Wilder serves and learns from Lubitsch in ‘Ninotchka’ (1939)
Wilder Wednesday (Movie review): Writer Wilder would continue with this blend of comedy, romance and geo-politics/economics when he became a director.
Oscars
Wilder serves and learns from Lubitsch in ‘Ninotchka’ (1939)
Stop the presses: ‘The Paper’ (1994) is a rip-roaring journalism movie
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Though more comedic than others of its ilk, Ron Howard’s film gets the biz right.
‘Stalag 17’ (1953) a mildly sanitized look at POW misery
Wilder Wednesday (Movie review): This is another example of Wilder’s ability to balance tones, as he delivers a dark history lesson without traumatizing us.
‘Crimson Tide’ (1995) is a red-letter submarine suspenser
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): The epitome of Nineties action remains a well-oiled machine 30 years later thanks to what now looks like restraint.
‘Spirit of St. Louis’ (1957) shows the technical side of the spectacular
Wilder Wednesday (Movie review): You’ll learn a lot about Lindbergh’s transatlantic flight, but it’s hard to make sleep deprivation thrilling.
‘French Connection’ (1971) lets you make own conclusions about Drug War
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Stylishly gritty without being a lecture, this is a deceptively smart straightforward film.
Hackman’s ‘Hoosiers’ (1986) has the winning touch
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): Sometimes cliches play well in a movie, as this loose telling of the 1954 Indiana state hoops champs proves.
‘Fortune Cookie’ (1966) crumbles under its length, predictability
Wilder Wednesday (Movie review): This supposed satire of dishonest lawyering misfires by running the ball right up the middle.
Disney creates cure for insomnia with ‘Tron: Legacy’ (2010)
Throwback Thursday (Movie review): This shallow legacy sequel makes a compelling case for being the Mouse House’s most cynical product.
‘Double Indemnity’ (1944) a deliberate classic of film noir
Wilder Wednesday (Movie review): Stiffer than Wilder’s later masterpieces, his adaptation of Cain’s novel helps stamp a genre into public consciousness.