Each day, it seemed like I would only have a few hours at most to myself, and chose to direct it all at movies. I ended up seeing 30 movies, and for 31 days of January, I'm pretty pleased with myself. Without further ado, let's talk film!
1. This Is The End (2013) – 8/10
During a party at James Franco’s house, a small group of
young mainstream actors find themselves contending with the rapture of the Book
of Revelations whilst trying to stay civil amongst themselves. Largely a parody
of the film’s own ensemble cast and the story of the Christian Apocalypse,
“This Is The End” is a great concept put to film, and plays heavily both on
facts and fiction. However, it does suffer from some immature writing and takes
quite a while before the real story begins.
2. Event Horizon (1997) – 8/10
A group of astronauts are sent to the far reaches of
space to find the wreckage of a ship that went missing, only to find it and
learn that something horrifying is aboard that may endanger their sanity and
lives. Though often considered a critical and commercial failure, Event Horizon
may borrow a lot of recognizable elements from numerous more successful horror
and science fiction movies, but never stops thrilling and disturbing the viewer
simultaneously. Tension is built delicately and has explosive results, though
it does suffer from occasional stiff dialogue and a short runtime that prevents
the story from developing into something more eye-opening.
3. The Founding Of A Republic (2009) – 5/10
Following WWII, China is in a state of crisis as the
ruling Nationalist government wages a brutal conflict against the Communists
led by Mao Zedong, who are looking to reform the country. Produced by the media
branch of the Chinese government, “The Founding Of A Republic” unfortunately
turns what could be a compelling drama into a dull propaganda film. The
production values are terrible, the good-bad divide between Mao and Chiang
Kai-shek is unfairly represented and the screenplay is totally reliant on telling
the story through dialogue rather than images and actions. Despite all the bad,
the final 20 minutes do embody a sense of victory and hope for China’s future.
4. The Last Boy Scout (1991) – 7.5/10
A down on his luck cop and a former NFL player team up
and investigate the murder of a woman they were both associated with, only to
uncover a scheme involving a corrupt politician and sports gambling in the US.
Though not much more than a popcorn movie that doesn’t stand out much, it does
have a few bits of appeal. The chemistry between Bruce Willis and Damon Wayans
mixes moments that are both dramatic and comedic, particularly in relation to
how they transform one another. Villains are written poorly among and the film
is generally too formulaic, but it does encourage one to constantly keep up
efforts even when the going gets tough through the actions of its protagonists.
5. Jailhouse Rock (1957) – 7.5/10
Vince Everett is given a 12 month prison sentence for
manslaughter and meets a man that inspires him to pursue a career in music. His
release sees him battling for a chance and finding success, but his stardom
transforms him into a man that those close to him don’t want. For a story about
the corrupting power of money and success, this film certainly makes a heavy
use of Elvis Presley’s fame and talents. A tale that subtly comments on the
corporate powers behind popular music, and money’s compromising of one’s
artistic integrity. A movie for anyone interested in pursuing a career in music
that offers the beautiful and ugly truth. On a side note, the song that shares
a title with the film may very well be one of my favourite pieces of music from
the 1950s.
6. A Walk To Remember (2002) – 7.5/10
High school bad boy Landon is sentenced to community service
by his principal for a social wrongdoing, and through that meets Jamie, a girl
who is his polar opposite. They start a relationship and Landon finds himself
becoming a different and better person. “A Walk To Remember” is renowned as a
great teen love story by many viewers, but the word ‘teen’ is what separates
it. As likable as many things are, the actual telling of this tale is only as
mature as its two (very likable) main characters, and its many steps into
clichés, oversentimentality and high school/religious stereotypes prevents a
good drama from soaring to the heights of greatness.
7. Pacific Rim (2013) – 7.5/10
Set in the near future, humanity is at war with a race of
creatures from beneath the ocean floor, and an unlikely team are paired up to
defend Hong Kong from an attack and put an end to the conflict. Guillermo del
Toro’s science fiction/action flick is essentially the giant robot movie we
wanted that we never got from any instalment of the Transformers series plus a
little more. It seems to take little bits of influence from numerous genres,
ranging from giant monster movies to psychological thrillers, resulting in a
lot of variety in one lone film. Despite brilliant CGI and numerous solid
performances, action scenes are too drawn out for their own good and minor
characters are occasionally irritating.
8. Super Fly (1972) – 7.5/10
A cocaine dealer named Priest finds himself tired of his
criminal life and plans one major score before retiring for good, but finds it
difficult when the local mob have other plans for him. Certainly one of the
more recognizable Blaxploitation flicks of the early 1970s, “Super Fly” is
consistent in the genre’s style, and as far as storytelling goes is a small
step up from most genre entries, mainly due to the understanding we develop of
Priest and his personal choices. The movie occasionally suffers however from
over-stylized scenes and long montages that interrupt a smooth flow of story.
