The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland Reviewer Recommends (June 22nd, 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:     

Strike (1925)

Sergei Eisenstein certainly had a lot to say as a filmmaker, didn’t he? This is the man who created Battleship Potemkin. He also created a film about poor work conditions and the inhumane treatment of workers. Cue…Strike. This film is so compelling in multiple ways. One, Eisenstein brings something compelling and dynamic to the table from a storytelling perspective. There are parts of the film that focus on the process of work rebellion and some of them are dynamic and creative. This is a haunting look at the horrific treatment of people in factories at the time. There are also a few segments that deliver something so poignant. One, the suicide of a worker that sparks the strike in the first place. Two, the impressive montage of cattle slaughter spliced with the brutality perpetrated on the works. There are also impressive filmmaking techniques that feel so modern and unexpected for a film that is 100 years old. This is a shining example of dynamic filmmaking in the early era of cinema.

Rodan (1956)

What is the first color film in the long history of Kaiju cinema from Honda and Godzilla’s shared universe? Rodan. This is an exciting and fun Kaiju film that doesn’t need Godzilla to deliver. The impressive special effects of the time perfectly mix models and costumes to bring such an ambitious genre film to life. Rodan is such a cool creature and getting to see if fly around like a jet and causes destruction is exciting. There are some other fun creatures that are leveraged for thrills in Rodan as well. There is some solid human drama that works as well that adds to the film without distracting from the genre elements that we are there for. This is a fun, lean, and engaging film which has such a poignant and unexpected finale as well.

The Dark Knight (2008)

Why is The Dark Knight considered the greatest comic book adaptation of all time? First off, Christopher Nolan directs this film with mastery. The tension is thick and ever present from the opening scene. That opening heist scene is perfectly crafted with plenty of twists. There are great action sequences including the big vehicle chase sequence on the lower freeways of Gotham. There is such an impactful and high-tension finale with the confrontation between Gordon, Batman, and Harvey Dent. The interrogation scene between Batman and Joker is one of the most impressive scenes in any comic book adaptation. There are challenging themes when it comes to the human condition, morality, chaos, and order. Heath Ledger’s performance as the Joker is one of the most memorable and affecting of all time. The rest of the cast brings their A-game with Michael Caine, Aaron Eckhardt, Gary Oldman, and of course Christian Bale as real standouts. The score by Hans Zimmer is bombastic and iconic with it gripping you through the final goosebump inducing finale shot of this nearly perfect film.

Batman (1966)

Wait…Batman can be silly and campy? Batman from 1966 is such a weird, odd, and silly beast of a film. This is a strange adaptation of Batman that caught so much love thanks to the Adam West series. This film spin-off pits West’s Batman and Burt Ward’s Robin against four of the biggest members of Batman’s rogue’s gallery. Joker. Penguin. Riddler. Catwoman. This film has plenty of sly sexual innuendos, campy action (with sound animations), and tongue-in-cheek references. You don’t regularly see Batman using Shark Repellent or running around trying to dispose of a spherical bomb out of a cartoon. The supporting cast who portrays these iconic villains makes for such a fun and ridiculous time. You will either be rolling your eyes or laughing your buns off watching this campy adaptation of the Caped Crusader.

Batman (1989)

Was campy and silly Batman not your bag? Well…here is a film noir with plenty of German Expressionism injected in it! Tim Burton’s take on Batman took things in a new direction and set the stage for Batman: The Animated Series that set many millennials expectations for what Batman is. Batman finds Michael Keaton (and outside the box casting) brings a raw and brooding nature to Bruce Wayne and Batman with plenty of little quirks as well. But this film features a towering, over-the-top, and campy turn by Jack Nicholson as Joker. This was Joker for so many people (until Ledger brought his version). The production design and costumes are iconic and top notch with such a distinct and engrossing landscape. The flourish of Prince makes for some interesting elements as well. This cast is top notch from top to bottom and offers up a dark and eerie take on Batman. Oh…and Danny Elfman’s score is something to behold.

Batman & Mr. Freeze: SubZero (1998)

How cool are these spin-offs from Batman: The Animated Series? Mask of the Phantasm is a top tier Batman film but SubZero is still a fun inclusion as well. A story that centers on the desperation of Mr. Freeze trying to save his wife, this is a film that has some moral complexity (which is a refreshing take on comic book adaptations). This film also focuses on Batgirl and Robin a lot more than you might expect. Obviously, we still have Kevin Conroy’s Batman, but this has a wonderful narrative. This film is a nice lean 67 minutes which packs in an engaging story to appreciate. There is a daring mix of hand drawn animation and growing computer-generated animation as well. Freeze rays. Polar Bears. The whole Bat family. A fun combination of ingredients for sure.

