The Shootist (1976) Synopsis

Dr. E.W. Hostetler: [pointing to Books' pillow] Well if I wanted to go around town unnoticed, I wouldn't carry *that* around with me.
John Bernard Books: [smiling] Stole it from a whore house in Creed.


This John Wayne movie was a great finale to a historic career.  The tone was a fresh breath compared to other Wayne westerns, but it still contained the silly humor that many have become accustomed to.  Here are some things that stood out to me during the film:

• The introduction was well done.  I loved how the film included other John Wayne film clips in the introductory montage because it made it that much more realistic and relate-able.   Wayne is one, if not the, most influential figures in the Western genre, and showing parts of his old films put this film in a really good place at the start.

• Although the tone was darker than other Wayne films, there was still that humor that everyone loves in a John Wayne western.  When Books is making his way to town to speak with the Doctor, he was a classic run-in with a thief on the road.  The man tries to steal his money, but Books shoots him in the belly as he is reaching for his wallet.  He then tells the man to pick his wallet up for him, and then he pushes the poor guy into some water.  What a badass!  The cherry on top in this scene is what he says to the guy as he is riding off: "Friend, you better get another line of work; this one sure don't fit your pistol."  This might have been my favorite scene.  Books shoots a guy in the belly, shoves him in some dirty looking water, then leaves him with a badass quote as he rides away.  Yes.

The opening scene comedy

•  I thought the cinematography was average, but could have been better in what looked like a beautiful part of the United States (it was filmed in Carson City, Nevada).  The tricky part of the film is that most of the scenes are either in town or in the widow's hotel/house.  One well done scene was where the two men tried to kill Books in his sleep.  I thought that the camera position, which took the view of the assassins, was awesome because it made the audience feel like they were holding the gun attempting to kill Books.

• The relationship between Books and the Doctor (James Stewart) is a short but sweet one.  James Stewart does an amazing job of capturing the camera when he is in a scene, making it feel like he is in the movie more than what he actually is.  The laugh they share about the whore house in Creed was beautiful, and it was very interesting to see the films take on how a doctor dealt with something like cancer back in those days.  Instead of the seemingly emotionless doctor like we have nowadays who have to tell someone their dying all to often, this doctor actually recommended that Books choose a different type of death other than the 'one he described'.

•  The ending was spot on.  After finishing his opium and liquor (how awesome was that), he goes to the salon to take on 3 guys who have no chance.  The only reason he died was because of the coward bartender unloading a double-barrel shotgun into Books' back.  I thought that this shootout was far more bloody than any other John Wayne film I've seen.  Most shootouts are G rated and no realism is present.  But this film attempted to create some gore, which is undeniably there in an epic salon shootout.

Well, I loved this film.  I grew up watching John Wayne movies, and I think this is a perfect way to end the legend that is Wayne.  As always, this movie is nothing without the opinions of my peers.  So, review away!

New Improvements to AEIC!

Hi all!

I hope everyone has been enjoying the preliminary stages of 'An Escape Into Cinema'.  As our popularity grows, so do out capabilities.  There are some new changes that AEIC will undergo starting right now:

• Anyone can post a review of any movie.  This will help build our movie archive as well as spread the word about movies that people have not seen.  There will still be a spotlight movie posted every week for people to watch a new movie, the only difference is that anyone can come and post a review at any time.  So get to posting reviews!

• AEIC now has Twitter and Facebook accounts!  The Twitter handle is @EscapeCinema and the Facebook URL is https://www.facebook.com/escapeintocinema.   Be sure and join the conversation through not only this blog but also these new social media additions!  

• We are currently working on the rating system and the new website.  Stay tuned for updates.

I hope everyone is as excited about these improvements as we are.  So, let's not waste any time!  Get to posting reviews, and remember to share your reviews and other people's reviews on all social media platforms.  And join our conversation on Twitter and Facebook.  Happy reviewing!

