One of the greatest disaster films ever made, The Poseidon Adventure is an intense thriller that never lets up. In the middle of its transatlantic voyage the S.S. Poseidon capsizes on New Year's, leaving a small group of passengers to struggle for survival by climb through the bowels of the ship in an attempt to reach rescue. The all-star cast includes Gene Hackman, Ernest Borgnine, Red Buttons, Roddy McDowall, Shelley Winters, and Pamela Sue Martin. The set designs are amazing, and really give the sense of being in an upside-down ship. The special effects are also especially well done; enhancing the film by adding suspense and a sense of danger. The Poseidon Adventure is a compelling and ground-breaking film that set a new standard for the disaster genre.
Girl, Interrupted is a compelling psychological drama based on the memoir by Susana Kaysen. After a suicide attempt a troubled young girl finds herself committed to a psychiatric hospital and must find her way back to sanity through her madness. Both Winona Ryder and Angelina Jolie give brilliant, captivating performances, and are backed by a strong supporting cast that includes Brittany Murphy, Clea DuVall, and Whoopi Goldberg. Also, the directing is exceptionally well-done and enhances the psychological themes of the film. And, the soundtrack perfectly complements the tone and setting. A fascinating look at the struggles of mental illness, Girl, Interrupted is an extraordinarily powerful and moving film.
A powerful and inspirational Civil War epic, Glory is a brilliantly crafted film from director Edward Zwick. The story follows the formation of the first all-black volunteer Union Army regiment of the Civil War, and their exploits at the Battle of Fort Wagner. Starring Matthew Broderick, Denzel Washington, Morgan Freeman, and Cary Elwes, the performances are all especially good; particularly Washington, who gives a career performance. And, the writing does an excellent job at developing the characters. Additionally, the sets and costumes are all exceptionally well-done; giving an authentic feel to the film. The battle sequences are also extraordinary, portraying a gritty and realistic picture of warfare. And enough cannot be said about James Horner’s magnificent score; which is incredibly passionate and spiritual. Based on a remarkable true story, Glory is a compelling film about courage and bravery.
“Yippee-ki-yay, motherf***er!” The epitome of ‘80s action films, Die Hard is a smart, adrenaline-packed film that became the measuring stick for all others action films for the next decade. When terrorists seize Nakatomi Plaza and takes hostages, off duty police officer John McClane finds himself cutoff and trapped inside the building, and has to find a way to foil the terrorists plot in order to save his wife. Bruce Willis and Alan Rickman both give excellent performances; and their characters (John McClane and Hans Gruber) continue to top the lists of best movie heroes and villains. Additionally, director John McTiernan does a great job at building suspense and tension, and delivers some amazing (and iconic) action sequences. Die Hard is a landmark film that is a definite must see.
United 93 is one of the most important films made in the last decade. The film follows the events of September 11, 2001, when United Flight 93 was hijacked and became part of the largest terrorist attack in American history. Director Paul Greengrass does as excellent job at delivering an intense and realistic depiction of events that brings the audience into the film. Additionally, Greengrass has reassembled a number of the actual people that were involved to reenact the events of that day. And, John Powell provides a brilliant score that's subtle and powerful; enhancing just the right moments. Based on a tragedy, United 93 honors the victims by portraying an exceptionally vivid and realistic account what happened.
Black Hawk Down is a stunning and gritty military drama from director Ridley Scott. Based on true events, the film follows a mission to capture a Somali warlord that turned into a two-day firefight for survival. The casting is especially good, and includes Tom Sizemore, Eric Bana, Josh Hartnett, Ewan McGregor, and Jason Isaacs; each of whom gives an outstanding performance. And Scott does an extraordinary job at drawing the audience into the story, and at giving a sense of the chaotic nature of urban combat. Additionally, Hans Zimmer provides an incredibly evocative score that heightens the tension and drama. A captivating film, Black Hawk Down delivers a riveting look at the realities of modern warfare.
The Empire Strikes Back is one of the most iconic and groundbreaking science fiction films ever made. Director Irvin Kershner takes the helm of Star Wars and delivers a dark and edgy adventure with an engrossing story. When the Empire attacks a Rebel base on Hoth, Luke escapes to the planet Dagobah to train with a Jedi Master while Han and Leia seek sanctuary from an old friend at Cloud City. Both the acting and the special effects are appreciably better than in the first film, and John Williams’s score is especially effective. Additionally, it’s quite daring and isn’t afraid to go against convention. Some write off The Empire Strikes Back as just part of the Star Wars trilogy, but it’s a spectacular film in its own right and propelled Star Wars into becoming the phenomenon that it became.
