Cinema {ish} With Jennifer: The Last Picture Show

AFI # 95 The Last Picture Show (1971)

The Last Picture Show 1971

I will begin each review with a “What I know, or What I Think I Know…” intro. These intros were all compiled before I set out on this journey, and can be read in their entirety (HERE).

What I “Think” I Know

A washed-up movie star begs for a role to prove she still has “it” gets the role, but to critical reviews. Takes her life but not before she reflects on her illustrious career and dreams about what it “could” have been. (Once again…my guess is nowhere near close)

The Real Review

“

Movie follows the lives of several hormone driven teens living in a small Texas town that is on the brink of desertion.”

We are 6 movies in, and I feel like I’ve hit a bit of a rut in terms of movies that I don’t care for and I am having a hard time writing about them. I liked Ben Hur (which was surprising) obviously I love Toy Story it being a child hood favorite and Yankee Doodle Dandy was another surprising movie in the “win” column for me. But then we hit a stretch of movies that I either didn’t “understand” didn’t care for or don’t see myself watching again. This is one of those movies. Maybe I lack the critical thinking required to truly see these movies for the master pieces that AFI pegs them as. Maybe these movies just really are not my cup of tea. Who knows. What I do know is that this movie, The Last Picture Show, is not a movie you want to watch with your mom…Yikes! Lots of hormones and a lot of “Mrs. Robinson” type moments. One thing I will say is they did a great job of showing the death of small town and the struggles of those who inhabit it as they try to figure out what’s next. They do this in such a way that you start to realize the town is dying the same time town and in the same way that the main characters do. When I started this project, I had high hopes of discovering new movies each week that would be sure to be a great addition to my movie collection. So far we are 3 for 3. Next week we are watching Pulp Fiction. I’ve seen this movie (a long time ago, but I’ve seen it) and I don’t remember particularly caring for it then. Maybe with age I will appreciate it more. Here’s hoping! Looking for a serious review of this movie and the rest of movies on AFI's greatest 100 list? Check out the

The Confusing Middle

and read his thoughts! Are you a fan of The last Picture Show or want to watch along with me? Click HERE to read my scene by scene reactions while I watched this movie for the first time. You know you want to! 6 movies down, 93 to go. Next up, Pulp Fiction!