1143. The Big Lebowski

The Big Lebowski

1998

Directed by Joel and Ethan Coen

My sister and I decided to watch this movie with White Russians, because we love a good theme night. We ended up hating the drink, and pretty much hating this movie as well. It was surprising, because I usually like Coen Brothers movies, and I usually like mixed drinks. Maybe I have the pandemic crankies.

Jeffrey "The Dude" Lebowski is a stoner and bowler in Los Angeles. Two goons for hire mistake him with a millionaire also named Jeffrey Lebowski and assault him in his house. On the advice of his friends, The Dude decides to seek compensation with the other Lebowski, and things just get more complicated from there.

When compared to other Coen Brothers movies, I think this is one really falls short. The performances are still excellent, but I think it was trying a little too hard to be quirky. I could have done without the dream sequence. 

Just doesn't feel as organic as their other movies, and I can see why it was left out of future editions.

RATING: ***--

Interesting Facts:

The Dude says "man" 147 times in the movie.

John Goodman's favorite movie in which he appeared.

1142. Ida

Ida
2013
Directed by Pawel Pawlikowski

I needed a fun movie to come along and get rid of my pandemic ennui. And what's more fun than a black and white movie about a Polish nun? Besides literally everything ever?

In the 1960s, Ida is a young Polish nun about to take her vows. Before doing so, she visits her only surviving relative, her Aunt Wanda. Aunt Wanda is a cool aunt, or at least, cooler than Ida. Ida learns some shocking news about her family history, which forces her to question her intended path.

I thought Ida was one of the least compelling protagonists I have ever seen. It makes sense for her character that she was so subdued, but that didn't make it easy to watch. I felt like the character was numb to everything, so watching her make discoveries wasn't the most thrilling experience.

Just a drab movie, even if the story is somewhat interesting.

RATING: ***--

Interesting Facts:

Agata Trzebuchowska's film debut.

Trzebuchowska is an atheist.

1141. Surfwise

Surfwise
2007
Directed by Doug Pray

My family has never been a camping family. I can only imagine how we would have fared in these conditions. Personally, I would have rolled out of the moving car, since I can't read in a vehicle without motion sickness.

Surfwise focuses on the Paskowitz family, which consists of Dorian, his wife, and their nine children (eight boys and one girl). Dorian believes in not educating his children, not providing them a permanent home, and having sex with their mother in front of them on the reg. Oh yeah, and also surfing.

It was interesting how the documentary slowly shifts from glorifying Doc's holistic way of living to showcasing the damage he did to his family. Then the film takes one final turn, but it maintains its respect for its subjects throughout the entire run time. 

Maybe it didn't rock my world, but the central themes were timeless and handled with grace.

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

Shot over the course of five weeks.

Doug Pray found Dorian Paskowitz to be incredibly difficult to interview.

David Paskowitz was the first person interviewed for the film.

1140. Tian zhu ding

Tian zhu ding

A Touch of Sin

2013

Directed by Jia Zhangke

My decisions on what movies to watch lately have depended entirely on which ones I can see without paying, and I've been exploiting the 7 day free trial period like you wouldn't believe. So I haven't exactly been dying to see this batch of films; this is just a loveless marriage of convenience.

A Touch of Sin tells four stories, all of which feature brutal acts of violence. My favorite stories were the first and third segments, with the second story being my least favorite. 

I guess the most remarkable thing about this movie is its graphic depiction of violence. It's really disturbing in its realism, and might be the only thing this movie has going for it. Other than that, the script isn't particularly compelling.

I felt like it was kind of a vague comment on suffering in China, but at least it contained beautiful cinematography. 

RATING: ***--

Interesting Facts:

The director makes a cameo in the brothel scene.

Title is a reference to a Touch of Zen.

1139. A.I.: Artificial Intelligence

A.I. : Artificial Intelligence
2001

Directed by Steven Spielberg

We now have a new contestant for Most Annoying Movie Child. I thought the kid from Terminator 2 would manage to hold onto that title forever, but I guess he was dethroned all the way back in 2001 and I didn't notice. That's not to say Haley Joel Osmont isn't a great actor, but I personally would not have struggled with the decision to send David to the junkyard.

