Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (*****) Empty world without the blues
This is some of the best work of Boseman’s too short career, and it’s representative of what Davis does every time out.
Criterion: Days of Heaven (*****) strikes through regret
I don’t know if I could have enjoyed this film decades ago. And I feel lucky that I haven’t been forced to form an opinion until I had time and the experience to take it all in.
Criterion: Badlands (*****) The view inside the soulless
Nearly as haunting as the real thing.
Forgotten Gem: Catch Me If You Can is looking for home (*****)
It’s a glamorization, but it is a damn good one.
Criterion: Housekeeping (*****) – Throw something over her…
It’s a remarkable story that presents the facts with no indication of a position being taken. In doing so, Forsyth allows Robinson’s work to forge its own path through our soul.
Netflix’ His House (*****) holds in the pain
Weekes does an excellent job creating a situation that we can empathize with, even if it is not an experience we share.
Criterion: The Wicker Man (*****) duel of faiths
Robin Hardy created a masterpiece during a time when good horror is as hard to find as the young and vibrant Rowan Morrison.
Forgotten Gem: About A Boy (*****) He’s Expressing You
The list of movies I have been putting off is shrinking by the day. Add another classic to the list.
The Lives of Others (*****) …for a good man
This is one of the better films of the last 20 years. It only took me 14 years to see it.
Criterion: Yojimbo and Sanjuro – The Masters at play (****1/2)
It’s a pleasant consequence of having the skill to turn above average into the unforgettable. These films should not be important bedrock films. Yet here they are, standing head and shoulders above, almost 60 years later.
Forgotten Gem: Hud (*****) Horseman, pass by
Hud may take liberties with the original material, but the greatness of the story shines through. It’s a remarkable story that feels timeless. If you want to understand humans a bit more, you should give it a try.
Forgotten Gem: Slap Shot (*****) is as good as it gets
The real surprise and the definite treat of the film are the Hansons. They have such an innocence and exuberance for the game of hockey, they carry whatever portion of the film that is not being driven by Newman.
Criterion: Throne of Blood (*****) is a tragic beauty
It’s hard to list Kurosawa’s films in terms of greatness. Ranking is almost impossible.
Criterion: Samurai II: Duel at Ichijoji Temple – is giant
Musashi’s presence is undeniable as the burgeoning samurai. His is one of the giant characters in episodic history, every bit worth the value of the legend he represents.
Criterion: I Live In Fear (*****) has reason on all sides
Kurosawa, Shimura and Mifune by this point are in full swing. There is nothing in the world that matches their ability to relay a story.
Criterion: Seven Samurai (*****) stands the test of time
Seven Samurai should be Movies 101 for any serious lover of film. If you haven’t seen it, you should.
Ebert Did It Better: Gasbag Reviews 