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01.03.2022
West Side Story by Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise
Released in 1961
Viewing number 1
"Why do you kids live like there's a war on?"
Watched this for the first time to prepare for the Spielberg remake, and yeah, this one really does live up to the hype. I'll admit, it dragged a bit towards the beginning, but once it gets going, it really gets going! This film is basically a raging fireball of pure energy. The humour here is surprisingly hilarious, the dancing is unsuprisingly fantastic (that opening gang fight dance is an achievement), and the climax is just heartwrenchingly good. Do I think the Spielberg remake will beat the pure energy of this? Well, I'll just say my expectatations are high.
Cast ratings:
Natalie Wood: 4/5
Richard Beymer: 4/5
Russ Tamblyn: 3.5/5
Rita Moreno: 4.5/5
George Chakiris: 2.5/5
Cast MVP: Rita Moreno
99/100
02.03.2022
Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings by Destin Daniel Cretton
Released in 2021
Viewing number 1
"You can't outrun who you really are."
In reality, this film is very mediocre. It has way too much focus on the often cringey humour, it doesn't manage to strike an emotional core for the most part, the action sequences are nothing unique, etc. But the film is elevated to another level by the absolutely amazing performance from Tony Leung. His character is by all means pretty basic, but Leung does exactly what only a masterclass actor could do, which transforming that basic character to something unforgettable. Here he turns a basic MCU villain into a man blinded by grief. His monologue on the importance of names is probably the best piece of acting in any MCU film so far.
Cast ratings:
Simu Liu: 3.5/5
Tony Leung Chiu-wai: 4.5/5
Awkwafina: 2.5/10
Cast MVP: Tony Leung Chiu-wai
74/100
04.03.2022
Licorice Pizza by Paul Thomas Anderson
Released in 2021
Viewing number 1
"I met the girl I'm gonna marry one day, Gary."
First love in form of a nostalgic (if slightly feverish) daydream. Licorice Pizza is many things. It's messy, it's chaotic, it's laugh-out-loud hilarious, it's surprisingly moving, and it's basically all other words you can apply to the magical thing that is first love. Oh, and it's also one of the best films of 2021.
Cast ratings:
Alana Haim: 5/5
Cooper Hoffman: 5/5
Sean Penn: 4.5/5
Tom Waits: 4/5
Bradley Cooper: 5/5
Benny Safdie: 4/5
Cast MVP: Cooper Hoffman
100/100
05.03.2022 (1 out of 2 watched)
Red Rocket by Sean Baker
Released in 2021
Viewing number 2
"The universe is on my side, bro."
*Was a 94 on previous viewing*
Here's five things I noted down during a rewatch of this masterpiece:
1. When I rewatched this, I decided to focus on Rex's performance, and I must say: I really don't know why I decided to give Rex a 4.5/5 on my initial viewing. It's absolutely insane that the guy from Scary Movie 3 managed to give such a layered and complex performance. He both makes fun of Mikey by portraying him as a immature and stupid manchild, but also manages to find what makes Mikey such a deplorable human being by portraying him as an absolute egomaniac. Easily one of the best leading performances of 2021 and a performance I really underrated.
2. On rewatch, as good as Rex is, my MVP for the cast is still Suzanna Son. Son doesn't really get any moments to shine (unlike Rex), but she somehow makes every single moment she is on screen into one of those moments. She manages to turn a kind of basic part into a heartbreaking portrait of a girl being manipulated without her realizing it. Easily one of my favorite performances of the year, leading or supporting, male or female.
3. On performance I also underrated is Bree Elrod. I gave her an stunningly low 3.5/5 on my initial viewing, but on rewatch, I really found myself loving her performance her. She is of course hilarious, but she also has one of the most emotional scenes of the movie through her reaction to Mikey telling her that he is leaving. She is now up to a 4.5/5.
4. To my surprise, on rewatch, the funniest part of the whole movie was Ethan Darbone as the neighbor Lonnie. Ethan Darbone doesn't have any punchlines or big comedic moments by any means, but something about every line Darbone said became very darkly comedic once I remebered what happens to Lonnie. I don't think Darbone intended to do this, something which makes his performance an accidental stroke of dark comedy brilliance.
