Movie #2345: Deadly Affair (1966, Sidney Lumet)
Dab and dreary. It's London at its worst in a world of espionage. The antithesis of James Bond. The usual quality production from Lumet but I'm afraid I couldn't get involved in this story.
Saturday, August 31, 2013
Day #22,536
Walk km 14,610-14,612: to the library
Movie #2345: Deadly Affair (1966, Sidney Lumet)
Dab and dreary. It's London at its worst in a world of espionage. The antithesis of James Bond. The usual quality production from Lumet but I'm afraid I couldn't get involved in this story.
Movie #2345: Deadly Affair (1966, Sidney Lumet)
Dab and dreary. It's London at its worst in a world of espionage. The antithesis of James Bond. The usual quality production from Lumet but I'm afraid I couldn't get involved in this story.
Friday, August 30, 2013
Day #22,534-535
Walk km 14,596-14,599: around downtown
Walk km 14,599-14,610: Meetup walk in Blundell
Movie #2344: It's A Gift (1934, Norman Z McLeod)
Capital L, small a, capital F, small o, small n, small g: LaFong
That's one thing that seems much better today than it's ever been: comedy. This old stuff just doesn't have today's punch. A lot of the movie just looks like a bunch of set pieces glued together.
It however does have some redeeming educational value: I now know how to spell cumquats.
Walk km 14,599-14,610: Meetup walk in Blundell
Movie #2344: It's A Gift (1934, Norman Z McLeod)
Capital L, small a, capital F, small o, small n, small g: LaFong
It however does have some redeeming educational value: I now know how to spell cumquats.
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Day #22,533
Movie #2343: Chained (1934, Clarence Brown)
This is one sappy love story. Joan Crawford sacrifices everything for Otto Kruger. Then Clark Gable sacrifices everything for Otto Kruger. Then Otto Kruger sacrifices everything for Joan Crawford and Clark Gable. And somewhere in the background Otto Kruger's wife sacrificies everything too but she's kinda frumpy so they just gloss over that part. Pretty sappy.
This is one sappy love story. Joan Crawford sacrifices everything for Otto Kruger. Then Clark Gable sacrifices everything for Otto Kruger. Then Otto Kruger sacrifices everything for Joan Crawford and Clark Gable. And somewhere in the background Otto Kruger's wife sacrificies everything too but she's kinda frumpy so they just gloss over that part. Pretty sappy.
Tuesday, August 27, 2013
Day #22,531-532
Walk km 14,579-14,584: Gateway to Scott Road Skytrain Stations
Walk km 14,584-14,596: Birchland Manor and Poco Trail
painted tires in the park
approx km 14,595 Lions Park, Port Coquitlam
Movie rewatch: Possessed (1931, Clarence Brown)
That's two in a row that I've watched without realizing that I'd seen it before. It was at about the 30 minute mark that I figured I'd maybe seen this one before. Having a bad memory has it's benefits.
This movie uses the idiotic plot device where two people in love lie to each other (I never loved you!) because it's good for them. Other than that, quite entertaining..
Walk km 14,584-14,596: Birchland Manor and Poco Trail
approx km 14,595 Lions Park, Port Coquitlam
Movie rewatch: Possessed (1931, Clarence Brown)
That's two in a row that I've watched without realizing that I'd seen it before. It was at about the 30 minute mark that I figured I'd maybe seen this one before. Having a bad memory has it's benefits.
This movie uses the idiotic plot device where two people in love lie to each other (I never loved you!) because it's good for them. Other than that, quite entertaining..
Sunday, August 25, 2013
Day #22,529
Walk km 14,552-14,564: Big Bend
Movie rewatch: The Sun Sets At Dawn (1950, Paul Sloane)
I've already written a review of this one back in November 2011. I have just one thing to add: actress Sally Parr gives about the worst performance of any actress in the history of the cinema. She must have been the producer's neice or something like that. I'll check with IMDB to ensure that she never worked another day in Hollywood.
Back from IMDB: the only other thing she was in was some TV show called "Stars Over Hollywood". I assume that she didn't have to act in that. She returned to Dallas where she was the host of a TV late night movie show. Later worked for Radio Shack.
Movie rewatch: The Sun Sets At Dawn (1950, Paul Sloane)
I've already written a review of this one back in November 2011. I have just one thing to add: actress Sally Parr gives about the worst performance of any actress in the history of the cinema. She must have been the producer's neice or something like that. I'll check with IMDB to ensure that she never worked another day in Hollywood.
Back from IMDB: the only other thing she was in was some TV show called "Stars Over Hollywood". I assume that she didn't have to act in that. She returned to Dallas where she was the host of a TV late night movie show. Later worked for Radio Shack.
