1 Guardians of the Galaxy
Rewatch.
A Marvel movie. I found it as good as the first time. The story of the Guardians of the Galaxy and how they come to save Xandar from Ronin was well written. Each of the characters (except Ronin, Nebula and Thanos) were well realized. 8/10.
2 Big Hero 6
A Disney Animated Canon movie based on a Marvel property. I found that this was well realized, especially when it came to Hiro's grieving for his brother, Tadashi. His character was well written. The moral quandaries that he and his new friends face as they track down a new villain in San Fransoyko are also well written. 8.5/10.
3 Alice in Wonderland (1951)
Rewatch
A Disney Animated Canon movie based on the novels by Lewis Carrol. I found this movie, just as strange as I remembered. Especially with the Cheshire Cat causing Alice to provoke the Queen of Hearts (not that she needed it much) into wanting to execute her. The other characters, including the Hatter and the White Rabbit are just as strange as I remembered. 7.5/10.
4 The Water Diviner
A movie loosely based on a true story about an Australian farmer who tries to find the bodies of his sons who went to fight at Gallipoli. This movie showed the grief and loss of war very well (and also the impact of trench warfare on the unfortunate participants involved). The characters of the farmer and the people he meets during his quest are well realised. As is the situation in the post-war Ottoman Empire. 9/10.
5 Cinderella (1950)
Rewatch
A Disney Animated Canon movie based on the fairy tale by Charles Perrault. I found this movie just as interesting as I remembered (although I remembered less than with Alice in Wonderland). This story of the kind orphaned girl who is abused by her stepfamily is still quite powerful in an emotional sense. The interaction between Cinderella and her fairy godmother was well done. As was the character of the stepmother. 8/10.
6 Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb
The third in the Night at the Museum series, based on a children’s book. I found that this movie is just as enjoyable and well written as the first in the series. The situations and the various characters involved in this film were well realized. Larry Daley's character growth is impressive, particularly when it came to discussing with his son about the latter's choices about life after school. Additionally knowing that this was Robin Williams' last role made his scenes rather poignant, particually towards the end. 9/10.
7 Thor: The Dark World
Rewatch
A Marvel movie. The scond in the Thor series, based on the Marvel comic series. This is still enjoyable on the third (or fourth) viewing. The situation with the convergence is well written (although the Dark Elves', and Melekith's in particular, motivations seem a little simplistic). Thor and Jane Foster's reunion is well done, both Hemsworth and Portman's performances were very good. The plot thread involving Loki is very well realized, easily continuing his story from the first Thor and Avengers.
Well worth seeing again. 8/10.
8 Fantasia (1940)
Rewatch
A Disney Animated Canon movie. A series of short stories set to classical music. I found it quite as interesting as I remembered it. All of the sequences set to the classical pieces are well done, especially in the animation. (Some are not quite to my taste, like the Chernoborg sequences, or the Bacchanalia, but Disney and his animators did them well.) As for a part did like, the Sorceror's Apprentice, liked well. Not just because of Mickey Mouse, but because of the lesson involved. To not get over your head in a power you barely involved.
The Sorceror's response is the way would expect a master to react. A great rewatch. 9/10.
9 Muppet Treasure Island
Rewatch
A Muppet movie based on the novel by Robert Louis Stevenson. As is usual for the Muppets, the movie is filled with humour. The role of Jim Hawkins has been expanded to include Rizzo and The Great Gonzo. (Although most of his original plot line is intact). The Jim Henson Company has outdone themselves, they had built upon their experience with the A Muppet Christmas Carol. Tim Curry is great as Long John Silver. Humourous, and yet; threatening. Easily believable as the pirate leader.
All the musical numbers are great, younger children can easily sing along. Not only that, but they add to the comedic atmosphere of the film. 9/10.
10 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)
Rewatch
A movie based on the Roald Dahl novel of the same name. The story of a reclusive chocolatier who sends out five golden tickets for visitors to his factory. It is also the story of the recipients of those tickets, and how their character flaws influence their journey through the factory. Johnny Depp is his usual idiosyncratic self as Willy Wonka, the chocolatier who takes the flawed children and their guardians through the factory. He was rather good in the role, albeit quite weird. The other characters are well portrayed (as in the events lead to the consequences are quite believable).
Charlie Bucket, the poor (as in socio-economically; not in character, nor in fate) boy who is the final recipient of the golden ticket is better portrayed than the other child characters. 8/10,
11 Toy Story
Rewatch.
