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Reviews
Fury (1936)
Just as relevant in 2021 as it was in 1936
Fritz Lang understood mob mentality better than anyone in cinematic history. I watched this movie in January 2021 for the first time, and the parallels between the characters in this movie and the mob that stormed the capital on January 6th are shockingly identical. This movie is timeless in the sense that the sociological mindset is so spot-on that this movie should be studied not just in cinemas classes but psychology classes as well. "Fury" is disturbing in it's accuracy and revered in its classic cinema mise en scene.
Ratched (2020)
Style assaults classic character
Ryan Murphy is a stylistic director, there's no denying that. Unfortunately, I've gotten to the point where I see one thing from him, I've seen it all. While he's pulled a couple good seasons of American Horror Story out on us, I was extremely disappointed with Ratched. Taking one of cinema's all-time greatest villains and drowning her in overly-saturated style and other assaults on the senses completely distracts from what has already been established as a slow-burn, methodical villain from one of the greatest stories of all time. There are so many other classic villains in cinematic history that could easily fit into the Ryan Murphy universe, but Ratched was not even close to it. Very disappointing for those who hold the character in such high regards from the annals of movie history.
Saria (2019)
Humanity in Horrific Conditions
I was fortunate enough to see a sneak peak of Saria, and I must say it is haunting and highly engaging. I saw Buckley's previous short ("Asad") years ago and loved how he managed to find the humanity in less-than-desirable conditions, and with "Saria" he goes way deeper. "Asad" had moments of light-heartedness and comedy, but "Saria" is far more dramatic, yet still showcases how in the worst of conditions the human spirit thrives to be free. I don't want to spoil anything, so I would encourage people not to read too much into the history of this true story, and instead just watch this emotionally disturbing story and soak in the realism. This is the kind of story that will stay with you WAY beyond its viewing.
Castle Rock (2018)
For thinkers and King fans only
Full disclosure, I post this review having yet to watch the 10th and final episode of season 1... which I canNOT wait to get to. Reading all these other reviews leads me to believe the posting parties were too busy playing games on their phone other than watching the show. The subtleties are numerous, and if you're even remotely with King's work then there should be enough to pick up on. If you read even deeper into King's work (the multiverse theories) then this is a mind-blowing experience you can't turn away from.
Us (2019)
Lower your expectations
This was one of my must-see movies going into 2019, and all the reviews I heard prior to seeing it said it was the best horror movie in years. People... lower your expectations. First off, the movie is fun and the performances are awesome (wasn't expecting Elizabeth Moss to be such a fun addition, and Lupita knocked it out of the park). Unfortunately, any "student of horror" can predict the ending in the first five minutes. It doesn't detract from the story, but the "big reveal" is more like a "no duh" sorta deal. The overall assessment here is that this movie is FAR from great, and will likely not even crack the top five for horror movies of 2019... a far cry from what initial reviews were saying.
Four Brothers (2005)
Knock-off all the d*mn "I hate Mark Wahlberg" crap and go see this movie!
I'll try and get straight to the point... This movie has one of the best car chases in recent memory, mostly because it takes place in the snow. I'm sure there have been plenty of car chases in crappy weather but this one was done fantastically. There is also an intense gun fight that will make any antigun/progun nut salvate. Check your ideologies at the door and just sit back and enjoy the ride. Benjamin Andree "3000" surprised me with his acting skills. There's maybe one or two scenes that struck me as a bit too much overacting (not necessarily by Andree) but the action and strong characters are enough to overshadow that. This movie has a little bit of everything that everyone can love. Older women will love the whole attachment to the mother deal and younger women will drool over Mark Wahlberg, Andree, etc (don't deny it... you girls know that's the only reason you have any interest in this movie). And guys, this is just a kick @$$ flick that you'll run to the stores to pick up as soon as it hits DVD... but don't wait, cuz it's definitely worth watching on the big screen.
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
Quite possibly the best movie of all time...
First things first... This is my favorite movie of all time. Therefore, I was disturbed to see a few reviews claiming that this movie isn't all that great. Having only a few college credits remaining until I obtain a degree in Critical Film Analysis, I have studied this film numerous times and can tell you just why it is so great. First off, I read from another review that it was horrible because it was a first-time director. That just happens to be one reason why the film is so great to begin with. The director is passionate about the project since it is his first, and Darabont's passion is displayed magnificently in this film. The same goes for Kevin Costner (Dances With Wolves) and Sam Mendes (American Beauty). Both were first time directors and as a matter of fact both won Oscars for their Best Picture winning "first timers."
The other unlogical argument against this film that I read was about how "plain" it was. Heaven forbid that there is no computer enhanced bullets flying by a body being covered by dozens upon dozens of cameras (The Matrix) or some cheesy George Lucas characters that have no bearing on a story. The Shawshank Redemption is far from a plain movie though. The camera work IS amazing, just look at the scene where Andy is about to be pushed off of the roof that the inmates are tarring. That was pulled off WITHOUT a computer at all. Another argument that I heard: The story is too plain. Well I'm sorry that there is no Hans Solo pressing the *fill in the blank* button that will lift the *fill in the blank* to stop the *fill in the blank* from attacking the planet of *fill in the blank* that is inhabited by the *fill in the blank* race. The Shawshank Redemption is as real as it gets. Why introduce twenty million characters just for the shear joy of it? Darabont shows more emotion with Red and Andy than any other director that I have seen (possibly Sam Mendes may be better by a short bit). Without getting too much further into the film I'll just stop by saying that if you haven't seen The Shawshank Redemption there is a reason why it is #2 on the IMDB top 250 list. A good movie is enjoyable to watch, but a great movie will get you lost within the film and open a entire new world that you might never experience. You will lose yourself in the Shawshank Redemption. **I also recommend another Stephen King/Frank Darabont film: The Green Mile.
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
TCM stands the test of time... a true classic!
I personally define a great movie as one that can bring your true emotions out in a matter of an hour or two. What better emotion than FEAR?! Texas Chainsaw Massacre, as crued as the footage may be, still has the power to make the most "brave" movie viewer shake in their boots. What's scarier than a psycho wearing another person's face chase after you? I know I know, you're saying "Duh, Lechter did it in Silence of the Lambs." True, but Lechter wasn't waving a chainsaw around like a maniac, was he?
The sound in the movie alone is enough to give you the willies. Even the introduction read by John Laroquette can creep you out a little. This movie HAS to be a classic if it still has the power to scare the be-jeez-us out of its audience.
Beware, however... the sequels are VERY disappointing. I mean who wants to see the horrific Leatherface who butchered innocent teens in the first get off by rubbing his saw the "oh so right way" in the lame sequel? Watch the original, but stay away from the rest of the "series."
Do yourself a huge favor, watch this movie alone, in the dark, in the middle of the night in order to get the full effect or terror.