The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland Into the Past: 1994

Welcome to The Wasteland into the Past! Join this journey backwards in time as I take a cinematic look at years past. Each article will focus on a singular year and my Top 5 films from that year. Turn back the clock with me…and let’s get started! 

1994

The Shawshank Redemption

There is a reason that The Shawshank Redemption is the highest rated film on IMDB, right? This Stephen King adaptation is one of the most engaging and watchable films ever put on the silver screen. There is something so engrossing and dynamic. There are few filmmakers who truly understand how to translate King’s work into film. One of the best track records certainly is the resume of Frank Darabont. He channels the mysticism and mystery of this story without compromising on the rich soul that King has cultivated in his work. The combination of Darabont’s deft touch with the striking and rich cinematography of the all-time great Roger Deakins. The visuals of this film are so rich and textured that it gives the film a grand cinematic feel. The music by composer Thomas Newman is rich and textured as it dials in for each emotion that spans this impressive accident. The story is one of redemption (obviously) and growth. The film delivers one of the best uses of voice-over narration. This is not just the case because it features one of the smoothest and most engrossing voices to ever grace film (in the form of Morgan Freeman) but because it is a brilliant mix of mystery and inner self reflection. Freeman’s Red observes the journey of Tim Robbins’ Andy Dufresne who comes to Shawshank prison and over the course of decades changes the lives of everyone in that prison. The idea of institutionalization is embodied in the experience of Red who knows nothing else but prison. The tragic sequence of James Whitmore’s Brooks Hatlen getting out of prison is one of the most emotionally devastating in all of film. But Andy’s presence gives hope to all the other prisoners. Robbins brings an aloofness and mystery to this distant man who was convicted of killing his wife (but unlike his pals at Shawshank, he is innocent). Andy’s life at Shawshank leads him to become a victim, a friend, a mentor, and a symbol of rebellion. His playing music on the sound system for the other prisoners is such a cathartic and powerful moment. Red’s growth is just as powerful, and his series of parole meetings are the perfect snapshot of that. The antagonistic forces in the film are just as impressive. A trio of antagonists are unique and iconic. Bob Gunton is the conniving warden who has a shocking and deceptive mean streak. Clancy Brown brings his presence and powerful voice to the head guard who is a violence and “little man”. Mark Rolston brings another level of menace as the rapist and dangerous prisoner, Bogs. This film is stacked to the gills with an incredible cast. The filmmaking is impeccable. The big twist of the film delivers one of film’s greatest surprises and one of its most moving moments. The ending is just esquisse. The Shawshank Redemption is purely masterful. 

Pulp Fiction

What is the film that changed the game back during the 90s rise of independent cinema? Quentin Tarantino delivered one of the most beloved and influential films in film history. Pulp Fiction breaks so many of the rules of cinema while delivering one of the most interesting and engaging character pieces around. Tarantino’s whole style is the synthesis of his own cinematic journey and the delivery of culture pulp. Tarantino doesn’t just wear his influences on his sleeve. He offers a barrage of homages and cinematic echoes that are fascinating to experience. Pulp Fiction is technically a Los Angeles crime thriller, but it is so much more than that. There is an endless amount of personality, a collection of colorful characters, and some of the most memorable dialogue you have ever heard. The nonlinear story structure is leveraged to highlight a trio of characters who each have their own journeys in this interlocking screenplay. Tarantino makes the most of his limited budget while delivering a visual style that has soul, texture, and personality. There are certainly influences of 70s cinema that emanate powerfully from every frame. The soundtrack is full of inspired needle drops from iconic surf rock to Chuck Berry to all the pulpiest tunes of the 60s and 70s. Tarantino certainly injects this film with endless cool. The film closes in at a runtime of three hours, but you never feel that runtime. The dialogue is so sharp, cool, and engaging as its delivers plenty of laughs and badassery. There are so many iconic moments in the film that just feels like everyday chatter including the whole “Royale with Cheese” conversation and about foot massages. The iconic speech that Samuel L. Jackson’s Jules gives at the beginning and (especially) at the end of the film are just pure gold of dialogue. Each storyline in the film is filled with great characters, interesting dynamics, and strong drama. John Travolta’s Vincent Vega is one cool cat and taking his boss’ wife Uma Thurman’s Mia Wallace is one wild evening. $5 milkshakes, dance competitions, and overdoses make this a fun and thrilling ride. Bruce Willis’ Butch must survive one day trying to escape the mob which leads to some unhinged shenanigans with a gimp, rape, and shocking deaths. Jackson and Travolta are a perfect pairing in the final stretch that includes accidental headshots, cleaning, gourmet coffee, and a fateful conflict at a diner. The cast of this film is stacked for sure with Jackson being the biggest standout (and certainly would have deserved that Academy Award). There are some excellent supporting turns from the like of Harvey Keitel to Christopher Walken to Ving Rhames. Almost every character stands out in their own way with their talented performers and distinct personalities. Pulp Fiction is one of a kind…despite so many others trying to replicating it for years to come.

