The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland Reviewer Recommends (July 27th, 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:     

Deadpool & Wolverine (2024)

What is the comic book movie team up we have been waiting for years for, and we finally got it? It feels like magic and a dream to see The “Merc with a Mouth” finally getting to have his team up with Wolverine. Deadpool & Wolverine has our desperate Deadpool grabbing a Wolverine from the multiverse to fill in for the Anchor Being of his world. This dynamic and antagonistic duo goes toe-to-toe with a rogue TVA administrator, the endlessly skilled and powerful Cassandra Nova (the sister of Charles Xavier) and a whole team of Deadpool. There are buckets and buckets of humor throughout this film that are raunchy, political, and spreadable. The action sequences are campy, over-the-top, and wholly executed with sharp filmmaking to go around for films recently. A multiverse story with plenty of new and forgotten characters makes this such an enjoyable experience.

Inception (2010)

What is Nolan’s blockbuster that changed expectations for big summer blockbuster films? Inception is a fascinating experience with plenty of layers and twists and turns. This is not your standard summer blockbuster that is just about the vibes, thrills, and entertainment. This is a darker, more cerebral exploration of dreams, time, and space. Nolan explores the crime thriller genre through a lens of science fiction. The world building and effects of the film are impressive with a creative mechanism of breaking into the dreams of others. The visuals are dynamic and creative with Nolan pushing the limits of what we have seen on screen. The cast is stacked with Leonardo DiCaprio leading the way with his faux confidence and slow loss of reality. The cast is stacked around him with a talented crew who get to explore these strange dream worlds. Han Zimmer’s score is iconic and bombastic as it fills every scene with power, might, and emotion. The themes of grief and the central human conflict between DiCaprio and his deceased wife give the film plenty of depth and haunting elements.

Star Trek (2009)

How did J.J. Abrams approaches the reinvention of one of the most beloved science fiction franchises of all time? Star Trek certainly does not feel like the original series but through black holes and time travel it reinvents the timeline and creates a new path for these beloved characters. The special effects and action are quite thrilling with the modern sensibilities that Abrams employees through his direction. The cast is excellent with the likes of Chris Pine and Zachary Quinto excelling as the duo of Kirk and Spock. With the changes to the timeline, the audience is treated to a new, more tense dynamic that evolves into the friendship that defined this franchise. The rest of the cast is excellent as well with plenty of talented actors. The production design and costumes are impressive and bring that Star Trek feel. The themes and heart of the series are still at the core just with a flashier and more action-packed presentation.

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

What is the greatest action/adventure film ever created? Steven Spielberg and George Lucas collaborated to deliver a perfectly executed and conceived film in the form of Raiders of the Lost Ark. From the iconic opening sequence with all the booby traps you can handle to the horrifying climax with the opening of the Ark; Spielberg is delivering endless cinematic magic. The amount of detail in this screenplay is impressive and it just adds depth to everything. The action is perfectly structured with stunt work that dazzles and filmmaking that is precise while capturing all the thrills and suspense. Harrison Ford is perfect as the tough, vulnerable, and wily archeologist and adventurer, Indiana Jones. The supporting cast of Karen Allen, John Rhys-Davies, and Paul Freeman are just so perfectly chosen to bolster the experience. A thrilling cinematic experience that is darn near perfection.

The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water (2015)

Wait…SpongeBob went on an adventure out of the sea on the big screen? Not quite…but he sure got up to some shenanigans! Sponge Out of Water might not fully live up to the promise of its title but it does deliver an unforgettable third act that will get the attention of SpongeBob fans. Seeing some 3D animated versions of our favorite characters venturing onto the beach is an exciting idea. We see all types of human beach shenanigans as well as our favorite characters getting some wild superpowers. Antonio Banderas is endlessly entertaining as the antagonistic pirate who has nefarious purposes for the Krabby Patty secret formula. There is a Mad Max style apocalypse that befalls Bikini Bottom which is tons of fun. We also get to see a team-up between SpongeBob and Plankton which is a ton of fun as well. We get time travel, all powerful Matt Berry-voiced dolphins, and superpowers. Sponge Out of Water is a wild ride!

