The Thief of Bagdad (1940)

The Thief of Bagdad (1940)

7/10

Starring
Conrad Veidt
Sabu
John Justin
June Duprez


Directed by Michael Powell, Ludwig Berger and Tim Whelan

The Thief of Bagdad is a 1940 British fantasy film and a classic remake of the 1924 film of the same name. The movie is magical, with each scene inviting you into its world. You’ll love the special effects—that is, if you’re viewing it through the eyes of someone from the 1940s. This is where the whole blue screen effect started, and if you’re like me and enjoyed Disney’s Aladdin, you’ll love seeing where Disney got their inspiration.

It wouldn’t be fair for anyone to list fantasy films and skip this classic. This was one movie I remember watching when I was young, introduced to me by my lovable aunt, who sparked my love for movies. This film made me wish I had a flying carpet of my own. Sabu, who played Abu, didn’t deliver what many consider the classic acting that made him famous, but he wasn’t bad either. For me, the actor who stole the show was Conrad Veidt, who played Jaffar.

The movie’s plot follows a prince named Ahmed (John Justin), who is tricked by his most trusted advisor, Jaffar, into leaving the palace to experience life on the streets firsthand. While there, Jaffar has Ahmed arrested as a madman and plans to kill him, all while seizing the throne for himself. In prison, Ahmed meets a resourceful thief named Abu, and together they break out of jail.

During their escape, Ahmed meets and falls in love with a beautiful princess—someone Jaffar also has his eyes on. Jaffar does everything he can to get Ahmed out of the way, while Ahmed and Abu team up to save the princess. Their journey includes meeting a genie, acquiring a magic carpet, and finding a crystal that can show them anything they desire.

This British classic used the best special effects of the 1940s and won Academy Awards for Cinematography, Art Direction, and Special Effects. The Thief of Bagdad marks the first major use of bluescreening in the film industry, thanks to Larry Butler, who introduced and pioneered the technique.

The movie has greatly influenced many films that came after it, especially those based on The Book of One Thousand and One Nights tales. Let’s not forget Disney’s Aladdin and its franchise, as well as The Prince of Persia video game series. The film holds a strong 100% approval rating on the critic aggregate site Rotten Tomatoes and was both a critical and commercial success. So, if you haven’t seen this wonderful tale set in Baghdad—about how a prince and a thief take on the evil sorcerer Jaffar to save a beautiful princess—then where have you been?

Take the time to watch this movie. You’ll be glad you did.

Double Indemnity (1944)

Double Indemnity (1944)

7/10

Starring

Fred MacMurray

Barbara Stanwyck

Edward G. Robinson

Directed by Billy Wilder

The movie is about greed and seduction, with a plot that probably wouldn’t fly in the modern film era. It would likely be ripped apart by forensic evidence and modern detection methods, but in the 1940s, such science wasn’t widely available, so the plot worked just fine. The movie does not try to get away with things it could not control.

The story follows an insurance salesman (Fred MacMurray) who gets lured—quite easily, due to his greed—into an insurance fraud scheme. The plan seems simple to him: all he has to do is kill the husband of the woman he desires and make it look like an accident. Meanwhile, he tricks the husband into signing an accident insurance policy that leaves everything to his lady friend. That way, he gets the girl—and with her, the money.

The movie is best described as nice and has become a classic over time. Double Indemnity is beautiful and captivating, based on a 1943 novel of the same name by James M. Cain. This film was the pinnacle of 1940s film noir and inspired many copycat B-movies from other producers.

The screenplay was written by Billy Wilder, who also directed the movie. The way the story unfolds makes you appreciate the screenwriter’s work. While watching, I was on the edge of my seat, eager to find out if they would get away with it or not. Fred MacMurray narrated and starred in the film. Although it was a huge critical success and was nominated for seven Academy Awards, it didn’t win any. Still, Billy Wilder’s writing and direction in this movie are a masterpiece worth treasuring and a work of art worth owning.

The movie (and the book it’s based on) revolves around the double indemnity clause in life insurance or accident policies. This clause states that the insurance company agrees to pay double the face amount in the contract if the death is caused by accidental means.

The film was a box office success, making over five times its production cost. It also popularized the use of "venetian blind" lighting in its cinematography, which became a staple in later film noir. Double Indemnity was well-received by the American Film Institute (AFI). In AFI’s 100 Years…100 Movies (10th Anniversary Edition), it was ranked 29th, and it earned several other AFI recognitions.

This movie is wonderful. If you haven’t seen or heard about it, now you have—so go watch it!

