The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland Reviewer Recommends (May 25th, 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:     

Lupin the Third: The Castle of Cagliostro (1979)

What can happen when a thief falls for a princess and most contend with a Count to get what he wants? This is the basic setup for Hayao Miyazaki’s feature debut in Lupin the Third: The Castle of Cagliostro. There are plenty of wild layers to this story that makes it way more than just some standard animated crime romp. This Italian fused caper has a great score that balanced music of the time and capturing this Italian vibe. Our titular hero, Wolfe, is a charming thief whose shenanigans get entwined with a dangerous Count. There are exciting action sequences from car chases to assassin attacks (who are quite terrifying) to battle on a clock tower. Lupin the Third offers up some surprises, plenty of action, and nice balance of romance and humor.

Odds Against Tomorrow (1959)

What is the line in the sand for a criminal? In Robert Wise’s crime thriller, Odds Against Tomorrow, that line is one of racial divides. Robert Ryan is a seasoned criminal who is brought in on a job by Ed Begley. But things become more complicated when a black man is brought on the crew (Harry Belafonte). This film is a stark and well shot black-and-white feature that feels authentic and lived in. There are inspired and dynamic camera moments that make the film pop and add layers to the cinematic experience. The metaphors that are sprinkled throughout the film (including the provocative and harrowing conclusion). A crime thriller rich in tension and suspense, this is a film that will leave an impact.  

Primal Fear (1997)

What would you do in the face of someone with two completely different personalities? Primal Fear is a provocative and twisted courtroom drama from the late 90s that fits perfectly into that era of thrillers. Richard Gere leads the way as a lawyer with morally gray perspectives who is in it to win it. He finds himself taking on a case that includes a brutally murdered clergyman, a young man covered in blood, and a dark twist that adds plenty of unexpected layers to it. The cast is strong with Edward Norton (quite young at this point) getting the opportunity to play around with characters and swinging emotions. Throw in the likes of Laura Linney, Frances McDormand, and others and you have quite a talented ensemble. This film offers up some effective courtroom drama elements as well as crime thriller elements. But in the end, it is the twist that will leave you shaken.

Rancho Notorious (1952)

So, one of the masters of German Expressionism created westerns? Fritz Lang, of Metropolis fame, came to the United States and broadened his horizons in terms of the types of films he created. One such example is the western Rancho Notorious. This is a compelling tale of a man on a mission. That mission? Find the man who brutally murdered his fiancée. Where his journey takes him is a haven for outlaws run by an alluring and charismatic woman, Marlene Dietrich’s Altar Keane. Many will recognize the character as the basis for Madeline Khan’s character in Blazing Saddles. But Dietrich delivers a compelling turn with Arthur Kennedy and Mel Ferrer filling out the cast. The tension is poignant, and the conflicts are intense. There is a satisfying shootout to wrap up this lean and mysterious narrative.

The Concert (1963)

How many creative visuals can one filmmaker cram into a seven-minute animated short film? French filmmaker Walerian Borowczyk crafts a beautiful and disturbing animated experience that leverages simple yet artful design. The thin lines and minimalist visuals give plenty of space for Borowczyk to weave together a compelling and twisted tale. The Kabal couple is toxic and dangerous. This short mixes together music with the results of their abuse to each other. The abstract visuals display extreme physical harm with a strange sensibility that is also playful and fun. Impressive for sure and a quick watch.

The Rain People (1969)

What did Francis Ford Coppola do before The Godfather? Well…he had a harrowing road-trip drama up his sleeve with The Rain People. This film is a challenging film that puts us in the shoes of a woman on the run from her husband after she has second thoughts about her life after getting pregnant. Shirley Knight delivers a compelling and complex performance who is a flawed and uncertain person. Her journey with a former football player with a brain injury makes this an even more challenging journey as our protagonist is challenged to see the world in a different way. Does she take care of this man and seek her journey? Caan delivers a strong turn as this man who turns the life of Knight’s character upside down (even more so). This road trip flick has plenty of twists and turns as well as some harrowing moments that will stick with you for a long time after.

Monty Python’s the Meaning of Life (1983)

Is there a lot to learn in Monty Python’s the Meaning of Life? The highly intelligent trope of legendary comedians certainly made so much out of a random collection of skits. In true Flying Circus form, the Pythons delivered an endlessly hilarious film that lampoons all aspects of life and death. There are plenty of hilarious gags from an exploring obese man in a restaurant, the hilariously perspective about safe sex from a Protestant, and a hands-on and modeling version of sexual education. Each member of the trope delivers something fun, unhinged, and entertaining. There are plenty of catchy and clever music numbers about loving the world around us, also saving the world, sperm, Christmas in Heaven, and many more. This bonkers sketch comedy film is a fantastic showcase to all the wild comedy that makes Monty Python.

Babes in Toyland (1986)

Who doesn’t love a nice touch of nostalgia from your childhood? Babes in Toyland was a TV movie that was a fixture of many people’s childhoods. You might even still call it Cinciwhatski because of it. This film is a creative tale about a storybook land full of classic characters from Jack-be-Nimble to Widow Hubbard to Georgie Porgie. The cast has some surprising big names from Drew Barrymore to Keanu Reeves to Pat Morita. The production design is so much fun with all the animal costumes, the toy shop, and the little toy cars that everyone drives around in. The climactic battle between evil forest monsters and giant toy soldiers will live on in your mind for years. There is plenty of charm to balance out all the cliches. This is a fun and inoffensive holiday flick to enjoy with the whole family.