9. Oculus (2013) – 8.5/10
A man institutionalized since childhood is released and
reunites with his sister, who aims to prove that the murder he was convicted
for was committed by a supernatural force confined in an 18th
century mirror. “Oculus” should very well be hailed as a new horror classic.
Especially notable for juggling and contrasting two stories at once that
simultaneously complement each other, the fear factor is never made fully
clear. Whether or not this demonic mirror truly is to blame or the two siblings
are descending into a collective insanity drives more tension than any death
scene or ghostly figure. Karen Gillan of “Doctor Who” fame and writer-director
Mike Flanagan are equally brilliant in their respective contributions.
10. Fast Five (2011) – 8/10
Brian, Dominic and Mia are on the run from the FBI and
plan a massive heist to buy their freedom while contending with a federal agent
and a Brazilian drug lord that has the corrupt Rio De Janeiro police at his
disposal. Though still a popcorn movie, the fifth instalment of the
long-running Fast & Furious franchise is the first one I’ve seen that
really looks like it’s growing up. The more juvenile elements that categorized
the previous films have been toned down (though aren’t entirely absent) and the
writing is strictly focused on creating a high-stakes thriller with a character
focus. Easily my favourite in the series so far, and the first since the 2001
original that I really think is worthy of rewatches.
11. Guardians of the Galaxy (2014) – 9/10
Five intergalactic criminal outcasts find themselves
forced to work together and protect a powerful orb from falling into the hands
of a fanatical warrior bent on universal domination. The ever so tiresome
barrage of superhero movies continues, but this is among those few examples
that really do stand out. It’s hard not to love everything this blockbuster has
to offer, whether it be its colourful characters or its rich fictional world
that has endless possibilities seemingly comparable to that of the Star Wars
universe. What I praise the most about “Guardians Of The Galaxy” however is its
adventurous quality that’s made most fun by the bond you feel that you form
with the Quill, Gamora, Drax, Groot and Rocket themselves. Very excited for a
sequel.
12. ParaNorman (2012) – 8/10
A misfit youth named Norman has a special gift in the
fact that he is able to see and talk to ghosts, but has to put his abilities to
the test when a centuries-old curse unleashes a horde or zombies on his small
town. I honestly thought this had to be one of the most underrated movies of
2012. Not only is it a great film filled with fun characters and imaginative
scenarios, but it very subtly says a few things. The struggle of Norman in
finding acceptance in his family and community is a relatable one and a theme
that constantly shadows over his actions, which drives the story. People versed
in film will also likely pick up on little nods to numerous horror classics,
often done through strong humour that crosses the boundaries between adult and
family-friendly.
13. Highlander (1986) – 7.5/10
An immortal Scottish swordsman living in 20th
century America must confront his age-old foe who’s looking to kill him and
obtain what’s known as “The Prize”. Though the storytelling is occasionally a
little bit clunky, and there are some laughably obvious goofs, it’s easy to
understand why “Highlander” has developed a bit of a cult following. The
fantasy elements are unique, and with a plot that carries on across many eras
it has a lot of variety in terms of content. My favourite sequences are by far
those set in 16th century Scotland. With that said though, solid
performances by Lambert and Connery are undermined by an annoyingly
over-the-top Clancy Brown.
14. Shakespeare in Love (1998) – 7/10
A young William Shakespeare contending with writer’s
block and a lack of support from those around him falls in love with Viola and
has the inspiration that has him write “Romeo and Juliet”. Potentially one of the most overhyped Best
Picture winners I’ve seen, and 1998 certainly wasn’t a bad year, I did find joy
in this drama. By no means the best Shakespeare-related movie. It is however a
good period piece that boasts wonderful costume design, set pieces, dialogue
relevant to the time and a solid performance by Joseph Fiennes as the title
character.
15. Appaloosa (2008) – 7.5/10
Two gunslinger friends are hired to police the small town
of Appaloosa and protect it from a criminal rancher, but find that becomes more
complicated by the arrival of a young widow that one of them takes a liking to.
Considered by many to be one of the great modern westerns, I found a lot to
like in this film. The dynamics of the friendship between our two main
characters, Virgil and Everett make this a western focused on relations as much
as it is on genre norms. This is made better by solid chemistry between Viggo
Mortensen and director-actor Ed Harris (who I suspect is fulfilling a dream of
making his own cowboy movie). It does however suffer from a few characters who
are so unlikable that you want to give them a good slap.
