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Dracula (1931)
The king of all vampires, and the beginning of modern horror.
What can be said about a movie that has had such a profound impact on both film and pop culture? After years of living in a decrepit castle with his vampire "brides", the notorious Count Dracula begins to mysteriously buy property in London with the help of a real estate agent named Harker. However, we soon learn that there is a sinister reason behind the Count's move, as he begins his reign of terror once he arrives in the City.
Bela Lugosi created a character that would become the standard for all vampires. Sophisticated, charming but downright horrifying, Lugosi' Dracula still holds up as one of the most magnificent horror villains. Other stand out characters include Dwight Frye's disturbing portrayal of Harker, and Edward Van Sloan's Dr. Van Helsing.
Eight decades after it first terrorized audiences, Dracula the film was falling apart. Decreased picture quality, and a significant hissing sound severely hurt the quality of one of the greatest films in the horror genre. But over the past 15 years, two great things have happened. The first, which is a bit controversial with film purists, was the inclusion of a new film score performed by renowned composer Philip Glass. I have to say, the score was much needed to help bring the film to modern times. The sophisticated, but eerie, score really adds depth to the scenes and is a profound upgrade for the quality of the film overall.
Finally, in 2012, Universal did a full scale restoration of the film (along with the other Universal monster movies) for its release on blu ray. All I can say is WOW. The picture is nearly crisp, with a more balanced picture and virtually no scratches. Furthermore, that horrible hissing noise that plagued the film is significantly reduced, and for the first time in eighty years, the sounds and dialogue are as clear as the day the film was released. These restoration processes have dramatically inflated the quality and relevance of the film, helping to cement it as one of the most significant pieces to come out of the golden age of cinema.
MASH (1970)
A True comedy classic
M*A*S*H is considered one of the greatest comedy's of all time so naturally, I've been interested in seeing it. I've never watched the TV show so I wasn't familiar with the franchise. I wasn't sure if I was going to like this or not but after watching, boy was I shocked! Forty years on, this movie is still hilarious and fresh. I must say, I was surprised at how graphic it was. It really holds nothing back which is why it still resonates and holds up today. The characters aren't exactly relatable or loving. Hawkeye and Trapper are mischievous, anarchist characters. Hot Lips and Burns (played amazingly by Sally Kellerman and Robert Duval), represent hypocritical authority. Everyone else are a bunch of lunatics. At the same time though, the staff are serious when it comes to the work their doing of treating wounded soldiers during wartime. That's why this film is such a great balance; over the top humor mixed with a serious setting. Some of the funniest parts include: -The sex scene -Hot Lips shower scene (a little shocking but funny) -The football scene.
I highly recommend this movie to those who like black comedies that hold nothing back. Definitely one of the best films of all time.
X-Men: Days Of Future Past Part I (1993)
Traitor! Your Future Ends Now!
This is by far one of the best episodes of X-Men TAS. The two parter is based on the highly acclaimed comic book story "Days of Future Passed". Starting in a future dystopian New York, Wolverine, the last surviving X-Men, who meets up with a bounty hunter mutant named Bishop. Logan ends up at Bishop's base of operations, where he meet Bishop's teammate Forge. Forge creates a time machine in hopes of preventing the future they live in from ever happening by killing a mutant who assassinated the president. Once in the present time, Bishop meets up with the legendary X-Men only to discover that one of their own appears to be the assassin in question.
The two parter is packed with action and adult-themed issues that the series became well known for (they touch upon genocide and holocaust for example and the scene where Wolverine sees his teammate's graves is quite creepy). Furthermore, Bishop is such an awesome character and his introduction paved they way for equally great appearances. But what I really love about the episode is the ending in the second part, which is a cliffhanger for the first season finale (hint, Magneto is involved)
Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983)
A remarkable ending to such a brilliant franchise.
The Star Wars trilogy is one of those rare feats where all three movies not only form one big plot, but are also each remarkably strong individually. However, Return of the Jedi often gets labelled "the weaker one" in the original film franchise. For the most part, arguments are made that it could've been better: It should've been the Wookies on Kashyyyk, not the Ewoks on Endor; the finale should've have been on the Galactic Capital Coruscant, not a rehashing of the Death Star, etc. It could've been better, but that is saying A LOT, because what we got was terrific in the end.
The epic finale takes place one year after the cliffhanger events of ESB: Luke, Leia and the gang arrive on Tatooine to save Han Solo from the reviled Jabba the Hutt. Meanwhile, the Empire and the Rebellion prepare for an epic battle that will decide the fate of the galaxy, as Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine arrive to see the final construction of the new Death Star.
