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.
Netflix’ The Queen’s Gambit (*****) Taylor-Joy spans the distance between excellence and heart
Give this one a try, if you’re desiring to feel an experience, free of routine and common gimmicks. This is my vote for more work for Frank and Taylor-Joy. And someone start digging up more stories by Walter Tevis.
The Man From Nowhere (*****) Supernova
If you see only one more action film, let this be it.
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.
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.
Forgotten Gem: Superbad (*****) became a classic and we all moved on…
There are so few comedies that are rewatchable. Ethical or not, this is a funny film about people we all knew in high school. None of them possess any sort of genius. Most of them are decent. Each of them were have a series of delightful failures with little victories along the way.
Criterion: Rashomon (*****) weak by nature
Rashomon stands as a gateway to our existence. It is one of the greatest films ever made, and should be viewed by anyone seeking insight through true artistic achievement. It should be used as a template for those wishing to begin to understand the ever contrasting nature of humanity.
Criterion: The Out-of-Towners (***1/2) wears out its welcome
The combination of Hiller, Lemmon, Miller and Jones no doubt is what makes this a Criterion selection. I can’t argue with this. As a film, it may not be a classic, but it is worth exploring.
Criterion: 8 1/2 is a critic’s dream / director’s nightmare
As if a critic knows what’s worth creating. “To learn silence,” indeed.
Ebert Did It Better: Gasbag Reviews 