16. Kundun (1997) – 7.5/10
From infancy up to
his early adulthood, the life of the 14th Dalai Lama is depicted as
he learns of his place as his people’s spiritual leader and deals with the
annexation of Tibet by China. One of the lesser remembered films by my
favourite filmmaker, Scorsese. “Kundun” showcases the peace-focused belief
system of the Tibetan Buddhists and the struggles of the man that stood for
them in the wake of its major conflict against communism. Evidently, it’s a
film outside of Scorsese’s usual waters that has allowed for a lot of
experimentation, particularly in regards to music and cinematography. However,
it doesn’t represent the point-of-view of the Chinese all that well and
constantly reverts back to the topic of the worker’s revolution over the age-old
tensions between these two countries. I wonder what the real-life Dalai Lama
thinks of this movie.
17. 21 Jump Street (2012) – 8.5/10
Schmidt and Jenko, two young cops that aren’t the best at
their job are sent undercover to a local high school to bust a synthetic drug
ring that’s become popular with its students. A comedy that doesn’t try to be
any more than it needs to be, but succeeds where you expect it to. “21 Jump
Street” places great emphasis on the friendship factor that’s key in all
buddy-cop movies, and alternatively resembles modern teen films on the odd
occasion too. Jonah Hill and Channing Tatum are loveable as the two heroes, and
the screenplay mixes mostly clever humour with a touch of sentimentality that
those past their high school years can relate to.
18. Heavenly Creatures (1994) – 8.5/10
Two girls living in Christchurch develop a close bond
stemming from their mutual passion for writing and fantasy, but take to extreme
measures when their concerned parents try to keep them apart. Based on the
Parker-Hulme case, potentially the most infamous murder in the history of New
Zealand. This film may be the first truly mature effort of director Peter
Jackson. The obsessive relationship between Pauline and Juliet is both parts
endearing and moderately disturbing, and is explored very closely (though
occasionally at the expense of historical accuracy). Lynskey and Winslet are
equally brilliant as the two leads and embody adolescent immaturity and loyalty
with a dark twist.
19. The Host (2006) – 8/10
An unidentified monster merges from the depths of Seoul’s
Han River, and takes captive a young girl from a small, working class family
that do what they can to get her back while being hunted by the government.
Definitely one of the more memorable giant monster movies of recent years and
for good reason has become one of South Korea’s most famous movies. Outside of
being a great horror film with some brilliant effects by the standards of a
non-Hollywood film, it’s also a strong family drama with various underlying
messages related to bonds and kinship.
20. The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948) – 8.5/10
Two jobless Americans looking for work in Mexico team up
with an ageing prospector to search for gold in the mountains, while one begins
to lose his mind in the face of perceived wealth. Considered to be one of the
all-time cinematic adventures for good reason. It capitalizes a lot on the
norms of the Western genre such as man vs wild and lawlessness despite not
being a Western itself, and it’s just as effective. Additionally, it’s a
cautionary tale about the corrupting influence of money, and this is best shown
by the character Hobbs, played brilliant by Humphrey Bogart. Despite being a
clear-cut antagonist, he’s also strangely more relatable due to the many woes
that accompany him. Forever a classic.
21. Under Siege (1992) – 8/10
When a US Navy warship armed with nuclear weapons is
hijacked by a group of mercenaries, it’s up to a former S.E.A.L. and disgraced
chef to put his skills to the test. This may very well be the quintessential
dumb action movie of the 1990s. It doesn’t try to do anything more than you’d
expect it to, and what you do anticipate is done incredibly well. This Steven
Seagal vehicle is basically “Die Hard” set on a ship, but doesn’t reach those
levels of greatness. Its character focus isn’t all that great, it’s somewhat
exploitive and while the action is fantastic, the suspense yields an
underwhelming result.
22. Anaconda (1997) – 7/10
A documentary film crew is taken hostage on the Amazon
river by a deranged hunter that’s searching for the monstrous anaconda. While
the science on snakes in this movie make “Jaws” look like a National Geographic
documentary, and almost every character is an idiotic stereotype from some part
of the world, “Anaconda” is a horror-adventure film that isn’t devoid of a fun
factor. Occasionally it pushes boundaries with graphic and delightfully
repulsive imagery and it couldn’t be more clear that Jon Voight is having the
time of his life in the role of the villain, Paul Sarone and brings you along
for the ride.
23. Fatal Attraction (1987) – 9/10
Lawyer Dan Gallagher has an affair with Alex Forrest, a
woman he meets at a party. However, his one night stand turns into a nightmare
when she starts stalking his family and refuses to let go of her obsession.
