The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland Reviewer Recommends (June 16th, 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:

Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl (2003)

Why don’t we get adventure films like this anymore? The cinematic landscape shifted into comic book movies and other properties to fill the void of big budget blockbusters. The adventure genre has certainly taken a back seat and we surely miss the swashbuckling fun of these films. Johnny Depp created one of the most beloved and interesting characters of modern cinema in Captain Jack Sparrow. All the little behavioral choices and ticks are iconic at this point and his unexpected and unpredictable behavior makes him so engaging to watch. Beautiful young people like Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightly made for the perfect leading duo for this first Pirates of the Caribbean film. The Curse of the Black Pearl soars on the wings of high seas action sequences, crazy ghost pirate special effects, and swashbuckling sword fights that make this franchise so impressive. A fantastic ensemble, an engaging and twisting narrative, and high energy adventure make this film a must see and iconic adventure flick that is one of the best in the 21st century.

Barbie (2023)

What made Barbie such a phenomenon? This satirical take on society was such an unexpected experience. Audiences were not quite sure who the film was for. You have children who played with the toys, adults who grew up with them, and a young adult fanbase obsessed with the works of Greta Gerwig. Gerwig and her partner, Noah Baumbach, created such a unique and engaging adaptation of Barbie lore. The production and costuming is mind-blowing with the amount of research and detail that went into them. There are SO many Easter Eggs throughout every single scene. Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling make iconic casting choices as they each bring their plastic toys to life with so much life and depth. This film is hilarious from start to finish as well as boasting a killer soundtrack with nonstop bangers (including tracks from Dua Lipa, Lizzo, and Billie Eilish). But “I’m Just Ken” is a showstopping musical number that completely encompasses the themes, tone, and atmosphere of the rest of the film. Laugh, cry, and reflect on your existence…Barbie has it all.

Despicable Me (2010)

So…this is where is all began? Sometimes it is hard to remember before the Minion craze and the rise of Illumination. Despicable Me became such a phenomenon because of these little yellow creatures who speak in gibberish and work for evil villains. Steve Carrell’s Gru is one of the most beloved animated characters in recent memory and his Minions are one of the most beloved characters for children…period. This fun tale is about a grumpy villain who must become a father to three adorable little girls (with old lady names) who he adopts. His motivations at the start were nefarious (of course) but the charming growth of their family is so sweet. Then you have a big-time mission to steal…THE MOON! This is the start of a wild and over-the-top franchise based on adorable characters and villainy. Jason Segel’s Vector is such a fun antagonist, but it is Carrell and his Minion company who really steal the show as they try to be the best villains in the world. But the familial layers just make this even more impactful.

The Lion King (1994)

Is it obvious that The Lion King is one of the greatest animated films of all time? Without a single doubt…that is the truth. From the banger opening with “Circle of Life” and all the way up to its finale that brings us full circle, we are engaged. This beautifully animated film is just gorgeous and artful in so many great ways. This is also revolutionary as it was one of the first big, animated films to utilize computer generated effects. The musical numbers are all showstoppers including “Be Prepared” which is one of the greatest villains’ songs in all of film. This perfect ensemble anchors on Matthew Broderick but his supporting cast is even more impressive. Jeremy Irons as the deliciously evil turn Scar is one of the most iconic turns in any Disney Animation. James Earl Jones has the weight to sell every speech he makes to his cub, Simba. Rowan Atkinson, Nathan Lane, and Whoopi Goldberg are just a few who make up this top tier ensemble. Borrowing from Hamlet, The Lion King delivers a compelling narrative that is explored with depth. But at the end of the day, The Lion King is iconic AND a towering example of creative exploration. Enjoy all the wonderful songs and cry your eyes out when a big death arrives. This is a truly special and legacy defining project.

