The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland Reviewer Recommends (June 9th, 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:

His Musical Career (1914)

What could possibly go wrong when transporting a piano? A LOT. Mack Sennett and Charlie Chaplin show you plenty of shenanigans with their silent comedy short film His Musical Career. This silly and zany comedy has plenty of slapstick comedy centered around two men (including the Tramp) trying to deliver a nice piano. Trying to push it along on wheels seems easy enough except the Tramp is not much help. A poor donkey tries to lug this large instrument around a play some seesaw unfortunately for their troubles. But the best is certainly trying to lug it up a whole flight of stairs (at the wrong residence mind you). The Tramp should never be the anchor. The amount of detail in Chaplin’s performance is fantastic with his silly wiggling legs going all over. This is one of many films that Chaplin did back in 1914 but this one certainly capitalizes on the slapstick genius of its star.

Serenity (2005)

What is the quintessential show that ended too soon? Firefly. This space western was beloved by those who saw it despite Fox going out of their way to make it fail. Through it on Saturday mornings and play the episodes out of order. So outrageous. But Joss Whedon got to have closure with this 2005 film Serenity. You can still see the TV influences with the practical effects and the computer-generated ones are not the most expensive. But most importantly, all these worlds our ragtag crew explore feel real and authentic. There are some horrific moments throughout the film (which is odd for not being a horror). This crew is led by the endlessly charismatic Nathan Fillion whose Mal is a true leader with plenty of quips. All the characters from the beloved show get their moments to dig deep (with patience). This is a science fiction adventure flick with so many great opportunities to capitalize on the unique culture in the show’s universe. Swashbuckling, emotional, and intense…that sounds like a perfect recipe for a hit film. Don’t you agree?

Jaws (1975)

What is one of the greatest films of all time that launched the summer blockbuster into the stratosphere? Steven Spielberg’s Jaws. This might seem like a simple creature feature chasing down a shark, but Spielberg creates something entirely different. This is a small ocean town in the great Cape Cod that attempts to keep life going when a shark is killing people. There is plenty of time to set up the small-town politics of as well as character dynamics and conflicts. Spielberg took a sleazy beach read that worked so perfectly in live action. Bruce the shark was not operating properly so Spielberg hid the shark in what turned out to be one of the most effective filmmaking decisions of all time. The lack of the shark builds the tension and creates a sense of suspense that would never have happened if the shark worked. The music from John Williams just reinforces every aspect of the film with one of the most iconic scores of all time. There are legitimately terrifying scenes thanks in no small part to Spielberg’s fantastic filmmaking decisions. Then you have the trio of performances from Scheider, Dreyfuss, and the iconic Shaw as Quint that make this film so much deeper than it had any right to be. One of the truly greatest of all time and it needs to be experienced.

Rocky IV (1985)

What is the most 80s and “rah rah” American film you are ever going to see? Rocky IV. On the surface, this film is nothing but mini music videos, montages, and one giant boxing match in its climax. The film is only 90 minutes long and does all it can to be the quickest paced film that it can possibly be. The nuance of the original Rocky is completely gone at this point, but the highly entertaining bombast of Stallone’s directorial effort is something to behold. This film boasts the biggest training montages of all training montages. The music choices are off the charts with “Living in America”, “No Easy Way Out”, “Burning Heart”, and most importantly, “Hearts on Fire”. The score is fantastic as well with “War” being an epic piece of music to perfectly match the final battle between Rocky and the great Soviet hope, Ivan Drago. This is one of the most iconic clashes in any sports movie with Stallone delivering a blow during the waning Cold War. This is a silly film in many ways (that damn robot) but it is one of the most iconic and enjoyable sports films of all time.

His Girl Friday (1940)

They don’t make comedies like His Girl Friday anymore, do they? Howard Hawks and other filmmakers of the time made careers in comedy filmmaking by putting extremely charismatic and big-name stars together and letting some fast-talking dialogue fly. You would be surprised by the joke per minute speed of this 1940s comedy let alone the amount of laughs you have during it. Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell are pitch perfect together as they send barbs back and forth with each other. Grant is a slimy but entertaining jerk who knows exactly how to push buttons and Hawks leverages him for all the laughs he can. Russell is a strong and confident woman who is quick to sling quips and remarks at all the controlling men in her life. This is a comedy with romance but also crime thriller elements as well as a great commentary on journalism. There are legitimately shocking moments in the film that most comedies today might avoid but this is a perfect whirlwind of a fast-talking and screwball comedy.

Tremors (1990)

Who would have thought a B-movie horror/sci-fi/neo-western would make for such a great creature feature? Tremors is such a blast and captures a charming ensemble cast along with some impressive practical effects to create this engaging and fun monster movie. The Graboids (not Tremors) are a great fictional creation with an awesome design based on some cryptid stories. The practical effects to bring them to life are fantastic and make this horror flick really come to life. The cast is so much fun with the likes of Kevin Bacon, Michael Gross (the soon to be face of this unlikely franchise), Fred Ward, Rebe McIntyre, and more are so much fun, and these characters are empathetic and interesting enough to really care. The story is simple and creates a convenient and entertaining straight line of horror and feeding. There are some memorable moments all along the way leading up to its thrilling finale. This is a fun weird western worth your time.

