The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland Reviewer Recommends (May 4th, 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:     

Poison (2023)

Are you ready for a tension thriller in a 17-minute package? Wes Anderson is not necessarily known for dabbling too much in the thriller genre but his adaptation of Roald Dahl’s tale, Poison, is a great example of Anderson’s ability to build tension. A snake in a horrible place putting a man’s life at risk is a great concept for such a suspenseful and tense experience. Benedict Cumberbatch delivers an intense yet subtle performance that makes for a great anchor to the short film. Dev Patel is energetic and navigates this scenario with great tact and precision of performance. There is some shocking depth of themes with racism and paranoia at the core of it all. Anderson’s unique storytelling for all his Dahl shorts works well and ties this thriller together and puts you on the edge of your seat.

The Rat Catcher (2023)

Wait…could Wes Anderson do some horror as well? His short film, The Rat Catcher, is certainly the closest he has got (along with the museum sequence in The Grand Budapest Hotel). Ralph Fiennes crafts an all-time horrific entity as the titular hunter. The hair. The teeth. The eyes. The nails. The speech. This being is terrifying and only becomes even more so with some dark shadows, unnerving blocking, and a devious performance from Fiennes. There is building tension over the course of this short film as Fiennes’ Catcher becomes more and more suspicious and aggressive. The plot is simple, but the heightening tension and suspense builds so well. Richard Ayoade and Rupert Friend make for great conflicting forces against Fiennes. The setting is well realized, and some sharp direction ties this unnerving experience all together.

Schindler’s List (1993)

What is the defining film about the Holocaust? Schindler’s List. This is a film shown in schools to help students understand what occurred during one of humanity’s darkest hours. This epic of a film took filmmaker Steven Spielberg to a whole new level that most did not realize he had. His filmography was filled with cinematic classics from Jaws to Raiders of the Lost Ark to E.T. but Schindler’s List was a passion product for the Jewish filmmaker. Liam Neeson delivers a charming and emotional performance as a slimy industrialist who would save hundreds of lives during this harrowing time. Ralph Fiennes delivered one of the best villainous performances in the history of cinema as well. The stark black-and-white cinematography is gorgeous, and the singular use of red is harrowing. There are so many iconic moments that capture the evil that the Nazis perpetrated including the long take of all the shoes, jewelry, and other items stolen from Jewish people. This film draws you in and will certainly make you shed some tears.

Life is Beautiful (1997)

How do you balance both a romantic comedy and a film about the Holocaust? This bold choice certainly paid off for writer/director/actor Roberto Benigni. Life is Beautiful is a tightrope of tone and emotion. The first half of the film is a silly and hilarious romp that highlights the relationship between Guido and Dora. They have a charming courting journey in the film filled with laughs and romance. Benigni’s Guido is a silly character who goes for big hilarious gestures to get Dora’s attention. Nicoletta Braschi is charming and alluring for sure and we want her to end up with Guido. But then the story takes us into the future when they have a son, and they all end up in a concentration camp during the Holocaust. The second half of the film is able to still deliver charm between the father and son while delivering some harrowing and emotional moments that capture the horrors of the Nazis. At the end of the day, this is a film with tons of heart that just hits in such a unique way.

Limelight (1952)

What is Chaplin’s last great film? After decades of work on the silver screen and making some of the most iconic films of all time, Chaplin found himself in a place where his career was no longer what he wanted it to be. Chaplin tackles the tale of an aging performer who falls for a young performer who has so much on the horizon. The drama grows from the struggle of this man who desperately tries to find one last moment in that titular limelight. Chaplin’s performance is one of his best that does not rely on his physical humor throughout but does deliver that as well. There is romance. There is drama. Limelight also features quite a few engrossing performances on screen ala The Red Shoes. This is not that dynamic but there are plenty of entertaining and moving stage performances injected into this cinematic drama.

Son of Frankenstein (1939)

How many films are there in the original Universal Frankenstein franchise? This lesser known third entry (after the legendary Frankenstein and The Bride of Frankenstein) is quite an entertaining and thrilling experience. The film has good filmmaking that mixes impressive production design with sharp, crisp cinematography to build the eerie atmosphere needed. There is also an intriguing trio of performers at the core that anchor this film down. Basil Rathbone is a terrific addition to the film as the latest in the Frankenstein family to get caught up in the work of reanimation. Wolf von Frankenstein is a family man (with an adorable son), but he gets lured into the unbelievable world of his father’s work. The new antagonist is the evil henchman and survivor of a hanging, Igor (the first introduction of this now iconic character). Bela Lugosi delivers a seething, unnerving, and showy performance as this mad man. The Creature returns with Boris Karloff under all that make-up again (delivering a satisfying turn). There are some shocking and horrific moments and expands the lore of this franchise in entertaining ways.