A Pixar movie. A film about sentient toys. Specifically two toys belonging to a seven year old named Andy. A cowboy action figure named Woody, who is Andy's favourite toy finds himself threatened when Andy receives a spaceman action figure named Buzz Lightyear for his birthday. The movie is mainly about their rivalry. It is also about Sid, Andy's neighbour, who shows sociopathic tendencies in his behaviour towards toys. He not only mutilates them, he also blows them up with actual explosives.
The main plot, of Woody and Buzz' rivalry and their eventual reconciliation, is well written. Pixar set themselves with a high standard with their first outing. Andy's reactions to his toys going missing are also well done. 9/10.
12 A Bug's Life
Rewatch.
A Pixar movie. A film about an ant colony which is subjected to extortion by a gang of grasshoppers every year. It is also about Flik, a young ant who accidently destroys the colony's offering to the grasshoppers with one of his inventions. Another plot thread is about a troop of circus bugs that Flik accidently recruits to help the ant colony fight off the grasshoppers. It is also about the budding romance between Flik and Princess Adda, who is the heir to the colony's Queen. Overall this movie was well written and directed.
The motivations of the main villain, Hopper, the leader of the grasshopper gang, are well realised, easily paralleling real life situations of a similar nature. The comedy of errors in relation to the circus bugs being mistaken for warrior bugs is also well done. 8.5/10.
13 Toy Story 2
Rewatch
A Pixar movie. The second in the Toy Story trilogy. A year after the events of the first movie, Woody is stolen by a toy collector while Andy is at a cowboy camp. Buzz Lightyear then mounts a rescue mission. There are many elements to this movie, relating to the concept of sentient toys, and what will happen to them (a thread that continues into the third movie). One relates to what happens when a toy is damaged. They are liable to be thrown away, or forgotten. The other is what happens when an owner outgrows a toy.
The scenes involving this latter point are particularly poignant, especially When You Loved Me. The reasons why Jessie is the way she is are well realised. The case of the Prospector is also well realized, in the case of never being bought. Almost as good as the first movie. 8.5/10.
14 Monsters Inc
Rewatch
A Pixar movie. The story of two monster friends. Sully (James P. Sullivan) a professional scarer, and his friend Mike Wazowski, his scare coach. As the movie starts they are competing with other Scarer's for the All Time Scare Record. But as time goes on, they are drawn into a conspiracy that runs deep within the company. Again, Pixar has included many elements in this movie. The scare record, the conspiracy and the fact that the Monsters consider humans toxic to them. The plot thread covering Sully and Mike's plight is well realized.
The scenes regarding the details of the conspiracy within the company can be frightening, but this is balanced by Mike being a source of comic relief. This balance is also achieved by a revelation that changes everything for the monsters, while also providing a new opportunity. A great movie. 8.5/10.
15 Finding Nemo
Rewatch
A Pixar movie. The story of two clownfish from the Great Barrier Reef. Marlin and his son Nemo. It is also the story of a blue tang fish named Dory, who Marlin looks for while searching for Nemo after Nemo is caught by a dentist from Sydney. The movie has two threads, one is Marlin's search for Nemo. The other is Nemo meeting an eccentric of fish (and other aquatic organisms) in the dentists aquarium, and his attempts to escape. The desperation in which Marlin searches for Nemo is well realized.
As is the depiction of Dory's amnesia. The depiction of the other individuals in the film are also well done. Nemo's growth in his befriending of the other aquarium inmates and attempts to escape are well done. He has an obvious character growth as a result of his experiences. A very good movie. 8/10.
16 The Incredibles
Rewatch
A Pixar movie. The story of a family of 'supers' who are in hiding after the government forced all 'supers' to give up their vigilante activities less than two decades prior. Specifically, it is the story of Bob Parr (formerly known as Mr. Incredible), who is unsatisfied with his life as a paperpusher and father (especially the former). He is hired by a mysterious individual to fight against some machines, not knowing that he's actually helping a new villian with his plans. His dissatisfaction with his lot is well realized.
The characterisation of his wife and kids are well realized. Helen's struggle to keep her family's 'talents' hidden (along with her suspicions about what he's up to), his daughter's introvertedness and struggles with her own powers, and his son's own troubles are well done. As is the characterisation of the villain. 7.5/10.
17 Cars
Rewatch
A Pixar movie. The story of Lightning McQueen, a young hotshot racecar who ends up in an out-of-the-way town on Route 66 while on the way to California. It follows his maturation as he interacts with the denizens (Carizens? Vehiclezens?) of Radiator Springs during his community service. The process of his character growth as he gets to know the inhabitances of that town is well done, as is the characterisations of the other vehicle characters. Specifically that of the tow truck, the lawyer and the doctor/mechanic with a secret.
