The French Connection (1971)

5 / 5 Jan '10
Tagline: The time is just right for an out and out thriller like this.
Directed by: William Friedkin
Written by: Ernest Tidyman, Robin Moore
Actors include: Gene Hackman, Fernando Ray, Roy Scheider
Genre: Crime, Thriller
Length: 104 minutes
Banned: Nope

Review:
I was surprised just how much I really liked this film even though it's a classic. At first it's a bit confusing but once I figured that I wasn't going to get any sort of detailed explanations or background information and just went with it I thought it was amazing. First of all the beautiful cinematography deserves a mention, from the glorious views in France to the brilliant lights of New York city it's all stunning to look at. The acting is some of the best, Gene Hackman is superb as unrelenting Officer Popeye Doyle. He goes on hunches and doesn't seem to want to follow the rules, and be darned if I've ever seen another Officer go as far as Doyle will, it's absolutely riveting to watch. Doyle gets a bad vibe from a couple of fellows at a bar, so he starts following them around with his partner Buddy Russo. Soon it becomes apparent that a huge heroin shipment is about to take place so it's pretty much excitement city! This does have the best chase scene I've ever seen in a movie, it's extremely thrilling! This is quite a masterpiece in every way, highly recommended to just about anyone, just remember go with the flow and you should love it!

Availability:  On DVD & Blu-Ray

Sorcerer (1977)

4.5 / 5 Mar '11
Tagline: N/A
Directed by: William Friedkin
Written by: Walon Green, Georges Arnaud
Actors include: Roy Scheider, Bruno Cremer, Francisco Rabal
Genre: Thriller, Action, Adventure
Length: 121 minutes
Banned: Nope

Review:
Wow, though it starts out in a violent and confusing journey around the world nearly with different characters around every corner it morphs into one of the most exciting action/thrillers I've ever seen. Yes, it's a remake of Le salaire de la peur [The Wages of Fear] and although I haven't seen the original I can say this is one heck of a wild ride. A group of Men from around the world who basically have gone into hiding in a dangerous area of South America. They all really need money, so when jobs come up to rickety drive trucks into some scary jungle terrain they all take on the task. The thing is, their cargo is deadly explosives that can go off at any time! I'm sure just by hearing that you can see why this is such an edge-of-the-seat thriller. The cast is wicked, and the situation couldn't seem more perilous if it tried, even the Tangerine Dream seemed fitting. I really recommend this and thought it was great, I only wish the beginning was a little clearer or less scattered seeming.

Availability:  On DVD