1238. Tenet

Tenet 
2020
Directed by Christopher Nolan

I was surprised to learn that this movie wasn't based on a video game. Even calling the main character "The Protagonist" is very video game-y. Since I wasn't playing this, I found it to be rather tedious. Also, I don't like time travel stories, which never seem to invite deep thought.

A secret agent capable of manipulating the flow of time attempts to prevent a catastrophic attack. And naturally there is a damsel in distress, and a super villain played by a well-respected British actor. 

Why do action movies have to be so long? I didn't find this movie particularly interesting. That being said, there were some cool touches placed that stylized the universe, like the backward speech and unique action scenes. 

But there were enough familiar action tropes to stop this from being truly unique, even if it was very polished.

RATING: ***--

Interesting Facts:

Only used practical effects. 

The main cast learned to speak backwards for their roles.

Robert Pattinson based on his accent on Christopher Hitchens.

1144. The Dark Knight

The Dark Knight
2008
Directed by Christopher Nolan

I was surprised to discover I hadn't written about this movie yet, as it's the major exception to my "I don't like superhero movies" rule. I actually think it's nearly impossible not to enjoy this movie, but perhaps one of my followers will prove me wrong!

So this is the second installment of Nolan's Batman trilogy, but it's not necessary to see Batman Begins to understand the plot. It's almost better not to see Batman Begins first, because then you can forget Rachel Dawes is being played by a different actress. Basically, Batman, Lieutenant James Gordon, and District Attorney Harvey Dent work somewhat in unison to dismantle crime in Gotham City. This is a task made much more difficult by the arrival of the Joker, an anarchist who is the human embodiment of chaos.

The most memorable part of this movie is Heath Ledger's performance. I think it works so well because shockingly, it doesn't overpower the entire film. There's so much else going on, that the entire film doesn't have to revolve around his Acting (like Joaquin Phoenix's Joker). There's an amazing supporting cast, which includes Morgan Freeman, Michael Caine, Aaron Eckart, Gary Oldman, and yes, even Christian Bale. My other usual issue with superhero movies is that there are no stakes (e.g. if a character dies they are brought back in the next movie, if a headquarters is destroyed, it's fully repaired in the sequel, etc). That is certainly not the case here.

And it's just so damn quotable too. "You either die a hero, or live long enough to see yourself become the villain" is true in reality television, and true in reality as well. And Michael Caine's "some men just want to watch the world speech" is unforgettable.

So in my always humble opinion, the best superhero movie of all time.

RATING: *****

Interesting Facts:

Ledger based his performance partly on Sid Vicious and partly on Alex DeLarge.

Body count of 36.

The action of the movie takes place over only nine days and nights.

1045. The Prestige

The Prestige
2006
Directed by Christopher Nolan

This might be a somewhat unsatisfactory review, as it is difficult to divulge any plot information without spoiling the "prestige." Instead, I guess I will have to focus on how great Hugh Jackman looks in a top hat. I suppose that's why he is the star of The Greatest Showman. Here's hoping that never makes it on the List. I don't think I can stomach watching Zac Efron find the beauty within himself. Anyway...onto the film at hand.

Basically, two magicians compete against each other in a deadly contest for the title of "Greatest Illusionist" in the world. Con-currently (Get it? GET IT?), Edison and Tesla are engaged in a battle of their own as they introduce competing electric power transmissions.

Well, there is no denying that this film is extremely well cast; any movie that starts with Michael Caine explaining something instantly has my attention. I was less impressed with the David Bowie performance, although to be honest, I probably wouldn't be pleased with anyone playing my boy Tesla. He was such a character that no one could live up to him in my eyes.

Overall, a fairly entertaining movie with some good (if somewhat implausible) twists.

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

The word "prestige" comes from the Latin "praestigium," meaning "illusion."

Was Christopher Nolan's lowest rated movie on Rotten Tomatoes, until it was replaced with Interstellar in 2014.

1015. Inception

Inception
2010
Directed by Christopher Nolan

Before we begin talking about Inception (stalling?  I am not stalling!  I totally understand everything that happened in this movie!) I want to give a brief shout out to Alex, a new reader of the blog!  Alex has her own blog chronicling her journey through the 1001 movies.  Click here to check it out.  She has a funny writing style and can do what I cannot: criticize Grease.

Dom Cobb is a thief who is able to enter people's dreams and steal ideas and secrets from their subconscious.  Cobb is approached by Saito, a Japanese businessman, to do a seemingly impossible job: implant an idea into a competitor's heir's subconscious that will convince him to dissolve his father's company.  In return, Saito will use his influence to clear Cobb of murder charges.  And that is everything I can say for sure.

Well I suppose it is fairly obvious to say, but the special effects were incredible, considering the fact that Nolan used very little CGI.  I was annoyed at the beginning by how unreliable the storytelling was.  In the end, it really doesn't matter if what we are seeing is a dream or not.  This can be enjoyed strictly as a visual spectacle.

Of course, it can also be fun to examine it as a metaphor of filmmaking, but I will stop myself there before I get into too many spoilers.  Also, Leonardo DiCaprio wears a suit, so enough said.

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

One of the top 50 highest grossing films of all time.

Working title was Oliver's Arrow.

956. Memento

Memento
2000
Directed by Christopher Nolan

I decided I am going to quickly write this review and then finally watch the Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon sequel.  So I apologize if it seems like I am rushing somewhat.  I am just eager to get to my new favorite movie.  For now, let's talk about another decent film.

Leonard Shelby is attacked in his home.  Leonard is able to kill one of the attackers, but the other one escapes.  His wife was raped and murdered, and he ends up with a head injury that leaves him unable to form new memories.  Leonard is determined to track down the other attacker, but, of course, it is rather difficult when you have nothing but tattoos and photos to keep track of things.

The story is told in reverse chronological order.  I think this marks the first and only time that I have enjoyed this technique, as it really seems to fit well.  The scattered and confusing quality of the narrative helped us to sympathize with Leonard's own helplessness.  I'm not sure if repeated viewings would really be worth it, but I enjoyed the uniqueness of the structure.

Anyway, on to my adventurous evening.  Definitely one of the best films Nolan has to offer!

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

Alec Baldwin was the first choice to play Leonard.

Only took 25 days to shoot.