The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland Reviewer Recommends (MAR 10th, 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:

Stagecoach (1939)

What started the prolific cinematic relationship between John Ford and John Wayne? Hop on this speeding carriage and join the western classic that is Stagecoach. The technical elements of this film are offered in the charts as the climactic chase sequence has impressive camera work as well as some unbelievable stunts. The music and cinematography are iconic in the realm of film history, specifically the western genre, as Ford shows off Monument Valley for the first time. But is a cast full of talented character actors from John Carradine and Thomas Mitchell that adds the impressive narrative layers to this advanced and impactful classic film. The film also boasts one of the most iconic introductory shots for a character ever which makes Wayne look SO cool.

Brazil (1985)

What is the purest representation of bureaucracy ever put on film? Look no further than the Terry Gilliam classic dystopian film Brazil. Gilliam brings this gray world of awkwardness to life which is fully realized on screen with impeccable camera work and a dark sense of humor. Jonathan Pryce portrays an un-ambitious day dreamer who spends his days in a terrifying world of giant samurai and creepy baby-faced people. We follow Pryce’s Lowrey as he navigates the world of Brazil with great understanding of his expectations. A wild cast of characters and plenty of outstanding production design really bring this to life. A dash of De Niro is nice as is a dash of Ian Holm, Michael Palin, and Bob Hoskins. This is such a creative exploration of dreams and reality and might get you thinking the next time you watch it.

The Jabberwocky (1977)

Do you love Monty Python and the Holy Grail? Are you a fan of historical flicks that capture a snapshot of a particular medieval time? You should be checking out this period adventure full of knights and mythical pictures. This film might be a tad messy, and all the scenes feel a bit too created instead of a more natural approach. But The Jabberwocky is a crazy violent and funny medieval tale full of love and a giant puppet Jabberwocky that is so worth the wait. Michael Palin leads the charge as the unsung hero of this absurd and dark look at life during the times of castles, dragons, and duels. The final act and reveal of the titular beast is certainly worth the price of admission.

12 Monkeys (1995)

Did you get enough Terry Gilliam yet? If you want some more, 12 Monkeys just might be the crown jewel of his career so far. The time travel is uniquely rendered, and the futuristic world Bruce Willis inhabits is fascinating to look at. The toll this travel takes allows Gilliam to dabble in his favorite themes of dream/reality in a unique and compelling well. This remake is a wonderful mash-up of the original La Jatee and motifs of Hitchcock’s Vertigo. Willis delivers one of the most complex and layered performances of his career while Brad Pitt nearly steals the show with his wild turn as a patient in an asylum. There is plenty of mystery and intrigue that pulls this film together.

Only Angels Have Wings (1939)

What makes a classic romance withstand the lapse of time? Having a dynamic and legendary duo of actors to anchor your story. Only Angels Have Wings offers up a memorable couple in the form of Cary Grant and Jean Arthur, two charismatic performers who are fixtures of Old Hollywood. But it is not just the romance that pulls you in as there is thrilling action with its plane-infused story. There are moments that will shock and surprise you which put you on the edge of your seat. Howard Hawks was one of the key players in this early rise of Hollywood and his talents deliver what should be considered an all-time romance on screen. Throw in a few other great talents like Rita Hayworth and you have an ensemble for the ages.

The Squid and the Whale (2005)

What was Noah Baumbach doing before the explosion of his career with partner Greta Gerwig? He was offering up intellectual family dramas in the indie vein of Wes Anderson. The Squid and the Whale is a lean and poignant look at a shattered family and the ramifications on the child caught in the crossfire. Jeff Daniels and Laura Linney are expertly cast as a pair of parents whose intellectual dealings and sexual explorations leave their two sons isolated and struggling to process their new norm. Jesse Eisenberg anchors the film as a teenage boy who is awkward and phony just trying to make it through his youth. Baumbach delivers a sharp and caustic approach to his humor that is a perfect fit for this New York set family drama. This is a fantastic early work for one of the most talented directors of his generation.

Pale Rider (1985)

What about Pale Rider, makes this a must see western for an actor/filmmaker like Clint Eastwood? His career is filled with films from this genre whether he was just in front of the camera or pulling double duty. Pale Rider is one of a pair of (maybe) supernatural westerns that Eastwood has delivered in his career. This one is a little bit more ambiguous compared to High Plains Drifter, but it does deliver on a classic western tale. Eastwood delivers a different type of performance as a man who is trying to walk the straight and narrow (almost a decade before Unforgiven). There are quite a few motifs borrowed from the likes of Shane, but Eastwood is still about to deliver a thrilling, old school western with plenty of reasons to check it out.