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The Prince of Egypt (1998)
Seriously one of the best films of our time
If Dreamworks doesn't release a blu-ray copy of this film I will be very very disappointed. The film's music is moving, the story is something anyone can enjoy regardless of denomination, and the animation is STUNNING. The cast is mostly white actors (For those where the race of the voice actor is as important as the character they represent) however that should not turn you away. Far superior to "Exodus", I would recommend this film to anyone who enjoys biblical history, or musicals, or good films in general. The performances are wonderful as well and the visuals of this film are strong. Overall a treat for the eyes and your soul.
Transformers: Age of Extinction (2014)
This is the movie the franchise needed
With an attention to detail that seems unreal for a Michael Bay film, Age of Extinction was an excellent setup into the next Trilogy.
The Optimus Prime we see throughout the film is not the Optimus we came to know. He has been betrayed by the very species he fought so hard to protect, and he has been backed into a corner. His mercilessness is a loss of faith in our kind. Mark Wahlberg shines as a father working hard to support his daughter (Who was also not overtly sexualized, which is against surprising in a Michael Bay film.) And get used to her boyfriend (who does not sound Irish, but perhaps it's because he's Irish-American?). What he and his family give to Optimus is a renewed faith in humanity, the idea that humans are not perfect. Speaking of his daughter, she reacts as most people would (scared shitless) but also has great moments of bravery.
Stanley Tucci is a great "villain turned good" like we saw with John Turturro in transformers 1 and 2. Kelsey Grammar as the cold, to the point CIA agent was flawless.
The idea of "seeds" to possible bring us the quintessons of G1 hopefully plays out well. It still fits in with the All Spark and like.
As far as Drift goes, if you read the comics you know they got his character perfectly. His design is weak, given that they could have had a ball with Samurai themed armor. Also his Japanese theme isn't as offensive as I was afraid it could have been in that it wasn't used as the butt of a joke like Skids and Mudflap being the "uneducated black men" stereotype.
Not sure if the technology improved or if Bay realized how to film robot fights better, but they were easier to follow than the previous movies. Bumblebee's characterization was also improved from the second and third films.
Frank Welker as Galvatron as so good. It was very classic Megatron but it worked so well.
The Dinobots were AMAZING. It is safe to assume they are the knights of Cybertron (the comic readers will know what's up) and their robot forms were also amazing (The attention to detail thing comes into play here) and the helmets based on actual knight helmets sold me.
Cinematography wise it's still very much a Bay film, stylistically you know it's his work. There were plenty of jump cuts to product placement that weren't necessary. However there were some beautiful shots in this film as well.
and yes calling it "Transformium" Makes sense because these are humans naming a compound. yes it sounds silly but what can you do? That's what the scientist nerds were calling it.
As far as the ending goes, Rocket boots Prime fell flat for me. Bay could have had a montage of a ship being made for him from the remains of the other ships.
I don't believe I missed anything here. All in all this is the film the franchise needed. It had a dark edge, it could be taken seriously. It wasn't just a bunch of offensive jokes and sexism. It was a legitimate film.
Pulp Fiction (1994)
Do not fall asleep during this movie! You will miss a lot!
I fell asleep the first time I saw this film (It was 3am when we started watching) and I woke up confused as hell. However this film is one of Tarantino's best. A sort-of prequel to "Reservoir Dogs" This film is one of pop culture's immortal beings in the world of film. The setup of the film reminds me a lot of Guy Ritchie, and perhaps the two directors were influenced by the other. An awesome action packed bloodbath that is Tarantino's trademark, Pulp fiction is a must-see for any movie buff. This is the film that launched Uma Thurman to stardom, and the only film where you will see Bruce Willis fight a gimp. You cannot go wrong with this movie at all in the slightest.
Notorious (1946)
A beautiful surprise from Alfred Hitchcock
One wouldn't expect such a film from Alfred Hitchcock. I can agree with the biographer who said he could have only made this film at the age he made it at. Unlike his other films, Notorious has a different feel to it. It's still a very Hitchcock film, however, make no mistake of that. The loop hole Hitchcock exploits to get by the Hayes code only makes for a steamier, more intimate romance between Ingrid Bergman and Cary Grant. The accurate depictions of drunk driving in the beginning floors me because it is not over done but you can tell Ingrid is plastered. The ending scene where Sebastian is left to deal with his own choices is phenomenal. I am pleased with the style of this film and recommend it to anyone, fan of Hitchcock or not.
