Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri

Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri (Martin McDonagh, 2017)

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Rating: Q=6, P=4 / Average OJ

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Crime, Grief, Complex Relationships, Vengeance

What absolutely stellar performances from Frances McDormand and Sam Rockwell. Their Oscars were well-deserved. This film is depressing but somehow also cheering and surprisingly funny at times. Grief is a complicated emotion and a process that is different for everyone (as I've written about many times on this blog). Mildred takes her grief to another level--the level of vengeance. And she stands for all mothers and women who have had enough.

It's frustrating to see the reality that some crimes are never solved. And justice sometimes isn't served. And guilty people walk freely among us. An important and sobering story.

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White Heat

White Heat (Raoul Walsh, 1949)

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Rating: Q=6, P=5 / Average OJ

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Gangster, Crime, Film Noir, Complex Relationships

Another James Cagney classic. I'd seen the end sequence before but never the whole film. I thoroughly enjoyed every scene and loved watching the cops (good guys) catch up with the gangsters/escaped prisoners (bad guys). You really want the bad guys to succeed, thanks to the brilliant writers and directing of Raoul Walsh. Cody is psychotic and has the strangest mother complex (a theme we see again later in Hitchcock's Psycho) His violence and craziness is one of the best villains ever.

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Public Enemy

Public Enemy (William A. Wellman, 1931)

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Rating: Q=6, P=4 / Average OJ

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Gangster, Crime, Classic, Film Noir

I found this film very entertaining, especially the dialogue and relationships between characters. Gang members are more family than actual family, it seems. A life of crime is a short life, as the film proclaims at the end:

The end of Tom Powers is the end of every hoodlum. "The Public Enemy" is not a man, nor is it a character--it is a problem that sooner or later WE the public must solve.

James Cagney gives one of his most celebrated performances. Still a great film after nearly 90 years.

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Thelma and Louise

Thelma and Louise (Ridley Scott, 1991)

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Rating: Q=5, P=4 / Average OJ

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Adventure, Crime, Friendship, Complex Relationships

This is another film that I knew a lot about but hadn't fully seen until now. Thelma and Louise is a good story with some very serious moments (that were difficult for me to watch) and very important messages. It feels good to watch women feel empowered and in control during their most scary and vulnerable moments. Even though they may be running away, they are still going forward. Philosophically, this film is full of hope to live your life to the fullest. And what iconic scenes!

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Rocky

Rocky (John G. Avildsen, 1976)

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Rating: Q=5, P=4 / Average OJ

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Drama, Motivation, Boxing, Romance

This summer I've been watching movies that I know a lot about but haven't fully seen. Raging Bull was one and now Rocky. (It's just a coincidence that they are both about boxers). It's a really weird combination, I think, especially once you finally watch. The thrill of not knowing what to expect or how things will play out is missing, so it can be somewhat underwhelming.

But I still enjoyed Rocky. I appreciated the gritty atmosphere and quiet pacing. In fact, I'd argue that the slow build-up is essential in order for the audience to connect with Rocky's character and story. It's definitely still a classic and one that makes you smile.

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Little Caesar

Little Caesar (Mervyn Leroy, 1931)

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Rating: Q=6, P=5 / Average OJ

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Gangster, Crime, Drama

I have to admit, I got a little giddy watching Little Caesar--it brought me back to my graduate film studies days. So much to analyse and enjoy! If you like well-known gangster movies--Goodfellas, The Godfather, Scarface, etc.--you owe it to yourself to watch the classics that started the genre. Edward G. Robinson is fantastic, even though at first it might feel like his acting is over-the-top--theater's influence on film acting is still fresh. And the artistry of this one, too, is just magical. Such beautiful angles, lighting, and scene.

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Harry Potter, revisited

I recently re-watched the entire Harry Potter series of films--in chronological order, of course. I have enjoyed the stories and the films since they came out (I think I saw the all of them in the theater, too) but hadn't done the full eight-in-a-row experience before.

Going in, I anticipated that I would like the last four films most (directed by David Yates) because they are more complex, political, philosophical, and dark. I also thought my favorite film would be Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. It's true that I really enjoyed that one but I can no longer claim it as my favorite. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince has taken over as my favorite--just so much going on and layers of mystery.

