The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland Reviewer Recommends (June 15th, 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:     

My Neighbor Totoro (1988)

What is the most charming, heartwarming, and joyous of all Hayao Miyazaki’s filmography? The fantasy film is about two children awaiting their sick mother, My Neighbor Totoro. This is a charming film that focuses on the struggle and the waiting in the presence of the unknown. Will their mother get better? Few films focus on that when it comes to family entertainment. Western culture seems so transfixed on the aftermath of death instead of the gray area of uncertainty. Miyazaki can balance this drama with the wonders of youthful imagination and rural life. The sisterly duo at the center of this film is adorable and charming. Their magical friends are even more so. The titular creature is giant, fluffy, and boisterous. His little pals are just as adorable. The cat bus is certainly something to behold. The combination of Miyazaki’s fantastical vision, the wonders of the natural world, and the gorgeous score from Joe Hisaishi makes this such an amazing cinematic experience.

The Illusionist (2006)

So, is this the other magician movie that came out around the same time as The Prestige? The Illusionist is a film that deserves consideration. Neil Burger has not had a career that garners a lot of attention but his effort with this twisted and shocking psychological thriller deserves some praise. The look of the film really captures a vintage feeling and the effort to bring Vienna of this period to life is admirable. There is a solid cast here with Edward Norton offering up a strong anchoring performance. Rufus Sewell offers up a performance that is stalwart in its antagonistic nature. But most of the praise should go to the always reliable Paul Giamatti who delivers a layered and dynamic performance. Much like a magic trick or illusion, The Illusionist flies high on its mysterious and engrossing plot with plenty of twists along the way.

Mickey’s Birthday Party (1942)

Who wouldn’t want to part with Mickey Mouse and the gang? This is one of the many classic animated shorts that focused on Mickey and his pals, and this one is full of joy and fun. Dancing. Singing. Partying. This short brings the House of Mouse’s little world to life with joyous vigor. Mickey’s Birthday Party is a jam session of a film that sees all the characters having a great time…except for Goofy. His shenanigans making Mickey’s birthday cake are a delight to watch with plenty of slapstick comedy. Mickey does get his cake…but in a much more hilarious way.

On the Waterfront (1954)

What makes On the Waterfront an all time great American piece of cinema? Elia Kazan explores the tensions and challenges of corrupt unions, run by organized crime. We witness the stranglehold that they hand on blue collar work. Kazan injects romance, thrills, and deeply resonant human drama to round out this incredible picture. The gorgeous black-and-white cinematography and emotive score builds a gorgeous canvas for an incredible cast to pour out all their emotion along the way. Marlon Brando offers one of the greatest performances on film as a mob thug-turned-informant. The raw emotion he brings matches the moving and powerful filmmaking of Kazan. Eva Marie Saint, Karl Malden, Lee J. Cobb, and Rod Steiger lead the way with this incredible ensemble. This is a dynamic and layered drama that explores a powerful and oppressive system and all the people who will turn a blind eye with only a few who will call it out and fewer who will do something about it.

Murmur of the Heart (1971)

Who’s ready for a recommendation with a big caveat? Louis Malle is a talented filmmaker who crafted a moving, funny, and layered coming-of-age story with Murmur of the Heart. The tale of Laurent and his sexual awakening is one that doesn’t shy away from challenging narrative threads. You see his first sexual encounter with a sex worker. You see him romancing some young woman while on vacation. This film is a beautiful looking film that finds moments of genuine humor and heartwarming connection. But the catch is Laurent, and his mother have a real close relationship…a too close connection. There are some elements of the film that are quite uncomfortable, but Lea Massari is an electric presence throughout the film who draws you right into this cinematic experience.

Hannah and Her Sisters (1986)

Woody Allen just understands neurotic men, doesn’t he? The duo of Allen himself and Michael Caine are great additions to the already stacked cast of the titular crew of women. Hannah and Her Sisters boasts a great cast of talented actors who bring this rich and layered sisterly bond to life. Mia Farrow. Dianne Wiest. Barbara Hershey. The interconnected and complex relationships and dynamics make this film come to life. You have that Allen brand humor that penetrates the whole film but just a dynamic and layered story makes this film feel so dynamic and engaging. Of course, New York is the canvas. These characters feel so quintessentially “Woody Allen”. If you appreciate his specific vision and brand of humor and storytelling, Hannah and Her Sisters is one of his best.

Norman: The Moderate Rise and Tragic Fall of a New York Fixer (2016)

I am sure you do not know Norman, do you? This little political thriller flew under all the radars back in 2016 but offered up one of the most complex and layered performances in the stories career of Richard Gere. The character of Norman Oppenheimer is a fast-talking, tall tale shoveling fixer who knows a lot of people and all he wants to do is connect with him. Ignorance can be a virtue, but it is ultimately Norman’s Achilles Heel. Gere is supported by a strong group of supporting players from Lior Ashkenazi, Michale Sheen, Steve Buscemi, Dan Stevens, Harris Yulin, and more. This layered narrative sees a genuine connection that morphs into a conspiracy that could shake the foundation of the entire global (on a road that runs through New York City and Jerusalem). This is a true hidden gem in Gere’s career with a tale that is twisting and unexpected for sure.

The Hitcher (1986)

What would you do if you picked up the wrong hitchhiker? This is always a challenging and dangerous concept, and it just so happens to be ripe for some genre filmmaking. Back in the 80s, The Hitcher delivered the worst nightmare of people willing to pick up hitchhikers. Rutger Hauer is a charismatic volcano of an actor who just spews menace and intensity, making him the perfect actor to bring this mysterious, dangerous, and sadistic killer. His actions and choices are so unhinged and will stick with you. Watching C. Thomas Hall’s Jim is such a kind and empathetic young man whose journey warps him into a darker version of himself, a young reflection of Hauer’s John Ryder. The action is wild and intense. Jennifer Jason Leigh is a great addition…with a tragic arc. This is a wild genre thrill ride that has aged so well.

Jenny is a Good Thing (1969)

Who wants to spend around 20 minutes seeing an inspiring story about feeding the underprivileged? This Academy Award nominated documentary short film is probably a film you have never heard of. Jenny is a Good Thing has a great story that is told by one of Hollywood’s greatest actors, Burt Lancaster. His timber and smooth voice breathe plenty of life into this inspiring documentary. We get to see an adorable group of impoverished children getting the opportunity to eat nutritious meals, get some love and tender care in their lives, and become part of their own journey. This might not be anything special in the filmmaking department, but it is something inspiring.

Ouija: Origin of Evil (2016)

Just how bad was that original Ouija film? The expectations were not high for this prequel film after the first one was critically torpedoed. But when you get a director of the caliber of Mike Flanagan, you can get something special. What Flanagan brings to the table is a steady hand with plenty of rich emotion and human connection. The period trappings are effective and believable. The cast is full of strong performances from Elizabeth Reaser, Lulu Wilson, Annalise Basso, and Henry Thomas. Origin of Evil stands out because it not only leverages deep focus and other trademark Flanagan filmmaking elements, but there is plenty of emotional depth as well. This is a story about family and grief. There are certainly cliches and a forced ending to lead into the original, but Flanagan does wonders with the film.