“This time it’s war.” In this sequel to Alien, James Cameron delivers a thrilling and epic sci-fi adventure. When communication is lost with a new colony on LV-426 the military seeks the help of Ellen Ripley in combating a possible alien threat. The cast is fantastic, and includes Sigourney Weaver, Michael Biehn, Lance Henriksen, and Bill Paxton (“Game over man!”). Everything in this film is outstanding; the costumes, the special effects, the set designs, the score, the script...all working together in sync. Aliens is a brilliant, action-packed film that surpasses its predecessor.
The Terminator is a landmark science-fiction film that has held up as a brilliant piece of filmmaking. Writer/director James Cameron crafts a riveting dramatic thriller, and presents a stark and chilling vision of the future. Arnold Schwarzenegger stars as the Terminator, and gives a career performance that turned the character into one of the most popular villains in cinema. Co-stars Michael Biehn and Linda Hamilton also give strong performances that engage the audience in their fight against the Terminator. And thought the special effects and the score seem a bit dated, it works in the film’s favor; creating an authentic feel that complements the film style. The Terminator is a classic film that became part of the culture and has greatly influenced the science-fiction genre.
“There’s no place like home.” The Wizard of Oz is a fantastic film that has warmed the hearts of millions of people the world over. When a young farm girl named Dorothy Gale is whisked into the sky by a tornado she ends up in a magical land, and must seek out the Wizard of Oz to send her home. This adaption of L. Frank Baum’s beloved modern fairytale is a whimsical musical full of charming and magical songs; such as the unforgettable classic “Over the Rainbow.” And, the story’s themes of friendship and family have made it an enduring cinematic treasure that has become part of the culture. A classic family film, The Wizard of Oz takes its audience to a wondrous place where dreams really do come true.
It’s one of the most amazing war stories ever told, and demonstrates the awe-inspiring power of Christmas. Joyeux Noel is an exceptional film about the true story of the spontaneous 1914 Christmas truce of World War I. The film does an exquisite job at bringing the characters to life, and at drawing the audience into story. Rarely has a film depicted the life of the World War I soldier and the complexity of war so well. Joyeux Noel is a loving tribute to the soldiers who found the Christmas spirit during the madness of war.
Without a doubt, the funniest family Christmas film of all time, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation is a modern classic. When Clark Giswold decides to have a traditional family Christmas with his parents and in-laws hilarity ensues. Writer John Hughes brilliantly captures the American family, and creates fun, authentic characters that are relatable. And it features an all-star cast that includes Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, and Randy Quaid; all of whom give great performances. A wonderful film that’s sure to brighten up the holidays, National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation delivers a ton of laughs and a positive message about the magic of the season.
What is the Matrix? Unfortunately no one can be told what The Matrix is, but it’s an amazing and revolutionary science-fiction action film. Utilizing new editing techniques, the Wachowski brothers create incredibly dynamic and intense action sequences on a scope that goes beyond conventional filmmaking. And, the visual style incorporates a cyberpunk aesthetic that sets a dark and mysterious tone. However, what makes the film so compelling are the existential concepts and fascinating ideas that it presents about the nature of reality and identity. Smart and stylish, The Matrix delivers some extraordinarily mind-bending thrills.
“The first rule of Fight Club is...” From director David Fincher comes the modern cult classic Fight Club, a smart, provocative film that tackles modern culture and social issues in a daring and innovative way. When a neurotic insurance agent meets an eccentric soap salesman the two form an unlikely friendship that leads to an underground fight club, which then branches off and grows into something more. The cast is outstanding, featuring Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, and Helena Bonham Carter; who all give seminal performances. And, enough cannot be said about how brilliantly crafted the film is; the dialog, the sets, the editing – taking several viewings to absorb and really appreciate how connected and well-thought-out it all is. Offering insightful social satire, Fight Club delivers an intense and captivating drama that has an amazing plot twist.
Winner of 11 Academy Awards and one of the highest grossing films of all time, Titanic is a cinematic masterpiece from writer/director James Cameron. While searching the Titanic wreck for a fabled lost diamond treasure hunter Brock Lovett receives a call from a woman claiming to be a Titanic survivor who wore the diamond the night of the sinking, leading him to fly her out to his ship to tell her story. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Billy Zane, Bill Paxton, and David Warner, the film has an impressive cast that gives strong performances. And, the script does an incredible job at engaging the audience and transitioning between the present day story and the ship’s voyage; so much so that the audience forgets the tragic fate that awaits the ship. Additionally, the special effects are extraordinary, creating some extremely powerful scenes that are both mesmerizing and haunting. Also, the level of detail in the costuming and set recreations is exceptional, and James Horner’s score is tremendously evocative, featuring Celtic, ethereal tones that are remarkably resonant. Delivering an unforgettable experience, Titanic stays with the audience long after the credits roll.