The Muppet Movie (1979)

What makes The Muppets so magical? The impressive skills that Jim Henson had along with his team (including Frank Oz) to bring their marionette/puppets to life is just awe-inspiring. But the characters really make them so beloved. Each of these characters have so much personality. We empathize with their dreams and laugh at their impeccable comedic timing. The is what works so well about The Muppet Movie. There are incredible feats throughout the film including Kermit riding a bike, playing banjo in the swamp, giant Muppets, and all kinds of other great moments. They seem so easy but the amount of difficulty to make them ride/drive vehicles and to be surrounded by water is off the charts. But the Jim Henson Company was full of cinematic magicians. Each of the beloved Muppets get their moments. Kermit’s “Rainbow Connection” performance is beautiful and moving. Fozzy is silly throughout. Miss Piggy is just…so Miss Piggy. Then you have Gonzo being the weirdo we all love. The celebrity cameos are the icing on the cake with the likes of Steve Martin and Mel Brooks stealing the show (they have the funniest appearances for sure). They even got Orson Welles for this! This is a magical experience that must be shared.

Spectre (2015)

Is Spectre the best James Bond film? Certainly not. Is it top tier Daniel Craig Bond? Not even close. But there are some interesting elements, some big time potential, and some great classic Bond elements. The cinematography from Roger Deakins and Sam Mendes direction make for some great moments. The opening Day of the Dead sequence is one of the coolest and most dynamic cold opens in all the Bond franchise. Sam Smith’s title song is rock solid and feels like a respectful classic Bond theme. Craig and the crew are back at it again with one of the longest Bond films to date. The first modern inclusion of Spectre is an exciting prospect even if it does not live up to the hype. This is an interesting mix of class Bond elements and more modern sensibilities as it discusses surveillance and drone usage. Is the 00-program outdated? Bond proves once again why some old school spying can do just the trick. There is a more serious Bond love element with Lea Seydoux making a big impact. Throw in Dave Baustista as an unstoppable henchman and Cristoph Waltz as Blofeld himself and you have yourself a fun if not bloated and awkward Bond affair.

Goon (2011)

Wait…Seann William Scott has done other things besides Stifler in American Pie? He has…and he has some surprising range. Scott portrays Dougie who is a kind yet dumb young man working as a security guard. But his antics get the attention of a hockey team where he is hired to become the enforcer on the ice. Goon offers up a journey of self-discovery and worth as Dougie tries to find more purpose than beating guys up to protect his teammates. There is a nice little romance with Alison Pill thrown in that gives the film more depth. His inevitable collision with the league’s best veteran enforcer (Liev Schriber) becomes the crowning moment for the film with such an epic and cool brawl on the ice ensues. Jay Baruchel and Evan Goldberg write such a fun and engaging little hockey flick that will last with you and grow on you. There is plenty of hard-hitting action and bloody bursts to go around as well.

Evil Dead Rise (2023)

How do you keep a decades old horror franchise fresh? You do what Evil Dead Rise did and change some up to make it feel unique and different. For the longest time, Evil Dead was the haunted cabin franchise (minus the completely utter insanity that was Army of Darkness) but for Rise, the setting is a bit more urban. We have a dying apartment high rise. You have a family with kids. Both of those elements automatically make this film so much different. But what is great is that Rise still captures the wild camera movements, big time gore, and dark sense of humor that has made this franchise iconic. The “Mother” dynamic at the core of this entry makes it so much more effective with plenty more emotional weight than the other entries in this beloved franchise. There are wild scares and gory elements, and you will certainly never see cheese graters the same ever again. Evil Dead Rise is a freshly fun and exciting film that fits in this iconic franchise. This one even boasts what might be the greatest title reveal in all of film.

The Fugitive (1947)

Did you know that John Ford had quite the auteur streak up his sleeve? Most people will probably remember Ford as that great western director, but he had a lot more range than most might expect. His film The Fugitive is a tale of a priest in a Central American land where religion has been banned. This “man on the run” story is quite the visual feast that is cloaked in German Expressionist visuals. The shadows, the lighting, and the camera angles are quite impressive as this film is drenched in tension. Henry Fonda is the perfect anchor who we follow through this tragic tale with plenty of thematic layers. There might be some narrative elements that feel quite loose and unstructured, but each narrative beat gives our protagonist new challenges that will make him question his purpose and faith. This is a moving and poignant film worth your time.

Fort Apache (1948)

Wait…another great western from John Ford? He did have a lot more range than most people will give him credit for, but Ford certainly is known for his westerns for a reason. Fort Apache is one of the most nuanced westerns of the first half of the 20^th century. The Native American characters are presented as reasonable and thoughtful people who have every right to be combative and upset as they are in the film. This film is based on the short story “Massacre” which draws plenty of influence from Custer’s Last Stand. You feel that arrogance and futility in the new man in charge for this fort portrayed so well by Henry Fonda. John Wayne’s character makes for the perfect foil who sees nuance in life and understands AND empathizes with the plight of the Native Americans. There is a bit of romance with an adult Shirley Temple and her real-life husband. Veteran actors like Ward Bond Victor McLaughlin add layers as well. Fort Apache is a nuanced and thrilling film with some of the best western action of the time.

The Dark Mirror (1946)

How would you solve a murder if the suspect is … identical twins?! That is the A+ concept that is put into play by The Dark Mirror, a film noir that is lean and fascinating. Olivia de Havilland stars as both twins thanks to some impressive practical effects in this 40s flick. The technical aspects of the film are quite an impressive reason to watch this in the first place. But there are some fun Film Noir elements throughout this film as well as psychological thriller elements. Most Freudian psychology is not believable today, but it works well in the confines of this film. Thomas Mitchell is a great addition to the cast as the detective on the hunt for a murderer, but it is de Havilland who is the real star who portrays two sisters who are two distinct and engaging characters. This is a hidden gem Noir worth seeking out.