Do the Right Thing (1989)

How does Do the Right Thing fit into the modern world of cinema? Unfortunately, from a societal standpoint and great from a cinematic standpoint, Spike Lee’s magnum opus is more relevant today than it has ever been. In a post 2020 existence, the boiling racial tensions in this country still deliver an impactful and scary experience. Police brutality and rioting are still a figure in society today and the climax of this film is a harrowing experience. The characters have layers and depth that make them complex and engaging. There are no easy answers found in Do the Right Thing which makes this film so much more complex and thought-provoking. Lee brings so much artistic creativity and storytelling skills to this project and makes this so memorable beyond its shocking moments. This is an all-time great ensemble cast as well with each actor bringing their A-game. This is a thoroughly entertaining and thematically rich cinematic experience that must be viewed by all.

Crooklyn (1994)

What does a personal coming-of-age tale from Spike Lee feel like? Crooklyn is a film that goes to impressive lengths to capture the feeling and vibe of a place and time. Crooklyn feels like it teleports you back to the early 70s in Brooklyn. The needle drops are absolute jams from start to finish. The way the kids play and engage with their neighborhood feels so authentic. The elements that really work are creating the environment as well as the family dynamic. Troy is an engaging and empathetic lead as we see her try to balance growing up with the tumultuous relationship of her parents. Alfre Woodard and Delroy Lindo are a pair of stars as they bring so much to these people who are constantly at odds with each other but also trying to connect with their children. There are plenty of coming-of-age tropes and beats that are familiar, but it is the specific atmosphere and specific experience that feels so real. Lee puts so much into this film, and you can feel every drop of passion throughout.

Ran (1985)

What would you expect from one of the last films from legendary filmmaker Akira Kurosawa? This 1985 adaptation of King Lear turned out to be one of the most epic films of Kurosawa’s career and film in general. Ran is a special film that captures some of the most unique features of filmmaking. The way the color explodes off the screen is quite impressive. Kurosawa worked in the world of black-and-white for most of his career, but this film stands out as one of the most beautiful color films ever. The scale is awe-inspiring. These scenes of battle and war are unheard of in a world pre-CGI’s heavy usage. This tale of pride and arrogance is quite a poignant experience as this impeccable cast meets the expectations laid down by Shakespeare centuries before. There are plenty of moments of emotion and thrills throughout this 160-minute epic. Tears and cheers are both likely watching this tale of succession, betrayal, and loyalty all wrapped in a gorgeous and towering cinematic experience.

Throne of Blood (1957)

Are you ready for more Shakespeare adaptations from Akira Kurosawa? Decades before Kurosawa took on King Lear, he tackled the iconic Scottish play…Macbeth. Throne of Blood is a thrilling and haunting adaptation of this pseudo-horror tale with dark spirits and evil ambition. Toshiro Mifune shows yet again why he is one of the greatest actors in the history of cinema. We see him maniacal and mad as Hell at moments, scared out of his mind in others, but most interestingly we see him crumbling under insecurity and the pressures of Isuzu Yamada’s “Lady Macbeth ”. Takashi Shimura and the rest of the supporting cast live up to the standards set by Mifune and Yamada to create quite the ensemble. There is haunting and disturbing imagery through this film that creates an eerie atmosphere than most horror films today. There is steep drama and thrills from the jump, and it all leads up to a towering and shocking fall of Mifune’s “Macbeth”. This is a wondrous adaptation, and it proves how well remakes and adaptations can work.

Landline (2017)

Who doesn’t love a good old-fashioned dramedy? Landline is a sincere and earnest look at all things families and relationships. This Italian/Jewish family has plenty of issues all round, but Gillian Robespierre is able to navigate those issues for prime laughs and emotion. The cast is the big seller here with the sisterly combo of Jenny Slate and Abby Quinn are pitch perfect. They have wonderful chemistry and deliver plenty of good cinematic tension with their opposing perspectives and lifestyles. Edie Falco and John Turturro are fantastic as well as the parents who are processing their own issues. The relationship dynamics are mature and intriguing as the film explores the challenges of long-term relationships and when other people can get in the way. This is a film about exploration of oneself through the perspectives of four related people and this cast and the assured direction of Robespierre make for a perfect combination. This is a hidden indie gem worth seeking out.