Part 1: Introduction and Three Star Reviews
Part 2: Two Star Reviews
Part 3: One and Zero Star Reviews
Star Review Primer
In this post, I present you the gems, those films that just have a little something extra that really sets them apart from what are otherwise perfectly enjoyable three star experience. Here are the four (and four point five) star movies!
08-16-09: Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003) 4.5 stars:
I love this movie. It drags a tiny bit, which is why its not a five star film, but then again, I don't know what I would cut out. The attention to detail is amazing - few historical films feel this real, and a masterpiece in sound. Not for everyone, but how I wish they would make more of the series.
08-15-09: Before Sunset (2004) 4 stars:
Having watched them both again this year, Before Sunset is the better film. I'm still amazed Linklater was able to make this sequel without destroying the story, but he did. When he is on, nobody can make a conversation as interesting as Linklater. Also, Ethan Hawke's character isn't good enough for Julie Delpy.
08-04-09: Feeling My Way (1997) 4 stars:
Watching this short doc in film school, I was blown away. Its completely subjective, half animated, and simply about the thoughts of a man as he walks home from work. Its also one of my favorite documentary films ever, absolutely captivating, and helped me realize that these films should simply be called "non-fiction" or "essay films." Its on youtube, check it out.
08-03-09: The Lives of Others (2006) 4 stars:
I think I told someone that, ten years from now, I might list this as the best film of 2006. Ulrich Muhe's performance is perfect - he completely sells his character's transformation without ever breaking his character's stoic, subdued nature. An impressive debut by Florian Henckel von Donnersmarck, here is hoping his films just keep getting better with experience. Finally, with this film and Mostly Martha, I officially have a screen crush for Martina Gedeck.
07-25-09: The Hit (1984) 4 stars:
This early Stephen Frears film has all of the following going for it: (1) Tim Roth's debut as a cocky young hitman, (2) John Hurt as a stoic, experienced hitman, (3) Terrence Stamp being the coolest man alive, (4) the absolutely stunning Laura del Sol, in a magnificent dress, (5) a beautiful flamenco guitar score, and (6) gorgeous shots of the Spanish countryside. Sexy Beast (another great movie), and so many other English crime films, are forever in debt to The Hit. Its a blast.
07-21-09: McCabe & Mrs. Miller (1971) 4 stars:
This is a great movie, and I know that. Its also a perfect example of a great movie not being a five star film for me, because as much as I respect and enjoyed this film, it wasn't the most entertaining movie to watch, and could be a tad slow in places. However, the final shootout is one of the most surreal, beautiful scenes I have ever seen.
07-14-09: MASH (1970) 4.5 stars:
McCabe is better than MASH, but I enjoyed MASH more. Without the final football scene (which drags a little), this is a five star film. Elliot Gould is one of the coolest men alive - I'm so glad he came forward to Altman after this film about Gould and Sutherland's attempts to get Altman fired early in the shooting, because Altman never forgave Sutherland for staying quiet (and never worked with him again), and it would have been such a waste if this was the only Gould-Altman collaboration. After growing up with the TV show, and after hearing all the praise for it, MASH still managed to blow right past my expectations.
06-30-09: Le Cercle Rouge (1970) 4 stars:
If it was a little tighter, a little brighter, or made a little earlier, this would be five stars. Its still an amazing heist film, and Alain Delon is always the man, but Le Samourai and Rififi set an obscenely high bar for a heist film with a cool Alain Delon character, a bar which, quite possibly, no film could meet. I still really loved Le Cercle Rouge, but it will never be the first film I think of for Melville, Delon, or heist films in general.
06-28-09: Major League (1989) 4 stars:
It makes me laugh. If I hadn't seen Sugar earlier this year, I might say Major League is my favorite baseball movie, and even now I think they are tied for me. I still want to know where they found a life-size picture of the team owner in pasties and a g-string.
06-27-09: Dan in Real Life (2007) 4 stars:
This was one of those awesome, surprise gems for me when it came out in 2007. I'm a sucker for the "get the family together for a weekend" plots, and I really enjoy watching the characters interact in this movie. Plus, Steve Carell and Juliette Binoche have great chemistry, and its Juliette Binoche, who becomes more attractive every single year. This has pretty much become my go-to pick for a romantic comedy.
06-27-09: Traffic (2000) 4.5 stars:
I am ready to admit that I was wrong about Traffic. I think the last couple years I have finally accepted Soderbergh on Soderbergh's terms. I used to think Traffic was shallow as all it was telling us was stuff I already knew, but I realize now that is pretty much the point. Soderbergh isn't trying to give answers to the drug problem, he just wants to show how it affects multiple people in many different ways. I still am not the biggest fan of the Michael Douglass and daughter scenes, but everyone else is top notch. On a final note, I think Benecio del Toro's character, and performance, might be the best of the decade - it is masterful that, until the final shot, you don't know what to expect from him, yet his actions and reactions throughout the film are one hundred percent realistic and natural.
06-23-09: Happy-Go-Lucky (2008) 4 stars:
Who would have thought Mike Leigh would make such a warm, loving movie? It still has some darker, Mike Leigh elements, but there isn't a movie this decade with a more apropos title. Sally Hawkins was absolutely snubbed by not receiving an nomination, and she isn't even the best performance in the film; Eddie Marsan gives a clinic in what I think is the best performance of 2008, and a masterfully realized character.
06-23-09: Paranoid Park (2007) 4.5 stars:
This movie is hard to explain in words, partly because this movie is about as close to pure cinema as you are going to get. As much as I like Milk, and Good Will Hunting, I hope someone just writes Gus van Sant a blank check so he can continue to make his little arthouse films for all eternity. Might be my favorite van Sant film ever, and if not, its right up there with My Own Private Idaho. The only reason this isn't a five star film is that I don't think it was meant to be a film that just smacked you senseless as you watch it - it haunts you and grows upon reflection, all by design. Criminally overlooked.
06-15-09: Moon (2009) 4 stars:
My favorite movie of 2009 so far? Not sure, but its right up there. Without saying too much, Sam Rockwell carries this movie and deserves a lot of recognition for his performance, as he is basically the only human on screen. I love the use of practical effects and miniatures, and the score is another haunting Clint Mansell score. This film knows its roots and pays homage while remaining its own work - Bravo Duncan Zowie Bowie Jones!
06-02-09: In America (2002) 4.5 stars:
Powerhouse performances, especially from Paddy Considine and Samantha Morton (two of the best working actors today). It would come off as overly melodramatic if everyone involved wasn't selling their characters at one hundred percent. Its not a perfect film, but I think Jim Sheridan pushes his very personal story to the absolute limits, which is about all you can ask for, isn't it?
That does it for part 4 of the Mega Rating Blowout Bonanza, and I hope you are looking forward to the final installment, because I saved the best for last.
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