#58. Hesher - Review

On paper Hesher should have been my favorite movie of the year. Starring Joseph Gordon Levitt in a film that continues to showcase his many talents, Hesher is quirky art house fair with metal sensibilities. While the film wears its broken heart on its tattered sleeve, this unique slice-of-life/coming of age/character study just did not pack the punch I had hoped. That being said, I still urge everyone to seek it out, if for no other reason than the performances. Levitt is a vulgar powerhouse, playing a more vulnerable, flawed, and charismatic character than perhaps he ever has. Raiin Wilson’s grieving widower and single father was a welcome surprise. His scenes are the most uncomfortable, and his transformation the most rewarding. With equal parts heart and rock n’ roll, Hesher succeeds and being distinctive without becoming peculiar. If you like your films super dark (think World’s Greatest Dad) then Hesher should not disappoint. 

 

#57. Hot Rod - Again

Everything I have to say I have already said. Perfection

#56. Trick 'r Treat - Review

Trick 'r Trat film bannerLike I explained in my original review of Michael Dougherty’s Trick ‘r Treat, this mischievous horror anthology is a Roberts’ family staple during Halloween. I find the film more endearing with each viewing, and I hope it will have the same lasting affect on my children that Creepshow 2 had on me. This is a must watch, but I suggest turning it on after you take off your costumes and start separating your candy following a spirited evening of trick or treating next Halloween! Think of it as Halloween’s A Christmas Story. Anyway, here are some of my favorite poster's / artwork I found on the internet.

Trick 'r Treat posterTrick 'r TreatTrick 'r Treat posterTrick 'r Treat posterTrick 'r Treat / Halloween mash-up poster

Trick 'r Treat artwork

#55. Meet John Doe (1941) - Review

Meet John Doe (1941) film posterFrank Capra’s Meet John Doe falls right in line with his other schmaltzy populist pictures. I must admit I am not the biggest fan of Capra, I find his films to be overly sentimental in the worst possible way. If you like his other films, you will undoubtedly be charmed by this one as well. This is coming from a die hard Barbara Stanwyck fan, but even her performance (which must have been the main influence on Jennifer Jason Leigh in The Hudsucker Proxy) could keep my typically devoted attention. 

#54. Morocco (1930) - Review

Morocco film posterI would not suggest anyone use Josef von Sternberg’s Morocco (1930) as an introduction to either Gary Cooper or Marlene Dietrich. While the film showcases Dietrich’s penchant for ambiguous clothing, and it has one of the most romantic endings of all time, I ultimately found Morocco to be quite forgettable. I did enjoy the sharp dialogue between the two stars, which is stuffed to the brim with overt innuendos; it wasn’t enough to compensate for the film’s sluggish pacing and overly difficult narrative.