5. Of all the revelations I had during my rewatch of this movie, none of them were bigger than my revelation of what Baker was saying about America here. Those who know me also know I love myself some Americana, which is also why I love the works of directors like Jim Jarmusch and Sean Baker. Baker's portrayal of Americana in The Florida Project was already very bleak, but he really reaches a level of bleakness in his portrayal of Americana here that is almost terrifying. It's almost like every single piece of Americana, wether it be the ads, the food, the women or the politics, boost Mikey's ego. It almost makes him feel unstoppable. It's no coincidence that once he gets out of the Lonnie disaster, he goes and makes his biggest mistake.
"I'm on the top of my game right now on like every single possible level. Physical, stamina, my mind is sharp. Dude, with my skill and ability and my eidetic memory shit, there's no denying what I could do. The universe is on my side, bro."
Cast ratings:
Simon Rex: 5/5
Suzanna Son: 5/5
Bree Elrod: 4.5/5
Ethan Darbone: 3.5/5
Cast MVP: Suzanna Son
98/100
05.03.2022 (2 out of 2 watched)
West Side Story by Steven Spielberg
Released in 2021
Viewing number 1
I know this is a bit of a controversial opinion to have, but I just don't get Spielberg. I know a lot of people think he is one of the greatest filmmakers ever, but I have never found a film from him I can honestly call perfect. Sure, I love Jaws, Raiders Of The Lost Ark and Schindler's List as much as the next guy, but I have never been able to call them perfect 10/10 films. Going into Spielberg's adaptation of West Side Story, my hopes were high, as I honestly loved the 1961 version. But going out of it, I was impressed, but undeniably disappointed. First of all, there are things with this version that improve on the original. The acting is undeniably better. As good as Natalie Wood and Rita Moreno are in the 1961 version, Rachel Zegler and Ariana DeBose are maybe even better. The two gang leaders are also portrayed much better here. David Alvarez improves on George Chakiris' rather stiff performance from the 1961 version as Bernardo, giving a much more intense and energized version of the role. And then we have Mike Faist as Riff, which is basically one of my favorite supporting performances of the 2021. The guy has an undeniably unique prescence which is quite unmatched when it comes to performances from 2021. The visuals of this version are also arguably better than the 1961 version. But I must say, this version lacks the vibrance and emotion of the 1961 version. It certainly matches the energy of the 1961 version, but I went out of this one unsatisfyingly unmoved. Still, I of course can't deny how well made it is, but it almost seems like Spielberg has forgotten how to have fun or emotion with his films. But y'know, I had a good time, I was entertained and I walked out quite impressed overall, but just know that I will be returning to the 1961 version before I return to this one.
Cast ratings:
Ansel Elgort: 3/5
Rachel Zegler: 4.5/5
Rita Moreno: 4/5
Ariana DeBose: 4.5/5
David Alvarez: 4.5/5
Mike Faist: 5/5
Cast MVP: Mike Faist
84/100
06.03.2022
The Batman by Matt Reeves
Released in 2022
Viewing number 1
"I am vengeance."
I'll admit it: I have never understood the hype around The Dark Knight. I mean, I have always thought it was pretty good, but I never understood why it is often listed alongside some of the best films ever made. Sure, Heath Ledger is arguably brilliant, but it never was what I wanted from a Batman film. It's flawed portrayal of Batman and it's blurred morals certainly made it a step closer to the perfect Batman film for me, but it still wasn't it, y'know? I have always wondered what the perfect Batman film would be, and I have never really had a definitive answer. But last night when I went to my local cinema to watch Matt Reeves' The Batman, I got that answer. This motherfucking movie is everything I have ever wanted from a Batman cinematic adaptation! Shadowy noir-inspired cinematography, blurred moral lines, the fact that there's no one you can trust, dangerous members of the mafia, a serial killer reminiscent of the Zodiac killer, an almost gothic portrayal of Batman, and an actually flawed and human portrayal of our protagonist! This is everything I have ever wanted from a Batman movie and I can't thank Matt Reeves enough. I'll admit, this movie isn't perfect, but I'm still oh thankful for it. A damn masterpiece and one I feel won't get dethroned by any other superhero movie soon.
