October Challenge: Alien & Close Encounters of the Third Kind

Alien (Ridley Scott, 1979)

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Rating: Q=7, P=5 / Can't Get Enough

Scale 1=4, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=2

Thriller, Science Fiction, Aliens, Gore

 

The absolute classic alien film and one of the best scares in cinema history. Fantastic performances -especially by John Hurt and Sigourney Weaver- and memorable moments throughout. The pacing, as in most thrillers, drives me almost to the point of insanity in parts. But even if you know what to expect, Alien gets to you... well worth returning to regularly.

Close Encounters of the Third Kind (Steven Spielberg, 1977)

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Rating: Q=6, P=4 / Average OJ

Scale 1=4, Scale 2=2, Scale 3=2, Scale 4=2

Thriller, Science Fiction, Aliens, UFO

I've avoided watching this film for years because many people told me it was overrated and Spielberg's style isn't usually my favorite. Well, I must say it was far better than I imagined. While the story itself was a bit lacking (I would have liked more character development and dialogue) the visuals are stunning- they are still amazing even for today's standards. My biggest complaint is the pace- it drags in multiple places and too many threads are left untied. Yes, don't give us all the answers but give us a few more!

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October Challenge: Bullitt

Bullitt (Peter Yates, 1968)

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Rating: Q=5, P=3 / Thanks But No Thanks

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=2, Scale 3=2, Scale 4=1

Thriller, Action, Detective, Car Chase, Mystery

Classic car chase, great soundtrack, enjoyable action sequences, but not much more- at least for my tastes. There was little psychological development of characters or even development of the story. Definitely fun to watch and worthy of the awards for editing, but this is film is clearly visual rather than intellectual or emotional.

 

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October Challenge: Jaws

Jaws (Steven Spielberg, 1975)

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Rating: Q=5, P=3 / Thanks But No Thanks

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=2, Scale 3=2, Scale 4=1

Thriller, Shark, Gore, Open Water, Action

Certainly exciting, suspenseful, and nerve-wracking but that's pretty much it. Richard Dreyfuss's performance is fun and the cinematography and music is excellent but the plot and characters don't shine and are basically surface-level. I'd rather watch a thriller that is more psychological and mysterious. A classic adrenaline rush, though.

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October Challenge: Wait Until Dark

Wait Until Dark (Terence Young, 1967)

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Rating: Q=6, P=5 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=2

Thriller, Suspense, Crime, Blind, Based on Play

I really enjoyed this film. Since it is a play, the writing and timing is perfect. The story revolves around one scene, too, which adds to the claustrophobia and paranoia of the main character. Audrey Hepburn does a marvelous job as both a trusting and vulnerable victim AND a strong, resourceful woman. And, of course, Alan Arkin is intensely creepy, especially in the last sequences. Lots of surprises, definitely "on the edge of your seat" thrills.

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October Challenge: Notorious & Strangers On A Train

Notorious (Alfred Hitchcock, 1946)

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Rating: Q=6, P=6 / Average OJ

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=3

Thriller, Suspense, Nazi, Spy, Psychological, Romance

One of Hitchcock's finest films. Ingrid Bergman's performance is fantastic and, in my opinion, makes the film as engaging and exciting as it is. Timing, dialogue, angles, and music create the perfect edge-of-seat viewing experience.

Strangers On A Train (Alfred Hitchcock, 1951)

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Rating: Q=7, P=6 / Can't Get Enough

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=4, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=3

Thriller, Suspense, Psychological

Robert Walker's performance is absolutely creepy. Strangers on a Train is exhilarating  disturbing, and a beautiful work of art. There are few scenes in cinema that can compare to the carnival catastrophe ending of this film- so intense and scary. Hitchcock keeps us on the edge of our seats, as always.

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October Challenge: Rosemary's Baby

Rosemary's Baby (Roman Polanski, 1968)

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Rating: Q=7, P=5 / Can't Get Enough

Scale 1=3, Scale 2=4, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=2

Thriller, Paranoia, Witchcraft, Cult, Slow-paced, Intense Character

I usually can't handle watching films about psychologically abused characters, but Rosemary's Baby is so well-crafted and Mia Farrow's performance is so effortless. It is one of the best thrillers ever made, in my opinion, because the audience sympathizes so strongly with Rosemary and wants so desperately for her to fight back or win. But the brilliance of Polanski is that Rosemary doesn't (not really) and the ending is left ambiguous. While I can't say I'll watch it again in the near future, I can say this film stays with you. Haunting, Nerve-wracking, Thrilling.

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October Challenge: Marathon Man

Marathon Man (John Schlesinger, 1976)

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Rating: Q=4, P=2 / Thanks But No Thanks

Scale 1=2, Scale 2=2, Scale 3=1, Scale 4=1

Thriller, Nazi, Spy, Brothers, Action

Eek. I have to admit, I went into this film believing I probably wouldn't enjoy anything and... I was pretty much right. The film is disturbing, in many ways- the torture sequences, the dark lighting and drab mis en scene, the eerie music, the story. Interestingly, for the first hour, I wasn't captivated at all, which I didn't expect. As soon as all the pieces fall into place, though, it is definitely full of anxious tension and suspense. Brilliant performances by Dustin Hoffman and Laurence Olivier- creepiest role he probably ever played.

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Chico & Rita

Chico & Rita (Errando, Mariscal, Trueba, 2010)

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Rating: Q=7, P=6 / Can't Get Enough
Scale 1=4, Scale 2=3, Scale 3=3, Scale 4=3

Animated, 1940s-50s, Jazz, Cuba, Romance

This film is so vibrant- it leaps off the screen with gorgeous colors, fluid movement, exciting music, and a beautiful story. It is like peering through the broken, rose-tinted glasses of the past- both the past of a whole generation and the very personal memories of a talented and lonely composer. If you love Jazz and enjoy animation, this film is definitely right up your alley. If you have access to the "making of" documentary, be sure to take the extra time and view it. A marvelous effort that involved many great musicians and artists.

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