The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland Reviewer Recommends (December 22nd, 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:     

Warm Bodies (2013)

What if zombies could become human again? This is quite the unique concept that writer/director Jonathan Levine explores in his zombie/romance, Warm Bodies. We get inside the head of a zombie like we have never been before thanks to Nicholas Hoult’s R. The internal monologue is a fascinating addition to this little flick which makes this different than any other zombie film. Witnessing R and Teresa Palmer’s Julie slowly starting to fall for each other is an even more shocking element of this genre-bending flick. Levine (who has a penchant for this) finds a way to balance some legitimately funny moments with some depth and emotion as well. The film does spiral into some horror/action set pieces (which is not the film’s strength) but there is plenty of meat and depth to explore with this unexpected relationship growing. A strong supporting cast of John Malkovich, Lio Tipton, Dave Franco, and Rob Corddry adds extra layers to this fun, fresh, and strange romance.

A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night (2014) 

Who doesn’t love finding a film that subverts its genre in new and fresh ways? A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night is not your regular vampire flick. We find ourselves in an isolated ghost town in Iran that is inhabited by an interesting batch of characters. You have those in town who are lost and looking for connection. You also have some flawed and bad men who are not the best at treating women in this town with respect. The most interesting resident is a skateboard riding vampire who stalks the night. Ana Lily Amirpour finds such a unique and engaging story to tell in the form of A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night. Sheila Vand anchors this all down with an intense and committed performance as the titular “girl” as well as a crafty and vengeful vampire. This striking black-and-white film might not have a huge budget, but Amirpour is able to find crafty ways to make the story work without losing impact. Vand’s character goes on quite the journey as she navigates human interactions including a complex one that might expect serious commitment and effort. This striking film is full of rich and complex themes that might not fit on screen but bring on meaning in reflection.

The Santa Clause (1994) 

How big was Tim Allen back in the 90s? Between Home Improvement and The Santa Clause franchise, Allen has been a certain fixture in pop culture for about 30 years. He brings all his unique brand of charisma and his comedic schtick to The Santa Clause and creates a memorable incarnation as Scott Calvin…the new Santa. Allen brings the sharp, more adult-oriented to the film that hits in a new way as an adult. The production design, effects, and costuming bring a lot of charm to the proceedings. This unexpected journey of a cynical and greedy man who is forced to become Santa and learn all the things that make Santa so great. Allen sells this transformation and his relationship with his son, Charlie, is the heart of the film. Everyone is against Scott as they believe he is losing his mind but his journey to become Santa is charming and ZZ Top filled. There is a fun mix of traditional Christmas aesthetics that are mixed well with 90s sensibilities. This is certainly a nostalgic stalwart for the 90s kid crowd.

Trading Places (1983) 

What would you do for a bet of a single $1? Probably not much. But when you are rich, you could possibly ruin the life of one man to elevate another…just to show that you are rich and powerful enough to do it. Dan Aykroyd and Eddie Murphy make for a great odd couple as they are a spoiled rich snob and crafty street-smart grifter who attempt to navigate new lots in life thanks to the wheeling and dealings of two racist, privileged, and rich old brothers (Ralph Bellamy and Don Ameche). John Landis knows how to maximize this crazy concept and deliver a high concept 80s comedy like no other. Raunchy and unabashedly risky, this comedy certainly hasn’t aged well in places but also delivers amazing laughs. Murphy is just an endless supply of great laughs and Aykroyd keeps up. Jamie Lee Curtis is a fantastic supporting member to this cast as a resourceful and mindful sex worker with her own nest egg. This is a fun and wild flick for the holidays that is certainly NOT for the whole family with its consistent nudity, raunchy jokes, bad language, and sense of danger. Trading Places is a wild concept that succeeds on the backs of strong direction and a game cast.

Edward Scissorhands (1990)

Nothing quite gets that winter vibes going quite like…Edward Scissorhands? This Tim Burton classic is a fascinating film that has a perfect atmosphere that clashes between a gothic, German expressionist feel and the bright colored suburban life of the 50s. Johnny Depp delivers an emotional, expressive, and unique performance as Edward (dressed in the most Caligari outfit this side of The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari). The young love bubbling to the surface between Depp and Winona Rider gives a beating heart to the film. The tender empathy of Dianne Wiest and aloof humor of Alan Arkin are nice trappings as well. The rich themes of isolation and ostracization are common in Burton’s worlds but they resonate so deeply this time around. The richness of emotion can be felt as well in the impressive and iconic score of Danny Elfman. The way this strange young man charms a whole neighborhood only for the nefarious actions of a few changes’ public opinion so swiftly. This is an impactful and relatable film that captures so much in its filmmaking from cinematography to production design, and costuming. But just remember, it started snowing once Edward came around.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer (1964) 

What couldn’t Rankin/Bass do to drum up holiday cheer? They were so darn successful with the decades spanning filmography of stop motion animated specials that captured the magic and spirit of the season. But the most iconic and memorable of all their specials is Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. From the opening narration by Burl Ives as a snowman, we know the tale thanks to the beloved tune of the same name as the film. The musical numbers in this TV special are so ingrained with pop culture that it is hard to not think of them at Christmas time. Ives is a great navigator for the audience, but it is Rudolph’s story as he overcomes bullying and being ostracized, teams up with a ragtag group including an elf who wants to be a dentist and an ax licking miner named Yukon Cornelius. This is so beloved that you just might know all the beats already but seeing the Abominable Snowman, the Island of Misfit Toys, and Rudolph saving Christmas just sparks so much joy. This makes it such a great tradition for the holidays.

