The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland Reviewer Recommends (November 10th, 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:  

Ocean’s Thirteen (2007) 

Is Ocean’s Thirteen a fresh take on the Soderbergh formula that made Ocean’s Eleven so great? No really. But after Twelve was such an arthouse and abstract approach to the heist genre it makes a lot of sense that Soderbergh (and most likely the studio) wanted to play this third film a little safer. Just because Ocean’s Thirteen is a safe sequel does not mean it lacks merit. This is still a slick and entertaining ride. What gives things a little more weight is that this time it is for revenge for the whole crew. Our beloved Reuben (Elliott Gould) is ill thanks to being hustled by the predatory casino owner, Willy Bank. Al Pacino is a great addition as he is menacing but holding back that crazy Pacino he had been for about 20 years. The whole crew is back for this one with George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Matt Damon being a dynamic trio at the front of the pack. Plenty of twists and turns make for a fun and engaging cinematic experience.

Field of Dreams (1989) 

What makes Field of Dreams such a unique film about baseball? This is not a film about playing baseball. We are not rooting for a bottom of the 9^th comeback or a pitching gem. This is a film about the love of the game and what this sport can mean for a person (or their relationships with others). Phil Alden Robinson captures the spirit of the game. There is magic to Field of Dreams with a dreamlike quality. The cinematography is striking and the music crafts so much emotion into every moment. This film is Americana. Kevin Costner is the perfect lead for such a film. There is a good sense of humor that balances well with the rich emotion of the film. James Earl Jones adds so much depth and provides one of the best speeches in all of film history. They even have a legend like Burt Lancaster who shows up and steals every scene he is in. This is a tight, well-paced, and poignant film. Seeing Ray Liotta’s Shoeless Joe Jackson snagging fly balls is just synonymous with the magic of film.

Sergeant Rutledge (1960)    

What is John Ford’s most socially conscious film in his career? It took decades into his journey to finally find Sergeant Rutledge, but it was certainly worth the wait. This drama tackles the false accusations against a black sergeant accused of rape and murder. Woody Strode brings plenty of empathy and strength to this relatively quiet man of action. His life is in the hands of Lieutenant Tom Cantrell, portrayed by heartthrob and rising star Jeffrey Hunter. This courtroom drama is framed inside that hall of justice and well-constructed and structured flashbacks provide the layers to this complex tale. This all leads up to a shocking reveal of guilt in a way that is fully unexpected at this point in film history. Ford delivers his top-notch filmmaking with dynamic camerawork as well as bold choices like the lightning set-ups during key courtroom scenes. There is a good balance of humor, harrowing emotion, and compelling storytelling that makes Sergeant Rutledge one of Ford’s best films. This is a film that tackles racism in a way few westerns would dare. 

Unforgiven (1992)

What is the western that changed the genre forever? Clint Eastwood’s Unforgiven. The year was 1992 and the western was a fixture of American cinema for 80 years. But the popularity of the genre was waning. The 80’s were not the strongest decade for the genre with only a few films that truly stood out. But Eastwood was still the face of the cinematic west, and he took things in a poignant new direction with this revisionist western. The mythos of the west was incredibly distinct and strong but Unforgiven created a more grounded and impactful look. There is plenty of awkwardness in this film as many westerns took liberties with the showiness of gunslingers. The influence of storytelling and media is tackled by David Webb Peoples screenplay and the ruthlessness shined through even more. Eastwood’s performance is one of his best as we see Will Munny try to live a good life but decides to go on a morally gray journey to kill two men for mutilating a young sex worker. Every bit of the story is exaggerated, and the rumors stand tall. Most of the characters love throwing around the stories to build their own legacies and egos. Ruthless Little Bill (expertly played by Gene Hackman) is now a man of “law and order” after years of being an outlaw himself. But when you strip away all tall tales, Eastwood delivers a sobering and majestic western that climaxes into one of the most frightening final confrontations in any western. Munny is a REAL monster…and the mythos around him is the only one that underplays his exploits. Eastwood sells on every level and Munny’s final ride certainly delivers too.