The Films I've Seen in 2016 From Best to Worst
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- DirectorAlfred HitchcockStarsCary GrantEva Marie SaintJames MasonA New York City advertising executive goes on the run after being mistaken for a government agent by a group of foreign spies, and falls for a woman whose loyalties he begins to doubt.Hitch is at his best in what is one of the most entertaining,exciting and thrilling films ever made...direction,dialogue and acting are par excellence,even Eva Marie Saint acquits herself well in a role that was undoubtedly meant for Grace Kelly...there's not a dull minute in this masterpiece and it's my second favorite Hitchcock film next to Rear Window and one of my all time favorites.
10+ - DirectorJoseph L. MankiewiczStarsBette DavisAnne BaxterGeorge SandersA seemingly timid but secretly ruthless ingénue insinuates herself into the lives of an aging Broadway star and her circle of theater friends.One of the most exhilarating and entertaining films ever made...I'm not sure there is a movie as dialogue rich as this one and the cast is perfection in particular Bette Davis who gives her best performance and George Sanders who was born to play Addison DeWitt...one of my all time favorites.
10 - DirectorStanley DonenGene KellyStarsGene KellyDonald O'ConnorDebbie ReynoldsA silent film star falls for a chorus girl just as he and his delusionally jealous screen partner are trying to make the difficult transition to talking pictures in 1920s Hollywood.Musicals are the one genre of film I never get excited about and I'm not sure why because when done right their magical and make me want to watch more and this exhilarating film is one of the best ever made...Kelly,Reynolds and O'Connor are an absolute joy and many of the musical numbers are truly memorable like the title sequence which really is one of the great moments in film...this is my second viewing of this classic and I liked it even more this time around and will probably be on my top 100 the next time I do my list.
10 - DirectorWilliam CottrellDavid HandWilfred JacksonStarsAdriana CaselottiHarry StockwellLucille La VerneExiled into the dangerous forest by her wicked stepmother, a princess is rescued by seven dwarf miners who make her part of their household.For me classic Disney is about as good as it gets when it comes to animation and Snow White ranks right up there with Pinocchio,Fantasia and Bambi as the pinnacle in the genre...terrific animation,wonderful songs and memorable characters-an absolute joy.
10 - DirectorJohn FordStarsHenry FondaLinda DarnellVictor MatureAfter their cattle are stolen and their brother murdered, the Earp brothers have a score to settle with the Clanton family.One of Ford's greatest films and one of the best westerns ever made this beautiful,elegant,lyrical and poetic film is filled with imagery that stays with you and Henry Fonda gives one of his best performances...it just gets better every time I see it.
10 - DirectorWilliam A. WellmanStarsHenry FondaDana AndrewsMary Beth HughesWhen a posse captures three men suspected of killing a local farmer, they become strongly divided over whether or not to lynch the men.One of the great westerns and one of the most powerful films about vigilante justice ever made that is as relevant today as it was back in 1943...direction and performances are fine and help give this morality tale the punch that it has.
10 - DirectorEdward DmytrykStarsDick PowellClaire TrevorAnne ShirleyAfter being hired to find an ex-con's former girlfriend, Philip Marlowe is drawn into a deeply complex web of mystery and deceit.I've always considered "The Big Sleep" the best Philip Marlowe movie but this one ranks right up there with it...in many ways this is far edgier and Dick Powell is almost as good as Bogart even the dialogue is terrific...one of the best film noirs ever made and another film that just gets better and better every time I see it.
10 - DirectorCharles ChaplinStarsCharles ChaplinVirginia CherrillFlorence LeeWith the aid of a wealthy erratic tippler, a dewy-eyed tramp who has fallen in love with a sightless flower girl accumulates money to be able to help her medically.This is my second viewing of Chaplin's classic film and I feel the same way about it as I did when I first saw it 25 years ago...this is a great film that is elevated to something special with one of the most beautiful and tender endings I've ever seen and if Chaplin's tramp persona wasn't one of the greatest characters in movie history it certainly was after this film.
10 - DirectorJacques TatiStarsJacques TatiNathalie PascaudMicheline RollaMonsieur Hulot comes to a beachside hotel for a vacation and accidentally, but good-naturedly, causes havoc.I can't really explain why I like this film so much other than it makes me smile,truthfully I don't find it that funny but Mr Hulot is a character I relate to and I find him endearing just like Chaplin's tramp character...my second viewing is almost as good as when I first saw it 20 years ago.
10 - DirectorVal GuestStarsEdward JuddJanet MunroLeo McKernWhen the U.S. and Russia unwittingly test atomic bombs at the same time, it alters the nutation (axis of rotation) of the Earth.This end of the world low budget Sci-Fi film just might be one of the most intelligent films ever made in the genre...terrific story that relies not on special effects but on believable characters and plot and it works brilliantly...I've seen this film 3 times and it just keeps impressing.
9 - DirectorMasaki KobayashiStarsTatsuya NakadaiAkira IshihamaShima IwashitaWhen a ronin requesting seppuku at a feudal lord's palace is told of the brutal suicide of another ronin who previously visited, he reveals how their pasts are intertwined - and in doing so challenges the clan's integrity.This is a film that's been on my must see list after seeing the Miike version which I thought was terrific but I think the original may be a little better...the cinematography and direction are flawless and Tatsuya Nakadai is unforgettable in the lead and this morality tale about honor and sacrifice is even more powerful.
9 - DirectorPreston SturgesStarsBarbara StanwyckHenry FondaCharles CoburnA trio of classy card sharks targets a socially awkward brewery heir, until one of them falls in love with him.This is my 4th or 5th viewing of this classic and I feel the same way about it every time I see it,the first hour or so on the ship is Sturges at his best, but when it's on land so to speak though entertaining isn't as memorable and stops this film from being one of the great films that it had the potential to be...that being said Henry Fonda is at his best but it's Barbara Stanwyck who really stands out and gives her best performance and one of my personnel favorites.
