skip to main |
skip to sidebar
The Man Who Fell to Earth * * * ½
Directed by: Nicolas Roeg / 1976
Out of Control for Major Tom…
At times a bit too indulgent and arty “The Man Who Fell to Earth” is a movie I’m sure has challenged many viewers, even those celebrating in a too-quick-to-call-it cult masterpiece kind of way. Without a doubt interesting, epic and obtuse in its sci-fi realm, I do find it being quite dull even though there is rarely a dull moment. I think it boils down to appreciation more than actually liking it. Personally, I do think this one would have been something to group watch five-to-eight years ago, for its eccentricity, surreal visuals and of course Mr. David Bowie in a very game-on acting debut. In fact, I don’t see this movie working without The (very) Thin White Duke as alien Thomas Jerome Newton on a water retrieval mission to Earth. Maybe the original American cut would suit me better as it shortens his visit by twenty minutes and perhaps both Bowie and Rip Torn (even the ladies) keep their trousers on longer and the film's departure would get to me sooner. Of course a remake of “The Man Who Fell to Earth” is slated for release in 2009, but more than likely I’ll just stick with the original even if I don’t really plan on revisiting it. -djg
Thunderbolt and Lightfoot * * * * *
Directed by: Michael Cimino / 1974
The name might throw some people off into the "Cowboys and Indians" department. So might trying to label it into a specific genre. It’s an action movie…no wait, it’s a buddy movie…no wait, it’s a road movie…no wait, it’s a muscle car movie…no wait, it’s an outrageous comedy…no wait, it’s a gangster movie… no wait, there is a giant military gun…no wait, it’s a heist movie …no wait, it’s a fantastic movie and it’s a shame that filmmaker Michael Cimino has all but been banished from Hollywood since “Heaven’s Gate”! Cimino is under appreciated (well, except for “The Deer Hunter”, which is my least favorite of his three I’ve seen) and so is his “Thunderbolt and Lightfoot” as it’s another mini-masterpiece film gem of the 1970s. In all honestly, the movie shouldn’t have worked and I should have been groaning, but I had a grin on my face from start to finish. I was thoroughly engrossed in this wild ride starring a very-very cool Clint Eastwood and a very-very young and pre“ Dude” Jeff Bridges, who was nominated for an Oscar in a supporting role. In many ways I can see it as a touchstone for the Coen Brothers’ obtuse comedies as “Thunderbolt and Lightfoot” is really hard to pin, other than it’s a fantastic movie from a director who should be a major-major player now if Hollywood would come to their senses with “Heaven’s Gate”. -djg
JCVD * * * *
Directed by: Mabrouk El Mechri / 2008
Mickey Rourke made a comeback last year with a fantastic performance hitting close to home in “The Wrestler”. Though, not as great of a performance or movie as Rourke’s, Jean-Claude Van Damme in the movie aptly titled “JCVD”, is a close to home comeback for him in some regard. “The Muscles from Brussels” plays himself, even opening up some real life wounds, in this oddly touching and decently tailored heist movie with unique narrative. But, it’s more than a heist movie. Watching Van Damme in “JCVD” reminded me of the enjoyment I received from his action flicks of my youth. I think I need to revisit them soon and revisit this one some more. -djg
Star Trek * * * * *
Directed by: J.J. Abrams / 2009
Modern day father of sci-fi geeks, J.J. Abrams (he’s behind T.V.’s “Lost” and “Fringe” / 2008’s “Cloverfield”) was given the blue prints to a sci-fi kingdom, serving up a plate of classic with a fresh twist. How in the world did Abrams pull off to perfection something like this? His “Star Trek” is a genius work of sci-fi art and the best picture so far of 2009. Admittedly, I grew up a product of “Star Wars” as “Star Trek” always seemed outdated, un-cool and put-me-to-sleep paced. Not until getting married to a fan of the franchise did I see an original series episode in its entirety. Honestly, it still has the ability to put me to sleep, but I really find it quite fascinating and fun. Furthermore, I’m fascinated by the legacy it has impressed on many a mind and other-worldly sci-fi tale. With this explosive and seamless update, Abrams has me wanting to dive deeper into space with the Starship Enterprise. Oh, and I really want George Lucas to hand over the portal to his “Star Wars” galaxy so a fan boy like Abrams can properly restore Episodes 1, 2 and 3.
Pat Garrett & Billy The Kid * * * 1/2
Directed by: Sam Peckinpah / 1973
Though I’m a fan of director Sam Pekinpah, I’ve only see a handful of his work. His skilled balance of dynamics with drama, adventure, slight humor, unusual and memorable dialog, swift location and story shifts and underline graphic violence is masterfully executed, even if it feels at times dangling by a thread. But, that’s where I think Peckinpah found his comfort. Not only can his films get a bit uncomfortable but they always offer something unique and bold-plated to come back to, or to chew on you in the night. To me, that feels the work of a master film maker experimenting instead of meticulously pre-crafting a masterpiece and I like that. Now, I’m not well-versed in the art of Peckinpah’s process and I don’t think he took on projects on the fly, nor shot from the hips. I just see him as a nitty-gritty, likable film outlaw who left quite a mark in the dust. “Pat Garrett & Billy The Kid” isn’t up there with his best, though it has all of the Peckinpah approved pieces that are expressed even more in films like “Bring Me the Head of Alfredo Garcia”, “The Wild Bunch” and “Straw Dogs”. His movies can be hard to watch repeatedly, but it’s those awkward and loose moments, even little snips of words or an obtuse camera angle and a lingering moment, that I feel shine brighter than the whole of most big pictures.
