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    Mr. Taylor Last Login: 5/24/13

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    Mr. Taylor
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    ABOUT

    Member Since
    December 2010
    Current Location
    USA
    Favorite Actor
    Robert De Niro
    Favorite Director
    Scorsese, Tarkovsky, Coen Bros, Kubrick, Malick, Kurosawa.
    Favorite Critic
    Peter Travers

    BLOG ENTRIES

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    Showing 1 - 10 of 23 Movie Blogs
    Blogs Table
    BEST of 2012 and TOP 10 FILMS of 2012

    Posted on 02/22/13 02:51 PM | Last edited on 02/22/13 02:51 PM


    BEST OF 2012



     



    Best Picture and Top 10



    1.       Cloud Atlas



    2.       The Master



    3.       Beasts of the Southern Wild



    4.       Argo



    5.       Silver Linings Playbook



    6.       Oslo, August 31st



    7.       Django Unchained



    8.       Prometheus



    9.       Moonrise Kingdom



    10.   Flight



     



     



     



    Best Director



    1.      Lana and Andy Wachowski and Tom Tykwer – Cloud Atlas



    2.      Paul Thomas Anderson – The Master



    3.      Ben Zeitlin – Beasts of the Southern Wild



    4.      Quentin Tarantino – Django Unchained



    5.      Ben Affleck – Argo



     



     



     



    Best Actor



    1.      Denzel Washington – Flight



    2.      Joaquin Phoenix – The Master



    3.      Daniel Day Lewis – Lincoln



    4.      Hugh Jackman – Les Miserables



    5.      Jean-Louis Trintigant - Amour



     



     



     



    Best Supporting Actor



    1.      Leonardo DiCaprio – Django Unchained



    2.      Robert DeNiro – Silver Linings Playbook



    3.      Philip Seymour Hoffman – The Master



    4.      Tommy Lee Jones - Lincoln



    5.      Christoph Waltz – Django Unchained



     



     



     



    Best Actress



    1.      Quvenzhané Wallis – Beasts of the Southern Wild



    2.      Jennifer Lawrence – Silver Linings Playbook



    3.      Emmanuelle Riva - Amour



    4.      Michelle Williams – Take This Waltz



    5.      Rachel Weisz – The Deep Blue Sea



     



     



     



    Best Supporting Actress



    1.      Anne Hathaway – Les Miserables



    2.      Helen Hunt – The Sessions



    3.      Jackie Weaver – Silver Linings Playbook



    4.      Sally Field – Lincoln



    5.      Amy Adams – The Master



     



     



     



    Best Cinematography



    1.      Skyfall



    2.      Django Unchained



    3.      Life of Pi



    4.      Cloud Atlas



    5.      The Master

     



    2012 by the Numbers:

    There are only a few films like Holy Motors and Rust and Bone that I was unable to catch. Here they are with the Top 10 confirmed with 11-13 being the Honorable Mentions. Best of Genre is noted below also.





    1. Cloud Atlas – 5/5

    2. The Master – 5/5

    3. Beasts of the Southern Wild – 5/5

    4. Argo – 5/5

    5. Silver Linings Playbook – 5/5

    6. Oslo, August 31st – 5/5

    7. Django Unchained – 4.5/5

    8. Prometheus – 4.5/5

    9. Moonrise Kingdom – 4.5/5

    10. Flight – 4.5/5



    11. The Perks of Being a Wallflower – 4.5/5

    12. Amour – 4.5/5

    13. The Dark Knight Rises – 4.5/5

    14. Skyfall – 4.5/5

    15. Killing Them Softly – 4.5/5

    16. Les Miserables – 4.5/5

    17. Killer Joe – 4.5/5

    18. Life of Pi – 4/5

    19. Lincoln – 4/5

    20. Looper – 4/5

    21. Ted – 4.5/5......................BEST COMEDY OF 2012

    22. The Avengers – 4/5

    23. Take This Waltz – 4/5

    24. Bernie – 4/5

    25. Arbitrage – 4/5

    26. Sinister – 4/5.....................BEST HORROR OF 2012

    27. Compliance - 4/5

    28. Frankenweenie - 4/5.............BEST ANIMATED FILM

    29. Dredd - 4/5

    30. Zero Dark Thirty – 3.5/5

    31. The Hunger Games – 3.5/5

    32. The Deep Blue Sea – 3.5/5

    33. The Grey – 3.5/5

    34. Get the Gringo – 3.5/5

    35. Safety Not Guaranteed - 3.5/5

    36. The Campaign – 3.5/5

    37. The Woman in Black – 3.5/5

    38. Safe House – 3.5/5

    39. This Is 40 – 3.5/5

    40. Jeff Who Lives at Home - 3.5/5

    41. Hotel Transylvania - 3.5/5

    42. ParaNorman – 3.5/5

    43. The Sessions – 3/5

    44. Lawless – 3/5

    45. Savages – 3/5

    46. Seeking a Friend for the End of the World - 3/5

    47. Goon - 3/5

    48. Haywire – 3/5

    49. 21 Jump Street – 3/5

    50. Seven Psychopaths - 2.5/5

    51. The Cabin in the Woods – 2.5/5

    52. Casa de mi Padre – 2.5/5

    53. The Possession – 2.5/5

    54. The Five-Year Engagement – 2.5/5

    55. Pitch Perfect – 2.5/5

    56. Trouble With the Curve – 2/5

    57. Lockout – 2/5

    58. Cosmopolis – 2/5

    59. 360 – 2/5

    60. God Bless America – 2/5

    61. End of Watch – 2/5

    62. Red Lights – 2/5

    63. Friends with Kids – 2/5

    64. Red Hook Summer - 2/5

    65. Twilight: Breaking Dawn Part 2 – 2/5

    66. V/H/S – 1/5

    67. The Paperboy – 1/5

    68. The Raven – 1/5

    69. Act of Valor – 1/5

    70. Dark Tide – 1/5

    71. Jack Reacher – 1/5....................WORST FILM OF 2012






     



    arrow 10 Comments | Send This | Bookmark and Share

    Domas

    Domas on 2/23/13 at 02:21 AM

    I found this year (as most of them) to be bland. The Master wasn't deep enough, Django Unchained was all over the place, Beasts of Southern Wild was a bit cliche, Cloud Atlas failed to reach it's premise and so on. For me the best film of this year was Life of Pi but that doesn't mean that it was great.

    1 Replies | Report Abuse

    Mr. Taylor

    Mr. Taylor on 2/23/13 at 10:31 PM

    Wow. Any love for Argo or SLP at least?

    2 Replies | Report Abuse

    Domas

    Domas on 2/23/13 at 11:22 PM

    Haven't seen them yet. I think Argo should be great. All other Afflecks films were a pleasent surprise for me.

    0 Replies | Report Abuse

    Domas

    Domas on 2/24/13 at 09:59 AM

    But really why everyone is praising Cloud Atlas. For me it's manipulative, artificial, overdirected film that simply tries too hard.

