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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