The Lion King

What is the crown jewel of the Disney Renaissance? There are some truly masterful entries in the early 90s, but an unexpected Shakespeare adaptation just might take the cake. The folks at Disney Animation decided to take one of the darkest of Shakespeare’s works in Hamlet and replace all the main characters with animals and set it in the African Savanna. The tale of a young prince whose uncle kills his father and he seeks revenge seems like the ideal kid’s movie (facetiously) but Roger Allers and Rob Minkoff bring this film to life perfectly. The Lion King is a rousing cinematic experience that combines gorgeous animation, catchy music, and plenty of humor mixed with drama. The animation is rich and colorful like few animated films to come out of Disney with the African flair and the gorgeous landscapes. The opening sequence is a beautiful mixture of visual and auditory splendor with the sunrise, the sea of animals, and the traditional African music working perfectly in tandem. There are gorgeous oases, dead lands, and spacious grasslands with Pride Rock being the central setting of the whole story. There are so many iconic songs throughout the film stemming from the inspired compositions of Hans Zimmer. When you combine that impressive music with the songwriting of rock legend, Elton John, you find yourself with some amazing music. “Circle of Life” to “I Just Can’t Wait to Be King” to “Be Prepared” to “Hakuna Matata” to “Can You Feel the Love Tonight”. They all stand out in their own ways but are all equally excellent. The story has plenty of heart as young Simba learns how to become a worthy king and leader for his pride and the rest of the animals. There are tragedy and betrayal along the way as well. One of the most emotionally devastating moments in any animated film is the death of Mufasa at the paws of his own brother, Scar. There is a great mixture of musical numbers and action (with the stampede sequence being one of the most impressive in animation at the time. The cast is truly special about this film as well. The combination of Jonathan Taylor Thomas and Matthew Broderick makes Simba such an empathetic and likeable protagonist (even when he can be a little selfish and immature). James Earl Jones lends his bellowing voice to the powerful and wise Mufasa. Jeremy Irons is deliciously villainous as the dangerous and conniving Scar. Nathan Lane and Ernie Sabella are pitch perfect as they bring the lovable comic relief duo of Timon and Pumba to life. There are plenty of other strong supporting turns from Madge Sinclair, Roan Atkinson, Jim Cummings, Whoopi Goldberg, Robert Guillaume, and Cheech Marin. The Lion King is beloved for so many reasons and truly is one of the greatest achievements in the history of Disney Animation.