The movie is also about McQueen's rivals, a retiring racecar and his constant runner up. Their characterisation is also well done, particularly pertaining to the latter's resentment towards the former and the role of that attitude in the climax. This is a really good movie, that is well worth seeing again. 8.5/10.
18 Ratatouille
A Pixar movie. The story of Remy, a rat with a advanced senses of smell and taste. It details how he gets his dream of cooking in a Parisien restaurant, while helping one of the waiters there achieves his own dreams in the kitchen. It is also the story of Alfredo, the aformentioned waiter, and his burgeoning relationship with Colette, one of the chefs at that restaurant. A third plotline is Remy's relationship with his family, particularly his father, who doesn't want his son getting too close to the humans, who consider rats vermin to be exterminated.
All in all, all of these plotlines are well developed. The story of the rats and the measures they take in order to survive is well developed. But the best aspect to this film is the relationship between Remy and Alfredo. The way they come to trust each other as they work out how to communicate each others intentions is particularly well done. 8/10.
19 Avengers (2012)
Rewatch
A Marvel movie. The story of how Tony Stark as Iron Man, Steve Rogers as Captain America, Bruce Banner as the Hulk, Clint Barton as Hawkeye, Natasha Romanov and Thor first team up as the Avengers, when Loki steals an artefact from SHIELD, and uses it as part of a scheme inspired by a third party. It is also part of a story about SHIELD (how it is trying to defend humanity from aliens and superhuman threats). Robert Downey Jr. continues to play Iron Man well (from his portrayal of the role in Iron Man and Iron Man 2).
The same with Chris Hemsworth as Thor, continuing his character arc from the first Thor movie. Thor's actions and motives regarding his adoptive brother are very believable. Tom Hiddleston similarly continues to portray Loki in a way that is consistant with the way the character was developed in the Thor movie. Overall a very good film. 9/10.
20 Avengers: Age of Ultron
A Marvel movie and the Sequal to the 2012 Avengers movie. Tony Stark as Iron Man, Steve Rogers as Captain America, Bruce Banner as the Hulk, Clint Barton as Hawkeye, Natasha Romanov and Thor have been fighting against the forces of HYDRA, since the fall of SHIELD. However, as they capture the sceptre that Loki used in his scheme at that time, some plans go awry. Partially as a result of his encounter with Wanda Maximoff 'Scarlett Witch', Stark's plans for world security go awry...
The plot as it plays out (and there is one), is a great one, although there are some scenes which can be misinterpreted (such as one between Banner and Romanov), but overall it plays out well, albeit not as well as the first film. Downey Jr. continues to play Iron Man in a way that continues from earlier installments (albiet maybe not the immediate earlier installment). An enjouyable film. 8.5/10.
21 Death on the Nile (1978)
A movie based on the novel by Agatha Christie with Peter Ustinov starring as Hercule Poirot. The film is a good adaption of Christie's work. The tale is of Poirot's cruise on a paddle steamer on the Nile river, where on it's journey from Cairo to Abu Simbel and return there is treachery. A rich heiress has many enemies, and when there is a murder, Poirot has to find out who did it. Most of the people on the cruise ship had both motive and opportunity, but was it possible that the circumstances around the murder had been contrived?
Ustinov was great as Poirot (but not as good as David Suchet), Mia Farrow and Simon MacCorkindale were great in their roles as two of the suspects and Lois Chiles portrayed the heiress in a believable way. The location filming, on the Nile and on and around the ancient Egyptian monuments was also well done, as well as that in England. A great film, as enjoyable as other Christie adaptations. 8.5/10.
22 Jurassic World
The fourth film in the Jurassic Park franchise, based on novels by Michael Chrichton (albiet not based on any one novel). Starring Chris Pratt, Bryce Dallas Howard, B. D Wong and Vincent D'Onofrio. A Dinosaur theme park, called Jurassic World, has been running on Isla Nublar for more than ten years, but attendance has been declining. As such a new hybrid predatory dinosaur has been created. However the motives behind the creation of that hybrid may have nothing to do with declining attendance...
Pratt was great as the 'Raptor trainer Owen Grady, delivering a believable performance as someone who sees the dinosaurs as living animals, and would rather not see them used for nefarious purposes. Howard was great as the park's operations manager and aunt, and D'Onofrio as the human antagonist. The CGI and animatronics were an improvement on that in the earlier installments of the franchise. A great film, almost as good as the original Jurassic Park. 9/10.