    1 Replies | Report Abuse

    Mr. Taylor

    Mr. Taylor on 2/24/13 at 01:37 PM

    Agree with your Affleck/Argo comment. Disagree with your Cloud Atlas comment. LOL

    Report Abuse

    Jordan A.

    Jordan A. on 3/11/13 at 01:16 PM

    Interesting post. I felt that 2012 was an unremarkable year in film, and was quite disappointed by most of the films I got excited for (Argo, The Dark Knight Rises, Prometheus, The Avengers, etc.). I strongly disliked Prometheus, but I'm glad that you included Django Unchained, Beasts of the Southern Wild and Cloud Atlas on your Best Picture top 10 list.

    0 Replies | Report Abuse

    Jordan A.

    Jordan A. on 3/11/13 at 01:35 PM

    Interesting blog. I felt that 2012 was an unremarkable year in film, and was quite disappointed by most of the films I got excited for (Argo, The Dark Knight Rises, Prometheus, The Avengers, etc.). I strongly disliked Prometheus, but I'm glad that you included Django Unchained, Beasts of the Southern Wild and Cloud Atlas on your Best Picture list. I wasn't impressed with the performances of Weaver or Field; I would have instead nominated Emma Watson for The Perks of Being a Wallflower and Shirley MacLaine for Bernie. I would have preferred to see Sam Rockwell, Logan Lerman, Suraj Sharma, Bradley Cooper, Jamie Foxx, Dane DeHaan or Jack Black on the Best Actor list instead of Hugh Jackman.

    1 Replies | Report Abuse

    Mr. Taylor

    Mr. Taylor on 3/12/13 at 05:52 AM

    Thanks for stopping by, Jordan. I too liked MacLaine and Watson, both of those films were very good. I actually thought it was a good year, despite my 2 most anticipated films getting set back to 2013 (Only God Forgives and To the Wonder).

    0 Replies | Report Abuse

    Erik P.

    Erik P. on 3/14/13 at 10:19 AM

    Wait, "Pitch Perfect" doesn't have 5/5? ? ? ?

    1 Replies | Report Abuse

    Mr. Taylor

    Mr. Taylor on 3/14/13 at 12:40 PM

    No way. Not in my world. I watched because my wife wanted to see it. Funny, we both shared the same #1 film of the year though.

    0 Replies | Report Abuse

    RECENT FILM LIST

    Posted on 10/05/12 09:34 PM | Last edited on 10/05/12 09:34 PM


    1. Wild Strawberries (1957) - 5/5

    2. Breathless (1960) - 4/5

    3. A Fistful of Dollars (1964) - 4.5/5

    4. The Innkeepers (2011) - 3.5/5

    5. The Seventh Seal (1957) - 5/5 (2nd viewing)

    6. Bringing Out the Dead (1999) - 3.5/5 (2nd viewing)

    7. Face to Face (1976) - 5/5

    8. The Pawnbroker (1964) - 4.5/5

    9. The Yakuza (1974) - 4.5/5

    10. Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961) - 4/5



    Nothing but good stuff lately.

    Wild Strawberries is a wonderful edition to the Bergman library. The lead character is engrossing and Bergman's touches are as good as ever. What a story.



    Breathless is a breakthrough Godard edition. While not quite the impact the Pierrot le Fou and Alphaville had on me, this was a stylish ride.



    Fistful of Dollars is a true western...built originally by Kurosawa's Yojimbo. This just might actually work for it more than subtract for it. It's Yojimbo with Clint Eastwood.



    The Inkeepers is not House of the Devil but it's light take on a haunted hotel is admirable but I'm telling you, it could have been a knockout.



    The Seventh Seal amazed me on round two. What a facsinating idea: a knight buys time on earth by playing chess with death while he searches for one last meaningful act. This just might get added to my Top 10 next week.



    Bringing Out the Dead has the Scorsese bright lights, Cage before he sold out, and enough carnage to hold your interest. When it was over, I felt like it was just as I remembered it from the year 2000 or whenever the hell I first saw it, it's a "C" grade.



    Face to Face shows some similar Bergman elements of instability but Ullmann is unbelievable in this Oscar nominated role. If you can dig Persona, you will dig Face to Face.   



    The Pawnbroker has a phenominal lead performance by Steiger and should be seen. The suffering is all but overwhelming and Sidney Lumet paints a horrifically realistic post WW2 drama. Check it out.



    The Yakuza? Huh? Yes, The Yakuza is a neo-noir samurai-gangster blast. Sydney Pollock's little recognized 70's vehicle stars Robert Mitchum in a killer role. It's a mix of gangster and samurai. What's not to like?!



    Breakfast at Tiffany's has Audrey Hepburn in perhaps her signature role...and she is excellent. She plays the oddball, free-spirit all too well. It's worth the time just to see her.

    arrow 13 Comments | Send This | Bookmark and Share

    Domas

    Domas on 10/06/12 at 12:10 AM

    I wanted to like The Seventh Seal but it needed a better direction. Some times it just shows of just to show of without being natural to the flow of the story. But eventually it is good film. Just not that great.

    1 Replies | Report Abuse

    Mr. Taylor

    Mr. Taylor on 10/06/12 at 12:33 PM

    Honestly, the 1st time I saw it, I loved some of it but felt it was lacking too. However, the 2nd time won me over in a whole new light. Might be one of those 2 viewings for you too. Anyway, thanks for sharing your ideas.

    0 Replies | Report Abuse

    Rohit Ramachandran

    Rohit Ramachandran on 10/06/12 at 06:08 AM

    I thought Bringing out the Dead sucked. And I really want to see The Yakuza. You and Filmsnobicus confirmed.

    1 Replies | Report Abuse

    Mr. Taylor

    Mr. Taylor on 10/06/12 at 12:37 PM

    Dead has such promise and winning color from the master director. It just didn't leave enough impact or quality take away value. I actually liked Cage here too. Hybridicus carnivore.

    0 Replies | Report Abuse

    donathan h.

    donathan h. on 10/07/12 at 10:35 AM

    I was awe, inspired by The Seventh Seal. Breathless is a classic as well.

    1 Replies | Report Abuse

    Mr. Taylor

    Mr. Taylor on 10/08/12 at 07:39 AM

    That's great to hear, d. Seventh Seal just might creep into my Top 10.

    0 Replies | Report Abuse

    BobHarris

    BobHarris on 10/08/12 at 09:10 AM

    Wild Strawberries and the Seventh Seal are fantastic. I dont know if Persona is in the same mold, but it's classic Bergman.

    1 Replies | Report Abuse

    Mr. Taylor

    Mr. Taylor on 10/08/12 at 07:24 PM

    You GOTTA see Persona if you like those other Bergman films. It's unlike anything else I've seen. Not exciting or flashy, but perplexing on a new level.

