The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland Reviewer Recommends (November 30th, 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:     

Predator (1987)

What is one of the greatest science fiction, horror, action mashups of all time? When John McTiernan delivered Predator to audiences in 1987, it was something special. The first third is what everyone wanted out of an action film at the time. Big guns. Bigger explosions. Even bigger muscles on action heroes throwing one-liners around like nobody’s business. But there are layers to this film. The mystery surrounding this jungle mission. The subtle hints at a bigger threat. This sharply written action flick has plenty of intriguing layers from Jim and John Thomas. But the visceral, raw, and intense experience that McTiernan crafts is second to none. The subversion of the 80s action landscape is engrossing watching powerhouses like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Carl Weathers, Jess Ventura, and Bill Duke pushed on their heels. The effects that bring the alien threat to life are incredible along with the iconic character design. This is a special genre-bending thrill ride that rises above so many action flicks on the era.

The Thin Man (1934)

Who doesn’t enjoy a little old tale of murder? The Thin Man is a classic comedic mystery that finds a retired detective with too much time on his hands and a missing inventor to find! William Powell has that perfect voice for Old Hollywood films and a classic look that made him stand out in the realm of movie stars. Powell’s Nick Charles might be a little drunk and ever more bored playing around with his wife’s fortune, but she gets him back in the game with her charming sense of adventure. Myrna Loy is a charming partner for Powell on screen as well. There are some high society shenanigans, intense interactions with dangerous people, and plenty of laughs along the way as well. This film has a spry tone and energy that will keep the audience chuckling and on their toes. This might be a little chatty, but it does engage you for the 90-minute runtime with its charismatic cast and characters.

Sunset Boulevard (1950)

What is one of the greatest Hollywood tragedies ever put to film? 75 years ago, Billy Wilder delivered one of the defining films of noir and films about filmmaking with Sunset Boulevard. This film opens with sharp narration and the most iconic of all “how did I get here?” openers. William Holden’s corpse floats in a swimming pool and begins to tell the tale of an underachieving screenwriter and a delusional and unstable former starlet. Wilder’s script is full of perfectly delivered narration and sharp dialogue. There are some of the most iconic lines in film history sprinkled throughout this noir. Gloria Swanson delivers one of the biggest and most iconic performances in the history of film as Norma Desmond. Holden delivers one of the best performances of his impressive career. Full of dark wit and tragedy, this dark romance is an enthralling and entrancing cinematic experience.

Ennio (2024)

How do you capture the magnificent work of one of cinema’s greatest composers in a documentary? Guisseppe Tornatore did one of the most amazing job imaginable in capturing the immense talents of Ennio Morricone in Ennio. The way that the music of Morricone is leveraged and portrayed in this documentary is awe-inspiring. The music speaks for itself, but the montages set to these pieces are sharply edited, perfectly constructed, and accentuate the musicality of Morricone’s compositions. The depth added by these informed, intelligent, and talented commentators is quite impressive. The way that Tornatore captures the mind of Morricone through his interviews is quite profound. This is a towering example of documentary work elevating and capturing the power of art and a truly great artist.

Starman (1984)

To what lengths will you go to feel the touch of your dead husband once again? John Carpenter captured such a powerful feeling such as this with his science fiction thriller, Starman. There are some strong romantic elements injected into this first contact story as well. Karen Allen portrays a depressed widow whose dead husband’s face and body is replicated by a visiting alien (Jeff Bridges). After some terrifyingly unnerving body horror and practical effects, Carpenter takes his audience on a harrowing and romantic thrilling ride. Bridges deliver such a unique and complex performance as this alien replicating a human. Allen delivers such an empathetic and engaging turn that makes you wonder why she slowly disappeared from cinemas after this. There are beautiful moments like these two beings connecting intimately as well as the resurrection of a deer. There are big bombastic moments as well as an all-out military operation that arrives in the third act as this alien desperately attempts to go home. There are plenty of great sci-fi elements that wrap around a romantic story about grief and healing.