This film has been the subject of a character development focus in a
screenwriting book I just finished and the experience of watching it myself has
impressed me even more. The emotional attachment you develop to Dan as he deals
with the situation is equally powerful as the suspense and disturbed feelings
that arise from Alex’s actions. Michael Douglas and Glenn Close both perform
phenomenally in roles that are appealing for opposite reasons. You pity him and
fear her. A married man’s worst nightmare makes for an outstanding
psychological thriller.
24. Scarface (1932) – 8/10
An impulsive and egomaniac gangster from the South Side
of Chicago makes his way upwards in his control of the local syndicate, but
finds that his own greed-driven actions lead to his downfall. The classic crime
movie that inspired many gangster movies to follow including the 1983 remake
starring Al Pacino may be one of the most ahead of its time films of the 1930s.
By the standards of most filmmaking of the time, the content is quite crude,
but not without a sense of realism. The anti-mob message is intelligently
exhibited through the depictions of corruption and murder and the audience the
whole way through is just on the edge of their seat waiting to see Tony Camonte
get what he deserves.
25. Contact (1997) – 8/10
Dr Ellie Arroway spends her life learning about the
universe, and one day picks up a signal from intelligent extra-terrestrial life
that sends plans for the construction of a machine for humans to make closer
contact with them. Not surprisingly,
“Contact” is as controversial as it is compelling. Jodie Foster delivers an
emotionally charged performance and Robert Zemeckis’ direction is very
sentimental. The divide between scientific discovery and the influence of
religion on ideas about our existence is constantly questioned, and the movie
leaves it to us to make up our own minds on the matter.
26. Black Caesar (1973) – 6.5/10
A troubled ghetto boy grows up to be a major crime figure
in Harlem, but his inner rage leads him to commit actions that lead to a gang
war. Among the most well-known Blaxploitation movies, “Black Caesar” does some
things very well by the standards of the genre, but falters in others. Fred Williamson
delivers a highly charismatic performance in the role of Tommy Gibb.
Exploitative violence is graphic, but often humorous. Some stylistic choices
foreign to the genre have been used (namely music and the prevalence of several
white characters) and this may be good or bad depending on your point of view.
The film however does suffer from pointless uncomfortable scenes and generally
dialogue is too talky and expository.
27. Nebraska (2013) – 8.5/10
A reluctant son takes his alcoholic ageing father on a
road trip from Montana to Nebraska to claim a million dollar prize which in all
likelihood isn’t even real. Director Alexander Payne (Sideways, The
Descendants, About Schmidt) has hit the mark once again with a new film about
life, relationships and expectations. The black and white not only looks
beautiful, but adds a sense of familiarity. Though Woody doesn’t drive the plot
much through his own actions, through images and the conversations of all other
characters we feel as though we’ve known this man for his entire life and
empathize with his old-age disappointments and regrets. Performances by Bruce
Dern and Will Forte are equally full of heart.
28. The Core (2003) – 6.5/10
When the Earth’s core stops moving and threatens the
survival of the planet, a team of specialists is sent down with unheard of
technology to correct it. “The Core” is one of those films that really tries to
be appear more intelligent than the blockbuster it is. The science it actually
gets right is rudimentary at best, and further exposition to appear otherwise
just falls flat. It’s also not very character driven and doesn’t give its
talented cast a chance to shine. It does however have a solid adventurous
quality comparable to the mindless disaster movies released in the years
surrounding its own.
29. V/H/S (2012) – 6.5/10
A group of thugs are hired to scavenge an abandoned house
to find a valuable VHS tape, but come across numerous pieces of footage dealing
with the supernatural. Anthology films are often a fun experience due to the
variety of material they offer, but V/H/S I found fairly underwhelming. The use
of found footage becomes increasingly tiresome, and you simply feel like you’re
watching one short film after another. It feels more like a time passer than a
well-thought out story. The shorts though do excel in their own individual
ways.
30. On The Beach (1959) – 7.5/10
After a nuclear conflict decimates the northern
hemisphere, an American submarine makes Melbourne its safe haven and sees that
Australia is forced to come to terms with the fallout reaching their shores.
Though perhaps not as assertive as other examples from the time, this still
proves to be a solid anti-nuclear cautionary tale. Beneath the positivity seen
in many characters is a subtle feeling of despair. Gregory Peck and Anthony
Perkins (prior to “Psycho”) deliver fantastic performances, and the brief
glimpse of the ghost town that was San Francisco is haunting. The film does
however suffer from too much of an American focus for its setting, and the
romance feels like too much of a distraction to the bigger issue.
Top 10 Movies For January
1. Fatal Attraction
2. Guardians of the Galaxy
3. Nebraska
4. Heavenly Creatures
5. Oculus
6. 21 Jump Street
7. The Treasure of the Sierra Madre
8. Fast Five
9. ParaNorman
10. Under Siege
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