The Last Picture Show (1971)

The Last Picture Show (click here to add to your queue) wasn't at all what I expected from reading the description. This movie, first and foremost, is about sex. When I think black and white movie set in a sleepy Texas town the last thing that pops into my head is a movie where everyone is gettin' it on with everyone else. Not many movies portray sex in a way that those of us that aren't Antonio Banderas would find realistic. This movie really has awkward teen sex down. Whether it's because you're fawning over an illusive and alluring young Cybill Shepard or shacking up for the first time with a cougar like Cloris Leachman, this film recreates the weirdness of sex when you're first figuring out what goes where.

Despite the good acting and exploration of sexual themes the movie still moves along pretty slowly in my opinion. I'd find myself getting pretty bored for stretches of time when Cybill wasn't doing her damnedest to look sexy. I probably would have enjoyed this a lot more with a bit less melodrama and maybe 45 minutes cut out of the run-time. That being said it's an interesting movie in the way it honestly portrays sexuality - both good and bad. And it does star a young Jeff Bridges which is pretty cool too.

The Standard 5:

Why is it in your queue? Jeff Bridges is one of those actors that gets an automatic add.

Is it artsy? It's in black and white (when it didn't need to be) and it deals with sexuality, so yes, partly.

Best thing about the movie? Making me realize that they had naked pool parties in small Texas towns and everyone was doing everyone, guess Chicago wasn't as wild as I thought.

What mood should I be in to watch this movie? No comment.

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

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