Movie Review: Witness

A classic thriller/romance from director Peter Weir featuring one of the best performances of Harrison Ford's career. The story of a police officer on the run from crooked cops who takes shelter in Amish Country, this is a touching and intense film.

Mention Harrison Ford and most people automatically think of Indiana Jones, Han Solo or Rick Deckard. In a perfect world, the first name out of their mouths would be John Book, his character in this film. Rarely before or since has Ford shown such skill as an actor, the emotion on display is simply staggering. 

Other than the score, which is very 80's, the movie flows without a hitch. An impeccable, Oscar winning screenplay by Earl W. Wallace keeps the pace running at a healthy speed and the direction by Peter Weir is understated but effective. Featuring a great supporting cast featuring Kelly McGillis and Lukas Haas, the world building that Weir accomplishes is simply top-notch.

One of the great masterpieces of the 80's as well as Weir and Ford's careers, I can't recommend Witness enough.

Movie Review - Psycho II

Color me impressed. Psycho II is a surprisingly effective sequel to the Hitchcock classic.

I had avoided the Psycho sequels my entire life because I thought nothing more could be done or said in regard to Norman Bates and damn I was wrong.

To say much about the plot would give away more than one of this film's many twists but I will say it's an incredibly well crafted slasher film that accomplishes the rare feat of complementing the original.

Anthony Perkins gives a suitably unhinged performance in his return to the role and the supporting cast is generally good as well. Perkins may be the star here but credit must be given to the screenwriter Tom Holland for being able to come up with a great story and to director Richard Franklin for his ability to keep up the suspense.

Director of Photography Dean Cundey, whose work with John Carpenter I absolutely adore, is fantastic as usual. Some of his shots are mesmerizing, especially his use of shadow and lighting.

All in all, Psycho II never failed to impress me and while it certainly isn't on the Hitchcock level of suspense, it's still a damn fine film. I highly recommend it.