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To Kill a Mockingbird, a review by Rich

To Kill a Mockingbird



Robert Mulligan's classic adaptation of Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, set in the racially charged atmosphere of Macon County, Alabama in the 1930s, TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD is a poignant coming-of-age story. Winner of four Academy Awards including Best Screenplay (written by Horton Foote), and Best Actor (Gregory Peck), TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD is a timeless film packed with beautiful scenes and meaningful life lessons. The story is told from the vantage point of a young girl nicknamed Scout (Mary Badham) whose widowed white father Atticus Finch (Peck), an attorney, decides on principle to defend a black man (Brock Peters) charged with raping a poor white woman. But the bigoted townspeople would rather lynch the accused than try him, and they make life hellish for the lawyer, his daughter, and his son Jem (Philip Alford). While their father is in the throes of the trial, his bright, inquisitive children learn a hard and unforgettable lesson in justice, morality, and prejudice, part of which requires overcoming an unfounded fear of their mysterious neighbour Boo Radley (Robert Duvall).

Twee American classic, for the year it was produced it must have been controversial in some of its delicately handled content, albeit of course set in 30's Alabama.
The book I read back in school many years ago, and I think the adaptation keeps the original authors intent. The black and white production, novel film angles, sympathetic score and intelligent direction are plusses, the only real problem I had with the film was it's overly long length and at times 'finger on fast forward' desire to speed up the pace.
Peck does a credible job as Addicus, but the film is stolen by both children actors, especially the tomboy who played Scout, who narrates the film.
Worth a recommendation 




(From Riches Random Reviews on January 28th, 2009)

Lake Dead, a review by addicted2dvd

Title: Lake Dead
Movie Count: 8
TV Ep Count: 3
Other Count: 0
Time Started: 12:30pm
Plot:
Three beautiful sisters learn of a long-lost grandfather, but only make this discovery upon the news of his grisly death. Enticed to visit grandpa's old home after hearing of an inheritance, the sisters head to the back country with some friends. We quickly follow the group of friends through the gates of a redneck infested hell. The psychotic family occupying the inherited property goes on a long-awaited, and much enjoyed killing spree. As the family's twisted motives unravel, the sisters discover a terror worse than death.

My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this one a lot. I have seen my share of crazy rednecks in the country type movies. And I usually enjoy them. But this one I think I enjoy more then most of the others. For one thing it is more upfront with what some of the others hint on. Especially towards the end of the movie. Then there is the fact that this one does go with a little more gore then usual. One scene in particular even made me squinch a little.



(From My Month Long Horror/Halloween Marathon: 2008 on October 2nd, 2008)

Angel Marathon, a review by addicted2dvd

18. Origin
Original Air Date: 4/21/2004
When Connor and his new parents show up at Wolfram and Hart asking for help, Angel refuses, leading Wesley to uncover how Angel had everyone's memory altered.

Guest Stars:
Vincent Kartheiser
Dennis Christopher
Jack Conley
Jim Abele
Adrienne Brett Evans
Adam Baldwin

My Thoughts:
This one I enjoyed quite a bit. It was good to see Connor again. And I had to laugh at the scene with Spike and Illyria.

My Rating:

(From Angel Marathon on March 24th, 2010)