Albion's Paper Moon

Fuck yea, this was a great film. I can't beleive how good it turned out to be. Vanessa and I both really enjoyed it, especially lil Tate, she killed it. I agree with Derrick, I loved the diner scene where she straight up demanded her $200 bucks. And to mention back on my last post about moments in films that warm my heart or what not, her last remark "you still owe me $200," was the cherry on top. I like that they didn't try and have her play a cute little girl that wins you over with sympathy. It's a cold world and she is one cold bitch lol. Oh and seeing Randy Quaids retarded ass as Leroy was a score. I also found the part with Trixie really funny when she comes to persuade Addie to come back to the car and opens up to her, then ends with " let Trixie ride in the front, with her big tits," lmao!! Loved it. Overall this is one of my favorite comedies now and it's a breath of fresh air. I agree, comedy is a universal language and can be expressed in many different forms. I find this funnier than anchorman 2 that's for sure lol.

The Shootist (1976)

John Bernard Books: I won't be wronged. I won't be insulted. I won't be laid a-hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them.


I've chosen the 1976 western 'The Shootist' for our third installment.   This film was directed by Don Siegel (Invasion of the Body Snatchers, Dirty Harry) and stars John Wayne in his final role.  I grew up watching John Wayne movies and for the most part they are all good.  However, I find that most are kind of cheesy and I can barely watch them more than once.  Based on what I have read about this film, it is a lot different than other Wayne flicks.  This movie has a much darker tone than films such as 'Rio Bravo' and 'McLintock'.  The film also includes appearances by James Stewart and a very young Ron Howard.

Here are some accolades the film received:

• Writers Guild, nomination: "Best Adaptation of a Screenplay" - Scott Hale and Miles Hood Swarthout
• Academy Awards, nomination: "Best Art Direction-Set Decoration" - Robert F. Boyle and Arthur Jeph Parker
• Golden Globes, nomination: "Best Motion Picture Actor in a Supporting Role" - Ron Howard
• BAFTA Film Award, nomination: "Best Actress" - Lauren Bacall

I am excited to watch this movie.  I will open the discussion up Wednesday.  Also, we are working on a standard rating system for all movies we review.  The rating system will consist of different moons that each reviewer can use to display their overall opinion of each film.  Thanks to David for the great idea and the finished rating system will be mainly his rendition and approval.  Also, a big shout out to Josh for polishing up the blog and getting it looking amazing.  He will mostly be in charge for site maintenance, and he is currently working hard on the domain we will be launching after the fifth movie.  I am very excited about the endless possibilities that are emerging here at AEIC!  Now....  Enjoy 'The Shootist'!

Paper Moon Review: David

I recommended this movie, so I obviously loved it. This film was made in '73 but set during The Great Depression and maintained that environment throughout. When watching we feel the vibe given with older films; It's a comedy, yes but a good, clean, fun comedy with a little drama, a simple story and a screen presences that captivates us. Tatum O'Neal as Addie stole the screen and Ryan O'Neal complimented the movie just as much. Having a father/daughter play the roles was movie gold.

There were a few things about the cinematography that made this movie. Director Peter Bogdanovich would build scenes in a way that focused our eyes to the characters but also to the set around them. Take the scene at the beginning, when Moze (awesome nickname) was buying a train ticket, sending a telegram and trying to send Addie to her Aunt. The man making the transaction was on the far left side of the screen extremely close. The camera was over his shoulder with Moze and then Addie on the side of the road looking down it, not at the clerk and Moze, with a pair of silos in the background. Everyone in the shot was strategically spaced across the scene to make us focus in on Addie and her dissatisfaction with the situation. Some people may not enjoy black and white films made at a time when it can be made in color, which I guess I can understand. However, there is always a purpose for it. In this case, it is to give us nostalgia of what it's like; for us to escape into the time period. The attire during this time period is by far the highest point in american history for presentability. People would put on a suit and tie to change a tire. Also, I absolutely love car chases with those 1920's automobiles.

Moses Pray was a conman but he never felt like "the bad guy." Even at the beginning of the film, conning over widows but with engraved bibles that their loved ones ordered for them. It was, in an optimistic way, a connection to those that were lost. Also, at the very first scene of the film Moze was actually attending Addie's mother's funeral because he truly cared about her, which we wouldn't really notice until later. Moze was the ideal affable conman. I really enjoy the way writers and directors give us stories; what is withheld and what they decide is important. For instance: We never find out the connection between Moses and Addie's mother; We never know how Addie's mother dies; The conman being conned by gold-digger Trixie Delight. Then Moses never finding out that Addie conned him to pull him away from Trixie; We felt until the end that Moses was going to be Addie's father. When it was revisited he still claimed he wasn't. Sadly, Addie and the audience never finds out who her father is.