Grumpier Old Men (1995)

Grumpier Old Men (1995)

4/10

Starring

Jack Lemmon

Walter Matthau

Ann Margret

Sophia Loren

Burgess Meredith

Directed by Howard Deutch

After the fun of watching Lemmon and Matthau act like kids for less than two hours in the first movie, I was satisfied. But then, due to the success of the first film, the producers decided to give it another go. This time, the story had the two starting off as friends, thanks to the events at the end of the first film. However, for some really, really idiotic reason, they were at it again.

The movie wasn’t as funny as the first. It felt like a replay—same pranks, a similar plot, and a screenplay that made this one a waste of time. After giving John a love interest in the first movie, the producers decided to get a mate for Max this time. The script was lame, showing no finesse or real plan—just the producers hoping to cash in on the success of the previous film.

The main disappointment for me was Sophia Loren. Her acting felt too weak for me to believe she was a star. Everyone else in the movie, even Burgess Meredith (who had Alzheimer’s disease and this was his last motion picture appearance), was impressive—at least I can give them that.

This time, the movie was directed by Howard Deutch, who later worked with the duo in 1998 for Odd Couple II. Deutch’s other movies, like Getting Even with Dad (1994) and The Whole Ten Yards (2004), haven’t been well-received either. That’s basically why I won’t bother seeing My Best Friend’s Girl.

The plot picks up six months after the events of the first movie. John (Lemmon) and Max (Matthau) are preparing for the wedding of their children. Then, a new arrival comes to town: a beautiful lady named Maria Ragetti (Sophia Loren), who turns the town’s bait shop into a restaurant.

John and Max join forces to try and run Maria out of town, but issues between their children’s marriage plans reignite their feud. Both refuse to believe their child is at fault.

As of February 2013, only the actresses are still alive today—both Lemmon and Matthau passed away about half a decade after this movie’s release. Grumpier Old Men was a box office success in its own right but a huge critical disappointment. The movie cost $10 million less than its predecessor and made about a million more at the box office.

After you’ve seen the first movie, there’s basically no reason to bother with this one. It stands in my mind as a film I credit as a waste of time and talent.

Grumpy Old Men (1993)

Grumpy Old Men (1993)

6/10

Starring

Jack Lemmon

Walter Matthau

Ann-Margret

Burgess Meredith

Directed by Donald Petrie

This movie is very cheerful and delivers a subtle family comedy for everyone to enjoy. There are many fun pairings of Lemmon and Matthau to choose from, but my favorite has always been The Odd Couple (1968). This 1993 pairing, however, easily falls into my top three collaborations of the two actors.

This is the sixth film to star both Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau, and it’s one of the coolest. Both actors were at their best here, delivering plenty of laughs. What really got to me was how these men in their 70s behaved like children, playing tricks on each other and even coming up with some I’d never have thought of. This romantic comedy also stars Ann-Margret, and her performance was fun to watch. I don’t recall seeing her in any other movies, so this was a nice introduction for me.

Grumpy Old Men is directed by Donald Petrie, the man behind the 1994 movie Richie Rich and, in my opinion, the worst movie ever—2003’s How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.

The movie’s plot revolves around two old friends/rivals, Max (Walter Matthau) and John (Jack Lemmon). Both are retired and have spent the majority of their adult lives playing tricks on each other.

Things change in their small town when college professor Ariel Truax (Ann-Margret) moves into a house across from theirs. Her happy demeanor and joyful outlook make her the talk of the town, and soon both Max and John take a liking to her. Their longtime feud reignites as they compete to win her over.

The movie is fun and funny, earning recognition from the American Film Institute with a nomination in AFI’s 100 Years... 100 Laughs. The next film Lemmon and Matthau starred in together after this series (following 1995’s Grumpier Old Men) was Out to Sea. While it wasn’t well-received by critics, I’ve seen it, and I can tell you it’s not as bad as they make it out to be. It’s funny and delightful.

Grumpy Old Men was followed by Grumpier Old Men two years later in 1995. This time, another iconic actress, Sophia Loren, was introduced into the mix with Lemmon and Matthau. However, her acting didn’t shine as brightly as Ann-Margret’s, in my opinion. The movie received a mildly positive reception from critics and was a modest box office success.

I need to add again, go see this movie, it is really funny.

Lincoln (2012)

Lincoln (2012)

7/10

Starring

Daniel Day-Lewis

Sally Field

David Strathairn

Joseph Gordon-Levitt

Directed by Steven Spielberg

Lincoln is wonderful, and Daniel Day-Lewis’s performance in this movie is well worth his Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. Day-Lewis has already won the Academy Award for Best Actor twice—for My Left Foot in 1989 and There Will Be Blood in 2007. If I was a betting man, I would place my money on him to win this one too.

