The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland Reviewer Recommends (August 18th, 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 Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920)

Do you love Tim Burton? Well, Tim Burton loves German Expressionism and The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari is one of the most influential films on his work. This horror film captures the imagination with its dark shadows, ghoulish make-up, and abstract practical sets. The warped reality that the film inhabits is fascinating with the paintings, ground and landscapes. Nothing is shaped as it should be and crooked and twisted in unrealistic ways. The incredible use of shadows is eerie even by today’s standards. Robert Wiene helped craft a whole new movement in German cinema and Caligari is one of the first steps. The character designs and costuming help solidify the vibe it is on display. The horrific truths of a hypnotist using his veteran perspective to force a young man to kill on his behalf. But the ending is what really gets you and will last with you long after. This twist is one that is so impressive when you think that this film is over 100 years old.

Apocalypse Now (1979)

What hellacious nightmare did Francis Ford Coppola create with Apocalypse Now? This film is about the Vietnam War in ways no other film would dare portray. This is about the feel and mindset that was Vietnam and less about the actual conflicts and fighting. This nightmarish presentation is expertly crafted by a director who was losing his own mind in the jungle trying to bring his creation to life. Martin Sheen leads a cast full of talented performers as they navigate the horrors of war and the insanity that inhabits if. Robert Duvall and Marlon Brando bring unique brands of malice and lunacy. The iconic imagery, scenes, and dialogue have lifted this film into the lexicon of war films. This is a film that will push you to dark places and make you contemplate many morally gray things but in the end, it is something profoundly poignant and haunting to say the least. You will not be able to look away, but the final scene is the most provocative and haunting of them all.

The Courtship of Eddie’s Father (1963)

When was the last time you watched a good old-fashioned 60s romantic comedy? The Courtship of Eddie’s Father stars the lovable Glenn Ford as a widower who’s on the hunt for a new wife thanks to the efforts of his rambunctious young son portrayed by a young Ron (or Ronny) Howard. There might be things that feel a bit dated but overall, there are strong themes of prioritizing your children as a single father as well as looking for the right connection that fits your whole family and not just your selfish needs. The Courtship boasts a trio of top-notch bachelorettes who might fit the bill for Ford’s Tom. Stella Stevens is a talented and spirited redhead from the Midwest. Dina Merrill is a classy socialite who captures the impeccable costuming of the film. But Shirley Jones’s Elizabeth is the top catch with her strength, charm, and talents. Vincente Minelli crafted a fun and loving romance with a good sense of humor that can (mostly) be enjoyed in a 2024 context.

The Nutty Professor (1963)

Sometimes for a great comedy you just need the right star, right? Jerry Lewis was an icon and one of the biggest comedians of his era. His ability to play all types of characters was something else. This skill was put on display on center stage with The Nutty Professor. You have the clumsy and awkward looking scientist as well as the cool, suave leading man type (which he most certainly was channeling some of his best friend Dean Martin in the performance). This 60s comedy is bright and colorful as it channels the bold creative energy of the period. Lewis gets tons of laughs through snark, physical comedy, and plenty more avenues. This might not have aged as well as some other comedies of the time, but it certainly still has its comedic merits (which Lewis is the biggest driving force for). Stella Stevens is a charming and gorgeous leading lady stuck in a love triangle with two sides of the same guy. By the end, this comedy even has a great message about loving oneself and being who you are.

Bullets Over Broadway (1994)

Was Woody Allen still pumping out classics in the early 1990’s? This period crime/comedy, Bullets Over Broadway, certainly shows that he was. A playwright gets his dream to director his own show on Broadway. The catch? He must cast the untalented girlfriend of a mobster who is bankrolling the show. John Cusack does a great job embodying the Allen stand-in playwright who is neurotic (of course) and not as talented as he thinks. He is surrounded by an all-star supporting cast of Rob Reiner, Jack Warden, Dianne Wiest, Jennifer Tilly, Mary-Louise Parker, Tracey Ullman, Jim Broadbent, and a who’s who of famous Italian American actors making up the Mafia in the film. But it is Chazz Palminteri who is the muscle of the mob who has plenty more talent than it appears. This is one of Allen’s funniest outings as it has barbs whizzing by like bullets and a nice balance of danger, thrills, laughs, and passion.

High Fidelity (2000)

How powerful is the charm of John Cusack? High Fidelity certainly shows how far that can go in making a film so entertaining and impactful. But it is not just Cusack and his character work that makes High Fidelity so effective. Stephen Frears energetic directions and unique creative choices makes this such an engaging experience. The constant fourth wall breaking would make Deadpool blush, but it captures the personality and thought process of our protagonist in a way usually books can do. Cusack does such a great job of delivering in those sequences as well with his comedic timing and general acting chops. But a cast full of fun turns including Jack Black (a highlight for sure), Tim Robbins, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Lisa Bonet, and Joan Cusack make this film such a delight. The added motifs of Top Five Lists and music really tie together this charming romantic comedy that helps define the period it was released.