There is some simplicity and art in comedies that has been lost in cinema though. Something we realize when watching this movie. I'm not saying that comedies made now aren't funny and good because they are in their own way; but every comedy doesn't have to be raunchy or slap-stick to make it a good comedy.

One of my favorite things to do when watching movies is see how the much the title ties in to the film itself. The Paper Moon was the picture given to Moze from Addie. This was a symbol of the affection and love she felt from Moze and also what she had been longing for, not only from the death of her mother but also from a father that was absent from her life. Which was a somber subject of the movie that we forget (intentional) throughout the movie. We all loved Addie because she carried this strength with her from beginning to end. Her closing line was "You still owe me that two hundred dollars!"

Paper Moon (1973) Synopsis

Addie Loggins: How come she had to leave that job back there?
Imogene: Cause the boss-man tried to make her put out for his friends, and she don't believe in puttin' out for free!
Addie Loggins: She put out much?
Imogene: Just like a gum machine. You drop some in and she'll put some out.


Well I thoroughly enjoyed this movie.  This may be one of the best comedies/movies I have ever seen.  When I read that the lead characters were father and daughter in reality, I had a hunch that they would have good chemistry on camera.  But I had no idea that the chemistry could be worked into a chiseled animosity.   Here are some things that stood out to me about the film:

• Addie might be my favorite child character of all time.  She deserved the Academy Award hands down.  I give props to her dad as well.  It has to take a certain resolve to let your young daughter smoke cigarettes in a motion picture.  But when she pulled out that cig and seemed to inhale, she reached a rank of badass that few child characters have reached in my book.  

• The rhetoric between Addie and Moze was priceless.  When they are in the diner and she starts hassling him for the $200, I couldn't stop smiling.  She turned out to be a better hustler than him, and there is no doubt that he is her father.  They look just alike.  When Moze leaves to meet the old man at the end I actually thought that he was going to intentionally leave her.  I was sort of relieved that he got beat up instead of going the regular conman thing and leaving her high and dry.  And how clever were their scams.  The bootlegger scam didn't work perfectly in the end, but it was great to see it almost work.
  

• Imogene and Addie had some priceless conversation.  The way they orchestrated Moze's discovery of his girlfriends infidelity was spot-on.  I loved how Addie was a hustler, but she realized when some people shouldn't be hustled.  For example, when her and Moze were about to hustle the woman and her 25 kids for bible money.  Her conscience kicked in and she made sure they didn't pay anything.  Same thing with the bootlegger.  Even though he turned out to be an asshole, she kept telling Moze to leave him some whiskey so he wasn't completely screwed.  

• This comedy was so realistic.  Don't get me wrong, I enjoy the Will Ferrell comedies just as much as the next guy, but if you think about it there are no more comedies like this anymore.  Most comedies use the unrealistic nature as an added comedic device, but this film relied purely on character development and reaction. 

O'Neal in 2003..  MY LAWD!

I can't say enough how much I liked this film.  Thanks to David for suggesting it.  I couldn't have spent my Saturday night any better, and I will be watching this film again.  I can't wait to hear what you guys think about it.  Let the discussion begin!

Albi's verdict: you are....NOT the father

This movie wasn't as bad as I expected it to be, and I only say that after seeing the resolution of the film I'm about to spend 2 hours watching. I usually don't like older films bc the lack the directing, story telling, cinematography and even sometimes acting that I prefer, but this isn't true about The Verdict. Paul Newmans a beast, we all know that, and I too was surprised to see him take this role when everyone else in Hollywood is on his dick. So that's why I respect this film and gave it my time. I agree with was all of you of are saying so no point in repeating it. Best part of the film: the slow developing bitch slap. I immediately thought of Josh. I will say one final thing, when I watch a film, it doesn't take much for my emotions to get the best of me and tear up. All it takes is a moment of Real life pain. Not some manufactured pain, but a simple stare or flash of hidden love or even something I can relate to as a child. I just like it to feel real and then I'm a sucker. But for some reason I didn't choke up not once. I'm not saying that I no longer like the movie, I just wanted to point that out, bc I realized it myself as I wrote this. Good flick, would I watch it again........?