Cast ratings:
Robert Pattinson: 4.5/5
Zoe Kravitz: 4/5
Paul Dano: 4.5/5
Jeffrey Wright: 3.5/5
John Turtorro: 3.5/5
Peter Sarsgaard: 3.5/5
Andy Serkis: 4/5
Colin Farrell: 3.5/5
Cast MVP: Robert Pattinson
98/100
07.03.2022
Dr. Strangelove Or: How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love The Bomb by Stanley Kubrick
Released in 1964
Viewing number 4
"Peace is our profession."
Well, this movie sure aged well.
Cast ratings:
Peter Sellers: 5/5
George C. Scott: 5/5
Sterling Hayden: 5/5
Keanan Wynn: 4.5/5
Slim Pickens: 5/5
Cast MVP: Peter Sellers
100/100
08.03.2022
The Cremator by Jujaj Herz
Released in 1969
Viewing number 1
"No one will suffer. I shall save them all."
I'll admit, it really did take some time for it to click with me, but once it clicked, it fucking clicked. Holy shit, this movie is soooooooo good! I love the blend of surrealist horror and pitch black humour. I love the experimental cinematography and editing. I love the frankly incredible and subtle foreshadowing. I love Rudolf Hrusinsky's insanely creepy performance. I love the exploration of nazism, narcissism and conformity. That being said, since it took so long for me to understand, I have to wait until a rewatch to give it a 10. I'm pretty sure that I will come back to this one pretty soon though.
Cast ratings:
Rudolf Hrusinsky: 4.5/5
Cast MVP: Rudolf Hrusinsky
99/100
09.03.2022
All That Jazz by Bob Fosse
Released in 1979
Viewing number 1
"It's showtime, folks!"
Bob Fosse's magnum opus All That Jazz is as self-depricating as it is self-indulgent, as unbelivably dark as it is sweet, and as twistedly humorous as it is surprisingly heartfelt. Lead by an all-time great performance from Roy Scheider, this masterpiece is arguably one of the most inventive, engaging and effective films on the subject of death. I found it a bit dragging towards the beginning, but is just kept gaining momentum. The last quarter of this film is peak cinema for me. Has an incredibly big chance at becoming a perfect 10/10 on rewatch.
Cast ratings:
Roy Scheider: 5/5
Cast MVP: Roy Scheider
99/100
10.03.2022
Rushmore by Wes Anderson
Released in 1998
Viewing number 1
"I saved Latin. What did you ever do?"
Unfortunately my least favorite Wes Anderson film I have seen as of now. It does have some really good performances (especially Bill Murray) and also has it's moments, but most of the time feels a bit dull and aimless. I kind of walked out of this one not understanding what Wes was trying to say. But even though it's a bit bad for Wes Anderson standards, it's also an undeniably good time. But if you want a entertaining good time of a movie directed by Wes Anderson, there are certainly better films to go to than this one.
Cast ratings:
Jason Schwartzman: 4/5
Bill Murray: 4.5/5
Olivia Williams: 4/5
Cast MVP: Bill Murray
78/100
11.03.2022
A Pigeon Sat On A Branch Reflecting On Existence by Roy Andersson
Released in 2014
Viewing number 1
"It's so beautiful, but horribly sad too."
Pure absurd genius. Andersson throws scenes at you that are so pointless that they make you think "What's the point?", a question he then uses to send you into a brief existensial crisis on human existence. Perfectly captures the absurdity, sadness and pointlessness of existence, but also manages to capture the small intimacies that make this strange fever dream so worth it.
No cast ratings for this one, as this one is by no means a cast driven film. Kind of feels like rating the performances here would ne against the point of the film.
100/100
12.03.2022
Amores Perros by Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu
Released in 2000
Viewing number 1
"Is this a kidnapping or a robbery?"
"It could be the last day of your life."
Quite possibly one of the bleakest films ever produced. The world the characters inhabit is so "dog-eat-dog" that the main metaphor of this film literally is how people treat dogs. I honestly have a hard time choosing which of the three stories is my favorite. The first one is maybe the most suspenseful and engaging, showing off how good Gonzalez is at making pure energetic cinema. The second probably starts off the weakest, but by the end, it becomes arguably the most emotional of the three stories, especially because of it's genius ending metaphor. And the third one is just brilliant, led by a frankly brilliant performance from Emilio Echevarria as El Chivo. This film is a perfect example of Gonzalez' strengths and weaknesses as a film maker. A truly great piece of despaired cinema.