A childlike android is programmed with the ability to love, and I guess an Oedipus complex isn't an optional feature. The android, David, is adopted by Monica and Henry. Their real son is in suspended in animation after contracting a rare disease and David fills what turns out to be a temporary void. Once Monica and Henry's son recovers, David finds himself on the outs with the family. Oh yes, and Jude Law plays a sex robot, in his most convincing role yet.

Spielberg's cloying sentimentalism gets on my nerves, but I read the sappier aspects were actually part of Kubrick's original vision for the project. Oh, Kubrick, you old softie. Either way, I felt this movie tried to tug on our heartstrings a little too much.

Also, it was way too long, and I feel Kubrick should take the blame for that as well.

RATING: **---

Interesting Facts:

Spielberg passed on Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone to direct this movie.

It was Haley Joel Osmont's idea not to blink for the entire movie.

1138. Blancanieves

Blancanieves
2012
Directed by Pablo Berger

Usually when I am watching a silent movie, I am conscious the entire time of its style, but I found myself forgetting this time. We are familiar enough with the story of Snow White that we didn't really need extensive dialogue to know what was going on. It was almost like flipping through a picture book, a picture book that features sexy Spaniards (my favorite kind).

So like I said, we all know the beats of this plot. This one distinguishes itself by having Snow White's father be a bullfighter, and the dwarves take part in this horrific activity as well. Sorry, I just read The Plumed Serpent by D.H. Lawrence and I'm still pretty raw from the disgusting descriptions of bullfighting. So much bowel spillage.

It's always nice to get swept up in a fairy tale, especially with a movie as beautifully shot as this one. Even some of the sillier decisions felt right, since this is such an over the top story. And the evil stepmother was perfection.

So in the end, a gorgeous and entertaining movie that I think most people would click with if they cared to check it out.

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

Shot in color and desaturated in post production.

1137. Dawson City: Frozen in Time

Dawson City: Frozen in Time

2016
Directed by Bill Morrison

If you love learning about the history of film, you will really enjoy this documentary. If you're a normie, you will be fairly bored by the two hour examination of silent movies from the early 1900s. I fall somewhere in the middle. I love movies as much as the next person who's written 1136 posts about them, but my love for cinema isn't really rooted in its technical history.

The film focuses on the history of the town of Dawson City. In 1978, 533 reels of silent-era nitrate films were discovered under an abandoned hockey rink. The film features some of this footage, along with some supplemental material for context. The documentary adopts silent film practices to tell the story, such as using intertitles in lieu of voiceovers.

So parts of this documentary were very interesting to me, like when they covered historical events, such as the murder of William Desmond Taylor and the Black Sox controversy. Other stretches were not so intriguing, and I found myself watching the clock quite a bit.

Worth watching if you are fascinated by film, but don't expect to be on the edge of your seat.

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

Contains footage of the 1919 World Series, which is known for the Black Sox betting scandal.

1136. Under the Skin

Under the Skin
2013
Directed by Jonathan Glazer

I was pleased to find this delightfully strange novel had a film adaptation. It would be really hard to do a faithful adaptation, so this movie tried to go another route by out-weirding its source material. 

In the book, the main character is a very ugly woman with big boobs. So naturally, they cast Scarlett Johansson for the role. I am not really sure how to describe the plot. Basically, a woman lures hitchhikers into her car in Scotland, and ScarJo attempts a Scottish accent with little success. At least her character is supposed to be otherworldly so it doesn't matter so much. Anyway, what she does with her victims once she's trapped them is much more interesting in the book. 

I feel like this movie lacked the chutzpah to adapt the story entirely, so settled for something guaranteed to be pleasing (ScarJo naked). I thought it was pretty dull, but it was trying its hardest to be artsy and provocative. 