Steven Spielberg put his masterful directing skills to work in this future classic, which he also produced. The movie focuses on the final moments of Abraham Lincoln’s time in office as the President of the United States. At the time, the country was at war and on the brink of significant change. Lincoln was at the forefront, fighting against all opposition to end the war and bring an end to slavery. The film also depicts the steps Lincoln and his party took to win over others and secure the necessary votes to abolish slavery.

I thoroughly enjoyed Daniel Day-Lewis’s portrayal of Lincoln—his voice, his movements, everything. Spielberg didn’t overlook Lincoln’s love for storytelling, as we get to hear many of his tales throughout the movie, which he used to convey his messages.

This movie is truly great and wonderful, and I’m glad I got to see it. I’m not American, nor have I ever had the desire to be one, but Lincoln’s actions abolished slavery and paved the way for the Black race to be seen as equals. Although it took years of more battles and more assassinations to achieve the freedom we see today—culminating in a Black man becoming the President of America and even winning a second term—Lincoln’s role was pivotal.

For historical purposes, the movie does have its inaccuracies, but despite that, it’s a fantastic documentary-style drama for those interested in the struggles Lincoln faced while trying to end the war. From the battles on the warfront to those in the Senate, and even Lincoln’s personal battles at home, this movie covers it all.

Did I enjoy this movie? Yes, I did. But if you’re not into history or documentaries, you might find it a bit slow. Lincoln was both a critical and commercial success, and it’s undoubtedly one for the record books.

After seeing Silver Linings Playbook, I thought no performance could match what Bradley Cooper delivered. However, Daniel Day-Lewis’s acting not only matches it but surpasses it, in my opinion. So, my pick for the Oscar for Best Actor would definitely be Day-Lewis.

Silver Lining Playbook (2012)

Silver Lining Playbook (2012)

8/10

Starring

Bradley Cooper

Jennifer Lawrence

Robert De Niro

Directed by David O Russell

I want to advise everyone: don’t make the same mistake I did. I thought this film was just a romantic waste of celluloid and my precious time, so I stayed away from it—until I heard about its Oscar nominations. This is one of the best movies I’ve seen this decade. The acting is so great that I was genuinely surprised. I’ve seen many Bradley Cooper movies—let me list a few: The Midnight Meat Train, Yes Man, He’s Just Not That Into You, The Hangover, Valentine’s Day, The A-Team, Limitless, and The Hangover Part II. All of these, especially Limitless (2011), show how good an actor Cooper is, but this movie shows how truly great he is.

Silver Linings Playbook is such a fantastic movie—well-written and well-directed. The Weinstein Company bought the rights to the book (The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick) before it was even published, a decision I’m sure they’ll never regret. Not only is this movie a must-watch for the wonderful performances by Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence (The Hunger Games (2012) and X-Men: First Class (2011)), and Robert De Niro, but it’s also a must-have. It’s well-paced, and I loved the score and the dance scenes.

The movie’s plot follows Pat (Bradley Cooper), who has bipolar disorder, which developed after he found his wife cheating on him and nearly beat the other man to death. The story begins when Pat is released from a mental institution and moves back in with his parents. He then meets Tiffany (Jennifer Lawrence), who is just as emotionally troubled as he is. The two develop a relationship that helps keep them mentally stable.

However, Pat is still fixated on getting back with his wife, Nikki. Meanwhile, Pat’s father (Robert De Niro) is determined to bond with his son, believing it will bring him good luck so the Philadelphia Eagles can win—since Pat Sr. has bet all his money on the team.

The movie is brilliantly directed by David O. Russell (The Fighter (2010)), and the screenplay is crafted to make the viewer feel the intimacy developing between the leads. Silver Linings Playbook was shot in just 33 days and received eight Academy Award nominations, including the Big Five—the first time since Million Dollar Baby in 2004. (The Big Five are: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Screenplay—either Adapted or Original. Only three movies have won all five: It Happened One Night (1934), One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975), and The Silence of the Lambs (1991).) Silver Linings Playbook was a commercial success, making over seven times its production cost, and it’s also a critical darling.

This is a movie you have to see, no matter what. Even if you have to cut corners or overcome obstacles, just make sure you watch it.

The Mark of Zorro (1940)

The Mark of Zorro (1940)

7/10

Starring

Tyrone Power

Linda Darnell

Basil Rathbone

Directed by Rouben Mamoulian

One thing this movie has is impressive horse-riding chase scenes that make you grin at the ingenuity of the director and the cinematographer. The film’s pace is so exciting that you can’t help but tip your hat to how it was captured on celluloid.

Basil Rathbone (famous for playing Sherlock Holmes in the Rathbone/Bruce series, which included 14 movies between 1939 and 1946) is a renowned Hollywood swordsman. I also read that Tyrone Power was skilled with a sword, so I eagerly waited for the duel scene between the two.