    0 Replies | Report Abuse

    Hawaiianguy2991

    Hawaiianguy2991 on 10/15/12 at 11:47 PM

    Audrey was so fantastic and lovable in Breakfast at Tiffany's, in my opinion her most significant role.

    1 Replies | Report Abuse

    Mr. Taylor

    Mr. Taylor on 10/16/12 at 03:23 PM

    Yeah, she is sensational. Saw Wait Until Dark a while back, she was good there too. Thanks.

    0 Replies | Report Abuse

    Alex G.

    Alex G. on 10/29/12 at 07:01 PM

    I have high love for Eastwood Westerns. While I've seen A Fistful of Dollars a dozen times, I never seen the film that inspired it. Audrey Hepburn is simply memorable in Breakfast at Tiffany's. I consider it to be her best role. Interesting list of films you covered.

    1 Replies | Report Abuse

    Mr. Taylor

    Mr. Taylor on 10/30/12 at 07:05 AM

    Thanks Alex. Always looking for new films.

    0 Replies | Report Abuse

    Rostron2

    Rostron2 on 11/29/12 at 02:14 PM

    Strawberries - Nice find; Breathless; have to see it again, it's been years; Fistful of Dollars; Yup, classic Eastwood/Italian/Japanese adaption.; The Innkeepers; Has some good moments; Seventh Seal: Yes, great concept and you have to be patient, but ultimately rewarding; Bringing Out The Dead: Nah, nothing cage does impresses me...ever. Face to Face; Need to see this; The Pawnbroker: A very under-appreciated film. The Yakuza: Never see it. Breakfast: It's Audrey Hepburn, what else do you need? Thanks for the cool list.

    0 Replies | Report Abuse

    WEEKLY FILM LIST:

    Posted on 09/23/12 03:01 PM | Last edited on 09/23/12 03:01 PM


    WEEKLY FILM LIST (2 WEEKS):

    1. The Master (2012) - 5/5

    2. Cosmopolis (2012) - 2/5

    3. Killer Joe (2012) - 4.5/5

    4. The Cabin in the Woods (2012) - 2.5/5

    5. Le Samourai (1967) - 5/5 (2nd viewing secured TOP 100 position)

    6. Atlantic City (1981) - 4/5

    7. Week End (1967) - 5/5

    8. Inland Empire (2006) - 4/5

    9. The Innocents (1961) - 4/5



    Highlights - First things first, The Master (more like Master-piece) holds monumental performances at the direction of the gifted PTA and hooks us on his inquisitive, brave material. My #1 of 2012 as of now. Phoenix and Hoffman will both mystify and impress you.



    Killer Joe is one of the most brutal and yet artistically admirable films I've ever seen. Sit back and watch McConaughey transform in to a true contender. Friedkin is back!



    Le Samourai is sensational and with this 2nd viewing, it solidified what I already knew: this film is special. The acting, the feel, the ideas are all clockwork perfect.



    Week End is inching wards my #1 Godard but any way you slice it, it is unequaled film making. From the long shot of the accident to the final words it seduces wildly.



    Not so much - Cabin in the Woods is loved my most but I don't blindly follow the pack. It was preposterous and reminded me of all the pitiful Friday the 13th sequels combined with a reasonably fresh twist on The Truman Show. Can't recommend, let's move on.



    Cosmopolis is unforgivable dialog driven dribble. I love so much of Cronenberg's work but despite all the love, I still KNOW that he's hit or miss. His latest is mind-numbingly pointless and one of the worst films I've seen this year. Such potential makes the outcome even worse. Sorry David.







    ***Expecting a baby and Football season hasn't crippled my film watching too, too much***

    arrow 7 Comments | Send This | Bookmark and Share

    HERESSSSSSJOHNNY

    HERESSSSSSJOHNNY on 9/23/12 at 04:42 PM

    I liked The Master too but I still prefer There Will Be Blood. Cosmopolis just sucked, and Cronenberg is one of my favorite directors. Please tell me where you watched Killer Joe!!! Hated Cabin. Le Samourai is good, will watch it again. Haven't seen Atlantic City. Weekend was all right, probably will watch it again eventually. Not a fan of Inland, but I love Lynch. Thought the Innocents was forgettable, may watch it again though. Awesome list.

    1 Replies | Report Abuse

    Mr. Taylor

    Mr. Taylor on 9/23/12 at 08:38 PM

    Thanks, Johnny. I saw Killer Joe in my little local theater (very surprised we got it in Ruston LA). I prefer Blood to The Master too, but both have terrific performances. Wtf about Cosmopolis?! It was awful. Too bad.

    0 Replies | Report Abuse

    Brantastic16

    Brantastic16 on 9/25/12 at 11:15 PM

    Weird, I also saw Cosmopolis, The Cabin in the Woods and Le Samourai this past week. Le Samourai was fantastic (I gave it a 100% but then later changed it to a 90%). I liked The Cabin in the Woods a lot more than you though. 80% for me. And I agree on your rating of Cosmopolis. Cronenberg has so far been a bit of a hit and miss director for me. Of the Cronenberg films I've seen, I loved Videodrome and The Fly, liked eXistenZ, Naked Lunch and Dead Ringers, but I found Spider to be mind numbingly dull and what I've seen of A Dangerous Method seemed rather mediocre. Cosmopolis has got to be my least favorite of his though. It was plotless, cold, static and too dialogue heavy. I felt like there were some smart ideas about society somewhere in there but the dialogue was delivered too quickly and it was worded in such a way that it was difficult to really pick up on them. Paul Giamatti was fantastic in it though. I loved The Innocents as well. As a Lynch fan, I'd like to see Inland Empire soon. I'm curious, do you have this "Top 100" list anywhere on one of your blogs or anything? I'd love to see it.

    1 Replies | Report Abuse

    Mr. Taylor

    Mr. Taylor on 9/26/12 at 03:13 PM

    Man, you simply MUST see A History of Violence and Eastern Promises (Dead Ringers is worthy too). My Top 100 is often changing but should upload it somewhere sometime. Ps, have I already asked you about joining my facebook film club?

    1 Replies | Report Abuse

    Brantastic16

    Brantastic16 on 9/27/12 at 09:07 PM

    Sorry, I haven't been checking my messages. I see that you have now, and I gladly accept your invite. :)

    0 Replies | Report Abuse

    PRYentertainment

    PRYentertainment on 10/03/12 at 10:59 PM

    I thought Cosmopolis absolutely fascinating. Hitchcock often harped on themes of cosmic indifference. Here, Cronenberg shows us how us modern cynics have become indifferent to the cosmos...and really anything. Especially those of us living on a bed of money and a gun beneath the pillow.

    1 Replies | Report Abuse

    Mr. Taylor

    Mr. Taylor on 10/06/12 at 12:26 PM

    Thought it was terrible but like your ideas.

