770. The Untouchables

The Untouchables
1987
Directed by Brian De Palma

I am not usually into costumes and set pieces as I am into story lines and characters but I was blown away by this visual display.  According to Roger Ebert, the film is completely unoriginal and uninventive, but hey, I am a plebeian so I liked it.

In 1930 Chicago, prohibition is in full swing and Al Capone is supplying liquor citywide.  An agent from the Bureau of Prohibition, Eliot Ness, is assigned to bring Capone down.  Ness recruits several men he knows are free from corruption and leads a successful raid, gaining some publicity as "The Untouchables."

Robert De Niro is obviously fantastic in this film.  I was actually impressed with Kevin Costner's performance, as his character could have easily come across as dull.  I was also surprised by the strength of Sean Connery's performance, who I have never given too much credit before.

It's getting quite late so I am going to wrap it up kind of early.  Like I said, it is a beautiful film, beautifully performed and beautifully staged.

RATING: *****

Interesting Facts:

Body count of 24.

Robert De Niro had his clothes made by Al Capone's tailors.

708. Scarface

Scarface
1983
Directed by Brian De Palma

This is another film that I thought I would hate, but actually ended up really enjoying.  I even found Al Pacino tolerable!

The movie follows the life of Tony Montana, as he rises from a poor Cuban refugee to a Miami crime lord.  Tony isn't your typical gangster.  I am not saying he has a heart of gold, but he certainly has his moments where he doesn't act like the classic mobster.  And he leaves the film with zero sexual assault charges.  Quite the accomplishment.  The way this List is going, that deserves its own category in the blog's Oscars.

Many moons ago I reviewed the 1932 version of Scarface which is fairly...different.  I am not sure I liked this version more, though it does offer a more interesting main character.  More than that, it is one of the most iconic films of all time and one everyone should watch at some point in their lives.

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

Oliver Stone wrote the screenplay for this film while fighting a cocaine addiction.

Robert De Niro turned down the lead role.

Body count of 42.

607. Carrie

Carrie
1976
Directed by Brian De Palma

Happy October everybody!  I am just going to go ahead and take credit for the fact that I am reviewing a horror movie right now, even though I go through the List chronologically and this is a complete coincidence.

Carrie tells the story of an awkward teenager who has an abusive, religious mother.  It makes me feel better about my own experience in high school.  I mean, I couldn't have been that weird...right?  Anyway, Carrie gets her period at school (which is a nightmare in itself) but doesn't know what it is so starts screaming.  Naturally, she is laughed at, because it is high school and everyone is terrible.  One of the girls feels guilty for her part in it and arranges to have her boyfriend take Carrie to prom.  A pity date.  Those always end well.  Oh yes, Carrie also has telekinetic powers.

This is one of the most iconic horror movies of all time and everyone is at least a little familiar with it.  I actually watched the remake, which is horrifying for its own reasons.  I am sorry, but if you were as hot as Chloe Grace Moretz, you wouldn't be unpopular in high school.

Yes, the acting can be somewhat cheesy but I thought Piper Laurie, at least, was terrifying.  Definitely a must see, just so you don't have annoying people (me) say "You've NEVER seen Carrie???"

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

Stephen King loved this film.  An author likes a movie that was based on their book?  That's refreshing.

In real life, Sissy Spacek was homecoming queen.