Here's Looking at You, Film
Hey everyone! Here's my third weekly catch up, where we look at all of the films I've watched this week. There was one film covered on the podcast this week, and a slew of others that I watched throughout the week. Some are sequels to movies last week, while others are standalone!
Let's start with the film reviewed on The Drive Back this week.
La La Land (2016) REVIEWED ON PODCAST
SCORE: 92/100
Directed By: Damian Chezelle
Starring: Emma Stone, Ryan Gosling, Rosemarie DeWitt
Synopsis: While navigating their careers in Los Angeles, a pianist and an actress fall in love while attempting to reconcile their aspirations for the future.
Quick Review: La La Land is a gorgeous and moving musical throwback to old Hollywood. It’s an absolute joy to watch, and leaves you happier than you were when you started it.
If you'd like to watch it, it's available on Hulu.
Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me (1999)
SCORE: 29/100
Directed By: Jay Roach
Starring: Mike Meyers, Heather Graham, Michael York
Synopsis: Dr. Evil is back and has invented a new time machine that allows him to go back to the 1960s and steal Austin Powers' mojo, inadvertently leaving him "shagless".
Quick Review: Back for more, Austin Powers again fails to rise above petty toilet humor and sexual innuendos. While there are a couple of jokes that are funny, specifically one using spacesuit comms, the rest of the film falls into the familiar trappings of 90's comedies. It's borderline unfunny most of the time, due to out of place references and more focus on Dr. Evil, who doesn't deserve more screen time. Please avoid this, unless you like watching these types of films.
If you'd like to watch it, it's available on Netflix.
In the Heart of the Sea (2015)
SCORE: 56/100
Directed By: Ron Howard
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Tom Holland, Cillian Murphy
Synopsis: A recounting of a New England whaling ship's sinking by a giant whale in 1820, an experience that later inspired the great novel Moby-Dick.
Quick Review: While the movie has an good premise and is filled with good actors, the film doesn't rise above mediocrity. What is really annoying is its cinematography and its over reliance on visual effects, which make the film feel fake. It never really feels like there are any stakes because my brain is telling me that so much in each shot doesn't feel real. One could argue it gives the film a storybook-like feel, but it doesn't work for me. Some of you may like this film more than I, and I'm all for it, but between sink and swim this definitely feels like a sinker.
If you'd like to watch it, it's available on HBO Max.
The Ritual (2017)
SCORE: 74/100
Directed By: David Bruckner
Starring: Rafe Spall, Arsher Ali, Robert James-Collier
Synopsis: A group of old college friends reunite for a trip to a forest in Sweden, Northern Europe, but encounter a menacing presence there stalking them.
Quick Review: Continuing my dive into the horror genre, I finally watched The Ritual on Netflix and was immediately surprised. It's an effective horror film capped off by an incredibly original and unique looking creature, and an emotional and relatable story concerning our main character. Unfortunately, the film ends a little too quickly for my taste, and doesn't quite explain what happens. But I feel that the folklore element of the film is really strong, and helps distinguish it from other straight-to-streaming horror films. Even non-horror fans will enjoy this one.
If you'd like to watch it, it's available on Netflix.
The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974)
SCORE: 80/100
Directed By: Tobe Hooper
Starring: Marilyn Burns, Edwin Neal, Allen Danziger
Synopsis: Five friends head out to rural Texas to visit the grave of a grandfather. On the way they stumble across what appears to be a deserted house, only to discover something sinister within. Something armed with a chainsaw.
Quick Review: Brutal, grotesque, and scary, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre more than earns its legendary status. It's a brilliant example of how to use a low budget effectively to create an unforgettable experience. The biggest issue with the film is its teen characters, which are thoroughly unlikable. You almost want to root for Leatherface and his family. However, with how teens have always been, it seems fitting that they're unlikable. If you're on a cinematic journey like me, take a stop here and enjoy the ride, it's worth it.
If you'd like to watch it, it's available on Shudder.
Monty Python's Life of Brian (1979)
SCORE: 93/100
Directed By: Terry Jones
Starring: Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Michael Palin, Terry Jones, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle
Synopsis: Born on the original Christmas in the stable next door to Jesus Christ, Brian of Nazareth spends his life being mistaken for a messiah.
Quick Review: Monty Python is timelessly funny in Life of Brian, providing a hilarious satire of biblical times. The Pythons are still incredibly funny, as are the myriad of other actors that round out the cast. The completely outrageous nature of the film adds to its charm, as the weirder moments are what helps it persist. In a first for Python, it also tells one consistent story as opposed to interconnected comedy bits. I do feel that the last half does lose some of its comedic strength, but not by a large or noticeable amount because it's immediately remedied by the always-catchy "Always Look on the Bright Side of Life" song. If you're looking for a comedy to watch, Life of Brian is a sure hit.
If you'd like to watch it, it's available on Netflix.
Alice in Wonderland (2010)
SCORE: 34/100
Directed By: Tim Burton
Starring: Mia Wasikowska, Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter
Synopsis: Nineteen-year-old Alice returns to the magical world from her childhood adventure, where she reunites with her old friends and learns of her true destiny: to end the Red Queen's reign of terror.
Quick Review: While it has inventive visuals and the fact that it's a direct sequel to the Disney classic, this film falls on its face for me. The effects haven't aged well, giving the film an overall fake look that detracts from the viewing experience. The performances vary wildly here, with our lead Wasikowska bring dry and dull, Depp in his most phoned in performance yet, and everyone else meandering through. The stand outs are Alan Rickman as the caterpillar and Stephen Fry as Cheshire Cat. While the names involved are impressive, it's disappointing that the film couldn't be as good as it should've been with someone like Tim Burton directing.
If you'd like to watch it, it's available on Disney+.
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