    0 Replies | Report Abuse

    WEEKLY FILM LIST:

    Posted on 09/09/12 06:47 PM | Last edited on 09/09/12 06:47 PM


    1. Sword of Doom (1966) - 5/5

    2. Notorious (1946) - 5/5

    3. Amores Perros (1999) - 5/5

    4. McCabe & Mrs. Miller (1971) - 4.5/5

    5. The Cotton Club (1984) - 3.5/5

    6. Lone Star (1996) - 4/5

    7. Dark Tide (2012) - 1/5

    8. Dead Snow (2009) - 2.5/5

    9. Eraserhead (1977) - 5/5 (2nd viewing)



    Winners - Sword of Doom risks it all by telling a bad guy samurai tale but it succeeds all the way...and more. One of my favorite samurai films now.



    Notorious is an elegant, perfectly presented Hitchcock installment. Honest performances seal the deal and the director puts some of his most personal touches on top.



    Amores Perros is a true dramatic epic! Babel and now his debut are my favorite films by the very creative director. I can't wait to see what he does next because I'll be all over it.



    McCabe & Mrs. Miller is an authentic, anti-western by Altman with Beatty giving one of his all time best performances. This is patience and attention to detail paying off.



    Eraserhead is one of the weirdest films I've ever seen and with a 2nd dose this weekend, I find I'm still in love with it. I'm glad I can still surprise myself.



    Lone Star is a solid mystery and with such a great cast, it delivers. Many characters doing many different things that all seem to intertwine in the end.



    The Cotton Club almost lost me. It is half Goodfellas, half Chicago. I needed it to choose a side but ultimately it looks good on both, despite the even split.



    Losers - I like sharks (Go Shark Week!) and Jaws is in my Top 10 so it's no surprise that I watch a few crappy shark films. However, I'm glad I watched this trash because it reminds me of what REAL acting and REAL excitement feel like due it's inability to show neither. Gets points for some stock shark footage. Congratulations are in order however, it is now my WORST FILM OF 2012. Way to go Halle Berry.



    Dead Snow sounded like a decent guilty pleasure. Nazi zombies? Awesome! Nah, not really. Gore Fest, yes. Well made, no. Still think it's a good idea if anyone wants to copy it.

    arrow 3 Comments | Send This | Bookmark and Share

    peter h.

    peter h. on 9/11/12 at 09:45 PM

    Ive been meaning to see THE COTTON CLUB for a while now along with NOTORIOUS. With DEAD SNOW it is so far the better Nazi Zombie film I've seen. The other (and I suspect the First) was Jess Franco's 1981/1982 film OASIS OF THE ZOMBIES with Nazi Zombies in a North African setting. But my dear god that movie stinks to high heaven. Brilliant list Mr T.

    1 Replies | Report Abuse

    Mr. Taylor

    Mr. Taylor on 9/12/12 at 07:53 AM

    Thanks, peter. Notorious is glorious! Never knew of another Nazi zombie flick. I learn something new everyday. Later!

    0 Replies | Report Abuse

    Brantastic16

    Brantastic16 on 9/25/12 at 11:18 PM

    I've only ever seen Eraserhead and it's a 5/5 for me as well. One of the best of the 70s, I'd say. I've also seen the first 10 minutes or so of Notorious but I got distracted by something else and forgot to finish. I guess I'll have to do that soon!

    0 Replies | Report Abuse

    WEEKLY FILM LIST:

    Posted on 09/02/12 09:31 PM | Last edited on 09/02/12 09:31 PM


    1. The Silence (1963) - 4/5

    2. Lawless (2012) - 3/5

    3. The Asphalt Jungle (1950) - 5/5 (2nd viewing)

    4. To Kill A Mockingbird (1962) - 5/5 (first viewing in adulthood)

    5. The Heartbreak Kid (1972) - 4.5/5

    6. The Cat O' Nine Tails (1971) - 3/5

    7. Looking For Mr. Goodbar (1977) - 4.5/5

    8. Pontypool (2008) - 2/5

    9. The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920) - 5/5 (2nd viewing)

    10. Timecrimes (2007) - 2.5/5

    11. Who's That Knocking On My Door? (1969) - 4.5/5



    Highlights - Other than my 2nd viewings of classics and the other masterpiece, Mockingbird, I have to give huge credit to Goodbar. Dianne Keaton pulls off a Fassbender worthy performance of a sex addict...and this was back in the 70's. You've never seen Keaton like this: brave and provocative.

    Speaking of sex and admiration, Martin Scorsese nails his debut with a sensational drama. Love is tainted but the performances and images are first class. It is fun to see this then the gradual uprising of the junior wiseguys to Mean Streets and ultimately behold the gangster glory of Goodfellas. Scorsese fans gotta see this one to get the full experience.

    If you have seen The Heartbreak Kid, chances are you know why it got the Oscar noms and why I have scored it so high. Those who have not seen it and have only either heard of or endured the pitiful remake, are in the dark. It's one of the finest dark comedies I've seen in ages and damn is it hurtful and smart.

    The Silence is another fine addition from the master director, Bergman. Not the impact of Persona but some odd, distinct interactions from strong female performers. I could not fully get past the awkward scenarios between sisters but and the young boy. It gets points for offering something unique in the world of drama and has the crisp cinematography we'd expect.



    Low ends - Lawless was one of my most anticipated films of the year. Not Top 5 anticipated but up there pretty high. It had the director (love The Road and The Proposition) and the cast of a well built winner. Turns out like the star quarterback who has all the potential in the world that blows almost every play and tires his fans out too many times. Not a total loss (as I see Stone's Savages) but pretty close.

    Cat O' Nine Tails sets the stage for much better things to come but has a mediocre feel to it all story long. Not strong colors, no thrills, no flashes of intrigue = no big deal.

    Pontypool creates an initial suspicion but never goes the distance and in the third act, the explanations and dialog cut it's legs off. In some of the closing scenes, I couldn't help but think of combining it's lines with other famous lines like, "you had me at kill is kiss". Those who have seen it know what I mean. Anyway, good start, bad finish.



    Timecrimes could have explained itself a little better and had more success. Instead I was left wondering how many faces of this guy I was going to see...3 was enough and it might have been 2 too many. Those of you who admire it, I respect your opinions, but just like I admit I'm a sucker for boxing films, I'm very hard to please with the time traveler ones.



    ***Most importantly, I've secured 3 films in my Top 100 with multiple viewings, something I usually try not to do too often but I'm happy I did some of it this week.

    arrow 12 Comments | Send This | Bookmark and Share

    Rostron2

    Rostron2 on 9/03/12 at 10:28 AM

    Lots on this list I haven't seen or have long forgotten. The Silence has some good moments, but I don't need another viewing; Lawless just didn't grab me, so haven't seen it; Asphalt Jungle is remarkable for its time, and feels much more genuine than more modern takes of this sort. Mockingbird is simply brilliant work all around, and still powerful; Heartbreak Kid I've never seen...and all the others except the pioneering 'Cabinet' which is an interesting museum piece, but you can see the DNA for other things in this film. Nice list!

