The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland Reviewer Recommends (December 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:     

Legal Eagles (1986)

Tackling a giant web of murder, lies, and betrayal when you can look at Robert Redford and Debra Winger for two hours, right? Ivan Reitman crafts a film that is certainly flawed but still has enough charm to engage the audience. There are a lot of moving threads in this part courtroom drama, part romance, part crime thriller. Reitman balances some interesting tonal shifts, but Redford and Winger always have great chemistry and a spark between them that makes the experience so engaging. The likes of the alluring Darryl Hannah and mysterious Terence Stamp help fill out this story. The grand conspiracy of the film has plenty of twists and turns along the way that will keep you on your toes.

The Double Life of Veronique (1991)

Have you ever felt like you are not alone out there? This strange and unexpected feeling is explored in the moving and creative drama from Polish director Krzysztof Kieslowski, The Double Life of Veronique. Irene Jacob delivers an impressive and dynamic dual performance as she explores the lives of two woman in different countries who are living paralleled and connected lives. Kieslowski’s film is gorgeous with its rich color, dynamic use of shadows, and the overalled textured presentation that is lacking from so many films today. This almost 35-year-old drama is a moving and emotionally impactful experience. There are twists and turns along the way, and this emotional journey is quite engrossing.

Casablanca (1943)

What is one of the greatest films of all time? There is a reason why Casablanca consistently is included in such conversations. Michael Curtiz’ war film drops audiences into a trying time for so many with the rise of the Nazis and the potential fall of Morocco to the fascist regimes growing in Europe. But there are a good sense of humor and some poignant romance between the film’s love separated lovers. The screenplay is quite impressive with a rich tapestry of interesting characters, plenty of great one-liners, a rich depth in its navigation of timing as well as the geopolitical issues of living under authoritarian rule. The cast is, top to bottom, top notch with Humphery Bogart leading the way with his steely and sarcastic club owner in Viche Morocco. Ingrid Bergman is electric and jumps off screen as Ilsa. Claude Rains is a delightful addition with some great presence and a sharp sense of humor. Casablanca is a gorgeous film that finds meaning inside of its perfectly crafted articles.

The Skin Game (1931)

What is the early Hitchcock film that took a harsh look at class warfare? The Skin Game finds two families in conflict who come from different types of wealth and privilege. The treasure being fought over is a beautiful bit of land that could continue to be a gorgeous place of nature or turned into the next big stepping stop in industrialization in the United Kingdom. The performances are grounded and impactful as much of the film lives in a dialogue-driven state. There are some impressive moments that show off Hitchcock’s talents as a director. The auction sequence is quite powerful with it shot mostly from the POV of the auctioneer. This might have its slow moments, but it is a human story of greed, lies, and deceit that engages all the way up to its tragic finale and evocative final shot.

Skyfall (2012)

What is the greatest James Bond film of all time? There are arguments to be made but Skyfall certainly has one of the strongest cases. Sam Mendes understands what makes modern cinema engaging and what made classic Bond films so beloved. Skyfall is the perfect mixture of classic Bond and the more grounded Daniel Craig era. Bond confronting his age and M getting a large role in the film are both inspired choices to shake things up. Naomie Harris, Ben Whishaw, and Ralph Fiennes are all wonderful additions to this new era of Bond. Then you have Javier Bardem who delivers one of the most memorable of Bond villains in Silva. The opening Istanbul chase is incredible, and the “Skyfall” credits sequence is a franchise best (thank you, Adele). The final confrontation on the Skyfall Estate is such a fresh and different twist for the Bond franchise. There are plenty of great nods for long-term fans and plenty of entertainment all around with excellent filmmaking.

A Canterbury Tale (1944)

What was the film that helped get the British people through the onslaught of German bombings in World War II? Funded by the British government, “The Archers” Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger took audiences to the country of England for A Canterbury Tale. Influenced by the writing of Geoffrey Chaucer, this film tells the story of three young individuals who find themselves on their own pilgrimage that leaves them in a quaint little village on the road Canterbury. A fun little mystery brings them together and this charming bunch keeps the audience engaged. This village is filled with interesting characters while Powell & Pressburger capture the beauty of this setting with their gorgeous filmmaking. The final stretch as they arrive in a war-ravaged Canterbury is thematically rich, emotionally resonant, and a beautiful piece of filmmaking. An earlier gem of their collaboration, A Canterbury Tale finds this dynamic duo doing some cinematic magic.

Friends with Benefits (2011)

Who doesn’t love a romantic comedy about casual sex? 2011 was the year for the “friends with benefits” comedies and Friends with Benefits edges out No Strings Attached just a bit. Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis might not be the strong of leads in this film, but they have some rock-solid chemistry together with Kunis being quite charming. There are some strong supporting turns from parents in the film with Patricia Clarkson and (especially) Richard Jenkins bringing something quite impactful to the film. There is a consistent tone throughout the film with a solid story that evolved well throughout the film. There are some good laughs and some charming moments. Will Gluck also finds some fun ways to subvert the romantic comedy genre as well with a movie within a movie starring Jason Segel and Rashida Jones. Woody Harrelson is a hilarious side character with plenty of funny beats, and you even get a pair of cameos from Andy Samberg and Emma Stone. Not the most original romantic comedy but it has its charm.