Short Film Ratings (Classic Edition #5)
The first classic edition of Short Film Ratings for quite a while, featuring short reviews of All the President’s Men, The Truman Show, The Ladykillers and A Few Good Men.
All the President’s Men (1976)
Humpo Show Rating | 9.0
IMDb Rating | 8.0
Starring: Robert Redford, Dustin Hoffman, Jack Warden, Martin Balsam, Hal Holbrook and Jason Robards
Director: Alan J. Pakula
Plot Summary: “The Washington Post” reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein uncover the details of the Watergate scandal that leads to President Richard Nixon’s resignation. (IMDb)
After watching The Post – which was average – I immediately turned my attention to this classic film that breathlessly recounts the events of the Watergate scandal that rocked American politics in the 1970s. The narrative is absorbing – made all the better given the fact that the events that took place is factual history. Redford and Hoffman deliver distinctive performances as reporters from “The Post”; the tension is ramped up effectively by Pakula through a combination of short action and long action sequences; the meetings with the secret informant are staged with intrigue; and the investigative reporting that is undertaken is fantastic to witness.
The Truman Show (1998)
Humpo Show Rating | 9.5
IMDb Rating | 8.1
Starring: Jim Carrey, Ed Harris, Laura Linney, Noah Emmerich, Natasha McElhone and Brian Delate
Director: Andrew Niccol
Plot Summary: An insurance salesman/adjuster discovers his entire life is actually a television show. (IMDb)
Quite modern to be listed as a classic at only 20 years old, but The Truman Show is a personal favourite of mine, and given that it’s pre-2000 I’ll allow it!
A unique premise that is directed perfectly not only by Niccol, but also by Ed Harris’ character. Truman’s life has been manipulated since birth and it has provided entertainment for masses of viewers for years. However, the true nature of his reality slowly begins to reveal itself to him. The Truman Show is an uplifting and wonderful film that features one of Carrey’s best acting performances, is paced to perfection and provides a deeper meaning for those that study the film more closely.
The Ladykillers (1955)
Humpo Show Rating | 7.5
IMDb Rating | 7.8
Starring: Alec Guinness, Cecil Parker, Herbert Lom, Peter Sellers, Danny Green and Katie Johnson.
Director: Alexander Mackendrick
Plot Summary: Five diverse oddball criminal types planning a bank robbery rent rooms on a cul-de-sac from an octogenarian widow under the pretext that they are classical musicians. (IMDb)
Essentially a comedy about a robbery. The Ladykillers blends together multiple aspects of comedy: slapstick, subtle, running gags and classic British wit. The infuriating Mrs Wilberforce is a needle in the plans of the robbers and the various mishaps that occur in the 90 minutes of screentime come together and flow extremely well. I was pleasantly surprised by how atmospheric and eerie the film was – and that added component gave the film an added dimension not only to the storyline but for the comedy too.
A Few Good Men (1992)
Humpo Show Rating | 7.8
IMDb Rating | 7.7
Starring: Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, Demi Moore, Kevin Bacon, Kiefer Sutherland, Kevin Pollak, Wolfgang Bodison and James Marshall.
Director: Rob Reiner
Plot Summary: Military lawyer Lieutenant Daniel Kaffee defends Marines accused of murder. They contend they were acting under orders. (IMDb)
Famous for the line: “YOU CAN’T HANDLE THE TRUTH!”
A Few Good Men is a very watchable legal-drama film with a riveting supporting role performance from Nicholson. Cruise and Moore play off each other well, and the film reaches an absorbing last third when the action reaches the courtroom.
The Humpo Show | Richard
rwh92.wordpress.com 
Need to see the aforementioned movies, your choice of juxtaposing these 5 is interesting. Thanks!
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I haven’t yet seen “The Ladykillers”, but I agree with your reviews of the other films. You’ve made me want to watch “The Truman Show” again, even though I re-watched it a few months ago.
I am so, SO glad you featured “All the President’s Men”. It’s an excellent film, and I worry it will be forgotten by newer audiences.
Being from the UK and born in the 90s, Watergate wasn’t really something I knew much about, but I’ve always been intrigued. Very glad that I finally watched it, such a fascinating scandal and film!
All good films. I like your inclusion of A Few Good Men in particular. I mean I have started to look at this film differently when I found out that it was based on a real story.
It was the first time I had watched it and made for great viewing. Did not realise that when I was watching it.
I’d read this post before but kept going as it was so well written. I love the old Ealing comedies. I really recommend Kind Hearts and Coronets and Dead of Night.
Thanks so much Alex 🙂
Just gave those couple of films a look, and they sound a riot!
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