Nothing Sacred (1937)
a comedy of misinterpretation
Is nothing sacred? Not in this laugh out loud screwball comedy! A woman finds out she's not dying, and breaks down in tears of joy. A broken down reporter out to find redemption finds the tearful woman and decides to help her life go out with a bang. Little does he know that the bang isn't going to happen, and so our heroine is treated to the delights of New York City. A lovingly made comedy that is truly on a level of it's own, Nothing Sacred is the kind of film that set stage for others of a similar nature, like "Last Holiday" (not the 1950 version but the remake starring Queen Latifah). A Fun film for any classic film buff to enjoy.
Do the Right Thing (1989)
A film that gives way for introspection
When my boyfriend found out I had watched this film for class he had asked me if I was made uncomfortable. When I said no he went "But why? the point of Spike Lee movies is to make white people uncomfortable." I explained that I felt Spike Lee's films offer a look into prejudice that I as a white person would never have to face. While I could sympathize with Sal and the fact that he was a proud Italian, I also know that given his customers were black, he could have reaches a compromise. This film is incredibly well made and packs a huge punch. Honestly I HOPE white audiences were made uncomfortable. What they see in this film is not a stretch from how the black community is treated, despite the milestones we've reached as a whole, racism is still at thing, and it is still ugly and cancerous. This film shows just how racism affects a community as a whole, even when 90% of that community is a known oppressed race.
Taxi Driver (1976)
I finally know where "Are you talking' to me" comes from
I had no idea what I was in for when I started watching this film. A movie that seems part "The Professional" and part Noir, I was taken aback at how young Robert DeNiro was. The story itself is a good one: Man without a purpose finds it in the need to rescue an innocent. The innocent this time is a young Jodie Foster, who plays a child prostitute who just wants to go home to her family. The soundtrack is very "New York City" and adds to the overall tone of the film, and DeNiro shines in this role. The gore in the final shoot out is downplayed by the red lights of the final scene, forcing you to focus more on the action and intent. In all I was blown away by this fantastic piece of cinema.
The Naked Kiss (1964)
An interesting film
A film that has that noir feel, or attempts to, but it falls flat for me with that 60s over-the-top acting in some parts. Kelly, a reformed prostitute, thinks she's found peace in nursing and happiness with her new fiancé, but when he ends up being a child molester she kills him. With the world turned against her she has no one but herself. I can appreciate the interesting plot (Which more likely than not set the stage for other films with similar tropes). However this film doesn't pack the same punch for me as other films, like Mildred Pierce, do. In the end the film tries too hard for me to really appreciate it. Which is sad because as I said this movie had an interesting plot and I liked Griff and Kelly's development as characters.
The Killing (1956)
A film that sets the stage for gratuitous violence and crime films.
The film immediately has the sort of aura that Kubrick evokes in all of his films. There's a sinister edge to everything that goes on. Each character is clearly defined by a trope and in the case of this film it is a very effective method of film making. This film could also stand the test of time and a possible remake, but I would not wish that kind of risk on a great film like this. You find yourself rooting for the characters who are the bad guys, in reality, but you don't care. You want them to be okay in the end. Kubrick refuses to give the viewer that satisfaction. It's a sort of tantalizing film that leaves you wanting more in the end.
The Graduate (1967)
A jarring film about the uncertainty of the future
I would first like to point out the massive contrast between films like this and modern "Coming of age" films. Ben's behavior towards Elaine (Which is far from romantic) is never condoned by ANYONE in the film, even his own parents. When Elaine screams the rest of the men in Ben's house come to make sure she is okay and refuse to leave until she is okay. In today's coming of age films Ben would be encouraged and goaded and told his behavior was okay, and the ending would have implied a happy ending for the two. "The Graduate" is a jarring film about falling into toxic relationships and the life of a jaded youth. If Ben had just gone to work or chosen a graduate school, or perhaps worked harder to refuse Mrs. Robinson's advances, would his situation have been better off? With fantastic film work and amazing cinematography, "The Graduate" asks the important questions.
Singin' in the Rain (1952)
Best Musical I have seen in a long time
Catchy songs, beautiful choreography, and a great cast to boot, Singin' in the Rain is by far a gem of it's time. Gene Kelly kills as Don and his teeth are so white! The romance in the film feels natural and real, and gives me plenty of warm-fuzzy feelings. Jean Hagen shines as a would-be antagonist, hilarious and beautiful and infuriating all at once. Together they form a colorful cast of characters, made for the big screen. The Technicolor of the film is stunning and brilliant. Despite some plot loopholes (Couldn't Lina still sue at the end?) I still thoroughly enjoyed this production. I highly recommend this film to anyone who is a fan of musical films.
