From Here to Eternity

It's probably not a good sign when you spend most of a flick waiting for bombs to drop--as in Pearl Harbor. This work's Best Picture win is evidence that the movie was overvalued due to its proximity in time to WWII (and, perhaps, its alleged raciness, though in reality it's really quite tame). The film's greatest strength lies  in the performances, particularly Burt Lancaster's work as the least screwed up of the principal characters. The narrative's intertwined stories are weak and fairly uninteresting, at least to this viewer. Admittedly, I'm not really one for stories focused on the "lives and loves" of fill-in-the-blank type people, even in a normal context; set such a story against the backdrop of world-altering historical events, and that putative main subject matter comes across as unusually petty and ultimately meaningless. A major disappointment.

Judgment At Nuremberg

An interesting, at times riveting drama, one that wisely chose to show a trial of lesser Nazi defendants than any of the big fish--a choice that brings the heart-of-the-matter issues (the responsibilities of society at large vs. the force of so-called leaders) front and center. That choice also injects some uncertainty into a courtroom drama that could otherwise be viewed as a "slam dunk" foregone conclusion. Along with serving as an important historical document, the film also entertains, thanks to excellent performances by a superb cast. Powerful stuff.

Atlantic City

Decent performances, but I didn't think it was anything particularly special, despite it being a Best Picture nominee way back when. Ultimately, rather forgettable--probably more a product of its time and place than the sort of timelessness that makes really great movies. You're on your own here.