Suspenseful & Scary

Rating: 8/10 (15 February 2006)

One of Hitchcock's most popular movies, "The Birds" proves his reputation as "The Master of Suspense." There are many suspenseful and scary moments. You see the gas pooling around the vehicle as the idiot lights his cigarette at the pump. You see the birds gathering menacingly to...do what? Hitchcock's timing is perfect as the scene resolves as you knew it would.
My favorite character is the ornithologist (amateur, I presume) lady at the gas station. She is so sure that birds would never behave in the manner described that you are almost eager for them to prove her wrong!
I have seen the movie several times and enjoyed it very much. But it doesn't make my list of top Hitchcock films because it is more predictable than many others. And I found the ending dissatisfying.
Want great characters and plot development? See "Vertigo" or "Rear Window."
Plot twists? "The Man Who Knew Too Much" or "Psycho."
Want a big surprise at the end? Try "North by Northwest."
A superb adaptation of a Daphne duMaurier story? "Rebecca."
Great acting? Any of the above, or "Strangers on a Train."
An entertaining evening watching a relatively easy-to-follow plot by one of the greatest directors ever, while munching on your popcorn? Now you can see "The Birds."