The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland Reviewer Recommends (January 12th, 2025)

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 Passion of Joan of Arc (1928)

What is one of the most impressive early achievements of cinema? The Passion of Joan of Arc. Somehow, Carl Theodor Dreyer crafted a drama that looked so modern in filmmaking sensibilities that it is hard to believe that this film was released in 1918. Maria Falconetti delivered one of the single greatest performances on film with this emotional and tortured performance as the young French revolutionary who was burned at the stake for heresy. Dreyer and cinematographer Rudolph Mate leaned into the use of close-ups (something that was not consistently used at the time) and it proved so many evocative and intimate shots of the cast. The filmmaking was able to capture every detail of Falconetti’s committed performance in a way that you only see in modern film. The tale of Joan of Arc’s trial is quite poignant and relevant today as it grapples with gender roles, mental illness, and religious zealotry. This is a breathtakingly gorgeous film rich with themes and features one of the best performances in film. That is an easy sell.

Rushmore (1998)

What is the start of the whole “Wes Anderson Vibe”? Rushmore. From the fun French New Wave influenced montage of Max’s extra-curricular activities, you know you are in for something different and special. The British Invasion tunes bring some great atmosphere to plenty of moments (mostly slow-motion) that are just draped in personality. Anderson crafts a heightened reality like no one else with this story of a challenged young man trying to find his passion and processing relationships with people older than him. Jason Schwartzman is perfect as this Benjamin Braddock-esque protagonist who is shooting above his lot in life and trying to hustle his way with elaborate plays. Bill Murray is a revelation as an older depressed man who finds kinship in this quirky teen. Olivia Williams is fantastic as well with plenty of other strong supporting roles. This is a funny, moving, and sharp flick that puts Anderson on the map and makes for an affecting watch.

Modern Romance (1981)

Who is the most insufferable romantic neurotic in the history of cinema? Albert Brooks’ Robert Cole from Modern Romance. Brooks crafts the perfect character to represent the largest red flag of a man who should never be in a relationship with anyone ever. The way Brooks navigations anxiety, insecurity, and neuroticism is a thing of beauty. This delightfully uncomfortable satire captures so many hilarious and absurd moments that capture many relatable elements of life. Brooks channels all the unhinged energy and toxic jealousy that many of us have experienced in a relationship. But it is not just romance. Friendship, work, filmmaking. Brooks navigates it all in this mosaic of high energy insecurity. There are so many great scenes that are both hilarious and uncomfortably triggering as they capture behavior that seems extreme but happens too often in real life. Endlessly fun and well-paced, Brooks gets another big win with Modern Romance.

Dr. No (1962)

Where did it all begin for the legend of James Bond on the silver screen? Way back in 1962 with the release of Dr. No. There were no “Bond Themes” yet as this first entry into the EON franchise begins with the legendary orchestral theme for Bond and the gun barrel sequence. You know right from the start that this is classic Bond. Sean Connery’s introduction as the iconic British spy works so well as he utters “Bond…James Bond” for the first time. This flick has many of the trappings that you would come to expect from Bond films in the future with the gorgeous Ursula Andruss as our “Bond Girl” in that breathtaking swimsuit as well as the titular villain with metal hands and a nice Nehru jacket. There are plenty of stunts, thrills, kills, and near kills to pack this espionage thriller to the brim without forgetting the damn cool of James Bond. Connery is a force and not exactly a nice guy (as Bond never was) with this complex and flawed spy saving the world from the evil SPECTRE. It all began here, and it still holds up quite a bit as it laid the groundwork for From Russia with Love and Goldfinger (which just might be the perfect Bond film).

