The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland Reviewer Recommends (FEB 25th, 2024)

In a cluttered and overwhelming world of cinema, it is literally impossible to watch it all (trust me…I try). There is a hard balance between rewatching your favorite films, new releases, and films from your ever growing watchlists. But there are so many gems in film history to enjoy so it is a great way to utilize your movie watching time. But how do you decide what to watch? Queue The Wasteland Reviewer Recommends! This series will highlight my weekly journey through previously released films (whether they are rewatches for me or new discoveries. Here are my picks:

The Professionals (1966)

Who doesn’t love a star-studded western? This 60s era western takes the visceral and thrilling nature of contemporaries like The Wild Bunch and run with it. There is a stacked cast from Burt Lancaster to Lee Marvin to Claudia Cardinale. What is most impressive about this film is the morally gray areas it travels through, especially for a genre more well known for its morally black and white legacy. There is thrilling action, great chemistry, thematic ideas to chew on, and a twisting plot that will certainly keep you on your toes.

The Adventures of Prince Achmed (1926)

What is the oldest feature length animated film of all time? Even if The Adventures of Prince Achmed is not the actual answer…it is still one of the pioneers of this approach to filmmaking. There is a fantastic mixture of silhouettes for the characters and vibrant colors for the world around them. This has a big scale fantasy feel as it draws its inspiration from classic Arabian Nights tales. You even have a vast array of mythical creatures which are great additions to pioneering animated fantasy. If you love Studio Ghibli and other more artful and fantastical animated projects, this is a classic made for you.

When Harry Met Sally… (1989)

Have you seen the greatest romantic comedy of all time? If you have watched When Harry Met Sally… then you can confidently answer in the affirmative. Nora Ephron’s script is so tight and pulls off amazing character work in such a reasonable 90-minute or so runtime. Rob Reiner is one of the most underappreciated directors of all time as he brings a wonderful energy and sense of class to this film. But it is Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan who steal the show with their charismatic and electric performances that stand tall as two of the best in all rom coms. There are endless reasons to love this film to check it out.

Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994)

How British can one rom com get? Look no further than Mike Newell’s Four Weddings and a Funeral. Hugh Grant, at the height of his awkward British charm, leads this fantastic ensemble through what the title promises. Seeing the evolution of a group of friends through these five important events makes this such a unique and impactful experience. There is no shortage of memorable characters or impactful performances. The group dynamics are complex and engrossing. This charming British romp has its emotional ups and downs, but the audience is queued in from start to finish.

Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)

Is Rise of the Planet of the Apes the most underappreciated film in this decades old franchise? Matt Reeves justly gets tons of praise for Dawn and War, but Rupert Wyatt’s Rise brought new life into a long defunct franchise. Where Tim Burton failed, Wyatt succeeded through a grounded and more realistic approach that saw science drive this science fiction film. Andy Serkis, who once revolutionized stop motion with Gollum, brings so much to this performance and helps create one of the best characters in modern film in Caesar. This is a special effect driven yet intellectually stimulating and emotional cinematic experience to fall in love with.