23 Terminator Genisys
The fifth film in the Terminator franchise. Starring Arnold Schwartzeneggar, Emilia Clarke, Jason Clarke, Jai Courtney and Matthew Smith. Skynet is loosing, Techcom is winning. A Terminator is sent back to 1984, so is Kyle Reece. But to a different 1984 than was expected. What had started out as a simple predestination paradox has become a Timey-Wimey mess. (An appropriate term, given the role that Matthew Smith is most known for.) Kyle Reece has found himself in a completely different situation than in the original film.
Schwartzeneggar hasn't lost any of the qualtities that allowed him to be a presence in each of the first three films. Being the Governor hasn't seemed to impact his acting ability. Emilia Clarke portrays Sarah Conner well. Of course, this is a different Sarah one who has been aware of the threat that Skynet poses for years. Comparison's to the version played by Linda Hamilton wouldn't be fair. Matthew Smith is also good in his role. However, the writing and direction doesn't hold up to the standard set by James Cameron with the first two films. 7.5/10.
24 WALL -E
Rewatch
A Pixar movie. This is the story of a robot, who meets another robot and starts a relationship. The waste management robot is quite endearing, having taken on many human qualtities over the centuries that he has been active. The other robot he meets, a vegetation analysing robot, is also quite interesting in her role. However that isn't the whole story. The second part of the story involves the first robot getting involved in the life of the ship that the other robot came from. The introduction of this robot upsets the carefully planned community of the ship.
Within this second half there are two plotlines. The fixed discipline of the ships autopilot robot (AUTO) who wants to keep things the way they are, vs. the Captain and two other humans, discovering what life was like before the centuries long 'cruise', and thus wanting to go back to Earth to start again. The clash between the two storylines is well done. The Captain in particular, once he has the idea that it would be a good idea to return to Earth, won't let anything stop that from happening.
The two robots and another group of rogue robots join up to allow it to happen. A very good movie, 8.5/10.
25 Ant-Man
A Marvel movie. Starring Michael Douglas as Hank Pym, Evangelline Lilly as Hope van Dyne, Paul Rudd as Scott Lang and Corey Stoll as Darren Cross. The story of a convicted burglar who is trying to go straight after being released from a state prison. However his attempt at going straight doesn't go well, with him loosing the job he gets. This leads to his unusual recruitment by Hank Pym, inventor and former SHIELD agent, for him to do a job. However, there is tension between Hank and his daughter, Hope over Lang's recruitment.
The reason for this recruitment, is that Pym's successor at the company Pym created is not someone who Pym trusts. The film's storyline is rather good, although there are some spots that seem out of place (for instance, early heist scenes, and Lang's confrontation with his ex-wife over vistation rights). Michael Douglas is great as Hank Pym, who wants to stop a threat arising from his work that would change the world for the worse. Corey Stoll is also great as the main antagonist who wants to use Pym's breakthrough for personal power.
All in all the film has very good effects (particularly in the miniaturisation scenes) and is a great addition to Marvel's repertoire. 8/10.
26 Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol
The fourth film in the Mission Impossible film franchise, very loosely based on a 1960's television series. Starring Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt. Also starring Simon Pegg, Jeremy Renner and Paula Patton. After a mission in the Kremlin goes horribly awry, Ethan Hunt and his team must travel across the world (from, Russia, to Dubai to India) to prevent a nuclear war. What follows is a series of high flying stunts (some involving the Burj Khalifa), and daring deeds, as Hunt and his team go about their mission.
The storylines are good (More so than expected), with the team being on their own without the resources of the Impossible Mission Force to back them up, thus having to improvise solutions to the problems that come up. Also an influence is the fact that Russian agents are after them (due to the events at the Kremlin. This introduces another wrinkle, their invention causes problems during the chase of the matermind behind the nuclear war scheme. Tom Cruise is great presence as Ethan Hunt.
Also, Simon Pegg adds a slightly comic releif aspect to the film in his role as the team's technician. A rather better film than I expected. 8/10.
27 Napoleon Dynamite
An independent art-house comedy film. Starring Joe Heder in the title role, Jon Gries, Efren Ramirez, Tina Majorino and Haylie Duff. The tale of a unpopular guy in Preston, Idaho as he tries to get through school, and deal with all the situations that life keeps throwing at him. The main plotline focuses on Napoleon and his attempts at getting a girl to go with him to the school dance. It also involves his friendship with Pedro and his burgeoning friendship with Deb, one of the girls he asks to go to the dance with.