When the duel finally began, the fact that it was actually the actors wielding the swords—not just stuntmen—added to the excitement. The duel is nothing short of wonderful and masterful. The grace and speed these two expert swordsmen displayed on screen is something I’ll always remember, and I highly recommend others watch it. To this day, I haven’t seen better fencing.

The movie is full of scenes that jump out at you. There’s another chase scene where Zorro (Tyrone Power) makes his horse leap off a bridge into a stream, then swims to shore. It was such a sight that I raised my brow in amazement, wondering how many takes the director needed to get that scene just right.

The Mark of Zorro is a lot of fun, even if you can pick out plot holes and wonder how the hero planned to achieve anything in the riot-like ending. Still, the movie is enjoyable from start to finish. The story is based on The Curse of Capistrano, written by Johnston McCulley in 1919. The book introduced the masked hero Zorro, who is similar to Robin Hood in many ways. Set in Southern California during the early 19th century, the plot follows Don Diego Vega/Zorro (Tyrone Power), who returns home to find his town being extorted by the Governor and his henchman, Captain Esteban Pasquale (Basil Rathbone).

Diego then becomes the masked vigilante Zorro to defend his people from the corrupt Governor’s grip.

The Mark of Zorro is a true oldie. The score, in my opinion, is a bit obvious and doesn’t blend seamlessly with the movie, though it did earn an Academy Award nomination.

The Mark of Zorro is worth watching, even if it’s just to see the duel between Power and Rathbone. I read about it, and it was one of the reasons I sat through this movie.

Miracle on 34th Street (1947)

Miracle on 34^th Street (1947)

7/10

Starring

Maureen O'Hara

John Payne

Natalie Wood

Edmund Gwenn

Directed by George Seaton

The movie starts with a note that it might just be one of those feel-good films with no special twist. But as it goes on, you realize that it is exactly that—yet what you won’t expect is the tons of laughs and excitement it packs. All you have to do is hang on until you get to the court scene. From there, right down to the last scene where Kris Kringle appears, I couldn’t help but laugh all the way through.

Miracle on 34th Street is based on a screenplay by George Seaton, who also directed the film. Surprisingly, it was released in May 1947 instead of during the Christmas season, even though it’s a Christmas movie. The movie is well-acted, and the screenplay isn’t bogus or too out of place. Unlike what I initially thought from the title, there’s no single extraordinary miracle to convince everyone that Kris is Santa. Instead, the movie takes a logical approach to prove his claim, though the ending does leave you with a hint of something miraculous.

The story begins at the Macy's Department Store Thanksgiving Day parade. The Santa meant to lead the parade shows up drunk, so Doris Walker (Maureen O’Hara), the lady in charge, decides to replace him with a kind, funny-looking old man named Kris Kringle (Edmund Gwenn).

Kris does such a great job that Doris hires him to be Macy’s Santa. While working there, Kris starts something special: he helps parents find toys that Macy doesn’t even sell, which brings the store into the limelight.

Kris also has a personal mission: to make Doris and her daughter Susan (Natalie Wood) believe that he really is Santa. Along the way, things take a turn, and Kris is declared psychologically incompetent, nearly getting institutionalized. Thankfully, Fred Gailey (John Payne), a friend who has his eye on Doris, steps in to help him out.

20th Century Fox’s decision to release the movie in May instead of December paid off at the box office, as the film made about five times its production cost. It was also well-received by critics and won Academy Awards for Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Edmund Gwenn), Best Writing, Original Story (Valentine Davies), and Best Writing, Screenplay.

The film was revisited in 1994 by John Hughes. While the 1994 version (starring Richard Attenborough, Mara Wilson, and Elizabeth Perkins) wasn’t as much of a critical success as its predecessor, it’s just as popular as the 1947 original.

This is a great movie to watch with the family on a cozy Christmas day—or any day, really.

The Manchurian Candidate (1962)

The Manchurian Candidate (1962)

8/10

Starring

Frank Sinatra

Laurence Harvey

Janet Leigh

Angela Lansbury

Directed by John Frankenheimer

The Manchurian Candidate has a pace that’s both tasteful and gentle. It keeps you on the edge of your seat, then spins you out of sync when unexpected and often unexplainable scenes pop up. But just as quickly, the events pull you back in, masterfully and surreally, as you wait to see how everything connects. The film is a mix of suspense, thriller, and intense dialogue, with some moments that could even be seen as dark humor.

The unveiling of the mastermind behind the plot—or rather, the mastermind controlling Raymond Shaw—makes you, the viewer, raise an eyebrow at the lengths people will go to for power. The movie’s conspiracy theory, combined with a touch of sci-fi in the brainwashing and mind control aspects, makes The Manchurian Candidate appealing to a wide variety of audiences.

