Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Great Movie # 549 - Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior


Do I really need to say anything about this movie?  I mean honestly... Mel Gibson plus post apocalyptic road movie, nuff said.  You have no idea how excited I was to knock this one off the list.  I don't want his to sound like a love letter or anything, but The Road Warrior (1981) was one of those films where I can recall  my first time seeing it.  I was very glad to see that this made the list.

There are so many fun moments in this movie.  It captures you from the moment we fade in to see the infamous Max standing on the deserted highway looking off into the distance.   My favorite part has to be the opening monologue by the narrator setting the stage for the world of the Wasteland.  From there things get really real.  The loner known as Max helps the caravan of settlers transport their precious fuel as they escape the savages that roam the desert led by the mysterious, brutal Humungus.  It's interesting to see this hero save the day but hardly speak in the process; similar to Conan the Barbarian ( an equally great movie).  Beyond a shadow of a doubt Mel Gibson is a star and what makes it better is that this is 'young' Mel before Lethal Weapon made him a superstar.  



Even now, weeks after watching it, it still baffles my mind how Byron can say this movie had plot issues.  Really dude, we're going there?  Honestly, I just don't get it. It is as if people forget films from the past didn't have to explain every little piece of the plot (hellllloooo it's called cognitive deduction).  At least the good man found it fun to watch.  If you look back at our list, you'll see how valuable a commodity that is.

Sorry everybody, there isn't much else to say. George Miller created a classic franchise that is definitely one of a kind.  Like many other superb foreign films (e.g. The Killer, Seven Samuari, and any Run Run Shaw film, lol), the film making is immaculate and stands the test of time. Whether it's because we remember the film from Pac's 'California Love' video, or because there are numerous memorable moments, The Road Warrior is a great timeless film.  If you haven't seen this film, you need to stay home this Friday night and catch up, you won't be disappointed.

Sunday, July 7, 2013

Great Movie # 4 - The Rules of the Game

                                                      


     Well this one was a doozie.  The first actual boring movie of this whole process.  I'm talking falling asleep in 15 minutes boring.  The 1939 film by Jean Renoir was not interesting save for 2 major elements.  First this film is the difference between the upper class social elite and the lower class help that have to interact with them.  The very same premise of Robert Altman's Gosford Park (2001).  I find it very interesting that Renoir creates the same story at such an early point in cinema's history. The next element was the camera work of the cinematographer.  The use of depth of field was just impressive to see.  It added depth (no pun intended)  to the set pieces as well as the plots that develop in acts 2 and 3 among the array of characters that engage each other.


     Byron and I both agree, this is clearly a one time watch.  One that we both with NOT be watching again.  I still don't quite understand exactly what makes this movie be ranked at number four.  Out of respect, would I place it somewhere on this list?  Sure.  Not quite sure where, but it'll have to go somewhere.  Oh well, on to the next one.