Pinocchio 1940 Directed by Norman Ferguson There was a definite improvement in this movie compared to Snow White. This film felt a lot more like the familiar Disney from the nineties (I have enjoyed these early Disney movies but I am a Disney princess girl through and through). Parts of this movie were really dark, however, which seems to be an exclusive theme for early Disney.
We all know the story. A puppet gets turned into a real boy by a Blue Fairy and is accompanied by his "conscience" Jiminy Cricket. However, he constantly gets into trouble by two con man and his own follies. I had seen this movie before, probably when I was around six, so it brought back a few distant memories.
I wasn't wildly entertained. I mean, it was pretty spectacular considering how new animation was to the big screen. It is also further proof that animation can be for adults as well. However, the plot was merely different adventures strung together; it was more like a television show than a movie. I also wasn't a huge fan of the songs, though "When You Wish Upon a Star" is pretty poignant. Since most of you have probably seen it, no use recommending it!
RATING: ***--
Interesting Facts:
"When You Wish Upon a Star" was ranked number 7 in AFI's top 100 movie songs.
Dance, Girl, Dance 1940 Directed by Dorothy Arzner (A woman! I am scandalized!) Isn't it crazy that this is only the second movie on the list directed by a woman (the other being The Smiling Madame Beudet). This is not the fault of the Listmakers (like I could accuse the gods of error!). There simply weren't a lot of female directors and frankly, I am glad that few have been including. I wouldn't want a woman director to be on the list merely because she was a woman. I would like her to earn her spot (here's looking at you, book list). This film, thankfully, deserves its place on the list.
Another weird thing about this movie: it stars Lucille Ball. It is just full of surprises! This film is about two aspiring dancers (Maureen O'Hara and Lucille Ball) who have to deal with career and man problems (don't we all ladies). The dance scenes were really good, especially Maureen O'Hara's. The movie takes a little while to get started but once it does it is delightfully entertaining; I really enjoyed seeing Lucille Ball in this kind of role. So check it out!
RATING: ****-
Interesting Facts:
Lucille Ball ended up buying RKO, the studio that produced this film.
O'Hara and Ball became lifelong friends from this movie.
Grapes of Wrath 1940 Directed by John Ford I really don't want to talk about this movie. It was really long and really boring and I am tired. So...yeah.
RATING: *----
The Philadelphia Story 1940 Directed by George Cukor
I have had to write a few movie posts today and I am getting tired. So here is the lowdown on the story: Katharine Hepburn is a spoiled rich girl, some random guy is her fiancee, Cary Grant is her ex husband, and Jimmy Stewart is the journalist covering her wedding.
Having three such talented actors is truly a delight no matter what is coming out of their mouth. Thankfully, the movie is really witty and funny. I prefer the musical version, High Society. Still, this film is really entertaining and definitely worth a watch.
RATING: ****-
Interesting Facts:
Katharine Hepburn wanted Spencer Tracy and Clark Gable to plain the main male roles.
Jimmy Stewart won the Best Actor Award. The word "Philadelphia" was misspelled on his Oscar.
Trailer:
Fantasia 1940 Directed by Joe Grant So that was weird. For those of who don't know, this story is comprised to different silent animated segments with classical music in the background. The segments are incredibly trippy; they don't make much sense and there is almost no plot. Oddly enough, it was pretty compelling. I particularly became fascinated whenever the centaurs were dancing. The dancing hippos were...interesting as well.
The embarrassing part is that I could not tell one piece of classical music from another. They all sounded the same to me which was particularly embarrassing when I realized they played around 15 different pieces. Who knows? Maybe this will prompt me to do the 1001 classical recordings!
I had a similar experience watching Olympia. I thought I would be completely bored but I ended becoming really into it. Maybe a little too into it.
RATING: ****-
Interesting Facts:
First American film to use stereophonic sound (this is when you use two or more channels for the audio).
The sorcerer was based on Walt Disney.
Ranked one of the most overrated movies of all time by Premiere magazine.
