Basic Plot: Dr. Frankenstein’s grandson inherits the castle and repeats the experiments.

Outburst: Yes, okay, it’s a classic Mel Brooks, godfather of comedy or whatever. But I simply can’t abide watching black and white films; the high contrast gives me a raging headache after awhile. This one is no exception.

/CULT — I’d probably be shot if I gave it less than two stars. It IS a classic and should be seen by comedy lovers at least once. The Cult of Mel will already own a copy on DVD and may be planning to see the new musical.

Wikipedia Entry: Young Frankenstein
Official Website: Young Frankenstein the Musical

Basic Plot:  The biographical tale of Dublin criminal Martin Cahill. Based on a book of the same name.

Outburst:  The director did a masterful job here, cutting slickly through Cahill’s life to all its highlights. I saw the black-and-white version, which still baffles me as to why they’d release this when the movie was shot in color.   Some of the accents do make the speech unintelligible, but the gist of the actions comes through loud and clear.  The movie defines the very genre of anti-hero thriller, where the audience silently applauds the antics of a lovable Robin-hood style crook.

 (2 of 3 stars) — An entertaining romp of a movie, especially for a biography.  If you like to watch criminal capers and wacky bank  heists, this is the film to see.

Sony Pictures Official Website: The General
Wikipedia: The General
John Boorman–The Lybarger Links Interview