    1 Replies | Report Abuse

    Mr. Taylor

    Mr. Taylor on 9/05/12 at 05:53 AM

    Thanks and good points! Please don't look at Heartbreak Kid compared to the remake, they are nothing alike ;)

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    HERESSSSSSJOHNNY

    HERESSSSSSJOHNNY on 9/03/12 at 12:35 PM

    Need to see Silence, Lawless, and Asphalt Jungle. Not a big fan of Mockingbird but still think its a good film. Haven't seen Heartbreak Kid. Did not like Cat O nine Tail's at all. Really want to see Goodbar, have never been able to find it. Pontypool was ok but nothing memorable. Caligari is a masterpiece, one of my favorite silents. Timecrimes sucked. Didn't care for knocking either.

    1 Replies | Report Abuse

    Mr. Taylor

    Mr. Taylor on 9/05/12 at 05:54 AM

    Caligari is a masterpiece, indeed. Check out Goodbar on youtube! Whole film. Found Ali, Heartbreak Kid, and Lone Star among others. Later!

    0 Replies | Report Abuse

    peter h.

    peter h. on 9/05/12 at 01:34 PM

    Cat O' Nine Tails sounds like one film I've got to see after viewing Argento's DEEP RED & SUSPRIA. CALIGARI is a quintessential Silent Film, which is still just as errie as it was over 92 years ago. Brilliant reviews Mr Taylor

    1 Replies | Report Abuse

    Mr. Taylor

    Mr. Taylor on 9/06/12 at 09:54 AM

    Thanks, peter. Always good to hear from you. I like The Bird with the Crystal Plumage much better so check that out if you like Argento (or even better in some ways is Inferno!).

    0 Replies | Report Abuse

    donathan h.

    donathan h. on 9/08/12 at 12:08 AM

    To Kill A Mockingird, was one of the first older films I ever loved.

    1 Replies | Report Abuse

    Mr. Taylor

    Mr. Taylor on 9/08/12 at 07:48 PM

    It is fantastic. Thanks for stopping by d.

    1 Replies | Report Abuse

    Mr. Taylor

    Mr. Taylor on 9/17/12 at 10:46 AM

    @ Below: Hey Monster Dick, stop crying, you don't have to read them. Piss off.

    0 Replies | Report Abuse

    Monsieur Rick

    Monsieur Rick on 9/16/12 at 11:51 PM

    Why don't you stop posting these self indulgent blogs. You suck.

    0 Replies | Report Abuse

    Brantastic16

    Brantastic16 on 9/25/12 at 11:26 PM

    To Kill a Mockingbird is a true classic and I believe The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari is one of the greatest films ever made. The Asphalt Jungle was good too (4/5 for me). I almost saw Time Crimes at a friend's house but then we ended up watching a terrible horror movie called Calvaire. I can't imagine Time Crimes being any worse than that was. I haven't seen Lawless yet but I'm starting to get discouraged by the mediocre response to it.

    1 Replies | Report Abuse

    Mr. Taylor

    Mr. Taylor on 9/26/12 at 03:15 PM

    I gave Asphalt Jungle the same on the 1st viewing but my 2nd visit really hit me. Thank!

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    WEEKLY FILM LIST:

    Posted on 08/26/12 01:36 PM | Last edited on 08/26/12 01:36 PM


    1. The Straight Story (1999) - 5/5

    2. A Separation (2011) - 4/5

    3. The Sacrifice (1986) -5/5

    4. North by Northwest (1959) - 5/5

    5. The Day of the Jackal (1973) - 4.5/5

    6. Bernie (2011/2012) - 4/5

    7. Friends with Kids (2011/2012) - 2/5



    Highlights - The Straight Story is not only a sensational, heartfelt drama with a perfect performance by Richard Farnsworth, but it also shows yet another side of director David Lynch's brilliance.

    A Separation is a tricky and curious tale and has a strong story to support the project. There is a lot of back and forth and lies that become exposed and re-exposed so in the mix, the effect gets a tad diluted. However, there is no shortchanging the fresh ideas, do see it.  

    The Sacrifice is yet another grand art piece by one of the all time best directors. Tarkovsky somehow summons suspense and originality without using tricky hooks, just high caliber storytelling. As much as I love and admire his other work, this one is top 3 I believe (pending Nostalghia and The Mirror).

    North by Northwest is the Hitchcock thriller I've been looking for. A magnificent mystery and clean pace give life to legitimate classic. Looks like this takes the #2 spot in the short list of the director's line up. Can't wait to see more (next up is Notorious).

    The Day of the Jackal is a carefully calculated and patient thriller. It doesn't distract with unnecessary flash but instead takes it's time to really engage and attack our imagination. If you like Zinneman's other work, get ready for another jolt.

    Bernie is one hell of a surprise. Jack Black nails the role of his career so if you like the funny guy and even like some of his more "serious" work, you need to take a chance on this one. It's weird, it's dark, it's true. Based on a true story, this one rises to the occasion and won't disappoint.



    Common slop - Friends with Kids is just a ridiculous idea and has awful, foul performances that attempt to make it pass for a rom-com. The lead actress did actually write, direct and star in this  and there are a few laughs, so there is room for credit here. However, it is as raunchy as anything else you've seen that fits or borders the genre definition. If you can handle it to the end, do treat yourself to one of the all time worst dialog exchanges in a horrid, sell-out finale.

    arrow 9 Comments | Send This | Bookmark and Share

    PantaOz

    PantaOz on 8/26/12 at 10:56 PM

    Nice list... I'll agree with your ratings as well! thumbs up!

    1 Replies | Report Abuse

    PantaOz

    PantaOz on 8/26/12 at 10:57 PM

    Oh, there is no thumbs up on this one!

    1 Replies | Report Abuse

    Mr. Taylor

    Mr. Taylor on 8/27/12 at 01:17 PM

    Thanks Panta!

    0 Replies | Report Abuse

    peter h.

    peter h. on 8/31/12 at 09:36 PM

    NORTH BY NORTHWEST is a classic Hitchcock thriller, Brilliant review Mr Taylor

    1 Replies | Report Abuse

    Mr. Taylor

    Mr. Taylor on 9/02/12 at 10:31 PM

    Thanks man. Loved it too. Next to Psycho, it's his best I've seen so far.

    0 Replies | Report Abuse

    donathan h.

    donathan h. on 9/04/12 at 02:35 AM

    North By Northwest is one of Hitchcock's more entertaining films, but not nearly as good as Rear Window.

    1 Replies | Report Abuse

    Mr. Taylor

    Mr. Taylor on 9/05/12 at 05:51 AM

    I'm looking forward to Notorious and Rear Window. Thanks d.

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    Brantastic16

    Brantastic16 on 9/25/12 at 11:31 PM

    Bernie was a 70% for me. I love Linklater's work, but it doesn't nearly measure up to Dazed and Confused or his "Before..." series. Still a good movie. NBNW is a 5/5 for me too. Perfect film. One of Hitchcock's best. The climax was incredibly intense.

