#172. How to Train Your Dragon

"I wouldn’t kill him, because he looked as frightened as I was. I looked at him, and I saw myself.”

My first viewing of How to Train Your Dragon was at my local Regal movie theater in 2010. I remember liking the movie more then, so maybe it’s more of a theater experience instead of a home TV experience like this one was. The animations and visuals are impressive, but the storyline is lacking in substance and originality. It comes across as formulaic, though it's served as an inspiration for many adventure movies to follow.

The characters, including the protagonist Hiccup, have their complex moments, but mostly lack depth and development. I found the character Astrid to be an especially unlikable love interest. Toothless is of course the best character of them all. My cat Roxie was making herself known during the movie, and I couldn’t help but smile at their similarities. The dialogue was charming but cheesy.

The pacing is uneven at times, with some scenes dragging on for too long and others feeling rushed, making it difficult for me to stay engaged, especially during the more action-oriented scenes. Nevertheless, this movie is a fun watch, and is deservedly beloved by many. My initial rating is 7/10.

Characters: 7.5

Acting: 7

Storyline: 7

Entertainment Value: 7.5

Immediate Rating: 7

Total Score: 36/50

#173. Twelve Monkeys

"Look at them. They're just asking for it. Maybe the human race deserves to be wiped out.“

Characters: 7.5
Acting: 8
Storyline: 7
Entertainment Value: 7
Immediate Rating: 7.5

Total Score: 37/50

#174. The Grapes of Wrath

"Sure don't look none too prosperous."

Characters: 7
Acting: 7
Storyline: 6
Entertainment Value: 6
Immediate Rating: 6.5

Total Score: 32.5/50

#175. 8 1/2

"I really have nothing to say, but I want to say it anyway.“

I was captivated from the beginning. An avant-guard horror movie more than anything, you never know what to expect. The ominous music, uncanny faces— all are deeply unsettling in the best way. The protagonist acts as our only anchor, unbothered my the absurdity he's perceiving.

The film is as random, anxious, and subversive as a nightmare, and doesn’t let you rest for a moment. I haven’t seen anything quite like it.

Characters: 7
Acting: 7
Storyline: 6
Entertainment Value: 5.5
Immediate Rating: 6

Total Score: 31.5/50

#176. The Gold Rush

I enjoyed this more than I expected. "The Prospector" (Charlie Chaplin) is strange yet charming, and you can't help but root for the guy.

Characters: 7.5

Acting: 7

Storyline: 6.5

Entertainment Value: 7

Immediate Rating: 7

Total Score: 35/50

#177. Casino

"That’s the truth about Las Vegas. We’re the only winners. The players don’t stand a chance.”

Characters: 7.5
Acting: 8
Storyline: 7
Entertainment Value: 7
Immediate Rating: 7.5

Total Score: 37/50

#178. The Secret in Their Eyes

 
“Choose carefully. Memories are all we end up with. At least pick the nice ones."

The most boring movie I've seen in a while.

Characters: 4
Acting: 7
Storyline: 5
Entertainment Value: 3
Immediate Rating: 5

Total Score: 24/50

#179. Grave of the Fireflies

“Why do fireflies have to die so soon?"

Characters: 6.5
Acting: 6
Storyline: 7
Entertainment Value: 7
Immediate Rating: 7

Total Score: 33.5/50

#180. Diabolique

“There is only one possible end. We are monsters. I don't like monsters."

Characters: 7
Acting: 8
Storyline: 6
Entertainment Value: 6.5
Immediate Rating: 7

Total Score: 34.5/50

#181. The Night of the Hunter

 

“It's a hard world for little things."

A vulnerable widow, Willa, marries a self-described priest, Harry, who becomes the step-dad of her children John and Pearl. Though Willa is devoted to her new husband, who claims to be able to bring her salvation, the kids suspect something is off about Harry.

I was going through a really hard time when I first watched this movie. The mood of it seemed to reflect my emotions, though I’m not sure if that was a good thing or bad thing. If I could describe it, maybe “heavy” is the word. Even after watching and forgetting various other movies, this one made an impression. I often think back to the words “love” and “hate” on Reverand’s right and left knuckles respectively. There are other disturbing visuals that make the movie iconic and often referenced.

I have to admit it’s not really my thing, despite its objective significance. I found it slow paced and too uncomfortable at times. My immediate rating is a 6/10.

Characters: 7
Acting: 7
Storyline: 6
Entertainment Value: 5.5
Immediate Rating: 6

Total Score: 31.5/50