9 - DirectorJean CocteauRené ClémentStarsJean MaraisJosette DayMila ParélyA beautiful young woman takes her father's place as the prisoner of a mysterious beast, who wishes to marry her.Greta Garbo supposedly lamented when the beast becomes human " Give me back my Beast" and it's easy to understand why because the moment he changes the fairy tale ends and it takes you out of it's wonderful spell but until than this is an exquisite fantasy brilliantly directed by Cocteau and Josette Day and Jean Marais are wonderful...another film that's been about 30 years since I first saw it and my opinion hasn't changed but that inevitable ending stops it from getting a higher rating.
9 - DirectorKeith MaitlandStarsMonty MuirViolett BeaneCole Bee WilsonAnimation, testimony, and archival footage combine to relate the events of August 1, 1966 when a gunman opened fire from the University of Texas clock tower, killing 16 people.An emotional and powerful retelling of the shootings at University of Texas back in 1966 that uses animation in a way I've not quite seen before in a documentary and it's absolutely brilliant...the acts of heroism from some individuals should not be forgotten.
9 - DirectorMark CraigStarsEugene CernanFred 'Baldy' BaldwinAlan BeanWhen Apollo astronaut Gene Cernan stepped off the moon in December 1972 he left his footprints and his daughter's initials in the lunar dust. Only now is he ready to share his epic but deeply personal story of fulfillment, love, and loss.This film made me feel like a kid again when I wanted to be an astronaut and was excited and fascinated by anything involving the space program...Cernan's story about going to the moon is engaging and wondrous and the archival footage is absolutely astounding.
9 - DirectorAlfred HitchcockStarsCary GrantIngrid BergmanClaude RainsThe daughter of a convicted German spy is asked by American agents to gather information on a ring of German scientists in South America. How far will she have to go to ingratiate herself with them?I love so much of this film and yet when it's over I feel a little disappointed by it and am not sure why...Grant,Bergman and Rains are brilliant and Hitch is at the top of his game...maybe the big moments in the film are so subtle that they don't have the punch they should have,like the ending,even though i think it's great...I certainly put it among Hitch's 10 best but it should be higher.
9 - DirectorJohn McNaughtonStarsMichael RookerTracy ArnoldTom TowlesArriving in Chicago, Henry moves in with ex-con acquaintance Otis and starts schooling him in the ways of the serial killer.When I first saw this film 30 years ago,it had a potency and power that stayed with me and Michael Rooker's performance has never left me since...It felt so raw and real that I felt uncomfortable after it was all over and after seeing it again it still retains most of it's power but there's no denying that this isn't a film for everyone.
9 - DirectorRobert GordonMorgan NevilleStarsGore VidalWilliam F. BuckleyDick CavettA documentary on the series of televised debates in 1968 between liberal Gore Vidal and conservative William F. Buckley.These debates between Vidal and Buckley were a precursor to much of what we get today in political punditry for good or bad but rarely have we had 2 such intellectuals butting heads and getting under each other's skin in such a surprising and entertaining way...this is a terrific documentary.
9 - DirectorJacques BeckerStarsSimone SignoretSerge ReggianiClaude DauphinThree gangsters and an ex-con carpenter all fall for the same beautiful golden-haired woman in Belle Époque France.The 2 leads shine in this sumptuously made romantic crime film...I'm not sure anybody does these type of films better than the French.
9 - DirectorAlfred HitchcockStarsMargaret LockwoodMichael RedgravePaul LukasWhile travelling in continental Europe, a rich young playgirl realizes that an elderly lady seems to have disappeared from the train.Another Hitchcock film that's lost some of it's luster but that being said it's still terrific fun and one of his best early films and I'd still put it among his 10 best...all the stars acquit themselves well and Hitch's direction is first rate even if it's not as polished as some of his later works.
9 - DirectorLenny AbrahamsonStarsBrie LarsonJacob TremblaySean BridgersA little boy is held captive in a room with his mother since his birth, so he has never known the world outside.There isn't an ounce of artificiality to this well made film about a mother and son overcoming a horrific situation and Brie Larson and young Jacob Tremblay give 2 of the best performances of the year.
9 - DirectorGeorge MarshallStarsBob HopePaulette GoddardRichard CarlsonA radio broadcaster, his quaking manservant and an heiress investigate the mystery of a haunted castle in Cuba.This is the 3rd or 4th time I've seen this film and it's still terrific fun...one of the best films to blend laughs/chills and thrills and probably Hope's best film.
9 - DirectorFrank TuttleStarsAlan LaddVeronica LakeRobert PrestonWhen assassin Philip Raven shoots a blackmailer and his beautiful female companion dead, he is paid off in marked bills by his treasonous employer who is working with foreign spies.It's been about 20 years since I last saw this terrific gritty film noir that's almost as good as I remember it being...Alan Ladd gave a star turning performance and Veronica Lake is memorable as well.
9 - DirectorWerner HerzogStarsWerner HerzogKlaus KinskiClaudia CardinaleThe love-hate relationship between Werner Herzog and Klaus Kinski, the deep trust between the director and the actor, and their independently and simultaneously hatched plans to murder one another.Kinski and Herzog fed off each other for good and bad and made some amazing films together even when they wanted to kill each other along the way and this documentary showcases their love/hate relationship in a very entertaining and at times shocking way...I knew some of the stories about Kinski's erratic and violent tantrums especially during the shooting of Aguirre,the Wrath of God but apparently not all.
I suppose the one thing this film doesn't answer and if anyone would know it would be Herzog is whether his bizarre and crazy behavior at times helped with his performances.