In addition, there is his uncle Rico, who is involved in get-rich-quick schemes. All of these plots come together to make a mishmash of a plot, but one that is easy to follow. However, Heder is good in his role as Napoleon. All the other characters are portrayed similarly, inculding Tina Majorino as Deb. An interesting film, but ultimately not to my taste. Some of the reminders of high school are a bit too much. 6.5/10.
28 Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation
The fifth film in the Mission Impossible film franchise, very loosely based on a 1960's television series. Starring Tom Cruise as Ethan Hunt. Also starring Simon Pegg as Benjamin 'Benji' Dunn, Jeremy Renner, Alex Baldwin and Rebecca Ferguson. Ethan Hunt is on the run, after the Impossible Mission Force is dissolved at the behest of the head of the CIA. He is involved in the hunt for an organisation called the Syndicate, which he calls a 'rogue nation'. He must again travel around the world.
(From, London, to Paris, to a Viennese opera, to Morocco, and back to London again.) Another series of high flying, and deep diving, stunts follow, (Including Hunt clinging to the side of an ascending aircraft) as Hunt recruits his old teamates and keep ahead of the CIA, to investigate and try to shut down the Syndicate. A wrinkle in the plan is a British Agent who has been sent to infiltrate the Syndicate is being manipulated on both sides. Tom Cruise continues to have a great presence as Ethan Hunt.
Simon Pegg still adds a comic releif in his role as Hunts colleague and friend. Rebecca Ferguson is also great as the British Agent. A better film than the previous one. 8.5/10.
29 Up
Rewatch
A Pixar movie. The tale of Carl Fredrickson, a widower, who sets out on a journey to a remote part of South America after he is forced to move to a retirement home after lashing out at a construction worker. However that is just the beginning. Also on this journey is Russell a Wilderness Explorer who somehow stuck with Carl when he makes his house fly off towards South America. This film also involves Dug, a dog with a collar that allows him to talk and Kevin, a large rare bird, whom Carl and Russell meet near their destination.
There is also the antagonist, Muntz, whose exploits decades before have indirectly inspired Carl's journey. Pixar continues their tradition of writing great storylines from their experience with previous films. There are many themes in this storyline. Not only the main tale of Carl's grief for his wife, Ellie, but others. For instance, why Russell is so insistant in wanting the Assisting the Elderly Badge and why Muntz wants Kevin so much.
In addition, Character development is shown due to some events occuring (like Carl realising that Ellie wanted him to live on without her). Other examples also occur. A very good film. 8/10.
30 Toy Story 3
Rewatch
A Pixar movie. The third Toy Story movie. Andy has grown up, and is about to go to College. Therefore he has to decide what to do with the toys that he has kept all those years. For the Toys themselves, this is the time that they had been dreading. A series of mishaps as Andy is packing causes the toys to be accidently donated to a childcare centre. However, the childcare centre is not the paradise that they think it is. Along the way, Woody meets a shy little girl who reminds him of when Andy was younger.
This is a rather good conclusion to the storyline began in the first movie. Most of the scenes were really well done, as is the toys reactions to what is happening to them with Andy about to leave and to the situations in the childcare centre. The antagonist is portrayed very well, with a very reasonable backstory to why he has become what he has become. He is an excellent foil to Woody and his attempts to save his friends. This leads to one of the best climaxes that Pixar has come up with so far.
(Unless there is a better one in one of their movies I haven't seen yet.) The new characters are also well realised, including the young shy girl. Easily compares to the first two films, being as good as those two films. 8.5/10.
31 Cars 2
A Pixar movie. The second Cars movie. While Lightning McQueen races on the World Grand Prix, Mater finds himself drawn into the world of international espionage. An interesting follow up on the original Cars, with more action than the original. British secret agent Finn McMissile is on a mission tracking a conspiracy that has to do with a new alternative fuel. A series of errors during a party in Japan just before the first race, causes him and fellow agent Holly Shiftwell, to think that Mater is an American agent.
However, the group of antagonists aren't that well realised, although their reasons for being antagonistic are reasonable within the context of the Cars world. But the way that the secret agents and Mater react to them are well realised. In any case, the climax is a good way to improve upon the characterisation of Mater, showing that he isn't as dimwitted as he appears. The formula one racer who is Lightning's main competitor is not as well realised as the secret agents, being based on the main competitor from the first film.
The climax itself is interesting, but it doesn't compare to the climax in the previous Pixar film. However it is better than I expected given all the negative press about it. It may not be up to the usual Pixar standard but it is still a good film. 7/10.
