149. History of Violence

A mild-mannered man becomes a local hero through an act of violence, which sets off repercussions that will shake his family to its very core.

This movi is actually based on a comic book. Graphic novel, whatever. I never read it but I like this film. There are no caps or superheroes, just a guy who runs a diner for n the Midwest. The cast is pretty great. It does have its odd moments due to director David Cronenberg. He’s an odd guy. Not David Lynchodd but still odd. Sometimes that makes fo good films, sometimes not so good. I think hint this is a good time.

Violence (duh), some pretty violent sex, uncomfortable nudity, and swearing. Recommended.

148. Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me

A young FBI agent disappears while investigating a murder miles from Twin Peaks that may be related to the future murder of Laura Palmer; the last week of the life of Laura Palmer is chronicled.

This the the feature film follow up/prequel to the popular TV show. Most of the original cast returns with a few exceptions. It almost adds more questions than it answers. It does follow the rules vents that lead to a he death of Laura Palmer. She was the focus of the TV show. 

For the curious, this is not a good place to start. It is pretty much for Die Hard fans only. That may be why it did so poorly.

It’s creepy violent, sexual, and overall very David Lynch. 

147. Starship Troopers

Humans in a fascistic, militaristic future do battle with giant alien bugs in a fight for survival.

I had the fortune to meet stars Casper Van Dien and Dina Meyer at comicon in 2012. Th both graciously signed my DVD copy of the movi. I think Casper put “the only good bug is a dead bug” on it. Humans in a fascistic, militaristic future do battle with giant alien bugs in a fight for survivalhich I was thrilled by. Second only to Bruce Campbell writing “shop smart, shop S mart”. But that’s a different review.

The move has great action and lots of sci fi elements but also dry humor. I haven’t read the source material but I don’t think it’s in there. It has the ability to use crazy plot points that don’t seem weird or silly when they should. It’s really enjoyable and I try to watch it whenever it’s on. As a result, I hadn’t sat down and watched it start to finish in a long time. I usually catch the middle or the end. It’s solid start to finish.

Violenc, mostly gruesome or gross. Not much profanity. Some locker room nudity. Denise Tichards trying to act. Recommended.

146. The Talented Mr. Ripley

In late 1950s New York, Tom Ripley, a young underachiever, is sent to Italy to retrieve Dickie Greenleaf, a rich and spoiled millionaire playboy. But when the errand fails, Ripley takes extreme measures.

I remember exactly where I saw this film. I remember leaving the theater thinking about it. For me, it’s one of those films you keep thinking about long after it’s over. I think that’s he sign of a great film. 

I think it has a great cast. Matt Damon, Jude Law, Gwyneth Paltrow (<3), Cate Blanchet, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, and many more. Great direction. Plus mostly takes place in Italy which is gorgeous. It’s an interesting story that gets darker and more troubling the further it goes. I think Ripley has no sense of self and will do whatever it takes to copy the others around him. It makes the character a bit obsessive and creepy in alarming way.

Some violent moments and male nudity but no females for once. Swearing. Also Matt Damon sings so watch out for that. Recommended.

145. The Happening

A science teacher, his wife, and a young girl struggle to survive a plague that causes those infected to commit suicide.

I had heard about this and mostly how bad it was, but I gave it a chance. It wasn’t that bad. It does have a few flaws.. most modern movies do. Things like b in told to turn on a TV and happening to catch it from the beginning. Phones going to a dial tone right away. Cell phone can’t get a signal at the worst time. Minor things.

In this movie the crazy plant guy has a theory and everybody runs with it. The little girls parents are gone most of the movie and she seems ok with it.  At one point thy literally run from the wind. Zoe descanel wears either leather or acrylic shiny black pants.

It has a little swearing and lots of people kill themselves. Did I mention the wind? Mildly recommended.

144. Eraserhead

Henry Spencer tries to survive his industrial environment, his angry girlfriend, and the unbearable screams of his newly born mutant child.

I’m a big fan of David Lynch. I started wth Blue Velvet and Wild a Heart. Two odd but rather linear films. I loved Twin Peaks. I had not seen this, his first feature. All I really knew was this iconic picture posted here.

A very strange surreal story. It’s about relationships and ex and dealing with what happens when your baby is born a mutant. I am not well versed enough in the symbolism of film to be able to adequately decipher what exactly I saw. I know I liked it. Strange, troubling and challenging but good.

It has a lot going on so be careful. It’s really experimental and surreal. If you’re game I say go for it. It’s not for he faint of heart

143. The Breakfast Club

Five high school students meet in Saturday detention and discover how they have a lot more in common than they thought.

This is one of my favorite movies of all time. It’s one director John Hughes best films and.so perfectly cast. It’s amusing to me that just a month prior to this, Judd Nelson ( the criminal) was in a movie called Fandango with Kevin Costner where he played a very nerdy character much like Anthony Michael Hall. And just 5 years later Hall played the jock in Edward Scissorhands. A lot of the so called brat pack have faded into obscurity. Maybe not Rob Lowe, but that’s another review.

It’s rated R by the MPAA. It’s weird that a movie like this with lots of swearing and one scene of underage drug usage gets the same rating as a movie like Logan where you see people’s heads impaled by claws and graphic depictions of severed limbs. Yeah these are the same. Anyway, go see it if you hadn’t.

142. xXx

An extreme sports athlete, Xander Cage, is recruited by the government on a special mission.

Well this is the reason I don’t like a lot of traditional action films.  I understand the idea of movies being fantasy and suspension of disbelief. I can only go so far.

This movie is action packed. Almost everything blows up.but it’s just a silly silly movie. Vin Diesel is really a nerd at heart so I feel bad. But this is a dumb stupid film.

It’s rated pg 13 so you get one f word but no naked people. I can’t in good faith recommend.

141. Jack Reacher: Never Go Back

Jack Reacher must uncover the truth behind a major government conspiracy in order to clear his name. On the run as a fugitive from the law, Reacher uncovers a potential secret from his past that could change his life forever.

I have seen the first but it was not clear in my head what happened or what the status quo was at the end. They try to discredit him but I’m not sure why. Because he’s smart, he knows the person who they’re trying to frame or just cause they need another excuse for Tom Cruise to run. Boy, that guy loves to run. 

There’s a weird amount of them getting away with stuff not because it’s realistic but because it furthers the story. I swear at one point they say they are turning themselves in and the very next scene they’re driving a car. I must have missed something. Or maybe they did.

It’s not a great film. It’s passable. It’s got lots of violence and some language. Mostly it’s just average. I don’t recommend but don’t avoid it.

I’m not sure why they hide her face but that’s Cobie Smulders who I think is very attractive.

140. Minions

Minions Stuart, Kevin and Bob are recruited by Scarlet Overkill, a super-villain who, alongside her inventor husband Herb, hatches a plot to take over the world.

Cute. Clearly for kids with maybe a couple nods for adults. Despicable Me but not the sequel. It doesn’t really matter but it s a prequel and it might make the end make more sense if you’ve seen or are aware of the first.

No real objectionable stuff. There is a minion in a thong but obviously for humor. It’s cute and short. Recommend.