9 - DirectorGordon DouglasStarsJames WhitmoreEdmund GwennJoan WeldonThe earliest atomic tests in New Mexico cause common ants to mutate into giant man-eating monsters that threaten civilization.Them is one of the best creature features ever made and one of the best sci-fi films of the 50's...there are 2 ways to do a film like this,as pure camp or to take the subject matter seriously and since this film was born out of the nuclear fears of the time they took the appropriate approach to the material and chose the latter with believable performances and special effects that are still impressive.
9 - DirectorWilliam BeaudineTom McNamaraStarsMary PickfordRoy StewartMary Louise MillerMolly, the eldest child at a baby farm hidden deep in a swamp, must rescue the others when their cruel master decides that one of them will be disposed of.Surprisingly dark silent drama that still holds up extremely well 90 years later...this is the only film I've seen with Mary Pickford and she's very good in it and the chase scene in the swamp is a highlight to this very absorbing drama...first saw this film 25 years ago and was pleasantly surprised at how good it was and still feel the same way.
9 - DirectorWilliam WylerStarsCharlton HestonJack HawkinsStephen BoydAfter a Jewish prince is betrayed and sent into slavery by a Roman friend in 1st-century Jerusalem, he regains his freedom and comes back for revenge.When I was younger this was my favorite film of all time and one of my most watched but with the last couple of viewings it's slowly gone down a notch and after seeing it again even more so...the chariot race is still as impressive as it's always been and the acting for the most part is quite good especially Heston,but the story just doesn't have the emotional punch that it once did.
Ben-Hur has been on my Top 100 since I've made these lists but now will probably be on my top 500 to 600.
9 - DirectorErrol MorrisStarsRandall AdamsDavid HarrisGus RoseA film that successfully argued that a man was wrongly convicted for murder by a corrupt justice system in Dallas County, Texas.Both sad and absorbing this is one of the most important and influential documentaries ever made...Randall Adams was still in prison,for many years on death row when this film came out but this documentary shined the light on the injustices of his case and was later freed...sadly this film shows how the scales of justice are truly blind and how a conviction even of an innocent man matters more than the truth.
9 - DirectorRobert ZemeckisStarsBob HoskinsChristopher LloydJoanna CassidyWhen a cartoon rabbit is accused of murder, he enlists the help of a burnt out private investigator to prove his innocence.There has never been a film before or since that has brilliantly combined animation and live action like "Who Framed Roger Rabbit" and even almost 30 years later you marvel at it and for me that's where the enjoyment comes from...I think the first hour or so is terrific even if some of the sight gags don't work but this is my 4th or 5th time seeing this film and as with previous viewings the last act always disappoints but until than it's great fun.
9 - DirectorJohn HoughStarsRoddy McDowallGayle HunnicuttPamela FranklinA physicist, his wife and two mediums are hired to investigate the Belasco House, where 27 guests had inexplicably died in 1927, along with most of a team of paranormal investigators that was sent in the early 1950s.I think this is one of the best haunted house films ever made even if the ending doesn't quite satisfy...the cast is quite good and there really is a genuine sense of unease and some of the camera angles are absolutely brilliant and the way sound effects are used comes right out of the best of this genre of horror "The Haunting".
9 - DirectorÉric RohmerStarsPatrick BauchauHaydée PolitoffDaniel PommereulleA womanizing art dealer and a painter find the serenity of their Riviera vacation disturbed by a third guest, a vivacious bohemian woman known for her long list of male conquests.Talk,talk and more talk that's what you get with an Eric Rohmer film and your either stimulated by it or bored to death by it...I love it!
I think he's a breath of fresh air to most of the mindless junk out there and I admit I watch more of that than anything but this isn't a simple film,you have to pay attention to what's on the screen and listen intently to the dialogue which is what makes his films about men and women so wonderful.
9 - DirectorClint EastwoodStarsMorgan FreemanMatt DamonTony KgorogeNelson Mandela, in his first term as President of South Africa, initiates a unique venture to unite the Apartheid-torn land: enlist the national rugby team on a mission to win the 1995 Rugby World Cup.Nelson Mandela is one of the most inspirational figures of our time and this true story of how he used Rugby to unite his country is undeniably inspirational...Clint Eastwood is criticized by some of taking a story and telling it in simplistic terms and he certainly does that here but I think it works surprisingly well...Matt Damon is quite good as the leader of the Rugby squad but Morgan Freeman is exceptional and gives one of his best performances as Mandela...when Clint focuses on the story it's terrific but surprisingly the Rugby matches come across as rather bland and unexciting and is the reason I don't give this a higher rating.
8 - DirectorChristian NybyHoward HawksStarsKenneth TobeyMargaret SheridanJames ArnessScientists and American Air Force officials fend off a bloodthirsty alien organism while at a remote arctic outpost.Yes the creature is a little disappointing as is the ending but everything else about this well made,exciting and highly entertaining sci-fi film is terrific...Howard Hawks was never credited with directing the film but it seems pretty evident just by the pacing of the film(it really does fly by)something Hawks' best films are known for,especially his screwball comedies that he was heavily involved even the dialogue is at times surprisingly witty-another Hawks trait.
Carpenter's Thing is considered by most to be the best version,maybe because it's closer to the source material but for me the original is superior in every way except for the special effects.
8 - DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsRichard DreyfussFrançois TruffautTeri GarrRoy Neary, an Indiana electric lineman, finds his quiet and ordinary daily life turned upside down after a close encounter with a UFO, spurring him to an obsessed cross-country quest for answers as a momentous event approaches.In 1977 two of the most popular and best sci-fi films of all time came out "Star Wars and "Close Encounters" and even though Star Wars was the film that blew me away,I always felt that as I grew older it would be Close Encounters that I would appreciate more but I was wrong,surprisingly I think the sense of awe and wonder just isn't there like it once was and I just didn't get Richard Dreyfuss's manic behavior but the real problem may be Spielberg has a tendency to try to hard to manipulate your emotions although this film certainly isn't as bad as some of his others...when I was younger it never seemed to bother me but now after seeing many of his films again I'm beginning to notice it more and more and becoming a little irritated by it...don't get me wrong I still think this is a well made and entertaining film but this is a another Spielberg film that's lost some of it's luster.