32 Brave
Rewatch.
A Pixar movie. Brave is the story of a free-spirited Scottish princess, who wants to be free of the restrictions that her mother is placing on her. This is an especially important part of the plot, as three rival clan leaders arrive to offer their heirs' hand in marriage, so as to ensure the continuity of the kingdom. However, ther is another plot. That of will-o-wisps and a witch-who-says-she's-not-a-witch, who has a singular spell that changes fates of people in a very particular way. (Bears are involved.)
The battle of wills between the princess and her queen mother is particularly well done, as is the character development that happens as a result of the princess enlisting the services of the witch. Also the King is also a good character. His interactions with his family and the rival chiefs makes up a comic relief factor within the film. (It easily balances what happens to the Queen.) Billy Connolly is at his best. The princess's three younger brothers are also well done, adding to the above comic relief.
It all adds up to being a worthy addition to Pixar's collection of films, being easily up there with the Toy Story series. The climax, while not as moving as the Toy Story 3 climax, is rather moving in of itself, with question of what is going to happen next up in the air. 8.5/10.
33 Oddball
An Australian film, starring Shane Jacobson, Sarah Snook, Alan Tudyk and Coco Jack Gillies. A film set in regional Victoria, it is a fun look at a how a groundbreaking ecological practice started, albiet with some dramatisations. It tells the story of how a particuarly odd Maremma Sheepdog came to be guardian of a penguin sanctuary which had been plagued by wolves who had figured out how to swim across to the island.
Shane Jacobson is great in the role of the chicken farmer who figures out that his dog can guard penguin's, as is Coco Jack Gillies as his granddaughter, as they overcome various obstacles (including various locals who wish to use the penguin's island for other purposes) to achieve their goal. Sarah Snook and Alan Tudyk are also great as the chicken farmer's daughter (and the penguin sanctuary's keeper) and her boyfriend. A great movie about how adversity can be overcome, but with some comedy. 8.5/10.
34 Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace
Rewatch
Starring Liam Neilson as Qui-Gon Jinn, Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi, Natalie Portman as Padme Naberrie, Jake Lloyd as Anakin Skywalker and Ian McDiarmid as Palpatine. The first film of the Star Wars prequal trilogy, about the story of Anakin Skywalker as a Jedi. It is also about the beginning of Palpatine's rise to power. It is a good movie in it's own right, but not as good as A New Hope. Most of the plot is worthy of being compared to the original triology, however there are other parts that aren't as good.
For example, the Pod Race drags on a little too long. Other elements are a bit grating, like the battle droids, and Jar Jar Binks. Especially Jar Jar Binks. I don't know what Lucas was thinking there. All of those scenes would be better if Jar Jar wasn't in them. (However, the idea of the Gungans as a whole, however, is a different story. It is another worldbuilding detail that makes Naboo believable as a world within the Galaxy Far Far Away.) The story the discovery of Anakin as a result of Queen fleeing from Naboo and having to land on Tatooine is well told (aside from the above caveats).
As are the way that Palpatine's manipulations of the Senate and the Trade Federation are portrayed. Ian McDiarmid sells it very easily. Portman is also good as the young Queen who is fearful for her people and who not at all pleased about the situation in the Senate. A movie well worth the rewatching. 8/10.
35 Back to the Future
Rewatch
Starring Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly, Christopher Lloyd as Doctor Emmett Brown, Lea Thompson as Lorraine Baines McFly, Crispin Glover as George McFly and Thomas F. Wilson as Biff Tannen. The first film in the Back to the Future trilogy. The story of how 1980's teenager Marty McFly has to deal with living in 1955 and meeting his parents as teenagers after a time travel experiment goes wrong. Michael J. Fox does great as fish-out-of-water Marty as he meets his parents in the past, and then have to deal with getting them together.
Christopher Lloyd is also good as both versions of Doctor Emmett Brown, as he deals with the mysterious boy from the future, and has to figure out how to return him to 1985. Thomas F. Wilson is good as the school bully who has to deal with the mysterious 'Calvin Klien' who's getting in on his turf, as it were (and as George's bossy supervisor in the original 1985). Crispin Glover portrays the nerdy, unconfident George McFly in a way that is not giving a disservice to people who are like that.
However, some parts haven't aged well, like the way Lorraine is treated, first by Marty, then by Biff! While Marty was only going to pretend, Biff certainly was going to go through with it if George hadn't gained the courage to interfere the way he did. However, that aside, it is a movie well worth the rewatching. 8.5/10.
