"The Time Machine (1960)" Movie Review

Original movie poster for "The Time Machine".

"On January 5, 1900, a disheveled looking H.G. Wells (Rod Taylor) - George to his friends - arrives late to his own dinner party. He tells his guests of his travels in his time machine, the work about which his friends knew. They were also unbelieving, and skeptical of any practical use if it did indeed work. George knew that his machine was stationary in geographic position, but he did not account for changes in what happens over time to that location. He also learns that the machine is not impervious and he is not immune to those who do not understand him or the machine's purpose. George tells his friends that he did not find the Utopian society he so wished had developed. He mentions specifically a civilization several thousand years into the future which consists of the subterranean Morlocks and the surface dwelling Eloi, who on first glance lead a carefree life. Despite all these issues, love can still bloom over the spread of millennia." Written by Huggo (Source below.)

Rod Taylor in the time machine.

Also known as "H. G. Wells' The Time Machine", it was directed and produced by George Pal ("7 Faces of Dr. Lao" - 1964, "Tom Thumb" - 1958, "The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm" - 1962) with a screenplay written by David Duncan ("Fantastic Voyage" - 1966, "Daniel Boone" - 1964) and based upon the novel by H. G. Wells. It stars Rod Taylor as 'H. George Wells', Alan Young  as both 'David Filby' and 'James Filby', and Yvette Mimieux as 'Weena'.

The script is available to read here: http://sfy.ru/?script=time_machine_1960.

Of course, there is the 2002 version of "The Time Machine" starring Guy Pearce and Jeremy Irons, and directed by Simon Wells, with a screenplay written by John Logan. I saw that movie in the theater when it came out and it was a favorite of mine for a while (and I had a huge crush on Guy Pearce). I plan to see it again, to write a review of it, but also to see if it still holds up. I would also like to read the classic book itself, so those reviews will be forthcoming.

As this is a bit old, I decided I would mention a bit about the cast:

Hey, H. G. Wells predicted cds.
Also, Yvette Mimieux (L) and Rod Taylor.

For anyone who is a fan of Alfred Hitchcock, you may recognize Rod Taylor - he was 'Mitch Brenner' in "The Birds". He was also 'Winston Churchill' in Quentin Tarantino's "Inglourious Basterds" that came out in 2009. 

Alan Young won an Emmy in 1951 for "The Alan Young Show" and does voices for animated tv shows, like "Scooby Doo", his most famous character to date being 'Scrooge McDuck'. 

Yvette Mimieux starred as 'Leni Martek' on "The Love Boat" from 1984 - 1986 and was nominated for two Golden Globes - once in 1965 for her role in the tv show "Dr. Kildare" and once again in 1971 for her dramatic turn in the tv show "The Most Deadly Game". 

Playing 'Dr. Philip Hillyer' in this movie, Sebastian Cabot once starred as Kris Kringle in a tv adaptation of "Miracle on 31st Street" in 1973, but is known more for his voice work: did 'Bagheera the Panther' in Disney's "The Jungle Book" and has done a whole slew of narrations, but is usually the narrator of Winnie the Pooh's animated adventures.

Playing 'Anthony Bridewell' in this film, Tom Helmore was 'Gavin Elster' in Hitchcock's "Vertigo" in 1958 and was 'Zachary Wilde' in "Designing Woman".

Does this picture feel like "The Planet of the Apes"
to anyone else?

I just wanted to show that though we as the modern audience most likely don't know these actors or the director, they were really popular in their day and were very esteemed in their profession. This movie was kind of a big deal in its day. Now, granted, the action sequences, music and makeup just aren't going to measure up to today's standards. But for its time, it was top of the line.

Now, about those action sequences, music and makeup..... I thought the makeup for the Morlocks was awesome. They were a bit chubby, but those glowing eyes were really eerie. You can tell that the 2002 version had made homage with their morlocks; they were a bit scarier and more animalistic, but their hair and overall coloring is very similar.

Pretty, pretty princess clothes.

I didn't like the music, because either it was nonexistent or it was overpowering for two very annoying seconds. 

I didn't like the clothes either. H. G. Wells and his friends were dressed appropriately, but the Eloi were in pastel colors which were pretty, but not very realistic. Wouldn't they be dressed in whites or hues of brown? And shouldn't they have been dirty? I can't possibly assume that even though they do nothing else all day that they wash their clothes. They didn't. 

I also have a bone to pick with Wells: If the Eloi were such sheep that they couldn't be bothered to do anything, even defend themselves, why on earth did they keep up the development of their speech? Should they really have been able to speak so well? If they were really like cattle, they should have been using as few words as possible. Just saying.

The Morlocks - look at those eyes!

I like watching some of these old movies. Especially when there is a remake. It's interesting to see the differences; like music is taken more seriously today than it was back then. Makeup and clothes lean towards being more gritty and realistic, whereas back then it was more theatrical. Even the acting is kind of more theatrical back then: some of the gestures they make are a bit too much for a more close up view.

Interesting facts concerning the remake that ties it to the old movie:

- They based the new screenplay written by John Logan on the older version written by David Duncan. 

- Alan Young is in both movies: as the Filby brothers in the 1960 version and in the 2002 version he can be seen as the "Flower Store Worker".

So what three books would you have taken with you, to save a future civilization?