The plot follows a squad from the Korean War, where Major Ben Marco (Frank Sinatra) and his Sergeant, Raymond Shaw (Laurence Harvey), return home to a hero’s welcome. Shaw even receives a Medal of Honor for supposedly saving his squad during the war.

As Shaw becomes a public figure, driven by his overbearing mother, Mrs. Eleanor Shaw Iselin (Angela Lansbury), Marco starts having recurring nightmares. In these dreams, he sees Shaw kill two members of their squad. These nightmares lead Marco to question whether the events he remembers from Korea actually happened.

Director and producer John Frankenheimer did a fantastic job with the screenplay, which is based on Richard Condon’s 1959 novel of the same name. Both the film and the novel explore themes of the Cold War. Frank Sinatra’s performance is one you need to see to appreciate. Angela Lansbury (known for Disney’s Bedknobs and Broomsticks in 1971) delivers a standout performance as Raymond Shaw’s mother, earning her an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

The Manchurian Candidate was both a critical and financial success, and it’s a film everyone should see—including you. Every moment of this movie is memorable, and the suspense will keep you glued to the screen.

A remake of this 1962 classic was directed by Jonathan Demme (who won an Oscar for Best Director for The Silence of the Lambs in 1991 and also directed the critically acclaimed Philadelphia in 1993, starring Denzel Washington). The 2004 version starred Denzel Washington, Meryl Streep, and Liev Schreiber. While it was a critical success, it didn’t match the box office success of its 1962 predecessor.

Planet of the Apes (1968)

Planet of the Apes (1968)

8/10

Starring

Charlton Heston

Roddy McDowall

Maurice Evans

Kim Hunter

Directed by Franklin J. Schaffner

Here’s a Sci-Fi classic that everyone should see, especially if you’re a Sci-Fi fan. Planet of the Apes is one of those movies that I think can stand the test of time as an ongoing classic. The great thing about the movie isn’t the graphics or the costumes—which were great but could be better—it’s the story. The depth of the story goes deep, right up to the very end.

The height of this great movie is the interaction; the dialogue between the characters is more captivating than the screenplay itself. The movie is based on a 1963 science fiction novel named La Planète des singes, meaning Planet of the Apes or Monkey Planet in English. The novel was written by Pierre Boulle. The story, both in the novel and the movie, is built on a strong foundation similar to that of the Biblical creation of man. The tweaks to fit the creation of man to that of apes are spectacular, and it’s something you have to see for yourself.

The plot follows three astronauts who crash-land on a planet where apes run the whole show, and humans are uncivilized and speechless. The apes are in charge and can speak, while humans are treated like animals.

Taylor (Charlton Heston) and two other astronauts come out of deep hibernation to find themselves on this strange planet. Taylor sustains a throat injury that makes him unable to speak, leading the apes to believe he’s just as uncivilized as the rest of the humans. But when his throat heals and he speaks, all hell breaks loose on the ape planet.

Considered one of the best movies of our time, Planet of the Apes was a huge commercial success and received higher critical acclaim than any of the other four films in its series. The franchise was revisited in 2001 by Tim Burton, with the movie bearing the same name. While it was a financial success, 20th Century Fox didn’t continue with it. Instead, they rebooted the franchise in 2011 with Rise of the Planet of the Apes, which won an Oscar for Best Visual Effects. A second part of the movie was released in 2014.

This movie is excellent, and it’s one that you won’t mind seeing. It’s so captivating that from the get-go, you’ll be drawn in to see how it ends. The twist ending has remained in cinematic history as one of the best there is—and I agree.

Scavenger Hunt (1979)

Scavenger Hunt (1979)

7/10

Starring

Richard Benjamin

James Coco

Scatman Crothers

Cloris Leachman

Directed by Michael Schultz

After seeing the grand It’s A Mad Mad Mad Mad World (1963), I stepped into this movie as a skeptic, as it seemed more like It’s A Mad Mad Mad Mad World with just some tweaks here and there. Reviewers didn’t help either, as from what I saw, Scavenger Hunt falls somewhere between good and awful. So, I decided to see it for myself, and I have to admit: the plot is stupid and far-fetched compared to It’s A Mad Mad Mad Mad World. The acting is lower-grade, the directing could use some work, and the screenplay is all topsy-turvy, making me laugh all the way through as things just kept happening every second.

I enjoyed this movie. The producers went all out to copy as much as they could from It’s A Mad Mad Mad Mad World. The movie is also filled with a lot of cameo appearances—we even get to see one from Mr. Terminator himself, Arnold Schwarzenegger, who was still young at the time. The movie’s whole idea is so bogus that you start to doubt from the beginning if it’s going to be any good.