Josh Reviews: 'The Verdict'

The Verdict (1982)

First off, I just wanted to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. I love a story that really puts the viewer into the character's shoes, and even though that process is extremely uncomfortable when those shoes have holes in them, there's a certain kind of underdog sense of confidence and a belief in justice that you leave with which carries on into your life.

Probably real whiskey in this glass!

I had mixed emotions the entire time through this movie. It started off, seemingly, a little slow at first, but I really appreciate the way that Paul Newman put his swagger into this role. Somehow, while his professional life is stagnate and spiraling out of control, his sexual life is as strong as ever! He totally pulled off the desensitized lawyer and then used it to his benefit! Only a good lawyer is capable of such a task, and only a guy like Paul Newman can accurately pull that off on screen! When it shows Jack Warden's character witnessing this train-wreck of a situation unfold, I kept waiting on him to pick up the whiskey bottle and throw it at the wall and I really enjoyed that he didn't. It seems much more like the real world where, in situations like that, people are more attracted to the idea of removing themselves from the situation entirely. Luckily for the client, they had a true moral obligation to see it through to the end which not only reminds people when they should stick together and why. Lots of useful lessons in this film if you hold it up to the light and turn it sideways.

The infamous Paul Newman stare

Among the many lessons this film has to offer, no better lesson is learned than the lesson of being held accountable for your actions. You are probably reading this thinking that I am talking about the court case itself, and the fact that justice was served to the people, that in this case, the people held the bad guys to the fire, but you are wrong! I'm referring to the most gangster move by ANY actor in ANY movie.. that unforgettable bitch-slap that is forever burned into my memory! This might be the only movie that proves that no one, male or female, is above one of nature's most fundamental laws: Don't be a cunt, because if you're a cunt to a guy like Paul Newman, he will storm into any public establishment you may or may not be at, slowly subdue you with an ancient and primal stare, rare back and bitch-slap you in front of EVERYONE! Hilarious. The stage-presence that Paul Newman has in this scene is unreal! As soon as he walked in she knew she was in trouble, she knew what was coming and so did everyone else in the restaurant, she knew she deserved what she was about to get and Paul Newman delivers the most incredible bitch-slap that will echo through the ages! I mean, lets be real here... he went medieval! This movie should be showed to masses of men and women that are just getting out of high school in a desperate attempt to end cuntiness, and show young men the only scenario when slapping your significant other is the most productive course of action for all parties involved. I honestly believe that this might be the most important message in this movie.. don't hit women, ever, unless they do this! Paul Newman, rest in peace. We shall never see his kind again!

Rating: 7.5/10

-Josh

Paper Moon (1973)

Moses Pray: I want one child's price ticket.
Station Master: That will be $11.45.
Moses Pray: I want you to send this here telegram to Miss Billie Roy Griggs of Cosmo Road, St. Joseph: "Train arriving 9:52 AM and bringing love, affection, and $20 cash." Oh, make that "$25 cash", and sign it just "Addie Loggins".
Station Master: 10 words, that will be eighty-five cents more, that will be $12 and 30.
Moses Pray: $12 and 30, huh? You better say in that message there "Love, affection, and $20 cash."


Our second movie on the docket will be a 1973 American comedy directed by Peter Bogdanovich titled 'Paper Moon'.  The film follows a con man named Moses Pray (Ryan O'Neal) who meets 9-year-old Addie Loggins (Tatum O'Neal).  This pair is intriguing because it is a father-daughter cast.

I found this picture when I researched the movie and I can't wait to watch after seeing it.  Here are some accolades that the film received:

• Tatum O'Neal won the 1973 Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress (Age 10 at the time, still the youngest to ever win).
• Nominated for Best Sound (Richard Portman, Les Fresholtz)
• Nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay (Alvin Sargent)
• Ryan O'Neal was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Comedy
• 90% on Rotten Tomatoes
• 8.2/10 on IMDB

This is our first suggested movie by our contributor David Wagner.  I'll post my synopsis on Wednesday.  Looking forward to getting everyone's input!

