The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland Reviewer Recommends (December 29th, 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:      

Mystic River (2003) 

What is the best film that Clint Eastwood ever directed without him starring in it? Mystic River. In a year without The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, this certainly would have been a huge winner on Oscar night. But alas, this took most of the attention on the acting from. This ensemble is one of the strongest you will find in a drama in the 21^st century. The main trio of Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, and Kevin Bacon are all fantastic with two of them pouring out tons of emotion and feeling on the screen. Penn and Robbins earned their Oscars as a criminal whose daughter is murdered and a grown man who is haunted by sexual abuse in his youth. This murder mystery is drenched in authenticity and raw energy. Eastwood has no problem dropping the audience onto the “wrong side of the track” with each character feeling deeply affected by the culture of this area of Boston. This is a haunting and harrowing drama with deeply rich themes focusing on generation trauma and violence that are so hard to escape. The web of twists and turns all come together for a greater good…the poignant themes that anchor this experience. This is an impeccably crafted drama that does not pull a single punch along the way. 

True Grit (2010) 

How do you do a remake right? Just look at what the Coens did with True Grit. Much truer in tone and atmosphere to Portis’ novella, this 2010 version of the story is a masterclass in modern western filmmaking. The Coens find a gritty and authentic feel while never losing their sharp and dark wit along the way. Hailee Steinfeld is a true star in the making in the leading role as a young woman who is sharp, cunning, and proud. Jeff Bridges crafts a grizzled and flawed man as Rooster Cogburn who is much more a character than just John Wayne with an eye patch. This script is intelligent and sharp with plenty of detail and crackling dialogue. Roger Deakins shoots the hell out of this film with plenty of texture and perfectly composed shots that will live on in your mind for years to come. Carter Burwell shines with one of the best western scores in the last few decades that is rich and full of emotion and dread. This film is also filled to the gills with many memorable minor characters in a way that the Coens can only accomplish. This is the best traditional period western of the 21st century for sure. 

Bad Day at Black Rock (1955) 

How do you make a neo-western standout? You drape a killer mystery over it and trap a stranger in a small town full of secrets. John Sturges trades in big scale war and western films for this claustrophobic and intense western noir and he delivers a shocking and impactful experience. Bad Day at Black Rock is a haunting and eerie film that has a tense atmosphere from the jump as Spencer Tracy’s protagonist smells something foul from the second he gets off the train. There is a poignant score that helps lay down the atmosphere in an impactful way. This cast is stuffed with talented performers from Tracy to Robert Ryan to Anne Francis to Walter Brennan to Ernest Borgnine to Lee Marvin. The mystery is draped in historical context, racism, and small-town politics. The film builds tension incredibly well and leads to a fiery crescendo. Tracy is the anchor that ties this great neo-western together.

The Big Trail (1930) 

What is one of the first true epic westerns in cinema? In 1930, director Raoul Walsh took the reins of The Big Trail which is a sprawling adventure from the Mississippi River to the Northwest along the Oregon Trail. This might not be as dangerous as the game (“The Oregon Trail”) but there are plenty of dangers along the way. Native American raiders, blizzards, murder, and endless woodland mazes. This western has a huge ensemble of frontier people going out west but are led by a strong and talented frontiersman portrayed by John Wayne. This was the first big leading role for Wayne, who is a tad stiff in his acting, who is a charming rogue who looks to catch the eye of Marguerite Churchill’s Ruth. There is romance, action, thrills, and humor that fill out this big scale and exciting adventure that feels like it never gets the attention that it truly does for laying the groundwork for westerns into the future. 

Pain and Glory (2019) 

What makes Almodovar so unique? Few directors can command color in their films quite like him. There is a warmth and passion in every frame, and it is quite engrossing and engulfing in its power. Pain and Glory is no different as it captures parallel tales of an aging filmmaker who is processing his past and uncertain future as well as the tale of a young boy and his mother. Antonio Banderas gives what might be his greatest performance as this aging filmmaker who begins to dabble in hard drugs, tries to mend previous relationships, and confront illness which might end his journey. Plenty of soul and emotion in his exceptional performance. Penelope Cruz dazzles as well as the hardworking and loving mother. This is an engrossing and compelling drama that gives you plenty to chew on and feel while telling a queer and artist narrative. Almodovar delivers plenty of layers and his actors expertly bring this all to life so poignantly.

Side Effects (2013) 

What is the biggest complaint by people when it comes to medical care and medications in general? The side effects. Steven Soderbergh focuses on that fear and crafts an entire thriller around the horrifying effects of drugs…or is it? That is the thought-provoking premise to which Soderbergh commits to you. A tense and eerie atmosphere is right up his alley, and he crafts it well. There is something haunting and unnerving about the vibe of Side Effects as it keeps you on edge around every turn. The mystery around this narrative is enthralling and full of twists (even if it is a bit outlandish and ridiculous in the end). But superb direction from Soderbergh and a great cast makes this one come together for sure. Rooney Mara and Jude Law anchor this film down with plenty of other strong supporting players who bring this wild thriller to life. Not one of Soderbergh’s top efforts but it is quite entrancing and entertaining. 

Harvey (1950) 

What would you do if a giant white rabbit started following you around? This would seem like quite a horrifying experience for sure. But not in Harvey. James Stewart’s protagonist is a charming and agreeable man who is going through life with his best buddy Harvey and just enjoying people and some nice alcohol. Harvey is a strange and creative fantasy that navigates serious themes about mental illness, grief, and connection. This comedy has a series of fun mishaps that cause a bunch of fun occurrences, but it is also crafted in a way that builds mystery and suspense throughout the film. The film is full of fun characters and minor threads that are all weaved together through the shenanigans of Stewart and his pal Harvey. There are some fun little filmmaking choices and some solid effects to bring this fantasy comedy to life. There is a good heart in this film even if it is simplifying some serious issues. The charm goes a long way in making this a fun and enjoyable flick.