Fanny and Alexander (1982)

What is Ingmar Bergman’s grand epic of his illustrious career? The scale might not be epic, but this is an epic human drama clocking in at over three hours with a grand tapestry of a family. The comedies and tragedies of life come to life in Bergman’s Fanny and Alexander. This film has some of the most glorious production designs you will find in any film. The striking visuals are full of color when needed too and the most soul-sucking bland visuals when our two sibling protagonists face the darker moments of life. Like a fly on the wall, the audience experiences all the intimacy of this Ekdahl family. The titular children lose their father and are subjected to horror abuse by their new stepfather. But Bergman takes them through trials and leaves them with hope in this grand humanistic and cinematic experience.

Belfast (2021)

Just how charming is Belfast? Kenneth Branagh expertly captures the beauty and charm of the Irish people through tough and challenging times. From the opening color-to-monochrome transition, we are dipped into a world of nostalgia, conflict, and love. Branagh’s semi-autobiographical drama is full of laughs and tears with its rich tapestry of Irish life. The themes and dialogue deliver some rich and poignant moments with this stacked cast offering up authentic, impactful, and committed performances. The backdrop of riots and rebellion gives Belfast bits of danger, but Branagh finds the love buried underneath the rumble. Jude Hill is charming for sure as the young protagonist Buddy. Caitriona Balfe is incredible as his loving, strong, and tough mother. Ciaran Hinds is a revelation as Buddy’s wise and charming grandfather. Jamie Dornan and Judy Dench are no slouches either. The striking black-and-white visuals and the Van Morrison music just tying this all together in such a poignant and beautiful way.

Raising Cain (1992)

Who is the filmmaker carrying the bold genre-filmmaking vision of Alfred Hitchcock? Brian de Palma. The man has made some of the best genre films from the 70s throughout the 80s. Even in the early 90s, he was delivering some fun cinematic experiences with plenty of exciting filmmaking. Raising Cain is a crazy flick with twists and turns around every corner and plenty of psycho-thriller elements. Many of them have aged poorly in modern times but there are still plenty of elements that deliver shocks and thrills. Dutch angles. POV shots. Slow motion. All the de Palma films making choices from his bags of tricks make this a fun ride for sure. The biggest selling point is John Lithgow who delivers a batch of wild performances as he portrays a man with multiple personalities. There would be no Split without Raising Cain. Lithgow and de Palma make this a worthwhile experience.

Spellbound (1945)

Have you ever heard of this Hitchcock gem? Released at the end of WWII, Hitchcock was delivering impressive cinematic offers for decades and some of his earlier efforts still stood the test of time. Spellbound is a compelling mystery about a mentally unstable man with a death in his past. When a female psychiatrist becomes attached, they go on the run to find this man’s memory and to uncover what really happened with this murdered psychiatrist. Ingrid Bergman and Gregory Peck deliver a pair of charismatic and alluring performances that anchor this whole experience down. Their chemistry is palpable and helps the audience get invested as well. There are great thriller elements that make this such a memorable and impactful experience. Hitchcock builds up the suspense in so many scenes with the staging as well as the filmmaking. There are some cool shots including a POV gun sequence. The dream sequences are influenced by Salvatore Dali which are impressive in both production design and visual elements. This might not be iconic, but it is another great film in the large and impressive filmography of Hitchcock.

 Ringu (1998)

Just how terrifying is the original Ring? Ringu is one of the most unnerving cinematic experiences I have had…period. The atmosphere is eerie to say the least. The whole experience is drenched in one powerful force…dread. Few films feel like there is some truly horrific around every corner quite like Hideo Nakata’s film. There is a great sense of mystery as well as some of the most uncomfortable imagery in horror films. The video tape of terror has become so iconic in the horror realm that it has transcended horror cinema all together. The disturbing imagery and the terrifying young woman in it make for a unique and compelling experience. Nanako Matsushima and Hiroyuki Sanada deliver impressive performances that tie this cinematic experience together. The remake certainly has its merits but there is something truly unnerving and engrossing about Nakata’s fixture of Japanese horror.

