OrionZulu

Had never heard of that film before. Caught it on TV by accident, and... wow. I can't make a constructive critique yet, have to watch it again. This film just wowed me. Unbelievably brilliant & gut-wrenching film about the vanity of all things. Visually stunning. I found the film very gay, too - the all-male cast, virile comradeship, etc., particular emphasis on handshakes, always meaningful (with or without gloves) - smg almost inevitable in films dealing with military etiquette & decorum.

90 _83%

The King and the Mockingbird (1980) - Rated 07 Dec 2008

Stunningly beautiful, this classic French animation masterpiece got a botched release in the '50's (against Grimault's wishes) under the title "La Bergère et le Ramoneur", and was properly completed and re-released in 1980. Not much dialogue, but Prévert's unique brand of poetry pervades the whole film, and the animation is flawless. Oh - and a magnificent score by Wojciech Kilar. An absolute gem.

77 _42%

Foutaises (1989) - Rated 07 Dec 2008

Jeunet's early take on the "likes and dislikes" which he later explored further in "Amélie". Here the emphasis is more on cultural clichés - will resonate all the more if you were a boy growing up in France in the 1960's - but even if you weren't, it's still fun to watch.

86 _73%

The Dead Zone (1983) - Rated 07 Dec 2008

Not one of Cronenberg's most idiosyncratic films, but a very effective one nonetheless - dark, quiet, brooding, melancholy and fatalistic. All the characters seem to be mere toys to the whims of fate, which makes their struggle touching. Walken is remarkably low-key in this one, which serves the character well. There's a poignant early scene when the Doctor learns from Johnny that his mother has survived the camps unbeknownst to him until then, and at the last minute renounces speaking to her.

78 _47%

The Fly (1986) - Rated 07 Dec 2008

64 _22%

The Road to Wellville (1994) - Rated 07 Dec 2008

28 _10%

Evita (1996) - Rated 07 Dec 2008

Dreadful stuff.

67 _25%

Birdy (1984) - Rated 07 Dec 2008

67 _25%

Bugsy Malone (1976) - Rated 07 Dec 2008

72 _31%

Midnight Express (1978) - Rated 07 Dec 2008