8 - DirectorLloyd BaconStarsWarner BaxterBebe DanielsGeorge BrentWhen the leading lady of a Broadway musical breaks her ankle, she is replaced by a young unknown actress, who becomes the star of the show.Dated but influential backstage musical that's a lot of fun,with risque dialogue,good performances and some impressive Busby Berkeley choreographed musical numbers but this is another film that's gone down a notch from when I first saw it 30 years ago.
8 - DirectorDanny BoyleStarsMichael FassbenderKate WinsletSeth RogenSteve Jobs takes us behind the scenes of the digital revolution, to paint a portrait of the man at its epicenter. The story unfolds backstage at three iconic product launches, ending in 1998 with the unveiling of the iMac.Terrific performances help make this bio pic well worth watching...Fassbender in particular stands out and deserves an oscar nomination.
8 - DirectorTravis KnightStarsCharlize TheronArt ParkinsonMatthew McConaugheyA young boy named Kubo must locate a magical suit of armour worn by his late father in order to defeat a vengeful spirit from the past.The best animated film of 2016, a beautifully made and engaging story that will please adults maybe even more than children...the story isn't that original but the way it's told is and I love the way origami is incorporated in the story.
8 - DirectorWilliam WylerStarsAudrey HepburnPeter O'TooleEli WallachThe daughter of an art forger teams up with a burglar to steal one of her father's forgeries and protect his secret.Hepburn and O'Toole are so charming together that they make this romantic/comedy/caper film a joy to watch and much better than I remember it being.
8 - DirectorChris KellyStarsJesse PlemonsMolly ShannonBradley WhitfordA struggling comedy writer, fresh off a breakup and in the midst of the worst year of his life, returns to Sacramento to care for his dying mother.Strikes a nice balance between comedy and drama without being overly sentimental which isn't easy considering the subject matter with strong performances from all involved.
8 - DirectorBabak AnvariStarsNarges RashidiAvin ManshadiBobby NaderiAs a mother and daughter struggle to cope with the terrors of the post-revolution, war-torn Tehran of the 1980s, a mysterious evil begins to haunt their home.The story itself isn't that original but the setting is and it's why this sleeper of a horror film works so well...it blends living in a war torn country and the effects it has on this family with the cultural restraints put on women and what is basically a traditional ghost story seamlessly and makes it something special...the 2 lead performances are terrific...there are similarities to The Babadook but that film didn't quite satisfy me the way this one did.
8 A nice surprise - DirectorNoah BaumbachJake PaltrowStarsBrian De PalmaMark HamillAmy IrvingA documentary about writer and director Brian De Palma.De Palma is quite engaging discussing the ups and downs of his movie career and makes this a very enjoyable bio pic even if your not the biggest fan of his work.
8 - DirectorTom FordStarsAmy AdamsJake GyllenhaalMichael ShannonA wealthy art gallery owner is haunted by her ex-husband's novel, a violent thriller she interprets as a symbolic revenge tale.A revenge thriller for adults who don't like being spoon fed everything all the time with good performances from all involved and I thought the ending was quite clever but I'm sure many will find it infuriating...this is a film that I think deserves a 2nd viewing to truly appreciate it.
8 - DirectorWesley RugglesStarsMae WestCary GrantGregory RatoffCircus performer Tira seeks a better life pursuing the company of wealthy New York men with improbable comic complications along the way.Mae West wouldn't get a second glance today and is certainly not your traditional sex symbol but she has a swagger and a way with dialogue that makes her absolutely captivating and it speaks volumes that even Cary Grant perhaps the most charismatic actor in movie history is out classed by her and she is the reason this film is so much fun.
8 - DirectorMaurice TourneurStarsPierre FresnayJosseline GaëlNoël RoquevertRoland Brissot bought for a nickel a talisman that gives him love, fame, and wealth. The talisman is a cut left hand, and it works perfectly. Of course, there is nothing free in this world, and after one year, the devil comes and asks for his due.Well made French fantasy in the vein of The Devil and Daniel Webster...Pierre Fresnay is very good and reminded me a lot of Fredric March.
8 - DirectorAlexandre BustilloJulien MauryStarsAlysson ParadisJean-Baptiste TabourinClaude LuléFour months after the death of her husband, a woman on the brink of motherhood is tormented in her home by a strange woman who wants her unborn baby.This is one of these films that doesn't just push the boundaries of good taste but shatters them...appalling,brutal,sick,gory,disturbing,uncompromising and yes even silly and definitely not for everyone especially those with weak stomachs or mom's to be but after watching it for the 2nd time it still gets under my skin and is one of the best horror films of the last 10 years.
8 - DirectorRon ClementsJohn MuskerStarsJodi BensonSamuel E. WrightRene AuberjonoisA mermaid princess makes a Faustian bargain in an attempt to become human and win a prince's love.After watching this film for the 2nd time I'm sad...when I first saw this film back in 89 I thought it was one of the most entertaining Disney films ever made and ranked right up there with the best of them but now as enjoyable as it is I come away rather disappointed by it...the story and characters just didn't engage me like they did the first time and even though there are some memorable songs there are also some duds as well but it's the character of Ursula that didn't work for me at all and I just found her to be a poor man's Cruella de Vil...yes it fun and enjoyable but it's not the classic I once thought it was.
