QUICK FIX Movies To Watch 46-50 show the real world going a little wild
Quick Fix Movies To Watch is a weekly column of mixed movie suggestions for both the avid film fan and the casual movie-goer. Dive in, swim around a little bit, and come up with a new movie or two you think is worth watching. They’re all great!
My apologies for falling a week behind! This week’s Quick Fix takes a look at Blow, The Book of Eli, Catch Me If You Can, Shaun of the Dead, and The Fall.
QUICK FIX MUST SEE MOVIES #46: BLOW
Release: 2001 Rating: R Director: Ted Demme
Stars: Johnny Depp, Penelope Cruz, Cliff Curtis, Ray Liotta, Ethan Suplee, Paul Reubens, Jordi Molla
Blow was one of the movies I used to watch almost weekly back in high school along with Fight Club, Requiem for a Dream, and a few other gritty yet highly entertaining flicks. I was a sucker for drug dramas, and when you’ve got Johnny Depp playing the little-known cocaine king-pin of the 60’s/70’s you’re sitting well above par film-wise. The setup is simple – Man moves to California. Man is introduced to selling marijuana. Man makes lots of money. Man gets arrested. Man is introduced to the idea of selling cocaine in prison. Man makes more money. Bad things happen. A must watch for fans of the drug-fueled 60’s, and an entertaining look at the man who most likely provided a majority of that fuel.
HIDDEN GEM: Ray Liotta’s father character is so heartfelt and understanding, and he reminds me of my own father in so many ways. I love every minute he’s on screen here.
~~
QUICK FIX MUST SEE MOVIES #47: THE BOOK OF ELI
Release: 2010 Rating: R Director: Albert Hughes, Allen Hughes
Stars: Denzel Washington, Mila Kunis, Gary Oldman, Ray Stevenson, Evan Jones, Tom Waits
The style and color palate at play in The Book of Eli are enviable to any atmospheric filmmaker. The off-colored world the Hughes brothers have created makes for a very successful portrayal of a post-apocalyptic landscape and the less-than-upstanding humans who are still struggling to survive there. From the opening scene of Denzel quietly hunting a hairless cat (for food and chap stick purposes) we’re already immersed in the fictional reality on display. If you’re a fan of the Fallout series, or just the dystopian dreariness of a world where foraging and fighting for survival is commonplace, this movie is right up your alley.
HIDDEN GEM: Denzel’s interaction Tom Waits’ humble yet weathered shop owner is almost exactly how I’d imagine a post-apocalyptic barter and trade exchange would go. Also (and it’s not very hidden once things get going) Denzel’s Eli knows how to handle a machete like a Mad Max samurai. OH YEAH, not to mention the entire movie has a secret that won’t be uncovered until the end…so there’s that.
~~
QUICK FIX MUST SEE MOVIES #48: CATCH ME IF YOU CAN
Release: 2002 Rating: PG-13 Director: Steven Spielberg
Stars: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hanks, Amy Adams, Christopher Walken, Martin Sheen
Tom Hanks, Leonardo DiCaprio, Steven Spielberg, a ridiculously cute Amy Adams, one of the better monologues from Christopher Walken all framed by an intelligent cat and mouse game. Simply put, this movie is as cool as they come, and I’d recommend it to anyone for an evening of entertainment. Catch Me If You Can is a fictionalized account of a real-life con artist who used his ever-evolving skills to live the life of a professional chameleon Pretender-style. Thoroughly enjoyable!
HIDDEN GEM: Well, I kind of spoiled this one, but Christopher Walken has a very memorable monologue that any fan of the man will find fascinating. Also, there’s a pre-big break, very girl next door Amy Adams as a nurse and love interest to DiCaprio’s character.
~~
QUICK FIX MUST SEE MOVIES #49: SHAUN OF THE DEAD
Release: 2004 Rating: R Director: Edgar Wright
Stars: Simon Pegg, Nick Frost, Kate Ashfield, Dylan Moran, Bill Nighy
Shaun of the Dead has become the definitive example of a comedy/thriller done well. As much a laugh-out-loud comedy as it is a serious zombie flick, the movie works on so many levels, and it instantly became a film fan favorite. The first in Edgar Wright, Simon Pegg, and Nick Frost’s Three Flavours Cornetto trilogy (with the other two being Hot Fuzz and the upcoming The World’s End), Shaun of the Dead opened a door that I happily walked through. These three men, when creating movies together, can’t go wrong in my book.
HIDDEN GEM: The subtle jokes that work their way through the film are a nice way to texture the characters and are fun when called back from time to time. The “you’ve got red on you” line had me chuckling every time it left someone’s lips, and it was nice to have a comedic string braided into an otherwise impressive little zombie movie.
~~
QUICK FIX MUST SEE MOVIES #50: THE FALL
Release: 2006 Rating: R Director: Tarsem Singh
Stars: Lee Pace, Justine Waddell, Leo Bill, Daniel Coltagirone, Catinca Untaru
This is a gorgeous movie through and through. The use of vivid color juxtaposed against some earth toned landscapes makes almost every scene pop in a very enjoyable fashion. That said, it’s hard to recommend a movie based solely on it’s visuals, so it doesn’t hurt that The Fall has a pretty great little adventure story backed by a dark lie to play as a canvas for the vivid visuals. I like everything about this film, and would recommend it to any fans of whimsical adventure.
HIDDEN GEM: The soft-spoken little girl is crazy cute, and it’s her heart and innocence that spurs much of the movie’s progression. Also, Charles Darwin and his little monkey are a fun pair, and their relationship is that of colleagues as opposed to man and pet.
~~