The plot revolves around Milton Parker, a multi-millionaire with an estate worth over $200 million. A game lover himself, Parker, upon his death, gathers his relatives, domestic staff, and even a taxi driver for the reading of his will. The will stipulates that a Scavenger Hunt will be held to determine the beneficiaries of his $200 million estate. Each team has to collect specific items (without purchasing them), and each item on the list carries specific points. The winning team is the one with the most points at the end of the hunt, and that team will get the entire estate, while the rest get nothing. The teams involved in the hunt are:

1. Parker’s son-in-law and his children
2. Parker’s servants: his cook, butler, driver, and maid
3. A taxi driver extremist (who was extreme in stupidity and being brainless)
4. Parker’s sister, Stella
5. Parker’s nephews, Kenny and Jeff Stevens

The sad thing, though, is that I only got to see this movie because someone was nice enough to convert the VHS version to digital for me. No DVD of this movie has been made (as of now), which is a shame because this is one movie I recommend to anyone looking for a good laugh. It’s highly underrated, but it’s good.

Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)

Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi (1983)

7/10

Starring

Mark Hamill

Harrison Ford

Carrie Fisher

Directed by Richard Marquand

Star Wars Episode VI is just the icing on the cake. The Empire Strikes Back is a classic, and George Lucas adds to an already wonderful story by giving us a happy ending we didn’t expect. This is where you get to enjoy the power of the Force (especially when comparing this movie to its original two counterparts, A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back). Luke Skywalker demonstrates true mastery of the Force, having become a Jedi Knight between the events of The Empire Strikes Back and now. Later, after the death of Yoda, he becomes the only Jedi Knight left in the entire galaxy. Episode VI’s ending is one of the things that has made the Star Wars franchise a must-watch and a must-have.

The final battle between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader was something we all looked forward to. With Luke now a Jedi Knight, that battle was thrilling, as he and Darth Vader (his father) were evenly matched. The twist ending in the movie’s story arc is something you’ll come to respect the writers for, as they take you on a good-versus-evil mind battle.

The CGI in this movie took me by surprise—it was impressive and looked way ahead of its time. Mark Hamill’s portrayal of Luke Skywalker was the best in the series so far, and this is my favorite imprint of him in my mind: “Luke Skywalker, son of Anakin Skywalker and the last Jedi Knight.”

After the events of The Empire Strikes Back, which led to the capture of Han Solo (Harrison Ford) and his being frozen in a block of carbonite, Luke and Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), with the help of others, formulate a plan to free Solo from the clutches of the crime lord Jabba.

After his freedom and escape from Jabba and his minions, the trio decides to take the fight to the Empire, as plans are in place to build another Death Star. This battle was going to be the final showdown between the Rebel forces and the Empire, with both sides holding an ace up their sleeves.

This battle parallels the Sith Lord’s intention to convert Luke to the Dark Side, as he and Darth Vader wait patiently for him to arrive. Like his father in Revenge of the Sith, Luke faces the test of joining the Dark Side.

Return of the Jedi is the last in the original trilogy and the final chapter in the chronology. Episode VI is a must-have when you buy the Star Wars box set, which I believe every movie lover already owns.

Fun fact: The movie was originally meant to be titled Revenge of the Jedi, but the name was changed later on. There’s talk that Disney is set to release a new Star Wars, Episode VII (probably in 2015), and possibly a new trilogy. This is something I’m really looking forward to!

Bullet to the Head (2013)

Bullet to the Head (2013)

4/10

Starring

Sylvester Stallone

Sung Kang

Directed by Walter Hill

Here is another addition to the trend of old guys trying so hard to relive their glory days. This trend is becoming boring and hard to swallow. The Expendables, on the other hand, was enjoyable. The Last Stand (2013, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger) was a little shaky, but we managed. Then movie producers went ahead and made Bullet to the Head (this movie), whose story is as light as a feather. Everything about the movie can be summed up in one sentence: “Revenge, by Sylvester Stallone.”

The name of the movie itself is old-school, the action and plot are old-school, and for the first time in years, old-school looked whacked. This movie is not a must-watch. Its plot and screenplay are so lame that they make The Last Stand look like an Oscar contender.

The movie is based on Alexis Nolent's French graphic novel Du Plomb Dans La Tête, translated as Bullet to the Head. The screenplay was written by Alessandro Camon, whose producing credits include Thank You for Smoking (which was cool) and Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (2010, starring Michael Douglas and Shia LaBeouf). This movie is neither as dull as Wall Street nor as intuitive as Thank You for Smoking. It stands on its own as one of those movies that make you wonder why stars like Stallone bother starring in them.

