B-MOVIE OF THE MONTH - THE DEATH OF RITCHIE (TV 1977)

Looks like a lot of fun to me, I don't know. Seriously and for those that don't know, The Death Of Ritchie is one of the most iconic TV movies of the entire '70's decade. I was roughly 15 when it aired and i can tell you that both Robby Benson and teens taking drugs were very hot topics at the time. The film is based on a true story where a father who couldn't control his teen's behavior from drug abuse was forced to take the law into his own hands. The father here is good ole Ben Gazzara and he is at his Gazzara best with a ferocious intensity, his scenes with Benson as father and son a perfect chemistry. At the time more emphasis was on Benson as a model but his performance here is really amazing. Streams free on Tubi, Freevee, Roku and Plex, if this was being rated on the standard scale I would give it five stars, 'nuff said. 2.75 stars/2.75

Saturday, August 17, 2024

TOMMY'S TOP FIVE FAVORITE CLINT EASTWOOD FLICKS - #4 - THE FULL EMBODIMENT OF CLINT'S GNARLY SIDE IS UP FRONT AND CENTER IN THE ICONIC "GRAN TORINO" (2008)

 

You're never too old to learn a thing or two about yourself and maybe even actually change. This is the underlying message of Gran Torino expressed in a prejudicially toned story set in a rough Detroit suburb. It's the first film to feature a Hmong-American cast and kind of a family affair for Clint as his son Scott has a bit part and his son Kyle co-authored the music score. 

A huge box office hit and deservedly so. It's perfectly directed and performed by Clint. An incredible talent, who, when you look at his whole catalog of work, likely has made the biggest overall contribution to cinema that one person could make.

Casting in this one is spot-on, each character a hand-in-glove fit with the actor chosen. But, again, the reason this one makes the list is the filmmaker we're celebrating, he just rocks this film. A true quintessential Clint Eastwood film if there ever was one. 

As of this post, Torino comes with your Max subscription, otherwise it's VOD.  4 stars/5

This one's pretty high up on most people's list so it may not have come as a surprise. I guarantee you the next three choices will trip some people out, this is where the weeping and gnashing of teeth will start, lol. 



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