The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland Reviewer Recommends (September 8th, 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:

Contact (1997)

What is one of the most quintessential alien contact films in recent memory? Robert Zemeckis made a name for himself in science fiction with Back to the Future, but his film Contact takes audiences into a world instead of a different time. Contact is a heady science fiction film that looks at the intellectual discourse over the world (or the United States specifically) being altered by the presence of an alien species. There is plenty of intellectual discourse floating around in Contact as it navigates the United States-centric politics, religion versus science, and the adventurous spirit of humanity to look up into the stars. Jodie Foster anchors this big effects-supported heady sci-fi film with a performance filled with passion, empathy, and a strong sense of drive for her scientific exploration. Matthew McConaughey is surprisingly layered in a role before his shift into more serious films. Tom Skerritt plays that type of human antagonist that we can all get behind hating because of his political gameplay and lack of honor. John Hurt is mysterious as an enigmatic billionaire pulling strings. This has a strong cast, heart and brain, big effects, and a thought-provoking journey along the way.

Critters (1986)

Who doesn’t love some creepy alien furballs who come to Earth to cause some shenanigans? Critters is from a perfect era for the campy horror/comedy…the 1980s. There is a fun-loving vibe to this gory, bonkers, and wild romp featuring a strange race of furball aliens who would like to make Earth their own personal buffet. There is an innate hilarity in seeing a bunch of furballs snarling as they roll around from their enemies. There are some solid and empathetic performances from the center that allow the audience to connect with them and feel for them as their home is quickly destroyed by these creatures. Then you have some alien hunters who take human form to deliver a silly and fun side quest going on as well. Stephen Herek delivers a fun little film with some fun supporting character actors like Dee Wallace and M. Emmet Walsh.  Don’t sleep on this funny horror with that Halloween season coming up.

The Adventurer (1917)

What would you do if you escaped prison and found yourself in a black-tie fancy dinner? That is exactly what happens to the classic “The Tramp” in one of Charlie Chaplin’s classic comedies, The Adventurer. There are (as in all of Chaplin’s films) plenty of fun and impressive stunts and slapstick comedy that will speak to the whole audience. Chaplin’s charisma is unmatched, and he tricks a bunch of rich people into sipping cocktails with an escaped criminal. From the second Chaplin’s face pops up from the depths of the sand dunes on a beach, you know this is going to be a silly and wild experience. The Tramp even gets a heroic moment this time around as he saves the lives of a mother and adult daughter which opens the door to that swanky party. From there, the audience is treated to a wildly chaotic foot chase in the climax of the film. There is plenty to love about this treasure to the past of film. Make sure to enjoy it when you can.

Mogambo (1953)

Did you know that John Ford once made a film out on safari back in 1953? Mogambo takes audiences to the plains and jungles of Africa as we see an unexpected love triangle grow between a hunter, socialite, and married woman. The biggest standouts of the film are the limited scenery experience. But all the shots of the African land are just downright gorgeous. Ford knows how to capture a setting and this African landscape in gorgeous and breathtaking cinematography. The technical prowess is all there. Mogambo’s story goes through the lens of some beautiful people in that good Old Hollywood kind of way. Clark Gable, Ava Gardner, and Grace Kelly are impressively charismatic with strong chemistry. This is a film with a beautiful and exotic setting, but it still focuses on a love triangle (which is luckily anchored by this impressive trio).

The Black Stallion (1979)

What makes a classic family film that will stick with you from childhood? A good sense of adventure and wonder certainly goes a long way. Carroll Ballard delivers exactly that with the 70s classic of The Black Stallion. This film has a more mature feel and atmosphere than silly family films of the time. The combination of composer Carmina Coppola and cinematographer Caleb Deschanel helps create a vibrant, rich, and engrossing atmosphere that will capture your wonder and make you feel a sense of danger. The most important piece to this specific story obviously is the titular horse. A majestic black Arabian filled with fire, passion, and love makes for a special companion to an earnest young man portrayed by Kelly Reno. Supporting actors like Mickey Rooney and Teri Garr add valuable depth to the cinematic experience. Whether it is a silent tale of a boy and his horse stranded on an island or a thrilling horse race in the climax, The Black Stallion certainly delivers and lasts with you.