Directed by Irvin Winkler, written by John Brancato and Michael Ferris, and starring Sandra Bullock and Jeremy Northam, The Net is a film that is only dated by the technology displayed. The overall plot of the film has aged tremendously and it’s, dare I say it, a good movie. For those unfamiliar with the 1995 film, Sandra Bullock plays a computer programmer named Angela Bennett. … Continue reading 90s Flashback: The Net (1995)
An insurance representative lets himself be talked by a seductive housewife into a murder/insurance fraud scheme that arouses the suspicion of an insurance investigator. To me, Double Indemnity is the quintessential film noir. Although, this film was made before that term had ever even been used. It has everything that a film noir should have: narration, a femme fatale, an air of mystery, dramatic lighting, fast dialogue, … Continue reading 29. Double Indemnity (1944)
The early life and career of Vito Corleone in 1920s New York City is portrayed, while his son, Michael, expands and tightens his grip on the family crime syndicate. Many have argued that The Godfather Part II is better than The Godfather, but I think that Part II helps us to have a better appreciation for the first film. The Godfather Part II follows both a young Vito Corleone, … Continue reading 32. The Godfather Part II (1974)
Writer/Director J Blakeson had a vision with this film and, damnit, if he didn’t nail it. I Care A Lot stars Rosamund Pike as Marla Grayson, a grifting legal guardian whose con is now in jeopardy, as she’s taken advantage of the wrong person. Along with Pike, I Care A Lot also stars Peter Dinklage as Roman Lunyov, Eiza Gonzalez as Fran, Dianne Wiest as Jennifer Peterson, and … Continue reading I Care A Lot. (2021)
Talk about a well written film. The Talented Mr. Ripley, released in 1999, was written and directed by Anthony Minghella, based on the novel by Patricia Highsmith. The film starred Matt Damon as the titular Mr. Tom Ripley, Jude Law as Dickie Greenleaf, Gwyneth Paltrow as Marge Sherwood, Cate Blanchett as Meredith Logue, and the late great Philip Seymour Hoffman as Freddie Miles. The film follows Tom … Continue reading 90s Flashback: The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
You know, the makers of Hackers didn’t even seem to know anything about the internet when they made the film. So, it’s no surprise to literally any body that this film about teenage hackers did not age well. Hackers is a 1995 crime film that focuses on a group of teenage hackers who unknowingly become involved in a corporate extortion conspiracy. The film stars Jonny Lee Miller … Continue reading Films That Have Not Aged Well: Hackers (1995)
Even though the film Heat was released in 1995 and uses some dated technology, the film itself is weirdly timeless. For those unfamiliar with the film, Heat is about a group of bank robbers who unknowingly leave a clue at their last heist and are beginning to feel the heat from the police. Hence, the title. Written and directed by Michael Mann, Heat could easily be a masterclass on … Continue reading 90s Flashback: Heat (1995)
How much does Lars von Trier dislike women? The answer is a lot. In fact, it may be even more than Quentin Tarantino. The House That Jack Built stars Matt Dillon as a serial killer, recounting 5 murders he’s committed to a person named Verge. There’s so much to unpack here. Visually, the film is beautiful. But, that’s to be expected of a Lars von … Continue reading The House That Jack Built (2018)
Straight up, this is on my list of favorite films. David Fincher’s directing style can be hit or miss for me. For example, in The Social Network, I think his color filter look does not quite fit. But, in Se7en, the darker filters and darker color palette works quite well. This film, although very different from the other films I have talked about in this … Continue reading 90s Flashback: Se7en (1995)
A mentally unstable veteran works as a nighttime taxi driver in New York City, where the perceived decadence and sleaze fuels his urge for violent action by attempting to liberate a presidential campaign worker and an underage prostitute. I don’t think I’ve ever been so engrossed in a film while simultaneously being incredibly uncomfortable in my entire life. And I’m sure that is exactly what … Continue reading 52. Taxi Driver (1976)