Chicken Little (2005)

What film is an unexpected little gem of the 00s era of Disney Animation? Chicken Little. The animation might not hold up so much but there is a lot of fun and clever material threaded into this 80-minute little romp. Taking the classic and simple premise of Chicken Little and injecting an alien invasion story into seems to be bonkers but works out to be plenty of science fiction fun. There are plenty of movie references, quotes, and needle drops in this flick as you can tell a true movie fan or movie fans put this all together. The voice cast is a good bit of fun as they bring this weird, rag-tag crew of animals to life as well. The meta-commentary on filmmaking and the movies is the cherry on top with a fantastically hilarious, cameo-ladened spoof of Chicken Little thrown in at the end. This is a fun little flick that has been forgotten to the much-forgotten era of Disney Animation.

Hereafter (2010)

Can you get past some contrived and sappy elements to appreciate a moving and emotional drama about death? In an unexpected twist, Clint Eastwood directed a film that explored the afterlife and connections beyond the grave. This does not seem like Eastwood’s usual affair (because it is not) but his steady hand and refined direction gives Hereafter a chance to live and connect with its audience. Opening with a thriving near death experience during a tsunami, Hereafter breaks off into a three-pronged story about the afterlife (even if all three don’t deliver the same impact). Matt Damon leads the most engaging and intriguing of stories with his steadfast performance but each of the stories delivers important context and have their key moments that stand out. Contrived for sure as these stories conveniently come together but it still delivers plenty of emotion and at least some ideas to chew on.

First Man (2018)

What is that underseen gem of Damian Chazelle’s young but impressive career? First Man. This is not the big and boisterous energy that Chazelle brought to his three other feature efforts. First Man does still boast some impressive filmmaking and intensity. The moments in the space crafts are thrilling and will put you on the edge of your seat. The leading performance from Ryan Gosling is reserved but intense as he brings a lot underneath the surface to his portrayal as Neil Armstrong. Claire Foy delivers an equally compelling and strong performance as Armstrong’s wife as well. Over the course of this two-hour drama, you experience all the anxiety and fervor around the Moon Landing. The technical elements are all there and Chazelle delivers a more somber and intense vibe that is both unexpected but also quite effective. Show this underappreciated film some love.

Frost/Nixon (2008)

How compelling can a film be that is just about a series of interviews? When those interviews involved Richard Nixon finally admitting to his wrongdoing with Watergate, that film could be quite compelling! Ron Howard took the reins of Frost/Nixon and delivered a sharply made, compelling, and engrossing drama with tinges of thriller. The dynamite duo of Michael Sheen and Frank Langella deliver two impressive performances, especially with Langella offering up a layered and thought-provoking performance. His facial expressions, body language, and line readings all add so much depth to this anchoring performance. The supporting cast is stellar with Sam Rockwell, Oliver Platt, Rebecca Hall, Kevin Bacon, and Matthew Macfadyen all delivering memorable performances. Sharp filmmaking with a good story made this film an awards darling and a win for Howard. The interview duel between David Frost and Richard Nixon was just such an engaging and compelling experience to watch.

The Patriot (2000)

What is the most patriotic film ever put on the silver screen? Roland Emmerich’s The Patriot of course. The slow-motion shots of colonial flags flying on the battlefield to John Williams’ score will just send goosebumps all over. This epic Revolutionary War film is all bombast and melodrama in the most engaging way possible. Cliches are in abundance but so are big emotional beats that get you invested in the militia led Benjamin Martin (Mel Gibson). There is no subtlety here but there are plenty of inspirational moments and big action beats filled with gore and rousing moments. Gibson leads a talented cast with plenty of presence and emotion as he stands tall with Heath Ledger at this side. Jason Isaacs delivers one of the most brutal and hate-able villains in all of film history with Tom Wilkinson’s turn as the arrogant Lord Cornwallis adding plenty of conflict as well. This is a three-hour epic that delivers everything it wants to for sure.

Unstoppable (2010)

Are you excited for a non-stop thrill ride packed with wild twists and plenty of intensity? Look no further than the final film from director Tony Scott…Unstoppable. There are few things scarier than a runaway train with cars filled with toxic and combustible chemicals. The whole of southern Pennsylvania is at risk with a few people there to save it. Physics, capitalism, and time are the enemies of this exciting thriller. Chris Pine and Denzel Washington make for a dynamic duo who carry this film with bravery and charisma. The effects are top notch with plenty of amazing stunts that will drop your jaw multiple times. Perfectly paced and plotted, Unstoppable speeds by without out staying its welcome. Scott went out on high with this brilliant feat of genre filmmaking.

