Netflix: Let Me at It !

     My wife got me this great laptop for an early Father’s Day gift. I’m having a field day exploring and discovering old (and not so old) movies, and wonderful documentaries and stuff.

     I’ve been so impressed, that I am adding a “Netflix Picks” category to my blog page. I will talk about the more notable things I have watched recently and why I recommend them. Here are some I watched this week:

Scarface (1932) Paul Muni, Ann Dvorak, and George Raft

     The original Scarface, with Paul Muni, riveting as the ambitious, arrogant, and ruthless Al Capone-type gangster on the rise to the top of organized crime. Ann Dvorak is scintillating as Muni’s beautiful, self-willed and rebellious kid sister. Raft’s understated performance as Muni’s trusted, equally violent lieutenant is nonetheless compelling. A true classic!

Frankie and Johnny (1991) Al Pacino and Michelle Pfeiffer   

     Funny, sort of bittersweet love story about an ex-con (Pacino) who falls in love with an unhappy waitress (Pfeiffer) who, though interested, nevertheless resists his advances. Good performances, including supporting characters played by Nathan Lane, Kate Nelligan, and Hector Elizondo. Warm and Romantic. One of my long-time favorites. 

The Paper  (1994) Michael Keaton, Marisa Tomei, and Glenn Close

     All-star antics with Michael Keaton as the harried, pressurized managing-editor of a big-city (Chicago?) tabloid newspaper, hot on the trail of a sensational story of a questionable murder investigation. You’ll love to hate Glenn Close as his avaricious, cynical nemesis and superior, who is more interested in today’s headline than in getting the story straight. Marisa Tomei is reliably captivating as Keaton’s very pregnant wife, vying for his attention, Randy Quaid is hilarious as the devil-may-care investigative reporter, who is trying to duck an irate public-official he once pilloried in print and who is now out to get him. Finally, Robert Duvall shines as the overworked, editor-in chief fighting prostate cancer and refereeing his quarrelling employees, all while trying to reestablish a relationship with his long-estranged daughter. Fast-paced and highly entertaining madcap fun, ably directed by Ron Howard. One of his best!