The plot is about two men: a hitman, James Bonomo (Sylvester Stallone), and a detective, Taylor Kwon (Sung Kang), who form an alliance to take down a mobster responsible for killing both their partners.

Bullet to the Head is directed by well-known action movie director Walter Hill (Aliens, Alien 3, and Predator). His idea and touch here are about as lucrative as trying to sell a freezer in Antarctica—it was a waste of time.

The last showdown between the good guy and the bad guy reminded me of Jack Reacher, where Reacher decided to show the villain who’s boss when it comes to a fistfight. Here, the villain decided to make the offer, forgetting the old tale… bad guys always die.

I’ve gone through The Last Stand and Bullet to the Head. Now, all that’s left (I think) is Die Hard 5. I just hope it won’t be as disappointing as this flick because Die Hard 4 was a masterpiece. All these bringing back the old action heroes to try and prove they can just be as good as the new ones is failing to make an impact.

Warm Bodies (2013)

Warm Bodies (2013)

6/10

Starring

Nicholas Hoult

Theresa Palmer

Directed by Jonathan Levine

Warm Bodies is a beauty-and-the-beast love story crossed with a typical zombie horror flick. The movie’s pacing is well done, and it’s well-directed by Jonathan Levine, the director of the 2011 drama 50/50. He also wrote the screenplay, based on Isaac Marion’s 2010 novel of the same name (Warm Bodies).

The acting in the movie is impressive, from both the humans and the zombies. I especially enjoyed the makeup effects on the lead as he starts to morph from a zombie to a human. The movie’s use of humor is clever and well-timed. Just when you feel it’s getting a little too serious, a comic line jumps out of nowhere and lightens the mood. Another highlight is the Romeo and Juliet references, which the director made sure were present and obvious. The lead character is named R—presumably for Romeo—and his love interest is named Julie, a clear nod to Juliet.

What initially attracted me to this movie was the fresh perspective of seeing everything from the zombie’s point of view. We even get to hear his thoughts as he navigates life as one of the undead. It’s a unique twist that keeps the story engaging and adds depth to what could have been just another zombie flick.

Set in a post-apocalyptic era, Warm Bodies is more about open-mindedness and the ability to accept that others can change. It’s less about humans going all Resident Evil on zombies and more of a romantic drama. The plot centers on an unusual zombie named R (Nicholas Hoult), who develops human emotions and craves something more. In this post-apocalyptic world, humans live a barricaded life, isolated from the zombies who have practically taken over. During a supply run, a group of humans is ambushed by zombies. It’s then that R sees Julie (Teresa Palmer) and falls for her.

R saves Julie from the other zombies and keeps her safe, allowing their emotional attachment to grow until she has to return to her people. But R’s actions spark something new among the zombies—a revolution born from that one act. It’s a refreshing take on the genre, blending romance, humor, and a touch of social commentary.

The movie’s score, however, stood out to me as a weak point. That’s just my take. Overall, the movie is cool, and the humor is spot on. I can comfortably recommend that you give it a watch. It’s a fun, heartfelt story with enough twists to keep you entertained.

It’s A Mad Mad Mad Mad World (1963)

It’s A Mad Mad Mad Mad World (1963)

6/10

Starring

Sid Caesar

Edie Adams

Mickey Rooney

Spencer Tracy

Directed by Stanley Kramer

I like this movie for one reason: it’s certain that when you’re done watching, some scenes will stick in your mind. The absurd dialogue and the way the characters are portrayed as so ridiculously greedy make it seem implausible that such a group could ever come together. But in It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World, they do, and these people go to extreme lengths to ensure they get to the money before anyone else.

Bringing together an all-star comedic cast, along with numerous cameos from legends like Buster Keaton, Jerry Lewis, and others, must have been a monumental challenge for producer and director Stanley Kramer. He got the script idea from William Rose, whose initial concept involved a group of characters in Scotland. Kramer later pushed for an American setting. The movie’s title evolved from Something a Little Less Serious to Damn Thing After Another and finally to It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World, inspired by the 1605 comedy A Mad World, My Masters.

The plot revolves around a man, wanted by the police for robbery, who has a terrible car accident. In his final moments, he tells a group of strangers who gather to help him that there’s $350,000 buried “under a big W” in Santa Rosita State Park in Santa Rosita Beach. At first, the group tries to agree on sharing the money equally, but after 17 different attempts to divide it fail, each person sets off on their own to claim the fortune. The central character, played by Spencer Tracy, is Captain T. G. Culpeper.