Guardians of the Galaxy Holiday Special (2022) 

Who would have thought that James Gunn could kill it with a 45-minute Christmas special with Guardians of the Galaxy? This wild ride finds two members of the Guardians, Mantis and Drax, heading to Terra (Earth) to kidnap Kevin Bacon (yes…Kevin Bacon) to make Peter Quill’s Christmas a good one. Not the best thought out plan, but it does feature plenty of hilarious set pieces with this hilarious duo as they take fan photos, get drunk at a bar, and invade Bacon’s home. This special certainly captures the holiday spirit with a pair of fun Christmas musical numbers (one including Bacon himself). The film also continues to develop the characters in the team as well as their group dynamics. The big emotional moment is shared between the unexpected half-siblings, Peter and Mantis, and the introduction of Cosmo is an absolute delight (Maria Bakalova) is a star for sure. The whole cast gets their moments, and the holiday does as well. The framed animated flashback with Yondu is just the perfect cherry on top of this delicious yuletide sundae. This is a sharply funny and joyful romp over on Disney+. 

What’s Up Doc? (1972) 

How much trouble can four identical plaid overnight bags cause? Apparently…A LOT! Peter Bogdanovich captures plenty of kinetic comedic energy and buckets of slapstick in his 1972 screwball comedy, What’s Up Doc? Barbra Streisand proves herself infinitely charismatic and charming as Judy, who finds herself a smart and nerdy musicologist (portrayed by Ryan O’Neal). She just might be one of the most charming characters you will find in any romantic comedy. She is intelligent, resourceful, and simply will not take “no” for an answer. O’Neal shows himself to be a master of deadpan comedy work as well as fourth wall breaks (which Bogdanovich peppers throughout the film). Slapsticks are expertly crafted with plenty of impressive moments of built-up tension and meticulous set up. The dialogue is sharp and charming with this impressive cast bringing this comedic script to life effortlessly. The likes of Madeline Kahn, Kenneth Mars, and Austin Pendleton bring so much to what Streisand and O’Neal are already doing. The climactic chase is one of the most expertly crafted and perfectly staged mixes of action and comedy you are going to find. 

Pinocchio (1940) 

What is one of the true classic adventures of Disney Animation’s early catalogue? It is a tale about a puppet who just wanted to be a real boy…Pinocchio. The hand drawn animation is gorgeous with a surprising amount of depth to the settings with some great character designs as well. This has one of the most iconic songs with “Wish Upon a Star” as well as some of the most beloved Disney characters like the titular young puppet and his conscience, Jiminy Cricket. The film is a big scale adventure with this young puppet getting tricked on the way to school and goes on a personal odyssey to find his way home to his papa, Geppetto. There are some dastardly villains and monstrous forces. The climax with a giant whale is one of the most thrilling moments in Disney Animation and the boys turning into donkeys just might be one of the darkest. This fun tale of morality and growth is a classic for a reason and certainly still entertaining 85 years later. 

A Christmas Carol (1984) 

How many quality adaptations of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol are there? The Muppets is certainly the best (no doubt) but back in 1984, there was a TV movie version that has become quite iconic as well. George C. Scott (one of the best actors of his generation) got the opportunity to take on one of literature’s truly great characters in Ebenezer Scrooge. His mutton chops were perfect and his scowl intimidating. His boorish attitude channels Scrooged perfectly and he had the acting chops to set the turn as well. The production certainly has its charm despite an obvious television budget. Director Clive Donner delivered a charming yet eerie adaptation that has some dark moments (those damn kids under Ghost of Christmas Present’s cloak. The supporting cast is full of talent like Frank Finlay’s Marley and Edward Woodward’s Ghost of Christmas Present. This hits all the beats of the tale well and delivers a flick that captures the Christmas spirit. 

The Shining (1980) 

What is one of the haunting and unnerving cinematic experiences you will ever have? The Shining. Stephen King’s novel was taken and morphed into a horrific fever dream by legendary filmmaker Stanley Kubrick. Jack Nicholson delivers one of the most unhinged performances on screen with Jack Torrance’s spiraling sanity on full display. His facial expressions alone are unnerving and terrifying. The iconic “Here’s Johnny!” the sequence is one of the most terrifying scenes in all of film. The symmetrical and steady camera work is uncomfortably engrossing as it forces the audiences through this haunting hotel. The music helps craft an atmosphere that is bone chilling and haunting to the core with its oppressive rattling and sustained strings. This is the bar set for all atmospheric horror films and Kubrick created a terrifying masterpiece.