Cast ratings:
Gael Garcia Bernal: 4/5
Vanessa Bauche: 3.5/5
Goya Toledo: 4/5
Alvero Guerrero: 4/5
Emilio Echevarria: 5/5
90/100
13.03.2022 (1 out of 2 films watched)
Jojo Rabbit by Taika Waititi
Released in 2019
Viewing number 3
"Fuck off, Hitler!"
*Was a 97 on previous viewing*
Watched in class. Yes, you read that correctly. A teacher did in fact show the movie about a nazi boy who's imaginary friend is Hitler to the whole class. Kudos to that teacher. Their bravery will surely be rewarded.
Cast ratings:
Roman Griffin Davis: 4.5/5
Thomasin McKenzie: 4.5/5
Scarlett Johansson: 4.5/5
Taika Waititi: 4/5
Sam Rockwell: 5/5
Rebel Wilson: 3/5
Stephen Merchant: 4/5
98/100
13.03.2022 (2 out of 2 films watched)
Spencer by Pablo Larrain
Released in 2021
Viewing number 1
"Will they kill me, do you think?"
I had a hard time writing a review for this, as this movie kind of just left me speechless. It's true; Kristen Stewart gives one of the year's best performances, the cinematography is horrifyingly beautiful, and the score by Jonny Greenwood is maybe the score of the year. This film really makes an impact on you. That ending is going to stay with me for a while. By far one of the best films of the year.
Cast ratings:
Kristen Stewart: 5/5
Timothy Spall: 4.5/5
98/100
14.03.2022
Blade Runner by Ridley Scott
Released in 1982
Viewing number 2
"Too bad she won't live. But then again, who does?"
Today, I decided to give Ridley Scott's infamous Blade Runner (a movie I have always more admired than loved) another spin. The opening credits rolled, and when set to Vangelis' gorgeous score, I was instantly immersed. And then that opening shot played and Vangelis' score just blossomed. My mouth was honestly wide open with amazement. I really kind of got a bit choked up. Something had clicked this time around, something which didn't click the first time.
This whole film is just stunning. I feel like had chills through the entire film. It's such a profound exploration of what it is to be alive. I feel like the opening shot perfectly explains the whole movie: One of the most beautiful shots ever put onto the silver screen, but very clearly made with special effects. It's real and beautiful, but artificial and fake. The whole film really walks this perfect line of beauty and artificiality, making for a undeniably complex and intriguing piece of cinema that feels like a gorgeous daydream.
A new top 10 favorite.
Cast ratings:
Harrison Ford: 4.5/5
Rutger Hauer: 5/5
100/100
15.03.2022
The Batman by Matt Reeves
Released in 2022
Viewing number 2
"Who the hell are you?"
"Me? I am vengeance."
*Was a 98*
Well, to my surprise, all my small nit-picks with this film really just vanished on a rewatch. This film truly is the peak of comic book cinema. This is officially a masterpiece™.
Cast ratings:
Robert Pattinson: 5/5
Zoe Kravitz: 4/5
Paul Dano: 5/5
Jeffrey Wright: 4/5
John Turtorro: 4.5/5
Peter Sarsgaard: 3/5
Andy Serkis: 4/5
Colin Farrell: 4/5
Cast MVP: Paul Dano
100/100
16.03.2022
Your Name by Makoto Shinkai
Released in 2016
Viewing number 1
"What's your name?"
I have to admit that I really enjoyed the first half of the movie, I just didn't get the hype. But then the third act just ... Did that. Haven't gotten this choked up during a movie for some time. I honestly can see this one getting the big 10 in the future.
No cast ratings, as I still haven't figured out how to rate voice performances.
98/100
17.03.2022
Scream by Wes Craven
Released in 1996
Viewing number 1
"Not in my movie."
This will probably sound like a bit off a weird claim, but this movie is honestly to horror movies what Hot Fuzz is to action movies; Just as much parody as respect and homage to the genre it is covering. A seriously smart and creative movie, one that will have you shaking with fear one second and laughing hysterically the other.