The scenes that stuck with me the most include the one where Dingy and Benjy are stuck in an airplane and have to pilot it themselves because the actual pilot, who got drunk, knocks himself out trying to grab a drink. Another standout moment is when Melville and Monica, a couple, get trapped in a hardware store, leading Melville to completely wreck the place in his failed attempts to escape.

This is a movie I can confidently recommend. If you watch it, you’ll likely enjoy it and grow to love the dialogue. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that it’s a long film—over 2 hours and 30 minutes. For me, it was worth every minute of the fun.

I do have to add though that, Scavenger Hunt, a movie which is very similar to this in the way it plays out, seems to be a lot better as it irons out the challenges this movie had.

Parker (2013)

Parker (2013)

3/10

Starring

Jason Statham

Jennifer Lopez

Directed by Taylor Hackford

If you have close to two hours to spare, I suggest reading a book (not the one this movie is based on) or taking a nap, because Taylor Hackford owes me my time and money back for making me think this was a movie worth watching. My advice to anyone considering this film is to Google the spoiler, watch an extended preview, and then move on with your life—there’s nothing to see here.

The movie drags. It’s sloppy, and it’s astonishing how pointless situations and actions can stretch out for such a long runtime. I think some directors and studios must have a bucket list item of making a movie with Jason Statham. That’s the only explanation for the string of subpar action anti-hero films he’s been starring in that aren’t worth your time. Surprisingly, the only redeeming factor in this film is Jennifer Lopez. Her performance, including her comedic touch, was the sole thing that made sense and brought some life to this mess.

Taylor Hackford (Ray (2004) and The Devil’s Advocate (1997)) isn’t necessarily a bad director, but in this case, the story and plot completely fail. The movie is a shockingly dull and nonsensical attempt at an action film. The plot revolves around Parker (Jason Statham)—yes, you probably guessed the protagonist’s name already. Parker is a professional thief with a moral code: he doesn’t steal from the poor or harm the innocent. He joins a five-man crew for a successful heist, but when the crew leader proposes a follow-up plan to earn even more money, Parker refuses. This decision leads to him being shot and left for dead at a lake. Miraculously, he survives and begins plotting his revenge.

During his quest to track down the men who betrayed him, Parker encounters Leslie Rogers (Jennifer Lopez), who somehow gets caught up in his revenge plan.

The movie is based on a book called Flashfire, and let me tell you, I have no intention of reading it anytime soon. As lackluster as the movie is, Parker makes you wish you could rewind time and unwatch it. By the end, I was actually annoyed that the hero survived.

My conclusion? There are far better ways to waste your time than watching this movie. Nothing about this movie makes you want to sit through it to the end. I feel the actors were way into themselves in the making of this movie.

Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)

8/10

Starring

Mark Hamill

Harrison Ford

Carrie Fisher

Directed by Irvin Kershner

Great movie, very captivating and it just never gets old. This is the best of the entire Star Wars saga—the second to be released and the fifth in chronological order. It’s also the most critically acclaimed, and the movie delivers on every level. The most well-known line from The Empire Strikes Back is when Vader reveals the truth about Luke’s father, uttering the iconic words: “No, I am your father.” I couldn’t help but lip-sync along with it. This cinematic moment has truly stood the test of time.

Interestingly, The Empire Strikes Back wasn’t directed by George Lucas. It’s one of only two films in the original six not directed by him (the other being Return of the Jedi). After the success of the first film, Lucas went all out with the production of this one, with costs reaching a then-unprecedented $32 million, making it the most expensive movie of its time. The dialogue in this film is particularly impressive and remains the best in the entire saga. Moments like Leia and Han Solo’s exchange of “I love you” and “I know,” Yoda’s unique way of speaking, and the unforgettable confrontation between Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker are what make this movie so memorable each time I watch it.

The special effects were taken to the next level, with more outer-space scenes that showcase the vastness of Lucas’s imagination. When I think of George Lucas, Star Wars is the first thing that comes to mind, and this movie is a perfect example of why. The breathtaking scenery, innovative spacecraft designs, intricate plots, and layered subplots all contributed to its critical acclaim and solidified it as a must-watch.

The story picks up three years after the destruction of the Death Star. The Galactic Empire, led by the Sith Lord and his apprentice Darth Vader, is relentlessly pursuing Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) and the Rebel Alliance.

The Rebels’ new base is compromised, forcing Vader to chase Han Solo (Harrison Ford), Princess Leia (Carrie Fisher), and Chewbacca across the galaxy. Meanwhile, Luke takes a detour to train in the ways of the Force under Jedi Master Yoda. During his training, Luke senses his friends are in danger after Vader captures them. Luke abandons his training to save them, leading to an epic face-off with Vader.

This movie is a masterpiece and one I strongly recommend to anyone who hasn’t seen it yet.