    1 Replies | Report Abuse

    Mr. Taylor

    Mr. Taylor on 9/26/12 at 03:15 PM

    Glad you feel the same way about NBNW! Thanks!

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    WEEKLY FILM LIST:

    Posted on 08/20/12 08:54 PM | Last edited on 08/20/12 08:54 PM


    WEEKLY FILM LIST:





    1. Pierrot Le Fou (1965) - 4.5/5





    2. Vertigo (1958) - 4/5





    3. Fanny and Alexander (1982) - 5/5





    4. Carnival of Souls (1962) - 3.5/5



     



    5. Klute (1971) - 3.5/5



     



    6. The Campaign (2012) - 3.5/5



    Highlights - Fanny and Alexander is by far one of the best examples of Bergman's genius. This is a rare exploration of human drama meets subtle super-natural. A masterpiece among masterpieces and I can all but say, my Top 10 of 1982 just found a new top spot.

    Vertigo is a great mystery and heart-breaking tale. I might even like Dial M For Murder better and definately Psycho. I can name about 50 films better than this that left me either extremely impressed, aching, or blown away. I can't believe this took the #1 spot from Citizen Kane. To counteract the attacks of you fans, go ahead and include your picks of great overrated films when you complain that I didn’t give it 5/5 like you did. This will make for more interesting discussions (if there are any).

    Pierrot Le Fou is dangerously close to becoming my # 1 Godard film. This incredible journey is part Bonnie & Clyde and part...American Beauty? I don’t know but whatever it is, it is both energetic and passionate.

    arrow 15 Comments | Send This | Bookmark and Share

    Domas

    Domas on 8/20/12 at 11:43 PM

    I didn't find Fanny and Alexander to be a masterpiece. It is well directed but lacking a real closure. It seemed like long fairytale with for me rather bad ending. I haven't seen Vertigo but i can name dozen films that in my opinion are overrated like 12 Angry Men or Rear Window. Actually Hitchock himself said that italian neo-realism works are the best ones and for me those films are the best ones with La Dolce Vita being the best.

    1 Replies | Report Abuse

    Mr. Taylor

    Mr. Taylor on 8/21/12 at 05:57 AM

    I loved Fanny but respect your opinion of course. Check out all the fuss (Vertigo). I'm sure you heard it got the #1 spot over Citizen Cane on some Light and Sound list or something. Best film of all time? Not for me. You be the judge! Later!

    1 Replies | Report Abuse

    Domas

    Domas on 8/23/12 at 02:18 AM

    I saw Vertigo and I can say it's ingenuine very stale and has a bummer ending. Isn't monumental piece of work. In my opinion nothing comes close to Fellini's or Visconti's best works. THey are just cinema at it's best with completely genuine emotions.

    1 Replies | Report Abuse

    Mr. Taylor

    Mr. Taylor on 8/23/12 at 05:54 AM

    Good call Domas, glad you don't always follow the crowd.

    Report Abuse

    HERESSSSSSJOHNNY

    HERESSSSSSJOHNNY on 8/21/12 at 10:06 AM

    Pierrot Le Fou is my favorite Godard film. Vertigo is a masterpiece and my personal favorite Hitchcock film along with Psycho. Didn't like Fanny and Alexander that much. Carnival of Souls was ok but kind of bland. Klute was all right, I prefer The Parallax View and All the Presidents men. Haven't seen Campaign, looks kind of stupid.

    1 Replies | Report Abuse

    Mr. Taylor

    Mr. Taylor on 8/21/12 at 08:02 PM

    Whoa! Someone else who has seen Parallax View! That is underrated, glad you like it. Godards best for me is Alphaville. Thanks!

    0 Replies | Report Abuse

    peter h.

    peter h. on 8/21/12 at 08:00 PM

    As a fan of Cult Movies that are from any era, A to Z Grade, Bad to brilliant & just plan bizarre. CARNIVAL OF SOULS is for me stand out gem amongst numerous B-Grade Drive-In from the late 1950s to Early 1960â??s.As for VERTIGO , well also being a fan of Hitchcock I love the great directors most beloved masterpiece. VERTIGO is one great film I just love watching over and over again. Brilliant reviews Mr Taylor

    1 Replies | Report Abuse

    Mr. Taylor

    Mr. Taylor on 8/21/12 at 08:03 PM

    Thanks, peter! Carnival was pretty good and then the ending hit hard! It is a gem indeed. Psycho is going to be hard to beat. North by Northwest is next!

    1 Replies | Report Abuse

    peter h.

    peter h. on 8/22/12 at 02:47 PM

    North By northwest, thats another one I really love...........Can't wait to hear what you think about it

    0 Replies | Report Abuse

    BobHarris

    BobHarris on 8/29/12 at 03:29 PM

    good to hear about Fanny and Alexander, just started watching Bergman films.

    1 Replies | Report Abuse

    Mr. Taylor

    Mr. Taylor on 8/30/12 at 09:15 PM

    You have started on a grand journey, my friend. Virgin Spring, Seventh Seal and Persona are all Top 100 films for me. Good luck!

    0 Replies | Report Abuse

    Bill T.

    Bill T. on 9/06/12 at 06:45 AM

    While I've been remiss in commenting on your lists, I love reading them every time they are posted. In regards to Vertigo, it's not Hitchcock's best but it's a damn fine movie, if only for the ingenious camera work. As far asd the story goes, it leaves you very uneasy throughout, which is a tough trick to master. As far as overrated movies, my number one is Scarface. Bought it on a blind buy and I still don't get the fascination with it.

    1 Replies | Report Abuse

    Mr. Taylor

    Mr. Taylor on 9/06/12 at 09:52 AM

    Good points on Vertigo. Scarface is one I totally get. One of the best endings ever! In a crazy, go down shooting kind of way. Thanks man!

    0 Replies | Report Abuse

    Brantastic16

    Brantastic16 on 9/25/12 at 11:46 PM

    I actually didn't like Vertigo when I first saw it. It was, however, one of the first films from its era that I had seen and I wasn't used to such slow pacing for a thriller. Since then, however, it's grown on me, so much so that it's become one of my favorite films ever and my favorite Hitchcock film. Although I don't know about it being the greatest film ever (If I had a say, I'd probably vote for 2001, Apocalypse Now or Bergman's Cries and Whispers) it would outrank Citizen Kane in my books any day. Fanny and Alexander is indeed a masterpiece and Carnival of Souls was a good horror classic. I haven't seen the others. As for acclaimed films that I didn't love, I could name plenty. Off the top of my head, Rocky, Avatar, Forrest Gump, Jaws, Ghostbusters, Sans Soleil, The Matrix, Garden State, The Bridge on the River Kwai, A Few Good Men, His Girl Friday, All the President's Men, Day for Night, Gangs of New York and many more. I do like some of those, but none really lived up to their reputations for me.