8 - DirectorGeorge Loane TuckerStarsJane GailEthel GrandinWilliam H. TurnerWith aid from her police-officer sweetheart, a woman endeavors to uncover the prostitution ring that has kidnapped her sister and the philanthropist who secretly runs it.I think this is the oldest full length film I've seen and it's one of the first exploitation films ever made although it's extremely tame by today's standards but it's also a police procedural film and I was extremely surprised at how much I liked it and how well made it is.
8 - DirectorJosh KriegmanElyse SteinbergStarsAnthony WeinerHuma AbedinJordan Zain WeinerAn examination of disgraced New York Congressman Anthony Weiner's mayoral campaign and today's political landscape.This political documentary will make you sad and uncomfortable but it will also make you laugh and entertain you...personally I thought the funniest line in the film came from Donald Trump who basically said "We don't want a perv for Mayor" referring to Weiner's run for Mayor of New York which begs the question What did the U.S. elect for President?
8 - DirectorAlessandro CarloniJennifer Yuh NelsonStarsJack BlackBryan CranstonDustin HoffmanContinuing his "legendary adventures of awesomeness", Po must face two hugely epic, but different threats: one supernatural and the other a little closer to home.There's absolutely nothing here one hasn't seen before and yet I found myself enjoying this 3rd installment in the franchise far more than I thought I would...I keep thinking like the Shrek film's the characters are going to wear out their welcome but so far it hasn't happened and the animation is terrific.
8 - DirectorGavin HoodStarsHelen MirrenAaron PaulAlan RickmanCol. Katherine Powell, a military officer in command of an operation to capture terrorists in Kenya, sees her mission escalate when a girl enters the kill zone triggering an international dispute over the implications of modern warfare.This is a compelling and at times manipulative thriller that I found myself thoroughly engrossed in with a couple of very good performances from it's leads.
8 - DirectorPaul KatisStarsDavid ElliotMark StanleyScott KyleKajaki Dam 2006. A company of young British soldiers encounter an unexpected, terrifying enemy. A dried-out river bed, and under every step the possibility of an anti-personnel mine. A mine that could cost you your leg - or your life.Fairly graphic and effective war film based on a true story that certainly packs a wallop and gives you a great admiration for what these soldiers went through.
8 - DirectorSteven SpielbergStarsTom HanksMark RylanceAlan AldaDuring the Cold War, an American lawyer is recruited to defend an arrested Soviet spy in court, and then help the CIA facilitate an exchange of the spy for the Soviet captured American U2 spy plane pilot, Francis Gary Powers.It's far from classic Spielberg but this is a well made spy film held together with 2 brilliant performances from Hanks and Rylance.
8 - DirectorRobert FuestStarsVincent PriceJoseph CottenVirginia NorthDoctor, scientist, organist, and biblical scholar Anton Phibes seeks revenge on the nine doctors he considers responsible for the death of his wife.It's been about 30 years since I last saw this film but it's still as much fun as I remember it being with a role tailor made for Price...it's pure camp at it's best and Price really does give one of his best performances.
8 - DirectorDan TrachtenbergStarsJohn GoodmanMary Elizabeth WinsteadJohn Gallagher Jr.A young woman is held in an underground bunker by a man who insists that a hostile event has left the surface of the Earth uninhabitable.Tension filled follow-up to Cloverfield that may even be better with 3 very good performances that hold the film together even though you kind of know where it's headed.
8 - DirectorAnthony RussoJoe RussoStarsChris EvansRobert Downey Jr.Scarlett JohanssonPolitical involvement in the Avengers' affairs causes a rift between Captain America and Iron Man.As enjoyable as the film is I didn't find it as satisfying as the first 2 in the series but I did think it was a step up from Age of Ultron and I did think it did a better job of exploring some of the same themes that Batman v Superman dealt with ...Chadwick Boseman as Black Panther and Tom Holland as Spider Man stood out but there wasn't enough of Paul Rudd and is it me or has Robert Downey Jr. gotten a lot grumpier in the last couple of films,even though it's never boring I did feel that it went on longer than needed.
8 - DirectorPark Chan-wookStarsKim Min-heeHa Jung-wooCho Jin-woongA woman is hired as a handmaiden to a Japanese heiress, but secretly she is involved in a plot to defraud her.Say what you want about a Park film but their not boring and this beautifully filmed and acted erotic romantic thriller will certainly hold your attention and is full of surprises but I do think the 3rd act isn't as satisfying as the first 2.
8 - DirectorJacques AudiardStarsVincent CasselEmmanuelle DevosOlivier GourmetShe is almost deaf and he lip-reads. He is an ex-convict. She wants to help him. He thinks no one can help except himself.Good story and 2 wonderful performances help make this well made French crime film worth watching.
8 - DirectorRobert SiodmakStarsBarbara StanwyckWendell CoreyPaul KellyAssistant district attorney Cleve Marshall falls for the mysterious Thelma Jordon when she seeks help solving robberies of her aunt's estate.An older Stanwyck isn't quite the femme fatale of Double Indemnity but she's still quite good and is the reason this film noir is well worth watching.
8 - DirectorGus MeinsCharley RogersStarsStan LaurelOliver HardyVirginia KarnsOpposing the evil Barnaby, Ollie Dee and Stanley Dum try and fail to pay-off Mother Peep's mortgage and mislead his attempts to marry Little Bo. Enraged, Barnaby's Bogeymen are set on Toyland.I found this film quite engaging and one of Laurel and Hardy's better films but I think modern audiences won't find it that enjoyable.
8 - DirectorClint EastwoodStarsClint EastwoodVerna BloomMarianna HillA gun-fighting stranger comes to the small settlement of Lago and is hired to bring the townsfolk together in an attempt to hold off three outlaws who are on their way.Well made dark supernatural western that I always feel should be better than it is...I love how the film opens and Clint is terrific but the film is uneven and many of the side characters aren't developed enough to have any feelings for one way or the other and even though there is a reason why his character behaves the way he does to the towns people one scene involving what is basically the rape of a woman seemed unnecessary...maybe I'm being to critical because I do think this is one of Clint's better westerns but I think this had the potential to be one of Clint's best films.
