#moviereivews

[kathieyv]

Entertainment Wrap Up- Books, Movies and TV for August 22, 2022

[reelfunmovies]

JUMANJI: WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE (2017)

I dug it! Nothing amazing, but it’s a good time. Also fun to see a movie play with video game tropes (though I wish they pushed that stuff further).

★★★☆☆

[reelfunmovies]

READY PLAYER ONE (2018)

Not a fan. I love Spielberg, but even he couldn’t save this one. No mystery or wonder, just lots of “stuff.” So much stuff! A couple interesting camera moves, and occasional good animation, but over all boring. 

★★☆☆☆

[reelfunmovies]

PAPILLON (1973)

Based on the true story of the French convict Henri Charrière and adapted by Dalton Trumbo. The film stars Steve McQueen as a safecracker nicknamed Henri "Papillon" Charrière, wrongly sentenced to life imprisonment in French Guiana for the of murder of a pimp. Papillon becomes bodyguard to fellow inmate Dega (played by Dustin Hoffman), if Dega will finance his escape.

Papillon is dedicated to a never ending pursuit of freedom, as he is locked into prisons within prisons. The worst being a long stint in solitary confinement which age and break Papillon's mind.

PAPILLON is beautifully shot, with some amazing locations. At times it a classic adventure movie, that's broken up with grim stretches. It runs a bit long, but that helps add to the feeling of imprisonment. Both McQeen and Hoffman give good performances, and the film is filled with some interesting side characters.

★★★1/2☆☆

This quote from the December 1973 New York Times review made me happy that we are always having the conversation that Hollywood stops making certain types of movies.

"This finally establishes “Papillon” as the sort of movie Hollywood supposedly doesn't make any more. Though its native girls go topless and the production budget was huge, “Papillon” is the escapist movie we used to go see on Saturday night without even bothering to read the marquee."

[reelfunmovies]

HEAT (1995)

This is a movie fundamentally about relationships; the relationships between Cops and Robbers, and between men and women. We get a peek in to the inner workings of different couples. Lt. Vincent Hanna (Al Pacino) and his failing relationship with his wife Justine (Diane Venora), Chris Shiherlis (Val Kilmer) and his wife Charlene's (Ashley Judd) intense but rocky marriage, even Michael Cheritto (Tom Sizemore) and Trejo (Danny Trejo) seem deeply in love with their wives and family. But the crews leader Neil McCauley (Robert De Niro) seems lonely, unable to commit because at the slightest hint of pain he's willing to walk away.

"Don't let yourself get attached to anything you are not willing to walk out on in 30 seconds flat if you feel the heat around the corner."

These relationships are way more complicated and interesting than the film I remembered for the cool shoot out and getaway. Rewatching this I can't count the number of movies in the last 10 years that seem to be influenced by Michael Mann and "HEAT", from Chris Nolan's "DARK KNIGHT" to Nicolas Winding Refn's "DRIVE." It's chilly style and tension building music still feel fresh 23 year later.

★★★★★

"I don't know how to do anything else."

For more about Mann and Heat check out this post at cinephiliabeyond.org.

[reelfunmovies]

KELLY'S HEROES (1970)

I was hoping for a bit more of a heist, but this is a great men on a mission movie. This is also totally an anti Vietnam movie in the wrapper of Wold War 2 caper film.

Fun cast including Clint Eastwood, Telly Savalas, and Don Rickles. But the standout character is Sergeant "Oddball" played by Donald Sutherland. He's a "far out man" style stoner character from a 70s flick transported to the 1940s.

This also feels like a big influence for Saving Private Ryan (1998), has a ton of parallels (sniper in a bell tower, tank battles, going deep in to enemy lines to retrieve something).  

Perfect lazy Sunday movie - ★★★1/2☆☆

[reelfunmovies]

BRAM STOKER'S DRACULA (1992)

This movie should get more love. It's so over the top and totally gorgeous. Great use of classic techniques, with really lovely matte paintings, forced perspectives and miniatures.

Also check out that great type treatment!

★★★★1/2☆

[reelfunmovies]

THE DRIVER (1978)

Walter Hill brings cool vibes to this quiet and reflective getaway flick. A big influence on recent heist movies like "Drive" and "Baby Driver." This is lite on heist, but high on fun car chases. ★★★★☆