The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland Reviewer Recommends (February 2nd, 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 Darjeeling Limited (2007) 

What is one of the most genuine depictions of the strange dynamics that brothers can have? Wes Anderson’s The Darjeeling Limited is a fascinating little film that finds three brothers on a journey through India. Their situation makes for plenty of emotional beats and impactful dramatic elements. Their father has passed away (explored so well in a fantastic flashback sequence). Their mother is estranged and none of them have seen her in a long time. They each have their own struggles personally while also attempting to navigate their challenging dynamics together. The dynamic trio of Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, and Jason Schwartzman anchor their film down with three affecting and moving performances. This is one of the grittiest of Anderson’s films, but it is still able to leverage some great elements of his storytelling. Slow motion sequences. Symmetry. Vibrant colors. There is an awkwardness and richness of themes that makes this film so impactful.

Lost in Translation (2003) 

How beautiful can the connection between two lonely people be? Sofia Coppola explores this moving and beautiful dynamic through her lauded film, Lost in Translation. Bill Murray is an actor doing commercial work in Tokyo and he drags himself through communication barriers, isolation, a distance from his family, and overall, just lack of enthusiasm for the life he has. This is mirrored well with a young Scarlet Johansson who is left alone often by her rock star partner who might have eyes for another woman. There is a beautiful atmosphere that Coppola wraps around these two performers and accentuates the aura of Tokyo. This film is gorgeous and captures the culture of Japan, showing how isolated strangers can be to this land. Murray is hilarious in the sequences where he is acting in his commercials. But the more dramatic moments show just how amazing Murray is in this film. Johansson is great as well as exploring this strange place through this unexpected connection with this lonely actor.

Groundhog Day (1993) 

How damn funny is Bill Murray? This man has been making us laugh for decades and one of the best examples of his immense talent is Groundhog Day. At the core of this film is a stellar Murray performance that balances his endless charm (despite being such a dick) and his impeccable comedic timing. The journey that Phil Connors goes on over the course of estimated 1000s of years in a time loop is moving and impactful. Andie McDowell delivers with a strong performance as the love interest that is just out of reach for Murray. A great crew of supporting talents like Chris Elliot and Stephen Tobolowsky make this time loop comedy really come to life. There are plenty of great laughs and emotional beats delivered through detailed and well-crafted montages. The direction of Harold Ramis is on point as he balances the humor and emotion of this film so perfectly.

Lover Come Back (1961) 

Who can beat the dynamic romantic duo of Doris Day and Rock Hudson? There are few acting pairs out there who can match the sheer charisma and chemistry of this duo. Hudson delivers even the most egotistical dialogue with impact and class. Day delivers a wide range of feelings in her charming and alluring performances. Lover Come Back makes for such a great vehicle for them as they are pitted against each other on either side of an advertising competition. The film has such a clever conceit…battling it out over a product that hasn’t even been invented yet! But when it is revealed, it certainly makes for a wide and crazy night that is filled with humor and surprising romantic ramifications. Throw in the endlessly fun and charming supporting turn of Tony Randall and you get an endlessly entertaining romantic screwball comedy to enjoy.

Mr. Mom (1983) 

What will dad do when he must take the reins at home when mom gets a new job? This classic gender role reversal comedy might not have the same way back in 1983 but there are plenty of laughs to still enjoy. The key to all this wildly fun comedy is Michael Keaton. His manic energy, physicality, and perfect comedic timing are true assets to this film. Teri Garr is a wonderful pairing with him as well as they portray this couple on different waves lengths. There are plenty of fun physical comedic moments with the grocery store shenanigans as well as the competition out Garr’s boss’ mansion. There is a fantastically hilarious soap opera daydream which makes for one of the best moments in Mr. Mom. Keaton and Garr get some great support from actors like Martin Mull, Ann Jillian, and Jeffrey Tambor. This is a funny but inspiring comedy about how spouses can grow and evolve and have more balance in their marriage.