8 - DirectorVictor FlemingKing VidorStarsJudy GarlandFrank MorganRay BolgerYoung Dorothy Gale and her dog Toto are swept away by a tornado from their Kansas farm to the magical Land of Oz, and embark on a quest with three new friends to see the Wizard, who can return her to her home and fulfill the others' wishes.Another classic that has lost a great deal of it's appeal...I have not seen this movie fully in over 30 years but it's one of those movies that if seen once stays with you and has many memorable moments and maybe that's the problem,Judy Garland singing Over the Rainbow is unforgettable and some of the other musical numbers work well to and the actors fit their roles perfectly for good or bad,I liked the Scarecrow, but I found The Tin Man,The Cowardly Lion and The Wicked Witch of the West kind of annoying at times and even though I found the movie quite engaging,there are lulls and the ending never really satisfied me...maybe this is a film for the young at heart and as I've gotten older and more cynical the appeal just isn't there like it once was.
8 - DirectorJack SholderStarsKyle MacLachlanMichael NouriClaudia ChristianA cop and an FBI agent race for answers after law abiding people suddenly become violent criminals.Nifty little gem from the 80's that's as entertaining as when I first saw it...it blends action/sci-fi/ and humor wonderfully and the first 10 minutes is terrific stuff.
8 - DirectorKen BurnsSarah BurnsDavid McMahonStarsAntron McCrayKevin RichardsonKharey WiseA documentary that examines the 1989 case of five black and Latino teenagers who were convicted of raping a white woman in Central Park. After having spent between 6 and 13 years each in prison, a serial rapist confessed to the crime.The police,the prosecutors, and the media should all hold their heads down in shame for convicting these 5 kids even when the evidence just wasn't there but maybe it's we the public who are so quick to judgement who deserves the most blame...This was an ugly crime that outraged everyone when it happened and deservedly so but what happened to these kids is just as outrageous.
8 - DirectorAndrew HaighStarsCharlotte RamplingTom CourtenayGeraldine JamesA married couple preparing to celebrate their wedding anniversary receives shattering news that promises to forever change the course of their lives.For those who love great acting this is the movie for you...Tom Courtenay is terrific but it's Charlotte Rampling who's an absolute marvel and certainly deserves Oscar recognition and they make this relationship drama well worth watching.
8 - DirectorChris EskaStarsAshton SandersTishuan ScottKeston JohnOn the outskirts of the U.S. Civil War, a boy is sent north by his bounty hunter gang to retrieve a wanted man.Strong performances from the leads help make this western road film worth watching...another little sleeper I knew nothing about that surpassed my expectations.
8 - DirectorGareth EdwardsStarsFelicity JonesDiego LunaAlan TudykIn a time of conflict, a group of unlikely heroes band together on a mission to steal the plans to the Death Star, the Empire's ultimate weapon of destruction.I found this entry in the Star Wars universe far more enjoyable than The Force Awakens with Felicity Jones standing out among the cast but bringing Peter Cushing back from the dead was a little disconcerting.
8 - DirectorJeremy SaulnierStarsAnton YelchinImogen PootsAlia ShawkatA punk rock band is forced to fight for survival after witnessing a murder at a neo-Nazi skinhead bar.Well made and very effective thriller with many surprising turns...there's nothing really new here but first rate performances from all and some undeniable jolts make this a winner.
8 - DirectorPaul VerhoevenStarsIsabelle HuppertLaurent LafitteAnne ConsignyA successful businesswoman gets caught up in a game of cat and mouse as she tracks down the unknown man who raped her.Isabelle Huppert is so good at playing characters that one would view as sociopathic that it's scary...despite everything that's happened to her you find yourself with no real emotional connection to her except one fascination...she creates a nuanced character that doesn't act in the way one would assume someone in her situation should and it's riveting to watch...another exceptional performance from one of the best actresses around and it's another film that works because of her brilliance.
8 - DirectorDon SiegelStarsNeville BrandEmile MeyerFrank FaylenFed up with the inhumane prison living conditions, a general prison riot breaks out, leading to hostage-taking, a stand-off with the guards and eventual negotiations with the prison administration officials.Another winner from the under appreciated Don Siegel...even though dated Siegel's more realistic approach to the material makes this prison drama work extremely well.
8 - DirectorGuy HamiltonStarsAlastair SimArthur YoungOlga LindoA wealthy family is visited by a police inspector, who questions the family about the suicide of a young working-class woman.A film that got better as it went along that's helped a lot with a winning performance from Alastair Sim and a surprising twist ending.
8 - DirectorMickey KeatingStarsLauren Ashley CarterSean YoungBrian MorvantA lonely girl's violent descent into madness.I'm not sure this film will hold up on a second viewing but I was impressed with this Repulsion clone...the performance from Lauren Ashley Carter while not perfect was compelling for the most part,some of the visuals and b/w cinematography helped a lot and the direction while erratic at times still managed to impress although the flashing lights and quick cut scenes did wear out it's welcome...we'll see if it's as effective the next time I see it.
8 - DirectorVera ChytilováStarsIvana KarbanováJitka CerhováMarie CeskováAfter realizing that all world is spoiled, Marie and Marie are committed to be spoiled themselves. They rip off older men, feast in lavish meals and do all kinds of mischief. But what is all this leading to?Czech new wave film that I found quite enjoyable even if I'm not sure what it's about...it may just be a comedy about 2 spoiled girls or a film about waste and how food is used as an allegory for these 2 girls wasting their lives but the 2 leading ladies are very engaging and the director's avant-garde style of film making reminded me at times of Jean-Luc Godard.
