The Searchers (1956)
One of the greatest westerns I've ever seen. I've only seen a few John Wayne films before, but after seeing this I'll be sure to get a bunch of others. Great writing, direction and everything, and the Technicolor photography is a treat as always.

-10/10

Check out some Howard Hawks/John Wayne collaborations next. Red River is a classic, and Rio Bravo may well be the best thing the director ever did- which is saying something.

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The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (2008)

A unique journey, for those who dare to brave it. Seeing the holocaust through a child's perspective doesn't make it any easier, and the abyss young Bruno gets sucked into via innocence and naivety is horrifying. Good performances accentuate the drama of the story; Butterfield and Scanlon are tragically natural, Thewlis is frightening, and Vera Farmiga is tender- she is one of my favorite up-and-comers. The direction is a little conventional, and at times the film borders on too shiny and commercial for the subject matter, but Herman is at least faithful to the story and stays on track and at a brisk pace. Don't expect a pick-me-up; see it for its performances and for its boldness.

The Magnificent Ambersons (1942)

Like its title family, Orson Welles' second film for RKO is eccentric and theatrical- and in the best of ways. The visual style of past silent film met Welles' passion for radio in a happy marriage, and his typical troupe of actors are all quite energetic. What really shines is the director's technical precision and perfectionism, a real eye for the cinema which keeps a decent story engaging and which predicted the inventive filmmaking others wouldn't catch on to for years. The movie feels too brisk in its cut running time; I can't help but assume Welles' original cut (carelessly destroyed in anticipation of a general public impatience) filled in the cracks which seem so hollow here. Still, the film is a beautiful reminder of the artistry of Mr. Welles and the booming ideas he was constantly swimming in. Dark and brooding, constantly moving, tragic and hopeful.

Magnificent Ambersons may be my favorite Welles film. Love it. And yes, it would be marvelous to see the complete version.

I also recommend The Man Who Shot Liberty Valence- John Wayne & Jimmy Stewart perfectly paired, and the ultimate villian- Lee Marvin.

Angels & Demons (2009)

>>: B

Wall-E

Beautiful film, the first half especially when all we have is a lonely Wall-E with his pet cockroach on our screen. I did have a high expectation for this one and it easily lived up to it. The animation was stunning and the simplicity in the expressions used by Wall-E communicated volumes. Really, really liked it.


Gran Torino

Another excellent film, charting the relationship between a curmudgionly and recently widowed Clint Eastwood and his new Vietnamese neighbours. He helps them cope with a local gang causing problems and through this he realizes he has more in common with them than he believes. Clints delivery was a bit too gravelly at times but the matter of fact way he 'called it how he saw it' was brilliant and funny. Another Clint hit.


The Children

British horror about two families spending new years eve together, during this the kids become infected by some sort of bacteria which turs them into manipulative psychos. Its not too bad all told, the real horror being that the adults are fighting to survive against their own children. From a lecherous perspective, the young woman who plays the eldest daughter is an absolute hotty! Its worth checking out if you've got nothing else planned.

Thunderbolt & Lightfoot

I just love these 70s movies.

even the ones that drag a bit.

Quarantine.
Not bad...bit annoying that yet another horror film has the carbon copy ending of the post 90's masses.

Whispering Corridors. This was pretty decent Korean flick. Going on eleven years, i'd say that this flick is still a good watch. Ashe.
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The Baader Meinhof Complex

True story based on the terrorist group Red Army Faction (RAF) which operated in and around West Germany during the late sixties and seventies. Very well acted and played at a quick pace, it was an interesting and absorbing watch. It does try to cram too much into the film and the length (nearly 2 1/2 hours) is too much, given the amount and sequence of events this couldve easily been two films. Still, recommend this one.