The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland Reviewer Recommends (MAR 17th, 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:

Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)

Who doesn’t love a good old classic teenage comedy? The 1980’s were littered with these types of films with the likes of John Hughes making a huge splash. But Amy Heckerling and Cameron Crowe started this trend with their coming-of-age high school comedy Fast Times at Ridgemont High. There is a great ensemble of future Hollywood stars that fill out this cast including Sean Penn, Jennifer Jason Leigh, and Judge Reinhold. There is dating, strict teachers, and dead-end jobs that fill out this web of narratives. This film boasts some truly iconic moments including Phoebe Cates’ red bikini scene. This is a relatable and must experience flick for all of us teens and former teens.

Young Mr. Lincoln (1939)

How many different versions of one of our greatest presidents have we seen in film? Daniel Day-Lewis might be the most iconic version of Lincoln at this point, but John Ford helped create a great one in Young Mr. Lincoln as well. Henry Fonda is a legend of American cinema, and his portrayal of Lincoln captures his great spirit and presence. This is a performance and character worth experiencing as he navigates a murder trial. This is less biopic and more character study combined with courtroom drama which is unexpected but effective. This Ford/Fonda combination is a winning one and this is the first step to appreciating their cinematic contributions.

Kicking and Screaming (1995)

Where did Noah Baumbach start his directorial journey? It was back in the 1990’s and with a crew with up-and-coming actors dealing with the post-college transitional period of life. Having the likes of Josh Hamilton, Eric Stoltz, and Parker Posey is exciting as you see them embody these young adults in differing stages of transition. This might be a bit higher society or hipster-chic, but the overall themes are universal and quite relatable. Baumbach shows the roots that will soon grow into the excellent cinematic resume that he boasts today as he finds great dialogue and complex relationships. This is a drama worth experiencing.

A Trip to the Moon (1902)

Who is one of the kings of early cinema? Georges Melies. He was a magician turned filmmaker who helped define early filmmaking techniques and special effects. His love of science fiction and other genre tales took him to the works of fellow Frenchman, Jules Verne, and created the legendary cinematic work A Trip to the Moon. The imagery is iconic as Melies’ Man in the Moon has found itself into pop culture throughout the history of cinema. The production design and costuming are on a whole other level compared to any other films of the time. Melies takes you on a wondrous adventure into space decades before it becomes reality. For only 15 minutes of your time, this is a fantastic journey to venture on.

Making a Living (1914)

Where did the legend of Charlie Chaplin begin? Back in 1914, Chaplin had his first big splash with Making a Living. He was not quite “The Tramp” yet but he had some of those traits in this character who flirts with women, torments a journalist, and goes on an outrageous chase sequence that was unmatched at the time. This early comedy is only around 13-minutes, but it packs in plenty of hijinks and fun. Chaplin’s physical comedy is peak and his ability to sell every leg of this iconic and climactic chase is impressive. This one is worth checking out just for the ability to witness the early excellence of a screen legend.

Gertie the Dinosaur (1914)

Are you ready for one of the first ever animated films? This meta-flick is framed by the real-life animator Winsor McCay making a bet that he can bring a dinosaur to life and in motion for the first time in centuries. That is how Gertie the Dinosaur came to life. What is most fascinating is that it is not just watching any random dinosaur moving around. Gertie is sassy and defiant in the most fun ways. Her interactions with McCay are legitimately funny and this film offers up a wonderful little experience that the whole family can enjoy. Gertie might not make up most of the 13-minute runtime but seeing her come to life is worth all of your time commitment.

Dredd (2012)

Did Alex Garland actually direct Dredd? It wouldn’t surprise me if that was the case. But either way, this comic adaptation is a cool, brutal, and thrilling action flick that offers up plenty of genre faire. Karl Urban was an expert choice to bring the rugged and intimidating Judge Dredd to life (and we didn’t need to see his whole face at all). This contained narrative in a dilapidated high rise full of criminals and gangs is the perfect setting to watch Dredd mess some people up. There are plenty of creative visual choices that make this film much better despite its small and minimal budget. Show this one some love and maybe there will be an off chance we can finally get a sequel.

V for Vendetta (2006)

Was this the weak to watch comic adaptations of a dystopia that might have been ghost directed? Dredd and V for Vendetta both have those specific elements in common but this Hugo Weaving/Natalie Portman led genre flick has plenty of political layers as well. To be honest, V for Vendetta is uncomfortably relatable at this given time thanks to the unfortunate rise in modern fascism. But outside of that, this is a thrilling and mysterious action flick that has an interesting array of characters with an impressive cast. You will think and ponder as some cool slow-motion action fills the screen. This is a film that became a modern classic for many millennials and will certainly be worth your time.

The Elephant Man (1980)

Is The Elephant Man one of the least Lynch type films of David Lynch’s career? This does not deliver the same form of abstract and complex storytelling that you might be used to from his filmography. But what is present is a deep exploration of humanity that has plenty of poignancy and emotion to boast. John Hurt is a revelation of John Merrick as he shines underneath some of the most impressive and detailed prosthetics in film. The beautiful black and white gives this a classic feel as it navigates classic themes about our humanity and “the other”. Anthony Hopkins and Anne Bancroft are great additions as they fill out this biopic that feels like very few before or after.