8 - DirectorBurr SteersStarsLily JamesSam RileyJack HustonFive sisters in 19th century England must cope with the pressures to marry while protecting themselves from a growing population of zombies.For many turning this beloved classic story into a horror film is sacrilegious but I was truly surprised at how much I liked it...the Pride and Prejudice part works extremely well with 2 terrific lead performances that would of been appreciated a lot more if this had been a more traditional version of the story and the horror part manages to blend itself into the narrative amazingly well...I had a good time and a film that exceeded my expectations.
8 - DirectorJon FavreauStarsNeel SethiBill MurrayBen KingsleyAfter a threat from the tiger Shere Khan forces him to flee the jungle, a man-cub named Mowgli embarks on a journey of self discovery with the help of panther Bagheera and free-spirited bear Baloo.Highly entertaining version of the story that holds up well to the animated classic and is probably better than the original version starring Sabu( although it's been ages since I've seen it).It's beautiful to look at even if the CGI doesn't always work and the child star is very engaging and holds the story together but the songs seemed unnecessary and seemed totally out of place in this version.
8 - DirectorClint EastwoodStarsTom HanksAaron EckhartLaura LinneyWhen pilot Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger lands his damaged plane on the Hudson River in order to save the flight's passengers and crew, some consider him a hero while others think he was reckless.Earnest,respectable and well made Sully is like an old fashioned bio pic from the 40's or 50's and Gary Cooper or James Stewert would of played the lead and since Tom Hanks is the Jimmy Stewert of this generation it's perfect casting and he's quite good in the lead and Clint's direction is effective but not memorable...take it for what it is and you'll enjoy it.
8 - DirectorSeverin FialaVeronika FranzStarsLukas SchwarzElias SchwarzSusanne WuestTwin boys move to a new house with their mother after she has face-changing cosmetic surgery, but under the bandages is someone the boys don't recognize.The revelation at the end didn't really surprise me and it's not all that original but it's certainly a very effective horror film that builds tension as it goes along and has scenes that I found unsettling which may put some viewers off.
8 - DirectorErrol MorrisStarsStephen HawkingIsobel HawkingJanet HumphreyA film about the life and work of the cosmologist, Stephen Hawking, who despite his near total paralysis, was one of the great minds of all time.I can't say this film enlightened me in any way but I did find it stimulating and surprisingly engaging.
8 - DirectorEdgar G. UlmerStarsBoris KarloffBela LugosiDavid MannersAmerican honeymooners in Hungary become trapped in the home of a Satan-worshipping priest when the bride is taken there for medical help following a road accident.Karloff and Lugosi at it again in one of their more enjoyable films together...the short running time helps a lot.
8 - DirectorJeff NicholsStarsMichael ShannonJoel EdgertonKirsten DunstA father and son go on the run, pursued by the government and a cult drawn to the child's special powers.This little sleeper was quite the surprise...it pulled me in from the beginning because you weren't sure where this film was going and managed to hold your interest almost to the end but I have to admit I found the ending to be a little disappointing and there's no denying if you think to hard about the film there are plot holes galore but I was so engrossed for most of the film that I didn't care...I suppose when all's said and done it's basically an E.T. clone but a very good one.
8 - DirectorEthan CoenJoel CoenStarsJosh BrolinGeorge ClooneyAlden EhrenreichA Hollywood fixer in the 1950s works to keep the studio's stars in line.There's 2 movies here the main story which to be honest isn't very good but the recreations of classic Hollywood movies is terrific and makes this uneven Coen Brothers film well worth watching if your a fan of those films like I am.
8 - DirectorAnna BodenRyan FleckStarsBen MendelsohnRyan ReynoldsYvonne LandryDown on his luck and facing financial hardship, Gerry teams up with younger charismatic poker player, Curtis, in an attempt to change his luck. The two set off on a road trip through the South with visions of winning back what's been lost.Well made gambling film with 2 exceptional performances from the leads that manages to capture the highs and lows of gambling better than most films of this type even with an ending that was a little to Hollywood.
8 - DirectorAkira KurosawaStarsTakashi ShimuraToshirô MifuneReizaburô YamamotoA drunken doctor with a hot temper and a violence-prone gangster with tuberculosis form a quicksilver bond.Early Kurosawa film with 2 of his favorite actors that was probably influenced by those classic Warner Brother crime films of the 30's and 40's and it's certainly worth watching but it's far from Kurosawa's best.
8 - DirectorZak HilditchStarsJessica De GouwNathan PhillipsDavid FieldA self-obsessed young man makes his way to the party-to-end-all-parties on the last day on Earth, but ends up saving the life of a little girl searching for her father. Their relationship ultimately leads him on the path to redemption.End of days road movie of sorts that's surprisingly effective mainly because the 2 stars give believable performances and you actually care for them...I would of liked it even more if the final act wasn't so anti-climatic.
8 - DirectorF. Gary GrayStarsO'Shea Jackson Jr.Corey HawkinsJason MitchellThe rap group NWA emerges from the mean streets of Compton in Los Angeles, California, in the mid-1980s and revolutionizes Hip Hop culture with their music and tales about life in the hood.This bio pic of the controversial rap group NWA is like 2 movies in one-the first half is energetic and exciting but the second half is uneven and less involving but I still think this is well worth watching with some great performances which is saying something since I'm not a rap lover and found this group to be extremely offensive when they came out.
8 - DirectorDouglas HickoxStarsVincent PriceDiana RiggIan HendryA Shakespearean actor takes poetic revenge on the critics who denied him recognition.Vincent Price is at his best in this campy fun horror flic that's surprisingly more gruesome than you'd expect.
