James Caan was an energetic actor who had a great run of movie appearances from the 1970’s to the early 1980’s. Caan started showing up in Westerns like “El Dorado” and oddball psychological pics like “Lady in a Cage” and “Games” in the 1960’s. His acting fortunes took a turn for the epic when he was cast in “The Godfather” (1971). Playing loose cannon Sonny Corleone, son of Mafia Don, Vito Corleone (Marlon Brando) showcased Caan’s ability to go from a (relatively) tranquil state to kinetic maniac in the wink of an eye. Such explosive acting pyrotechnics would continue to [More]
Nice, likable fable about a race to land the first person on the Moon. The Russians and the Americans are locked in battle again to be the first nation to get a person on the Moon. The Americans opt for a barely space worthy civilian to represent the US in an effort to match a similarly progandistic move dreamed up by the Russians. A last second flurry of preparation sends James Caan rocketing to the Moon with Robert Duval acting as his more experienced coach. The whole thing is drenched in melodrama but don’t let that deter you. You will [More]
Sickening 1960’s precursor to the “Saws” and “Hostels” of today’s sadomasochistic cinema. An invalid gets trapped in her elevator after an electrical mishap shuts off the power in her house. It’s not long after this that a collection of cruds break in to her place and indulge in unpleasant behavior. A wino, a floozy, and a trio of psychotic hipsters make the place their own and spread the mayhem. James Caan in an early, evil role. Shot in very bland, claustrophobic black and white. You’ll feel damaged by the time this thing is done.