Cast ratings:
David Arquette: 3.5/5
Neve Campbell: 4/5
Courteney Cox: 3/5
Matthew Lillard: 2.5/5
Skeet Ulrich: 4/5
Drew Barrymore: 3.5/5
Cast MVP: Skeet Ulrich
97/100
18.03.2022 (1 out of 2 films watched)
One Week by Buster Keaton and Edward F. Cline
Released in 1920
Viewing number 1
"Now look at the darned thing!"
Deserving of being known as Keaton's best short film. Some of Keaton's greatest gags and most daring stunts, all set around what is arguably one of the greatest and most iconic set pieces of all time. Really great.
Cast ratings:
Buster Keaton: 4/5
Sybil Seely: 3/5
Cast MVP: Buster Keaton
84/100
18.03.2022 (2 out of 2 films watched)
Mishima: A Life In Four Chapters by Paul Schrader
Released in 1985
Viewing number 3
"I wanted to explode, light the sky for an instant and disappear."
Today, I had what may be one of the worst days of my life. Nothing significant happened, I just had not felt so unmotivated, self-loathed and depressed for some time. I eventually decided I had to watch a movie to try to feel a bit better. I could have watched something funny like Some Like It Hot, I could have watched something that made me happy like It's A Wonderful Life, but for some reason, I decided to watch this movie. As bitter as an outlook this movie has on life, it also is so overwhelmingly beautiful that it somehow reminds me why I love life. This is the greatest movie ever made.
Cast ratings:
Ken Ogata: 4.5/5
Cast MVP: Ken Ogata
100/100
19.03.2022 (1 out of 2 films watched)
After Yang by Kogonada
Released in 2021
Viewing number 1
"There is no something without nothing."
Maybe the most tender movie I have ever watched? Incredibly vibrant, meditative and empathetic. Colin Farrell and Justin H. Min give two of the best performances of 2021. That ending Mitski needle drop is perfection. Also, Colin Farrell dancing reminded me why I love cinema. Please go watch this.
Cast ratings:
Colin Farrell: 5/5
Jodie Turner-Smith: 4/5
Malea Emma Tjandrawidjaja: 4/5
Justin H. Min: 5/5
Cast MVP: Colin Farrell
100/100
19.03.2022 (2 out of 2 films watched)
Phantom Thread by Paul Thomas Anderson
Released in 2017
Viewing number 2
"Kiss me, my girl, before I'm sick."
Every time I watch PTA's masterpiece Phantom Thread, I always find myself comparing it to the most famous romance ever put on screen; Gone With The Wind. If Gone With The Wind is the ultimate romance, then Phantom Thread is the ultimate anti-romance. Phantom Thread is small where Gone With The Wind is grand, subtle when Gone With The Wind is in-your-face. But most noticably, Phantom Thread doesn't portray love as this thing that never ends and conquers everything bad. Phantom Thread is a more realistic portrayal of love. They say life is a roller-coaster with it's ups and downs, but so is love, something PTA clearly knows. But at the end of the day, it's worth it. Love is life.
Cast ratings:
Daniel Day-Lewis: 5/5
Vicky Krieps: 5/5
Lesley Manville: 5/5
Cast MVP: Daniel Day-Lewis
100/100
20.03.2022 (1 out of 2 films watched)
Sweet Smell Of Success by Alexander Mackendrick
Released in 1957
Viewing number 1
"Headache?"
"It's all the excitement. I'll go home and go to bed early, and you go to work."
"OK. Just don't leave me in a minor key?"
Jazz in cinematic motion. Some of the best writing, cinematography, directing, camerawork and acting I have ever seen in what may be the most morally fucked-up movie released during the 1950's. By all means a towering masterpiece. Respect the hustle.
Cast ratings:
Tony Curtis: 5/5
Burt Lancaster: 5/5
Cast MVP: Burt Lancaster
99/100
20.03.2022 (2 out of 2 films watched)
Hacksaw Ridge by Mel Gibson
Released in 2016
Viewing number 1
"We're not in Kansas anymore, Dorothy."