    1 Replies | Report Abuse

    Mr. Taylor

    Mr. Taylor on 9/26/12 at 03:16 PM

    Jaws, 2001 Apocalypse Now! Awesome! Thanks, we have many favorites in common.

    0 Replies | Report Abuse

    WEEKLY FILM LIST:

    Posted on 08/12/12 07:56 PM | Last edited on 08/12/12 07:56 PM


    WEEKLY FILM LIST:

    1. Tokyo Story (1954) - 4.5/5

    2. Wait Until Dark (1967) - 4/5

    3. Lost Highway (1997) - 4/5

    4. Cries and Whispers (1972) - 4.5/5

    5. You Can Count on Me (2000) - 4.5/5



    Short list of good watching this week: Tokyo Story isn't on par with the best films of all time in my book but behold a fine cast transmitting some of the most heartbreaking times that come along with being a family. Definitely see it.

    Wait Until Dark has a great lead performance by Audrey Hepburn, that much is clear, and Alan Arkin is just diabolical! I couldn't help but think that the the writers stretched things a good bit, I mean, how much is one blind lady going to take before calling the cops?

    Lost Highway has it's flaws but it scores highly in the intensity department and is one of the creepiest films I think I've ever seen. The plot is twisted and the conclusion leaves much to speculation, just as much of the rest of the story but it also unveils Robert Blake as an Astro-Creep for the ages.

    Cries and Whispers is yet another great Bergman film and I admire the way the scenes change with the flashes of red and how the emotions transmit from sister to sister. Though it has some, well, strange aspects to the film I wasn't expecting from the director, he never disappoints.

    You Can Count on Me made several Top 10 lists back in 2000 and I finally scratched it off my list. Tomorrow I will probably add it to my Top 10 of 2000 also. Linney and Ruffalo are fantastic and the film carries a big heart along the way to self discovery.

    arrow 9 Comments | Send This | Bookmark and Share

    peter h.

    peter h. on 8/12/12 at 08:22 PM

    I'm kind of curious to view TOKYO STORY, after all Sight& Sound named it #3 on thier top ten list ( the same list that labels VERTIGO as the greatest film of all time which is neat for a fan of Hitchcock). Brilliant review Mr Taylor

    1 Replies | Report Abuse

    Mr. Taylor

    Mr. Taylor on 8/13/12 at 06:39 AM

    Thanks, I don't see Tokyo as that caliber of film but hey, its all in the eye of the beholder. Hope to hear your thoughts on it soon.

    0 Replies | Report Abuse

    HERESSSSSSJOHNNY

    HERESSSSSSJOHNNY on 8/13/12 at 03:44 PM

    I liked Tokyo Story too but wasn't blown away either. I felt the same way about Wait Until Dark. Lost Highway is an underrated masterpiece. Enjoyed Cries and Whispers as well. Haven't seen Count On Me...

    1 Replies | Report Abuse

    Mr. Taylor

    Mr. Taylor on 8/14/12 at 05:46 AM

    Cool, we agree on several this week. Do check out Count on Me, the performances are top shelf. Thanks!

    0 Replies | Report Abuse

    Earth Giant

    Earth Giant on 8/13/12 at 08:09 PM

    Good list, good week. Lost Highway is so "Lynch," but flawed I guess. Some scenes are just fantastic though. I think it pales just a little compared to Mulholland Drive. Cries and Whispers was the first Bergman film I ever saw in a movie theater. I was bowled over... still one of my favorites.

    1 Replies | Report Abuse

    Mr. Taylor

    Mr. Taylor on 8/14/12 at 05:47 AM

    You are wise, EG. I'm going to give Mul Drive another shot esp after appreciating Lost Highway, then I want to see Inland Empire or whatever it's called. Miss you on our little fb club lately.

    1 Replies | Report Abuse

    Earth Giant

    Earth Giant on 8/14/12 at 06:12 AM

    Thanks, Greg. The summer heat has broken here and that means more time outside, but... "I'll be back..." :-))

    1 Replies | Report Abuse

    Mr. Taylor

    Mr. Taylor on 8/18/12 at 02:30 PM

    LOL! I hear you man!

    Report Abuse

    Brantastic16

    Brantastic16 on 9/25/12 at 11:50 PM

    I still haven't seen Tokyo Story or Lost Highway, but Cries and Whispers is my second favorite film of the seventies and my favorite Bergman so far. I was totally emotionally drained and disturbed by the end of it. It haunted me. Wait Until Dark is a good thriller and You Can Count on Me was great as well (both are 4/5s for me).

    0 Replies | Report Abuse

    WEEKLY FILM LIST:

    Posted on 08/05/12 09:42 PM | Last edited on 08/05/12 09:42 PM


    1. Throne of Blood (1957) - 5/5

    2. A Man For All Seasons (1966) - 4.5/5

    3. Paths of Glory (1957) - 5/5 (2nd viewing)

    4. Angel Heart (1987) - 4.5/5

    5. Fear and Desire (1953) - 3.5/5

    6. The Mirror (1975) - 4.5/5

    7. Sid and Nancy (1986) - 4.5/5

    8. Reds (1981) - 3.5/5

    9. Once Upon a Time in America (1968) - 5/5

    10. Ronin (1998) - 3.5/5

    11. Metropolis (1927) - 5/5



    Nothing but highlights this week, I'm not even going to cover anything but the masterpieces. The 1st masterpiece of the week was Throne of Blood which is Top 3 Kurosawa, and that is saying a great deal. This is a supernatural-samurai-Shakespeare-drama. Seriously. Required viewing for any film fanatic.

    2nd masterpiece Paths of Glory. On my 2nd viewing I was able to see Paths in all it's Glory. Now that it has had time to settle in, I'm considering it for my 3rd favorite Kubrick film, which is also saying a great deal.

    3rd masterpiece comes in the form of a western. West is hands-down one of the absolute finest westerns I've seen. Fonda goes against the grain as a villain and seems right at home. Don't like westerns? Try watching a some, and put this high in the list along with The Wild Bunch and High Noon.

    Yes, there is a 4th film I'm calling a masterpiece and it is an oldie. Metropolis covers an incredible amount of ground. Social classes clashing, dependency on technology, and a good old fashioned love story. Hailed as one of the most influential films ever made, I'm in complete unity with that school of thought.



    This might very well have been the best over all week of films I've had yet in this project I've undertaken. 4 masterpieces in 7 days say so.

    arrow 10 Comments | Send This | Bookmark and Share

    HERESSSSSSJOHNNY

    HERESSSSSSJOHNNY on 8/05/12 at 09:50 PM

    I really liked Throne of Blood but didn't love it. Haven't seen Man For All Seasons, Paths of Glory is definitely a masterpiece and one of the greatest war films ever made, I think Angel Heart is an underrated masterpiece, Fear and Desire is interesting but understandably not that great, Want to see The Mirror, Didn't like Sid and Nancy, Reds didn't do anything for me, OUTIA is a masterpiece by one of the greatest directors of all time, Ronin is a good action film but nothing more, Iv'e never been a fan of Metropolis but maybe I need to give it another go. Really good ones this week.

