I’m not quite sure this movie realizes that it’s a neo-noir.
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Training Day (2001)
What’s this? A film from the 1970s that treats homosexuality with nuance and earnest generosity, not as a big icky farcical hoot or a facade for depravity? To be fair, I am very much NOT up to speed on my queer cinema history, but given that this felt like a fair depiction in 2021, I can only imagine how progressive it was 42 years ago.
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The Debut (1977)
At a basic level, The Debut presents a clear and effective metaphor:
Jabberwocky is Terry Gilliam’s first solo directing effort and second overall after Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
The Happiest Girl in the World is a simple, linear film taking place in one day and mostly one location. Despite its humility, I was on its comic and dramatic wavelength for most of its runtime, and got a pretty big kick out of it.
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Snow Day (2000)
(Note 12/2022: I just want to say that the following review soft-pedals my affection for this movie. I will write something more effusive someday.)
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The Godfather (1972)
I fear that I will never again be able to watch The Godfather with fresh eyes or a sense of wonder.
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Let the Summer Never Come Again (2017)
This is the hardest time I’ve had slapping a rating on a movie in a long time, for the simple reason that I love its ambition and capital-V Vision, but can’t stand what it’s doing with those things.
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The Departed (2006)
The Departed is simultaneously ridiculous and exciting — a potent combination for a watchable movie, but not necessarily a great one.
Valerie Taylor is an Australian marine conservationist, and her story is a pretty compelling one. First a competitive spearfisher, then a Hollywood consultant (including on Jaws!), then a public advocate for shark protection, she is the subject of TONS of archival footage of swimming and interacting with sharks, and now’s our chance to enjoy it all.