The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland Reviewer Recommends (September 15th, 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:

Mister Roberts (1955)

What do you get when you put a loaded cast on a WWII cargo ship in a John Ford film? Apparently, you get a Best Picture nominee and a film that has a following 70 years later. Henry Fonda stars as the lieutenant of this ship who clashes with the captain (portrayed by James Cagney). The man running this ship is obsessed with protocol and loves his military bureaucracy. Fonda’s Roberts becomes a beacon of hope for his men as he fights for their ability to take time ashore during the waning time of WWII. The likes of William Powell and Jack Lemmon stand out as well in this top-notch ensemble. There is not a lot of action in this war film but there is some unexpected humor all throughout. There are plenty of laughs to be had but the emotion hits in a big final reveal.

The Long Gray Line (1955)

What does military culture and community truly mean? John Ford took on the story of Martin Maher, an Irish immigrant who finds life, meaning, wife, and “family” on the campus of West Point. Tyrone Power delivers a layered performance with charm, strength, and the need for vulnerability. His transformation throughout a 50-year story is impressive as he is always convincing even into his elderly years. Maureen O’Hara is charming as Marty’s wife, also an immigrant from Ireland. Their chemistry is strong, and you buy into their relationship throughout the film. There are plenty of genuinely emotional scenes as death is a common element being a part of military culture. There is a maturity in the way Ford navigates the loss of WWI and WWII and the ultimate sacrifice of military services. The period dress and production design are great, and this sprawling tale engages you all the way through.

Nine to Five (1980)

The theme song for Nine to Five is such a jam, right? Dolly Parton sets the tone with an upbeat and fun romp of a song that gets you into the mood for this workplace satire. There are plenty of biting commentaries on how women are treated in the workplace in Nine to Five. There is a whole dream sequence dedicated to our three leading ladies (Parton, Lily Tomlin, and Jane Fonda) as they imagine what they want to do to their boss (Dabney Coleman). These sequences are so much fun and filled with so much personality. The chemistry of the leading trio really makes this vibrant film work and Coleman makes for a dastardly antagonist to contend with. There are certainly things that have aged, and we do not condone shooting or poisoning your boss here are The Wasteland Reviewer, but this is such a fun and hilarious twisted reality that allows for serious topics to be tackled in poignant ways.

Nosferatu (1922)

Why is Nosferatu called The Symphony of Horror? F.W. Murnau’s early horror classic was the trendsetter for what would become the horror genre as we know it. Taking the approach of delivering an unauthorized adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula (they changed a few names…that’s fine, right?) and capturing the gothic sensibilities while helping define German Expressionism. Those earlier to late 20s were a peak in German cinema and Nosferatu is one of the keystone pieces of that film movement. The design of the nefarious Count Orlok is disturbing with the rat influenced vampire design that has since become a figure in modern vampiric tales. The use of dreary and haunting sets and the ever-present display of shadows makes for a truly unnerving experience. This is a legendary film that is worth checking out (especially with Robert Eggers remake coming soon).

There Will Be Blood (2007)

What is the crown jewel of anti-capitalism cinema? Wall Street and Wolf of the Wall Street certainly take that big city, slick approach but There Will Be Blood is a level of darkness that puts it over the edge. Paul Thomas Anderson takes a leap as he moves away from his big ensemble urban pieces to dive into a period thriller that shows off the darkness inside the human heart. Daniel Plainview is one of the evilest protagonists in film as this character study digs deep into the mind of a sick man filled with avarice and hate. Daniel Day-Lewis delivers one of the greatest performances in the history of cinema (no exaggeration). Robert Elswit and Johnny Greenwood help craft a haunting epic with their photography and score. There is a fiery rivalry between business and religion with Plainview and Paul Dano’s Eli Sunday going toe-to-toe. The final sequence of this instant classic is a towering display of big choices and shocking storytelling. This is a haunting and disturbing epic that is a darkness worth venturing.

Signs (2002)

How great was M. Night Shyamalan back in the late 90s into the early 20s? He was the next Hitchcock. The next Spielberg. Now we see that this man has one of the strangest careers of any filmmaker out there. There are a series of crown jewels for him at the start and Signs mark the end of that streak. People will complain about water, but this film is deeply rich in themes and has some of the most iconic scares in any film in the past 30 years. The journey of faith that Mel Gibson’s protagonist goes on is incredible and his performance is powerful. The core cast (whether adult or child) all deliver in the frequency of what Shyamalan is doing. The detailed screenplay is layered in ways that enrich the whole experience. The music from James Newton Howard is some of the most unique, impactful, and downright the best scores in modern film. From the opening credits, you know what kind of journey you are on. From behind a bush, through the cornfields, underneath a door, through metal grates, or just a reflection…this delivers the fear and Shyamalan guides us and his characters back to hope.