A skippable movie, but an excellent novel.

RATING: **---

Interesting Facts:

The men ScarJo picked up were not actors. Jonathan Glazer had hidden cameras installed in the cars and only told the men afterward that they were in the movie.

First time ScarJo appeared naked in a movie.

1135. Monsters

Monsters
2010
Directed by Gareth Edwards

With this entry, I reach another milestone that was snatched away from me a few weeks ago when they updated the List. Since there is now a grand total of 1235 movies on this List, we are, once again, 100 movies away from finishing! Having just completed my album blog, I will now have more time to devote to wrapping this thing up.

A NASA space probe crash lands in Mexico, and infects the world with giant tentacled monsters. Andrew Kaulder, an American photojournalist, is tasked with escorting his employer's daughter, Samantha, from Mexico back to the United States. 

I am not sure Monsters contributes anything new to the monster/alien invasion genre. But I still appreciate how economical it is, even if you have to put up with characters behaving stupidly. I actually saw this in a film class in college, and I am still not convinced it is essential viewing. But that guy also made us watch Last House on the Left, so fuck him.

Also, this would have been a better October watch, but I didn't realize it was on the List until it was too late. Please forgive the disrespect to last month's theme.

RATING: ***--

Interesting Facts:

All of the film's extras were just people who happened to be there during filming.

The two main actors are married and have children in real life.

1134. For Sama

For Sama
2019
Directed by Waad Al-Kateab and Edward Watts

This is one of those documentaries that you "should" see, but I am forever scarred by the images shown in this film. Of course, that is the entire point, to force Western audiences to confront the reality of the situation, instead of ignoring it like we've done so long. But we have to look out for our own mental health as well, and the footage is pretty devastating.

Waad Al-Kateab, a journalist and rebel, raises her daughter Sama with her husband, Dr. Hamza Al-Kateab, against the backdrop of the Syrian uprising. Al-Kateab captures many disturbing glimpses of war, like footage of dead bodies (including children). We also see enough family moments to understand exactly what they are fighting for.

I think it is a surprisingly hopeful documentary, but I wouldn't advise my loved ones to watch it any time soon. It's 2020, and we're pretty much hanging on by a thread. But who knows, maybe watching it will inspire you to take action, even if that action is just feeling grateful.

RATING: doesn't really feel appropriate here...

Interesting Facts:

Waad Al-Kateab was pregnant with Sama's sister when she fled Syria.

Al-Kateab was 21 when she started filming.

1133. The Farewell

The Farewell
2019
Directed by Lulu Wang

I had seen a trailer for The Farewell in theaters in the before times, and was eager to see it. Well, I finally got around to it, sans the delicious popcorn and interaction with other human beings. I like to think of this as Awkwafina's apology letter for Crazy Rich Asians.

Billi has maintained a close relationship with her grandmother Nai Nai, despite living in New York while her grandmother is back in China. Billi discovers from her parents that her grandmother has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. Her family decides to keep it a secret from Nai Nai, and use a cousin's wedding as an excuse to give everybody a chance to see Nai Nai one last time.

I loved the performances in this movie. Right off the bat, we have a very believable family unit. It was interesting to consider the morality of their decision, and how Eastern and Western audiences may view the ethics of their behavior differently.

So a really interesting film that was everything Crazy Rich Asians wasn't.

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

The film was inspired by Lulu Wang's family not telling her grandmother about a terminal cancer diagnosis.

In addition to directing and writing the movie, Lulu Wang played the piano on the film's soundtrack.

1132. Whiplash

Whiplash
2014

Directed by Damien Chazelle

I love JK Simmons, he pops up in some of my favorite movies and television shows. It's nice to see his talent recognized with a larger role. I can even forgive him for his involvement in Veronica Mars, Season 4, which is no small thing.

Andrew Neiman is an ambitious jazz drummer and a first year student at the prestigious Shaffer Conservatory in New York. Terence Fletcher, a conductor and bandleader, invites him to be alternate in his elite Studio Band. Fletcher models his teaching style after the drill instructor in Full Metal Jacket. Andrew is desperate to win his approval, and become the next Charlie Parker (because that's a good thing?).