Peeping Tom (1960)

What kind of film would have influenced Martin Scorsese so deeply with his complex and unlikable protagonists? Michael Powell’s Peeping Tom. After years working with Emeric Pressburger, Powell was off on his own and created this controversial and polarizing film that would shake the UK to the core. A film about a mentally ill and traumatized serial killer who has a penchant for stalker and voyeurism seems like a challenging film. Peeping Tom is certainly that for sure. This film has plenty of incredible tension as we never know when our protagonist will give in to his horrific urges that lead to his homicidal tendencies. The coloring, lighting, and camera work is masterfully dynamic and will draw the audience deeply into this haunting experience. A strong cast anchors down this harrowing film that has one of the most unnerving protagonists in film you will find. There are plenty of shocking moments but also moments that are so shocking because of when Powell decides to use restraint. Peeping Tom is mirrored in Scorsese’s Taxi Driver so much and it has rich themes about nature, generational trauma, and the voyeurism that was all experience in our lives.

The Kings of Summer (2013)

What is the most “coming-of-age” thing to do in a movie? Running away and trying to live a new life out in the woods with your buddies is quite high on that list. The Kings of Summer is a memorable flick from director Jordan Vogt-Roberts as he captures the vibrant summer glow with this well shot and poignant film. There are certainly moments that get a little too “watching a movie” big and melodramatic but Vogt-Roberts can capture some impressive raw tension. This impressive young cast includes the likes of Nick Robinson, Gabriel Basso, Moises Arias, and Erin Moriarty. They all do a great job of handling some serious themes and moments with some rich emotion and depth. The veteran cast members are great as well with Nick Offerman stealing the show as Robinson’s combative and broken father. Their relationship is the heart of this coming-of-age film, and their dynamic is filled with tension. This gorgeous looking film is filled with interesting characters and strong performances. There are plenty of elements of the film to sink your teeth into.

The Way Way Back (2013)

Did you ever have one of those summers that changed your life forever? Films love portraying them for sure and showing how an experience can bring challenging life experiences into perspective and having new experiences that will shape you. Nat Faxon and Jim Rash captured a wonderful example of this type of summer with The Way Way Back. Liam Jones’ Duncan is a nervous and shy young man who finds the time of his life working unexpectedly at a water park. Sam Rockwell steals the show as the aloof and sarcastic proprietor with the likes of Maya Rudolph, Faxon, and Rash. Duncan’s mother is in a toxic relationship with a douchebag Steve Carrell (he is just so damn good at being bad in this one). Toni Collette is fantastic as well portraying Duncan’s mother and Allison Janney is a scene-stealer as the hilarious neighbor. A little summer romance. Familial tension. Water park shenanigans. The Way Way Back has plenty to offer in this coming-of-age tale.

Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008)

What is the most wondrous, imaginative, and creative comic book world brought to life on the silver screen? Guillermo del Toro’s Hellboy. The Golden Army is a fantastic sequel that has stakes (both globally and personally), scale, and an immersive world. This film is full of wild creatures brought to life with state-of-the-art CGI or impressive practical effects that are so tangible and impactful on screen. Ron Perlman is perfect again as Hellboy who struggles with his relationship with Liz (Selma Blair), this hidden life, and his fate to be the destroyer of our world. Even Abe Sapien (Doug Jones) gets the opportunity to find love and struggle on his own. This is a fantastic fairy tale with a dark edge and a globe-trotting adventure with some of the most creative creatures brought to life on screen. From the creative animated opening exposition tale, you know you are in for something special. The action is impressive as well with some big scale themes that tie this impressive sequel together.

Rambo: First Blood Part II (1985)

How do you follow up a gritty thriller about a loner who is pushed to defend himself against a corrupt sheriff post-Vietnam? How about you turn it into a wild, big scale action flick that embodies all the bombasts of the 80s action movie? That is exactly what happened with Rambo. Sylvester Stallone gets even more ripped this time around and delivers some of the most over-the-top action set pieces you are going to find in slow motion. Exploding arrows. Helicopter battles. Rambo: First Blood Part II is a thrilling and exciting flick that hits all the boxes of 80s action movies. There is still a good heart at the core of this film with its messaging about Vietnam and our lost soldiers. But most will remember the destruction that Rambo leaves in his wake. The music is incredible. The effects are awe-inspiring. This is an action flick for the ages.