I'm a bit split on Hacksaw Ridge. It's by all means not the best movie. Sure, Andrew Garfield is amazing, and Hugo Weaving serves in a surprisingly strong (if a bit hammy) supporting performance. But as a whole, Hacksaw Ridge is a messy, over-the-top, at times unbearably preachy rip-off of films like Full Metal Jacket. That being said, I also kind of love this movie. Why? Well, to put it simply; It is batshit insane. Something about the cringey humour, over-the-top preachiness and mad action sequences make for one of the most entertaining, engaging and enjoyable movies I have watched in ages. And I'll admit, it also has some moments of surprising emotion and the second half is kind of amazing. This movie is a little confused all in all, but it's heart is undoubtably in the right place. I fucking love this movie, albeit for reasons both right and wrong.
Cast ratings:
Andrew Garfield: 4.5/5
Hugo Weaving: 4/5
Vince Vaughn: 2.5/5
Cast MVP: Andrew Garfield
93/100
22.03.2022
All That Jazz by Bob Fosse
Released in 1979
Viewing number 2
"I think I'm gonna die."
*Was a 99*
Ever since my dad died of cancer last year, I have been thinking about death. A lot. If there is one thing that terrifies me, it's the fact that death will one day take away everything I love about life. There's no avoiding it. And what makes it even more terrifying is that death doesn't happen at one specific moment for every single person. It can happen out of nowhere.
My fear of death has of course gotten worse since my dad died, which is exactly why I appreciate films like All That Jazz so much. Something about the fact that Bob Fosse managed to make a film this darkly comedic about his own death comforts me in the oddest way possible. Films like this one help me come to terms with my fear of death, albeit for just a brief period.
Thank God for cinema. I don't think I would have survived without it.
Cast ratings:
Roy Scheider: 5/5
Cast MVP: Roy Scheider
100/100
23.03.2022
A.I. Artificial Intelligence by Steven Spielberg
Released in 2001
Viewing number 1
"But in the beginning, didn't God create Adam to love him?"
Kubrick- and Spielberg's Blade Runner. One of the most melancholic, sad, bittersweet, yearning movies I have ever seen.
I know I have stated that I have never been the biggest Spielberg fan, but this is the first movie from him I can call perfect. It kind of feels like his style of filmmaking clicked with me for the first time. Kind of want to do a full deep dive into his filmography (starting with Duel, ending with West Side Story) after this.
Cast ratings:
Haley Joel Osment: 4.5/5
Jude Law: 4.5/5
Frances O'Connor: 4/5
Sam Robards: 3/5
Jake Thomas: 3/5
William Hurt: 3.5/5
Brendan Gleeson: 3.5/5
Cast MVP: Jude Law
100/100
24.03.2022 (1 out of 2 films watched)
Stop Making Sense by Jonathan Demme
Released in 1984
Viewing number 2
"Does anybody have any questions?"
Yeah, I have one ... How?
Seriously, how the fuck does this movie even exist? Every single time I watch this movie, I just can't believe that such a incredible feat of music was captured on film. The amount of talent and just pure energy radiating out of this movie is fucking unbelivable. The fact that the live recording here of "This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody)" actually beats the original is proof enough that Talking Heads is arguably one of the greatest musical acts of all time and that this is easily the most impressive musical feat ever captured on camera.
No cast ratings, as there are no actors.
100/100
24.03.2022 (2 out of 2 films watched)
Duel by Steven Spielberg
Released in 1971
Viewing number 1
"It was a nightmare, but it's all over now. It's all over."
My expectations weren't so high for this movie, but I was incredibly surprised. This here is an undeniably impressive debut. Spielberg here turns a relatively simple and kind of stupid concept into an absolute powerhouse of a thriller. I love how many ways you can interpret the story. No matter how you interpret this film though, this is an undeniably thrilling ride. Wonderful debut.
Cast ratings:
Dennis Weaver: 4/5
Cast MVP: Dennis Weaver
90/100
25.03.2022
Parallel Mothers by Pedro Almodovar
Released in 2021
Viewing number 1
"No matter how hard you try to silence it, human history refuses to shut up."