It's interesting watching this right after Wall Street, which also followed the dubious mentor and eager-to-please student dynamic. This is definitely the superior movie. Miles Teller is a much better actor than Charlie Sheen. I feel Andrew and Terence's passion more, and the plot is more compelling because of that. 

I won't spoil the ending, but I was impressed by how far they went with it. Highly recommended.

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

Shot in 19 days.

Andrew appears in every scene of the movie.

One of the lowest grossing movies to be nominated for Best Picture.

1131. Avengers: Endgame

Avengers: Endgame
2019

Directors by Joe Russo and Anthony Russo

I suppose it makes sense that this was included, as it's currently the highest grossing movie of all time. But sitting through three hours of this was a chore, no matter how many perfect human specimens appear in spandex.

I guess it's difficult to give a plot synopsis here without giving away spoilers. Does anybody even care about spoilers when the events have no permanence? Oh well, here we go. The action figures (I won't even call them characters) attempt to recover from whatever happened in the previous 166 movies. Time travel is involved, which leads to brilliant dialogue such as "They’re not trying to stop something I’m going to do in our time. They’re trying to undo something I’ve already done in theirs." Huh?

I just found this to be really boring. It's tedious following the ridiculous plot, and it doesn't get charming no matter how often the actors wink and nudge at the audience, seeking to ensure us they're in on the joke.

I have probably missed about fifty Marvel movies that are connected to this one, which might explain why I have no attachment to any of the characters. I don't think the Russo Brothers are really the best at capturing real human moments. But I think those moments are essential to make a good superhero movie, otherwise it's just a sequence of loosely connected action scenes. 

But I suppose Marvel and comic book fans will have fun spotting all their favorite hotties and revisiting many familiar moments from the franchise.

RATING: **---

Interesting Facts:

Brie Larson filmed her scenes in this movie before shooting Captain Marvel.

Longest Marvel movie of all time. You don't say!

Chadwick Boseman's last appearance as the Black Panther. 

1130. Wall Street

Wall Street

1987

Directed by Oliver Stone

I am very excited about the results of the election, even if it's nerve-wracking to imagine what's to come. Democracy only works if a loser accepts a result, and we have the biggest loser in US history on our hands. I guess we just have to wait and see what happens. Charlie Sheen's presence in this movie and reputation as another narcissistic maniac makes it easy to segue into talking about Wall Street.

Bud Fox is a young stockbroker who gets involved with Gordon Gekko, a greedy corporate raider. He begins to enjoy the lifestyle that Gekko offers, and the many perks that come with it, which include sex with Daryl Hannah and a penthouse on the Upper East Side. First comes the rise, then comes the fall.

I had actually never seen this before, but I was still familiar with the famous "Greed is good" speech. That was a damn good speech. The trouble was, the rest of the movie is pretty terrible. Apparently, Oliver Stone thought Charlie Sheen's stiff delivery lended his character a believable, naive quality. Um, okay. I guess Daryl Hannah overheard that praise, with dire consequences. 

The movie was still fun in parts, because of Michael Douglas and its intense 80s factor. But the performances really drag it down.

RATING: **---

Interesting Facts:

Charlie Sheen and Sean Young hated each other throughout filming.

Sean Young insisted throughout filming she would be better for the role of Darien. 

Tom Cruise campaigned for the role of Bud Fox.

1129. Toy Story 4

Toy Story 4

2019
Directed by Josh Cooley

Boy, the List sure is getting cute, counting all four Toy Story movies as one entry. Yes, there is a shortage of animated movies on the List, but Pixar has plenty of other tasty offerings.

Woody and company are adjusting to life their lives' as Bonnie's toys, while Bonnie adjusts to starting kindergarten. She makes a toy out of a plastic spork. I guess that means every man, woman, and child in this universe is capable of giving sentience to inanimate objects. Which is actually pretty terrifying, but they refrain from going too dark with it (this time). Bonnie's family goes on a road trip, the toys get separated, and they must reunite before Bonnie's family leaves forever.

