The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland Review Recommends (MAR 24th, 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:

School of Rock (2003)

Is Jack Black one of the most talented and endlessly likable people in all of show business? Yes…yes, he is. His turn in Richard Linklater’s School of Rock is one of his finest acting turns and Linklater takes his sensibilities to a more studio/mainstream friendly route with this endlessly delightful film. The chemistry between Black and this cast of endearing children is something special. There are genuine laughs around every corner and heart for miles with this tale of finding oneself and defining your own worth. The plot might be hard to believe but this ode to rock music and the rebellious nature in all of us is a wonderful film that will live on for so long. If you love Black and all his rocking wonderful antics, this is a must-see to add to memory.

Drums Along the Mohawk (1939)

How many westerns do you know that took place during the Revolutionary War? Drums Along the Mohawk is a unique Revolutionary War film in the sense that it takes the drama and action into the wilderness of the frontier (far away from Boston, Philadelphia, and other major colonial spots). John Ford continues his trend of not doing right by the Indigenous people of the Americas, but this film is still able to deliver an impactful and thrilling war film full of action and especially impressive stunts for 1939. When you have Henry Fonda and Claudette Colbert leading the charge as well, you certainly have quite the ensemble cast to engage you as well. The likes of John Carradine and Francis Ford sport some iconic looks as they fill out this cast. But the fact that this is Ford’s first technicolor film makes it stand out as a gorgeous cinematic experience worth having.

Silverado (1985)

How about a different type of western, shall we? Lawrence Kasdan brought his pulp feel from his work on Star Wars and delivered a mainstream and crowd-pleasing western in the form of Silverado. This star-studded team is led by the likes of Kevin Kline, Scott Glen, Kevin Costner, and Danny Glover…and those are just the four leads. They go toe-to-toe with 80’s antagonist Brian Dennehy in an exciting, action heavy western that feels like an ode to the old school Americana that was almost all gone from westerns of the time. The music swells and you know you are in for a romping good time on horseback with a crew of likable rogues and a whole cast of famous actors to recognize.

A House Divided (1913)

Who doesn’t love a good old-fashioned marriage tiff on screen? Alice Guy was one of the great pioneers of early cinema and she brings her impeccable sensibilities to this tale of a married couple who lose faith in each other. A House Divided does a great job of balancing the humor of the absurd situation and the genuine drama of a failing marriage. This couple decided to live separately together in their own home. Of course, that set-up is ripe for crazy hijinks to ensue. If you have never experienced any of Guy’s films, then this is a great place to start…and it will only take you 13-minutes.

Kung Fu Panda (2008)

You ready for more Jack Black? Po, as stated by Black himself, is the most representative of his true self he has played in a film. You feel the passion and genuine attitude towards bringing this chunky lovable panda to life who dreams of being the Dragon Warrior. The voice cast along with Black is off the charts with special shoutouts to Dustin Hoffman as the begrudged master, James Hong has Po’s lovable duck dad, and Ian McShane as the villainous and cool Tai Lung. The action in these movies (and especially in the first) are so creative and rival the action in top tier live action films. But Kung Fu Panda also boasts genuine heart and humor not seen in most action films. There are beautiful and poignant themes that make this a film that connects universally.

Robin Hood: Men in Tights (1993)

Is this Mel Brooks’ last truly fun directorial effort? Dracula: Dead and Loving It…just wasn’t doing it. Even if the jokes are less fresh and some are recycled, Robin Hood: Men in Tights is still a silly fun time that both appreciates the legendary hero of the story and pokes fun. Cary Elwes is legitimately fun and charming as the titular Hood (and will certainly talk smack about some of his predecessors). This cast is wild as it boasts the contributions of Dave Chapelle, Dom DeLouise, Richard Lewis, and even Patrick Stewart (to name a few). The classic mix of physical and silly humor is on Brooks brand even if this one lacks the bite of his earlier work.

The Producers (1968)

Did I mention early Brooks and his bite? Many would say that Blazing Saddles is Brooks’ most daring of efforts…but did they watch The Producers? The film starts with a montage of our protagonist having meetings with little old ladies for sexual favors and features a musical called “Springtime for Hitler”. Yeah…this one is bold alright! And not only that…it is downright hilarious from start to finish. Brooks’ writing is like a switchblade slicing up so much about the entertainment industry and human behavior in general. Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder deliver a pair of the best comedic performances in the history of film as a sleazy Broadway producer and his anxious and gullible accountant. There is just a brashness and boldness to every scene in this film and it boasts one of the best comedic casts to grace the screen. Please Mr. Brooks, make “Springtime for Hitler” on Broadway and I will go opening weekend.

My Man Godfrey (1936)

Who is ready for a caustic and comedic blast from the past? My Man Godfrey feels like a film from the 1930s in its subject matter and the crazy concept that would not be touched with a ten-foot pole today. William Powell is a revelation as the fast talking and biting “Forgotten Man” turned butler for an overly spoiled family of insanely rich Americans. The first world problems are off the charts in this one as it navigates the absurdities of high society life from a world-weary man with a surprising past. Carole Lombard and Gail Patrick deliver charming and fast-talking performances. Who am I kidding? It is 1936…they are all fast-talking people! This comedy is a wild ride with a distinct message about classism that delivers on the message as well as the fun.

The Italian Job (1969)

Do you like Guy Ritchie movies? Then you should watch The Italian Job. No, not the Mark Wahlberg one…the one starring the cocky prince of cool, Michael Caine. I would bet money that Ritchie is a huge fan of this film as it certainly lays the groundwork for the caustic and sharp crime flicks with a great sense of humor that Ritchie has made a career of. Caine is endlessly cool and charming as Charlie who joins forces with a crime boss in prison to make one big job in Italy. Gold, the Mafia, Mini Coopers…the film has it all. They are even bold enough to leave this heist film on a literal cliffhanger ending. Bonus points for the clever and meta decision. This is a slick and fun ride but all the influence it has on British cinema after this makes it a much-watch film.