Stephen Earnest
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Stephen reviewed...
Easy Rider (1969)
Ah, the death of the American Dream, summarized in one final shot.… More
Ah, the death of the American Dream, summarized in one final shot. "Easy Rider" is one of those films that's basically a required viewing for almost everyone because of the effect that it had on independent cinema and the world in general, but in all honesty, it isn't very good. Besides an influential soundtrack, its relevant thematic content and Jack Nicholson's memorable performance, "Easy Rider" is easily forgettable. Not much happens in its hour-and-a-half running time, and Dennis Hopper's representation of the hippie movement is narcissistic to say the least. Most of the problems in "Easy Rider" stem from the fact that it's dated, which is almost unfixable, so there's much to do except appreciate it for what it is and move on.
2 hours ago via Rotten Tomatoes
Stephen reviewed...
All That Jazz (1979)
It was an ambitious (yet slightly self-indulgent) decision by Bob… More
It was an ambitious (yet slightly self-indulgent) decision by Bob Fosse to make a movie based on his own life, let alone his death. This curious fact alone is reason enough to give "All That Jazz" a watch -- on top of its cynical themes, excellent performances, phenomenal editing and unbelievably harsh ending. In the end, the whole thing comes together quite superbly. And who knew that life within a hospital could be so darn interesting?
2 hours ago via Rotten Tomatoes
Stephen reviewed...
Rio Bravo (1959)
"Rio Bravo" has John Wayne, Dean Martin and Howard Hawks all at the… More
"Rio Bravo" has John Wayne, Dean Martin and Howard Hawks all at the top of their game, resulting in one of the best Westerns to emerge from Hollywood's Golden Age. The humor is great, the action is exciting and Hawks' direction is light and appealing. Also, Walter Brennan is hilariously idiosyncratic in his supporting role. Stumpy will go down as one of cinema's most memorable characters.
3 days ago via Rotten Tomatoes
Stephen reviewed...
Taps (1981)
Not even solid performances from Timothy Hutton and George C. Scott… More
Not even solid performances from Timothy Hutton and George C. Scott can save "Taps," which is a generic teen drama that's often melodramatic to the point of being unintentionally comedic. Aside from Hutton and Scott, the acting is pretty weak, which might have something to do with the characters being incredibly unlikable, and the film itself has all the power and poignancy of a daytime soap opera. Nothing really ever works in "Taps," and while it isn't totally reprehensible, it's bland and forgettable and downright ludicrous.
3 days ago via Rotten Tomatoes
