The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland Reviewer Recommends (MAR 31st 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 Grapes of Wrath (1940)

Why is the story of The Grapes of Wrath such a classic? This is a tale of persistence and fortitude in the face of desperation. John Steinbeck told a tale of the Joad family and their struggle in the face of The Great Depression and The Dust Bowl of the midwest. This family faces the challenges laid down by capitalistic vultures who take advantage of their desperation and the force of the police who reinforce their control. This is SO not a John Ford perspective. But he can deliver an emotionally poignant narrative on the shoulders of Henry Fonda, John Carradine, and Jane Darwell. This is an incredibly heavy story that comes to life in such an impactful way thanks to the expert visual storytelling of Ford. There is a reason this was one of the original entries into the Film Registry. This is a bona fide classic worth your time.

The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)

Who doesn’t love a charming tramp? Royal Tenenbaum is the perfect sly dog who has screwed up his family life royally and tries to get them back…even by telling them falsely that he has cancer. Wes Anderson crafts a beautifully quirky and symmetrical tale around Royal in the form of The Royal Tenenbaums. Gene Hackman delivers the last great performance of his career (one that was criminally overlooked at major awards). Royal’s family and acquaintances are portrayed perfectly by the grand ensemble of Ben Stiller, Gwyneth Paltrow, Luke Wilson, Owen Wilson, Anjelica Huston, Danny Glover, Bill Murray, and more! This quirky and hilarious family drama has all the pastels, symmetry, darker moments, and pathos that Anderson delivers in all his films. This just might be his magnum opus.

The Long Voyage Home (1940)

Who is ready to travel the high seas with John Ford and The Long Voyage Home? You have some Ford stalwarts in Thomas Mitchell, John Wayne, and Ward Bond as they popular a ship making their way across the Atlantic during early WWII. There are giant waves, bombings, and more that put these sailors in danger and help create such great tension. There are deeply affecting moments of loss as we get to connect with this ragtag crew on the ship. John Ford also delivers a striking cinematic experience as well. There is noirish lighting and cinematography before there were noirs. This film is an expected journey that captures desperation and the call to return home in such an organic and authentic way. 1940 was a great year for Ford and this is another must-see flick.

Star Wars (1977)

Star Wars changed cinema, right? There was a theater experience before 1977 but the landscape drastically changed after George Lucas delivered his iconic and most beloved space opera. This film set the formula for every hero’s journey that came after it. This created the single most impactful film franchise of all time that helped shape the world of fandom. This was the highest grossing film of all time and helped shape the blockbuster season for decades to come. AND Star Wars is a perfectly paced adventure film like few others. The world building is dynamic and iconic. The stars created some of the most iconic characters in the history of film with Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and of course, Darth Vader. If you haven’t seen it…what are you waiting for?

Cool Hand Luke (1967)

Has legendary film star Paul Newman ever reminded you of Jesus? Well…Cool Hand Luke is one of the most impressive films to capture a Christ figure. There are so many elements that deliver upon these themes from recurring cross shaped objects, miracles performed by the titular hero, and temptation from Lucille and Godfrey. This film is not just an impeccable Christ allegory as it also delivers one of the most poignant anti-establishment messages in all of film. Luke is the ultimate rebel as he gains followers through his charisma, confidence, and commitment. Newman delivers a towering and impactful performance that is oozing charisma yet captures such an authentic vulnerability that only an actor of his caliber can. This film is both inspiring and tragic. The performances across the border are iconic. If you love films like The Shawshank Redemption, then you must see Cool Hand Luke.

The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)

Who is the perfect actor for Wes Anderson films? It could be argued that Bill Murray is the true muse of Anderson’s work. The Life Aquatic is a great example of Murray fully grasping the quirky dry wit of Anderson’s world. Steve Zissou just might be the most despicable of Anderson’s protagonists, but Murray is still able to imbue him with empathy…like only Murray can. This film is a wild and crazy ocean journey filled with stop motion sea life, French David Bowie covers, and powder blue jumpsuits. Another Anderson film filled with a great ensemble too featuring the likes of Owen Wilson, Willem Dafoe, Cate Blanchett, Jeff Goldblum, and Anjelica Huston (amongst many others). The tone might swing wild, and the narrative incorporates many genres, but this is still a fantastic romp with emotion and fun.

Marriage Story (2019)

Is Marriage Story one of the great divorce films of all time? Noah Baumbach captures the horrible elements of a shattering marriage with great authenticity. Adam Driver and Scarlett Johansson are incredible as the dual leads of this film as they can capture so many complex emotions. The support cast fills out this film so well helping create a surprisingly fun and entertaining experience between the traumas. Memes have taken over the film’s most famous scenes on some level but that doesn’t mean Baumbach’s work goes unappreciated. The film feels so genuine as it navigates the little details of this horrible situation. The characters are so well developed, and the narrative is expertly laid out. This one is well worth your time…but get ready to feel some things.

A House Is Not a Home (1964)

Who doesn’t love some Shirley Jones? This actress was on top in the 50s and 60s delivering great performances in such films as The Night of the Hunter. For A House Is Not a Home, she brings to life the story of a woman turned madame in New York City. She navigates romance, the police, and the mob with this unexpectedly varied story. There are elements of crime thriller, romantic comedy, and deeply affecting drama. The tone is certainly wild as there are elements of the film that deal with rape and suicide…but overall, this is a mostly fun and sometimes intense flick that delivers a lot of elements. What stands out most are the incredible costumes from the legend Edith Head who got recognized for her great work on the film. This is a bit of a hidden gem you can find on YouTube.

La Pointe Courte (1956)

Does anyone capture the authenticities of life quite like Agnes Varda? She created an illustrious career with a filmography filled with the most realistic human dramas you might find. La Pointe Courte is no different. Over the course of 80-minutes, we follow a young couple processing life and their relationship with the backdrop of a quaint little fishing town. The camera navigates intrusively and creates a voyeuristic feel which Varda made her calling card. We learn about this small town and its citizens in a beautifully real and engaging way. The lean tale is one worth telling and creates a contemplative and thematically engaging film. This might be a bit too much of the mundane for some but if you give into the concept, you will get quite a bit out of it.

Blade II (2002)

How do you elevate an already fun and cool Marvel franchise? You bring in a director like Guillermo del Toro who breathes fresh life and a distinct style into the film. Blade II is the perfect example of this. The first film had the coolest vibe from that late 90s club feel and del Toro builds on that with his own gothic spin. This action sequel builds off the first and adds new danger and elements that make it even more compelling than the first. Blade teams with a vampire death squad to take on a scarier and more dangerous version of vampires. The action is top notch and Wesley Snipes proves why he is the perfect casting as Blade once again. There is intrigue and a great supporting cast that fill out this creepy and unnerving horror/action flick. This is how you do a sequel right.