The Verdict is in

Well that was a good movie. I'm always reluctant when it comes to courtroom dramas. It feels like when you've seen one you've seen them all. However, with The Verdict, the courtroom wasn't the main focal point. I don't think we actually enter the courtroom until 3/4 of the way through the film. This film was centered around two main aspects.

1) The trial

Obviously, the subject of malpractice and doctor protection. This film was made in 1982 but this is still somewhat of a problem today. I would like to think it's as rare as films made about it. Having experienced a few hospital and procedure visits, the fine print on the forms you sign protect the doctor to the fullest extent. It's equivelant to doing a zip line and signing a waiver saying "Hey, If the steel line somehow snaps it's not our fault. You're on your own." It does feel like doctors are above moral standards of every other business or profession. There was a quote from the movie that was somewhere along the lines of "They are their own gods" if not that exactly. As prevelant at the end of the trial this doctor had built his reputation to such a high standard that not even himself could be held to it. When he was trying to live up to it, he became comfortable which in turn was negligent. Like most movies though, of course Frank won the trial.

2) The Character

This is by far my favorite aspect of the movie. This is the only reason I kept watching this movie. There was this brilliant parallel between the patient/trial and Frank. Frank was struggling with his life yet he had no idea. Frank fell into this lull with his life of just getting by. The scene, which was one of only two around the actual patient, at the bedside in the hospital is when he realized that the patient lying on that bed may as well of been him. That is what his life had turned into. He was affecting the world just as much as a person in a vegetative state. From this point on we saw the reaffirmation of Frank Galvin, Esquire. Throughout the trial process it felt as if Frank was almost prosecuting his own moralities and choices in life. The slow process of gaining evidence and witnesses was Frank bogging down and plodding his way through the muck; grasping his life again.

When giving his closing argument Frank said "If we are to have faith in justice. We need only to believe in ourselves."

This was not just a statement about the trial at hand but a statement about what we as people can aspire to.

Good choice Derrick

The Verdict
I enjoyed watching this movie. There were several points I would like to express.

1) The pace of the movies is what really struck me. It allowed the characters to develop and have good dialogue. It also allowed the audience to know the characters and not make a rush decisions. Nothing was rushed, everything that happened felt like it could happen to a real lawyer.
2) Paul Newman was a superstar in those days and to take on a role like this was surprising. He was a leading man in his movies. To portray an alcoholic loser was a role I wouldn't think he could pull off. The supporting cast was full of character actors. I've seen them in other movies and they are quite good.
3) I never expected for the camera stay on the polaroids until they develop fully. Those pictures brought home the fact that the woman will never recover. To see the woman slowly coming into view change the movie from just money to finding justice. To me that was the best scene in the movie.
4) When the lawyer was stating the qualifications of the doctor and closed by saying they didn't to worry because he was black, that was insulting. One works all of their life to accomplish a certain level of respect and to be dismissed like that, it was underhanded.
5) Finally all the women's characters were all on sided. They were a nurse that hiding, a nurse that would confront the doctors, a wife who kowtow to the husband, the love interest sent in to spy, and the woman who was the victim. Besides those descriptions very little is known about them.

This was a good start in our discussion. A suggestion towards our next movie, a western. The western has been symbolic of the US migration from the east coast to the west coast.

The Verdict (1982) Synopsis

"I came here to take your money. I brought snapshots to show you so I could get your money. I can't do it; I can't take it. 'Cause if I take the money I'm lost. I'll just be a... rich ambulance chaser. I can't do it. I can't take it."

                                               -Paul Newman as Frank Galvin 

I really enjoyed this flick.  Courtroom dramas seem to always run a similar route, but this movie went a different way.  Paul Newman must have been an alcoholic malpractice lawyer in a previous life because he was very convincing in this role.  Here are a few things that stood out to me:

• The beginning was pretty morbid.  I mean you have to be a certain type of character to approach strangers at a funeral and give them your business card.  I'm not sure what being a malpractice lawyer entails on a daily basis, but trying to sales pitch a family at a funeral might be the lowest of the low.  Just watching that one guys reaction honestly made me dislike Galvin at first.