The Color of Pomegranates (1969)

What makes the art of film so special? There are so many different types of films you can create. There is room for entertainment as well as pure artistic expression. Sergei Parajanov’s The Color of Pomegranates is a creative exploration of Armenian poet Sayat-Nova. This is not a film for those looking for your standard narrative experience. Each frame is a gorgeous combination of colors, costumes, makeup, and production design. The words are thematically dense and varied. This is poetry in motion. A hard sell for most audiences, The Color of Pomegranates, is a spiritual journey, artistic endeavor, and an expression of inner conflict. The 80 minutes of this film will engage and challenge in such a rewarding and meaningful way.

Inside Out (2015)

What is one of the best original films Pixar has created in the last decade? An inventive expression of human feelings and emotions wrapped in a coming-of-age story. Inside Out. This film is creative and expressed as it maturely grapples with the complexity of emotions. The embodiments of our emotions each have their personalities, and they are brought to life with an impressive cast. Amy Poehler is a revelation as Joy who is the anchoring force in our film. Joy’s journey to broaden her perspective is engaging as is the parallel journey of Phyllis Smith’s Sadness. Richard Kind’s Bing Bong (the imaginary friend) is one of the best supporting characters in any Pixar film and delivers one of the most emotionally devastating moments in the film. The different parts of the brain the journey goes through are inventive, clever, and creative. Inside Out is emotionally impactful, intellectually stimulating, and creatively dynamic.

The Toxic Avenger (1984)

What is the quintessential cult classic type of film? Many of them are awkward and silly with low budgets and campy production quality. Crazy ideas can go a long way with entertaining plus some fun humor. That is The Toxic Avengers to a tee. This bonkers film is a wild ride that sees a scrawny, bullied, nobody turn into a giant, mutated monster who uses it for good. This is a bloody and violence romp that pulls no punches when wrecking the innocent to tell this wild ride. This is a crazy superhero tale like no other. The acting is terrible, and the effects are campy for sure, but this is an endlessly entertaining flick. This by no means is a well-made film but there is a charm in that schlocky feel and 80s vibes.

City of the Living Dead (1980)

Are you ready for plenty of zombies and vibes? City of the Living Dead has you covered! This is not a strong recommendation for those seeking a well-structured narrative with strong character work. This is for those horror fans out there looking for a wild, bloody good time. Italian filmmaker Lucio Fulci takes the reins of this zombie world and leans heavily into the tones-based compositions and grotesque make-up and other practical effects. Over this lean runtime, there are plenty of moments that will chill you to the bone and give you a good fright. There is a terrifying “buried alive” sequence that builds excellent tension early in the film. There are plenty of undead corpses that deliver plenty of terror with their presentation. Make-up. Lighting. Framing. Fulci and company deliver on the technical aspects and offer up an unnerving experience (even if it is lacking in some other cinematic ways).

Anvil: The Story of Anvil (2008)

Have you ever heard of the band Anvil? You may not have but they were one of the most influential metal bands of the 1970s. They made a splash in Japan but just never gained commercial success in the States. Anvil: The Story of Anvil tells the tale of the dynamic duo at the heart of this band recording new music and trying to finally make a splash back in 2006. This film finds surprising amounts of emotion and impact through the central friendship which is tested throughout this venture. There are plenty of iconic metal performers who provide their perspective on Anvil as an artist as well. This is an engaging music documentary with some heart and soul.

The Bad Guys (2022)

What is one of the most beloved new series for kids today? The Bad Guys. They make for a wonderfully fun time with this band of criminal animals who are up to no good. Bank heists. Jewelry heists. They just might even steal a comet as well! But this 2022 animated feature has plenty of style with its slick and engaging animation and cool score that captures the jazzy blues vibes of other cool heist flicks like Ocean’s Eleven. Sam Rockwell is a revelation as “The Big Bad” Wolf at the core of this team along with a fantastic team of voice performers like Marc Maron, Awkwafina, Craig Robinson, and Anthony Ramos. Then you have a strong supporting cast of actors including Richard Ayoade, Zazie Beetz, and Alex Borstein. Maron’s Snake turns out to be a big core to the emotion and conflict of the film with Robinson’s Shark being a consistent source of humor. Humor, action, and heart…The Bad Guys has it all.

Solo Con Tu Pareja (1991)

Do you want some early Alfonso Cuaron? Long before Children of Men, Harry Potter, or either of his Oscar winning efforts, Cuaron delivered a fun and engaging romantic comedy with quite the darker edge. You might be turned off by a comedy that navigates AIDS and suicide in such an easy-going kind of way, but Cuaron can craft a special little film in the process. Solo Con Tu Pareja has plenty of scenarios that are ripe for laughs including our despicable protagonist trying to sleep with two separate women in separate apartments at the same time. This game cast brings the right amount of energy and personality to navigate this thematic tightrope and deliver an engaging experience. There is plenty of personality channeled through Cuaron’s direction as well. The womanizing protagonist might not be the most likable lead but there are plenty of shenanigans of his to enjoy in this cinematic experience.

Song of the Horse (1971)

Would you want to watch a documentary about the history of horses? Sounds simple yet informative. That is exactly what legendary filmmaker Akira Kurosawa delivers with his film Song of the Horse. This documentary does not reach the cinematic heights of Kurosawa’s other work, but his efforts are slick and well-crafted. This film has more of a family-friendly vibe than most of his efforts, which means the whole family can learn a thing or two about horses. The footage is engaging and seeing horses living their best in the real world is engaging. The presentation is also through the eyes of a child conversing with a more knowledgeable adult. Throw in some historical context and some slow-motion filmmaking and you have a documentary that is a relaxed experience for about 75 minutes.