1925 - THE FRESHMAN, Harold Lloyd's classic comedy

Finally got around to watching this Harold Lloyd film which is considered one of his greatest and certainly most famous films.  The film is pretty good it not hilariously funny.  Lloyd is on his way to college but seems more concerned about being accepted socially than getting an education.

As with just about every Harold Lloyd production this is an extremely well made film, with the comic situations integrated very carefully into the story.  Along with being the star Lloyd was also  the producer and he seemed to be able to get the best out of everyone he worked with. 

The Freshman is funny but it also strikes a real nerve with the desire to be one of the "cool people" particularly in school.  Lloyd and his team seemed to understand this, the humiliation and clueless nature of his character is painful to watch.  The importance of being part of a group is still very relevant in our culture today.

A couple of other points to mention, the crowd scenes at the football game climax were filmed at the 1925 Rose Bowl during half time.  The film is also very well cast with Jobyna Ralston playing Lloyd's girlfriend, she's a real charmer.

76 minutes

2011 - THE HELP, life in the old South

The Help is about black housekeepers in Mississippi during the 1960's.  The white women they work for either take them for granted or are mean to them, it's all very dramatic, funny and occasionally moving in a very sloppy sentimental way.  

This is what is usually labeled a "chick flick," a film pitched primarily to women, made for women and starring women.  This film just drips with estrogen.
 

There's actually nothing wrong with The Help it's what it is. 

The worst thing that I can say about The Help is that it's way too long.  This film clocks in at over two hours and there was absolutely no excuse for that.

146 minutes.