Review:Rear Window is considered by many to be Alfred Hitchcock's greatest achievement. I don't quite share that sentiment. I much prefer Psycho, Rebecca, Vertigo, and maybe even Marnie to this film. However, this is still Hitchcock, and that means another thriller classic. Frantic James Stewart, gorgeous Grace Kelly, and wise Thelma Ritter are simply awesome and just like almost all Hitchock films, there is a very intense scene or two that has you gripping the arm of the chair until your knuckles hurt. The main premise of the story has been highly publicized and spoofed over the years (anyone see the Simpsons's episode where Bart plays the Stewart character?), so the fact that Stewart is laid up in his apartment due to injury and spies on his neighbors offers little surprise. It has to be noted that this is still far superior to attempted remakes (most notably, Disturbia from 2007), even though the movie is made some 53 years earlier. I had to take away some points for sets and props simply because the movie never really leaves the apartment complex, but keep in mind that this is done on purpose to create a certain claustrophobia so these points are evened out by the great direction and editing. Although it seems to be a bit more highly regarded and popular than it should be, this gem should be on everyone's "To Watch" list. -JNJ
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Cast: James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Wendell Corey, Thelma Ritter, Raymond Burr
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