Quick Movie Reviews
Rating of
4/4
Logan D. McCoy - wrote on 06/24/2019
This evocative network news farce has became infamously iconic thanks mostly to Peter Finch's volatile monologues.
Rating of
3/4
Unknown - wrote on 02/12/2014
The theme of entertainment through degradation is strong here. Cynical television execs exploiting people for their own selfish needs. It's all quite clear and precise throughout. The middle stretch of the film lacked in dramatic interest, for me personally. I didn't care for these main characters or their personal situations. Peter Finch plays the best part, but he is sort-of sidelined during a decent portion. Luckily, the film is bookended by a terrific beginning and ending. Both are razor sharp and leave a lasting sting. Only wishing the entire film carried that bite.
Rating of
3/4
mitchellyoung - wrote on 11/24/2011
This film manages to stay just shy of ridiculously over-the-top in a spot-on satire of the media. Peter Finch gives a remarkable and unhinged performance as the downtrodden newscaster Howard Beale.
Rating of
2.5/4
dukeakasmudge - wrote on 09/07/2011
IM AS MAD AS HELL & IM NOT GOING TO TAKE IT ANYMORE!!!
Rating of
3.5/4
Amyaronson - wrote on 07/18/2011
Oh, the modern era of cinema. It's my favorite. 1960-1977, I believe? Most of my favorite movies are in there somewhere. It's just getting artsy and a little risque, but still follows enough of the classic cinematography and screenplay structure to be solid films. The perfect combination. This movie did not disappoint. It made me angry in a good way. Some of the writing/acting in a couple stand-out scenes were the best ever. It's soooo relevant to our nation's crises today, and I think everyone should watch it. Ta-da!
Rating of
4/4
woody - wrote on 02/05/2011
You can watch this movie now and consider its prescience or its boldness for its time. But it's as great today as it was in 1976 because the screenplay by Paddy Chayefsky gave a whole range of actors some of the best lines they've ever had. Peter Finch had a field day playing loony Howard Beale. Ned Beatty had his finest moment on film (no, it wasn't with the country boys) in his come-to-Jesus talk with Mr. Beale. Faye Dunaway, Robert Duvall and William Holden all got to stretch out, too. And among these scenery-chewers, the low-key Beatrice Straight won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar.
Rating of
4/4
patjohnson76 - wrote on 06/02/2010
I am amazed at myself that it's taken me this long to discover this film. What a great satirical piece on television, entertainment, and the things a network will do for ratings. Seeing a film from 34 years ago with today's eyes is truly astonishing - Network was, without a doubt, ahead of its time. Many of what's portrayed can easily be related to the state of television today, right down to it's protagonist played by Peter Finch, who must be the inspiration for so many of TV's talking-head pundits.
Rating of
3.5/4
Ichabod Crane - wrote on 02/04/2009
A pretty good movie with some grand performances. You can read the praise other places and I agree with it but there are some negative aspects to the film. The negative parts I feel are when it goes absurd with the parody. Many times it is very realistic but sometimes it goes crazy such as working with the terrorist group. Anything involving the group is absurd and does not fit that well. The parts involving Howard Beale are more realistic and are the things that are prophetic about the film.