36 Back to the Future Part II
Rewatch
Starring Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly, Martin McFly Jr. and Marlene McFly, Christopher Lloyd as Doctor Emmett Brown, Lea Thompson as two version of Lorraine Baines McFly (Tannen!) and Thomas F. Wilson as various versions of Biff Tannen and Griff Tannen. The story of how Marty McFly and Doc Brown have to fix a change in the timeline after a trip to the future goes horribly wrong. Michael J. Fox continues to portray Marty McFly as well as in the previous film, as the boy out of his depth in a strangely changed world.
The same with Christopher Lloyd, Doc Brown is much the same, very cautious about changing the timeline, and very pragmatic when it comes to trying to change it back.Thomas F. Wilson continues to be great as the now villainous Biff Tannen, who has used the information from the future to become powerful and corrupt. Lea Thompson also portrays the alternate timeline version of Lorraine in a believable way. The version of Hill Valley in the alternate timeline is also well desgined.
However, the scenes where Marty encounters his alternate mother can be disturbing to younger viewers, but it is well done overall. (The way that Biff treats her is obviously not the way that women should be treated. However that caveat does not detract from the experience of watching the movie overall. Well worth rewatching. 8/10.[
37 Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones
Rewatch
Starring Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi, Natalie Portman as Padme Naberrie, Hayden Christianson as Anakin Skywalker, Ian McDiarmid as Chancellor Palpatine and Christopher Lee as Count Dooku. A film about the beginning of the Clone Wars, and the furtherance of Palpatine's plan. It is also about the beginning of the secret relationship between Anakin Skywalker and Padme Naberrie. The plot, what there is of it, holds up. The progress of Anakin's relationship with Padme does seem a bit quick, though.
(Indeed, I am certain that infatuations are not a good thing at all). The progress of the relationship is not well realised, jumping from point to point. All of a sudden: marriage (despite some scenes in the Naboo Lake Country). Of course, that is not all that the movie is about. There are also the plotlines leading to the start of the Clone Wars at the Battle of Geonosis. Obi-Wan's investigation into the assassination attempt on Padme that leads to the discovery of the Clone Army on Kamino is well realized.
As is the Battle of Geonosis itself. It isn't just a series of scenes showing off CGI. It is well choreographed too, as is the battle between Yoda and Count Dooku. Christopher Lee is a great presence as the latter. His performance was up to his usual standard. McGregor continues to play the young Obi-Wan well. A movie that is worth rewatching. 8.5/10.
38 Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure
Rewatch
Starring Keanu Reeves as Ted Logan, Alex Winter as Bill Preston and George Carlin as Rufus. A most excellently comedic film about two 'slackers' who have to pass a history report so that they can graduate high school and also form a metal band, Wyld Stallyns, that is important to future history. Before they fail the test, they have to find a way to use a phone booth time machine to pass the history report. Thus follows a most excellent rolliking ride through history (except for a run-in with 'Royal Ugly Dudes'), wherin the duo makes friends with various historical figures.
Within the comedic universe of this tale, most of the events in the past are believable. (Of course, actual kidnappings wouldn't go over well, but they are all presented in a way that could be believable if the film were more serious). The reasons behind the to-be-excellent duo being so behind in history aren't that that well done, but that is the setup. The events in present day San Dimas are believable, given that people from the past wouldn't necessarily get on with those in the present.
George Carlin is good as the Mentor-from-the-future Rufus, who gives Bill and Ted the phone booth time machine. He delivers the lines quite well. His opening and closing monologues explain the situation quite well. Keanu isn't as boring as his critics claim. He uses the widest range of expressions as Ted. Alex Winter is good as Bill. This is certainly a good movie for rewatching. 8.5/10.
39. Back to the Future Part 3
Rewatch.
Starring Michael J. Fox as Marty McFly and Seamus McFly, Christopher Lloyd as Doctor Emmett Brown, Mary Steenbergen as Clara Clayton and Thomas F. Wilson as Buford 'Mad Dog' Tannen and Biff Tannen. The conclusion to the Back to the Future saga, in which Marty McFly has to go back to the old west to rescue Doc Brown from an untimely fate. After the conclusion of the previous film, Marty finds himself stuck in 1955 without the DeLorean. However, Doc Brown has hidden the DeLorean in the past, so Marty can find it.