Ed Wood

What film captures the love of filmmaking for the sake of it better than any other film? Tim Burton is not a filmmaker known for his work in biopics. His fascination with German Expressionism is something quite impressive but Burton has more range in his filmography than you might expect. Burton’s passion for the works of Ed Wood Jr. certainly shines through in this heartfelt and authentic presentation of “the worst director of all time”. From a filmmaking standpoint, the choice to shoot this in black-in-white is inspired. The period setting feels so real when presented in such a classic cinematic way. The visuals are so crisp and textured as they just pop on screen. The music of Howard Shore fits this atmosphere so perfectly (even if it does feel strange not to have Danny Elfman working on this film with Burton). There is a kookiness to the film that channels the more macabre cinema and television during Wood’s era and the decade to follow. The film certainly channels the macabre (in that specific Burton kind of way) but, more importantly, the heart and soul are so deeply affecting. This is a film about outcasts, weirdos, and dreamers. That is who makes up most of the audience. Audiences connect because it is about someone finally being themselves, finding their own squad, and chasing their dream no matter how much adversity is there. Wood is a represented young man in a relationship built on control and shame. Once he breaks away from this, he becomes who he truly is. Wood meets a wide range of entertainers who are on the outer rim of entertainment from an aging and dying Bela Lugosi to Criswell to Bunny Breckinridge to Vampira to Tor Johnson. All of them have been shunned by the big studios and find work in the more niche. When you see them all together, they look like a group of adults going out for Halloween. The truth is that they are just being themselves and they all accept each other for that. Outside of a tale of misfits, this is a fascinating look at the filmmaking process gone wrong. Wood had the passion…but was missing most of everything else you need to be a successful filmmaker. Ed Wood presents that so clearly with all the absurd directorial decisions he makes but they are all made from love for making movies (and trying to piece together something impossible and incoherent). Outside the passion of Burton, the cast is the other major key for this film. Johnny Depp is a far cry from the heartthrob from 21 Jump Street as he brings to life quite the quirky little weirdo. The was still relatively fresh back in 1994 (but has become Depp’s schtick by now). He might not deserve the Academy Award over Jackson in Pulp Fiction, but Martin Landau delivers such a raw, honest, and empathetic performance as Lugosi. The relationship between Depp and Landau is so earnest and powerful. Sarah Jessica Parker and Patricia Arquette play their love interests in the exact way that the film calls for (and more). The cherry on top is all the bonus supporting work from folks like Jeffrey Jones, Billy Murray, Vincent D’Onofrio (in a lone scene as Orson Welles), and Mike Starr. Charming, honest, and passionate, Ed Wood is a unique and lovely biopic that holds up.

Hoop Dreams

How many people are going to sit down for a three-hour documentary? Unless it is cut up into episodes and binged watched (seemingly the way to go in 2026), this would seem like a large undertaking. But there is something truly special when it comes to Hoop Dreams. There will probably be no other year with a documentary film this high in rankings, but Hoop Dreams was one of the best films of the already stacked year of 1994. As with Ed Wood, this is a film that speaks to dreamers. This dream? Becoming a professional athlete and making it into the NBA. Professional sports is a dream of many young folks who love a game and wish that they could make tons of money to do that for their professional career. Few people get to realize this dream but that does not stop two young, inner-city Chicago boys from dreaming big. There are many roadblocks and barriers to this life. You need to succeed as a kid in town leagues. Then you must keep an elite level in high school and college. Then you also must have luck or advantages that will make you stand out. Even then, that is no guarantee of making it as a professional basketball player (or any professional athlete). Effort and skill are just the basis. Money and privilege go a long way in making this happen. That is what makes Hoop Dreams so inspiring. These two young men have so much gone against them. They do not come from privilege. Their skills need to speak so much for themselves. Over the course of this documentary, the audience witnesses the struggles of these two young men. We witness their family life and the support network that is there to support them. There is love, struggle, passion, and suspense that fill out this nearly three-hour experience as they must jump through so many hoops with plenty of effort and energy. This film is a deeply human experience that feels so authentic and genuine. There is not “staged” feel as the audience is treated like a fly on the wall along this journey with these young men. There are some interesting layers as famous NBA stars make appearances that serve as a symbol that this dream could be right in front of them. Hoop Dreams is a sprawling journey because it is such a long road of success for these young men and director Steve James makes those three-hours fly by along the way. This documentary has transcended its place for one specific reason…Hoop Dreams is a great story.