Happy 2021!

2020 may not have been a good year for anything, but it did provide more time to revisit favorite films and catch up on viewing lots of classics that I had never gotten around to watching. I think my favorite film I watched this year was The King.

Other highlights were seeing Parasite in the theater before the pandemic, watching all Wes Anderson films, all the Batman films, and all the Karate Kid films (+ Cobra Kai show). I also fell in love with Red Dwarf again and re-watched and got caught up on all things Star Wars. The "Best in Show" for 2020 has to be The Mandalorian season 2. Well done John Favreau for creating the hands-down best Star Wars film/show/anything (in my opinion). And for making the year end on a higher note.

I'm hoping to keep watching new and old films in 2021 and make a few more themed lists for everyone. And I'm starting with a list of 25 under-appreciated films I love.

Best wishes!

Miracle on 34th Street, revisted

Miracle on 34th Street (George Seaton, 1947)

Click here for the basics

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

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

Classic, Holiday, Feel-good

It had been many years since I watched this classic holiday film--the story of what happens when Santa Claus actually does come to town. The Christmas and holiday spirit shines in this one and leaves the viewer feeling that there is hope for humanity. We need more feel-good drama films like this one now more than ever.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

The Mandalorian, Season 2

The Mandalorian, Season 2 (John Favreau, 2020)

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Rating: DSQ=11, SP=7 / Decadence

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

Fantasy, Science Fiction, Star Wars Universe, Epic

The second season of The Mandalorian definitely delivered. And there was a lot that the Star Wars franchise had to deliver, that is for certain. Just like season 1, this installment was a fantastic trip through fantasy worlds and appeals to Star Wars fans and non-fans alike--but, again, it helps to know the universe a little bit. Favreau does throw a lot of Easter eggs at viewers. In season 2 we get some answers and, of course, more questions are asked (season 3, please!) There is also much more character and relationship development, which I appreciated and found extremely interesting, especially in chapter 15: The Believer. Philosophical and moral dilemmas are brought up and we see our favorite bounty hunter wrestle with them. And the season finale is just...epic. Can't wait for more shows and another season!

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Pump Up The Volume

Pump Up The Volume (Allan Moyle, 1990)

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

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

Coming of Age, High School, Philosophical

I'm not sure why I never saw this film before--it's in that "must see" category of films, for me, just based on the premise. While this certainly is a high school film, it doesn't feel the same as many others made in the 1980s and 1990s. There are similar themes--relationships, angst, loneliness, not fitting in--but the focus is on identity and speaking out. Breaking free from societal expectations. I really liked Christian Slater in this--he is a teen who has a lot to say but is afraid to say it in front of anyone. I certainly felt that way when I was younger and still do, at times. Samantha Mathis also does a great job. A good watch. 

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Arabesque

Arabesque (Stanley Donen, 1966)

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

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

Mystery, Crime, Noir, Thriller

From the same director famous for Charade, Arabesque is a swirling mystery/crime film. We follow Gregory Peck's character, Mr. Pollock, as he is forced into a mess he tries to understand but no matter what he learns and reveals he just never gets the full story. Sophia Loren is also absorbing to watch. A good number of tense and silly moments balances well to make the film a fun escape. Excellent score by Henri Mancini, too!

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Suddenly

Suddenly (Lewis Allen, 1954)

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

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

1950s, Crime, Action, Drama

A spine-tingling story with superb dialogue. The great script makes this film feel like you're in the theater watching a play. And because the film only has one scene (the living room) it makes the viewer feel a part of the claustrophobic and tense situation. So much anxiety! Frank Sinatra is amazing and keeps your attention in every way--interestingly, his character, Baron, was the only villain he ever played. A great classic crime/noir film.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Explorers

Explorers (Joe Dante, 1985)

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

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

Action, Adventure, Coming of Age, Science Fiction

The debut film for both Ethan Hawke and River Phoenix (not counting TV shows) is a fun family escape but is less about the actual adventure and more about learning to go after your dreams. The story is a little surreal, a little disjointed, a little weird. The young actors are great, though. I found myself wanting more--especially the nostalgia factor the director only introduced with the few adult characters.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

Zathura

Zathura (Jon Favreau, 2005)

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Rating: Q=5, P=5 / Average OJ

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

Science Fantasy, Adventure, Family, Action

This film was a welcome delight! I had read the original storybook by Chris Van Allsburg when I was young, but had missed when this film came out fifteen years ago. It's a great family adventure story, though, full of great visuals and exciting action. The story is simple and that's what makes it so great. A fun escape that I'll definitely watch again someday.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (Marielle Heller, 2019)

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

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

Psychology, Complex Relationships, Biopic

What a lovely and emotional film about the complexity of the human experience. Tom Hanks plays Mister Rogers really well and his performance shines. Having watched Mister Roger's Neighborhood practically every day of my childhood and recently reading and watching more about the man behind the show made watching this film a joy. In order to lead our best lives we really do just need to listen to the words of his songs. Mister Rogers was incredibly wise and knew not just what to say but most importantly how to say it.

--Don't understand the ratings? Click here