Quick Movie Reviews
Rating of
4/4
Logan D. McCoy - wrote on 06/03/2019
A stunningly great movie from start to finish, "Chinatown" is potentially the greatest movie in the neo-noir genre.
Rating of
3.5/4
mitchellyoung - wrote on 01/15/2013
Director Roman Polanski brings back the spirit of the classic noir - invoking gritty city scenery, some nasty character acting, and a plot full of deception and doublecrossing. The end result is a wellmade, sneering and nostalgic journey through dark human emotions. An effective performance from the two leads is aided by razor-sharp writing.
Rating of
3.5/4
patjohnson76 - wrote on 09/14/2011
An excellent film noir, powered by Jack Nicholson's performance, make this film still viewable and relevant today. What begins as a routine investigation for a private investigation soon snowballs into a web of lies, murder, deceit, and mystery. Some conversations go on a little too long, but Roman Polanski gives us a strong film that has suspense and intrigue. A good viewing for any film buff.
Rating of
2/4
Amyaronson - wrote on 07/18/2011
She's my sister she's my daughter she's my sister she's my daughter she's my sister she's my daughter she's my sister she's my daughter she's my sister AND my daughter! My best friend and I love re-enacting this scene. I guess this movie was about as exciting as a movie about DWP can be. Which is not that exciting. But it kind of fools you into thinking you're watching some super scary thriller. But then you're not.
Rating of
4/4
Gustavo² - wrote on 12/02/2009
'Noir' setentista texturizado em cores ensolaradas, emoldurado em tela panorâmica, obra-prima de sofisticação estilística e propriedade narrativa da dupla Polanski/Towne. Como suspense, assume os contornos de um eficiente 'slow burne'r, criando fôlego lentamente até alcançar a conclusão chocante. Causa espanto, seguido de gratidão, os fatos que modelam esse intrincado novelo de fumaça e espelhos não se atropelarem – o escriba construiu um castelo de cartas que se equilibra à perfeição.
Rating of
3/4
SmokeScreener - wrote on 02/25/2009
Very moody movie involving a complicated plot about water diversion that is never resolved. Polanski relies too frequently on smoking to create the mood. SmokeScreeners rating: 4 Butts! Visit www.smokescreeners.org for more information.
Rating of
2.5/4
sapien - wrote on 11/22/2008
It's not a bad movie. But, it's nothing spectacular either.
Rating of
4/4
Yossarian-22 - wrote on 02/19/2008
The first time I watched this film, it left me feeling cold and empty, wondering aloud to myself, "Is that it?" I didn't think that there was really anything special in it, aside from the dialogue and the performances. But after a second viewing, I realized how great the movie really was--how well-written, acted, and constructed this piece of art was. 4 out of 4 stars.
Rating of
4/4
Allison - wrote on 12/23/2007
I lvoe Faye Dunaway and she is wonderful as Evelyn Cross Mulwray. Polanski gets everything right. A film noirish nightmare/dream/fantasy, this is a classic worth rewatching again and again. Esepcially the mother/sister scene. I love it when Jack slaps Faye until he realizes the truth.
Rating of
4/4
colbyw - wrote on 12/10/2007
Does it get any better than this. Possibly the greatest example of screenwriting in film history. Perfectly cast. Could Nicholson, Dunaway, and Huston be any better? Throwback to the great film noir period. How can anyone come up with such a plot? Water and power / family and incest. "Forget about it Jake, it's Chinatown"....One in a million!