Friday, August 23, 2013
Day #22,528
Walk km 14,550-14,552: running errands
Movie #2342: Naked Alibi (1954, Jerry Hopper)
Amother classic from VIOOZ (this time stolen from AMC).
Sterling Hayden is after cop killer Gene Barry. Gloria Grahame is the gal who realizes too late that Barry is scum. Most of the action takes place in "Border City" on the California/Mexico border.
Everything you could want in a noir is here. It's amazing that a person can keep stumbling into these (even after seeing 2,341 already). Avoid at your peril.
Movie #2342: Naked Alibi (1954, Jerry Hopper)
Amother classic from VIOOZ (this time stolen from AMC).
Sterling Hayden is after cop killer Gene Barry. Gloria Grahame is the gal who realizes too late that Barry is scum. Most of the action takes place in "Border City" on the California/Mexico border.
Everything you could want in a noir is here. It's amazing that a person can keep stumbling into these (even after seeing 2,341 already). Avoid at your peril.
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Day #22,527
Walk km 14,540-14,550: Austin area of Coquitlam
Meetup walkers
approx km 14,545 somewhere near Booth Creek
approx km 14,545 somewhere near Booth Creek
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Day #22,526
Walk km 14,529-14,540: Big Bend (Burnaby)
railroad bridge
approx km 14,535 Fraser River
Movie #2341: Blonde Bait (1956, Elmo Williams)
I'm following-up on yesterday's incredible "Pickup". Once again we have Beverly Michaels in what I had hoped would be another femme fatale role. Unfortunately, this is a British picture so everything is pretty tame. Without Hugo Haas it's just not the same.
approx km 14,535 Fraser River
Movie #2341: Blonde Bait (1956, Elmo Williams)
I'm following-up on yesterday's incredible "Pickup". Once again we have Beverly Michaels in what I had hoped would be another femme fatale role. Unfortunately, this is a British picture so everything is pretty tame. Without Hugo Haas it's just not the same.
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Day #22,524-525
Walk km 14,519-14,529 (7996 to go): King George Station to Annieville
Meetup walkers
approx km 14,521 Wild Flower Greenway
Movie #2340: Pickup (1951, Hugo Haas)
One of the all-time greats. I assume Beverley Michaels won an Academy Award for best actress? No! Then Hugo Haas must have won for best screenplay or direction? Also no! Nominated at least? No!
Beverley Michaels is the greatest femme fatale in cinematic history. She gets her clutches into square john Hugo Haas because she finds out he has $7300 in the bank. But how will she get the money?
Truly amazing. Miss this one at your peril. Available on VIOOZ.
approx km 14,521 Wild Flower Greenway
Movie #2340: Pickup (1951, Hugo Haas)
One of the all-time greats. I assume Beverley Michaels won an Academy Award for best actress? No! Then Hugo Haas must have won for best screenplay or direction? Also no! Nominated at least? No!
Beverley Michaels is the greatest femme fatale in cinematic history. She gets her clutches into square john Hugo Haas because she finds out he has $7300 in the bank. But how will she get the money?
Truly amazing. Miss this one at your peril. Available on VIOOZ.
Monday, August 19, 2013
Day #22,523
Walk km 14,508-14,519: Annacis Island
Movie #2339: The Bohemian Life (1992, Aki Kaurismaki)
So well made but all that deadpan acting can leave a person kind of cold. At that point in his career, Aki was in danger of becoming the new Guy Madden. Thank goodness that didn't happen.
Movie #2339: The Bohemian Life (1992, Aki Kaurismaki)
So well made but all that deadpan acting can leave a person kind of cold. At that point in his career, Aki was in danger of becoming the new Guy Madden. Thank goodness that didn't happen.
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Day #22,522
Walk km 14,505-14,508: running errands
Movie #2337: Wonder Man (1945, H Bruce Humberstone)
Amazingly, I liked it. It's mostly just Danny Kaye mugging for the camera but it works. They call these things musical comedies but there's usually no comedy and the music stinks. Quite a few chuckles here and the big opera scene is almost a riot!
Movie #2337: Wonder Man (1945, H Bruce Humberstone)
Amazingly, I liked it. It's mostly just Danny Kaye mugging for the camera but it works. They call these things musical comedies but there's usually no comedy and the music stinks. Quite a few chuckles here and the big opera scene is almost a riot!
Day #22,520-521
Walk km 14,493-14,495: to T&T
Walk km 14,495-14,505: Stanley Park to Dundarave
Book #465: Chain Of Evidence (2007, Garry Disher)
Another fine example of Disher's "Swedish style" crime novel. The only disconcerting thing about this one was the inclusion of two seperate stories in one novel. That really wasn't necessary. Stiil, another excellent page turner.
