The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland Reviewer Recommends (March 23rd, 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:     

Sherlock Jr. (1924)

What is Buster Keaton considered one of the greatest comedic performers of all time? Just watch Sherlock Jr.! This film has dashes of mystery, helpings of romance, and truck loads of crazy physical comedy. The stunts that make up the climax of this film are downright insane. Dodging colliding train cars. Driving across the top of two moving trucks. Riding on a collapsing bridge. Even the pool tricks are unbelievable. At the end of the day…you must remember this was all real and Keaton did everyone of those stunts. The framing is crisp and captures so many great moments with “Stone Face” himself. That moustache on Keaton is quite the vibe as well. Projectionist and amateur sleuth are great looks for Keaton is this wildly fun romp.

The Odd Couple (1968)

Do you have a friend who is the opposite of you? Living with them would make for such an interesting and challenging experience. That is the vibe and energy that is channeled in the classic comedy The Odd Couple. Walter Matthau’s Oscar Madison is a slob and gruff man who lives that bachelor’s life to its fullest. Jack Lemmon is Felix Ungar, a neurotic and obsessive clean freak who is “Type A” to the maximum. Their conflicts are explosive. Their love for each other is just as powerful. This is a hilarious film that excels in its play adaptation thanks to its dynamic duo and strong writing. They even have the most awkward dinner party at this side of The Office. This is a great story of growth and friendship that has lasted the test of time thanks to its relatability and sharp humor.

Made (2001)

Where did Jon Favreau’s cinematic journey all begin? For most at this point, Favreau is known for his work with Marvel, live action Disney remakes, and the Disney+ Star Wars universe. But before he went big, he had low key comedies like Made. The duo of Favreau and Vince Vaughn is the perfect combo of nervous, strait-laced friends and the one who is the terrible influence. Their banter is so strong and is the heart of Made This early 00s comedy certainly hasn’t aged well but there are plenty of fun moments, nonetheless. There is a good heart to the film as well. This film has the underlying current of a mafia flick with some fun supporting turns from Peter Falk and Vincent Pastore. This “Big City” dark crime comedy has enough entertainment to share.

The Untouchables (1987)

What is the crown jewel of Brian De Palma’s filmography? Many of his films are quite fun and deliver such an energy-filled experience in a variety of genres. But on one occasion, De Palma took things on a big scale with a more refined filmmaking approach. The Untouchables is a fantastic adaptation of the beloved series about Eliot Ness and his crusade to take down crime kingpin, Al Capone. The production design, costuming, and overall visual experience is top notch and embodies the period so well. Ennio Morricone’s score has variety, depth, emotion, and a sense of coolness. De Palma has a great eye for filmmaking with non-stop dynamic camera work and impactful directorial choices. The climactic train station sequence is an all-time action sequence. Kevin Coster delivers a rock-solid performance that is expertly supported by this impeccable cast with Andy Garcia, Charles Martin Smith, Robert De Niro, and Sean Connery (who won an Oscar for his impressive work). This is an all-time classic crime thriller and is truly the triumph of De Palma’s career.

UHF (1989)

Do you enjoy “Weird” Al Yankovic? Then there is a movie made for you! UHF is a silly time at the movies with Al portraying a listless young man who finds himself in charge of a small television studio. Most of the film is filled with satirical movie references, “Weird” Al hits, and overall absurdist comedy. There is some humor for everyone with some leaning full blown dark humor while other gags are just silly enough to be good for the whole family. Yankovic is not the strongest actor, but his musical numbers are hilarious including the “Money for Nothing” spoof of “The Ballad of Jed Clampett”. Michael Richards is a silly standout before his run on Seinfeld. The different shots and ads on the channel really give this flick a unique and fun vibe for sure.

The House is Black (1963)

How bad were historical outbreaks of leprosy? This is a disease that is not discussed as much today but was one that drastically affected the lives of so many. The Iranian short film The House is Black is an engrossing exploration of a community ravaged by this disease. The editing is sharp and delivers such powerful moments as the audience is hit with a barrage of pictures of the effects of the disease. The camera work is engrossing and gives the film a feeling of being right there with those affected. But this film is not without a poetic exploration of life and hope. There is narration with beautiful language that is expressive and moving. The film also captures the power of faith and religion as it fits into the lives of the affected. But the expression of life, especially with youth living life to the fullest, in the film breathes hope into this harrowing experience.

The Preacher’s Wife (1996)

Who doesn’t love a good old-fashioned tale of an angel making a difference in people’s lives? Penny Marshall’s The Preacher’s Wife has an old school vibe as well as a tender atmosphere that feels like a warm blanket. The Christmas setting and church centric story breathes that holiday cheer into it as well. There are some suspect character choices that make the film have some uncomfortable moments and the plot feels familiar but there is enough charm in this one to make it a fine watch. The cast are real standouts here with the powerful voice and presence of Whitney Houston anchoring the whole film down. The moments where she sings (in church or in the club) are really highlights. Denzel Washington is one to not be outdone with his endless charisma as an angel awkwardly navigating humanity for the first time. Courtney B. Vance is the less showy but unsung hero of the experience. Throw in Gregory Hines, Jenifer Lewis, and Loretta Devine and you have yourself quite the ensemble. Not perfect and not fresh…but charming enough for the holiday season for sure.

Keeper of the Flame (1942)

Where did the on-screen dynamic between Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn begin? It all started with George Cukor’s mystery/thriller, Keeper of the Flame. This film is about a renowned journalist who seeks the truth about the death of a powerful and wealthy man. There is an unexpected connection that brews between said journalist (Tracy) and the now widow of this powerful man (Hepburn). There are plenty of layers throughout the film that are revealed by different parties who all have their own motivations for their actions. There are some strong supporting players, but it is the classic Tracy/Hepburn dynamic that keeps this film afloat. The film might take too long to finally reveal the truth, but it still delivers an impactful and shocking finale that caps off this well-directed and solid thriller.

Isle of Dogs (2018)

What type of culture would you like to see Wes Anderson explore in a film? For his second ever stop motion animated feature film, Anderson explores the culture of Japan through an advanced and dystopian future. Isle of Dogs tells the story of a version of Japan where dogs are sick and are banished to an island of trash. This group of “alpha” dogs must team up with an adventurous young boy who is desperately trying to find his own dog. The film has some key emotional threads due to the age-old connection between humans and their dogs. The animation is incredible with so much detail and impressive production design. There are political themes that add depth and complexity to this film. Alexandre Desplat delivers a score that embodies Japanese culture so well. The voice cast of this film is just impressive with how many great stars are involved. Bryan Cranston and Liev Schreiber are the key standouts for sure. This is one of the most engaging and engrossing cinematic worlds in recent memory.