8 - DirectorNa Hong-jinStarsJun KunimuraHwang Jung-minKwak Do-wonSoon after a stranger arrives in a little village, a mysterious sickness starts spreading. A policeman, drawn into the incident, is forced to solve the mystery in order to save his daughter.At times goofy horror/thriller in which the way some characters act especially the main one will annoy the hell out of you and yet this film despite it's length got better as it went along with a very effective ending that makes this well worth watching.
8 - DirectorFede AlvarezStarsStephen LangJane LevyDylan MinnetteHoping to walk away with a massive fortune, a trio of thieves break into the house of a blind man who isn't as helpless as he seems.Even though it begins to lose credibility towards the end this is a well made and very effective thriller with one terrific performance from Stephen Lang.
8 - DirectorOliver ParkerStarsRupert EverettJulianne MoorePeter VaughanLondon 1895: Cabinet minister, Sir Chiltern, and bachelor, Lord Goring, are victims of scheming women.The ending doesn't satisfy but for the most part I found this to be a thoroughly enjoyable film with terrific performances from a very talented cast.
8 - DirectorFreddie FrancisStarsDavid KnightMoira RedmondJennie LindenThe nights of young private-school student Janet are troubled by horrible dreams in which her mother, who is actually locked up in a mental institution, haunts her. When her persistent nightmares get her expelled and sent home, those visions insist on continuing to plague her at home.Nicely made Hammer chiller reminiscent of Diabolique that ranks as one of the best from that studio.
8 - DirectorWhit StillmanStarsKate BeckinsaleChloë SevignyXavier SamuelLady Susan Vernon takes up temporary residence at her in-laws' estate and, while there, is determined to be a matchmaker for her daughter Frederica--and herself too, naturally.Kate Beckingsale gives a surprisingly good performance in this fairly entertaining film but how much you like it may have more to do with how much you understand what's going on since it uses the language of the time which can be difficult to follow.
8 - DirectorSimon ReynoldsIngrid VeningerStarsJacob SwitzerElena Hudgins LyleIngrid VeningerTells the story of one day shared between a young boy and girl.2 natural and believable performances from the adolescent stars make this a surprisingly sweet and enjoyable film.
8 - DirectorGene Fowler Jr.StarsTom TryonGloria TalbottPeter BaldwinAliens arrive on Earth to possess the bodies of humans. One of their first victims is a young man, whose new wife soon realizes something is wrong with him.Despite the hokey title this is a pretty intelligent sci-fi film that works because the actors involved are believable...enjoyed it when I first saw it 25 years ago and it still holds up...this is one of the best "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" type movies.
8 - DirectorJon FavreauStarsJon FavreauRobert Downey Jr.Scarlett JohanssonA head chef quits his restaurant job and buys a food truck in an effort to reclaim his creative promise, while piecing back together his estranged family.I know there's nothing original here and it's a paint by numbers feel good film but I really enjoyed it...the likable cast makes all the difference.
8 - DirectorYeon Sang-hoStarsGong YooJung Yu-miMa Dong-seokWhile a zombie virus breaks out in South Korea, passengers struggle to survive on the train from Seoul to Busan.More character driven than you would expect for a zombie film but I think it helps more than hurts this entertaining horror flic even though there's nothing here we haven't seen before.
7 - DirectorElia KazanStarsGregory PeckDorothy McGuireJohn GarfieldA reporter pretends to be Jewish in order to cover a story on anti-Semitism, and personally discovers the true depths of bigotry and hatred.I would imagine this film on anti-Semitisn had quite a punch when it came out in 1947 but by today's standards it's pretty tame,although hearing Gregory Peck say the N word was a bit of a shock...it's not that there aren't effective moments but whether it's the restrictions of the times or not you kept wishing they'd go further in exploring some of the issues brought up which in the end makes the film respectable but disappointing despite some great performances.
7 - DirectorSebastian SchipperStarsLaia CostaFrederick LauFranz RogowskiA young Spanish woman who has recently moved to Berlin finds her flirtation with a local guy turn potentially deadly as their night out with his friends reveals a dangerous secret.There is so much about this film that I like from the acting to the director filming it in one shot which never felt gimmicky to me that I should like it more than I do but some of Victoria's actions are hard to accept and makes the main story not very believable...acting and directing gets a 9 the story gets a 6.
7 - DirectorEugène LouriéStarsPaul HubschmidPaula RaymondCecil KellawayA ferocious dinosaur awakened by an Arctic atomic test terrorizes the North Atlantic and, ultimately, New York City.I used to love this film as a kid and I still find it fairly entertaining that's helped a lot by Harryhausen's great work on the creature.
7 - DirectorDavid MackenzieStarsChris PineBen FosterJeff BridgesToby is a divorced father who's trying to make a better life. His brother is an ex-con with a short temper and a loose trigger finger. Together, they plan a series of heists against the bank that's about to foreclose on their family ranch.Slow paced and somewhat over-rated crime film that doesn't offer anything new but it's well done with some good performances I just wish I liked it more.
7 - DirectorByron HowardRich MooreJared BushStarsGinnifer GoodwinJason BatemanIdris ElbaIn a city of anthropomorphic animals, a rookie bunny cop and a cynical con artist fox must work together to uncover a conspiracy.The 2 main characters are engaging enough to make this animated film worthwhile but I have to admit the story itself while entertaining and somewhat original at least for a Disney film was kind of predicable and the movie references didn't work for me in this film as it has in others but kids will love it as well as discerning adults.
7 - DirectorJohn LandisStarsJohn BelushiKaren AllenTom HulceAt a 1962 college, Dean Vernon Wormer is determined to expel the entire Delta Tau Chi Fraternity, but those troublemakers have other plans for him.Highly influential frat house comedy that for me at least is rather disappointing...it's fun and entertaining for the most part but I just don't think it's the classic many consider it to be.
7