If only the scriptwriters could have done more to punch up the story to match the superior acting talent, this might be a classic.
Criterion: Stray Dog (***1/2) wanders beautifully
It's the invention of the buddy cop trope that gets Stray Dog it's spot as a Criterion release.
Pixar’s Onward (***1/2) nothing I can say…
In all, this is a good, not great film by a studio that's in the sophomore slump. They could hit a winner out more often, if they weren't concentrating on getting everyone to first base.
Criterion: Drunken Angel (****) is a stunning look at postwar Japan
Drunken Angel is a flawed, but brilliant first film by one of the world's greatest directors. Knowing he is this good when he started out makes me hopeful for a future I already know.
Criterion: Snow Trail (****) – Mifune’s debut has another star
It's Shimura who steals this story, though. His performance connects the viewer to the humanity of some of the fiercest combatants of the Western world in a format we all can relate to, no matter the barrier.
Criterion: Local Hero absorbs its surroundings
If we could keep it all within the confines of Ferness, life would be perfect. Even if the town is open to another deal.
Another Look: Natural Born Killers (No Stars) still deserves the Golden Sombrero
The real conspiracy is, with the editing style and stupid storytelling, people just don't like watching a bad film. Well, maybe some people. The Columbine killers code named their attack "NBK."
Another Look: True Romance Director’s Cut (***1/2) is Tony Scott overriding Tarantino
The result is a good, not great first script. There are two fantastic moments and many good ones to boot. It's not much more than that, even as Tarantino's legend rises beyond what anyone imagined.
Cocktail (**) For a movie, it is a good soundtrack
See it if you want to see the kind of film Cruise made before he completely took control of his career. It's not worth sitting through otherwise, just to hum along.
Nightwatch (**1/2) – Looks better than it is
The only other film I have seen of Bernedal's is The Possession, which is a wholesale improvement. He is able to concentrate on atmosphere and leave the script to someone else. One can see the connections between here and there. I would prefer to be there.