The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland Reviewer Recommends (October 12th, 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:     

Tron: Legacy (2010)

What is one of the most under-appreciated legacy sequels in the 21st century? Tron: Legacy deserves a lot more respect than it receives. Sure, it gets plenty of praise for a few of its elements. The score from Daft Punk is an all-timer with its distinct feel that matches this electronic video game world perfectly. The visual effects and production design are jaw-dropping. There are few films that are 15 years old with visual effects that hold up so well. Tron: Legacy is a towering achievement of filmmaking and Joseph Kosinski is finally getting his long due praise for projects like Top Gun: Maverick and F1: The Movie. Garrett Hedlund might not have been the most dynamic lead for the film (at least at the time) but Jeff Bridges does fantastic work in support along with the likes of Olivia Wilde and Michael Sheen. The story is compelling as well as Bridges’ Flynn is trapped in his own world but his most ambitious creation while trying to change the world for the better. This is thrilling, filled with exciting action, and brings the world of Tron into a whole new era.

Stranger with the Sword (2007)

Who doesn’t love hard-hitting and classic anime? Stranger with the Sword is a tale of a young boy stuck in a grand conspiracy and is taken into the care of a swordsman of a strange land. Masahiro Ando anime has gained a great reputation for its striking animation and for its visceral and dynamic action. A classic mix of hand-drawn animation and rotoscope work, the visuals are something to behold under the steady hand of Ando. The action is bloody, violence, and brutal in its authenticity. The dynamic between the mysterious swordsman, this boy, and his tough little dog companion is the heart and soul of the film. This is one of the most engrossing and thrilling anime of the 21^st century with its story stuck in a complex web of morality, devotion, and righteousness.

Don’t Look Now (1973)

How do you contend with the expectations of a known, shocking twist ending? Don’t Look Now is nothing like the wild and unexpected ending that has defined it. Up until its final stretch, this is a harrowing and engaging psychological drama. Nicolas Roeg was a compelling and challenging filmmaker who crafted visceral and visually arresting films. Don’t Look Now opens with a sharply crafted and horrific death of a young girl. The film rests on the creative vision of Roeg and the sturdy shoulders of its two leads, Donald Sutherland and Julie Christie. The emotion that they bring to experience allows for an empathetic and engaging exploration of grief. A slow burn drama that gives way to a horrific and intense thriller, Roeg’s film has plenty of emotionally poignant moments and uncomfortably unnerving ones as well. The finale is a wild swing and feels a little strange, but the journey is worthwhile in this Venetian set psychological drama.

Psycho II (1983)

How does one overcome the towering legacy of a film like Psycho? Hitchcock’s classic is one of the most famous horror/thrillers of all time. But few people realize that there are multiple sequels to this classic film. Psycho II is quite the effective thriller. This film tackles the idea of recovery and rehabilitation through the eyes of Norman Bates. Anthony Perkins delivers an engaging and empathetic performance that anchors this film in a moving drama wrapped with thriller elements. Not as refined and artistic as its predecessor, this is still effectively crafted with plenty of tension and suspense. Filled with some twists and shocks, Psycho II is a fine thriller worthy of a good watch.

The Long, Long Trailer (1954)

How many shenanigans will a young married couple get into with a giant trailer while on the road? There are so many gags in Vicente Minnelli’s classic comedy The Long, Long Trailer. This 50s comedy took two of television’s biggest stars and brought them to the silver screen. Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz were America’s couple, and they bring that stature and presence to this tale of a couple in their destructive trailer. There are so many great physical comedic beats throughout the film as they navigate the unfortunate pitfalls of living out of a moving trailer. Cooking accidents. Horrible weather. Tight mountain roads. All these basic elements come together to deliver quite the enjoyable and exciting classic comedy. Minnelli, Ball, and Arnaz come together for quite a fun road trip flick.