Sources: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0054387/plotsummary and http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0268695/fullcredits#writers. 

I give this movie 3.5 out of 5 typewriters.

"The Hunger Games" Movie Review

"The Hunger Games" movie poster.

"In a dystopian future, the totalitarian nation of Panem is divided between 12 districts and the Capitol. Each year two young representatives from each district are selected by lottery to participate in The Hunger Games. Part entertainment, part brutal retribution for a past rebellion, the televised games are broadcast throughout Panem. The 24 participants are forced to eliminate their competitors while the citizens of Panem are required to watch. When 16-year-old Katniss's young sister, Prim (Willow Shields), is selected as District 12's female representative, Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart Peeta (Josh Hutcherson), are pitted against bigger, stronger representatives, some of whom have trained for this their whole lives." Written by Suzanne Collins (Link below.)  

So, I have just seen the much raved about "The Hunger Games" movie. I must say that I am not sure it was worth all of the talk.

Things I liked:

-The cast was amazing! I loved Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss! She was beautiful, sexy and very strong! Josh Hutcherson was absolutely adorable though I would've liked him to have been a bit more love sick for Katniss. I love Stanley Tucci no matter what he does - he looks better in blue hair than Katy Perry does. Woody Harrelson was very good in his role, as well as Elizabeth Banks and Lenny Kravitz - he really surprised me. Donald Sutherland is a very sinister President Snow.

Stanley Tucci (L) and Jennifer Lawrence.

-The costumes were amazing! Though sometimes things were a bit garish in the Capitol it was still like watching an avant-garde runway. Loved the clothes!

-The sets were also amazing! I was wondering how they would do the Cornicopia. I would've loved to have seen it in gold, but the giant silver thing was fine.

-I don't remember the soundtrack very much, but the four-note tune that Rue and Katniss sang was very haunting. It reminded me of the song from "Pan's Labyrinth".

-The mockingjay pin was really nice.

-The design work on the posters and promotions was genius!

Jennifer Lawrence (L) and Josh Hutcherson.

Things I disliked:

-They made Gale really annoying from the get-go. He would never have chased away such a great prize as a 100 lb. doe! That would've sold for quite a lot! Not to mention the amount of food!

-I would've liked to have seen Madge in it. I connected with her, though she's not in the books that much.

-I think they jumped the gun with the riots starting before the games were even over. I was under the impression that they started in the second book.

Things I ABSOLUTELY LOATHED:

-The shaky camera thing!!!! I would've liked to have seen this movie rather than going "well, I'm sure that's exciting but I can't tell what the hell is going on!" The director should have his eyes gouged out! Who thought that was a good idea, really?! I could understand it during the hallucinations and when Rue was dying, but the whole damn movie?

-And so many close-ups! I felt like I was in Katniss's skinpores!

It was alright. It was enjoyable. I'm really glad I had read the books first to fill in the holes but also viewing this before reading them might have ruined the scenery in my mind. But the casting was perfect. So I give it a 3.5 out of 5 stars.

I know one thing that would make me happy:

Josh Hutcherson as Peeta Mellark.

Can I take him home? Pretty please?! He's so cute!!!

P. S. Those complaining about the "Battle Royale" similarities - they stole their idea from "Thunderdome" so F-off! And they don't have Josh Hutchinson!

Script available here: http://www.the-editing-room.com/the-hunger-games.html.

Favorite Lines:

Peeta Mellark: I just keep wishing I could think of a way to show them that they don't own me. If I'm gonna die, I wanna still be me. Does it make any sense? 

Katniss Everdeen: Yeah. I just can't afford to think like that.

Katniss Everdeen: So you're here to make me look pretty. 

Cinna: I'm here to help you make an impression.

President Snow: And so it was decreed that each year, the various districts of Panem would offer up in tribute, one young man and woman to fight to the death in a pageant of honor, courage and sacrifice.

Stanley Tucci.

Caesar Flickerman: Katniss Everdeen, the girl on fire!

Caesar Flickerman: And what did you say to her in the end? 

Katniss Everdeen: I told her that I would try to win. That I would try to win for her. 

Caesar Flickerman: Of course you did. And try you will.

Haymitch Abernathy: This is the time to show them everything. There'll be a bow, make sure you use it. Peeta, you make sure to show your strength.

Caesar Flickerman: So Peeta. Tell me. Is there a special girl back home? 

Peeta Mellark: No. No, not really. 

Caesar Flickerman: No? I don't believe it it for a second, look at that face! Handsome man like you! Peeta. Tell me. 

Peeta Mellark: Well, there, uh. There is this one girl that I've had a crush on forever. But I don't think she actually recognized me until the Reaping. 

Jennifer Lawrence
as Katniss Everdeen.

Caesar Flickerman: Well, I'll tell you what Peeta. You go out there, and you win this thing, and when you get home she'll have to go out with you! 

Peeta Mellark: Thanks, but I, uh. I don't think winning's gonna help me at all. 

Caesar Flickerman: And why not? 

Peeta Mellark: Because... she came here with me.

Peeta Mellark: So what happens when we get back? 

Katniss Everdeen: I don't know. I guess we try to forget. 

Peeta Mellark: I don't wanna forget.

Effie Trinket: May the odds be ever in your favor.

Source: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1392170/.