I wasn't surprised that I rated the last film--Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part II as the best quality film. The visuals and acting, in my opinion, are at their best in this one. And it's hard not to appreciate and get excited by how all the mysteries are answered and the final battle completes the story. I've included below a few moments I enjoyed in each film (plus individual ratings).

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Chris Columbus, 2001)

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Rating: Q=6, P=7 / Can't Get Enough

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This one is heartwarming-Harry finally feels like he belongs and has a home. His relationship with Hagred makes me teary every time. My favorite scene is when he gets his wand from Mr. Ollivander.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Chris Columbus, 2002)

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Rating: Q=6, P=6 / Average OJ

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My least favorite film, but a very important story in the series. People becoming petrified and the possibility that a dark lord is returning is really frightening. This story also perfectly captures what it feels like to be 12, I think. Rumors and gossip and clicks, etc. abound. I think my favorite is the first use of poly-juice potion to interrogate Malfoy and his cronies.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Alfonso Cuaron, 2004)

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Rating: Q=6, P=6 / Average OJ

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I love any story that manipulates time, and JK Rowling really made a masterful story around time travel. The Marauders map is definitely the best part of this one ;) And the introduction of both Professor Lupin and Sirius Black.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Mike Newell, 2005)

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Rating: Q=6, P=6 / Average OJ

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So many fantastic moments! Figuring out each of the tests of the tournament is fun to watch, so are the actual tests. The relationship between Ron and Harry is tested and it is difficult to watch, but very realistic. As is the painful teenage dance. The end of the tournament is the hardest scene for me to watch of any Harry Potter film.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (David Yates, 2007)

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Rating: Q=7, P=7 / Can't Get Enough

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For years this was my favorite of the series because I think that 15/16 is the most interesting age. And, of course, the perfect age for rebellions. Losing trust and then regaining it is a great thing to behold. My favorite scenes are in the Room of Requirement. This film is also important because of how Rowling shows the Nazi/fascism that unfolds as a result of fear. It is particularly eerie watching it now in 2018...

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (David Yates, 2009)

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Rating: Q=7, P=7 / Can't Get Enough

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My new favorite of the series, for many reasons: apparating, the Half-Blood Prince's potion book, more mysteries involving Snape and Dumbledore, Liquid Luck, introduction of Horcruxes, much more of Harry's past revealed.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1 (David Yates, 2010)

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Rating: Q=7, P=6 / Can't Get Enough

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This one moves slowly but is full a interesting moments and some revelations, too. The story of the deathly hallows is a beautiful sequence--love that animation.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 (David Yates, 2011)

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Rating: Q=8, P=7 / Can't Get Enough

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A marvelous conclusion to the mysteries that began in the first installment. And arguably the best visuals of the series, too. I loved the "limbo" sequence when Harry talks to Dumbledore at the very clean King's Cross Station.

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Raging Bull

Raging Bull (Martin Scorsese, 1980)

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Rating: Q=7, P=4 / Can't Get Enough

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Biopic, Boxing, Complex Relationships

Arguably one of the best films ever made, frequently making the top 10 of "best of" lists, Raging Bull is definitely an experience to watch. At least it was for me. I think I waited so long to watch it (I'd been meaning to for over a decade) because I anticipated that many moments would be difficult for me to see. Boxing is a strange sport, in my opinion, because it is pure fighting. And Jake LaMotta was definitely a fighter. He was also paranoid and controlling and selfish--personality traits that when portrayed I find very hard to sit through. But Scorsese created a masterpiece of cinema with his shots, angles, editing, and superb choice of actors.

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Pride of the Yankees

Pride of the Yankees (Sam Wood, 1942)

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Rating: Q=5, P=4 / Average OJ

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Biopic, 1930s, Baseball, Romance

What a feel-good movie! Pride of the Yankees is the story of Lou Gehrig. It is a story about true talent, and how being kind and honest can be rewarding. Gary Cooper is wonderful as the naive and optimistic Gehrig. I also thought it was great that Babe Ruth plays himself. A classic that was most definitely a memorable film to see when it was released in 1942, only a few years after Gehrig died. You'll probably end up crying by the end.

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