#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