Double Indemnity (1944)
a dark story about a beautiful temptress
A film with beautiful compositions and wonderful dark lighting, Double Indemnity seems to be a cautionary tale about women who seek to wander away from their husbands. Or better yet, don't trust a woman who wants to kill her husband! Our leading lady in question is a gorgeous black widow who uses our poor Neff to kill her husband and help her get away with it. In the end he is either dead or unconscious, completely worn from his struggle with her. Throughout the story you will be internally screaming "NO NO WHAT ARE YOU DOING" You feel for Keyes as he tries to uncover the mystery that surrounds the woman. The moral of the story is: Women who want to kill their husbands are not to be trusted.
Mildred Pierce (1945)
Curtiz does it again
Joan Crawford is a knockout as Mildred Pierce in this fantastic Curtiz picture. The beautiful cinematography from Casablanca returns with the dark blacks and stark whites. Curtiz "paints with light" as a dark story unfolds about a mother who only wants to give her daughters (and after Kay dies singular Daughter) the world. Despite Mildred's treatment in the film she is no frail maiden. She is tough and willing to do what she must. Ann Blyth shines as the despicable Veda Pierce. She is the perfect baby-faced counterpart to Crawford and she very much passes as a blood relative. The costume design in the film is amazing and the parallels between Mildred and Veda and done perfectly.
All About Eve (1950)
Sets the stage for future female undermines female films
I actually watched All About Eve a few years back on the classic movie channel. It is an interesting film with a great cast (notably Sher Khan from the Jungle Book! Hey it's a big deal to me). The story is a haughty and over-confident woman being upstaged by a younger, manipulative starlet. It's a powerful film and a cautionary tale about getting too comfortable in one's position of power. There will always been someone working to overpower you in your field. You must always remain on top of your game. The game is never over either, for in the end when Eve feels she has one, a new challenger appears, and she realizes with horror that she is now where her old opponent once was.
The Grapes of Wrath (1940)
A stunning tribute to the Great Depression
A film that uses interesting composition and framing, silhouettes, and outstanding performances by its actors has earned a place among the classics. From the start we are given a taste of foreshadowing. The "no Riders allowed" sticker on the truck, the out of work preacher. That is a taste of what this family is in for. Further foreshadowing includes the son coming back from prison for homicide. I first decided to watch this film because of the Mumford and sons song "Dust Bowl Dance" that is a homage to the book, which I would also like to read. Fantastic movie with a great cast and haunting history. I really cannot get over the quality of this film.
Casablanca (1942)
I can finally say I saw this movie!
Given the odds that this film could become a classic at all, I am pleased to say I can see why. This movie, back in the time of a stricter code of movie ethics, is a passionate testament to old love and the bittersweet feelings of letting go. Set in Morocco, this film has a beautiful sense of composition and lighting, setting the stage for films to come. The characters are rich, and while not all of them are complex they are still a treat and do not feel trope-y. Humphrey Bogart shines in this serious role, instead of the comedy roles I have seen him in. Ingrid is simply amazing in her role as the lover to ruined Rick for other women. The story itself is heartbreaking and beautiful. I was left in tears in the end.
Baby Face (1933)
a radical film for it's time
With heavy themes of rape, implied rape, sexuality, exploitation, and even misguided Feminism, Babyface is a sight to behold. After her father dies, Lily is given a chance to choose her own fate and is prompted by a philosopher she knows to exploit and use men to get what she wants, which with my thoughts seems like something unheard of in the 1920s. He is encouraging her to own herself and do what she wants and get what she wants. Lily is a strong woman who is often brought down by her own self doubt and the patriarchy around her. She ultimately chooses to go on a journey that leads her to self-discovery and what SHE wants beyond material possessions.
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
An old Favorite
As a film based on a book it is very inaccurate. As a film that is an escape from the bleak greys of real life, the Wizard of Oz shines. It is both a coming of age story about responsibility and being true to oneself and a whimsical adventure. Utilizing the use of Technicolor in contrast to black and white, we see Dorothy come into her own in the world of Oz, a place where trees are offended if you take their fruit, and anything can happen. In the end Dorothy learns that she always had the ability to get home, but had to learn and grow from her adventure to reach that point. When she returns home she is reunited with her family. Sadly Toto's fate probably remains unchanged.
Sherlock Jr. (1924)
A lighthearted homage to the great detective
While the most spectacular thing about this short film is the part where Sherlock Jr goes into the movie screen in the day dream sequence, I found this short film quite charming. The music definitely sets the tone as lighthearted and comedic and the acting is good. I find the film trope-y but given that it is from 1924 you could say it sets the stage for future short films of the same ilk. The Daydreaming hero, the sweetheart, the villain, and the protective father type. All of these come together in a wonderful conclusion, the girl saves the day. I really appreciate the history of films and where cinema is going today. Very cute film.
