1,001 Movies – Week 11

“The Army of Darkness” to “At Sword’s Point”

 

 

The Army of Darkness (1993) – Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell team up one last time in their cult favorite Evil Dead film series. Completely different from the first two films, this one goes for laughs with the scares; their love for The Three Stooges has never been more apparent. Full of terrific one liners and one heck of an acrobatic performance from Campbell. See how many times you can spot Sam’s younger brother, Ted. (GS)

 

Around the World in 80 Days (1956) – Star-studded spectacular based on Jules Verne’s classic tale is a big, colorful, delightful treat. (GS)

 

Arsenic and Old Lace (1944) – Off-the-wall screwball comedy about love, family and, of course, murder. An abidingly excellent cast has a jolly time taking part in Frank Capra’s frenetically paced mayhem. (GS)

 

The Asphalt Jungle (1950) – This is John Huston’s baby; regarded as an early indication of young Marilyn Monroe’s talent, it is so, but she is only a minor note in a major symphony. The story, acting, plot and conclusion are exemplary. The now standard plot was daring stuff then, the recently released mastermind, with a corrupt attorney’s support puts together a jewelry theft ensemble. It has it all! Dirty cops, future tense warnings, wisdom of the ages, and the two most recognized endings, back to back. (KWR)

 

At Sword’s Point (1952) – The Queen of France is in trouble again, so she turns to her able Musketeers for help. But they’re too old so their sons come to the rescue in their stead. Well, sons and one daughter in the form of Maureen O’Hara. (KH)

 

Originally published in Raspberry World – Volume 2, Issue 1 (June/July 2007)