THX-1138 (1971)

Where did the impressive storytelling career of George Lucas really launch? Back in 1971, Lucas created a film that was shunned by critics and made little money at the box office. THX-1138 could have easily been the end of his career with such a flop but it was only the beginning for one of the most influential figures in film. Luckily, THX-1138 would eventually find its audience and finally make a worthy impact on the world of science fiction. This wild dystopia is not an entertaining or easily accessible one. THX-1138 is some serious highbrow science fiction that leans heavily into the filmmaking craft and rich thematic work over a good story. The narrative is quite simple with a rebellious member of a futuristic society who is imprisoned for his action and escapes to a free land. But the sound design, production design, the music, the costuming, the visual effects, and overall film making this such an engrossing experience. The duo of Robert Duvall and Donald Pleasance deliver raw and visceral performances which fit perfectly into this fully realized sci-fi world.

Spider-Man (2002)

What film sparked the new wave of comic movies that would soon become the blockbuster genre of the 21^st century? Sam Raimi (after developing his reputation as a filmmaker on wild and hilarious horror films like The Evil Dead) took the reins of one of Marvel’s biggest superheroes, Spider-Man. This 2002 film delivered such a fun and thrilling experience as no comic film up to this point. The direction from Raimi delivered plenty of personality with plenty of visual choices ripped from comic book frames and a campy approach that found both the humor and pathos of Spider-Man. Toby Maguire became Spider-Man for a whole generation of movie watchers with his nerds and awkward spin (not quite the wise-cracking hero of the comics but one that is quite empathetic). Willem Dafoe steals the show as Norman Osborn…The Green Goblin. Even though he looks more like a Power Rangers villain than in the comics, this Goblin is unhinged, dangerous, conniving, and Dafoe is ready to meme all over the internet. The likes of Rosemary Harris, Cliff Robertson, and J.K. Simmons all deliver pitch perfect supporting turns. There are plenty of iconic moments from the upside-down kiss to Peter Parker discovering his powers to the climactic “choice” the Goblin forces upon Spider-Man. Spider-Man is one of the best origin stories for a comic book character ever brought to the screen and its sequel is one of the best comic book movies…period.

Smokey and the Bandit (1977)

Who is the coolest character in the history of movies? That might seem like a ridiculous question to answer…but The Bandit is REAL cool. Burt Reynolds is one of the sharpest and most charismatic stars to grace the silver screen. He channels every bit of that charisma and his fabulous moustache as he brings the roguish and cool outlaw to life in Smokey in the Bandit. The combo of moustache, cowboy hat, and Trans-Am makes for one iconic and fun character. His chemistry with Sally Field is excellent as well, giving the film plenty of sparks. But Jackie Gleason’s Sheriff Buford T. Justice is one of the funniest villains in all of movies. The impressive and fast car stunts make this one of the most exciting 95 minutes you will find. The music (including some of those classic tunes from Jerry Reed, another fun addition to the cast) really ties the movie together with its outlaw country vibes.

 Ponyo (2008)

What do you realize from just watching the opening sequence of Ponyo? You are in for an absolute treat. From the opening, dialogue-less sequence, you realize how gorgeous the animation is for this film (which returned to all hand drawn animation) as well as how luscious and bold this underwater fantasy world will be. There is a charming and endearing connection between our young protagonist and his new goldfish turned best friend (who he names Ponyo). There are plenty of colorful characters along the way that fill out the cast including the old ladies at the home and Ponyo’s water wizard father. The action is incredible with the giant wave sequence delivering something both terrifying and exciting. The whole third act is a wonder as we explore the flooded world after the wave. Full of heart and charm for sure, Ponyo is an absolute fantasy genre wonder with endless colors.