It is in the process of the recovery of the DeLorean that Marty and 55' Doc Brown discover future Doc Brown's fate. This whole sequence is well done. As is the sequence in which Marty goes back to 1885. The rest of the film is also good. The twists on the usual western tropes are particularly fun. However, the fact that Doc and Clara fall in love so fast (and it's implied that the same happened with Marty in Jennifer), without the Florence Nightingale effect, doesn't seem that believable (but that has been my experience).
Thomas F. Wilson continues to steal the spotlight as the outlaw 'Mad Dog' Tannen. A short tempered, opportunistic bully, the ways in which he antagonises, Doc Brown and especially Marty are quite believable. The way Marty grows from his experience in 1885 (and is able to avoid the car accident) is also well written. Doc Brown's final message at the end of the film one that should be remembered. 8.5/10.
40. Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
Rewatch
Starring Ewan McGregor as Obi-Wan Kenobi, Hayden Christianson as Anakin Skywalker, Natalie Portman as Padme Naberrie, Ian McDiarmid as Grand Chancellor Palpatine, Christopher Lee as Count Dooku and Samuel L. Jackson as Mace Windu. The Third Star Wars prequel, about the end of the Clone Wars and the rise of the Galactic Empire, not to mention Anakin Skywalker's fall to the Dark Side as part of the completion of Palpatine's plan. But is it any good? Of course it is. It may not 'hold a candle' to A New Hope or The Empire Strikes Back, but it is good in of itself.
There are many aspects of this movie, the Battle of Coruscant, the Battle of Utapau and the fight at Mustafar. All conflicts, but between the conflicts there is a story. (Of the ultimate subversion of the Galactic Republic's democracy, such as it was, by Palpatine's successful grab for ultimate power). Heyden Christianson's acting skills (or possible lack of same) don't subtract from the story of Anakin's fall to the Dark Side. He is proficient enough to put across Anakin's worry about Padme's possible death.
Those battle's aren't just an excuse to throw around CGI, they are part and parcel of the plotline. The choreography is improved from the previous film, showing the skill that the characters have in being able to handle weapons such as lightsabers. (Indeed, it's Anakin's arrogance, rather than incompetence that allows Obi-Wan to defeat him). A good film, but still not as good as any in the original trilogy, but still worth rewatching. 8.5/10.
41. The Martian
Starring Matt Damon as Mark Whatney. The story of how an astronaut is stranded on Mars and how he survives the ordeal. The movie shifts been Mark as he attempts to survive until help can arrive, the response on Earth (particularly by NASA), and his crewmates as they return from their mission. This film is a great examination of what would happen if something went wrong during a mission to Mars and an astronaut was left behind. Matt Damon really puts across what would happen to a person in that situation, both physically and mentally.
The other portions of the film, regarding the team at NASA and the other members of the expedition, are also done outstandingly well. The reaction of NASA to the assumed loss (and later) the predicament of Whatney is also well done. The plans that are made (and the meetings that lead to them) were well realized, as well their reactions to what happens when things go wrong (on Mars and elsewhere). In addition, how Whatney manages to survive on the Red Planet is also well described.
As is how he manages to regain contact with NASA. It all leads to an amazingly breathtaking conclusion. The cinematography is also great, providing great imagery of the vast wastes on the Martian surface, where Whatney is travelling in his attempt to survive. The support cast is great too, particuarly, Jessica Chastain as the mission commander, and Sean Bean as the mission director at NASA. All in all a great movie, well worth watching. 9/10.
42. Groundhog Day
Rewatch
Starring Bill Murray as Phil Conners and Andie McDowell as Rita Hanson. The story of Phil Conners, a Pittsburgh weatherman who finds that he is repeating a day over and over again, when he goes to Puxsutawney to report on the Groundhog Day festival. It is also about what happens to him as the day keeps repeating, and his reponses to the situation he finds himself in. It is also about how the other characters (his co-workers and the Punxsatawney locals) respond to his different actions, each time the day loops.
The responses to the situation and decisions he makes as a result of the temporal looping are well written and acted. Bill Murray was at his best as Phil Conners, in the different parts of his thousands of days of looping, as his character changes and grows as he becomes a better person. It shows his range as an actor, displaying everything from annoying cynicism to dispair. The same goes for Andie McDowell and the supporting cast. They easily show the different reactions to Phil's actions including confusion.
The direction is also good. The looping could have easily been shown as exactly the same each time, but it wasn't. There is a variation that jives exactly with Phil's actions, agenda, feeling and personal growth each time. It all leads towards the conclusion in that when the looping ends, Phil makes a good difference to the lives of a large number of people in Punxsatawney, and is a better person than before. It is a really good movie, that is worth watching at least once. 8.5/10.