Dracula (1931)
A dark and beautiful film.
The film I watched had music composed by Phillip Glass in 2000. It is beautiful and truly sets the mood. muddy greys and enveloping blacks with stark whites peeking out from the sea of black. Sharp music that punctuates each scene. Everything about this film is meant to set the mood. The film itself is a work of art in the monster film madness. I can see where many future film makers got their inspiration. You could easily say that Bela Lugosi's Dracula was the start of the "Sexy vampire" trend (albeit his Dracula is equal parts beautiful and dangerous, unlike twilight vampires). I recommend this film to anyone looking to get into the origins of monster movies.
My Man Godfrey (1936)
A timeless classic of the screwball era
To say that I loved this film would be a gross understatement. The chemistry between all the actors, the great composition for the shots, and the camera work itself make this film a real treat to behold. The story is a rich young woman takes in a homeless man and offers him employment as repayment for him helping her best her sister at a party game. What develops is a wonderful friendship (and some unrequited feelings) that really make the story shine.
I real testament to the ability for a film to withstand the test of time as the humor was spitfire and still relevant. To be honest I haven't wanted to write or consider a continuation of a story in many years. This film changed that.
Frankenstein (1931)
Young Frankenstien is way better
When I first read the comment "Young Frankenstein is incredibly close to the original" I did not really want to believe it at first. I was of course proved wrong in watching this film. Honestly compared to the others I have watched for my history of American Film class, this one is the most lack-luster. While I can believe that this movie set the stage (with other films of course) for more horror films, it also does not do anything to push the boundaries of filming itself, and the spots where the story is "streamlined" to make way for the monster itself, it leave the film with not a lot of time to really feel for any of the other characters. Which I suppose is what works for it: It's concise, get to the monster stuff. The most memorable part for me was when the monster throws the small girl into the water to help her "grow" as she was doing with the flowers. It reminds us that the monster is far more simple than we think, given point A "Flowers help pretty things grow" point B just makes sense!
In all I can see why this film has withstood the test of time, it was one of the first of a genre and Boris Karloff makes it.
I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang (1932)
Brilliant piece of Classic cinema
After watching this film in my history of Cinema class, my heart was broken. A film that I find still relevant today, not only in topic but in quality of production. Very much a character-driven story with fantastic sound (sounds are even used as symbols and to drive points in the story into our minds). The techniques used are still techniques that are used today in current films, however "I am a fugitive in a chain gang" is timeless, unlike most films today. With each battle James faces, your heart reaches out to him and you start to question what you hear about today's prisons. The worst part is the ending, when you can see in James' face the pure madness that has taken him, because he can never have peace. I nearly cried watching this film.
The Circus (1928)
Truly a timeless classic
Besides being a wonderful mix of joy, laughter, and sadness, the Circus is also beautifully shot and wonderfully acted. The film tugged at my heartstrings as I found myself relating to Chaplain's character and rooting for him throughout the entirety of the film. Despite being a silent film I felt that the acting was not overly-expressive (in the moments between slapstick comedy) and the soundtrack (that was later added) very much set the mood and complimented what was going on acting- wise. Containing of course the trademark slapstick, there are also moments where we feel Chaplain's pain as well as his triumph. I think there are plenty of films today that could learn from a classic such as this. This film is a great snapshot on American circus life as well. Well written (considering it is such an early film in American film history) well shot, I fell in love with this film from start to finish.
Dragonheart: A New Beginning (1999)
It should have never happened
It caused me physical pain to watch this movie. Not only was some of the acting terrible, and the effects were cheap, but Drake was ugly (C'mon, he's essentially Draco and the Scarred one's kid, and we all know how lovely Draco was). The plot was sub par, and the dragons were terrible. The FULL GROWN dragon was about 1/4 the size of Draco.
This movie MAY have had the possibility to NOT SUCK if it had a bigger budget and a better script. I wouldn't let my kids watch this. I'd watch the first one with them. Honestly this shouldn't have happened. Don't even get me started on how many shots they took from Dragonheart, and they bastardized the old code. The Dragons looked very very fake, and the fact that the first movie was made in '96 and had much much better effects shows the lack of care put into the sequel. I gave this movie a chance, against my better judgment, thinking "It can't be THAT bad." But it was. The Bad guy was too cliché, and not the kind of bad guy that David Thewlis was in DH. It was a travesty, and nothing can be done to save it. Children should not be allowed to watch it.
Oh, and taking the music that Randy Edelman wrote and using it throughout it not going to save it. Yeah. I'm sorry but I could not STAND this movie.