Winchester '73 (1950)

Featuring: Jimmy Stewart, Shelley Winters, Dan Duryea, Tony Curtis, Rock Hudson. Director: Anthony Mann.

Warning: This movie is only supposed to be available for streaming until Dec 29th. Act fast!

As some of you may know, Jimmy Stewart is one of my favorite actors of all time. He had a presence like none other and had more acting chops than I think a lot of people give him credit for. They think of him just as sweet George Bailey and forget how many diverse roles he was in. However, until a couple of westerns showed up on Netflix streaming, I had never, ever pictured Jimmy Stewart being in a western. It just seemed like a strange fit that would never work. Then I saw Destry Rides Again and realized it could work very well in a western with a lighter tone.

Winchester '73, however, has a much more serious tone. Jimmy Stewart plays a man who likes guns and is out for revenge. I kept thinking of George Bailey. I couldn't help it. Stewart gave a good performance, the supporting cast was excellent and the story was decent. I just couldn't get past the fact that Mr. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington was determined to murder someone. That's just my own bias though. This is a solid western, and if you enjoy the genre I recommend it. Just don't spend the whole time wondering if a devil gets his horns every time you hear a gunshot and you'll enjoy it more than I did.

Click here to add this to your Netflix queue.

According to Netflix this movie will stop streaming on 12/29/11. Of course, sometimes they lie.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? Jimmy Stewart.

Is it artsy? No.

What stood out the most to you? Jimmy Stewart being driven by revenge.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Looking to get your western fix.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 3 Stars.

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Destry Rides Again (1939)

Featuring: Jimmy Stewart, Marlene Dietrich. Director: George Marshall.

Warning: This movie is only supposed to be available for streaming until Dec. 25th. Act fast!

I've always associated the holidays with Jimmy Stewart. His charm, the peculiar way in which he talks and the morally upstanding, but mischievous characters he plays, give me the warm and fuzzy feeling I crave in between thanksgiving and new years day. Before I decided to watch It's a Wonderful Life for the millionth time, I thought I'd see what else ol' Jimmy had on Netflix. I came across a few movies and the one I decided to watch first was Destry Rides Again.

I picked this one mostly because I had no idea how the hell a guy like Jimmy Stewart would fit into a western genre known more for violence and rough characters than that aw-shucks charm Mr. Stewart is famous for. Throw the always intriguing Marlene Dietrich into the mix and I just couldn't resist. This movie wasn't at all what I expected when I turned it on, but after watching it, I thought that it was exactly what I should have expected. Jimmy Stewart fit in the way he always fits in, with that unique force of nature he seems to possess.

Having Marlene Dietrich playing opposite of him made this movie quite the treat. She played a wild and sometimes venomous woman that was always interesting when on screen and her chemistry with Stewart was wonderful. Stewart played a sort of pacifist sheriff out to bring law and order to a wild west town. The premise is a little silly, but the performances of Dietrich and Stewart make the end product wonderful. If you like westerns, and/or Stewart and Dietrich, queue this one up immediately.

Click here to add this to your Netflix queue.

According to Netflix this movie will stop streaming on 12/25/11. Of course, sometimes they lie.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? I just couldn't imagine what Jimmy Stewart would be like in a western.

Is it artsy? No, its good raunchy (for the time) fun.

What stood out the most to you? How wild Marlene Dietrich could be.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? In the mood to watch an old movie that will make you laugh.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 4 Stars.

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Harvey (1950)

I can't believe I've never seen this movie. I've always had a soft spot for Jimmy "Lasso the Moon" Stewart and the premise for Harvey is just so off the wall that it's really surprising to me that not only had I never seen this but never even heard of it. Stewart plays an extremely charming drunk whose best friend happens to be a six foot, three and a half inch tall rabbit that no one else in the world can see. When I read the description I thought that there must be some sort of mistake and that this was really some indie knock-off of Donnie Darko.

Needless to say I had to investigate further and hit the play button. For the next hour and forty-five minutes I was treated to the warmest, most ridiculous, hilarious, surprising and touching movie I've seen in quite some time. I love Jimmy Stewart and I think this is hands down the most interesting character he has ever portrayed. From his peculiar way of talking, to his warm smile and genuine charm Stewart completely knocked this one out of the park.

He wasn't the only bright spot though. The entire supporting cast really shined (there was one unlikable character if  you want to split hairs). Everyone was really wonderful and I could keep rambling on about this movie forever but it would only keep you from watching it sooner. Even if you don't like old movies you'll still enjoy this one. Add this to your queue right now!

Click here to add this movie to your queue.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? Because the description seemed so quirky and magical to me.

Is it artsy? No, but Stewart's performance could be considered a work of art.

Best thing about the movie? The painting of Stewart and Harvey. I seriously need that for my apartment.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? Best if watched after a bad day, it'll really cheer you up.

What rating did you give it on Netflix? 5 Stars!

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