Lupin The Third: The Castle of Cagliostro (1979)

Review Written By Michael J. Ruhland










Michael's Movie Grade: A+

Review: Director Hayao Miyazaki's movie debut stands as one of the most fun action films ever made.

There is so much to recommend about this movie. The characters are very engaging. Lupin III may be more noble here than he is in other installments featuring the character, but he is still so fun to watch. He does have his moments where he shows his jerkier side (such as a flashback to him being younger and the opening scene), and he is very funny and a joy to watch in these moments. When he is nobler though he does not fully become a different character and still is full of energy. Even when he is noble there is still a slight side of the master criminal in there. The leading lady is a nice adaption to the Lupin world, and it is easy to see why she brings out a different side of our main character. Beyond just the characters though this movie also brings to life a whole new setting completely made for this movie. This setting is pure Miyazaki-san at his best, and definitely looks forward to such movies as Castle in the Sky and Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind. The place looks absolutely gorgeous, but it is always at service to the story. This movie also has a lot of great action and humor. The humor is laugh out loud funny as you can easily tell if you see this in a theater with an audience. The action is some of the best I have ever seen animation or live action. The pure excitement in these scenes is completely gripping and hard to resist. There are also a few slower moments too that add greatly to the atmosphere and make the movie all the more fascinating to watch.

For pure fun you simply cannot beat this movie.

-Michael J. Ruhland   

Old Town Music Hall: Laurel and Hardy Festival (Sept. 2017)

Review Written By Michael J. Ruhland
















Michael's Movie Grade: A+

Review: Yep I saw another Laurel and Hardy film festival at the Old Town Music Hall in El Segundo, California. It was just as much fun this time as any other time I have seen one. Seriously if any of my fellow Laurel and Hardy lovers are ever in the area definitely see one of these shows you will not regret it.

Before the films even began we were treated to great fun. First a very talented young man named Edward Torres (sorry if I got the name wrong or misspelled it but I believe this was his name) treated us to a fantastic rendition of Fats Waller's classic song Ain't Misbehaving on The Mighty Wurlitzer Organ (which dates back to 1921). Followed by this the extremely talented Bill Field played a medley of classic songs on this organ. Then we had a sing along (with words appearing on the screen) as he played with such classics as Ol' Susana, When the Red Red Robin Comes Bob Bob Bobbing Along, Give Me A Little Kiss and My Bonnie Lies Over the Ocean.

Since our first two films were silent they were accompanied live by Bill Field playing the Wurlitzer. Now if you have never seen a silent film with live musical accompaniment you are missing out. It is such a completely different experience than watching them on TV and it really makes the films come to life. Our first silent was the delightful Their Purple Moment (1928). Though this film was early in their teaming, here the characters and humor are clearly defined and with this there are plenty of laughs to be found. The next short was Leave 'Em Laughing (1928). While this may not have been as refined as the short before hand, there are still some good laughs to be found here, and Ollie getting his tooth pulled is a comic highlight and classic Laurel and Hardy at their best.

After a brief intermission we got a trio of sound shorts. First off was Men O' War (1929), which ranks among the duo's funniest sound shorts. This film is full of laughs and it only gets funnier when watching it with an audience. This short is by far a must see for all Laurel and Hardy fans. Next came Scram (1932). Now this short really shows how watching a film with an audience in a theater can completely change a movie. I always thought this short was funny, but it always felt a bit slow to me. However seeing it with an audience it no longer feels slow at all and has every right to be called a Laurel and Hardy classic. Last but certainty not least was County Hospital (1932), this one is rightful considered a masterpiece by many Laurel and Hardy fans. And why not? The laughs just keep coming in this short and of course it has one of the best lines to quote "Hard boiled eggs and nuts...mmmm".

-Michael J. Ruhland    

Show Boat (1936)

Review Written By Michael J. Ruhland















Michael's Movie Grade: A+

Review: High quality entertainment of the highest order possible.

This movie has it all fantastic musical numbers, great characters, good laughs and a compelling story. Each of these work absolutely perfectly here and there are definitely scenes you will never forget. Of course this film's most famous scene is the Old Man River song. There is no way to overpraise this scene. Paul Robeson's voice is amazing, John J. Mescall's cinematography is compelling, the song itself is really powerful, the brief fantasy like background are extremely well done and the juxtapositions with the cotton workers makes the scene work all the better. Personally I can't see how anyone could fail to be moved by this scene. The rest of this movie is really darn good too. Irene Dunne and Alan Jones have fantastic chemistry together and you completely believe their romance. Helen Morgan and Hattie McDaniel steal ever seen that they are in. James Whale's (best remembered for directing Frankenstein and Bride of Frankenstein) direction is of the highest quality. Other standout scenes besides Old Man River include the captain's summary of the scene that couldn't be performed in the stage play, Magnolia's performance in the night club on New Years Eve, Julie singing her favorite song for Magnolia, Queenie and Joe, and so much more. Most of all though this movie doesn't have a moment that doesn't work and when it is over you will be surprised it was near two hours because you were so entertained. If you have any interest what so ever in Hollywood films of the 1930's you need to see this movie. To say they don't make them like this anymore would be a vast understatement. This is just pure entertainment that could only come from the golden age of Hollywood.

By the way I saw this movie in the Old Town Music Hall in El Segundo, California. This place is an absolute must go for anyone like me who loves movies from the 1920's 30's and 40's and is one of my favorite places to see movies. If you are ever in the era don't miss it.

-Michael J. Ruhland.