•  The relationship between the woman and Galvin was really intriguing.  One awesome thing I noticed was the first time they met each other.  He told her randomly that he had a good day, and then when she started to leave the bar she stopped and said, "I'm glad you had a good day."  The thing that I noticed was Galvin and his friends reactions.  This is a great example of why I love movies.  Their reaction was spot on.  It reminded me of something a group of guys would do when a girl shows someone some direct attention. 

• When Galvin first goes to the hospital and takes pictures of the woman in the coma, I felt the first real development of Galvin's character.  The director created an awesome sequence where the camera stayed on the photograph until it fully developed.  I thought that was symbolic and parallel to how Galvin felt.  He went to that hospital with money on his mind, and then he realized that this was his chance to actually do something good.  No more going to funerals and trying to sales pitch to grieving families.  With this woman, he could maybe make a difference.

•  This plot was shaped like other courtroom dramas, but it had a different flow.  Instead of finding pieces of evidence as the movie/trial progressed, Galvin had all the evidence he thought he needed at the beginning, and then as the movie progressed he steadily lost most of that evidence.  I really liked this flow.  It had me leaning toward predicting that he would lose the case, but then the break comes when the nurse testifies that the doctor told her to change the preliminary form.  Another twist follows when the defense uses legal jargon to get the nurses testimony withdrawn, but the jury does the right thing in the end.  I also loved that he didn't answer the girls phone call at the end.  And that might have been the hardest bitch slap I've ever seen LOL.  I think I said "DAYUMMM" in my Next Friday voice when I saw that.

• The black doctor (Joe Seneca) was one of my favorite characters.  He was also in Crossroads and A Time to Kill.  I think that he was an important character, because he was portrayed as just a generally good guy.  He seemed like a character that could determine what is right and what is wrong, and his decision to testify for Galvin reassured me that representing this woman was the right thing to do. 
• One major theme was the "you guys are all the same" rhetoric.  This was said about lawyers and doctors.  I think that is still true today.  Many people view lawyers or doctors as only out for the money instead of helping people (which is a major part of their job description).  Galvin represents that stereotype early in the film, but that is the major evolution that his character undergoes.  He changes from money hungry to capturing the human element of the movie.

 Well, I think this movie was a great first pick.  But this discussion is nothing without your inputs.  I can't wait to see what each person thought about the different aspects of this film.  So...  Let the games begin!

The Verdict (1982)

"You know, so much of the time we're just lost. We say, "Please, God, tell us what is right; tell us what is true." And there is no justice: the rich win, the poor are powerless. We become tired of hearing people lie. And after a time, we become dead..."

                                             -Paul Newman as Frank Galvin

Well my fellow cinema patrons, the first movie is upon us.  I stumbled upon this movie Monday night, and I thought this would be a good start.  This is a courtroom drama that centers around an alcoholic attorney (Newman) who takes a malpractice lawsuit in order to make a few bucks.  I know it sounded a bit cliche to me as well, but the reviews were astounding.  Apparently this is one of Newman's best roles, and that's saying something.

Here are some accolades the film received:

• Nominated for Best Actor in a Leading Role (Paul Newman)
• Nominated for Best Actor in a Supporting Role (James Mason)
• Nominated for Best Director (Sidney Lumet)
• Nominated for Best Picture
• Nominated for Best Screenplay
• Rotten Tomatoes: 96%
• IMDB: 7.8

I'll be opening the discussion Sunday with my take from the film, and then everyone can comment and relay what their take from the film is.  Some things to discuss are character flaws, character evolution, plot themes, positives and negative opinions you have from the film, etc...  I want everyone to give their own personal synopsis, but afterwards feel free to comment on others opinions, this is supposed to be a well-reasoned discussion.

Here is a link to stream the movie.  Note:  There will be a few pop ups, but...  Get over it.  It's 2014 A.K.A. the decade of the pop up.  Just click 'Continue to File' until a play button appears on the movie screen.  Click the play button until the movie starts.  If you're not comfortable streaming movies, then you'll have to rent it from iTunes or check and see if it's on a traditional streaming website.

Movie4k: http://www.movie4k.to/The-Verdict-watch-movie-2738088.html

I'm excited about what everyone will have to say...  Happy cinema to you all and I'll see you Sunday!