    1 Replies | Report Abuse

    Mr. Taylor

    Mr. Taylor on 8/06/12 at 03:18 PM

    Thanks, Johnny! We see many of these the same. I was in awe of Metropolis and felt it was years ahead of it's time.

    0 Replies | Report Abuse

    Domas

    Domas on 8/06/12 at 07:42 AM

    Paths of Glory is really great. One of the best if not the best. I should check Throne of Blood.

    1 Replies | Report Abuse

    Mr. Taylor

    Mr. Taylor on 8/06/12 at 03:19 PM

    Do check it out, Domas and let me know if you remember. I'd like to hear your thoughts on it.

    0 Replies | Report Abuse

    peter h.

    peter h. on 8/10/12 at 02:08 PM

    With viewing Lang's Metropolis did you view the complete 2010 restoration of the film? Its great that you loved Once Upon A Time in The West (which is one of my all time Favourites along with Metropolis & Paths Of Glory). However don't take this the wrong way but You have called it Once Upon a Time in America which was Leone's last film four Hour film in 1984. Which I strongly recommend viewing as well, Its by far one of the great Gangster films of all time. Brilliant review's Mr Taylor

    1 Replies | Report Abuse

    Mr. Taylor

    Mr. Taylor on 8/11/12 at 05:05 PM

    Thanks, peter, as always. The Metropolis version I saw was the Restored version. Yes, I made a typo with Once Upon a Time in the West and do need to see Once Upon a Time in America, everyone tells me that. Its on the short list.

    0 Replies | Report Abuse

    Domas

    Domas on 8/16/12 at 06:38 AM

    I just saw Throne of Blood. It's well crafted and has a great ending. Somehow it lacks the impact of Ran for me.

    1 Replies | Report Abuse

    Mr. Taylor

    Mr. Taylor on 8/18/12 at 02:22 PM

    Well crafted in deed, loved the creepy scenes in the forest too. One of my favorite Kurosawa films. Thanks!

    0 Replies | Report Abuse

    Brantastic16

    Brantastic16 on 9/25/12 at 11:55 PM

    Paths of Glory is indeed a great film, but it would probably be on the lower half of his filmography if I was to rank them by preference. I found Fear and Desire rather underwhelming and forgettable, and I felt it lacked that Kubrick magic. 50% for me. I wasn't exactly too sure what to make of The Mirror, but I gave it an 80% for making me think. I think I like it the more I let it sink in. And yes, Metropolis is a masterpiece. :)

    1 Replies | Report Abuse

    Mr. Taylor

    Mr. Taylor on 9/26/12 at 03:18 PM

    Mirror is a thinker, really admire it. Metropolis just blew me away! Thanks!

    0 Replies | Report Abuse

    WEEKLY FILM LIST:

    Posted on 07/29/12 08:23 PM | Last edited on 07/29/12 08:23 PM


    1. Rashomon (1950) - 5/5

    2. The Manchurian Candidate (1962) - 5/5

    3. Lockout (2012) - 2/5

    4. Bullhead (2011) - 3.5/5

    5. The Apartment (1960) - 4/5

    6. King of Gypsies (1978) - 3/5

    7. The Mercenary/A Professional Gun (1968) - 3/5

    8. Watchmen (2009) - 3.5/5

    9. Time Bandits (1981) - 4/5

    10. Tron: Legacy (2010) - 4.5/5



    Highlights - Is there even an average Kurosawa film?! So far, every one I've seen is either a masterpiece or damn near. Rashomon is a jolt of originality and inspired many of the "same story, different viewpoint" style films we know of today. Decades ahead of it's time and yet very fitting for the genius director.

    The Manchurian Candidate has both brawn and brains. This thriller has all the intensity one can ask for while somehow capturing a classy feel to it. The political realm is rocked by a stellar cast and a mind-bending screenplay.

    I'll probably get a lot of hate for this but I don't care. Tron: Legacy continues a playful, entertaining momentum started in 1982 with it's original sci-fi gem. Here, it capitalizes on modern visual effects and scores big time with killer music, visuals, and costume design. Jeff Bridges helps, too.



    Could-have-been-betters - Look, Guy Pierce rocked Memento in the lead role and he almost pulled off a decent action hit here with Lockout. Trouble is, virtually everything around him stinks. From the drive-through, standard plot to the idiotic sequences, it is an unfortunate loser.

    King of the Gypsies shows some promise for the young star on the rise, Eric Roberts but not much else. I happen to be a fan of some of his work. It's true, once upon a time Roberts was an Oscar nominated actor with some very good titles under his belt. Gypsies has all the talent in the world: Sterling Hayden, Judd Hirsch, Susan Sarandon, and Michael V. Gazzo. So why does it come off as boring and pointless? I for one had semi high hopes.

    arrow 6 Comments | Send This | Bookmark and Share

    HERESSSSSSJOHNNY

    HERESSSSSSJOHNNY on 7/29/12 at 09:09 PM

    Rashomon is my favorite Kurosawa film, glad you liked it. Manchurian was good too, I need to rewatch it though. Didn't see Lockout and don't plan too, didn't see Bullhead either. The Apartment didn't meet my expectations, it was ok I guess. Haven't seen Gypsies. The Mercenary was ok but forgettable. Watchman was good but not great. I have never liked Time Bandits but Im not Gilliam fan either. Never saw Tron Legacy, thought the original was pretty bad.

    1 Replies | Report Abuse

    Mr. Taylor

    Mr. Taylor on 7/29/12 at 09:13 PM

    Ha! We have a few agreeable ones and a few disagreeable ones this week, Johnny. Rashomon and Manchurian are the ones that really count here though. Thanks!

    0 Replies | Report Abuse

    peter h.

    peter h. on 7/30/12 at 10:01 PM

    Mixing it up with A bit of Kurosawa, Billy Wilder & Terry Gilliam I see. No doubt something like THRONE OF BLOOD, DOUBLE INDEMITY, & BRAZIL in all various cuts will be up next...... Brilliant review Mr Taylor

    1 Replies | Report Abuse

    Mr. Taylor

    Mr. Taylor on 8/01/12 at 06:24 AM

    Thanks man. Just saw Throne of Blood and am still in awe!

    0 Replies | Report Abuse

    BobHarris

    BobHarris on 8/20/12 at 12:36 PM

    nice to see some love for tron: legacy. I highly enjoyed it. The Apartment is also one of my favorite Billy Wilder films.

    1 Replies | Report Abuse

    Mr. Taylor

    Mr. Taylor on 8/20/12 at 08:45 PM

    Yeah, Tron: Legacy was visual bliss! Thanks!

    0 Replies | Report Abuse

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