The Film Yap

From life to death, from breath to dreams, the metaphysics of Pixar’s “Toy Story” movies are a fascinating example of how films maintain their internal logic. Continue reading →

Though it wasn’t the film to do it, “Malta Story” helped Alec Guinness on his thespian’s journey from “funny little man” to dramatic lead. Continue reading →

A reliably entertaining knockoff of “The Adventures of Robin Hood,” with a merry band of outlaws giving it to the corrupt landlord in 1800s Australia. Continue reading →

It earned a slew of Oscar nominations, but “Watch on the Rhine” defied expectations — in a bad way. Continue reading →

If there’s a greater actor in a better role than Paul Newman in “The Verdict,” I haven’t met it. Continue reading →

Best remembered for that iconic kiss on the beach, “From Here to Eternity” actually belongs to Montgomery Clift and his bold, sideways performance. Continue reading →

A production design in search of a movie, “The Great Gatsby” is a curiously bloodless adaptation of the iconic Fitzgerald novel. Continue reading →

This 1956 drama is a harrowing and terrific portrayal of female POWs during World War II. Too bad the central romance seems pointlessly tacked on. Continue reading →

This well-done World War II film takes an almost documentary-like look at the battle to destroy the mighty German warship. Continue reading →

It might have been another mushy midcentury romance if not for the way “The Enchanted Cottage” focuses on the disfigurement of WWII soldiers. Continue reading →