The film leaves no loose ends, and wraps everything up rather neatly. After two movies of mention and build up, we finally meet Jabba the Hutt, and boy was the wait worth it! The illustrious gangster, that seemed to be the only thing Han Solo worried about, is a slimy, slug like creature who threatens Luke and the gangs very survival. Also, after mention, and a brief holographic cameo, we finally meet the man behind Vader and the Empire: Emperor Palpatine. The definitive embodiment of evil, Palpatine is the only figure Darth Vader answers to, and become the final, ultimate challenge for Luke in his quest to revive the Jedi.
Several things really make this film stand out. Unlike the previous two, which show exuberant, youthful performances by Ford, Fisher and Hamill, the cast seems worn down and tired this time around. While some see this as a detriment, I always viewed it as a sign of how truly serious the peril is for our heroes. The Empire nearly destroyed the rebellion in the previous film, Han Solo was missing, and Luke had just discovered Darth Vader is...well, you know. Such experiences really have hardened our once hopeful protagonists, who have one final chance to defeat the omnipresent enemy, and bring back peace to the galaxy. It really shows great maturity, particularly in Luke, who was a simple, perky farm boy with big dreams when we first met him.
But perhaps the strongest part of the film is the characterization of Darth Vader. For the first time, we really see a tragic, conflicted individual who ultimately comes back from the darkness. A fascinating and fitting ending to one of cinema's most legendary characters.
In all, Return of the Jedi cemented the Star Wars series as one of cinema's greatest feats.
Addams Family Values (1993)
One of the best dark comedies of all time.
This movie is severely underrated. This has got to be the funniest and smartest comedy I've ever scene and far better than the first one. It's one of the only movies that I can actually watch scene by scene and not get bored. The cast is brilliant. Raul Julia, Angelica Houston, Christina Ricci and Christopher Lloyd were born to play their roles. They're so believable in it that it's scary. Joan Cusak NAILED her role as Debbie. Her delivery of lines and her changes from a sweet hot nanny to a gold digging homicidal maniac is fantastic.
The best part has to be the one-liners though. They're timeless and I still laugh at them after all these years. And can I just add the brilliant concept of sending Pugsly and Wednesday to a summer camp? Oh My God how awesome some of the best scenes in the film. I still crack up when Wednesday starts her "How the pilgrims destroyed the Native Americans" dialogue priceless. All and all an astounding and brilliant movie and I'm shocked that it doesn't have a hire rating here.
War of the Worlds (2005)
One of the best Sci-Fi movies of the decade
War of the Worlds has got to be one of my favorite films. The first time I saw this movie I was on the edge of my seat throughout the entire run and was in shock at the end. Spielberg once again proves why he is one of the greatest directors of our time. The biggest thing that makes this film amazing is the realism he brings. This film doesn't present a corny alien invasion episode with bad acting or unrealistic situations like Independence Day does, but it puts you right in the characters shoes and does not exaggerate the concept at all. From the angle of the camera (eye level to make it feel like you right there staring at the tripods), to the brilliant cinematography and breathtaking special effects (the opening scene where we see the tripod rise from the ground is astonishing and just freaky), this movie grounds what could have been a very "out there" film. The strongest part of the film has to be the performances remarkably done by Tom Cruise and Dakota Fanning. Cruise nails the whole dead beat dad who must protect his kids and Dakota's performance is marvelous. Also every moment we see Tim Robbins is pitching perfect. His performance of the man who loses his mind is done flawlessly.
One thing that I just can't seem to understand is: Why do some people find this horrible? Because Dakota Fanning screams a lot? Umm..If I was a 10 year old stuck with my estranged father while the whole world is being attacked by aliens and I have no idea where my mother is, I'd be crying like a baby to. A bad plot? Are you kidding? Putting this situation through the eyes of one family yet also getting a fell of how desperate and afraid the world is is brilliant. I think the real reason behind the hate is Tom Cruise overload right when the movie came out. People just got so sick of him that once the movie came out; they just cringed at the sight of him.
Despite my "thumbs up" for this movie, I did find a few things annoying. My biggest dislike had to be the handling of Robby. Now I totally sympathize and understand Robby. He has more beef with Ray than Rachel since he's older and he feels Ray really doesn't care since he is trying to bring the kids back to mom and fend for himself. The thing I didn't like is he comes of as a prick, even to his little sister! I couldn't believe the part where he tried to hop on one of the military vehicles without his little sister defiantly a WTF moment. And how the hell did Robby manage to survive the military battle and Walk all the way to Boston unscathed? Also I felt as is the second part of the movie got a little boring and I was rather disappointed that the machines were already buried
would't we have known they were there? Guess alien technology prevented that
o well All in all this has got to be one of Spielberg's greatest flicks. Don't listen to the haters, this movie is amazing and astonishing to watch. 8.8/10