Grandma’s Boy * * *
Directed by: Nicholaus Goossen / 2006
I think Adam Sandler’s production company Happy Madison (I wonder where they got their name?) could only put out a film like “Grandma’s Boy”. However, I don’t aim to cut the movie or its creators so short by saying such a thing. I didn’t love it as much as films like “Smiley Face”, “Office Space”, “Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle” or “Pineapple Express”, but I liked it a lot. In fact, “Grandma’s Boy” is kind of a cheaper combo meal of the aforementioned smart stoner comedies. Not exactly, but kind of…I think they all share similar genes in the cesspool of stupid-awesome. What am I getting at here? I don’t know, I just enjoy some great stupid-awesome comedies and this one is an overlooked decent, little nugget in a sand box of some pretty solid ones in recent years. I can't always relate to their immaturity on their sleeves, but in ways I can and always end up having a coma of good time. Keep 'em coming. -djg
Jack Brooks: Monster Slayer * * * 1/2
Directed by: Jon Knautz / 2008
Following in the footsteps of campy horror classics, I place “Jack Brooks: Monster Slayer” right below a couple of other recent higher budget, big name genre hits in “Bubba Ho-Tep” and “Slither”. The film has just enough development, mayhem, monsters, carnage and a lot of silly fun. Oh, and Robert “Freddy Krueger” Englund in an awesome role!
Help! * * * *
Directed by: Richard Lester / 1965
The Beatles’ follow-up to “A Hard Day’s Night” isn’t nearly as great, but “Help!” is still oddball, fantastic fun and surprisingly fresh to me.
Predator * * * *
Directed by: John McTiernan / 1987
I love me some classic ‘80s action. I love me some “Predator”: Arnold, Carl Weathers, Jesse Ventura, amazing screenplay, bad acting, muscles, blood, fire power, memorable lines, and an unexplained alien monster in the jungle! This past week I heard that filmmaker Robert Rodriguez is finally getting to make a “Predator” movie. Re-watching the original just made me even more excited for another one, and especially at the hands of somebody like Rodriguez who will more than likely jump-start the series. –djg
Bram Stoker's Dracula * * * *
Directed by: Francis Ford Coppola / 1992
Francis Ford Coppola’s “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” is flawed…is clumsy…is extremely awkward at times…is bloated…obsessively wears style on its sleeve…is almost entirely poorly acted…and I absolutely love it and appreciate it greatly! For those interested in a cheap Collector's Edition DVD, I found my two-discer recently at Target for only $5!
X-Men Origins: Wolverine * * * *
Directed by: Gavin Hood / 2009
I have a new favorite “X-Men” movie! I enjoyed the triple-pack of the first movies, but was left feeling overwhelmed with the amount of information and characters and not enough time spent in development and proper execution. They did contain plenty of fun and stuff blowing up though, so credit dished out there for sure. “Wolverine” is both awesome and entertaining, packing major punch too. It’s not perfect, but it doesn’t have to be, even when “Wolverine’s” claws got a bit too “Roger Rabbit” at times. Regardless “Wolverine” is the spectacle to open the summer blockbuster season and didn’t skip a beat. I wonder what origin is next?! Honestly, I could easily watch two more movies with Hugh Jackman’s “Wolverine” as the anchor.
Special * * *
Directed by: Hal Haberman & Jeremy Passmore/ 2006
It had some moments, but I think that “Special” had more potential to really be something special, than what was actually presented. The story is there, as a man signs up for a trial drug to boost self-confidence and ends up believing that he has super powers, but the movie came up short for me. However, one of the definite highlights is seeing actor Michael Rapaport in a movie like this. I don’t think he gets enough credit, and/or quality roles, so hopefully this one will open up some special doors for him.
CJ7 * * * * *
Directed by: Stephen Chow / 2008
I took a second spin with Stephen Chow’s wonderfully sweet “CJ7” and still think it’s his best work to date! Chow has been cranking out fantastic work for a while now, and I just really hope his work can get a much wider audience, because this creative genius storyteller deserves it!
Kill Bill Vol. 1 * * * * *
Directed by: Quentin Tarantino / 2003
I’m super stoked to see another official Quentin Tarantino release in the theaters this summer with “Inglourious Basterds”. It’s always a treat to see his work on a big screen, multiple times. “Kill Bill Vol. 1” was an incredible big screen experience for me and even still is on my smaller screen at home. And I saw “Kill Bill Vol. 2” for the first time at the drive-in, so that was even better! I hope to watch “Vol. 2” again this weekend as I slowly work through Tarantino’s catalog again and again before his epic-obtuse WWII film comes out in August. If you’ve yet to be convinced by the man’s talent(s), I feel sorry that you’re missing out on some incredible film flavors and fun! He just can’t make movies fast enough for me though! -djg
Check out the trailer...this one looks fantastic. -djg