Like most Pixar movies, this one leaves you feeling a little heavier after watching it.  The underlining themes of loss of innocence make it emotional to watch. That being said, I was never that invested in these characters, no matter how often they repeat their catchphrases. There are plenty of references here for Pixar fans to enjoy and of course, Disney will squeeze every penny they can out of your nostalgia.

I was concerned Toy Story was on what I refer to as "the Die Hard series trajectory". Meaning the first one was excellent, the second was expendable, the third was really good again, and the fourth has Justin Long. Luckily, as a fourth installment this wasn't so bad. Just not very memorable.

RATING: ***--

Interesting Facts:

Had the longest production cycle out of every Toy Story movie so far.

Forky was originally called "Fork Face" but that was deemed too obscene for children. I think the Listmakers are a bunch of fork faces for not including Inside Out or Coco.

1128. Booksmart

Booksmart
2019
Directed by Olivia Wilde

I was pretty delighted to see this included on the new edition of the List. I hadn't seen it before, but I knew it was a coming of age story about two dorky teenage girls. Now I'm a teen plus, but I can still relate.

Amy and Molly have been best friends since childhood. Amy plans to spend the summer after graduation in Botswana helping women make tampons, while Molly is on the fast track to becoming the youngest supreme court justice of all time. The night before they graduate, they realize that they might have missed out on some essential high school experiences by working so hard. They plan to cram all their fun into one night. 

There is a pretty standard blueprint for these stories, and they almost always revolve around the Big Party. Booksmart is pretty formulaic in that regard, and even includes the gross out humor seemingly required in all teen comedies. 

But it's different in who is telling the story. There's a distinctly female slant here that I really enjoyed. It's probably one of the few movies I've watched lately that passes the Bechdel test. This is Olivia Wilde's directorial debut so she probably hasn't quite found her voice yet, but this was a promising beginning. At any rate, we didn't have to suffer through the typical male perception of what teenage girls are thinking. 

It's not the funniest comedy I've seen, but it is still entertaining and worthy of a watch.

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

Kaitlyn Dever and Beanie Feldstein lived together for ten weeks to build a believable rapport with each other.

The cast were encouraged to rewrite their dialogue if it didn't feel genuine.

1127. Once Upon a Time in Hollywood

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood
2019
Directed by Quentin Tarantino 

 

I am trying to distract myself from my Anxiety: Global Politics Edition, and what better way to do that than to discuss movies made by the man known for crafting excellent escapism films? While the execution isn't always there, his passion for movies is palpable in every scene he directs.

This time around, Tarantino tackles the Manson family murders. In addition to focusing on Sharon Tate's story, the film follows fading actor Rick Dalton and his stunt double, Cliff Booth, as they navigate the new age of Hollywood.

This is actually the last movie I saw in theaters in the before times, when you could go to theaters and then make your date uncomfortable with your rigid rules regarding proper snacks and arrival times.  So I have positive associations with this movie that undoubtedly affect my opinion on it.

Even so, the performances alone are enough to make the movie worth watching. Brad Pitt and Leonardo DiCaprio are really great actors, and I never get the sense that they are trying to overpower the movie with their performances. And Margot Robbie is predictably radiant as Tate.

I feel like most movie lovers will be delighted by all the nods and homages to cinema peppered throughout the story. And Tarantino fans will be thrilled by the gruesomeness of the ending. He's begun to parody himself in terms of violence, but at least he chooses a few satisfying victims.

An excellent, absorbing movie, which some of us dearly need right now as we wait...

RATING: *****

Interesting Facts:

Margot Robbie wore Sharon Tate's real jewelry, provided by Tate's sister.

Tarantino's foot fetish is somewhat justified here, as the real Sharon Tate hated to wear shoes.

Roman Polanski was not consulted about the movie.