Review of 1969 (1988) by Jennifer A — 20 Mar 2006

[b]Sid & Nancy[/b], directed by Alex Cox, explores the tragic relationship of the Sex Pistols Sid Vicious (Gary Oldman) and his American groupie/junkie girlfriend Nancy Spungen (Chloe Webb). Those hoping for a detailed story about the Sex Pistols will likely be disappointed as this film is entirely about Sid and Nancy's relationship and their descent into heroin addiction. Punk rock was a huge part of my life growing up, and I remember being disappointed when I first saw this film back in the day. It fared a little bit better on a recent viewing, but I still believe it would have been a better film if it also included more about the band than just Sid and Nancy's relationship. Despite it's flaws, it's still an interesting film.

[b]On Golden Pond[/b], directed by Mark Rydell, is a family drama centered on the relationship of an elderly married couple. Henry Fonda and Katharine Hepburn star as Norman and Ethel Thayer. They are returning to a summer vacation home to celebrate Norman's 80th birthday. Norman has become grumpy in old age, has some health issues, and is becoming obsessed with death. The faithful Hepburn is more of an optimist, enjoying the twilight of her life. The actors have great screen chemistry, and their relationship is a joy to watch. The film gets muddled when conflict arrives in the form of daughter Chelsea (Jane Fonda), fiance Bill (Dabney Coleman) and his son Billy (Doug McKeon). The entire "generational differences" subplot is cliched and overwrought, and Jane Fonda's character alone almost ruins the film. Her and Bill leave for a European vacation, leaving young Billy behind, and after some awkward moments he and Norman begin to bond.

I immensely enjoyed parts of this film (the relationship of Ethel and Norman) and disliked others (the entire Jane Fonda subplot). It doesn't break any new ground with the generation gap subplot, and at times is overly sentimental. That said the performances of Katharine Hepburn and Henry Fonda are very good, and make this watchable, especially if you are fans of these two actors.

[b]Glory[/b], directed by Edward Zwick, is an above average Civil War film that explores a volunteer all-black regiment. Despite the fact that the Civil War was fought over slavery, the black soldiers who fought did not receive equal treatment. Colonel Robert Gould Shaw (Matthew Broderick) leads the soldiers which include Morgan Freeman, Denzel Washington and Andre Braugher. Denzel Washington won a Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role as Trip, a fugitive slave fighting for freedom. The cinematography (another Oscar) is outstanding, and the battle scenes superbly done.

[b]The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas [/b]is the film adaption of the hit Broadway musical. Directed by Colin Higgins, the film stars Dolly Parton, Burt Reynolds, Charles Durning, Dom DeLuise, and Jim Nabors. Having never seen the play, I can't really tell you how well this adapted to film, but it's a fun, lightweight waste of time. Charles Durning is a standout, and Dolly Parton and Burt Reynolds supply plenty of laughs.

[b]1969 [/b]stars Keifer Sutherland as a draft age young man at the height of the Vietnam war who takes an anti-war stance after a friend dies. A terrible film about a fascinating period in American history.