K-19: The Widowmaker (2002)

Who is one of the most under-appreciated filmmakers when it comes to delivering unadulterated thrills? Kathryn Bigelow. She has been recognized by the Academy for Best Director but still lacks the same appreciation of many of her male counterparts, especially when it comes to the types of films she makes. K-19: The Widowmaker might not be one of her premiere features, but it still packs a punch with its claustrophobic thrills. Harrison Ford and Liam Neeson lead a strong cast in this submarine disaster film. Radiation. Mutiny. Accidents. This is a compelling enough story that draws from true events. Bigelow gets you in that submarine and locks you in with expert filmmaking and a great handle on the suspense and tension building along the way. A harrowing tale of community and perseverance, K-19 is a worthy addition to the likes of The Hunt for Red October and Crimson Tide.

Carmen (1983)

Do you enjoy some sultry and intense dancing? Carlos Suara certainly has what you are looking for with his unique and creative adaptation of the classic opera, Carmen. This 1983 version of the story finds a flamenco dancer/director falling for the most seductive and intense of his female dancers. The sexual tension is palpable as this story takes the audience through a torrid and intense affair that spins into tragedy on the dance floor. The dancing in the film is incredible with such precision, intensity, and boldness. The costumes and overall design of the film are so colorful and help craft a fiery atmosphere for this romance to flourish then burn out in. Less words and plenty of body movements, this is a hot and entrancing adaptation of such a classic and iconic opera.

Real Steel (2011)

Who wouldn’t love Rocky with robots? Real Steel is a wonderful science fiction boxing film with plenty of heart and soul. The special effects and robot designs are top notch for sure. The boxing action is exciting and well-choreographed. Hugh Jackman might have an iffy accent, but he brings physicality and emotion in every scene. His journey from deadbeat dad and grifter to someone who can have a real relationship with his estranged son is engaging. The father/son dynamic is the heart and soul of the film and the dynamic between Jackman and Evangeline Lily’s Bailey is charming as well. A solid supporting cast (including Anthony Mackie and Kevin Durand) and great action make this film a worthwhile (if familiar) tale with a rousing and fist-pumping finale.

The Shop Around the Corner (1940)

Who doesn’t love a charming little comedy about a little shop on the corner? The Shop Around the Corner is a classic little film that has influenced romantic comedies for years (including the 1990’s classic You’ve Got Mail). Jimmy Stewart is one of the most iconic and talented actors in film history and he displays all those talents in this film for sure. There are some fun supporting turns from the likes of The Wizard of Oz alumnus Frank Morgan. This has one of those classic kinds of setups with two co-workers falling in love through letters as anonymous pen pals. Ernst Lubitsch captures that right charm with the right amount of conflict to make this an engaging time (even 85 years later).

Gunfight at the O.K. Corral (1957)

How many adaptations of this legendary shootout have been put on film? Tombstone is certainly the bar for most modern audiences, but the likes of John Ford made their own attempts. Other acclaimed directors of westerns have taken their spin on this historical event as well like The Magnificent Seven director John Sturges. Gunfight at the O.K. Corral is a well made and intense spin on this story of the Earps and Doc Holliday going toe-to-toe with dangerous cattle thieves. Burt Lancaster is a refined and strong presence like legendary Wyatt Earp. Kirk Douglas is a raw nerve of emotion and aggression as the mercurial and intimidating Doc Holliday. There are some strong supporting turns like John Ireland as the villainous Johnny Ringo and even a young Dennis Hopper. This is a well-made western with a thrilling climactic shootout that makes this a classic western.

Five Easy Pieces (1970)

What was that first leading role that made Jack Nicholson such a star? Five Easy Pieces. This might not be the type of movie you expect from Nicholson as it is no thriller like Chinatown or over-the-top bonkers drama like One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. This is an engrossing drama with Nicholson’s Robert Dupea living a blue-collar life hiding from his artful family. This is a raw and intense experience with a lively and visceral performance from Nicholson. His climactic emotional moments are some of the best and honest acting Nicholson has ever done. There are so many compelling characters along the way with Nicholson leading the way. There are plenty of compelling moments with piano playing such a prominent role. Robert is not a great person, but his journey is the epitome of the counterculture at the time and truly captures the spirit of the time.