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Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
All Right Hooks
Indiana Jones and the last crusade is a pure comedy action flick. From the first scene where we see a young Indiana Jones proving his bravery and good-intention from a young age, to the last scene where Indiana and his crew ride off into the literally sunset (where we're they going?) - it is a non-stop thrill.
Here are some of the ridiculous things that Indiana Jones does.
1. He jumps off a boat into the ocean in the middle of a raging storm and then destroys the boat - leaving him stranded. He survives although we have no idea how.
2. He falls into a pool, realizes there is a film of oil on top, wraps a cloth around a stick, dips the cloth in oil, and lights it, right after he himself was covered in oil.
3. He kills or knocks out multiple people, multiple times, with a single swing of his arm.
4. He and his dad have sex with the same person, who is much younger than both of them.
Harrison Ford is as charismatic as ever, and his camaraderie with Sean Connery is simple and effortless. Watching James Bond be a horrible father to Harrison Ford, who is only 12 years younger than him, is funny the entire time. Harrison Ford acting boyish in front of his death due to his dad's complete physical and emotional abandonment of his son, is oddly cute and hilarious.
The writing is a campy without ruining the film. Indiana Jones has multiple stand-out one liners, and I was layghing out loud at many points in the movie.
The Imitation Game (2014)
Edifying and Interesting
The reality of Turing's life is worth sharing. His contributions to mathematics and success in WWII can not be understated. The drama of his chemical castration, following suicide, and the British Government's well-kept Bombe secret are a brilliant story without any dramatization.
Although the movie exaggerates Turing's character, and manufactures drama for the purpose of storytelling, the dramatization does not exceed believability and pulls you into what it might have been like to be living along side Turing.
Benedict's performance is manic and brilliant. It is difficult to pull off a believable socially-challenged genius.
Point Break (1991)
All gas, no brakes, no parachutes.
A comedic and ridiculous premise drives over-dramatic characters to illogical actions. What more could you want out of an action movie?
At first you might think this bank-robbing mystery might stay on the rails, and then Gary Bussey frantically informs the you that of the 500+ uses for Paraffin Wax (which was found at the scene of multiple bank heists), that they have confirmed that is was surf wax, and they'll need to go undercover in the surfing world.
I love Johny Utah. Keanu's inability to portray authentic emotion only add to the stereotypical surfer douchebag character, and spreads comedic shmear all over Utah's love affair.
Luckily, Patrick Swayze does give the film a small acting facelift.
Slow motion surf shots, hyper-violent action scenes, and skydiving without a parachute, Point Break is a solid popcorn-action film to watch with friends.
Poor Things (2023)
Chaotically Beautiful
Without attempting to analyze the film, only judging it based on the feeling I had while watching, it was incredible. From start to finish, I was transported into the strange world surrounding Bella Baxter, comfortably watching her move through life.
Upon further inspection, the films themes are a daring and hilarious take on self-discovery, splotched with eccentric, clashing, and beautifully fantastic elements.
The film's visual and creative design are wonderful. Childlike Halloween wonder combined with fantastical realism.
Lastly, it was hilarious. Mark Ruffalo should win two oscars. One for The Best Made Up Accent and the other for Strangest Comic Relief.
Emma Stone was a triumph, along with Willem Dafoe and the rest of the cast. An incredible movie.
Midnight in Paris (2011)
Essence of a Dream
Despite un-relatable interpersonal and romantic drama, wildly unacceptable character behavior, and quite incoherent writing, this movie is amazing.
After being introduced to the present day characters, I was expecting the film to face-plant. Wilson and McAdams dialog is non-sensical, both their characters behavior is horrendous, and the relationship between McAdams and her parents is unhealthy. Wilson's detachment from reality, and inability to speak up for himself has you cringing in minutes.
But, when the Type 156 rolls around the corner to find a drunk Wilson, it is impossible to escape the magic created by the filmography and visual styles.
The depiction of France in the 1920's is simple, authentic, and not heavy-handed. For the first 5 minutes of Wilson's interactions with the past, you are unsure if Wilson is having a drunk daydream or if he has actually been transported to the past.
Cotillard, Hiddleston, Bates, Pill, Stoll, and Brody do an incredible job depicting historical characters, balancing stereotypical traits with modern comedic styles without disturbing the magic of 1920's fantasy Paris.
If the present day plot and writing had been improved, this fantasy-dramedy would be a 10.
The Terminator (1984)
Setting Up An Exciting World
The Terminator is quite a noteworthy audition to the science fiction genre.
James Cameron creates a gripping world, one in which we get to experience a preapocalyptic world with the knowledge of what's to come.
Arnold's sheer form dominates the movie. From the minute he enters the screen, you know that whoever has to deal with him (it?) is going to be in a lot of trouble.
Unfortunately, despite the somewhat visionary universe and perfect casting of Arnold, the movie lacks writing, acting, and visual effects. Linda and Michael do not have good chemistry, nor did I believe their motiviations, but they also weren't given much to go on.
Overall, the movie is a great success, but it's biggest success is what it learned for Terminator 2.
Little Miss Sunshine (2006)
9/10
I loved this movie.
I related to the performances of the entire cast, laughed, cried, and agreed with the morale of the story.
Even though I could predict what was coming next each step of the way, I waited with anticipation to see exactly how the calamity would ensue.
The patch work of family dynamics is all too relatable, and even though some of the characters are exaggerated to the point of stereotypes, their exaggerated states help you connect with their emotional point of view.
Alan Arkin was hilarious, devilish, and, in his words "old".
Steve Carrell was quite believably depressed and suicidal, which made his little moments of joy, connection, and purpose that much more enjoyable.
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I started the movie in a good move after a great day, and this was the best way to finish it.