A&E’s Titanic is the most fascinating and intricate Titanic documentary ever made. Featuring an impressive number of historians, experts, and survivors, the disaster is discussed and explored in vivid detail. Everything from the social forces that inspired the Titanic’s creation, to the controversy over the savaging of Titanic artifacts is covered. One of the aspects that makes this documentary so compelling and captivating are the numerous personal memoirs and accounts used to describe the experiences of those involved; including those of passengers, crew, reporters, and others. David McCallum gives an elegant narration and is joined by a number of talented voice actors, who all give superb performances. Additionally, a hauntingly beautiful score is used to enhance the mood and tone of the film. Never has a more complete and moving account of the Titanic disaster been told than in A&E’s Titanic.
An outstanding spoofing of the Star Wars films, Robot Chicken: Star Wars Episode II is ridiculously funny. Consisting of more than a dozen animated shorts, a good variety of Star Wars characters and films get lampooned; from the main series characters like Darth Vader and Han Solo to anonymous background characters. And the comedy is extraordinarily well-written; providing a balance of Star Wars in-jokes and pop culture humor. Robot Chicken: Star Wars Episode II is a smart and savvy parody film that delivers non-stop laughs.
“Who ya gonna call?” Fun and clever, Ghostbusters is a magnificent film, and one of the best comedies ever made. The story follows three paranormal investigators who go into business capturing and eliminating ghosts. Director Ivan Reitman has crafted an exceptional film that strikes the perfect tone; balancing the seriousness and the humor just right. Additionally, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Harold Ramis shine, giving outstanding performances. The soundtrack is also extraordinarily well-done; besides the now infamous Ray Parker Jr. “Ghostbusters” theme song, all of the music serves to enhance the film’s motif and gives it a surreal quality. Ghostbusters is one of those few films where everything seems to click together just right, and it has become a cultural phenomenon that continues to entertain audiences of all ages.
"I ain't got time to bleed." Predator is the ultimate macho action film. When an elite group of commandos go on a rescue mission to Central America they end up being hunted by the ultimate predator. The cast couldn't be better, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Carl Weathers, Bill Duke, and Jesse Ventura; all of whom give excellent performances and have a great on-screen chemistry. Director John McTiernan keeps the story tight and the action fast paced, making the film suspenseful and intense. Predator is one of the most iconic action films of the '80s, and a high adrenaline sci-fi adventure.
"That rug really tied the room together, did it not?" The Big Lebowski stands as one of the best Coen brothers' films, and quickly became a beloved cult classic. It's a clever take on the film noir genre, and is full of dark humor and interesting characters that feel authentic in a strange way. Leading this spectacular ensemble cast of immensely entertaining and eccentric characters are Jeff Bridges and John Goodman; both of whom give outstanding performances. The story is a wild adventure that's all about the journey. The Big Lebowski is a phenomenal film that just gets better and better every time you watch it. The Dude abides.
Rocky Balboa is a wonderful conclusion to one of the greatest film sagas in American cinema. Writer/director Sylvester Stallone takes the series back to its roots, crafting a great story about the triumph of the human spirit. Experiencing difficulties with accepting retirement and the passing of his wife, Adrian, Rocky returns to the ring for an exhibition match against the current world heavyweight champion in an attempt to go the distance one last time. This final chapter returns the series to a character drama that focuses on Rocky’s struggles and his personal journey. Rocky Balboa is a lovely epilogue to the Rocky saga, and gives the character a fitting and uplifting sent off that’s truly inspirational.
“I will die for these animals.” Grizzly Man is a powerful documentary from Werner Herzog about Timothy Treadwell, a liberal activist who went to the Alaskan Wildlife Reserve to protect grizzly bears, and ended up being killed and eaten by them. Through Treadwell’s own footage the film shows his descent into madness as he loses touch with reality and rejects human society. Yet Herzog remains largely nonjudgmental, and contextualizes the Treadwell tragedy through interviews with his associates and colleagues. Incredibly fascinating, Grizzly Man is an ironic tale of a man’s passion consuming him.
The David Fincher psychological thriller The Game is a brilliant and well-crafted film. The story follows an investment banker who takes part in an elite and elaborate game, but when it turns deadly he starts to suspect that it’s all been a con. The writing is especially good, weaving an intricate plot that constantly keeps the audience guessing as to what the game is. And, Michael Douglas gives an outstanding performance that helps to strength the material. Additionally, Fincher’s directing creates a rich, atmospheric mood that heightens the film’s themes. The Game is a smart and sophisticated thriller that’s a masterpiece of suspense.
