The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland Reviewer Recommends (January 26th, 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:  

Phone Booth (2002) 

What makes a lean, high concept thriller so much fun? There is something exciting about seeing a filmmaker taking a basic idea and crafting it into an exhilarating cinematic experience. There is exactly what Joel Schumacher does with his early 00’s thriller, Phone Booth. A lot rests on the bold and energetic filmmaking that Schumacher injects into this exciting package. There are dynamic camera shots. The film leverages layered conversations that use boxed in other shots. The sharp editing delivers a pace that is thrilling that makes this film fly by with only 75-minutes of film without the credits. A young Colin Farrell delivers a layered and committed performance as a hostage stuck in a phone booth. Kiefer Sutherland is a fun and mysterious presence as the killer on the other side of the line. Forest Whitaker is a nice edition as well as the police captain trying to figure out this crazy scenario. High tension and energy from Schumacher make Phone Booth a fun thriller to enjoy.

Minority Report (2002) 

There is something deeply resonant about Philip K. Dick’s works isn’t there? Minority Report is a thought-provoking and complex tale that leverages an extremely morally gray theme. What if you could stop crimes from happening by arresting future perpetrators? This poses the moral quandary of if they don’t commit the crime, should they be arrested and locked away? There are other scenarios that challenge the audience including what you would do if you met the person responsible for kidnapping your child or the moral dilemma of confining powerful psychics without giving them a life because of the greater good. But Minority Report is not just a big thought-provoking flick either as Steven Spielberg injects plenty of high action set pieces with grand mixtures of computer-generated and practical effects. Tom Cruise leads a strong cast as well that includes Samantha Morton, Colin Farrell, and Max Von Sydow. This is one of the best films from Spielberg’s filmography that doesn’t get talked about enough.

Horrible Bosses (2011) 

Have you ever had a boss you absolutely hated? Hopefully, they were bad enough to make you consider killing them. Seth Gordon’s comedy Horrible Bosses certainly goes that far though. The dynamic comedic trio of Jason Bateman, Charlie Day, and Jason Sudeikis are just three pals who deal with emotional abuse, sexual harassment, and incompetence daily at work. This wild concept opens the door for plenty of comedic beats, scenarios, and gags that will get you laughing throughout this raunchy comedy. The dry, chaotic, and arrogant concoction of these three actors makes for a fun time. But the three actors playing their bosses deliver big time to make Horrible Bosses such a memorable comedy. Kevin Spacey is cruel, manipulative, and dangerous in all the best ways. Jennifer Aniston lets loose with a seductive, sultry, and crude performance that is an absolute delight. Colin Farrell is disgusting, despicable, and hilarious as the wild, coked-up nepo-baby man-child that he portrays. Throw in the always charismatic Jamie Foxx and you have quite the ensemble to make this a fun time from start to finish. 

Crumb (1994) 

Who is Robert Crumb? One of the most talented and yet controversial cartoonists lets his whole story out to the world in this engaging and intimate documentary. David Lynch produced this film, and it is no surprise that an artist like Crumb grabbed his attention. Socially awkward and quirky to say the least, Crumb is brutally honest about his world perspective. We get a great look at his creative process and see the impact of his works through Crumb. Meeting his family and others close to him provides some compelling context to his work and vision. His contemporaries and those influenced by him navigate his overtly sexual and boundary pushing cartoons. The film takes no stand but instead presents this man in all his flaws and genius. The authenticity of Crumb makes this such an impactful experience.

Under the Hawthorn Tree (2010) 

What is filmmaker Yimou Zhang most known for? Color and boldness of his visuals. But that is not the extent of his filmmaking talents. Certainly, he has a way with the visual medium of film, but he can also deliver a compelling and meaningful romance without the flashiness of what makes Hero and other efforts so effective and impactful. Under the Hawthorn Tree is a moving, tragic, and impactful period romance that Zhang weaves together with a more subtle beauty. An intelligent young woman is banished to the country to be re-cultured by the order of Chairman Mao but finds something much more impactful on her journey. Love. Dongyu Zhou delivers a moving and memorable performance as our protagonist, and we buy into this longing romance for a charming and attractive man that extends over time. Her journey is compelling and engaging, making Under the Hawthorn Tree a subtle gem in the filmography of Zhang.

