‘Avanti!’ (1972) not among Wilder’s elite, but it certainly avoids cliches
Wilder Wednesday (Movie review): By not challenging its own morality (or immorality), the film oddly encourages us to think outside the box.
Comedy
‘Avanti!’ (1972) not among Wilder’s elite, but it certainly avoids cliches
‘Seven Year Itch’ (1955) had me itching for more laughs
Wilder Wednesday (Movie review): That classic shot of Marilyn Monroe over the storm grate comes from this film, but it’s not too memorable otherwise.
‘Ball of Fire’ (1941) a delightful early gem from Hawks, Wilder
Wilder Wednesday (Movie review): Enjoy the star power of Gary Cooper and Barbara Stanwyck, and as a bonus learn the slang of 1941.
Short film ‘The Black Hole’ (2008) unlocks an opening in an unlikely place
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): This sharp British short explores the drudgery of – and escape from – office work in less than 3 minutes.
‘Irma la Douce’ (1963) another sweet mix of comedy, chemistry
Wilder Wednesday (Movie review): Although the film’s running time is strangely miscalibrated, Lemmon and MacLaine are cute and funny.
‘Anora’ (2024) runs a rom-com through the ‘Fargo’ filter
Movie review: You never know what genre – or plot swings — you’re gonna get in this Sean Baker film that spins “Pretty Woman” through a blender.
‘Sabrina’ (1954) an all-time great breezy romance
Wilder Wednesday (Movie review): The delicately humorous screenplay and lead trio make this film easy to like, even by Wilder’s standards.
‘Some Like It Hot’ (1959), and everyone likes it funny
Wilder Wednesday (Movie review): Lemmon’s comedic chops and Curtis’ variety of characters make this the all-timer among gender-switch films.
John’s top 10 movies of 2024
2024 movies: A remarkable number of filmmakers this year delved into metaphysical issues, appropriate for this weird time we live in.
John’s top 10 TV shows of 2024
2024 television: Network shows held on to some viewers thanks to diversity of main characters and premises, but streaming and premium channels continued to dominate.