an ensemble movie. Somehow he does here, he needs to be isolated a little and obviously given full freedom to develop this character. So great acting, directing. A beautifully developed screen play crafted in a way to pay tribute to those that have departed. The kid is definitely Billy’s!

[3orangewhips69]

The Departed - Noah

  “Maybe. Maybe not. Maybe fuck yourself”

Perhaps the type of attitude that we should all employ in our daily lives. There is an unbelievable amount of content to try to get through in this movie but damnit I’m going to do it because “I’m the guy that does his job”

                                          Directing

Martin Scorsese may very well be the best director there is right now (perhaps ever). For me, it’s probably him and Tarrantino at the moment who are at the top of the list. The fact that Scorsese has a legit argument for 3-4 of the top 10 movies of all time spanning across 5 decades is pretty remarkable.

Is this his best movie?

Maybe the toughest question you could ask someone. I would argue that it is probably his 2nd best, because it is too difficult to put this ahead of Goodfellas. I don’t know that you can go wrong choosing either one because, well If you know anything about movies than you know what I’m talking about. Both are all time greats and neither answer is incorrect.

Casting

His choice of casting in this movie may seem like a stupid thing to compliment him for because it may seem like he just called up all the best actors he could find that would do it and then placed them in the according roles. The fact of the matter is, for each character I can’t think of anyone else playing their role. Which means probably a combination of damn good acting but also damn good casting.

Looking back on the movie now, and seeing possibly the two biggest movie stars of the 21st century (Pitt and Damon) pit against each other in a blockbuster movie in the beginning of the century seems absolutely genius. But, I’m here to tell you that it was the choice of all the other actors that made this movie the all-time great that it became.

  Acting

I’d like to open with what may seem like a bold statement to some, but in actuality is 100% a fact. The 3 old guys out acted the 3 young guys and it’s not even close.

Leonardo Dicaprio

Some people forget that this movie is still a part of Leo’s crasging onto the scenes. You could argue thatb it was this movie that cemented his place as one of the true Hollywood stars that would be a player in the film industry for years and years to come.

However, I like to bring up this movie when I defend the argument that Leo is not one of the all-time great actors. He has a habit of finding himself in movies with great directors, where he gets out acted by at least one, if not more than one, of his co-stars. This movie is no exception to that. Leo does a good job of playing a scared shitless undercover cop for most of the movie, but there are certain points where I just get the feeling that he doesn’t belong. Where everyone else in the movie seems like local Bostonians hardened by their environment, Leo does not. I just don’t buy the fact that this is a guy who is half Boston thug and half “lace-curtain fucker” to quote Wahlberg. There is no element of a hard core background or any elevated level of toughness that would have been passed down from his father’s side. Maybe that’s the way he wanted to play it, but I would have loved to see it go the other way. But once again, he is completely overshadowed by all 5 of his costars time and time again.

Matt Damon

Much like Leo, this movie was at the end of the beginning for Matt. He had already done Good Will Hunting, Oceans 11 and started The Bourne trilogy, but once again I would argue that it was this movie that cemented his place as it did Leo’s.

This is the kind of role that we don’t often get to see Matt Damon play but I would love to see more often. The scumbag, morally corrupt, ass hole role really suits him in my opinion. We get to see a little bit of it in Interstellar, but other than that he often plays the crowd favorite. Much different from Leo’s performance, I fully believe Damon in his role and background. Some of that may be able to be attributed to the fact that he is Boston born and raised, but he still makes me believe every aspect about his character throughout the movie. However, as much as I am a fan of his, his performance fails in comparison to the other four on this list.

Martin Sheen

One of those actors that I really wished was in more stuff because quite simply put, he just delivers. Time and time again he is great in whatever role he is cast in. His role for this movie may not have been the most fun to portray, but necessary none the less. He is fully believable scene after scene as a straight shooting, Catholic good guy from Boston with high morals. There is not much more to say about his performance other than the fact that the pairing of him and Mark as a team is an absolutely perfect contrasting duo.

Mark Wahlberg

Talk about a character that just delivers quotable quote after quotable quote. For a guy who was still trying to come on to the scene as household name actor, this performance was an absolute home run. It’s a crime that he didn’t have more screen time because I could have watched 6 hours of him telling people to fuck off. The energy he has in every scene is unmatched in this movie by everyone except maybe Alec Baldwin. For me, this is definitely one of the 5 movie roles (The Fighter, Invincible, Four Brothers, Lone Survivor) that I can point to for Mark Wahlberg and say that, “yeah that guy is a damn good actor”.

Alec Baldwin

“Patriot act! Patriot Act!” I’m convinced that nobody else could have played this role. He is electric in each and every scene he is in and truly plays off the other actors perfectly. His acting when it’s him and Damon is different from when its him and Wahlberg is different from when it’s him in a larger crowd of people. Perhaps my favorite short clip from this movie would be where he attacks the Tech guy that was responsible for having the cameras installed in the warehouse. His acting throughout that entire scene really wakes the audience up and gets them ready for the last 30 minutes.

Jack Nicholson

Widely considered one of the best actors of all time and deservedly so. He’s produced some of the most memorable characters in cinema history and this movie is no exception. The fact that he was able to take Whitey Bulger and then implement some Jack Nicholson in order to produce Frank Costello is pretty remarkable. His entire performance could be summed up in his attempt to resemble a rat. In fact all of his facial expressions and hand gestures are what truly make this performance. The next time you watch this movie, I implore you to focus on his facial expressions and body movements in all of his scenes.

Quotes and Scenes

Other than the ones I have already mentioned. Here are a few more of my favorites. The reason why I love some of these quotes are more situation based. So please go back and watch the movie and watch the scenes with these quotes.

“What are you delivering cannolis or something?” – Leo to the two Italians from Providence

“Situations like these, back in the day. I would have killed everybody. Everybody that worked for me.” – said by Jack definitively while nodding his head in a calm assuring manner

The whole scene with Jack and the Chinese.

[3orangewhips69]

The Departed - hell of a movie.  The question remains...  who’s baby is it?