14. Psycho (1960)
A Phoenix secretary embezzles $40,000 from her employer’s client, goes on the run, and checks into a remote motel run by a young man under the domination of his mother. One of the few true horror films on AFI’s 100 Greatest Films list is this Alfred Hitchcock classic. Released in theaters in 1960, I remember reading somewhere that, once the film began, you wouldn’t be … Continue reading 14. Psycho (1960)
The Batman (2022): A Neo-Noir Beauty
My significant other was in charge of getting these tickets for us on opening night. He chose an 11:45 PM showing. For a nearly 3 hour film. On a day that I worked. My faith that I would stay awake for the entire film was low. But, I was wrong. I was dead wrong. I was awake and enthralled for the full two hours and … Continue reading The Batman (2022): A Neo-Noir Beauty
15. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
The Monoliths push humanity to reach for the stars; after their discovery in Africa generations ago, the mysterious objects lead mankind on an awesome journey to Jupiter, with the help of H.A.L. 9000: the world’s greatest supercomputer. Alright. I’m going to be honest with you: it had been a hot minute since I last watched this film. Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, although undeniably … Continue reading 15. 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
Antlers (2021)
I feel like I have been waiting 100 years for this film to come out. I remember seeing a trailer for Antlers in early 2020 and being so excited about the film because I find Wendigo’s to be particularly horrifying. Then, as we all know by now, the Covid-19 Pandemic hit (and still continues to hit will we ever be out of this hell dear god) … Continue reading Antlers (2021)
16. Sunset Blvd. (1950)
A screenwriter develops a dangerous relationship with a faded film star determined to make a triumphant return. Sunset Blvd marks Billy Wilder’s fourth appearance on the American Film Institute’s “100 Greatest Films” list, and rightfully so. I’ve argued repeatedly that there are too many Western’s on this list, but I would also argue that there’s never enough Billy Wilder. That man, time and time again, … Continue reading 16. Sunset Blvd. (1950)
Power Rangers (2017): A High Thoughts Revue
So, not too long ago, I had this genius idea: I would get stoned and watch films that were CERTAIN to be offbeat. I would watch films that were either “stoner films” or I would watch films that were bizarre or ridiculous to watch even sober. Surely, the marijuana would enhance that bizarreness. After all, I live in a state where it’s legal. And, sure as … Continue reading Power Rangers (2017): A High Thoughts Revue
Scream (2022): For Wes
Something important to know about me: the Scream series is one of my all-time favorites. The first film is unmatched, in my opinion. The second and third films are a bit dated, but still good. The fourth one still had to same feeling as the films before it. So, that’s where my expectations were. And the 2022 Scream did not disappoint. An absolute love letter to the … Continue reading Scream (2022): For Wes
17. The Graduate (1967)
A disillusioned college graduate finds himself torn between his older lover and her daughter. I find it very fitting that, as I sit down to write this post, it looks as if it may rain outside. I have only ever watched Mike Nichols’ The Graduate twice in my life: once as I was ending high school, going into college and the other in my junior year of … Continue reading 17. The Graduate (1967)
18. The General (1926)
After being rejected by the Confederate military, not realizing it was due to his crucial civilian role, an engineer must single-handedly recapture his beloved locomotive after it is seized by Union spies and return it through enemy lines. You know what’s funny? Every single synopsis that I’ve read for Buster Keaton’s 1926 film The General has put emphasis on the civil war aspect of the film. And, … Continue reading 18. The General (1926)
19. On the Waterfront (1954)
An ex-prize fighter turned New Jersey longshoreman struggles to stand up to his corrupt union bosses, including his older brother, as he starts to connect with the grieving sister of one of the syndicate’s victims. I tell you what, we just don’t get the same cattiness from filmmakers like we did in the 50s and 60s. Elia Kazan made On the Waterfront as a direct response … Continue reading 19. On the Waterfront (1954)