Night Moves
|
List Price: Our Price: $3.51 You Save: $2.46 (41%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: DVD See more DVD releases |
|---|
Buy this DVD movie at online store in your country
Canada
Canada
Movie Reviews of Night Moves
Movie Review: An Underdog of the 1970s PI Films
Summary: 5 Stars
I'm a big fan of private eye movies and television series. I'm glad THE ROCKFORD FILES has finally come out on DVD, but I'm still waiting for MARLOWE, starring James Garner and Bruce Lee.
However, I don't have an excuse for not having already seen Night Moves. It's been out for over thirty years, and I bought the DVD a year ago. I did finally get around to watching it, though, and it was as good as I'd hoped it would be.
The story is pure 1970s, as evidenced by the cars, clothing, and some of the language. But it also tells a timeless story of confusion and betrayal, and the layers of secrets that add to those.
Gene Hackman stars as Harry Moseby, an ex-football player rather than an ex-cop. Moseby has been broken down by family problems and the loss of his career, and seems to be barely hanging onto life by a thread. Only the occasional missing persons case appears to keep him financially afloat and emotionally anchored.
Hackman has always been a personal favorite of mine. He can pull off any kind of role and look good doing it, even if the film is total cheese. He's just a guy I look at and immediately respect. His everyman stance and his charm just oozes from every pore. As Moseby, he was a well-known football hero, and a lot of his friends still see him as a standup guy, but he doesn't let anyone in too close.
Unfortunately, that same inability for closeness is what ultimately undermines his relationship with his wife, Ellen (Susan Clark). When he first gets handed the case of the little runaway rich girl, Moseby isn't too interested. Then he catches his wife cheating on him and tries to lose himself in the investigation.
I liked the way the movie dovetailed back into the movie industry the way some of the old 1940s movies did. Some of the best cinematic detectives have their roots in the twisted and sordid tales that came out of Hollywood. This one has stuntmen and used up actors to season the tale, and it adds more credibility to it.
The Florida footage on the case was extremely well done as well. Director Arthur Penn (LITTLE BIG MAN, BONNIE AND CLYDE) manages the Hollywood and LA scenes well, then zips the viewer down for a peak at what was then Travis McGee's tramping grounds as John D. MacDonald wrote his adventures. I liked the rough and tumble atmosphere of the land, the characters, and the twists and turns the plot took while down there. Jennifer Warren plays femme fatale Paula in a haunting and sexy scene.
Some of the most fun was watching a very young James Woods and Melanie Griffith taking their places on the stage. Woods hasn't changed much, but his presence on the screen is intense these days. He's another one of my favorites. Melanie Griffith, young and hot and nude in several scenes, just burns up the celluloid.
I really enjoyed Hackman's work in this movie. As I said, I own it and intend to watch it again. I'd really advise picking up TWILIGHT, with Paul Newman, Susan Sarandon, James Garner, and Hackman to really round out a double feature private eye/noir night. Hollywood seldom makes films like these any more and it's a shame.
Movie Review: A Great Surprise
Summary: 5 Stars
Ha, years ago when the Internet was young, I got a video short of a young Melony Griffin naked in the ocean. Meanwhile a man and women were watching her through the bottom (glass) of a boat making funny comments. I kept that video short thinking one day, I'll try to figure out which movie it is, buy it, and perhaps see more of Melony's beautiful body in her prime. Years and years went by; I didn't know I still had it.
Fast forward: I was cleaning out old files and stumbled on the old video short. Hmm, this movie is old enough that I didn't recognize Gene Hackman (too much hair, and mellow voice). So with today's Internet tools so advanced, I did a search on Melony figuring the movie had to be one of her first. (she's about 16 or 17 in the movie) I found this title that way only because Gene's name is Harry and the movie synopsis named the title character Harry. So, I bought the movie, in part because of a naked Melony, and in part because it's Gene Hackman. (whom I've always liked)
What a pleasant surprise this movie is! It's a classic murder "who done it" with many bodies piling up. Melony's nude scenes were completely innocent as she plays a girl who's quite used to being naked and not really one to like clothing. Typically, she's a teenage seductive of older men which doesn't work on Gene. This creates a very interesting plot line, and why she gets "loose with the clothes" in an innocent way. (which is very good) Obviously, the movie is dated, especially the clothing, but it takes nothing away from this good thriller.
So, Melony: When you get the royalty for the movie I bought, realize that a simple very short video clip of your naked body on the Internet, many years ago, is the ONLY reason I bought it. Well, having Gene Hackman as the main star certainly didn't hurt.
I highly recommend this movie to those who loved film before Hollywood films became computer programs, and simple nudity wasn't always porn.
Danny
Movie Review: Sly mystery isn't what it seems
Summary: 5 Stars
Like "Chinatown" (the only contemporary mystery that I can compare it to), "Night Moves" has much more going on below the placid chilly surface of the water at the conclusion of the film than meets the eye.Ex-football player and private eye Harry (Gene Hackman)is hired to find the worldly daughter (Melaine Griffith in her second screen role at the tender age of 18)of a Hollywood socialite. Harry's wife (Susan Clark)feels ignored by her husband and resents his frequent absences and pursues an affair with another man complicating his placid existence. His pursuit of the girl opens up a pandora's box of murder, deceit and greed that he's completely unprepared for. Written by Alan Sharp, "Night Moves" incorporates elements from the novel "The Stunt Man" which director Arthur Penn was originally supposed to direct (he had to pull out to a prior commitment at the last minute)and features a number of marvelous suspenseful set pieces.
Well directed by Penn ("Little Big Man", "Bonnie & Clyde"), "Night Moves" is the same rancid world that Gittes faced in "Chinatown" only the players have changed but not the greed that drives those that commit the crimes. Hackman delivers one of his finest performances. Susan Clark and the rest of the supporting cast all turn in terrific performances adding to the gritty realism of the film.
I've seen a couple of complaints about how dark the video was for this film. Rest assured, "Night Moves" looks terrific. Warner has struck a brand new print of the film and given it the deluxe treatment. Colors are vibrant and bright throughout the film. There's no noticeable dirt or debris to mar the picture and only an occasional analog flaw that was on the original negative of the film. The film features the original vintage featurette produced to promote the film focusing on the moive "Night Moves" and director Arthur Penn's approach to film directing as well as the original theatrical trailer for the film.
Movie Review: Night Moves
Summary: 5 Stars
The revered private eye film gets updated to the 1970s at the expert hands of director Arthur Penn. Hackman is tailor-made for Moseby, a regular guy who once played football, and who's much better at snooping on others than figuring out his own disordered life. Young Melanie is terrific as the teenage temptress, and look for James Woods in an early role as Delly's good-for-nothing boyfriend Quentin. A vastly under-rated whodunit.Movie Review: Great service
Summary: 5 Stars
Item was as described or better, arrived very quickly, professionally packed. Recommended. Classic 70's Crime drama, somewhat of a cult classic starring Gene Hackman.