Seven Chances

Title: Seven Chances
Year: 1925
Country: USA
Director: Buster Keaton
Producer: Joseph M. Schenck & Buster Keaton
Genre: Comedy
Runtime: 56 minutes
Viewed: December 29, 2011

Review: This movie was pretty good. The concept is pretty funny, a man who only inherits his millions (left from his grandfather) if he is to marry by his 27th birthday, which of course happens to be that day. As Keaton's last movie I watched, there is a lot of comedy which makes the movie entertaining. There are plenty of parts in the movie that are funny and for the most part it will keep your attention. Buster Keaton definitely had a lot of talent whether that be in acting or directing. It is clear why this movie was listed in the book.

Rating:
3 Shamrocks

Movie 25 down... 976 to go!

Der Letzte Mann

Title: Der Letzte Mann - The Last Laugh
Year: 1924
Country: Germany
Director: F.W. Murnau
Producer: Erich Pommer
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 90 minutes
Viewed: December 28, 2011

Review: The positive? The film has been restored wonderfully. It has one of the clearest pictures thus far. The meaning of the movie is decent. A man finds self worth in his job and once he loses it he finds himself in a downward spiral. Not far off from many people's feelings and thoughts today who have to take jobs they would rather not be doing. The scene in the film where they tell him he has been demoted due to his "age and frailty" reminds me of a certain store (shall remain nameless, but I'm sure you can figure it out) that allows old people to have a job but really just greet you as you come in and leave the store. The negative? I thought the film was long for the story. It would appear the films that I rather enjoy are short while the ones I would prefer end swiftly go on for days. I know I'm in the minority on the fact that I thought it was long because I read many reviews saying it was a great film and not too long. However, I'd have to say it did not keep my attention for more then maybe about 30 minutes, if that. The other hour was me trying to focus but knowing already what was going to happen in the film.

Rating:
1.5 Shamrocks - While I did not enjoy it, I can see why film enthusiasts would.

Movie 24 down... 977 to go!

Sherlock Jr.

Title: Sherlock Jr.
Year: 1924
Country: USA
Director: Buster Keaton
Producer: Joseph M. Schenck & Buster Keaton
Genre: Comedy, Family, & Short
Runtime: 45 minutes
Viewed: December 28, 2011

Review: Okay, so far this is by far my favorite movie. It is full of comedy for the whole family. I watched this with my (reluctant) seven year old nephew and he was just as captivated as I was. The banana peel on the floor is classic and here's where it all started. I was saddened by the fact that it was so short. This is one movie that I wish would have been longer, but looking at the list I can completely understand why more films by Buster Keaton are listed. Funny, captivating, and easy to watch is the best description I can give this movie.

Rating:
4 Shamrocks

Movie 23 down... 978 to go!

Greed

Title: Greed
Year: 1924
Country: USA
Director: Erich Von Stroheim
Producer: Louis B. Mayer
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 140 minutes
Viewed: December 26, 2011

Review: Let's start with the fact that finding this movie with English subtitles seemed impossible, I stumbled upon it eventually though. While watching silent films is something that I am still not a big fan of, my attention was kept by this film. It is simple to say that regardless of the year, the act of greed is something that can devastate someone's life, which is depicted well in this movie. It does not matter if you have a lot of money or no money, the goal to keep, hold on to, and gain more can eventually subdue your life. There were a couple of things specifically that I enjoyed about this movie, first the flashes of color (yellow) when the birds, gold, and tooth are shown. The second part of this movie that I really enjoyed and thought was done creatively was the fact that when the main character plays the accordion the music matches the song that he is playing. It may just be my opinion but I thought that if Will Ferrell was an actor in 1924 he very well could have been Gibson Gowland, looks wise.

Rating:
3 Shamrocks

Movie 22 down... 979 to go!