The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland Reviewer Recommends (November 3rd, 2024)

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 Last Hurrah (1958) 

Did you know that John Ford had some political satire up his sleeve? For a filmmaker known so much for westerns and war films, The Last Hurrah feels quite fresh in the Ford filmography. Spencer Tracy shines as an over-the-hill politician in his last big mayoral race against a young, fresh face. Tracy captures so many complex emotions as he navigates a landscape of “Yes” men and powerful figures. Ford navigates the world of politics, religion, and journalism in an engaging way. The runtime is a tad elongated, and the filmmaking is not Ford’s most dynamic, but the story is an enticing one. Tracy is supported by young talents like Jeffrey Hunter as well as a rich mosaic of character actors of the time. This is a charming enough film that navigates the complexities of politics (no matter the level) making for a timely offering for the moment. 

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993)                

What is your Halloween tradition for movie watching each October? The Nightmare Before Christmas is a perfect choice. And for Christmas time as well! From the opening musical number, you get the sense of Halloween right away. “This is Halloween” is an iconic song at this point with such an amazing atmosphere, Danny Elfman’s musicality, and a pitch perfect ensemble of creepy and unique voices that bring the song to life. The introduction of Jack Skellington is impressive with his fiery flair and the musical crescendo. Tim Burton’s creepy and wild world is brought to life thanks to the stop-motion prowess of Henry Selick who directs the heck out of every moment of this lean 77-minute film. The full set of musical numbers is quite impressive. “The Oogie Boogie Song” is a top tier villain song in film and Ken Page tears the house down with his performance. The production design and character designs are out-of-this-world good. The voice cast is incredible as well with Chris Sarandon and Elfman bringing Jack to life as well as Catherine O’Hara’s Sally making an impact. The visuals are synonymous with the Halloween season in such a special way.

Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed (2004) 

How do you follow a wildly successful live action Scooby-Doo film from the early 2000s? You bring the Mystery Gang back together with this pitch perfect cast from that era. Matthew Lillard just might be the perfect Shaggy ever put to screen. His dynamic with the CGI Scooby-Doo is impressive. The real-life couple of Freddie Prinze Jr. and Sarah Michelle Gellar bring the idiotic Fred and resourceful Daphne to life. Linda Cardellini is one of the MVPs of the film as Velma (who just might be right up there with Lillard). Raja Gosnell and James Gunn keep some of the modern sensibilities going in Monsters Unleashed but there are a lot more traditional Scooby-Doo hijinks this time around. The spooky ghosts (including a whole crew of classic villains from the show) are delighted to see come alive on screen. Some great character actors like Peter Boyle and Tim Blake Nelson just really tie the ensemble together in a fun way. This is a silly and dumb romp but can be enjoyed by a group of people. 

50/50 (2011) 

What is a great example of a film to balance emotion and humor in an effective way? Jonthan Levine’s 50/50 is one of the funniest movies you will see about cancer. This film follows the journey of Adam (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) who must come to grips with the fact that he has a rare form of cancer. This will test his relationship with his girlfriend (Bryce Dallas Howard) who is not quite prepared to take on this serious scenario. His friendship with Seth Rogen’s Kyle (who will be the source of most of the laughs) will be tested as well. Adam also develops a unique and unexpected relationship with his new therapist, Katherine (Anne Kendrick). This ensemble is extremely talented and plays their roles to perfection with the likes of Anjelica Huston and Phillip Baker Hall offering great supporting turns as well. The film is filled with laughs, but the emotional depth of this story is where the real heart and soul are. Levine crafts something special here with his talented cast.