The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland Reviewer Recommends (September 14th, 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:     

Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991)

Why is Terminator 2: Judgement Day one of the greatest action and science fiction films of all time? First off, this is also one of the greatest examples of how to make a sequel. You take everything that worked on the first film and build off it. The effects have evolved with James Cameron’s impressive talent as a cinematic magician. The T-1000’s liquid appearance is so unique and impressive. The character of Sarah Connor evolved from a timid young woman into one of cinema’s greatest badass women. Arnold Schwarzenegger gets to jump onto the other side of the line and show the audience how a machine can become more human. His one-liners are iconic, and his physicality is unmatched. The exploration of artificial intelligence and fate is so poignant and gives depth to this impressive genre flick. The action is so practical, visceral, and full of energy. Cameron made a film that does everything right and gives the audience one of the greatest cinematic experiences in history.

Subway (1985)

Where did Luc Besson get his start on the big screen? His early effort of Subway is a thrilling, unexpected, and vibrant action flick led by Highlander and Mortal Kombat alumnus, Christopher Lambert. He makes up one half of the sexy and alluring leading duo of Subway with Isabelle Adjani. An unexpected romance builds between the thief of a tycoon (Lambert) and the tycoon’s disenchanted young wife (Adjani). Their chemistry electrifies the film along with the pulsation score and other music interludes that gives the film plenty of personality. From its opening chase, Besson’s Subway transfixes the audience with a thrilling experience. Lambert hides in the strange and weird Paris Metro which turns out to be filled with a zany and quirky batch of characters. From the chase and up until its tragic end, Besson shows why he is a cinematic craftsman worth experiencing.

La Femme Nikita (1990)

What is the calling card and crowning achievement of Besson’s career? The Fifth Element is certainly the mainstream hit that Besson could only wish for, but it is La Femme Nikita that truly put this man on the map. You can feel all the vibes of Besson’s work on display here and the music by Eric Serra really sets the mood and atmosphere. Anne Parillaud is sexy, alluring, vulnerable, and strong as the titular addict turned assassin. Her performance is a key to this film’s success for sure as she fills every scene with unmatched charisma. The supporting turns of Tcheky Karyo and Jean-Hugues Anglade as the men in Nikita’s life gives the film some depth. There is strong relationship drama and plenty of other thrilling elements that make this such a compelling experience. The climactic mission of the film has plenty of bloody twists and turns and a great minor turn from Besson regular Jean Reno. This is a compelling and stylish espionage film like few others.

Rounders (1998)

Is there anyone more charismatic than peak late 90s Matt Damon? Rounders is the perfect vehicle for such a charismatic young actor. This is a tense tale of the underground world of poker and high-stakes games. The dynamic duo of Damon and Edward Norton brings a lot to the table for this film. There are plenty of cliches from films like this (especially The Hustler) but the high-tension poker games work well thanks to John Dahl’s direction. The two confrontations between Damon and his Russian adversary, John Malkovich, are quite impressive. Martin Landau is a great addition as Damon’s law school mentor as well. Thoroughly entertaining, Rounders is a fun ride from start to finish.

The Great Dictator (1940)

What is the greatest speech ever given in a movie? Charles Chaplin’s powerful call to action at the end of The Great Dictator just might take the cake. This powerful message against Hitler, fascism, and authoritarianism is emotional and towering. But before this killer finale, there are two hours of impressive comedic elements. The opening of World War I sequence is one of the best sendups of warfare in the history of film. The physical comedy is as impressive as you would expect from a Chaplin film. The addition of sound is fantastic as well with the wild “speeches” from the titular dictator that are just a bunch of random German words standing out. The performance of Jack Oakie as the Italian Dictator of Bacteria. Then you have the globe scene…one of the greatest comedic sequences in the history of film. Chaplin’s late in career masterpiece is a wonder to behold.

The Lodger (1927)

Where did the “Hitchcock Thriller” all begin? Back in 1927, Hitchcock told a tale heavily influenced by one of Britain’s most infamous killers, Jack the Ripper. The Lodger tells the tale of a landlady who suspects her new lodger. Quiet. Strange. Isolated. This man draws suspicion during a time where women are being regularly murdered in London. This story looks at a darker side of humanity (like many of Hitchcock’s films) and where paranoia and suspicion can push us. Twists and turns leave the audience in a complex space to process these layered themes. Hitchcock shows off sharp filmmaking with montage editing and eerie visualizations. The Lodger is a wonderful and eerie film with a great reputation of being the greatest British piece of cinema up to that point.

Sleepless in Seattle (1993)

Who was the biggest icon of romantic comedies in the 80s and 90s? Nora Ephron wrote and all time classic in When Harry Met Sally…then took the reins of a couple of iconic films along with Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks. Sleepless in Seattle is an engaging and charming romance that leverages its stars Ryan and Hanks. They are both charismatic and bring plenty of energy and charm to the story. Hanks portrays a widower whose son gets him on a radio show, and his moving story inspires the love of countless women. It just so happens he charms Ryan’s soon-to-be bride. The film is a journey for these two to finally have a movie-inspired meet-cute. Ephron delivers a charming and sleek film that has mature and metropolitan vibes and lets her talented cast take the reins. Add Rob Reiner, Rosie O’Donnell, and Bill Pullman and you have quite the fun ensemble to enjoy.