Walk km 14,495-14,505: Stanley Park to Dundarave
Book #465: Chain Of Evidence (2007, Garry Disher)
Another fine example of Disher's "Swedish style" crime novel. The only disconcerting thing about this one was the inclusion of two seperate stories in one novel. That really wasn't necessary. Stiil, another excellent page turner.
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
Day #22,519
Movie #2336: The 30 Foot Bride Of Candy Rock (1959, Sidney Miller)
Is there anything worse than a comedy that ain't funny? Yes, but it's darn close to the worst.
Not a chuckle to be had here.
Interesting that this and "The Absent-Minded Professor" are so much alike. Lou Costelloand Fred MacMurrray are both scatterbrained inventors who have girlfriends desperate to marry them and a pet dog for reaction shots. There the similarities end.
Is there anything worse than a comedy that ain't funny? Yes, but it's darn close to the worst.
Not a chuckle to be had here.
Interesting that this and "The Absent-Minded Professor" are so much alike. Lou Costelloand Fred MacMurrray are both scatterbrained inventors who have girlfriends desperate to marry them and a pet dog for reaction shots. There the similarities end.
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Sunday, August 11, 2013
Day #22,516
Walk km 14,485-14,487: to T&T
Movie #2335: Angel In The House (2011, Jonathan Newman)
The angel shows up with the body of a 7 year old but with the brain (and clothes) of a middle aged super conservative.
It's new on Netflix and the reviews on IMDB seemed to be split right down the middle: really heartwarming or really creepy. There didn't seem to be any middle ground. That sounded interesting.
Heartwarming or creepy? Neither! This is a moral tale whereby the filmmaker is trying to say that true happiness can be found by simply always thinking inside the box. What is important in life? Having nice clothes to wear. Taking baths. Making sure the man is the head of the house. Having lots of money. Believing in a higher being that's looking over you. Having fun (I think he goofed with this one). Standard "family values".
It was quite an interesting watching experience. The movie is hideous but my eyes were glued to the screen throughout.
Movie #2335: Angel In The House (2011, Jonathan Newman)
The angel shows up with the body of a 7 year old but with the brain (and clothes) of a middle aged super conservative.
It's new on Netflix and the reviews on IMDB seemed to be split right down the middle: really heartwarming or really creepy. There didn't seem to be any middle ground. That sounded interesting.
Heartwarming or creepy? Neither! This is a moral tale whereby the filmmaker is trying to say that true happiness can be found by simply always thinking inside the box. What is important in life? Having nice clothes to wear. Taking baths. Making sure the man is the head of the house. Having lots of money. Believing in a higher being that's looking over you. Having fun (I think he goofed with this one). Standard "family values".
It was quite an interesting watching experience. The movie is hideous but my eyes were glued to the screen throughout.
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Day #22,515
Walk km 14,473-14,485 (8030 to go): Port Coquitlam parks
Movie #2334: Son Of Flubber (1963, Robert Stevenson)
I saw this one back in 1963 (when I was 11). I thought it was quite funny. Goes to show that 11 year olds have no appreciation of cinematic merit. In my defense, I'm sure I hadn't watched the original (Absent Minded Professor) the day before. This is a really The Absent-Minded Professor II and it adds nothing to the original.
The VIOOZ print has been colourized.
Movie #2334: Son Of Flubber (1963, Robert Stevenson)
I saw this one back in 1963 (when I was 11). I thought it was quite funny. Goes to show that 11 year olds have no appreciation of cinematic merit. In my defense, I'm sure I hadn't watched the original (Absent Minded Professor) the day before. This is a really The Absent-Minded Professor II and it adds nothing to the original.
The VIOOZ print has been colourized.
Friday, August 9, 2013
Day #22,513-514
Walk km 14,452-14,461: 17 parks of North Vancouver
Walk km 14,461-14,473: Colony Farm to downtown Port Coquitlam
Movie #2333: The Absent-Minded Professor (1961, Robert Stevenson)
Sometimes you just feel like watching something completely different. But Walt Disney? Sure. Actually there are a few chuckles to be had here and it all takes place in that strange world that Disney created. And a flying car too. Real SiFi.
Walk km 14,461-14,473: Colony Farm to downtown Port Coquitlam
Movie #2333: The Absent-Minded Professor (1961, Robert Stevenson)
Sometimes you just feel like watching something completely different. But Walt Disney? Sure. Actually there are a few chuckles to be had here and it all takes place in that strange world that Disney created. And a flying car too. Real SiFi.
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Day #22.512
Walk km 14,440-14,452: 17 parks in North Vancouver
park trees, bushes,flowers
approx km 14,444 Grand Boulevard Park
Movie #2332: Roadblock (1951, Harold Daniels)
Pretty good crime drama. Not quite dark enough to be a true noir but damn close. Exciting ending in the Los Angeles drainage ditch.
