The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland Reviewer Recommends (August 3rd, 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:     

The Wind Rises (2013)

What is the most unique film in the filmography of legendary director Hayao Miyazaki? One of his films has no fantasy elements and no magical realism. One of his films is quite grounded and rooted in the story of an actual person. This story explores Miyazaki’s passion for aviation which makes the film so deeply personal as well. That film (which initially was supposed to be his last feature film) is The Wind Rises. This film captures the majesty and beauty of planes and the way they dance through the air. The passion of Miyazaki comes to life on screen as he tells the story of Jiro Horikoshi. Miyazaki might avoid many of the real controversies and darker elements of this man’s legacy, but this fictionalized film is meant to explore the love of aviation and the romantic love Jiro had with the love of his life. Miyazaki certainly succeeds in that and delivers a breathtakingly gorgeous film for sure.

Knife in the Water (1962)

Where did the cinematic journey of controversial and iconic filmmaker Roman Polanski all begin? Made in his native Poland as well in his native Polish language, Knife in the Water is a compelling and engrossing drama that takes a challenging look at relationships and human dynamics. Fate brings a controlling husband, a repressed wife, and a free-spirited hitchhiker together on a boat trip. Polanski finds plenty of opportunities to deliver tension and uneasiness as we witness the destructive behavior of a man being pushed to his limits by a young man. But the wife character is the most compelling as she must navigate her complex feelings about her husband and explore the new feelings that she experiences meeting this younger, more exciting young man. The trio of actors deliver engrossing and authentic performances and Polanski shoots such an engaging cinematic experience.

The Black Cauldron (1985)

Why is this the ugly stepsister of Disney Animation? The early and mid-80s were dark times for this animation studio before the Disney Renaissance came to life. Interestingly, they delivered arguably their darkest effort to date this bone-chilling and eerie fantasy adventure. The Black Cauldron has its strengths in its atmosphere and tone. John Hurt is excellent as the malicious and haunting Horned King. His army and henchmen are scary and intimidating. Many of the elements of the film are familiar as The Black Cauldron comfortably leans into the tropes and elements that have defined fantasy. If you can get past an annoying and insufferable protagonist, this fantasy film delivers an eerie and atmospheric animated genre experience with a darker edge.

Fire and Ice (1983)

What is the most “80s” animated film you can think of? Ralph Bakshi’s cult classic Fire and Ice just might take the cake. The rotoscoped presentation was popular at the time and brought a more naturalistic approach to bringing this wild ensemble of characters to life on screen. This is a film that leans into violence, action, sex, and genre elements that will grab your attention. The characters are not fleshed out, but this overall experience is quite a thrilling and epic adventure. The mixture of medieval elements and prehistoric ones gives Fire and Ice such a unique and interesting aesthetic. The action is brutal and thrilling which becomes the trademark of this wild and weird animated experience. There might not be a ton of depth, but Fire and Ice is filled to the brim with so many genre elements that you can enjoy.

Cloud Phenomena of Maloja (1924)

Are you ready for a gorgeous cinematic experience? Cloud Phenomena of Maloja is a striking film that captures the impressive cloud phenomena over Maloja. This is a nature-style documentary film that focuses on precise and striking cinematography and gorgeous elements of nature. For just 10 minutes, you can lose yourself in a fully engrossing experience. Towering mountains. Beautiful clouds. Rich forest. Cloud Phenomena of Maloja has it all. Arnold Fanck had a simple mission and accomplished it in spades which has made this short film stand the test of time and become an influence for other filmmakers like Olivier Assayas.

Frenzy (1972)

Did Hitchcock have much in the tank with his second to last feature film? Frenzy is a return to the UK and the first R-rated film in Hitchcock’s career. Kinks. Strangulation. Murder! Frenzy is a film that crafts a compelling mystery with plenty of suspense and tension. Jon Finch and Barry Foster lead the way as the suspect and the actual murderer as they each deliver intense performances. The thrills are accentuated by the impressive craftsmanship that Hitchcock injects along the way. There are compelling and visceral moments with the use of dynamic camera techniques and editing. The big set piece of the film finds Foster wrestling with a corpse on the back of a truck in a wild and intense sequence. Frenzy might not be top tier Hitchcock, but most filmmakers would be elated to have a film with plenty of compelling characters, twisted themes, and plenty of tension like this one.

Top Secret! (1984)

How many comedy classics do Zucker/Abrahams/Zucker have? Airplane! and The Naked Gun might get most of the attention, but they had another comedy classic with Top Secret! Val Kilmer is a delight as the protagonist. He nails all the musical performance numbers and has some impressive comedic timing. For an actor who had such a serious reputation, Kilmer felt right at home with this role. The story is jammed packed with espionage, rebellion, fascism, rock’n’roll music, and plenty of other impressive elements that splash together with that Zucker/Abrahams/Zucker alchemy. The comedy is excellent with all the trademarks of Zucker/Abrahams/Zucker comedies. Background sight gags. Play on words. Pop culture references. Slapstick comedy. All of it with plenty of comedic home runs. Throw in a little romance and you have yourself quite the fun ride.

Conan the Barbarian (1982)

What is the manliest film ever put on the big screen? John Milius has a great contender with his directorial effort of Conan the Barbarian. This was a true coming out party for Arnold Schwarzenegger, who brought his immense physique to the screen. Muscles bulging everywhere, a giant sword in hand, and vengeance to be had. This is a simple premise as Coanan grows to adulthood and vows vengeance on the man who killer his parents and committed genocide on his people. The opening of the film is a pulsating, visceral, and brutal sequence that packs plenty of drama as well as action. This sets the tone for a wild ride of action and fantasy. Sorcerers. Witches. Wizards. Magic. Demons. Giant snakes. There are plenty of fantasy elements that Milius (and cowriter Oliver Stone) can pack into the film. The action is brutal and visceral. But it is the score from Basil Poledouris that ties this film together and gives it the epic feel that it has.

The Intouchables (2011)

Are you ready to get your heart warmed? The Intouchables is one of the most moving and earnest films you will probably ever watch. The unexpected friendship between a rich man confined to a wheelchair and a rambunctious and passionate man. The dynamic duo of Omar Sy and Francois Cluzet makes for so many amazing moments in this film. Cluzet is reserved and refined but he has plenty of emotion just underneath the surface. Sy is a charismatic burst of energy into the film, and he just oozes charm throughout. There are some truly fun and lovely supporting characters along the way as well. The film might not dig deep into some of its more complex issues but there is just so much emotion and joy. The use of Earth, Wind, and Fire is excellent and delivers a pair of moving and poignant sequences. Those two-hour blows by nothing but its beautiful story will stick with you long after.

Floating Free (1978)

Do you like Ultimate Frisbee? Well…this documentary gives you ten minutes of some of the most thrilling and exciting highlights of 1977’s World Frisbee Championship! The slow-motion shots are sharp and capture the action in fun and exciting ways. But even better…there are dogs! The human frisbee play is fun to watch but the dog sequences are downright joyous and wonderful. These ten minutes might be simple, but it is a fun ride with all the frisbee action.