Terry Gilliam Challenge: Time Bandits

Time Bandits (Terry Gilliam, 1981)

Click here for the basics

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

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

Fantasy, Adventure, Whimsical, Historical Fiction

Strangeness abounds in this adventure film. I loved the humor, surreal visuals, and plot devices. And the Monty Python-esque moments, of course. One reason why I've enjoy Terry Gilliam's films is because he likes to exist in the space between reality and dreams. So, as a viewer I am constantly asking myself, "Is this real or is this a dream?" And we never get an answer.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Terry Gilliam Challenge

I love the film challenges. So, I've decided to do another one for this holiday season. But this time it isn't a genre. I've chosen to watch all Terry Gilliam films I haven't yet seen (and I might re-watch the other ones, too). So, here is a list of films to expect posts about over the next few months:

Time Bandits (1981)
The Fisher King (1991)
Twelve Monkeys (1995)
Tideland (2005)
The Zero Theorem (2013)
The Man Who Killed Don Quixote (2018)--once I can see it!



Possible Re-watches:
Monty Python and the Holy Grail (1975)
Jabberwocky (1977)
Brazil (1985)
The Adventures of Baron Munchausen (1988)
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998)
The Brothers Grimm (2005)
The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus (2009)

Cowboy Bebop, revisited

Cowboy Bebop Season 1 (Shinichiro Watanabe and others, 1998)

Click here for the basics

Rating: DSQ=12, SP=7 / Decadence

Scale A=4, Scale B=4, Scale C=4, Scale D=3, Scale E=4

Anime, Action, Adventure, Science Fantasy, Western, Noir

Favorite episodes: This is tough, because I think they are all better as a whole, but I'd probably have to say "Speak Like A Child" and "Cowboy Funk"

Re-watching this series was great. It'd been over ten years and my first viewing missed a lot, of course. This show is just spectacular in all ways: the music, animation, story lines, characters, humor, mystery, setting... everything. A group of misfits--each with their own mysterious past--always seems to work as a set-up. I especially like Ed and Ein, this crazy data-duo.

I recommend watching the series in order and also in the original Japanese. Also, be prepared to binge!

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Fame

Fame (Alan Parker, 1980)

Click here for the basics

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

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

Musical, Coming of Age, Performing Arts, High School

I'm not entirely sure why I hadn't seen this film before now--it seems like something I would have watched in high school or at least college. It was interesting to think specifically about the coming of age of performers. As a musician, I had many of the same questions and doubts about myself as the young talent in this film: "Am I good enough? Could I make it? Is it worth the risk? Will I ever be discovered? Will I eventually hate doing my art for a living?" etc. I don't think these questions will ever change or cease. And we will always need them.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Erin Brockovich

Erin Brockovich (Steven Soderburgh, 2000)

Click here for the basics

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

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

Drama, Complex Relationships, Environmental Issues, Law

What an inspiring and important story. And one that definitely keeps your attention. This was Julia Roberts's best role, in my opinion--she nails every line. And the chemistry between her and Albert Finney is spectacular to behold. A great pairing. It's unbelievable to me that we live in a world with people and organizations that commit such heinous acts of cruelty to the earth and human beings. It happens all the time, everywhere, and right now as we speak. It makes me feel a bit more hopeful to know that there are heroes out there trying to right the wrongs. But we need more. And especially more in the leadership of countries--the law and policymakers.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Mary and the Witch's Flower

Mary and the Witch's Flower ( Hiromasa Yonebayashi and Giles New, 2017)

Click here for the basics

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

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

Animated, Coming of Age, Magic, Fantasy, Adventure, Based on Book

I really enjoyed this film--such glorious animation for the first out of Studio Ponoc. I am certain that this new animation studio will be successful. I would have liked to watch it in the original Japanese, but I didn't have the option. This is a story in the vein of Harry Potter and Kiki's Delivery Service, but it does hold its own. A fun escape for all ages!

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here