I have never been the biggest Almodovar film, but I honestly loved this movie. Almodovar's colourful asthethic and melodramatic stories have never really clicked for me, but when they were paired with the absolutely killer score from Alberto Iglesias, it made for a cinematic experience that's a lot of things. Beautiful, sad, colourful, vibrant, seductive ... Speaking of seductive, this honestly may be the sexiest movie of 2021. The film stars Penelope Cruz, who still is absolutely stunning, but it's also worth noticing that it has a scene involving a Janis Joplin "Summertime" needle drop, a needle drop that will probably go down as one of the spiciest needle drops to ever be projected onto celluloid. Also, speaking of Cruz (yes, I'm doing another "speaking of" segway), her performance here may be a career best. She nails every single aspect of her performance here. So yeah, this movie is great. That ending is going to stick with me for a while.
Now I'm kind of considering doing a Pedro Almodovar deep dive in the near future ...
Cast ratings:
Penelope Cruz: 5/5
Milena Smit: 4.5/5
Cast MVP: Penelope Cruz
94/100
26.03.2022 (1 out of 3 films watched)
The Sugarland Express by Steven Spielberg
Released in 1974
Viewing number 1
"We're in real trouble."
Underwhelming is the only way to describe this movie. It has it's moments, it has it's charms and it has a very good score from John Williams, but it unfortunately lacks engagement. Talk about a step down from Duel.
Cast ratings:
Goldie Hawn: 3.5/5
William Atherton: 3.5/5
Michael Sacks: 3/5
Ben Johnson: 4/5
Cast MVP: Ben Johnson
63/100
26.03.2022 (2 out of 3 films watched)
High And Low by Akira Kurosawa
Released in 1963
Viewing number 2
"I'd be rather be told the cruel truth than be fed gentle lies."
I have felt a very strong urge to rewatch this after the brilliant recreation of this film's final scene in The Batman. But while watching this, I kind of also realized that Parasite really is just a modern version of this movie. Yes, the class commentary is a lot more bold in Parasite than High And Low, but there are a lot of similarities between the two. Love seeing modern masterpieces like Parasite and The Batman refrence what is arguably the greatest thriller of all time.
Cast ratings:
Toshiro Mifune: 5/5
Tatsuya Nakadai: 4.5/5
Kenjiro Ishiyama: 4/5
Tsutomu Yamazaki: 5/5
Cast MVP: Toshiro Mifune
100/100
26.03.2022 (3 out of 3 films watched)
Jaws by Steven Spielberg
Released in 1975
Viewing number 2
"We're gonna need a bigger boat."
I'll admit it: Even though my relationship with Spielberg has largely been a love/hate one (even though he has now become one of my favorite directors), I have always loved Jaws. Basically the perfect blockbuster movie. Nothing quite like watching my shitty DVD of this movie.
Cast ratings:
Roy Scheider: 5/5
Richard Dreyfuss: 5/5
Robert Shaw: 5/5
Cast MVP: Robert Shaw
100/100
27.03.2022 (1 out of 2 films watched)
Close Encounters Of The Third Kind by Steven Spielberg
Released in 1977
Viewing number 1
"I know this sounds crazy, but ever since yesterday on the road, I've been seeing this shape. Shaving cream, pillows... Dammit! I know this. I know what this is! This means something. This is important."
Stunning. As frightening as it is awe-inspiring. As grand and entertaining as it is small and introspective. Those final 15 minutes are probably the best 15 minutes Spielberg ever directed. I think Spielberg just became one of my favorite directors.
Cast ratings:
Richard Dreyfuss: 4.5/5
Francois Truffaut: 4/5
Cast MVP: Richard Dreyfuss
100/100
27.03.2022 (2 out of 2 films watched)
1941 by Steven Spielberg
Released in 1979
Viewing number 1 (Extended version)
"Madness. It's the only word to describe it."
Your honor, I know the crime I'm being accused of, that crime being enjoying Spielberg's 1941, is by all means deplorable. 1941 is by no means a good movie, as it's "anti-war message" is lost in all of the chaos and wacky comedy. But, your honor, I have to admit that I was cackling with laughter throughout the whole movie. I loved the chaos of this, as it was as if Spielberg was making his own filmmatic toy box. And I also feel that you have to admit that the camerawork here is wonderful. Your honor, I know it's an absolutely disgusting thing I have done, but I have to admit that I loved this awful movie. I know the sentence will probably be very strong, but I plead guilty to enjoying 1941.
