The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland Reviewer Recommends (August 11th, 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:

Crimewave (1985)

Do you enjoy crazy campy mayhem? Sam Raimi’s follow-up to Evil Dead has plenty of that…and then some! Crimewave is a bizarre mixture of horror/crime/comedy that has swing dancing, big, chinned heels, and two off-the-rails hitmen ready to cause plenty of death and destruction along the way. The film boasts that trademark zany energy of Raimi’s films as well as the over-the-top violence and brutality. This one still feels like a low budgeted creation for a young filmmaker but there is plenty of fun to enjoy along the way. Bruce Campbell appears in a supporting role with some other familiar supporting faces, but this is held down by a pair of young and smiling actors who know the silly tone of the film. The narrative might be a messy mixture of story threads but there is some solid character work to keep you at least a bit invested. This team put together a wildly fun film that will surely get some laughs out of you (with the Coens writing this…that shouldn’t be a surprise!)

The Champion (1915)

Charlie Chaplin was one of the greatest comedic performers of all time, wasn’t he? The body of work that Chaplin has left behind is a testament to the incredible talent he possessed and his filmmaking genius. The way he could find the perfect places to lampoon and deliver his comedic satire was so on point. That is what makes The Champion one of his best. The idea of The Tramp training to be a big tough guy boxer is hilarious. Watching his takeout of bigger, stronger, and well-trained fighters with the combination of attitude and free wheeling body comedy is a delight. The way Chaplin moves as this unexpectedly impressive boxer is a treat to watch as everything is so precise while looking completely chaotic. The lampooning of training in particular is a top-notch farce to see as he lifts weights and “runs” drills. Throw in a dash of romance, some wild facial hair, and a cute bulldog and you have a wonderfully created and realized slapstick masterclass. Most importantly…it is all types of fun to watch.

The Fox and the Hound (1981)

Did you also grow up watching The Fox and the Hound? This came out in the “Dark Ages” of Disney Animation Studios (a.k.a. the 1980s) but certainly left an impression on many young kids in the 90s with video tapes. The classic story of a dog and fox becoming friends and then being torn apart by societal expectations and experiences. The voice cast is top notch with Mickey Rooney and Kurt Russell leading the way as our titular animal pals. There is some sweet music (including a few songs made for the film) as well as a warm and rich animated landscape deep into the woods. There are big emotional moments including the opening scene where no parents are ever safe in a Disney movie. You even have some intense moments including traps, fires, and a brawl with a terrifying grizzly. Simple yet effective, this is a moving little film that the whole family can enjoy…and maybe cry along to.

Hunger (2008)

What is the most uncomfortable and disturbing film that you can think of? Many will think there are dark and twisted films out there from horror and such. Director Steve McQueen was able to accomplish such discomfort and disturbing imagery by capturing the deepest pits humans will put themselves for the revolution. Hunger is set in a Northern Irish prison with a group of Irish republicans taking on a hunger strike. The disturbing and grotesque imagery of human feces spread everywhere, streaming of urine, and maggoty food will turn your stomach like no other. But Michael Fassbender’s performance is what stands tall with intensity, humanity, and physicality that is stalwart in the face of adversity and oppression. His singular scene with Liam Cunningham’s priest is one of the best dialogues in recent cinematic memory. This is a powerful and unforgettable experience that holds nothing back…and it shouldn’t.

The Incredibles 2 (2018)

Was the wait worth it? The Incredibles 2 was by far the most anticipated sequel in the Pixar realm with that incredible tease of the Under-Miner at the end of the first film. We get a bit familiar but thrilling and action-packed sequel that capitalizes on the world of advanced technology and a softening perspective on superheroes. The film starts off with the big battle with the Under-Miner, which is quite exciting and sets the stage for a sequel that has a lot more action than the first film. The sequel capitalizes on the fact that you don’t have to wait on tons of set-up and get right into a new story with a new villain. The action set-pieces standout including a train sequence, the climactic high speed yacht sequence, and even a battle with a new team of professional heroes. The heart and soul are still there as Elastigirl gets the chance to be in the spotlight and Mr. Incredible gets to play stay-at-home dad. Jack-Jack is an absolute delight with his crazy new powers and the film finds creative ways to leverage it. This is a big-time action flick with real tension, emotion, and plenty of action which keeps the door open for even more adventures with The Incredibles.

Aparajito (1956)

Why is Satyajit Ray considered one of the most important and talented directors in the history of Indian cinema? Because of films like Aparajito and the rest of the Apu Trilogy. This is the second installment in one of the most consistent and well-regarded trilogies in film. Apu and his family move away from their home in Bengal to find a new life. What follows is the journey of our young protagonist getting into school and finding great success. But the tragedy of our tale is the failing relationship between Apu and his mother. This is a moving and human story that leans deep into the drama about a young man’s life. The performances are consistently effective and empathetic throughout. This is a perfect continuation of Apu’s journey in Pather Panchali and opens the door for an equally strong finale to follow.

The Conversation (1974)

What did Francis Ford Coppola do in between his two iconic The Godfather films? He crafted another masterpiece in a completely different avenue and feel. The Conversation is an engaging and enthralling thriller about a surveillance expert who is trapped in a conspiracy that can cause some people to lose their lives. Gene Hackman pulls back on his boisterous and big personality reins to deliver a reserved and awkward performance as a man whose anger is represented deep inside. The paranoia rises fast as Hackman’s Harry Caul must confront his conscience when it comes to the mysterious work that he does. There is an impressive morality tale that is presented and soon Harry’s life goes completely off the rails as his paranoia spikes and ruins his relationships with the women that find themselves in his life as well as his long-term partner in work portrayed by the ever-consistent John Cazale. This is one of the most detailed oriented masterpieces you will find as it boasts impeccable auditory mixing and sound design. Coppola had a string of all time classics, and this is an important piece of his legacy.

The Quiet Man (1952)

Can you say that John Ford’s family came from Ireland, and he has a love for his Irish roots? The Quiet Man is one of the most unique films in Ford’s filmography as he explores his fascination for the land of his ancestors. John Wayne is the audience surrogate who comes from America to return to his ancestral home (he just might be Ford’s stand in honestly). A former boxer wants to live a quiet life in his family’s old home, and he finds a gorgeous land ripped from heaven. Ford’s love letter to Ireland is one of the most gorgeous films in the history of film with the technicolor bursting from every frame in full-fledged beauty. This is a romance between an American and a fiery Irish “spinster” with Wayne and Maureen O’Hara having great chemistry. There are certainly elements that have aged poorly (seriously bad) but there is plenty of charm and humor to make this a fun and engaging watch. There is some strong action as well with a great horse race as well as an all-out brawl to finish the film (the most stereotypical Irish way). But special thanks to Victor McLaglen for his award nominated supporting turn as years of service in Ford’s films.