The Guilty (2018) 

How powerful can guilt truly be? This Danish thriller, The Guilty, tells a tale that is complex and threaded like a web with plenty of imperfect individuals throughout. This is a subtly directed film that leans in on authenticity to sell its thrills instead of over-the-top style (like the American remake). In a world that feels like ours, this twisted tale feels ever more impactful and that is why they do it. This whole film is anchored by one physical performance from Jakob Cedergren. There is a complexity to what he is doing, and he sells so much pent-up emotion through his expressions and body language. There are a few other powerful voice performances that are captured over the phone including the emotional and affecting turn from Jessica Dinnage (as our captive woman calling the emergency line. The plot of this is intense and thrilling to start but the way this film adds layers and deepens our conflicted feelings about the characters is most impressive. Writer/director Gustav Moller does some wonders bringing this intense, shocking, and wholly realistic tale to life. 

Midnight Special (2016) 

To what lengths would you go to protect your child, no matter how hard it would be? Jeff Nichols, writer/director of Midnight Special, tackles this question with plenty of energy, a steady hand, and a bold story unlike the rest of this filmography. Nichols was a director known for his raw and authentic looks at American gothic tales in the south and heartland. You have many of those familiar trappings but with a catch…aliens. This science fiction/road trip flick has some impressive genre elements that meet Nichols’ sensibilities well. This cast is stacked for sure with small turns from Sam Shepard and Bill Camp to the main performances of Kirsten Dunst, Adam Driver, Joel Edgerton, and Michael Shannon. Each one of these veteran performers captures something grounded and emotionally satisfying as Nichols navigates some of the bolder elements of his story. But the young Jaeden Martell (soon to be of It fame) delivers a complex and affecting performance as a young man with immense powers. This is a soulful and thematically rich journey, and this film can deliver those sci-fi elements. The human side and approach to this Spielbergian tale is what gives it so much heart and soul and Nichols knows how to leverage that from its mysterious opening to its powerful and epic finale. 

Humoresque (1946)

Who doesn’t love a moving melodrama with the healthy helping of classical music? Humoresque might lean a little too heavily into the big swings of emotion in its central love affair, but it packs plenty to engage with as well. Joan Crawford is a towering force as a neurotic socialite who falls for the youthful talents of a musician destined for greatness in concert halls. Crawford’s deliciously seductive and big performance will grab your attention while John Garfield’s steadfast turn will ground you in the drama. The music scenes are expertly staged and framed with some inspired filmmaking and sound design. This is a classic tale of love across classes and divided by experiences. There is something special between Crawford and Garfield’s characters and their tumultuous connection will certainly keep you engaged and waiting to see what happens next. This might be overly dramatic for some, but that level of melodrama is just charming enough to make things work for the film’s advantage. The shoe fits and so does the big dramatic finale that is the perfect exclamation point for the film. 

The Sword of Doom (1966) 

Who doesn’t love a well-directed, intense, and thrilling samurai film? Kihachi Okamoto takes on an iconic story of Japanese culture as he crafts The Sword of Doom. A tale about an unsympathetic and dangerous swordsman makes his way through life leaving a trail of bodies that soon haunt him on his path. Tatsuya Nakadai delivers a dark and intense performance as Ryunosuke Tsukue. The physicality and his facial expressions are unnerving and intense for sure. There are some strong supporting performances as well with legendary Japanese actor Toshiro Mifune. The impressive piece of the film is the incredible filmmaking by Okamoto. The cinematography is most impressive with perfectly blocked and framed shots and fluid editing. The action is impressive with a great handle of mounting tension. The long takes and perfectly choreographed moments are some of the best you will find in a samurai film. This might not be Kurosawa or Kobayashi, but it is quite a haunting and penetrating film from Nakadai. 

Bottle Rocket (1996) 

Where did it all begin for indie filmmaking darling, Wes Anderson? Bottle Rocket is a charming romance and heist film that finds Anderson developing the voice and style that will define his career. Anderson is one of the most unique and specific filmmakers working today with his symmetry and colors that capture such an impressive visual experience. You feel the camera movements and themes that will become trademarks of his films to come. The heist is awkward, messy, and thrilling in a way that few heist films deliver upon. The charming little romance between our protagonist and a young maid at a hotel. Their chemistry is sweet and innocent in a simple yet affecting way. The combo of Luke and Owen Wilson makes for a great foundation to this charming and quirky flick. Luke is doe eyed and innocent with a sweet personality. Owen is a charming rogue who we cannot fully trust but he is just too damn charming to ignore. This is a great jumping off point for Anderson and the Wilsons for sure (and quite entertaining in its own right). 

Enter the Dragon (1973) 

Just how great was Bruce Lee? He was one of the most talented and iconic martial artists in the world and he helped really put martial arts films on the map. The most iconic of his efforts on screen was Enter the Dragon. This film is about revenge and a martial arts tournament featuring some of the most dangerous people in the world. Lee is magnetic onscreen and is in an insane shape in this film. The action sequences are perfectly choreographed, and Lee takes out legions of drones in amazing fashion. The climactic final boss battle works on so many layers. The production design is awesome with the intense and thrilling mirror room. The antagonist killed Lee’s sister which brings weight and emotion to the fight. The villain also has a cool interchangeable hand with claws and metal hands as well. Throw in a few other cool cats to team up against this evil organization and now you have an iconic martial arts action flick that has stood the test of time despite all its imperfections.