Review of Stalag 17 (1953) by Jerry K — 13 Mar 2004

[color=yellow]Stalag 17 (1953, Billy Wilder) ***[/color].

[color=white]Growing up with endless episodes of [b]Hogan's Heroes[/b], the novelty of the film becomes considerably lessened. Schulz was a similar character in both, as well as the Commandant, and of course the setting and general plot are nearly identical. William Holden's performance, which garnered him an Oscar, was subdued, befitting his character. Somewhat of a let down, but entirely due to the familiarity bred by Bob Crane and friends. I only wish I had seen the film first. [/color].

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[color=yellow]The Bear (1988, Jean-Jacques Annaud) **½[/color].

[color=yellow][color=white]Begins as a Disney film with an edge (and I am a fan of live action Disney, compare to [b]The Bears and I[/b]), complete with Jan Svankmajer animated bear dreams. It was rolling along great, until the bear-on-shrooms segment. The rest of the film marred by anthropomorphization gone astray, waving bears, crying bears, merciful bears... Nonetheless, a beautiful film with a message I fully support.

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