Wednesday 10 March 2010

(500) Films of Empire - Day 174

252 - Ninotchka - 3 stars
A crackling chemistry between Greta Garbo and Melvyn Douglas helps drive this tale of romance in wartime Paris between a dour Russian diplomat and a suave Parisian playboy.
That's all I really have to say about that.


225 - Get Carter - 4 stars
Take note Guy Ritchie, it is possible to make a gritty British gangster film without having tons of mockney muppets in it!
Following a fantastic opening theme from Roy Budd, Michael Caine returns home to Newcastle to kick arse and take names in order to find out who killed his brother. The Northern rural setting means the action plays out like the most vicious episode of Coronation Street you have ever seen.
Michael Caine's Carter is a typical anti-hero. An unlikeable character; ruthless and vicious, yet there is something very entertaining about him. Not difficult when you have Caine delivering lines like; "You know, I'd almost forgotten what your eyes looked like. Still the same. Pissholes in the snow." and "You're a big man, but you're in bad shape. With me it's a full time job. Now behave yourself."
He also manages to gain our sympathy when we discover the reason why his brother was killed, and we wish him well in his attempts to dish out vengeance at those responsible.
While the fashions and locations may have dated, the film still remains relevant and enjoyable despite a shocking ending.


Days remaining - 191 Films remaining - 245

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