It has been just under a month since my last list and I’ve seen some movies. Also been watching Yellowjackets, The Witcher, Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Shrinking, The Walking Dead: Dead City, and a few more streaming shows. So, here are the movies I’ve had the chance to watch in the comfort of my own home over the past few weeks….
Thunderball- I know a lot of people don’t like it, but this is actually one of my favorite Bond movies. All the ingredients were in place-- Gadgets, Guns, and Women.
El Mariachi- I had somehow never gotten around to seeing Robert Rodriguez’ debut film before. While it’s crude at times, I liked it and could see how this led to a lot of his later work.
Dead for a Dollar- This 2022 western starring Christoph Waltz (cast against type), Rachel Brosnahan, and Willem Dafoe isn’t bad. Though I can see why it didn’t get a wide release. There are some great ideas here, but they don’t quite gel in the end. Terrific performances all around though.
They Cloned Tyrone- Here is another that a lot of people seem to love, but I didn’t care for it much. It’s interesting and then just becomes a Get Out knock off. I was pretty disappointed.
The Birds- It had been a while since I revisited this Hitchcock classic. It’s a ridiculous premise with a few less than stellar performances that works like a dream. Even with the outdated SPFX Hitchcock makes it a thrilling view. I was also taken by the performance of the 13-year-old Veronica Cartwright. She was really good.
Working Girl- Here’s another great, and somewhat forgotten film, I hadn’t revisited in a minute. Director Mike Nichols created a statement comedy that worked on every level and Harrison Ford looks like he was having so much fun.
Bullitt- Another classic I hadn’t seen in, probably, a decade or more. The nearly uncomprehendable plot is secondary to Steve McQueen’s terrific performance and great action sequences.
Dog Day Afternoon- Another modern classic that I had yet to see. It’s not exactly what I expected and better than I expected at the same time. Even though it was made in 1975 it felt very timely.
The Man Called Flintstone- A childhood favorite. I still enjoy it, though the musical numbers bring the story to a standstill with each one.
Old Henry- Another recent western. Tim Blake Nelson, as always, is amazing, and I liked it. I just didn’t really care for the “twist” at the end. I did pick up on the hints and was really hoping it wasn’t going to play out the way I thought it might...but it did.
Skyfall- Another great Bond film. This is probably my favorite of the Daniel Craig. The only one, in my opinion, that actually plays like a classic Bond movie.
Respect- I can see why this Aretha Franklin biopic didn’t do that well in its original release. It’s kind of boring. Though the musical moments are great!
The Cincinnati Kid- My first time seeing this Steve McQueen Card-sharp drama. He, again, is really good and the supporting cast, especially an aging Edward G. Robinson, keep the pace of a movie about card players moving.
Gerry Anderson: A Life Uncharted- The man who created Thunderbirds, Stingray, and Space: 1999 gets a full documentary treatment. His is a very interesting story I didn’t know any of before.
12 Monkeys- Revisited this Terry Gilliam/Bruce Willis movie. Still love it, and Brad Pitt’s Oscar nomination was well deserved. He’s really crazy.
Spotlight- My second viewing of this Best Pic Oscar winner from 2015 and it is still so good.
Red River- I hadn’t seen this Howard Hawkes directed, John Wayne/Montgomery Clift classic in decades. I loved it. The Criterion release is worth it.
The Monster- See Classics section for full review.
The War Wagon- Another Wayne western, this time with Kirk Douglas. Word is they didn’t really get along. If that’s true it worked for their chemistry. It’s not one of either of those actor's best work, but it’s fun.
The Lost King- Now here is a terrific little movie from 2022, based on the true story of the amateur historian who figured out where the remains of Richard III were. Directed by Stephen Frears (Dangerous Liaisons, Philomena) and starring Sally Hawkins (Happy-Go-Lucky, The Shape of Water), I really enjoyed it.
Heart of Stone- See review in the Television/Streaming section.
The Full Monty- I hadn’t seen this film since its release in 1997. I recalled enjoying it and I did again. Now I can start watching the sequel TV series.
Add comment
Comments