#183. The Incredibles

"We're superheroes. What could happen?”

A married superhero couple is obligated by the government to stop fighting crime and instead live the rest of their lives as normally as possible. Fifteen years and two kids later, evil is afoot, as is Mr. Incredible's impulse to defeat it.

I really enjoyed this film for the most part! It often surprised me with its depth and seemingly adult subject matter. The action was also pretty intense for a family movie. I don't believe it was at all too mature for children though; the themes were diplomatically a delicate balance of kid-friendly and an entry-level perspective into adulthood that isn't too abrasive. Further, I liked that they expressed the point that super villains aren’t necessarily always bad and protagonists aren’t necessarily always good. Ethics and human beings are colored with shades of gray.

There are also some great insights between the lines of this film that are fantastic to convey to someone of any age -- big dreams/talent being shoved in to too small spaces, the mundane reality that is middle age when true potential isn't being realized. It's a tale about the exceptional, AKA The Incredibles, but just as much the viewer.

So in my view, it was fairly good. There was intelligent dialogue and an interesting message as well as aesthetic (somewhat futuristic, somewhat retro 50's). It's a unique movie, that's for sure. I did find it a bit boring, too long, and predictable at times though, so my immediate rating is a 7.4.

Characters: 7.2

Acting: 7.3

Storyline: 7.3

Entertainment Value: 7.5

Immediate Rating: 7.4

Total Score: 36.7/50

#184. The Princess Bride

“As you wish.“

A grandfather reads a book to his sick grandson called the Princess Bride, a fairytale, adventure, love story that takes place in a mythical world, abundant with themes comparable to the most authentic human experience.

I am SO happy that I got another chance to watch this movie! It's just perfect. It has flawlessly cast actors, romance, horror, action, comedy, incredibly intelligent dialogue, the list goes on. All in the creative context of a story read by grandfather to grandson, honoring its original medium, a novel. What an adventure. I don't even usually like fantasy movies, but The Princess Bride is in a class of its own. 

The characters are fantastic; I have to give special props to Inigo Montoya (Mandy Patinkin), Fezzik (Andre the Giant), Vizzini (Wallace Shawn), and Westley (Cary Elwes). They compliment each other in such an ideal way, and each offer their own developed perspective on their motives, ethics, and loyalty. Such great chemistry. Not to mention, Westley is dreamy as hell. So romantic and handsome, with all the qualities for men to aspire to have and women to desire in a perfect partner.

Man, it's hard to even find something to criticize. Since it's been about 10 years since I've last seen this film, I figured I would have come up with something more insightful to say on this viewing, but it's just as magical as I remember. The fantastical scenery, how it pulls on the heart strings as well as makes the heart rush, and quotes that stay with you forever:

"Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my father. Prepare to die."

“Inconceivable!”

“You keep using that word. I do not think it means what you think it means.”

“There's a shortage of perfect breasts in this world. It would be a pity to damage yours.”

“MAWAGE!!!”

“Good night, Westley. Good work. Sleep well. I'll most likely kill you in the morning.”

It successfully brought me right back to my childhood. Another Rob Reiner masterpiece. 9.5/10 is my immediate rating.

Characters: 9.5/10

Acting: 9.2/10

Storyline: 9.8/10

Entertainment Value: 9.8/10

Immediate Rating: 9.5/10

Total Score: 47.8/50

#185. The Killing

“You have not yet learned that in this life you have to be like everyone else - the perfect mediocrity; no better, no worse. Individuality's a monster and it must be strangled in it's cradle to make our friends feel confident.”

After a betting teller informs his wife of a planned heist that will make them millions, she creates a scheme of her own. All taking place over the course of a day, the film tracks the exciting racetrack robbery and its aftermath.

