Category Archives: Capsule Reviews

Capsule Reviews, FACETS, Film reviews

The Fugitive—FACETS 50 Capsule Coverage

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FACETS has a season of diverse and cinematic media that spans a lot of nostalgia. With programs ranging from new to restorations, FACETS knows how to keep classic movie-going experiences alive and thriving. I had the pleasure of experiencing The Fugitive in the FACETS 50 series. This series contains variety of films that are back for revisited moments. The Fugitive is a Chicago thriller that brought me back to the first time I saw it. I have never seen The Fugitive on TV butinitially saw it at the Music Box Cinema in the fall of 2019. This was only the second time experiencing this movie. The suspense of the Chicagoland setting and many runaway scenes reminded me how diverse Chicago’s landscape is. The Fugitive is one of the most mesmerizing portraits of what makes a masterpiece.

Director Andrew Davis took viewers to a new world of suspense with The Fugitive in 1993, the year I was born. Revisiting the 1990s made me realize how The Fugitive is best viewed on the big screen. The chases and discreet moments in many Chicago venues are unique and intriguing.

The event continued with a post-screening discussion with Davis and other filmmakers on Zoom. The night of Chicago cinema continued to dazzle as more details were shared about The Fugitive. There were gems discovered related to the writing of the script and the sets in the film. Davis said that he stated in the early in the process, “The script doesn’t make sense!” But as production went on, more was added. The biggest revelation was the St. Patrick’s Day parade, an idea that added to the suspense of the film.  In addition, attendees learned about the dynamics between Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones during the production process. The conversation about the behind-the-scenes elements made this FACETS event special for cinema aficionados of all ages.

Overall, FACETS is a wonderful home for movie moments of both films being viewed for the first time or ones being revisited. Director Davis brought to light an understanding of how our world has evolved over time and the impact on movies. Despite all the changes we see today, his words resonated with me when he said, “The Fugitive opened the door for many movies to be shot in Chicago.” It sure did! For more upcoming events and diverse programming visit facets.org for listings of the many wonderful programs they have coming up. There are also memberships, souvenirs, and all sorts of other ways to participate in the appreciation of film at FACETS. It is definitely worth the time and energy to visit in honor of its 50th Anniversary .

4K, Capsule Reviews, Film reviews, Warner Bros

Warner Bros 4K Releases: North by Northwest, Blazing Saddles, and The Terminator

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What’s better than reliving cinematic nostalgia? Continuing the collection of physical media! While we live in a time whenphysical media is limited, Warner Bros 4K Releases offer a combination of films that are surreal and unforgettable. From running from planes in North by Northwest, laughing with cowboys in Blazing Saddles, and seeing Arnold Schwarzenegger play the hero in The Terminator—there is an excitement and an adrenaline rush that lasts for ages. These are classic 4K releases that are worth the time, the money, and the energy to enjoy either for the first time or the tenth.

North by Northwest is a film I have watched four times in my life. The first experience was in a classroom, the second experience was in the cinema (in standard definition), the third was also in the cinema (in print projection), and the fourth was the 4K physical release. The layers of investigative purpose in this movie dive boldly, and still ignite my love for the film. Each cut or new restoration serves to brighten the suspense. The 4k experience makes the chase scenes more exciting as does wondering who is at fault in the film’s many suspenseful moments.

As a die-hard fan of Mel Brooks, Blazing Saddles is one movie that always makes me laugh out loud. It reminds me of a time when comedies were much more successful. Originality back in the day served a greater purpose and had a greater impact. The sound quality makes the laughter heighten the atmosphere which in turn causes the comedy to whirl around in circles leading to entertaining revelations. It is easier and more interesting to experience the humor in the audibles of Blazing Saddles in 4K.

Finally, there is James Cameron, a director who has always navigated his writing and craftsmanship with the skill of a champion. The Terminator is the beginning of a franchise that boils into many layers that demonstrate what filmmaking is all about. The 4K cut is one-of-a-kind. The many aspects of thecinematics and the characters fuel the fire of success in the 4K version. The quote, “I’LL BE BACK,” is the perfect message toremind viewers of the nostalgia in revisiting this classic.  

60th Chicago International Film Festival, Capsule Reviews, Film reviews

Vermiglio Review-60th Chicago International Film Festival

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The film is a subtle portrait of a historic period. The 1940s setting of dynamics is moving continuously. Written and directed by Maura Delpero, Vermiglio is the title of its home. It is a film about a mountainous village (that is secluded) that brings in a breathtaking direction of an array of individuals. It is through education, love, and war. Those many aspects have the presence of quality in Vermiglio.

The film is a relationship with angles of frustration. Its characters (who are in love) are Pietro (played by Giuseppe De Domenico) and Lucia (played by Martina Scrinzi). Pietro is a soldier who is trying to put the war behind him. Lucia is the daughter of a schoolmaster, Cesare (played by Tommaso Ragno). Cesare is one with high expectations. Those who are not motivated make Cesare think otherwise.

With Cesare and his high expectations, approaches to finding love are a subject of curiosity. Quiet pacing (in the film) loops in minds to think deeply. It is a tail of surrealism. Vermiglio dives deep into its odyssey of finding the ability to accept.

The continuity of Lucia and Pietro is what stands as audacious in Vermiglio. The bond of their love is where the writing weaves heavily on (from many angles). Vermiglio is a breathtaking masterpiece. The emotions swarm with curiosity. Three-and-a-half of four stars.