I assume the hosts (including our own Mr. Rational, aka Mason) created at least a couple of these before releasing the first one, which examined Sunset Boulevard. And ably, too. In any case, following quickly on the heels of that first video essay they have released one for Colors, the 1988 cops vs gang drama starring Sean Penn and Robert Duvall.
The highest praise I can really give when listening to these is that they really make you itch to join their conversation. Oh, well, you can always post a comment on YouTube.
Although the numbers are understandably still small–it’s a brand new series after all–I notice Colors has about 670 views at this time compared to SB’s 294. I hope that’s because the channel is growing, and not because viewers are more likely to want to see reviews of (admittedly still old) newer films. I’d hate to think the guys are going to have to stick with color movies to grow their numbers. When they get to Phillip Marlowe–as they will almost have to–I want Bogart and Powell as well as Gould and Mitchum.
They can skip Neeson, though. Terrible casting. You can also skip both Montgomerys, I think, although Lady in the Lake being filmed (annoyingly) entirely as a POV shot from Marlowe’s perspective is rather unusual, anyway.
In any case, these videos are very fun and educational. Check ’em out.
