The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland Reviewer Recommends (January 25th, 2026)

This series will highlight my weekly journey through previously released films, whether they are rewatches for me or new discoveries. Here are my picks:     

Superman (2025)

Are audiences ready for another Man of Stee1? James Gunn takes the reins of DC Comics on the big screen and delivers the first film in this new DCU, Superman. This film brings a live-in world to life with a whole cast of beloved characters. We have The Justice Gang who are fighting for justice in their own way. Lex Luthor has a grand conspiracy to get rid of Superman at any cost. This sprawling adventure takes Superman to desert nations under sieged to pocket dimensions to the Fortress of Solitude. Superman boasts an endearing and charming new cast member with Daivd Corenswet alongside the infectiously alluring and spunky Rachel Brosnahan. Luther is brought to life with such vigor, angst, and rage by the ever-talented Nicholas Hoult. This fun ride pits this Kryptonian hero against Luthor’s intelligence and endless resources. Plenty of laughs, tears, and smiles make this a splendid experience.

The Face of Another (1966)

Are you aware of the masterful work of Hiroshi Teshigahara? This Japanese filmmaker has delivered some expertly crafted and thought-provoking films in his great character. The Face of Another is a complex narrative about a man whose face is completely burned off. A doctor takes a risk and provides an opportunity for a new face…with some catches. The rules are clear, but the effects are not fully understood until it is too late. A twisted and thrilling experience finds its protagonist’s personality changing and leading to deception, violence, and destruction. This genre-bending film is quite a wild ride filled with impressive performance, a fine hand of filmmaking, and sharp direction. The Face of Another will keep you on your toes and engage you from the opening moments.

Secret Agent (1936)

Who doesn’t love a little bit of espionage to get your blood pumping? Alfred Hitchcock reached a peak moment in the mid-1930s with a string of fantastic espionage thrillers including this WWI thriller, Secret Agent. A man finds a new identity and mission with the British government, given a beautiful wife, and a dangerous ally to take down a German spy in Switzerland. Secret Agent has some strong performances (with Peter Lorre standing out as this dangerous ally “The General”). There are some intriguing twists and turns and unexpected death around each corner. There are some great set pieces including an expertly crafted tense investigation at a chocolate factory as well as an explosive trip on a train in the film’s climax. A strong theme about the value of life and how far you will push your boundaries for the greater good makes this a big win for Hitchcock and audiences.

Conan the Destroyer (1984)

Are you ready for some silly fantasy adventure? Conan the Barbarian was a deeply personal journey for the titular hero, but Conan the Destroyer takes him on a much lighter tone adventure. Arnold Schwarzenegger leans more into his quippy charisma than the first film which makes this journey a little more fun. You have plenty of big, muscular warriors who deal out plenty of bloody action. Grace Jones, NBA legend Wilt Chamberlain, and Mako make an interesting crew to join Conan on this wild adventure. This has a loose narrative that lacks tension, but it is fun with plenty of action. There are great stunts, make-up, and production design. This is a fun time…not a great time.

Mirror (1975)

Would you like to witness the expansion of the bounds of cinema? Mirror is a fascinating exploration of a dying man reflecting on his life. That might sound like the most compelling concept but in the hands of legendary Russian filmmaker Andrei Tarkovsky, Mirror becomes an engrossing and poignant exploration of time, memory, and the world around us. Some of the visuals in this film are the most striking you will ever see grace the silver screen. The setting, production design, and cinematography come together into some miraculous cinematic alchemy. Evocative and abstract, Mirror will push you and challenge you as an audience, but the experience is a rewarding one for sure.

Dave (1993)

Who wants to experience a charming and hopeful look into American politics? In our current political landscape (or hellscape…if you will), hope feels all but lost and there are few public servants who can be trusted. Dave is a charming and engaging exploration of purity injected into our political system and how it can bleed out corruption. Ivan Reitman delivers a film that might be a little too light-hearted for its heavy themes, but it is still endlessly entertaining. Kevin Kline is a revelation as the stern President Mitchell who is replaced by the wide-eyed, quirky, charming, and passionate Dave (our titular protagonist). There is plenty of humor, ideas about society, and romance which gives Dave some dynamic layers. The supporting cast is most impressive with Sigourney Weaver, Frank Langella, Ben Kingsley, Ving Rhames, and more. Political satire meets romance in this wonderfully delightful film.

Gulliver’s Travels (1939)

Did studios always just steal ideas and styles from other films? With the release of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, animation changed forever. Dave Fleischer wanted in on the game and delivered a fun (if flawed) adaptation of Jonathan Swift’s classic tale, Gulliver’s Travels. The animation style and songs feel ripped from Disney’s first feature length animated film. There is not a ton of story, but you cannot deny the energy, music, and action that is offered up in this early animated film. Some rotoscope-like technology brings Gulliver to life in a super realistic way. There are plenty of colorful shenanigans here to distract you from the world for a brief little time.