Billy Arundell
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billyarundell.bsky.social
Billy Arundell
@billyarundell.bsky.social
Enjoyer of motion pictures.

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Be sure to say Merry Christmas to our collective dad Joe Dante.
A ★★★★ review of Gremlins (1984)
“That’s a Kentucky Harvester.” The Goldsmith score, especially Gizmo’s recurring theme, is just so wonderful.
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December 21, 2024 at 10:05 PM
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There are no muppets in Michael Caine’s eyes.
A ★★★★ review of The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
Perhaps Michael Caine’s greatest role. Very special to share with my oldest. Such a charmer.
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December 21, 2024 at 10:03 PM
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Wild Mitchum Hong Kong actioner. Not a hidden gem, just hidden.
A ★★★ review of The Amsterdam Kill (1977)
An interesting mashup of euro crime and Hong Kong actioner, most interestingly led by ‘70s Mitchum. It’s dizzyingly propelled by a convoluted, twisting international plot, but it never really loses an...
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December 21, 2024 at 10:00 PM
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Filling a gap with some ‘70s Mitchum of late. Perhaps not the era when he etched his legacy but I think he aged into these types of characters.
A ★★★½ review of Farewell, My Lovely (1975)
Mitchum is a wonderful weathered, old Marlowe. He’s a little dead on his feet, but I think that lends to the character’s place in time. Farewell, My Lovely brings fun throwback fare, a production styl...
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December 21, 2024 at 9:41 PM
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First half Tim Robbins is better than all of Shawshank Tim Robbins.
A ★★★★ review of The Hudsucker Proxy (1994)
“Martinis are for squares, man.” Big Coen character performances abound. JJL being the most deeply immersed in it, to almost be unrecognizable. It’s so gleefully steeped in its period indulgences, tha...
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December 21, 2024 at 9:36 PM
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Some easy Christmas-adjacent viewing with as charming a Cary Grant performance as you could expect.
A ★★★½ review of The Bishop's Wife (1947)
If there was ever an actor to play an angel on Earth you’re equal parts charmed by and suspicious of, it’s Cary Grant. Loretta Young is quite beautiful in a modern sort of way. David Niven is delightf...
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December 16, 2024 at 3:51 AM
One of the great seasonal rewatches. Widely known yet still under-appreciated.

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A ★★★½ review of Christmas Evil (1980)
My appreciation for this film and Brandon Maggart’s performance has only grown stronger over time. Christmas Evil is no longer a hidden gem thanks to its cult film status and ease of access over a num...
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December 15, 2024 at 5:12 AM
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Big emphasis on the goofs in this Lo Lieh picture. But Gordon Liu’s a legend.
A ★★★½ review of Clan of the White Lotus (1980)
Nothing worse than crane AND tiger style to the nuts. But maybe embroidery fist? Lo Lieh’s most popular directorial effort is funnier than it is thrilling, but it still packs a punch. There’s a decent...
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December 10, 2024 at 12:19 PM
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Chang Cheh masterclass type stuff. It’s no Five Element Ninjas though.
A ★★★★ review of Crippled Avengers (1978)
Just guys being dudes.  Chang Cheh kicks your ass, bringing back most of the Venom Mob in this kung fu classic. There’s some great choreography on display, excelling most in fights involving three or ...
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December 9, 2024 at 10:21 PM
I’m going to post here for a few days and then forget to for months on end.
December 9, 2024 at 4:09 PM