Still shows the final scene in the movie as Joan Dixon starts walking to Texas in her high heels. Another VIOOZ ripoff of TCM.
approx km 14,444 Grand Boulevard Park
Movie #2332: Roadblock (1951, Harold Daniels)
Pretty good crime drama. Not quite dark enough to be a true noir but damn close. Exciting ending in the Los Angeles drainage ditch.
Still shows the final scene in the movie as Joan Dixon starts walking to Texas in her high heels. Another VIOOZ ripoff of TCM.
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Day #22,511
Book #464: Snapshot (2005, Garry Disher)
Here's another Garry Disher novel in the "Swedish style". Disher also has a series of books written from the criminals perspective written in the Richard Stark style - those are not so good. However, his Swedish style novels (where the cops all have complicated personal lives) are excellent. In fact, there's almost more words allocated to the cop's problems part of the plot than there is to the chasing crimals part.
That's OK with me. A nice mix.
Here's another Garry Disher novel in the "Swedish style". Disher also has a series of books written from the criminals perspective written in the Richard Stark style - those are not so good. However, his Swedish style novels (where the cops all have complicated personal lives) are excellent. In fact, there's almost more words allocated to the cop's problems part of the plot than there is to the chasing crimals part.
That's OK with me. A nice mix.
Monday, August 5, 2013
Day #22,510
Walk km 14,428-14,438 (8072 to go): Stanley Park
Movie #2331: Key Witness (1960, Phil Karlson)
Phil does it again. Square Jeffrey Hunter witnesses a murder committed by jive talkin' Dennis Hopper. Dennis says Jeff's wife and kids will be just a bunch of corpses unless he goes back to the cops and tells them it was all just a mistake. Hayhem ensues.
After watching this movie, I don't reckon there'd be too many people who'd wanna be a witness for the prosecution!
Movie #2331: Key Witness (1960, Phil Karlson)
Phil does it again. Square Jeffrey Hunter witnesses a murder committed by jive talkin' Dennis Hopper. Dennis says Jeff's wife and kids will be just a bunch of corpses unless he goes back to the cops and tells them it was all just a mistake. Hayhem ensues.
After watching this movie, I don't reckon there'd be too many people who'd wanna be a witness for the prosecution!
Sunday, August 4, 2013
Day #22,507
Walk km 14,416-14,428: parks of Queensborough
Meetup walker tries skateboarding
approx km 14,423 Boro All Wheel Park
Movie #2330: Guilty Bystander (1950, Joseph Lerner)
The print on VIOOZ is so horrible that there is no way of knowing whether this movie was good or bad.
approx km 14,423 Boro All Wheel Park
Movie #2330: Guilty Bystander (1950, Joseph Lerner)
The print on VIOOZ is so horrible that there is no way of knowing whether this movie was good or bad.
Saturday, August 3, 2013
Day #22,506
Walk km 14,402-14,416: Port Coquitlam parks
Movie #2329: A Taste Of Flesh (1967, Doris Wishman)
Pair of assassins invade the apartment of three semi-clad young ladies. Nothing much ensues but Doris throws in lots of goofy camera angles and oddball closeups to keep our interest.
Movie #2329: A Taste Of Flesh (1967, Doris Wishman)
Pair of assassins invade the apartment of three semi-clad young ladies. Nothing much ensues but Doris throws in lots of goofy camera angles and oddball closeups to keep our interest.
Friday, August 2, 2013
Minoru Park
Day #22,505
Walk km 14,390-14,401: 9 Richmond Parks
Walk km 14,401-14,402: down to Pacific Ave
lilies on the pond
approx km 14,399 Minoru Park
Movie rewatch: Raising Arizona (1987, Coen Bros)
Walk km 14,390-14,401: 9 Richmond Parks
Walk km 14,401-14,402: down to Pacific Ave
approx km 14,399 Minoru Park
Movie rewatch: Raising Arizona (1987, Coen Bros)
Thursday, August 1, 2013
Day #22,504
Walk km 14,375-14,378: running errands
Walk km 14,378-14,390 (8117 to go): Devonian Harbour Park to Lonsdale Quay
Movie #2328: The Devil Thumbs A Ride (1947, Felix Feist)
Not as good as some of the later Feists but still a fun picture. It's a little bit too breezy for a noir. This was another one from VIOOZ and the print they has was from TCM. So, I guess not only are they illegal but they're also cheap! I don't think VIOOZ will be around much longer.
Walk km 14,378-14,390 (8117 to go): Devonian Harbour Park to Lonsdale Quay
Movie #2328: The Devil Thumbs A Ride (1947, Felix Feist)
Not as good as some of the later Feists but still a fun picture. It's a little bit too breezy for a noir. This was another one from VIOOZ and the print they has was from TCM. So, I guess not only are they illegal but they're also cheap! I don't think VIOOZ will be around much longer.
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