The Killing didn’t capture my interest as much as I feel it could have. That's not to say I don't think it's an objectively great movie. Anyone who would enjoy a well-done film noir would most likely enjoy The Killing. The ending is fantastic and unexpected, and I found the rest of the plot mostly interesting. I enjoyed the dark comedic aspects, and the film's general mood. I just wonder what the point of it all is. Sole entertainment? Though I enjoyed the movie in the moment, it didn't inspire me to question anything or think any further about it after it was over. Doing that is the reason I love watching movies.

Despite that, I enjoyed observing the character dynamic, as all the characters have a completely different reason for being involved in the heist and desire different outcomes. The acting is also good, and the dialogue is interesting and intelligent.

Overall, it was enjoyable, but doesn’t appeal much to my personal taste, so I don't find it memorable. My immediate rating is 7.1/10.

Characters: 7.3/10

Acting: 7.5/10

Storyline: 7.5/10

Entertainment Value: 7.3/10

Immediate rating: 7.1/10

Total Score: 36.7/50

#186. The Wild Bunch

“We all dream of being a child again, even the worst of us. Perhaps the worst most of all.”

A group of nine aging outlaws battle a Mexican army and a gang of bounty hunters in pursuit of one last big win in the Wild West.

I’ll start with what I enjoyed about this film — the beginning and the end, as well as the much too subtle (in my view) fear of aging theme. The way it began and ended was captivating, and without giving too much away, likely transformed the Old West genre from that point forward. As far as the theme — really moving. I’ve always been under the impression that westerns were more about the plot and non-stop action, so I respect that this film held something deeper for the viewer to contemplate.

That being said, I didn’t exactly enjoy this movie as a whole. The beginning and the end don’t account for the two hour middle portion that was chock-full of unnecessary long scenes, unlikable as well as unmemorable characters, and oddly placed laughing sequences. Not to mention, I was disgusted by its portrayal of women. I recognize that it was accurately depicting how women were viewed during that time, but every female character was without a personality/brain, and seemed to mindlessly and happily accept her role as a man’s plaything. That’s an archaic perspective, even for a movie filmed nearly 50 years ago.

I have a soft spot in my heart for westerns since my late grandfather loved them, and I’m disappointed that I can’t fully appreciate The Wild Bunch like so many other people, but it just wasn’t for me. Nevertheless, I still have high hopes for The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly and am looking forward to reaching it further up on the list.

Characters: 5/10
Acting: 7.3/10
Storyline: 6.5/10
Entertainment Value: 5/10
Immediate Rating: 6.4/10

Total Score: 30.2/50

#187. Kind Hearts and Coronets

“I made an oath that I would revenge the wrongs her family had done her. It was no more than a piece of youthful bravado, but it was one of those acorns from which great oaks are destined to grow. Even then I went so far as to examine the family tree and prune it to just the living members. But what could I do to hurt them? What could I take from them, except, perhaps, their lives?”

An impoverished, distant relative of the Duke of D'Ascoyne aims to take revenge on the family who’s disregarded him and acquire their wealth by murdering the eight inheritors that stand in his way of the throne.

The first time I watched this movie was years ago. For some reason or another, I didn’t fully appreciate it then, and deemed the plot boring. I’m so glad that I decided to watch it a second time (with subtitles and a film-schooled boyfriend), because it completely changed my mind.

What acting, humor, and fantastic dialogue! And now the plot may even be my favorite aspect. There are so many unexpected, exciting twists in the storyline, and interesting characters to carry it through. One pivotal element I overlooked upon first viewing was the fact that Alec Guinness flawlessly plays the entire D'Ascoyne Family, characters young and old, male and female. Not to mention, the makeup and acting was fantastic, because I didn’t even realize this until the end credits.

The subtle humor of this movie is one of a kind. Louis’ (played by Dennis Price) calm demeanor coupled with his vindictiveness, as well as irony in the plot twists make it a delight to watch. My immediate rating is a 8/10.

Characters: 8/10
Acting: 8.2/10
Storyline: 8.3/10
Entertainment Value: 8/10
Immediate Rating: 8/10

Total Score: 40.5/50