#211. Shadow of a Doubt

"We're not just an uncle and a niece. It's something else. I know you. I know you don't tell people a lot of things. I don't either. I have a feeling that inside you there's something nobody knows about... something secret and wonderful. I'll find it out."

An average family's Uncle Charlie decides to come and visit. His niece, also named Charlie after him, is very excited for him to be there at first, but the uncle's suspicious behavior makes her become skeptical of him.

I was pretty excited to watch this film for a couple of reasons. For one, Alfred Hitchcock directed it and I usually enjoy his work. Secondly, from what I've read, this is one of his most favorite directed films. Though it wasn't quite what I had expected, I still enjoyed watching it a lot.

I found the relationship between young Charlie and Uncle Charlie quite odd. Though young Charlie may have had nothing more than deep admiration for her uncle, she seemed to have some sort of a school girl crush. Their encounters really seemed off, like there was romantic tension between them. That was definitely a piece of foreshadowing for me that Uncle Charlie wasn't a man with good intentions. A few more examples of foreshadowing were how his other niece and nephew weren't fond of him from the very beginning, and the movie's soundtrack as well. The dissonant notes in the piano music of the film built up tension throughout, letting you know that something bad was bound to happen. I admire how Hitchcock used factors like this in his films; it certainly keeps them interesting.

All and all, I thought this movie was pretty good. I don't know if I agree with Hitchcock as far as it being his best directed film ever, but it had a solid storyline and some entertaining scenes. I give it a 7.2/10.

Characters: 6.8/10

Acting: 7.2/10

Storyline: 7.5/10

Entertainment Value: 7.5/10

Immediate Rating: 7.2/10

Total Score: 36.5/50

#212. Mystic River

"Sometimes I think, I think all three of us got in that car... "

Three men who were childhood friends reunite when one's daughter is murdered. As the thrilling mystery progresses, the realization occurs that not everything is quite what it seems.

I was looking forward to seeing this movie prior to watching it, and I wasn't the least bit disappointed. Clint Eastwood did an amazing job as the director (as always), and the actors were fantastic! The plot was extremely interesting as well and kept me on the edge of my seat the entire film. I was intrigued by not only the mystery the movie held, but the psychological aspect. We see how much a traumatic childhood event can impact someone's mindset with the captivating performance of Tim Robbins, who plays the mentally unstable Dave Boyle. Sean Penn, who acted as the grieving father Jimmy Markum, demonstrated the emotional tole of losing a child, almost as if he had been through the experience himself. And of course, Kevin Bacon, who plays detective Sean Devine, kept the suspense intact with trying to uncover the storyline's mystery. These three powerhouse actors were the highlight of the film for me.

What I also liked about the film is its subtle symbolism, and how it didn't exactly give everything away. You're still left with questions by the end of it, but judging the situation for yourself makes it that more interesting. Because of the wonderful acting and the exciting plot, my immediate rating is a 7.9/10.

Characters: 8/10

Acting: 8.5/10

Storyline: 7.8/10

Entertainment Value: 8/10

Immediate Rating: 7.9/10

Total Score: 40.2/50