The Hunt for Red October is a compelling and exciting Cold War thriller. Based on a Tom Clancy novel, a new Soviet submarine goes rogue on its maiden voyage, taking the Soviet Union and U.S. to the brink of war; however CIA analyst Jack Ryan suspects that the sub’s captain is attempting to defect. The film features an all-star cast that includes Sean Connery, Alec Baldwin, Scott Glenn, Sam Neill, and James Earl Jones. Additionally, director John McTiernan does an excellent job at creating an intense and suspenseful tone, which is enhanced by Basil Poledouris’ sweeping and powerful score. Exceptionally well-crafted, The Hunt for Red October is a captivating film that’s steeped in mystery.
Spaceballs: The Movie Review. Spaceballs is a clever and hilarious parody film whose humor holds up extraordinarily well. When Princess Vespa is kidnaped by Spaceballs hoping to coerce her father into giving up his planet’s air supply he hires a mercenary named Lone Starr to save her. John Candy, Rick Moranis, Bill Pullman, and Mel Brooks lead an outstanding cast that delivers pure comedic gold. Everything from Alien to The Wizard of Oz is spoofed; though the main focus is on sci-fi films (Star Wars, Star Trek, Planet of the Apes). And, most of it’s done in a smart, organic way that doesn’t disrupt the flow of the main story. But what really makes the film work is the way that it breaks the fourth wall and talks directly to the audience, referencing itself; such as the running gag about merchandising (“Spaceballs: The Lunchbox, Spaceballs: The Breakfast Cereal, Spaceballs: The Flamethrower”). Brilliant! Delivering a hilarious adventure at ludicrous speed, Spaceballs is incredibly fun and full of laughs. May the Schwartz be with you!
Charles Dickens and the Muppets come together in the most magical way to create a brilliant rendition of the beloved classic, A Christmas Carol. With Brian Henson at the helm, the Muppets brave a new world and deliver an enchanting film that’s inspired and charming. The Muppet Christmas Carol is a wonderfully fun and faithful adaptation that truly captures the spirit of the tale. What’s striking is just how faithful an adaptation this is; going so far as to include a Charles Dickens narrator (in the form of Gonzo the Great) who recites passages from the novel. But even more amazing, is how well each Muppet is tailored to a Dickens character; from Kermit as Bob Cratchit to Statler and Waldorf as the Marleys. And once more, the music is outstanding and is in perfect harmony with the mood and tone of the Dickens story. The Muppet Christmas Carol is the best adaptation of Dickens’ classic bar none, and is a touching and heartfelt film that carries the spirit of the season.
“I didn’t come to rescue Rambo from you. I came here to rescue you from him.” Based on the bestselling novel by David Morrell, First Blood is an incredibly compelling and provocative action film. When a small-town sheriff arrests a drifter for vagrancy, who turns out to be a decorated war hero, he ends up starting a war that he might not be able to win. Sylvester Stallone gives traumatized Vietnam veteran John Rambo real depth and emotion; delivering one of his best character performances. And, Brian Dennehy and Richard Crenna are also extraordinarily good, and are able to heighten the drama and add moral ambiguity to their characters. Dark and gritty, First Blood challenges the audience and addresses some important social issues that are still relevant today.
Red Dragon is an intense psychological thriller from director Brett Ratner. Based on the Thomas Harris novel, the FBI recruits retired agent Will Graham to help capture a serial killer known as the “Tooth Fairy” who has killed two families. The casting is excellent, and includes Anthony Hopkins, Edward Norton, Harvey Keitel, and Ralph Fiennes; who all give great performances. Ratner’s directing is also superb, and does an impressive job at crafting an engaging and thrilling story. Additionally, Danny Elfman provides a powerful score that brings a lot of energy to the film. Perhaps the strongest installment in the Lecter series, Red Dragon is a dramatic and compelling film that’s full of suspense.
Based on a novella by Stephen King, The Shawshank Redemption is a harrowing tale about the triumph of the human spirit. The story follows a banker named Andy Duphrane who’s wrongfully convicted of killing his wife and her lover, and is sent to the Shawshank maximum security prison where he befriends another inmate named Red. Starring Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, John Sandler, and Clancy Brown, the film has an impressive cast that gives good performances. Additionally, screenwriter/director Frank Darabont does an excellent job at developing the characters and relationships; making the audience care about them and their plight. The set and costume designs too, are especially well-done; capturing the time-period and giving the prison a real, lived-in feel. Also, the score by Thomas Newman is emotionally evocative and has a soulfulness to it that heightens the material. The Shawshank Redemption is a remarkably compelling film with a powerful message.
Pixar strikes again with another brilliant installation of the Toy Story series. Woody, Buzz, Rex, Slinky and the gang return once more for another excursion into the world of toys. Toy Story 2 is one of those rare films that surpasses the original. Not only has the quality of the CG animation improved, but the story has more heart to it. Even the comedy seems a bit sharper and is a bit funnier now that we know the characters. Toy Story 2 is a shining example of a sequel done right.