Videodrome (1983) 

Are you ready for the New Flesh? David Cronenberg created one of the most disturbing, strange, and unnerving cinematic experiences in the form of Videodrome. James Woods is a television executive chasing the next stage of content escalation which leads him to a torture competition show from Videodrome. What ensues is a demented thriller full of lies, deceit, and shocking twists. Even more memorable than the story is the gnarly body horror that populates this tale. Woods’ torso develops a vagina like slot for video tapes and he overcomes a firearm in his hand. There are torturous and masochistic elements that will unnerve you and push you into uncomfortable places for sure. Cronenberg revolutionized what horror could be with his graphic, practical, and grotesque body horror and Videodrome will keep your attention all the way up to its shocking finale. 

Little Johnny Jet (1953) 

What is an old war plane to do when no one wants anything to do with him anymore? Get married. Start a family. Help birth a whole new class of planes for the war effort! Tex Avery (creator of Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, and many more classic characters) delivers a fun and energetic cartoon about aging, finding new purposes, and the evolution of things. There are also plenty of fun gags centered around Johnny Jet’s insane speed. There is even some sly humor that might fly over the head of the kids watching. Good quality hand drawn animation really ties Little Johnny Jet together. Just seven minutes, this little flick delivers on multiple fronts but most importantly on the fun front. 

Son of Rambow (2007)

Were you ever inspired to create a film because of a magical cinematic experience? The small indie British flick Son of Rambow captures that beautiful spirit for sure. This is a small-scale tale about passion for film and filmmaking, friendship, and growing up in life. The charming duo of Bill Milner and Will Poulter (who certainly had the acting chops way back then too) makes for an endearing relationship to watch on screen. Their shared experience of chasing dreams and making a sequel to First Blood is such a wonderful narrative. Garth Jennings injects some fun fantastical elements ripped from the dreams of our protagonist while capturing a great bit of humor and emotion along the way. This is a charming coming-of-age tale with such a unique and fun concept that is hard to deny.

Aileen: Life and Death of a Serial Killer (2003) 

What is so interesting about a death row inmate? Plenty when that death row inmate is Aileen Wuornos. This documentary “sequel” follows the earlier documentary effort from filmmaker Nick Broomfield from 10 years before. This is an uncomfortable look into the mind and perspective of a serial killer. Broomfield gets a little too close for comfort, but it is hard to deny how raw and unnerving this experience is to watch on screen. The moments where it is Wuornos speaking directly to the camera are both enthralling and unnerving at the same time. But Broomfield can find other dimensions to his documentary with some harrowing and emotional conversations with others close to Wuornos. On top of that, there are some hilarious moments as well (which feels so weird to say but it is true).

An American in Paris (1951) 

How amazingly charming was Gene Kelly? He was an electric star of the silver screen. He had a charming smile, the impressive physicality for dance and action, and a sharp and fit persona as well. One of his greatest vehicles for his talents is An American in Paris. Director Vincente Minnelli crafts a vibrant, beautiful, and energetic film that shines for sure. There is plenty of romance as Kelly’s Jerry is stuck between two gorgeous and opposing forces. Leslie Caron portrays a gorgeous young woman smitten with Jerry but betrothed to another. Nina Foch is a gorgeous, rich, and resourceful woman who wants to bankroll Jerry’s painting career…and more. There are plenty of fun numbers and impressive dance numbers (Kelly just shines). But the crown jewel of this classic film is the climactic dancing sequence which boasts incredible choreography, vibrant costuming, and bold production design.