P.S: Turns out I actually saw the extended version. Just thought I'd leave that here.
No cast ratings (as of now), as I need to rewatch before I try rating the actors.
76/100
28.03.2022 (1 out of 2 films watched)
Raiders Of The Lost Ark by Steven Spielberg
Released in 1981
Viewing number 2 (I think)
"Snakes ... Why'd it have to be snakes?"
I was worried this wouldn't hold up on a rewatch, as it has been years since I watched this. But then I put in the DVD, turned on the projector and then heard those first notes of Williams' iconic score, something which lifted all my worries. This is probably one of the most entertaining and magical films in all of cinema. Probably Spielberg's best.
Cast ratings:
Harrison Ford: 5/5
Karen Allen: 4/5
Paul Freeman: 4/5
Cast MVP: Harrison Ford
100/100
28.03.2022 (2 out of 2 films watched)
Young Frankenstein by Mel Brooks
Released in 1974
Viewing number 1
"Werewolf!"
"Werewolf?"
"There."
"What?"
"There, wolf. There, castle."
One of the most insanely dedicated comedies ever produced. Yes, it's hilarious, but don't let that distract you from the fact that the cinematography and set design here may be the best in any comedy ever. And then we of course have Gene Wilder, who gives what is simply one of the greatest performances in comedy history here. Brooks really didn't have to go THAT far with this film, but he did. Absolute madlad.
Cast ratings:
Gene Wilder: 5/5
Teri Garr: 4/5
Marty Feldman: 4/5
Peter Boyle: 4/5
Cloris Leachman: 4.5/5
Madeline Kahn: 4.5/5
Cast MVP: Gene Wilder
90/100
29.03.2022
E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial by Steven Spielberg
Released in 1982
Viewing number 2 (I think)
"E.T. phone home."
I'm gonna say it: This movie is flawed. Not all the comedy works for me, and I have always found the beginning of the third act to be way too melodramatic and manipulative. But still, I can't dislike this movie. I just can't. There's just something so pure about it. And let's just face it: The end of the third act here is right up there with the opening scene of Raiders Of The Lost Ark and the whole third act of Close Encounters as Spielberg's greatest piece of filmmaking. Probably the greatest live-action family movie ever made.
Cast ratings:
Henry Thomas: 4/5
Cast MVP: Henry Thomas
97/100
30.03.2022
Naked by Mike Leigh
Released in 1993
Viewing number 2
"Have you ever seen a dead body?"
"Only me own."
This movie is a lot like it's protagonist, that protagonist being Johnny. Johnny is intelligent and clearly well-read. But once you rip away this intelligent facade, you see who he really is: An egoistical douchebag. It's seems his goal is to serve as poison to society. He often contradicts himself, something which he clearly doesn't care about as long as he can upset the person he is talking to. His thoughts on society and life poison the mind, something that for some reason makes him impossible to turn away from. It is suggested that there is something human about him, but that thought is ripped away once you get to the ending.
This movie really did mess me up on my first viewing, but I have not been able to stop thinking about it since. This movie is difficult, disturbing and probably the most bleak movie I know of, but there's something undeniably truthful about it's bleakness. Arguably one of the best films of the 90's.
Cast ratings:
David Thewlis: 5/5
Lesley Sharp: 4/5
Katrin Cartlidge: 4.5/5
Greg Cruttwell: 3/5
Cast MVP: David Thewlis
100/100
31.03.2022
Indiana Jones And The Temple Of Doom by Steven Spielberg
Released in 1984
Viewing number 2 (I think)
"What is Sankara?"
"Fortune and glory, kid. Fortune and glory."
Easily the worst film in the original Indiana Jones trilogy. It's tonally inconsistent, riddled with plot holes and kind of racist. But still, I'll be damned if you manage to find an action film better than this one. Undeniably entertaining and thrilling, as flawed as it is.
Cast ratings:
Harrison Ford: 4.5/5
Kate Capshaw: 3.5/5
Ke Huy Quan: 3/5
Cast MVP: Harrison Ford
81/100
Amount of films watched: 39
Average monthly score: 9.4/10
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